Sports Perspectives

By Leigh Sanders

After the latest round of international friendlies last week the time has come where around thirty men from thirty-two nations (nine hundred and sixty in total) begin to feel those pre-World Cup jitters.

Every tackle in training becomes frightening, every tweak you feel getting out of bed or up off the sofa leads to a state of panic.

Yes, it is coming up to World Cup time and the fear of missing out on an appearance at the greatest show on earth lingers at the back of the minds of every player with a look-in at making the squad of a competing nation.

For these men, aeroplanes (and a place on them) become the most important things since that one got full of snakes.

But the pressure is also on managers who have to make sure they pick a final squad of 23 that covers every situation, every emergency and that packs both enough attacking firepower and defensive steel to conquer all before them.

It never bothers Wales; only one manager in their history has ever had these worries (Jimmy Murphy in 1958), but for those managing the English side it is a regular puzzle.

I have spoken previously of my admiration of and respect for current incumbent of the “poisoned chalice,” one Fabio Capello. His knowledge of the game and unquestionable intelligence should lead him to certain World Cup glory with a team of world class talent right?

So the newspapers think every time the magic month rolls around. The most pressurising media in Europe pile it up so that even the great mind of Sven-Goran Eriksson seemed to crack in Germany four years ago.

He had decided on taking a then relative-unknown Theo Walcott along for the trip and his choice of few strikers and many midfielders came unstuck when Michael Owen’s horrific injury early on and Wayne Rooney’s red card against Portugal left the English severely lacking in threat up top.

So, Mr. Capello, if you would listen to a 22-year-old football wannabe living out his dream of being a player through internet blogs and a career in journalism then here are my tips in selecting your perfect World Cup squad.

Goalkeeper:

Such a vital position! If a goalkeeper makes a mistake then we all know what happens. They have the unfortunate ability of going from national hero to reviled zero in a matter of seconds. But they love it, and they are insane because of it.

David James is the experienced head. The 39-year-old has amassed 49 caps for his country since stepping out of that David Seaman-sized shadow and despite playing for bottom Premier League club Portsmouth has shown he still has the agility and state of mind to pull off top class saves when called upon. For his experience alone he should be taken for even if he is not number one his experience of playing at World Cups will be invaluable to the younger guys around him.

Robert Green, Chris Kirkland, Joe Hart, Ben Foster. The list of young English goalkeepers is expansive. Crucially, with the exception of Foster, all are first-team regulars for their clubs which is vital for gaining the match practice essential to World Cup nerves.

Hart looks the most assured as he makes the fewest mistakes but Kirkland and Green are two of the best shot stoppers around. For me, Kirkland is the best at commanding his area but may miss out as Capello seems to favour the others. Foster looks to have had his chance and missed it.

My Picks:

David James, Robert Green, Joe Hart

Defence:

A willingness to throw your body in front of marauding attackers and a sheer lack of respect for anything in a shirt not the colour of your own. These are the mainstays of being a defender. Ability to control a ball and play it out to your teammates is an essential bonus.

For so long the back four has been set for England but cracks have begun to show. Gary Neville can’t get in to the Manchester United team this season, Rio Ferdinand’s back problems are ongoing, Ashley Cole is currently injured and John Terry’s extra-marital activities have divided the country.

English defenders are still regular occurrences at the big clubs though and Capello has a host to choose from. Wayne Bridge’s hatred of Terry has made him unavailable and Cole may not be back in time. The left back slot could be the key.

Leighton Baines played fairly well in his debut against Egypt last week but is he ready for a World Cup? Stephen Warnock also lacks vital international experience.

The center half slot also raises some questions if Ferdinand doesn’t pull through but the Terry and Matthew Upson partnership has shown promise while Gary Cahill, Phil Jagielka and Wes Brown could also slot in. Strength in depth is key here and Capello has it.

My Picks:

Glen Johnson, Wes Brown, John Terry, Rio Ferdinand/Gary Cahill, Matthew Upson, Stephen Warnock, Ashley Cole/Leighton Baines

Midfield:

You need the ability to spray a ball round a pitch without thinking about it. You need the key to unlock any door while a bit of grit and steel in the tackle is an added bonus. One to hold the fort, one to attack the target is the preferred combination.

England’s midfield talent seems bottomless but individuals need to link together. The ongoing argument over whether Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard can play together rages on while the wings look a little flaky at times and Capello seems undecided on who to choose.

For me James Milner is a must. He is currently the best around in terms of form and has played all across the middle for Aston Villa and has even filled in at left back for England. His teammate Ashley Young is also essential as is Tottenham’s Aaron Lennon if fit. Shaun Wright-Phillips and Theo Walcott are too inconsistent while Chelsea’s Joe Cole will miss out if unpicked by his club.

Lampard, Gerrard, Gareth Barry and Michael Carrick hold a monopoly over the central berths but how does Capello fit four in to two? Only he will know.

As with David James, the experience and advice David Beckham can provide gets him on to my England plane.

My Picks:

Ashley Young, James Milner, Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard, Gareth Barry, Michael Carrick, David Beckham, Aaron Lennon/Stewart Downing

Striker:

A coach looks for the ability to make something happen from nothing. You need to have a keen eye for goal and the ability to help link your team mates in to the game and hold the ball up if they are yet to arrive. Regular goal scoring is essential.

This is where Sven got it wrong last time round. His goalscorers lacked the killer instinct, particularly when robbed of their stars.

Michael Owen is out, injury again robbing him of personal glory. Only death will prevent Wayne Rooney from participating, such is his hunger, while Peter Crouch and scoring for England are like bread and butter right now.

Emile Heskey can be a useful target man but his lack of goals at club level continues to be a concern while Carton Cole is more hot and cold than the shower in my university shack.

There could be a surprise or two here depending on form over the rest of the season and injuries.

My Picks:

Wayne Rooney, Peter Crouch, Jermain Defoe, Darren Bent, Gabriel Agbonlahor

Good luck to all involved in the race for that World Cup plane. Let’s hope there’s no snakes on this one!