Bear in mind it's normal to have at least 4 weeks off, especially for players who are involved beyond the end of club season, then about 6 weeks of preseason before competitive games.
With the best will in the world, it isn't "normal" to have four weeks off and six weeks of pre-season before Europa League qualifiers. Nobody has that, ever. His team-mates won't have that. Their opponents won't have that.
Well I think you're missing the point here - only one club in the Premiership, or two with a fair play qualifier ever have such an early start. Liverpool may be in that position, so don't want to take any chances. If it was the U21 tournament I strongly suspect he would not be withdrawn, but Toulon is lower down the priorities.
Kwame Thomas called up to replace Ibe http://www.thefa.com/news/england/development/2015/may/england-u20s-squad-announcement
I was responding to the point from your previous post rather than missing one you hadn't made yet, but in any case my point was that nobody expects to go into the Europa League qualifiers with a full pre-season behind them. Even playing this tournament, Ibe would be in a better position than most others in that situation since he's played a fairly leisurely amount of minutes since January. That said, they're saying he's injured, so I've put my pitchfork back in the shed.
Not really a like for like replacement. I'm really nervous about watching these games. Really hope our approach is correct.
Boothroyd not someone known for playing good football and developing young players, think he was a bit of longball merchant. Worst case with this squad he lines up 4-4-2 with two wingers and get no possession from an overrun midfield.
The defence is the main are of concern. I wonder how many will have a future with the U21s? I don't think we should be taking a 93 born player if he won't be eligible for the U21s next season, seems rather pointless.
the last chance to get a look at them in the system and get familiar with them before they could become a senior? Makes sense to explore as many options as possible to me.
Odubajo has already had two games at this level. Nations are only taking 93 born players to the Toulon this time around due to the Olympics, a tournament we won't be participating in. Shouldn't the U20s be about players eventually making that progression to the U21s at some stage?
yeah but two games and probably a handful of days contact time is nothing. It's a great chance to get a look at true look at a full back who could conceivably be going to the next World Cup. For me the U20s seems like a team that allows some guys who may not have been a part of the England system in the lower age groups to get involved and to shed a light on some others with the knowledge that as the U21 Euros isn't annual, many may miss out on the tournament depending on their varying levels of progression. It's unrealistic to expect a smooth transition through all the age groups when the U21 calendar isn't in line with the rest. Ultimately it's about getting players involved in the system and I think it's wise to not hinder ourselves by discounting a player just because he won't be eligible for the next u21 tournament in two years.
I don't mind players being involved in this group who haven't had a chance in previous age groups, I don't take issue with that. It is strange to be selecting a player who won't be eligible for the next U21 campaign though. It seems rather illogical and quite myopic. If he had the potential to be going to a World Cup with the Seniors he would be with the other 93s in the U21 squad.
In fairness to Odubajo the U21s are overstocked with right backs. I think he's definitely someone that should be going to this tournament though, late bloomer and someone eligible for Nigeria. Well worth keeping him involved as he could develop into a Prem player, he's close enough as it is being an important player for Brentford who just missed the playoffs.
Le vestiaire des Anglais/The @england's changing room cc @FA #ThreeLions #ENGMAR pic.twitter.com/QLd5w5A0sL— Tournoi Maurice Revello (@TournoiMRevello) May 28, 2015
England U20s v Morocco in Toulon: Walton, Iorfa, Stephens, Cargill, Grimes, Baker (c), Wilson, Gray, Hause, Hanson, Watmore.— England (@England) May 28, 2015
@England U20s subs v Morocco: Pickford, Odubajo, Reed, Akpom, Aarons, Hayden, Robinson, Swift, Thomas. Kick-off at 6pm on @btsport— England (@England) May 28, 2015
England U20s v Morocco @ Toulon: Walton, Iorfa, Stephens, Cargill, Grimes, Baker (c), Wilson, Gray, Hause, Hanson, Watmore. Guessing it's some form of back three, five in midfield with Gray playing in one of the wingback/wide roles, although i'm not entirely sure who will play on the opposite side. Walton Iorfa Cargill Hause Grimes Stephens Baker Hanson Gray Wilson Whatmore
yeah maybe you're right actually. I think Iorfa has played most of his football for Wolves at right back.