Full-back

Until just a few weeks ago, left-back was England’s most settled position. Ashley Cole and Wayne Bridge were first and second choice respectively at World Cup 2002 – and this situation had remained unchanged. However, with Cole’s ankle injury putting him in doubt for South Africa, and Bridge exiling himself for personal reasons, England’s left-back slot is suddenly familiar and comfortable no more. Stephen Warnock and Leighton Baines are lined up as replacements, but the situation has changed substantially – Cole and Bridge have 113 caps between them, whereas Warnock and Baines have two (one of which was obtained last week against Egypt).

It’s likely the first choice left-midfielder (Steven Gerrard) will favour cutting infield from his flank; therefore it is important that the new left-sided full-back is strong offensively so that attacking width is not compromised. Baines has performed well as an attacking full-back this season for an improving Everton side, whilst Warnock is a pragmatic and classy defender. At his previous club Blackburn, Warnock was also deployed in central midfield to good effect which demonstrates that he has the range to impose himself in central areas. However, it was Baines that got the nod for last week’s friendly: he acquitted himself well enough and faced a fair challenge from pacy Egyptian wing-back Al-Muhammadi. Baines didn’t do much wrong and another couple of friendlies will assist his confidence prior to the tournament, if Cole doesn’t regain fitness in time. If there are further mishaps or injuries then versatile midfielder James Milner could provide cover. Milner was used at left-back for the final 15 minutes of the qualifier against Belarus last October. Gareth Barry offers another option but, whilst he is left-footed and played much of his early career at left-back, he is now an essential feature of England’s central-midfield. 
 
Conversely, right-back was arguably England’s least settled position when Fabio Capello arrived as coach, but first and second choice now seem clear. Glen Johnson is established as first choice, but his attacking verve is offset by his defensive limitations. Some of Johnson’s contribution to the attack over the qualifiers was brilliant and he would make an accomplished winger. But every game seemed to feature at least one significant blunder. Wes Brown started the qualifying campaign as right-back. He is principally a centre-back but provides good cover for the right full-back slot. He offers less attacking presence than Johnson, but is slightly more solid defensively – although he is also prone to the odd lapse. Capello seems to favour a quick, touchline hugging right-sided midfielder like Theo Walcott or Aaron Lennon. If such a type of player is selected at right-midfield then Wes Brown’s inclusion is a possibility. However, it seems as though Capello is comfortable with two strong attacking outlets on the right. If a playmaker (with a predilection for drifting infield) was selected on the right, such as Gerrard, Joe Cole or David Beckham, then Johnson’s inclusion would be essential to ensure the maintenance of attacking presence on the flank. A drifting wide-midfielder and flying full-back together on one flank could leave the team exposed defensively, but with Barry and Frank Lampard providing a secure central midfield, the team has the scope to accommodate two attacking full-backs.
 
If either Johnson or Brown are injured before the tournament then it is not clear to whom Capello will turn. Manchester City’s Micah Richards looked to have made his international breakthrough under Steve McClaren, but has subsequently been overlooked. However, it’s more likely that squad cover for right-back would come from midfield in the shape of Milner – or perhaps even Gerrard.

One Response to “Full-back”

1. Colin Baillie says:

   March 8, 2010 at 9:17 am

   Did we ever find out who won the February Caption Competition?