Owen/Vassell debate...

[Trigger]

Owen has done bugger all in two games now and each time Vassell has replaced him he's done more in the short time he's been on the pitch than Owen has for the whole time he was on.

Owen just doesn't look up for this tournament but Vassell looks fantastic, more pace, more will to win and it seems to me he is the better and more in form player of the two currently.

Rooney & Vassell against Croatia?

Discuss...

 

[eastlondonseagull]

Totally. Vassell's pace was a real plus tonight, despite the ten men. Talking about Owen now on the telly.

Funny how in the first half we had a cracking ten / 15 mins when we played lovely passing stuff, then went to pot again.

 

[saltash seagull]

i think vassell is fantastic at doing wat he's doing coming on and running at and harassing tierd defences

stick with owen did well for the 1st goal and worked hard a lot better than on sunday and then bring vassell on for the last 30 mins

 

[Lord Bracknell]

What Vassell is doing is fighting for a place in the team. What Owen is doing is living on past glories.

Hargreaves and Dyer are up for it as well.

 

[Brighton Breezy]

I would start Hargreaves, Dyer and Vassell against Croatia in place of Scholes, Beckham and Owen. None of the latter three have performed well and dropping them could give them the kick up the arse they need.

We need direct players who will run at people and take them on, committing them and opening up space for team mates. Look how much more exciting and creative Spain have looked using traditional wingers.

 

[alan partridge]

i hear you trigger

but would vassel be as good from the beginning of the game?


that said, it depresses me how much owen has lost it over the last couple of years. hs first touch is appaling at times

 

[saltash seagull]

they might not of set the world alight but i didnt think that scholes,beckham or owen had bad games

 

[Beach Hut]

I would persist with Owen for first half against Croatia - I have faith in him.

 

[curbstheman]

stick with the scouser he did well for the first goal but vassel was sharp when he came on as was owen h

 

[Yorkie]

I would give Vassell a chance to start.

 

[portlock seagull]

No debate necessary, Vassell it is.

 

[Bromley shrimp]

No-one is irreplaceable. Remember Greaves in '66. On current form Vassell looks far the more likely to emulate Hurst's heroics.

 

[London Calling]

OWEN HAS NOT IMPRESSED THIS YEAR.

But Vassell is not an outright scorer in the Shearer, Van Nisteroy and Henri mould.


In fact excluding Owen the rest are all support strikers.

LC

 

[Brighton Breezy]

Should have taken Beattie I think.

 

[London Calling]

Should have taken Beattie I think.

Wouldn't disagree> Its amazing, a few years ago we had loads of great forwards. i assume this is a result of the Premeurship buying foreign imports instead of training up local talent.

LC

 

[dunno]

Owen does frustrate me. I know his style is to wait for the ball to be played to him around the 18 yard line - but he never ever tracks back and tries to win the ball in the same way Vassell and Rooney do. However he is our best finisher - I just wish he would do a bit more in a game if he doesn't manage a goal - he has barely touched the ball in the last two games. I hear what you area saying about Beattie - but the same could be said about Defoe - he should have gone instead of Phil Neville - or even Heskey!!!

 

[saafend_seagull]

vassell is far more affective as a sub.

 

[Rusthall Seagull]

I would start Hargreaves, Dyer and Vassell against Croatia in place of Scholes, Beckham and Owen. None of the latter three have performed well and dropping them could give them the kick up the arse they need.

We need direct players who will run at people and take them on, committing them and opening up space for team mates. Look how much more exciting and creative Spain have looked using traditional wingers.

Absolutely unreal! I really can't believe people like you. God help us if you were in charge of our national team.

 

[BUTTERBALL]

Owen has yet to hit form. Vassell always does well from subs bench. Why change things?

 

[kevinsmith]

I agree Owen has not been the player we all know but, he is being marked by 2 men thus giving Rooney a lot more space to operate.

If Owen was dropped then Rooney would be man marked by 2 and would not be the player he currently is.

So I say leave Owen in and have Vassell on the bench to come on against failing legs