England’s loss is West Ham’s gain

So once again another England squad is announced and there are no West Ham players involved.

Earlier in the season that probably shouldn’t have come as any real surprise, but on current form, there are some Hammers that are knocking pretty loudly on the door.

We’re all bored of the same old lines trotted out by international managers – usually in charge of England – who claim they only pick players on merit and those that are in form. Stuart Lancaster, head coach of the England rugby team, appears to have adopted that policy and it’s not doing him any harm is it?

Roy Hodgson, bless his soul, has been to Upton Park and watched West Ham enough this season to at least acknowledge Mark Noble exists. He may well have been to the Boleyn earlier this term to watch Ravel Morrison but Noble has been head and shoulders above his young apprentice and has been a stand-out performer in the West Ham midfield.

I suppose we’re lucky that he’s a Hammer through and through and cares passionately about performing for West Ham, but there must be a part of him that wonders if his displays will ever get the credit they deserve.

I’ve long been critical of Noble and in previous columns I’ve aired my views questioning his ability to take games by the scruff of the neck. He now is beginning to show he can and while the energy he puts in to a game is never in doubt, his passing accuracy has also improved making him a more all-round better performer.

Quite how Tom Cleverley manages to get in front of him is anyone’s guess, but the majority will conclude it’s the fact he plays for Manchester United that’s given him the advantage. It’s not right, but on current form, or even form displayed this season, Noble is well ahead of Cleverly.

Andy Carroll was also missing from the squad to face Denmark, but that’s probably of little surprise considering he’s just returned from injury and then missed three games through suspension. Hodgson would be mad to not take him on the plane to Brazil – he offers a real point of difference up front and will be hungry to do well between now and the end of the season to prove it. Bonus for West Ham.

I’ve seen some suggestion that James Tomkins should be considered, but despite his improved form I think he is still some way off international football. Some more consistent displays, throughout a season and not just in patches, would really strengthen his claims.

One player that I believe really should be involved is Stewart Downing. He’s got international experience and has been a major highlight of this season for West Ham. While we were struggling both before Christmas and shortly after, he wasn’t scared to pick up the ball and run at people – even without a striker to work with – and his crossing has come on leaps and bounds.

The winger has put his dark days at Anfield behind him and is beginning to show some of the form at Aston Villa and Middlesbrough. Without the injured Theo Walcott on the right, Downing would be an able deputy. He might not have the pace but he can run at defenders, cross and pass – the latter two Walcott has woefully yet to master.

So Noble, Carroll and Downing should all feel pretty unlucky to have missed out but hopefully West Ham will benefit as they bid to earn a plane ticket to Brazil.