New story on the BBC, regarding Lambert potentially playing for England. How likely do you think it is heâll get the call? http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/21576543
I don't think he'll get called up as he is perceived not to have the pace for international football. Much like MLT.
I think Cork's got a pretty good chance actually, he was in the Olympic team so clearly on the radar of the England setup, and he has good touch and can keep possession well, which seems to be what Hodgson is looking for. Lampard, Gerrard and Parker aren't getting any younger and there aren't too many other central midfield options, especially if Wilshere is always injured. As for Lambert, if he can keep up this level of play through next season as well, there'd be absolutely no excuse not to take him to Brazil.
When I see the likes of Welbeck and Cleverley playing for England ahead of Lambert and Lallana it makes me feel physically sick.
To be fair their experience playing in the European cup doesn't exactly hurt. If Lallana can stay fit and consistent, he will be in the England squad again before too long.
The argument I've seen some people use is that international refs don't like traditional target men. While the likes of Zlatan and Llorente get by on timing more than anything, Lambert uses his strength to win balls - and international refs can certainly be touchy on that.
I'm not so fussed about Cleverley being in the England squad, but yes it does pain me when I see the list of strikers in our squads and then compare them to Rickie.
If Hodgson can't see the vision, authority and skill that SRL brings to every game he plays in then he ought to be in a Wembley care home sipping cocoa and warming his slippers on the radiator.......................
Indeed. Rickie isn't just a quality striker either. That vision and eye for a pass made him a pretty good midfielder too, in his younger days, which contributes to that all round ability.
Rickie's only chance would be if there was a striker shortage when an important qualifier was coming up...in other words, a one off. However, he would still be proud and he deserves it.
Just curious, why is the thread titled "L for E"? Can't be arsed to type a few more letters that would make it "Lambert for England" perhaps?
The only reason to call Lambert up is to say "congratulations on a great season". I doubt he would be considered for the World Cup squad as he will be 32 by then, and potentially on the decline. Surely all the games now are gearing towards the World Cup? I don't actually follow international football at all so not 100% sure whether there are any more qualifiers left, but if there are only friendlies then it makes little sense to me to be calling up someone who is unlikely to make the World Cup squad.
To be honest I can't see him ever playing for England. Two years younger maybe, but time has run out for him me thinks. You usually don't get picked for England based on just on one year in the Premiership. However if he did he would do well but I don't think England play the kind of game that suites Ricky.
There are six qualifying games (out of ten) yet to be played, and England is in a tenuous spot...Montenegro is on 10 points, with England on 8, and only the winner of the group qualifies automatically. The away game against Montenegro happens in March, and that's a crucial one; find a way to lose, especially if Poland beats Ukraine and San Marino, and England could hit the halfway mark with an uphill battle.
Took less than that for Sterling to get called up, and don't get me started on Zaha. Arguably Kevin Davies only got his cap after one decent season for Bolton too.
