No Theo? That's fab
Tuesday, June 1, 2010 at 11:08PM You must know deep down something is wrong somewhere when the media lead with the story (genuine shock it would seem) that Theo Walcott has not been included in Fabio's 23. Surprise omission they called it. We then had to endure various ex-players tell us how for example Theo deserved to go to SA (Really? Based on what? That hat-trick 2 years ago?) and other gems like Kenny Samson explaining he was pleased for the young lad Warnock. That's 28 years young Stephen - three years older than the unlucky (and better) Baines. And Heskey has been included because he's a battering ram. And we all know that if want to win the WC you need a battering ram upfront as a Plan B, to you know, work your way through the best defences in world football when Plan A comes unstuck. Although I won't joke too much here because we lack world class players in forward positions. Rooney being the only one. Would be a bit scary if he got injured in the first group game.
But hey, it's all about opinions. And the persistence on Walcott and the apparent shock must be all part of the pantomime, because anyone following football would point out what is already quite obvious to all. He's not been that good for a while.
I know I'm in broken record mode with this, and I'm not screaming 'I told you so' standing on a soap box pumping my chest out, because everybody knew this already. Well, apart from Walcott himself who is apparently very disappointed. And the people who seem to take to all this shock horror he's not going to SA BS. I'd say he would have been as lucky as he was 4 years ago to have made it in this time round. At least the BBC (news at ten) had a more realistic report on all this citing his inconsistent form. I guess all this hype was created the day David Dein had words with Sven. They created a monster, which has since nested under the bed.
So minutes silence then for the broken hearted and the delusional.
Moving on. Congrats to JD, Crouchie, The King and Azza.
Elsewhere, no room for Tommy or Daws. Experience being the reason at a guess, as Dawson has been superb this season and is arguably a better player on current form than Upson - but Upson has been there before (England setup and selection) and as discussed earlier in the week, some risks - it would seem - are far too big to take. Same with Hudd. Although has Carrick performed better than him this season? Oh yeah right, soz, that's not relevant, it's all about experience. If you want to validate it all, I guess you could say you wouldn't want a newbie ballsing it up and as our mentality (the English) is one that perhaps lacks the natural confidence and bravado to select a 'youngster' and throw them in at the deep end, maybe we should trust Fabio with his final selection. We took a 17 year old to the WC four years ago and never used him. This time round, no wildcards.
So, Heskey WC final brace anyone?
Reader Comments (66)
If 'Arry is going to do a .....'Arry.. this transfer windows I can see him at the moment misleading the vultures.. which means Cole is on his way to spurs after the world cup.. and thanks Devon Yid.. I did wonder what the response would be .. but i truely think a player like Walcott would thrive under 'Arry... The only thing he is getting under W@nger is a sore arse!!! (pun definately intended) ... Then when the European Championships come around.. we will have 8 top class seasoned players for Capello to add in his band of misfits!!!!
The question should be "No Adam Johnson?". By all accounts, the lad is on form, and with a fire in his belly that just won't go out. Whether in the friendly games, or in training he's been reported as nothing but excellent.
I'd have him at Spurs in a flash. I think had he stayed on in the 2nd half against us when we played citeh for the winner takes all, we might have missed out on 4th. Don;t suppose theres a chance now of a cheeky bid for the lad?
As an England fan I'm delighted that Ledley and Azza are in the squad. But as a Spurs fan , I worry about their fitness when we start the new season. Azza's groin seems not to have fully healed yet. It's selfish I know, but I'm already worried about our right wing if Azza's not fit.
Gutted for Daws and Thudd, but as said before, by missing the WC, they'll be really up for the CL.
Walcott would never have started, the right mid positions is rightly Lennon's. But I'd have taken Adam Johnson because of four factors:
i) he can beat a man for fun, and has been doing it consistently since joining City in Jan - plus his crossing and shooting is very good
ii) he's a player I'd want to bring on with 15 minutes to go if we were a goal down and looking short of ideas because he's confident, direct and will gee up the rest of the midfield
iii) he's left footed and equally comfortable playing on the left or the right of midfield, which even dear Azza isn't
iiv) his pace and direct running draws tackles from full backs in the penalty area - he's quite likely to win you a penalty against tired full backs by running to the bye line
If Lennon isn't having a good game I'd be happier seeing Johnson on for 15 minutes than Walcott or SWP - whether he was replacing Cole or Gerrard on the left or Lennon on the right
I'm amazed by the shock the press has displayed at Walcott's omission, but then again it's their job to exaggerate everything in order to generate interest. For me, the only reason to pick Walcott is the same as it was 4 years ago - this idea that "if we bring him on towards the end, maybe he'll do something amazing". That's pretty desperate, particularly when the player in question isn't even showing any signs of doing something amazing.
It's all academic, though. This is the least promising WC for England that I can remember unless something magically clicks into place.
As for Hudd and Daws, their time will probably come, though including them at this late stage didn't look promising. They must have known it was a long shot. Enjoy your holiday, chaps. You earned it.
Dan are you saying that solly campbell and theo wankalot might be,how can i put this politely? a pair of marmite drillers.
I am confident and trust fab to deliver. My dream would be for Rio to break down in training next week to pave way for Daws to back up Ledley and Terry as I am concerned with Rio.
No point in taking similar players so all in all from the large squad I think Fab has trimmed well.
If I were the England Manager I would have looked again on the Right at Bentley..... (I Know I Know)... He is different to Lennon and sometimes that is what you need. If we are struggling against a world class left back who has measure of Lennon then bringing on SWP will probably not cause much difference but hey he is paid 4 million a year and has won more trophys than me.
On Qualification through the Groups I could do with England being Runners up as Kick off for the Quarters clashes with a pre booked event and I am struggling to get out of it........
Come on you England And Giles I havent forgot Walcott I just did not discuss him as this is a soccer chat room not an atheletics Foum...
Bye Bye Arsenal Captain hahahahahaha (Selling Club, Selling Club) hahahahahaha (Yes I am Immature) hahahahahahahah f**k all your gonna win F**k all LOSERS
COYS
Agree that Baines is far better than Warnock but he ain't unlucky. He got what he wanted, to stay at home in Scouseland for a fortnight in June.
Got this funny feeling Theo WILL get in through someone else's injury.........You heard it here (and dismissed it as bullshit) first.
I am not quite sure about the fuss about Dawson and Huddlestone not going to SA. It was a long shot anyway.
From purely a selfish point of view, I would have preferred them not to go. What's the point of going there merely to warm the bench with a glimmer of hope to get a game. They were never going to be risked at any time. What we could have ended up with, is two players who would have been deprived of a break, but spending almost all of their time not playing. Let Upson and Carrick and SWP go and warm the bench or enjoy 2 minutes of fame and glory and come back [mentally] exhausted.
By this logic, I worry for King. I hope and pray his dodgy knee would withstand the pressures of a tournament.
HR was correct to suggest that there was no need to call up Dawson for the final 30 if there was never any intention to assess him for the final 23. Should have just taken 25 or 27 players instead of giving false hope. This kind of disappointment is far more demoralising than never having been included in the first place.
As for those who have made it, I wish an enriching and beneficial tournament. Use the experience to enhance their skills and expertise for the CL next season. Have enough rest. This includes Bassong and BAE, and Giovani(?). I would expect their coaches to exercise responsible management in keeping them sufficiently rested.
We are about to embark on the most challenging era, which is to break into Europe's elite. Since competitive football will begin in earnest early in August, I would not want key players to be exhausted because of a lack of proper rest in the summer. For those that remain involved in the WC until early July, it means virtually no break. Think about it.
And to those gooners who deem it necessary to express their thoughts on a Spurs blog, I would only say enjoy the tournament. And we'll see you on your way down on our way up.
Cameroon will be leaving the tournament super early, so don't worry about that. Although why Le Guen would deliberately rest them for the benefit of Spurs I have no idea.
Agree with Focussed. Could this be our CL qualifier line up with WC players rested?:
Cudicini
Corluka/Dawson/Woodgate?(Kaboul)/Bale
Bentley/Hudd/Modric/Kranjcar
Pav/new signing?
2.5 pages until the homophobic abuse came out this time. Getting better guys.
Stay classy!
hi spooky....and all spuds!
this is for you! (hope u all read it)
http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/news/Liverpool-Exclusive-Reds-consider-shock-move-for-Tottenham-boss-Harry-Redknapp-to-replace-Rafa-Benitez-article447329.html
Hey Brook , i heard somewhere that Arsenal was supposed to be an English top team but i fail to see any english internationals in the squad ?
Fortunately your team captain and star player is happy to stay in London for another year in stead of joining a prizewinning team in his home country ... no wait , that's not how it is going down now is it ?
cling to it brook. you know that arsenal are bang in trouble next year.
http://www.metro.co.uk/sport/828825-theo-walcott-cut-from-england-world-cup-squad-for-disobeying-fabio-capello
Thick as well as useless.