You could say the same about the rest of our team for the first 70 minutes. What did Rooney or Wilshere offer? Johnson is a defender. His job is to defend. Getting forward is a bonus, but nonetheless he got forward a lot, and put in some crosses.
Lallana and Shaw did themselves proud. Adam in particular looked like he belonged right from his first call up...just confirmed it today. I suppose Roy has to judge Shaw mainly from his league form...keep doing it for us is the best advice to Shaw. Baines and Cole will probably go to Brazil tbh.
Shaw did more in 45 minutes than Coles done in three years. Tonight was Coles retirement do. Now for Mr Baines (who I have a little more respect for).
Baines, yes. But I hope not Cole. Lets be honest, we aren't going to to win the World Cup so what is the point of taking an ageing left back? Why not take Shaw as a back-up, give him real tournament experience and get him prepared for 2018?
I find it difficult to remove the Saints specs, but if Adam doesn't get to Brazil, I will be stunned. The only question is whether he starts. Shaw asked the question and definitely took his chance. The only question is whether Roy has already made up his mind.
Looked a bit hesitant after that tackle, thought he started more brightly. He'll go whatever happens.
Shaw will go now he has shown he can perform at international level. Adam is now pushing for a place in the starting 11 not just a seat on the plane. Rickie needs to keep doing what he is doing. Keep scoring and assisting more than Carroll and he will take the "big man upfront" role. If Johnson didn't play too well then the door is still open for Clyne or even Chambers. I think J Rod is going to miss out, which is harsh but he has not had enough match time. Sturridge, Rooney, Lambert and Wellbeck are ahead of him and will more than likely go.
Stan Collymore taking a fair bit of stick, but really backing the Saints lads. Here's his tweets... "Lallana and Shaw both start World Cup games for me. Really think they have it." "A shimmy here, dropped shoulder there from Lallana. Exactly what we've been missing!" "That will be a Lallana assist then." "FT 1-0 - What did I learn? Shaw and Lallana if given chances should be on the plane to Brazil. Sterling played well. That's it." "Southampton FC. Hat off to you. Providing England Internationals of talent,ability and confidence for years to come! Cheers @SouthamptonFC"
This is Rickie's main chance...I think he is on the list in heavy pencil if not biro. JRod will have other chances leading up to the Euros.
