4-5-1?

3 Sep, 2005 Wales 0-1 England - World Cup Qualifying

BBC - Joe Cole's second-half winner sank Wales and kept England on course for World Cup qualification.

We got 3 points after all. There are a lot of criticisms before and also after the match, but it's reasonable as there are so many excellent players out there. People want them not only to win, but win comfortablely and beautifully. A new formation was adopted in this match, which is rare to see in England national team. Owen was out suspended, so did injured G.Neville, Terry, Campbell and King. Rooney was up front alone. Wright-Phillips and J.Cole as right and left wingers. Beckahm was the holding role in central midfield, along with Gerrard and Lampard. With G.Neville and Terry missing, Carragher and Young got the chance to appear at Central-back and right-back. As for goalkeeper, James failed to get another chance to join England, and Robinson was the No.1 in the squad.

How did it work with 4-5-1? Beckham's place has been argued in recent years. I do agree that he can't play well at right as he used to be. He's getting old and that's not where he plays for Real Madrid for two years. But in 4-5-1, the problem is sorted out. I think he played quite well in this match. Gerrard and Lampard got more chance to join the attack as Beckham was behind them. The only problem with 4-5-1 I think is about Rooney. He needs someone to partner with him. He's not that kind of striker who are used to be up front alone.

It's a tough dicision about formation for the manager. As we know Owen will be back in next qualifying match against Northern Ireland this Wednesday. Will he keep 4-5-1 or go back to 4-4-2? If it's 4-4-2, then who should be left out in the midfiled?

Today when I was listening to the BBC FiveLive. A Liverpool fan called in, and said that he thought Gerrard could play as right-back and everything would be solved! That's interesting, isn't it? He argued that Gerrard did pretty well at that position in the extra time of Liverpool's Champions League Final. I've never thought about that. But, well, why not? At the same time, I wonder why no one question Lampard's place? It's not because I'm Liverpool's fan, but I think Lampard isn't as good as last season so far.