Comments for England's unfortunate striker at http://www.wsc.co.uk , comment 0 to 4 out of 4 comments http://www.wsc.co.uk Mon, 13 Feb 2012 10:25:09 +0100 FeedCreator 1.7.2 http://www.wsc.co.uk/content/view/4122/38/#pc_1197 I agree with all of the above posts to a certain extent,except maybe the bit about him needing 4 chances to score a goal.That has always been a gibe that is easy to throw at players,but im not entirely sure that it would be backed up by any serious analysis of facts/statistics. After all show me a striker who has never missed chances....... On a wider note,i feel the National media critisicsm of Bent, has got something to do with the broadsheet obsession of trying to shoehorn or railroad Michael Owen into the WC squad. If they can somehow rubbish all other contenders then they hope to force Fabio Cappello to pick Owen. If you think i have this wrong take a look at Oliver Kay in the Times or Henry Winter in the Telegraph on most mondays. - Dalef65 Fri, 27 Nov 2009 18:06:00 +0100 http://www.wsc.co.uk/content/view/4122/38/#pc_1196 Also, if we are talking about 'unfortunate' England strikers, Dean Ashton should be the ideal partner for Rooney in South Africa and I don't just say that as a Crewe fan. For someone with his ability and talent to be forced out of the game so young is a tragedy. - Jonny_Bananas Thu, 26 Nov 2009 15:10:28 +0100 http://www.wsc.co.uk/content/view/4122/38/#pc_1195 As much as I think DarrenBent is a good footballer and has a top scoring record this season, the matches I have seen put him in the Andy Cole bracket, needs 3 or 4 chances to score 1 goal. I would not be optimistic if he was to come off the bench in an important knock-out game against a Germany or Argentina. - Jonny_Bananas Thu, 26 Nov 2009 15:06:21 +0100 http://www.wsc.co.uk/content/view/4122/38/#pc_1194 I suppose the problem for Bent, and for Defoe too is where they fit into the England side. The formation that has worked so well sees Barry playing as a holding midfielder allowing Gerrard and Lampard to get forward and Rooney playing off a target man whose job is essentially just to pressure defenders and hold up the ball, bringing other deeper lying-players into play. If Rooney is fit, he will play. England's record with Rooney playing off Heskey is impressive, despite the lack of goals from the Hesk. Bent and Defoe are unable to play the same role as Heskey while Crouch is seen, perhaps questionably, as the back-up for that role with Carlton Cole as a last resort. Essentially, there would appear to be one slot available for an 'impact striker' to throw on in a desperate situation. Defoe's 11 goals for England compares favourably to Bent's zilch. - t.j.vickerman Thu, 26 Nov 2009 13:25:15 +0100