1. This is Hodgson's first game in charge and is unlikely to be much of a guide to his first choice side. The Chelsea players and Wayne Rooney are unavailable, which means a makeshift back 4 and, with Welbeck also doubtful, Carroll virtually the only option up front. 2. Reports suggest that training this week has been primarily about defensive organisation, so there will be a lot of emphasis on not conceding rather than attacking flair. 3. Norway have clearly been chosen for this match to represent Euro 2012 group opponents Sweden, but they are no pushovers, unbeaten in their last 7 at home, winning 6. 4. Egil Olsen is beginning to make the transition to a younger squad so he may field an experimental side. However several in the squad have experience in England so will be used to England's style. IN SUM - International friendlies are generally a poor betting medium and this one has the added doubt of both sides being in a period of change. A draw, probably a low-scoring one, looks the best call.
True Beef. Can't generate too much enthusiasm myself. That said its up against Euro-vision so must get a few viewers!!!!!
The appointment of Hodgson has added interest. I want him to do well to spite the media. Just think, we could have been staring at Harry for the next few months!! Never sure of this idea of playing a nearby country to gain experience over your opposition. Scotland is used to get experience of British football, but at least some of the team may play in the English leagues. Do many in the Norway team have experience of the Swedish league?
Hope he does...reflects well on our academy. P.s. did you notice he was at one of our celebration parties with Lallana.
Exactly, although I was reading something on the BBC the other day saying about our academy (mainly the younglings that have been promoted to the first team this year) following in the steps of Walcott and Chamberlain...but they forgot to mention Bale, the most high profile of the lot!! Will we (the club, not us forumites - unfortunately), receive any money if he plays for England? Yeah, its good to see that they are still friends! He was wishing everyone luck with the final game of the season etc, seems like a nice lad and doesn't deserve the stick he gets (from some) because of leaving imo.
Usually these deals involve add ons based on games for club etc, but doubt it will be activated by one game...probably based on a few caps. Or perhaps Cortese took all his money up front...bet he got a good deal, though not as good as keeping Oxo.
..................Green.................... Johnson...Kelly...Lescott...Baines ..................Barry..................... ..........Gerrard...Jones............... Walcott...........................Young .................Carroll.................... We know that Green, Gerrard and Carroll are starting and no Rooney or Chelsea players, so I'd expect something like that.
I agree....I rather suspect we are entering a phase when England plummet down the rankings and I wonder if others feel the same. Can't get enthused for either the current crop of players or the manager - but I hope I'm wrong
Huskeleep to score a hattrick, Arsenal take an interest in him, buy him for £25 million, Chainrai gets paid his £17-18 million and finally pisses off! Or not
