Long time fans of tournament football will already know that surprise inclusions/exclusions are not out of the question. Eric Cantona was left out of France’s Euro 96 squad in favour of some guy called Zidane, Gazza famously didn’t make it the the 98 World Cup, and last time around, little Theo Walcott toured with England, despite only being about 12.
Expect the unexpected.
Hence, The Spoiler thought it somewhat necessary to compile a team of players without a cap between them, who might yet drift onto the Capello radar in the coming months (pictured).
With the season hotting up to around Excitement Factor 8, or, at a push, 9, the England team magnifying glass will surely be focusing on names that might yet force themselves into the squad for the World Cup.
It’s not been a great few months for the likes of Glen Johnson, Theo Walcott, Wes Brown, Joleon Lescott, Wayne Bridge, Aaron Lennon and the like. Add the fact that players such as Michael Carrick and Emile Heskey haven’t exactly had the most fruitful seasons either, and all of a sudden there might be a fair few spots up for grabs.
A few names floating around, rumoured to be possible gatecrashers, have included Leighton Baines, Tom Huddlestone, Roger Johnson, and even Bobby Zamora.
But who would YOU like to see forcing their way into the squad come the summer? Let us know with a comment.
Whilst the majority of the nation takes at least four cups of tea and a couple of hours repeatedly refreshing Facebook to really hit their stride with the morning chores, impressively driven football hacks are literally sanding down their noses on the grindstone.
Here’s what we know today, thanks to the heroes who work at The Daily Mirror, The Guardian, The Times, and other such meaty pamphlets…
After he put one past Sunderland then celebrated like a pitbull, Roy Hodgson might have got a touch carried away in his summation of the striker, Bobby Zamora. As reported in today’s Daily Mail, the manager said this:
“You could make a case for one or two more unusual selections, players who maybe have something a little bit extra. If you perpetuated that argument, you might come up with an argument for someone like Bobby Zamora.”
“There are plenty of players who don’t score a lot of goals who are good players. Emile Heskey is a very powerful player, a very willing player and a hard working player but Bobby is more technical.”
With the likes of Defoe, Heskey, Crouch, Owen, Carlton Cole, and Bent all way ahead of him in the pecking order, it’s unlikely to say the least. But in the spirit of democracy and free speech - and because Roy Hodgson seems like a nice guy - it’s a question that begs attention.
The latest transfer gossip, rumours and damned lies
Christian Poulsen to Fulham The Times report that the West London outfit have been given the opportunity to sign the Juventus midfielder, who has turned down a £6m move to Fenerbahçe. The Spoiler truth-o-meter: The Dane may be holding out for a move to the Premier League, but he won’t get the hero’s welcome he could have expected in Turkey.
Andriy Voronin to Hull
After losing out on Michael Owen, Phil Brown could make a move for Liverpool’s pony-tailed Ukrainian, according to the Mirror. Much like the arrangement that saw him return to the Bundesliga
A further helping of transfer gossip, rumours and damned lies
Kyle Naughton to Everton BBC Radio Sheffield claim that Everton have agreed a fee of around £5 million for Sheffield United right-back Naughton. The talented 21-year-old isn’t expected to discuss terms with the Toffees until Monday though.
The Spoiler truth-o-meter: Everton could have a fantastic all-English back four of Baines, Lescott, Jagielka and Naughton next season, all capable of making the World Cup squad. It’s unbelievable that Coral are still offering 5/1 on Everton being the highest-placed team outside the Big Four next season.
Fraizer Campbell to Sunderland Sky Sports are reporting that Sunderland have had an offer of around £5 million accepted for the England Under-21’s striker. Phil Brown confirmed
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