England National football team thread

[MasterBlaster76]

Ye ha, i reckon J Cole having played with Drogba, see's the similar physical/bullying threat that Drogba displayed against defenders in Carroll.

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The knives are out:

Richard Scudamore has hit back at critics who say the Premier League is damaging England's chances at success | Mail Online

Richard Scudamore: Premier League is not to blame for England's failures | Football | The Guardian

No, Mr Scudamore? Then what is? Twist it however you like: a league where the native players are far outnumbered by the foreign ones cannot possibly help its National side.

 

[StinkyBoHoon]

he does make some fair points but I think saying that it comes from england fans thinking they are entitled to win is a bit off the mark. all the other big european nations, france, spain, italy and germany, along with the two south american powerhouses, argentina and brazil, have achieved massively more and england fans are entitled to ask why that is. Heck, england aren't even ahead of holland in terms of their achievements and belgium and poland arguably have more world class players these days.

fair enough saying that he isn't responsible for the poor coach to player ratios though. The things is, with the premier league being essentially an international league based in england what would go a long way would be measures to make the teams more socially accountable. I think teams should be obliged to offer coaching inside catchment areas, not just to the kids that will potentially be the next big thing, but to all, kids that are rubbish, poor kids for social inclusion, kids with disabilities. I think it's wrong that some foreign business man can buy a club and simply use london or manchester as a power base without putting anything back into the area.

 

[MasterBlaster76]

I think it's wrong that some foreign business man can buy a club and simply use london or manchester as a power base without putting anything back into the area.

Exactly.

And as an England fan, I don't believe we're 'entitled' to win; hell we haven't won anything since '66. No, we're not entitled to win - but what we are entitled to expect is that the England team competes. I'm used to seeing England compete and come damn close, but recently even that has stopped happening.

 

[War]

Kenny Sansom reveals he's HOMELESS after years of boozing and gambling | Mail Online

Very sad to hear.

 

[ste_mc_efc]

Very sad to hear.

not sure. sounds like he has enjoyed himself for years.

 

[War]

Steven Caulker hopes Cardiff City move leads to England World Cup chance | Football | The Guardian

 

[War]

BBC Sport - Rickie Lambert: England call for Southampton striker

Pretty much the best available squad for what is obvious not the best date for a friendly. I wish though Hodgson would end his love affair with Milner, the England team doesn't need his services.

Would have preferred if Osman was selected instead

 

[Skater]

Glad to see John Ruddy in the squad again. He's better than Foster, definitely England's no2 behind Hart.

Having said that, he missed Norwich's friendly on Tuesday with a slight back problem so I'd rather he didn't risk it 3 days before the big kick-off against Everton.

 

[War]

Hmm well i wouldn't say Ruddy is "definitely" ENG's # 2 behind Hart - its pretty close between him, Foster & Celtic's Fraser Forster as to who is the next best behind Hart i'd say.

 

[Skater]

Hmm well i wouldn't say Ruddy is "definitely" ENG's # 2 behind Hart - its pretty close between him, Foster & Celtic's Fraser Forster as to who is the next best behind Hart i'd say.

I have no idea why Foster keeps getting in the squad. He's not young any more, he's error prone and just not as good as Ruddy or Forster.

Forster's a very good keeper as well but he's going nowhere playing for Celtic. He needs to get himself into the Premier League if he's going to be playing for England. So for me, Ruddy's the no2.

 

[War]

Bit harsh that on Foster. I haven't seen any recent evidence that he is error prone especially for West Brom last season who did pretty well - he is far very solid keeper. I think its was almost a universal relief to many when he announced he was ending his international retirement.


And age 30 certainly isn't old for a keeper.Many great keepers like Bufffon, Van Der Sar, Zoff, Khan, Maier, Zubizaretta, Shilton for eg were still top stopper well into their late 30s/early 40s.

On Forster well yes preferably he should be in the premiership, i hope some clubs buys him in this transfer window. But he got his chance to be tested during Celtic's C-League campaign last year & he stood up.

 

[Skater]

Bit harsh that on Foster. I haven't seen any recent evidence that he is error prone especially for West Brom last season who did pretty well - he is far very solid keeper. I think its was almost a universal relief to many when he announced he was ending his international retirement

I point you to the second goal in this game: Norwich Vs WBA 4-1 , 12.05.13 , Goals and Highlights - YouTube

 

[Auwais]

Forster was excellent in the CL for Celtic last season. He's a better keeper than Ruddy, IMO.

 

[War]

Adjustment the key for Brits abroad - ESPN FC

 

[War]