England (Liverpool?) Squad Euro 2012

[GranadaJoe]

It pisses me off how often people who talk about respect think it is a one-way street. Everybody should show me respect but I'll say what I want when I want. I thought it was disgraceful the number of numpty players who spouted off about who should be England manager, including Rio, when it was none of their business to get involved publicly.

I've no sympathy for Rio, though, on ability, he should be in the squad. However, Roy is between a rock and a hard place. It is clear that Rio and Terry now hate each other. They are both strong characters and it appears to be accepted that to pick the two of them would have had a negative effect on the whole squad. We'll all have our opinions on whether Terry or Ferdinand should have gone, but once Roy's made his decision he has to stand by it.

IMO, the most glaring message this whole palaver sends is just how mediocre the current bunch of English players are. The press may be disappointed with England's last two performance, but Roy is intelligent, experienced and shrewd. We're not going to outplay anybody and the 'defend well and try to nick a goal' tactic, while not one for the fans who still think we had a Golden generation will applaud, is probably our best chance.

[LDB]

I think the main reason Roy went for captain racist is that he liked the fact he had a partnership with Cahill at club level. Going into a tournament with so little prep, that kind of makes sense. Not quite sure why we're all shedding tears over jar-jar binks?

[g88ner]

Not sure if this has been posted or not, but it's quality

Euro magic moments in lego....

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/18308363

[Gunnersaurus]

I really hope Roy takes charge of this in the first press conference and is blunt.

'I didn't pick Rio because he is over the hill and I dont rate him anymore'

That will certainly piss on the Press Boys agenda and knock Rio of his high and mighty perch.

Do it Roy, you would be loved.

[Irish Gooner]

If true that Richards refused to be on stand by then he is a fucking disgrace, as is Carrick. Read an interview with Richards where he was on about how much he'll be supporting his country in the euros and hoped to do well enough to get in the side in the future all that, was quite impressed with his attitude but if its true that he refused to be on the stand by list then he is a wanker. I'd actually charge players with treason if they refuse to represent their country tbh

Personally I feel if the aforementioned players plus Ben Foster, who pulled a similar stunt, are found to have done this they should never play for England again.

I'm no fan of the England NT, but to disrespect your country like that while showing the pure arrogance in doing so, questions must be asked of these players. If I was Hodgson I would be out in the media after the Euros taking aim at these players.

These modern day footballers are in their own bubble. It has happened in Ireland to a lesser extent with players such as Mark Wilson, Stokes and a couple others not being committed in playing friendlies.

They are sat on their arse at home now, while guys like Paul Green, Paul McShane and Simon Cox, all probably inferior players, are at the European Championships. All mostly because they showed the commitment to work their arse off and impress in friendly matches.

England like Ireland are nothing special, with the exception of possibly Rooney who is suspended anyway, none of the other players would make a massive difference in quality.

[GranadaJoe]

I completely agree. I know England are not blessed with good players but I would now rather pick Heather Mills than Carrick, Richards or Foster.

[1989]

England like Ireland are nothing special, with the exception of possibly Rooney who is suspended anyway, none of the other players would make a massive difference in quality.

What about Joe Hart? Cole? Wilshere (if he wasn't injured).

[augie]

England like Ireland are nothing special, with the exception of possibly Rooney who is suspended anyway, none of the other players would make a massive difference in quality.

What about Joe Hart? Cole? Wilshere (if he wasn't injured).

Personally I cant shake the feeling that joe hart is as dodgy as fcuk on crosses - it might turn out that he improves this aspect of his game in time or it might turn out that it wont have any real impact on his game but at the mo he certainly does not like coming for crosses in traffic

[1989]

Hart is immense imo. Every keeper makes the odd misjudgment on crosses.

[Nos89]

I had a degree of sympathy with Rio before his press statement. That smacks of everything that has been wrong with the england squad for 10 yrs. Pure childishness. Terry is not a person I can warm to but every time the FA has smacked him down, he took it, said I'm still available and got on with it. Rio has cried about it like a 5 year old girl getting her sweeties taken away for mis behaving. I think Rio's downfall came at the last world cup when he declared himself fit but clearly wasn't.

If Richards did not make himself available then he shouldn't be considered to represent his country again. Roy 's made some good decisive decision. Not fit not going. Plain and simple. Like Trappatoni telling everyone his starting line up. Every player knows his job.

[LDB]

I had a degree of sympathy with Rio before his press statement. That smacks of everything that has been wrong with the england squad for 10 yrs. Pure childishness. Terry is not a person I can warm to but every time the FA has smacked him down, he took it, said I'm still available and got on with it. Rio has cried about it like a 5 year old girl getting her sweeties taken away for mis behaving. I think Rio's downfall came at the last world cup when he declared himself fit but clearly wasn't.

If Richards did not make himself available then he shouldn't be considered to represent his country again. Roy 's made some good decisive decision. Not fit not going. Plain and simple. Like Trappatoni telling everyone his starting line up. Every player knows his job.

Agreed, not to mention the awful 'I'll still be supporting England' line. No fucking shit son, If you're English and give a toss about international football then you support England, this shouldn't have to be reaffirmed every time you don't get your own way.

[GranadaJoe]

It's being reported on Yahoo that The Guardian 'has spoken to Rio through a close friend' who states that Rio believes the decision is 'morally suspect' and that 'Rio believes that every black player, every black fan and everyone in the black community will be insulted by this'.

So a) Rio now considers that he can speak on behalf of all black people and b) Roy is a racist.

This prick needs to put his shovel down or the hole he's digging is going to bury him (let's hope).

[DB10GOONER]

It's being reported on Yahoo that The Guardian 'has spoken to Rio through a close friend' who states that Rio believes the decision is 'morally suspect' and that 'Rio believes that every black player, every black fan and everyone in the black community will be insulted by this'.

So a) Rio now considers that he can speak on behalf of all black people and b) Roy is a racist.

This prick needs to put his shovel down or the hole he's digging is going to bury him (let's hope).

Piglips is a prize bellend. Can't see past his own ego.

And now he's playing the race card? Is that true? If so he's a total fuckend.

Did I mention that John Terry is a crunt too?

[Supagoon]

Hart is a genuine world class talent, he is at the level sczneny inspires to be.

[kite]

England like Ireland are nothing special, with the exception of possibly Rooney who is suspended anyway, none of the other players would make a massive difference in quality.

What about Joe Hart? Cole? Wilshere (if he wasn't injured).

Hart and Cole are great. Wilshere is atm just a special talent and time will tell if he will become a special player.