Thetownend.com

Paul Robinson
David James
Robert Green

Gary Neville
Rio Ferdinand
John Terry
Ashley Cole
Sol Campbel
Jamie Carragher
Wayne Bridge

David Beckham
Michael Carrick
Frank Lampard
Steven Gerrard
Owen Hargreaves
Jermaine Jenas
Stewert Downing
Joe Cole
Aaaron Lennon

Wayne Rooney
Michael Owen
Peter Crouch
Theo Walcott

What does everyone think!?

Sven's gone fucking mental

he's sabotaging us.

No Ledley King/Wright Phillips...........?  :shock:

Goalkeepers, fine. Defence, spot on but could do with Ledley King too. Carrick is a better holding midfielder than Ledley though. Midfield, no need for Hargreaves really but good to see Lennon and Downing in there, not sure about not including Wright-Phillips.

Attack - All good selections, could probably do with one other striker though but I guess they'll be called up in place of Rooney.

Sven's lost it

WTF is Walcott doing in the squad? I can uunderstand SWP being left out, but not for someone with less experience/match time. Idiot.

Same as that.

Taking Walcott seems strange, and yet could prove to be genius.

Wright-Phillips has been left out for Lennon not Walcott which is fair enough because Lennon has had a much better season but I'd rather see Wright Phillips instead of Jenas or Hargreaves.

I'm pleased to see Walcott in there, always good to have an unknown quantity who could be a surprise success, much rather have him than Heskey or someone - looks like Reg's prediction may be a reality.

if i could change anything i would get rid of hargreaves in place of a striker! I think it is worth gambling on Theo Walcott

nice to see crouch in the squad, i can see him shocking a few defences as a sub.

walcott's a fucking mental decision but i can see what he's trying to do. look at the impact rooney had at euro2004, completely unknown quantity and he took the opposition by storm. if he's not fit, walcott just might be capable of performing at a similar level. i can't imagine paraguay knowing much about him, can you?

Surprised to see Andy Johnson on standby instead of Bent. Agree with Dan that a striker instead of Hargreaves would be good but I guess Sven is planning to gamble on Rooney and if he's not fit  enough to go then take Defoe.

Sven's gone fucking mental, Sven's gone fucking mental la-la-la-la
x10.

I'm going to the Hungary game, should be interesting.

He's either very stupid... or a genius.

1. Praise the Lord the Heskey is not included

2. No Defoe???????????????????WTF???

3. I am amazed Walcott is in the squad.

4. I am very pleasantly surprised that Lennon is in there.

5. Sol Cambell is a liability.

Almost every World Cup a player makes a name for himself who no one has heard of so why not Lennon or Walcott?

Yeah,but Rooney at least had Prem experience

very very nice to see walcott in the squad. he's mint.

not sure about downing and a fifth striker would be nice

Keeper's shite.Never rated that James Robinson-Green.Think he should have selected 3 keepers

i actually feel a bit gutted for Darren Bent!

How the fuck can anyone be happy that Walcott is in the squad! Hes never played a fucking premiership game! Hes never even played for U21! Bents scored 20prem goals! So if Rooney and Owen dont make first game were left with Crouch and Walcott!! Its fucking stupit

And how can you say a guys mint after only playing a few championship games??

7 players included that are either injured or just, and only just, returned from bad injury.

Walcott, WTF.  Yes he may be a sudden hit, but he's been inlcuded as a striker when I'm sure he's played most of his football so far behind the front two.  He has also been picked when 2 of the 4 forwards might not even be fully fit.

Hargreaves???????? on what basis

No SWP is odd, plain odd.  Especially as he can go up front if needed, as show at City many times, not even on the stand by list though.

9 midfielders! despite forwards being our big injury problem.

Looks likely that we'll be playing 4-5-1 with Crouch upfront on his own at times I think.  Don't see how Rooney can be ready in time and Owen won't be match fit even if his foot is ok.

The blokes lost the plot.

Keepers: Sound choice, its not like we have too many other options. Robinson clearly first choice.

Defence: Again sound. All experienced players. Surprised Ledley King is missing, despite the fact he is injured, as he gives options in central defence and as holding midfielder. Worried that Cole & Campbell haven't played much recently. Expecting Neville - Ferdinand - Terry - A Cole to be first choice.

Midfield: OK but some surprises. Hargreaves is a surprise addition vice King (i just think King offers more versatility). Nice to see Lennon in the squad, but he's going for the experience tbh, but can we afford that luxury? Not sure about Jenas right now, I don't know quite what else he offers. Expect to see Beckham - Lampard - Gerrard - J Cole as first choice.

Forwards: Dear me, I think Sven is taking a monumental gamble here. Crouch is the only match fit option we have right now :shock: Clearly there are major concerns over the fitness of Rooney and Owen, but they are the No 1 choice so rightly both in the provisional squad. I just don't understand the inclusion of Walcott; clearly he's a talent, but he has no premiership experience apart from warming the bench at Highbury. His inclusion over Defoe astounds me quite frankly.

In summary, 75% right Mr Eriksson, but I question your judgement on Lennon, Walcott, Jenas and Hargreaves.

It's worse than that though. If Walcott had still been banging them in at  Southampton then fair enough, but to be playing in Arsenals stiffs for 5 months and earn a call up is a joke.

SWP paid the price for going to play with the big boys and sitting on the bench. But when you see Hargreaves and Walcott in the squad he has a right to feel hard done by,.

 :mrgreen:    Took me a while that one...

It's alright, though I'm surprised Sven's opted only to take four strikers, and likewise surprised Wright-Phillips has been dropped as he looked good vs. Newcastle when he came on although I can see the logic in that he and Lennon are very similar players.

Jenas and Hargreaves are not good enough to play for England.

If you look at the striker situation we could be a bit fucked - Walcott and Crouch are the only two fit strikers at the moment.  This suggests to me that Sven is thinking 4-5-1 rather than a direct replacement of Rooney and/or Owen.

When you look at the bare bones,the squad is weak.Ferdinand is a liability at international level,Campbell's shot,mentally and physically,Cole is a risk and Bridge has been out on loan practically all season.Beckham will undoubtedly his usual tournament-self,i.e completely anonymous,Hargreaves is a waste of space and Jenas not good enough.Rooney wont play,Owen will be fragile even if he does play and if the keeper gets injured we're fucked.Cant expectLampard,Terry and Gerrard to carry the whole team.Only bright spot for me is Carrick but he wont play unless Beckham gets dropped,i.e. never.

Amen Brother OST

I think that squad is spot on - fuck listening to the media etc he knows what hes doing, you watch!

hope your right

Wright-Phillips hasn't been selected because Beckham didn't want him in the squad-no,dont laugh!Remember the last game v Uruguay,Beckham his usual ineffective self,SWP comes on for the last 15 and sets up both goals.Dont underestimate the so-called "Golden-Bollocked"one's influence.

I really dont, i actually think the guys lost the plot

No phil neville!! woohoo!!

I bet defoe is well pissed off. He should be going instead of Hargreaves or someone, we won't need that many midfielders. Bent should be on standby ahead of johnson.

Take it Becks hasn't heard of earning his place in the team.nothing wrong with a bit of healthy competition for places!!!

What do you mean-it's the media that got Downing and Lennon selected.Eriksson never did that off his own back!

The squad suggests a 4-5-1 with Carrick playing.  Why else would you take 9 midfielders with one of your strikers being an attacking midfielder as well?

Becks is amazing, he carries the team at times.  Wright-Phillips isn't going because he's very similar to Lennon and because he's played fuck all football this season.

Whereas Campbell,Cole,Walcott,Owen and Rooney..........?

Becks will be a vital player for us, if Crouch is gona do anything itl be down to Beckhams near perfect distribution

Make Beckham play for it!

Walcott hasnt played a competitive game since jan

Theo the next Roon

The problem with Beckham is that he is a one trick pony. His major attribute is his ability to plant a cross on the head of an attacker. If you watched the Madrid v Villareal game from yesterday, he set up two goals with pinpoint crosses, plus numerous other chances that were missed.

However, he has no pace (he never has), and he can't track back and support the full back. Even his set piece play could be covered by others (Lampard, Gerrard).

I don't think he should be captain, and never have, because he just doesn't have the right qualities. Much rather see Gerrard or Terry act in this capacity. IMHO, still deserves to be in the squad, and probably start. Sven hasn't got the balls to drop him though.

Excellent squad !!

Well done Sven ... for picking the ones U wanted and not the papers wanted

King isnt in as hes injured and we have a good set of centre backs
SWP doesnt deserve to be in for picking Chelsea to play for where he knew he wouldnt get a game
Defoe is shite .. end of !

Good selections in picking the wide players of Downing and Lennon .. maybe allowing a 3 man midfield which would push Gerrard or J Cole into an attacking area just behind the attacker (whoever that may be if Owen and Rooney are out - probably Crouch!)

And Walcott .. might just be the one to win us it

Well done Sven .. excellent squad.. i for one will miss him :beers:

Also meant to say Owen Hargreaves is an excellent selection .. Mr Versatile plus he is used to playing in Germany and might give the squad some inside info on things ..

The press were the ones who wanted Lennon in the squad in the first place, everyone has been banging on about him  for the past month or so?  I went to germany once and im rather versatile and never got a look in, Defoe isnt to bad either, at worst inconsistent, at times though looks like a class striker

I think you'll find he's quite good actually :|

His finish against West Ham on Saturday was superb, far from "shite". Hes been unfortunate due to the form of Keane this season who has been on fire and Jol prefers the big man little man combo with Mido

Darren Bent should be in instead of Theo Walcott. The bloke has scored 22 goals this season in a 4-5-1 formation for an average team. Says it all really. Walcott should be back up instead of Johnson.

Wayne Rooney
Michael Owen
Peter Crouch
Theo Walcott

So Crouch and Walcott up front then :-))(

Paul Robinson

Gary Neville
Rio Ferdinand
John Terry
Ashley Cole

David Beckham
Frank Lampard
Steven Gerrard
Joe Cole or Aaaron Lennon

Michael Owen (If fit)
Peter Crouch

Didnt see the friendly he played in then?, "what am i doing here!" must have gone through his head for the entire time he was on the pitch.

I believe downing will be more down to maclaren.

No i disagree, theres is a lack of players on the left, the only other options would have been richardson, neville or poss bridge, Downings been the only natural left wingers we have whos been on form

I don't get it. A few of my grumblings include:

 - Campbell is way past his best, and is a mental and physical wreck
 - Walcott. Oh dear. Defoe and Bent should have been streets ahead of him in the pecking order
 - Hargreaves. Spent most of the season injured, and never turns it on for England
 - Jenas. Yeah, he's been okay this season, but is he really England material?
 - 4 strikers only, regardless of their fitness, isn't enough, IMO.

Gotta find some positives, i guess, so:

 - Glad SWP isn't going (and pleased Lennon is instead)
 - Glad Carrick is going too

If Rooney is definitely injured Defoe will go. I'd happily start with Crouch and have Walcott as a sub. Hopefully Owen will be fit.

If media reports are anything to go by, it sounds as if rooney will be fit but not for the first game, possibly not even second, however i think hel stil go.  Owen as well is stuggling to be fit for first game but will stil go. This will mean theres a possibilty of only having Crouch and Walcott fit for opening game

Personally I would have liked to see Darren Bent in the squad as he's played as a lone striker with good results for Charlton. Could be an option for 4-5-1 if Rooney + Owen aren't fit. Maybe even a case for putting Defoe in the squad, although his form over the season hasn't been too great. I would have stuck King in also, as he's looked good when he's played for England.

Walcott could be an amazing decision or an amazingly stupid one. My guess is Sven intends for him to be a super-sub of the Vassel variety, bit of pace thrown up front when everyone is knackered. Could work a treat. If Owen/Rooney aren't fit then Sven will play 4-5-1 with Petey C as a lone attacker. That's my guess anyway.

Next rant: Owen fucking Hargreaves. Seriously, what is the point in this cunt being in the squad. He has hardly played in one position for more than 5 minutes and hasn't shown anything close to International quality. He may have potential, or he may not. That's Sven's fault for not trialing him properly. Should be kept out for this reason.

Downing is a good choice as he's shown a bit of form on his return but has been slow getting there. We need a left footed midfielder though. SWP hasn't been playing too well, whereas Lennon has been, so I agree with that choice. Carrick is a must as well.

So all in all, I don't think it's too bad. The midfield is class and apart from Hargreaves is probably what I would have picked. Defence is fine from a selection point of view but this attacking crisis has magnified Sven's genius/madness.

I'll stand by Owen Hargreaves - He can play in various positions. He starts for Bayern Munich which cannot be ignored and has been there/done that qualities.

YES, I agree he's been poor but Sven has fielded him at the wrong times ie Norn Irn when chasing the game.

Hargreaves has got...

World Club Cup 2001
Champions League 2001 (scored in the penalty shoot-out)
German championship 2001, 2003, 2005, 2006
German Cup 2003, 2005
League Cup 2004
appeared at 2002 World Cup and Euro 2004

This is a brilliant day for England fans in a way because the conversations will not end now... He could have picked a boring squad, but didn't!

The reasoning behind kings obmission is his injury, dont think Sven would of wanted to have another player with no match fitness, shame though as hes always looked good for England and can play that vital holding role when needed

In which case play Crouch up front with Gerrard, Lampard or Joe Cole behind him and Walcott as a sub.

That would be still be a great team, Walcott was very impressive in the championship and could prove to be a good gamble.

For that reason I wouldn't put him in there. I mean will Sven do anything different to what he's already done?

The boy Sven's done good....Walcott was an obvious choice.

   Now that Magaret Beckett has replaced Jack Straw, as foreign secretary, because he was too weak on Iran.....it can only be a matter of time before the Crouchmeister is operating behind enemy lines.

  She might have to wait for the WC to finish though, as Condee Rice wants to see how Brett Emerton and Lucas Neil get on in the WC, now shes a Blackburn fan.

Yeah, valid point Simon.

What I think Sven's done is he's gone "I've got inexperience here so I'll stick experience there" and Hargreaves has a multiple role.

I can't help but think Sven might do this for Paraguay...

---------------------ROBINSON----------------------

NEVILLE------FERDINAND-----TERRY-------A.COLE

--------------------HARGREAVES--------------------

BECKHAM----GERRARD------LAMPARD-----J.COLE

-----------------------OWEN--------------------------

PLEASE NOTE: This is not my starting XI just what I think Sven might go with.

Rich

hargreaves gets unfairly slagged off i feel. despite picking up a shitload of caps, he's never really been given a proper chance (that i've seen). the fact he plays abroad and has never played in the premiership automatically means he's not good enough according to the majority of people.

still don't rate him on the basis of what i've seen mind.

defoe is a long long long long way from being 'shite'.

Defoe over Bent every time, yes Bent has scored 22 goals this season but he is never international quality, he was a like a rabbit in the headlights in the friendly with U R Gay.

Crouch for the golden boot!

Lennon is a great shout, he's been on fire for spurs and could be the unknown quantity needed to turn a game.

Walcott a strange one due to his lack of action since Jan, but again he could have that certain je ne sais quoi in the last 10 minutes of a game, and gives an option.

Hargreaves is always worth taking, never outstanding but can cover so many positions, much rather him than Phil Neville!

Robinson

G Neville
J Terry
R Ferdinand
A Cole

D Beckham
F Lampard
S Gerrard
J Cole

M Owen
P Crouch

Seems a pretty good team to me, with good options on the bench if we have Downing, Lennon and Defoe and good cover with Carragher, Carrick etc...

I think he'd go for Carrick in that role rather than Hargreaves. Certainly should do anyway.

Agreed.

taking walcott is a great decision, i hope he scores in the warmup matches and forces sven to play him.

What on fucking earth is going on?

Jesus fuckin' christ. It's a wind-up right?

Walcott's an insane decision.

People will point to Owen and Rooney but they'd been scoring in the Premier League, fuck me that's absurb, Walcott hasn't even got goals aplenty for Soton, whats he got 5?

Drop Green, 2 keepers is fine, take Defoe/Bent ffs.

To be fair, other than Thierry and Ronaldhino he's been the best player in Europe by a mile this season.

Who Beckham?.  :mrgreen:  :shock:

give walcott a chance before you write him off, wenger has said its a good decision and he's not such a bad manager. toure says its right too, and he's been trying to defend against him in training, says he's lightening quick and kolo's no slow coach.

I'd like to know when"Beckham has carried us" 'rus-apart from the Greece qualifier,but that was 5 fucking years ago!

walcott is a massive gamble....i don't get it. Bent is the top english goalscorer and suld therfore be in the squad...don't get it.

good to see lennon in, he is quality but wright phillips though, he needs to leave scummy chelski to get in the squad. he doesn't play.

Wenger's bound to say that isn't he.I expect Curbishley thinks leaving Bent out is a bad decision.Does Wenger pick the team now-he told Sven to pick him so he could see how he does before he picks him for the Arse!

From the online Q&A.

Chris
Lancashire Why was Owen Hargreaves selected?

Sven-Goran Eriksson
TheFA.com Because, after his injury, he's now played the last 11 matches for Bayern. I went over to see him last week against Stuttgart and he was one of the best on the pitch, playing as a sitting midfielder. He is also versatile.

I'm thinking he may prefer Hargreaves to Carrick on experience in the set-up and in domestic football.

Carrick should easily be ahead of Hargreaves as far as the squad goes.

 Its called talent Johno...if you've got it you'll shine.  If Walcott is as good as a lot of experienced judges think, then doesn't matter he's hardly played any games....he could be the card which gives us the edge.

 If it doesn't work out, then he'll have gained experience....Brazil had Ronaldo in the 94 WC as a 17 year old, but didn't need him.

Has anybody seen Hargreaves do anything at all in an England shirt ever?

Perhaps he most anonymous player ever in Englands midfield.

Sven says that he knows Walcott is a risk, and one risk out of 23 is Ok.  

Alright that's fair enough, but what the fuck do you call that lot if they're not risk.

Four strikers - one 's on crutches, one's just of them, and one's a kid that hasn't played ANY competitive football in months and has NEVER played top flight football

He's mental!

Ashley Cole is a must, easily the best English left back, Campbell should definitely go, Ferdinand and Terry to start but he's a good defender to have as backup, Jenas is not really a risk but there might be better choices. Owen and Rooney are risks but if there's no chance at all they'll be fit then they can be replaced.

Mr Versatile?, is that cos he's shit in every position he plays in. :roll:

If Owen and Rooney were fit then it would be bordering on the mildly strange. But him in and to not at least have another striker is bizzaar beond belief. He hasn't even seen him play.

And I think it does matter that he hasn't played many games. Even the best players need games to get consistancy and match sharpness.

It would be different if he was still at Southampton  playing week in week out. But Arsenal reserves just isn't the same.

Sound to me like Swen really doesn't rate anyone else after Crouch, Rooney and Owen, so has gambled on filling the goal void from midfield. I can see where he is coming from on that front. I guess Walcott may be able to come off the bench when Crouch fails to deliver in a 4-5-1. But he hasn't earned his place and hasn't proven his ability.

Don't see the point about Ronaldo. he was at least in his clubs first 11.

Has Sven gone mad?

My quibbles with it are:

Much as I'd like there to be 23 Arsenal players in the squad, Walcott is too inexperienced.

Owen Hargreaves is shite
Downing has been injured
Only 4 strikers, 2 injured, 1 never played a first team match
Lennon is very hit aad miss as he is so young
No Wright Phillips
No pacy striker (Defoe)
No strong powerful and fast striker (Bent)
We will have to play Crouch from the start.
No King, 4 centre backs is not enough.

Sven is mental. :?

Why isn't 4 centre backs enough? Would've been good to have King in there but he's not fit and 4 should easily be enough.

Lennon isn't hit or miss, he's been on superb form for ages now - if he hadn't have been picked it would have been a mistake and there's nothing wrong with playing Crouch from the start.

When Lennon plays well he is fucking quality... unfortunately he has quiet and scintillating games in fairly equal proportions. Oh, and he plays for Spurs, so is a cunt like the others.

4 Centre backs should be enough, but why not take a 5th you can play in midfield too?

Can't quibble to much at all to be honest, Walcott is a gamble I suppose but he has that unknown quantity about him that could prove to be a masterstroke.

Hargreaves is tough to judge because I just haven’t seen enough of him in Germany but the bits and pieces that do filter through have him as one of the top players in the Bunders.  Could be useful especially with a potential tie with the Germans in the 2nd round.

To be honest I still think Sven's gone mad but it makes an interesting talking piint I suppose. :-))(

I'd rather have Ledley too but I think it's just because he's not fully fit, if he hadn't of picked up the injury he'd probably have been a certainty for the squad. I think it's right that Sven should go after the world cup, 'cos he's had his chance but hopefully he can go out on a high and I think the squad he's picked is capable of it.

We'll probably end up going out on penalties though.

usually i agree with you rob but this time i cant..surely its obvious that if owen and rooney are fit(which he will be) they will play.if they are not we will play one up front with gerrard,cole playing off the striker..genius aint i.as for walcot as i have not been to much football this year i took it upon myself to watch him a few times the lad is nothing short of amazing and if he gets the chance this year you watch him go

5 in 10 starts yes

wenger doesn't normally spend big money on players though, so paying £12m for a 17 year old with only 25 senior starts probably means he's shit hot.

i'd rather wenger picked our team than sven.

luckily our starting eleven can usually pick itself..couple of things i think will happen,dont be suprised if reo coker comes in for hargreaves and secondly andy johnson to get aids WTF is he doing their,suppose he is in the squad incase of penalties because thats all he is good for(just)

I still think it's fucking stupid taking Walcott and Lennon.

King > Campbell, and is back next week. I think it's crazy that Campbell just walks back into the international setup, without proving himself. He's been poor for the last 2 seasons at least.

We need Campbell to score a disallowed equaliser

Macca, I'm not anti taking Walcott.  Just that if we do take him I would have expected better protection in the squad up front.  Just imagine if Rooney and Owen are both not fit but somehow convince Eriksson they are (ala Beckham).  We then leave ourselves open to relying on Crouch as our only fit forward and Walcott becomes less of a nice luxury to include and suddenly a pressured member of the squad.

Take Walcott, yes.  But sacrifice another midfielder (as he can play there) such as Jenas or Hargreaves.  You can see the problem already with Eriksson believeing Cole to be our back up striker.

I know we will go 4-5-1 but I it still leaves us with too much of a risk up front if things did go pear shaped (imagine Crouch being the number 1 choice and then getting sent off or injured in a game!)  My worry is soley based on the fact I can see Owen and Rooney being risked as well.

I was surprised by this too, Ledley King should have been given the chance.

http://www.football365.com/opinion/john_nicholson/story_184945.shtml

Do you think the brazil boss was slated for taking a 17 year old pele all those years ago?

I've had an idea.

Do you think that the Swede has resigned himself to the fact that the Roon isn't going to make it, and is planning to replace him in the squad with Defoe or Bent at the June 9th deadline?

In that case bringing in Walcott now might be a bit crafty. He's sneaked him into the squad as a replacement for Rooneys flair and technique but without putting the pressure on him of actually being the direct replacement for him in the squad.

Maybe he's not as stupid as he looks?

He's not that clever!