retired_iva terry

Here is my two cents on the possible English Formation for this Wed's England vs Russia Match

Goalkeeper: Paul Robinson / David James
Leftback: Ashley Cole
Rightback: Micah Richards / Nicky Shorey
Centreback: John Terry (C) / Micah Richards
Centreback: Rio Ferdinand
Defensive Midfielder: Gareth Barry / Michael Carrick
Centre Midfielder: Steven Gerrard / Joe Cole
Left Winger: David Bentley / Joe Cole
Right Winger: Shaun Wright-Phillips / David Bentley
Striker: Michael Owen
Striker: Emile Heskey

Notes:
As with the England vs Israel match, I still would stick with Paul Robinson. Of course, Paul Robinson has repaid the confidence with a clean sheet against Israel. But he have to be on his toes vs Russia.

As for the defence, it would still pick itself at the moment. Without Gary Neville, Micah Richard should be the right back for this one. However, if Terry does not prove his fitness, Richards should move into CB while allowing Shorey as the RB. As with my selection with Israel, there are nothing wrong with this formation, but Russia under Hiddink would be a different team from Israel.

In Midfield next, with Steven Gerrard in, but no Hargraves and Lampard, it should looks as Barry would be in for his performance vs Israel. The wingers in wright-philips and bentley should provide the crosses needed for the two strikers up front. Hopefully they can keep the performance they gave for vs Israel.

As for forwards, my choice of Emile Heskey and Michael Owen is like a reunion of sorts as they have played together before combining for 14 goals in 12 matches. Although it is a risk for such a combination vs Israel, but I do not see a better option up front at the moment. True it had positive results for Israel. But against Russia, it would be very interesting as the defence would be tougher prospects.

England should go for it at the start of the match as Russia would be grateful for a point.

My verdict: England 2-1 Russia or England 3-0 Russia

retired_iva terry

In FM 2007, if u r the england manager, what would be your first XI?

retired_C Mack

First off, Bentley? Starting? Never mind the position you put him in.

Robinson did not 'repay the confidence' in Englands last game. I could have done what he did.

retired_Fit

You should have put your two cents in the England thread a little bit down the page

lusciouslemon

shorey's not a right back, hth.

retired_Fit

all round, a poor 2 cents

retired_selvinel

And there was me hoping someone was going to suggest shooting them down the next time they come close.

retired_heidus17

...given that they played together on saturday

retired_leverne

the top post is copy and paste IMO

i think that also because his next post he uses txt tlk

retired_butterflyporsha

nicky shorey is a LB IMO.