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West Ham ace may never get his Three Lions chance

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Mark Noble (West Ham)West Ham may have won the World Cup for England in 1966, but as of 2014 it seems it would take some sort of miracle for another Hammer to be called up to play for England. Now, as another England friendly selection has been made sans West Ham midfielder Mark Noble, I can’t help but wonder— what is it he’s done to keep himself out of the national team?

After all, Nobes was no stranger to playing for England as a youngster. He played for England at U16, U17, U18, U19, and U21 levels, and captained them at U21. We are not talking a player who picked up two or three caps at youth level here; were talking a player who captained the U-21 teams and led them to the finals of the 2009 European Championships—and then somehow aged out of playing for England.

It is usual for the captain of the under-21s to never play for their country again after that point?

Sure, the man has his critics—and amongst them lie some West Ham fans (although he has been Hammer of The Year Twice, and Player’s Player of The Year last year.) The man divides fan opinions like Marmite; many praise his determined attitude and dogged loyalty (go Canning Town!) whilst his detractors worry that he doesn’t bring enough creativity to the squad and is only picked because of his local appeal (boo Canning Town.)

But whatever side of the Noble fence you fall on while he’s playing for West Ham, surely the man’s earned at least a chance to represent England at the senior level? I’m not suggesting the man deserves a starting place at the Euros straight away; I just think someone who did so much at youth level and plays so consistently in the Premier League every week deserves at least a chance at coming on as one of twenty subs in a meaningless friendly.

The man has worked hard for West Ham at Senior and Youth level, and England at youth level for years. He is consistent, and reliable. Statistically, he is a stronger choice for England than Aston Villa’s Fabian Delph and Newcastle United’s Jack Colback (his stats on Squawka.com suggests he makes more forward passes, drastically more successful passes, and creates twice as many chances as the players picked over him)— and don’t you dare bring up that missed penalty versus Spurs; if anything, ballsing up a penalty should make him an ideal player for England.

I don’t think there will be many more opportunities for Noble to break into the England team (Delph and Colback are both younger and less experienced than him, which bodes the “if not now, when” question) and I can’t help but think what a shame that is for the West Ham midfielder – and also what a true shame it is for England – that we may never see him make his senior debut for us.

If Noble does decide to play his ancestry card, and register to play for Ireland, I’ll be thrilled for him, but not half as pleased or proud as I’d be to see him in an England shirt.

Would you like to see Noble play at senior level for England? Why or why not? Would you be disappointed to see him play for Ireland instead? Let us know below, or tweet the Noble-loving writer @makingthemarrow

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8 comments

  • dantheman says:

    He’s probably not and never has been good enough to be considered an England regular, but absolutely no doubt that he should have been selected over Delph and Colback.

  • peter iron says:

    Far worse players have pulled on an England shirt than Mark Noble . Perhaps Roy is worried about protecting his consistent record of mediocrity as England manager ? Hope Mark plays for Ireland and proves him wrong .

  • notanyoldiron says:

    Fully agree with Dan. If it was about loyalty, commitment, work rate, he’d have 100 caps. If he was that good one of the big clubs would have snatched him ages ago. But he’s ahead of Colback and Delph for sure. Strange choices. Mark has been overlooked and needs to decide on whether he throws his lot into the Irish set up. It is likely to be his only opportunity of International football.

  • Digger says:

    He’s too good for the Lions. Too much heart, better than getting a cold shoulder.
    He’s worth more!

  • The Cat says:

    Many say he’s not good enough for England, but England aren’t doing the business…..and they’re Not world beaters. To include him in a squad and have a look at him shouldn’t be that hard to do, especially when players like Colback & Delph are included. Hodgson is a prized one & if I were Mark Noble I wouldn’t waste a second more thinking over O’Neil’s offer.
    He’s not Flaky, 100% committed, can pass & break up play, and………. he can take a penalty (despite his rare miss against the spuds).
    Hold your head up high Mr Noble, you’ve got nothing to be ashamed of as its within your birthright to play for Ireland as many others have done & will do in the future with Hodgson in charge.

  • beckton Geoff says:

    I can’t believe Mr noble has been overlooked again, when it comes to club or country it’s club all day long for me Hodgson is a yes man that’s the only reason the FA pick him i for one can’t be bothered to which England play if Hodgson is in charge.

  • Carlos says:

    It’s a joke. Mark Noble has consistently wrestled & retrieved the ball for West Ham. & to his credit, he’s got better & better. Name me another English player that does it better? I’m really disappointed that neither Roy hodgeson or ray lewington have the nouse or balls to pick him. Even if it’s as a squad player. Rickie lambert did everything he had to, to prove he was worthy of a place in the starting line up. Yet he was only used in the last 10 mins, to try & save the game when the old regulars failed to perform. It’s the typical England managers syndrome. What other manger would swap mark noble for Fabian Delph!? Really? Same old sorry state of affairs.
    Sorry Roy & ray, I’ve lost faith

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