I think its a combination..

not only were Gerrard & Lampard good players but the potential replacements in CM (ie proper holding players) were a very mediocre bunch (Nicky Butt anyone).

If Hargreaves can keep playing like Saturday that changes the equation of course, and might make it easier to drop Lampard.
That said, with Owen injured and Ronney now to be suspended it is hard to find two quality looking strikers. So the reasoning behind the 4-5-1 will still exist.

If you were a club manager you could buy players to sort this type of dilemma out but at international level you are stuck with the players you have. It is very difficult.

Posted By: mr carra, Jul 3, 15:24:04