SWP is an RM Matt
I'd play him instead of Beckham. Downing or Cole (Joe) on the left. SWP is England's only genuine winger and should be given every opportunity to give England that little bit of something different in his favoured position. Also Garry Neville is an RB
England has a very solid squad for the 2006 WC. I think anything less than a semi-final appearance would be a big underachievement for them. Admittedly though, there remain a few minor concerns in terms of personel. LM is a position that still hasn't been held down by one player. Cole and Downing are both good players who can do a good job there but neither have played there for long enough to make that position their own. Gerrard and Lampard are 2 amazing midfielders. They're both box-to-box- strong in the tackle and capable of both scoring and setting up goals up the other end. Unfortunately neither of them really seem to enjoy doing the defending and tend to leave a big gap behind them when they both push forward. Having such a good back 4 helps, but I get the feeling that against quick counterattacking teams they could be in a spot of bother.
A bigger problem is the manager. He has one of the world's most exciting RMs at his disposal in SWP, but his Beckham love knows no ends and he simply refuses to drop him. To be fair Beckham did play well last season at Madrid but I still think England would be better served with a more traditional winger who get beat people, score goals and put a good cross in.. rather than someone who can only put a cross in.
My England 11.
GK: Robinson
LB: A. Cole
CB: Terry
CB: Carragher
RB: G. Neville
LM: J. Cole
CM: Gerrard
CB: Lampard
RM: Wright-Phillips
CF: Rooney
CF: Owen
Bench: James, Beckham, Defoe, Hargreaves (purely for utility value)
