In his latest blog for Paddy Power, Paul Scholes waxes lyrical about Liverpool and implores Roy Hodgson to play the Liverpool way in Brazil.
He’s nothing if not honest. And brilliant at football. And refreshingly frank. And ginger. Paul Scholes wants England to do well being the patriot he is, but he wants them to go to Brazil and have a right bloody go. He thinks Hodgson should start with Gerrard, Sturridge, Sterling and Henderson. No anti-Liverpool bias there then.
Paul Scholes on England: “It would be refreshing for England to adopt Liverpool’s attacking mentality in Brazil. Really go for it. That means certainly four, and possibly five, Liverpool players in the England starting XI against Italy on June 14.
“South Africa in 2010 was so negative with boring draws. Nothing seemed to happen. England fans, and myself as an England fan, would rather 3-all games than dull, nil-nil draws. I’d love to see Roy be brave enough to play like Liverpool (or Man United teams of the past).
On Liverpool’s defensive frailties : “Defensively Liverpool were poor – conceding 50 goals – but they can be contenders again next year IF they can get two world-class centre halves and a left-back. I’m talking about players of the standard of Jaap Stam (pic below) and Rio Ferdinand. That quality is difficult to find.”
On England’s starting XI against Italy : “For England’s first XI, we’ll know more after the upcoming friendlies, but on the back of last season, I’d definitely start with Steven Gerrard, Daniel Sturridge, Jordan Henderson and Raheem Sterling. The question mark is Glen Johnson (pic below) at right back.
“It’s probably Phil Jones’ best position right now, even though Jones could still develop into a great centre-half. Johnson is a touch better going forward, but it’s a tight call. Johnson had just two assists for Liverpool last season so did not provide a genuine attacking threat, whatever the perception.”
On the omission of Michael Carrick: “Gerrard (a good leader who will have quickly moved on from that slip) has adjusted his game superbly, very much like I did. He is likely to be asked to do a similar job in this England team to his ‘quarterback’ role at Liverpool.”
“However, not bringing Michael Carrick is a mistake. If there’s an injury to Gerrard nobody jumps out to replace him, assuming Roy considers the Liverpool approach. I don’t see Henderson, Frank Lampard or Jack Wilshire playing Gerrard’s role.”
On the Champions League Final and Ronaldo: “Bloody hell, Ronaldo (pic below) looks well. He must be getting his body ready for the beach. Not for me that style of celebration. You don’t want to see my Salford tan.”
On Yaya Toure: “As for Yaya Toure sulking because Manchester City didn’t mark his birthday with sufficient respect, it was comical. Quite embarrassing, really. I can’t remember Man United players acting like this. We still came back for pre-season. Poor Yaya, maybe the big lad just needs a cuddle.”
We were massive fans of Paul Scholes the player, but we are becoming even bigger fans of Paul Scholes the blogger.
You can read the full blog on Paddy Power here.
