Rich

My little brother's first ever game. He cried because it was "too loud". Had a cracking seat in the Milburn Paddock at the Leazes End to see the best of the goals.

TT! Classic.

Seems to be doing very well down there, hope he can continue his form throughout the season.

It's Kieron Dyer! He's past van Wonderen!! Oh and Dyer blocked.... BELLAMY!!! IT'S IN!!! OHHHH EXTRAORDINARY!!! :indi: :indi: :indi: :indi: :indi: :indi: :indi: :indi: :indi: :indi: :indi: :indi: :indi: :indi: :indi: :indi: :indi: :indi: :indi: :indi: :indi: :indi: :indi: :indi: :indi: :indi: :indi: :indi: :indi: :indi: :indi: :indi: :indi: :indi: :indi: :indi: :indi: :indi: :indi: :indi: :indi: :indi: :indi: :indi: :indi: :indi: :fwap: :fwap: :fwap: :fwap: :fwap: :fwap: :fwap: :fwap: :fwap: :fwap: :fwap: :fwap: :fwap: :fwap: :fwap: :fwap: :fwap: :fwap: :fwap: :fwap: :fwap: :fwap: :fwap: :fwap: :fwap: :fwap: :fwap: :fwap: :fwap: :fwap: :fwap: :fwap: :fwap: :fwap: :fwap: :fwap: :fwap: :fwap: :fwap: :fwap: :fwap: :fwap: :fwap: :fwap: :fwap: :fwap: :fwap: :fwap: :fwap: :fwap: :fwap: :fwap: :fwap: :fwap: :fwap: :fwap: :fwap: :fwap: :fwap: :fwap: :fwap: :fwap: :fwap: :fwap: :fwap: :fwap: :fwap: :fwap: :fwap: :fwap: :fwap: :fwap: :fwap: :fwap: :fwap: :fwap: :fwap: :fwap: :fwap: :fwap: :fwap: :fwap: :fwap: :fwap: :fwap: :fwap: :fwap: :fwap: :fwap: :fwap: :fwap: :fwap: :fwap: :fwap: :fwap: :fwap: :fwap: :fwap: :fwap: :fwap: :fwap: :fwap:

Cheers. He's raw, but I can't think of many better players to bring on with 20 remaining if we need to get in behind. That would be my thinking with him as well.

Agbonlahor! Didn't even cross my mind. Cracking shout Ronny. Having that kind of raw pace as an option would be pretty invaluable as both Defoe and Bent are a bit "meh" on the international stage in my opinion.

My England Squad - World Cup 2010 Goalkeepers: D. James, B. Foster, R. Green. Defenders: G. Johnson, W. Brown, J. Terry, R. Ferdinand, J. Woodgate, M. Upson, A. Cole, W. Bridge. Midfielders T. Walcott, A. Lennon, D. Beckham, O. Hargreaves, G. Barry, S. Gerrard, F. Lampard, J. Cole. Forwards W. Rooney, J. Defoe, P. Crouch, E. Heskey. I think the 'keepers pick themselves and are a definite weak point of our squad, none of them have claimed the jersey as their own in my eyes. In defence I'm not thrilled at having Wes Brown in there based on his performance tonight, but he can cover RB/CB and will only get better as he gets back to full match fitness and playing regularly. Aside from that I've gone for Woodgate as I still think he's quality when he's fit. Knowing he'll probably be crocked come the summer then Lescott would probably be next in line, although he also needs to get his finger out. Warnock could be pushing Bridge by the end of the season if both players continue on their current trajectories, but I think the rest picks itself. Midfield is a bit of a nightmare simply due to the amount of options, but no doubt in reality injuries will make the situation far less complex. I think, if fit, the 8 that I've selected will go, with Michael Carrick unlucky to miss out and with Wright-Phillips missing out to two better options in Lennon and Walcott. While Milner is getting a lot of time now, with all of those fit I don't think he gets a sniff of being included in the squad. Ashley Young, for whatever reason, just doesn't seem fancied. Up front is another ballache as we're hardly blessed at the moment. Rooney goes without saying and I think Peter Crouch has to go, just because of the different option his gangly frame provides. I think Heskey has done enough to remain in there as a reliable option for Capello, as long as he gets enough minutes for Villa and the fourth striker I would honestly just have between Defoe and Bent right now. If it was me selecting I'd be tempted to take the risk and bring Carrick instead of a 4th striker (as Walcott can play up top and Lennon is a more than able deputy, perhaps even as good an option in certain games, depending on who plays up top). James Johnson Terry Ferdinand A. Cole Hargreaves Lampard Walcott Gerrard J. Cole Rooney Already posted this, but it would be my first choice XI if everyone was fit and if we had the squad I suggested. Beckham, Crouch and Lennon in particular could provide inspiration from the bench if necessary, but beyond that we'd be struggling for inspiration outside of these players. As Ronaldo mentioned, maybe we wouldn't see the best of Rooney in this formation and in that case I'd take a hit and move Heskey up top, but an agonising decision would remain for who to remove from the midfield for Rooney to play in behind. I think it would come down to Walcott or J. Cole, as I can't see one of Lampard or Gerrard being removed. One benefit from this would be an extra inspirational option added to the bench (which is an oft-needed facet of World Cup play). In summary of this selection though, I think the back five is undoubtedly our best bet and provides pace and attacking from the fullbacks while having the core 3 of James, Terry and Ferdinand to hopefully keep a steady ship. Hargreaves' endless running would hopefully free up Lampard to be involved in setting moves away and supporting the forward players. In an ideal world, him and Gerrard would swap around, but I feel Gerrard is best being "off the leash" and "in behind" a lone striker. Lampard does his best work a little deeper, breaking into the box late. Walcott and Cole provide pace, flair and invention on the wings, with a good prospect of goals from both as well (one of the main reasons Theo gets the nod ahead of Lennon, also to do with the lack of an aerial target for crosses) and Rooney is our talisman. He may get frustrated doing the donkey work up top and we may miss his link-up play between the midfield and the attack, but you'd hope the three "attacking" midfielders are good enough to carry the weight. Obviously there'll be injuries and the starting XI will probably look very different, but it's nice to dream.

Howay then, the game's over and I've nowt better to do for a bit. If people can be arsed, let's talk squad of 23 and first XI for the summer, in an ideal world. I'll get mine up.

That would be the main issue for me, as well. Had this discussion last weekend with my old uncle, who is the biggest football head I've ever known. I think, if fit, then that team has all of our best players on the pitch (Joe Cole absolutely has to play for me), but it could be guilty of squeezing them all into the starting XI at the expense of tactics (in some instances).

Argh, didn't mean to post it. Was gonna ask the usual "what's your England XI for the World Cup" question and post it with that. I've blown my load too soon.

James Johnson Terry Ferdinand A. Cole Hargreaves Lampard Walcott Gerrard J. Cole Rooney

Due back next weekend, apparently. Fingers crossed he stays fit 'cos he'd be in my first XI for England.

Hargreaves. Everyone always forgets Hargreaves. Sometimes even I forget Hargreaves. Fucking outstanding in 2006.

Don't forget Emile and super David James.

8-1 for the draw in live play. If I had any money in my account I'd be daft enough to stick some on that.

Lucio makes me jizz sometimes.

Walcott's suffered with injuries recent times, basically, it's definitely hindering him but he has had some exceptional games for club and country when he has been fit. I agree that Lennon is improving as well, and I like him a lot, I just think if it was between the two of them and they were both fit and on form, Walcott would get the nod. And here comes Hulk, lovely to watch for Porto.

Walcott's position, if/when he's fit enough, you'd think. They're all much of a muchness, tbh. It's between him and Lennon for me. SWP wouldn't even get a sniff if they were both fit, he's been disappointing time and time again for England unfortunately. He's went down the pan generally, really, since he was tearing it up at Man City.

WHEYYYYY!

Wesley man, sort it out for fuck's sake.

Walcott's position, if/when he's fit enough, you'd think.

Lovely goal, but defending was shoddy.

So was Sherla. Aye, and Shola's the best thing since sliced bread these days! Good sign... Wholemeal sliced bread? Let's say germwheat.

So was Sherla. Aye, and Shola's the best thing since sliced bread these days! Good sign...