http://www.dailyecho.co.uk/sport/saints/news/11006281.England_boss_s_praise_for_Saints/ And Luke Shaw to be called up into the England squad, ahead of Ashley Cole. http://www.dailyecho.co.uk/sport/11006295.Shaw_catches_Hodgson_s_eye/?ref=twtrec The future of England is right here
Luke has got his globe out now looking for Brazil. [video=youtube;4paLVu0gNcQ]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4paLVu0gNcQ[/video]
Have to say that I think Luke is being slightly outplayed by his teammates on the right side, at the moment. He's playing quite well, but they are at least his equal. Then again, whether it is Luke, Nat or Calum, they are all capable of putting in a very good performance in an England shirt.
I know the FA said that they are not looking to win the World Cup (fortunate) and are aiming for the Euros, but it would help if they assured Roy that his job was safe. It would be good if risks could be taken, rather than stick to the same old formula...use the WC as experience for players and accept that we may do badly. Let's face it, that is likely to happen anyway. I would rather see future promise on display than our usual tired old bodies. I don't accept that youngsters can be ruined for life by a bad experience...they bounce back and learn from it if they have anything going for them. Have to give Roy his due...he seems willing to look at different players (even if that has been forced on him somewhat).
The Saint I feel sorry for is Corky He is playing out of his skin and having watched a number of England's "first choice" midfielders in last nights Sky game, I would have him in the squad as England's defensive midfielder to sit alongside Gerrard. Carrack, Cleverly etc....what a pile of crap!
These things kind of have a momentum of their own. It was inevitable that Shaw would be called up. Every time we are on TV, he seems to be highlighted. I'm not saying its the journalists and pundits who actually pick the team, but the more they talk about someone the harder he becomes to ignore. Same thing with Cork in reverse. Don't forget that most of these 'experts' are only watching short highlights so they wouldn't be aware of all the great work a player puts in unless it includes a "Lallana" turn or a flashy goal. Despite the fact that Cork plays in the 'unsung hero' position he probably needs a goal or two before anyone will take notice.
Hodgson has watched us a lot...he can't fail to be impressed by the fact that some of our players are consistently good throughout a match. So they've had a chance to impress (which they may not have in the past)...they'll have been noted even if the WC is too soon. The comment about Chambers being an U18 international suggests he isn't in the frame. Shame that even Roy has noted that Clyne isn't being played.
I can remember a real headline when Rickie was called up (prior to his elevation to nation's darling). Something along the lines of 'Is this what we've been reduced to.'
and maybe the opposite happens to the player that play in the "not unsung hero position" If they don't do a turn or a flashy goal, they get slaughtered
"We are Southampton, We're off to Brazil" I do chuckle when we sing that after singing about the individuals going to Brazil. I like it.
Brazil 2014 is going to be an England nightmare alot like the England Ashes series in Oz. Keep all the future England players away from thsi world cup as they are our future. Leave this WC to the old timers and players who will retire afterwards. imo
Then you'll have a scenario when come the next World Cup, none of our players will have the experience of playing in a big tournament like that, and end up getting slaughtered (in games and by the press), ruining them for the next tournament - at which point the cycle will start again.
De-lurking for a moment because I take issue with your sig. What about Markus Liebherr????? How quickly people forget...
Staggering to think that the average age of our clubs 3 senior full-backs is just 20, to compete in this league with with nippers that mature is pretty impressive. Fell sorry for Clyne and Corky as they never seem to get the recognition of others, but hopefully their time will come?
Don't be silly. So we won't win it, big deal. Our defence is a little dodgy but if we play to our strengths (ie; attack), we can easily qualify from our group. With Rooney and Lallana playing in the same team, we can definitely pose a threat. We also have Sturridge, Townsend, Walcott (maybe), Welbeck. Quality players who can win games so long as we just keep it solid at the back.
