We've qualified - time to experiment (World Cup 2002 - the build up)

Member Name: ricko

Product:	World Cup 2002 - the build up
Date:	08/10/01 (10 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Beckham, Owen

Disadvantages: Lack of left sided players, No partner for Owen

A huge sigh of relief across the country as the impressive Beckham sealed England's qualification for the World Cup with a magical free kick. Not the best of performances though so what now for Mr Eriksson? Starting from the back, Martyn was nervy on occasion but pulled off some superb saves to keep England's hopes alive. Surely he did enough to challenge Seaman for the No 1 shirt. Even though Neville promised much when he first gained promotion to the full team, SGE must eagerly await the return of Dyer or at least have another look at Mills. Ferdinand was below par but his partnership with (the absent) Campbell is likely to be the choice for the centre backs. Others to come? Keown, Brown and Woodgate (trial permitting) but England at leat have strengh in depth. Not so at left back where Cole is out by himself. Rash challenge that led to the first Greek goal but nevertheless, the prospect of Cole/Dyer wing backs looks promising. Apart from Becks, the midfield yesterday was poor. Scholes and Gerrard can be excused a night off based on previous performances but the same can not be said for Gerrards Reds (and ex-Reds)team-mates. Barmby and Heskey are simply out of their depth - good league players but devoid of the skills, quick thoughts and touch of class essential at that level. As for 'cul-de-sac' McManaman, even 'Corries' Fred Elliot could hog the touchline and pass the ball back to where it came from. Time to bring in new blood - Carrick, Cole, Bowyer (trial permitting), Murphy, Hargreaves, Lampard etc. The skillful young players are out there, lets hope they get a chance. Up front, the mercurial Owen picks himself, but alongside whom? Cole remains a possibility, Fowler frustratingly erratic but worth a place on the bench. Smith has potential but is perhaps too inexperienced as yet. Yesterday's supersub Teddy might be worth taking in exactly that role but I fear the aside from the deadly Michael, we are short on goalscoring quality
.

Some months to go for players to emerge; there is quality through the side but we remain short of cover at left back, left side of midfield and also in terms of a quality partner for Owen. Resolve these areas and I believe we will be a force to reckon with. What SGE would give for a Giggs/Kewell style player!

Fingers crossed for 2002. Naturally,I would love us to win it but I fear that a Quarter Final or at best a Semi-Final place is the best we can hope for at present.

Summary: