What does it take in this day and age to get into Roy Hodgson’s England’s squad? That is what Southampton’s current talisman Rickie Lambert must be thinking.
With Lambert’s impressive record of 27 goals in the Npower championship last year, being crowed championship player of the year 2011-12, and announced in the PFA team of the year, it is a mystery why he has never had the call up. Lambert has stepped up to the pressure on the selectors this year by netting an impressive 11 goals so far (the highest by any English player let alone striker), in the half way point of the premiership, and still lambert’s phone has not been rung once from MR Hodgson. Has he got the wrong number?
If you can tell me another English striker who has looked and been as dangerous, effective and impressive as Rickie you would be lying.
So I ponder still what is the reason behind this ludicrous decision. Is it his age? Lambert turning 31 this month could be classed as an OAP in the footballing world, but has it affected his performances? No. I personally don’t think that age should be counted against him. I have never understood why age matters in football, especially if you are still banging in the goals. This possibly may be one of the reasons why we never get very close to winning a major tournament; why are we always planning for the future and not thinking about the present? If this is the case it’s a poor choice.
Could what club you belong to affect your likelihood, or chances of getting the call up? Yet again I think so. Just because of the way he’s come through, the ranks he’s looked down upon by people in higher positions – because of the route that he’s taken to get to the top, because of how long it’s taken him to get to the top. At the end of the day, you should pick an England squad primarily on current form, and unfortunately I don’t think this happens any more.
If Lambert was playing for one of the top 5 clubs in the Premiership perhaps he could have been called up. It is a shame that current football revolves around persona and reputation.
The current England strikers: Rooney, Defoe, Welbeck, Sturridge, and possibly Theo Walcott, have not been scoring a goal every other game. There are not if’s, but or maybe’s if you are scoring a goal every other game you are a good footballer, and why can’t a good player play for his country?
Introducing the neat little app that’ll pay you to view content tailored to your interests:
ThisisFutbol.com are seeking new writers to join the team! If you’re passionate about football, drop us a line at “thisisfutbol.com@snack-media.com” to learn more.
The thing is it’s not just the goals he scores, it’s his whole game. Even when he doesn’t score he will dominate defences and make so much happen. He was out of this world yesterday against City.
I have no doubt that he would replicate this against the finest in the world.
Mr Hodgson do yourself a massive favour come and watch Rickie play.
Look, its definitely due to age. If Lambert was 21 and playing like this, he would have received a call up already. Plus, England manager these days all want pacey forwards (which Rickie isn’t). Still, is he goo enough for a call up? Watch the games against Man City. That will tell you enough.