[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lDtXiBxeccM"]Tom Cleverley vs FC Barcelona‏ - YouTube[/ame]
Rio missed the last major competition. Won't retire in advance of the upcoming one. I think he should ask not to be involved in friendlies though.
One would assume that it's because he enjoys playing for his country and that he is proud to represent England.
Carrick is also only about 28....why would he retire from England? As for Clev's....fantastic game v. Citeh. Anderson has clearly picked his game up knowing Cleverley is desperate and Fletcher is coming back, not to mention Park and Giggs all clamouring for one of the 2 or 3 CM spots... Worth noting the value of loaning apparently on show yesterday. Welbeck (Sunderland), and Clev (Wigan) come from "lower" level prem sides and fit right in. Playing in a "lesser" team with a lot of impetus on them has boosted their game. Not to mention Jones who played at Blackburn looked completely comfortable. I suggest sending Macheda out to Wigan or another such side this year.
Fletcher has a place....when "steel" is needed he'll take either Carrick, Anderson, or Clev's spot.....
Dear god. I just about fell off my chair laughing when I saw someone use steel and Fletcher in the same sentence.
Btw, despite all the hype that his Community shield performance has got him i doubt Cleverley will be a regular starting CM for us this season.
Nah, steel is one thing. Hustle and Hard work is another... Fletcher is not physically intimidating. He looks anorexic even before the virus. It wasnt steel that helped us run over Arsenal. It was his work rate and heart, as well as his football.
^Fair enough. Re: Clev playing time - I see it going a few ways. 1. He will play 20ish games, play all League/FA Cup, and v. lower level CL opposition. 2. He creates a few goals, makes some big plays, has good OPTA stats and becomes the Hernandez of the MF in becoming a surprise regular at the midway 3. He becomes Anderson.... My honest expectation is #1