Osman gets first England call-up

Shaun Kinnair
1 Posted 08/11/2012 at 11:20:54

Osman has been called up for the England Squad!!!

Geoff Trenner
2 Posted 08/11/2012 at 11:22:06

Congratulations to Leon Osman!

James Morgan
3 Posted 08/11/2012 at 11:21:44

The guy is in good form so who's to say he doesn't deserve it?

Who cares about his age too, I'm not big on England to be honest but I feel good for the lad. Maybe England need a player like Leon.

Ray Roche
4 Posted 08/11/2012 at 12:45:10

Osman called up into the England squad.... wait for the abuse on here..

Andrew Ellams
5 Posted 08/11/2012 at 12:46:17

If Henderson can get in, why not. Whatever your opinions are of Leon, he is a total professional and deserves this sort of recognition

Ray Roche
6 Posted 08/11/2012 at 12:48:11

Shelvy, crap; Henderson, crapper; Stirling, still unproven... and yesterday's man Gerrard.

Why not Osman? He outshone Gerrard in the derby.

Jon Ferguson
7 Posted 08/11/2012 at 12:53:51

He's not a match winner in the way some players are, but he's got more technical skill than most English players. I'm in no way saying he's Barcelona class, but he would fit into their system more so than anyone else in that squad (with the exception of Rooney). Osman is having a great season and deserves his call up, I think he would have got bigger plaudits if he'd spent his career in Spain.

Brent Stephens
8 Posted 08/11/2012 at 13:03:39

Great recognition for Osman by getting this England pick. He might not play but it says that there are others apart from many EFC fans who recognise the way he's been playing.

Chris Keightley
9 Posted 08/11/2012 at 13:09:47

Great for Everton to have players involved in the national team. To see Osman in the squad shows some recognition for the performances he has put in thus far and his good form.

Well done... if not a little amazed.

James Martin
10 Posted 08/11/2012 at 13:14:58

Leon has touch, tactical awareness, passing ability off both feet, is comfortable showing for the ball, and knows how to keep it. Because of this he probably won't fit in at England. If any manager had been brave enough to put together a midfield three of Wilshere Osman and Scholes then perhaps we may not have been overrun in midfield all these years and had to watch a team at the Euros who couldn't put together more than 2 passes.

Seems to me that you've got to be 6 foot plus with a huge engine great stamina and no technical ability to play for England. Gerrard, Lampard, Barry, Henderson Shelvey, Milner Jenas, Noble, Rodwell, the list goes on of these players all of the same type who look good driving around in the premier league but completely out of their depth at international level where possession is king. Please Roy don't put Osman on the wing though.

Paul Colley
11 Posted 08/11/2012 at 13:38:20

Awesome. I love Ossie. Can we send him a collective TW bunch of flowers or something?

Kase Chow
12 Posted 08/11/2012 at 13:36:34

Well deserved.

Minik Hansen
13 Posted 08/11/2012 at 13:44:23

Fully deserved and long time coming. Fingers crossed for minutes under his belt, 'cause he will only do good with his experience and form! Shirt will look good on him, he's most definetely gonna enjoy it, along with Jags and Baines! No doubt Jags and Baines are gonna make hints for Roy to let him play! ;-)

Steve Smith
14 Posted 08/11/2012 at 13:46:55

Nice that he at last gets a bit of recognition, well done Ossie!

Drew O'Neall
15 Posted 08/11/2012 at 13:46:55

Absolutely made up for Ossie.. Long, long overdue. Just the sort of player England needs, been saying it for years.

To the other lads in the Everton squad; you can achieve everything you want at Everton, just keep your head down, work hard and stay loyal.

Ossie - legend.

Drew O'Neall
16 Posted 08/11/2012 at 13:49:57

What's his squad number, getting it on the back of my England shirt, yes!

Kristian Boyce
17 Posted 08/11/2012 at 13:48:53

Well deserved over the last couple of seasons, better than a number of players that have played in the squad during that time. Have to give him credit for plugging away waiting for it over time. I know that he had other options over the years (Turkey & Cyprus) but stuck out for that England cap.

Julian Wait
18 Posted 08/11/2012 at 13:55:51

I really think Ossie has done well for us, from whta I can tell from TV over here, but his game is even better suited to international football, where you get a bit more protection from the referee; look at how Joe Cole was England's best player in a tournament several years ago, and Ossie is a better player than Joe albeit a similar style (I think Ossie is more efficient, direct, and less of a dandy on the ball than Cole however).

Recognition for Ossie and for Everton.

Jim Harrison
19 Posted 08/11/2012 at 13:59:15

A couple of years over due, but very welcome. The form English midfielder at present

Kev Clark
20 Posted 08/11/2012 at 14:01:07

We're gonna win the World Cup!!! Ossie ossie ossis, oy oy oy!

It's about time, truly well deserved. Good luck lads!

Julian Wait
21 Posted 08/11/2012 at 13:58:31

This also completes the set of active internationals as our best / current 11. If you count Heitinga (instead of Distin) we have an international player in every position. You certainly could not say that a couple of years ago.

Sreekumar Raman
22 Posted 08/11/2012 at 14:02:42

Well done Ossie!!!

COYB

Phil Roberts
23 Posted 08/11/2012 at 14:06:46

Absolutlely made up for him and there was a cheer and a clap in the household.

But where are all the toffeewebbers who think he is not good enough for our club and needs to be dropped? Very silent

Steve Smith
24 Posted 08/11/2012 at 14:14:24

Now get him a new birth certificate off the Yak and stick him on the market for £15M!!!

Gerard McGregor
25 Posted 08/11/2012 at 14:14:47

Great news! I think he has been great this season from what I`ve seen. Hopefully it will boost his confidence and make him more assertive in the big games. If Hodgson is thinking of really playing him, pity it is not at Wembley. It would have been a chance to get over his apparent fear of the place, with those performances in the FA Cup Final and that nightmare semi-final this year.

Geoff Trenner
26 Posted 08/11/2012 at 14:25:40

He'll get tapped up by the City boys & we'll have to sell for £20 million whether we like it or not

Steve Sweeney
27 Posted 08/11/2012 at 14:27:18

Well done, Leon Osman! I have not been one of his biggest fans but he is having a great season and it is good to see our players being recognised. Now... let's get a win against Sunderland.

David Barks
28 Posted 08/11/2012 at 14:28:57

Congratulations to Ossie. Seriously well deserved and very happy for the guy.

James Martin
29 Posted 08/11/2012 at 14:25:47

There's no big secret with Osman, no miraculous transformation from his FA Cup Final performance to his form now. Put him in the middle and he'll run whatever game he's playing: Man Utd, Chelsea, Fiorentina of previous seasons all dispatched with convincing wins and MotM performances from Leon.

This season alone we have dominated the majority of games, despite a lot of them being away, in a run which has also included us posting 60% possession against Brendan '60%' Rodgers's Liverpool. Playing him in the middle is key to much of our good form; if you put him out wide, which Moyes has inexplicably (or perhaps due to our lack of quality wide players over the years), then his lack of pace will be cruelly exposed by even the most rudimentary quick winger.

Putting him against what was one of the best left sides in Europe in the FA cup final was just folly and I don't see why Osman should take the blame for having to run after Cole and Malouda. No-one would have expected Pirlo or Xavi or Scholes or Wilshere to play RM so why has Osman been bashed just for being asked to fill in there for so long?

This season has shown that, when played in his rightful position, he's easily one of the best English central midfielders with a technique that few in the squad (Wilshere aside) can match.

Ciarán McGlone
30 Posted 08/11/2012 at 14:43:02

I'm not Osman's biggest fan, purely on footballing prowess...

BUT...

I am thoroughly chuffed for him, because this will be the pinnacle of his footballing career.

Andy Meighan
31 Posted 08/11/2012 at 14:43:56

He's had a great season so fully deserved. Still to me seems a bit lightweight but a great little footballer and one of the Prem's unsung heroes. Knowing our luck, he'll probably get on in the last few minutes and get a season-long injury... Ooh I'm one miserable bastard.

No joking aside, I'm made up for him; it shows how far the club has come when we've nearly got a squad full of internationals. Now 3 pts and a few goals – including one from Ossie himself – would be nice on Saturday.

Adam Luszniak
32 Posted 08/11/2012 at 14:52:48

Fantastic! Well deserved. Clearly Ossie has his critics, and often splits opinion on ToffeeWeb. That said I'd imagine everyone is made up another Everton player is getting a chance on the international stage.

Phil Walling
33 Posted 08/11/2012 at 14:56:42

Ossie has suffered dog`s abuse in these columns over the years – as has Tony Hibbert. It`s just nice to see `one of our very own` in the England squad. I`d love him to make the cut for a full cap.

Mark Dunford
34 Posted 08/11/2012 at 14:56:14

Well deserved recognition for a player who has largely been an unsung hero. Most of the team has played well this year but he has been our best performer across all games played. Others have played superbly but dipped subsequently and then rediscovered form. Osman has played well every week. His whole career is testimony to importance of hard work and determination.

Next stop - Hibbo's goal

Paul Thompson
35 Posted 08/11/2012 at 14:57:56

Will boost his confidence so good for the club too. His skill and quick thinking will suit the (generally) less physical internstional football. It was a travesty that donkeys such as Henderson and Shelvey were getting called up ahead of him. He's better than Cleverley and some of the other options too. If he gets on the pitch will be weird to see alongside Gerard mind you!

Neil Higginbotham
36 Posted 08/11/2012 at 15:09:49

That is really exciting news, long overdue! I've always had a soft-spot for Ossie. Sadly, I know it would have happened long ago if he wore a red jersey.

Brent Stephens
37 Posted 08/11/2012 at 15:14:21

This is good not only for Ozzie but for Everton - it should add to the international profile of Everton (now with three in the England squad and pretty much a team of full / active internationals). That might tip the balance when it comes to a potential signing trying to decide whether to come to us or go to a small club - such as RS.

Julian Wait
38 Posted 08/11/2012 at 15:28:47

I was just bitching to some mates over here the other week that StevieMe gets picked even when he's shite (he was quite good in the Euros though) and Osman never even gets a squad call. Way overdue IMHO especially given the nature of international football, being possession oriented and requiring a bit more guile to create chances.

John Wilson
39 Posted 08/11/2012 at 15:41:14

Well done, Leon!

Show 'em what you're made of when the chance comes, lad.

Shaun Kinnair
40 Posted 08/11/2012 at 15:54:28

I'm so thrilled for Osman and I'm a proud blue to see him get called up to the England Squad, he's been a great servant for club over the years. He never once through his toys out of the pram, has been a true professional and a great team player for Everton.

Well Done Ozzie, you deserve it!!!

Brian Williams
41 Posted 08/11/2012 at 16:08:53

Oh shit, that's that then, the Man Utd or Chelsea contingent will turn his head, a la Rooney...and he'll be gone in January.

Let's hope David Moyes holds out for 20 million plus!!!

;-)

Mike Gaynes
42 Posted 08/11/2012 at 16:07:43

Outstanding!!

Can you imagine what it must have felt like to finally get that phone call after all these years.

I'm absolutely delighted for him.

Brian Williams
43 Posted 08/11/2012 at 16:11:57

....now then, Absinth and coke?? What the hell I'll try it!

Andy Stevens
44 Posted 08/11/2012 at 16:13:32

I'm really pleased for him. Whatever anyone says about Leon I get the feeling he is from the mould where playing for England is an honour / privilege and something to tell you grandchildren about! I hope he gets a starting place as I think he deserves it for his consistent displays.

Paul Andrews
45 Posted 08/11/2012 at 16:22:05

One of the most technically gifted footballers in the Prem,the feet and balance of a dancer with a great football brain to go with it.Long overdue in my opinion,if he was Italian,Spanish,German etc he would have 50 caps.
The courage of a lion as well.
Sorry I forgot,he cant run a marathon,cant knock 6 foot plus midfielders off the ball so that makes him hopeless.

Paul Bernard
46 Posted 08/11/2012 at 16:32:32

Most people believe that putting RS is the name given to Liverpool by everyone but Liverpool FC. I believe it's used for such hatred towards Rangers to the extent were we remove the word ANGER itself and just called them RS.

Steve Carse
47 Posted 08/11/2012 at 16:37:20

For some reason, a much maligned player on the various fan websites but a player with great technical skill. We know he's not the fastest or the strongest, but there again if he was he'd hardly still be at Everton would he?

Should he get on the pitch in Sweden though wait for the inevitable southern Press bias about him not being good enough to play at international level. Baines still gets it now from the London media mafia.

Jim Hourigan
48 Posted 08/11/2012 at 16:56:34

Fire away – but doesn't it demonstrate the dearth of young, fresh midfield talent when a 31-year-old journeyman gets called up for England? Too slow, too weak and sadly lacking in stamina past the 70-min mark.

I saw Gerrard give him 3 yds on the half way line in the second half and was 10 yds in front of him into the box around the 75th minute. Would Ossie have got a game in any of our good sides? I for one say not a chance.

Seems a lovely lad and is clearly an evertonian through and through but an international footballer? not whist he has the proverbial hole

Barry Rathbone
49 Posted 08/11/2012 at 17:20:38

Jim you are right about England's dearth of talent but it's been like this for decades, the "golden generation" being the biggest lie of all.

I don't rate england and don't think I've watched a televised live game right through since the euros of Gazza et al, but I'm genuinely chuffed for Ossie.

Paul Andrews
50 Posted 08/11/2012 at 17:34:39

Jim @ 657,

Gerrard has not got the technical ability Osman has,a very good player but as I say.
Pace is not the be all and end all,i have seen plenty of great players who had no pace.

Derek Williams
51 Posted 08/11/2012 at 17:49:53

Correct Paul (663), Barca's Xabi has little pace and he's not very big either.

Ossie thoroughly deserves this, made up for him, a proper professional!

Any news on Hibbo getting his call up papers too?

Ben Jones
52 Posted 08/11/2012 at 18:05:37

Funnily enough, I actually think he'll play better for England.

As good as Osman is, him and Neville have sometimes being overrun in midfield due to their size and lack of pace (although to be fair to them, it hasnt happened that often this season)

If Osman can hopefully play in a midfield 3 where he has more freedom to express himself and less tracking back. He obviously has technical ability, has great feet and a decent creative brain. I'm Welsh, not an England fan by any stretch, but I hope Osman does really well for them against Sweden.

Forgot to add, I'm made up for him!

James Martin
53 Posted 08/11/2012 at 18:05:43

Jim how can you call Osman a journeyman? He's been at one club all his life (barring loans). Gerrard's been playing for England for the last decade or so along with a number of big fast players and have failed at every single attempt. Keep banging your head against the brick wall if you want to like a lot of England managers have but surely we hsould be realising now that to compete at the top level you need to be a footballer but you don't have to be an athlete. Pirlo barley moved ten yards against England but Gerrard for all his pace oculdn't get within 10 yards off him due to Pirlo's passing range. That is the model of player we need to follow, players with the touch of Ozil Iniesta Xavi not players like Gerrard who can only play facing one way and like to lash it 60 yards. Its sad that after WIlshere Osman is the only English player who evern resembles these sort of players, Spain probably have about 200 youth players who can do this without thinking.

Ian Bennett
54 Posted 08/11/2012 at 18:47:22

Well done Leon, congratulations.

His level of performance has been pretty good for a couple of years. I am sure the mob will be thinking how much we can sell him for? Any amount would be an insult for the Upholland Xavi.

Jeremy Benson
55 Posted 08/11/2012 at 18:51:19

Jim @657, ossie a journeyman? Quite clearly the most ridiculous post this year.

Tom Evans
56 Posted 08/11/2012 at 18:49:00

I don't listen to Talksport any more, and don't even know if Adrian Durham is still with them.
But I would like to remind him of his sarcastic and snide put down of Ossie a few years back.
Osman to my mind just gets on with his game and doesn't crave the limelight. So when Durham uttered what he did, I thought that it would be nice for Leon to get into the England set up.

Paul Andrews
57 Posted 08/11/2012 at 18:54:54

James @ 668,

spot on mate.Gerrard for his whole carreer has based his game on pace and power.A dynamic player who at his peak was a handful.
He has not got,nor has he ever had, the ability to make a game go at his pace,to slow a game down then quicken it up when he chooses to.Paul Scholes is a good example of that type of game.

Tom Evans
58 Posted 08/11/2012 at 18:49:00

I don't listen to Talksport any more, and don't even know if Adrian Durham is still with them.
But I would like to remind him of his sarcastic and snide put down of Ossie a few years back.
Osman to my mind just gets on with his game and doesn't crave the limelight. So when Durham uttered what he did, I thought that it would be nice for Leon to get into the England set up.

Roman Sidey
59 Posted 08/11/2012 at 18:55:50

Phil Roberts, it's comments like yours that contribute to the negativity. Did you not think that maybe most of Osman's detractors thought it in poor taste to use this thread to bag him out?

I've never rated him, but I'm happy for him (at the same time glad I don't support England).

Phil Skelton
60 Posted 08/11/2012 at 19:08:23

About bloody time! it winds me up how some players are overlooked just because England managers only pick from certain teams its a disgrace.

How did players like jonjo shelvey, earn his call, I tell you how, because he plays for the RS and shite players from these so called big clubs get favouritism when they are completely average!

Rant over

Jim Hourigan
61 Posted 08/11/2012 at 19:16:59

James 668, so you don't need to be an athlete to play football today? Pirlo had years of playing international football and used his brain when his legs failed - big difference from somebody who has never played international football and is slow. Great that you can compare Osman to Iniesta and Xavi but the planet you live on must be very lonely.

Joe McMahon
62 Posted 08/11/2012 at 19:22:37

Why not, even Kevin Davies got a cap. I hope he enjoys and doesn't get injured!

James Martin, i'm sorry but as much as I can't stand Steven Gerrard he is and certainly has been a good player (hard to admit)

Jamie Barlow
63 Posted 08/11/2012 at 19:22:10

I'm really pleased for the lad. Playing for your country is what most professional footballers want to achieve.

I'd rather he didn't though.

James Martin
64 Posted 08/11/2012 at 19:22:41

There's no comparison Jim. I said that they were the model of international footballers that we should be following. I think Osman is a far cry from these players but at least he's of the same model. You can have as many Jordan Hendersons and Shelveys as you want and they can run as fast as you want but they'll never make good international footballers.

Obviously the best players combine pace and technique like Iniesta Ronaldo and Messi, but at the top end of the international game the players without any pace but with great technique can still cut it, whilst the players with bags of pace and no technique (the whole of the England team) get found wanting.

To suggest that because Osman hasn't played any international football he own't be able to use his brain is ridiculous. This season has shown what a great footballing brain he has got and you can take that to any level of the game.

Ben Jones
65 Posted 08/11/2012 at 19:27:00

James Martin

I admire your optimism on how good Osman is, but he was never as good as Gerrard in his prime (like Joe, it is hard to admit)

I also agree that it is a bit ridiculous to compare him to Xavi and Iniesta.

But he has been in very good form for us this season, is a consistent player and thoroughly deserves this call up. But then again, I also think that to be a consistent top 4 side, Osman shouldnt be a real first teamer for us, but a very effective squad player. Just like how I see Neville and Hibbert (although Osman is still the better player)

Ben Jones
66 Posted 08/11/2012 at 19:31:59

RE my second point James, sorry, I started writin this before your more recent comment was sent, so I'll take that back

Joe McMahon
67 Posted 08/11/2012 at 19:35:11

As others have said another Everton player playing for England rasise our profile. 4th in the league, England internationals, who knows there may be a buyer, Leeds have found one- back to you Bill! (Ace as Ossie thread, and I got it round to Kenwright)

Joe McMahon
68 Posted 08/11/2012 at 19:37:38

rasise?? you know what I mean.

Paul Andrews
69 Posted 08/11/2012 at 19:42:44

Jim @ 683

your wrong there,Pirlo has played the same type of game for his whole career.
He was never a player who relied on paceor power.

Paul Dark
70 Posted 08/11/2012 at 20:01:12

Congratulations to him, and I hope he does well. Perhaps the space and time he'll get against some of the international teams – as opposed to the hectic pace of the Premier League – will suit him.

Contrary to virtually every poster here, I think he's been pretty dire (as always) this season. The eulogies for this player simply baffle me. He does one or two good things per game but it/they are heavily outweighed by the sideways or backwards passes when we're going forward, the weak shooting, the giving away of unnecessary and vital free kicks, giving the ball away in compromising positions (a real speciality of the little maestro) and the facility with which he is pushed off the ball. The fact that Hodgson rates him is another dubious point!

I know everyone does/will disagree, but I do stand (shield in hand) by what I say.

Nelly Verdonghan
71 Posted 08/11/2012 at 20:08:53

Congrats to Osman...made up for him

Denis Richardson
72 Posted 08/11/2012 at 20:40:25

Congrats to the little man - god knows a lot of players have been called up over the years that have been worse. Hope he gets a good game under his belt and stays there.

all goo recognition for his efforts and also nice to have another international in the everton squad (hopefully).

James Martin
73 Posted 08/11/2012 at 20:36:36

No denying that Gerrard has been a good player over the years, but at international level? No way. He may punish some of the lesser lights of the international stage but when has he ever done in a big tournament what he does for Liverpool? International players know that if you get tight to him there's very little he can do as he doesn't have much agility. He has a great shot, set piece delivery and power and pace which was all put to good use by Rafa at the top of his midfield. It was Alonso who was doing all of the technical work in that team though. Gerrard loved the kick and rush football, take a gamble on the second ball dropping to him and lash it in the net from the edge of the D.

A great player for when the momentum was with Liverpool and he had lots of time and space. I don't think he's ever done well at international level where his failure to play short intricate passing has been found out. Even in Rodgers' system he looks uncomfortable, indeed he was dominated by Osman in the derby. He's looked at his best this season when Liverpool have bashed it long and he can run onto the play looking for a knock down or a flick on, if you get him with his back to goal there's very little he can do now which is why we've failed as a nation so consistently at international level.

Denis Richardson
74 Posted 08/11/2012 at 20:40:25

Congrats to the little man - god knows a lot of players have been called up over the years that have been worse. Hope he gets a good game under his belt and stays there.

all goo recognition for his efforts and also nice to have another international in the everton squad (hopefully).

Spragg Johnson
75 Posted 08/11/2012 at 20:45:34

What a way to top a career off ... no matter what happens now, our wee tyro can always say (as with Ian Snodin), "I was selected for my country".

Along with Mirallas, he has the best feet in the squad ... the space he made to create Fellaini's chance which was deflected onto the post vs Fulham was superb.

Made up for the lad, best news I've heard all week!

Bobby Thomas
76 Posted 08/11/2012 at 20:53:09

31 is way to old to be commencing international football so its an essentially pointless call up. But it can only be good for Ossie, who must be fucking buzzing, and Everton generally.

Its reward for a consistent start to the season and one in the eye for those who don't know a talented footballer when they see one, which he clearly is.

A combination of playing well in a progressive, eye catching Everton team and England being light on mid options id say.

Ian Bennett
77 Posted 08/11/2012 at 21:13:40

I see Gerrard's lot lost again. He will be made up to be shunted onto the wing, and watch a real play maker. Long ball, stoke, I ain't forgot.

Steve Cavanagh
78 Posted 08/11/2012 at 21:11:16

He, like me, must be smiling from ear to ear. Great news, well done Ossie!

Gerry Quinn
79 Posted 08/11/2012 at 21:32:13

Can't blame Hibbo for this call-up then!

I wish him the best of luck and he has been a really great Everton servant – this is well deserved. Show this boring Ingerland team a bit of magic, Os!

Andy Crooks
80 Posted 08/11/2012 at 21:33:27

The best news I've heard on the site for a long time. Leon called up for England gives me as much pleasure as Coleman, Duffy and Gibson playing for Everton. That, is as good as it gets. Well done Roy Hodgson, you had far to much class to manage Liverpool.

Tom Bowers
81 Posted 08/11/2012 at 22:03:12

Hodgson seems to be going through all the available English player contingent and giving everyone a chance especially when Shelvey??????? got called up in the last squad but surely Hibbert was worthy a long time ago.

Unfortunately I doubt Ossie will get much playing time against Sweden and probably will be lucky to get picked much after this game.

Ian Smitham
82 Posted 08/11/2012 at 22:19:39

Well done to Leon, I hope he is proud of his recognition, I for one will clap him long and loud on Saturday. I love Everton Football Club, not particularly England, but how it would make me happy if it could just be that we have 3 players on the pitch for England. I recall my pride when England won a World Cup game years ago, just when we had signed Lineker, and he scored a hat-trick. Think we had more than 3 that night back in 1986?

Again,well done Leon.

Ian Bennett
83 Posted 08/11/2012 at 22:33:23

I think in Mexico we had 4 that definitely played. Reid, Steven, Stevens and lineker. I remember the panini book.

We had 4 at euro 88, Watson swapping for lineker. Snodin and Heath never played for England fully. I reckon 4 is our best, with brace well playing around that time but not at those comps. 4 at 1970 as well, perhaps more played in the home internationals?

James Flynn
84 Posted 08/11/2012 at 23:43:33

Congrats Ossie. Hopefully, you'll be cast in the Pirlo role. Just making things happen going forward and letting the athletes do the scut work.

Best of luck. And don't get hurt.

Carl Sanderson
85 Posted 09/11/2012 at 00:09:28

Many, many congratulations, Leon. Well deserved and well overdue recognition. Now - I wonder how many times Stevee Gee will pass the ball to you?

Paul McGinty
86 Posted 09/11/2012 at 00:15:14

We had I think four in Mexico 1970 World Cup, Newton (K), Wright, Ball and Labone. Westy cried off , which would have been 5 ..I think he would have got the shout over Bonetti in goal in the Germany game. If my memory is playing tricks on me, I will stand correcting. No problem. Congrats to Leon.

When you think of the young guys getting selected nowadays... Henderson, Shelvey, Betram... shows just how relatively easy it is to get in the England squad nowadays compared to yesteryear. Harvey —1 cap; Kendall — zero caps!!!

Chris Williamson
87 Posted 09/11/2012 at 00:17:32

James at 668 - I'm so glad somebody said that about Journeyman ... I was beginning to wonder if anybody would raise it.

Bring it on Ossie - long overdue! Let's hear it for a meritocracy rather than WHO you know / play for!! Vive la revolution!

Geesh - before you know it we'll have someone with brains in power, rather than a public schoolboy!

Gerry Quinn
88 Posted 09/11/2012 at 00:50:40

Is it me or what - hugely off track, but where the hell in EvertonDirect.com are these get yer kit off Calendars?

Gerry Quinn
89 Posted 09/11/2012 at 00:59:44

OK – found it eventually on the OS – doooh! Not often I go on there, as you can see...

Christopher Kelly
90 Posted 09/11/2012 at 01:08:34

Well done, mate. I'll raise a glass to ya tonight.

I hope he gets on and shows his stuff. Then we'll sell him and bring in one of the 200 Spanish youngsters James is talking about. I kid, I kid...

David Smith
91 Posted 09/11/2012 at 02:40:49

Congratulations Ossie. He's reminded me of Pirlo this season....running the game with a calm head, skill on the ball, two-footed, intelligent passes.

Jelavic
Fellaini
Pienaar Mirallas
Osman
Gibson
Baines Jagielka Heitinga Coleman
Howard

That looks pretty good to me... Champions League team?

Matthew Salem
92 Posted 09/11/2012 at 04:45:17

It's very nice to read that the vast majority of comments on here are positive and genuinely congratulate Osman for his call-up. Congrats from me too, Leon...

Michael Upton
93 Posted 09/11/2012 at 10:31:14

Absolutely made up for Ossie, congratulations to a career-long true Blue.

Well deserved, even if I can't see it being more than a one-off.

But If James Milner and Gareth Barry can be regulars, why not give Ossie a chance to prove himself.

He's never given less than his all, he has a great pair of feet and an eye for goal, so good luck to him on landing a spot in the squad. Many more Blues in the side and I might have to start supporting them again.

Now watch him get crocked for six months in the first half.

PS And well done to all the regular Ossie bashers for staying off this thread and (for once) keeping their hackneyed old opinions to themselves.

Jim Hourigan
94 Posted 09/11/2012 at 11:47:25

Sheedy, Reid, Bracewell, Stevens
Ball. Harvey, Kendall
These are midfield players who deserve international recognition. Osman infront of any of them? Get real !!!

Jimmy Kelly
95 Posted 09/11/2012 at 12:38:05

Erm, most of them did get International recognition Jim?!

Andrew Ellams
96 Posted 09/11/2012 at 12:54:42

Stevens and Ball both exceeded 50 caps, Ball of course won the World Cup. Sheedy probably won close on 50 if not more, Reid played in a World Cup.

Bracewell was just getting into the England squad before injury ruined him so that just leaves Harvey and Kendall and Harvey was capped but didn't get many.

Paul Dark
97 Posted 09/11/2012 at 13:11:58

Jim (773), you are right, in my view, to draw a sharp contrast between the Holy Trinity et al and Osman. They are quite, quite different class. As for the comparisons with Pirlo, I've heard it all now ... [rolls eyes incredulously]

I hope he does well for England (though I generally don't like our players playing for England), but he is the weakest player (in the XI - including Phil Neville!) we have, week-in, week-out.

People have such different eyes...

Bobby Thomas
98 Posted 09/11/2012 at 13:05:25

I'm hoping Jim is saying that the players he has named were superior, therefore capped, and were deserving of being capped because they were superior.

This ignores the fact that Kendall wasn't capped of course!! Harvey received one, was it against Cyprus or something?

What I would mention is that in the 60s, up until the World Cup in 70, England were playing 4-3-3, and there was a certain fella called Alan Ball knocking about, plus another fella called Bobby Charlton, possibly the best English player ever.

And if Jim isn't making the initial point I mentioned, then I've no idea what hes on about!!

As for Ossie, yes England are light on midfield options. But Ossie has gotten better throughout his career, developed and maximised the talent he had. This has been rewarded with a call-up.

No-one is saying he is going to go in and start dominating international midfields and play for England till he is 34. He will prob get a few call-ups max.

This call-up reminds me of Dennis Wise or Kevin Richardson getting in the squad. Both very, very good club players who got better and better as they got older but were, in truth probably never, long term, international players.

Michael Upton
99 Posted 09/11/2012 at 13:14:51

Sorry Jim (773), but are you on some kind of wind-up mission?

As the comments following your pointed out, most of the players you list were capped and none of them missed out to Leon Osman, did they? So what point exactly are you trying to make?

After the laughable "journeyman" reference earlier in the thread, I can only conclude you're attempting to provoke your fellow ToffeeWebbers.

Surely a more relevant list would include Matt Jarvis, Jordan Henderson, Adam Johnson, Tom Huddlestone, James Milner Ashley Young, David Bentley, Kieran Richardson, Stewart Downing, Jermaine Jenas, Lee Bowyer, David Dunn, Danny Murphy, Seth Johnson and Steve Guppy - all of whom have started for England since Ossie's Blues debut and many of whom have held down a place despite continuing to disappoint?

Ray Roche
100 Posted 09/11/2012 at 13:29:13

Jim Hourigan @773.

Sheedy, Reid, Bracewell, Stevens, Ball, Harvey, Kendall...

These are midfield players who deserve international recognition.

Henderson, Shelvy, Milner, Downing, Kelly, Sterling in front of any of them? Get real !!!

Ean Palese
101 Posted 09/11/2012 at 13:57:06

That is great for Ossie.

Here's a question - (NOT to take away any from all Leon deserves) do you think that Moyes deserves some of the credit for 'shaping' him into the player he is? Or is it all down to Leon rolling the sleeves up and showing up and continually putting in honest shifts in training and matches throughout?

Just curious because it seems as though Everton get a fair share of England call-ups for players who were not in the frame until they had a season or two under their belt under Moyes: Beattie, Rodwell, Lescott, Jags, Baines to name a few.

Tony Cheek
102 Posted 09/11/2012 at 14:31:28

Congratulations Leon... you have been great this season and deserve it, at last DM has given you a prolonged spell in the position you should always have played in. That's the difference this season.

Now hope you play like that all season. At your best you are one of England's most skillful, but all Blues fans have been frustrated how you "disappear" in some games, I know I have! Now, all you have to do is learn to shoot!

But I am a bit worried what Moyes is going to do when Gibson is fit again.

Christopher Kelly
103 Posted 09/11/2012 at 15:04:38

Ean, to me it comes down to Moyes playing him in the right position and finally having players who "play" around him.

Moyes also has been pushing for this in the media so that shows the gravitas he has as well with the FA and Hodgson.

Christopher Kelly
104 Posted 09/11/2012 at 18:08:10

Also, regarding the Osman bashers (as I'm one when it's due) this is a time to rejoice, not admonish or put down. All of Evertonia should be proud as it's an achievement that happens to a very small percentage of players. Esp. with one of our native sons!

Now don't fuck it up this weekend Ossie.

Tony McNulty
105 Posted 09/11/2012 at 18:17:41

I am pleased for the lad, although I feel it is a bit of a patronising pat on the head for someone at the end of their career, in a game which may not be of crucial importance.

The upside for us might be that it gives him a jolt of confidence which gets translated into our games.

The downside is that he might get injured. One year I am convinced we actually lost a trophy as a result of an injury to Big Nev when he was plaing for Wales on a cabbage field of a pitch.

Si Cooper
106 Posted 10/11/2012 at 01:58:10

Great for Ossie. Thoroughly deserved when set against some of the dross who have been capped over the years.

Just hope they give him some decent game time amongst the star players, rather than a 10 minute cameo when the game is already petering out. His performance may just settle a lot of arguments.

Always thought that I watched Trevor Steven gliding across the turf in midfield ahead of Gary Stevens at right back. D'OH!?

James Morgan
107 Posted 10/11/2012 at 09:42:30

Just seen a small piece in a colleagues The Mirror, the 'betting guru' Derek McGoverns takes on Ossie's call-up. The bell end must be a kopite.

He says he has a call up 'despite playing for Everton' and that he is from Billinge which is near Wigan, 'which is nearer where Everton normally finish.' What a grade A piss stain!

Cue abusive but not abusive enough to get me in trouble email to betsguru@aol.com. Some people eh!

Ian Bennett
108 Posted 10/11/2012 at 10:04:15

James - he's a bell end. He's quick to stick the knife in on everton, but I take more satisfaction that his comments are so our of whack it must stick in his throat when we do well.

Martin Tilly
109 Posted 10/11/2012 at 11:19:20

This has totally made my weekend (result today aside). I'm so pleased for him and it's also great to see so many positive comments on here. I just hope he gets some proper time on the pitch.

Brian Denton
110 Posted 10/11/2012 at 14:23:41

Tony (821) - we lost TWO trophies because of Southall's injury at that time.

Brian Waring
111 Posted 10/11/2012 at 14:47:01

Made up for the lad, but if the call up is to mean something, Osman needs to play, because at the age of 31, he's not going to get many more chances.