England's 23 man World Cup squad

England's 23 man World Cup squad:
Goalkeepers: Rob Green, David James, Joe Hart

Defenders: Rio Ferdinand, Ashley Cole, Glen Johnson, John Terry, Jamie Carragher, Stephen Warnock, Matthew Upson, Ledley King

Midfielders: Gareth Barry, Michael Carrick, Joe Cole, Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard, Aaron Lennon, James Milner, Shaun Wright-Phillips

Strikers: Wayne Rooney, Emile Heskey, Jermain Defoe, Peter Crouch


Those that didn't make it from the 30 man squad:
Bent, Walcott, Baines, Adam Johnson, Tom Huddlestone, Scott Parker, Michael Dawson


To all those who decry Peter Crouch's presence in the squad you should note that Peter Crouch has started 18 games for England but has 21 goals, equal with Mick Channon and Kevin Keegan. OK Peter Crouch has 38 caps but the goals scored comparison still stands.

However looking at that squad I am not filled with World Cup optimism. The choice of goalkeeper is weak, none of the three are a peter Shilton or David Seaman let alone a Gordon Banks.

The defence also looks shaky with John Terry past his best and Rio Ferdinand seemingly returning to his error strewn early days. Jamie Carragher is not the man he was two years ago and the less said about Matthew Upson the better. Ledley King is not fit enough to play in more than one match a week and Stephen Warnock has no experience. That leaves Ashley Cole who is still good going forward but his defence has gone backwards since 2006.

In midfield Gareth Barry must play if fit as must Stephen Gerrard. Michael Carrick no longer impresses, so once again Gareth Barry must stay fit. I am pleased that Joe Cole is in the squad as he has talent and experience and is more reliable than the younger wingers dropped from the squad today. If Frank Lampard can be fitted into a team with Stephen Gerrard then I will be happy but I don't see how that will work unless Heskey is dropped and Gerrard moved forward. Aaron Lennon and Shaun Wright-Phillips are I presume there as cover for Joe Cole and as possible impact players if England are a goal down with 15 minutes left to play. James Milner is cover across many positions and so worth a place.

Up front Wayne Rooney must play but who with is the question. Jermain Defoe is there as cover for Rooney, they don't seem to play well together but might have to if England find themselves behind and chasing a game. Peter Crouch and Emile Heskey are the chosen foils for Wayne Rooney's skills and I do see the point in them but playing Emile Heskey does mean playing with just one goalscoring striker and Peter Crouch does seem to be called for more fouls than is warranted.


No more football analysis until the World Cup starts...