So, whats the consensus of opinion then? World cup winners, or also rans.

Not that impressed tonight - Rio was a bit flash and nearly let us down early doors, think there's lots to do if we are to have much of a chance in the summer. Joe Cole looked good, Darren Bent might have left it too late to make a real impact in the plans.

And what about Crouch's shirt - you'd think someone would have noticed wouldn't you?

I only saw the 2nd half.....

but was impressed when the subs came on Crouch and Wright-Phillips, Cole good as even.

Certainly not contenders to win, but who knows ... its a funny old game ;)

Was fairly happy to be honest and overall they played well - thought Joe Cole played really well, as did Wright-Phillips when he came on.

Yet again though Rio and Rooney seemed to spend the whole match giving the ball away.

Would love to think we could win the WC, but I think the whole squad's going to be on top form for it to happen.

The best thing was that we seem to be developing a "Plan B".

When everbody's fit the starting eleven virtually picks itself - Carrick, King, Wright - Philips and Crouch give us some useful alternatives.

Main concern is left back - if Ashley Cole & Bridge not fit then a shot at 3 - 5 - 2 in the next friendly is probably worth a go.

i cant understand why carrick was even in the squad, the guy cant pass more than 10 yards.

but to be fair i only watched the second half, but he didnt do anything for me then either.

joe cole looked sharp from what i saw,

lets face it, its just a friendly, and for me not an all important one

i cant understand why carrick was even in the squad, the guy cant pass more than 10 yards.

but to be fair i only watched the second half, but he didnt do anything for me then either.

joe cole looked sharp from what i saw,

lets face it, its just a friendly, and for me not an all important one

Carrick played well. Certainly a better holding midfield option than King.

Carrick played well. Certainly a better holding midfield option than King.
I agree about Carrick. I thought he had a good game and as a holding midfielder is he required to spray long passes all over? We've got Beckham, Lampard and Gerrard who can do that.

I've only seen King do the midfield role once (against Poland I think?), and I thought he was excellent. It's an option worth considering if circumstances dictate.

I thought the midfiled looked well balanced last night. Still can't see how we can play Beckham, Lampard and Gerrard in the same team, but assuming all are fit I fear media presure will force Sven to do so.

Wasn't Pouso's goal awesome. Maybe it was a hit and hope, but it's one of those where you can't help but let out a Martin Tyler-esque screech at the TV....

Interesting result in Dublin last night also......

Now, if only the shirt manufacturers could see the difference between 12 and 21!!!!!

Wright-Phillips, J.Cole and Crouch (on occasion) were good ........ the rest?......mediocre!! Remembering of course that Australia knocked Uruguay out of the world cup so the standard of opposition shouldn't have posed much of a threat.

World Cup contenders? Mmmmmmm!! :suspect::suspect:

England were shocking. England should be putting 3 or 4 past teams like this. SWeeP had a decent game, and I think he should play more. but I can guarantee you from now that England will NOT be winning the World Cup.

Got a result but looked like an overpaid bunch; half of them looked like they had been on the lash the night before especially J.Cole, and personally I think a conference side would of shown more spirit.

from now that England will NOT be winning the World Cup.

However.....if you fancy buying the new away shirt in Sports Soccer, if we win the world cup, sports soccer will refund your money. So keep the receipt....

It demonstrated there is a great deal of talent and spirit in the England side

On our day we can beat anyone...anyone

Can't wait for June - hope the squad stays fit

Send the boys positive waves!!!

I wonder if Beckham is trying to get into the Guiness Book of Records for the amount of International yellow cards a captain can get. Me thinks he should stand down as captain as he is not setting a good example. Reds at Real don't help his case either.
So what does the forum think? I nominate Gerrard.

Gerrard would have to make his England debut first.

:D

Either Gerrard or Terry should be captain. Gerrard edges it for me though.

Nice to see Carragher in the team at last, Ferdinand was shocking, J.Cole had a very good game, Rooney had his chances, Wright Philips was explosive and class all his game, we need a decent keeper, as much as I hate Neville he was ok.

Just my opinion.

By the way, how many people wanna call Crouch bad names again, I maintain he is quality tho he may have weakness' like most people.

Yes I still think Crouch is crap, but admit he had a good game and scored a decent goal. Hopefully he will continue to surptise me :thumbsup:

Beckham - receiving cards. You tend to do this when you show a bit of passion for the cause

I'm surprised at how negatively everyone has viewed the match. I thought it was a good solid performance, great to see them keep going til the final whistle, got what they deserved.

Cole was outstanding, (thanks Mr Morinho) and Carrick was excellent too, both goals came after long passes from him.

The biggest area of concern for me is central defence. A year ago we were really strong, now Campbell's gone mentally and Rio's not far behind, he was awful on Wednesday.

We are a bit lightweight at left back and up front but otherwise we look to have top class cover for most positions.

The really good news is that almost all the players are in their early to mid twenties. Lots of time to improve individually and as a team.

By the way, how many people wanna call Crouch bad names again, I maintain he is quality tho he may have weakness' like most people.
shall we revive the old thread?? :hihi:

Yes I still think Crouch is crap, but admit he had a good game and scored a decent goal. Hopefully he will continue to surptise me :thumbsup:

What have the Romans ever done for us?

Yes...Yes....but apart from the roads, wine, the acquaduct, law and order, free medical health care..........:hihi:

i cant understand why carrick was even in the squad, the guy cant pass more than 10 yards.

oh mate you've gotta be kidding me. I've watched carrick in about 15 games this season, his range of passing is immense - both left and right foot. Agreed, he does more often that not keep is simple, but he really can pass as well as anyone else in the premiership. Problems arise when he is pressurised - then he truly struggles. Home games against chelsea, utd and arsenal he's great, but away games against wba, pompey and bolton he seriously struggles.

oh mate you've gotta be kidding me. I've watched carrick in about 15 games this season, his range of passing is immense - both left and right foot. Agreed, he does more often that not keep is simple, but he really can pass as well as anyone else in the premiership. Problems arise when he is pressurised - then he truly struggles. Home games against chelsea, utd and arsenal he's great, but away games against wba, pompey and bolton he seriously struggles.


Concur:thumbsup: