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So Sven finally announced the team, after weeks upon weeks of speculation, and of course it had it’s surprises. Was Rooney included, wasn’t he? Will he even make it, in terms of fitness, regardless? Well… Only he will be able to answer that, but moving back onto the squad for a moment, we have some interesting selections… The squad, in brief summary, being:-

• GK – Robinson
• GK – James
• GK – Green
• DF – G. Neville
• DF – Ferdinand
• DF – Terry
• DF – Cole
• DF – Campbell
• DF – Carragher
• DF – Bridge
• MF – Beckham
• MF – Carrick
• MF – Lampard
• MF – Gerrard
• MF – Hargreaves
• MF – Jenas
• MF – Downing
• MF – J. Cole
• MF – Lennon
• AT – Rooney
• AT – Owen
• AT – Crouch
• AT – WalcottReserves:-
  Carson, Young, Re0-Coker, Defoe & Johnson.

Now for me, this highlights some interesting conundrums.

- Firstly, who’s missing?

Shaun Wright-Phillips doesn’t even get a reserve place, that’s one of the biggest surprises, especially considering he’s been apart of the squad, throughout the build up to this World Cup squad. Ledley King, despite his great performances of late, in that defensive holding position, and his versatility doesn’t make the squad. In Sven’s defence, he really isn’t 100% fit, and with so many other great defensive players in the England team, it seems the right thing to do. Darren Bent, depsite having the best goals per game of any English striker, isn’t in the squad at all, this was quite surprising.

- Surprise Additions!

Two unexpected additions, for the masses, came today with both Aaron Lennon & Theo Walcott. For the last couple of months, i’ve been raving to my friends about Lennon and his performances for Tottenham. I’m no spurs fan, but that boy has looked mature, way beyond his years as he’s torn up the right wing. I was very hopeful that Sven would of noticed that too, and included him in the squad, thankfully he’s answered my call – Cheers Sven! Most people, don’t appear to know, or have seen Lennon as much as myself, and so he appears to be quite a shock. If he can pull performances out, like has for Tottenham this year, he could quite possibly be our surprise package, come June! Walcott, beyond becoming Britain’s most expensive 16 year old is quite an ‘unknown’, as far as I am concerned and most definitely a surprise. To be truthful, i’ve seen the guy play a handful of times, and he didn’t strike me as being absolutely amazing. My gut feeling is that Darren Bent, ought to have had this spot above Mr. Walcott, but alas, i’m not England manager…

- My View

Of course, no round up of the squad would be complete, without talk about Rooney! We’re all budding England managers, and all know know what is best for England – most of all we’re never wrong – sorry Sven! As far as Rooney is concerned, I think he did the right thing, Rooney is gem, like Ronaldinho is for Brazil. I wouldn’t go as far as to say we’re not capable of winning the world cup without him, but with him we’ve got that extra special something. We can only hope he really has the best possible staff, at his beck and call, ushering his recovery for June. I have to be honest in saying, for me our forward is weak. We have an awesome selection of midfielders, maybe two many with regards to squeezing in Beckham, Lampard and Gerrard, but our forward line doesn’t rival that. I share NO love whatsoever for Crouch beyond the fact he invevitably will ‘mix it up’ with his presence. Bringing Crouch on, late in a game maybe his best scenario, because lets’s be frank… How many goals has he scored for Liverpool, a team whom finished 3rd this season in the Premiership? Beyond Crouch and Rooney, we’re left with Walcatt & Owen. Owen is about the only fit forward who we really know what to expect from, yet the irony in that, is that he’s only recently become fit. Concerns over match fitness will be paramount, but I think it’s fair to say Mr. Owen always does seem to ‘put it on’ for the big occasions, lets hope so – England needs you. Defensively, I think we’re very strong and I HOPE Mr. Terry leads the back line. He is surely destined to be England’s next captain and really does lead by example. I admire his fight and determination, what a 1st class asset to the team he is. The other centre back?! Well, if we’re going off this seasons Premiership performances, it ought to fall to Mr. Carragher, who has had an astounding season for Liverpool. It pains me, firstly to praise a scouser, but also to recognize Liverpool have achieved something too, so don’t take it lightly. Whether Terry and Carragher could hit it off, who knows, but for me, they’d be the choice two at the back. Sol hasn’t been consistent & let’s face it, Rio is quite unpredictable too…

- Can We Do it?

Yes! With or without Rooney, what makes England, England is our fight… Let’s hope player’s like Terry, Lampard, Beckham lead the country by example, coupled with a few new fresh young faces we have every chance of success, BRING ON THE WORLD CUP!!!