Comments on: The Black Princes of England

By: Davy

Davy — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 12:12:08 +0000

Amit,

Thanks for taking the time to comment.

I am not sure Scouse biased guff is an apt description. Guff? Possibly. But Scouse-biased? Never. If this had been Scouse-biased, there would have a reference to the value of Howard Gayle’s experience. And if I had really gone all curly and tracky and off point (i.e. the point being the majority of the England’s World Cup squad will be black), I would have suggested the addition of Toxteth’s own Sir Robert Fowler now banging in the goals in Queensland North as the perfect 5th forward for those last 20 minutes when Becks and Co are coming up a Rand short.

It was not a position by position preference piece, although I could not resist reminding the viewers at home of a few examples of players who do not belong. Crouch, being the most egregious.

I disagree with you that “not one” of the said “Black Prince” midfielders are good enough. Ashley Young and Theo Walcott (who I did mention) are most definitely good enough.

I agree with about Huddlestone and Jenas, particularly Huddlestone. I did not advocate either. I noted they have both been picked recently, that’s all. Huddlestone’s inclusion suggests Capello wants bulk to be there or there abouts.

I also agree with you about Agbonlahor. He will never be a seasoned, long term international. But he is the faster of those in the said second tier. (The first tier being Cole and Rooney, if my opinion.) He can also barge through a crowd. I see how he can useful when pedigree and technique are not enough.

Unlike Capello, I do not need to convinced of Owen’s effectiveness. But if there is room for a 5th forward, I have already seen enough of Danny Welbeck to be confident he can contribute. How’z that for a case of Scouse-biased guff?

Davy

By: Amit Burman

Amit Burman — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 20:39:55 +0000

Davey, this piece is ful of so much scouse-biased guff I cant believe we are talking about the same England team. Not one of the ‘black prince’ midfielders you mention are good enough – see Jermaine Jenas’s performance for England on Saturday and Huddleston has the turning circle of a cruise liner. Agbonlahor has the football nouse of Andrea Silenzi, patently not good enough for international football, and operating in that grey area of being premiership class but nothing more. Defoe has to go, he looks lively and dangerous, and more likely to score than any of the other black prines. Im surprised you didnt talk more about Carlton Cole as he is the one player who could add something to the team in place of Emile – but given your red background and his, no wonder this wasnt mentioned. As for the youngsters you mention – Delph, Wilshire, Wellbeck, they arent even first teamers for their clubs yet, so why would someone as non-emotional as Capello (see Walcott’s inclusion in last WC as evidence of an emotional manager) even think about selecting them. Speaking of which, you forgot to mention Arsenal’s black prince, Walcott.

By: Dr 419

Dr 419 — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 20:19:11 +0000

Sir, this was a capital piece. Indeed, all across the continent, there has been a veritable Moorish invasion, no where more so than in the England, France and the Lowlands. And all to the good, I say, all to the good.

I’ll be following this blog closely all the way.

By: Mr Fro

Mr Fro — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 17:19:04 +0000

Just a Great survey Davey; comprehensive, lyrical and enlightening…(I thought Danny ‘Nii Tackie Mensah’ Wellbeck was a Black Star!).

As a Blues supporter I have a sentimental attachment to wayward son Shaun Wright Phillips though, and would pick his titanium to Ashley Young’s mercury/aluminum alloy.

Thanks for this. We are hungry for more!!!