Ferdinand and Crouch left out as Hodgson names England squad

Hodgson names squad

There was much speculation and intrigue about the announcement of this squad however in the end many will be left scratching their heads. In my opinion certain decisions in the squad baffle me as do some of those who did not make the 23. 

The squad itself is again a squad of obvious names without that many new faces nor ideas. I understand Hodgson's argument of trying to pick the players who qualified for the tournament however I would have liked to have seen more changes. His inclusion of so many Liverpool players is also confusing. England have been written off by nearly all with regards to this tournament so I am a bit disappointed that the same old names have been picked. 

No call for Rio

The main talking point has been the leaving out of Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand (left). In the press conference Roy Hodgson said it was for 'pure footballing reasons' citing the fact that he has only played once for england in the last year. Although using this thought process the inclusion of Steven Gerrard should be brought into question. Many of the press and people on social media sites are lamenting his absence although for me it is no surprise. Personally I would not have taken him. I do not feel his form this year has been good enough as without Nemanja Vidic by his side he has showed how vulnerable he is. His fitness would also worry me and for these reasons I would have left him out. Many are citing to the problem with John Terry as the reason for his admission although I do believe Hodgson when he said that that played no part in the decision. 

Goalkeepers:

In truth I do not have any problem with his selection in this area. Hopefully Joe Hart remains fit for the entire tournament. With regards to who is available this is the three I would have picked. The only change would be Robert Green out and Ben Foster in however due to Foster's self-exile from being picked this is not possible. I am very happy for John Ruddy. He has had a wonderful season and it is good that he is getting his chance. He throughly deserved to be picked. 

Defenders:

This area has caused a few raised eyebrows since the announcement earlier today. Despite as I mentioned earlier the well documented exclusion of Ferdinand, for me it is the exclusion of Micah Richards which disappoints me most. He deserves to be in the squad, his performances this year have proved that. He has improved so much in recent times and you cannot compare him to the raw, awkward and error - prone player he was 3 years ago. You do wonder what he has to do to be picked. His absence is even more galling when you consider that due to Kyle Walker's injury it seems that Richards is not even number two. Without doubt these two are the best right-backs England has. Therefore the selection of Glen Johnson is baffling. He has been poor this year and his defensive weaknesses have be highlighted time and time again in an England shirt. He is without doubt a weak link.  

I am also unhappy with this idea of Phil Jones playing right-back. He is clearly not a right-back and should not be used so. He also looks uncomfortable and out of position. This will be exploited when we play the top sides. I do agree with his inclusion but hope he is not asked to fill in at right-back. It seems crazy to me that we would rather take a man seen as a utility and fill in when there is a proper right-back available. Elsewhere I do not have too many complains, Ashley Cole and Leighton Baines deserve their places as does Gary Cahill. For me Cahill is the best central defender England has. Joleon Lescott has received many plaudits this season for his role in Manchester City's title win however I do feel that his performances have been made to look better due to the fact that he plays alongside Vincent Kompany, one of the best defenders in the world. Lescott is also prone to lapses in concentration and errors as shown in the final game against QPR. This for me has been England problem for years, all of our so called 'top' centre backs play along side world class players that cover their floors. For example Vidic for Ferdinand, Ricardo Carvalho for John Terry, Kompany for Lescott. This is why when they play together in the big games England's defence looks poor. 

Terry picked for Euro squad

Finally the inclusion on John Terry (right) was almost a given despite the fact that I would not take him. I do not see how we can succeed with him. The mans on and off the field antics are deplorable. Many have spoken of his place in the dressing room now he is not captain as potentially difficult. This was seen in South Africa with the 'Terry press conference'. He loves being the man in charge, we have seen this at Chelsea for years, undermining any manager he want and ultimately getting them the sack e.g Andre Villas Boas. Their is a reason why so many people joke about Terry running the Chelsea team. This along with the racism case hanging over him presents a very dangerous man to have in your team. Hodgson played the 'innocent until proven guilty' card however we all know he is guilty and how bad it that going to look when he is found guilty? Especially with the rumours it was pick Terry or Ferdinand. So we picked the racist. Many will argue that he should be judged on the field, however that provides no help for the Terry cause. In the last few weeks he has been torn apart twice by Andy Carroll and let his team down with his mindless sending out at the Nou Camp. It he was willing to do that in the Champions League semi-final as the captain of his 'beloved' Chelsea, you cannot take him. He could cost you the tournament. 

Despite my criticism of the defenders we have selected the truth is if not them then who? That is the problem, we do not have enough players to pick from. Other centre halves are Chris Smalling- injured or Ledley King and Jamie Carragher both too old, slow and injury prone. Our reserve defender Phil Jagielka is a great player and I would loved to have had him in the squad. For me he is greatly underrated. He and Lescott had a good partnership at Everton and it is very rare to have two players who have played together with regularity. This is another reason I think he picked Terry due to his partnership with Cahill. I do think that Cole, Cahill and Terry will be in the starting line-up for the France game. 

On the whole even if I accept the Terry decision the selection of Johnson I can not as Micah Richards should be on the plane. 

Midfield:

Hodgson has flooded the midfield by selecting nine players. He has picked the classic names of Frank Lampard, Steven Gerrard and Gereth Barry. These three were always going to be picked despite for me Gerrard's worrying lack of form and Barry being, for me, poor. He is another one who is covered up by his Manchester City teammates. He is billed as a defensive midfielder who breaks up plays i.e the classic role of Claude Makelele although you could never compare him to the great man. For me he does not stop anything. He is too slow and players breeze past him. His performance in the hammering by Germany showed that. The way Mezut Ozil covered around 50 metres as Barry struggled to cover 20 to win the ball and then process to power away form him. 

Something new- Chamberlain gets the nod

Elsewhere I was delighted by the inclusion of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (right) and also happy to see Theo Walcott and Scott Parker. Chamberlain deserves his chance as he has shown his class this season. Walcott is a dangerous player and I hope he shows his true talent and of course Scott Parker. A terrific player who should have been in the World Cup squad two years ago. Ashley Young despite the diving deserves to be in and could prove a very useful asset for England. 

On the other hand the inclusion of Stewart Downing angers me. The man has been awful all year. 

1.NO Premier League assists

2.NO Premier League goals.`

How can this man be taken as an attacking winger. The man in the reserve list is that of Adam Johnson. Two years ago I wrote an article lamenting the fact that he was not picked for the World Cup squad. Now two year on and I am doing the same. The truth is this boy has talent. He has unfortunately suffered as I suspected due to the fact that he does not play regular football. I am sure that if he played every week he would be in this squad no doubt. He is a far superior player to Stewart Downing. For me he will have to leave City to get regular football. I honestly would have preferred Wolves' Matt Jarvis, Swansea's Scott Sinclair or Chelsea Daniel Strurridge (who is a reserve) to Downing. Finally the inclusion of bag-carrier James Milner is a frustrating one. He adds nothing to the team. People say he is a utility man although for me he is just poor in a range of different positions. He is always shown up on the international stage and will be again if used. Literally Ryan Taylor of Newcastle could do what Milner does will ease. 

Strikers:

Carroll lucky to be included

Hodgson's decision to go with four is interesting. I understand that due to the formation we play we would not require many forwards however would have liked to have seen five. The selection of Wayne Rooney was a given despite him missing games one and two by which time England could in theory be out. Danny Welbeck was another obvious one and despite me not being a fan he can do a job and hate to say it but the fact he plays for Manchester United made his selection a cert. Andy Carroll (left) is one I agree with as he offers something completely different. He has shown the form that got him his big money move and England cap recently although he can feel mightily lucky to be included. Jermaine Defoe I do not agree with. For me he is far too wasteful in front of goal which in the big games will cost you. I see why he has been picked due to being small, fast and adds to the balance of the squad having a smaller forward. I honestly feel if Darren Bent was fit he would have bee picked over him.  

Of those who have missed out I feel sorry for Grant Holt. Second highest English scorer behind Rooney this year. For me he deserved a chance. I am not saying he should start however what sort of message does it send when he has the season he has had and does not get picked. I am sure if he was signed by Liverpool or a Manchester United he would have been picked. He plays for unfashionable Norwich and people laugh at his style but the man has ability and to not even be a reserve is a joke. Peter Crouch can also feel unlucky. I suppose Carroll has been chosen over him although Crouch's international goal scoring record is awesome. I am sure he will be very very disappointed.

Overall the squad does not fill me with hope for the tournamnet. The same names, going to another tournament, whereby the same outcome looks extremely likely. I do not like the fact that so many of the squad are from the top teams again. Players are lesser clubs never get the recognition. Fact. Grant Holt is a prime example. My annoyance is not that they are not in the team but they never seem to get a chance. The England squad is a closed shop. 

My hopes for the tournament are slim, I hope we get out of the groups however cannot see us going further then that. For me the Germans will win it and watch out for the French to be the surprise team. 

England squad for Euro 2012:

Goalkeepers: Joe Hart (Man City), Rob Green (West Ham), John Ruddy (Norwich)

Defenders: Glen Johnson (Liverpool), Phil Jones (Man United), John Terry (Chelsea), Joleon Lescott (Man City), Gary Cahill (Chelsea), Ashley Cole (Chelsea), Leighton Baines (Everton)

Midfielders: Theo Walcott (Arsenal), Stewart Downing (Liverpool), Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (Arsenal), Steven Gerrard (Liverpool), Gareth Barry (Man City), Frank Lampard (Chelsea), Scott Parker (Tottenham), Ashley Young (Man United), James Milner (Man City)

Forwards: Wayne Rooney (Man United), Danny Welbeck (Man United), Andy Carroll (Liverpool), Jermain Defoe (Tottenham)

Standby players: Jack Butland (Birmingham City), Phil Jagielka (Everton), Jordan Henderson (Liverpool), Adam Johnson (Manchester City), Daniel Sturridge (Chelsea).

Drogba continues to role back the years as he fires Chelsea to first leg lead

Magnificent. Last night Chelsea produced one of their best ever Champions League performances just when they needed it.

Chelsea have plenty of recent history with Barcelona in this competition and after the injustice back in 2009 this one was always going to be a extra tense affair. There really is no love lost between these two.

Drogba fires home 

Didier Drogba's 45th minute strike (left) was enough to give Chelsea a 1-0 victory over Barcelona in the first leg of the Champions League semi-final. Barcelona dominated with nearly 80% procession in the game although just could not find a way through the stubborn Chelsea defence. However at times, as you need to in these sort of games, Chelsea had the luck.

In the first half Cesc Fabregas had two wonderful chances to put Barcelona ahead. Firstly after an Andres Iniesta shot could only be parried by Petr Cech, Fabregas from all of 8 yards sliced his effort wide with the goal at his mercy. Fabregas was then sent clean through one-on-one with Cech, he chipped past Cech however it was the terrific Ashley Cole, who got back to make a sublime goal line clearance. Fabregas also had another shot well saved by Cech, and you started to feel it was not going to be his night. Also in the first half Andres Iniesta put Alexis Sanchez clear with a wonderful chip over the top of the Chelsea defence. Sanchez also lobbed the on rushing Cech only to see his effort hit the bar.

However then in the the 45th minute Lionel Messi lost the ball to Frank Lampard just inside the Chelsea half. Lampard then provided a stunning reverse pass to set Ramires clear. Ramires then cut it back to Drogba who left-foot finish found the net. For me Victor Valdes should take some blame for his effort to save it. If he has lead with his hands and not with his feet I am sure he would have stopped it.

Guardiola left ruing missed opportunities

Into the second half and the pressure once again continued from Barcelona. Chelsea were throwing themselves in front of Barcelona shots, with Gary Cahill makes two crucial blocks. Then as time seemed to be running out Barcelona had possibly their best chance of the game. In the 90th minute Pedro shot hit the post and Sergio Busquets following in from all of 8 yards blazed his effort high over the bar. Pep Guardiola (left) cut the look of a frustrating man as the final whistle blow.

Last night performance from Chelsea was remarkable. The winning performance on Sunday over Tottenham was one of a Chelsea team of a few years ago. The big guns of Frank Lampard, Ashely Cole and John Terry and for me the most important influence of Didier Drogba all performed. This was also the case last night. It was almost like watching Chelsea under Jose Mourinho for me. Disciplined, dogged and resilient. Also a feature of his Inter Milan side who knocked Barcelona out 2 years ago at this stage. A further point is even though Mourinho has been gone nearly 5 years, 6 of his signing were in the 16 as well as the like of Terry and Lampard who were key to his team. They always say the team's spine is key to success and look at Chelsea and it's spine of Cech, Terry, Lampard and Drogba. All key components of Mourinho's Chelsea.

I have slated Chelsea at times this season, and deserved so, however last night performance deserves nothing but praise and admiration. To beat Barcelona is an incredible feat and one that should be acknowledged. Against a team that has the best player in the world in Messi, who Chelsea managed to keep reasonably quiet, and contains some of the greatest midfield men in the world Chelsea stepped up and performed. Yes, they are still up against it and face another enormous and greater challenge in the return leg next week but they showed last night why the fans will have hope. They have given themselves a fighting chance. Not conceding an away goal was another major bonus. For me I see more Chelsea as having a better chance then Arsenal did in the previous two years when they travel to the Nou Camp. This is partly due to the way they will play. I wrote at the time that Arsenal needed to play ugly to win however did not and got hammered with Arsene Wenger's pure football. Chelsea will make it tough and anything could happen.

Ash 'King' Cole.
without doubt Man of the Match

Roberto Di Matteo does also deserve plaudits with his tactics and team selection. Although I am not sure he is the one picking them. The players are playing as we know they can and not the producing the woeful performances they put in under Andre Villas Boas. They are playing with pride, hunger and passion. A team-performance it was and all those who played deserve great credit. The likes of John Obi Mikel played the best I have ever seen and Gary Cahill proved his International class however two players really stood up for me.

Ashley Cole (right) for me had the best game he has had for 2 years. Last night I saw just why he has been quoted as the best left back in the world. His all round performance was terrific. He was up and down the left hand side all night. His clearance of the line, his energy and professionalism impressed me. Ashley Cole has had his off the field problems and is one who regularly moans at the referee. However last night I did not see this side of Cole. His performance was one of maturity and drive. It was great to see, as it shows just how good he can be when 100% focused. It was performances like this one as to why Chelsea brought him back in 2006. For me he was without doubt man of the match.

The second was that of Didier Drogba. This a man written off by many, including myself as past his best and to be soon moving on. I still believe he is past his best although in the last two matches his has produced performances of near his best. His hold-up play and all round game has stood out. Yes, he has received plenty of criticism for his 'antics' and the amount of time he spent on the floor but the job he did for his team was what was needed. Also after his superb finish at the weekend, he seemed to be back in the hunt for goals and this is why he had to be picked over Fernando Torres. In a game such as this, playing the counter-attacking way, you are only going to get max 3 chances if that and you need a man who is going to finish them. Torres at the moment is not that man. Torres' lack of confidence in his own ability is clear for all to see. He reminds me of Andrey Shevchenko back in 2006/2007 season. A great player but just did not fit it. Torres is the same, again brought in for a large sum and at the want of the owner rather then manager. He does not look to me as 'part of the gang' if you will. He looks an outsider.  I personally think Torres will leave in the summer and think he should. If he did move club I can see him returning to form and getting the goals once again. But for me, it will never work out at Chelsea for Fernando Torres.

It will be interesting to see which team Terry selects next week for the return fixture as Chelsea attempt to get a result in the Nou Camp. If Chelsea can grab a goal it will make it interesting. For me they will need to score to have a chance.

In this kind of form, Chelsea have a great chance to go through to the final. It also helps them as they try to achieve top-four in the Premier League. This weekend against Arsenal is massive. Can the Chelsea old guard many in their 30's produce over four games, at the intensity these have been played in. In the first two they have gained an FA Cup Final and Champions League hope, producing the the next two could give them top-four finishing hope and a Champions League final. Chelsea have it all to play for.

Capello Gone- Renewed Hope For England

Fabio Capello's reign as England manager is over after the FA accepted the former Real Madrid managers resignation yesterday.

On his way

The news may have come as a surprise to many. Although I doubt that many tears will be shed over the news. In fact many responses from the fans and even some pundits have been positive. It would appear that the John Terry issue was the final straw and Capello (right) has fallen on his sword for his former captain.  For many Capello should have been removed after the dismal World Cup in South Africa in 2010.

Despite that poor World Cup, Capello's record is impressive with a 66.7 win percentage. That is the highest of any England manager ever. He also guided England to this summers Euros. From an outsiders point of view it seems to make no sense as to why he is so unpopular. The England job have been called a poisoned challis due to the press scrutiny, huge public pressure and expectation it is easy to see why. Capello came into the job with a hugely impressive club management record with European big guns AC Milan, Juventus and Real Madrid. He has had experience in top leagues in European as well as the Champions League. However he had never managed in England. Therefore the type of press England has he may have been used to. Also something which was highlighted by many fans was his failure to learn English in nearly 4 years in the job. For talking to the press as well as his players this is a key requirement.  However having said that many ex-pros did not believe it was a problem and his win percentage would also indicate otherwise.  

Terry was Capello's major problem 

Capello brought about his own problems during his time as manager. Mistakes were made by Capello and I am sure he realises it. John Terry (left) caused him numerous problems due to his personal life. Firstly with Wayne Bridge refusing to play for England due to Terry's affair with his wife. Also allegations of wrong-doing including the touting of his box at Wembley. This lead to the decision and the right one by Capello to remove the captaincy from him. For me then he should not have been in the squad. His decision split the public however many did agree. However his biggest mistake and where all his trouble really started from was the decision to hand the captaincy back to Terry. This was a dreadful mistake (as I commented on an earlier article back in March last year). This decision was poor and the handling of it was even worse. The way Rio Ferdinand was removed as captain was appalling and really hurt him as it showed when he was asked by the BBC's Dan Walker on Football Focus about taking the captaincy back and he said 'no' and you could see the hurt on his face. Capello blind-faith in John Terry as cost him his job. He was again let down by Terry with the raciest allegations by Anton Ferdinand. I know that these have not been proven but it looks very bad for him. The FA decision to remove him as captain was the right one, however Capello should have been consulted.

Capello other mistake was the World Cup, right from the beginning they were in trouble. On the 1st July 2010 when the squad was announced it was over. As I wrote at the time the wrong players were chosen. When he was appointed he had these ideas and principles of which he did not deliver. When it came to it he picked the same deadwood players who had failed time and time again.

Other errors included his Capello index and the way in which he handled the squad was poor. All the trouble with Rooney and then Terry speaking out at press-conferences. The whole tournament was a disaster and they were shown to be a very poor side.

In some ways I feel for him as to put such faith in a player and to constantly be let down is tough. This will again apply when Terry is most likely found guilty in July. However onwards and upwards as far as England are concerned.

England Future?

The most likely man to replace Capello is that of Harry Redknapp (right). After being acquitted this morning of all charges his odds have tumbled and he is 4-7 (SkyBet) to be the new manager. Something will have to be worked out with Tottenham but I am sure that that will be done. He will probably stay at Spurs until the end of the season then take over the England job. The public and media support for him is huge. As a result I doubt any other Englishman will want it. Other names include Jose Mourinho and Guus Hiddink. However it is more likely that one of them will take the Tottenham job in the summer when Redknapp leaves.

I hope it goes to Redknapp as for the first time in a long time I will feel excited about England. With Capello I think all the country were not looking forward to the Euros as we would be poor again. The public have just been waiting for him to go. It also seems that either Steven Gerrard, Joe Hart or Scott Parker will be captain. Personally I would like it to be Parker. He should have been in the World Cup two years ago and if he was playing for Tottenham and not West Ham I am sure he would have been.

It is incredible that one week ago England had a captain and a manager, now they have neither and yet there is an optimism among the fans about the upcoming Euros and the future for England. That is the crazy world of football. 

Foolish Fabio Reinstates Terry As England Captain

What have you done Mr Capello?

The decision by Fabio Capello to reinstate John Terry as the England captain is one that has come under  much scrutiny and is quite honestly baffling. 

This is a man whom for me does not deserve to be in the team let alone being the captain. John Terry is a relic and a reminder of failure. He is a product of the failed World Cup squad should be shown the door. We need new, young and hungry players. The only World Cup squad members to survive should be Steven Gerrard, Ashley Cole and Wayne Rooney who now seems back on his game. For years the English public have seen the same team, same players and same tactics fail with different managers. It is same old England all the time. The fans have been let down by the England team so much. I do not think there is a team in which so many of the individuals in it I detest. It seems unless you indulge in adultery, have gambling problems and scandal you don't get in. I have lost all interest in England recently. This decision just cements it amateurish status.

Capello is clueless and England will never win anything with him. So many promises and claims of which none have been followed through. Terry is another classic example along with the World Cup squad. The moment the squad was announced England were doomed. His treatment of players is appalling. I am no fan of Rio Ferdinand but this is awful. To win any tournament you need a team. Team sprit is crucial and this decision does nothing for morale.

They are all pulling in different directions and are not a team. They are a group of arrogant players who couldnt give a damn no matter what they say. They have never and will never produce. As Rafa Benitez would say that is a FACT. I would rather lose with young players and different people then with these lot. They will fail again no doubt. They should qualify for Euro 2012 however they will be no where near winning it. This I have no doubt. The talk will continue but the inevitable disappointment will follow.

This fact saddens me however until things change my interest in England will remain at an incredibly subdued level.