I'm not that concerned what is happening at the pool. A bit concerned that all the 'wise' pundits seem to think Gerrard should walk straight into the England team for the Euros, and most of them think he should be captain as well. Would like to know how his form could possibly justify that?
He's one of the gutter-pundit's "first name on the sheet" players. Regardless of the fact that his domestic form stinks to high Heaven, the gutter-pundit (The Sun's white van man's ring-piece) has the abiding belief that "Gerrard has too much experience at international level to leave at home." They have the ability to completely ignore the fact that he has done absolutely nothing for England, for years.
Not sure about that, but it would probably makes Everton fans' Millennium. Also... please log in to view this image
For me he is part of a hard core of players that are all that's wrong about England. How these jokers keep getting picked is beyond me. His form at the Euros will be no better, nor will the rest of the "golden generation's". We should have cleared the lot out after the last world Cup.
"We should have cleared the lot out after the last world Cup." Yes, though I will admit Gerrard wasn't quite as bad as most of the rest. Even so: no selection will, probably, do very well. So it's time to bring in the new/young players. It would be refreshing for everyone. Plus it would take advantage of the best feature of England players right now, which is their speed. Put a bunch of fast players in, get them playing hard (too bad Bielsa's not available to manage) and have a little fun.
Exactly. Why serve up the same old tripe that even minor nations have worked out? Let's do something different!
Even if Harry takes over for the Euros you can bet that Gerrard, Lampard, Ferdinand and Terry will be in the squad even though they are no longer international class footballers. It will be the same old rubbish from the same old players that have failed time and time before.
if that's the case, i for one won't be watching,even though we won't win anyway we need to give new & younger players a chance,like the German's did in the World cup in South Africa
Totally agree with this. Can anyone realistically see Harry terminating the International career of his nephew Fatty Frank ?? Harry loves the old timers, so if he is appointed for the Euros, expect another shambles from the old guard.
Given how numerous players get called into World Cup/Euro squads regardless of form, fitness or even injury - coupled with the FA's desperate pleas to get Rooney's ban reduced so he could play at least one group game - I think squad selection is out of the hands of the coach, and instead its dictated that certain players will feature in the tournament by various sponsors and representatives. It's caused havoc with Brazil in the past - Ronaldo playing the '98 WC final when clearly not up to it, plus in '06 Brazil had to feature Ronaldo, Adriano, Ronaldinho and Kaka in their suicidal 4-2-2-2 formation - and I wouldn't be surprised if Spain will soon find themselves being told certain players must feature to appears those who have made an investment in their image rights.
I agree with that, Croydon. Someone mentioned a contract clause with sponsors that meant that England always have to select their strongest available team once, but it was brushed under the carpet very quickly. I think people in the game must know about it, but they also know that it would be a very unpopular decision with the fans, so it's kept quiet. All about the money, again.
He's dropped his favourites before. Defoe and Kranjcar are given bit parts and Crouch got sold, if they're not up to the task 'Arry might give them some chances but I don't see him keeping on the old boys out of loyalty.
I remember a few years back, when Sven was still in charge, England had back-to-back games against the cannon fodder (the Liechtensetins and Andorras of the world), yet still played their first XI in both games. Common sense dictates you give a run-out to some of the understudies (certainly up front or in midfield), but instead it was the same old names and faces. It's as if they wanted wins with flattering scorelines to paper over the cracks...
It's the same for friendlies, too. That's why so many players pull out with supposed injuries, only to play for their club side in the next available fixture.
You can also expect to see Rooney and Rio change Scholes mind aswell! As long as he doesn't insist on Ledley!
