Opinion from the stands

Is an England call up overdue for these four West Ham stars?

|
Image for Is an England call up overdue for these four West Ham stars?
4671479

Do Tomkins and Noble deserve a chance at International level?

West Ham are enjoying what will be a memorable last season at Upton Park and the team find themselves in 6th position in the league and still in the FA cup. The majority of players within West Ham’s current squad have played well consistently when called upon, and some of those players are English. Personally, I think it is disgraceful that Mark Noble hasn’t appeared for England at senior level because he plays well consistently and has done for several seasons now. There are other players such as Cresswell and even perhaps Antonio who deserve a look in as well.

Mark Noble has played exceptionally well in the last few games with one magnificent pass for Antonio’s goal against Aston Villa. The man from Canning Town has so much passion for West Ham and I feel there is a lack of desire and passion in the England team at the moment. Noble passes the ball well, works really hard and is a good organiser. I certainly do not think Noble is miles worse than the midfielders currently in and around the England team such as Henderson, Delph, Milner and Shelvey. Players like Ryan Mason got call ups for a couple of performances, and Spurs fans were pushing for Eric Dier in midfield after he had a couple of decent games there. The West Ham captain has been overlooked for a frustratingly long time, and I feel that based on recent performances he deserves to be in the squad for some of the friendly games before the Euro’s.

Aaron Cresswell has appeared in almost every game since he joined West Ham and impressed fans so much that he was Hammer of the year last season. With Luke Shaw injured and potentially not travelling with the squad to France, Cresswell should be considered. Baines has only just returned from injury and hasn’t looked particularly sharp whilst Ryan Bertrand also hasn’t done anything worthy of note. At one stage this season Cresswell had the most assists of any defender in the league which proves that he delivers good crosses, and ventures forward when give time and space. Given his consistency since playing in the premier league, I feel the left back should be given a call up because he is certainly good enough to play for the national team.

James Tomkins has illustrated his versatility this season and will hopefully make an international appearance at some point, whilst Andy Carroll has proved that he can score for England. Not only has Carroll scored at a tournament for England but he has a style of play which could cause havoc for defenders. I’ve said time and time again, Carroll is a great substitute to bring on with 15 minutes to go when you need a goal.

Michail Antonio is definitely knocking on the door for an England call up having scored a number of goals in recent matches. Antonio has end product and I think other England wingers such as Chamberlain, Walcott and Townsend are sometimes lacking goals and or assists. The former Nottingham Forest player will hopefully play for England in the future but if I were Hodgson he would be a definite contender for playing on the international stage.

Ultimately, I don’t necessarily think all the West Ham players I have highlighted would start for England but I definitely think they are good enough to play for England. What is frustrating is that a lot of West Ham players who are English are not even being considered as an option when they without doubt should be.

Share this article