The following article seems to be an objective analysis of Holty's claim for an England place: http://www.eplindex.com/21494/put-m...-holt-statistically-compared-england-strikers I think Holt is too often stereotyped as the 'old-fashioned centre-forward' and deserves a chance for the three lions. It's also revealing for those who thought he could be easily replaced if he left.
although I can agree (and did so last season) that Holt deserves a shot in the England set up, Roy does seem to be looking at the younger players available to him (something we probably all called for..) and so Carroll, Wellbeck etc. will still be getting called upon and Holt will be overlooked, plus the likes of Defoe & Bent will be ahead of him simply because they have pedigree at that level (wrong as that may be, but it happens) I have no doubt that under a different manager & regime he may have had a call, especially given that in the past the likes of Jay Bothroyd and David Nugent have managed to con someone into letting them wear the 3 lions, but I doubt Holt will ever be considered anything more than a good player for Norwich and not international standard
If Leon Osman deserves a go in a friendly then so does Holt in my opinion. I don't think anyone deserved a friendly cap to their name more than holt after last season.
last season i was well behind a holt call up - but dont really think he's hit the same form this season so far...for me osman has deserved one for a while - shame that an appearance seemingly has to correlate with your team doing well in the league - although obviously not if you are a liverpool player...
Osman has been a very solid and consistent player in a good Everton side so deserves his call up more than anyone else in my opinion. There's no doubt Holt would add to the squad I just don't think Roy would ever select him ahead of Carroll and Wellbeck (rightly or wrongly) simply beacuse of the difference in age
Arsenal's Carl Jenkinson and Tottenham's Tom Huddlestone are also in the squad for Wednesday's friendly. Seems about right
Well that is their loss and our gain , we believe on you Mr Holt show em by banging on a couple against Manure!
I'd be really pleased for Holty were he to get the nod even once and in a friendly BUT from a selfish yellow and green tinted glasses perspective he is currently playing pretty well and in the system we are currently succeeding with he is a key player as I don't think any of our other forwards can do the job anywhere near as well so I am not too disappointed that he will be able to rest midweek.
It's a question of form for me at the moment he hasn't scored in three league games, no genuine assists so in fairness why should he be picked? Last season he was very hard done by and I agree Hodgson hasn't got a clue with his selections sometimes they have been diabolical.
My only real gripe is that one of the main reasons was that Holt was too old last season and Hodgson was building for the future. He was 30, Osman is 31.
Osman is a good player and Holt hasn't warranted a call up so far this season, but during the summer many were saying how Holt was too old to be selected and we should be looking to the future.......that'll explain why Hodgson has chosen to give a 31 year old Osman his first cap then. Holt doesn't need it anyway and I'd sooner have him fit for us than injured by England
I love Grant Holt, but in no way shape or form should he good enough for International football. However, he is probably good enough to play for England given the total bilge available to chose from.
