Adam Lallana - England

[CB Fry]

Can never undertand when those Sky fellah's talk about the future England Team, Lallana is never mentioned. Just wait until we see him, Rickie, Cork and Rodriguez in the Prem. Pity the former cannot think outside the square.

 

 

Jees. Lallana not that good. Cork not that good. Lambert not that good. J Rod the only one with a realistic chance because he's a striker, we're light on strikers and if he has a Beattie-like hot streak could easily get a run out in a friendly.

Edited 26 June, 2012 by CB Fry

[CB Fry]

Simples there again, if you're not playing in the PL (or some other top division) then you aren't England (Spain,France,Italy,Germany take your pick) material. You can be as good as you like in the Championship (unless you're an English goalkeeper of course) but you won't get into the full England side.

 

 

 

Why on earth would all the best players in England be bumming about in the Championship?

 

Deluded.

[Window Cleaner]

Why on earth would all the best players in England be bumming about in the Championship?

 

Deluded.

 

Certainly not deluded, just pointing out that until you reach PL (or Liga or Calcio 1) status then your chances of making a grade 1

football nation's team are zero.Don't think AL is actually good enough(yet anyway) for England myself, he's neither chalk nor cheese,not a wide player cos he's no real pace and not a playmaker because his final ball isn't good enough (again as yet).

 

We shall see, myths about him will dispelled one way or t'other soon enough.

[CB Fry]

Certainly not deluded, just pointing out that until you reach PL (or Liga or Calcio 1) status then your chances of making a grade 1

football nation's team are zero.Don't think AL is actually good enough(yet anyway) for England myself, he's neither chalk nor cheese,not a wide player cos he's no real pace and not a playmaker because his final ball isn't good enough (again as yet).

 

We shall see, myths about him will dispelled one way or t'other soon enough.

 

And quite right too. If you're playing second tier football you're not good enough for international football.

 

Agree on Lallana. No compelling case for him to play for England. He might step up but competition for his position is fierce and can't see him improving that much. He'd have to score 15-20 goals next season.

[captainchris]

This. If he has a couple of good PL seasons, where he drops his periodic relapses into headless chicken mode and learns to take a decnet corner, every chance he will be on the plane to Rio, if Hodgson isnt a complete dork that only looks in the North West and within the M25.

 

You really are well wide of the mark there. Whilst AL has his faults running around like a 'headless chicken' is most definitely not one of them. You obviously don't watch games - Rediculous comment....

[captainchris]

Like Milner you mean!!!!!

[Matthew Le God]

Lallana. No compelling case for him to play for England. He might step up but competition for his position is fierce and can't see him improving that much. He'd have to score 15-20 goals next season.

 

Absolute nonsense.

 

Downing went to Euro 2012 and he didn't score a single goal or make a single assist last season, yet you think Lallana would have to score 15-20 goals from midfield in 38 games to get in the England squad. Rooney was the only Englishman to score more than 15 goals last season and he is a striker.

Edited 26 June, 2012 by Matthew Le God

[CB Fry]

Absolute nonsense.

 

Downing went to Euro 2012 and he didn't score a single goal or make a single assist last season, yet you think Lallana would have to score 15-20 goals from midfield in 38 games to get in the England squad. Rooney was the only Englishman to score more than 15 goals last season and he is a striker.

 

Downing plays for Liverpool. Lallana doesn't. Holt scored 15 last season and got nowhere near the England squad.

 

The point is Lallana is going to have to score a hatfull of goals and/or have a breathtaking season to get anywhere near the England squad, especially with the legion of established names of attacking midfielders already in front of him in the queue. Being "quite good" for Saints is not going to get him picked, unless there is some kind of plane crash with the current England squad on it.

[Matthew Le God]

Holt scored 15 last season and got nowhere near the England squad.

 

Holt is a striker. You are the one that said Lallana would have to score 15 - 20 goals from a max of 38 games.

[CB Fry]

Holt is a striker. You are the one that said Lallana would have to score 15 - 20 goals from a max of 38 games.

 

Where did I mention 38 games you freak?

 

I stand by what I said, although at no point do I mention 38 games.

[CB Fry]

Holt is a striker.

 

 

...and Holt scored more than Defoe and Carroll, both went to the Euros. Funny how life isn't like a computer game, isn't it.

[Matthew Le God]

Where did I mention 38 games you freak?

 

I stand by what I said, although at no point do I mention 38 games.

 

I didn't say you did mention 38 games, I quoted your "15 - 20 goal" claim and merely added the 38 games as that is the max number of league games Lallana can play next season.

 

Back to the petty insults again I see.

[Matthew Le God]

...and Holt scored more than Defoe and Carroll, both went to the Euros. Funny how life isn't like a computer game, isn't it.

 

Contradicting yourself now, first you say Lallana needs to score 15-20 goals to make the England squad. Then you say Holt scored more than Defoe and Carroll and even that didn't get him a spot. We should be comparing him to midfielders, Downing did nothing last season, no goals, no assists.

 

"Computer games", what does that have to do with it? Just more petty insults.

 

Lallana offers more than Milner and Downing in my opinion going forward. Like Lallana neither of them have great pace (particularly Milner).

Edited 26 June, 2012 by Matthew Le God

[CB Fry]

Contradicting yourself now, first you say Lallana needs to score 15-20 goals to make the England squad. Then you say Holt scored more than Defoe and Carroll and even that didn't get him a spot.

 

"Computer games", what does that have to do with it? Just more petty insults.

 

Lallana offers more than Milner and Downing in my opinion going forward. Like Lallana neither of them have great pace (particularly Milner).

 

 

How on earth am I contradicting myself?

 

Holt scored a decent return of goals but got nowhere near the England squad. Maybe if he'd scored 25 or 30 he would have finally got the call up instead of Carroll who got three or four or whatever it was or Defoe who got slightly more but not many.

 

That is my point. Players from Norwich or Saints have to massively over deliver to get picked for England. That's how it goes. That's my point. True for Holt, true for Lallana. That's my point.

 

No contradiction whatsover.

 

You are a fuc kin g nutjob.

Edited 26 June, 2012 by CB Fry

[Matthew Le God]

How on earth am I contradicting myself?

 

Holt scored a decent return of goals but got nowhere near the England squad. Maybe if he'd scored 25 or 30 he would have finally got the call up instead of Carroll who go three or four or whatever it was.

 

That is my point. Players from Norwich or Saints have to massively over deliver to get picked for England. That's how it goes. That's my point. True for Holt, true for Lallana. That's my point.

 

No contradiction whatsover.

 

You are a fuc kin g nutjob.

 

Rob Green was playing Championship football last season. Yes, he had previous caps but goes against your theory.

 

Even more so with Jack Butland, called up for experience, but even still he hasn't played a single game above the 4th tier.

 

Continuing with your debating technique of petty personal insults. Really mature...

[CB Fry]

I didn't say you did mention 38 games

 

Holt is a striker. You are the one that said Lallana would have to score 15 - 20 goals from a max of 38 games.

 

 

You so adore being a pedantic arseflap so here's some back. You do understand what the phrase "YOU ARE THE ONE THAT SAID" means and what the phrase "I DIDN'T SAY YOU DID MENTION" means and how those two phrases are opposite to each other? Yes?

[CB Fry]

Rob Green was playing Championship football last season. Yes, he had previous caps but goes against your theory.

 

Even more so with Jack Butland, called up for experience, but even still he hasn't played a single game above the 4th tier.

 

Continuing with your debating technique of petty personal insults. Really mature...

 

So what? We're talking about attacking midfielders. Rob Green doesn't go against my theory at all being that he was first choice keeper at the last fu cking world cup.

[krissyboy31]

That is my point. Players from Norwich or Saints have to massively over deliver to get picked for England. That's how it goes. That's my point. True for Holt, true for Lallana. That's my point.

 

I don't think that is necessarily the case. I think (although I have no evidence) that Holt may well have been picked if Hodgson had been in his job longer. I think he just picked the players he knew really and there was never going to be much scope for "new" faces. Leading up to the World Cup qualifiers, he may well give some players a chance. Surely Lallana gives him a better option than Jordan Henderson? But you are right in the fact that AL will have to prove himself as a Premier League player first.

 

PS. Sorry for butting in to a private argument!

[Matthew Le God]

You so adore being a pedantic arseflap so here's some back. You do understand what the phrase "YOU ARE THE ONE THAT SAID" means and what the phrase "I DIDN'T SAY YOU DID MENTION" means and how those two phrases are opposite to each other? Yes?

 

Can you see quotation marks saying you said the entire thing? There really wasn't the need given I mentioned you said 15-20 goals and then all I did is add 38 league games in the Premier League.

 

Yet again... continuing with your debating technique of petty personal insults. Really mature...

[CB Fry]

I don't think that is necessarily the case. I think (although I have no evidence) that Holt may well have been picked if Hodgson had been in his job longer. I think he just picked the players he knew really and there was never going to be much scope for "new" faces. Leading up to the World Cup qualifiers, he may well give some players a chance. Surely Lallana gives him a better option than Jordan Henderson? But you are right in the fact that AL will have to prove himself as a Premier League player first.

 

PS. Sorry for butting in to a private argument!

 

 

Agree with this, nice to debate with a normal human being. My comment about Lallana is that he is going to have to be on fire. This is attacking midfield we are talking about and during the Euros there were players on the bench and players on the beach already established in the Premier League that will feel they could be in with a shout in the next squad.

 

He's going to have to score a lot of goals, or score some amazing goals, or break some assist records to really gather some momentum to get anywhere near the squad.

Edited 26 June, 2012 by CB Fry

[Matthew Le God]

So what? We're talking about attacking midfielders. Rob Green doesn't go against my theory at all being that he was first choice keeper at the last fu cking world cup.

 

Green wasn't playing top flight football.

 

What about Butland? Not a single game above the 4th tier.

 

If we are talking just about attacking midfielders, why bring up Holt? You really now contradicting yourself and also not helping your case by making petty insult after petty insult.

[CB Fry]

Can you see quotation marks saying you said the entire thing? There really wasn't the need given I mentioned you said 15-20 goals and then all I did is add 38 league games in the Premier League.

 

Yet again... continuing with your debating technique of petty personal insults. Really mature...

 

Tell you what. Don't misquote me. Being given the "really mature" comment from an autistic freakshow really is never, ever going to bother me. Go away.

[CB Fry]

Green wasn't playing top flight football.

 

What about Butland? Not a single game above the 4th tier.

 

If we are talking just about attacking midfielders, why bring up Holt? You really now contradicting yourself and also not helping your case by making petty insult after petty insult.

 

Holt is a very good example because we are actually quite short on strikers and he still couldn't get in. Butland is a complete outlier and irrelevent to this discussion completely.

 

My original point is basically Lallana is playing a position with boat loads of competition and is going to have to play out of his skin to be considered.

 

I stick by it and I don't need you asking pointless questions about nothing.

 

PS - you are a complete bell end.

[Matthew Le God]

Tell you what. Don't misquote me.

 

I didn't misquote you, I didn't use quotation marks so I can't have misquoted you. You just misunderstood what I said. In any case, why are you trying to argue against there being 38 game s in a Premier League season? There are 38 games in a Premier League season. So what is the issue?

 

Being given the "really mature" comment from an autistic freakshow really is never, ever going to bother me. Go away.

 

Have I ever made a personal insult against you, sworn or tried to belittle autism? I think I can comfortably take the high ground whenever I debate with you. I say debate in its loosest terms because you seem to always want to turn it into a slanging match. If I'm autistic, which condition could you be "labelled" and belittled with? It rather takes away from anything sensible you might be saying if the only way you can debate is a constant stream of expletives and insults.

[CB Fry]

which condition could you be "labelled" and belittled with? .

 

I've got a bit of a cold at the moment.

[Gordon Mockles]

I'll say it.........I didn't see why the likes of Parker, Young and Milner were so outstanding that they warranted a place in the England team. Why do we continue to pick unskillful 'runners' that will never win us anything at a major tournament? AL is miles ahead of these guys and he should have been there.

 

I know Parker is a central midfielder but you where I'm coming from and indeed AL can play there too!

 

He has exquisite ball control but he's by no means streets ahead or he'd be picked. Odd Carrick didn't go although shows player pride these days when no first choice, egos don't allow them to play second fiddle. Money breeds that and cotton wool treatment by the clubs. Adam lacks a powerful shot, pace and isn't a great tackler. It'll be interesting to see how he fares against world class defenders. Parker works hard, good engine. England just aren't that good. Wasn't fussed after Italy as expected no less. Nice to see our fans finally realising what I've said for 5 or 6 years. Over hyped tabloid talk. We're way off Germany and Spain.

 

Would be nice to see international prospects in our squad get a call up. Ricky, Adam maybe, Jay Rod or Shaw...if he gets an appearance and does develop. Butland would be a good acquisition if the scouts reports are solid which I have no reason to doubt although some tough competition and I don't think we have the disposable income the club lead us to believe. Not knocking us as we recruit fairly well now but would like to see us move more earlier to bed players for preseason. Lots of freebie talk which is shrewd like Tadanari, Chaplow, etc. and the Rangers rumour could be astute, the Czech guy too. I imagine Jay Rod bought with Oxo money but lots of talk of a big budget for the premier league but with the constantly undisclosed fees and club liking to make us think we have billionaire backing (which we do but how much is disposable?) with comment alluding to transfers by Adkins and staff, not as much has been realised as we hinted. Maybe cos we struggle cos clubs think we have more money than available, or Adkins fails to attract them or Cortese hard to deal with or just cos the funds aren't there...or they are but we won't overspend what we have which is shrewd but not so clever if we hold back so much and give such a hard time, agents overlook us. Maybe conjecture but I would like to see a few more of these many rumours realised as we certainly need 3 or 4 key signings of PL calibre after shifting out the dead wood (bar the last of that idiot's legacy who shall be named, Forecast but that was down to a stupid length deal which I swear was his parting 2 fingered gesture to stitch the club/fans when his writing was on the wall - 5 year f**kin deal for that donkey and wrote off the Bale money = moron!!)

 

Adam I hope gets a look in but I would say better out there.

[Gordon Mockles]

Holt is a very good example because we are actually quite short on strikers and he still couldn't get in. Butland is a complete outlier and irrelevent to this discussion completely.

 

My original point is basically Lallana is playing a position with boat loads of competition and is going to have to play out of his skin to be considered.

 

I stick by it and I don't need you asking pointless questions about nothing.

 

PS - you are a complete bell end.

 

I hadn't read all the comments before posting but this is pretty much what I said. Well, not what I said, principle that Adam is not assured. The sentiment. I agree with our self-assured troll chastiser! ;o) Adam would really have to perform at this level to even come into contention and I think his game is lacking in key areas. I love Adam but doesn't mean he's PL elite which is what international is...supposedly.

 

Gotta laugh at the internet arguments. Some just like to poke the fire but is refreshing to hear a balanced opinion. I too suffer fools gladly but not like you CB to be name calling. Don't take the bait. Silly opinions are standard. Spend 90mins at St Mary's and you think some fans have UEFA super platinum badges with Barcelona honours. They clearly know better than all the lifelong professionals and to the grey haired bloke with no neck in the Chapel that taps his watch every stop of play - we're aware the match is timed you numpty. Moron next to him berated Davis' position on one conceded goal off a free kick one match. "He should have stood more to the left, you're an idiot Davis!" Errrrr, what, stood behind the wall? Yep, genius. Then fans that actually know what they're talking about may comment. HELLO!!! *knocks skull*

[CB Fry]

I hadn't read all the comments before posting but this is pretty much what I said. Well, not what I said, principle that Adam is not assured. The sentiment. I agree with our self-assured troll chastiser! ;o) Adam would really have to perform at this level to even come into contention and I think his game is lacking in key areas. I love Adam but doesn't mean he's PL elite which is what international is...supposedly.

 

Gotta laugh at the internet arguments. Some just like to poke the fire but is refreshing to hear a balanced opinion. I too suffer fools gladly but not like you CB to be name calling. Don't take the bait. Silly opinions are standard.

 

 

I've calmed down. I save all my name calling for my favourite wally.

 

Adam is currently a mini Saints legend and he has a lovely chance to shine next season. If he gets a mini montage on MOTD one week he's doing well.

 

But in his position he is way back in the queue for England duty. And quite frankly I think that is the last thing he needs to worry about this season. Get out there and show em Adam.

[Gordon Mockles]

I've calmed down. I save all my name calling for my favourite wally.

 

Adam is currently a mini Saints legend and he has a lovely chance to shine next season. If he gets a mini montage on MOTD one week he's doing well.

 

But in his position he is way back in the queue for England duty. And quite frankly I think that is the last thing he needs to worry about this season. Get out there and show em Adam.

 

Indeed. I often question Adkins tactics but I do admire his psychology and player support and pressure avoidance. However, his recent comments on the Official Site do strike me as smacks of a mentalist or a bit simple with his perpetual mantra and dull repeated statements. Just speak the truth, not propaganda. It's boring. Yes, hard working bunch, Premier League, it's exciting isn't it and words to that effect! LOL It sounds almost a bit "speshal". Bless him!

 

A friend had a chat with Jo Tessem last season and he wasn't sure if we had many PL caliber first choice players and I have to agree. He even was unsure about Adam and he is, to be fair, yet to prove that. He has become a bit of a figure at St Mary's and rightly so and I hope he shines but it's such a gulf in quality, there realistically is no guarantee he'll blossom. I'd like to think so and feel he will do well having done it "the right way" (not hat anyone can bellittle Oxo's call up, snidey club response and improved wages) and having player constantly with tons of match experience and lots of lower league experience to develop, score, assist and build himself into the player he now is but he is now in Nirvana. On the big stage against world class defenders. Like watching Oxo show too much of the ball and losing possession in the Euros. Not so easy skinning players and running fearlessly against clued up defenders at the top of the game as opposed to trouncing past Dagenham and Redbridge defenders. Still, wish him well. I don't like the bitterness to anyone leaving. F*ck me, if a rival company offered me a 700% pay rise (pure guess), I'd be out the door quicker than the a banker can conjure up a false flag terror plot to infringe our civil rights and benefit their shadowy business ethics!!

 

Oh, it's refreshing for fans to finally realise England aren't very good. Miles from Spain and Ze Germans. I gave up long ago so wasn't bothered. Makes me laugh all the fans getting narked. What do you expect? Some should learn from history. You could write a script for the next World Cup. I suppose what we lack in skill we gain in blinded optimism. It's good to read so many Twitter and FB feeds of sense for a change. I was more proud of that than the football.

 

Roll on the new season...if we can quickly squeeze in a summer before it starts, all the better.

Edited 26 June, 2012 by Gordon Mockles

[eelpie]

England's tactics were all wrong. I know that Hodgson had to hastily put together a squad without much preparation, however the players were not good at passing and running with the ball - which are Saints attributes. Probably Lallana could do well in an England shirt, but not with the tactics employed.

 

One player who dominated the match was of course Pirio. He would excel in the Saints team. Sign him up Nigel, Nicola. You know it makes sense!

[Dig Dig]

You so adore being a pedantic arseflap so here's some back. You do understand what the phrase "YOU ARE THE ONE THAT SAID" means and what the phrase "I DIDN'T SAY YOU DID MENTION" means and how those two phrases are opposite to each other? Yes?

 

Indeed. I often question Adkins tactics but I do admire his psychology and player support and pressure avoidance. However, his recent comments on the Official Site do strike me as smacks of a mentalist or a bit simple with his perpetual mantra and dull repeated statements. Just speak the truth, not propaganda. It's boring. Yes, hard working bunch, Premier League, it's exciting isn't it and words to that effect! LOL It sounds almost a bit "speshal". Bless him!

 

A friend had a chat with Jo Tessem last season and he wasn't sure if we had many PL caliber first choice players and I have to agree. He even was unsure about Adam and he is, to be fair, yet to prove that. He has become a bit of a figure at St Mary's and rightly so and I hope he shines but it's such a gulf in quality, there realistically is no guarantee he'll blossom. I'd like to think so and feel he will do well having done it "the right way" (not hat anyone can bellittle Oxo's call up, snidey club response and improved wages) and having player constantly with tons of match experience and lots of lower league experience to develop, score, assist and build himself into the player he now is but he is now in Nirvana. On the big stage against world class defenders. Like watching Oxo show too much of the ball and losing possession in the Euros. Not so easy skinning players and running fearlessly against clued up defenders at the top of the game as opposed to trouncing past Dagenham and Redbridge defenders. Still, wish him well. I don't like the bitterness to anyone leaving. F*ck me, if a rival company offered me a 700% pay rise (pure guess), I'd be out the door quicker than the a banker can conjure up a false flag terror plot to infringe our civil rights and benefit their shadowy business ethics!!

 

Oh, it's refreshing for fans to finally realise England aren't very good. Miles from Spain and Ze Germans. I gave up long ago so wasn't bothered. Makes me laugh all the fans getting narked. What do you expect? Some should learn from history. You could write a script for the next World Cup. I suppose what we lack in skill we gain in blinded optimism. It's good to read so many Twitter and FB feeds of sense for a change. I was more proud of that than the football.

 

Roll on the new season...if we can quickly squeeze in a summer before it starts, all the better.

 

This is like a reply to 5 threads all rolled into one.

[Dig Dig]

P.s. don't know how or why I quoted CB Fry above. Stupid IPhone.

[Saint Charlie]

P.s. don't know how or why I quoted CB Fry above. Stupid IPhone.

 

Get an Android Dave, I did and it was the best choice I have ever made.

[Dig Dig]

Get an Android Dave, I did and it was the best choice I have ever made.

 

 

Thanks Duncan, will think about it for my next update. The Iphone does have a good App for my UEFA pro coaching license however.

[Gordon Mockles]

England's tactics were all wrong. I know that Hodgson had to hastily put together a squad without much preparation, however the players were not good at passing and running with the ball - which are Saints attributes. Probably Lallana could do well in an England shirt, but not with the tactics employed.

 

One player who dominated the match was of course Pirio. He would excel in the Saints team. Sign him up Nigel, Nicola. You know it makes sense!

 

Do you mean Andrea Pirlo? By far the one to watch and he did as expected. He's utter class and way beyond our realistic reach to prise anyway from Juve but I appreciate your remark made in jest! We're only just back, give it time if we proceed in the correct manner but we aren't a club of that stature yet. Still a lot of rebuilding to be done but I am confident we can achieve more, with the sustained development and wise funding and investment. We just don't need upheaval or people to leave in the board/management since that is the foundation of any successful club...combined with a clearly competent manager and coaching staff! Derrr!!

 

Hodgson? He gives them instructions but it's not his fault if the players don't do what they're told and I'm fairly sure he didn't ask them to give the ball away and get caught in possession. Tactics are key but as individuals we are poor and will continue to be until we have a major change of mentality combined with technical skill. We think we are better than we are but luckily, many this time (clearly not you, no offence meant), finally realised we are just not very good. Cole and Terry did well. We have some great individuals but no cohesion. How many times have I said that? Capello, Sven *spit*, Roy...I don't think god himself can get a world beating squad out of the players on offer. When will the media stop blaming the manager and put it down to all the factors. The team are not good enough. If we were, we would still be in the tournament and we played a mediocre Italy with one of the worst penalty records.....bar us of course. The Kings of Cr*p penalties!! You can write a script by it but I gave up caring internationally long ago. Too much disappointment. You wouldn't continually run into a brick wall and hurt your head, would you? Hence why I stopped caring as much about internationals. Players play so many games and don't seem to deliver, for whatever reason. It's not worth the heart ache. Club football for me any day of the week!! Loved the past few seasons. Sadly, that winning feeling won't nearly be as prevalent, but watching the big teams and world class players will be fun!

[Gordon Mockles]

This is like a reply to 5 threads all rolled into one.

 

I like to consolidate! LOL I did think I'd digressed (I'm the king of digression as England are to losing on pens!) somewhat in the post above too. OOPS!!! Too much footy talk to get in a lunch break.

[PhilippineSaint]

Do you mean Andrea Pirlo? By far the one to watch and he did as expected. He's utter class and way beyond our realistic reach to prise anyway from Juve but I appreciate your remark made in jest! We're only just back, give it time if we proceed in the correct manner but we aren't a club of that stature yet. Still a lot of rebuilding to be done but I am confident we can achieve more, with the sustained development and wise funding and investment. We just don't need upheaval or people to leave in the board/management since that is the foundation of any successful club...combined with a clearly competent manager and coaching staff! Derrr!!

 

Hodgson? He gives them instructions but it's not his fault if the players don't do what they're told and I'm fairly sure he didn't ask them to give the ball away and get caught in possession. Tactics are key but as individuals we are poor and will continue to be until we have a major change of mentality combined with technical skill. We think we are better than we are but luckily, many this time (clearly not you, no offence meant), finally realised we are just not very good. Cole and Terry did well. We have some great individuals but no cohesion. How many times have I said that? Capello, Sven *spit*, Roy...I don't think god himself can get a world beating squad out of the players on offer. When will the media stop blaming the manager and put it down to all the factors. The team are not good enough. If we were, we would still be in the tournament and we played a mediocre Italy with one of the worst penalty records.....bar us of course. The Kings of Cr*p penalties!! You can write a script by it but I gave up caring internationally long ago. Too much disappointment. You wouldn't continually run into a brick wall and hurt your head, would you? Hence why I stopped caring as much about internationals. Players play so many games and don't seem to deliver, for whatever reason. It's not worth the heart ache. Club football for me any day of the week!! Loved the past few seasons. Sadly, that winning feeling won't nearly be as prevalent, but watching the big teams and world class players will be fun!

 

You will be so happy when that is proved wrong.

 

Have the faith the bus is still picking up some stragglers that may just change how we view Saints.

[Gemmel]

Lallana has been outstanding for two seasons, but is nowhere near the England squad and quite rightlys so.

 

He has dips in forms and games where he hasn't made an impact - That's no big deal, so have ronaldo, Messi etc etc.

 

The Premiership will be the making or breaking of Lallana and I don't see there being room for being too much in between.

 

He is unlikely to re-invent himself into a different type of player, so it comes down to whether he take what he has got into the Prem and make the same impact.

 

If (And it is a huge if) he can impact games to the degree and level he has done in league one / Championship then we have a 10 - 20 million pound English International on our hands.

 

Personally I am intrigued and have no idea if he will or not.

 

The closest comparison I can think of is Joe Cole and even that's not a very good one, however without looking up the stats (And acknowledging this has been in the lower leagues - hence the point of whether he can have the same impact in the Prem) I would guess, that Lallana's stats (Goals and Assists) are significantly better than Coles - So who knows.

 

Big season for him.

[jam]

Lallana has been outstanding for two seasons, but is nowhere near the England squad and quite rightlys so.

 

He has dips in forms and games where he hasn't made an impact - That's no big deal, so have ronaldo, Messi etc etc.

 

The Premiership will be the making or breaking of Lallana and I don't see there being room for being too much in between.

 

He is unlikely to re-invent himself into a different type of player, so it comes down to whether he take what he has got into the Prem and make the same impact.

 

If (And it is a huge if) he can impact games to the degree and level he has done in league one / Championship then we have a 10 - 20 million pound English International on our hands.

 

Personally I am intrigued and have no idea if he will or not.

 

The closest comparison I can think of is Joe Cole and even that's not a very good one, however without looking up the stats (And acknowledging this has been in the lower leagues - hence the point of whether he can have the same impact in the Prem) I would guess, that Lallana's stats (Goals and Assists) are significantly better than Coles - So who knows.

 

Big season for him.

 

This is the thing - Lallana has been great for the last few seasons. So much so that one of Adkins' main challenges was to get us winning games without him in the side. But he's been doing it in Leagues where the toughest games have included Norwich, Leeds, Peterborough, Brighton, West Ham and Reading.

 

That's a huge, huge, huge difference between doing it against the big Manchester and London clubs as well as in the European tournaments.

 

I'd go further than you and CB Fry; unless he puts in blinding performances against the top teams, he will need a great first season in the prem and continue it into the following one (assuming we stay up or he moves to another top flight club).

[Boris Karloff]

One difference between the Spanish and German teams and England is that their national teams spot young talent and bring them into the main fold a lot earlier. Then these players move on to big clubs. The like of Khedira, Ozil, Mata, Silva were all playing in their national team before they got their big move. In England the national team wait until the players move on to the big clubs before they are considered. Unfortunately for AL he will have to have an incredible season to get considered because he's not playing for a big club.

[rog]

It's not AL per se that we need to be in the England team, it's what players like him represent, pure passing, skilful football. Something that sky, the FA, etc, do not have as a priority because you don't get 'exciting' football. By that I mean football with lots of mistakes in it. Nothing will change, the german under 21s are now the national team.

[captainchris]

Why on earth would all the best players in England be bumming about in the Championship?

 

Deluded.

 

No you are 'deluded'..........Why would it be that just because you have a pemiership label you are 'good enough' .

There are players in the Championship who are as good or in some cases better that premiership players - labels don't mean a thing. There will be players in our team who have probably been enquired about by premier clubs when we were in the lower leagues so just because they don't move doesn't mean they are not premier standard!

We have had several instances whereby we sell a player to Arsenal or other teams and suddenly overnight they are worthy of an international call up! The stigma of players having to be at big clubs in the prem to be good enough is restricting our choice and hence competition for places in the England set up. Watch the film Money Ball. We are in a society that is addicted to brands and labels. England managers over the years have been the worst at sticking to players who fit the big boys criteria rather than the best players for purpose.

Window cleaner is entirely correct - if don't wear the premiership badge on your arm and preferable play for the top six or eight you can more or less forget it. The big clubs don't know it all - God, Dalgliesh paying 20 odd million for Henderson says an awful lot !!!!

[Gordon Mockles]

And quite right too. If you're playing second tier football you're not good enough for international football.

 

Agree on Lallana. No compelling case for him to play for England. He might step up but competition for his position is fierce and can't see him improving that much. He'd have to score 15-20 goals next season.

 

I don't think if you're playing second tier football, you're not good enough for England because you are totally isolating the platform this gives the youth to step to the fore like Bale (Welsh, I know), Oxo and the like who may not get the chance against Premier League opposition.

 

I know what you meant though. I think. You mean regular first team starters but they can and do get overlooked playing a league down. Hell, they get overlooked for England purely by managers (Sven and Hoddle for example) who used to select players on status and favour big teams. It's what caused Le Tissier to finally lose patience and speak out against Hoddle in the England B game when Le Tissier did superbly against Russia (Matt had zero luck in a England shirt - England first team game stopped due to crowd violence, chairs being thrown on the pitch, etc.). Le Tiss scored a hatrick v Russia and claimed the captain's arm band....hitting the wood work numerous times too. It seemed Chris Sutton was correct in telling England B to poke it since it meant nothing....and that's what Hoddle and Matty proved. I thought Hoddle put him in, hoping Matt would play poorly and he could justify his omission in being taking to the World Cup - in favour of taking the permanently injured Darren Anderton who seemed to get picked regardless of form and fitness.

 

Still, digressing, I like Lallana a lot but he lacks a stunning shot which is a critical part of the game and his biggest weakness. I can shoot harder!! He scuffs a lot and has improved but his natural ability striking is just not all that powerful. His skill and ball control amazing but there is so much more needed at this level when you look at the talent surrounding players. His pace is an issue but his skill and hold up play balances that so I don't buy the pace problem. Even Oxo has been dispossessed a lot more, showing the ball and having a shrewd defender timing the challenge and not falling for his tricky foot work. Different proposition running against Cole, Terry, Ferdinand, Lescott, Richards or Clichy.

 

As people say, he is good and I like the loyalty of our supporters but some are a bit biased and not realistic. There is far better out there although I wish Adam well and hope he improves but, as CB Fry says, I don't think he's going to improve "that" much. I think he may have a blinding season, full of confidence after 2 back to back promotions and I would love him to prove me wrong and score 15+ goals but that's hard enough for a striker like Ricky at this level. Not making PL football into an impossible mission to score. It's not but the gulf in class we have become accustomed to is huge, bigger than when we were last here.

[Gordon Mockles]

It's not AL per se that we need to be in the England team, it's what players like him represent, pure passing, skilful football. Something that sky, the FA, etc, do not have as a priority because you don't get 'exciting' football. By that I mean football with lots of mistakes in it. Nothing will change, the german under 21s are now the national team.

 

That's a very astute point. It's the passing game we did lack. Getting it actually to the feet under pressure. I hope Adam can continue that trend as his passing and hold up play is brilliant. Especially the twisting, turning, cut in and out style. Wish we had a bit more of that from grass roots level for the future.

[Viking Warrior]

FloridaMartin

 

wrote

I'm not quite sure what this obseesion with pace is all about

 

Personnally

I thought Hale was the better comedian

[The9]

Isn't this "discussion" a little bit about the fairly new concept of not getting a game for England unless you're playing for one of the top few clubs ?

 

There's an assumption now that anyone good enough has already signed for them - it didn't seem to be a problem in 1990 when Steve Bull went to the World Cup despite never playing in the top flight - the flipside of that being that Oxlade-Chamberlain (and Walcott for that matter) are barely different from the players Saints sold when the were outside the Prem, yet they have to sit on the bench for Arsenal to be considered.

 

You have to be playing for Liverpool to get a game outside the top 6 nowadays. Goalkeepers aside...

 

Admittedly AOC scored in the Champions League last season, but is he significantly better than he was for us in League One under 6 months previously ?

[JackanorySFC]

Isn't this "discussion" a little bit about the fairly new concept of not getting a game for England unless you're playing for one of the top few clubs ?

 

There's an assumption now that anyone good enough has already signed for them - it didn't seem to be a problem in 1990 when Steve Bull went to the World Cup despite never playing in the top flight - the flipside of that being that Oxlade-Chamberlain (and Walcott for that matter) are barely different from the players Saints sold when the were outside the Prem, yet they have to sit on the bench for Arsenal to be considered.

 

You have to be playing for Liverpool to get a game outside the top 6 nowadays. Goalkeepers aside...

 

Admittedly AOC scored in the Champions League last season, but is he significantly better than he was for us in League One under 6 months previously ?

 

Eh? When fit Theo is one of the firt names on the teamsheet? Brilliant move for him, played immense games in the Champions League, scored important goals in the Premiership, Van Persie absolutely loves him thanks to all the assists he gives him (11 this season) and he's had a huge influence in England when it mattered (Croatia & Sweden, no other English player has changed important games in the same way). The lads played 150 times for AFC (with 26 goals) and hs 28 England caps. At 23. Jeez....

 

Ox has only been there 5 minutes but is already a big favourite with anyone connected to AFC.

 

We love to be partisan here, but credit where it's due it was a great decision to move when they did and I for one am proud to have played a part in their development.

[The9]

Eh? When fit Theo is one of the firt names on the teamsheet? Brilliant move for him, played immense games in the Champions League, scored important goals in the Premiership, Van Persie absolutely loves him thanks to all the assists he gives him (11 this season) and he's had a huge influence in England when it mattered (Croatia & Sweden, no other English player has changed important games in the same way). The lads played 150 times for AFC (with 26 goals) and hs 28 England caps. At 23. Jeez....

 

Ox has only been there 5 minutes but is already a big favourite with anyone connected to AFC.

 

We love to be partisan here, but credit where it's due it was a great decision to move when they did and I for one am proud to have played a part in their development.

 

I was referring more to Sven's bizarre 2006 World Cup decision really, and the parallels with AOC's selection this time. Were either of them any better when they got called up for England than they were with Saints ?

[JackanorySFC]

I was referring more to Sven's bizarre 2006 World Cup decision really, and the parallels with AOC's selection this time. Were either of them any better when they got called up for England than they were with Saints ?

 

Sorry misunderstood. I would probably argue that AOC is definately a better player, I didn't think he particulary stood out for us when he was here (I know, I'm probably in the minority there I admit). Agree re Theo, when he was here he was outstanding (in the literal sense of the word) every big club in Europe was after him from 14 years old and he looked like a world beater - The buzz when he got the ball in his short spell here was only bettered by Le Tiss in my memory...

[Crab Lungs]

if lallana has a good season...SURELY he has to be included.

he is exactly what everyone is saying we need. a player comfortable on the ball, very skill full and has a touch of class.

 

it would not be long though before people go on about the lack of pace etc etc

 

Been championing the Lallana for England cause for a while.

 

I was dumbfounded he didn't go to the Euro U21's tournament last year but then again Pearce is an utter turd who'd probably choose 10 Makelele's before a Messi gets a look in.

 

Lallana is - and has been for a couple of seasons - international class. He's been playing way below his true level and the fact he's stayed with us is quite incredible. Aside from his obvious ability, he also has a terrific workrate - which is a rarity with someone who could be deemed a "luxury" player by some.

 

Would love him to be capped but we hate to have him hanging around with the knobheads in the England team