Thanks For Sweet FA, Capello
Jun 1st, 2010 by 'holic
A year ago England couldn’t get enough of Theo Walcott. Not content with including him in the world cup qualifiers against Kazakhstan and Andorra at senior level, he was also called up for the U-21 European Championship, against the wishes of the manager of the club that pays his wages.
Not surprisingly they sent him back broken. It was October before we saw him in an Arsenal shirt, and he scored against Blackburn. However a string of niggling injuries restricted him to just fifteen starts. Today, Theo learned the hard way that perhaps he should have taken more notice of Arsene Wenger last summer.
There are two sides to every story. I think a large number of Arsenal supporters would accept that we did not see the best of Theo Walcott this term. Denied a proper preparation and a full season he could not build on his excellent performances in 2008-2009, which of course included the hat-trick in Croatia that, more than any other result, convinced England they could reach South Africa.
So nobody could vehemently argue he warranted a starting place on merit. Clearly he does not. Seriously though, if England are two down in a critical game at the tournament, who would you want to bring on from the bench to provide a different and direct threat?
Arsenal fans know. Even in a poor season, Theo’s cameo in the home leg of the Champions League quarter-final against Barcelona contributed much to a remarkable transformation at a time when it was desperately needed.
Theo himself showed a degree of class and restraint with his philosophical acceptance of today’s decision.
“I am very disappointed not to be included in the squad going out to South Africa, but completely respect Mr Capello’s decision. I would like to wish the team the best of luck and hope they have a really successful tournament.”
How ironic that the Football Association, who took him to the last World Cup in order to gain experience, should today have wasted the opportunity to add some validity to that futile exercise. For the second World Cup running they have subjected a young man to intense scrutiny and some scorn, and only a year after coming so close to burning him out.
Capello for Inter? Sounds good to me. I can’t get enthused by an England team managed by that man.
113 Responses to “Thanks For Sweet FA, Capello”
Your piont about coming off the bench is spot on.
Personally, I’m sort of glad he won’t be under the spotlight this summer and will be able to stay injury free and come back with a point to prove in August.
England’s loss will be Arsenal’s gain.
Large glass of Shiraz please.
Ever on the frontline ‘holic. I’ll have a warming cocoa and kahlua chaser, please.
Brilliant post…. the FA were seriously wrong to take Theo to that tournament and it has had a negative effect on his season.
Good news is he gets a break this summer and that could be positive for him and arsenal.
Spot on, DAF.
Gooners for the treble next season.
Don’t really think that Theo has done enough to warrant a place but you do make some very valid points. I do agree with you about using him as an impact player. A squad that includes 5 centre halves seems strange to me.
I agree totally re taking him 4 years ago. I do not think that was a poor decision. Stats tell you that no team has ever won the world cup using more than 17 players, so the odd gamble is not a problem.
The treatment of Theo last season by England was shocking. I still have not really read anything to make me think otherwise. Madness really. There is also a very good argument to say that he never recovered from those trips.
Well, he has a nice long break. One in which to get himself refreshed and fully fit for next season. Who knows, he might get a starting position up front???? And this may just be the kick up the arse he needs. I do think that he gets treated very unfairly by the media in general but I also think that at times he looks as if he is in a bit of a comfort zone.
Here’s to next season.
Makes me laugh that Cappeelo has sent more time at the Emirates than any other ground in the Country – largely due to he lavish hospitality he receies from us- I joke not -on a recent tour of the emirates I was told that he has his own tale within e diamond club so he is able to entertain his cronies.
As far as I am concerned, it is a good selection for Arsenal (and they are my only concern) as Wacott unlike last year won be burnt out having served the senior side and u21’s. If iwas him I would tell England to stuff it.
“How ironic that the Football Association, who took him to the last World Cup in order to gain experience, should today have wasted the opportunity to add some validity to that futile exercise. For the second World Cup running they have subjected a young man to intense scrutiny and some scorn, and only a year after coming so close to burning him out.”
Can agree with that, ‘holic.
Whatever’s on tap, please.
Agreed DAF, Theo being able to have the summer off is definitely a positive. I just hope that it doesn’t damage the lad’s confidence too much though.
Blimey, the bar is full early tonight.
I’ll have a grog please.
I’m not English (and actually I hope that a team containing Gerrard, Terry and Cashley get out in group stages), and not the biggest fan of Walcott, but from the English point of view, not taking Walcott to the WC is a big blunder. He’s not the finished article, but he’s among the best super subs in the world. If England are 2-0 down in the 70th minute, will SWP really change the game?
Great news for Arsenal though, Walcott will get the summer off, have a proper pre-season, work on his final delivery etc and get more focused.
Good blog!
I also think Theo needs to toughen up both physically and attitude wise. He comes across as ability too nice IMHO. Well, nice guys don’t often finish first.
Perhaps Capello’s decision (which I tend to agree with overall) will give him a KITA just like Steve T says.
Not that anyone would, but I wouldn’t recommend attempting to listening to Talkshite’s opinion on this matter.
Apparently Le Boss is completely responsible for not fulfilling his obligation to the Ingerlund team and Theo’s bad form is entirely his fault. The utter retards.
Another good post, ‘holic.
*goes to smash the crap out of the nearest radio*
Dude, you blow me away…
Here is to you, Cheers
JD @ Coke please
Couldn’t agree more. I think ‘England’ have a lot to answer for in reagards to Theo. I am now glad that he is not going. A summer of rest and a decent pre season will show us, next season, the real potential he has. I believe that he has the support and maturity to deal with this as long as the media now leave him alone.
In regards to Fabregas I strongly believe that he will give us another season. I hope he stays as captain as we don’t need another change, and leaves with the blessing of all the Emirates in his ears and not the boos of an immature minority. Thanks holic for a great blog
What are you talking about you south London cocks walcock did play last year for the u21s,he was on the bench cos he’s bollox,just a shit Aaron Lennon shit Aaron Lennon.
+ their main point seems to be that Theo should used this as a catalyst for leaving the club.
/disjointed train of thought.
The Neanderthal’s have arrived, I thought I heard him dragging his knuckles along the floor.
There is your proof that evolution has failed in the Middlesex swamplands.
Hi can’t agree with you more holic,although in a way quite happy that he is not going.To listen to the last 2 England matches commentary you would have thought Walcott was the only one having a bad game.One example of this was against Mexico he waltzed past 3 players and made a perfect pass to Wayne Shrek Rooney who had wandered offside.Did Rooney get abuse for running into an offside position no of course not it was Walcott who had the audacity to pass to him who got the abuse.Well at least the media will be happy if nothing else.To nelly how can you still listen to that pile of poo Talkshite,everytime I have gone on there after being so wound up by their constant Arsenal baiting I have been cut off as they do not like an Arsenal supporter who can show them up for their utter lack of intelligence and their xenophobic attitude when talking about Arsenal.
I would like a pint of Cornish rattler mixed (Apple and Pear cider) when you’re ready ‘holic
I remember Wenger being really annoyed at Stuart Pearce last summer for taking him on that U-21 tournament after playing for the National team. One stat on Sky Sports today was since Theo’s game v Croatia in 2008, he’s only completed 14% of his crosses for England. With stats like that, one shouldn’t be playing in the Prem let alone going to a World Cup. Let’s hope Theo’s pissed off enough to start learning how to cross a ball and show us he’s got the talent to make an impact for Arsenal next season.
Some fair points Mr Holic and Ars will no doubt reap the benefits next season but did Theo really merit a place? I dont think so but then neither did SWP or Carra but thats another story or 2
Spot on ‘holic.
Did the stadium tour today. Thanks for making it so easy to book.
Emerging from the swamplands on to dry land. He has managed to string a few words together though fair play to him, even if they are just cock bollox and shit.
Look, Walcott, he just is not good enough. He’s got pace and that’s all! Merse was bang on when he said he said he hadn’t progressed one bit since he came to us, that’s because there’s not much there to start with. So he got a hat trick once for England. he’s done not much else for club and country since! And yet the press rave about him like he’s a genius! Why? We’ve been brought up at Highbury on Limpar, Overmars and Pires, all World class wingers. Do you really, really think Walcott is anywhere near that level? I don’t! Instead I reckon he’s the illegitimate love child of McGoldrick and Hayes. I genuinely think Glenn Helder was better. Sorry!
Good post but you also have to question why we have zero English players going to the worldcup. I for one feel that we have been lacking comitment and desire at the Arsenal for a number of years and hold Wenger responsible for not installing this by having the right blend of players. After all we do play in a English league..
Just read a comment from Harold Rednap about Joe Cole. He recons Cole has an agreement already in place and as a result will not be going to Sp*rs. Butch Wilkins said on Talksport that Cole would not leave London at any cost as he is a ‘real London boy’. That would indicate a possible arrival at either the Emirates or Fulham. That narrows it down a bit.
This article is completely over the top and ridiculously biased. Walcott is an impact sub, nothing more – and so is Aaron Lennon, but the Spurs man is much improved this season whereas Walcott has gone backwards. Hopefully Walcott will be where Lennon is in a couple of years, but at the moment he doesn’t warrant being on the plane, he doesn’t even warrant starting a football match for Arsenal.
Great post and great news for Arsenal. Like Nasri a summer of rest and physical prep will do wonder for young Theo.
I have no interest at all in the “english” team with Mr “Boring Fotball from Italy” at its head but without any Arsenal players in it, I wish them all the best with gruesome ET at every step up until the final loss (unfair if possible). That should so it perfectly for our competitors pre-season preparations 😉
I’ll have one to next season with Steve T, it’s early and warm here so a lager top will do fine.
James, you should read the whole article.
People argue tha Theo has not done enough to be taken to the WC, but in all honesty has SWP? He has done even less!
I know everyone goes on about how little Theo has done but there are other players in that squad that has done as little as him imo. Say lennon, brilliant before xms been out for 4 months, i bet my hat he will limp off injured at group stage and what does England have as a reserve? OH yeah! the brilliant SWP, the man that was pushed out of CIty by A. Johnson that btw is not going. Oh the irony…
At least it spares him another humiliating defeat,he gets enough of them at Arsenal.
I love trivia and am always looking for some info or the other.
can someone tell me when was the last time Arsenal didnt have a single rep in the England WC squad. I remember the WC squads after 98 (and of course England didnt qualify for 94) – and was too small to rem to 90 squad..
James, forgive me, but nowhere will you find that I have argued for Theo’s inclusion ahead of your one-kneed superstar. So your point is?
Ed – we don’t have any English players going to the World Cup as we don’t have many. And that’s because they have this habit of being overrated and horrendously overpriced.
Danish – regular ray of sunshine aren’t you.
Nasri and Theo not getting crocked at the world cup – what’s not to like? 🙂
Some of these people don’t even buy a drink, ‘holic. Do they not realise that the loos are for customer use only?
1990, Sajit.
Which given we were champions in 89 and 91 with an all English back five, and the likes of Rocastle, Merson and Smith, is remarkable when you look back.
what a good blog Mr Holic – thanks
*runs to the off license for supplies before its a no – no*
I can’t remember any player getting the same scrutiny Walcott has. The pundits choice for slagging off presumably because he is a nice boy and not more of a lad.
I’d have taken him for the very reason that he is an impact sub especially at altitude when players are struggling and tired. Big games. Walcott has produced goals against Chelsea in Carling Cup Final and FA Semi goal against Barca plus assist at Liverpool. I can’t remember a big SWP game or even earth shattering Lennon performance. SWP played for Pearce at Man City explains why he got the nod despite not being able to get in Mancini’s 1st team.
Not withstanding the truth is England go into these finals with some players seriously out of form e.g. Terry, Gerrard, Rooney, Defoe. Weaknesses like the right back will be exposed by stronger teams. I can’t recall any major championship where I have cared less how England do.
I’ll have to get my plunger out again, KT 😉
Charlie, you still have to question the fact that we have NO English players going to the world cup. As we are in the English Premier league this can’t be right. Why should the Arsenal be assisting France before England?
There quite a few Arsenal players that aren’t going to the WC and I’m all for it. Arshavin, Nasri, Dudu, Theo….it’ll be good for these guys to get a summer or rest and have a good preseason so they can really show what they’re made of next term. Especially our little Russian and French magicians. They could utilize the rest (mentally and physically) to raise their concentration and level of play. I belive this will actually be a proper summer of rest for our boys and it will do us a WORLD of good. So good for Man Utd./Chelsea/Pool and anyone else who has all their players playn’ in the WC it’ll give us an advantage at the beginning of the season. Does anyone know who else isn’t going from the squad? (First Team)
By the Euros we will have Gibbs and Wilshire as regular England Squad members with maybe a few others on the fringes like Lansbury or JET who could make an impact.
Ed, I’m so glad I have you here to tell me what I have to question.
My allegiance is to Arsenal, and they have a responsibility only to themselves.
Did anyone hear that plumb Adrian Durham on Talkshi!te today saying that an England team without Walcott won’t win the World Cup!?
This is the same Theo Walcott he was smashing the other day for not being good enough to get in the Arsenal side.
I really think that Theo needs to shut his mouth talking to the press and knuckle down to being the player that we all want him to be. How many articles have you read inthe past 6 months from him? In recent memory I can think of the ones on how he has earnt his place in the WC squad this year but not in 2006 and about how Arsenal need to toughen up. The toughening up seems to be a particualr favourite of his, which is odd when he is the most lightweight of the entire squad!
Anyway, hopefully Theo will come back stronger and revved up for the 2010/11 season but I honestly cant see it. A career at Aston Villa or Everton awaits if he can’t man up a bit.
What about 1970? There were no Arsenal players in that squad either and look what happened in 1971.
Going back to 90. Seaman was signed by Arsenal whilst with the England squad in Italy but had to pull out of the squad with a broken thumb, I believe
Goonerholic you are correct but on a personal point of view i would rather be cheering an Arsenal representative than a Tottenham one.
Agreed on that Ed. I won’t be cheering this lot on. Too many players who shouldn’t be there, which is another reason that Walcott’s omission stinks. Why has he been singled out when so many others who have been out injured, or are simply not in any semblance of form, have been included?
thanks for that Holic, you sure are an arse-pedia. 🙂
I feel for the lad and think it really was a 50/50 decision as he has been poor for the most part this season but he’s always got a game turning run in him, What I will say tho is he’s taken it like a Man and showed utter class when many others in that side would have gone crying to the media hopefully he will use this dissapointment to his advantage and cause havic next year after a full pre season !!!!!
Theo is a GREAT super sub, but has capello ever used him in that role? I dont think he would take him to SA on that basis. Wenger is definitely trying to not use Theo like that as well. But I can say for Arsenal his biggest 10 impacts on games have been when he has come on as a sub. I still think Arsenal should use him in that role to win games for us. we shouldn’t be ashamed to use him to his best strengths. Pace against tired legs is a winner.
His feet are too big for his body 😉
Bang on Holic. I’m pleased to be honest that Theo can’t now be one of the scapegoats for the inevitable failure in SA. The lad needs a summer to concentrate on club football and make himself first on the team sheet for US. Unlucky Theo, don’t lose too much sleep.
Theo has shown he is a big game player eg Carling Cup final v Chelsea, CL quarter final v Liverpool (on a plate for Adebayor), hat trick v Croatia, and the CL quarter final v Barca. Shameful that he has been excluded at 21 years old with that lot behind him. Even the last Arsenal match he set up two goals, the RVP one and the own goal. My theory is that Rooney and his mates did for Theo because they don’t rate him. No other explanation for Capello’s decision. SVP is a nobody and Lennon has had one good game for England. We saw how poor his finishing is recently.
dont feel bad for him, he earns 60K a week and will cry in his girlfriend’s ferrari while he is in his mansion overlooking the sea.
he will be fine as he cries fake tears onto his million pound shag carpets as he drinks expensive wines
oh…capello was spot on
he was trash v mexico
How many Champions league games has Lennon ever player in? 0 . Barry ever? 0. Defoe ever ?0. Milner ?0. And recently SWP ?0. Heskey 0. Crouch?0 Upson (except for any at Arsenal)? 0. Warnock?0. King? 0. The Goal Keepers? 0 between them!!! Glen Johnson ? only this season.
Theo has more relevant european type big match experience than two thirds of the England squad put together. He has played at the highest level for the last 3 seasons which none of the above save SWP can match.
England wont win WC this summer with or without Theo. Bit Capello should have been loyal to Theo given the shabby treatment he received last summer from the England Camp. Those injuries from the lack of rest have caused him to have poor season resulting in his omission today. Capello should be ashamed of treating a young lad in such a way.
I hope Theo grows up mentally from this. I hope he now realises the world is full of nasty ruthless creatures like Capello who will use you and then toss you away. Theo needs to foucs on cold hard revenge. Go get a nasty streak my son.
Carrick was trash, and he’s still going.
And who cares if he’s well off, we can still feel sorry for him.
[…] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Arsenal FC, Soran Hourami and TheArsenal, sue halbert. sue halbert said: RT @TheGoonerholic: Thanks for sweet FA, Capello. Perhaps you should only have used him once last summer! http://is.gd/cyA5A […]
Very illogical from his past record and opinions of both England managers,there only needs a quiet word in his ears if ‘not following instruction’ in the last game is the real reason for exclusion. Well, it will give him food for thought to really show people what they missed,and a chance not to be blamed for not winning the world cup.should England fail.
He’s just not good enough. End of.
Does not need discussing really. He is no better than anyone else.
He was poor most of the season and with Lennon fit he won’t add anything. Croatia was a fluke.
Back to Dial Square oe eurostar for the woolwich.
To be fair to Walcott, he’s not a winger, Wenger plays him because the team needs him there and also to improve his general footballing skills.
My disappointment is that at Arsenal he is amongst the finest pure footballers in the world, and with a great attacking coach, yet his improvement is minimal.
I totally agree with Dirty Turkey, Walcott has been mouthing off like a little schoolboy this season. He seems to talk, play and behave like some sugary teeny world. I just want him to concentrate on his football and show some grit and fight.
Ran accross this, here is a list of players that has played in the World Cup while playing for Arsenal:
1950 in Mexico:
Laurie Scott (England)
1954 in Switzerland:
No Arsenal players.
1958 in Sweden:
Jack Kelsey (Wales)
Dave Bowen (Wales)
1962 in Chile:
George Eastham (England)
1966 in England:
George Eastham (England)
1970 in Mexico:
No Arsenal players.
1974 in West Germany:
No Arsenal players.
1978 in Argentina:
No Arsenal players.
1982 in Spain:
George Wood (Scotland)
Pat Jennings (Northern Ireland)
Graham Rix (England)
Kenny Sansom (England)
1986 in Mexico:
Kenny Sansom (England)
Viv Anderson (England)
Charlie Nicholas (Scotland)
1990 in Italy:
David O’Leary (Republic of Ireland)
1994 in USA:
Eddie McGoldrick (Republic of Ireland)
1998 in France:
David Seaman (England)
Tony Adams (England)
Martin Keown (England)
Dennis Bergkamp (Holland)
Marc Overmars (Holland)
Patrick Vieira (France)
Emmanuel Petit (France)
2002 in Korea/Japan:
David Seaman (England)
Ashley Cole (England)
Sol Campbell (England)
Martin Keown (England)
Junichi Inamoto (Japan)
Fredrik Ljungberg (Sweden)
Nwankwo Kanu (Nigeria)
Lauren (Cameroon)
Patrick Vieira (France)
Sylvain Wiltord (France)
Thierry Henry (France)
2006 in Germany:
José Antonio Reyes (Spain)
Cesc FÃ bregas (Spain)
Emmanuel Adebayor (Togo)
Johan Djourou (Switzerland)
Philippe Senderos (Switzerland)
Thierry Henry (France)
Gilberto Silva (Brazil)
Robin van Persie (Holland)
Kolo Touré (Ivory Coast)
Emmanuel Eboué (Ivory Coast)
Fredrik Ljungberg (Sweden)
Ashley Cole (England)
Sol Campbell (England)
Theo Walcott (England)
Jens Lehmann (Germany)
And for this World Cup: (Only the countries that has made their squad official as of Yesterday):
Philippe Senderos (Switzerland)
Cesc FÃ bregas (Spain)
Emmanuel Eboué (Ivory Coast)
Robin van Persie (Holland)
Nicklas Bendtner (Denmark)
Alexandre Song (Cameroon)
Carlos Vela (Mexico)
Bacary Sagna (France)
Gaël Clichy (France)
Abou Diaby (France)
William Gallas (France)
Hitman,
I’m pretty sure Crouch has played in not only the champion’s league with ‘pool but the WC. Lennon has also played in the WC.
Regards
Walcott would have already been axed if not Arsene, who is always so patient with his players. Play 1 good game in every 10 games to me is not even championship standard. Walcott would never be a good player.
Come on don’t beat around the bush….F@ck England!
Arsenal always over England….. x
Back page rumours for tomorrow are that Theo didn’t put into practice for the Japan game what he was told following a DVD rerun of yhd Mexico game.
We get Vermaelen, Arshavin, Theo and Nasri fully rested over the summer, can only be good for us.
Had too much red wine tonight so just some Rennie for me please.
He really doesn’t deserve to go based on this season’s performance, but then again the same could be said for many in the squad. Anyway, hope he takes this the right way and works hard to improve. He should’ve listened to Arsene and not gone to the U21s.
Holic,
Have huge respect for all you do and write.
As an objective gunner – I respectfully disagree on the theo stance.
He’s been poor all year and the young man would do well to concentrate on making the Arsenal first 11 before the national squad.
He has talent, pace, great coach, wonderful club and family support…
But he still cant cross, makes very poor decisions, lacks penetration, doesn’t score enough and the one thing that really annoys me is his lack of putting in the hard yards tracking back.
Capello is a great manager and has proven himself at every club he’s been with. I think England have done very well so far under his reign and I think they’ll go a long way.
Could be the kick in the Arse Theo really needs.
Bowmore – 3 cubes.
no arsenal players in england world cup squad- has this happened before?
Shame –
nevermind i’m over it
come on spain france and holland!
Shoud have fully rested squad next season 🙂
Best news I’ve heard in days – Ramsey signing a long term contract and showing himself to be a gooner apart – England dont need Theo eh? Just hoping Theo realises he dont need England. He has been made a mug of, slated by the press and TV pundits, and for why? Cos he plays for The Arsenal? Maybe Walcott should enjoy his welcome break and give it the one finger to the appalling FA walk away from a frankly piss poor national team and concentrate on doing the business for the team that pays his wages. Makes me laugh that the media are discussing second phase and quarter final opponents. I seriously doubt Engerland will get out of the group stages the team is full of crocks and oldies. Capello done you a favour Theo cos the blame for a creaking ageing team would have landed on your mat. Theo not going to the World Cup? YIPPEEEEE
nelly @ 13 – I turn Talkshite on only rarely, out of some morbid fascination to see just how anti-Arsenal they can get about virtually every football related topic you could ever dream of.
Today was the first visit for a while, and in the 5 minutes i could stand, i gathered that Theo Walcott was the ONLY player omitted from the final England squad, as NO other names were mentioned. Why the determination to humiliate a young lad who was only too willing to give his all (rather too much, as it turned out, as pointed out already by ‘Holic) to England last summer?
Radio 5 Live even interrupted a lunchtime broadcast to bring “news” of Theo’s omission, BEFORE it was even official.
Talkshite went on to read out a list of young players who should never join Arsenal, because Wenger would only ruin them, and use them to warm the bench!
Well, if there is one manager who will give young players the trust and time they need, not to mention a walloping helping of expertise, it has to be Wenger.
The Talkshite co-presenting expert, by the way, was one Darren Gough, a “life-long”, tyke, Spud, no less. Last time I looked, he was a cricket player. That would explain it then.
Please can someone explain exactly where this media loathing of Arsenal comes from?
Due to the array of characters on display for England, i restricted myself to the first 15 minutes of the second half against Mexico (missed Japan entirely) and Theo put a fantastic ball across the face of goal, that Defoe and Rooney couldn’t to arsed to even stretch for.
There were other good signs, including a run to the goalline and cutback to Gerrard in a good position in the box. Rooney on this occasion, decided he fancied the ball, and made Theo well aware of his displeasure that it had gone to his scouse team mate. Thereafter, Theo did not see the ball again until i switched off. He was given no early ball with a chance to run behind the defence and drifted out of the game.
I am not a blind, biased fanatic who would claim that Theo is the finished article, or even on his own best form at the moment.
He does, however, have pace that nobody else in the team does, and has fairly consistently produced in the biggest games for club and country.
To think of the number of injury-risk players who have made the squad, and the inclusion of the likes of Heskey. . . .
Well, good, i say.
A summer of fist-pumping, gum chewing, arm waving coaching from S Pearce will be no loss. He will be fresh to improve next season.
For those eager, or even impatient for more new signings – a thought. TODAY was the FIRST day of the summer transfer window!
Seems to have been going on for months.
[…] venerable Goonerholic makes the point that Walcott’s poor form is in part of the FA’s own making, as they […]
No more Arsenal players in the England team?! We really are improving.
The upside to this is that now we can support the English team to go all the way to the semis or finals, hope some key players (e.g. Rooney) get crocked for next season. Of course, I’m thinking only of Arsenal :-). And, I hope that Theo really uses this as motivation to get better — I have a feeling that he will.
Yeah Kevin, that really annoys me ! Not a single Gunner in the England squad! It says something about our manager doesn’t it?!
But what annoys me even more is having Cappelo managing the England team. I am not English or even British for that matter – but it still irks me and I can’t understand why you lot have a foreigner managing your team. For God’s sake people – don’t you have any self-respect? No pride? You have what is regarded as the best league in the world – yet can’t produce a home grown manager? Pathetic! The English FA ought to be lined up against a wall and shot! I am NOT racist – I just think that a footballing nation like England should have a little more self respect!
If Theo played for anyone else nobody would be writing this diatribe.
Theo is NOT good enough for England and I have expressed my doubts as to whether he is good enough for us.
I say one more season and hopefully we get to see this fabled potential, otherwise Hasta la Vista.
Arsenal always over England…
It’s a bit like The Clash over The Jam….!
Speaking of which ‘holic I finally got the other half to rebuild the blog for me…so am ‘live’ again. I’ve missed writing for anything other than work!
Tim,
Love that analogy !! To right Mate.
Joe (71), apologies your post got trapped by my spam filter for no good reason. I cannot work out why that happens sometimes.
Anyway, I have no problem with you disagreeing and then explaining eloquently why. That is the intention of the drinks.
Cheers.
gunnersince1972 – if Capello won them the World Cup I’m sure most England fans wouldn’t give a toss where he was from. The fact is there’s no English managers good enough for the job right now so you pick someone who is good enough.
About a year ago Arsene said “England will pay the price” when Theo was selected for the U21 tournament.
Lo and behold, a knackered and injured Theo never got a proper pre-season and never really got going this past season – exactly what Arsene predicted.
There is an expression for this:
“Arsene Knows”.
Seeing as it’s rather early, I’ll just have half a Boddingtons.
[…] is that Theo had a poor season and hasn’t made the kind of progress we’d expected. As Goonerholic points out the FA haven’t exactly covered themselves in glory here, they couldn’t get enough of […]
@28 James – “biased”? Did you come to an Arsenal blog for impartiality? Twat.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2010/jun/01/joe-cole-chelsea-harry-redknapp
Redknapp’s comments would suggest Joe Cole moving to Arsenal is more likely, given us and Spurs were the two teams most heavily linked with him. The only other teams who might be in the race for him are Man Utd and City, but would he want to move up north?
Redknapp in ‘telling porkies’ shocker, beast?
Another coffee for me please, boss.
Some fair points there ‘holic, and I agree with most of it, but do remember it wasn’t Capello who took Theo to the last World Cup, or who insisted he played for U21s too. You’re right to point the finger at the FA but Capello can’t pick his team on history or morals. He has to pick the team he thinks will be most effective for England. He gave Theo more than a chance in these friendlies (and in training don’t forget) and he hasn’t done enough to warrant a place. There are question marks over why others have made the cut when they’ve been just as poor/injured, but if you take it on face value, Theo just hasn’t performed when he’s needed to.
Don’t get me wrong, I think he should have gone for the affect he can have as a substitute, like you detail in your post. But I don’t think we can argue too much that he hasn’t made the final cut.
He’s been treated badly by the FA and the press – but not necessarily Capello.
And as it seems I’m sticking up the Italian here, I guess I’d better have a Peroni!
Ta
Sense, Capello could have stopped Pearce taking Walcott last summer. Wenger asked him to intervene. At best he felt it wasn’t his decision. At worst he told Pearce to take him anyway.
Otherwise you have made a few fair points I can’t argue with.
I love the way all the Talkshite knuckle-draggers come out slagging off Wenger for having no players in the England world cup squad. How many Italians started for Inter in the Big Cup Final?
Besides which, Walcott should have gone. He’s been crap all year due to niggling injuries and too much mouthing, but are you seriously trying to claim that he’s got less technique or finishing ability than SWP? Lennon’s ahead of him, despite being a Spud, but SWP certainly isn’t. He can’t even get in the team for a Europa League wannabe club.
I’m all for Arsenal players not going to the World Cup. Have a nice long summer getting fit for next year, far more productive.
What has wenger taught Theo? he scored a few goal and could run fast when he came nice lad but thats it
[…] time they are 21. He needs to improve, and he now has a few months to refocus and start again. As Goonerholic points out, his preparations for last season were hampered by playing both senior and Under-21 internationals […]
http://www.fcbarcelona.com/web/english/noticies/futbol/temporada09-10/06/02/n100602111345.html
“Everybody knows Cesc wants to sign for Barcelona”, what a classy way to do business. I don’t want Cesc to leave but it would amuse me if Real Madrid came in with a ridiculous offer and nabbed him out of Barca’s clutches after all their grotesque behaviour.
£29m written offer apparently, peanuts.
£29 mill what leg they trying to buy 🙂
They would surely have to double that to even get anywhere near Arsenal wanting to do business,
They set their own precedent last summer with the ridiculous Zlatan transfer, €69 million (€46 million + Eto’o, absolutely absurd when you think about it, possbily the worst transfer deal of all time), anyway if they think Zlatan at 27 was worth that, then Cesc at 23 and with five years left on his deal should be worth more, especially as Arsenal have no financial need to sell. I can’t see Arsenal taking less than £50m, and I also can’t see Barca paying that. Who knows, maybe Real will outbid them. They could certainly find the money…I just hope this one doesn’t drag on all summer until Aug 31st.
If it’s true that they have only offered £29m then Barca can just fuck right off.
the beast,
It no doubt will as there is No way Arsenal could except anything less than 50 mill, Expect this one to go to the wire !!
Cheeky Fuckers pay over the odds for everything that moves then expect to get a world class YOUNG talent for less than Madrid spent on Alonso They are having a Bubble,
Couldnt agree more on the Zlatan transfer surely someone was taking backhanders on that lol mental deal,
Arsenal Football Club have today released the following statement about Cesc Fabregas:
“Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas is under contract with the Club until the summer of 2015. He is a highly valued member of the team and part of our future plans.
“We have followed recent speculation linking Cesc with a move away from the Club but as there has never been any official approach for him, only two informal exchanges, in which we made it abundantly clear that we have no interest in transferring Cesc, we have refrained from publicly passing comment. However, yesterday evening we received an offer from Barcelona for Cesc and in response, we immediately and resolutely told them once again that we have no intention of selling our captain.
“To be clear, we will not make any kind of counterproposal or enter into any discussion. Barcelona have publicly stated that they will respect our position and we expect that they will keep their word.”
Well thats a nice respone !!
And at last we have an official Cesc statement on the official site.
“To be clear, we will not make any kind of counterproposal or enter into any discussion.”
Brilliant.
I think Arsenal’s statement in response to the bid is excellent and makes the club’s position abundantly clear. Not that I think it will stop Barcelona’s antics but there’s not much more AFC can do really. A very polite way to tell them to shove it.
How is it that Barca can get away with tapping up our players – I refer to this comment from their Vice President “we won’t rush, but we won’t stop…”
fecking slimeballs !
Double vodka and red bull please ‘Holic – I’m going on the rampage.
the beast,
yep thats the way, im glad theyve come out fighting id much rather say what we would all like to tell Barca but it maybe a tad rude to publish 🙂
29mill my Fucking Arse,I love the way they also tell all and sundry theyve got a great relationship with Arsenal but then treat us like their Bitch Laporta and cronies are complete wankers, Also how many people do they employ everyday another general manager or first team coach or president that ive never heard of come out with some more bollocks,
Been lying a little low the last few days as I expect has my namesake who was not selected for the French World Cup squad. The summer should be for lying low activities in any case and if he wants to watch a little footie on the tube I will be open to reasonable offers. Today’s announcement about Cesc seems to strike the right tone and it’s about time we stopped letting ourselves be trampled upon by money-spewing wretches. Cheers all!
What a classy response from the club. In complete opposite to the horribly disgraceful stance taken by Barca recently
Howdy ‘holic and ‘holics.
I think Theo’s omision from the England squad is probably the best thing to happen to him in the last few years. I had the feeling that he was only in the team due to a pretty over hyped reputation and that hat-trick he scored against Croatia.
Even the most die hard gooners (cheers lads) among us must admit Theo didn’t exactly set the premiership allight this season, he often struggled when he was wearing our sacred shirt and to be honest didn’t do much to warrant a call up, let alone a place in the squad. I fell that Theo has had it a bit too easy over the last few seasons and this maybe the wake up call he needs to get his ars in gear.
He did however handle the “rejection” with humility and that shows class. I wish him all the best for the summer and hope he comes back stronger next season to prove many wrong.
Regarding SWP’s call up one has to wonder what former hero, Big Daddy Wright, did to get his son in the squad. Maybe he threarened to come ’round to Fab’s gaff ‘n’ ruff ‘Ãm up, or even worse he threatened to invite him on one of his tv shows.
Cold Lager please sir
Cheers.
Afternoon, ‘holics. Nice write-up again, Mr. Holic. But damn, the bar is fuller than I would of thought for young Theo. Likely it’s because I’m not English, but I didn’t see the fuss coming. Honestly, it’s crystal clear (to me at least) that Theo is the one who really put himself in this position. Whether injuries (he’s the one who insisted on going to both tournies last summer) or not improving on his one v ones and crossing, I can’t really blame Capello or anyone for being dubious about his current likelihood to shine. Surely he’s better than SWP- odd decision that- but he hasn’t shown enough in my eyes to warrant a place at the WC regardless. I find his flashes of brilliance to be almost excruciating at this point, because after a few years with us, it’s still the most he has to offer. Painful, and yes, there’s a frenchman or two that I would replace him with if it were up to me. (Of course, if it were up to me we’d also have Buffon and Messi and be broke and being bought up by an American-Emirates coalition, bleh.)
Agree with 8 Ball as well, the response from the club today about Cesc was music to my ears.
Coal Ila, neat. Cheers.
Theo is crap, plain and simple. Wenger, Sven and the southern based media have hyped the lad way beyond his ability. If he played for Wigan would he get in the top 50 ?
I am a window-licking scumbag. Must go, someone just punctured a tyre on my house.
Sorry Drake, but I don’t think Theo is crap. He is definitely horribly inconsistent and has been cursed by injury but you can’t tell me that someone capable of that incredible run and assist against Liverpool in the CL in 2008, the brilliant 20 minute cameo against Barca this season, the hat trick in Zagreb, the two goal burst v Birmingham in the Eduardo injury game, even the goal he scored against Burnley (I think) a few weeks ago is crap.
Sven’s decision to take him to the World Cup in 2006 was bonkers though, especially as Owen and Rooney were crocked even before the tournament began. I just hope next season he will be stung from this rejection and play like he has a real point to prove, have better luck with injuries and be a consistent performer for us. If he doesn’t perform next season then you’d have to think he’d be on his way.
Thanks drake. Really insightful stuff. Glad you stopped by. Next time, jerk off into your own hand, k?
chippy@99
cheers for that, hadn’t caught up with that yet.
A great response from the AFC that has an air of Ivan about it.
Too bloody right