http://www.thefa.com/WorldCup2006/NewsAndFeatures/Postings/2006/05/Sven_webchat.htmSo far:
David
Liverpool Was Robbie Fowler ever near getting into this squad considering his excellent form for Liverpool this season?
Sven-Goran Eriksson
TheFA.com I just felt I had better options and that is why I made the decisions I did.
anand
london Who do you think is a player to watch out for in the world cup, one who is not an England player?
Sven-Goran Eriksson
TheFA.com Of course Ronaldinho is number one but also look out for Lionel Messi. I have also been really impressed by Eboue for Arsenal so it'll be interesting to see what kind of World Cup he has.
Simon
London Are there any players you would have liked to take but couldn't due to injury? I'm thinking specifically about Ledley King
Sven-Goran Eriksson
TheFA.com Ledley I spoke to this morning. I told him that if we have any problems with a central defender in the beginning of June, we will find out what his situation is. So, if he is better, he might become an option in those circumstances. He was disappointed but understood. It was simply a case, at this stage, that we didnt need to take a risk on any central defenders as we have so much quality there.
Dan
London When did you first think of including Theo Walcott?
Sven-Goran Eriksson
TheFA.com It's been on my mind for the last one or two months, Dan. I started to look at tapes. I recognised that his pace is fantastic. In the end we thought we'd take a gamble and leave out one defender and put him in. I'm excited to work with him.
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.
rudi
What do you think about playing Gerrard behind Owen considering he's good in the air, got great skill and can shoot from anywhere ?
Sven-Goran Eriksson
TheFA.com Hi Rudi, it's quite possible. The good thing with Steven is that he can play all over the midfield and as a second striker. It's certainly an option we are thinking about and he's in great form at the moment.
Robert
Stakeford Which formation best suits your squad should Owen and Rooney be unavailable please?
Sven-Goran Eriksson
TheFA.com If that case arises, we have lots of choices. We can continue with 4-4-2, with Crouch up top and one behind. Or we could play 4-3-3 with Crouch alone and two wingers, and we have lots of wingers. Or we could play 4-5-1 with Crouch up top and five midfielders...so we have options!
Max
Bolton as a spurs fan im excited by the inclusion of Aaron Lennon who has been amazing this season. I would have expected Shaun Wright Phillips - what made you choose Lennon over Phillips?
Sven-Goran Eriksson
TheFA.com Max, it's a decision on recent form. Lennon in the last two months has improved greatly. I am sorry for Shaun. He's always done well. It is one of those decisions that you have to take.
KRISTIAN
London Like many others, I am not familiar with Theo Walcott, other than being aware of his awesome pace. How would you describe his style of play? Does he like to drift wide and 'sit in the hole' or is he more of a predetory striker in the mould of Owen of Defoe?
Sven-Goran Eriksson
TheFA.com Hi Kristian. I think his best position is in the hole. His style I would say is similar to Henry. He has electric pace which is a huge asset.
Marc
London Why when you admitted after Euro 2004 that taking only 4 strikers was a mistake have you done the same thing again, but this time you have 2 that are not fit?
Sven-Goran Eriksson
TheFA.com It depends who is available Marc. In Euro 2004 we took the best. This time we have 5 strikers, considering Joe Cole is a fantastic second striker.
