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Rio’s up for World Cup captaincy if Beckham’s out (22 Apr)
I'm not saying that we're going to win the World Cup- there is still great progress to be made. But a similar rate of improvement over the coming 6 months will ensure that England pass through a difficult group stage and into the knockout phases. Up front we still need an alternative to/partner for Owen. He is currently one of the hottest finishers in the game, but is susceptible to injury. Other strikers have failed to impress on any consistent basis. Heskey and Fowler too often look ordinary at international level and Cole, despite his movement and work-rate, is unlikely to score from the one or two opportunities that arise at the highest level of the game. The creative and intelligent Teddy Sheringham seems to be our best option but there will be question marks over his age and fitness. Maybe we should consider the option of him sharing 90 mins. with Sunderland goalscorer Kevin Phillips. The midfield looks very strong. Taking over the captaincy seems to have channelled Beckham's petulant streak into controlled agression, developing him into a truly world-class player. His performance against Greece in the recent qualifier was posssibly the best I've ever seen in an England shirt. Stephen Gerrard is rapidly maturing into the complete midfielder, and Paul Scholes' surging runs from behind the front two have produced an excellent goalscoring record in international football. The left-sided position is still not sorted, but Graeme LeSaux's recent form for Chelsea may not go unnoticed by the ever-present Sven. There still needs to be some change at the back too. Since moving to Leeds, Rio Ferdinand's defensive game has improved, and added to his competence on the ball he is looking good. More recent arrival Ashley Cole has also been impressive and now has a little time to mature. However I am still not convinced by Sol Campbell, although to be fair I felt the same way before France 1998 and he seemed to rise to the occasion. Admittedly I could be accused of Chelsea bias but I don't think it will be long before John Terry starts a full international, and the sooner the better. Phil Neville still has his worrying tendency to get caught behind the center backs and it's a testament to his better qualities that he's lasted so long. Finally, between the sticks, the Seaman/Martyn debate has not been fully settled. On recent performances it has to be leaning in Martyn's favour. Both are getting a bit long in the tooth however, and third keeper's place in the squad will likely go to talented youngster Robinson. Chester |