Wembley Stadium

Wednesday, 22 November 2007

3.50am (SG, GMT+8)

Channel 24

England Line-Up (Probable):

Substitutes (Probable):

12. David James (Portsmouth), 13. Wes Brown (Manchester United), 14. Phil Neville (Everton), 15. David Beckham (LA Galaxy), 16. Stewart Downing (Middlesbrough), 17. Darren Bent (Tottenham Hotspur), 18. Jermaine Defoe (Tottenham Hotspur)

So not only being handed a lifeline by Israel, England have a chance to top their group, after Macedonia did them a huge favour by beating Croatia 2-0. Steve McClaren has made major hints that he might play a little safe by employing a 4-5-1 formation to counter the Croatians. If so, Peter Crouch should be the forward man. The easiest way for them to get out, when under immense pressure, is to pump the ball forward. Crouch should be able to hold up the ball, or lay it off to one of the supporting cast, when England counter-attack. Joe Cole and Shaun Wright-Phillips will have to do much work supporting the lone-man. Frank Lampard, if played, should be the 'more' forward midfielder, whilst Steven Gerrard pulls the strings with Gareth Barry protecting the defensive quartet.

If all hell breaks lose and the Croatians go a goal up, or two, or if just desperation seeps in, McClaren has quite a depth of players to choose from. If they need a proper left-footed left winger, Stewart Downing can come off and supply the crosses for Crouch. Usually at times when a team is a goal down, the formation has to change. In turn comes in Jermaine Defoe or Darren Bent, or both, if Crouch really sucked that day. David Beckham could come on and supply the dead balls situation, and maybe, a free kick in the last minute with a minute left, 1-0 down against Croatia, a draw needed!! Up steps Beckham, and its a... Okay I'm dreaming, lets hope it doesn't go down to that.

So c'mon England, the chances has been put on a silver plate for you, take it with everything you have!

Bye~!