Sam Allardyce has dismissed calls that West Ham skipper Kevin Nolan should be called up for England’s World Cup squad.
England representatives were present at Upton Park on Saturday, but as Southampton have quite a few impressive English players, it is likely they may have been taking advantage of Saints visiting the capital rather than looking at West Ham players in particular.
Nolan has made a massive improvement since his suspension, and his fine form did lead to some reporting that he had a chance of attending the World Cup.
Allardyce, however, thought differently. He said: “He has had a lot of times that he has knocked on the door and I don’t think that’s going to make much difference for him now,” he said ahead of Thursday’s squad announcement for the friendly with Denmark.
“It would be nice if he did, but it is just about Kevin continuing where he is now.
“He is in his thirties now so he has got to continue his career as long as he possible can by doing what he has always done and that is score goals.
“Apart from a short spell out in the Championship with Newcastle [United], he has scored goals every single season he has played at a very, very high level for a midfield player.
“There are very, very few players better than him at scoring goals from midfield.”
I for one think that Noble deserves a punt – his work rate has been brilliant this season, and his name just never seems to get mentioned in connection with England. It’s a shame as I do think Roy should give him a go in a friendly to see how he does.
What do you think? Should any of our players be on England duty come the summer? Let me know by leaving a comment or tweeting me at @alwaysintune.
