Don't worry guys, I haven't just been tipped off that Defoe's got an injury or anything! It's in regards to the latest England squad. Somehow, the top English scorer in the league isn't good enough to be selected for England yet two bit part strikers and a midfielder who's just come back from injury, played two league games and been sent off in one has been called up. Anyway, as the title suggests I'm actually happy, the last thing we need is Defoe to go with England and pick up a knock with the form he's been in. Amazingly, Walker has been selected! Clearly Hodgson hasn't watched many Spurs game lately. None the less, congratulations to Walker, Caulker and Lennon for the call ups (just hope none of you play! ).
Crap squad as usual. Does anyone remember Ashley Young or Sturridge playing well this season? I know Sturridge scored a tap in against us but anyone could've finished that. In the interests of fairness Walker shouldn't be in the squad either but at least he's getting on the pitch. Hodgson's been waiting for an excuse to drop Defoe because he doesn't fit too well into his fairly dour system and I'm sure it's the same for Lennon so he'll be out if he has a dip in form just before an international break. If I was Wenger though I'd be very annoyed that he's picked Wilshere, it's far too soon and it's not even like he's played well since coming back.
Yeah I don't see Hodgson's logic but then I say that about most managers these days! I'm glad JD's not in, we really need him to be in tip top shape and the Internationals would only have made him slightly more fatigued. Yeah, the Wilshere choice is bizarre. No doubt Wenger will release a statement saying how unhappy he is, though in all fairness I wouldn't blame him.
It's a friendly. Hodgson should be using it to make some changes and experiment, which is exactly what he's done. He should be given great credit for being willing to do so and risk a meaningless result for the long term good of the side. He's left out some big names, brought in a number of youngsters and some players that have never been given a chance, plus some players returning from injuries. I personally think that this is a very positive move and a pretty brave one, as he'll get a pasting from the media if England lose.
Apart from the United game, he has actually played well. Against Schalke, he was very good. His passing was sharper and his link play with Cazorla was good. And was able to drive forward with the ball like he used to do before he got injured. Seeing as he is suspended for the game against Fulham, I do not see the harm in him getting a run out for England after having eight days to rest.
Who has he left out? Cole, Lampard, Lescott, Parker, Milner, Jones and Chamberlain are all injured so apart from picking out of form players who aren't even getting much game time over Defoe and the continuing exile of Rio I don't think he's being brave in leaving anyone out it's just that the 20 outfield players have been picked from 7 clubs which shows that he's pretty narrow minded. Any English Liverpool player appears to be worthy of an England call up no matter how badly they're playing which again is no surprise but it is frustrating
Fair enough, I've only seen a couple of full games of him playing but he looked off the pace to me and I'd forgotten about the suspension.
Terry and, er... I didn't realise that so many players had pulled out, actually! Who do people think he should've picked?
Defoe, Nolan, Noble, Gibbs(injured?), Jenkinson and Lambert if we're experimenting with the positions that have been made available from injuries.
Like I said, by the time the England game comes around, he would of had eight days to rest. Can't really see the problem.
Enough of our players get injured in internationals ( Dembele at present ) that I am happy when any player is left out of a national squad.
Would you still be happy now Sexy if there was no Defoe? I don't know what to make of him at the moment. He went from free scoring to a couple of barren years when he almost left us to having a good season again. His first yesterday I can watch again and again because it's one of the best I've seen him score for a while. Arry wants him at Rangers,he can have Scotty Parker but not Defoe,I want the wee man to stay and yes,I have changed my mind.
Here, here. Can keep his grubby hands off. Poor old Sandro is running himself into the ground, we would love to have the option of Parker at the moment!
Ok Soreeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee! But I feel AVB might want to replace him in the transfer window.
