Liechtenstein v England
BBC One, Saturday 29 March, 1715-1935 GMT As England prepare to face Liechtenstein, the argument over who should fill the left midfield role continues to rage.
Newcastle United's Kieron Dyer and Jermaine Jenas are the main candidates and BBC Sport examines their credentials while asking you to join in the debate.
Kieron Dyer
Pros:
Dyer has 14 England caps already, most of those on the left wing, and he played in last summer's World Cup in Korea and Japan.
He can be devastating breaking from midfield and his blistering pace should make him a handful for any right-back.
The 24-year-old also possesses extraordinary lung-power and covers an enormous amount of ground in the course of a game.
And despite his speed, Dyer has developed his touch and timing, as well as an appreciation of players around him.
Cons:
Dyer may have played most of his 14 caps on the left wing, but he has been largely ineffective in that position - his best game in England colours was playing in the centre against Italy.
Although Dyer says he will play anywhere for his country, some of his public utterances suggest he is somewhat reluctant to compromise.
Dyer's goalscoring record is modest, with only two League goals all season, and he still has a tendency to go it alone when better options are on.
Jermaine Jenas
Pros:
Jenas was impressive playing on the left against Australia last month in his only England appearance to date.
Like Dyer, Jenas never stops running and is adept at making late runs into the opposition penalty area.
Although only 20 years old, Jenas is intelligent, plays with his head up and is an accurate passer of the ball.
Jenas has been convincing in his insistence that he can play any position for England, and has already displayed his flexibility at international level.
Cons:
Jenas is mature beyond his years, but England may want older heads on the line when Turkey come to town.
By his own admission, Jenas is no winger and England's midfield is likely to become clogged with Jenas drifting inside.
This season, Jenas's goalscoring record is better than Dyer's, but still unspectacular.
BBC SPORT VERDICT: With his searing pace, Dyer could well cause havoc against minnows Liechtenstein on Saturday. Against Turkey, Jenas would provide more composure in what will be an intense midfield battle. Stick him in against Liechtenstein, let him find his feet and steel him for the big game ahead.
Do you agree? Join the debate by filling out the form on the top right of the screen.
And see below for a selection of your opinions about who should play on the left for England.
Dyer is sensational. It's not just that he plays the midfield position well, it is also that the confidence that he gives the other players, just by being there.
Franklin Ibemessie, Sierra Leone
Use both Dyer and Jenas - push Scholes forward more  |
Dyer, Dyer, Dyer, Dyer - every time!! He's the best we have to offer - but if I was Sven I would change it to 4-3-3 with Owen, Heskey and Scholes up front. That way Dyer can play in behind all three.
Simon, Northampton, England
I would have to say that both Dyer and Jenas are great players and will be for years to come. But from what I've seen of Gareth Barry this season, there is no doubt in my mind that he is the man for the job...Come on Sven, give the boy a chance.
Tony, England
I want to know why Heskey is in the squad! He has no right to be at all. Use both Dyer and Jenas - push Scholes forward more.
Potster, England
I can't believe England are going to yet again play a central midfielder on the left-hand side. Has everyone forgotten about Alan Thompson?? This guy, even though not world-class, would do a terrific job on that side of midfield.
He is a very good player and it's about time people stop criticising Scottish football and saying he's only playing well because of where he's playing. That's rubbish, go ask Liverpool fans.
Keith Mathews, UK
Neither Dyer or Jenas are the answer to our left-sided problem but given the choice, we should let Jenas prove himself. Dyer has had plenty of chances to make the position his own and failed miserably.
Don't forget Trevor Sinclair, he was outstanding at the World Cup  |
Either Gareth Barry or Graeme le Saux are our best bet but they aren't even in the squad. What about Vassel, he has the ability and speed to do a good job so why not?
Adam, England
Sven should go back to the fluid 4-3-3 he tried in a few pre-World Cup friendlies. I think that Jeffers with his pace would be a good option in the inside left position. He could then cut inside and provide support for Owen. Franny's already showed he can score at international level.
Shingo Soga, Japan
Pick them both in midfield and not out of position. Put Scholes up front with Owen as Heskey is useless. Wish Shearer would reconsider as he's still the best.
John, Geordie in Seattle, USA
...Don't forget Trevor Sinclair. He was outstanding at the World Cup and against Argentina was one of the better players for England. His form has dipped some this season but has now picked up and its no surprising that his return to form has seen West Ham pick up valuable points.
He can play on either left or right and would make good cover should Becks get injured. Bridge and Sinclair on the left, it's a good possibility!
Dylan (a biased West Ham fan), England
Jenas ahead of Dyer. But what has Trevor Sinclair done wrong? He provided balance to the side during the World Cup and has not been seen since!
Andrew, England
Surely it would be more sensible to put someone on the left of the pitch who plays there week in and week out for their club. Push Wayne Bridge up to midfield and play a dedicated left-back in his place.
Dave Richmond-Hawk, UK
I do get upset with all this talk of Danny Murphy playing in left midfield  |
In the continuing search for a left-sided midfielder, why is Alan Thompson of Celtic overlooked. Didn't Sven see the Uefa Cup game against Liverpool?
Jon Paxton, England
Kieron should get both games for England, althouth I agree with him that centre midfield is his better position. Althought he does tend to wander into the centre of the pitch he definitely is still the best bet for England.
Laura Dixon, UK
Here is one to ponder: Why not Beckham on the left with any of Jenas, Dyer, Murphy or Gerrard on the right? As it has never been tried before why would it not work? We have tried all sorts of combinations but never Beckham, it might be the one.
Steven Buss, UK
Give Jenas a go. Normally though, it should be Wayne Bridge. I do get upset with all this talk of Danny Murphy playing in left midfield. Why, oh why, is he in the squad?
P, UK
Dyer v Jenas? What about the form left sided player in the country this season left out in the cold? Gareth Barry, and he's actually left footed!
Phil Maddocks, England
Jenas should take the left side of midfield. Paul Scholes should be dropped and Dyer allowed to have a crack at the middle.
Joe Belson, England
Why not Anderton?
D, UK
Where is Gareth Barry, Sven?!  |
Dyer or Jenas should play in Scholes' position. Scholes is a big name but has not performed for England recently. On the left should be Le Saux or Paul Konchesky, natural left-footers are always going to be superior on the left.
Buz, England Forget Dyer and Jenas, Gareth Barry is the best left-sided player in the country.
Mr Villa, England
Dyer has had plenty of chances for England on the left and proved time and again it's just not his position. Eriksson should play Wayne Bridge or Gareth Barry on the wing with Ashley Cole (when fit) behind
Cheesyboy, England
Neither can play on the left. Where is Gareth Barry, Sven?! If I have to choose one then it would be Jenas.
Golden Boy, England
Sven should persist with Dyer on the left wing. His pace is exceptional and perhaps the (warm-up) match against Liechtenstein will help him become accustomed to the role. However has anyone considered of a 3-5-2 with Beckham, Gerrard and Dyer in the centre, and Scholesy supporting Owen?
Will, England
I have to say that I think you're wrong to overlook Danny Murphy  |
I am a fan of Kieron Dyer, but at club level only though. He has undoubted talent, however he has always disappointed when he pulls on an England Jersey. I was at the England vs Australia game and Jenas looked very good and was one of the very few positives to come out of that game. For this reason I believe that Jenas should play. Dyer has had his chances and failed each time.
Pete, UK
I have to say that I think you're wrong to overlook Danny Murphy. He has been superb playing that position for Liverpool in recent games.
Dyer has never turned it on when out on the left for England and Jenas is too young to be playing out of position for England and a bad game could destroy his confidence. True Murphy is no world-beater, but he's a good, solid player and should be complemented by Bridge's style of play.
Matt Wylde, England
Dyer or Jenas should play in Scholes' position. Scholes is a big name but has not performed for England recently. On the left should be Le Saux or Paul Konchesky, natural left-footers are always going to be superior on the left.
Buz, England
As Forest fans we all knew JJ would make it big, the kid has great composure, skill in abundance and a head for the big games. Give him the chance, he has had such a good season at Newcastle keeping older more established players out the team. He has it in him to go on and captain England so lets give him his chance now. GO JJ!
Andy Dixon, England
I would pick Jenas - he will be part of the spine of the next England generation  |
Play Jenas on the left!! With Wayne Bridge flying past him on the outside if could be an effective partnership. Jenas has the ability to hold his position and cover Bridge, as well as the option of coming inside. It could work as effective as the Bridge/Marsden partnership at Southampton.
This is a serious option which can be tested against the 'weaker' opposition and a good chance for Jenas to find his feet for the Turkey game. I am a massive fan of Dyer but I think everyone knows his favoured position is in the centre. Of course looking forward the Cole/Bridge partnership has not been explored fully. The game against Macedonia proved there was potential.
Chris Dunnings, England
Alan Thomson of Celtic could slot in nicely - and I hate Celtic! (and Rangers)
Stewart Taylor, Scotland
Sorry but to call Jenas' goalscoring record "unspectacular" is a bit harsh, since his first goal this season went in he has been playing a blinder. He's coming of age and deserves a start tomorrow.
Joanna, London
On form, these two players are possibly the best midfielders in the country at this present time. Of the two, I would pick Jenas. Jenas will be part of the spine of the next England generation.
Matt Edmunds, England
Why not Joe Cole? He's played there before and played very well, with the exception of the mistake against Italy... which, it must be said, he learned very quickly from. He has two good feet, pace, vision and an excellent final ball. I think it was a mistake leaving him out of the squad.
Smoothy, England
Neither are the answer as they do not naturally play on the left. Eriksson should have picked players for their natural capabilities. The short-term answer, who is on form, is Graeme le Saux.
Eddie Cusick, England
Neither Dyer or Jenas should be playing, fine player though each is. Gareth Barry is the most consistent left sided midfielder in England at the moment and yet Sven consistently ignores him. Come on Sven: look beyond Villa's disturbing capacity for being dull and pick real quality.
Gareth Nicholson, Northern Ireland