Barton on the England squad.

Got to agree with Barton, Richards is much better than Kyle I can play with 2 hands Walker. Just shows what a joke Capello is can't wait till he leaves England.

 

I appreciate the FA are getting their money's worth out of the new Wembley by playing there as much as possible but there are so many fantastic, top quality stadiums outside of London capable of easily accomodating at least a friendly following (if not a competitive game);

Old Trafford, St James Park, Stadium of Light, Etihad Stadium *rolls eyes*, Anfield, Villa Park, Goodison Park, Hillsborough, Elland Road, along with quite a few that could comfortably host U21 matches or smaller friendlies, Riverside, Pride Park, St Mary's, Bramall Lane, Ricoh Arena, Walkers Stadium, Ewood Park and so on... not forgetting the likes of the Emirates, Stamford Bridge, White Heart Lane and Upton Park in London.

There is no reason why we can't have England travelling around the country, even if it's only for friendlies. It gives the national side extra reach (Sky TV isn't the same as actually seeing your country play in person) and keeps everyone interested, not just those who live on the doorstep of Wembley.

By staying in one spot all the time, I agree with Joey, it keeps it largely out of reach for most people who live outside of the capital. England have been turned into a London club that doesn't compete in the league system as opposed to a national team.

Keep Wembley for the big events by all means but share the team with the rest of the country.


Oh and Micah Richards, quite how he hasn't cemented his place in the starting XI I don't know. He's always impressed for England and I still remember that game where he not only defended like a pro but covered for Beckham on the wing too. Which match was that, his first start?

 

Agree, I would love to go to an England game at St James'

 

Well, it should be elitist. And as for playing in London; I couldn't give two hoots where England play. As long as one of the FA's Yes men are in charge then I don't really care much about the England set-up other than to lay them in every tournament.

 

When the club vs country debate appeared on 606, I was prone to youthful exuberence and was completely agast at the opinions of the congregation... Surely country comes first?

Now I have C.S.Forrester's Hornblower phase out of the way, I can put on an England game, see the same faces, the same talentless, lifeless football being played against countries who have only that day been made aware that kicking that inflated pigs-bladder around the village is a game that the whole world play...

Capello can continue to suck-off Terry, I'd rather Taylor was fit for us!

 

Harsh on Richards and personally I wouldn't pick Johnson but I can understand the desire to have different types of full backs. Richards and Walker are very similar and Walker is excellent. No one will ever agree with an England managers pick but Capello is doing a fine job and is an excellent coach. Joey will always have his say but it just goes to show how tunnel visioned people can be when judging England squads. "no newcastle players" just on league position? I wouldn't have picked a newcastle player and I love Stevie Taylor! Its a common passtime in this country now to try and kick the national manager regardless who it is and that is one of the major problems with England. That and we're not that good.