General

If You Were McClaren, What Side Would You Pick?

England’s next match is November 15th in a friendly against the Netherlands, and it’s a perfect opportunity for Steve McClaren to regain the confidence of England fans and determine which players need to be on the teamsheet for their next Euro 2008 qualifying match on March 24, 2007.

It’ll be a perfect opportunity to test new systems and players. Here’s who I would pick:

Robinson
Neville, Ferdinand, Terry, Bridge
Agbonlahor, Gerrard, Hargreaves, J. Cole
Johnson, Walcott

Robinson needs to play again to regain his confidence. The only change in the back four I would make is to drop the ineffective Ashley Cole. In midfield, I would give Aston Villa’s Gabriel Agbonlahor (pictured above) his national debut to add width to the England side, with Gerrard in the middle along with the holding midfielder Hargreaves (if fit), and Joe Cole to add a different dimension down the left wing.

Up front, it’s Arsenal’s Theo Walcott to add speed and unpredictability to England’s attack, and Andrew Johnson to rip the Dutch defense apart.

If you were Steve McClaren, what team would you pick against Holland?

200+ Channels With Sports & News
  • Starting price: $33/mo. for fubo Latino Package
  • Watch Premier League, Women’s World Cup, Euro 2024 & Gold Cup
The New Home of MLS
  • Price: $14.99/mo. for MLS Season Pass
  • Watch every MLS game including playoffs & Leagues Cup
Many Sports & ESPN Originals
  • Price: $10.99/mo. (or get ESPN+, Hulu & Disney+ for $14.99/mo.)
  • Features Bundesliga, LaLiga, Championship, & FA Cup
2,000+ soccer games per year
  • Price: $5.99/mo
  • Features Champions League, Serie A, Europa League & Brasileirāo
175 Premier League Games & PL TV
  • Starting price: $5.99/mo. for Peacock Premium
  • Watch 175 exclusive EPL games per season

EDITORS’ PICKS