England vs. Norway: Andy Carroll and Rob Green Will Lead the British to a Win

With the 2012 Euro Cup approaching fast, England’s squad is getting ready for the action with a friendly on Saturday against Norway.

As good as Norway is, this bout is all about England trying to incorporate Andy Carroll and Rob Green into the team’s schemes on the fly.

All of the players from Chelsea who are on the national team and Wayne Rooney are still not with the British squad, but the addition of Carroll and Green will be enough to put England over the cusp.


What Andy Carroll Brings

While there have been questions about Andy Carroll’s off-field activities and how they affect him on the field, he is coming into this game and Euro Cup 2012 ready to give this his all.

England manager Roy Hodgson told the Daily Mail about Carroll’s struggles and successes this past year:

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Andy ended the season well and that was after a difficult start at Liverpool. He ended the season well and he has continued in the same vein with us. A lot of positions are taken care of as we're still waiting for the Chelsea players and of course Wayne Rooney.

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After admitting his bad reputation from earlier in his career, Carroll hopes his time with Liverpool and the English National Squad will be good for him. The team hopes he brings that potent offensive touch everyone knows he has.

What Rob Green Brings

While many fans verbally attacked Rob Green after the heartbreaking goal against the United States in the 2010 FIFA World Cup, he deserves so much better than that. Green is a great goalkeeper.

Hodgson knows Green’s value, but he also knows his weaknesses. The English squad wants to get the most out of the veteran netminder, so they will allow him to start against Norway and regain his confidence.

Fans across England are screaming at this idea already, but every man needs a second chance. Green has proved he was clutch too many times to be banished for a mistake.

Prediction: England 3, Norway 0

With two huge additions to the starting lineup, this is the ultimate shot-in-the-arm for an English team trying to find their rhythm before the Euro Cup kicks off.

While adding Carroll and Green here is a risky proposition, if it works out and they both become valuable assets, England will be dangerous. Add in Wayne Rooney and the Chelsea stars and this team will be a powerhouse.

It all starts with Saturday’s friendly against Norway. I have England winning big, Green keeping the slate clean and Carroll scoring a goal. This will be a great day for England.


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