Whither England?

After the widely perceived disappointment of the 2-2 draw with the Czech Republic, the knives are out again in terms of criticism of the English football team. To begin with, this friendly just serves to underline, for me, the excessive and even rabid criticism that the team and the manager faces every time they step out on the pitch. The Czech Republic is not a shabby team - they have players that are with some of the top clubs in Europe, and are ranked among the top 25 nations in the world. Also, the chief aim of a friendly in my opinion, is to have a chance to try out tactics, formations and player combinations in a relatively competitive setting. Some of these tactics or combinations might work, some of them will fall flat. The point is not necessarily to go all out to win (or indeed to play your best side for the full ninety minutes).

That said, England were disappointing, especially in the second half. I have little doubt that Fabio Capello is asking serious questions about the team's performance, although perhaps without the recrimination that seems to be part and parcel of the media commentary. I offer my own little observations with regards to bringing the England team forward.

First of all, it is undeniable that England is sorely lacking in quality upfront and desperately needs to look at other striking options. Emile Heskey's performance in the friendly seems to have shown conclusively that he does not have the quality that is necessary for international football. At the international level, effort and bustle just doesn't cut it. Can you imagine Heskey playing for any other top European side like Germany, Italy or Holland? He probably wouldn't even cut it for Russia or Croatia. Wayne Rooney has borne a lot of criticism for his performances for England, but it is desperately unfair to expect him to lead the line on his own without a quality strike partner, particularly since he plays at his best dropping deep to get the ball. Even if Michael Owen were to recover his form of old, England cannot just rely count on just Owen and Rooney at the international level. Jermain Defoe is certainly a quality striker but has yet to really show that he can perform at the international level. Capello must really look at other striking options, particularly Gabriel Agbonlahor and even Dean Ashton. Andy Johnson and Peter Crouch are two other possibilities but both have flattered to deceive for England in the past.

The friendly again raised questions about the ability of Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard to play together in the England midfield. England possesses an abundance of midfield talent (unlike in the striking department) and so their struggle to find a cohesive and creative midfield quartet is baffling to say the least. England can choose from Gerrard, Lampard, Hargreaves, Carrick, Barry, Beckham, Joe Cole, Ashley Young, Wright-Phillips and even Theo Walcott to toss around just the obvious names. It might be more effective to start either Gerrard or Lampard (but not both together) and convert the other into a high impact super-sub. Neither will like it, but it might be the best way forward for England. If England are going to stick with a 4-4-2, I would suggest starting Gerrard and Hargreaves in central midfield with Hargreaves sitting back and protecting the back four while taking the primary ball distribution duties. Ledley King (if healthy) can also play that role, but his lack of long ranging passing will be a downside. Michael Carrick on the other hand is a great distributor and passer, but can't really tackle. 

As for the flanks, England has suffered because their wingers lack pace. Beckham and Joe Cole just aren't the fastest players. I would suggest playing Gareth Barry on the left (even though he too lacks pace) as he has the big advantage of being naturally left-footed. When it comes down to it, I would not start David Beckham. I believe England really need to look at developing some of their rich talent at international level and that means looking to Ashley Young, Theo Walcott and Shaun Wright-Phillips and David Bentley on the wings (I believe Walcott's natural pace and balance means he will be more effective on the wings than upfront for now). For the time being, Joe Cole can switch flanks and start on the right.

At the back, I believe that Ferdinand and Terry has the potential to be an absolutely phenomenal central defensive partnership. They are both very good in the air, tough, and good leaders. Ferdinand is perhaps the more stylish defender, and Terry can make up for Ferdinand's occasional lapses by playing the Vidic role (in an analogy to the highly successful Man Utd defensive partnership). England does have ample cover at this position, thought not as rich a pickings as they had in the past. But Jonathan Woodgate, Ledley King and Matthew Upson provides very good cover.

At the fullback position, England is blessed with two excellent left backs in the form of Ashley Cole and Wayne Bridge. Right back has turned into a rather problematic position, and indeed it has been for the better part of decade. Apart from Gary Neville, England has been very thin at this position (think Danny Mills at the World Cup). But Michah Richards must surely be developed as the long term starter at this position blessed as he is with pace and strength in abundance (though he must improve his crossing). Wes Brown has shown his ability at this position in the absence of Gary Neville at club level and would be a good back-up. Phil Neville has had a chequered England career, but is performing well at Everton and should not be totally neglected. Glen Johnson can also provide cover at right back.

I have elsewhere written about England's goalkeeping travails and previously backed David James for the No. 1 jersey. It is now clear to me however, that it may be better to find a long term replacement, and it doesn't help that James will be nearing 40 by the time the next World Cup comes around. That will be fine if you are Edwin Van Der Sar, but James is nowhere near of that quality. Short of naturalizing someone (Almunia remains the best option) the best solution would be a compromise at best. It looks like Paul Robinson will be continuing in goal though it is now vital for England develop Joe Hart and Ben Foster as future England goalkeepers. I doubt either will be ready by the World Cup, but Hart should be made the back-up to Robinson with the view of him eventually suceeding him. Rob Green and Scott Carson just don't cut it at the international level, and Chris Kirkland has been sadly derailed by injuries. 

My England line-up: Owen (Newcastle), Rooney (Man Utd), Gerrard (Liverpool), Hargreaves (Man Utd), Barry (Villa), Joe Cole (Chelsea), Richards (Man City), Ashley Cole (Chelsea), Ferdinand (Man Utd), Terry (Chelsea, captain), Robinson (Blackburn)

Bench: Agbonlahor (Villa), Walcott (Arsenal), Lampard (Chelsea), King (Tottenham), Bridge (Chelsea), Young (Villa), Hart (Man City)