England’s Movers and Shakers

Take me, Take me!

Shaun Wright-Phillips – although Walcott’s ineptitude made him look a world beater, SWP did cause havoc down the right once he came on. And he scored. Much as I hate him, he did make a difference. The worry is that he is SO inconsistent – next time out he’s liable to have a shocker.

James Milner – England’s most in-form player continued his rich vein. He looked bright and dangerous and may yet find his way into the starting eleven.

Peter Crouch – Two goals took him to 20 in 37 internationals, a good record by pretty much anyones’ standards. He should go; he’s a handful for defenders, both in the air and on the ground, and is a natural big man foil for Rooney. Will he displace Heskey? By scoring more in 90 mins than Heskey has managed in his whole career, he can have done himself no harm.

Rob Green - The man in possession did little wrong and re-inforced his position as first choice with Joe Hart and David James on the bench.

Michael Carrick – England looked far better when Carrick slotted into centre-midfield. He used the ball well and is positionally excellent. A great article from the superb Zonal Marking goes into Carrick’s performance in more detail.

Leighton Baines - Nothing amazing, but he looked solid and will be unlucky to be dropped for Warnock on this evidence. Especially considering the latter’s abject performance in the League Cup final.

Not me, Not me!

Theo Walcott – The biggest disappointment, Walcott was, as fully expected, useless. He came into the game in bad form and did nothing to suggest he will break out of it. After SWP’s performance he is now 4th in line behind him, Becks, and Aaron Lennon. A dramatic fall from Croatian grace.

Wes Brown – Disappointing, he offered little at right back to suggest he can be employed as a utility defender.

Jermaine Defoe – Proved that he and Rooney are incompatible, and with Rooney 150% sure to start that is a concern. He will still go as the goal-getting substitute, but hopes of a starting berth have been dashed.

Matthew Upson – Slip not really his fault but it’s concerning that he is first reserve behind injury-prone Rio and Captain Spastic John Terry. Actually it’s terrifying. Offered a reminder of the gulf in class to our deputies. Oh for Woodgate and/or King.

Meh! Meh!

Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard - Neither really shone, but both will definitely go and almost definitely start.

Wayne Rooney – By a mile, England’s most important player. We must pray he does not get injured.

Carlton Cole - Not enough game time to impress, and running out of opportunities. Which is a shame, as he has the potential to be a goalscoring Emile Heskey.

John Terry - A worrying tendency to commit errors has crept into his game since his philandering was revealed. England need him to be 100% focussed during the World Cup. (Potentially the most obvious statement ever)

Gareth Barry – The only man who has started England’s last three games. He will probably continue to start too. He is solid and reliable if unspectacular.

Predicted starting eleven, predicted starting eleven!

Currently, this is how we think England will line up (though not necessarily how they should…)

Is that the team that will win the World Cup? I think not…