Article in yesterdays newspaper from Harry Rednapp (who i think is a quality manager) had him calling for Steven Gerrard to be put on the bench for the next World Cup qualifier as a result of our result in Croatia and keep the starting 11 as it was.
Personally i agree with him,even though i think Gerrard is a quality player
Just wondered if anyone else agrees

People were saying the same when Gerrard played and Lampard didn't. The England team works just fine with either one of them, but you can't have two of the same player in the side and expect the side to function properly. It's like picking both Lineker and Rush for a 1980s team and wondering why there is no supply to either of them.

I agree, England played better without Gerrard in the side

One day one England manager will grow a pair and drop one of them. Personally I don't really mind which one of them plays, they're both top quality players but unfortunately we've all seen over the last 3/4 years that it doesn't work with them together.

gerrard is overrated. always looking to cheat and dive.

Gerrard is a team-player only for Liverpool, and unable to adapt to the demands of the international game. Harry's right: bench him, and have him available as a sub, when we either have the game sewn up, or when we're desperate enough to need long "passes" and long "shots". While a bit of intelligence beyond the "headless chicken" level is required, he stays on the bench...

We always have this with england, we win one game and the usual suspects come out saying what they'd do

Wait till we lose a game then these same people will be crying out for him to be reinstated.

Always happens with michael owen aswell

We always have this with england, we win one game and the usual suspects come out saying what they'd do

Wait till we lose a game then these same people will be crying out for him to be reinstated.

Always happens with michael owen aswell

Yeah, I know what you're saying... but I'm sure (well, quite sure...) that Capello isn't going to give a toss about any short-term setback, or clamour from the roller-coaster press. It's all about getting the right blend in an international team, not how good individual players are for their clubs. I'd be quite happy if Capello gave Lampard priority and let Gerrard sit and reflect on his situation a bit.

Owen is just a sad case - sad, in the sense that he would have been a first choice every time, were it not for his too frequent injuries. With a fit, fast, clinical Owen, the past few years might have been rather different...

Owen's misfortune started with Sven picking him for the 2006 finals and Owen saying yes. He wasn't fit to go and he did more damage to himself when he played. Players need to be more aware about there own bodies and have the courage to say no to managers. In the long run they will earn more respect and go on to be better players and lengthen their careers instead of being "has beens and what ifs".

Sooner drop Lampard than Gerrard to be honest.

Doesn't matter who sits on bench, the end result is a quality substitution either way. As they both play differently the subtle change will effect the opposition.

We always have this with england, we win one game and the usual suspects come out saying what they'd do

Wait till we lose a game then these same people will be crying out for him to be reinstated.

Always happens with michael owen aswell

I think most people would agree that a fit and confident Owen should be in the starting 11

Doesn't matter who sits on bench, the end result is a quality substitution either way. As they both play differently the subtle change will effect the opposition.

That sounds about right to me too.

I think most people would agree that a fit and confident Owen should be in the starting 11

I think (and I really can't believe I'm saying this) that based on his contribution in these last two games Heskey has earned his right to start, and if he keeps playing that way then the place is his to lose.

Regarding the OP though, whilst I think Gerrard is a naturally better player than Lampard, he was diabolical on Saturday and average yesterday, and based on the last four England games Lampard should be the one to start, he was pretty much the only person playing for us in the first hour on Saturday.

Heskey's hard work is a thorn in the side of any team that defend with 11 men behind the ball. This makes him a good choice for qualification matches against small countries.

Owen can score that quality goal against any opposition but doesn't create much himself against a heavy defence.

Heskey's hard work is a thorn in the side of any team that defend with 11 men behind the ball. This makes him a good choice for qualification matches against small countries.

Owen can score that quality goal against any opposition but doesn't create much himself against a heavy defence.

I would have said don't pick Heskey and have always been against him playing for England (he had enough chances to prove himself) but the last 2 games have proved me wrong. He should start the next match provided he is still in decent form for Wigan.

I would still have Owen in the squad as he can be used as a sub so if we do need the goal out of nowhere he can come on and try and get it for us.

England are now close to being world-beaters - all we need is a change in the management structure. Think about it: with Sven, we played well first half, and disappeared second; with Fab, crap first half, superb second... So... let's have both as managers -as long as we can trust the FA to get it right about who manages which half...

I think (and I really can't believe I'm saying this) that based on his contribution in these last two games Heskey has earned his right to start, and if he keeps playing that way then the place is his to lose.


I think (and I can't believe I'm saying this) I agree. Heskey has done enough to deserve the right to start.

I have to go for a lie down now.

Gerrard, best "footballer" in the world.