12/21/24
May 09, 2002
England World Cup squad: - Goalkeepers: David Seaman, David James, Nigel Martyn, Defenders: Rio Ferdinand, Sol Campbell, Gareth Southgate, Wes Brown, Danny Mills, Ashley Cole, Wayne Bridge, Martin Keown, Midfielders: David Beckham, Steven Gerrard, Paul Scholes, Kieron Dyer, Nicky Butt, Owen Hargreaves, Joe Cole, Strikers: Michael Owen, Emile Heskey, Teddy Sheringham, Robbie Fowler, Darius Vassell
Well?
[As requested, from MeFi]
Hey Gazza had fitness back when he was the old JC with attitude, or something. We seem a bit light up front and may have a problem scoring goals, there'll be a big responsability on midfiled (and gerrard, beckham and scholes this means you) to push forward and support the boy genius Owen.
posted by nedrichards at 07:21 AM on May 09, 2002
I'm a bit disapointed to see that Matt Jansen didn't make the final squad. I thought this world cup had come a bit early for Joe Cole, but his performance against Paraguay probably secured his place. Other than that, no major surprises. To get to the quarterfinals and beyond, we're going to have to beat either Argentina or France. Quite frankly, I can't see us doing that with this squad. We're good, but not that good. It could be worse. We could have the USA squad. ;-)
posted by salmacis at 07:31 AM on May 09, 2002
Ned: Them were the days when players could drink like fish & still turn out ;-) I'll bet half a shandy will have li'l Joe on his back... Let's hope that the key players can recouperate a bit too. Scholes looked totally knackered last night v Arse
posted by i_cola at 07:58 AM on May 09, 2002
reposted over from MeFi: I think that this team has an excellent chance of winning the World Cup. In 2006. With so many promising young players (Cole, Hargreaves, Vassel; hell Owen and Gerrard, too) it seems to me that this is a proving ground and training ground as much as the real thing. Also, assuming that England come 2nd in their group (most likely scenario, according to the odds), they'll most likely end up playing France. As well, the heat and humidity in East Asia will be more to the liking of the Argentinians, Italians and the like. I think you still have to go with France. And I'm sure that any England-Arg game will end up in heartbreak for the English once again.
posted by sauril at 09:32 AM on May 09, 2002
England will definitely fare well in this cup, though I agree with sauril - I don't think anyone will be able to beat France.
What's the latest on Beckham? I haven't been watching my Fox Sports World lately because exams are coming up.
posted by catatonic at 04:41 PM on May 09, 2002
France will certainly be tough, but you can't discount Argentina (England still must be bummed to be in that group). England of course, can upset them if Owen et al. are healthy and show up like they did in Germany (they could have beaten anyone that day).
posted by trox at 05:10 PM on May 09, 2002
Beckham has resumed 'light training', which I assume means jogging and kicking. No running or tackling. He's supposed to be fit for the Sweden game. Argentina is England's curse. It'll be a tough game to win.
posted by sauril at 10:29 AM on May 10, 2002
No major surprises. Danny Mills will be the main bone of contention due to his general thuggery & lack of international experience. Owen Hargreaves seems to be in for his utilitarian abilities (I think he's currently playing right back for Bayern) and Joe Cole gets in over Steve Mac 'cos..? For experience? - SMac won't go to another championship & JC is the new Gazza with fitness? Sheringham? Yeah, why not...