According to widespread reports last night, Jonjo Shelvey is ‘not even being considered’ for Gareth Southgate’s World Cup squad this summer and will NOT be called up by England due to fears over his ‘discipline and temperament’.
Absolutely embarrassing. To make it worse, John Cross’ piece for the Mirror states that Southgate fears that the 26-year-old will ‘not be a good tourist’.
I’m not sure what on earth that is meant to mean, but what I do know is that Jake Livermore (the man who’ll probably get the nod ahead of him) stole a taxi last time he left the country.
5) Why Newcastle's Shelvey isn't even under consideration for the England World Cup squad being named on Wednesday #NUFC @johncrossmirrorhttps://t.co/cTqdXNvu9J pic.twitter.com/F9Nfd6HLV2
— Mirror Football (@MirrorFootball) May 14, 2018
His talent, his form and the way he’s fitted into a hard working disciplined Rafa Benitez side combined with England’s total lack of quality and creativity from midfield just make this decision (and justification) absolutely perplexing.
He’s not only been running the show from midfield and pinging passes left, right and centre, he’s been so much more measured in everything he’s done – both on and off the ball. He’s worked hard, clearly improved his fitness levels, has stopped hitting Hollywood passes at each opportunity and hasn’t even been booked since early December!
The list could go on, but to use his former shortcomings as a way of justifying why he should not be called up is just pathetic – especially when he has the sort of quality, creativity and cutting edge that our midfield options lack so badly.
There’s no excuse – he’s one of THE best passers of a football in England and to think Southgate may take Jake Livermore (a man who was stealing taxis in Spain not so long ago) because Shelvey ‘can’t be trusted’ is quite frankly embarrassing.
I can’t wait to see Livermore, Henderson and Eric Dier attempt to break down down Panama next month..
Their loss, but god I feel for Jonjo. What a joke.
Weak minded lily livered chinless wonder. Too frightened to upset the usual suspects. Why should we be surprised?
How Southgate got the job is beyond belief. What’s he ever done? Pathetic excuse. Must have said the correct number of ‘yes’s’ during his interview.
Bobbybee(Quote)
Your right Bobby, Shelvey should be on the plane but he don’t fit the “New England” he takes risks with the ball to get it up the pitch faster, he would rather look for the forward pass and pick out a runner than pass sideways to keep the ball “safe” (even though passing sideways invites pressure) Southgate will only pick players who have come through England youth, through the age groups ( with the exception of Vardy) it’s the new way apparently, not for more ability but if your face fits…….I’m sure that will get goals in some parallel universe but in the World Cup , I fear not……we’re doomed again unless the old boys club see sense and make exceptions that prove the rule!!!
Giimps(Quote)