runronnirun

there's little depth, but i don't see anything particularly lacking from the first team other than a vaguely talented manager. genuinely don't think there are many first choice national team XI's that are stronger than England's in terms of the quality of individuals - England's problem is management, and getting the players to work as a unit (again largely down to management, although ego seems to be an issue), and then depth and players coming through.

retired_sedimohasel

How is this any of Platini's business?

dreamer

England's problem is the lack of technical ability in the squad, both on the wings and in the centre, when Gareth Barry is your best playmaker, you know you have an issue, for what it's worth, I'd say the following teams have as good as/better starting 11's than us, all things considered. Not necessarily player-for-player, but overall level of skill in the squad:

Brazil
Argentina
Italy
France
Portugal
Holland
Germany
Spain

Very noticeable is the amount of extra flair and creativity these teams all have:

Brazil: Ronaldinho, Kaka, even their back-up, such as Elano are far more technically able than any English Player.

Argentina: Messi, Riquelme

Italy: Pirlo, Del Piero, Totti

France: Similar to England, they have Henry and Ribery though.

Portugal: Deco, Cristiano Ronaldo, Simao.

Holland: Van Der Vaart, Wesley Sniejder

Germany: Very similar to England in a lack of creativity, although I'd say Ballack is probably more creative than Lampard or Gerrard.

Spain: Silva, Xabi Alonso.

All we have in that sort of role is David Beckham.

retired_putpo

Give it to Harry Redknapp.

retired_butterflyporsha

Fabregas, Xavi and Iniesta all more creative and technically gifted than alonso fwiw.

Also missed out Schweinsteiger for Germany.

Fair point though. England do lack creativity in the middle. How many times do you see Gerrard or Lampard play with any sort of composure or patience? Hardly ever. They're missing an 'in-the-hole' player IMO.

retired_v_meenucancer

redknapp

retired_civilian888

I always watch that Sunday morning program on Sky with all the guys from various papers and I remember at the start of the season them slaughtering Sven for suggesting that he couldn't play the same way with England as he does with us because he didn't have Elano. They were saying that Rooney could play that role which is just complete nonsense as far is i'm concerned, Rooney just isn't that type of player

retired_butterflyporsha

Yeah give it to 'appy 'arry IMO.

retired_butterflyporsha

I always watch that Sunday morning program on Sky with all the guys from various papers and I remember at the start of the season them slaughtering Sven for suggesting that he couldn't play the same way with England as he does with us because he didn't have Elano. They were saying that Rooney could play that role which is just complete nonsense as far is i'm concerned, Rooney just isn't that type of player </BLOCKQUOTE>

Definitely not. He doesn't pull the strings the same way as someone like Elano or Modric for example. Scholes would be ideal.

retired_Fit

Jimmy Hill's Sunday Supplement or something - it's in Hill's kitchen or something always expect his missus to stroll in with some biscuits.