Andy Johnson - The Debate

I have given this one subject alot of thought and figured that I should post about it. Its in regards to the STAR players on 'smaller' less influential teams and their lack of call ups to play for their country.

There have been many examples of this bias starting with our very own Steed Malbranque but more notably Andy Johnson. I remember at the end of last season he was tipped for the WC 2006 and the future of England up front (along with Rooney). It seems, though, that Andy is now paying for his loyalty to Palace and I find it disgustingly unfair. Its not so much that he hasn't made it but he hasn't even been mentioned in the same breathe as the World Cup.

I guess I see Fulham as being a team where we will always rely on our core superstars who then play with other talented but average teamates. If this bias continues, who can blame these players for moving on to bigger clubs. Look at Louis Saha...he didn't get one call up to France but the week, yes the week, he moved to Manure, he was given a shot. Politics, their very ugly. Rant done.

 

I completely agree with you Mike. Players at smaller clubs do not get called up nearly as much as many deserve to. Andy Johnson is a great example. He scored 20 goals last season the Premiership and then pledged his future to Crystal Palace by signing a new four year deal in the summer. He has scored 17 more this season in about 25 games as he was hurt a good chunk of the season. With Rooney being out, he should be given a chance.

With clubs like Fulham and Charlton, international call-ups for players on those teams are rare. I do not get the reasoning why international managers look at players on these teams differently than on the bigger clubs like Chelsea, Manchester United and Liverpool.

I understand that playing and experiencing things in the Champions League is a big factor, but that should not be everything for international managers to select on.

Steed has not even gotten a sniff from France and I am sure he could make that team and contribute if given a fair shake. Mike is right about Saha as well. He was not on the French team until he went to United. That is sad, but true.

Until international managers change their philosophies, teams like Fulham will have a hard time trying to attract some young, rising stars for fear that a move to Fulham will not warrant an international call-up.

Great post Mike and very timely with the World Cup upon us. I really hope Andy Johnson gets a call up. A good start would be to score a goal or two against Watford tomorrow morning in the Playoffs. Go Palace!!

 

McLaren might be an exception for England -- he seems the sort of guy to give smaller club players a chance.

Unfortunately, Andy Johnson won't benefit this time around.

 

McLaren, having managed a side realtive to the size of Fulham premiership-wise, may be likely to pick more youngsters and players from smaller teams along with the big lads : Rooney Beckham Owen etc. Just look what he did at Boro with his youngsters...