Does Thudd stand a chance? Or Livermore? I know it is incredibly early days, but if Hodgson is picking players based on their performances rather than their names (which is how it should be done - look at Lambert, he was picked because he was the only England striker who was actually scoring), surely they are up there? I mean, if players like Barry and Cleverley can get in the squad, then surely Thudd and Livermore can? What has Cleverley shown at Swansea and Chelsea that is better than Thudd? Personal opinion says that it is unlikely, but they have already shown their ability in the first two games of the season. What are your thoughts?
Every time I see Cleverley play, it baffles me that he gets to start for the champions and for England. He seems the epitome of mediocrity to me. I doubt if we'll see any surprises - too early on for anyone to be making a major impact.
True, but like I said - if he is picking them based on performance rather than name, surely Thudd is above Cleverley? And I bet Cleverley is picked...
Also, Thudd was called up not long ago by Hodgson, coincidentally when he last played regularly in the Prem. So clearly he has previous with him in the England fold.
Hart Walker Cahill Chester Baines Gerrard Wilshere Walcott Rooney Chamberlain Sturridge Should be the Anglais team.
True - but even then he was only a late call-up to the squad after withdrawals. Even Shelvey and Osman had made the original squad ahead of him, so I'm not convinced Hodgson is that sold on him.
I think it is probably a bit early for Hudd to get picked this time, but if he continues to play and get better, I am sure he will in future. He is better than Cleverley, even though slight different types of players, so has a good chance of getting into the world cup squad. I think all good teams need a player like Hudd who can sit in mid-field and dictate play from there.
Midfielders called up for the Scotland game: Gerrard Lampard Wilshere Milner Oxlade-Chamberlain Cleverley Carrick Of those 7, Only Gerrard, Lampard and Wilshere are certainties for England in my opinion. Gerrard is 100% certain due to being captain. Chamberlain is injured for a few months, and Cleverley and Milner haven't really done anything since the season started. Really a couple of places should be up for grabs for the Moldova and Ukraine games.
Oh, in case anyone didn't know, Brady, Meyler and McShane have been called up for Ireland. McGregor and Boyd have been called up by Scotland as well.
One thing I would like to see - someone else in goal. Hart needs a kick up the arse, he's made too many errors for club and country as of late. If Ben Foster is available, give him a go.
I don't see much experimentation in these two games - it's simply not the time for it. Looking beyond these crucial two games, though, I would say the young players putting their hands up at the moment are Barkley of Everton and Townsend of Spurs.
Huddlestone is way off that England squad at the minute. Give him time to get settled and regain his match sharpness, then if he gets a call up we will all know he's done us proud in the Prem. Playing well for us is all that matters for now.
That's the problem. Hopefully now players like Thudd, Livermore and Parker are getting first team football again at other clubs, they get back in the squad ahead of crap like Cleverley. Though Lambert proved that unfashionable clubs can get players in the squad.
To be honest I'd rather no one got called up. More rest time. We don't need internationals at the moment
Why? Surely it would be better if they were playing every week in order to keep match fitness. Though injuries are always the main concern when they are away.
