Ronaldo

No that's Arshavin No, that's Maradona.

I love him even more after hearing that.

has a cock like a coke can Source? He was a member at the David LLoyd in South Gosforth and apparently used to taunt the Marines by getting out the tripod in the sauna.

How was Bramble a prick?

when was his ability being disputed? You dont think his attitude during pre season could have soured any return for him? He was the only player to visably show his desire to get away by petty squabbles on the pitch and strops while leaving it. Even Bassong put in a half shift when picked. You asked 'why would we take him back?' That's the only reason I can think of.

Because he's a good defender?

Dabizas was bought when G Caldwell was 15 years old, what on earth are you talking about? O'Brien was brought in when Caldwell was 18 on the back of some good performances for Bradford in the premiership. Neither were sterling but Dabizas in particular was a competent premiership defender in his day.

It'll be Lovenkrands - Ranger surely?

Yes but Gary Caldwell was judged correctly, not good enough for the premiership.

eh?

Explored, absolutely. You said that you would be happy to see them start, I presumed you were on about the WC.

It's all about how they play together, not how good they are as individuals for their respective clubs. That's why Italy won it last time with Marco Materazzi as their top scorer.

How many times have Cole and Rooney played together? Bad bad idea, unless he signs for Man U and they develop an incredible partnership.

Where's Messi gone? Shame he couldn't admit his mistake like a real son of Norn Iron. Well if the mackem said it.....

Rooney played off Ruud. Is that too difficult for you to understand? And it was 2 seasons.

As a striker I'd take Shearer over Rooney any day. Rooney playing off Shearer, now that would have been sublime. Rooney plays too deep to play off people. Lineker would work much better. Defo take Shearer over Rooney though. Al in his prime is in a completely different league to anything Rooney's produced thus far. To be honest I don't even know why I'm replying to one of your posts in this thread. But the opening statement is complete nonsense given the way Rooney and Van Nistelrooj played together.

Jade Goody started it.

Truth be told I was 11 when Shearer had his injury and I never watched England's games with the same concentration I did for say a Monday night football between Leicester and Man City. My opinion isn't as valid as it could be but it would take an awful lot to beat Rooney who's always looked pretty damn brilliant in an England shirt imo.

I think he was perhaps the best striker in the world from 95-97 from those I saw. I never saw Shearer really excel in an England shirt except for Euro 96 though. In terms of ability i'd definetly go for Rooney, although a prime Shearer would be a better bet for a goal.

I'm not going to ignite the Shearer debate again, he was a great, great player at his best. But some of you live in dreamland in regards to his talents.

My first memory of football is my dad shouting his name during WC 90.

I was born a couple of days after the 86' tournament so I can't comment on that or 90'. It was the striker comment I was referring to though. I don't think Shearer was quite as good as Rooney, but pretty close.

Name a better one.

The defence and midfield are better than I can remember, and Rooney is the best striker i've ever seen in an England shirt. The problem is, goals win games and Rooney doesn't have a fantastic record when it matters.