Sunday, May 07, 2006
The preliminary squad is named tomorrow
The Swede names his preliminary squad tomorrow, 7 days before the final 23 have to be announced. So just who will be on the plane? The squad for England and all other teams can be found on my FIFA World Cup 2006 website as they are announced which can be found hereGoalkeepers: The 3 keepers look pretty much sorted. Paul Robinson is the undisputed first choice with the dodgy David James and useless Robert Green as back-up. It is possible that Liverpool's Scott Carson could replace Worzel Green which gets my vote
Defenders: Ashley Cole seems to be winning his fitness battle after coming through 90 minutes against Man City in the week. This is excellent news as it'll mean we have our first choice defence all available. Fat Sol has made a comeback and should go but I can't see him starting line up. It looks more and more likely that Ledley King and Wayne Bridge will miss out so The Swede has a bit of thinking to do regarding who else he will take. Losing Ledley King would be quite a blow as he has never let England down and can play in a number of positions which is very useful for a squad.
Midfield: God I hope Hargreaves doesn't go. I really don't see what he offers England but for some reason, the Swede rates him. I think it's probably out of guilt. He capped him a couple of years ago to stop Germany or Canada getting him and now it turns out he is rubbish, he feels obliged to play him. While the Swede hasn't managed to dream up a plan B now Rooney is injured, there is talk Gerrard could be pushed forward just behind Owen and bring in Carrick as the defensive player. Gerrard has said that he's barely played 45 mins for England in his preferred role for England. Sean Wright-Phillips has suffered a poor season and must fear for his place, especially with the emergence of Arron Lennon and Stewart Downing. Joe Cole has made left midfield his position. Jermaine Jenas is also struggling with injury so it may be that Bolton's Kevin Nolan could get involved although the Swede will probably pick Phil Neville.
Forwards: It looks almost certain that Rooney will be taken to Germany as there is a rule that allows an injured player to be replaced up until 24 hours before a teams first game. I can understand the hype and desire that take this exceptionally talented player but I'm wary that the Swede could play him when he's not fit. If Rooney does go, the Swede would be mad not to take along another 4 strikers. Those 4 will almost certainly be Michael Owen, Peter Crouch, Darren Bent (a tractorboy) and Jermaine Defoe. Andy Johnson has been touted by some but he's a donkey. Boris Johnson has put in a much more convincing performance in an England shirt recently as you can see by this video clip
// posted by Big Blue Marble @ 11:18 am 
