Eriksson Will Start With "Best Team" in Friendlies

Filed in archive England on May 27, 2006

image: bbc.co.uk

Sven has announced he will start with his "best team" in the forthcoming Hungary and Jamaica friendlies. As long as no one gets injured or looks tired I agree with the BBC that Sven will start with Robinson in goal, a back four of (right to left) Neville, Ferdinand, Terry and Cole, a midfield of Beckham, Gerrard, Lampard and Cole, and a big man little man forward pairing of Crouch and Owen.

I'm still unconvinced about the Gerrard/Lampard midfield, and would much rather see a holding player in there. If Sven really can't choose between the two he could designate one of them as the holding player, giving the other one the freedom to get forward. The idea that they can share the defensive responsibility is tempting but we've seen time and time again that it doesn't work.

Owen and Crouch up front is decent enough, and I'll be keen to see them form a partnership against Jamaica and Hungary. But what's really encouraging is the bench.

For the first time I can remember under Sven, England have genuine threats in the dugout. The explosive pace of either Lennon or Walcott (or both) is exactly the type of thing that will change a game.