Gerrard must be captain and AJ must start: 10 Things Terry Butcher learned from England v France

By Terry Butcher

Published 07:00 21/11/10

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I watched England’s pitiful performance against France and suddenly realised I’d learned 10 key lessons about Fabio Capello and his men.

I felt sorry for the crowd watching England at ­Wembley. Some of whom had been grossly overcharged for their tickets.

I mean, £5 was way over the top to watch that ­rubbish!

There is now an element of the tail wagging the dog with clubs and managers ­complaining about how long their players are forced to play for their country in these friendly ­internationals.

Utter rubbish! Who do these Premier League people think they are?

I believe England’s top stars should be rested for friendlies and squad players and

Youngsters should be given the chance to gain ­experience and represent their country.

That way the expectation level is reduced because of the freshness of the team.

Oh, and make everyone sing the National Anthem – it inspires the crowd and unites the squad whilst ­generating adrenalin and spirit.

But here are the 10 lessons I believe we should all take on board after another ­woeful Wembley show

1) Joe Hart is easily ­England’s best keeper. Even though the ­Manchester City No.1 does make the occasional howler, Ben Foster and Robert Green don’t even come close to him.

2) Rio Ferdinand’s injuries have finally taken their toll. In the penalty area he looked very limited and he was ruthlessly exposed by the pace of Karim Benzema. At 32 the end is fast approaching.

3) There’s nothing in ­reserve to back up the first choice back four. And to be brutally honest even the first choice quartet of Glen ­Johnson, Ferdinand, John Terry and Ashley Cole fills me with fear and trepidation these days.

4) Gareth Barry’s recent ­performances at ­international level have been woeful. Someone should help the lad unhitch the ­caravan he appears to be ­dragging around the pitch.

5) Steven Gerrard has to be reinstated as captain. He gives more to the team whenever he wears the ­armband. After the World Cup shambles Gerrard has ­contributed more to the England cause than Ferdinand and Terry put together. Stevie could form a new partnership with Jack Wilshere, who has to become a regular immediately.

6) Ashley Young must start on the left wing with Adam Johnson on the opposite side. Theo Walcott is best used as an impact substitute along with James Milner who does not have the pace for this level.

7) There should still be friendlies in November, February and May, but only the fringe players should be selected. This should stop clubs arrogantly dictating to the England coach how long their stars can be on the field.

8) Andy Carroll deserves another chance (with England too!) but with Wayne Rooney as his strike partner. Young and Johnson must provide the crosses for the Geordie striker and Rooney can buzz about like before.

9) Capello has to settle on a system that suits ­everyone and not play people out of their normal ­positions. Jordan Henderson must be allowed to roam free next time and play his natural game with perhaps Scott Parker or Tom Huddlestone anchoring the midfield.

10) England played at a different level to France on ­Wednesday night – about seven feet in the air! Just because Carroll and Peter Crouch are giants doesn’t mean that there has to be an aerial bombardment. Height is an asset only when crosses are delivered in to the box from 25 yards out or ­closer.

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