: Thu Sep 10, 2009 9:14 am  

In reality now, Beckham is 4th choice on the right and I'd say about 6th choice to start in the middle. It's a tough call because on those stats, he shouldn't be going to the World Cup. However, as someone stated earlier on, he offers something a little bit different than any of the 3 ahead of him for the right wing berth. PLus, he's been around the World Cup scene before, and can be like a father figure to the younger lads going. Whether that's a good thing or not, I'm not sure.

: Thu Sep 10, 2009 9:15 am  

Dead Man Walking wrote:

Another QF defeat on penalties to Portugal anyone ?

Portugal probably won't be there as it stands, so no.







It'll be Spain instead.

: Thu Sep 10, 2009 9:17 am  

Sthelens RLFC wrote:

It'll be Spain instead.

Do you ever stop jerking off over Torres?

We beat Spain on pens. Portugal, Argentina and Germany are the sides to knock us out on pens recently.

: Thu Sep 10, 2009 9:34 am  

Robbie Rotten wrote:

What about Glen Johnson's?

I'd be interested to see the amount of assists he's had for England. Lennon's cross for Gerrard's goal last night was as good as anything Beckham could produce. As said, if we're chasing games and need it pumping in the box, Beckham will probably be looked to, but when we're cruising against sides and we have some fine young talent waiting in the wings for games, why should a player continue to steal caps?

What has Beckham proven in these 10 minutes that nobody else knew?

I'd rather Johnson concentrates on his defence. Looks like it could all go a bit Roberto Carlos to me.

: Thu Sep 10, 2009 9:37 am  

Beckham should go, I think. Purely for his free-kick genius and versatility. I reckon he'd do a job at right back if need be.

Walcott, Lennon and Wright-Phillips all cannot go as right wingers. Maybe Walcott will get the nod as he can play as a striker, but for at the moment I'd leave out SWP and take Lennon and Becks.

: Thu Sep 10, 2009 9:39 am  

Sthelens RLFC wrote:

England play great football and Michael Shields gets released in the same day. It's all too much for some on here.

Not to mention Argentina got beat 1-0 last night.

: Thu Sep 10, 2009 10:58 am  

PAUL M wrote:

Great performance by England with and without the ball. Beckham will go to the WC and deserves too,

Why does he deserve it?

His star is fading. It will be virtually nothing by the summer of 2010. I sincerely hope that he isunable to go to the world cup becuase of something trivial, like a sprained ankle.

I find the whole Beckham / England / give-a-cap-for-a-throw-in to be embarrassing.

: Thu Sep 10, 2009 11:03 am  

Lord God Jose Mourinho wrote:

Do you ever stop jerking off over Torres?

Says the person who has a former manager as their username. Best not get too aggressive or you'll get your Keith on me. Wham bam.

: Thu Sep 10, 2009 11:09 am  

Enfield Exile wrote:

Why does he deserve it?

His star is fading. It will be virtually nothing by the summer of 2010. I sincerely hope that he isunable to go to the world cup becuase of something trivial, like a sprained ankle.

I find the whole Beckham / England / give-a-cap-for-a-throw-in to be embarrassing.

The media do have their noses and tongues up Beckham's backside. All he could ever do was take a free kick and corner. A one trick pony.

: Thu Sep 10, 2009 11:12 am  

Catalancs wrote:

I'd rather Johnson concentrates on his defence. Looks like it could all go a bit Roberto Carlos to me.

Indeed.

Johnson is great when he is asking the questions of the opposition but is far from great when they are asking him the same questions.

Quite simply, even the most average of wingers seem to have no problem getting round him and whipping a cross in. As an attacking right back, he is the best there is but his defensive frailties could cost us dear against the big boys.

That said, it was a great team performance and Capello has simply worked wonders with a team that looks totally transformed these days.

Whereas they were cumbersome and laboured with the ball before, now, they all look confident on the ball, the movement is excellent and the speed of thought so much better. Finally, the individual tools are gelling in midfield and the Gerrard, Lampard, Barry combination is working a treat at the moment.

With a little more potency up front, we could have had a cricket score last night and that's an area we still need to look at and address.

Whilst Brazil and Spain are still the favourites, I don't see the likes of Germany, Italy, Argentina, France and Holland as being any better so I really do think we have a better chance in 2010 than in any World Cup since 1970.