How The Three Lions Squad Performed


By Cuth
June 24 2002

So, the World Cup for our boys is over, disappointingly cut short when it was beginning to look so promising. We look at each players individual performances and see who was a hit and who was a miss.

How The Three Lions Squad Performed

David Seaman

It ended in tears for the big man but I think it would be hard to give any blame to him. He has saved his country many times in the past and kept the team in it with his late save against Argentian.

Hit

Danny Mills

Known in the past for being a hot head, and many doubted his International credentials. But he made a great recovery after his poor performance against Sweden and has been part of an excellent defence.

Hit

Ashley Cole

A year ago he was almost unknown but he has flourished this season and continued his development with steady performances throughout the World Cup.

Hit

Rio Ferdinand

Best defender of the tournament? Who could argue with that? Still has his best years ahead of him.

Hit

Sol Campbell

Played a big part in the defence forming an excellent partnership with Rio. One of the first names on the teamsheet.

Hit

Trevor Sinclair

Got his chance with the injury to Hargreaves against Argentina and he took the chance well causing problems down the wing. But he will be lucky to keep his place in the England start-up and will return to being on the fringe of the starting 11.

Hit

David Beckham

Was never fully fit and you could tell. Was only dangerous from set-pieces and never really stamped his authority on the matches.

Miss

Nicky Butt

I have never been a fan, but that has changed during the World Cup. A real workhorse in the team and deserves his place in the team.

Hit

Paul Scholes

Always gives 100% but sometimes gets lost in games and the Brazil game is a perfect example. He has a great shot from outside the area but he didn't utilise that enough.

Miss

Michael Owen

He never got enough service from the midfield, but when he did have the ball at his feet he did look dangerous. He has admitted he was injured against Brazil, but that did not make much difference. He did well with the service he got.

Hit

Emile Heskey

I am not keen of Heskey. For a big man he doesn't use his weight enough and more often than not he ends up on the floor. I would have much rather seen Sheringham partnering Owen.

Miss

Teddy Sheringham

Probably time for Teddy to retire from International football. He only just managed to get into the World Cup squad and surely now is the time for him to hang up his boots. He was never given much of a chance with Sven preferring Owen and Heskey.

Miss

Darius Vassell

I thought Vassell would have been given more of a chance. The pace of Owen and Vassell would have been enough to scare any defence. Possibly one for the future.

Miss

Robbie Fowler

Another one who didn't get much of a chance. Will probably keep in Eriksson's plans though.

Miss

Kieron Dyer

A favourite of mine but never made much of an impact in the chances he got. Will stay in the England team for the future though if he steers clear of injuries.

Miss

Wayne Bridge

Has shown he can handle International football and will no doubt be pushing Cole for the left back spot for years to come. Didn't get much chance this time though.

Miss

Owen Hargreaves

Another one for the future but injury spoilt this World Cup for him.

Miss

Joe Cole

Has the tricks to mesmerise defenders but didn't get chance because of Sinclair's performance against Argentina. Another player who will be a big part of the squad for the future.

Miss.

 

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