With the international break over, the punters here in the Transfer Tavern breath a sigh of relief, as they count down the days until the Premier League returns.
Unlike the usual drab ending of the international break, however, the 2-0 victory over France last night left many punters staying behind to get a few more rounds in.
Brilliant goals from Dele Alli and Wayne Rooney secured an impressive victory over next summer’s favourites for Euro 2016, as both teams united together under the Wembley lights following the recent tragic events in Paris.
The impressive display from the Three Lions was a real statement of intent, and got many fans in the Transfer Tavern discussing next summer’s squad in excitement. Perhaps what was particularly telling about last night’s result was, unlike against Spain, Hodgson picked a team that was genuinely in form, and his decision very much paid off.
Hodgson has some big decision to make next summer, and for me should blood some of his youngsters into the squad. As a result, here are five players he should definitely leave behind next summer.
Hit Hodgson below to see FIVE established England players he should leave behind next summer!
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Phil Jagielka
Jagielka has been a fine servant for England, but Hodgson should now be opting for the likes of John Stones and Chris Smalling, both who are younger and in form. I
f Hodgson was to start Jagielka, he would only be delaying the development of these sort of players. Jagielka is currently out with a knee problem, and his absence from the France victory could be telling for him.
Michael Carrick
Carrick was forced off on a stretcher against Spain, and the 34 year old had a very average game against the current European champions.
Unfortunately, Carrick should have had his chances at England earlier and it is a shame that his talent was not recognised when he was a bit younger.
Carrick is also playing less for Manchester United, and given the performances of Alli and Dier, it would be hard to justify his call up unless there was an injury crisis.
Danny Welbeck
Welbeck has a decent record for England, but his recent long term injury could cost him. With Rooney and Kane almost certainly on the plane, and with Jamie Vardy making a great case for himself, it could be a race between Welbeck and Sturridge for the final spot.
Arguably, the latter is a much better option than the current Arsenal man, who still continues to be inconsistent in front of goal.
Andros Townsend
Townsend is currently out of the Spurs side following a bust-up with the physio, and given how well Pochettino’s side are playing, could find his chances limited.
Unless Townsend finds greater first-team opportunities, it could be hard to justify his call up. Though Townsend performs well for England, there are simply better options than him.
James Milner
Unless there is a big injury crisis, Milner simply shouldn’t be starting in central midfield for England.
Though he is a good squad player who puts in 100 per cent in all his performances, he simply lacks the quality that these other rising stars do.
It may be a big call to some to leave out the Liverpool man, but if Alli, Dier, Henderson and Wilshere were all fit, then why would you take him?
