The Case for Wes Brown

Which area of the England team do you have most confidence about? Chances are that without hesitation, you’d say the central defenders and few people would argue with that. It’s a department where Sven Goran Eriksson can select world class players and still have world class players available for cover, so the really important questions are who does he take to Germany and who does he select in his starting line-up?

Barring injury and loss of form, Chelsea captain John Terry and Manchester United’s Rio Ferdinand stand out and Liverpool’s Jamie Carragher is hard to ignore, but what about the rest? Normally, the name ‘Campbell’ would be right up there, but there is growing evidence that Sol’s recent performances for Arsenal have lacked the power and assurance of earlier years. Spurs’ Ledley King has impressed in international appearances in which he has been required to operate both at centre back and as a holding midfield player. And there are signs that Real Madrid’s Jonathan Woodgate may at last have shaken off his injury nightmare.

Last but by no means least is United’s Wes Brown, who comes with a ringing endorsement from Sir Alex Ferguson. And when you consider his qualities – his pace, balance, strength, judgement, positioning, composure, use of the ball – in comparison with other contenders, you realise that Wes Brown could well emerge as a first choice central defender in the 2006 World Cup.