Some coverage of this on other threads but given the press on Davies / Cahill and last weeks England squad, 2 key contests defined the game for me yesterday.

 

Battle of the Centre Backs - Cahill v Upson

 

No contest, Cahill for me had a superb game, reasonably dominant in the air, key blocks and a stunning goal line clearance. Given a good contest by Carlton Cole but more than held his own.

 

Upson - what a soft tw*t. Outfought, out muscled, out played by SKD. Not up for the fight and did little to demonstrate to me any England credentials at all.

 

Given Upson has won England caps Cahill is on the same level for me, although both are a long way behind Ferdinand and Terry.

 

Battle of the Centre Forwards - Davies v Cole

 

For me (and remember its all about opinions) a much closer contest. Not been a fan of Cole in general but thought he looked lively, strong and threatening throughout - a measure of Cahill's performance that he was kept under control.

 

Thought SKD performed to his usual standard, ran his socks off and gave Upson a complete run around. Great to see he has risen to the challenge of leading the team - do as I do not do as I point (a great change from the previous leader) and that the goals are flowing.

 

Either of the two offer reasonable back up (assuming England was blessed with attacking talent) but given the current lack of talent would love to see SKD given the chance.

The most used phrase for me this season is SKD had a belter,

Edited February 22, 200917 yr by superjohnmcginlay

Nice to see that great journalistic institution - the MEN is in agreement with me.

 

Quote

 

"Big Davies battered England defender Matthew Upson into a whingeing wreck, and Cahill was a rock on which West Ham's spirited second half fightback foundered.

 

Afterwards Megson was moved to give Capello a nudge that there are English players performing well at less fashionable clubs, not least his own.

 

"All Gary and Davo can do is keep plugging away and hope that from the long squad they can get into the short squad," said Megson.

 

"Neither of them would let England down if they got the opportunity, but I understand Capello's doubts because he has a great deal to choose from."

 

I think I must be in the wrong career