England and the international break

With the Premier League season drawing toward the finish and both domestic and European cup competitions reaching their climax, it is hardly likely that many domestic sides will be fervently welcoming the upcoming international break.

England, like many other international sides, are playing two games in four days: a European Championship qualifier against Lithuania and later a friendly against Italy; it is likely that teams will hardly be jumping for joy with all of the call ups adding to many side's jam-packed schedules leading to concerns over player losses with the possible call-ups of players returning from injury, such as Sturridge and Carrick or the burn out of young talents such as Kane or Sterling. However, for many clubs near the top of the Premiership it could be more of a problem concerning preparation time for key matches against rivals as a result of the timing of these fixtures.

It is possible that Southampton, with fewer matches left to play and only occasional weeks with more than one match, that the extra preparation time afforded to Koeman may benefit Southampton's top six push, similar to today's game against Chelsea, where a mini team bonding break and extra match preparation time seemed to pay off for Saints.

Do you think this will be of benefit and do you think that England will pick players just returning to full-fitness?
Will players, such as Austin, Berahino and Kane earn debuts or will periahs return from the international wilderness after impressing for their clubs such Shelvey and Young?

Any thoughts on the upcoming international window will be greatly appreciated.

 

We have too many internationals to gain much of an advantage. Do other teams have many more games than us...there are only the 2 FA semi finals and a few Europa/CL games left for EPL sides (and Everton aren't even a rival as far as the league is concerned).

One advantage is that we won't have to worry about keeping Corkie occupied

 

Hopefully Pelle doesn't get picked so he gets a rest.

 

I think the damage done to his self esteem if he isn't picked will outdo any advantage of a rest. He's a fit man...he needs to score goals whether for club or country.

 

I was thinking of Liverpool and Spurs in particular as they have already played many more games. Whom do you think will be called up from the Southampton squad, we should make a list .

 

I think ryan bertrand is worthy of a call-up. When he signed I was very underwhelmed but i am more than happy to hold my hands up and say he has been one of our best players this season.

 

It seems unlikely that sir rickie Lambert will get picked for this squad. With England tending to pick four strikers they will surely be Rooney, sturridge, welbeck and one of Austin, berahino and Kane. With the very few minutes game time Ricky has had he can't be picked. Could he ever make the squad again. It's a shame his dream move is not having a happy ending.

 

I wouldn't mind seeing forster start either. Keep hart on his toes.

 

They might take more players to be diplomatic.Players such as Shelvey, Young, Kane, Austin, Delph and Berahino will all be in Hodgson's thoughts along with returning players such as Sturridge and Carrick who was key for Man U today.

 

JWP is in line for a call up, according to the Mirror. Hmm, can't see it myself though.

 

I can. The FA realize that we can still make the Champions league. The B6 clubs have had a meeting with the FA and they are going to discreetly start sabotaging our campaign. Starting with surprise call-ups and then return them with injuries.