My England 11 against the USA, 12th July 2010
You pretty much knew I was going to start all this analysis before the big tournament began didn't you? Well you should have ;)
This is my starting eleven for the first game against the USA. This is based on the preliminary 30 man squad that Capello has chosen and assuming I get the manager job in the next few days...
Goalkeeper:
Joe Hart (probably my biggest risk choice of the team but hey did you see some of Birmingham's games this season - he was immense!)
Back four:
Ashley Cole, Rio Ferdinand, Ledley King and Leighton Baines (hoping Leighton could do right back, otherwise we're a bit lacking there)
Midfield four:
Adam Johnson, Frank Lampard, James Milner and Scott Parker (I think Carrick has been average this season and Gerrard's had the worst season of his career. Joe Cole would be an option but I've been so impressed with Parker and Milner this season and Lampard is the best player we've got at present.)
Forwards:
Jermain Defoe and Wayne Rooney (could it be anyone else?)
Subs:
Rob Green, Michael Dawson, Stephen Warnock, Joe Cole, Shaun Wright-Phillips, Peter Crouch and Darren Bent.
If we weren't shaky at the back I would go for a 3-5-2 and play Joe Cole in midfield and leave Baines on the bench. Not going to happen though is it?