England v Estonia [13.10.2007] - TalkSoccer

**kyan** · 07-10-2007, 08:06 PM

Quote:

Owen fit but England lose Johnson

Michael Owen confirmed his fitness for England's Euro 2008 qualifiers with Newcastle's winner against Everton - but Andrew Johnson has been ruled out.

Owen returned only nine days after groin surgery with the final goal in Newcastle's 3-2 victory.

Johnson scored his first goal for Everton since March in the game, but misses the matches with Estonia and Russia to undergo ankle surgery.

Owen said: "I'm fine. I'm playing without pain and will only get better."

He added: "It's only a minor thing and I have still got all the stitches in. I've put in a lot of hard work and I was disappointed not to actually start."

England boss Steve McClaren was at St James' Park to watch Owen, but he will be concerned about Johnson's absence as he awaits the results of Dean Ashton's scan on the knee injury sustained at Aston Villa on Saturday.

He did receive one boost, with Frank Lampard playing a full 90 minutes in Chelsea's win at Bolton after recovering from a thigh injury.

Everton boss David Moyes said: "We have nursed AJ along, but now he will have surgery on Monday and will be out for four weeks."

Ashton missed the whole of last season with a broken ankle but he has been in impressive form since returning to action and could have figured with Emile Heskey also ruled out.

His latest injury is a blow to McClaren, whose options up front will be limited if Ashton is absent.

McClaren has already revealed that he may be prepared to rest skipper John Terry against Estonia.

Terry was booked against Israel and another yellow card would put him out of the clash with Russia on 17 October.

"Leaving Terry out would be a massive call," conceded McClaren.

"We must look at the bigger picture. We have a few players on bookings and we have to take that into account."

He will be desperate to lead England out against struggling Estonia but, together with Rio Ferdinand and Ashley Cole, he is one caution away from a suspension.

"It is a consideration," confirmed McClaren. "I have to ask myself do I want to risk losing someone?

"It means picking a team for Estonia is not an entirely straightforward issue, there are other factors involved as well.

"Clearly though, our priority is to win and avoid dropping points at home as we did against Macedonia. If we do that, what happens in Russia is irrelevant."

BBC SPORT | Football | Internationals | Owen fit but England lose Johnson

England squad:

Robinson (Tottenham), James (Portsmouth), Carson (Aston Villa)

Richards (Manchester City), Brown (Manchester United), Ferdinand (Manchester United), Terry (Chelsea), Ashley Cole (Chelsea), Campbell (Portsmouth), Neville (Everton), Shorey (Reading), Lescott (Everton)

Bentley (Blackburn), Gerrard (Liverpool), Lampard (Chelsea), Joe Cole (Chelsea), Wright-Phillips (Chelsea), Barry (Aston Villa), Downing (Middlesbrough), Young (Aston Villa)

Smith (Newcastle), Owen (Newcastle), Crouch (Liverpool), Johnson (Everton), Defoe (Tottenham), Rooney (Manchester United), Ashton (West Ham).

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

OK so a few injuries.... probably Owen and Rooney up front with Crouch coming on at some point.

I had an argument with a Spurs fan friend of mine about Jermaine Defoe, I just don't think he deserves his England spot anymore but he insists he does...

This is gonna be my first England game, and my first game at Wembley so I'm really excited, even if it is only Estonia.

I think the team should be:

-------------------James----------------
Richards--Ferdinand--Lescott--Cole
Wright-Phillips--Gerrard--Barry--Cole
----------Rooney---Owen--------------

But tbh I have no idea what it'll be...

**kyan** · 08-10-2007, 07:19 PM

Quote:

Lampard ready for England return

Frank Lampard believes he is ready for England's Euro 2008 qualifiers after returning from injury for Chelsea.

The 29-year-old midfielder missed six weeks of the season with a thigh injury but played for 90 minutes in Sunday's win at Bolton with no ill-effects.

England face Estonia on Saturday and Russia on 17 October and Lampard told Match of the Day: "My main fear was the injury and my fitness levels.

"Now I can get more fitness during the week and be ready for England."

Lampard's availability is sure to reignite the debate about whether he and Liverpool's Steven Gerrard can play together for England in central midfield.

In the Chelsea player's absence, Gareth Barry performed well alongside Gerrard in the victories against Israel and Russia and the Aston Villa man remains hopeful of keeping his place in the side.

BBC SPORT | Football | Internationals | Lampard ready for England return

I would not be surprised at all to see Lampard play (obviously), I wouldn't be surprised if McClaren put Gerrard RW to play Lampard in CM with Barry

**kyan** · 11-10-2007, 08:23 PM

Quote:

Terry ruled out of Estonia match

England captain John Terry will miss Saturday's Euro 2008 qualifier against Estonia because of a knee problem.

The Chelsea defender was injured in training and after a scan was ruled out of the Group E game at Wembley.

The damage is not thought to be too bad and he could yet figure in Wednesday's encounter against Russia in Moscow.

Terry is likely to be replaced by Portsmouth defender Sol Campbell, who has not started a competitive game for his country in two years.

England coach Steve McClaren said: "He will remain with the squad and his injury will be assessed on a daily basis with a view to Wednesday's match."

Terry may not have played against Estonia even if he had been fit because he was only one booking away from a ban and McClaren was reluctant to risk losing his skipper for the tricky match in Moscow.

Striker Michael Owen will be fit for the double-header despite undergoing stomach surgery in Germany 13 days ago.

Wes Brown has pulled out with injury and Gareth Barry is likely to keep his place despite Frank Lampard's return.

Brown withdrew from the squad on Tuesday with a knee problem and returned to Manchester United for treatment.

Campbell sat out England's training session on Tuesday with an Achilles' problem but returned on Wednesday and Alan Smith (knee) was rested from both days as a precaution.

Strikers Dean Ashton and Andrew Johnson have already been withdrawn from McClaren's squad because of injuries.

Owen was thought to be a major doubt after surgery in Germany, but was deemed fit enough to be named as a substitute for Newcastle's Premier League game against Everton on Sunday.

He came off the bench with 16 minutes left and scored and he is confident of being able to play two games in four days.

Meanwhile Wayne Rooney, who has missed the last five England games due to suspension and injury, is hoping to rediscover the international form he showed during Euro 2004.

"My England career started well but it hasn't really been on track for the last year or two," said Rooney, who last scored for England in a competitive game against Croatia in the Euro 2004 finals.

"I've been frustrated with my form but it's not through lack of effort.

"I've given 110% every time I've played but for some reason it just hasn't happened.

"It just makes me more determined to put it right and start scoring again."

Rooney is expected to partner Owen in attack against Estonia.

"Michael is an important player, who scores lots of goals for England and I'm confident we can play together and do the job we need to do," said Rooney.

"It's different at club level because you're playing with people you train with every day.

"But if you're good enough, the chemistry will work and I'm confident that will be the case between myself and Michael."

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

England squad: Robinson (Tottenham), James (Portsmouth), Carson (Aston Villa), Richards (Manchester City), Brown (Manchester United), Ferdinand (Manchester United), Terry (Chelsea), Ashley Cole (Chelsea), Campbell (Portsmouth), Neville (Everton), Shorey (Reading), Lescott (Everton), Bentley (Blackburn), Gerrard (Liverpool), Lampard (Chelsea), Joe Cole (Chelsea), Wright-Phillips (Chelsea), Barry (Aston Villa), Downing (Middlesbrough), Young (Aston Villa), Smith (Newcastle), Owen (Newcastle), Crouch (Liverpool), Johnson (Everton), Defoe (Tottenham), Rooney (Manchester United).

BBC SPORT | Football | Internationals | Terry ruled out of Estonia match

If this has any effect on the final scoreline then England REALLY have to take (another) look at themselves, Estonia should NOT cause our defence any problems at Wembley (that doesn't include Fat Paul).

Lescott I think deserves the spot now, but I expect Campbell to get it, which is a shame, cos this is the perfect opportunity to give Lescott international experience since it is a relatively weak team... And besides, he offers more of an attacking threat than most of our team based on his goals tally this season!

Honestly though, I can't believe our bad luck up front. I'm not that big a fan of Rooney--Owen although it should work v Estonia.

This is a must-win though and the players shouldn't take anything for granted even if the fans are expectant.

**Mighty T.A.L.** · 12-10-2007, 11:20 AM

Match preview

Quote:

England face Estonia at Wembley on Saturday in Euro 2008 qualifying action and three points are a must for manager Steve McClaren.

The England boss will be desperate for a repeat performance to those which stylishly swept aside Israel and Russia back in September.

However, Estonia will not be in a generous mood and - in what will be one of the biggest games in the country's history - they will be keen to steal the show.

It has been suggested that England would be foolish to stray too far from the first XI which hit three past Israel and Russia respectively, but part of McClaren's hand has been forced upon him.

Injury

Emile Heskey (foot), so impressive on his return to the international scene, and captain John Terry (knee) are injured and the pair will both miss out.

Sol Campbell, who last played for his country against Sweden in World Cup 2006, is likely to earn his own recall in place of Terry.

Meanwhile, Wayne Rooney has recovered from a fractured metatarsal - the very injury which has felled Heskey - and is expected to take the Wigan striker's place alongside Michael Owen.

David Beckham remains sidelined and, with calamitous goalkeeper Paul Robinson receiving McClaren's unequivocal backing, the only selection headache exists in central midfield.

McClaren must decide between Gareth Barry, who more than showed his capabilities in the last international double-header, and the now fully fit Frank Lampard.

Problem

Lampard's goals from midfield have often handed England a get out of jail free card but his problems complementing Steven Gerrard contrast starkly with the way Barry dovetailed so effectively with the Liverpool skipper and there lies McClaren's conundrum.

Estonia have spoken of a desire to frustrate England and coach Viggo Jensen is likely to flood the midfield in order to stifle his opponents.

Star striker Andreas Oper has missed out on the trip to London as he is sidelined for two months with a hamstring problem.

Fellow forward Vlaimir Voskoboinikov is also missing through injury to leave Estonia looking a little shy of fire-power.

However, Watford goalkeeper Mart Poom - who has been struggling with a back injury - is in a determined mood ahead of the fixture and he has declared he is prepared to play through the pain barrier as his team-mates seek a dramatic upset.

Skysports

**Mighty T.A.L.** · 12-10-2007, 11:22 AM

What pisses me off is that Robinson can play weak and still have a passport on the team. How can McClaren have trust in him when play more worse than better for every week.

Buddha14 · 13-10-2007, 01:37 PM

If he plays robinson i'd pass a motion to sack him. Honestly is there a worse keeper in the premiership than him?

**russe||** · 13-10-2007, 02:41 PM

McClaren went with:

Robinson

Richards Campbell Ferdinand A.Cole

SWP Gerrard Barry J.Cole

Rooney Owen

After 35mins that team was winning 3-0 with goals from SWP, Rooney and an og.

**Mighty T.A.L.** · 13-10-2007, 04:02 PM

I like seeing Lampard on the bench.Just where he belong.

hk_on99 · 13-10-2007, 04:49 PM

Quote:

I like seeing Lampard on the bench.Just where he belong.

You know who does belong on the bench? Gerrard. This country's blind love for the man even when he's playing like absolute shit is astonishing. It's disgraceful that England fans boo their own players. I think it's just completely unfair that Lampard gets booed before he even runs onto the pitch whereas the crowd seem to ignore how poorly Gerrard has played. The man has absolutely no positional discipline, and loses possession often. He fucked up a couple of good chances to score as well. This is not something new, Gerrard hasn't been performing very well for Liverpool either. The undeniable fact is that while Gerrard can dominate the midfield and pitch when he's at the top of his game, it only happens once in a blue moon. He is often inconsistent and has always failed to live up to his reputation and expectations of the fans. Yet, for some miraculous reason, this country can forgive him for that while they don't show the same mercy for other players such as Lampard. England fans have such a short memory. Not long ago, they loved Lampard so much that they voted him as their best footballer or whatever award that was. In my opinion, drop Gerrard. A midfield of Lampard/Hargreaves or Barry is the best option.

**kyan** · 13-10-2007, 05:48 PM

hk_on99 ur right that Lampard shouldn't be getting booed and that Gerrard has been pretty damn poor of late, but Gerrard still deserves the spot more than Lampard imo. For England Gerrard scores more, although he's a greedy bastard and tries way too many hollywood balls/fancy flicks which rarely come off.

The defence was very good today, especially with Rio. England have the best defensive record of every team in the Qualifiers (only conceded 2 in 10, both goals came in Croatia). So I guess as far as England goes, there isn't too much reason to drop Robinson.

It was a lacklustre performance I thought despite the 3-0 scoreline. Joe Cole I thought was our best player, with Barry, Ferdinand and Rooney all doing well while everyone else was pretty average...

Still, is that the 6th consecutive clean sheet with an average of scoring 3 goals in each game?

We're sitting second in the table, 1 behind Croatia on GD (although Croatia have a game in hand) but we're getting places which is encouraging.

hk_on99 · 13-10-2007, 08:11 PM

Quote:

but Gerrard still deserves the spot more than Lampard imo.

It's hard to say for 07/08. Lampard was injured for all of September, missing out on the Israel and Russia qualifiers. The one game he did play, a friendly against Germany, he did quite well and was collectively congratulated by the media/pundits, but as I said, England fans have a short memory. I just don't see why Lampard doesn't deserve a chance. True, he was absolutely poor for England last season starting with the World Cup, but it seems he's put that behind him in the Germany friendly. Gerrard on the other hand, has been absolute shit for a while now. Anybody else and Gerrard would have been dropped, but this is Lampard. The man solely responsible for England's failures. Not even Rooney, who didn't score for 2 years didn't get booed like this. Lampard should just retire from England. When those idiots that call themselves England fans stop reading The Sun and other shit papers, they'll realise that Gerrard isn't what he's made out to be and they'll be calling for Frank.

Joe Cole and Barry were both quite good, but Rooney seemed to fade in and fade out of the game.

**Sven** · 14-10-2007, 08:32 AM

Gerrard scores more then Lampard is a joke.

Lampard has been injured more then played still had more goals then Gerrard, Lamps is England 3rd highest goal scorer atm, so Gerrard doesn't deserve to just start ahead of Lampard.

Fact is , theese nob head Lampard boo boys, are just still mad or upset that Lampard didn't get one goal at world cup when they know how amazing he did in quallifications 5 goals England leading goal scorer an 60 goal machine mid in three years, no supraising proobs arsenal and Liverpool fans.

Wankers If I'm honest, Lamps top professional, get's booed because he didn't live up to his own repatation which is sad, didn't see them boo Rooney did you no goal in nearly 4 years in competive matches and he's a striker. talk about consistancy, maybe England just need someone to blame.

Glad Rooney got a goal, even though against Estonia, maybe he can play in this line up, bigger bigger test against Russia, shame no Heskey.

**Olzy** · 14-10-2007, 09:01 AM

Gerrard and Barry are a good pairing in the centre of midfield.

Gerrard was poor yesterday but defientley prefer him over Lampard.

I still wish we had a LEFT footed left winger. The amount of times Joe Cole gets it and he will turn back onto his right foot and pass it all the way to the centre backs again drives me mad.

Richards and SWP very good attacking pair. Ashley Cole would come into play more if we actually had someone with a left foot.

**andy villa** · 14-10-2007, 10:36 AM

shame we didnt get to see ashley young down the left in the second half...

good to see barry getting another man of the match performance under his belt and surely the decision now is to who partners him, ou