There’s an old Chinese saying that, when translated, means: “If food is your meteor, then eat your cosmos”. Another wise Chinese saying says, “A half fit footballer is not a fully fit footballer.”
You can see why these proverbs are used as words of wisdom centuries after they were first uttered. And the second one we mentioned – the one about footballers – can be attributed to England’s current World Cup squad and the decisions to be made before this summer’s tournament.
Discussions about the best central defensive pairing, how to get the best out of Lampard and Gerrard in the midfield (we say ditch Beckham and push Gerrard out to the right, by the way) and even speculation over who will be the next England manager are dominating the media. But the question ‘can England afford to gamble on half fit players?’ lurks in the background.
Many pundits have been making noises, and have also been saying that Olde Albion possess, on paper, the best squad they’ve ever had. But does this squad look as strong when key players like Owen, Ashley Cole, Campbell and Luke Young aren’t included? All these players have been injured (and/or suffering from ‘other’ problems) for a large chunk of the season and look as though they might just make it back to play the last handful of domestic games this season – but will they be fit enough to bring back World Cup glory?
Owen, of course, is the crucial name. Proven at the highest level (as well as at the bookies), the Owen and Rooney striking combination is the bedrock on which England’s World Cup is based upon. Newcastle tell us that there’s nothing to worry about – Owen’s broken feet will be mended in time, and he’ll be back before the end of the season. But these people also tell us that Newcastle is a quiet and peaceful town, populated by non-drinkers. Can Sven afford to take the risk and select a Michael Owen without match sharpness? The general school of thought says yes. Although the contenders to take his place, Crouch and Bent, have had fine seasons, they haven’t got the experience of Owen. And then there’s Jermain Defoe. Reckoned to the most similar striker to Owen we have – pace, goal scoring ability, playing off the shoulder etc – he’s currently warming the bench at Tottenham and even his place in the final squad is in jeopardy. So Owen, realistically, must go to Germany. And not just for a holiday.
The left back position isn’t quite as cut and dried. This time last year, some said Ashley Cole was the best left back in the world, but injury has ruled him out for the majority of the season and a recent reserve team comeback ended with the future Mrs Cheryl Tweedy hobbling off gingerly. Cole’s traditional understudy, Wayne Bridge, is injury free and playing regularly for Fulham, but his form hasn’t been as steady as some would like. He was also burned embarrassingly by an Argentine in the recent friendly win against the Pumas. West Ham’s Paul Konchesky has emerged as a contender, but looked out of his depth when he made is England debut. He also works very well in tandem with an out-and-out left winger who doesn’t leave him exposed. England, not blessed with an Ian Woan or Nick Pickering left winger, simply can’t afford to play him. A half fit Ashley Cole is a must.
Sol Campbell’s problems have been well documented on these pages, and although the big man made himself available for the recent Champions’ League quarter final against Juventus, Arsene Wenger chose to leave him on the bench. So an absence of Campbell wouldn’t be such a huge problem – solid players like Ferdinand, Terry and King will contest the central defensive places.
So, a yes for a half fit Owen and Cole and a no for Campbell. But will Sven take these risks?

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