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Sven's Left Back Problem - Sorted !

England's problem positions go in cycles and this time it's the turn of the left back.

Ashley Cole is looking increasingly doubtful and with Wayne Bridge also suffering after being carried off in the Uruguay game, Sven looks to have a tricky problem to sort out before we go off to Germany and win the World Cup.

So, what are the options if either Cole or Bridge or even both of them fail to make the squad. I guess the likes of Carragher, Koncheskey and maybe even Gareth Barry ( but please not Phil Neville ! ) are the most likely suspects, but our own Stephen Jordan could and should come into the reckoning.

Unlike the others, Jordan is a natural left back and his performances are improving all the time. He's not the finished article by any means, but in terms of English left backs, there aren't many currently in better form. A converted right back or central defender isn't the answer - it never works properly.

Jordan has already proved he's got the temperament for the big occasion, as he showed when making his first start for City at Old Trafford where he put in a stunning debut performance. He's a confident young lad capable of developing into a really top class defender.

At the moment, he doesn't really have the national coverage of his competitors and is probably best known up here in the Northwest and that may unfortunately count against him. It's a shame he wont get a chance to impress in a friendly before the World Cup squad is announced, which is why I'm flying his flag now.

I'm not saying he should be first choice, but he would certainly provide decent cover and give 110%.

Would Jordan's inclusion in the squad be a surprise or has he now earned the right to be considered for national honours?




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Writer:  Mail feedback, articles or suggestions

Date:Thursday March 2 2006

Time: 10:05PM

Your Comments

Agreed... he's done enough to show he can handle the bigger stage, but this World Cup has probably come too soon for him
bluetone
It would be an absolute blunder to include a lad with such little experience in the World Cup squad. He would get run ragged, and it would probably destroy his confidence. Konchesky is a better option, though not by much. Maybe a recall for mr utility, Phil Neville.
IanBoydon
Sometimes you have to take risks in life. I seem to recall that an inexperienced Danny Mills ended up as England's Player of the Tournament in a previous World Cup ( which probably doesn't say much for the quality of the other players). For sure Cole and Bridge are number 1 and 2 choices respectively, but Jordan is as good as the rest of the English Premiership left backs and a much better option than jack of all trades and master of none, Neville
bluetone
 

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