Paul Scholes: England have to play like Liverpool if theyre to win the World Cup Manchester United legend Paul Scholes says England need to play like Liverpool if they are to have any chance of winning the World Cup. Scholes, who won 66 England caps between 1997 and 2004, urged Roy Hodgson to have five Liverpool players in his starting XI and go for it, avoiding dull 0-0 draws. The 39-year-old wrote on his Paddy Power blog: It would be refreshing for England to adopt Liverpool’s attacking mentality in Brazil. Really go for it. That means certainly four, and possibly five, Liverpool players in the England starting XI against Italy. South Africa in 2010 was so negative with boring draws. Nothing seemed to happen. England fans, and myself as an England fan, would rather see 3-3 games than dull, nil-all draws. I’d love to see Roy be brave enough to play like Liverpool (or Man United teams of the past). I’d definitely start with Steven Gerrard, Daniel Sturridge, Jordan Henderson and Raheem Sterling. The question mark is Glen Johnson at right back. It’s probably Phil Jones’ best position right now, even though Jones could still develop into a great centre half. Johnson is a touch better going forward, but it’s a tight call. Despite all that attacking talent, Scholes believes Englands key player could be Jordan Henderson. The Liverpool midfielder, who has been superb since his running style was criticised by Scholes former manager Sir Alex Ferguson, has become an integral part of the national squad despite having won just eight caps. But Scholes insists: Henderson is a diamond of a lad who’s best described as workmanlike. He’s a player others appreciate having around them on the pitch. He’ll sacrifice himself for the attacking talent in a team like Liverpool. I’m not sure he’s what you call world class, but Henderson could be key to England controlling the ball and using it effectively. Scholes did slam the decision not to take his former United midfield partner Michael Carrick, adding that the omission makes it even more vital that captain Steven Gerrard stays fit. The Old Trafford legend believes Gerrard is the only person who can perform the quarterback role and thinks England will struggle if the skipper is injured. Not bringing Michael Carrick is a mistake, wrote Scholes. If there’s an injury to Gerrard nobody jumps out to replace him, assuming Roy will play the Liverpool way. I don’t see Henderson, Frank Lampard or Jack Wilshere playing that role. At a certain age, you can’t bomb forward any more. You learn to stay back and dictate a match. That’s the big difference between Steven and Frank Lampard, for example. I’m not sure Lampard has the ability to control a game. He’s always someone who’s up trying to score goals. England’s success in the group stages hinges on Gerrard staying fit.
Posted on: Thu, 29 May 2014 17:17:51 +0000
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