Blog written by DanLyles
Published: 1st June 2010 14:53
So Fabio Capello has finished his 180-minute experiment yet one still suspects that the England manager is no nearer to knowing his best IX. Having witnessed his various combinations stand in awe of Mexican passing efficiency and then gift possession to the Japanese, the square jawed Italian should be all too aware of England’s weaknesses.
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The likes of Spain, Brazil and Holland will hardly be quaking in their boots at the prospect of facing England, yet Capello believes that his starting IX (whatever that might be) is capable of beating such nations.
England’s star studded line-up will always be treated with respect by football's ‘world powers’ but the frailty of England’s defending and inability to keep possession will give them cause for optimism.
One wonders how England’s defence would cope against a Dutch front line comprising Arjen Robben, Robin Van Persie and Dirk Kuyt, fed ammunition by Inter Milan schemer Wesley Sneijder? Or an imperious Spain side built in the image of Barcelona, whose midfield matadors Xavi and Iniesta rarely concede possession and almost effortlessly supply the feared Villa-Torres partnership.
Watching England’s permeable defence is made all the more frustrating by recalling the formidable form of both Terry and Ferdinand in three of the last four seasons. Indeed, prior to John’s personal issues and Rio’s back problem both had established themselves as two of the world’s best centre backs.
On current form both centre backs look almost as jittery as their team mate Glen Johnson, whose marauding runs down the right do little to masquerade his woeful positional sense. Ashley Cole could be a saving grace on the left and will be looking to enhance his reputation as one of the world’s best full backs.
So, who will be given the arduous task of playing behind England’s permeable backline? Green pulled off several good saves against Mexico but has never really looked comfortable on the international stage. Ditto the unquestionably talented but far from reliable David James.
Step forward the outstanding English goalkeeper of the season, Joe Hart. The Opta Index stats support this claim and those who watched the Manchester City youngster play for the England Under-21 side last summer will attest to Hart’s mettle, especially during penalty shoot-outs.
Hart’s lack of experience may work against him but few can deny he exudes confidence and has made a natural step up on to the international stage.
England’s midfield could lighten the load of its defence by retaining possession for longer periods. Capello is likely to utilise the 4-2-3-1 formation that served him so well in qualifying, and crucially stations two midfielders in front the back four.
Gareth Barry, if fit, will occupy one of these berths alongside Frank Lampard, following the disastrous auditions from all potential usurpers. The former is adept at playing the simple pass while the latter is now accustomed to playing a deeper role under Carlo Ancelotti at Chelsea.
A pivotal moment against both Mexico and Japan was the introduction of Steven Gerrard who brought order to the chaos of England’s centre. He proved how wasted he is cutting in from the left and how effective his swashbuckling game can be in the engine room.
It appears that Capello is moving ever closer to using Gerrard in his optimum position, playing No 10 to Rooney’s No 9. Some exquisite, uplifting moments arrived in the second period against Japan when the pair linked so instinctively that England looked world-beaters. Albeit briefly.
Whether Capello is adventurous enough to link Gerrard and Rooney may depend on Gareth Barry’s fitness to resume the anchoring position close to Lampard. We already know that Capello believes that Gerrard and Lampard can play in the centre together without a natural holding man.
For many a tournament now England’s midfield has been somewhat pedestrian, which may explain their inability to keep possession like their continental counterparts. The likes of Hargreaves in 2006, Gerrard in 2004 and even Butt in 2002, would win the ball then be left with very few options.
Eriksson’s 2002 side was flanked by the predictable Trevor Sinclair and David Beckham, while his 2004 side tried to accommodate four midfielders with similar attributes (diamond: Gerrard, Lampard, Beckham, Scholes) but no natural dribbler and/or a rapid wideman.
Players like Aaron Lennon and Joe Cole will always give you options and I believe that Capello should start both of them either side of Gerrard. Both may be coming back from injury but they gave England an added dimension when they featured at the 2006 World Cup.
Lennon has the pace to put a defender on the back foot and has added consistency to his final ball, while Cole has the guile to beat players cutting in from the left and unlock a defence with his vision. Like Gerrard, Cole made a significant difference to England’s midfield in the second half against Japan.
England appeared to suit playing with five midfielders swarming behind Rooney, which was evident in their ball retention and the number of chances created compared to when Rooney had a strike partner. This system also reduces the chances of England playing the desperate and frustrating long ball strategy to a Heskey or a Crouch.
My England IX (4-2-3-1):
Hart
Johnson Ferdinand Terry A Cole
Lampard Barry
Lennon Gerrard J Cole
Rooney