Rodwell in England squad again

I think this lad can really shine for the Blues this season as he was before his injury last season but the timing of this England friendly is not good and I would prefer Baines, Jagielka and in particular Rodwell be fighting fresh for the Man Utd game.

Rodwell and Jags (following his recent injury) could do with some game time.

Bainsey is always fit so we can only hope noone gets injured.

That said, what a stupid time to have a friendly. I understand it's a FIFA directive as well - a money spinner basically. Nuggets!

I can't remember such a quiet pre-season ever before?! I know the Indonesia tournament was cancelled but there still seems to have been very few games.

Hoping Rodwell will finally start to convert some of that potential into actual quality performances this year. Him and Fellaini together, fully fit and on-form, is quite an exciting prospect.

The idea of an international friendly less than three days (night game?) before the start of the season is just beyond ridiculous.

Rodwell may even get some decent coaching and be told to do something other than pass sideways. Last time he played for England he looked a different player. Hopefully he can do it again.

I agree with you,. though, Mike: he's pretty uninspiring for Everton, after showing some wonderful promise.

I vaguely recall him lashing in a couple of great goals in one game... Perish the inevitable thought that his wonderful club manager may have discouraged him for doing that... or playing 'risky' forward balls...???

No, that can't possibly be the explanation.

Yes that's right Michael , Moyes actually sits all his players down individually and actively discourages them from shooting or passing it forwards. Indeed, it is why one of his most recent signings, Jelavic never scores or why he was so keen to get Piennar back because he always passes the ball backwards never looking for a through ball.

Meaningless friendlies, the eagerness of coaches to call up the latest media favourite(never happened with Alf Ramsay) and the use of mass substitutions have utterly devalued international caps. I honestly wouldn't care if no Everton players were selected by England. I can, perhaps, make an exception for Rodwell as it might just do his fitness and confidence a bit of good but for any player to get a serious injury taking part in this pointless nonsense would be disgraceful.

I couldn't help noticing that he's the only one with a different number this season - 8 instead of 26. Maybe it's Moyes saying to him: "Right, lad - it's time to step up and prove yourself".
8 used to be the cool number when I was growing up. It was what 10 is today. The midfield supremo number. But I digress...

However, the principle of holding a round of friendly internationals 4 days before the opening game of the Premier League (apparently the biggest domestic league in the world) is so utterly ludicrous it beggars belief.