Anyone going to see Interstellar?
Don't Rises me Nolan, pls be good.
edit: whoops, was quoting from older page so didn't realise people were already talking about it.
It just seems odd to me to rip into a player for performing well against shit premier league defences but then suggest a number of players who a) haven't performed well or b) haven't performed at all.
What is the point of Nick Powell playing eight minutes for England in a friendly when he can't get a game for Leicester? Out of that list, only Shelvey and Cattermole have any right beating Downing to a place on current form.
It's the same argument you're bound to make with someone like Hart or Rooney. "They're playing poorly, they don't deserve their place."
Downing does, because he's playing well and it's naive to assume his form will automatically disappear the second he's in an England shirt (other than the fact Hodgson is in charge).
It's a silly argument, based off nothing except some noble want to see some youngsters blooded.
Sorry for delayed response, got... distracted.
As I said, club form has been indicative of international form... when? Sometimes it is clear a player needs tactical assistance, or a formation that suits them or just the right run of games to build form. Sometimes it is obvious from day one that they are not cut out for that level and never will be. The likes of a Downing or Milner could get a 100 more caps and you're telling me you expect them to magically change in to better players? Nah, I disagree.
What is the point of Downing playing 8 minutes? Is he going to be the answer when we have already looked at him? Clearly not. Powell at least can get exposure to the group and learn something from others, he has technique suited to international football. He has also been part of the youth system and is a natural progression to be in a squad. And I say this every qualification rounds and every time I get shot down. Then that player through injury, form or desperation ends up getting picked right at the end and gets heaps of pressure put on them. The likes of a Walcott, or Barkley, or Sterling... get thrown in usually rather than anything gradual. Suddenly that player is the answer to everything and tons of pressure put on them. If they are about the squad, it is not a big deal coming on as a sub or starting games later in the campaign.
Tell me this Wilbs, how are English youth players expected to gain form in this league now exactly? They will either play at struggling clubs, in the championship or be loaned out from bigger clubs. Sometimes the odd random form will prop up a struggling club to higher in the table. Very few are getting chances, that is clear as day. England can't rely on the clubs to bring these players through anymore. Needs must. And it is a circular argument as well, as people say there are no top English players and yet English players aren't allowed to play at the top so yeah... no shit. If Barca were in the prem and just loaned out Messi every 6 months to championship clubs, he would adapt to become a championship player. I use him as an example, don't take it too literally.
What form though, what is your long term goal of having him in there exactly? You're expecting to play him at the euros is that it? You're building a team around him, an impact sub... what? Form has nothing to do with it, this group is a farce, you could turn up drunk to every game and still flop over the line the way qualifying works now. I already said, I wouldn't be shocked if he had a good game. It would be hard not to, that isn't the point though. There is no rhyme or reason to it for when we actually get qualified.