Eriksen assists the winner against my beloved land with a perfect over the top ball for Bendtner. It’s sort of on topic because it’s striking how reliably the US overperforms and England underperforms in international competitions. The US has done better than it had any right to do in every world cup but one since ’94. England has not had a good one since then. Denmark is certainly looking decent, coming off a 3-1 win over Serbia, but the US was embarrassing. They grabbed a couple of goals on the break while being comprehensively outplayed.
Only about a year and 3 months, it's not Euro 2017, YV! Surprise inclusion with Gibbs there, he's been in and out of the Arsenal side lately, plus he gets so many injuries like his treatment table buddy Wilshere, thinking about it, I can't even remember if he's any good
Haha, true, I meant 2 seasons but yeah more like one a bit seasons. I think if you looked at who most people would pick now compared to this time last year with the World Cup coming up it's quite different, and that's my point really. As for Gibbs, he's not had a great second half of the season but I really do rate him, he's good going forward and makes less mistakes at the back than Rose. Personally I think it should be those 2 fighting it out, I always thought Shaw was far too overhyped but he might come good, I suppose, and for me Baines has been a massive disappointment at international level so I'd leave him out.
Oh yeah without a doubt selections will be have been different back then and no doubt different in 6-12 months, just thought it may have been interesting to see people's picks based on the recent call ups/ form in the Prem and obviously what with our 5 lads getting international recognition. I liked Shaw at Soton, thought he showed great promise and signs of being "the new Ashley Cole" so to speak. His time at Utd though has been disappointing, mainly due to injuries but when he has played I can't say I've noticed anything special. For me, Bertrand has shone beyond any English LB this season, with Rose having his best season with Spurs to date so they're the two that right now I'd say deserve spots in the squad (sods law Rose picks up an injury with England after 2 days yet barely missed a game with us this season!). Cresswell has also been good for West Ham. Baines has been unlucky, with Cole being around there was never going to be a chance for another LB, though like you say when Baines has had his chances in the squad he's not massively impressed.
He appears to be unsackable - his personality, "good old roy", the gentleman, not giving the FA any hassle or drama to deal with, just a nice guy who they can trust to manage the team to qualify for tournaments (which is very least expected of any England manager). You could argue the FA are being realistic as why attempt to bring in a world class coach who also won't deliver as no matter who you hand the job to, it will result in the same outcome, failure at the big tournaments. Still, I would much rather see a younger manager or a balance between old and young, such as Hoddle would be a better option considering the fine job he done before and the style of play he implemented.
Whilst I'm no fan of Hodgson, or his style of play, I think whoever was in charge would suffer from many of the same problems. There would be the usual fight with the clubs over availability of players. And the same relative dearth of talent to choose from. I agree that I would far rather see a new, young manager. I would also like to see all the old and failed players dropped and chances given to the best youngsters ( such as our Harry) available. Stick with them and let them meld into a unit. Yes, we would take some beatings along the way, but hopefully we would come out of it with at least a credible England team.
Reasonable bet that all the players gone back to their clubs injured will be fit for the next PL game
It's a ridiculous game of footsie that should end. One solution would be to require any player eligible for the national team to sit out the game or two after he misses one for the national team. The truth is the whole international break thing is ludicrous and should stop. Shorten the league seasons and play international games then.
I still maintain the key to a successful international team is to minimise the number of qualifying matches that involve teams who don't have a hope of reaching the finals. Qualifying groups should have 4 teams maximum in them so that's 6 matches played over 3 set periods one of which is at the end of the season, in the odd numbered years. Additional 'test matches' not 'friendlies' can then be arranged with good quality opposition to fill the gaps in the international calendar.
Clubs pay the players wages so there has to be some understanding at the business end of the season when faced with having a friendly game days after a competitive game. These friendly games are more suited to fringe players while allowing the more senior players to return to their club if there is a slight chance of injury. That quote apparently from our club legend but if you can imagine a modern day player saying the above quote, they would get crucified!
"How much do players get for International duty ?" If you're a Spurs player, you "get" at least 3 months out with injury (aka the <standard> rate) .
I heard that the players do get paid for international games but that they are 'encouraged' to donate the money to charity - and that it would be severely frowned upon, to the point of potentially affecting selection, to keep the cash. I heard that a few years back now though and I have no idea if its true. It'd be nice to think it is.
I heard that as well Huddlefro, so maybe it's true. I wonder do they still give players a cap for every International appearance like they used to. Probably not.
I'd like to think so OS but I wouldn't be surprised if they only do it for landmarks like 1st, 50th and 100th caps nowadays.
