Who will Steve pick?

20Nov07

So far as I can see Steve McClaren is on a hiding to nothing with his rumoured team selection for England’s all important Euro 2008 qualifier against Croatia tomorrow. Playing 4-5-1 is going to achieve absolutely nothing, whilst having a barely fit David Beckham in the side is laughable.

McClaren claims he wants big game experience where ever possible, but given the do or die nature of the match does he really want to trust his future to players chosen simply on the basis they’ve played a lot of games before?

If I were Steve I would pick my side based on the fittest, most match sharp players available. We’re playing Croatia at Wembley, not a world cup semi-final, so any player worthy of his place in the squad should be able to step up and get the job done, providing they are match fit:

4-4-2 – Virtually every club team in Britain plays 4-4-2 – so should the national team

(GK) Paul Robinson – aside from the Russia game Robbo is yet to let England down

(RB) Wes Brown – he’s played at right back all season for Man Utd, so why not for England as well
(CB) Micah Richards – don’t put him at right back Steve when he plays his club football at centre back
(CB) Sol Campbell - played brilliantly all season, no worries here
(LB) Nicky Shorey - with Ashley Cole unfit and Wayne Bridge short of match practice Shorey is the obvious choice

(RM) David Bentley – arguably David Beckham is still the best right midfielder England have, but given he’s barely kicked a ball in three months, Bentley or the boy Shaun WP must be given a go. Personally I’d go for Bentley as he should be able to drop balls on Crouch’s head all night long.
(CM) Steven Gerrard
(CM) Gareth Barry – whilst Steve may to tempted to go with Hargreaves, Barry has to get the nod on form and fitness. No room for Lampard in my team though.
(LM) Joe Cole

(FW) Peter Crouch
(FW) Darren Bent – I’ve broken my own rule slightly by including Bent, but given that we must have two up front, I’m willing to risk his lack of match sharpness

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Tags: england, football, steve mcclaren