Sorry if this seems vague, or a little mis-matched as this was done very quickly. I absolutely hate this argument against Holt going to the Euros. Holt is facing 'world class' defences week in week out, what makes the international defence any better? I have looked at the sixteen teams that are being taken to the Euros and the likely Premiership 'keepers and defenders they will take. Croatia Corluka - not even first choice for Tottenham, a young Walker picked ahead of him. I think Holt could handle him. Tottenham team is slipping slightly. Denmark Sorenson - not even a first team player at Stoke. Stoke are hardly prolific in the Premiership Lindegaard - second choice at Man United and Holt managed to score against the first choice 'keeper. Manchester United team not the best of recent years Agger - well beaten by Holt's header earlier in the season. Liverpool not doing that great either. France Evra - one of the Premiership's better left-backs. Playing for a weaker Manchester United team. Clichy - surrounded by world class players at Manchester City. Not quite as good as Evra. Koscieleny - playing for an under-performing Arsenal, not first choice for France either. Sagna - has been out injured. Hard to judge. Netherlands Vorm - beaten a couple of times by Holt, playing for a well organised Swansea team. Krul - good 'keeper, but again, beaten by Holt. Playing for an over-achieving Newcastle team Heitinga - team beaten by a good Holt goal. Everton having an average season. Ireland McShane - not first choice in a rejuvenated Sunderland team. O'Shea - not as good as he used to be O'Dea - don't really need to say anything on this do I? Dunne - getting on a bit, in under-achieving Aston Villa squad Clark - don''t know much about him. Kelly - don't know much about Fulham right-back Spain Reina - beaten by good Holt goal. First choice 'keeper for under-achieving Liverpool team. Sweden Olsson twins - In a relegation fighting Blackburn team. I have just thrown this list together quickly. For me this 'world class' argument doesn't work for me. Obviously there are other players such as Pique, Casilas, Puyol, Carlvalho and others outside the Premiership, but if Holt can handle these players then surely he can handle the others. Welbeck, Sturridge, Campbell, Zamora and Crouch are facing the same teams as Holt and Holt has come out on top.
There is no question the world class defence argument is a bit silly. When talking about a player who scores in the premiership. The only reason I can think for not taking holt is he could be a disciplinary risk. He does bully and he does use his strength, I'm not saying his isn't skilful though. It seems to be incredibly hard work defending Holt because he really comes at you, in international football the rules are more European with regards to contact. Rooney is always A risk of getting a red but he's good enough to take that risk, holt isn't. That all said I still think he should get a chance at least in a friendly because the same is true between the championship and the premiership and by every possible measure hot has taken to the prem adapting his game at points. I see no reason why he couldn't adapt to international level.
to be honest rooney is a risk for a red because hes a thug who likes to kick people when hes a bit grumpy.
