The "i'm not interested" international friendlies thread

[Hoop Blah]

As Mags said, I think it's a lot about managing the media (and perhaps the personalities in the squad) more than his actual view of the game.

There seems to be this groundswell of opinion about Rooney that's the typical 'lets build a story and talking point' from the media in the build up to a tournament. Hodgson has been trying to put that fire out for at least the last few weeks but the press pack need to sell papers and page impressions so keep coming back to it.

[Royalclapper]

Have to say I found Hodgson's post match comments thoroughly bizarre...praising the likes of Wilshere and Rooney who were pretty average and then laying into Barkley who was one of the few bright points.

I like Roy, I just hope his conservatism doesn't produce another turgid big tournament campaign.

He's either playing down the excitement so as not to show his hand too early, or he's rolling out the excuses for being another FA puppet that is going to revert to type come the first game and not want to play anyone who doesn't fit squarely into the bog standard England spoiler player box.

Anyone remotely different or talented sends a shiver of fright deep into the FA structure. After all, Barkley not quite picking the right pass after beating 2 men is just not the same as Gerrard twatting it 60 yards hopefully up the pitch in the FAs football wonderland. Like you say, another turgid tournament campaign is the worst thing to look forward to from England's point of view.

[Maguire]

He did indeed, but no more so than the likes of Milner and Lampard who managed to lose it without trying difficult things. Just thought it was a bit of a dick move to pick on a 20 year old's performance which was actually pretty good...but if there's a master plan behind it then I'll happily take some humble pie.

I suspect in private he said "Ross, that was excellent, but here's a couple of things I want you to do differently". He's just pouring cold water on it in public to keep the media in check, as he knows full well what they're likely to do.

[Hoop Blah]

Interesting comments from Danny Murphy on Talksport this morning. He's obviously a massive Hodgson fan but was saying that he's very sure in his mind what he wants and it takes a lot for him to change his mind. With that in mind Murphy thought Hodgson would've known his team for sometime and it would've taken a Messi-like performance from anyone last night to make him consider changing it.

[TBM]

Also disagree with the idea that Gibbs is a better option than Shaw. You won't find anyone willing to spend 30m on Kieran, and there's a reason Shaw was in the PFA team of the year. Has been very solid defensively, and I'm not sure assists are the best indicator of how good a defender is.

He was pretty shocking last night.....he's not worth £30m if you ask me. One day, maybe, but not yet

[winchester_royal]

He did indeed, but no more so than the likes of Milner and Lampard who managed to lose it without trying difficult things. Just thought it was a bit of a dick move to pick on a 20 year old's performance which was actually pretty good...but if there's a master plan behind it then I'll happily take some humble pie.

I suspect in private he said "Ross, that was excellent, but here's a couple of things I want you to do differently". He's just pouring cold water on it in public to keep the media in check, as he knows full well what they're likely to do.

Fair enough.

Tbh I'm just shooting from the hip here as I've no idea what type of character Barkley is and how he'd respond to criticism, but it makes an interesting contrast to Martinez who'd singing his praises even after a genuinely poor game.

[TBM]

[Victor Meldrew]

I have always disliked utility players whether it be in football or other sports.
In cricket England have had a fixation with so-called all-rounders who are normally not that great at bowling, batting or even fielding but as people say "can do a job".
Last night we saw utility players in Milner, Smalling and Jones, none of who are much good in any position but are selected because they can "do a job".
Milner in particular reminded us that he is not very good in any position and why he is a last resort selection for City and is probably about to move on having been a utility player at a number of clubs already.
I would like to have seen specialist players in their positions to provide proper cover such as Flanagan, Stones, Caulker possibly or a persuasive call to John Terry rather than selecting these 3 misfits.
At least Roy now knows that Milner is no right-back and if the Ox's injury is bad I would take Flanagan and not bother about calling up another midfielder-we have plenty of those already.

[sandman]

I have always disliked Manchester based players whether it be in football or other sports.
In cricket England have had a fixation with so-called all-rounders who are normally not that great at bowling, batting or even fielding but as people say "can do a job".
Last night we saw Manchester based players in Milner, Smalling and Jones, none of who are much good in any position but are selected because they can "do a job".
Milner in particular reminded us that he is not very good in any position and why he is a last resort selection for City and is probably about to move on having been a utility player at a number of clubs already.
I would like to have seen specialist players in their positions to provide proper cover such as Flanagan, Stones, Caulker possibly or a persuasive call to John Terry rather than selecting these 3 misfits.
At least Roy now knows that Milner is no right-back and if the Ox's injury is bad I would take Flanagan and not bother about calling up another Manchester based player -we have plenty of those already.

[Royalclapper]

Not sure i agree with those who seem to dislike Phil Jones.

He's been very slowly but surely improving IMO, he's not an absolutely top class defender just at the moment but his enthusiasm to make blocks and go about his work without fuss is starting to show some promise. He looks capable of being an International defender as opposed to Smalling who just doesn't seem comfortable for England.

[Victor Meldrew]

I have always disliked Manchester based players whether it be in football or other sports.
In cricket England have had a fixation with so-called all-rounders who are normally not that great at bowling, batting or even fielding but as people say "can do a job".
Last night we saw Manchester based players in Milner, Smalling and Jones, none of who are much good in any position but are selected because they can "do a job".
Milner in particular reminded us that he is not very good in any position and why he is a last resort selection for City and is probably about to move on having been a utility player at a number of clubs already.
I would like to have seen specialist players in their positions to provide proper cover such as Flanagan, Stones, Caulker possibly or a persuasive call to John Terry rather than selecting these 3 misfits.
At least Roy now knows that Milner is no right-back and if the Ox's injury is bad I would take Flanagan and not bother about calling up another Manchester based player -we have plenty of those already.

Has Milner crossed over from City?

[stealthpapes]

Jesus.

[Victor Meldrew]

Jesus.

Have you just found him?
Well done you.

[Victor Meldrew]

I have always disliked Manchester based players whether it be in football or other sports.
In cricket England have had a fixation with so-called all-rounders who are normally not that great at bowling, batting or even fielding but as people say "can do a job".
Last night we saw Manchester based players in Milner, Smalling and Jones, none of who are much good in any position but are selected because they can "do a job".
Milner in particular reminded us that he is not very good in any position and why he is a last resort selection for City and is probably about to move on having been a utility player at a number of clubs already.
I would like to have seen specialist players in their positions to provide proper cover such as Flanagan, Stones, Caulker possibly or a persuasive call to John Terry rather than selecting these 3 misfits.
At least Roy now knows that Milner is no right-back and if the Ox's injury is bad I would take Flanagan and not bother about calling up another Manchester based player -we have plenty of those already.

.

I missed your bit about Manchester-based player.
The names of Cleverley and Carrick are being mentioned to take the place of the Ox.
It must be because of the fabulous season that they and their club have just had.

[TBM]

Seems like Ox is out for about 3 weeks

Does Roy take him or not?!

[Mr Angry]

I'd take him, assess his progress and then decide 24 hours before the Italy game whether to replace him or not.

If he has to be replaced, it would need to be either Stones or Flanagan, who have both been through all the specialist training that the squad have had in order to be acclimatised; neither Carrick or Cleverley have.

[soggy biscuit]

Messi on form for the WC
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ft5XJlJzFZU

[genome]

Messi on form for the WC
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ft5XJlJzFZU

He didn't even hit the ball, defender came in and cleared it. Di Maria should've taken the shot.

[brighton_royal]

Seems like Ox is out for about 3 weeks

Does Roy take him or not?!

Given that we may be treated to Cleverley if he doesn't go then I'm saying take him, even if he dies and you have to wheel him there in a box.

Wish it was Milner that got rolled into.

[YateleyRoyal]

Seems like Ox is out for about 3 weeks

Does Roy take him or not?!

Given that we may be treated to Cleverley if he doesn't go then I'm saying take him, even if he dies and you have to wheel him there in a box.

Wish it was Milner that got rolled into.

I reckon he would take Stones instead, and push Jones into midfield.