Not sure this really belongs here but not sure where else to put it either: '#ENG rejected Ampadu because he took too few touches'Paul Tisdale managed Ethan Ampadu at Exeter.He explains the reasons he was told for the teenager not being chosen by #ENG. pic.twitter.com/mIzXWMFu4y— BBC 5 Live Sport (@5liveSport) September 10, 2018 I thought he played for England at U16 level at least then just switched to Wales. I’m not sure I believe this he was rejected because he needs to take fewer touches than others, just doesn’t make sense surely, even for a dinosaur football coach. Who was the coach back then? Dan Micciche?
Also, it's probably just some constructive criticism. Not something that he was given as a reason for his non-selection. Plus, do we really believe someone from the FA told Tisdale that England have 12 players better? It doesn't make sense on any level.
Reports claiming Lookman will switch to Nigeria - Kind of reports we see all the time but...... https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/spo...ws/evertons-england-world-cup-winner-15135942 Just found the original - Looks as reliable as Ghana Soccernet https://www.pulse.ng/sports/footbal...nd-for-super-eagles-of-nigeria-id8836350.html
Probably a load of bollocks tbh, find it weird that this came out before the U21 game today and surely this article will have been noticed by the FA and if he has switched/or going to, why would Boothroyd play him today and surely his teammates wouldn’t be overly happy playing with a guy that’s going to switch. Find it all odd tbh.
I suspect they saw he wasn't in the squad for the first game and it gave them an idea for a made up story. Not sure if Lookman was asked or show the story, but he put a picture of him training with England on social media on sunday, the first photo he's put up since June.
I think it was today (Wed) that we were told Declan Rice would make an announcement? So we should find out what's going on one way ot the other.
I was listening to an ITFC podcast and they were talking about Jon Walters' unveiling here, and that interest from the Irish press was piqued with regards to trying to get him to talk about the bust up with Roy Keane as they obviously had wind before it leaked. There was a throwaway comment by the local ITFC journo that this (the RK bust up with Arter and Walters) is linked to Declan Rice's decision with regards to the environment of the squad. It's certainly very different to how Wales do things with regards to youngsters with dual nationality where there is an incredibly positive atmosphere in the camp
What is Rice waiting for . He was meant to make a statement today on who he has decided to play for . Our media were all reporting that today was to be the day whether he was going to declare for Ireland or England He is messing us about . He should at least makes his intentions clear . If he wants to take a time out and concentrate on his club career for the next year or so then fine . But to provide no explanation to the fans and allow endless speculation to continue in the media is not on . We are been treated like dirt .He took 3 caps from another Irish player and he is cheapening what it means to wear the Irish jersey. We deserve better Declan.
Did he himself actually say that a statement was coming, or was it just something the media reported?
It seems as though Roy Keane doesn't exactly support the Irish dual nationals from England. Maybe that's why Rice is a bit hesitant.
Keane is such a liability. Cant believe oneill brought him in. Poor manager, terrible team-mate who acts selfishly (walked out of ireland in the middle of a world cup if i remember). I dont blame declan.
Indeed. If you're Ireland or any other home nation then you need all the talent you can get. The last thing you need is someone important scaring off players. Maybe, just maybe he was a little reason as to why Grealish didn't pick Ireland.
Just the press. It was the stuff in the Irish press about a week ago saying that he'd decided in Ireland's favour and would make an announcement today. If the latter has turned out not to be true then I guess that undermines the credibility of the rest of it.
O' Neill should offer Rice an ultimatum. Pick him in the next squad for the match against Denmark and if he pulls out. He should tell him good luck with England.
Southgate on Nigeria’s interest in Lookman: “I know every country is quite aggressive in their recruiting. I know they’ve always had an interest in him but he has been in our squads, 20s, 21s, so in terms of encouragement through game time we are doing as much as we possibly can”— Henry Winter (@henrywinter) September 13, 2018
I'm not sure where I stand on this. I don't know how principled we can afford to be and what it actually gains us in the long run. In hindsight it's hard to say we shouldn't have capped Zaha earlier, especially given that he's basically admitted that the disinterest from England is the main reason he made the switch.
I’ve always quite liked him tbh, he’s a bit raw but plenty of potential plus he adds to our talent pool that gets less and less.
declan rice has looked really good for west ham. i hope he picks england and gives us another option I'm the middle
He is going to declare for us . O' Neill is going to meet him and his family the next few days and will seal the deal.
My (impeccable) sources inform me that he's already declared for England after Southgate wined and dined Declan, his mum and Grandma at Beckton Nandos. The deal was sealed on the promise that Declan would get to play at the u21 Euros this summer and work with revered supercoach Aidy Boothroyd. The good feeling was cemented when Declan's grandma serenaded Southgate with an accapella version of Morrissey's 2004 song 'Irish blood - English Heart'. A heartily good time was had by all.