18 Mar 2021 14:06:52
In a way glad as Bam Bam will benefit from the rest, but Watkins over Him?
18 Mar 2021 16:00:10
With you on that one Richie, with our small squad we can't afford too many injuries whilst away with the country (ala Llorente with Spain)
As for Watkins, I can see he is probably a better choice internationally as he plays a less structured role for Villa, whilst Bamford has been coached on the specific qualities needed by a centre forward in a Bielsa structured team.
He is also a couple of years younger than Bamford so would give a longevity should he be a success.
Mind you not sure why there hasn't been progression for U21s.
18 Mar 2021 17:24:06
Inclined to agree with you there Axe, but I’m sure he feels devastated to being so close to being picked and the thought Olie Watkins has beaten him to it, That’s not to say Watkins is not a bad striker but Bam might of felt he’s shined more than him.
Hope it spurs Bam on to get a hat-trick at Fulham tomorrow to make his point.
18 Mar 2021 22:27:13
Axe is spot on. Bielsaball will have also affected Luke's chances.
19 Mar 2021 07:46:03
Bamford has scored more by Watkins is a good player. Wish we had signed him for Leeds as well as Benrahma- either would have been a better buy than Rodrigo.
19 Mar 2021 09:50:54
I think Southgate has missed a chance. Bamford is a different sort of striker to what he has there. Lingard and Watkins are Same old same old really. Nothing wrong with a bit of variety.
19 Mar 2021 10:32:33
Agree Bamford offers something different and has been as clinical as all English strikers this season
But personally I’d prefer it if no less players were internationals save them for us.
19 Mar 2021 10:45:39
Aus, I think you hit the nail on the head there. Bamford is a different type of centre forward.
I don't have an axe to grind against Southgate but I really don't see him as a top rated technical coach. I haven't seen him as influential. I just think the FA see him as a "safe pair of hands". So selecting a Bielsa player would mean he would have to start understanding very technical levels of coaching, and that ain't going to happen. Easier to select a lad who just runs around a lot to sit on a bench, and select Kane in the No9 shirt.
19 Mar 2021 11:45:53
Sad but probably true Axe. When has there ever been an England manager who didn’t conform the FA, safe hands, uninteresting, predictable yes man. Southgate has been marginally better than some of the previous England managers but I just put this down to the good relationship he has with the players rather than technical abilities as a top coach.
19 Mar 2021 17:52:00
Bambam has been great for Leeds this season but not sure he is clinical enough to be considered international class.
Neither is Ollie Watkins good enough to be called up for England.