Could Steven Gerrard Play Right Back for England?

The good folks on Sky’s Sunday Supplement gathered for coffee again this weekend (sans Jimmy Hill of course, he’s no longer invited) and discussed the two big questions from Saturday’s 5-1 win over Kazakhstan. As usual they came up with some interesting analysis.

Click the links to see the video…

First question: is it OK to boo Ashley Cole?
The Sun’s Shaun Custis believes that Cole is paying the price for all his tabloid shenanigans. Henry Winter suggests that the negative reaction stems from England fans who support lower league clubs and are basically sick of the money-bloated English Premier League, as represented by Ca$hley.

Custis also stressed that Cole needs to sit down and do some good PR interviews. Not sure if he meant that for the good of the England team, or if he was just angling for a Sun exclusive.

Second question: how do we solve the Lampard/Gerrard thingy?
Ah, the question with no answer. Henry Winter would drop Lampard and play Gerrard, which seems insane given the form Lampard’s in right now.

Other suggestions include shunting Gerrard out to the left (which could very well happen against Belarus) playing both men central but with Gerrard as the designated DM and Lampard the AM (which might work against weaker opposition) and – my favourite suggestion because it’s a new idea – playing Gerrard at right back.

Before you die laughing, this is an idea worth thinking about. Obviously it’s not Gerrard’s best position, but he can play there. I still say that it’s Gerrard or Lampard in midfield, not both. And to answer Brian Wolnough’s question: if it’s between sitting Gerrard on the bench and playing Gerrard at right back, then why not hand Stevie G the number two shirt?

[video links via 101 Great Goals]