http://www.dailystar.co.uk/sport/football/334825/rickie-lambert-poised-for-roy-hodgson-world-cup-qualifier-nod
Well I should bloody well think so, but I feel I must point out that the Daily Star is a ****rag, and I don't see how the journalist could possibly know this.
Sky are saying the same thing, but they aren't always right as they pick stories up from the written press. The idea that Hodgson may pick a larger squad this time will increase Lambert's chances....he deserves a second look even if other strikers are called up. Roy should look at them all together. I think SRL brings something different to the table.
I know that in the past the squads have been provided to the media in advance of the formal announcement, but not usually that far in advance. Normally a couple of hours before with an embargo, but so that they can have articles ready for the announcement.
He can't leave SRL out because he is adorable Players should only be picked on merit, but I do think that the Lambert story has raised interest generally, when, let's face it, a lot of people are disillusioned with England. That goal has made it very difficult for Roy to leave him out from the squad.
I think this is correct. There would be a national outcry if he was not selected in squad. I've not witnessed Wembley fans singing the name of a new player the way they did with Rickie. The nation really loves his "Roy if the Rovers" story.
They were singing his name when he came on (and not just after the goal) so the interest was already there...they were waiting to love him.
True. They said goals aside the biggest cheer of the night was when Lambert came on and his name was read out over the tannoy.
Indeed. England loves an underdog and as you said Fran, I think the fans are fed up with the same old ****. I only hope Ricky doesn't start scoring for England and not for us
I would love my flagging interest in the national team to be rekindled by a few storming performances by Lord Lambert of Kirkby, culminating in a World Cup Final-winning hat trick.
...where only his natural modesty prevents him from scoring four...instead he passes to Rooney and says, 'Have one on me, son.'
It's just conjecture, but even though Sturridge will be coming back in, it would be a bit perverse to leave out Rickie instead of Defoe who has only played about 15 minutes so far. So he should be safe, a good game v Norwich would help secure it though.
