Then why don't they show it when singing the National Anthem ? They're not singing because they want to - they're just mumbling along because there's a TV camera poked in front of them. Watch other players, especially the Central and South Americans, they even continue their anthems now after the music has stopped ! If our players still have pride in the England shirt they certainly don't show it.
Maybe we should look at ourselves as to why this is the case. The central and south American fans are proud of their players, win, lose or draw, its easy to be proud and patriotic knowing your country is behind of you regardless. In England the press and the public are so quick to criticise, blame and embarrass the players when it goes wrong its hardly surprising they are less patriotic.
If the Mexico team had been eliminated after 2 games I'm sure their press would have criticised the manager and team. No, we have an identity problem in England especially amongst the young. Ask the next young person you see what day we celebrate St George's Day. I reckon half of them wouldn't know.
I think the fact you've posted that same single worded post 3,445 times in the last 18 months gives the game away.....
I think that those players who turn out whenever asked should be given the utmost respect from supporters. I think the problem of dodgers is really quite small, but there nonetheless. There is those that want to turn out when it suits them - Rednapps guys, it's not a big game, so swerve it and bollocks to what the manager wants or needs. These are the professional plastics. But the ones that really grate on me are the Shearer, Scholes of this world. Prove your worth, then put club above country. Whenever I see and hear Shearer discussing the national team it makes me want to punch the telly; toe-rag, nothing less and I loved him as a player.
Agree with happy on this. A little bit un pc but fair play to Wrighty for having the balls to come out and say it. There are too many so called footballers who turn up for the money / publicity and just can't be arsed to wear the shirt with pride whether its for club or country. Remember that **** Chris Sutton who refused to turn out for the England B side because he thought it was beneath him Players should remember one thing about the game they make so much money out of ............. they are living every fans dream to wear that shirt, whether it be a Hull City shirt or an England shirt and should be willing to shed blood for that shirt as most fans would.
I was in The Army and served in Bosnia, Kosovo and Iraq and for once I agree with Ian Wright over this, in fact they should send them to Headley Court for a couple of days so the can speak to some of the guys that have lost limbs fighting for there country. I read somewhere that the English players get £50k just for been in the squad and that was a few years ago so don't know if that's true or not but if so that's twice as much as most basic soldiers get a year! Things just do not seem right in my eyes
England players don't get anything for playing for England, it all goes to charity. In fact, the week before they set off for World Cup training, they hosted a ball that raised £380k, which went to Children's charity Rays of Sunshine, The British Forces Foundation, the Bobby Moore Foundation and the EFF Academy(which helps disadvantaged youngsters across the country).
I don't disagree with your point but I'm pretty sure it's the case that all the money they get for playing for England goes to charity.
I hope your right PLT, I wonder if that's by choice though? I think it was in the book unnamed footballer I read it and I don't remember it mentioning anything about the money going to charity!
The players founded the England Footballers Foundation in 2007, since then every England players match fees have been donated. It's headed by Steven Gerrard and the players decide between themselves which charities the money should go to.
I was there at his last game. It was unremarkable. (I think his death was related to some bandit's gambling losses, wasn't it, rather than a national pride thing?)
I personality think using lack of pride is a easy way out. You go through the boards of clubs that have just lost a game and you'll see 90% of people blame lack of effort.
Spot ****ing on. It's up there with 'no plan B' and 'no urgency' for ****, football fan cliches. Or "They just wanted it more than us." - even if you played well and lost to a deflected goal.
For a start our national anthem is hideous, monarchy & religion are standards of the past, why sing 'God save..' if you are an atheist and a republican? However, I certainly feel playing for your country is the ultimate goal. If the pros don't want to play, select amateurs.
