A thread to comment about this week's friendlies. This article caught my eye for the windup they made of it. Lamela Called in to Replace Messi The truth is Lamela was called up due to a couple of injuries. I doubt he'll see action against Germany, but it's good to see his form this year has earned him a return to the Argentina squad, injuries or no.
Dier's out of U-21s with injury, hopefully not too serious. Will be just what we need what with Walker being out too.
Not sure mate, only heard via Twitter than he's been withdrawn (so presume it's due to injury?). If it is just a slight knock hopefully he'll be fit for Sunderland, there's enough time to recover.
The PL has only just started and we've got a break I can't bear listening to the cliches about a new dawn for English football when Colback scuffs a 90th minute winner as England triumph 1-0 over Norway in a friendly. Help.
I'll be watching and hoping for signs of promise from England. Not holding out much hope but you never know. At this stage I'd rather see us lose than limp on for another 2 years if Hodgson can't improve things significantly.
With Hodgson as boss, I can't see us ever improving. Great man-manager for bottom half Prem sides but at international level, think he's piss poor.
For Sunderland we might not though. Walker injured, possibly Dier too, Naughton's still suspended and Fredericks is at Boro on loan, you just couldn't make this up Could well be Kaboul. Typical "Spursy" situation.
Naughton's not suspended. He got a one game ban, which shouldn't have even been that. All straight red cards aren't a three game ban, only violent conduct is. Chiriches is probably a better choice at right-back than Kaboul now, too.
Lamela starts for Argentina. Ozil warms Germany's bench. I'd usually rather a Spur is rested. In this case I think a start for Argentina might help continue building his confidence. Lamela dribbles past a couple of defenders, and passes to Di Maria, who centers for Aguero to score. "And Neuer has to get down very well to stop Lamela," after another good dribble and strong shot. Nothing wrong with Argentina versus Germany that dropping Messi and adding Lamela can't solve. "Pulls it back for Lamela, who volleys it into the roof of the net! That is a fantastic goal! This cushioned volley from Lamela!" By the way, that's Erik so-called ****ing "Lame"-la starting for the World Cup runners up and stunning the world champions with a superb goal. Good thing the transfer window just closed.
How long before England games can be played somewhere other than the soulless Wembley? It's sooooo boring. If they have to be played at Wembley, employ 50 professional singers to get things started, or something. I imagine Old Trafford or St James Park would be packed and rocking.
Excellent control on that Lamela volley. Usually takes a lot to beat Neuer and no 'keeper's saving that. Average again from England, Henderson-Wilshere-Chamberlain looks like the making of another unbalanced midfield combination of the players considered the biggest names. I think we'll still win comfortably, as we should expect against weaker opposition but at the moment the only stand out player has been Sterling, Sturridge has looked lively but lacked quality in the box so far. Get Delph on, he's better than Wilshere and Chamberlain.