DROP GERRARD, LAMPS FOR BARRY

I think that you are wrong. Play all three of them together at one time or another until the manager comes up with the combination that he thinks is best. England need to built a young team NOW but must have one or two older players to show the way.

You're mad. With Hargreaves and Barry where does the attacking threat come from? Bentley and Young are neither good enough, nor experienced enough to shoulder that responsibility, and it's ludicrous when you have two world class attacking midfielders in the squad. Keep your Hargreaves and Barry (Although I'd prefer Carrick) and have them sit back, giving Gerrard, Lampard or both the freedom to attack.

I actually agree with you! Despite being world class players, Lamps and Gerrard dont do it for England. Have Hargreaves and Barry sitting and let the other 4 attacking players do there stuff. If you look the all the top nations at the moment there are a few players who are not that well known, but it works. Look at the German team. There defence is average, attack is average, but yet they are in a final. Spain defence is average, midfield average yet they are in the final. Next england team should be:
James,
A.Cole,
Terry,
Ferdinand,
Richards,
J.Cole,
Barry,
Hargreaves (Beckham maybe),
A.Young,
Rooney,
Ashton.

Gerrard and Barry compliment each other very well, i say bench Lamp's and rotate during games. Spain and Turkey have benched their stars, but they have all came off the bench to make big impacts on the game. Keep all of the big name stars on their toes and we will see a bigger, less arrogant England.

Well...You are right that we have to think about the team than individual players and I think you are right also to say DUMP BOTH GERRARD AND FRANK LAMPARD because they are not good enough to play for England.You are absolutely right we need players who are hungry to play for England like Owen Hargreaves.
Luis Aragones has left Cesc Fabregas on the bench because I think Xavi and Iniesta are both better than him. I reckon Spain don't need Cesc Fabregas. May be is good for Arsenal but I don't think he is better than xavi and Iniesta defensively.

follow your logic and you'd end up with a national squad full of qpr players. like it or not, stars are stars because they've got star quality. And that's what england needs. it's a game, a form of entertainment. fans don't want grey individuals like Barry, they want sex-on-legs Beckham and old-but-dim Lamps.

"Spain defence is average, midfield average yet they are in the final."

You are shrooming, aren't you you? Spain have easily the best midfield in Europe right now, regardless of who starts and who doesn't. Senna for example is brilliant, regardless of how less-fabled he is compared to Fabregas et al.

Not sure how you can dispense with the attacking midfield position (and thus essentially play 4-4-2) given England's strikers have failed to pass muster for a few years now. If Rooney was the best player in the world then sure, Gerrard could perhaps be sacrificed ... otherwise, twould be madness.

Good idea and I like the idea of playing for England on a more regular basis but I know that when the proper matches come about I'll not be playing, because everyone and his cat knows I'm not really that good.

spain and germany have AVERAGE midfields? who are you comparing them to. your own? well lets do a comparison.
ballack vs gerrard. michael ballack any day.
frings vs. hargreaves. no difference.
senna vs. hargreaves. no difference.
xavi vs. lampard. xavi
iniesta vs. gerrard. iniesta.

these are classy international players who know how to keep the ball. england cannot keep possession for more than 2 minutes. gerrard, all he does is run at pace, smack 50 yard hollywood passes hoping someone will get there, OR he smashes 30 yard shots. benitez plays him top with gerrard because he knows he cannot control a game from midfield. until england find midfielders who can control a football match, they will win squat.

and to those who want barry and gerrard. where is the holding player? barry was exposed as a holding midfielder in games like russia away. he's an elegent competent passer, but he's not as strong a tackler or tracker back as hargreaves. him and gerrard would be exposed by the best national teams. or should i say the "average" ones like spain and germany.

play owen and rooney up top, play to their strengths. dont knock long balls at rooney and then ask why hes not scoring. and KEEP BECKHAM he's the best player you have he's quality he doesnt waste possession and he uses it well. england seem to think they have this wealth of talent, well where is it? not in austria or switzerland. its on the beaches. dont blame it all on a coach.

and finally, what can barry do that michael carrick cannot. capello is mad not to play him.

this would work if only hargraves and barry play all the time for there clubs hargreaves isnot first choice at united and when barry goes to liverpool i do'nt think he will play that much
team
carson,bridge,rio,terry, richards,young,j cole,rooney,carrick,barry,crouch .
gerrad, lamprad,a cole,owen,james,

Every thing In England team nedds to be redone.Gerard and Lampard in the middle of the park England don't have a creative player who can make beautiful dribblings and make final passes.with both of them it doesn't look like a football game rather it looks like a serious job at a big Iron producing plant.it is a must avoid to watch.Capello deosn't look promising having used same faces again.after all what is Crouch doing there?is Capello serious in winning big games with the squad we saw recently?complete joke!

Dont think you know what your talking about. Spains dream team of Cesc Fabregas and Xabi Alonso, who says you, xavi was always going to play, probably first name on the team sheet, if you ask spanish journalists they would Xabi Alonso was never close to the first team. Get your facts right first.

Shep. You're having a laugh?

It is inconceivable that any right minded person would pick Barry infront of either Gerrard or Lamps. Just on goals and creativity alone Barry will always fall short at international level. Barry is a good premiership player without having the bit extra to be considered international class.

Until we have a manager who has the guts to drop the stars when they are not on form, we are going nowhere. How many more times are we going to wait for Owen to poach a "real striker's goal", even though he is not even in the game, before we play someone in form? Not having qualified for Euro '08, we should use it as a time yo build, not rebuild with Becks. A good manager would get the best out of Lamps and Gerr, if they really want to shine for their country.

I'm just trying to remember the last time any of managed to see the 'International Class & creatitvity' that Lampard has offered the England team over the last 2 years. I think Tim needs to look at the last 10 games Barry has played in and just look and see how many goals he's created and oh yeah he did score in his last game too.

Lampard and Gerrard should never play in the same team again. And Carrick is an average player who no Man Utd fan can call a goal machine/play maker.

Typical Premiership arrogance saying Alonso and Fabregas are more illustrious than Xabi and Iniesta. Alonso is not good enough for Liverpool and though Fabregas had a great start to last season he faded towards the end. Xabi and Iniesta play are regulars for Barcelona, how can you argue they are not as illustrious?? As for playing Hargreaves, isn’t he now a full back?

Unbelievable that people still think Lamaprd should play for England. He's been worse than useless for about four years. He's the kind of player who can only perform with other world class players around him. He looks good for Chelsea because he's got Essien and Makelele doing all the work. All he has to do is make a few box-to-box runs and get on the end of things.

As for Gerrard, he's a right-wing back. Nothing more. Great engine and a good shot but wasted in central midfield, as he can neither pass nor tackle. The likes of Xavi, Iniesta and Silva are different league to the supposedly world-class Gerrard.

I see your point three coaches all trying to find places for the so called best midfielders in the world (ha,ha).
Gerrard should be played behind Rooney, Lampard in midfeild along side Barry, Beckham on the right and Downing on the left.
Why Owen is being picked is beyond belief he is at an average club playing average football. Keegan gone at christmas everyone is forgetting when Keegan was at the club last time he bought his way out of trouble but now he cant because of the transfer window so we get to see what an average coach he really is.
Terry for captain without a doubt the Chelsea and Man utd league match showed why Fredinand should not be captain for getting into stupid rows with the ref and the other players on the field. Terry kept his cool throughout controling his players and Man Utds and made ferdinand look hot headed.

Utter rubbish! Gerrard is consistently the best player in the Liverppol side and the top English player in the Premier League. Unlike others, he has the pride, passion and skill to win games for England. However, everybody concerns themselves of the whether Lampard should be in the team instead. There is no competition at all. This is proved now as Lampard is up for grabs. Where are ALL the top teams looking to sign him? If Gerrard was available, all would be. How many other English players would have the same? Not many at all. Capello is trying to blend the players into a world beating team. I think he had the knowledge and experience to know best!

Yes Barry definately worth 17 million as far as today's prices , and Ifor don't think he is a greedy man and would like to see him at a club that is worthy of him , being a Chelsea supporter I would love to have him play for Chelsea , he is the best left footed passer of the ball in England and without doubt should be one of the firs names on the England team sheet with the other all heart Englishman John Terry

Ok good plan that.But to an extent because let's face it:Barry and Hargreaves are no great sakes at attacking so why not play them as two sitters and Beckham should be dropped(you were spot on there).The right should be given to Young OR Bentley and Cole operates from the left.Wayne can be the lone striker and just behind him should be Gerrard(you can't be serious about dropping him.Should have seen his link-up with Wayne and Barry).Steve could pull all the attacking strings so it ultimately leaves no spot for Lamps(sorry mate).Capello should try this and voila:you have yourselves a championship winning team.
Next 11:
James(no replacement:he's the best)
Terry
Ferdinand
Bridge(Cole looks out of sorts)
Brown(Maybe even Richards)
Young(or Bentley)
Hargreaves
Barry
Joe Cole
Gerrard
Rooney
Formation:4-4-1-1 OR 4-2-3-1

I don't agree with you, I think Gerrard should be the captain of England he is one of the modern game natural leader(not perfect), he can find the extra resources to make the difference when faced by adversity and he is the only English player who have that and he could probably bring it out of Ronney too and inspire the rest.
but unfortunately the media only focus on his introverts side.
now for lampard I have no comment he is a very good footballer,but he need to be told his place in the picking order.

the problem is too many midfielders on the pitch. If you look at past years we have had 2 strikers and the likes of shearer, owen, lineker etc up front goal machines at any level now owen has lost his ways slightly, crouch is only a threat against minor teams and with a fair amount of teamwork which england have lacked since sven left. Rooney isn't a Striker in my opinion he is more of a foward Like he proves at man utd where his role is to run at defender and just hassle everyone.

Also I don't Like the Defense at the Moment. England Have Some of the biggest named defenders in europe like Terry, Cole, Ferdinand, Richards, etc but i look at our defensive record its terrible i think we needed a constant defender like woodgate or even carragher back these are the best tacklers and i think woodgate is good in the air and carragher at anticipating .

But the Squad I would have Is

Goal - James

RB-Brown
CB- Woodgate
CB- Ferdinand
LB- Cole/Lescott/Warnock
RM-Bentley/Beckham
LM-Downing
CM-Hargreaves
CM-Gerrard
ST-Defoe
ST-Crouch/Owen

Where England go wrong is the never decide how they want to play and pick players accordingly. Not the other way round! The lesson of the Euros has been fast teamwork - when did England ever do that?

whats with this sucking up to kazim richards, even his own teamates dont care for him much, he was rubbish, couldnt make a single pass, he honestly just looked lost....so stop jumping on this so called band wagon.....

they play xabi, iniesta and senna because they rate them higher than alonso and fabregas, not because he drops the big names..... if you recall, wheres juaquin, he not there because aronez had personal issues with him, raul, although the entire country wanted him there, he wasnt included becaused aronez is that type of manager based on his pride, and doesnt go back for anyone no matter how hard they try i.e juaquin !!!!!!!!

I'd agree with dropping Gerrard and Lampard, they don't produce the goods for the national team like they do at club level. Hargreaves, Barry or Carrick could do alot better together. Its a disgrace that Carrick hasn't been picked for the recent England line ups with how he has played since joining Man United.

Until we have a manager in charge of the national team who has the balls to drop players like Lampard and Stevie Me (Gerrard) we will continue to fail to win anything.

You can't drop Steven Gerrard from the england starting line up whats the matter you people. It pains me to say this about a Liverpool player but he's the best central midfeilder in the world. He played quality in the last two games for England and I think it should Gerrard and who ever every time.

"goldenboy (i.e Fabregas) has come on and added some colour" this is such an understatement !! Were you watching the same semi-final match ? Fabregas came off the bench yet again and transformed the game, making two goal assists in the process. I dont think it was any surprise he was on the bench and the two Barca midfielders played in his place though - the top two Spanish teams still have far too much influence on their national side. There's no way Fabregas can be left on the bench for the final, it's just a pity he will take Villa's place - it would have been interesting to see if the Spanish coach had the bottle to leave Iniesta or Xavi out.

Don't agree as usual with Shep's comments! Although I believe Gerrard and Lampard are both overrated I would still have one of them in the England side. For his overall commitment and energy I would include Gerrard and play him off Rooney and just in front of a midfield four - Joe Cole, Hargreaves, Carrick and Bentley. Hargreaves to do all the running and biting in centre, Carrick to tidy up in front of defence and distribute, whilst Bentley and Cole to take on defenders and add a bit of attacking threat. Defence- James, Cole, Brown, Rio, Terry. Most importantly I think the support should fully get behind the England team (in all games). I am a proud Northern Ireland fan who likes to see England do well but the expectation you guys have on your players is unbelievable! Croatia currently have a better team and fully deserved to qualify for the Euros-don't expect to turn up and just win! I'm sure if you offer more support England will win something in the near future. GAWA

Good idea. Neither has produced in recent seasons for England.

I cant agree with your comments more. Spot on. There seems to be this idea of a perfect England team with Gerrard and Lampard at central midfield. Truth is, they simply dont perform for their country as they do for their clubs. End of. Lets get players in their who want to play for their country. I simply look at players like Lamps and Ashley Cole and just feel their hearts are not in it. We dont want to be watching World Cup 2010 seeing Lamps, Owen and James in tears on the pitch after another defeat again do we? Same old. Its time for a new fresh team that we can take to South Africa and play with pride. As for Rio Ferdinand wanting to be England Captain. What a joke. He messed that up at Stamford Bridge when he was sent off and then kicked a steward. John Terry should be Captain. So far Capello has not shown any thing different, no fresh approach. Whats he doing bringing Beckham in? No NO No

lamps and gerrard cant both play in the team together it needs to be addressed why are we sacking managers just for the new manager to pick the same teams agaian and again? get player that want to wear the shirt and give 110%
______________________ james
___Richards_____fredinand____Terry_____cole/ bridge

______________________Hargreaves

beckham_____________barry _______________j.cole

___________________________ rooney

___________________ashton/ defoe

You can not play Gerrard or Lampard in an attacking role with England because off both the wide men (whoever it is) and because of Rooney. For a start the wide men again whoever it is are not good enough, England have been crying about it for years, in order to have a good attacking midfielder you need to have options out wide as everything becomes to predictable when it always goes threw the middle, very easily marked therefore making that player look very average, also when you play Rooney in the England team he comes very deep in order to get the ball, now he maybe told to do this but he doesent do it as much when playing for utd as him and scholes link up pretty well, when coming deep again your giving your attacking midfielder nothing in front of him and again less options. England need to play two out and out center forwards who will play on the last defender therefore giving the attacking midfielder more options, it may also give the wide men something to hit. My team would be -
1 James
2 Brown (Richards)
3 A Cole
4 Terry
5 Ferdinand
6 Hargreaves (Barry)
7 Barry (Downing)
8 Gerrard (Lampard)
9 Crouch
10 Rooney
11 Beckham

Playing both Barry and Beckham wide would give you a more defensive hold on the game yet both able to open any defence with a pass, it will also allow your attacking midfielder to do what he's there for 'attacking'. Crouch always does well for England and Rooney to be told to stay upfront and not to come deep looking the ball.

I'm sorry. I didn't even finish reading the story. Seeing Drop Gerrard was enough for me.

Are you out of your mind?

I don't have a team as such - I just follow the sport. Over the last 5 years or so - Steven Gerrard has been in my top 3 every year. The captain of the most honoured side in English football. One of the best midfielders in the world, with the ability to defend, pass, attack, score and take the game by the scruff of it's neck. A good favourite to be England's captain (and rightfully so). And you want to drop him?

Lampard is a different story. I was never a fan. Scored lots of goals, yes - but when you take 500 shots a game - you're bound to score a few of them.

I say play a 3-5-2. That way we can accommodate Barry, Hargreaves and Gerrard - I think those three are key to success - while still making use of the flanks. I don't see the lone striker as an option - I do not think we have a forward or a team good enough to utilise that role. It must be a strike partnership. And the most covered role we have - centre back - will be taken care of. Ferdinand, Terry and a choice of half a dozen. I don't think Carragher will be lured back. I'd go with Richards.

I could have said this to any England manager years ago, but the English are too arrogant to listen. The English team is made up of the fans and medias favourite!! England have players that have at tournaments as far back as 1998, so why bring them back! Raul and Owen both played at the 1998 world cup, but one manager has the b*lls to drop one but country still wants the other one... Scolari dropped Bebeto and Romario against the wish of the whole nation, even the President pleaded, but in England the manager would get the bullet. Kazim Richard would never anywhere near the Wembley stadium let alone the national team but look at him for Turkey.. and you had the got to blame foreign players.... I could remember a period during the qualification, England played 4 4 2 when Owen and Rooney were available, but when Rooney got suspended England played a 4 5 1 formation... I guess the England players are an elite group of people....

Dhanjy :

Spot on pal. England need players who are hungary.

Shep

Ian :

Like the look oy youre team. But Maybe Beckham. Come on it's 2008 not 1998.

Michael J Wareham.

Play all three ? Now that is mad. The attacking threat comes from the flanks or Wayne Rooney.

Shep

Francis:

Therin is England's problem. Its cultural. We have become celebrity obsessed. Real stars deliver not just pout.

And by the way remember when QPR were good AND had stars like Stan Bowles.

You're almost spot on, but you haven't gone far enough! I've said for years that Gerrard is the problem in Englands midfield, now it seems someone finally agrees with me. When was the last time he ever put in a shift for England? when did this superstar ever win us a match on his own? Never! He's got 67 caps and never once performed. Only 1 of his 13 has been against a decent nation and that was against Germany in 2001!

Wayne Rooney should also be dropped, or be played as an attacking midfielder. 14 goals in 43 apperences is not good enough to be an England striker. Half of his goals were in friendlies for goodness sakes.

I dissagree that Barry and Hargreaves should be paired in the midfield though. I'd consider using Barry and Carrick with Hargreaves on the wing. Bentley is over rated and Hargreaves can deliver a cross, free kick and has pace.

Anseer :

You miss the point. Didn't say Germany or Spain midfield was average. Said they were good because of the blend rather that reliance on "star" names.

If you think Beckham and Owen are England's future you are living in a time warp.

Kieran:

Carrick is another option.

Gaz Baz.

ER ? Is that a Gazza come back then ?

Tim Brown:

No Iam serious. I think Barry is top class. He just doesn't have a brand name .....yet

Bill:

David James upfront ? Now that IS mad !

Notemanc:

Make up your mind !

Dutch Rick.

Euro 96. against Argentina in FRance 98.

Ola Rey.

Elitism has become England's problem.

Lampsisplop

Actually I think Carrick is good.Understated class.

AK

Depends who you talk to and you miss the point

Paul;

Hope you are right about Capello.

Yes Gerrard is great for Liverpool but hasn't been for England hence my point. And I tell you this if Benitez got a firm offer for Gerrard he would take it.

No they should not drop Gerrard and Lampard. They are two of our best players and if they got dropped i would be sending a complaint to the england manager. Just play all three and make england a fantastic team.

DONT DROP GERRARD AND LAMPARD - 1000000% AGAINST IT!!!!!!!!

I defiantly think lampard should be dropped, he has lost confidence when it comes to england.

My England team would be:

GK James (Kirkland one day)
RB Brown (G.Neville when fit)
LB A.Cole
CD Ferdinand
CD Terry
MR Wallcott/Bentley - bring on Beckham if losing
ML Young/J.Cole
MC Gerrard
MC Carrick/Hargreves/Barry
SS Rooney
ST Owen

I would actually like to see Wallcott and Young be involved more in the England team because they would add a bit more pace and I think with two good seasons that carrick has had I think he's been over looked by capello and I think Micheal Owen receives some unfair criticism and I think he can still offer some thing to England.

I have long thought that Steven Gerrard is a liability for England. The great chance he missed in Russia was an awful miss, he just cannot make the transition to international matches. That he is a very opinionated fellow there is no doubt, and behind the scenes he will no doubt effusively provide his opinions whether they are solicited or not. That is the type of person he is and you just cannot have (he isn't the only one mind) the 'lets play it my way I know better attitude', the manager say must be the last word. Beckham should have gone long ago but Lampard should remain, he is a loyal character and will tow the line stoically always and he can play the forward role alongside Barry, with Hargreaves the 'nobby stiles.' It is about time England picked a team and not the so called best players. Alf did this and with home advantage we won something, and until we start picking a team we will always be the also-rans.

Tom J. Wakefield, West Yorks.

Atleast its not just Lamps who's getting slated as usual! While I agree his England performances have never recovered after a disastrous World Cup in 2006 its been far too often that he's been made a scapegoat for poor England performances.
Back to the point of this article.. I agree that perhaps dropping the big players could well be the way forward! However I'm still waiting to see what kind of formation we'll end up playing under Fabio.
There's no doubt Barry and Hargreaves can do a job in the middle, and when fit, Hargreaves has be first choice in there. Gerrard is obviously a player who can make an impact if losing at half time or we need a bost with 20 minutes to go. Lampard would make a more subtle impact, but is twice/three times more likely to crop up with a goal.
However, I would still be starting with Becks (if we play a 442) on the right for the one simple reason of his set piece deliveries. Terry, Ferdinand and Richards are all man mountains and we have to make the most of this when possible. No-one else in England (bar perhaps Lamps corners) have anything like enough quality to do this.
I'm reserving judgement on the whole thing for now until the formation is settled upon. Still Rooney and Owen upfront?

I'm sorry, but anybody with even a passing interest in Spanish football should be well aware Xavi & Iniesta are stars of the world game...no less illustrious than Cesc & certainly Xabi Alonso (who can't get into the Liverpool team).

where would england have been without lampards goals.not at the world cup in germany.people have short memories.its the press that make out lampard is no good,he`s great for chelsea

At last...a journalist is finally breaking the idea of dropping Gerrard.

I've been saying he hasn't earned his England place since Euro 2004 but now, incredibly, Capello has handed him the number 10 shirt.

I agree with another poster who says that Gerrard is one of the reasons England play so badly. He frequently surrenders possession, has no guile or flair and is a selfish, glory hunter. Team shape or tactics do not matter to Stevie Me Me Me...he just does what he wants for his own glory. But it would be forgiveable if he had the talent of Maradona or Zidane or if his wandering actually led to something decent.

And I also agree about his selfish character. He is his own biggest cheerleader and is never backward about coming forward about his position and strenghts i.e play me where I want. And "best midfielder in the world" Gerrard had his personal moment to blast us into Euro 2008...but he missed from six yards out in Moscow. That says it all really.

The sooner England stops playing this clown the better. Get rid.

Has everyone forgotten that Joe Cole, Lampard, Ferdinand were all in the West Ham side that was relegated and Carrick is no better.

Joe Cole is too selfish and is not a team player, he cannot play in another player in a better position.

Lampard is so advanced up the field that he gets in the way of strikers, and when do you ever see him as a play-maker.

Ferdinand never makes a tackle and is easily turned, if it were not for Terry (with England) and Vidic (with Man.Utd) covering him, then more goals would be conceeded.

Carrick is neither a holding player nor a creative player.

Gerrard only gets involved at the most for half a game, but plays better with Barry.

Hargreaves and Barry would compliment each other better, both as holding players and both can join in attack and are better with their passes than Lampard and Gerrard. Hargreaves naturally plays more to the right and Barry more to the left.

My team would be ; -

Goal James / Hart
RB Richards or Brown
LB A.Cole or Bridges
CB Terry with either Woodgate or Carragher

RM Bentley
LM Golding
CM Hargreaves
CM Barry

Str Ashton as Main striker
Str Rooney with a free role

Subs Gerrard
Defoe
J.Cole (only for the last 15 minutes)
Lennon
Walcott
Crouch

Michael Owen does not have the speed anymore and cannot hold the ball up.
Carrick does not have any influence on the game.
Lampard is now 29? and would not be missed.
And then bring through more from the U 21's.

We need to pick a team, not based on what they earn, but on commitment and as a team player.

As Englands passing is so bad, players should not pass the ball further than they could throw it.

Peter

Rob N

Wouldn't quite go as far to say Gerrard is a clown, but as you say a major weakenss of his game for England is he gives the ball away too much.

In the helter skelter of club football he doesn't get punished as kuch because the ball comes back that much quicker.

Leanne :

I believe it's time for a change.

The third Lion.

Yes Gerrard hasn't done it enough for England

Hargreaves on flank.....Barry and Carrick in middle....that could be worth a try.

Tom ...Wakefield.

As you say Capello needs to focus on moulding a team.

bob digi

I well aware of Ineista and Xavi, but many in spain still thought Fabregas should have started and there was also and Alonso lobyy.

Notovinget

Hargrevaes is wasted at full back

lets get one thing straight, we have an average team at best, mix and change it how you like still average, get rid of two of the best midfielders "if you were the manager your telling me you would drop them lol" leave em in who cares still an average team, when you read rubbish like this it makes you glad we couldn't qualify because we would have had this cxxp for a month,
ps we might have a better manager hell he might be the best but he cant buy and play foreign players so he'll find out soon enough just how average we are, by then the FA will be 5m lighter and it will all start again,

Barry as a defensive midfilder and gerrard more atacking...Barry and Hargreaves??are you defending tho whole game or what?or maybe plying with one striker

gerrard and lampard should get droped because the are both greddy

owen
joe cole rooney(free role)

beckham

gerrard carrick

a.cole terry ferdinand richards or
neville

James

bench:young,lampard,hargreaves,king(if he's fit),agbonlahor,ahston,downing,walcott,bale,barry
why all england fans are thinking about england future but what about now?
you need quality,no youth team,no pace team..
to answer to this article,spanish manager didn't take raul in the euro tournament because he has 2 world class strikers torres and villa and don't want raul siting on the bench and mooding.

keep good world class players like gerard and beckam and find a world class striker and goalkeeper and england can bring the world cup home.

Lamps and Gerrard (Becks too) have had enough chances to show they are not world class and if they are not put out to grass England will continue to lose to so called inferior teams. I cannot remember ever having seen an England game where these two reproduced a top quality club performance.
We do have younger, hungrier players who could do the job. Give them chance.

we can,t leave lamps and gerrard coz they arew the most experienced players so they will teach the younger ones coz they played in many great tournaments

i think its too early to drop lamps and gerrard cause they can play better than any other people in the team. they have played in big teams and peformed better. go along with them until the world cup 2010

Young Team for 2010?
Carson/Foster
Richards, Terry, Ferdinand, Cole (still 2yrs left)
Gerrard, Hargreaves (box to box players)
Walcott, Agbonlahor, Rooney, Young (PACE)

Its a big shame for a country like england founder of the game of football will have a below average player like barry playing regularly in its midfield. Capello should know how best to build the team round Gerrard cos he is the best the country has today.

Eh...dream partnership of Alonso and Cesc?! hahaha. Xavi, Iniesta and Senna are on the same level. Stop making it out as if they aren't. All because they don't play in the Premier League...disgraceful. You should watch foreign football now and again.

Its quite simple really.

Drop Gerrard. You need Lampard for his all round play and superb deadball.

Forget Mr Square ball Barry, and bring in Hargreaves

As for the wing drop Cole and let Lennon have a run . Bently doesnt even make the bench.

Terry skipper, we dont need someone who forgets the call of the Doctor gets an 8 month ban and demands a payrise at the end of it.

Rooney just cant cut it for England

James (Exentually Carson)
A. Cole - Terry (Cap) , King, Richards,
Downing/J. Cole. Lampard, Hargreaves, Lennon
Walcot, Owen

Your havin a bubble mate, fat frank is past it. drop him altogether, keep jezza with barry, If he comes to liverpool it can only get better for england as they form a formidable partnership and develop their understanding of each other.
Next England team:
James
A.Cole
Terry
Ferdinand
Richards
Gerrard
Barry
Ashley Young
Agbonlahor
Rooney
Owen

England national teams' problem is in the midfield. I would try Rooney on the left, beckham on the right, Carrick and Hargreaves in the middle. Thus you have balance on the wings, as rooney can track back very effectivley but is also a killer attacking midfielder. This brings an incredible element which most countries cannot have - as you would then have two very different types of world class players on both wings. I assure you it will be amazing to watch.

I think most people underestimate Carrick as a CM, I believe he has a better passing game than any englishman(perhaps even better than beckham), he will keep the ball well and provide telling through passes, plus he has a great shot. I say he is in the mold of a Xavi/Fabregas, like them he is not full of pace and powerful attack like Gerard or Lampard but he can pass around in tight or open spaces...He and Beckham are perhaps the only two players England has who can provide the beautiful passing football in midfield, that you see teams like Spain and Croatia play. Hargreaves (or King) will provide the needed defence in midfield; but sadly these two are usually hurt.

I am very sorry for all English people who do not realize that Beckham is your best player, remember what happened immediately he came on against Croatia after McClarens fumbling starting line up - a pass to Beckham, cross - goal!

Now think for a second, dont you see that when coaches from the 'other' European nations (whose football we admire) take charge of the English team, they always give a spot to Beckham? They see what yall don't. Which other national team member has played successfully in another European league? Remember the England-Greece game, not for Beckham, instead watch for Gerard, he was trying his hardest to lose that midfield battle for England, not his fault, he is just inclined to play long balls, run hard, and shoot hard, that's his game and it works for liverpool where the setup is different.
In front, I would have to say Crouch and AJ/Defoe/Owen. I like what Capello is doing, in bringing Bentley and Young in. (Young and Huddlestone are my favorite young players now). Gerard and Lampard can sub in as power players with great effect.

Now, as plan B, England could also just give up trying to play a passing game and use a longball/power play approach, in which case Lampard and/or Gerard would be just fine as starters.

England has a collection of talent that shd rule world football. Yall just keep watching more football, playing more football, so that we can understand the beautiful game better.

Did you just say Fabregas and Xabi Alonso are better then Xavi, Iniesta and Senna.

Because I'm assuming by less illustrious you are suggesting they are better.

Unless it was all sarcasm in which case...good one!!

What a joke no Gerard? Im an Arsenal fan but i will admit Gerard is a natural leader. England need to stop will all the diva attitudes and play the game. Bentley is all talk and a little too arrogant for my liking, he needs to back it up on the field. As much of a hollywood superstar Beckham is, he does the job for England. Everyone in England needs to stop knocking him the lad and let him do what he does best.

Gerard and Lampard, world class??? please!!!! the can't keep a game together....

Gerard = kick it up front, maybe someone will get at the end of it.

Lampard had his time....

We can't do without Lamps and Gerrard

ENGLAND
James

Micah
Cole
Rio
JT

Gerrard
Lampard
Barry
Young

Rooney
Windass (!!!)

A very interesting set of comments. However, I think you missed an opportunity by not including the real reason why Gerrard and Lampard should not be automatic choices at centre midfield. Ball retention. That's why Gerrard is not picked in this position by his club manager. They are players who like to bomb forward and play quick one-twos that are very predictable and can easily be intercepted leaving England exposed to quick counter-attacking football which is now in vogue. Barry is composed on the ball while Hargreaves is a master at breaking things off. Therefore, they should not be dropped because they are big time Charlies (I don't believe they are) but because of tactical reasons.

I have read everybobody's comments and made some of my own, I'm not sure what spanish players have anything to do with gerrard and lampard, but I will be at Wembley on 20th Aug and I feel the starting line up will tell what Capello has in mind, as all players should be fit.