The Mail Bag
Leighton Baines for England
Comments (72)
Why is it this morning that, when I listen to the radio, the only name being mentioned as a left back replacement for Ashley Cole in the England team for South Africa is Wayne Bridge?
I think Leighton Baines has a huge shout here. In my opinion he's been our unsung hero this season and has been consistent(ly good) most of the year. I thought he was great against Chelsea and his game has come on since he won his first call up.
With Cole unlikely to be fit (on showing of his past injury recoveries), Ferdinand and John Terry's current (alleged) problems, surely Capello needs to find something extra in defence.
If only Jagielka had been fit as well!
Lewis Barclay, Posted 12/02/2010 at 05:04:24
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So Fabio has a problem does he? With the injury to Cole putting him out for 3 months, there may be a problem having Bridge and Terry in the same team against Egypt.
Easily solved in my view. Play Baines... he deserves a shot! And he's better than Bridge anyway as far as I am concerned.
A poll on The Guardian online has Leighton down as number one choice to replace Cole - beating Bridge. Lescott and a few others)
Personally, and for purely selfish reasons I hope he gets overlooked.
There is a law of football which says that ’any Everton player selected for England must hand in a transfer request on his return’.
Fuck England — I hope they get stuffed anyway.
Personally, and for purely selfish reasons I hope he gets overlooked.
There is a law of football which says that ’any Everton player selected for England must hand in a transfer request on his return’.
Fuck England — I hope they get stuffed anyway.
Here, here, Kevin. I hope none of our players are in the England squad so I can enjoy watching our lads playing for other countries; then, in the words of Andy Murray, "support whoever is playing England" from up here in Scotland. If Bainsey is playing though, I hope he scores the winner in the final and lifts his shirt saying "Once a Red. Now a Blue. Not for Sale!"
it’s probably because Everton don’t really exist in the media world and unless one of our players does something amazing, or is called Phil Neville, then we don’t get a mention.
Leighton Baines is a good player but is inconsistent, gets caught out of position and has been mugged on more than one occasion this season. However, with a settled team and someone in front of him he can build a relationship with, then it is possible.
Leighton Baines is a good player but is inconsistent, gets caught out of position and has been mugged on more than one occasion this season. However, with a settled team and someone in front of him he can build a relationship with, then it is possible.
Though I dare say, in media terms (realistically), I don’t think Everton players register, which is totally wrong!! In my own humble opinion!
Totally agree! I was actually angry when I heard the news saying "Wayne Bridge is the obvious favorite to replace Cole". Wayne Bridge has hardly played a game... and when he does, he isn't the best of players anymore. Baines is in his prime, and deserves a call-up regardless of Cole’s injury IMHO.
The fewer Everton players who go anywhere near that nest of overpaid, mediocre divas, the better.
And for the record, I hope England get fucked in their first and only three matches.
And for the record, I hope England get fucked in their first and only three matches.
1. Wayne Bridge has played just twice for Man City since early December and in both games he was taken off towards the end of the game.
2. Bridge and Terry is an awful situation. How can these two form any sort of relationship on the field. Their off-field resentment will always be there despite their best efforts to make friends.
Leighton Baines and Stephen Warnock both deserve a chance in England colours. I hate the idea that Bridge is next in line because of seniority.
Capello should look at the form of the players and then pick the best of them.
The good news is that Baines has a chance of making the World Cup squad at least.
I’d like at least one Everton player in the squad and Baines is the only one with a realistic chance. Jagielka and Rodwell are both long shots at this stage.
2. Bridge and Terry is an awful situation. How can these two form any sort of relationship on the field. Their off-field resentment will always be there despite their best efforts to make friends.
Leighton Baines and Stephen Warnock both deserve a chance in England colours. I hate the idea that Bridge is next in line because of seniority.
Capello should look at the form of the players and then pick the best of them.
The good news is that Baines has a chance of making the World Cup squad at least.
I’d like at least one Everton player in the squad and Baines is the only one with a realistic chance. Jagielka and Rodwell are both long shots at this stage.
As previously stated, why the media implies that Bridge is the automatic replacement for Ashley Cole is beyond me. Never mind all the bullshit with John Terry, the fact is Bainesy is WELL fucking better than Bridge anyway!
I was looking at the William Hill website earlier and they have a load of names to bet on for the LB spot to start against USA, Cole, Bridge, Lescott, Warnock, James Milner, Luke Young and finally Kieren Gibbs at 25-1!!! Im sorry but thats just insulting to Baines to not even get a mention.
I think Baines and Warnock are the next best options. Bridge is a good player and has experience but will he play with Terry?
If Jags had been fit and continued last seasons form he surly would have been nailed on for the WC, possibly even as a starter looking at Terry and Ferdinands injury problems.
Also whats with all the anti-england chat? Id love us to win the world cup. I understand many of the first team are overpaid underperforming idiots but I dont want it for them, I want it for me and my mates and the rest of the country.
I think Baines and Warnock are the next best options. Bridge is a good player and has experience but will he play with Terry?
If Jags had been fit and continued last seasons form he surly would have been nailed on for the WC, possibly even as a starter looking at Terry and Ferdinands injury problems.
Also whats with all the anti-england chat? Id love us to win the world cup. I understand many of the first team are overpaid underperforming idiots but I dont want it for them, I want it for me and my mates and the rest of the country.
Bridge is always going to be the media's first choice to step in because he has some caps and has been the understudy for quite a while now. Throwing a new guy in just before the World Cup is a bit of a risk, but in 2002 Nicky Butt and Danny Mills came in at the last minute and played out of their skins, so nothing is impossible. At least Nicky Shorey’s name seems to have dropped off the list.
Also, if you forget Bridge, Baines and Warnock, can anybody else think of another English actual left back (Lescott is not an actual left back) who is even close to selection?
Also, if you forget Bridge, Baines and Warnock, can anybody else think of another English actual left back (Lescott is not an actual left back) who is even close to selection?
I’m with the ’keep him out of it’ lobby. The further away our players are from that arrogant, overpaid clique of cosseted tossers the better... and I’ll be rooting for the USA!
Though he may not be at international level the best left back, but for me Joleon Lescott was an excellent left back for us. We concede many goals from crosses from the right wing because Hibbert is out headed at the far post but crosses from the left side were normally cleared by Lescott. He also has a presence in the opposing penalty box and can get up and down the wing also. For me, Bridge is the most overrated fullback in the league and is not of international standard and is nowhere near as good as Baines.
Bainsey definately deserves a place in the squad, maybe Bridge's experience at international level makes him a better bet to start.
But is Bridges head right? Can he play next to JT knowing that he was fucking his missus from all angles?
You just couldn't make it up.
I do agree with the thought that if Baines did get selected and play at the World Cup, how much longer would he be in an Everton shirt for?
But is Bridges head right? Can he play next to JT knowing that he was fucking his missus from all angles?
You just couldn't make it up.
I do agree with the thought that if Baines did get selected and play at the World Cup, how much longer would he be in an Everton shirt for?
I’d say Warnock is a better all rounder than Baines and they are the best options for LB.
And, no offense to Baines, but that shows how fucked England are at LB without Cole.
But I’m Irish so I don’t care.
And, no offense to Baines, but that shows how fucked England are at LB without Cole.
But I’m Irish so I don’t care.
Whoever gets the spot, I hope Donovan roasts them!
He is included in the Telegraph list of possible replacements. For his sake, I hope he is selected but I’m fearful for Everton’s sake of what will happen if he has a good tournament.
I am English, and I want us to win the World Cup. That may be as hopeless a dream as Everton winning the Premier League this year or next, but that’s what I want.
The thought of Ferdinand and Gerrard lifting the WC also makes me cringe on so many levels, but it's a price worth paying. Fed up of hearing "did England ever win the World Cup" over here in the USA where football started (at best) in the 1970s.
I would love an Everton player or two or even three to be part of that, but it’s unlikely there will be any at this time.
Jags had the best shout until injured but needs to start playing soon to get him in the frame; I would love him to replace Terry though as I think JT is a twat of the highest order.
If Baines and Everton have a good run, he has a shout, but probably behind Warnock and maybe even James Milner who is more versatile. If Villa have a bad run in (again) then it boosts Baines’s hopes.
For Baines and Jagielka, I want it for them and for Everton to be involved (for England) as well.
Rodwell seems highly unlikely, which I am happy about, his time will come.
The thought of Ferdinand and Gerrard lifting the WC also makes me cringe on so many levels, but it's a price worth paying. Fed up of hearing "did England ever win the World Cup" over here in the USA where football started (at best) in the 1970s.
I would love an Everton player or two or even three to be part of that, but it’s unlikely there will be any at this time.
Jags had the best shout until injured but needs to start playing soon to get him in the frame; I would love him to replace Terry though as I think JT is a twat of the highest order.
If Baines and Everton have a good run, he has a shout, but probably behind Warnock and maybe even James Milner who is more versatile. If Villa have a bad run in (again) then it boosts Baines’s hopes.
For Baines and Jagielka, I want it for them and for Everton to be involved (for England) as well.
Rodwell seems highly unlikely, which I am happy about, his time will come.
Each to his own, Julian; I haven’t been arsed watching England since ’86.
And remember... no England team has ever won the World Cup without an Everton left-back.
And remember... no England team has ever won the World Cup without an Everton left-back.
Is it just me or has Baines been pretty average this season? Some occasional good crosses perhaps but I reckon a pretty low ratio and far too many good crosses put in from his flank when defending.
Sometimes he can look great when playing with Pienaar but I suspect any half decent attacking fullback would look good benefitting from Stevie P’s vision and ability.
For me when we have a full team out LB is one of our weakest positions. I’d be surprised if he got in ahead of Bridge, Lescott or Warnock should they be fit.
Sometimes he can look great when playing with Pienaar but I suspect any half decent attacking fullback would look good benefitting from Stevie P’s vision and ability.
For me when we have a full team out LB is one of our weakest positions. I’d be surprised if he got in ahead of Bridge, Lescott or Warnock should they be fit.
Sam, I agree with you. As brilliant as he was for most of last season, Baines has actually been subpar for much of this year. He’s improved dramatically on defense in recent weeks, but his much-vaunted offense is still poor, particularly on crosses. I’d say Milner and Warnock are rated higher by the bookies because they’ve been playing better than Baines this year.
But whoever plays the position won’t see much of Donovan on June 12. He’s almost certain to be playing centrally for the USA, not out on the flank. As we’ve seen in the past four games, even when stationed wide Donovan tends to track to the middle at every opportunity. It’s his natural position.
But whoever plays the position won’t see much of Donovan on June 12. He’s almost certain to be playing centrally for the USA, not out on the flank. As we’ve seen in the past four games, even when stationed wide Donovan tends to track to the middle at every opportunity. It’s his natural position.
Mike McLean are you English? You’d have to go some to geniunely believe we won’t qualify from that group.
To answer the original question:
"Why is it this morning that, when I listen to the radio, the only name being mentioned as a left back replacement for Ashley Cole in the England team for South Africa is Wayne Bridge?"
Because it makes it a good story, like a soap opera in real life. That’s all any of these journalists care about, it's not a question of football or the status of the clubs involved.
I think Cole will be fit, and I said elsewhere that if there were no doubts about his fitness, I wouldn’t take a back-up. Gareth Barry is a better left back than Baines, Warnock, Bridge, Konchesky or anyone else, whether he plays there regularly or not.
To answer the original question:
"Why is it this morning that, when I listen to the radio, the only name being mentioned as a left back replacement for Ashley Cole in the England team for South Africa is Wayne Bridge?"
Because it makes it a good story, like a soap opera in real life. That’s all any of these journalists care about, it's not a question of football or the status of the clubs involved.
I think Cole will be fit, and I said elsewhere that if there were no doubts about his fitness, I wouldn’t take a back-up. Gareth Barry is a better left back than Baines, Warnock, Bridge, Konchesky or anyone else, whether he plays there regularly or not.
Baines has been fantastic and deserves the nod. He’s quite a player and he’s in his prime and he’s in good form... why wouldn’t Fab give him a shot?
As for football starting in the States in 1970... How is it that the US beat England at the World Cup in 1950???
Lastly, those who state that Donovan is not likely to play out wide... are correct. He’ll play centrally, just like he did at the Confederations Cup last summer.
As for football starting in the States in 1970... How is it that the US beat England at the World Cup in 1950???
Lastly, those who state that Donovan is not likely to play out wide... are correct. He’ll play centrally, just like he did at the Confederations Cup last summer.
Baines for England — no contest.
And Kevin Sparke? Nobody.
And Kevin Sparke? Nobody.
My thoughts exactly, this morning. In fact, just about anyone over Bridge — he really is terrible. Last time I watched him play, he couldn’t make 8-yard passes... I was gobsmacked by what City paid for him as well!
Peter Case — apart from one or two matches, Baines has been really average this season.
Don’t get me wrong — he’s potentially good enough to play for England and on his day looks class but there has been something missing from his game...
And Mike Green — I must have missed your OBE, Victoria Cross and Nobel Prize... sorry!
Don’t get me wrong — he’s potentially good enough to play for England and on his day looks class but there has been something missing from his game...
And Mike Green — I must have missed your OBE, Victoria Cross and Nobel Prize... sorry!
Jeez.... Kevin — I owe you an apology.
They’re all over the show!
I do wonder what Dean, Mercer, Wilson, Reid, Labone, Lawton etc would have to say about it.
English club in the English League playing on English soil.
Always have, always will.
They’re all over the show!
I do wonder what Dean, Mercer, Wilson, Reid, Labone, Lawton etc would have to say about it.
English club in the English League playing on English soil.
Always have, always will.
Errm...Gareth Barry anyone?
With Terry in disgrace and Rio a crock, the next guy to don the mantle of England captain will be Stevie G.
England’s first game is against the USA and I know who I’ll be supporting.
England’s first game is against the USA and I know who I’ll be supporting.
Kevin — make your mind up; one minute it's "Fuck England" the next its "Don’t get me wrong — he’s potentially good enough to play for England" like it's clearly an aspiration.
You’re bi-polar mate. Get it seen to.
You’re bi-polar mate. Get it seen to.
And — God Rest His Soul — I forgot Alan Ball.
The England national team is a very confusing situation for me. I live in the USA and I have all my life. I have followed Everton and the EPL for the past 5 years. I am obligated to root for my home country and I will, in fact, be pulling for us. But I have never been too sure how I feel about the England national team.
On one hand, most of my fellow Evertonians are English and I would like to see your country do well. I would also like to see Baines and other Everton players get a chance to play with the England squad.
On the other hand, I hate Steven Gerrard, I hate John Terry, I hate most of the players who play for England.
I guess what I’m saying is... Well, I don’t know what I’m saying. I just wish the England squad wasn’t full of douche bags.
On one hand, most of my fellow Evertonians are English and I would like to see your country do well. I would also like to see Baines and other Everton players get a chance to play with the England squad.
On the other hand, I hate Steven Gerrard, I hate John Terry, I hate most of the players who play for England.
I guess what I’m saying is... Well, I don’t know what I’m saying. I just wish the England squad wasn’t full of douche bags.
I can’t tolerate these self-haters, whose great-grandmothers once got shagged by a mick, and all of a sudden they’re "Irish", following this cliched anti-English fashion band-wagon.
Alongside hypocritical anti-Americanism, they wear it as a badge of honour. Yet put them on a beach in Marbella; different story. If you were born in England, and your parents were, then grow the fuck up!
Alongside hypocritical anti-Americanism, they wear it as a badge of honour. Yet put them on a beach in Marbella; different story. If you were born in England, and your parents were, then grow the fuck up!
I for one can’t wait to cheer on Bainesy in an England shirt this summer.
Kevin and the rest of you miserable lot can go support Norway, Ireland, Pakistan, Thailand etc with the rest of the Kopites.
Kevin and the rest of you miserable lot can go support Norway, Ireland, Pakistan, Thailand etc with the rest of the Kopites.
The World Cup tends to be more enjoyable when England don’t qualify — then the media hype is not so severe & the football comes to the fore. Although I’d really rather not have international football at all, particularly in light of the jingoistic nationalism that accompanies it. I’m no more interested in the England soccer team than I am in the British Team for the Winter Olympic tournament.
So why is it, when the Brazilians turn up at tournaments, dressed in carnival attire with instruments in tow, or the Scots, in their national dress fill out town squares, or the sea of orange that is the Dutch sport comedy-clogs, this is all part of the cultural festival? And yet the mere sight of St George’s Cross is "jingoistic nationalism?"
So a few wankers threw a couple of plastic chairs in Marseille, back in 98’? So what... about 2% of England fans are BNP knobheads? That’s not the full picture. Lazy lefty stereotype...
So a few wankers threw a couple of plastic chairs in Marseille, back in 98’? So what... about 2% of England fans are BNP knobheads? That’s not the full picture. Lazy lefty stereotype...
Ashley Cole will be taken to the World Cup, 100% fit or not. Capello will use Lescott or Milner as cover in that position.
Baines is probably the best English left back behind Cole (maybe Warnock would get a shout) but he is still a fair way off Cole.
If Capello was to take an Everton player to the World Cup, the best one, due to England not having a player of his ilk, would be Arteta. He is entitled to play for England now.
Bloody hell, Kevin. You’ve obviously never watched an England WC or European game in a pub in Blackpool, Dorset or Essex... like a National Front Rally! You could get filled in just for saying ’good ball’ by the opposition.
And you won’t find many Scouse Blues with no Irish or Welsh in them.
And Pat... don’t worry — you’re in good company with many fellow Blues in disliking the modern England team.
Baines would be a good shout for England. I always expected him to take over from Cole in the fulness of time.
Trouble is, the England squad is populated by the likes of Ferdinand, Beckham (for God’s sake), Terry, Gerrard and Cole to mention but a few. I never want to see that lot win anything. To put them in the same category as the ’66 team would be a travesty.
All a victory would mean to most of them would be more fat endorsements for their fat egos and cement the belief that the likes of Ferdinand and Beckham are as good as their publicists.
They are far from that. With apologies to Rooney who is the most skillful player I have ever seen, I hope England get knocked out fast.
Trouble is, the England squad is populated by the likes of Ferdinand, Beckham (for God’s sake), Terry, Gerrard and Cole to mention but a few. I never want to see that lot win anything. To put them in the same category as the ’66 team would be a travesty.
All a victory would mean to most of them would be more fat endorsements for their fat egos and cement the belief that the likes of Ferdinand and Beckham are as good as their publicists.
They are far from that. With apologies to Rooney who is the most skillful player I have ever seen, I hope England get knocked out fast.
Pat ‡ I think what you’re saying is:
I live in the USA and I have all my life. I have followed Everton and the EPL for the past 5 years. I am obligated to root for my home country and I will, in fact, be pulling for us. But I have never been too sure how I feel about the England national team.
Well to be honest I’m not sure why you would give a flying fuck about the England National team.
On the other hand, I hate Steven Gerrard, I hate John Terry, I hate most of the players who play for England.
I live in the USA and I have all my life. I have followed Everton and the EPL for the past 5 years. I am obligated to root for my home country and I will, in fact, be pulling for us. But I have never been too sure how I feel about the England national team.
Well to be honest I’m not sure why you would give a flying fuck about the England National team.
On the other hand, I hate Steven Gerrard, I hate John Terry, I hate most of the players who play for England.
I live in England and I hope they go out as soon as possible. I can’t stand the national team and its over-confidence/arrogance everytime there is a big tournament.
All the idiots with the car flags etc... NO thanks!
The day I support any team with Gerrard, Terry, Cole etc will be the day hell freezes over!
All the idiots with the car flags etc... NO thanks!
The day I support any team with Gerrard, Terry, Cole etc will be the day hell freezes over!
Mike Green
"And - God Rest His Soul - I forgot Alan Ball. "
Bally had eff all to do with Everton when England won the World Cup. We did to Blackpool what we are scared "bigger " clubs will do to us if one of our players — Pienaar, Jags, Baines etc — has a great tournament. We bought him.
"And - God Rest His Soul - I forgot Alan Ball. "
Bally had eff all to do with Everton when England won the World Cup. We did to Blackpool what we are scared "bigger " clubs will do to us if one of our players — Pienaar, Jags, Baines etc — has a great tournament. We bought him.
Ray, did I say he did? I know my history mate.
The point I was making was what would Alan Ball — a GREAT Evertonian — have to say about playing for and supporting England.
He’d be 100% behind it.
The point I was making was what would Alan Ball — a GREAT Evertonian — have to say about playing for and supporting England.
He’d be 100% behind it.
Well, Mike Green, I usually operate on the principle that if I want to talk to a prick I’ve a nice one of my own... but if you want a debate about this instead of resorting to ad hominem and waving your shitty nappy around, I’ll give you one.
The reasons I say "Fuck England":
My love for football is primarily club-based and I’ve very little time for international football — but I particularly dislike the England set up — which is strange because, for 20 years or more, I was an avid fan.
So what has made me say "Fuck England"?
1. The supporters. I’ve been to a quite a few football internationals at the old Wembley... I was always less than impressed by the dickheads booing black players and singing lovely songs like "There ain’t no black in the Union Jack"... "I’d rather be a Paki than a scouse" (Sung to Peter Reid) and clever little ditties about the war.
The reasons I say "Fuck England":
My love for football is primarily club-based and I’ve very little time for international football — but I particularly dislike the England set up — which is strange because, for 20 years or more, I was an avid fan.
So what has made me say "Fuck England"?
1. The supporters. I’ve been to a quite a few football internationals at the old Wembley... I was always less than impressed by the dickheads booing black players and singing lovely songs like "There ain’t no black in the Union Jack"... "I’d rather be a Paki than a scouse" (Sung to Peter Reid) and clever little ditties about the war.
At away matches (and I went to a few of them back in the 1980s), the ’Englerlund’ support always seemed to be over-represented by racist, bigoted, half-witted NF/BNP thugs more intent in having a kick off with the locals than watching the game. Now, I know that things have gotten a little better and it isn’t fair to tar all England supporters with the same brush — but fuck me some of them don’t help themselves! (See your comments above.)
2. The players - what a bunch of vile despicable twats... Cashly Cole... Rio Ferdinand.. Rooney... Lescott... Lampard and most of all Gerrard - support that lot?... Do me a favour!
3. The English FA... who have done more to ruin the game I love than any other organisation. A World Cup win would vindicate this bunch of twats — do I want that?... no thanks.
And then there are the Wags, the shitty Band, the newspapers full of OTT shite about ordinary players...
So once again... fuck England!
By the way... I quite happily support the England Cricket, Rugby Union, Rugby League, athletes etc... and if they had a domino team I’d support that.
Saha as well as Baines could feature at the WC.
I do not have much hope for England's chances. Should Rooney suffer an injury, our campaign could well be over before it begins.
Phil Thompson has just nailed it on the head on Sky sports, saying Leighton Baines is better than Bridge. It’s only because Bridge plays for Man City that he is being made out to be the next choice at left back. Does anyone seriously think that Wayne Bridge would be getting all this hype if he played for Everton and Baines was at Man City?
I don’t doubt your historical awareness, Mike, it just didn’t read like that to me. And Bally probably would be behind England, but the game has changed for the worse since 1966.
I never thought I’d agree with sentiments like those offered by Kevin Sparke but I do. England has as much to do with Everton, or the North of England for that matter, as a Bosnian national side. England, to me, is all about London, Utd, Spurs, Chelsea and arseholes like Gerrard.
You only have to look at the FA’s backing for the Wembley fiasco for proof of that. Why have a stadium there, with all well documented parking problems etc. that existed BEFORE it was built and still exist now? Why do England play all their games there? The North doesn’t exist.
It’s not England to me, it’s a Southern side, whether there are scousers, Mancs, Geordies or whoever playing, it’s not a NATIONAL side.
Does anyone else remember when Bobby Robson was England manager and Everton were battering everyone in the 80s, Robson couldn’t be arsed coming to Goodison and only watched us when we went to Norwich towards the end of the season? (84-85) And only then because we were at Norwich. I remember the fuss in the press because he wouldn’t watch us. (Didn’t he turn down the chance to manage us as well?)
Kevin S, Couldn’t agree more; I’d have taken no interest in ’86 but for the Wilkins/Robson thing forcing the manager to play the Everton lads.
FAO Michael (Ed):
could you, please, consider adding bi-polar/bipolar to the proscribed list just below ’get real’, ’end of’ and ’knee-jerk’
I thank you.
Kevin Hudson, just to let you know that the use of the word "mick" for somebody from Ireland is a derogatory word, and as a proud Irishman & Evertonian I find it offensive. The money I spend on Everton merchandise, tickets etc. and the support I give is as good as yours so whats the problem?
And Lori, I think if you bother to check, you might find there is a lot more Irish blood in Liverpool than you like to think, and the connections between Ireland & Liverpool go back a long, long time.
Just to finish, where does it say you have to be from Liverpool to follow Everton? So please talk about football, and head over to Stormfront for that sort of racist crap, where you will defo find more like-minded people .
I agree, Kevin. Up until the reign of Sven, I was quite happy to cheer on England; Scotland, Wales and the two Irelands, for that matter. However, Sven was responsible for creating a culture which removed the players away from the supporters and made them truly detestable.
The current England squad are the most unsavoury bunch ever to represent their country. I believe if Lescott hadn’t joined that poisonous clique he might still have a career.
There is only one football team I support and one football team that I hate. That said, when I see Liverpool players in a shirt I tend to want them to get beat also.
I’m in the 'fuck England' camp but that would waiver if there were Everton players in there.
At the moment, Nigeria are my team in June.
I’m in the 'fuck England' camp but that would waiver if there were Everton players in there.
At the moment, Nigeria are my team in June.
No problem Ray, I might have been a bit agressive in my response, and I apologise for that.
I’m a football fan first and foremost and believe in following club and country. I’m English... so, like it or not, I’m stuck with England, warts and all.
Kevin - I agree 100% with much of what you say above, the worst live experience at an England game for me was in recent years was England v Wales at Old Trafford where labelling much of the support as pondlife would have been giving them a massive compliment.
There a 60 million people in this country though, most of whom are English, support the national team and by letting the right wing / BNP element hijack it just plays into their hands. Which is one of the reasons why I will always stick behind England to try and stop them being the representation of something they want but shouldn’t be able to have.
As for the players — aren't they just representative of the top players nowadays anyway?
As for North / South bias, I dont think that has any bearing on who does and doesn’t get picked — I’d say which club (i.e. Man Utd, Liverpool, Chelsea or Arsenal if they had any English players...) does.
Having the FA based in London and the National Stadium there also does perpetrate this also (by definition if cockneys can get a bus to the ground over time the support will become more southern biased) but, like it or not, there are 13m people within 25 miles of Wembley, 1 in 5 of the population, so even before you get into the politics, branding and all that bollocks, NOT having it in London would be (IMO) the equivalent of political correctness. Sorry.
Back to the point. Baines is good enough for England and I think should start, if he played for one of the four clubs mentioned above, he’d be a shoo-in so I have to agree he may be being discriminated against because he plays for a club that is no longer perceived to be among the elite — not because we’re a northern club, or that he’s a northerner — just because we’ve let our standing in the game slip.
So... maybe it’s our fault — not England's.
I’m a football fan first and foremost and believe in following club and country. I’m English... so, like it or not, I’m stuck with England, warts and all.
Kevin - I agree 100% with much of what you say above, the worst live experience at an England game for me was in recent years was England v Wales at Old Trafford where labelling much of the support as pondlife would have been giving them a massive compliment.
There a 60 million people in this country though, most of whom are English, support the national team and by letting the right wing / BNP element hijack it just plays into their hands. Which is one of the reasons why I will always stick behind England to try and stop them being the representation of something they want but shouldn’t be able to have.
As for the players — aren't they just representative of the top players nowadays anyway?
As for North / South bias, I dont think that has any bearing on who does and doesn’t get picked — I’d say which club (i.e. Man Utd, Liverpool, Chelsea or Arsenal if they had any English players...) does.
Having the FA based in London and the National Stadium there also does perpetrate this also (by definition if cockneys can get a bus to the ground over time the support will become more southern biased) but, like it or not, there are 13m people within 25 miles of Wembley, 1 in 5 of the population, so even before you get into the politics, branding and all that bollocks, NOT having it in London would be (IMO) the equivalent of political correctness. Sorry.
Back to the point. Baines is good enough for England and I think should start, if he played for one of the four clubs mentioned above, he’d be a shoo-in so I have to agree he may be being discriminated against because he plays for a club that is no longer perceived to be among the elite — not because we’re a northern club, or that he’s a northerner — just because we’ve let our standing in the game slip.
So... maybe it’s our fault — not England's.
Having said that — how many English Evertonians have we had that haven’t been capped that were international class and how many that haven’t?
Lescott, Jags, Jeffers, Rooney, Rodwell... OK the glaring exception is Hibbo but every rule and all that.
So... I’ve got faith that, providing Leighton can step up and Cole stays here, he’ll make the plane. It's up to him to shift Bridge who in his time was a decent left back and is in there at the moment because he’s establised as cover whereas Baines is at the stage where he’s throwing his hat in the ring, which is exactly what he’s doing.
Sorry to go on.
Lescott, Jags, Jeffers, Rooney, Rodwell... OK the glaring exception is Hibbo but every rule and all that.
So... I’ve got faith that, providing Leighton can step up and Cole stays here, he’ll make the plane. It's up to him to shift Bridge who in his time was a decent left back and is in there at the moment because he’s establised as cover whereas Baines is at the stage where he’s throwing his hat in the ring, which is exactly what he’s doing.
Sorry to go on.
C’mon Mike... own up...
Weren’t you chuffed to bits when Sheedy scored against England?
Didn’t you call Owen a cheating bastard when he got England THAT penalty?
Weren’t you chuffed to bits when Sheedy scored against England?
Didn’t you call Owen a cheating bastard when he got England THAT penalty?
Interesting point Phil...
Last live England game I went to was England v Ukraine last year and Rooney was awesome, I think he may have scored... Either way, the England support clearly adore the lad and though I was pleased he was playing for us — and if I’m honest it felt a bit nostalgic to be in the position to support him again — I couldn’t bring myself to applaud him or chant his name but instead managed to mutter "Rooney’s a cunt" to our kid sat next to me.
Last live England game I went to was England v Ukraine last year and Rooney was awesome, I think he may have scored... Either way, the England support clearly adore the lad and though I was pleased he was playing for us — and if I’m honest it felt a bit nostalgic to be in the position to support him again — I couldn’t bring myself to applaud him or chant his name but instead managed to mutter "Rooney’s a cunt" to our kid sat next to me.
It's a bit like that with Gerrard, I’m a bit like, "you’re a complete cunt, Gerrard, but, if you must insist on being such a cunt, you may as well play well in an England shirt" — to think otherwise might be cutting your nose of to spite your face.
IMO he shouldnt get the shirt as it's obvious he shares the same sentiments as many of the posters on here and couldn't give two fucks about England — it's just the International / World Class rozette that comes with it.
My last comment (I think) on this. I think I’m right in saying that in 1966 the semi-final between England and Portugal was originally going to be staged at Goodison but the FA moved it to Wembley, leaving us with the Germany-Russia match. So, no bias there, then, eh?
Good, Mike Green; now that we’ve put the puerile one-liners and daft insults away, we can do what this site is really good for — engage in debate.
I do see your point when you state that, by withdrawing support from England Football team, the far right thuggish element win. There is also some mileage in the argument that the national stadium should be in the country’s capital city.
I guess with me it comes down to just not being arsed whether England win or not... and most of the time actively hoping they get beat. I just don’t identify with the England football team, don’t feel patriotic about them, have no natural allegiance apart from having been born in the country they represent. I do feel patriotic about the Rugby teams, cricket team, athletes etc. (Especially when in a room full of Aussies!)
But it goes beyond England — it is international football itself I don’t like much. I hate the fact that the domestic season is interrupted by the Afcon etc and meaningless friendlies... players coming back crocked etc.
Having said that, I will watch every game they play in the World Cup and hope that the USA beat England comprehensively... especially if there is no representation from Everton in the England team.
Sorry if this offends anyone... actually — no I’m not... it’s your problem.
I do see your point when you state that, by withdrawing support from England Football team, the far right thuggish element win. There is also some mileage in the argument that the national stadium should be in the country’s capital city.
I guess with me it comes down to just not being arsed whether England win or not... and most of the time actively hoping they get beat. I just don’t identify with the England football team, don’t feel patriotic about them, have no natural allegiance apart from having been born in the country they represent. I do feel patriotic about the Rugby teams, cricket team, athletes etc. (Especially when in a room full of Aussies!)
But it goes beyond England — it is international football itself I don’t like much. I hate the fact that the domestic season is interrupted by the Afcon etc and meaningless friendlies... players coming back crocked etc.
Having said that, I will watch every game they play in the World Cup and hope that the USA beat England comprehensively... especially if there is no representation from Everton in the England team.
Sorry if this offends anyone... actually — no I’m not... it’s your problem.
Yep, Kevin — the friendlies, qualification stages et al are a farce. If I’m perfectly honest, I too could go without the World Cup and European Championships, which are, after all, the "end games" of the whole process — and therefore international football all together.
However, what I don't understand is, given you are clearly a football fan, and I assume English, why would you want the USA to spank us unless you have some personal link to them? Is it the England team you don't like or is it just being English?
However, what I don't understand is, given you are clearly a football fan, and I assume English, why would you want the USA to spank us unless you have some personal link to them? Is it the England team you don't like or is it just being English?
Ray - you are absolutely right by the way, the ’66 World Cup semi-final was switched from GP to Wembley.
The venues for the World Cup that year were Wembley, White City played one fixture as Wembley had greyhound racing on and it clashed with a fixture(!), Goodison Park, Villa Park, Ayrsome Park, Roker Park, Old Trafford and Hillsborough.
England played their Group games at Wembley and the quarter final against Argentina.
So, moving it to Wembley was controversial and essentially cheating but I think it was more down to the stadium itself giving us an advantage, and that the players were settled playing there rather than any particular bias. Wembley was / is England's home ground and this move essentially gave us home advantage with maximum home support possible.
Southerners could look at the venues for the whole tournament and bemoan the fact that only 1 of 8 was south of Birmingham. I imagine the reason for this was logistical as the grounds picked were the best in their day, the flagship being Wembley which is why the English tournament officials wanted to keep England there for the duration.
The venues for the World Cup that year were Wembley, White City played one fixture as Wembley had greyhound racing on and it clashed with a fixture(!), Goodison Park, Villa Park, Ayrsome Park, Roker Park, Old Trafford and Hillsborough.
England played their Group games at Wembley and the quarter final against Argentina.
So, moving it to Wembley was controversial and essentially cheating but I think it was more down to the stadium itself giving us an advantage, and that the players were settled playing there rather than any particular bias. Wembley was / is England's home ground and this move essentially gave us home advantage with maximum home support possible.
Southerners could look at the venues for the whole tournament and bemoan the fact that only 1 of 8 was south of Birmingham. I imagine the reason for this was logistical as the grounds picked were the best in their day, the flagship being Wembley which is why the English tournament officials wanted to keep England there for the duration.
Sorry — 2 of 8 south of Birmingham but White City doesn't really count as stood in for Wembley.
"Is it the England team you don't like or is it just being English?"
I thought that would have been plain to see by my other comments — I love being English... just choose not to support the England football team anymore.
I thought that would have been plain to see by my other comments — I love being English... just choose not to support the England football team anymore.
Well I think history shows England win the World Cup with an Everton player in the side, I mean we already have an ex West Ham centre-back as captain.
Fair enough Kevin, I’ll accept that. All-in-all, a bit of a shame but England's loss, eh?
I’ll catch you on another thread sometime — might even let you call me a prick again : D
Take it easy.
I’ll catch you on another thread sometime — might even let you call me a prick again : D
Take it easy.
Stuart O’Malley — I’m well aware of the long connection between Liverpool and Ireland, I just don’t accept it as excuse not to support your country. You’ll find Liverpool has a big connection with England as well, being one of its major cities.
I also don’t accept that, just because the current England Squad is indeed made up of over paid prima donnas, we shouldn’t support them. They’re overpaid wankers like every other footballer in every top league.
Finally, using the excuse that England fans are right wing racists also a joke. Sorry to say, Goodison doesn’t have the best of records there.
Only in England would you find fans coming out with stuff.
in the words of Alan Partridge ’This country!..’
The switch in ’66 to keep England at Wembley was disgraceful; Goodison was determined in advance as the venue for "winners of Group whatever vs runners-up in Group thingy".
I remember a huge banner on display "Down with the FA (could’ve been Fifa), England for the Cup".
The police waded onto the terraces to take the banner down and, of course, met fierce Scouse resistance. I was told later by a Liverpool Police sergeant that it was drafted-in Manc coppers who had gone into the crowd; this was followed by a scrap between the Manchester and Liverpool forces.Good job no Sky coverage way back then. Happy days!
If Capello insists on picking Bridge then the answer to me is simple... drop Terry. He caused the mess. I do agree, though, that Baines is better anyway but I hope he doesn’t get picked.
And I hope that England get absolutely smashed.
And I hope that England get absolutely smashed.
I remember the ticket fiasco / ripoff, all done with prior knowlwedge. Tickets were touted (at nearly double the 1st div price) specifically at Goodison, with the draw made, that, IF England get there, the Semi will be at Goodison... and it wasn’t until very late in the day that the good news came out, but too late.
Result: I had to watch W Germany vs Russia in a half-empty ground.
Result: I had to watch W Germany vs Russia in a half-empty ground.
I for one hope that Baines does play and plays well in the World Cup and then we can bin him off.
He’s just ok going forward, and not good enough as a defender. People rave about his delivery, it’s not good enough either. Too many times this season he’s been ball-watching and we’ve conceded because of it. If he goes,we’ll no doubt make a profit from the fee we paid and we can them bring in a defender who actually can defend.
He’s just ok going forward, and not good enough as a defender. People rave about his delivery, it’s not good enough either. Too many times this season he’s been ball-watching and we’ve conceded because of it. If he goes,we’ll no doubt make a profit from the fee we paid and we can them bring in a defender who actually can defend.
So, moving it to Wembley was controversial and essentially cheating but I think it was more down to the stadium itself giving us an advantage, and that the players were settled playing there rather than any particular bias.
Our family had tickets for all the Goodison matches - and we were really pissed off at not getting the chance to see Portugal v England at the old lady. The "official" excuse, Mike, was the match had to be at Wembley for security reasons. Farcical......
Our family had tickets for all the Goodison matches - and we were really pissed off at not getting the chance to see Portugal v England at the old lady. The "official" excuse, Mike, was the match had to be at Wembley for security reasons. Farcical......
Sorry to go slightly off topic, but a comment above along the lines of banging his missus from all angles caught my eye. Now I’m not about to start wading in to the whole debate on morals, etc., but to clarify, it was his ex. If Bridge has said he won’t play in the same team as Terry, then fuck him. He’s supposed to be a professional. I could understand if it was his wife, but they had split and were never even married. Can you imagine:
"Boss, I’m not working with him" "Why?" "He’s been knocking off my ex-girlfriend" Yeah right.
As for Baines, think he has a chance, but Cole is tons better and should be fit.
"Boss, I’m not working with him" "Why?" "He’s been knocking off my ex-girlfriend" Yeah right.
As for Baines, think he has a chance, but Cole is tons better and should be fit.
Stewart Littler - absolutely spot on. A fact that the media have been very selective about publisisng. If he was that bothered he should’ve put a ring on her finger.
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1 Posted 12/02/2010 at 07:07:51
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Fair enough, England have Lescott and he can obviously play left back if need be, but Baines has been playing very well this season, and I think he should be right up there in the possiblity of being taking to South Africa and being used.
Ok so he may be not the best defensively, but his attacking play is very good, and his crossing has been superb this season.
If I were Capello I would take Baines as his delivery of the ball is just what we need.