England World Cup discussion

**jebus** · 15/04/2006, 2:09 PM

Originally Posted by dmandmythdledge

I think it should depend on who is unavailable. If Owen can't play, then Bent should come in, although he hasn't proven himself against top defences(2 goals against top 6). If Rooney can't play then Crouch would be the obvious replacement to play with Owen, which worked well in the US last summer.

Agree on what you say, but I'd have Defoe in instead of Owen if he isn't available. A Rooney/Crouch partnership just wouldn't work in my opinion

**DmanDmythDledge** · 15/04/2006, 4:48 PM

Originally Posted by jebus

but I'd have Defoe in instead of Owen if he isn't available.

I personally would prefer Defoe but I think that regular football and form is important leading up to major championships.

**DmanDmythDledge** · 30/04/2006, 11:52 PM

Well they're f***ed now. Maybe with a more sensible manager, leaving Rooney till the knockout stages as the group is easy enough, but after the last World Cup Ericsson will probably play Rooney mid-way through the group stages. If if Rooney isn't 100% by the knockout stages he is still worth a starting place as he is the most naturally gifted player in the world, alongside Ronaldinho and Messi.

**superfrank** · 30/04/2006, 11:57 PM

All hope for Rooney mightn't be lost. I was listening to the radio today and they said how Dave Nugent of Preston came off the bench for them today just 6 weeks and 2 days after he broke his metatarsal.

**DmanDmythDledge** · 01/05/2006, 12:01 AM

But is it the same bone that Rooney broke in Euro 2004 or would that even make a difference?

**Metrostars** · 01/05/2006, 1:28 PM

Originally Posted by dmandmythdledge

But is it the same bone that Rooney broke in Euro 2004 or would that even make a difference?

Not the same, he broke his 4th metatarsal bone in Euro 2004 and his 5th metatarsal bone on Saturday. Or vice-versa I dunno. Either way it took him 3 months last time to get back playing again.

He will not be playing in the World Cup.

**FarBeag** · 02/05/2006, 10:06 AM

He will not be playing in the World Cup.

Oh what a shame

**gustavo** · 02/05/2006, 12:46 PM

Yeah it is a shame.Any football fan wants to see the best players from all the teams play and I for one will be dissappointed if he does'nt play.

**M@ttitude** · 02/05/2006, 5:10 PM

I feel bad now having prayed for Rooney to break his leg before the world cup (foot, close enough), I also included Gerrard in that prayer even though im a Liverpool fan(he'd be healed by september)..

But now I keep hearing English people saying how they would have won the World Cup had this not have happened. I hope now that he does come back fit and bangs in a hattrick against Paraguay so he's definetely back to his best, so they can throw it all away in the quarters with their finest team.

Is their anyone in foot.ie land who is brainwashed by Sky Sports this time into thinking England should win easily on paper? Coz they wont win on grass imo.

**John83** · 02/05/2006, 6:04 PM

Originally Posted by M@ttitude

I feel bad now having prayed for Rooney to break his leg before the world cup (foot, close enough)...

Karma...

But now I keep hearing English people saying how they would have won the World Cup had this not have happened.

In fairness, after every competition, I keep hearing English people saying how they would have won the /competition had /excuse not have happened.

Is their anyone in foot.ie land who is brainwashed by Sky Sports this time into thinking England should win easily on paper? Coz they wont win on grass imo.

No one wins on grass easily, except maybe Brazil.

Look at the Dutch - always fantastic on paper, always a big fight in the squad - not enough grass perhaps...

England are a decent team. If Greece can win the Euros, England can win the World Cup. They just probably won't.

**gustavo** · 02/05/2006, 7:01 PM

Originally Posted by M@ttitude

I also included Gerrard in that prayer even though im a Liverpool fan(he'd be healed by september)..

**micls** · 02/05/2006, 8:20 PM

Originally Posted by gustavo

I agree. Why anyone would want two good players out of a world cup were not even in is beyond me. I couldn't care less who wins I just want to see the best players in the world play the best football

**Block G Raptor** · 02/05/2006, 8:27 PM

I think England did have a great chance of winning it. very solid at the back and three of the best passers in the world in midfield supplying Rooney and Owen up front there was every reason for them to be hopefull. without Rooney well thats a different kettle of metacarsials all together

**beautifulrock** · 02/05/2006, 8:46 PM

I definately want to see Rooney play in the world cup, a class act that could/would light up the comprtition.

As for Englands chances QF's no more. Contrary to popular belief I do not believe they have a solid defence. They are not even sure who the best centre partnership is yet. Will it be Rio and Terry, probably but Terrys lack of pace and not being "minded" by Makele will be shown up. As for Rio, his lack of concentration will be a factor. On the left will Ashley Cole be fit, Neville on the right will be fine I guess.

**drinkfeckarse** · 03/05/2006, 12:12 PM

He's a huge loss, there's no doubt about that. It'll be interesting to see who comes forward as a replacement and remember that Owen is not out of the woods yet. He complained about pain in his foot after the weekend only to be told that is to be expected...we'll see.

I personally think Robbie Fowler might be a dark horse, a proven goalscorer who is looking the sharpest I've seen him in years and I think he's a better option than most. He wasn't exactly overflowing in praise for Eriksson in his autobiography though so it might be a bit of a long shot.

**Dodge** · 03/05/2006, 12:30 PM

Originally Posted by drinkfeckarse

I personally think Robbie Fowler might be a dark horse,

I'll lay you 500/1 (min bet �50 to be piad up front)

England have very little chance of the world cup. They have no left footed player in the squad if Cole and Bridge aren't back. Their midfielders have not worked together despite 3/4 years of trying and now their only genuine world class player is banjaxed.

Can England wina world cup with this team?

-----------------Robinson---------------------
Neville - Ferdinand - Terry - Bridge/ A. Cole
Beckham - Gerard - Lampard - J. Cole
-------Crouch ----- Owen----------------

I don't think so

**drinkfeckarse** · 03/05/2006, 12:57 PM

Originally Posted by Dodge

I'll lay you 500/1 (min bet �50 to be piad up front)

Tempting and I appreciate the offer

but if I was going to put money on it, it wouldn't be that much. Did you not see the last sentence of my last post. He might be dark horse but it would still be unlikely I think and I need to have a small sniff of a chance before I part with any money.

**Aldini98** · 03/05/2006, 1:13 PM

Its great he wont be playing. They wouldn't have won it anyway, their odds of 6-1 are a joke !

**razor** · 03/05/2006, 2:15 PM

Rooney is an unreal talent and with him I reckon England could very well have won it. Without him they are ordinary.
They would have beaten Portugal in the Euros if he hadn't got injured.

**M@ttitude** · 03/05/2006, 8:44 PM

I didnt see this thread or realise the rules before I started a different one, delete it if may be..

I do hope Rooney plays, I really do, I want England to have a full strength team. No Excuses. I want to find out if they can actually beat the likes of France and Brazil, or brush aside the likes of Switzerland like we couldn't!! I am definetely glad they are there and I will enjoy their games most im sure.