Capello as manager?

[Uncle Buck]

I can see Robinson being Number 1 still, He is coming back into form.

At present I have no issue with that. However I would like to see Foster or Kirkland given a few games, in the friendlies, so we do not have this stupid situation where the other 2 keepers in the squad have played about 3 games between them.

A good example was Chris Woods, he was Shilton's understudy for about 6 years, but when Shilton retire, Woods had about 20 caps to his name, as Robson used to give him run outs in friendlies, whether that be starts or coming on at half time.

 

[Kinky Gerbil]

At present I have no issue with that. However I would like to see Foster or Kirkland given a few games, in the friendlies, so we do not have this stupid situation where the other 2 keepers in the squad have played about 3 games between them.

A good example was Chris Woods, he was Shilton's understudy for about 6 years, but when Shilton retire, Woods had about 20 caps to his name, as Robson used to give him run outs in friendlies, whether that be starts or coming on at half time.

Or Have some "B" games against semi decent sides, Hungary etc.

This would also give Capello a chance to look at more players.

 

[Pavilionaire]

I wouldn't be surprised if Capello made Owen Hargreaves captain. I reckon he'd like to pick a team something like this:

1. Robinson
2. Richards
3. A Cole
4. Ferdinand
5. King
6. Hargreaves
7. Lennon
8. Rooney
9. Barry
10.Owen
11.Heskey.

 

[Kinky Gerbil]

I wouldn't be surprised if Capello made Owen Hargreaves captain. I reckon he'd like to pick a team something like this:

1. Robinson
2. Richards
3. A Cole
4. Ferdinand
5. King
6. Hargreaves
7. Lennon
8. Rooney
9. Barry
10.Owen
11.Heskey.

Neville ahead of Richards for me

 

[Uncle Buck]

I wouldn't be surprised if Capello made Owen Hargreaves captain. I reckon he'd like to pick a team something like this:

1. Robinson
2. Richards
3. A Cole
4. Ferdinand
5. King
6. Hargreaves
7. Lennon
8. Rooney
9. Barry
10.Owen
11.Heskey.

I hope not.

 

[Pavilionaire]

What we know about the man is that he doesn't tolerate what he considers to be prima donna behaviour - the Beckham situation proved that.

He is building towards WC 2010, so you'd have to think Beckham, Carragher, the Nevilles might be expendable.

He will know that we need to keep the ball better than we do, and the main culprits for losing possession are, invariably, Gerrard and Lampard. Goalkeeper and left-back will also be interesting.

Either way, I'm expecting a big shake-up in the squad, some notable demotions and one or two surprises. This is potentially the most interesting appointment and squad selection since Venables took over in 1994.

 

[Uncle Buck]

What we know about the man is that he doesn't tolerate what he considers to be prima donna behaviour - the Beckham situation proved that.

He is building towards WC 2010, so you'd have to think Beckham, Carragher, the Nevilles might be expendable.

He will know that we need to keep the ball better than we do, and the main culprits for losing possession are, invariably, Gerrard and Lampard. Goalkeeper and left-back will also be interesting.

Either way, I'm expecting a big shake-up in the squad, some notable demotions and one or two surprises. This is potentially the most interesting appointment and squad selection since Venables took over in 1994.

The left back picks itself in Ashley Cole (when fit).

The midfield, well somebody needs to make a decision on that area, but I would expect Joe Cole to be retained, as he has sorted out the left midifield issue.

Not sure there will be massive up heavel in the squad, simply as there is not a huge amount coming through. I would expect Walcott, Bentley and Young to be used a bit more though.

 

[Kinky Gerbil]

What we know about the man is that he doesn't tolerate what he considers to be prima donna behaviour - the Beckham situation proved that.

He is building towards WC 2010, so you'd have to think Beckham, Carragher, the Nevilles might be expendable.

He will know that we need to keep the ball better than we do, and the main culprits for losing possession are, invariably, Gerrard and Lampard. Goalkeeper and left-back will also be interesting.

Either way, I'm expecting a big shake-up in the squad, some notable demotions and one or two surprises. This is potentially the most interesting appointment and squad selection since Venables took over in 1994.

I think you are spot on, We may have a team for once.

 

[Kinky Gerbil]

The left back picks itself in Ashley Cole (when fit).

The midfield, well somebody needs to make a decision on that area, but I would expect Joe Cole to be retained, as he has sorted out the left midifield issue.

Not sure there will be massive up heavel in the squad, simply as there is not a huge amount coming through. I would expect Walcott, Bentley and Young to be used a bit more though.

Could Barry not do a job at LM?

 

[Uncle Buck]

Could Barry not do a job at LM?

He has played in midfield for about the last 5 years and a fit Ashley Cole is better at left back than Barry.

 

[Kinky Gerbil]

He has played in midfield for about the last 5 years and a fit Ashley Cole is better at left back than Barry.

I put LM = Left Midfield !

 

[Uncle Buck]

I put LM = Left Midfield !

Sorry.

Would still pick Joe Cole at left midfield.

I would say Barry is fitting it with Hargreaves for the holding role and with Hargreaves ongoing knee issues, Barry will probably get a few games in that role.

The big decision is who plays in front of the holding midfielder. I would guess it will be Gerrard to start with, although his recent performances for England do not really warrant a starting place.

 

[Captain Haddock]

Or Have some "B" games against semi decent sides, Hungary etc.

This would also give Capello a chance to look at more players.

Good call. Vs Switz play:

Carson / Green
Glen Johnson
Jamie Carragher
Rio Ferdinand
Nicky Shorey

Wright-Phillips / Lennon
Barry
Gerrard
Ashley Young

Bent
Defoe

Subs from:
Micah Richards (try at CB with Carra'?)
Justin Hoyte
Michael Carrick
Wright-Phillips / Lennon
Agbonlahor
Derbyshire
Bentley

Then play stronger team vs France and organise 'B' friendly vs Japan / S Korea / Austria / Belgium etc to give some of the subs (above) a start. Include Sidwell, Stephen Taylor (Newc), Mark Noble and Theo Walcott in this match.

 

[Brovion]

One of Lampard or Gerrard needs to be worried, from what the Guardian was saying, Capello will play a holding midfielder.

Make that TWO holding midfielders. He likes to play 4-2-3-1 with a defensive screen in front of the back 4. One of the reasons I would have (marginally) preferred Lippi.

Still if we're as boring and successful as the Germans I won't mind.

 

[Uncle Buck]

Make that TWO holding midfielders. He likes to play 4-2-3-1 with a defensive screen in front of the back 4. One of the reasons I would have (marginally) preferred Lippi.

Still if we're as boring and successful as the Germans I won't mind.

Pressuming he will build the team around Rooney (one of the few genuine young English talents), not sure that system will work.

 

[Marshy]

I bet everyone is fit for the next 2 friendlies...

A good point well made

 

[Marshy]

Quite looking forward to that first aquad being announced now.

 

[Titanic]

He will know that we need to keep the ball better than we do, and the main culprits for losing possession are, invariably, Gerrard and Lampard.

That's because they are also the two players with the highest time in possesssion and distance travelled during a game (usually between 10 and 11 km).

 

[keaton]

Pressuming he will build the team around Rooney (one of the few genuine young English talents), not sure that system will work.

i think that could be a great formation to play with Rooney, him and two off Gerrard, Lampard, Young, Walcott , Cole, Wright-phillips with Owen, Crouch, Heskey or Agbaohloor ( i give up) up front

 

[keaton]

That's because they are also the two players with the highest time in possesssion and distance travelled during a game (usually between 10 and 11 km).

Why does that make Gerrard punt awful long balls straight off the pitch?