Defoe has consistently proved that he is not good enough for England and should not even be in the squad let alone the team. He struggles to hold down a starting place at Tottenham which tells you something.
Who to replace him?
Bent and Johnson, although not world class, are better options than Defoe as they are better finishers, with just as much pace. Bent is a threat aerially as well.
Walcott, this boy is special. I'm not saying he is as good as a Messi or even Rooney but the lad has massive potential, eclipsing that of even Aaron Lennon- an established member of the Tottenham team. By the time we reach the European Championships in 2008, I predict McLaren will be under immense pressure to pick Walcott to be in the squad. He is starting to see a bit of match time with Arsenal, setting up vital goals and he also scored on his debut for the England Under 21's, two in two games now I believe.
One more player that deserves a mention is Dean Ashton. I rate him higher than Crouch, he is an excellent player and it was a shame he broke his ankle. he is a must for future England squads.
Players better than Defoe (I realise some are injured):
Originally posted by Sir Light, Sticks: The thing is even though others are recovering from injuries there are still about 3 or 4 players better than Defoe.
Johnson is a much better player than Defoe, he will score more goals, why was he not given a chance?
I don't know. Trust me, if I had a genuine democratic input into the decision making process I would make it so. But I was not one of the peeps who hounded out Swen and put that spud in charge.
Capitalism is not dead (malheureusment) It just smells funny.
Yea, but on the same basis I could say that if you don't think a fully fit Lineker/Shearer is the best striker Owen was probably the best at falling over in the penalty area and lets face it Andy you like him 'cos he is from your country
Capitalism is not dead (malheureusment) It just smells funny.
Originally posted by AndyCardiff: No, I don't agree here. Top strikers in the England set-up are:
Owen Johnson Defoe Ashton Crouch Bent
If you don't think a fully-fit Michael Owen is England's best striker, you are deluded
I did not say Owen was not the best striker I did not say that the list was in order, all I did was state that those players mentioned were better than Defoe. Englands best striker is Rooney anyway, then Owen
It just shows you the competition for places that McLaren has. I reckon there are at least three players in each position that could be fighting for a place in his squad. If they don't perform in 2008, he'll have no excuses.
Originally posted by Sir Light, Sticks: I did not say Owen was not the best striker I did not say that the list was in order, all I did was state that those players mentioned were better than Defoe. Englands best striker is Rooney anyway, then Owen
Sory for any misunderstanding, I thought that was in order that you rated them.
I think that Owen is the best striker, as his record speaks for itself. Rooney is an excellent player, but when was the last time he scored in a competitive game? Whereas Owen could always be relied on to score important goals out of nothing when it really mattered. A bit like Shearer or Lineker
Its alright, I should have stated that it wasn't in order.
Good point about Rooney and in answer to your question, I would have to look into that.
I hate it when people criticise Owen, when fit he is one of the best strikers in the world. When he is back, playing with full confidence he will score the majority of chances he will get.
If he is fit he must be in the England team as he is the best finisher we have
