Viable striking options

[Kinky Tom]

OK I know we've had this discussed to a point on the 'Rooney' thread but I thought I'd start a new one to consider what I see as the options.

Option one

Big man, little man:

Owen (if fit)/ Defoe and Crouch - Probably a fairly effective pairing but niether have scored a shed load at international level.  England would have to change their style of play to suit.

Option two

Direct replacement for Rooney:

The way I see it if we want a direct(ish) replacement for Rooney then we have a couple of options, first we could bring Downing into the team and move Joe Cole into a support role, he could of course find the space that Rooney finds in this position and would have the quality to unlock opositions to create chances for Owen/Defoe.

If Sven doesn't think of this then we could break up the midfield in the centre and move Stevie G into a more advanced role, he's played in more advanced roles for Liverpool before and would not feel too alien in that role, this would also allow a holding player to be added to the midfield, this obviously is an area we have been lacking for a while anyhow.

As for any other options I can't realy see many others that would be viable, obviously Reg has given his support to Theo being given a chance, I can't really comment on this given my 5 month absence, I've not really seen too much of the lad.

[santini]

I like the idea of Gerrard in a more forward role using his great vision and pace to create chances + he's one of the best strikers of a ball around for long range shots. Carrick holding and Joe Cole roaming up the left? Beckham? Lampard? Hmmm, spoilt for choice.

[sonic youth]

i'd whack owen up front on his own and play lampard in the hole

[strooood]

definetely gerrard in that advanced role. no way you can move cole from the left hand slot, we've been struggling for years trying to find someone to occupy that position and now we've finally got someone who looks dangerous there he shouldnt be moved.

moving gerrard forward means there's a place for carrick alongside lampard in the centre of midfeild with beckham on the right making a flat midfeild quartet with gezza just behind owen, or if he's unavailable, peter crouch.

dare i say it rooney getting injured makes us look that little bit more balanced.

i'd still rather he wasnt injured though  

[genf_stfc]

i'm more worried about the left back if ashley isn't fit, but it looks like Ledley king should be fit and i think he can do a great job just in front of the back four, allowing the midfield to get forward more - if owen is out as well as rooney(lets hope not), i''d go 4-5-1 with crouch (don't laugh !) or defoe up front.  reckon it would work well - usually don't like 4-5-1 but wouldn't want to be playing against a midfield of joe cole, gerrard, lampard beckham/SWP all free to get forward.

[FlashGordon]

Gerrard idea sounds a cracker to me....but id whack Carrick in the holding role, has been top notch for spurs and his distribution is top quality - which gives him the edge over Ledly King

[oxford_fan]

ledders might not make the world cup anyway, another metatarsal victim

[fatbury]

Gerrard advanced role for me .. with Carrick in midfield hold - and id add Dean Ashton to the squad

[FlashGordon]

Agree With you fatbury take Ashton to Germany

[fatbury]

Gerrard advanced role for me .. with Carrick in midfield hold - and id add Dean Ashton to the squad

[Foggy]

Owen and Sherringham up front with Joe cole playing in the pocket  .

[Luci]

Anyone but Defoe....I don't rate him at all. I'd rather Sven took Harewood than him!

[McLovin]

Wash your mouth out, Lady. Defoe is ace!

[Luci]

careful Blackcurrant or I may post a picture tomorrow of your floral shirt....

[McLovin]

I've opted for class rather than style, and will be sporting an all black ensemble. Will i need a tie?