PakPassion's team - The England World Cup Thread

[saeed-sohail]

Fabio cappello is about to announce his 23 man squad for the world cup and there will be some shocks.Sky are reporting that darren bent and theo walcott have been left out so that leaves us with 28.Five more to go.

[saeed-sohail]

Joe cole is in the squad so that explains theo,s exclusion.Fabio is ringing all the players and telling them their fate is the reason we are getting squad news in installments.

[saeed-sohail]

One of SWP or Adam johnson will go and I hope its johnson.

[saeed-sohail]

NOTW reporting that Carrick is in the squad.

[Uzi]

Originally Posted by saeed-sohail NOTW reporting that Carrick is in the squad.

That would be a surprise. Carrick has been poor most of the season.

[Theo_14]

Not suprised that theo walcott has not been selected, as he has done nothing special to show what he is capable of, the boy hasn't got a footballer's brain, I've got mix feelings because I wanted to see him perform well in the world cup but on the other hand he'll be having a nice long rest.

Joe Cole is the squad ; interesting move, shows capello may want experience in the squad, good move.

[saeed-sohail]

SWP makes it ahead of johnson.Gutted

[Prince_Pathan]

good enuf for walcott...dnt see how he starts ahead of vela for arsenal...

[Afridi_Fan]

The seven England players to miss out on a World Cup place are: Leighton Baines, Michael Dawson, Tom Huddlestone, Scott Parker, Adam Johnson, Theo Walcott, Darren Bent.

[Afridi_Fan]

ENGLAND'S 2010 WORLD CUP SQUAD:

Goalkeepers: Joe Hart, David James, Robert Green.

Defenders: Jamie Carragher, Ashley Cole, Rio Ferdinand, Glen Johnson, Ledley King, John Terry, Matthew Upson, Stephen Warnock

Midfielders: Gareth Barry, Michael Carrick, Joe Cole, Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard, Aaron Lennon, James Milner, Shaun Wright-Phillips.

Forwards: Peter Crouch, Jermain Defoe, Emile Heskey, Wayne Rooney

[AZ]

no Walcott is definitely a big surprise...who else is a major exclusion?

[Oxy]

Adam Johnson should have gone instead of Wright-Phillips as the one 'wild card'.

Besies, hes kept SWP out of the Man City team since January!

Surprised that Carrick's going.

And Heskey. He could be wheelchair bound, he'd still make it!

[Afridi_Fan]

Carrick is indeed a big big surprise. I certainly wasn't hoping that he'll make the cut.

[Oxy]

I cant see England doing well. Messed up media makes out that they will win!

I think Capello is slowly becoming Sven!

[Dark-MC]

Carrick and Heskey are just.............wat can i say, bent should have gone instead of heskey,for def

[saeed-sohail]

This Eng squad is poor.

[saeed-sohail]

Originally Posted by Oxy Adam Johnson should have gone instead of Wright-Phillips as the one 'wild card'. Besies, hes kept SWP out of the Man City team since January! Surprised that Carrick's going. And Heskey. He could be wheelchair bound, he'd still make it!

Completely agree with you what is SWP doing in there.

[Dark-MC]

Cappello is def sven part 2,,,max he will reach is Quarter Finals

[Oxy]

And since when did Gareth Barry turn into Pele?

The whole squad & all the tactics seem to revole around him being fit!!

He might not even play in any of the group games....expecting him to be fit for the quarter finals onward??

This is where Capello is looking like Sven to me.

[Oxy]

Originally Posted by Dark-MC my engalnd 11 will be J.Heart Jhonson...Ferdinand...Terry...A.cole. Barry Gerrad...Lampard Lennon.....[RIGHT]J.cole [CENTER]Rooney

????

[Dark-MC]

one thing that annoys me is that why on earth would you take two out of form players (Hesky, Carrcik) and leave out two of th best in form jhonson+bent

[Dark-MC]

Originally Posted by Oxy ????

editted

[Afridi_Fan]

Barry is in the squad because hargreves is/was not fit. If he was fit and playing I don't think that Barry can even get into the side, and the media are making him look like Maradone or even Messi.

[Amir]

Originally Posted by saeed-sohail SWP makes it ahead of johnson.Gutted

Shocking. Johnson looks like one of the few English players actually comfortable on the ball. SWP is a headless chicken, not sure what Capello was thinking there.

[Amir]

Originally Posted by Dark-MC one thing that annoys me is that why on earth would you take two out of form players (Hesky, Carrcik) and leave out two of th best in form jhonson+bent

Well you can't compare Johnson Carrick cause two different roles. Though Carrick has been in poor form, so I would say he is in competition with Huddlestone who unfortunately did not impress vs Japan.

As for Bent, same thing. Also, never does well for England...just don't think he is cut out. At least with Heskey you know what you get. If it were up to me, I would have dropped Heskey, taken Crouch and Cole and realize that I can play Rooney up front along with Gerrard off him (like he does for Liverpool).

[Dark-MC]

You know what i call SWP whenver i see him playing or with theball KIDHOOOO

[Theo_14]

I don't have a CLUE why heskey has been picked instead of bent - heskey has been pretty poor this season for aston villa mainly because he's hardly played but looking at his goalscoring average rating for england, it's been fairly poor. The only reason that I can see why he has been picked is because Capello prefered Heskey to Bent because they are different type of players.

Carrick should of never been picked - i thought cappelo chose players on the base of season performances?

Baines should've got a call ahead of Warnock - And I would've picked 1 wildcard rookie, someone like jhonson who I feel would have been chosen if he had a full season for man city.

[Amir]

Originally Posted by Oxy And since when did Gareth Barry turn into Pele? The whole squad & all the tactics seem to revole around him being fit!! He might not even play in any of the group games....expecting him to be fit for the quarter finals onward?? This is where Capello is looking like Sven to me.

I don't think its that. Its that England's midfield is so thin. The other options are Carrick who is woefully out of form. Huddlestone, which I like but not mobile. And Haregraves is injured. If Owen was fit, rest assured Barry wouldn't need a fitness test .

[Dark-MC]

The thing that barry bring in to the team is that he will sit back and defend while letting Lampard+gerrard loose thats what i think

[Geordie Ahmed]

Carrick selection is a joke - he has been shcoking all season and even in the friendly match against Mexico he was poor - I dont think Huddlestone is all that BUT he should have been picked ahead of Carrick

SWP ahead of Johnson is a joke selection - Johnson has been excellent for Citeh and if you ask Citeh fans they will tell you he has been much better than SWP, who hasnt really done it for England

[Geordie Ahmed]

Why are people questioning Heskey being picked ahead of Bent? They were not in competition - it was Defoe that got picked ahead of Bent

Heskey and Crouch were always going to go as the two target/big men

The last spot was for a finisher if you like and Defoe got the nod ahead of Bent

[AZ]

England team selection is just like Pakistan's then, full of sifarshis and failures

[Geordie Ahmed]

Lets be frank for England it is all about Wayne Rooney - if he doesnt turn up they have nee chance, even if he does play well it might not be enough - chalo lets hope its a journey that starts with hope BUT quickly ends in dissapointment

[Amir]

Better yet, how did Warnock and Carragher make it over Dawson + Baines? Baines was great vs Mexico and his final ball is deadly. Heck, I would say he is better than Glen Johnson (who makes too many defensive mistakes).

Then Carragher, ahhh don't get be started on this big bottler. Quits when needed and comes back once the squad is ready to go. Even worse yet, he is not that good and is going over someone who has showed he can handle the big boys (Dawson).

A lot of puzzling decisions.

[Geordie Ahmed]

Carragher himself returning makes no sense, he said he was done with England and now he is back - that too after he had an average season. I think Carragher got the nod because of "experience" and he can play right back so as cover for that position

I think Baines is a good player BUT he is comparable to Warnock so that decision isnt too puzzling

[Oxy]

Carragher isnt the rame player of 3 yrs ago.
.
Too defensive for me - its not like he'll be picking italian players!

[Oxy]

4 yrs on - its Gerrard + Lampard again!
.
Glad to see Joe Cole going.
.
Th.is squad doesnt excite me.

[suhaib]

bent is better then crouch, hesky and defoe, should be in the squad.

[Prince_Pathan]

looked at the squad properly...how the hell did heskey make it ahead of bent

[Geordie Ahmed]

Originally Posted by Prince_Pathan looked at the squad properly...how the hell did heskey make it ahead of bent

BUT he didnt make it ahead of Bent

It was Defoe that made it ahead of Bent

[Abdul Qadir 236]

Baines said he would have difficulties with being away from home for a month Jesus Navas style so he got the chop and Warnock replaced him.

[Amir]

Seeing as a large portion of PP is based in the UK, only fair that we make a thread for their local team.

Also you can merge this with the thread squad but just keep the title so people know this is the official England thread

Team looks dependent on Rooney. 4-4-2 is outdated and against bigger teams England gets shown up as they get run over in the middle. They need to start with a 4-2-3-1 so they can win those midfield battles. If there was a World League, I would put England say they are most like Liverpool this season. Dependent on a few stars BUT against the bigger teams if they hassle and hurry (work harder but less technical)....then they got a chance of beating Brazil or Spain...otherwise they will be outclassed.

Rooney is able to lead the line as we learnt this season and what a time for England to learn that. They should play 4231 and Gerrard off Rooney. This gets best out of Gerrard, more creativity and no donkeys on the field like Heskey. This way they can put Lampard/Barry or Milner sitting back and still have two attacking wingers.

[Zu456]

so many world cup team threads im gonna start one for Algeria

[Mohsin]

haha about the 'local' team hahah...NOT!

Got a good feeling about this year...personally would have MUCH rather seen Walcott in the squad...what Heskey is doing there is beyond me!

3 lions on a shirt...its coming home!

[suhaib]

capello is a good manager, but his team selections are just silly, i dnt understand how he can have hesky above bent, defoe and carlton cole, hesky shouldnt even be in the squad.

however i have a gut feeling england will win the WC.

[Geordie Ahmed]

Originally Posted by suhaib capello is a good manager, but his team selections are just silly, i dnt understand how he can have hesky above bent, defoe and carlton cole, hesky shouldnt even be in the squad. however i have a gut feeling england will win the WC.

Again you and others keep missing the point - Heskey was not picked ahead of Darren Bent, why are you guys struggling with this?

Defoe was picked ahead of Darren Bent

[Amir]

Geordie merge this with the official England World Cup thread.

[Amir]

You have a better feeling than I do. I just hope Rooney can elevate his game. He has to be better than he is at United.

[suhaib]

Originally Posted by Geordie Ahmed Again you and others keep missing the point - Heskey was not picked ahead of Darren Bent, why are you guys struggling with this? Defoe was picked ahead of Darren Bent

you are struggling not us, maybe defoe was picked ahead of bent, but heskey was picked ahead of defoe.

[Qelic]

getting to second round would be like winning the trophy for them , i mean , for a team that failed qualify for last competition 06' it would be some accomplishment . lol

[Geordie Ahmed]

Originally Posted by Amir Geordie merge this with the official England World Cup thread.

Done - and I have renamed it as you have requested even though I dont agree with it

[Geordie Ahmed]

Originally Posted by suhaib you are struggling not us, maybe defoe was picked ahead of bent, but heskey was picked ahead of defoe.

errmm I think you need to have a look at the England squad again

[Amir]

Originally Posted by Geordie Ahmed Done - and I have renamed it as you have requested even though I dont agree with it

What ever are you talking about? Its your local team

You know I love to tease you

[Geordie Ahmed]

Originally Posted by Amir What ever are you talking about? Its your local team You know I love to tease you

Its all good fun

So I take it you will be supporting England then? or rather Wayne Rooney?

[Theo_14]

People are moaning why heskey has been picked ahead of heskey, this is because capello wanted 4 different strikers with strong attributes.

I'd say Bent is a similiar striker like defoe - both have been in good goalscoring form for their club - the only difference is that bent had scored more goals, however defoe had played better in the intl matches he had played in and he's a better finisher then bent.

Heskey may not be a natural goalscorer - but Heskey can play a vital role in Capello's formattion, he's a ideal target man who fits in there perfectly but I hope Capello realises that if he wants to get the best out of stevie g then he must use as rooney as a central forward with stevie g just behind him.

Also I've been wondering why warnock has been selected ahead of baines - simply because baines has been the better player and his set-pieces could have given him a slight advantage but the main reason is because baines is homesick like spain's jesus navas.

I was hoping capello would pick 1 wildcard, man city's jhonson or a youngster who was starting to show it's potential someone like wilshere or rodwell - but I guess he won't be taking any risks - but I'm not happy with the selection of carrick.

[Geordie Ahmed]

So how do you think England should lineup?

[hasanb]

This perhaps isnt very relevant but i just have to say the thread title is hilarious, and a downright lie

Since when did England become PakPassions team exactly? Perhaps a quick poll on this thread would show that the vast majority of PPers dont support England whatsoever.

[Amir]

Originally Posted by Geordie Ahmed Its all good fun So I take it you will be supporting England then? or rather Wayne Rooney?

Yes, I would like to see England. However if they lose not like I will be bothered too much. Rumour is Evra is to be France's captain so if they were to win, I wouldn't mind that either.

My allegiance usually goes with United.

[Geordie Ahmed]

I obviously want them to struggle BUT if I was the gaffer I would quit immediately and become Newcastle Manager

Seriousness aside I would go with the following

Hart

Johnson Ferdinand Terry A.Cole

Barry
Lennon Lampard Milner

Gerrard
Rooney

[Geordie Ahmed]

Originally Posted by hasanb This perhaps isnt very relevant but i just have to say the thread title is hilarious, and a downright lie Since when did England become PakPassions team exactly? Perhaps a quick poll on this thread would show that the vast majority of PPers dont support England whatsoever.

We know it isnt the truth BUT let Amir have some fun since his adopted team wont be winning

[Amir]

Originally Posted by hasanb This perhaps isnt very relevant but i just have to say the thread title is hilarious, and a downright lie Since when did England become PakPassions team exactly? Perhaps a quick poll on this thread would show that the vast majority of PPers dont support England whatsoever.

What you talking about? Their is a thread in TimePass and the largest majority of PPers come from UK.

I just made the assumption that all fans whose country is in the World Cup support their local teams.

The thread title is based strictly on statistics, stats don't lie

[Geordie Ahmed]

Originally Posted by Amir What you talking about? Their is a thread in TimePass and the largest majority of PPers come from UK. I just made the assumption that all fans whose country is in the World Cup support their local teams. The thread title is based strictly on statistics, stats don't lie

BUT Amir you do know the UK isnt just England - what if majority of the UK people are actually from Scotland and Wales?

[Amir]

Originally Posted by Geordie Ahmed BUT Amir you do know the UK isnt just England - what if majority of the UK people are actually from Scotland and Wales?

I was sure you were to say this or people to say why I don't support Canada, so I made sure to add this line:

I just made the assumption that all fans whose country is in the World Cup support their local teams

I consulted my legal team and came up with this disclaimer. Plus we all know Welsh and Scottish people opinion does not matter.

[Geordie Ahmed]

Originally Posted by Amir I was sure you were to say this or people to say why I don't support Canada, so I made sure to add this line: I consulted my legal team and came up with this disclaimer. Plus we all know Welsh and Scottish people opinion does not matter.

This statement would have been hilarious except it came from a Canadian

[Amir]

Originally Posted by Geordie Ahmed I obviously want them to struggle BUT if I was the gaffer I would quit immediately and become Newcastle Manager Seriousness aside I would go with the following Hart Johnson Ferdinand Terry A.Cole Barry Lennon Lampard Milner Gerrard Rooney

That is how I would line up but instead of Milner, I probs play Cole. If Barry injured, then definitely play Cole and put Milner back there.

[Amir]

Originally Posted by Geordie Ahmed This statement would have been hilarious except it came from a Canadian

As they say....don't shoot the messenger.

[Theo_14]

Originally Posted by Geordie Ahmed So how do you think England should lineup?

----------------------------joe hart------------------------------

glen jhonson----john terry------rio ferdinand------ashley cole

---------------------barry--------------lampard---------------------

swp------------------------gerrard---------------------------joe cole

-------------------------------rooney----------------------------------

This is my prefered line-up with barry used in centre of the park, playing as a deep-holding midfielder, and allowing lampard to support the attack.

Stevie G will have more freedom in this formattion - he's done it before, we we've seen how well he has combined with torres.

Rooney has proven that he play as a central forward on it's own, he his a all-round striker, capable of heading the ball too, the only concern is out on the wing - I'd love to see joe cole on the right and use lennon as a impact sub but I can't see that happening!

I can see Capello going for a typical 4-4-2 - with stevie g out wide.

[Amir]

Why SWP Theo? The man is a headless chicken, just good at tracking back. Lennon has pace and a end product. Also another scoring option.

[Geordie Ahmed]

A few years ago SWP was quality and much better than Lennon BUT his move to Chelsea was a disaster - its stunted his development big time and he has regressed as a player

Lennon right now is the better player and should play ahead of him BUT I still think Adam Johnson should have been picked, he is better than both of them

[Theo_14]

Originally Posted by Amir Why SWP Theo? The man is a headless chicken, just good at tracking back. Lennon has pace and a end product. Also another scoring option.

SWP hasn't played many games as he would've liked to for man city this season however capello gave him couple of chances and played very well.

Infact he scored in one the WCQ or friendly games - or he's probaly impressed me because theo walcott didn't produce much on the right wing. But I believe SWP is a better finisher then lennon and he can use his pace better than lennon can, I just can't see capello risking lennon.

I think Capello will choose SWP over lennon - as he offers more experience, and has played much better than theo walcott and lennon during the wcq and friendly games.

However lennon could make a major impact as a sub considering the amount of pace he can produce. And capello wouldnt be afraid to use him on the left with joe cole dropping to the bench.

[chacha kashmiri]

Capello's gone with experience which will be his downfall. Gerrads had a crap season and rio's played about 10 games all season.

The last few times england have done well in major championships is because of the emergence of a young player i.e rooney, owen

Walcott didn't deserve to go but neither did swp. Adam johnson should have gone instead and parker should have been given a chance.

[d0gers]

Originally Posted by poisonjet getting to second round would be like winning the trophy for them , i mean , for a team that failed qualify for last competition 06' it would be some accomplishment . lol

England didn't qualify for 2006?

Shows how much football you actually watch.

I suppose it was Northern Ireland playing this quarter final against Portugal
http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/archive...59/report.html

The flags do look kind of similar.

[Amir]

Originally Posted by Theo_14 SWP hasn't played many games as he would've liked to for man city this season however capello gave him couple of chances and played very well. Infact he scored in one the WCQ or friendly games - or he's probaly impressed me because theo walcott didn't produce much on the right wing. But I believe SWP is a better finisher then lennon and he can use his pace better than lennon can, I just can't see capello risking lennon. I think Capello will choose SWP over lennon - as he offers more experience, and has played much better than theo walcott and lennon during the wcq and friendly games. However lennon could make a major impact as a sub considering the amount of pace he can produce. And capello wouldnt be afraid to use him on the left with joe cole dropping to the bench.

Lennon is under-rated. I liked him since WC06 (his style that is). People always say oh he makes mistakes or goes missing but he doesn't. This season he showed why he is a top performer and performed against all the big teams. SWP is a headless chicken.

However, one thing I will give to SWP. He can cover and help Glen Johnson who is terrible at defending. So many mistakes not only at club but for England. Against Japan that was his fault and I was watching that friendly today vs the Dutch. He gave the first goal. He is good going up but defending...his primary job....you would think he is a converted midfielder.

[6xafridi]

Someone please answer this question.. English players are one of the most hyped in the game of football (soccer) and yet the national team as a whole almost always fails to produce something. Why is that?

[saeed-sohail]

This thread should be credited to Amir for coming up with a amazing title.PPs local team thanks for cheering me up man.

[saeed-sohail]

Couple of seasons ago these players were involved in CL final.
Brown-Rio-Terry-Cole
Hargreaves-Lampard-Carrick-Cole
Rooney
Now add S Gerard and David James and you have a top side there.Brown isn,t there but G Johnson is potentially better and swap Hargo with lennon and you still have a good side.

[Amir]

Originally Posted by 6xafridi Someone please answer this question.. English players are one of the most hyped in the game of football (soccer) and yet the national team as a whole almost always fails to produce something. Why is that?

They not over-hyped. Look, any country you live in naturally covers their own players and make them selves seem better than they are. Canada do it all the time in hockey, heck I even seen American players rant about their MLS stars and nationals. One American paper told the world to watch out because Micheal Bradley is the new Paul Scholes. I even see every tournament our Dutch fans go bananas for the Dutch team and say this is their year despite not winning anything of note lately. Its natural to rate your own players in the country you live in due to media coverage.

I think if you see post by most sensible fans, go to the varius footy forums...you will see most people think the England squad is quite mediocre with some good stars in it (I go to a Man Utd forum and consensus there is England getting to semis will be an accomplishment).

My point is, England do have good players. But they don't always work as a unit. No one has them as a top contender for this World Cup.

[Geordie Ahmed]

Originally Posted by d0gers England didn't qualify for 2006? Shows how much football you actually watch. I suppose it was Northern Ireland playing this quarter final against Portugal http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/archive...59/report.html The flags do look kind of similar.

I cant believe I missed that gem

[SirRyanOfSalford]

Mighty USA to kick some pommie butt, beat the heck out of them 2-1

[suhaib]

lennon is better then SWP, but i wouldnt write off SWP he is a quality player who can beat defenders. i would have them both in my team. it will have to be a 4-3-3 otherwise england will struggle. a 4-3-3 will get the best out of gerrad and rooney.

---------------------------------------Joe Hart-----------------------------------------

G. Johnson------------Terry------------------------Rio-----------------------Cole

----------Milner--------------------------------------------------------Lampard---------

--------------------------------------Gerrad----------------------------------------------

------Lennon-------------------------------------------------------------SWP----------
--------------------------------------Rooney--------------------------------------------