As many fans have been disappointed with Roy Hodgson’s decisions in recent days, I thought it was fitting to sum up my views of the situation.
First of all, I never believed Hodgson was right for the England job. And as I’ve been proven right so far, I stand by that statement. It’s a pain to watch Hodgson take players based on their reputation and status rather than their form. I completely agree with Roy in taking Leicester’s Danny Drinkwater, but I’m beginning to question whether Drinkwater would have been chosen if he was as well but in a Leciester side that isn’t leading the Premier League.
For certain I believe some of our players should have gone just to show their worth in the friendlies. Mark Noble, Aaron Cresswell and Michail Antonio are all worthy of a call up this time around.
Mark Noble has been on-par with Danny Drinkwater this season but as Leicester are top of the table, Drinkwater has stood out. Noble has completed more successful passes in 2016 (450) and had a pass accuracy of 89% in the first half of the away tie against Chelsea. He has bagged himself three goals and four assists from a holding-midfield role this term.
He brings something different to the table and, let’s face it, has there actually been a midfielder worth a call up apart from Drinkwater, Alli or Dier?
The Tottenham boys, as much as it pains me to say it, have been absolutely superb and it wouldn’t surprise me if Tottenham kill the fairytale and pip Leicester to the title. Anyway, back to the mighty Irons…
Another player worthy of the phone call is Aaron Cresswell – last year’s Hammer of The Year and all round great player.
Cresswell has been one of the most consistent players at West Ham and one of the best full backs in the Premier League since he arrived from Ipswich two summers ago.
I and other fans rate him very highly and after speaking to supporters of other teams they, too, are surprised he isn’t in Roy’s books.
He has racked up one goal and three assists this season, which isn’t too bad. In one game he averages one tackle, two interceptions, commits 0.7 fouls and 2.5 clearances. His stats aren’t awful and his play off of the ball is fantastic. I was never expecting Hodgson to take Creswell as Gibbs has got Hodgson wrapped round his little finger, and while Rose has been good, does he does deserve a call up ahead of Cresswell?
My final point of reference is Michail Antonio. What a signing this lad has been – very strong, fast and powerful with an eye for goal, and he would bring something new to England. The young winger has picked up 11 goals and three assists already this season, and after hitting a hot streak of form he was destined to be called up. But, of course, Hodgson fell for the big names once again.
Personally I believe Noble was 100% worthy of a cap with Antonio following close. If he continues to put in some brilliant performances then he could be in the squad for Euro 2016!
