England v France
England v France this Wednesday provides Fabio Capello with his second opportunity to put an England side through its paces. Capello will be seeking indicators as to which players should feature in the forthcoming World Cup qualifiers, and also clues as to which formation will optimize their abilities.
Against Switzerland, Capello sent England out as a 4-1-4-1 version of 4-5-1 with Gareth Barry playing behind Jermaine Jenas and Steven Gerrard in central midfield. As this fixture pits England against a stronger side, and is away from home, I believe that Capello should adjust this formation slightly and play two defensive midfielders under a 4-2-3-1 formation. This is an approach that Capello previously utilized at Real Madrid. Barry retains his place in the starting line-up and is joined at the base of midfield by Owen Hargreaves. Hargreaves’ Man Utd teammate Michael Carrick would have provided a further option for defensive midfield and may feel slightly aggrieved that he was not even named in the initial squad of 30. The advanced trio of midfielders is led by Frank Lampard who is flanked by David Bentley and Joe Cole. Bentley and Cole are both in fine form for their clubs; they also performed well against Switzerland so should be rewarded with places in the starting line-up. David Beckham can win his 100th cap from the bench.
There is also no place for Steven Gerrard in my XI. The Guardian’s Kevin McCarra suggested that the captaincy should reside elsewhere, after Gerrard’s provisional appointment against Switzerland, and argues that: “it would be best to excuse him those responsibilities in the hope that free rein is given to his explosive spontaneity”. However, it is doubtful that it was the temporary bestowal of captaincy that hindered Gerrard in the aforementioned game: explosive spontaneity has generally been absent from his England performances. He has been an England mainstay for seven years and has persistently disappointed at international level. Excuses must soon wear thin and we may discover under Capello whether Gerrard can make a useful contribution as an impact substitute.
Elsewhere within this formation, Wayne Rooney takes up the lone forward berth and looked sharp against Liverpool on Sunday. Michael Owen has intimated that he may be returning to form with Newcastle but he will not suit the lone forward role so is restricted to the bench. The defence almost picks itself, but Wes Brown is under pressure from Glen Johnson for the right-back slot.
Edward @ March 24, 2008
It’ll be interesting to see whether you’re right and that Beckham starts from the bench. I’m more surprised that you think Gerrard will not start - especially as Lampard has only just regained fitness. It’ll be interesting to see whether Cappello resorts to Downing and Crouch if things don’t go according to plan. If so, we may see Rooney drop back and Owen come on too.
I don’t believe that England’s success or otherwise will depend on whether Lampard or Gerrard plays behind the main striker. They have played together in various formations and by themselves and have consistently failed to perform as they do for respective their clubs. Some players are not suited for international football and despite their obvious talents, these two fall into this category. By the same token, less than outstanding Premiership players seem to thrive on the international stage. I think its time that England looked to new blood to play the role.
How about Joe Cole playing behind the striker and Ashley Young playing on the left of the front three as he does for Villa? Another option is for Crouch to play up front with Rooney behind him. This is a time for experimentation and should be used for this, rather than just playing the same team and tactics that have failed over the past 8 years.
I didn’t even know we were playing tonight. I’d better not forget to turn up.
I’m the flipping captain!! I’m the flipping captain!! I’m the flipping captain!! I’m the flipping captain!! I’m the flipping captain!! I’m the flipping captain!! I’m the flipping captain!!
Oh s£”t. I’ve forgotten my passport.
I’d like to see Walcott given twenty minutes to give a bit more international experience. Joe Cole usually goes off the boil towards the end of matches so he could make way for Theo.