IS THERE A CHANCE OF SEEING A FULHAM PLAYER IN AN ENGLAND SHIRT AT THE WORLD CUP? Article By Sefton Monk

Has anyone thought that, why is it that everyone of Fulham’s starting eleven is a international or retired international bar the Englishmen?  Also 3 of them are captains and one ex-captain who has now retired from international duty. Even though none of these countries are of the standard of England, they still are good international sides with a few in the world cup.

Schwaszer – Australian (captain)

Hughes – Northern Irish (Captain)

Hangeland – Norwegian (captain)

Paintsil - Ghanaian

Duff – Irish

Dempsey – American

Gera – Hungarian (Retired – ex-captain)

Konchesky – English (only 2 Caps)

Murphy – English (Only 9 caps)

Etuhu – English born but represents Nigeria

Zamora – English (uncapped)

Also

Shorey – English (2 caps)

Greening – English (uncapped)

Smalling – English (U21)

Johnson – English

That is eight Englishmen and not one of them a current England international. I will give my opinion on the three I think should be considered for a call up and why they should or should not be included in Fabio Cappelo’s plans for the world cup. I would like people to comment on these opinions and to give their point of view please.

Konchesky –

Being apart of Fulham’s excellent defence last season, it has been evident that during his absence (because of injury) Fulham did miss him. With current Left-back crisis, Konchesky has now been given an opportunity to stake his claim for a place in the England squad. Konchesky wasn’t what Fulham fans called a good defender under Sanchez but Roy Hodgson has improved him as a player, he has now become solid defensively and rarely gets done for pace from an attacker.

Should he get chance at playing for England at South Africa – Yes or NO?

I think that there is tough competition for places now that Cole is doubtful and Bridge has ruled himself out of the World cup. Baines is a really good defender but lacks that creativity when he goes passed the half way line as he showed against Egypt. I think that given that Konchesky showed his quality for Fulham and his good defensive and attacking ability is evident, he would be good stand in for Ashley Cole.

Nicky Shorey –

Is it a coincidence that as soon as Shorey played his first match for Fulham, that they went on to have 6 clean sheets out of 8 games in February. Fulham leaked goals like crazy from the game at Chelsea up until Aston villa at Home. It was unfortunate for Shorey because he played really well for Reading and it didn’t quite work out well at Aston Villa. Shorey has been given a new lease of life at Craven Cottage and has a chance of staking a late claim for the England team.

Should he get chance at playing for England at South Africa – Yes or NO?

I think he has just as much chance of playing for England as Konchesky. Shorey’s technical ability makes up for his lack pace and height, he holds the line well and rarely lets the attackers get the better of him. Shorey doesn’t seem comfortable overlapping the wingers and because of this Fabio might not consider him a viable option for the world cup team.

Bobby Zamora -

Bobby Zamora, what can I say? Bobby has been an ever-present in the Fulham side this season whether it is in Europe, F.A Cup or The Premier League. His goals scoring record this season speaks for itself 15 Goals in 34 starts, which is a lot of goals for a centre forward who also creates a lot for his team-mates. He is what I call an Emile Heskey who can score goals; people might not agree with me but hear my reasoning. Emile Heskey is suited to the Cappello way to play football (Big man up top to bring others into play). Heskey has done a good job for England up front but he lacks that ability to score goals and when there is a cross in that box every England fan hopes that it falls to anyone but Heskey.

Should he get chance at playing for England at South Africa – Yes or NO?

Zamora has that strength that Heskey has but he also has the scoring ability and pace that Heskey lacks. He also is great at bringing in others to the game. Emile Heskey is in and out the Aston Villa team and has only contributed about 4 goals this season. So with Zamora’s current form there is no reason why not to take him, as I said Zamora is an Emile Heskey who can score. There are many other better players Bent, Agbonlahor, Crouch and Defoe that deserve the opportunity but Zamora offers that option that is if Emile does not perform you have perfect replacement for him and there needs to be no adjustment in the playing style of the team.

Considering that Cappelo has already had the last friendly before the tournament with out choosing any Fulham players, I think it is highly unlikely that we will see a Fulham player in an England Shirt this summer. Remember, for those superstitious people, England have not won a world cup without a Fulham Player in the team.