Eriksson Faces Decision on England’s Backline

England coach Sven-Goran Eriksson says his team’s lineup for Germany this summer is largely set, with a final decision yet to be made on who will start in center of his backline. Three players, Chelsea’s John Terry, Manchester United’s Rio Ferdinand and Arsenal’s Sol Campbell are in the running for the final two slots in the middle of defense.

Eriksson’s decision is a difficult one with all three players solid when in form. If I were a.) Swedish b.) the coach of England and c.) forced to make this decision, I would go with Terry and Campbell. Terry is a capable leader whose play has been championed by his fellow national team members. Campbell has both the strength on the ball and the experience England needs to be solid in the back.

I would be concerned about Ferdinand’s consistency. When he is good, he is really good. When he is bad, he can be really bad. And as always, the big question is whether he will stay healthy. It is a luxury that Eriksson will be able to bring a player like him off the bench.

Eriksson also is hoping that forward Michael Owen’s injury will be healed by the time the World Cup rolls around. Owen will reportedly be out of action for a couple of months, but is optimistic he will be fine by the start of the tournament. If anything I think the injury might be a blessing for Owen. It will give him time to rest his body, while also allowing him time to regain his fitness for his national team duties.