England Shield
 
NEWS AND FEATURES
Wayne, Frank and David all make Mike's squad.
Wayne, Frank and David all make Mike's squad.

Take your pick

In May next year we all hope that Sven-Goran Eriksson will be naming his 23-man squad for the World Cup Finals in Germany.

But what if you had to name the squad? And what if you had to name it now?

Over the next two weeks, we'll be putting you on the spot to name your 23, with a chance to win a pair of tickets for England's final World Cup Qualifier against Poland in October.

After two selections so far, the third person to step up to the plate is 36-year-old englandfans+ member Mike Cole, who resides in Warwick, and is a season-ticket holder at European Champions Liverpool.

Here is Mike's 23 and his rationale behind each selection.

The Squad

Position Players
Goalkeepers Paul Robinson, David James, Chris Kirkland
Defenders

Gary Neville, Rio Ferdinand, John Terry, Ashley Cole, Jamie Carragher, Sol Campbell, Ledley King, Wayne Bridge

Midfielders

David Beckham, Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard, Joe Cole, Jermaine Jenas, Shaun Wright-Phillips, Michael Carrick, Keiron Dyer

Forwards

Michael Owen, Wayne Rooney, Jermain Defoe, Alan Smith

The Reasoning

Goalkeepers

Paul Robinson - Very consistent this season, and has deserved his number one status.

David James - Although he has lost the regular starting place, his experience is an advantage in major tournaments.

Chris Kirkland - Young, brave and an extremely talented keeper, an injury-free season could see him claim the number one shirt.

Defenders

Gary Neville - A very experienced international full back, never stops battling and links well with Beckham.

Rio Ferdinand - Pace, strength, and a good footballing brain, the perfect modern day central defender.

John Terry - Never shirks a challenge. Lead Chelsea to the Premiership title and has grown in stature this year.

Ashley Cole - Has made the left-back position his own, pace, skill, good in the tackle, and supports the forwards well.

Jamie Carragher - He was immense for Liverpool this season, vastly experienced player who can play anywhere across the back four.

Sol Campbell - Has been a rock for England on so many occasions, his tournament experience is vital.

Ledley King - Big strong "English type" centre-back, he is waiting for his big chance to cement a spot in the team.

Wayne Bridge - Left-sided defender who has never let England down, he is strong in the tackle and is also capable of playing further up the pitch.

Midfielders

David Beckham
- England's Talisman, the captain, the first name on the team sheet, quite simply a world-class midfield player.

Steven Gerrard - The complete modern day midfield player, pace, power, vision, he has everything.

Frank Lampard - Another of England's midfielders who could push for a place in any world eleven, a major goal threat from the middle of the park.

Joe Cole - Joe has always possessed the talent, he now has an added determination to his game, he can be a match-winner.

Jermaine Jenas - Very composed in the middle of the park, strong in the tackle and an excellent passer of the ball.

Shaun Wright-Phillips - Electrifying pace down the right hand side, loves to take on defenders and has an eye for goal.

Michael Carrick - A good holding player, he has the strength and skill needed to play in the international arena.

Kieron Dyer - Pace and skill in abundance, and versatile enough to slot in anywhere across the middle.

Forwards

Michael Owen - England's top finisher, his pace and cool head have made him one of the world's best front men.

Wayne Rooney - A phenomenon, he has taken international football by storm, he has everything a forward needs and is still getting better.

Jermain Defoe - A "quicksilver" striker who can be lethal in front of goal, he is itching for a chance to claim a first team spot.

Alan Smith - His drive and determination are a match for any defender, a real challenge for any opponent.

So what do you think of Mike's squad? Agree? Disagree? Has he made a glaring omission?

If you can do better, send your 23 and the reasons for it to Editor@TheFA.com and, if it's good, we'll run it over the next two weeks. One of the best selectors will win a pair of tickets to England v Poland. So get choosing! Entries accepted until Friday 1 July.

For information on how to join englandfans, the Official England Supporters Club, go to TheFA.com/englandfans.

Past Picks

Monday 20 June - Andrew Gill
Tuesday 21 June - James Pickles

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