England's proposed 4-5-1 formation... Your thoughts... - TalkSoccer

Spursmeister · 01-09-2005, 01:56 PM

As stolen from another thread...

"England are expected to line up with Wayne Rooney as a lone striker for Saturday's World Cup qualifier against Wales in Cardiff.

Manager Sven-Goran Eriksson discussed the proposed new tactic at a meeting with senior players on Tuesday night.

The system would mean no place in the side for Tottenham striker Jermain Defoe, who had been expected to partner Rooney in attack with Michael Owen suspended.

A five-man midfield would utilise David Beckham as the pivot, keeping play ticking over from a deep position with Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard in more attacking roles.

Chelsea wingers Joe Cole and Shaun Wright-Phillips are expected to be the choices to operate on the flanks in a formation similar to that regularly deployed by Jose Mourinho at Stamford Bridge."

What do you make of this formation choice?
As much as I'm gutted for Defoe who I've been dying to get a full, competitive game, this might not be too bad.

I like the look of the midfield with Beckham playing a more holding role as some of us have disgussed, I like the idea of Gerrard and Lampard both attacking. With SWP and Joe Cole flying up the wings we could be on to something here...

...One up fron though, hhmm, it's very un-England. And is Rooney the best man for this job or would Defoe actually be better in this role with all the support hed get from the mid-field?

Like Sven I would also start with Rooney with the aim to bring Defoe on later.Still, he will probably only swap him for Defoe when the game is won which again will mean Defoe only playing a bit part in a dead game (which is not what he needs right now) If England are behind or even just struggling he wouldn't swap Defoe and Rooney but would probably revert to a 4-4-2 droping SWP and pushing Becks to the right as usual...???

Is this going to work for us? against Wales I'd say it probably will, but against a bigger team, I don't know...???

What's your thoughts?

**russe||** · 01-09-2005, 02:10 PM

Rooney is certainly better for the job than Defoe. After all Rooney is better than Defoe and has played the role before with United.

Deuce · 01-09-2005, 02:22 PM

Indeed I don't know if Defoe is quite suited for the head a of a 3 man front line like that.

robaldo · 01-09-2005, 02:23 PM

not bothered what they do but i take it this will means SWP will be on the right with Becham more central

Spursmeister · 01-09-2005, 02:25 PM

RUSSELL,
As I said, I'd make you right in that respect because Defoe is an unknown quantity in that position and style where as Rooney is proven. It's a shame that Defoe isn't going to get a full game cos Owen will soon be snuggled back into Svens butt-crack (his guarenteed spot) and we'll never know if Defoe can really do it at this level as the WC approaches... ah, well...

Spursmeister · 01-09-2005, 02:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by robaldo

not bothered what they do but i take it this will means SWP will be on the right with Becham more central

He'll be in a holding role dropping behind Gerrard/Lampard with SWP on the right wing...

(You didn't read my opening thread did you...

)

robaldo · 01-09-2005, 02:31 PM

lol no i didnt read it

just the title

i thought gerrard was injured anyway?

**russe||** · 01-09-2005, 02:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Spursmeister

RUSSELL,
As I said, I'd make you right in that respect because Defoe is an unknown quantity in that position and style where as Rooney is proven. It's a shame that Defoe isn't going to get a full game cos Owen will soon be snuggled back into Svens butt-crack (his guarenteed spot) and we'll never know if Defoe can really do it at this level as the WC approaches... ah, well...

I know it is a shame Defoe won't get a chance but the alternative is playing an untried formation lead by an unproven player in a must win game; I think you'd agree it isn't much of an alternative. Hopefully we play well and get a two goal lead going into the last 30mins so Sven can bring on Defoe thats the only way I can see him getting any meaningful game time (that or an injury but let's not go there).

Spursmeister · 01-09-2005, 02:39 PM

sssshhhhh.....!!!

Spurs/Defoe fan or not, I would start Rooney every time ahead of him and at least Sven is FINALLY going to try something new and attack-minded... Role on Satruday!

**russe||** · 01-09-2005, 02:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Spursmeister

Sven is FINALLY going to try something new and attack-minded... Role on Satruday!

Good isn't it?

BTW make that saturday afternoon some of us have to work saturday mornings and don't look forward to it.

Spursmeister · 01-09-2005, 02:47 PM

I used to work Saturdays for many a year, oh those terrible mornings with a pumping hang-over, while slouched over a sorry looking Sausage and Egg Mc Muffin... Don't miss that!

Spursmeister · 01-09-2005, 02:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by robaldo

lol no i didnt read it

just the title

i thought gerrard was injured anyway?

They seem more and more confident that he'll be able to play, if not Carrick might just get a game in the holding role with Becks coming alongside Lampard

**kennethlindheim** · 01-09-2005, 03:16 PM

England should have Scott Parker as their holding midfielder.

robaldo · 01-09-2005, 03:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kennethlindheim

England should have Scott Parker as their holding midfielder.

i have to agree with u there, gutted we let him go

Spursmeister · 01-09-2005, 03:29 PM

Give him 6 months regular footie with your lot and he might just be... I think it's obvious why Sven hasn't picked him right now because he spent the best part of last season on Chelsea's bench... I wish Spurs had have got him even over Jenas...