Freeman's Wharfer Posted 16 May 2014 Posted 16 May 2014 Following the announcement of the England squad I've written an article on the incredible rise of Chris Smalling from Maidstone to Manaus.... You can find it here: http://hereisthecity.com/en-gb/2014/05/15/from-maidstone-united-to-manaus-via-manchester-united/ Some shameless self-promotion perhaps, but what does everyone think of his inclusion in the squad? It seems to be one of the issues people have with Hodgson's selection on Twitter but I can see why he's taken him given that he can play right-back or centre-half, particularly as the alternatives were so inexperienced at top level football. Has anyone heard any other incredible World Cup journeys? If Riyad makes it I suppose he would be one!
kingcarr21 Posted 16 May 2014 Posted 16 May 2014 I dont think he has performed at all to warrant a place on the plane. Luckily for him though he plays for Man Utd. I said in a different thread. If Curtis Davies played for Man Utd and Chris Smalling played for Hull i honestly dont think Smalling would of even made it onto the Standby list. the fact Tom Cleverly made it onto the standby list also proves that playing for Man Utd is a massive advantage compared to somebody having a good season for a 'smaller' club.
MC Prussian Posted 16 May 2014 Posted 16 May 2014 Well, Jeffrey Schlupp's rise from youngster to possible WC representative for Ghana would be another one.
Jimothy Posted 16 May 2014 Posted 16 May 2014 Well, Jeffrey Schlupp's rise from youngster to possible WC representative for Ghana would be another one. Especially when you consider the change of position to left back too.
Grandad. Posted 16 May 2014 Posted 16 May 2014 I personally don't think he is that bad, there could have been a lot worse going and in fairness he didn't disappoint v Poland in our biggest game since Euro 2012. He isn't going to start, he probably isn't even going to be first choice replacement if there is an injury either. Get behind the lad now, the squad has been announced nothing will change unless there is an injury, the standbys are already pretty much nailed on which ones will go.. Flanagan will go if there is full back injury, Stones at centre back, Carrick if a midfielder is hurt and Carroll if a striker can't go.
Tommy G Posted 16 May 2014 Posted 16 May 2014 He is absolute turd and shouldnt be anywhere near man U let alone England. liam Moore is better!
Grandad. Posted 16 May 2014 Posted 16 May 2014 He is absolute turd and shouldnt be anywhere near man U let alone England. liam Moore is better! If you're going to say stuff like that, please don't say stupid things like Liam Moore is better.
Freeman's Wharfer Posted 16 May 2014 Author Posted 16 May 2014 I personally don't think he is that bad, there could have been a lot worse going and in fairness he didn't disappoint v Poland in our biggest game since Euro 2012. He isn't going to start, he probably isn't even going to be first choice replacement if there is an injury either. Get behind the lad now, the squad has been announced nothing will change unless there is an injury, the standbys are already pretty much nailed on which ones will go.. Flanagan will go if there is full back injury, Stones at centre back, Carrick if a midfielder is hurt and Carroll if a striker can't go. I can't see who else in the squad would come in at right back if Johnson was to get injured during the tournament. I rate Smalling although I think he's had a dip in form this season (who at United hasn't?) but that's to be expected given the remarkable rise that he's been on over the last 6 years. The guy didn't have a Premier League academy education like most players at this level have had let's not forget. Whilst Flannagan and co have had better seasons there isn't really anyone else who has played for England and in the Champions League other than Walker who is injured currently anyway. There's no substitute for big game experience...
Grandad. Posted 16 May 2014 Posted 16 May 2014 I can't see who else in the squad would come in at right back if Johnson was to get injured during the tournament. I rate Smalling although I think he's had a dip in form this season (who at United hasn't?) but that's to be expected given the remarkable rise that he's been on over the last 6 years. The guy didn't have a Premier League academy education like most players at this level have had let's not forget. Whilst Flannagan and co have had better seasons there isn't really anyone else who has played for England and in the Champions League other than Walker who is injured currently anyway. There's no substitute for big game experience... I wouldn't be too bothered with Smalling starting right back, if Hodgson wasn't confident in him playing there then I would go with Milner or even Henderson at right back, Henderson has played there for us a few times. Exactly, is it that Smalling has been terrible or is that every other player around him as well has been poor, you just notice Smalling more along with Cleverley? Actually no, Cleverley is just shit. Well I see what you're saying about Flanagan but that clearly isn't the logic behind him and others not being selected, especially when Roy the Boy has selected Luke Shaw over the vastly experienced England and Champions League footballer in Ashley Cole. Experience at a World Cup isn't that vital, it can be where the 'experienced' players feel the pressure more, so many instances where the big name player has turned up and that's not just the English players! Hodgson knew taking one right back would free up another attacking spot, I think he's done the right thing there, Jones can also play right back, we have 4 players who I think can play right back with no problem, yeah it might not be their natural positions but I think they could do a job, Johnson, Smalling, Jones and Milner.
Danno Posted 16 May 2014 Posted 16 May 2014 He is absolute turd and shouldnt be anywhere near man U let alone England. liam Moore is better!Yeah, a player who can't get in the leicester team over an average Wasilewski is definitely better than Smalling. .
leicesterisme Posted 16 May 2014 Posted 16 May 2014 Yeah, a player who can't get in the leicester team over an average Wasilewski is definitely better than Smalling. . Average? You allright?
RowlattsFox Posted 16 May 2014 Posted 16 May 2014 If smalling played for an Everton or a Southampton then he probably would be rated higher amongst fans. Not a top player by any means but he's never looked to bad for england on my memory. He makes mistakes but so does Gary Cahill yet little is said. Him and jones have the making of top centre back partnership if they can regain some confidence and be coached properly.
Kent Posted 16 May 2014 Posted 16 May 2014 One thing for certain is that he is definitely not a right back.
The People's Hero Posted 16 May 2014 Posted 16 May 2014 He'd struggle to get in maidstone's team nowadays He really wouldn't sadly!
Buzzell Posted 16 May 2014 Posted 16 May 2014 One thing for certain is that he is definitely not a right back. One thing for sure is that he shouldn't be on the plane to Brazil.
Ric Flair Posted 17 May 2014 Posted 17 May 2014 He's horrible, but every England squad must have a scapegoat and he's perfect for the role.
Charl91 Posted 17 May 2014 Posted 17 May 2014 Following the announcement of the England squad I've written an article on the incredible rise of Chris Smalling from Maidstone to Manaus.... You can find it here: http://hereisthecity.com/en-gb/2014/05/15/from-maidstone-united-to-manaus-via-manchester-united/ Some shameless self-promotion perhaps, but what does everyone think of his inclusion in the squad? It seems to be one of the issues people have with Hodgson's selection on Twitter but I can see why he's taken him given that he can play right-back ! He can't.
65RosesFox Posted 17 May 2014 Posted 17 May 2014 I don't rate him at all, he's been chosen due to lack of Right Back quality and because he's one of Roy's Boys from when he brought him to Fulham. I think Man U expected more from him as well in all honesty. He's been there four years and not managed to establish himself as a first team player.at centre back or right back. My guess is they brought him to eventually fill Rio's boots when he moves on, which will be next season, and clearly he's nowhere near good enough to do that, and Utd will have to buy another centre back next season. As long as Johnson doesn't get injured, England should be fine. And I can see him being sold not long after the World Cup to a lower league Prem Team at best.
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