This. Although I think even Milner from the current squad could perform this role, or Jones even. gerrard is finished, he can't run and doesn't play for the team.
Roy made a massive mistake against Italy by conceding possession with his team selection. He knew the conditions and knew Italy were good on the ball, yet still let Pirlo have all the time in the World and played 4 forwards who have little to no defensive responsibilities. Leaving the full backs horribly exposed.
I honestly don't see the point of welbeck. A forward who doesn't score goals, but is half decent at closing people down? Just play a midfielder, who can offer a similar goal threat, but play slightly deeper and provide better cover and passing options. Rooney is wasted out wide. Gerrard and henderson offer nothing in terms of keeping the ball or defensive cover so what exactly is their role? For all the praise Sterling is getting he didn't create an awful lot, Rooney still created more chances and is more accomplished in that role. Sterling can be equally as effective wide and he put a few decent balls in the box when he was there.
I agree with the original post, Roy played a system he'd not completely used before, so what was he doing in the friendlies?
My biggest gripe with the England set up is still the same as it has been for a few years. The likes of Wilshere, Barkley, Ox, Sterling etc. have been educated in a football sense with keeping the ball and technically are very good and can play this system. So why do England have an old-school manager in charge and a captain who prefers to hit 40 yard ball after 40 yard ball? It makes no sense. Put the younger generation in, who will be capable of keeping the ball and put someone in charge who also has a better education for this type of football. Fair enough Hodgson has European experience but clearly possession football is not his game.
