(the media & 'supporters' of other clubs) keep running down (as in slagging off), one Alan Shearer? Surely he's justified himself to be the first name on the England teamsheet?

Having watched the "young pretenders" (Owen & Heskey) fail to score against lowly Bradford yesterday (most of the B'ford defence being over 30!), how can we expect them to play against INTERNATIONAL defenders?

The famous L'pool forward line; Owen, Fowler, Heskey, Camara (perms. / combs. thereof), have now failed to score in 5 consecutive EPL games, not as though they had nothing to play for (Champions League place!).

As for the rest of "the pretenders / wannabes"; 'Colepoker' has been tried and failed (+ he's an arrogant @unt) as for 'Heed'sbanga', he's been prolific but has not been fully tested.

I've read many articles recently, praising the quantity / quality of young English strikers and lambasting Big Al at the same time - KK was at Bradford yesterday, he can't have been overly impressed with Owen & Heskey!?

:-(

-- Anonymous, May 15, 2000

Answers

Bud...bollox....as usual mate...Define "has been tried and failed"?

How one start be seen as "tried" is beyond me.......not you obviously.

-- Anonymous, May 15, 2000

He's had more than 1 game for England....even if not this season and he hasn't exactly set them alight has he? or have you seen something different?

Anyway....I thought you preferred for your lot NOT to play for England?

I'd be happier if AS wasn't playing this summer......

-- Anonymous, May 15, 2000

To answer the question posed .......because they're envious of his playing and scoring record. They look at him and feel his technical ability is limited, he lacks genuine pace, and plays for an unsuccessful Club. They then consider themselves and conclude they are playing for a highly successful Club and score a few goals (eg. Andy Cole), OR they are feted in the media because have genuine pace (eg. Emille Heskey or Micheal Owen), OR they are widely regarded as having good technical skills (can't think of an example) - conclusion, the media have convinced 'me' I should be playing for England.

The relaity is that AS has a phenomenal scoring record, both for his PL Clubs AND for England; he is strong and tough - both physically and mentally; he cannot be intimidated, but he intimidates the opposition; he is leader; he keeps his opinions to himself and avoids controversy.

He is the finished article: he is indisputably England's No.1.

However he has played too many games with inadequate rest periods, and suffered three serious injuries. These factors dictate that he probably won't play at the very top level for many more seasons - a sad fact of life.

He was right to announce his retirement from international football and leave the way open for all the 'wannabees' who have mouthed off in the media about Alan's 'automatic selection'. The problem now is they're going to have deliver on the field, in the international arena, at the very highest level, as opposed to inconsistently at Club level. Their mouths can no longer do all the shouting for them: they finally have to deliver.

Frankly, I doubt any of them will prove to be up to it. We'll soon find out.

-- Anonymous, May 15, 2000

clarky, "I" already new the answer, as do the majority of this BBS, it appears LR still can't see the obvious - at least he didn't refute my "arrogant @unt" statement!

:7)

-- Anonymous, May 15, 2000

GAV...Andy's had one...possibly two starts...but I think it's one. And that was a shite game for EVERYONE involved. All his other games have been as sub...with 15 mins left.

Yer right tho...I don't wanna see United players wearing white.

Bud....what's the point in arguing with your "arrogant" slate?. I would say WGB is as arrogant as any man.

-- Anonymous, May 15, 2000

LR,

I'm not averse to giving him a couple more chances now but I still think that he hasn't even remotely looked international class in the couple of sniffs he's had......

As much as I hate to say it, I think munchkin is a better bet....

-- Anonymous, May 15, 2000