What is England's best XI now?

Match report: Germany 1 England 2 | Capello's 24-carat gold reserves | How England rated | Debate: what is England's best XI now? | Agbonlahor merits inclusion in long-term plans | Rise and rise of Captain Responsible | Wenger eyes Walcott compensation | Giles Smith: was it meaningful enough to put I'm a Celebrity on hold for a night? | Debate: were Carson and Bent the only losers in Berlin?

Injuries to several of his best players meant that Fabio Capello named only three of his first-choice XI against Germany but they still won 2-1 in Berlin. Should he, then, change his preferred line-up?

Several of the players who started last night certainly did enough to suggest they should form part of Capello's long-term plans, most notably Gabriel Agbonlahor and Michael Carrick, though Matthew Upson and Stewart Downing played an important part in the victory, too. Not quite as good but still adequate were Glen Johnson, Wayne Bridge and Shaun Wright-Phillips.

Will they have forced Capello to rethink his best team? Let us know in the comment box below.

Comments

[jack]

james

johnson, terry, ferdinand, a. cole

Walcott, barry, lampard, Gerrard

Hesky (abonglahor), Rooney

[Luca S.]

------------------------James-------------------------
Richards----Terry----King/Ferdinand---A.Cole
------------Gerrard/Carrick-------------------------
Walcott/SWP--------------------J.Cole/A.Young
----------------------------Lampard------------------
--------Rooney----------------------------------------
--------------------------------Agbonlahor-----------

Subs: Lennon,D.Bent,Mancienne,Bridge,Heskey,Downing,Brown

The Problem with Barry is, he is excatly the same type of Player Gerrard is. There is no doubt though, that Gerrard is the better of them.

Lampard looks like he reproduces his Chelsea form for England under Capello (interestingly always performing under good Tacticians), and given that form he simply is undroppable.

Ferdinand seems to be a shadow of the Ferdinand United bought some years ago.

Whether to play Gerrard or Carrick depends on the oppositon, if you need someone to sit back and keep possesion, play Carrick( he's a bit like John Obi Mikel), if you need a dynamic driving force play Gerrard.

If you need someone like Drogba to control balls and keep the ball in the attacking third, play Heskey, he can keep possession and pass the ball on (which often is important, as we have seen during the Croatia win.)

Personally I tend to play young, skliful lads with lots of pace, so I like to see players like SWP,A.Young,Agbonlahor,Walcott and Darren Bent. They represent the modern football which is played in the Premier League or in Spain's La Liga, keeping a high tempo during the game, as to where Crouch, Barry and the altering Owen slow the pace of the game unnecessarily down.

[Dean]

I'd like to see how Rooney and Agbonlahor would play together and I'd also like to see how A.Cole and Downing would do, but up to now its:

James or Hart
Johnson or Richards
Any 2 from Terry/Ferdinand/Upson
Either Bridge or A.Cole
Walcott
Either Gerrard or Lampard or Carrick
Either Barry or Hargreaves
Either Downing or J.Cole
Rooney
Heskey

James
Richards Terry Ferdinand A.Cole

Lampard Carrick

Gerrard J. Cole
Rooney


Agbonlahor

I think that Richards was far more impressive than any other England right back since his run of games last year. The rest of the defence picks itself. Midfield is obviously the most difficult area for Capello. For me Downing will struggle against top right backs, where as Joe Cole has proved he can get the better against these. I would have an elusive, roaming trio comprising of Cole, Gerrard and Rooney with the latter slightly more advanced. Lampard and Carrick would provide the passing to allow these three to flourish. Up front Agbonlahor for me is a quicker and more clinical version of Heskey and I believe that he would be the perfect foil for Rooney.

[WillG]

Current team:

•••••••••••James•••••••••••
Johnson Terry Ferdinand A Cole
••••••••Barry Lampard••••••
SWP•••••••Rooney••••••J Cole
•••••••••••Heskey••••••••••

Team for 2010:

••••••••••Foster•••••••••••
Richards Terry Ferdinand A Cole
•••••••Barry•••Carrick•••••••
Walcott•••Rooney••••A Young
••••••••Abonglahor•••••••••

[Simon]

Starting XI

GK: James (possibly Simonsen if he got some games in for Stoke, great goalkeeper)
RB: Neville (definately his last WC)
CB: Terry
CB: Ferdinand (I expect to see Ryan Shawcross here in a few years time!)
LB: Bridge
RAM: J.Cole
CM: Carrick
CM: Barry
LAM: Downing
RF: Heskey
LF: Rooney

The problem with the Lampards and the Gerrards is that they simply expect to be playing for England. I've noticed that whenever England put out a "B" team they always play far better than the "A" team, because the so called A team is full of individuals! The team last night (apart from the Carson incident) played brilliantly together and it was a joy to watch!

[Nev]

James

Johnson (Just ahead of Micah Richards)
Terry
Ferdinand
A. Cole

Walcott
Barry
Lampard (Not a fan, but works well with Barry)
Downing

Rooney
Heskey

[Robert Hillery]

James - Robinson

Brown - Johnson/Richards/Neville
Ferdinand
Terry
A.Cole

Walcott - Beckham/Wright-Phillps/Bentley
Hargreaves - Barry/Carrick
Lampard - Gerrard
Gerrard - J.Cole/Downing/A.Young

Rooney

Heskey - Agbonlahor/Defoe/Crouch/Owen/Ashton.

England still need a long term goalkeeper, Ben Foster and Joe Hart are nice prospects for that postion.

Right back is the only issue in defence that needs to be resolved, I make Wes Brown to be in the lead so far.

Midfeild we know Capello likes to have at least 1 holding player. That is a postion up for grabs, Hargreaves, Carrick, Barry and maybe even Huddlestone could own it.

We have the Gerrard-Lampard debate to final sort as well, Gerrard from the left has worked so far has'nt it but that means dropping J.Cole with Downing and Young knocking at the door.

Heskey brings the best out of Rooney but there are diffrent options to him as well, Agbonlahor, Defoe, Owen, Crouch and even Ashton can still make their mark.

[Neil Thomas]

GK - R. Green
RB - M. Richards
CB - R. Ferdiand
CB - L. King (When fit)
LB - A. Cole
ARM - T. Walcott
MC - M. Carrick
MC - G. Barry
MC - S. Gerrard
AML - J. Cole
FC - W. Rooney

[A Syed]

England's Best XI:

James
Johnson - Terry - Ferdinand - A.Cole
Walcott - Lampard - Carrick - J. Cole
Rooney - Heskey

Subs:
Green - Upson - Richards - Bridge - Brown (defence)

WrightPhillips- Beckham- Hargreaves - Barry- Downing (midfield)

Agbonlahor - Owen - Defoe (forward)

[Bryan]

The team played well but defended too deep in the second half - an old England trait. SWP has to learn not to keep running into the opposing defender, and Downing had a better than usual game for him - possibly because their right back had little to no pace.

How Chelsea thinks A Cole is still their best left back is beyond me as I think he has declined, probably due to the weight of carrying that 'only £5k etc' around in his pocket.

Main thing was that the players stepped up to the plate and did us and themselves proud.

Well done.

[Jimmy]

James

Johnson Ferdinand Terry A. Cole

Walcott Barry Gerrard J. Cole

Heskey

Rooney

This is the first time in a long time there seems to be true competition brewing across the field in every position for England. Carrick and Lampard are starting to look the part of international midfielders again, we are well stocked on the right and with Downing putting in a great performance last night, you sense he could be first choice before long. The spate of injuries to many of the established players prior to last night's friendly is arguably the best thing that has happened to the development of this England squad in years.

[Howard]

Whilst it was a hugely satisfying result last night, Germany hardly lived up to their FIFA rating of 2nd in the world - I don't remember them having a shot in anger. Still Carrick was the standout for me and seems to be at the top of his game at the moment. Impressive also was the way England always looked like winning, and when they gave away a silly goal just picked up the same confident tempo again.

With the abundance of players now having proved themselves to Capello, its more a question of picking a squad. The team would then be selected based on the weaknesses and strengths of the opposition or to execute a specific tactical plan. The squad would be comprised of most of those involved last night plus, obviously, the high profile absentees noted here. Of players who weren't involved James Milner and Dean Ashton are worth a look at. And by 2010 Leeds' Fabian Delph will have established himself as a full England international.

[Mike]

Well said Simon Nicholls. The biggest positive from this 'friendly' is Mr Capello. Thankyou. I now enjoy watching England again! For the record i'd like to see Carrick and Lampard together. Bridge is a better long term defensive option than A Cole My team for the next game would be:
James, Rio, JT, Johnson, Bridge, J Cole, Lampard, Carrick, Walcott, Rooney, Heskey - Gerrard to replace Lampard or Carrick at half time. Agbonlahor coming on upfront for Heskey to provide pace and energy in the 2nd half.

[Dawinderpal Sahota]

Theoretically, if everyone was fit and in-form today, I'd go with:

James,
Brown, Rio, Terry, A.Cole
Theo, Lampard, Hargreaves, Gerrard
Heskey, Rooney

However, this would change slightly depending on opposition, eg a team like Macedonia would just try and defend, so it'd be worth playing Johnson instead of Brown, and maybe Barry instead of Hargreaves to break them down. But the team listed above would be better for facing higher quality opposition. Joe Cole would be a great impact sub, and Gerrard would really need to appreciate that the left-attacking-midfield slot is perfect for him in a set-up like England's. Just watch clips of Ronaldinho's old games at Barca, or Seedorf's time at Milan - and take note. And an in-form SWP and Jenas would be great to have on the bench.

[jimmy shelter]

Great result last night. Surely this puts to bed the great Lampard/Gerrard debate and makes both of them squad players who fill in for injuries? They are both great players, but the team looks awkward when they play, and last night the midfield looked well balanced, calm, productive and safe. I'd keep that midfield. Its a bit tough on Hargreaves - he could find himself at the start of next season struggling even to make the squad - and on Joe Cole.

My team:
1) James (but hurry up Foster)
2) Brown (Hargreaves here?)
3) Cole
4) Terry
5) Ferdinand
6) Carrick
7) Walcott or Wright-Phillips
8) Barry
9) Heskey/Agbonlahor/Owen
10) Rooney
11) Downing (He has a left foot.)

The biggest problems seem to be goalkeeper and striker. David James is ok, probably better than that at present, but we need a confident understudy, like we might now have across the rest of the defence. Up front, Agbonlahor is not ready, although if he learns his trade quickly he will be a fantastic player. Heskey and Owen are both good England strikers, but may never have a sustained run of fitness again. Defoe and Bent don't look the part.

By the way, I'm still chuckling at the other post that suggests Carragher. We know JT and Rio can do it, now we know Upson can do it, and there's a good chance Woodgate can too. So why do we need a player whose greatest attribute is a passion for the shirt, when it ain't an England shirt?

[Damian Nevins]

Form and fitness permitting:

Gk James
LB Cole A
CB Woodgate
CB Ferdinand
RB Neville/Brown
LM Cole J
CM Gerrard
CM Carrick/Barry/Hargreaves
RM Walcott
CF Rooney
CF Heskey

[Geoff Curtis]

I think that the winner is S Capello, His system worked with a different group of players.

I wonder if he has ever seen Micah Richards play at right back as he plays central defender at A Villa ?

My Team ;

James/Green
Richards
Ferdinand
Terry
A Cole / Bridge
Bentley
Lampard/ Gerrard
Carrick / Barry
Downing
Wright - Philips
Walcot : Agbonalahor

With loads of talent on Subs bench.

[Matt]

I don't think such a victory tells us anything new about our first choice starting XI.

To make changes based on this friendly would be ridiculous.

What it DOES tell us is that when first teamers are out, we now have players who can step up AND fit in the team.

One of our problems for many years is that with no plan B, when players came in, they didn't fit and things went belly up.

[JAMIE]

GK-James
RB-Richards
CB-Carragher.but that wont happen so Terry
CB-Ferdinand
LB-Lescott
RWM-S-W-Phillips/Agbonlahor
RAM-Gerrard
CDM_Barry/Carrick
LAM-Lampard
LWM-Young/Cole
ST-Rooney/Heskey

[Sam]

GK - James

LB - Ashley Cole
CB - Terry
CB - Fedinand
RB - Richards

LM - Cole
CM - Hargreaves
CM - Gerrard/Lampard
RM - Walcott

F - Rooney
F - Agbonlahor/Heskey

HARGREAVES was our best player in the World Cup by far. He was the best technically, the fittest and didn't miss his penalty so can handle pressure. He is injury prone yes, but if he is fit he has to play.

[MJ]

1) Robinson/ Foster (in time)
2) Johnson/ Brown
3) A. Cole
4) Ferdinand
5) Terry
6) Carrick/ Barry
7) Lampard/ Gerrard
8) Left: A. Young/ Gerrard
9) Right: Walcott/ Gerrard
10) Rooney/ Agbhonlahor
11) Heskey (for the time being)

The issues to resolve are:

i) Walcott is not proven despite one great game. Gerrard could be great on the right, but then we need pace elsewhere - say hello Mr Ashley Young
ii) Lampard/ Gerrard - one or 'toher please
iii) Heskey - whatever else is said 5 goals is pitiful in 50+ games. There are other strong and quick players out there, bring 'em on

[Phil]

Carrick definitely deserves a shot at the holding role ahead of Barry who does not seem best suited to that position.

James
Brown
Cole, A.
Carrick
Ferdinand
Terry
Walcott/Cole, J./Young
Lampard
Heskey
Rooney
Gerrard

Hargreaves would challenge for a spot if fit. I would have Owen in the squad, and maybe if Gary Neville played more regularly for Man U and got back into good form I would take another look at him.

[max grundill]

1james/robinson
2Glen Johnson
3john terry
4Rio ferdinad
5M richards
6gareth barry
7M carrick
8 Fank lampard/Steven Gerrard
11Theo Walcott
9Jermaine Defoe
10Peter Crouch/Wayne Rooney/agbonalahor

[Timothy Tanner]

Let's not get overexcited by one win, the likes of Downing and Johnson struggled against Andorra, Barry suffered loss of form for country recently, SWP collapsed during 2008 run in, Upson and Bridge played poorly against Belarus. There won't be much change from first choice 11 I imagine.

1) (GK) Robinson/Kirkland
2) (LB) A.Cole
3) (CB) Terry
4) (CB) Ferdinand
5) (RB) Brown
6) (DM) Carrick
7) (CM) Lampard
8) (LAM) Gerrard/Joe Cole
9)(RAM) Walcott
10) (CF) Rooney/Owen
11)(CF) Heskey