After losing to Italy on penalties at the Euro’s, England last night exacted a rather mild form of revenge by beating Italy 2-1 in an actually quite entertaining and enjoyable friendly.
I still have no idea why it was played at a neutral venue in front of one man and his dog, anyway, watching last night I think it’s time that some of England’s more senior players should really do what’s best and announce their retirements, preferably before the World Cup qualifiers start.
It’s time for the likes of Gareth Barry, Frank Lampard and others to step back and allow some of the younger players to step in and get some international experience over the next two years.
Last night England’s midfield kept the ball and passed the ball with more focus and direction than at any time I’ve watched them play a top side, and with the performances of Carrick and Cleverly I think there’s no more room for Lampard and Barry.
Barry showed how out of his depth he was at the World Cup in South Africa so why should he be allowed a shot at going to the next one, and Lampard will be 36 if he makes it to Brazil and has proved time and again he can’t cut it against the very best.
I read a quote from Lampard saying that every time he plays for England he feels on trail, maybe because subconsciously he knows he shouldn’t be involved anymore.
For me there is still room for the likes of Gerrard, Parker and Terry because they were easily our star performers in Poland and Ukraine.
Every time England get knocked out of a major tournament everybody says that the older players need to step aside and the younger players need to be brought in, well maybe now is the time to put this into practice.
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