England World Cup 2006 Players
Sven-Goran Eriksson confirmed his 23 players for FIFA World Cup 2006 on May 15 after provisionally naming the squad on May 8. Wayne Rooney was included in the squad, although FIFA regulations allow him to be replaced, with a medical report, 24 hours prior to England's first match should he not be football fit.
The Squad
Goalkeepers:
Paul Robinson, Tottenham Hotspur
Paul Robinson has performed magnificently for Spurs of late and is currently England’s number one goalkeeper. Robinson is vital for England success during their Germany campaign.
David James, Manchester City
It is likely that David James will not get a game unless Paul Robinson picks up an injury, yet Eriksson will be safe in the knowledge that his second keeper has had a good season for Man City and is on top of his game.
Robert Green, Norwich City
England doesn’t have a fantastic pool of goalies to fall back on, although Robert Green can hold his own. He probably wouldn’t be on the plane to Germany if Chris Kirkland wasn’t suffering with an injury, although Green has been out for a few weeks himself.
Defence:
Gary Neville, Right-Back, Manchester United
Stalwart defender Gary Neville missed out on the last world cup due to a broken foot, but has enjoyed a fabulous season for United and is well ready this time around.
Ashley Cole, Left-Back, Arsenal
Undoubtedly one of the most talented full-backs in the game; Ashley Cole has recently recovered from injury and was a doubt for the world cup after spending seven months on the bench.
Wayne Bridge, Left-Back, Chelsea
Another brilliant left-back man, Wayne Bridge can also diversify to left midfield and is a left lifeline for Eriksson should Cole develop problems.
John Terry, Centre-Back, Chelsea
John Terry has performed brilliantly for Chelsea throughout the last two seasons and is England’s anchor man in defence. He is England's first-choice centre-half.
Rio Ferdinand, Centre-Back, Manchester United
Rio Ferdinand has had a great season for Man U and is a definite starter at the back for England. Ferdinand was chosen ahead of Sol Campbell in the friendly with Argentina in November, 05.
Sol Campbell, Centre-Back, Arsenal
Recently returning back to form, Sol Campbell has bags of experience, seeing both the 2002 and 1998 world cups.
Jamie Carragher, Centre-Back, Liverpool
Jamie Carragher can play any defensive position and is the ideal back-up for Eriksson, even though England has an abundance of centre-halves.
Midfield:
David Beckham (Captain), Right Midfield, Real Madrid
David Beckham sees his third and perhaps final world cup, yet is looking to improve on his poor post-injury performance of the 2002 World Cup. Beckham has done well for Real Madrid this season and fortunately faces less expectation and limelight as much of the spotlight has been shifted to other players in the squad.
Aaron Lennon, Right Midfield, Tottenham Hotspur
Aaron Lennon is a new kid on the England block and owes his inclusion into the world cup squad from his fine displays for Spurs later on in the season. Lennon is lightning fast and accurate and a fine standby should the England captain develop any problems.
Joe Cole, Left Midfield, Chelsea
Joe Cole is playing superbly and has had a cracking season for Chelsea. He’ll either play on the left wing or maybe up front for the injured Wayne Rooney.
Stewart Downing, Left Midfield, Middlesbrough
England were for so long without an abundance of quality left-footed players, yet they have a second one in Stewart Downing. Although Downing was injured for much of last season, he has come back with a vengeance to help Middlesbrough to the Uefa Cup final.
Frank Lampard, Centre Midfield, Chelsea
Quite simply one of the world’s best midfield players and a natural goal scorer, Lampard has scored 22 goals this season and is Eriksson’s golden boy.
Steven Gerrard, Centre Midfield, Liverpool
Steven Gerrard unfortunately missed the last world cup through injury, but is now firing on all cylinders and as useful as Frank Lampard in the centre-midfield position. If the pair can gel, they will be unstoppable in the centre of the park.
Michael Carrick, Centre Midfield, Tottenham Hotspur
Michael Carrick is another solid centre-midfield player and a good extra for Eriksson to have. Carrick has done well all season and has helped Spurs gain their highest Premiership finish.
Jermaine Jenas, Centre Midfield, Tottenham Hotspur
Another Spurs star in the lineup, Jermaine Jenas is a great goal scorer and has done well for Tottenham this season, even though injured for a large part of it.
Owen Hargreaves, Centre Midfield, Bayern Munich
Always useful as back-up for midfield, Owen Hargreaves can play different positions and has recently hit his form after recovering from groin injury.
Strikers:
Wayne Rooney, Striker, Manchester United
England’s biggest shock of the lead up to FIFA World Cup 2006, Wayne Rooney will doubtfully see much action during this year’s tournament after again fracturing his right foot during Manchester United’s 3-0 loss to Premiership champions Chelsea, just six weeks before England’s first world cup game. If he returns to fitness at any stage in the competition, it is hoped he will feature in some part of it.
Michael Owen, Striker, Newcastle United
Another crushing doubt for the England, Michael Owen is still not right after also suffering a broken foot. He picked up the injury on New Year's Eve and is vital for England’s chances should Rooney remain on the bench.
Peter Crouch, Striker, Liverpool
Peter Crouch could see some action if Wayne Rooney remains unfit. Although not as prolific and powerful a striker as Rooney, Crouch relies on his lanky frame to unnerve the opposition defence.
Theo Walcott, Striker, Arsenal
It seems Sven Goran Eriksson has taken a gamble and included the inexperienced and untested Theo Walcott. Arsenal’s Walcott is only 17 and has never played in a Premiership game, much less a ranking tournament, and is a gamble that Eriksson hopes will pay off should his leading striking pair of Rooney and Owen remain unfit. Theo Walcott’s biggest plus is his speed; he is a full second quicker than Thierry Henry over 100 metres by all accounts.
Standby players:
