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View Full Version : Owen NOT to play in Turkey

PicturePerfect
09-10-2003, 23:40
No Rio and now no Owen (http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/internationals/england/3176512.stm). :(

This raises the question - who will (and/or should) start up front for England against Turkey?

The BBC report suggests Vassell. That seems reasonable to me. Him, possibly up front with Rooney and Scholes in the hole.

I fear that Beattie and Rooney might not work. Beattie has little experience in an England shirt and the atmosphere in Turkey is likely to be immense. Maybe too immense.

I had another idea. How about 5 midfielders and either Rooney (or Vassell, subsitution at HT possibly) up front with Scholes playing in the hole again?
Paul B
10-10-2003, 02:56
Bah! No Owen, major blow. :(
I suppose it will be Heskey and Rooney up front to start, with Vassell coming on late in the 2nd half as he usually makes an impact coming off the bench. Another possibility as you say would be to play Scholes just behind the striker.
PicturePerfect
10-10-2003, 04:32
To me, Scholes is playing a little too defensive for England. He needs to be pushed forward where he has proved to be most lethal with Manchester Utd.
Paul B
11-10-2003, 04:49
To me, Scholes is playing a little too defensive for England. He needs to be pushed forward where he has proved to be most lethal with Manchester Utd.
Agreed. He went on an excellent scoring run last season, that role worked a treat for him. Besides, he needs that England goal he's looking for. It amazes me how long it's been since he has scored for England.
PicturePerfect
11-10-2003, 05:19
Agreed. He went on an excellent scoring run last season, that role worked a treat for him. Besides, he needs that England goal he's looking for. It amazes me how long it's been since he has scored for England.

And wouldn't it be a treat if that elusive goal was to come against the Turks? Hope so.
nath_scfc
11-10-2003, 17:51
How about Heskey up on his own and Scholes playing in the hole, like you said, because heskey should hold the ball up, win free kicks and flick ons for Scholes to chase and have a few shots from with vassel and rooney coming if we go one down which, hopefully, we won't!
PicturePerfect
11-10-2003, 17:59
I'd actually really like to see Rooney start and I think there's little doubt he will based on his last few performances. I understand your point about Heskey, however. He has a good physical presence too which will be helpful.