My England Squad
I was disappointed to see McClaren bring David Bentley into the England squad. For me, David showed that he was more than willing to put himself ahead of his country when he decided against taking part in the U21 tournament last summer, because he wanted a rest.
What about all those players who did put their country first? What about the U21 manager? It’s a slap in the face for them as Steve McClaren shows he’s more desperate to cling onto his job than he is to ensure that people are forced to respect the opportunity to play for their country.
I’m not saying I’d have ruled Bentley out forever, but an international exile of one game, that being a friendly anyway, is hardly a punishment.
So who would I have actually picked?
Well, because I can’t be bothered to check who’s actually out with injury, I’m going to pick my “assuming nobody was injured or suspended” England squad. Let’s see who you disagree with…
Goalkeepers
- Paul Robinson
- David James
- Ben Foster
Although I’m a fan of Steve Harper at Newcastle, I’d rather the third choice England spot went to someone younger who would be more of a long term England prospect.
Defenders
- Ashley Cole
- Leighton Baines
- Gary Neville
- Jamie Carragher
- John Terry
- Rio Ferdinand
- Jonathon Woodgate
No place for Sol Campbell, I’m afraid. Also, I know Carragher doesn’t want to be considered for selection, but I’d hope he’d change his mind if I assured him he would be one of the first names down on my team sheet…
Midfield
- Joe Cole
- James Milner
- Shaun Wright-Phillips
- Steven Gerrard
- Frank Lampard
- Alan Smith
- Tom Huddlestone
- Ledley King
Note that Alan Smith can back up the forward line if required, same as Ledley King could play in defence. I’d pick Milner partly because I rate him (obviously as a Newcastle fan I’m biased) but also because of his versatility: we don’t have many genuine English wingers and to find one sufficiently versatile to play well on either flank I think it’s criminal that he doesn’t at least make the squad.
Forwards
- Michael Owen
- Peter Crouch
- Wayne Rooney
- Dimitar Berbatov
Hmm? What? Bulgarian, you say? In that case probably Everton’s Andrew Johnson.
And there you have it: a squad of 22. Obviously, McClaren picks squads of about 26 or so, but I’m a traditionalist, so 22 it is.
Anonymous says:
September 1st, 2007 at 1:40 am
You do realise that Ben Foster is Injured, as is Gary NEville, Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard
JackP says:
September 1st, 2007 at 8:12 am
Erm…yes. Hence this in the article:
JackP says:
September 8th, 2009 at 9:26 pm
…just a note for those wishing to add one-word swear comments.
I know where you’ve been posting from. I know that you’re connecting to your broadband through Sky. Don’t feel that I won’t report your abuse to your internet service provider if you try it again.
I bet your Dad would be really impressed to find you’d got his internet connection cut off for breaching the terms of service…
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