London - Paul Scholes wants England manager Roy Hodgson to throw caution to the wind at the World Cup finals and adopt Liverpool’s cavalier style.
The Manchester United legend believes Hodgson should pick up to five players from his Anfield contingent to avoid a repeat of the turgid performances England produced under Fabio Capello in South Africa four years ago.
Liverpool lost out to Manchester City in the Premier League title race on the last day of the season but were widely praised for their attacking style.
Former United and England midfielder Scholes, who went to two World Cups, said: ‘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 starting 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 three-all games than dull 0-0 draws. I’d love to see Roy be brave enough to play like Liverpool. The thing I admired most was the swagger of their play and how they terrorised opponents. It reminded me of United at their best.
“The reports I’m hearing now from the international set-up are very positive and while I still doubt Roy Hodgson will start with such an attacking, Liverpool-style approach, I’d love to see it.
“Much has been said already about the Luis Suarez and Daniel Sturridge partnership for the club. But Steven Gerrard, Sturridge and Raheem Sterling can offer a huge goal threat for England. On the back of last season, I’d definitely start with Gerrard, Sturridge, Jordan Henderson and Sterling. The question mark is Glen Johnson at right back.
“It’s probably Phil Jones’ best position, even though he could still develop into a great centre half. Johnson is a touch better going forward, but it’s a tight call.
“Henderson is a diamond of a lad who’s best described as workmanlike. He’s a player others appreciate having around them on the pitch. He’ll sacrifice himself for the attacking talent.”
However, Scholes fears Hodgson may have blundered by not including his old United team-mate Michael Carrick in the squad to play the ‘quarterback’ role if Gerrard suffers an injury.
“Not bringing Michael Carrick is a mistake,” he said. “If there’s an injury to Gerrard nobody jumps out to replace him. I don’t see Henderson, Frank Lampard or Jack Wilshere playing Gerrard’s role. I’m not sure Lampard has the ability to control a game. He’s always someone who’s up trying to score goals. England’s success in the group hinges on Gerrard staying fit.”
In his blog for bookmaker Paddy Power, Scholes also described Yaya Toure’s unhappiness at Manchester City over what the Ivory Coast star perceived as the club’s failure to respect his 31st birthday as ‘comical’ and ‘quite embarrassing’.
He added: “I can’t remember United players acting like this. Poor Yaya, maybe the big lad just needs a cuddle.”
Daily Mail