Euro 2016 Qualifiers - The Road to France

[Deutsch Wolf]

This is kinda why I was asking about "B" teams earlier in another thread. People who should be in the full side can show what they can do in a different environment that Hodgson would be involved with.

You're never going to fit games like that into the calendar.

 

[Jolemai]

No issue with him being picked last season - he was there on merit. But now - what's the point? He's not playing regularly and in the brief appearances he's made, he's not playing well. You might as well give his place to Peter Crouch if you want a tall bloke up top.

Except Crouch is on a downward curve and Carrol is currently broken. Lambert is probably the best choice for that particular role right now.

 

[Johnny75]

No issue with him being picked last season - he was there on merit. But now - what's the point? He's not playing regularly and in the brief appearances he's made, he's not playing well. You might as well give his place to Peter Crouch if you want a tall bloke up top.

Apart from the Crouch bit I think you're right. I'd go more for Harry Kane if they want a longer term option of a big man up front (I don't agree with this philosophy).

 

[Deutsch Wolf]

Prefer Charlie Austin to Kane personally.

 

[Lord Knows]

I thought Spurs were shocking they just didn't care enough about the competition or their own individual performance. Very few players came out of that game with any credit. Kane and the keeper, maybe Bentaleb the rest were a shambles. Just turning out for the pay cheque.

 

[Johnny75]

Not sure Austin links play as well as Kane or Lambert but for pure goal scoring he's better than both. Would certainly be an interesting option and both would be around for the next World Cup too.

 

[Langers]

Except Crouch is on a downward curve and Carrol is currently broken. Lambert is probably the best choice for that particular role right now.

Not if he's not playing he isn't.

Apart from the Crouch bit I think you're right. I'd go more for Harry Kane if they want a longer term option of a big man up front (I don't agree with this philosophy).

The Crouch bit was tongue in cheek! Just saying that he's tall and he plays more. Wasn't a serious suggestion.

 

[Lord Knows]

Austin is worth a try because he just might score goals at any level, so why not.

 

[Nando]

Berahino? He's got the raw attributes to be decent.

Austin's goal against Soton was superb.

EDIT: Sorry, didn't see the 'big man' reference.

 

[Lord Knows]

Patrick Bamford can only be a seasons experience away from stepping up.

 

[Deutsch Wolf]

Not sure about that. Boro fans aren't happy with his performances so far and he was hit and miss for Derby. He hasn't even proven himself in the Championship to any great degree.

 

[Lord Knows]

Not sure about that. Boro fans aren't happy with his performances so far and he was hit and miss for Derby. He hasn't even proven himself in the Championship to any great degree.

I like this Boro side, and I see Bamford settling down and having a big season. Potentially automatic promotion.

 

[GLASGOWOLF]

Townsend was garbage last night. Ran around and gave the ball away more than Lennon ever did. He needs to rediscover his form.

Dyer is 10 times the player Townsend is at the moment.

As I said I saw probably 10 minutes, in that he put a few good balls in.
I liked him last season but have seen very little footy this season.
I have only seen our 2 tv games, and the 2 England games that's pretty much it

 

[Deutsch Wolf]

I like this Boro side, and I see Bamford settling down and having a big season. Potentially automatic promotion.

Be that as it may - there's a world of difference between that and an inevitable step up to the national team over the last 12 months. He's done nothing so far to suggest he's worthy of being put in that bracket. Berahino was mentioned a few posts up - he's done far more than Bamford has and he hasn't made a squad yet. Bamford is way behind the likes of Jay Rodriguez when he returns and possibly even Jamie Vardy if he keeps performing well.

 

[Nando]

I'm not particularly concerned with the attacking options we've got available. Rooney, Sturridge, Welbeck, Rodriguez, Sterling, Chamberlain, Lallana, Barkley and Walcott when fit are excellent options if we're looking to continue with the current 4-2-3-1/4-3-3 system.

Central midfield is the position that seriously worries me. Henderson and Wilshere need to prove themselves at International level and beyond that we're into Delph and Shelvey. Very worrying. Jagielka has been abysmal this season too so we could do with Jones/Stones really stepping up this season to partner Cahill.

 

[Deutsch Wolf]

Chambers to play as a DM in the long term? That's where Wenger thinks he'll end up.

I had hoped Rodwell would find some form but apparently he has been rubbish so far for Sunderland.

 

[Nando]

That was his original position at Southampton, according to the man himself. He certainly looks talented and is excellent on the ball.

Hopefully he stays fit and is given a settled position unlike Jones, who was similarly highly rated and destined for the top but he's barely improved since his move.

 

[Lord Knows]

Spain name Costa in their squad for the upcoming Euro 2016 qualifiers. Will he withdraw?

 

[Carrotdude]

That was his original position at Southampton, according to the man himself. He certainly looks talented and is excellent on the ball.

Hopefully he stays fit and is given a settled position unlike Jones, who was similarly highly rated and destined for the top but he's barely improved since his move.

This is something that winds me up, players get shifted around because they're versatile and competent in numerous positions but it means they never settle down and learn to play in a specific role. Hopefully chambers gets seen in a certain role and gets the chance to blossom in it rather than just filling in where necessary, it's a reason I'm glad Clyne is in the squad now as I want a specialist right back rather than a centre back shoved out there.

 

[YoungWolf]

I really like what I've seen of Chambers at centre back personally. Him, Stones and Jones could give us good options for the years to come.