I know he's a wanker but I'm surprised no-one's mentioned Rio Ferdinand. Pairing him with Toure would be perfect - both can play the ball, are intelligent (on the pitch) and have pace, and Ferdinand is good in the air too. He is a shithead (like his brother) but then so is that slow, serial-cheat, John Terry. I quite like Jonathan Woodgate too. (By the way, I also think having Sol Campbell back, now he's remembered how to defend, would be good.)
Assuming the point of this debate extends to British and not only English players, here's a controversial one for you: Gareth Bale. Not for our left-back spot of course, but he'd be great as an option on our left-wing.
I've always considered Shaun Wright-Philips to be an Arsenal player who hasn't realised it yet, and not just because of his step-dad. He could definitely play the Arsenal way.
In goal, Scott Carson or Ben Foster would be ok, but I still think the better keepers are from elsewhere (USA or Italy).
I like Micah Richards, especially his character, strength and pace, but he often makes mistakes and miscontrols the ball (admittedly only to recover the ball a moment later). I'd like him to join one day but I'm not 100% convinced of his quality.
Up front, Rooney of course would be great. Owen would add nothing, and Peter Crouch?? Give me a break.
The problem with English/British players is not just a lack of technical ability, it's also their weak characters. Too many of them just love the money that comes with their job without really caring about the game, and still less the fans who fund their salaries. They don't have the guts to try playing abroad to improve their skills.
And as for augie's question:
why do ye believe that ye are one of the favourites to win every major tournament that comes around ?
the answer is we don't, it's just a stupid game the tabloids play every time on the build-them-up-to-knock-them-down principle. It's a game only a few fans of Preston, Hartlepool, Swindon etc fall for.
