da aviator aposta： It’s an absolute crying shame and almost beyond belief.
da brwin： Once again, missing and overlooked from the England squad for the latest international friendlies, Mark Noble still hasn’t been recognised with a full England cap.
If we are all honest, Danny Drinkwater is there (and good luck to him) on the back of Leicester’s astonishing season, but is he really better than West Ham’s Noble? What about the Hammers’ own astonishing season? Few considered them any better than midtable at the beginning of the season and now they are still in with a very real shout of a Champions League place. A team captained by Noble. Mr. West Ham himself.
Although you would expect that the 28-year-old wasn’t pinning his hopes on a call-up, you can imagine that some part of him was secretly hoping that his name would be among the 23. With some midfielders not exactly lighting up the Premier League this season – step forward James Milner and Jordan Henderson for starters – he must have thought he had a genuine chance.
What else does Noble have to do to be recognised by Roy Hodgson? Where is the recognition for any West Ham players again? The same could be said for others like Watford’s Troy Deeney. Give them a chance.
No Aaron Cresswell either. Over two seasons, Cresswell has become a name linked with the country’s best clubs, so he must be doing something right. He is consistently one of the top left backs this country has, but is always overlooked. Danny Rose at Spurs got the nod over Cresswell. Have West Ham done something to upset Mr Hodgson and the FA?
This cursory glance at West Ham, rather than an in depth look at what is on offer, is an insult. Someone give Woy’s guide dog a kick.
Anyway, apart the resilient Noble, who this weekend will enjoy a well earned testimonial, here are some other future England prospects at West Ham that have be overlooked…
Aaron Cresswell
From Tranmere to the Premier League, Cresswell was a revelation in his first season at Upton Park. ‘Big Sam’ bought him from Championship side Ipswich Town for the laughable fee of £3.75m and Cresswell was ever-present in West Ham’s defence – winning both the Hammer of the Year and Players’ Player of the Year awards.
The club then handed the 26 year old a new five-year contract, but still Cresswell appears to be ‘not good enough’ at international level. Chelsea and Manchester City have enquired about the player, but still nod from Woy.
Michail Antonio
There’s a radio advert about the Royal Navy – you’ve probably heard it. Following their line, Antonio was born in Wandsworth, but made by West Ham. Since his £7m capture from Nottingham Forest, the winger has lit up the club with his creativity, strength, goals, attitude and never say die spirit.
He is keeping Victor Moses out of the team at present and, to be honest, is a better player right now than Theo Walcott is. Antonio is West Ham’s second highest goalscorer this season and although it took time for him to break through, he has grabbed his chance and isn’t letting go.
More players like this are needed. Take note, Roy, you’ve got nobody like Antonio in your squad. He’d scare the life out of most European teams.
Sam Byram
It’s early days yet for the lad from Leeds, but surely he’s one for the future. His mature displays at right back mean that Slaven Bilic has got a star defender for years to come.
An absolute steal at £3.75m, the 22-year-old is fast becoming a fans’ favourite. Hodgson hasn’t given him a break, but the next England manager should look to Stratford and start taking note.
Reece Oxford
Another for the future, but the spotlight this season has certainly been on this 17-year-old. His debut against Arsenal on the first day of the season was beyond doubt one of class and distinction and There is already interest from other clubs, but Bilic has plans for the youngster and his future with the Hammers, and at full international level, should be beyond doubt.
Beyond doubt that is unless your the England manager or as dull-witted and as blind as a bat.