I just hope that England can survive in the competition until I arrive back home 
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Okay, this is where the gobby American solves England's football problems so that Miles can see his country play ... Eriksson take notes!
I just worry about the ill-fated left side of midfiled
As would most of your compatriots. I think it's time that Sven took a slightly more unorthodox approach. He's played a host of mid-fielders -- who are generally playing out of position -- on the left side. Sadly, other than one World Cup game where Owen Hargreaves played very well on the left, it's still a glaring problem of the English game.
Solution: Ashley Cole/Wayne Bridge combination on the left. Both are good at getting forward and since Sven has no qualms with playing people out of position, why not take one of these natural left-siders and play one of them in mid-field. It should help bring width to the game and prevent the need for the narrow diamond shape.
the central defence sans Ferdinand
The central defence should get on quite well, provided that Terry and Campbell are fit. Terry has been a rock for Chelsea (taking over Desailly's title of Rock -- no mean feat, I might add) for the last two seasons. However, Terry and Campbell need time to work together to build a partnership.
Solution: Terry/Campbell. Eriksson, quit playing musical central defenders!
goalkeeper (sometimes suspect under pressure)
Good ole' Calamity James! He is an accident waiting to happen. Sadly, I've not watched enough of Paul Robinson this year to have a real opinion on whether he could replace James. Note to grassroots football: get working on those keepers -- England needs them!
Solution: Strong defence (see central defender solution), and hope and pray that nothing comes down to penalties.
and support to Michael Owen up front
Given the left-sided midfield solution is in place, there's little reason why Owen shouldn't get the necessary service, depending upon whether Eriksson plays a more defensive or attack-minded mid-field. That being said, I think that England rely a little too heavily on Owen for goals and sadly, he goes from periods of absolute brilliance to couldn't hit a cow's ar*e with a banjo with regular frequency.
Heskey shouldn't even be in the team, much less on the pitch. 'Nuf said on that subject.
Between the remaining strikers -- Vassell and Rooney -- they are much of a muchness. Yes, Rooney is football's golden boy, but there seems little to separate Vassell and Rooney in goals scored this season, 6 and 8 respectively (League only). Also, I worry about Rooney's temperament. The last thing you need is to be down a man playing a team like France because Rooney got a little to impetuous.
Solution: Use Owen provided that he's not going through a cow/banjo stage. If he is, have the guts to pull him off. If needs be, consider using Scholes or Lampard to sit behind Owen, almost as a second striker. Play Vassell and Rooney as needed, keep a close eye on the latter's temperament.
Misc suggestions: Keep Joe Cole and Scott Parker off the pitch unless you absolutely, positively have no other choice!
So there you have it ... the gobby American's solutions. I really do hope they are still in the competition when you finally make it over. After all, Vnice should know what it's like to be a football widow straight off the bat! Start out as you mean to go on.
Me ... I'm just looking forward to a summer feast of footie. See, the good thing about being a from a country where football doesn't even register on the national radar is that you have no natural leanings to one team or the other. Whilst I do watch all the England games and cheer for them, I really enjoy watching the Dutch (when they are on their game, they are fascinating). I'm also partial to the Portuguese -- in Euro 2000 they were brilliant, but pitiful in the World Cup. Sadly, my favourite team didn't make it this year -- the Irish! They don't seem to know when they are beaten, which many times leads to them winning!
So how many more days until Euro 2004 starts?
