Vardy and Drinkwater on the bench tomorrow

[Donut]

Yeah it's a disgrace your team isn't playing as well when you've lost your two best players and you're not allowed to get any of your own targets in. Bloke should be shot imo

 

Why would people suggesting England dont utilise a patient, possession based game recommend a manager who built his reputation on exactly that, and also loves half the players that we want out ofthe team because he brought them all to Liverpool?

 

Holy moses.

[Donut]

Dan's point is that we're seemingly content to pick the same players regardless of performance.

 

There is no opportunity to show your worth. I'd say that Drinkwater and Vardy have been in the top 5 performing Englishmen all season, why are they not rewarded for that?

 

There is no imagination, we'll pick the same players regardless of their performances and nobody wants to be brave and say "You know what Adam Lallana, Jordan Henderson, Danny Welbeck... Your performances at club level haven't been good enough to warrant a starting spot in my team. When you're proving that you're good enough for your club then you will get into the side".

 

Unfortunately (for the sake of English football)... the F.A. will always appoint a yes man... one who will put on a England tracksuit and sit on the touchline having absolutely no impact on what is going on... a puppet.

 

Dan used the correct word, the way that our national football side is run is an absolute disgrace.

 

Lallana I would agree with you. Shouldnt be in the team for me.

 

Henderson and Welbeck are clearly players Woy trusts, and knows exactly what he will get fromthem. If it was club management, then you would see this kind of thing where a manager knows exactly what qualities they bring, and they are reliable.

 

In the case of Welbeck, he always looks good in an England shirt, so i dont think this faith in him is misplaced.

 

The mistake Hodgson made, was not looking at alternative players sooner. But then again, Drinkwater and Vardy have needed a season to really cement their calls for national team action.

 

With four games before the Euro's, it would be hard for anyone to force their way into Hodgson's thinking and put a claim for a starting place at the Euros, but these players must be brought into the set up in qualifying for the world cup, and shown faith in.

 

However, the fact remains in the bigger picture, the options we have arent very good compared to other nations and this is the root of the problem, not "puppet" managers IMO.

[Guest ttfn]

Biggest problem for Vardy is that he got injured when he was shit hot back in October and missed his chance to start when the public clamour was at its loudest.

[LanguedocFox]

Leicester will always be my priority as a football supporter. Since Hodgson has taken over England I have to admit that I have fell out of love with them, I could never do that with Leicester no matter who was in charge. Hodgson is just a negative manager in every sense of the word. He uses ineffectual negative tactics and he makes negative team selections, there is literally nothing to like about England whilst he is in charge. I actually hope we get embarrassed in the Euro's and eliminated early so that we can rid ourselves of Hodgson. I don't care if his replacement is foreign as long he selects the right team and uses tactics that actually work. If Hodgson had any clue what he was doing he would look at what Leicester are doing and think "we could do that". If he built the team and tactics around Vardy like we have done this season then who knows what England could have achieved, because we aren't as good as Hodgson thinks and we are most certainly underdogs. I actually think Leicester play the way that England should play. Well organised, difficult to break down and lethal on the counter attack. We have got the players to use this style of play currently so why not do it instead of try to pass the ball around the defense like we are Barcelona or something? We aren't Barcelona and we never will be. Tippy tappy doesn't work with England and its not easy on the eye like most would have you believe. Fast and direct is what I consider eye candy. Hodgson out, rant over.

 

This.

 

If England play like Leicester - and, to be fair, Spurs - they could actually do well. But even with four Spurs players, we'll still be playing it across the pitch, trying to be clever, and getting screwed.

[Dan]

Rodgers at least shows tactical flexibility though and won't rigidly stick to things. He wouldn't be my number one but I'd have him over Hodgosaurus.

[LanguedocFox]

What formation would you pick if you didnt have a single left sided option in the whole country?

 

We do have a left-sided option. But why would Hodgson pick Marc Albrighton?

[Grewks]

We do have a left-sided option. But why would Hodgson pick Marc Albrighton?

 

 

Albrighton isn't an international standard player i'm afraid.

 

 

1) He's much better on the right and the most frequent English crosser of the ball since Beckham (Stats prove it).

 

 

2) He's average on the left. Yes he fits our system well with his tracking back and work-rate, but he isn't top top quality.

 

 

 

It annoys me when a lot of opposition fans label our side as a team "greater than the sum of its parts" when we have players such as mahrez and kante who would be in any XI in our league, and the like of Vardy and Drinky who are guaranteed starters for anyone outside the current top 4, including some in it.

 

But Albrighton is the perfect example of it. A hard worker, with a decent amount of quality, but he isn't top 6 standard imo as an individual. He couldn't play consistently for arsenal/man city as he doesn't have the individual quality needed. He's basically our, albeit improved version, of navas.

[The Doctor]

We do have a left-sided option. But why would Hodgson pick Marc Albrighton?

 

He was talking about back when England played Scholes at left-wing... Don't think Marc was available then.

[ARM1968]

Wonder what odds are for all Spurs boys to get injured?

[4everfox]

Albrighton isn't an international standard player i'm afraid.

1) He's much better on the right and the most frequent English crosser of the ball since Beckham (Stats prove it).

2) He's average on the left. Yes he fits our system well with his tracking back and work-rate, but he isn't top top quality.

It annoys me when a lot of opposition fans label our side as a team "greater than the sum of its parts" when we have players such as mahrez and kante who would be in any XI in our league, and the like of Vardy and Drinky who are guaranteed starters for anyone outside the current top 4, including some in it.

But Albrighton is the perfect example of it. A hard worker, with a decent amount of quality, but he isn't top 6 standard imo as an individual. He couldn't play consistently for arsenal/man city as he doesn't have the individual quality needed. He's basically our, albeit improved version, of navas.

He's not an international standard player but he is the best crosser of the ball since 117 (or whatever it is) times capped Beckham! Yeah he's so average on the left that he is consistently brilliant for us, top of the league Leicester, week after week in that position. He's not a top 6 side player yet plays every week for us who are top of the league. Are you mad? I'd rather see Albrighton play for England then Lallana and I'm not just saying that because I'm a Leicester fan, I'm saying that because he is a better footballer. He's quality and we are lucky to have him. If you can't see that then you don't know what you're on about. I'm not having this Albrighton bashing one bit, jog on. That's one of the worst posts I've ever read.

[Guest ttfn]

Rodgers at least shows tactical flexibility though and won't rigidly stick to things. He wouldn't be my number one but I'd have him over Hodgosaurus.

To be fair to Hodgson in the 4 years he's been coach we've played 4-4-2 in Euro 2012, a stupidly cavalier 4-2-3-1 in Brazil, a diamond at the start of qualifying and now 4-3-3.

He seems to think that 4-3-3 is the best way for him to get 3 strikers on the pitch (judging by his comments in yesterday's press conference) which makes the Lallana selection especially confusing.

I've said it before but our forward options are genuinely excellent - very possibly the best going to the tournament if Sturridge stays fit.

[Donut]

To be fair to Hodgson in the 4 years he's been coach we've played 4-4-2 in Euro 2012, a stupidly cavalier 4-2-3-1 in Brazil, a diamond at the start of qualifying and now 4-3-3.

He seems to think that 4-3-3 is the best way for him to get 3 strikers on the pitch (judging by his comments in yesterday's press conference) which makes the Lallana selection especially confusing.

I've said it before but our forward options are genuinely excellent - very possibly the best going to the tournament if Sturridge stays fit.

 

Exactly i think, he has tried to change a few things in his time, its a shame our defensive options arent up to much but generally, he does make an effort to utlise other players and systems.

[NotTheMarketLeader]

Was thinking the same thing re: Vardy.

We can't complain about Rooney getting picked over Vardy citing reputation over form yet complain when Wellbeck is picked when his form is better than Vardy's.

I mean, we even have a thread debating if Vardy is playing injured or not.

Are you taking the piss.

You can't pick a player on 5 games as a sample - that's the justification you give for Welbeck being picked?

VARDY has the best stats in the league you bellend for assists and goals ahead of Kane since August ffs. That's why he should be in ahead of ****ing Welbeck.

[ScouseFox]

To be fair to Hodgson in the 4 years he's been coach we've played 4-4-2 in Euro 2012, a stupidly cavalier 4-2-3-1 in Brazil, a diamond at the start of qualifying and now 4-3-3.

He seems to think that 4-3-3 is the best way for him to get 3 strikers on the pitch (judging by his comments in yesterday's press conference) which makes the Lallana selection especially confusing.

I've said it before but our forward options are genuinely excellent - very possibly the best going to the tournament if Sturridge stays fit.

 

he did a pretty good job at euro 2012, nobody can knock him for that. we got out the toughest group quite comfortably and lost on pens against the finalists. all that after he only got the gig like two friendlies before it started and our squad had people like downing, martin kelly and joleon lescott in it. he also gave us that 3-2 win over sweden which was bloody great, probably the best england game for a good ten years. 

 

since then it's been all a bit meh. nobody can complain much bar the world cup, which was pretty important i admit, and a bit of a disgrace. since then it should have been obvious that if we have good forwards we should play them up front, surely. the fact it's two years later and he's still using a selection of rooney, welbeck, vardy and sturridge on the wings is ridiculous. it's not just hodgson though it does seem to be an english thing. the media probably play a part, too. we have to pick our eleven "biggest" players no matter who they are, what form they're in or what positions they should be playing in. 

 

it's a tough job and we aren't good enough to win shit anyway. but it's frustrating that the average fella in a pub could name a better starting eleven for tonight's game than roy hodgson. 

[jim5000]

As a foxes fan, would you be happy with the following plan?

 

We win the league, then Raneiri takes over England for the Euros, wins that and becomes a national treasure.

 

Or would you rather keep him to ourselves?

[Sir Shep]

Hope the ITV studios have plenty of tissues ready for the Spurs willy pulling fest.

[Illusion35]

Huge Leicester City flag on show in the crowd

[Sir Shep]

he did a pretty good job at euro 2012, nobody can knock him for that. we got out the toughest group quite comfortably and lost on pens against the finalists. all that after he only got the gig like two friendlies before it started and our squad had people like downing, martin kelly and joleon lescott in it. he also gave us that 3-2 win over sweden which was bloody great, probably the best england game for a good ten years. 

 

since then it's been all a bit meh. nobody can complain much bar the world cup, which was pretty important i admit, and a bit of a disgrace. since then it should have been obvious that if we have good forwards we should play them up front, surely. the fact it's two years later and he's still using a selection of rooney, welbeck, vardy and sturridge on the wings is ridiculous. it's not just hodgson though it does seem to be an english thing. the media probably play a part, too. we have to pick our eleven "biggest" players no matter who they are, what form they're in or what positions they should be playing in. 

 

it's a tough job and we aren't good enough to win shit anyway. but it's frustrating that the average fella in a pub could name a better starting eleven for tonight's game than roy hodgson.

Spot on mate.

Huge Leicester City flag on show in the crowd

Next to the Cov one! Hope we've put them firmly in their place!!!

[Guest Col city fan]

To be fair to Hodgson in the 4 years he's been coach we've played 4-4-2 in Euro 2012, a stupidly cavalier 4-2-3-1 in Brazil, a diamond at the start of qualifying and now 4-3-3.

He seems to think that 4-3-3 is the best way for him to get 3 strikers on the pitch (judging by his comments in yesterday's press conference) which makes the Lallana selection especially confusing.

I've said it before but our forward options are genuinely excellent - very possibly the best going to the tournament if Sturridge stays fit.

Quite right about the striking options. Kane is on fire, Vardy gives pace, Sturridge is an excellent finisher (if he stays fit). Then there are other options if we need them. Personally, I wouldn't even rule out Big Andy Carroll to include in the squad and to bring on if we need a late goal to even things up etc. Just as a different type of striker if needed.

Our midfield has got some steel, some playmaking ability and some pace too. It's our defence I worry about. Some of the European defences are better than ours. France for example have Varane, the Italians have always got a solid back four and the Spanish have Ramos amongst others.

I just hope Woy is the right man to get the best out of our bunch. We really do have some good players. Tonight may be a bit of a yardstick, albeit only a friendly.

[ScouseFox]

agree about carroll, i've championed him for years but think now our striking options are so good he doesn't make it. 

[AKCJ]

That England kit is absolutely mint... but why on Earth do we have blue socks?

[themightyfin]

He's not an international standard player but he is the best crosser of the ball since 117 (or whatever it is) times capped Beckham! Yeah he's so average on the left that he is consistently brilliant for us, top of the league Leicester, week after week in that position. He's not a top 6 side player yet plays every week for us who are top of the league. Are you mad? I'd rather see Albrighton play for England then Lallana and I'm not just saying that because I'm a Leicester fan, I'm saying that because he is a better footballer. He's quality and we are lucky to have him. If you can't see that then you don't know what you're on about. I'm not having this Albrighton bashing one bit, jog on. That's one of the worst posts I've ever read.

Much that I like him as a player and he had had a great season he's not international standard.

If you can't see that then you don't know what your on about?

Hum...thought this was a forum for opinions and only yours counts? You sound like a tool mate.

[ScouseFox]

wtf is this germany kit 

[AKCJ]

Two minutes in and Harry kane has given the ball away 3 times.

[ScouseFox]

highlight so far jordan henderson being a good 15 yards offside and still demanding the ball is passed to him