Euro 2004 - pick your starting sides

[marc71178]

And he considers Hernan Crespo, Jaun Sebastian Veron, and El-Hadji Diouf, Rivaldo as some of football's grestest ever players, yet somebody like John Charles, who was one of Wales greatest ever player didnt get named.

That's because of the constraints placed on him, but don't worry about the facts.

 

[Waughney]

France (4-4-2)

Barthez

Thuram - Gallas - Mexes - Silvestre

Dacourt - Veira - Zidane - Pires

Henry - Trezequet

What about Wiltord?? Is he injured or something otherwise I think he should be in there.

 

[Craig]

What about Wiltord?? Is he injured or something otherwise I think he should be in there.

He is the squad IIRC, he would be on the bench for me.

I'm glad they picked Louis Saha.

 

[PY]

As much as I don't like Rooney, I think he will probably start with Owen. I would like to see Vassell start a couple though because he has looked sharp when he has come on in international games.

PY's England XI

James

Neville Terry Campbell Bridge

Gerrard
Beckham Lampard
Scholes

Owen Rooney

Never used to like Lampard as a player but this year he has come into his own as a complete player of international quality.

 

[marc71178]

I'm glad they picked Louis Saha.

So am I - shows that they have no depth after Henry and Trezeguet.

 

[Craig]

Despite being one of the leading goal scorers this year?

He's been in far more form then Owen, Rooney, Vassell and Heskey (in the goal scoring department) and the ycant all be tap in's. Or you dont like every player who runs around in a red Vodafone shirt?

 

[Craig]

As much as I don't like Rooney, I think he will probably start with Owen. I would like to see Vassell start a couple though because he has looked sharp when he has come on in international games.

PY's England XI

James

Neville Terry Campbell Bridge

Gerrard
Beckham Lampard
Scholes

Owen Rooney

Never used to like Lampard as a player but this year he has come into his own as a complete player of international quality.

And if Rio was suspended you guys would have four very good defenders in Rio, Terry, Campbell and Bridge.

And Gareth Southgate and Jonathon Woodgate are certainly not bad defenders.

 

[marc71178]

And if Rio was suspended you guys would have four very good defenders in Rio, Terry, Campbell and Bridge.

And Gareth Southgate and Jonathon Woodgate are certainly not bad defenders.

It's all well going on about ifs, but only 2 centre backs play, and those other 3 are unavailable, so we have to hope that Sol and John stay fit - also, you think Bridge is good, but not Ashley Cole?

 

[marc71178]

Despite being one of the leading goal scorers this year?

He's been in far more form then Owen, Rooney, Vassell and Heskey (in the goal scoring department) and the ycant all be tap in's. Or you dont like every player who runs around in a red Vodafone shirt?

It's not all about the goal-scoring and I actually had the same view while he was at Fulham - to select him over the likes of Anelka was crazy.

And to say he's in great goal-scoring form is misleading.

1 goal in 6 games in a team that create that many chances?

Owen has more than that.

 

[Craig]

It's all well going on about ifs, but only 2 centre backs play, and those other 3 are unavailable, so we have to hope that Sol and John stay fit - also, you think Bridge is good, but not Ashley Cole?

Ashley Cole is good, and at times he has to remember he is a defender, but the question is, would he be a certainty for England if he didnt play for Arsenal?

It's easier to look very good at a very good side.

 

[Craig]

It's not all about the goal-scoring and I actually had the same view while he was at Fulham - to select him over the likes of Anelka was crazy.

I think he burnt to many bridges with Jacques Santani, that's probably why. Even though he has made up with him.

 

[marc71178]

Ashley Cole is good, and at times he has to remember he is a defender, but the question is, would he be a certainty for England if he didnt play for Arsenal?

It's easier to look very good at a very good side.

But a club like Arsenal wouldn't persist with him (and the club be so successful) for so long if he didn't have talent.

 

[EnglishRose]

Barthez won't be in goal for France.

Also, France have plenty of depth in strikers after Trezeguet and Henry -- saha, Luyindula and Govou are all quality forwards.

 

[Craig]

But a club like Arsenal wouldn't persist with him (and the club be so successful) for so long if he didn't have talent.

I never said he never had any talent or wasnt good.

What I'm saying that he can be made to look even better because he plays for a top club and being in a top club helps your chances of being in the England set-up or in any other case.

Heck they had kept Keown (sp) for quite a few years and when was the last time he did anything?

 

[Craig]

Barthez won't be in goal for France.

He will.

I was surprised Frey wasnt picked.

 

[marc71178]

Heck they had kept Keown (sp) for quite a few years and when was the last time he did anything?

You obviously haven't seen him playing - up to this season he's been fairly regular and a manager like Wenger wouldn't keep him if he weren't up to it...