By Peegs
September 4 2003

Regardless of the players that Sven has called up to the squad this is the team I would have chosen for the qualifier versus Macedonia. In goal

Paul Robinson: For a couple of seasons now he has been the number one goalkeeper at Leeds pulling off top saves week in week out. Has experience in Europe and in the Under 21 set up and is the future in goal for England. David James doesn't get his nickname 'Calamity James' for nothing.

Right back

Danny Mills: Good going forward and can defend, temperament is always an issue, but in my opinion offers more than Gary Neville who seems to flaot into every squad as he plays for Man Utd.

Centre back

Jon Woodgate: With Rio Ferdinand ruled out Jonathan Woodgate should be thrown in at the deep end and I am sure he will do a job. Many pundits rate him as the most highly rated young defender in the country and I must agree with them, he has pace and is tough in the tackle. He will also want to play well to keep the shirt when Rio is fit.

Centre back

Sol Campbell: Vastly experienced footballer at European and International football. Hard done by in the press with disciplinary issues. Strong and good in the air, a good foil to go alongside Woodgate.

Left back

Wayne Bridge: The sole purpose of a left back is to defend. Ashley Cole showed he couldn't do this against Croatia. Bridge has played many years at left back for Southampton and his move to Chelsea can only improve him playing alongside so many good players.

Right midfield

David Beckham: Went off wih a slight groin strain sustained in Real Madrid's Tuesday night game versus Villarreal but should be fit for the game. Influential captain on the pitch, crosses and set pieces always a threat.

Centre midfield

Frank Lampard: I have always rated Frank from his West Ham days. Governed the Chelsea midfield last season and when he has come on as sub for England he has always done a sound job. Cracking goal versus Croatia showed the country his talent and it is about time he was given a place in the team instead of the under performing and injured Paul Scholes.

Centre midfield

Steven Gerrard: Full of energy and can always pop up with something special like his goal against Germany in the famous 5-1 win. Tough in the challenge and got an eye for a pass, a perfect central midfielder.

Left midfield

Gareth Barry: Many players have been tried in this position and failed to make an impact, Emile Heskey is not a left midfielder! The answer to Sven's left sided problem is Aston Villa's Gareth Barry. Naturally left footed has played many good games for Villa in this position, should be given his chance.

Striker

Micheal Owen: Scorer of 23 International goals for England. His pace will always scare defenders and with the right service from the likes of Beckham and Gerrard in the midfield he will get goals for the 3 Lions.

Striker

Wayne Rooney: The most exciting young footballer in the country. Fans are split down the middle whether a 17 year old should lead the England attack but I go by the moto 'if your good enough your old enough'. His recent strike against Charlton showed what he could do and in his last game for England terrorised the Turkish defence at the Stadium of Light.

Subs

James Beattie: Deserves his chance at International level after a great campaign for Southampton. Winning goal against Man Utd at the weekend shows he can perform against the best and could be a player to throw on if the Macedonian defenders tire late on.

Joe Cole: Will be a star for England in the future in the middle of the park but Lampard and Gerrard get the nod for me for their experience in the centre of the park. Again a player to come on if we need some magic to turn a game in are favour, always has a trick up his sleeve.

Gareth Southgate: An experienced player to have around the camp in an otherwise young looking squad. If we need to shut up shop at 1-0 up he is the kind of player you want to bring on, add to that he is still a top class defender who maybe shouldn't be at Middlesbrough.

Nicky Butt: Another player who we can call on just to do a job in the middle of the park. Again can be brought on if we need to sure things up in the midfield.

Alan Smith: I think this lad is harshly treated by referee's and he seems to have cleared up his image of late. Offers strength and pace like Heskey but can also score goals, something Heskey has trouble doing.

David James: OK I slated him earlier but we need an experienced goalie around the camp and he fits the bill.

David Dunn: A player who has flirted with gaining a place in Sven's squad. Promising early season form for Birmingham with goals against Spurs and Newcastle has earnt him a place on my bench.

Now here is your chance to submit your team and have it published on cheltenhamtown.tk Simply just fill in the team below with your starting line up and subs and press the submit button!

Name:
Goalkeeper:
Right back:
Centre back:
Centre back:
Left back:
Right midfield:
Centre midfield:
Centre midfield:
Left midfield:
Striker:
Striker:
Sub 1:
Sub 2:
Sub 3:
Sub 4:
Sub 5:
Sub 6:
Sub 7:

Many thanks to Laurenceh who submitted his team and thoughts:

Goalkeeper: David James, done very well since he was made number 1

Right back: Gary Neville, has a great long throw, and is a very competant defender

Centre back: Rio Ferdinand

Centre back: Sol Campbell

Left back: Wayne Bridge, by far the best left back in the country and the obvious choice

Right midfield: David Beckham, despite his critics, he is a world class midfielder and an inspirational captain

Centre midfield: Frank Lampard, his recent form and the game he had against Croatia gives him the nod ahead of Gerrard for me

Left midfield: Joey Cole, he is a world class player, plays on the left and has great skill, he's the obvious choice

Striker: Michael Owen, his goal scoring record is outstanding, has the ability to just switch from avaerage to world class and is a vital member of the team

Striker: Wayne Rooney

Sub 1: Paul Robinson, he's a good keeper, but David James hasn't done anything to get dropped

Sub 2: Matty Upson, proved against Slovakia that he has what it takes to be an international defender

Sub 3: John Terry, is undoubtedly a world class player, if he can get into the Chelsea side amongst those world class players he must be good enough

Sub 4: Kieron Dyer, on many occasions he has shown how good he is for England, and can play up front if necessary

Sub 5: Steven Gerrard, is overrated, he gets shown up and looks better due to Liverpool being so average, and for me, Scholes and Lampard are playing better at the moment

Sub 6: James Beattie, I think he's just as good as Wayne Rooney, but just doesn't sound as threatening to Opposition teams, whereas Rooney's reputation precedes him and terrifies opposition

Sub 7: Darius Vassell, is easily good enough to start, but is better at coming off the bench later in the game and using his pace against tired defenders

Many thanks to Smole who submitted his team and thoughts:

Goalkeeper: Paul Robinson - Quality keeper, however Kirkland could challenge him this season.

Right back: Gary Neville - I'm afraid there is no-one else, i dont rate Neville or Mills but it has to be one of them i think.

Centre back: Johnathan Woodgate - Has been getting good reviews so far this season and at the back end of last season, he should do well.

Centre back: Sol Campbell - he is a big and strong centre back, his discipline is a bit of a problem though

Left back: Wayne Bridge - Good left back, can only improve whilst around good players at Chelsea.

Right midfield: David Beckam (c) - does he need an explanation? Best crosser of the ball in the country, plays his heart out every match.

Centre midfield: Paul Scholes - It amazes me you have not picked him??? He will score soon for England and in the mean time he is very creative. A good all-round midfiled player i think.

Centre midfield: Steven Gerrard - arguably the best passer of the ball in the country along with beckham. he is a brilliant player

Left midfield: Gareth Barry - Same as peegs, he was brilliant for Villa last season and i think he deserves his chance.

Striker :Micheal Owen - fast and takes most of his chances, arguably the best english striker we have.

Striker: James Beattie - Deserves his chance against poor opposition, if he fails Rooney is on the bench to do the business.

Sub 1: Wayne Rooney - A boy with bags of ability, pace and flair. Dont want to tire him out too early in the season or even his career, he could get his chance later in the game.

Sub 2: Frank Lampard - In good form so far, not good enough to out-do Scholes or Gerrard though.

Sub 3: Darius Vassell - Quality player, bags of pace. Great super sub for England.

Sub 4: Chris Kirkland - Not too sure how fit he is, but at half fit will still be better than David James!!

Sub 5: Joe Cole - He just needs a few more appearances and i think playing at Chelsea will help, if he gets in the team - he is a good player.

Sub 6: John Terry - This bloke is going to be a brilliant player, few more appearances also needed for him i think.

Sub 7: Kieron Dyer - Good midfielder, he can pass, tackle and create. Great player.