The Arsenal wonder kid is widely reported as being considered for his full England debut against Spain this weekend. I can not think of any other player that has played the vast majority of his football in League 1 and the reserves as being England material. Is Capello off his head, discuss?
He should not be in the squad, let alone starting. I really don't want him being used as a scapegoat when Spain trash us. He needs to be building his confidence, not getting knocked.
Even if he was in the main squad would it matter if he started? Isn't the Spain match just a friendly?
Of course it's a friendly, but why is that relevant? Theoretically, if the boy played and England got trounced. The papers would be full of stories about how **** the players are. Look at Walcot going to the World cup and not playing. He got a slating saying that he was not ready and should never have been picked and that contributed to the poor performance. If Oxo got a slating in the papers because England got trounced, how would that help his confidence and development? I hope he stays well clear of the main squad for at least a couple of years. Actually, I hope all our players don't get picked for any internationals. That way they can't get injured and also get a break.
I thought friendlies weren't important and were more about trying out new players at the international level. Maybe I was wrong. Could be thar it's just that I dont care about international football.
I am with you MAJR - if you are English, and you are good enough, what does it matter how old you are/experience you have had? A friendly is a glorified training match - we all know that - so why not give the younglings a run out? If they get trounced then so be it - unfortunately, the red tops do not see it that way!
