Transatlanticism

It is pretty amazing that many football experts, pundits, journalists, commentators regard Steven Gerrard as one of the most influential english players of all time. England has seen so many talented players in the recent times. 

Players like David Platt, Paul Gascoigne, Paul Ince, Darren Anderton and Steve McManaman dominated the era of 90s. Since then, English has produced the likes of David Beckham, Paul Scholes, Frank Lampard. Going a little back, there is still a Bryan Robson to count on.

But the positional sense is still the biggest missing jigsaw piece in Gerrard’s game today. He has been played under many roles by his managers. And up till today, many are still guessing, what exactly is his best position?

Andrea Pirlo rose to prominence when he found his favourite position in the deep lying midfield position. A position where he sits in front of the back four, and playmakes from within his own half by sending diagonal long balls to the wingers or precise through passes down the middle. Matthias Sammer or Lothar Matthaus found their influences on the game by creating the sweeper role in football.

If England wants to win this major championship, they have to find Gerrard’s best position. Judging by current form, Scott Parker looks a good player to sit in the middle of the back four to protect the defence, but will the international stage too big for him when he faces players like Ribery, Xavi, Iniesta, Oezil just to name a few? 

Jack Wilshere is another emerging talents. Youth and experience are always a good mix to create the winning team. But will this tournament be too soon for him to rise to the occasion? Will he has the mental capability to carry the weight of this team? Michael Owen did it in France 98.

Ashley Young looks set to claim a starting place in one of the wings, with the left sided of the midfield the higher probability where he occupies for Manchester United. But will he be good enough and produce the goods when the world set their eyes on his feet? He has done very well domestically, but will his class be subdued internationally?

Theo Walcott and Aaron Lennon are quick players. But often, consistency has been raised as question over their games. Their pace and quick feet and always a weapon against any teams, but under tight man-marking, will they have the tactical awareness and all round game ability to contribute elsewhere in the pitch? Are they good at tracking back to help the attacking fullbacks which England will most probably find in Glen Johnson/Kyle Walker/Micah Richards?

James Milner, Frank Lampard, Adam Johnson, Gareth Barry will be great covers in this team. 

On paper, Spain looks like they have the strongest in their midfield. Boasting the likes of Xavi, Alonso, Iniesta, Busquets, Fabregas, Silva, Thiago, Jesus Navas and many more. But their defence is a question. Their left back is traditionally their weakest link, which is currently occupied by the inexperienced Alba from Valencia. Puyol and Marchena are getting old and the question will be who is strong and quick enough to partner Pique? Will shifting Ramos from a fullback position to partner him be a good idea? Will his attacking qualities go down the drain by enfocing him into this role?

Germany looks strong. And they should be favourites in this competition. Germans just know how to win big in major competitions. They are strong tactically, experienced, strong, quick, disciplined and is coached by one of the greatest coach in Joachim Leow. 

Portugal will always has a hard time with the over-reliance of Cristiano Ronaldo. They have already struggled with the likes of both Rui Costa and Luis Figo in the team. Players such as Meireles, Veloso, Postiga must rise up to the occasion if they will have any chance.

France looks to be a team of transition. Long gone are the days where they can boast the likes of Marcel Desailly, Didier Deschamps, Michel Platini. Can Jeremy Toulalan be good enough to anchor the midfield? Or perhaps Alou or Lassana Diarra?

Italy will go into the competition with plenty of hopes. But with the likes of Marchisio, Nocerino, Pirlo, they have to be tactically perfected to win the competition. Croatia can surprise them if they are not careful.

If England have any chance of winning, they will have to find the best position of the players they have at their disposal and create a formation to fit them to express themselves. Capello should forget about choosing the formation before placing the players into it. Players before formation.

For current form/experience and with Rooney’s suspension, England’s best chance of winning will be in the formation:

Hart, Johnson, Terry, Ferdinand, Cole, Walcott, Wilshere, Parker, Young, Gerrard, Bent/Rooney.