So the build up to the 2 friendlies has started and already plenty of withdrawals. No quite sure how we should approach these. I think I would be inclined to use this game to try another keeper, and maybe look at our holding ability. Key to international games in keeping the ball and playing with pace (certainly in our case).

 

So no Carrick, Gerrard, play Jones perhaps in front of the back 4. Townsend is a must, but without Welbeck who to play on the left?

 

I wouldn't mix it too much but, try the new boys as subs on the hour, using those who he feels will be in the final squad.

 

He must have a good idea of that make up by now, maybe 3-4 places up for grabs at this stage.

 

Come on England

Jones used to play in midfield, he did it quite well - he shown some great passing when he did. Rooney might end up being stuck on the left side, it's really down to Hodgson. I think he should try to see some of the other players he hasn't been picking or starting, we have quite a few wingers who could do the job but sadly I don't know who he's selected.

I agree.Goalkeeper is a problem.Pick the strongest available starting eleven then give a chance to some untried young players.

This should be a cracker. Chile play open, attacking football and don't defend very well. They will attack all night, but there will be gaps in their defence. I reckon England will win 3-1.

I agree with @Dripsey3's prediction. As he says it should be a decent game, which isn't something you say often about England friendlies!

 

The world cup play-off between Sweeden and Portugal should be good too. We'll have a world cup without either Ronaldo or Ibrahimovic...

I'm going to tune into this one, I think @super_ram will be flying back home as he's just return the little ones back to us. I like Chile, they have a few very good talented players, some who can play really well and some who are nobodies. They'll want to win the game more than England I suppose, hopefully whoever we choose will try to get the game in our favour.

Yes back home now and settled in front of the telly and what happens-Chile score.Not over by a long way yet.I predict a hat full of goals if the opening few minutes are anything to go by.

I predict a hat full of goals if the opening few minutes are anything to go by.

0-1 half time, good prediction @super_ram

2-0 Chile then. Impressed by them, they looked excellent all over the park. We on the other hand were woefull, and once we went 1-0 down never looked like scoring

Did you hear the England fans singing..............Countyyyyy, it's just like watching county.

Well, this manager lark, is easy. Woy messed up, he didn't have the holding player as such, and we missed the pace out wide. Townsend did make a bit of difference when he came on.

I just can't get interested in games like this. So tired of watching friendly type games. Actually not a big fan of premiership either so don't know who half the players are. Prefer real football of the lower leagues for real supporters. But of course support England in proper games.

0-1 half time, good prediction @super_ram

Very small hat,Tony.

I think the next game will be very different with a less experimental England lineup.Goalkeeper still a problem as is defence and midfield.Passing needs to improve.Need to be more streetwise too.