>as for Thuram, who, by the way, I will miss every bit as much
>as Zidane (he was nothing short of amazing once again in this
>world cup)...his obvious successor, in terms of influence on
>the defense and on the team as a whole, is Gallas, who played
>a fantastic world cup as well. Then there are several
>candidates for the second central defense spot...Boumsong,
>Givet, Squillaci if he comes back, this youngster from
>Bordeaux (Planus). None of them can compare to Lilian, but
>then again, who can besides Cannavaro?

Phillip Mexes has to be a lock for this spot - how he didn't make the squad is beyond me