Our Internationals 2021/22

[Phenom]

Gallagher over Maddison is horrible. I also don't rate JWP but he plays a different role.

[Jimmy]

2 hours ago, Bert said:

You’ve never heard of the Crystal Palace centre back Marc Guehi? Who was in the Previous England squad? 

you mean the club where he started his career, was youngest ever captain and is still beloved?

[BenTheFox]

42 minutes ago, Babylon said:

Have you seen the results they had leading up to the tournament?

Yes, their results were bad (also they beat Portugal a week before plying against England) but they undoubtedly have good players. What they have achieved throughout their careers proves that and any team that has such high calibre players can never be considered a 'pushover'. If anything those results show the honking job that Löw was doing at the time.

 

49 minutes ago, KingsX said:

 

He's also beaten Spain (in Spain as well may I add) and beaten Croatia twice who are by no means a pushover. I will also add that England haven't really lost to anyone that they should be comfortably beating since he was appointed as England manager, but are we not allowed to give him that as a positive? 

[Pliskin]

12 hours ago, BenTheFox said:

Yes, their results were bad (also they beat Portugal a week before plying against England) but they undoubtedly have good players. What they have achieved throughout their careers proves that and any team that has such high calibre players can never be considered a 'pushover'. If anything those results show the honking job that Löw was doing at the time.

 

He's also beaten Spain (in Spain as well may I add) and beaten Croatia twice who are by no means a pushover. I will also add that England haven't really lost to anyone that they should be comfortably beating since he was appointed as England manager, but are we not allowed to give him that as a positive? 

The blokes a ****ing pony. He’s had a very easy ride as England manager, and completely ballsed up a euro final against one of the worst Italy teams in recent history. The same team who couldn’t even qualify for the World Cup.

 

European football is in an odd place at the moment, France should be untouchable, but they can never be bothered to turn up, everyone else is pretty stinkingly average. 
 

He’s a shit manager, always has been and always will be. 

[BenTheFox]

11 minutes ago, Pliskin said:

The blokes a ****ing pony. He’s had a very easy ride as England manager, and completely ballsed up a euro final against one of the worst Italy teams in recent history. The same team who couldn’t even qualify for the World Cup.

 

European football is in an odd place at the moment, France should be untouchable, but they can never be bothered to turn up, everyone else is pretty stinkingly average. 
 

He’s a shit manager, always has been and always will be. 

The game went to penalties so it was not a complete balls up. Italy have always been a complete basket case of a footballing nation, either taking tournaments by storm or failing to qualify. They also had a very good tournament beating Belgium in the game before. 

 

I will add that Sven, Capello and Hodgson all had more successful managerial careers than Southgate before managing England and all of them were conclusively worse. Sven had the best set of England players ever and never made it past a quarter-finals, Capello couldn't beat the footballing powerhouses of the USA and Algeria, was lucky to beat Slovenia and then was absolutely destroyed by Germany. Hodgson, don't even get me started. The bloke was everything people accuse Southgate of being and more. At least Southgate plays players in their positions most of the time! 

 

I've never claimed that Southgate was a great manager but there is absolutely no guarantee that another manager would have done better. Any manager that is likely to be a conclusively better option for England isn't attainable. I actually don't think that he deserves more credit, but he certainly deserves more respect. If we hate a manager whose only black dot is getting to semi-finals and finals not winning something then absolutely no future England manager stands a chance of winning people over. 

 

[An Sionnach]

International football is usually of a poor standard with way below average teamwork and even talented players can look distinctly ordinary. Its basically an opportunity for flag waving.  It is true , these days anyway, that it is often a job for failed or out of work club managers.

[Guest David Oldfields Gate]

Still fuming.

Let's be honest Maddison isn't picked because he has too much personality.

 

Goes against the automaton droid policy.

 

Seems to be the way of all football, characters are disappearing.

 

[davieG]

https://www.leicestermercury.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/maddison-england-leicester-grealish-justin-7123928

 

How James Maddison snub shapes Leicester plans as Jack Grealish and James Justin may have impact
James Maddison has been left out of the England squad for the summer fixtures despite registering a combined 30 goals and assists across all competitions this season

ByJordan Blackwell
06:00, 25 MAY 2022UPDATED06:46, 25 MAY 2022

There is an element of tribalism to any England squad announcement. No fan wants to see their team downtrodden. That’s the case for Leicester City supporters, as shown by the reaction to James Maddison’s omission from this summer’s line-up.

When City first returned to the Premier League and Jamie Vardy got a call-up in 2015, that was a novelty to one of the club’s players representing the Three Lions, an excitement at seeing Leicester on the international stage. By the time Harry Maguire and Ben Chilwell were regularly getting in the side, that novelty had worn off. City fans were more concerned with their players not getting injured.

But with Maddison, it is different. There is a strong sense within the fanbase that he truly deserves to be playing for his country. His form warrants it. But he has been overlooked and City fans have taken issue with it. It’s not just a slight on their number 10, but the club as a whole.

 

Maddison has also become the latest poster boy for the under-represented, a player from a club outside the so-called big six used as the prime example by supporters of the other 14 and beyond to show the supposed bias present in England selection, where the elite are apparently favoured too heavily.

There are genuinely good reasons to feel Maddison should have been included. He has enjoyed the best season of his career and was in excellent form as the curtain came down on the campaign. His tally of 20 non-penalty goals and assists in the Premier League is only bettered among English players by Jarrod Bowen and Harry Kane, while he ended up with 30 goals and assists in all competitions for a club that finished mid-table. That’s a high enough total to accurately describe this as a snub.

But equally, Gareth Southgate provided an understandable explanation. He sees Maddison as a competitor for the positions in the squad held by Mason Mount and Phil Foden, and both of those players have had terrific seasons too, while they are regulars in the England squad and have always performed under the current manager. Southgate can fairly feel there is no reason to change when he has two in-form players that know specifically how he likes to play.

But there were more questionable points made by Southgate. To say that Maddison “finished the season really well” is an understatement. He has been playing consistently to a high level since at least November.

And his assessment of Maddison’s position is debatable. Is there any reason why he cannot be considered a rival to other midfielders in the squad, like Conor Gallagher and James Ward-Prowse.

It prompted talk of Maddison’s character and previous misdemeanours. The casino incident, where Maddison was taken out of an England squad because of illness and then went to watch the match at a casino, rather than at home alone, has been mentioned. But Maddison was called up to the squad a month later, when he received his only cap, so it seems extremely unlikely Southgate is still holding a grudge over that.

Maddison was also among a group of City players who broke Covid guidelines in April 2021 and were dropped for a match by Brendan Rodgers, whose handling of the situation was praised by Southgate. But Foden has also had a similar transgression, and yet he has found himself back in the squad.

So what will Maddison be thinking? His absence must be hugely frustrating, knowing there is little more he could have done on and off the pitch, and that this means his shot at a place at the World Cup is seriously in doubt. An injury to another player is his likeliest way in.

City will hope Maddison does not believe he needs to seek a move away to increase his chances of England recognition. It’s a possibility the midfielder may look at his mate Jack Grealish and notice how few opportunities he got with Aston Villa, and how he is now a regular in the Three Lions set-up even while his maiden Manchester City campaign has not gone quite as well as anticipated.

But then again, James Justin’s inclusion should help. Here is a Leicester team-mate who has shown that playing at the King Power Stadium is not a barrier to making the England squad.

Justin’s call-up may sway Maddison in another way. When it comes to strength in depth in one position, England’s options at right-back are the envy of world football. The presence of Trent Alexander-Arnold, Reece James, Kyle Walker, and Kieran Trippier means Justin is unlikely to get a look-in on that side. Alexander-Arnold and James look like they can hold the position for years to come.

But Justin is versatile and has carved out a niche for himself as a right-footed left-back. With Luke Shaw and Ben Chilwell unavailable, he’s got his chance, but even if both were fully-fit, it still feels like a battle he has a better shot of winning.

It is understood that Justin sees his future as a left-back. Whether that is with an England career in mind, it’s not certain, but it is likely to lead to more opportunities. Thankfully for him, City see his future in the role too, having experimented with him on both flanks.

Maddison may be wondering if he can do the same, and adjust to a slightly different position. If Mount and Foden are not going to be ousted, he may think he has a better chance of making the squad if he can prove himself to be a midfield all-rounder.

Earlier in the season, Maddison mainly played as a number 10. Since Rodgers switched systems and removed that role from the team, he has principally played on the right. But with Youri Tielemans expected to leave City this summer, there will be a gap in one of the number eight roles. Maddison may want to fill it.

There are more defensive duties to the role, of course, but if you see the commitment in Maddison’s tracking back, and how he directs team-mates’ press further forward, it’s clear he has the heart and intelligence to do it well. The passing game from that position has a greater focus on starting the attacks and dictating the tempo. That’s a little different to the more intricate balls he is used to playing, but his with vision and his ability, doing it effectively is not beyond him.

What will be decisive is whether City and Rodgers agree. They are on the hunt for at least two new central midfielders this summer, but also a right winger. Maddison will be a starter next season, but whereabouts in the team remains to be seen. He may hope it’s in the Tielemans’ role. That, right now, seems to be his best route to Qatar.

[fox_up_north]

I've seen comments that Maddison's poor attitude cost him his England place.

 

So... we're ignoring Jack Grealish then?

[foxile5]

1 minute ago, fox_up_north said:

I've seen comments that Maddison's poor attitude cost him his England place.

 

So... we're ignoring Jack Grealish then?

It's no surprise that Jack Grealish couldn't buy a game at the Euros when he played for Villa but when he moved to Man City he became untouchable for England.

 

No matter how much everyone denies and pushes the narrative of 'it's all an equal field and we pick on form' we all know deep down that the FA approved clubs list holds much more sway. It can't be conclusively proven but I think we all know that if it were 'Arsenal's James Maddison' or 'Manchester United's James Maddison' we'd be seeing his name selected. 

 

Just like because it's 'Manchester United's Harry Maguire' he won't be dropped - the uproar that would cause in certain sections of certain institutions precludes a brave decision being made. Let's face it - Maguire will be first choice in any meaningful games despite the fact the country knows that he's rubbish. 

 

Southgate will trout out 'I pick on form' because its what people want to hear. Southgate will still select on reputation because it's what is expected of him.

[moore_94]

 

[Fox on the Rox]

Sammy Braybrooke, Ben Nelson and Kian Pennant named in the England u18 squad

[moore_94]

Chris Popov names in Wales Under 18s

[Foxdiamond]

Too often I have been annoyed when our players not picked for England. Nowadays a relief we have so many overseas players that get picked for their own country. 

[Corky]

7 hours ago, fox_up_north said:

I've seen comments that Maddison's poor attitude cost him his England place.

 

So... we're ignoring Jack Grealish then?

Southgate has barely worked with him. It is a cop out.

[Chrysalis]

Maddison not in England squad excellent news, its a tapping up playground.

[los dedos]

23 minutes ago, Chrysalis said:

Maddison not in England squad excellent news, its a tapping up playground.

Or he thinks a move to the big 6 is the only way to get picked 😬

[Chrysalis]

3 minutes ago, los dedos said:

Or he thinks a move to the big 6 is the only way to get picked 😬

I dont know how often players move for that, but I know historically our club has lost a fair amount of players after they get picked for England, as well as almost losing Vardy.

[Lcfcbl]

On 28/03/2022 at 20:48, Lcfcbl said:

I think Maddison didn't do himself any favours with the casino incident. Southgate has massive belief in the squad dynamic, hence Coady being one of the "key" members of the squad. Personally, I get it after the issues with the golden generation that never delivered despite being massively talented. I dont think we will see Madds in the World Cup barring injury crisis, no matter how well he plays. 

Called it a while back. His face doesn't fit, he has been outstanding for city but I dont think he will get in the squad under Southgate and to be fair, Southgate has been by far the most successful England manager in my lifetime so I'm backing the manager's call.

[mad biker]

3 minutes ago, Lcfcbl said:

Called it a while back. His face doesn't fit, he has been outstanding for city but I dont think he will get in the squad under Southgate and to be fair, Southgate has been by far the most successful England manager in my lifetime so I'm backing the manager's call.

Utter clap trap, Gareth MBE Southgate couldn`t manage a good shit, got himself on the Honours list for winning the square route of FCUK all !!! total fraud :-(

[davieG]

Re England, success for me is winning things, and we've blown some chances if you aren't going to win then you might at least be entertaining.

[Lcfcbl]

2 minutes ago, mad biker said:

Utter clap trap, Gareth MBE Southgate couldn`t manage a good shit, got himself on the Honours list for winning the square route of FCUK all !!! total fraud :-(

I respect your opinion, but he has a better record than all other managers other than Ramsey. I would argue, on paper at least, that the players hes had to work with are not as good as 2 or 3 tournament squads in the last 30 years. We need to get this anti Leicester bias rubbish out of our heads. He's called Justin up, imo, not deserving. Maddison, on merit, deserves a call up but I understand why he hasn't. Why would the manager deliberately make the team weaker over some perceived bias against non top 6 clubs. I believe it was a thing under Eriksson but not these days. 

[oxtonfox]

On 25/05/2022 at 09:53, foxile5 said:

It's no surprise that Jack Grealish couldn't buy a game at the Euros when he played for Villa but when he moved to Man City he became untouchable for England.

 

No matter how much everyone denies and pushes the narrative of 'it's all an equal field and we pick on form' we all know deep down that the FA approved clubs list holds much more sway. It can't be conclusively proven but I think we all know that if it were 'Arsenal's James Maddison' or 'Manchester United's James Maddison' we'd be seeing his name selected. 

 

Just like because it's 'Manchester United's Harry Maguire' he won't be dropped - the uproar that would cause in certain sections of certain institutions precludes a brave decision being made. Let's face it - Maguire will be first choice in any meaningful games despite the fact the country knows that he's rubbish. 

 

Southgate will trout out 'I pick on form' because its what people want to hear. Southgate will still select on reputation because it's what is expected of him.

I believe the reason is that Southgate has made a character judgement based on past misdemeanours that other foxestalk members have mentioned earlier and he won't let that go, unless he's the last English midfielder available. Since those times from the previous season to now he's become settled in his life, has family responsibility and his  form has been A1. He's consistently been the best player or near best player for Leicester since November '21 and his goals and assists support his selection across all competitions.  

He could have picked Maddison at the expense of a full back at least to see him up close again. He's simply got his mind set about him.

[Ryy]

[NasPb]

On 25/05/2022 at 09:23, David Oldfields Gate said:

Still fuming.

Let's be honest Maddison isn't picked because he has too much personality.

 

Goes against the automaton droid policy.

 

Seems to be the way of all football, characters are disappearing.

 

Put a laughing emoji on this not because it's funny but it genuinely made me laugh fair play hahaha