Hodgson: let's see if his no Hammers policy is vindicated.

[Crouchend_Hammer]

Drinkwater plays a more defensive and rigid role than Noble has this season. Of course he does get around the park to some extent but he is more fixed in a role in front of the back four. Look at his heat map vs Newcastle

[Romford]

Do wonder how Man Utd let him go...

[steveyrockstar]

Without wanting to get into another repetitive debate regarding Nobles exclusion as even I think it's done to death, for what it's worth, I couldn't agree more with everything you said, Jumby.

Conversely, I agree with James P. I think Nobes' stock has risen and spread dramatically over the last few months, and he's enjoyed wider attention because of West Ham standing on the brink of th CL places. Even I have changed my tune on him deserving a chance at international level.

To say players like Mason, Shelvey and Delph are still ahead of him I do find very speculative, but to say that Roy has "something against Noble", as Jumby did, is another matter. Roy may not rate him as highly as other players or see weaknesses in his play that he doesn't think will work at international, but to suggest he has something personal against a honest pro like Noble strikes me as wildly ludicrous

[MikeNewell'sOldBoys]

always interesting when you read a stat that totally contradicts the impression you get from watching a game.

Moussa Sissoko was WhoScored's statistical man of the match against Leicester... Thought he was pretty rubbish.

[thejackhammer]

I'd play Noble and Drinkwater together.

[westham,eggyandchips]

Ive been reading this thread with great interest. Times really dont change at all.

Back in 86 we achieved our best ever season and it contained some real quality, yet only 1 player made the squad for that years world cup in Mexico.

Players like Terry Fenwick, Ray "sideways" Wilkins and Kerry Dixon got the nod.

http://www.englandfootballonline.com/cm ... Squad.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Dev, Mark Ward and Cottee could/should of made that tournament IMO.

[hammerleroy]

Spuds manager thinks they could have eight players in the squad! Look on the bright side they won't be blaming our players when it goes pear-shaped in the Euro finals.

[fmgod]

Spuds manager thinks they could have eight players in the squad! Look on the bright side they won't be blaming our players when it goes pear-shaped in the Euro finals.

Rose, Dier, Ali, Kane fair enough maybe even Walker, it's when you get the likes of Carroll, Mason and so forth annoys me

[Colours never run]

Dier is the one that bothers me, if he's only being considered for a central midfield role. If it was in mind to use him versatility wise then I can understand it or even as a defender where I think he's at his best from what I've seen of him last season. I just don't think he does enough to warrant a place ahead of many others who are more qualified, experience and with more ability playing in that position. I couldn't speak more highly of Alli and Kane who for me were always a shoe in for this current England side.

Rose too I think more than deserves a chance to see what he's got, although again he still has to prove himself in the England side and isn't a shoe in. He's not even a regular for Spurs who rotate him often with Davies. Walker also tends to fall into the same category as Rose for me.

The rest of the Spurs side at this moment in time for England recognition, no ta.

[IG8Hammer]

Do wonder how Man Utd let him go...

To be fair, if you look at Man United's midfield at the time you can see why. Even Paul Pogba couldn't get a look in.

I don't think he ever would have developed into the same player had he stayed in United's reserves and continuous loans to lower league clubs.

I've always said I didn't think Noble deserved more than a "token" cap to reward him for his efforts. However, I don't think there's any disputing that he's one of the most inform English midfielders at the moment.

Gary Neville is helping Roy pick the squad for these two friendlies. From memory I think Gary Neville as a pundit has been complimentary of Noble so that may help his chances.

[sendô]

Am I the only one who thinks that Danny Rose is **** and only does as well as he does because he is in a very good Spurs team and has a lot of pace?

[Colours never run]

He's always impressed me this season whenever I've seen him play. Bombs up and down the wing supplying quality crosses as well as look solid defensively.

[Crouchend_Hammer]

Dier is the one that bothers me, if he's only being considered for a central midfield role. If it was in mind to use him versatility wise then I can understand it or even as a defender where I think he's at his best from what I've seen of him last season. I just don't think he does enough to warrant a place ahead of many others who are more qualified, experience and with more ability playing in that position. I couldn't speak more highly of Alli and Kane who for me were always a shoe in for this current England side.

Rose too I think more than deserves a chance to see what he's got, although again he still has to prove himself in the England side and isn't a shoe in. He's not even a regular for Spurs who rotate him often with Davies. Walker also tends to fall into the same category as Rose for me.

The rest of the Spurs side at this moment in time for England recognition, no ta.

I imagine it is Dier's versatility that will get him in the squad. When you only have 20 outfield players to choose from having someone who can play DM, CB and RB is very very useful. He is basically the new upgraded Phil Jones.
Plus, he grew up and learnt his trade abroad so he does bring an extra bit of experience about continental football that is lacking in English football players

[Colours never run]

And like I say I would understand that and wouldn't have a problem with his inclusion on that basis. I only question it because he's only used him in the middle of midfield this season. However if it was just the fact he thinks he's only going to use him in midfield, then no I don't see him ahead of a few others more specialised in that position, better and arguably with more experience, regardless of Noble.

[Crouchend_Hammer]

And like I say I would understand that and wouldn't have a problem with his inclusion on that basis. I only question it because he's only used him in the middle of midfield this season. However if it was just the fact he thinks he's only going to use him in midfield, then no I don't see him ahead of a few others more specialised in that position, better and arguably with more experience, regardless of Noble.

Does it matter what position he has been used in for England so far? Maybe Hodgson does think that is his best position, but it is also fairly obvious that he would be selected in a squad b/c of his versatility. It is unlikely Hodgson is going to be able to play him in every position possible before Euros, but he will be there in case of injury emergencies, and rightly so IMHO
You could also argue that as a pure, out and out defensive midfielder, he is the best one we have. Therefore if Hodgson does want to set up with an proper defensive screen he is the best option

It is similar to why Welbeck is so well liked by Hodgson. He is very versatile and can play to a decent standard in a number of different positions and systems.

[Romford]

Disgraceful

[Prob]

No Noble once again

[the bubble hammer]

Woy is clearly not a hammer is he?

[trick88]

No Nobes.. No Cresswell.. But no injuries!

[Aztec Hammer]

The Euros are going to be hilarious to watch