I for one am really happy for the lad. We all know he isn't worth 20 million and there are a few players who should be in the squad ahead of him, but tonight a lad from our town, who came through our academy played for england in a major tournament. Has that ever happened before?
He was a bit of a ghost when he came on tbh, but as you say, it is good to see a player from our academy representing their country at a major tournament. As for others, can't really think of any... players from Sunderland seem to get shunned from the England national team! And can't think of any Irish/Scottish ones either...
good for hendo, he's getting caps at a major international tournament, he's got a carling cup winners medal in his trophy cabinet, and we pocketed £20m. oh, and dalglish ended up back at the job centre thanks in part to securing his signature. everyone's a winner.
I'm happy for him. Somebody from Sunderland playing for England is awesome..... Saying that though, for the 10 mins he was in...did he touch the ball? I can't remember him touching the ball!
The disappointment for me is that had he still been a Sunderland player, he wouldn't be at this tournament. Bent was over looked and he was the 2nd highest English striker for South Africa. It's pathetic. Colback is a far better footballer but is nowhere near the England squad. If he moved to say Liverpool or Spurs in the summer, without kicking a ball in anger, he would immediately become a consideration for England. That's the biggest hurdle we must overcome as a club as Crapello didn't even travel to watch our players. I think Roy will.
The thing is, I don't see Hodgson overlooking players who are playing well. I also think having MON as manager will be a factor. I don't know why but MON has the respect, and being in a MON team is better than being in a Bruce team IMO. But regarding Sunerland players not playing for England, I can see that changing as Hogdson wants to look towards the future. Colback isn't ready, but another full season and I think he will be.
I personally don't think either Henderson or Colback are England class personally but between the two, Jack is the better footballer. However, my point is that if jack played for Liverpool or Spurs for instance, he would have had at least 2 2or 3 caps by now (playing no different to his Sunderland performances) and that's a disgrace. If Norwich, Swansea or Reading had a top class player, they should play for England regardless. Its not the club they play for, its the players ability that should decide his inclusion. I hope Hodgson changes this in time and have the utmost respect for the bloke, unlike his narrow minded ****er predecessor!
Good for Henderson. He may not be international material now, and possibly won't ever be, but he's one of us - a Mackem. I wish him the very best and hope he proves everyone wrong. Hodgson seems to be doing very well in a very short space of time; England looked well organised and disciplined which is a good base in my book. Don't think he'll be as prejuidiced against clubs like ours either !
He's an extremely average, often below average midfielder, he wasn't particularly good when he played for you, he has been even worse at Liverpool and isn't worth 5 million never mind 20 million. I couldn't think of a worse player coming off the bench when you need a goal like England did yesterday, he offers absolutely nothing. Now this isn't just because of his Sunderland connection, I've been over here before and complimentary to a few of your players, I rate Mig, Sess and Colback highly. You committed daylight robbery when Liverpool came in for him with that fee. Much like we did with Mandy.
Whilst I was delighted to see an academy graduate join the game, I really was, I think the drink must have set in soon after as I appear to have missed him being substituted straight off the pitch. I assume this happened, as I never seen him after he come on.... I do wonder if this triggers any of out=r bonus payments as part of the deal (which was £16million rising to £20million, was it not??)
