Your verdict: Scott Carson and Darren Bent the only losers in Berlin?

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?

Frank Praverman

Fabio Capello refused to pick out individuals as he praised England's magnificent team performance against Germany, but each squad member will today be asking themselves one question: did I do enough?

Certainly, Michael Carrick will be wondering if his serene yet incisive passing has finally broken up the Lampard-Gerrard monopoly in the centre of midfield. And Glen Johnson could now have a legitimate shout to claim the permanent right back berth.

But two players will wonder if they will ever see another England cap. Scott Carson needed to produce a faultless display to erase the painful memories of his blunder against Croatia a year ago, but was made to look stupid as he and John Terry comically hesitated to allow Patrick Helmes the easiest of tap-ins. Terry was honest enough to admit the mistake was his, but an authoritative call from his goalkeeper would have immediately swept away the minimal danger. Even if the error was not down to him, the Keystone Cops defending would have left his confidence shot to pieces. And on the subject of confidence - how much of it could his back four have in him now?

At the other end of the pitch we have Darren Bent. His run to unlock the Germany defence was perfectly timed. His first touch to leave Tim Wiese, the goalkeeper, stranded was ideal. His finish was dreadful, as he somehow screwed his left-footed shot wide of the post with the net gaping. Replays showed his right foot slipped as he planted it but that is a matter of technique, balance and calmness under pressure. You wouldn't see Michael Owen fall over unless it is in celebration. At the top level, England cannot afford a maybe-man in the mould of Andy Cole, who Glenn Hoddle famously described as needing six chances to take one. England need a sharp-shooter, a clinical marksman who can be relied upon. And Bent will be questioning whether he has that in his armoury.

But do you agree? Was Carson blameless in Germany's equaliser? Is he the future between the posts? And could Bent be trusted with another chance or is he only a very good club striker?

Have your say below.

Comments

[Richard Taylor]

"And could Bent be trusted with another chance or is he only a very good club striker?"

since when has he been the above ?

[Melanie King]

Terry by his own admission held his hand up for the equaliser and not Carson. The reality is both were at least partly at fault, though if Tery had cleared there wouldn't have been a problem at all. But where is your clamour to say Terry was a loser? But I forgot, he plays for a moneybags big 4 London team not a small midlands outfit. No question of Times bias then. Far be it that you might have to go outside London to check on players eh Frank?

[vinny kay]

Bent is as good a true english striker as we have. he has proved week in and week out what a good goalscorer he is and can hold the ball, link play, has pace, finish (usually) and aerial ability.
how on earth you can judge him on one miss, ihave no idea.
to even group carson and bent together is a poor piece of journalism.

[vinny kay]

"And could Bent be trusted with another chance or is he only a very good club striker?"

since when has he been the above ?

since he finished top premiership goalscorer for a terrible team being only 21 at the time.

[Dawinderpal Sahota]

With Joe Hart, Ben Foster, Scott Carson, Paul Robinson and Robert Green all staking a claim to take the number one jersey off James when he finally hangs up his gloves, it's tough to make a judgement call this early on. For sure, James is the best of the lot at the moment, but Hart seems to be the one with the most potential, and Foster has shown some impressive signs too. It'll be interesting to see if Ben Foster overcomes injury and forces his way into the United line-up and if City demote Hart to reserve keeper in favour of a big-money signing like Buffon.

Re: Bent, if he can build on his current club form, and prove himself as an international-class striker, he could be a useful England squad member for times when Rooney is suspended or injured, and we line up in a 4-5-1 formation. He leads the line well, his off the ball movement is his best asset, he's got pace and is decent in the air - plus he can put the ball in the back of the net, which Heskey's been struggling with. Breaking the Heskey-Rooney partnership however, looks to be beyond his ability.

[Ben]

It is not poor journalism to put Carson and Bent alongaside each other, not at all.

They are the two players, the only two players (Young and Crouch were not on the field long enough) who will have come off the field wondering if the gamne had worsened their chances under Capello. Everyone else either underlined or emphasised their England credentials.

[vinny kay]

It is not poor journalism to put Carson and Bent alongaside each other, not at all.

They are the two players, the only two players (Young and Crouch were not on the field long enough) who will have come off the field wondering if the gamne had worsened their chances under Capello. Everyone else either underlined or emphasised their England credentials.

Posted by: Ben | November 20, 2008 at 12:45 PM

--------------------------------

Bent was lively, showed good energy and intelligence. Considering he created the best chance of the game as a forward from either team, I find it a a bit harsh to put him alongside Carson. Bent's overall game was good. Ok he missed one chance, but he is a handful.
Carson on the other hand has had 1.5 games for england, conceded 4 goals, 3 of which were HOWLERS. his distribution is poor and his command of his box is dire.
You tell me what Bent did upon those lines to describe his 45 as bad.

[Alex Waite]

I'm pretty sure ditching Bent would be a huge over reaction. Heskey has been missing chances like that his whole England career. Hence why he has only scored 5 goals in 50 caps. Bent is better than Heskey. He can hold the ball up, he is quick, and most importantly he can score a hat full. Something which our current England 1st choice Heskey cant do!

[Chris]

Another Goal keeper to throw into the mixer - one Matt Murray. If he can overcome his injury setbacks there's no stopping this guy. Quality keeper down at the Molineux!

[DJ]

As an Ipswich fan I watched Darren Bent come through and I honestly feel that he lacks the technique to suceed for England, as for Scott Carson surely Robert Green is a better, and safer, option? Although Ben Foster will eventually become No1.

[vinny kay]

bent has scored a load of goals against man u, chelsea, liverpool, arsenal and others; defences of the highest quality.
at charlton he finished the top english goalscorer and that's with a pretty poor midfield that was defensively set up.
this kid is only 24 and has it all in his game.
harry has seen that and can bring the best out of him.
i'd rather have bent in an offensive position with over 1goal in 2 games and 1 assist in 3 than walcott who has 1 goal in 10 and 2 assists in 13. big difference, both have pace, but one has strength and more game intelligence.

[Graham]

"Replays showed his right foot slipped as he planted it but that is a matter of technique, balance and calmness under pressure. You wouldn't see Michael Owen fall over unless it is in celebration."

I seem to recall David Beckham slipping in a similar manner when taking a penalty. Would you say he has poor technique, balance and temperament? Typical journalist nonsense, trying to make a story out of nothing and focusing on one mistake instead of all the good things in the game.

[Ross Marquis]

Richard Taylor, do watch premiership football? I think you'll find Bent's record proves he's a good club striker.

I find it harsh that Bent is criticised for one miss. His general play was good and it was only a slip that prevented him from scoring. Just bad luck really.

[Dominic]

Terry took a massive step up in my estimation when he held up his hand for the Germany goal. However a commanding Keeper would have either come out quicker or screamed for him to get the ball out of danger.
Bent is a strange one. Scores goals in a poor Charlton team, seemed to get overrawed by the big money more and needed a big arm around him, to get him going again. He looks like he needs to feel like the manager really wants him to play so that his confidence is high. Agbonlahor on the other hand looked brilliant.

[Fintan Keane]

Bent is a quality forward. He is fast, brave, runs into space, has a good first touch and this season has proven what he can do if he has a manager that believes in him and if he is given a chance. Last night he just slipped, thats all. Terry slipped, Beckham slipped, both at crucial times but they were not written off straight away. As far Carson, the lad is a joke. Schoolboy goalkeeping at the weekend against Chelski where Anelka barely broke sweat to put 2 past him, one passed into the net at Carsons near post while Carson was on his arse. He makes his back four nervous and unsure and I believe is too short to be a top class keeper. Fails to dominate his area, stays on his line too much, is indecisive and certainly is not in a position to "boss" a back four in front of him. James is the best English keeper but is getting on, despite keeping himself in great shape, and I believe Capello should bring Green and Foster into the squad. In my opinion, long term, Foster is the man for the no.1 shirt. Brilliant for Watford over 2 seasons and outstanding v Derby last season at Old Trafford. He will be no.1 at United because Kushack is a dodge, as is my spelling of his name.

[Andy]

Melanie - you say if Terry had cleared then it wouldn't have been a problem. True. Also, if Carson had come to the edge of his box and been more authoratative, he would have easily claimed the ball.

In terms of the 'clamour to call Terry a loser' try reading the article again. Carson, after his howlers against Croatia, needed to put in a faultless desplay. At the end of the day, he's in the cluster of six keepers who could replace James - despite his recent history of howlers (and letting goals in at the near post as he did against Chelsea last weekend). By contrast, Terry is the current England captain; appointed in that position by the current England manager. Oh, and the small matter that he scored the winning goal with a header that probably only he would have scored from out of the players on the pitch.

Still, why lets the facts stand in the way of a small minded Midlands outfit that plays such attractive football - so attractively that they sit on the bottom of the league. The sooner you small minded WBA fans return to your fizzy pop league the better

[will]

So what Terry put his hand up to accept the blame. He might as well try and accept the blame for Carson last blunder for England. Terry cant see exactly what was going on behind him, but Carson can see everything. he either stays on his line, get the ball back from Terry or tells Terry to take it wide. By coming out he gave Terry very little options. Terrible keeper.

[Bisa Amoo-Gottfried]

With regards to Darren Bent, i think he is unfortunate. Under Redknapp, he appears to have recaptured the form he showed at Charlton and I think he could hold a place in the squad.
Unfortunately, the harsh reality is that he is arguably the 6th choice striker for the Engaland squad, where there are only places for 4, and when you're in that situation you cannot afford to miss even one clear oppurtunity because it may be a long time before he gets the chance to make amends.
Rooney and/or Heskey can afford to have an off game because Capello already knows what they can bring to the table when they're on form. Yesterday Bent had his chance and needed to bring his A+ game, but brought his B- instead which may not be enough.
Harsh? Yes. Undeserved? Probably. Just the way the cookie crumbles? I'm afraid so.

[will]

I'm pretty sure ditching Bent would be a huge over reaction. Heskey has been missing chances like that his whole England career. Hence why he has only scored 5 goals in 50 caps. Bent is better than Heskey. He can hold the ball up, he is quick, and most importantly he can score a hat full. Something which our current England 1st choice Heskey cant do!

..............................................................

But look at Heskeys success ratio with England. speaks for its self. Cant not pick a fit Heskey.

[BILL]

Poor old Carson i say. The ball was heading into the penalty area so slowly and Terry should have cleared it alot sooner. Carson looked stunned that terry was letting it run. It was Terrys mistake not carsons and Terry has admitted this. So how come everyone seems to think terry is being a big man by admitting it? Thats the minimum that should be expected of him as a captain. The whole situation is extremely unfair on Carson. As for Bent he slipped...it happens. Its not as if he slips over all the time!!! I think journalists are so used to talking about whats wrong with england they dont know how to see any positives of which there are many from that game.

[C.Elder]

Capello proved once more that he is the best in the world.Although some elements of the English press seem to be waiting for him to stumble so that they can put the boot in.Last night's game gave Capello a chance to look at a wider group of players,and no doubt there will be food for thought.But,just about every position on the England team now has 2 valid contenders who have proved their worth at the highest level to Capello's satisfaction.The only position where this is not the case is that of goalkeeper.The 2010 World cup demands bringing 3 goalies.James is getting on,and in 2010,it is not clear to me if he won't be too old.Robinson is also past it,as he shows each week.Green is porous as a swiss cheese at West Ham.Kirkland seems to be doing an amazingly good job at Wigan.Foster-who knows,he's always injured like Owen.Hart may be okay if tested in the next friendly,and thereafter.
So perhaps,Kirkland and Hart to be tested in the next friendlies.Which leaves another slot open,maybe James if he is still holding up in 2010.

[peter]

Trouble with Carson is that he's a great shotstopper but little else, his positioning errors were exposed both against Croatia and West Brom at the weekend. Quite clearly he's susceptible to nerves when thrown into a big game and worst of all, he can't keep a clean sheet! I like Bent, he's got all we need but needs to prove he's not another andy cole as the article incinuates- good club footballer but that's all. Last night the ball went wide due to coming off his heel after taking it past the goalkeeper, to retrieve sent him wide and this significantly contributed to the miss. All strikers miss chances, let's focus on his great approach play...

[vinny kay]

general feeling here is that this piece is somewhat poor in dragging bent down to carson's level. bent had a relatively good 45 and as has been said a hundred times, looked lively, exciting and made some great runs and links.
bent has something defoe and others do not have in that he has size, pace and aerial ability.
you don't just finish top premiership goalscorer at 21 for nothing.
i'd go as far to say he'll finish top goalscorer in the premier league again if he stays fit.

129 in 274 is pretty good going.

[John Best]

Please remember the German team were also missing several regulars - but still a good result.
We really need Michael Own back which would end the Bent debate - Owen and Heskey with Defoe as back up.
In goal James until he gives up then Hart or Kirkland with Robert Green as No.3
Easy as that!!!!!!
Difficult part is mid field as we need Carrick in there which means no room for either Gerrard or Lampard.

[will]

i dont know about scott carson, but i dont see how you can call darren bent a loser in that match. we all know he is a natural finisher, he has 7 ro 8 goals this season for spurs this season and scored hatfuls of goals for a middling charlton side and i have to assume he scored a fair few for charlton when they went down to convince spurs to pay £16.5 million for him.
in the match itself he showed alot more quality than i expected,for example he set up shaun wright phillips to hit the post when he dribbled the ball on his head and slipped wright phillips through.
yes he slipped, but you cant really blame someone for slipping, and he was trying to hit it with his wrong foot on the sprint after he had his ankle clipped by the keepers glove.

[Melanie King]

Andy,

You have missed the point entirely.

For what its worth I am a big John Terry fan, one of my favourite players, just shows you commented with no knowledge.

I was pointing out the unjust treatment double standards gives.

What's more what team Carson plays for specifically is immaterial the same is true for West Brom as it would be for 10 other teams.

The fact is that certain players that are loved by the media can make mistakes and its no problem, most of whom but certainly not all are big 4 team players, Terry, Rooney, Beckham, Ferdinand, Gerrard and the like, but if the same is done by a player from a smaller team they are hung out to dry.

Worst of all is for a keeper, Carson made a mistake, he kept a clean sheet for the rest of the game and did his job but he cannot make up for an error unless he has something to save, whereas all outfield players could score a goal and redeem themselves.

As for your ridiculous assault on West Brom fans that is truly pathetic, why attack them if you disagree with them, attack me if you must, who gives a monkeys what your feeble jokes are about fizzy pop, it has nothing to do with an individual team.

In Carson's case I defended him when he made his previous mistake as an Aston Villa player wondering if he would have had the same treatment had he stayed at Liverpool.

Robinson and James have made far more errors for England and their club sides yet were selected time and again.

Where was your comment then, too busy drinking pop?

[Darryl Still]

Carson was unlucky, but was also indecisive. I said at the time, if James had been in goal we would have been out so quickly, he'd probably have collided with Terry!
I think the comparison between Agbonlahor and Bent was pretty telling. Gabby was far livlier and gave us much more than the one option (with no finish) that Bent provides.
On the subject of comparison's, can Glenn Johnson's performance please please please mean we never have to watch Wes Orange passing backwards and sideways in an England shirt ever again?

[jim]

People seem to forget when defending Carson and Bent that it's not about whether their good enough but whether they're better then those competing for places. Bent and Defoe didn't look terrible but Agbonlahor looked better and after performances this season for England it has to be assumed Rooney and Heskey will be straight back in. Space for one more (fast) striker alonside Crouch (offers something different) on the bench and the obvious choice from last night is clearly Gabby.

Same goes for Carson, not the worse performance ever last night but as I have yet to see Green or Kirkland make similar blunders in an England shirt it's surely only fair they get a chance. People need to stop defending them and pointing to their good qualities and instead compare them to the people they could possibly push out.

[vinny kay]

its pathetic that we are even having a debate about bent in the first place.
a lot of strikers wouldn't even have created that chance for themselves in the first place.

bent is near prolific in terms of his record as a goalscorer and is only 24!!!

[Rob]

I would blame Terry for Germanys goal as he should have cleared it the ball was never going to make it to the box quickly!

Cant blame Carson but i dont think he is england quality..... Ben Foster has to be Englands No 1 when he plays reg for Man U... He was awsome at Watford! Kirkland and James as back up and maybe Robinson when he gets back to his early tottenham form!

[Jimmy]

Bent needs a few more games in the side before we know if he is worthy of selection. I thought it was a tough angle to score from last night, although the picture above shows a gaping empty goalmouth.

Carson, meanwhile, has had his chance. He looks like an unlucky goalkeeper. I would rather Green, Kirkland and, eventually, Foster, be given their chance.

[Paul Howard]

Watching Carson play for Aston Villa last year, I could see that he never took charge of the situation. He lacks the composure necessary to be a great goalie. He may mature but he's not ready yet and I doubt he'll ever be (and so does Martin O'Neill).

As for Bent, England has better options. I am biased but Agbonlahor does everything well and then there are Heskey, Rooney and Defoe, all more consistent.

[Neill C]

once again Captain Marvel gets away with a mistake while others go down for it.

[Barrie Collins]

Terry saw Carson coming, and tried to hold the ball up for him, but then Carson hesitated for a split second, and everything went pear-shaped. Blame? 50/50 at worst. It was more of a situation where the two players, not having played together much, were not on the same wavelength.

Terry, as a good captain should, took full responsibility for the screw-up, and took Carson off the hook. It's now history, as a Liverpool fan would say.

[Drew]

I thought Darren Bent did well, better than the 4 out of 10 that this paper awarded him. He made some very nice runs, looked a threat in behind, and were it not for a tap on his ankle by the German goalkeeper and an unfortunate slip as he went to shoot, he would have capped off a solid 45 minutes with a goal. Definately worth another look, at the moment I would have him, Agbonlahor, Heskey and Rooney as my four main forwards. As for Scott Carson, looked like a rabbit caught in the headlights, scared of the big stage if you ask me. Will continue to look a half decent player playing for lesser teams, but when the step up has to be made, he will continue to 'bottle it'. Don't pick him for the squad again, a proven liability.

[Gavin]

This is amazing, is Terry that untouchable that the error he made has now become Carson's? Terry let the ball role far too long he should have played it back to Carson or smashed it out, not try and shepherd the ball back. Carson probably looked at the situation and believed Terry would deal with it. Terry is at fault and should be blamed accordingly. As for Bent...one game is not enough to make that kind of call, nerves can always play a part.

[Liam]

This evaluation of Bent is not very good. Bent timed his run brilliantly took it round the German defence and the goalkeeper. He slipped on an already wet surface and yes fluffed what was a shot that he would score nine times out of ten. Although he did extremely well to create the chance in the first place and without his quality run the chance would not have occured in the first place.

[Laura Bithell]

Great Game, and very proud of the england players for stepping up to the challenge.

Carson and terry were both to blame for the german goal, but we wouldn't have been in any danger if we had taken more chances.

good times for england

[Chris Deal]

John Terry had the opportunity to clear the ball long before Carson needed to collect it, as England Captain he should be decisive enough to make up his own mind without having a shout from the reserve keeper.
As for Bent he created probably the most clear cut chance of all 3 strikers on the night but lost his footing, hardly reason to suggest he's not up to the task. Defoe has hardly been prolific for country yet,and as for Agbonglahor he didn't exactly test what was a very average and immobile German defence, when he had a chance to run at them he chose to try to pass the ball and ended up giving possesion back to the Germans.
The guy is not prolific enough at club level over a season to justify his inclusion on a permanent basis, Defoe & Bent playing regular first team football are always going to score more goals as has been proved in previous seasons whilst a good player Agbonglahor is not the finished article yet, and to suggest Owen wouldn't of missed that chance, I take it you didn't see his glaring miss against Fulham two weeks ago.

[9lives]

I've always thought Bent was a decent striker but he's about as much an international player as Defoe is - i.e. not. IMO, natch.

I agree mainly with the article. Carson and Bent really aren't up to it. International football is no room for triers. You must have skill. Bent, unfortunately at this level, just doesn't have it.

It'll be interesting to see what Capello does about Gerrard and Lampard. Be nice to see BOTH of the on the bench, at least for while. Rooney and Ferdinand, though, are another matter.

[Drew]

To Melanie King,
You think certain players dont get villified and you have included Wayne Rooney and David Beckham in your list? Im sorry, but I seem to remember certain newspapers printing dart boards with David Beckham's picture on it after 1998 and whenever Wayne Rooney doesn't score for England people want him dropped. Carson is subject to the same level of scrutiny as everyone else who plays for England, it is high pressure football, and it seems to me that Carson can't seem to stand the heat and any criticism of him, although at times it has been over zealous, is justified. You are very much deluded if you think that the players you mentioned get away without any criticism, if anything they are the ones who are scrutinised the most and criticised the moment they put a foot wrong. Although perhaps not conducive to a great atmosphere surrounding the national team, it seems to have become par for the course when considering the English football team. Scott Carson is not receiving anything like the level of criticism that the players you mentioned have had to have put up with for years whilst playing for England. If he isn't up to the challenge, then fair enough, but he shouldn't play for England again.

[colin young]

Erm, didn't Germany and their players and coach and fans lose too?

[rags]

Bent is a good premier league player, that is all. He does not do as well in link up play because his first touch is not great. At international level, he will be found out. Carson is also a good premier league player but is not commanding enough. He lacks confidence. I felt Agbonlahor did better and uses his strength well while Defoe has a great touch as well as pace. My England squad for the world cup would be:

James, Hart, Foster

Brown, Johnson, Terry, Ferdinand, King, Upson, Cole, Bridge,

Hargreaves, Carrick, Barry, Lampard,
Walcott, Gerrard, J. Cole, Wilshere,

Rooney, Agbonlahor, Ameobi, Heskey

[Nick]

I thought Agbonlahor was weak and shouldn't be picked for England again....or am I just a Villa fan who wants to avoid another Liverpool/Barry saga as another one of our our carefully nutured talents comes to the attention of "The Big Four"?

[Laughable!]

"You wouldn't see Michael Owen fall over unless it is in celebration".......No, but you'll see him miss appallingly from 4 yards out against Fulham.......who writes this crap!? Very poor 'journalism' from The Times.

Darren Bent, 9 times out of 10 would've put that away, so why jump on his back?

Personally I think he and Carson played well, John Terry was at fault for Germany's goal, basic defending is to clear the ball from danger, so why shield instead!? Ludicrous!!

Another 'journalist' who obviously favours the players/teams/managers from the "Top Four" - PATHETIC!!!

[vinny kay]

england's loss with bent is spurs' gain.
this kid, staying injury free will outscore anyone in the premiership. he's that good.
has as good a goals/game percentage as torres.
i expect him to be the country's top goalscorer this season. big deal, one miss in 45 minutes.

[Ben]

Not a great article.

Why look for negatives after what was all in all, a very positive display?

Do you ever look to question why England players have no confidence and "are scared of playing at Wembley" in front of their own fans???

John Terry was 100% at fault for the goal, Scott Carson can consider himself very unfortunate.

Darrent Bent is a good player, who slipped at a very inopportune moment.

English media: Try standing up for your national teams, this constant negativity is like a broken record.

[Bobby Smith]

Its time to ditch Bent & Carson and play Owen and Green.
Owen - Proven goalscorer across the world, would never have missed that in a million years!
Its true Carson lacks confidence, but how many goals must England concede untill he is confident? Green has been proforming very well for West Ham and is the No.1 keeper for England, David James is too old, its time to groom his replacement in time for the World cup

[vinny kay]

bent. 24 and has already finished top premiership goalscorer. yeah, time to ditch him. honestly, the level of intelligence displayed by some users here is most worrying.

there's little to fault in bent's game. as a striker he has everything. how you can judge one miss in 45 as a reason to drop him is astonishing. most strikers wouldn't even have the pace or intelligence to get into that position.

[Sam]

My England Squad S.A. 2010: Starters*

Foster*, Carson, Hart;

M Richards, G Neville*, R Ferdinand*, Terry*, Upson, W Brown, Lescott, A Cole*;

Walcott*, Carrick, Barry, Hargreaves*, Lampard*, Gerrard*, J Cole, A Young;

Rooney*, Heskey*, Agbonlahor, Owen

[Just]

In the age of high wages created in the main by TV money it seems that we, the 'fans' have no patinece when it comes to international players. Especially towards those those who are trying desperately to find their feet (excuse the pun Darren).

What takes away the patience of a fan towards a Darren Bent?
Third top scorer in the Premiership since 2005, or Agbonlahor, increasingly prolific, impressive for Villa and at U21 level for nearly a season and a half. Would Martin O' Neill have reaped the rewards if after his first goal drought Agbonlahor was benched and then farmed out to a Championship side on loan?

Collective jealousy towards the players high wages and reported lifestyles, our consumer culture, and over/ inaccurate analyses by 'expert' pundits and journalists are to blame for this climate which ultimately contributes to this revolving door of potential talent deemed not good enough after substitute appearances or a couple of starts here and there.

[Nicholas]

Yes lets drop Bent because his standing foot gave way! Dear oh dear! Didnt the same happen to Terry in Moscow?
Wasnt the German goal Terrys fault anyway? You could argue both cases quite easily.

I thought Bent did okay, no worse than Abgonlahor who is being praised to the heavens.

As for Carson, i dont think he has an international future, not because of Wednesday night, because Ben Foster is a better keeper.

[Luca S.]

It's strange. What is the reason for the English and their Media to put so much pressure on their own players, attacking them verbally? Every country is full of people who defend their country, even if they know they are not right - it's a kind of patriotism the English don't have.

Bent slipped because of the wet surface and he is a good young player with a international future (the opposite of Owen, old, always injured and past his good times)

Be more patient and not hypocratically saying D.Bent should be dropped - Rooney didn't score an international goal for over a year before he managed to score recently. Did anybody blame him?

[Anon]

My England Team:

GK: Kirkland*, Green and Foster
RB: Richards*, Johnson, Brown
CB: R.Ferdinand*, Terry*, Woodgate, Upson, J.Evans
LB: Lescott*, Bridge
RM: Bentley*, Lennon, Walcott
CM: Lampard*, Gerrard*, Barry, Carrick, Hargreaves, Huddlestone
LM: Downing*, J.Cole, Barry
ST: Rooney, Defoe, Bent, Agbonlahor, Heskey, Owen

[iain]

Boro could have had carson in the summer and gate decided not too as he felt he was no better than turnbull, it is now clear that he is worse. Hart is a good keeper but again is no better than turnbull in my view and Foster needs to start playing regularly or he will not get in the squad. If turnbull keeos his current run of form going i wouldn't be at all surprised to see him in the next squad with hart and james. By the way, hilarious to see someone above put wilshere (0 caps) and young (about 2) ahead of downing in the 2010 squad, get used to it lads there is going to be at least one teessider going to south africa (if we make it), and don't be too surprised if there are more.

[Joe]

2010 Squad

Foster, Kirkland, Hart

Richards, Ferdinand, Terry, A.Cole, Brown, King(fitness permitting if not Woodgate) Wheater/Lescott

Wallcot, Gerrard, Barry, J.Cole, SWP, Lampard, Hargreaves, Young/Downing

Rooney, Heskey, Owen/Defoe/Bent/Johnson(which ever is in best form), Agbonlahor, Crouch/Ashton

maybe instead of Crouch/Ashton id find a space for Wilshere or Weleck as these two could come on and take the tournament by storm like Rooney2004

[Johnny in Brighton]

Speaking from someone that was actually at the game Wednesday evening (sitting on the halfway line in the German end), I practically leaped to my feet when Bent skipped past the keeper... yes, it appeared he scuffed the shot in uncharacteristic form.

But, after seeing the replay on the giant screen, the goalie did enough to take him far enough from a direct straight-forward shooting opportunity.

The picture you are using above makes the miss look like a Titus Bramble guffaw, when in reality, the angle was much much tighter.

[Rhys Jaggar]

Bent missed an open goal, Carson didn't command his box and gave away a goal.

Give them another chance, then tell them to sod off if they don't make the grade.

Ruthless management.

Get used to it.