Three Lions v 'Soccer' Players

[MargateMan]

With many countries focussing on some pointless competition about a continent or something this summer, England are tonight hosting the USA for what can only be described as revenge for the revolution.

It looks like Cappello has played it safe this, sticking to an expected call up list, but possibly handing Dean Ashton his first cap for the full national squad.

But surely this fixture, and the one against Trinidad should be fairly easy games for England providing they play well, as both these countries don't really have enough players at any of the major clubs, obviously with much of the USA team being at clubs like Reading or Fulham.

Anyone have any views on these friendlies? Or expectations for the team?

Sorry if this didn't deserve it's own thread and belonged in the football one...

[AngryPaul]

I think these games are possible for commercial reasons and a nice trip to Trinidad as opposed to anything beneficial.

They would have been useful friendly slots that would most probably have been taken by teams like Denmark, Norway, Serbia or Hungary if we were preparing for Euro 2008, but since were not going, the FA thought they might as well get some money and a holiday out of it all.

Capello was right to choose a strong team last night. He is still early in his tenture and doesn't want a lose at Wembley to a team as poor as the USA. Whereas a draw or loss in Trinidad and Tobago would be hard to acheive even with an under-strength team, hence the Champions League Final players being left behind.

Capello secured the easy result against the US, now is the time to give some youngsters some international experience. Players like Joe Hart, Theo Walcott and Phil Jagielka I think deserve a run out. Saturday's game is a perfect platform for them. No home pressures, just a nice gentle game in the Caribbean.

[MargateMan]

I think your very right Mr. P, the game was fairly easy for England, and there wasn't any real prolonged possession for the US, or even a decent shot on target by them as I remember, I had been expecting more from them after reaching the quarter finals of the last world cup.

It's a shame the FA didn't decide to at least pit us up against stronger opposition for these friendlies, a game against Argentina or even one of the stronger Asian grouping of countries may well have given us a better chance to see the effect Capello is having on the team, although at times last night, there was some very nice movement and passing, but again, against a team who's best defender is a free agent after being deemed not good enough for Fulham. (No offense Cottagers)

But all in all, you can't ask for much more than a win. But against trinidad it would be nice to see a team lining up like this possibly...

Hart
Johnson Wheater Woodgate Bridge
Young Huddlestone Barry Downing
Ashton Agbonlahor

There is a team that should have the quality to beat Trinidad and give our non-regulars a run out for the national side to see how they do on the world stage

[jonffm]

Walcott will play i'm sure. Probably on the wing.

Nice little game for them though, need one or two older players to keep the kids in check, but other than that, it looks good.

Maybe give Lewis a go in goal to put out a message to all the under 21's that it doesn't matter who you play for.

[AngryPaul]

Nice little game for them though, need one or two older players to keep the kids in check, but other than that, it looks good.Agreed. Too much change and inexperience and it could backfire. By all means play the young lads, but play some people with 20+ caps just to keep their feet on the ground.Maybe give Lewis a go in goal to put out a message to all the under 21's that it doesn't matter who you play for.That would be ace. I was urging Capello to just throw him on for the last 10 minutes or so. Not for any footballing reasons, its just I love those 'Roy of the Rovers' type moments.