Theo Walcott.....

[joeluke]

........not good enough for England so why is he playing? He has pace but hasn't a clue what to do with the ball when he gets to the edge of the opponents penalty area

Aaron Lennon is a far better option in that position

[toonmilo]

Lennon will start over Walcott.

The problem is though, we all know he has potential, certainly after his performance in Croatia. I would take him in my 23, he will prove useful coming off the bench either on the wing or up front. Pace frightens defenders and although his ball skills are not what we'd like, he can still cause problems

[joeluke]

I agree he has potential but the game against Croatia was his only good one, the rest of the time he's been mediocre

Also agree that he would be good as a 'last 20 mins' impact substitute when opposing defenders are tiring

[Davethedog]

I have to agree with Joe, no point in having all that pace but no end product he was on the pitch for 75 minutes last night got past the defender twice one good whipped ball and one cross behind. He dissapeared 2nd half I honestly thought he had been substituted.

In 15 minutes Lennon got the ball twice and on the 2nd time ripped towards the box passing a defender and getting a free kick.

I would leave Walcott behind, I know he won't be left behind because he apperas untouchable but I can't see why.

[joeluke]

He's in the untouchable camp with Heskey

[rowanwitch]

I wouldn't take Walcott or Heskey I don't think Walcott has ever lived up to the promise he showed as a youngster and Heskey while a well meaning workhorse just doesn't score enough goals...... But then I'd take SW-P over Walcott and he's not been that good this year either

[jackthehat]

Walcott has blistering pace but seems overcome by indecision as soon as he gets near the opposing box.........almost as if he's surprised himself by getting that far so quickly.........
Lennon would be my choice.

Heskey does provide an imperfect solution to the old-style long-ball game the team seems to revert to at times of crisis. Both Owen and Rooney are at a height disadvantage when this method is employed..........and constantly having the ball cut out before it reaches him increases Rooneys frustration (and petulence). Heskey has the height and weight to take these passes, hold the ball and pass to our flying forwards.

[Sqad]

Agree with JTH.

[Davethedog]

I have posted this before but if you look at all the significant victories achived by England in the last little while Heskey has been part of them, look it up start at Germany 1 England 5 and up to the present day.

I don't know why 'cause I don't rate him but the stats clearly say he adds to the side.

[rowanwitch]

added past tense I think...peter crouch is better now as a target man... One thing with Heskey though he's useful in defending set pieces perhaps that is his hidden contribution not that he helps us win more that he helps us not lose

[jackthehat]

^That's not a phrase I'm used to hearing Sqad, but thankyou. :o)

Dave - Strange, isn't it ? I don't really rate Heskey, however he seems to bring something unquantifiable to the team; something beyond the evidence that mere statistics can provide.

On current performance I believe that, whilst I am sure they'll both be in the squad, Lampard should be given preference over Gerrard; which is a complete about face for me.

[jackthehat]

Someone needs to take Peter Crouch to one side and tell him that if he wastes any more chances attempting the bicycle/overhead kick (for a spectacular photo-opportunity on the world's stage) the nation will have his knackers for a necklace !!!!

[joeluke]

Agree with Lampard over Gerrard

Gerrard has not really been on his game this season - maybe something to do with the rumours about his private life

[rowanwitch]

Agree with lampard over gerrard for a number of reasons, not least being the number of other chelsea players in team and the added understanding that brings....

Crouch may try some daft things at times but his recent england record for scoring is not bad at all... by what ever means he gets the ball in the net...

At least you wouldn't need to bend to cut his necklace components off....

[jackthehat]

Rowan - very true...........:o)

The trouble is that England don't create sufficient chances for Crouch to stuff it up by trying 'the spectacular' rather than 'the mundane'; he can put them in off his bum for all I care, just as long as the whole of the ball crosses the whole of the line.......:D

I think (if I remember correctly........) that the stats after the 2006 World Cup Finals showed Frank Lampard had more 'shots on target' (i.e. goal scoring opportunities) than anyone else in the competition, and yet failed to score !!!! Many of those shots could have been converted by his team-mates but the selfish part of him was well to the fore, at that time, and these chances were squandered. I hope that with an extra 4 years maturity he'll be more of a 'team-player' this time.

[Davethedog]

Heskey is an enigma and thats that.

Lampard, Gerrard, Barry, Parker none of them make you think world class.

4 years ago Lampard and Gerrard were supposed to be the best in the world, well there no longer close to that.

Central midfield I think is a where the real problems lie.

[in a mo]

You are 100 % correct

[Arksided]

Having read all that I have to agree with most of what has already been said, firstly although Theo Walcott does have the pace he can't think fast enough so Aaron Lennon would be my choice no question.

Hesky, I simply can't believe he's been mentioned let alone been considered?

Gerrard or Lampard on recent performances it has to go to Lampard especially with the Chelsea contingent as mentioned. Also agree the problems are caused by Englands midfield (left sided winger anyone?) ;-)