Now that Wenger has confirmed that Jack Wilshere will miss the rest of the season and the Euro's, what does this mean for England? Having now lost arguably our best midfielder, how do you think England will line up? My biggest fear is that Gareth Barry will be asked to fill in and any mobility or dynamism that Wilshere might have brought will disappear and England will be made to look even more pedestrian than usual.
Another point to consider; if Stuart Pearce is asked to be caretaker for the tournament, will he leave all the younger players out so he can take them to the Olympics? Will we be forced to watch the same old drivel (plus Scott Parker) that we have been used to in the last few major finals?
I personally think that a fairly young squad with little or no expectation on their shoulders should be taken to Euro 2012, with the Olympic squad working around it. I do, though, believe that Gerrard should play the AM role with two holding midfielders behind him. This would give him an element of freedom, especially in the games that Rooney is suspended. Ironically the midfield is still quite "old" but with the loss of Wilshere our options are limited, and Carrick has been like a new player this season.
Based on these points, my starting 11 would be as follows;
Hart
K.Walker Richards Smalling Baines
Parker Carrick
Gerrard
A.Johnson Welbeck (Rooney) Young
Subs:
Green
Stockdale
Ferdinand
P.Jones
A.Cole
Walcott
Cleverley
Milner
Sturridge
Defoe
The Loss of Wilshere & Other Things
posted on 17/4/12
I'd try this team..
Joe Hart,
Richards, Cahill, Terry, Cole,
S.Parker, Carrick,
Sturridge, Rooney, Chamberlain,
Welbeck.
Adam Johnson to come in for Rooney when he's suspended.
posted on 17/4/12
I agree with that team but you'd have to take Downing. His stats have been poor this season but he's put in great performances.
posted on 17/4/12
Downing? A man with no assists to his name this season? If he can't make the step up from Villa to a poor Liverpool side, how do you expect him to have an impact in a major international tournament?
He's had enough chances in my opinion. Would rather bring in the Ox as opposed to him. Already looks infinitely more effective.
posted on 20/4/12
Hart
Walker Cahill Lescott baines
Parker Barry
Young Gerrard Downing
Holt
posted on 21/4/12
I'd attempt to try and coax back Scholes for this competition only as he's the closest we're gunna get to Wilshere. Even as a Spurs fan i have to say Wilshere is vital to the future of the England side as we play so much better in a 4-2-3-1 with a midfield 3 that keep the passes simple.
That to me means no Gerrard or Lampard so i'd go:
Hart
Richards Ferdinand Smalling A.Cole
Parker Carrick
Lennon Scholes Sturridge
Rooney
People will question inclusion of Lennon but it's not just Spurs bias (see Richards over Walker). Every time he gets the ball the opposition are on the back foot and he actually puts in a lot of defensive work which would help protect Richards massively.