I'd change Jagielka for Cole and Huddlestone for Cleverley and that's about right for me. Small margins though. We're arguing about players that aren't going to play anyway so it's a bit redundant.
I am a Sunderland fan so have no axe to grind but how on earth can he justify Cleverly - what does he do? He has not had a good game for England and has been very poor for Man Utd. Did Roy not watch Man Utd's game this week and see how consistently he gave the ball away, including for the 2nd goal. Against us in the League Cup and he just kept giving the ball away. He is a very average player on very poor form. Roy came to see Hull at our place and, although we only had 10 men, Huddlestone ran the game - he didn't put a foot wrong,certainly didn't give the ball away. It is so deflating to see an England Manager totally ignore form and fall back on 'he's playing for a big team so he's worth a place for England'.
Jagielka is injured so not in, but what reason do you have for not putting Davies? I'm getting really pissed off with people saying Davies is **** because they saw him play 7 years ago and he wasn't outstanding. There is no doubt that he's been one of the best Centre-halfs in the prem this year and this is fully backed up by any statistical comparison. I believe Whoscored have him as the 4th best English player in the league statistically. He is by far the most important player in a defence that is the 5th best in the league in its first season in the prem.
The real point is for Roy to explain the rationale for picking Cleverly - he's been poor for England and exceptionally poor for Man Utd - regardless of who you put in his place.
To show that it's not my club bias regarding Davies I probably wouldn't put Hudds in. His form has been significantly worse since Fulham. I certainly wouldn't pick Tom ****ing Cleverley though.
Davies is better than Smalling and Caulker and half of the Championship midfielders are better than Cleverley, he's been utterly **** this season.
I can't argue whether Davies is better than Caulker but it is surely a statement of FACT that Celeverly is not good enough for England - even Barry is better and certainly Huddlestone is better.
As I said we only had 10 men so it was difficult to judge but regardless of the numbers Huddlestone was outstanding - but form is not an issue for Hodgson.
Agree with all about piss poor non selection of Hudd and Davies. The only good thing that can be said is Woy has just saved Brucey trying to think up a team talk for the next few weeks. I'd have pictures up in the dressing room of Cleverley, Smalling, Caulker etc in an England kit. If theres one thing Hudd and CD both need is a bit more fire in their belly. The talents definitely there.
I'd rather Roy explain why Cleverley and Smalling are there than explain why Davies, Johnson, Huddlestone, Barry aren't there.
I am surprised that woy hasn't been on the phone to Heskey in Australia, because he couldn't do any worse than Welbeck.
Three questions Andrew; Did you see Man Utd v Palace? Did you see Man Utd v Olympiakos? Would you include Smalling in the squad? If you answer yes to the first two then the last one answers itself. Surely.
Yeah I know he's injured now, i'm talking about the World Cup. I just think that taking 4 outright Centre halves is a bit daft. England always, always, always get injuries. I'd rather have my 4th choice CB be someone like Jones who can play in 3 positions than Davies who can play in 1. Especially when the gulf in class isn't that great.
Yes. Yes. It's probably between him and Jones for that utility role. Upon reflection, i'd chose the latter.
Upon reflection, I think you've had too much to drink Andy. Neither should be in the squad, Jones at a stretch should be a backup.
I understand what Andrew is saying regarding taking a utility player. Simple fact is Smalling is appalling when he plays centre half and is equally as bad, if not worse, when he plays right back. What's the point in taking a player who is **** in two positions? We'd be better taking one man less than taking Smalling. Jones is marginally better but neither are good enough.
