[elliothand]

Do you love the French?
Steve Boulton - editor, Football Focus 16 Jan 07, 05:58 PM At Football Focus we were intrigued to learn that the French government proposed a union of Britain and France back in 1956. Magnifique?

What could that have meant for all our countries’ footballing success? Would Fritain (or perhaps Brance?) even have needed extra time to see off the Germans in 1966? Would Archie Gemmill have got into the team to score his wonder goal in 1978? We’ll never know I guess...

What we can work out is who would get into a Britain & France XI today. Please send us the team you think would play best together.

And tell us why.

To get you going, here’s a suggested XI from an unnamed anorak (or anorak-ess) in the office.

In goal Paul Robinson (do you think Scotland’s Craig Gordon deserves this spot perhaps?)

Full-backs Willy Sagnol and Ashley Cole.

Central defence is Rio Ferdinand and William Gallas.

Steve Gerrard plays on the right of midfield in this line up, with Vieira and Makelele as the engine and Ryan Giggs flying down the left.

Up front Wayne Rooney and Thierry Henry.

Not a bad side to be fair, but you must be able to do better. Please send us your Britain and France glory eleven.

We’ll finish the programme with it on Saturday. I wonder what the Brazillian government think about country collaborations?


http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/sportedit...ou_decide.html

[Steven]

Giggs is Welsh, Robinson isn't as good as Coupet (or even the best English keeper atm). Louis Saha scores more than Rooney, and outside of the box Henry has an end product more often. Rooney scares defenders and is involved in some Utd goals, but he doesn't score enough. Rooney and Henry wouldn't work - you'd have no one in the box, similar to when Crouch and Gerrard were up front in one of the World Cup warm up matches

Most importantly, a political alliance (that didn't happen) doesn't necessarily lead to a football match up; see UK nations

[elliothand]

Originally Posted by LFC_SL

Most importantly, a political alliance (that didn't happen) doesn't necessarily lead to a football match up; see UK nations

Ha Ha... taken it a bit personally haven't you!!! Just a hypothetical bit of fun... can imagine what it would be like. I remember talking to my mates few years ago about what it would be like if could enter a gb team instead and who we'd include in it (everyone agreed giggs would have been difference between doing okay and really succeeding).

I agree that Henry and Rooney wouldn't work and that Rooney doesn't contribute enough. So overated at the moment. Sure has potential but not delivering on the same level of consistent excellence that C. Ronaldo (bit older), or Cesc Fabregas (about same age) are. Although looking on the bbc website all of the entries place rooney and henry up front... have to say I'd consider anelka in his recent form to parner henry although not really sure that would work.

GK: not great choices at the moment to be honest. Go with Coupet because picking Robinson really is scrapping the barrell when compared to great international keepers.
Defence would still to Galas, Terry, Neville and Cole
Midfield: Gerrard and Makalele in middle, with Giggs and Ribbery on wings. Think its a waste playing Gerrard on flanks just to try to accomodate Lampard/ Viera in middle as he clearly isn't a winger.
Attack: To confirm Henry and Anelka

Including a bench? Okay, Robinson, Ferdinand, Sagnol, Lampard, Rooney, Saha and of course 1 gamble in Walcott

[Steven]

I know its a bit of fun, sorry

Please stop mentioning Giggs though!!! He's Welsh and proud of it!

[Kazuya Mishima]

Yes can we have Craig Gordon in goal, as the token Scotsman?

Robinson stinks and I'll take your word for it about Coupet, but just give us one, eh?

Or could I suggest Barry Ferguson as captain - social activities and dressing-room team spirit a speciality.

[Steven]

Coupet is nothing special. That says more about Robinson though At least Coupet is good enough for Lyon. Robinson is the best of a bad bunch, but saying that if McClaren had guts, he'd give David James a run out in the Feb friendly based on current form. I cringe when I watch Robinson. Doesn't seem to command the area, make firm decisions or deal with crosses Yes I know as a Liverpool fan, I can't talk, but that's not the point Spurs fans!

I'd have elliothand's team, but Abidal over Cole (Cole is dodgy sometimes in defence imo), Lennon instead of Giggs (Ribery is a left winger!!!) and Saha instead of Anelka (when fit!!!)

[CFC1]

***! Where's JT and Lamps? ...wouldn't win a game without 'em!

[elliothand]

Originally Posted by CFC1

***! Where's JT and Lamps? ...wouldn't win a game without 'em!

I had John Terry in my team with Lampard on the bench as would rather play Gerrard and wouldn't play them together.


LFC SL, I know Giggs is Welsh, but they said they wanted the best of Britain and France combined and so Welsh, Scottish, English and Northern Irish players are included in that.

Good point about Ribbery playing on the same wing as Giggs... will have another think...