HomeWill King be fit again this season? I've heard rumours from a couple of Spurs fans that he will be forced to retire at the end of this season because of his injury problems, although I have no idea if there is any truth to that.
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England squad for Austria and Croatia
Sheffield gunner- Number of posts : 16403
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Tweesus- Number of posts : 34851
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What have you got against Barry Pierre?
Also, dropping BOTH Gerrard and Lampard, as well as Joe Cole is never going to happen, whoever the coach.
Pierre Littbarski- Number of posts : 12424
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Tweedle wrote:
What have you got against Barry Pierre?
Also, dropping BOTH Gerrard and Lampard, as well as Joe Cole is never going to happen, whoever the coach.
Put Barry in for Reo-Coker - I'd forgotten him
Tweesus- Number of posts : 34851
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I'd like to see:
-------------------Carson--------------
Richards---Ferdinand--Terry---Bridge
-----------Hargreaves---Barry--------
Lennon---------Rooney--------Young
-----------------Ashton-----------------
Problem is, aside from Ashton we don't really have much of a forward replacement. There's Crouch of course, but I think he works much better in a 4-4-2 rather than a 4-3-3
-------------------Carson--------------
Richards---Ferdinand--Terry---Bridge
-----------Hargreaves---Barry--------
Lennon---------Rooney--------Young
-----------------Ashton-----------------
Problem is, aside from Ashton we don't really have much of a forward replacement. There's Crouch of course, but I think he works much better in a 4-4-2 rather than a 4-3-3
S4P- Number of posts : 14358
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Sheffield gunner wrote:Will King be fit again this season? I've heard rumours from a couple of Spurs fans that he will be forced to retire at the end of this season because of his injury problems, although I have no idea if there is any truth to that.
King is not a footballer. Footballers are not made of glass.
Deluded F*ck™- Number of posts : 21765
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S4P wrote:Sheffield gunner wrote:Will King be fit again this season? I've heard rumours from a couple of Spurs fans that he will be forced to retire at the end of this season because of his injury problems, although I have no idea if there is any truth to that.
King is not a footballer. Footballers are not made of glass.
At least he doesn't claim to be a warrior, but then whinges about "Back pain".
Sheffield gunner- Number of posts : 16403
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McClaren drafts in Bent for Owen
England coach Steve McClaren has called up striker Darren Bent to his squad for the Euro 2008 qualifier against Croatia at Wembley on Wednesday.
Bent has been drafted in after Michael Owen was ruled out with a thigh injury picked up in the friendly 1-0 victory in Austria on Friday.
McClaren's injury concerns have been eased with defensive midfielder Owen Hargreaves being available.
Hargreaves had to pull out of the game against Austria with tendinitis.
England need at least a point from the game against Croatia to secure a berth at next summer's Euro 2008 finals in Austria and Switzerland.
Owen's absence is a major setback, especially with Wayne Rooney already being ruled out with an ankle injury.
McClaren is also with captain John Terry with a knee problem and fellow centre-back Rio Ferdinand, who is suspended.
The return of Hargreaves provides McClaren with a selection dilemma in central midfield as vice-captain Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard, Gareth Barry and Hargreaves are now competing to start.
Barry was impressive in his outings in the 3-0 wins over Israel, Russia and Estonia when Lampard was injured.
Aston Villa's Barry got the nod ahead of the fit-again Lampard for the loss in Russia when he also put in a soild showing.
But Chelsea's Lampard started against Austria and now McClaren has to weigh up who starts for a game England cannot afford to lose.
"We can't be complacent," he said. "The expectations can't be too great, we've just got to concentrate on the job."
More to follow.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/internationals/7100869.stm
England coach Steve McClaren has called up striker Darren Bent to his squad for the Euro 2008 qualifier against Croatia at Wembley on Wednesday.
Bent has been drafted in after Michael Owen was ruled out with a thigh injury picked up in the friendly 1-0 victory in Austria on Friday.
McClaren's injury concerns have been eased with defensive midfielder Owen Hargreaves being available.
Hargreaves had to pull out of the game against Austria with tendinitis.
England need at least a point from the game against Croatia to secure a berth at next summer's Euro 2008 finals in Austria and Switzerland.
Owen's absence is a major setback, especially with Wayne Rooney already being ruled out with an ankle injury.
McClaren is also with captain John Terry with a knee problem and fellow centre-back Rio Ferdinand, who is suspended.
The return of Hargreaves provides McClaren with a selection dilemma in central midfield as vice-captain Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard, Gareth Barry and Hargreaves are now competing to start.
Barry was impressive in his outings in the 3-0 wins over Israel, Russia and Estonia when Lampard was injured.
Aston Villa's Barry got the nod ahead of the fit-again Lampard for the loss in Russia when he also put in a soild showing.
But Chelsea's Lampard started against Austria and now McClaren has to weigh up who starts for a game England cannot afford to lose.
"We can't be complacent," he said. "The expectations can't be too great, we've just got to concentrate on the job."
More to follow.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/internationals/7100869.stm
Glenarch of the Glen- Number of posts : 30157
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- Post n°278
Re: England squad for Austria and Croatia
by Glenarch of the Glen Sun Nov 18, 2007 5:00 pm
Sheffield gunner wrote:McClaren drafts in Bent for Owen
poor old Bent. I'm quite sure he wont get a sniff, he'll play Lampard AND Gerrard AND Hargreaves in the middle.
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Frank: We could still get roasted
Frank Lampard fears the Wembley crowd could yet turn on England if their final European Championship qualifier with Croatia does not go to plan.
Players and management were expecting to be greeted with a hostile reception on Wednesday had England's Euro 2008 dream gone up in smoke on Saturday night.
But sensational victories for Israel and Macedonia over Russia and Croatia, respectively, have transformed the fortunes of Steve McClaren's side to such an extent that the crowd now appear set to get right behind the team.
Chelsea midfielder Lampard, no stranger to the boo boys for both club and country, realises he and his team-mates were a post's width away - literally in the case of Russia - from suffering abuse.
He said in the News of the World: "The fans would have wanted to vent their frustration and we, as players, would have had to accept that.
"But we are professionals. We must always stand tall, hold our heads up, take the flak and walk through it.
"Yes, it would be a massive test of our character but we must face it and come through it. Obviously it will be difficult.
"No-one ever wants to be booed or abused. But we know that in the current climate it's a situation that's impossible to ignore.
"There was a very real prospect we'd be walking out on Wednesday night in front of 90,000 England fans who wanted to vent their anger and disappointment.
"There's still the chance that the mood of the England crowd will change if we don't get the result we want, that we need against Croatia.
"So we must be ready to take it and deal with it."
Lampard remembers all to well the abuse aimed at manager McClaren during the qualifier against Andorra in March.
He said: "I was in the crowd in Barcelona watching the qualifier against Andorra and I witnessed the anger and bitterness of certain England fans close up. It was not a pleasant experience. It was ugly and poisonous.
"But you have to accept there's a chance that Wednesday night could be even more of an ordeal for the manager and the players."
He added: "I have endured a lot of abuse in my time. First when I was at West Ham and now that I am at Chelsea.
"I have developed a thick skin and I can deal with it now. It just doesn't sting me anymore like it did in my early years.
"But it will hurt me if the Wembley crowd turns against us.
"We have the best fans in the world and if they get behind us they can make a huge difference.
"Having said that, if we don't get through then a lot of people are going to complain, will want to have a go and we must be big and brave enough to accept it."
Frank Lampard fears the Wembley crowd could yet turn on England if their final European Championship qualifier with Croatia does not go to plan.
Players and management were expecting to be greeted with a hostile reception on Wednesday had England's Euro 2008 dream gone up in smoke on Saturday night.
But sensational victories for Israel and Macedonia over Russia and Croatia, respectively, have transformed the fortunes of Steve McClaren's side to such an extent that the crowd now appear set to get right behind the team.
Chelsea midfielder Lampard, no stranger to the boo boys for both club and country, realises he and his team-mates were a post's width away - literally in the case of Russia - from suffering abuse.
He said in the News of the World: "The fans would have wanted to vent their frustration and we, as players, would have had to accept that.
"But we are professionals. We must always stand tall, hold our heads up, take the flak and walk through it.
"Yes, it would be a massive test of our character but we must face it and come through it. Obviously it will be difficult.
"No-one ever wants to be booed or abused. But we know that in the current climate it's a situation that's impossible to ignore.
"There was a very real prospect we'd be walking out on Wednesday night in front of 90,000 England fans who wanted to vent their anger and disappointment.
"There's still the chance that the mood of the England crowd will change if we don't get the result we want, that we need against Croatia.
"So we must be ready to take it and deal with it."
Lampard remembers all to well the abuse aimed at manager McClaren during the qualifier against Andorra in March.
He said: "I was in the crowd in Barcelona watching the qualifier against Andorra and I witnessed the anger and bitterness of certain England fans close up. It was not a pleasant experience. It was ugly and poisonous.
"But you have to accept there's a chance that Wednesday night could be even more of an ordeal for the manager and the players."
He added: "I have endured a lot of abuse in my time. First when I was at West Ham and now that I am at Chelsea.
"I have developed a thick skin and I can deal with it now. It just doesn't sting me anymore like it did in my early years.
"But it will hurt me if the Wembley crowd turns against us.
"We have the best fans in the world and if they get behind us they can make a huge difference.
"Having said that, if we don't get through then a lot of people are going to complain, will want to have a go and we must be big and brave enough to accept it."
The-Frank-Tavern- Number of posts : 8505
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http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11966_2891196,00.html
not sure if there's anything in this, McClaren has invited injured/suspended players to attend and as captain i'm sure terry would have been there anyway.
not sure if there's anything in this, McClaren has invited injured/suspended players to attend and as captain i'm sure terry would have been there anyway.
Tweesus- Number of posts : 34851
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Frank will get roasted if he starts at the expense of Barry, as will McLaren.
whatever the result, expect him to get booed (if he starts)
whatever the result, expect him to get booed (if he starts)
The-Frank-Tavern- Number of posts : 8505
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defo, hopefully he retires thenTweesus of Nazareth wrote:Frank will get roasted if he starts at the expense of Barry, as will McLaren.
whatever the result, expect him to get booed (if he starts)
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I still see myself as the official discoverer of Gareth Barry...I always bought him in CM 2001 he was quality together with Dinho and Rosicky..what a vision eh?! 
Tweesus- Number of posts : 34851
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Sinterklaas,Fey kent hem wrote:I still see myself as the official discoverer of Gareth Barry...I always bought him in CM 2001 he was quality together with Dinho and Rosicky..what a vision eh?!
Well, then I claim myself the discoverer of Robben for the EXACT same reason. Him and Youssef Hersi
Tweesus- Number of posts : 34851
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Has anyone seen Joe Cole's comments in todays Metro? Can't find anything on line yet, but what an imbecile!
He's basically saying that Lampard is undroppable and MUST start if fit!
He's basically saying that Lampard is undroppable and MUST start if fit!
The-Frank-Tavern- Number of posts : 8505
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i'll give him the benefit of the doubt and put it down to backing a club team mate. but i think he'll play tomorrow, as part of a 5 man midfield which exposes the awful forward options england have
Tweesus- Number of posts : 34851
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The-Frankinsense-Tavern wrote:i'll give him the benefit of the doubt and put it down to backing a club team mate. but i think he'll play tomorrow, as part of a 5 man midfield which exposes the awful forward options england have
Yeh, the press seem certain that Crouch will play as a lone forward. Beckham, Cole, Gerrard and Lampard are all certain to start, the only doubt is whether the holding midfielder is Hargreaves or Barry
The-Frank-Tavern- Number of posts : 8505
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not so sure it seems to me that Becks' place is unsure
Tweesus- Number of posts : 34851
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That's true - its being debated in the press today.
Problem is, we don't have anyone in the squad with genuine pace if we play Beckham.
Ashley Young is the answer. This guys going to be a top class player! He's like SWP but with a first touch, intelligence on the ball, a good pass and a fantastic shot!
Problem is, we don't have anyone in the squad with genuine pace if we play Beckham.
Ashley Young is the answer. This guys going to be a top class player! He's like SWP but with a first touch, intelligence on the ball, a good pass and a fantastic shot!
The-Frank-Tavern- Number of posts : 8505
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agreed tweeds to be its a no brainer, but we're dealing with McClaren here, and the press who are no better
Tweesus- Number of posts : 34851
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Well, if he plays the squad I think he'll play, the fans will boo him tomorrow. The guys an imbecile! Why the f@ck can't he work out why everyone booes him for playing Lampard!
The-Frank-Tavern- Number of posts : 8505
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http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/internationals/7103110.stm
terry trains but doesn't seem to be playing
terry trains but doesn't seem to be playing
Tweesus- Number of posts : 34851
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Steve McClaren admits England are under pressure to prove they deserve to reach Euro 2008 in Wednesday's decisive qualifier with Croatia at Wembley.
England need a point to secure their place in next summer's tournament.
And coach McClaren said: "There is great spirit and strength in the squad, and a steely resolve and determination, but there can be no excuses.
"The players have got to go out there and prove they deserve to reach Euro 2008. It is not done and dusted."
McClaren admitted he had endured tough times in his first 12 months in charge, but said: "I am thrilled to be in this position.
"We know we have got to finish things off, but we are in a far better position now that we have things in our own hands than we were a week ago.
"We have been through adversity, we have been bad times we have been through good times, but we know how to win and what it takes to win and now we just have to deliver and perform."
England were gifted a qualification lifeline when Israel beat Russia 2-1 on Saturday - had Russia won, England would have been all but out of next summer's tournament.
The players were handed another psychological boost on Tuesday when the injured captain John Terry trained with the rest of the squad.
But Liverpool midfielder Steven Gerrard confirmed that he would stand in as captain because Terry was not fit enough to play.
Striker Peter Crouch said he was willing to shoulder the burden of being England's main goal threat in the key Euro 2008 qualifier against Croatia should that be McClaren's decision.
The coach told a news conference that he had picked his team, but would not tell the players until 1830 on Tuesday evening. The team will be made public on Wednesday.
I have done the lone striker role for Liverpool and for England before so it would be nothing new
Peter Crouch
England need to avoid defeat at Wembley on Wednesday and Crouch may play on his own up front after injuries to Wayne Rooney and Michael Owen.
The 26-year-old Liverpool forward said: "I've played enough games for England now to be able to accept the responsibility.
"It's a massive game, but if selected I believe I can do the business."
He added: "I have done the lone striker role for Liverpool and for England before so it would be nothing new.
"We have got enough attacking players in the rest of the team who can join up with me and I can't see it being a problem.
"In David Beckham and the others we have quality and creativity, and I know if I get in the right positions they'll find me."
England were handed a lifeline on Saturday by Israel's surprise 2-1 over Russia, a result that puts Steve McClaren's side in the driving seat to reach the finals in Austria and Switzerland next summer.
Crouch believes England will not waste the opportunity to qualify and says they will benefit from having such a tough time in qualification.
"It was out of our hands for a little bit and we do not want that to happen again," said Crouch.
"We have to stand up and be counted now, it's in our hands and when we do qualify, we know we can have a great tournament.
"I wouldn't say we have been shocked, but we're maybe a bit wounded from some results we've had and I think we are capable of a lot more.
"I'm sure we will come good in the tournament next summer and we can all look forward to that if we get the job done on Wednesday."
Blah.... Blah.....
Parks lives- Number of posts : 34521
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You should see the teams Crouch has scored against. Pretty funny actually.
Brian2468- Number of posts : 4875
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Barry showed he cannot pick it up a gear against top teams, Russia away was enough for me to change my mind. Heskey at the time was playing when Barry looked good and gave the middle time to set up once he had the ball. Barry is a good player but faster paced players breeze past him imo. If Heskey was fit the England middle the problem dissolve's somewhat. Why? Because the age old lack of ball retaining players in the middle do not matter, they can move into space and play their natural game, the English game. just IMO....
Tweesus- Number of posts : 34851
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Brian2468 wrote:Barry showed he cannot pick it up a gear against top teams, Russia away was enough for me to change my mind.
Were you watching a different game to me?
His passing was still easily the best from our team IMO, he made two BRILLIANT last ditch tackles to save our skin, one in the area, he ran about tirelessly, he was our best player, by a long way IMO
Brian2468- Number of posts : 4875
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I'll get back in a moment
L r d hAsta LueGo- Number of posts : 2388
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Brian2468 wrote:Barry showed he cannot pick it up a gear against top teams, Russia away was enough for me to change my mind. Heskey at the time was playing when Barry looked good and gave the middle time to set up once he had the ball. Barry is a good player but faster paced players breeze past him imo. If Heskey was fit the England middle the problem dissolve's somewhat. Why? Because the age old lack of ball retaining players in the middle do not matter, they can move into space and play their natural game, the English game. just IMO....
Well 1 bad game in 5...compare to a Lampard where it's 1 good game in 10 i know what i would prefer. What about Hargreaves- Cole would you be a fan of that or is it to small and Cole centrally in a 2 man midfield is a bit risky.
Brian2468- Number of posts : 4875
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My point is Tweed not that Barry is a bad player it is Heskey or power forward means everything to our England game. Specially with Lampard and Gerrard they cannot hold the ball for long periods..Lampard is better than Gerrard in that department. Even against Russia at home at times England were stretched in the middle and Russia with luck could of scored more.
Barry unlike the other two is a ball retainer but he slower and it exposes the team otherwise he would be england's #1 midfielder.
Now you have to pick a team If you stick any of the three in there you need a minder.... Hargreaves becomes the most important player why?.....Because Heskey is not up front destroying any foot hold teams make and create, which starts with a strong defence......Does this make sense...
Barry unlike the other two is a ball retainer but he slower and it exposes the team otherwise he would be england's #1 midfielder.
Now you have to pick a team If you stick any of the three in there you need a minder.... Hargreaves becomes the most important player why?.....Because Heskey is not up front destroying any foot hold teams make and create, which starts with a strong defence......Does this make sense...
Tweesus- Number of posts : 34851
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I see what you're saying, but I don't agree with it.
Personally, I think we do need a 'power forward' as you call it, but I don't see how playing Barry works against that.
You can't play a midfield of four players, none of whom can retain the ball, because you just lose it, and that's what is happening in our team at the moment. IMO, you need one very good ball retainer, then at least another player that is pretty damn good at it. Take a look at any other national team, or even league team, to see my point.
With our current midfield of Beckham, Gerrard, Lampard and Cole, we don't have a single ball retainer. IMO its imperative that at least one of the CMs is a water carrier
Personally, I think we do need a 'power forward' as you call it, but I don't see how playing Barry works against that.
You can't play a midfield of four players, none of whom can retain the ball, because you just lose it, and that's what is happening in our team at the moment. IMO, you need one very good ball retainer, then at least another player that is pretty damn good at it. Take a look at any other national team, or even league team, to see my point.
With our current midfield of Beckham, Gerrard, Lampard and Cole, we don't have a single ball retainer. IMO its imperative that at least one of the CMs is a water carrier