England

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My team
Same GK's

Defenders: Bertrand in for Shaw. Cresswell for Baines, Wisdom for Smalling, Shawcross for Gibbs.
Midfielders: Cork for Carrick, Dyer for Townsend, Noble for Milner.
Forwards: Austin for Lambert.
Same, but I'd keep Baines in and have Bertrand replace Gibbs rather than Shaw.
 

Tbh, I don't know why there should be a resistance from Roy to add Ryan Bertrand to the England squad. He's playing brilliantly, he already has two caps and he's actually very experienced, when you think about it. Champions League winners medal, and all that.
Ex-Liverpool's Phil Thompson says he's got everything you need in a FB, so that probably counts against him. :)
 
To be honest it is not a bad squad, although Carrick or Townsend ahead of another centre back is surprising, although perhaps Chambers will be preferred there.

I don't think that Hodgson could introduce as many new players as some have suggested, however we are slowly getting closer to a decent squad.
 
Lambert makes it in the squad when he's in the worst form I can ever remember. Initially couldn't get in when he was banging them in for fun. Sums Woy up I'm afraid.
 
Lambert makes it in the squad when he's in the worst form I can ever remember. Initially couldn't get in when he was banging them in for fun. Sums Woy up I'm afraid.

You cannot chop and change half the squad every few months solely based on form. Some of it must be based on form for England and usefulness, although he has not been used much by Hodgson recently, however there are few other strikers to pick from and he is a decent mentor to have around the squad.
 
Struggle to comprehend the inclusion of Smalling who has been woeful for club and country since i can remember.

I think a few red and white tinted specs for Bertrand. Yes he has been very good for Saints and is a solid player, but i'd take Shaw back without much hesitation. Gibbs i'd put on a par with Ryan and although i've not been impressed with Baines in an England shirt he is still contributing to Everton in a positive way.

Agree with some that Lambert selections are a puzzle. Is he there for Kelvin Davis style morale? I have faith that he could have a positive effect for England and Liverpool if used correctly, but both are wasting him as some Mascot.

On a side note I watched Maribor play Chelsea last night. Stoijanovic (think thats the spelling) who played right back for Maribor and I think I saw being linked to Saints looked very good. Incredibly composed in possession and always looked like he had time on the ball, got forward well at every opportunity. Strong and no slouch either. I assume he will be in the Slovenian squad and will be one to keep an eye on.
 
Struggle to comprehend the inclusion of Smalling who has been woeful for club and country since i can remember.

I think a few red and white tinted specs for Bertrand. Yes he has been very good for Saints and is a solid player, but i'd take Shaw back without much hesitation. Gibbs i'd put on a par with Ryan and although i've not been impressed with Baines in an England shirt he is still contributing to Everton in a positive way.

Agree with some that Lambert selections are a puzzle. Is he there for Kelvin Davis style morale? I have faith that he could have a positive effect for England and Liverpool if used correctly, but both are wasting him as some Mascot.

On a side note I watched Maribor play Chelsea last night. Stoijanovic (think thats the spelling) who played right back for Maribor and I think I saw being linked to Saints looked very good. Incredibly composed in possession and always looked like he had time on the ball, got forward well at every opportunity. Strong and no slouch either. I assume he will be in the Slovenian squad and will be one to keep an eye on.

Really ? Bertrand has added a threat down the left that Shaw does not have, I would say Shaw is the better defender and have yet to see anyone get the better over him for a whole game, but these days 75% of a fullbacks job is pushing forward which is why Baines still is no1 choice, as he gets alot of assists and a fair few goals but is pretty crap as a defender. Gibbs runs hot and cold which is OK if palying San Marino, but abit of a worry if playing a half decent team.
If I had a choice right now between Shaw and Bertrand for Southampton, I would pick Bertrand
 
St George's Park is supposed to be state of the art...do they analyse potential England players the way Saints do or is it basically selection by manager's whim? Once you are in it seems a player is hard to shift in the manager's mind...despite evidence on the pitch. Rickie's selection is partly due to that, but also partly due to the dearth of England strikers.