I believe Dunphy said on wednesday that up to 6 Irish players would get into the English squad, i didnt hear it myself but this was the start of a drunken discussion about who would make it. Personally i think only Given would get into the team. Keane Duff Dunne and McGeady were put forward, maybe keane would make the squad but thats it. Does anyone else think any other Irish players would make the English team?
Dunphy completely lost the run of himself and said that at least 6/7 of the team would get into any international squad! ... He then went on to name Given, Keane, Doyle, McGeady, Duff and when he got stuck he then added Stephen Ireland! I think Given and McGeady realistically are the only two who could start for England. In terms of individual talent the English team have an embarrassment of riches, the problem is they're too individual and don't seem to play well together as a team! Many will argue Robbie Keane could be included but I don't think he performs well enough against the big international sides to merit a place.
Given would start for them.Dunne-not on current form but over the last few seasons would surely have been in the squad.Finnan is better than Gary Neville-end of,Keane would be in the squad alright.The Damien Duff of years gone by would definitely be in there starting but not in the last 2 years-then again if Stewart Downing can make it...Stephen Ireland might also be a decent shout.Hard to know with McGeadey-can't really compare him to their others wingers since he's not in the prem but I don't think he'd be far off.
Shay would definately start and i think Duff Keane and McGeady would make the squad because imo Duff and McGeady are better than Downing and on their day could prob challege Joe Cole for the left wing position and maybe Dunne could come in for back-up to Terry and Ferdinand but couldnt see him startin instead of them
i think the words he said were we had 6/7 players that would make it into any squad in european football - and he named given dunne and o shea as ones that would get in but i think thats as far as he got before souness interupted !
He definitely named McGeady and Stephen Ireland aswell. It was a ridiculous statement anyway from Dunphy!
Souness called it right when he said the Irish squad is 'limited', 'mediocre' or whatever term he used; He was being objective. He said he looked at the subs at half time and he could not see any options to change the game. He said Trap is doing well to be in the current position and I'd agree. With the squad being so limited; he could do with Andy Reid, Stephen Reid and Stephen Ireland back in there. Dunphy sounded like he was blinded by nationalistic pride and decided to back up the Irish lads which is fair enough really considering they had just won the 3 points. Given is the only one who would definitely get in the English team. Duff, McGeady, Doyle, Keane, Dunne in the squad...maybe 1 or 2 in the team. Having said that, I'd still fancy Ireland to beat England in Croke Park. The England national team is the best example of lack of team spirit in football since the Galacticos of Real Madrid...group of individual stars unable to play together.
Hand on heart .. I think Given is the only one who would get into the team. Not sure about the squad.
bren 100 i have to agree with you only give would get in of the current squad duff is not near as good as he was when he joined Chelsea and i know that he is only coming back from a long term injury.keane needs to rediscover his consistency.mcgeady is playing in Scotland so he only plays 10 games a season that he is playing against top quality oposition.etc etc etc
I think Given in the squad, not sure if he is better than James for a starting position. O'Shea might make the squad based on Brown and the Nevilles making it. Other than that, nobody, considering the clubs they play for and how regularly they get a game.
Given is good, but none of the top 4 came sniffing when he was available. Both James and Given are top quality on there day but compare there clean sheets per season and I would think James would win hands down. Before you say Given had a shite defence in front of him ,I would say there is more to goal keeping than just making saves, a bit of organisation wouldn't go astray.
Given would be a shoe in. O Shea and Robbie Keane would make the squad for major championships. If they were on 'top top' form, then Duff, Dunne and outside chances for Doyle, McGeady and Steven Reid.