Who should play on the right side of midfield for England? - TalkSoccer

**Trim** · 09-02-2008, 05:54 PM

Who should play on the right side of midfield for England?

Got the Q from Eurosport.

**unitedfan** · 09-02-2008, 06:30 PM

David Bentley. He's an great player, who's been ready for selection for the past bloody year and a half. Lennon has quitened down and Wright-Phillips isn't someone Chelsea fans trust, whereas Bentley is someone Blackburn fans would put their houses on.

Now if Beckham is fit, him, but with MLS not started and him not being fit, there's a problem, and since England's next competition isn't for two years, will Beckham even be in contention then? Maybe he could be, but with 2 young, exciting prospects and another good winger around, he's not likely to be starting around that time, so with everything added up, and all things considered, Bentley should secure the right wing.

G-R87 · 10-02-2008, 12:42 AM

I think that Lennon is the most dangerous out of the group. Bentley is good and definately a candidate but he has little pace and with passers like Gerrard, Lampard, Rooney, Carrick (if on form), Huddlestone in the future maybe, then Speed is what you need for a balanced midfield.

I would also look at it this way, your team is 1-0 ahead in the last few moments; you are the right back who has do defend like a your life depended on it; now, would you rather face Lennon or Bentley? I know who I would rather face.

I'm not discrediting Bentley, and I think there is definately a place for him, but I just think that Lennon is more exciting. We have lacked a pacey winger for a long time (Wright-Phillips has missed his chance IMO) and so he is my first choice. I don't really think he has quietened down (he's still only just 20) I just think managers are taking their time.

So for all candidates, here is my view:

Beckham: Still, IMO, wothry of a place in the squad. However, I would like to see him operate 'free role' (AMF) because he has the passing and Technique and Stamina. Also, in this role you can get away with losing your legs.

Bentley: Despite all the Beckham comparisons he is still refreshing and definately a secure option. He is confident and technically good so a long career is possible, but don't get carried away too soon.

Wright-Phillips: Like Lennon, but he blows hot and cold. Also, at 26 he is a bit late making an impression. I like him and I hope he will steady and become a good, consistant player because he has Talent.

Lennon: My choice because he has everything the fullbacks have nightmares about. Despit being renound for his Speed, IMO he is underrated technically and, still young, I am excited about the future for Aaron Lennon and England.

c.ronaldo#1 · 10-02-2008, 01:19 AM

SWP has been very impressive this year. Jose couldn't get the best out of him but Grant appears to have got him playing at the level he was at Man City. Based on appearances for club i would say SWP. Bentley did play very well on his debut and has been playing consistantly better then SWP over the last 2 seasons so he deserves his oppurtuinty, especially because SWP has never really played well for England although he has only had limited oppurtunitys.

**unitedfan** · 10-02-2008, 10:21 PM

Quote:

you are the right back who has do defend like a your life depended on it; now, would you rather face Lennon or Bentley? I know who I would rather face.

Well Bentley has a better shot on him, so from the left coming in on his right foot, he'd be a bigger threat than Lennon, who can't cross at all with his left foot and is. But this is about who should play on the right wing, playing up against left backs

I know who I'd rather have a scoring opportunity fall to and I know who I'd rather have at the byline on the ball. Bentley is a better crosses, a better finisher and has better fitness

**unitedfan** · 11-02-2008, 04:47 PM

Didn't quite finish that argument yesterday^

Lennon can tend to fade toward the end of games, and the only thing he really has over Bentley is pace. The best way to utilize him at national level, would be as a sub to change the game with that pace, an impact player.

**LAF** · 11-02-2008, 05:01 PM

Bentley just now but Lennon will make it his over the next two years, imo.

G-R87 · 11-02-2008, 07:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by unitedfan

Didn't quite finish that argument yesterday^

Lennon can tend to fade toward the end of games, and the only thing he really has over Bentley is pace. The best way to utilize him at national level, would be as a sub to change the game with that pace, an impact player.

just off the subject a bit, but What do you think of Lennon? What is your verdict?

Would you agree with me when I say that he could be an England legend? (with the right application)

**unitedfan** · 11-02-2008, 07:40 PM

Far from legend. He won't be as good a player as Rooney, Beckham, Lampard, Gerrard, etc, although he does have the ability to be a fixture in the squad for a long time. With application, and luck, he could possibly cement the right wing, but Bentley's progression has been more constant, and he's currently got the better chance, imo, although that could change.

**LAF** · 11-02-2008, 07:51 PM

Technically Bentley is far more sound. But I'm confident Ramos will get Lennon to a better standard (his new Navas perhaps).

**jec1** · 11-02-2008, 09:58 PM

Lennon should be in that position.

**kyan** · 21-03-2008, 04:41 PM

At the moment it should be David Bentley, or at least in the near future.

Lennon should be involved in the squad, and it's quite frankly astonishing that he's in neither the U21s nor the senior NT, but as it is, Bentley has proven himself far more thus far and deserves the spot.

The great thing is though that both provide completely different options. Bentley is much better on the ball, and his passing and crossing is really similar to that of Beckham, while Lennon's pace is special and he can get past almost anyone on pace alone. So really it depends a bit on the defender they're playing against.

G-R87 · 21-03-2008, 06:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kyan

At the moment it should be David Bentley, or at least in the near future.

Lennon should be involved in the squad, and it's quite frankly astonishing that he's in neither the U21s nor the senior NT, but as it is, Bentley has proven himself far more thus far and deserves the spot.

The great thing is though that both provide completely different options. Bentley is much better on the ball, and his passing and crossing is really similar to that of Beckham, while Lennon's pace is special and he can get past almost anyone on pace alone. So really it depends a bit on the defender they're playing against.

couldn't agree more.

I think you're right about Bentley because a) he gets more first team football and b) he's 3 years older than Lennon.

Your point about Lennon's is good too because many said Evra was the fastest in the EPL, and yet when Spurs played Man U at old trafford Lennon absolutely destroyed him for pace! You won't see many Left backs quicker than Evra, so if Lennon can smoke him then he can threaten anybody.

hanuma · 24-04-2008, 10:03 AM

Depends who plays on the left. Ashley Young might just be the best candidate for that in the long run so they should try him now, meaning Cole can play on the right which is his best position.

Kirkland
Richards Terry Ferdinand A.Cole
Barry
Lampard Gerrard
J.Cole Rooney Young

That's well balanced and capable of playing some of the best stuff we've seen in 10 years from an England side imo. A good set of alternatives to change the game or simply go man for man with:

King, Neville, Bridge, Hargreaves, Owen, Bentley etc.

**Mighty T.A.L.** · 24-04-2008, 11:37 AM

Shaun Wright-Phillips.

Joe Cole is better on the left. He likes to go centre and get to shot.