It seems a rather restrictive pool of players we are picking from! I seem to remember the days when England had a much wider pool of talent in the top division but it didn't stop Terry Paine making the final 22 for the World Cup squad of '66. Anyone know who the last outfield player to put on an England shirt from a club outside the top division? I reckon it could have been Steve Bull.
The Cardiff striker old washisname............last year..........or the year before............name escapes me........... Striker..........
The standard of England striker outside of Rooney is average. Rooney is our only true top quality striker and you can then pick anyone after that as no-one else has top international quality. People talk about Crouch and his England goals, but I could score three against Jamaica. England simply lack quality and I sympathise with Hooper as he couldn't have been tried in a friendly.
Rooney is a class striker, but he hasn't scored in an international tournament since Euro 2004. Did he still play for Everton back then? in 2006 and 2010, he was more of a liability than a help and I can't see him making much of a difference this year. His international form is dreadful and unpopular as it might be, Roy should have a good long think about getting shot of him after the tournament. Hooper is young enough to get a shot with prolonged good form, but he won't get a shot while he plays in the SPL.
Talking of Hooper, who was the last player playing for a Scottish club to play for England? I can't think of anyone since Terry Butcher, but there must be someone. Mind's gone blank.
Alan Thompson played in a friendly for us vs Sweden, whilst being a Celtic player. That was in 2004 under Sven.
Thing is, England have played Rooney differently to how he plays for ManU [and played for Everton] in that for England he's a proper striker, which is exactly what he isn't. In truth, he's actually a prolific attacking midfielder, or a striker who plays deep and helps to build the play. It's why he's often isolated when playing for England, and in frustration comes back into midfield. Play him in his comfy position and he'll be an asset again. England managers are forever picking the players with the biggest reputations and then playing out of position, but they don't learn.
Played for Preston I thought. Scored against Andorra. Can't remember his name either. Wikipedia to the rescue: David Nugent?
