Gerrard is the only scouser I'd have in the squad, maybe Johnson as cover but not first choice. I'd maybe even listen to the arguments for Carroll's inclusion (I'd rather have Crouch) but the rest baffle me. Henderson and Kelly may have some potential, but what the **** have they done in their careers to be worthy of inclusion in a full England squad for a major championships?
I don't get how Rio has not gone, he is clearly still our best centre half, watching him against Manchester City was like watching him in his prime. They make it out like he barely played, he played 30 games, more than many of the defenders who have being picked. Hodgson unfortunately has picked on age not talent.
No, Rio is slow and out of his prime, he gets turned over by Premier League players regularly so what makes you think he could put up with the likes of Benzema and Ribery?
I can see why we didn't take Rio, but Micah Richards has been stupid saying he wouldn't go on the standby list. I'd have taken Shawcross not Kelly here, replace like with like.
Rio might be past his prime, but to select Martin Kelly ahead of him is utter madness. I like Hodgson and understand him being pissed off the the likes of Carrick, Richards and Crouch refused to be placed on the back-up list, but he's still selected some ****e players. He's been unlucky that we've lost so many players to injury, but he's done himself no favours. We look weak at the moment, I think our new manager hasn't helped.
I'd have given Johnson a call personally, could be a tough three games to come with the likes of Milner on the wing
Rio threw a tantrum when he didn't get picked, insulting Hodgson in the process, I wouldn't of picked the ugly **** either for standby, Kelly is unproven and there are other centre backs like Shawcross who would of been better
It doesn't matter whether Roy didn't pick him the first time round, did the stupid twat honestly think he would be considered for standby after this show of disrespect?
We just need to do whatever the other countries are doing. I have no facts to back it up so it might all be bollocks but we seem to get way more 'accumulated fatigure' injuries than other nations. I agree with this. At the risk of sounding like a kissass I've noticed you don't go along with the usual England media nonsense, I respect that
you shouldn't take anything for granted in sport, unprofessional from Rio and the ones who refused to be on standby. To play for your country should be an honour not something you snub..
Agreed. We clearly have a problem with a lack of interest in the national team from fans and players. Half the players don't bother unless they're guaranteed a number one spot and it's become cool among fans to say you don't care about England any more. I reckon one decent tournament (and that would just mean getting to the semis and beating a decent side along the way) and people might get some interest and pride back in the team again.
I've always wanted England to succeed, despite what has happened, my mates don't really give a **** about England anymore, but they're Man U supporters anyway so their opinion doesn't mean much in Yorkshire, I still hold pride when England play and I'll be cheering them on
I was brought up supporting England so will always do so even though I don't count myself as a big patriot. Have got great memories from Italia 90, Euro 96, even if we never made it all the way. Greece and Denmark have won the Euros in recent times despite being completely unfancied so it's not impossible for us even if we end up having to play a League 2 keeper in goal and have a full-back playing (Kelly) who is worse than the one we have at Hull City, Rosy
(Firstly, that picture of Rio is fake). But, surely the last thing you want to do in the middle of an injury crisis is take Rio Ferdinand? Micah Richards should have been in the original squad, and should definitely be there ahead of Kelly, but if he doesn't want to be on the stand-by list, then what can Hodgson do?
