England National football team thread

[swacker]

Maybe you don't remember, or maybe you're not old enough but there was once a player called Eric Cantona - who was amazing. One night, he booted a loudmouth, racist Crystal Palace fan in the face and was banned for nine months or thereabouts. When he came back, he simply wasn't the same player any more. He was still great, but there was another level to his play that was missing and I'm not talking about the dirty side. As Sven said, don't tame Rooney.

I may be wrong, but I'm pretty sure Rooney hasn't scored in a tournament for England since 2004. He is supposed to be a forward lets not forget. He has been a jinx more than anything in tournaments especially, where his failure to control himself has cost England more than once. He can't even refuse mouthing off at his own fans, even though he had put in a series of displays so laughable that it literally would have made no difference if I were on the pitch instead of him.

I genuinely think the idea that he is somehow necessary, that the team is smut without him. It is a millstone around the team's neck, and people in the sport falling over themselves to excuse his consistently poor experience doesn't help either.

Also if he played for any other country, you can guarentee he'd be on that plane, even Spain can't leave Fernando Torres out of thier sqaud he's been in poor form for Spain for well over a year.

 

[War]

Joe Cole in line for England return | Mail Online

 

[Dr. Pepper]

From what I've read he's been fantastic for Lille so far.

 

[War]

Also if he played for any other country, you can guarentee he'd be on that plane, even Spain can't leave Fernando Torres out of thier sqaud he's been in poor form for Spain for well over a year.

Because Spain has tremendous depth in their attacking options, so they can certainly afford to leave Torres out. England dont with Rooney and can't leave him out of the EURO 2012 squad, even though he will miss the opening three group games.

 

[Bevab]

@Swacker: Yes, Rooney has only scored in qualifiers and friendlies since EURO 2004. That is certainly an interesting point, but his large amount of friendly goals are enough to select him.

 

[Auwais]

As well as the fact he's our best player...

 

[War]

Lille vs Lyon Highlights (3:1) - MyFootball.TV - Live Football and Highlights

Joe Cole watch; another goal in France for him. I think he has done enough to get a recall from the upcoming friendlies.

 

[War]

Anton and Rio Ferdinand reject John Terry advances - ESPN Soccernet

Oh dear...

 

[Auwais]

I love the headline!

 

[JBlues08]

It's written by Harry Harris. Can't quite bother about that one.

 

[War]

John Terry's future is at stake in Anton Ferdinand race row - Martin Samuel | Mail Online

Big Martin Samuel, with his usual on point articles.

 

[War]

Des Kelly: Terry has to take a step back | Mail Online

Kelly has a point here, maybe it isn't wise to pick Terry for ENG ATM. After all in any other job, if you are under a police investigation, you are put on paid leave until the situation is sorted out.

 

[Dr. Pepper]

Richards not in the squad. What the actual fearsome tweak?

 

[War]

Richards not in the squad. What the actual fried chicken?

Ha ye, its useless complaining about it again really. Since almost every Capello squad these days with him not being picked or not starting the few times Richards is picked - baffles everyone.

I would like some reporter to quizz Capello on what about Richards he does not rate. Along with what about Glen Johnson he rates so highly, given he has immediately recalled, after two indifferent come back performances for Liverpool.

His fellow Italian rates Mancini, appreciates Richard's quality enough these days, to make him captain in Kompany's absence. So really this is turning out the biggest selection quandary of the Capello 3-year reign.

Also i think Norwich keeper John Ruddy is unlucky to miss out. I would had him instead of Carson based on current form.

Slightly disappointed that J Cole didn't get a recall, but hopefully a continued impressive season in France keeps him on Capello's radar.

 

[Auwais]

Same thing with Trapattoni, if they don't think the players fit in with their "game plan" they'll freeze them out. Although tbf, Capello's been far more lenient than Trap.