Robbie an o/s bet for the WC?

[Sir Tokyo Sexwale]

Probably not, but if he continues to put in performances like tonight, someone in the press has to make the call. Not only was he looking hungry for goals & likely to score, his link with the MF was excellent. That's something many people overlook, he has all-round ability & awareness. He also offers something that I don't think they have up front for England - a left foot

[Nebraska Red]

Macca's been at the wacky backy and the booze again.!!

[fyds]

Probably not, but if he continues to put in performances like tonight, someone in the press has to make the call. Not only was he looking hungry for goals & likely to score, his link with the MF was excellent. That's something many people overlook, he has all-round ability & awareness. He also offers something that I don't think they have up front for England - a left foot

Tonight was wonderful - but I think you should just say NO!

[Molby]

I think he's a certainty, or would be if Sven had the a*** for it

 

remember Paolo Rossi in 1982?

 

same circumstances (in terms of playing time prior to the WC and the rush to get him fit and sharp, which in the case of Rossi, took until the 4th game to happen)

[Scally Bob]

If Robbie had worked hard enough prior to going to Leeds (and been supported by GH) he would have been as good as Bergkamp or Raul at their best. Truth is, he never knew what he was going to miss out on and he never worked hard enough. He was immature.

 

His time's passed for Ingerlund. He's not in the clique and Fat Frank or Ferdinand will tell Sven they don't want too many Scousers at the World Cup.

[Guest wezza]

There is no chance of Robbie making the England squad. Im reading his book at the moment and in it he says he has little faith in England winning anything under Sven coz he doesnt rate him as a manager.

Cant see Sven calling someone up that he knows has no faith in him.

[fred milne]

If Robbie had worked hard enough prior to going to Leeds (and been supported by GH) he would have been as good as Bergkamp or Raul at their best.

I've always thought that Fowler's ability to create chances for others has always been a little overrated on here. Its true he does generally link up play well but that side of his game is hardly in the Bergkampf class. For me, his genius lies mainly in his finishing.

[Cobs]

I think he's a certainty, or would be if Sven had the a*** for it

 

remember Paolo Rossi in 1982?

 

same circumstances (in terms of playing time prior to the WC and the rush to get him fit and sharp, which in the case of Rossi, took until the 4th game to happen)

Rossi was 25yrs old though

 

can't see Sven dropping Rooney or Owen through the Group stages to help play him into fitness somehow

[anny road]

ffs noooo

 

no more Liverpool playing for those twunts please

[Guz]

I dont think Robbie has been that impressive since he joined us again really. Mainly because he hasnt been fit enough. Although hopefully he'll go on a little run now.

 

I think owen, Rooney, Crouch, Defoe, Bent are certs to goto Germany at the moment but it's true England could do with a Fowler, maybe Sheringham type player in there.

[Guest Red Mist]

England f***ed up by not playing Fowler when he was in his prime. He could have won us Euro 96.

[Benitez]

noway. Owen, Crouchy, Rooney and prolly Dafoe. Noway does Robbie stand a chance, and understandibly so. No slight on him, just he hasn't been fit or playing enough the last 2 years to get close.

 

Anyway, if he's staying here, as seems likely, Pako will have a special fitness programme for young Rob, which will keep him occupied this summer.

Edited March 16, 2006 by Benitez

[Sir Tokyo Sexwale]

Defoe's hardly banging them away though.

 

I don't think for a second that Fowler will be considered, but if he continues to play like he has been, then he should be considered (but won't) as at least a reserve, should injury strike.

 

And he's got a left foot

[Cobs]

England f***ed up by not playing Fowler when he was in his prime. He could have won us Euro 96.

unlike those Shearer & Sherringham nobheads...

[oakie bob]

i think we need to start a campaign, no liverpool players in the england squad

[Bootle Buck]

When he starts banging in hat-tricks in 6 minutes like the old days then maybe.

[Guest Kev]

England f***ed up by not playing Fowler when he was in his prime. He could have won us Euro 96.

 

Totally agree with this.

[Gomez]

Totally agree with this.

 

Yep me too. People use that arguement of the Holland match and pretend that Shearer and Sheringham where an awesome parntership. They weren't, Fowler was better than both of them at that point in time, and England, despite being hosts, only managed to beat Holland and Scotland in that tournament.

[Cobs]

Fowler was better than both of them at that point in time,

Memory failing you there, mate.

 

Shearer was undoubtedly the No.1 striker in the country at the time - banging in 30 goals a season 3 yrs running at Blackburn

 

 

Robbie was terrific and not far behind SHearer for goals but i guess not the ideal foil for Shearer in the manager's eyes, seeing as Shearer was used to playing alongside Newell/Sutton.

[Guest Sabre]

I can't wait to see him playing for us next season with a full summer of training behind him. He'll feel much better about his football when he's fully fit and can run for 90 minutes. He's already shown that he's easily our most talented striker even if he hasn't been at his best.

[Guz]

In terms of England, James Beattie is probably the best "outside bet", he's peaking at the right time.

[Falconhoof]

Can't see the point of giving him 3 minutes on the pitch today. I'd have had Cisse off after about 60 minutes to give Robbie a decent run.

[Guz]

Can't see the point of giving him 3 minutes on the pitch today. I'd have had Cisse off after about 60 minutes to give Robbie a decent run.

 

He was stripped off and ready to come on with about 10mins left. I think it was only because we did a bit of defending did we wait and wait and I guess Rafa decided he might aswell get on if he's ready

[Falconhoof]

He was stripped off and ready to come on with about 10mins left. I think it was only because we did a bit of defending did we wait and wait and I guess Rafa decided he might aswell get on if he's ready

 

 

He was stripped off and ready to come on with 5 minutes to go. I looked at the clock and was disapointed. Can't argue with Rafa overall, he's handling Robbie really well but with the cup game coming up when he won't play and us being in no danger against Newcastle then it was the ideal opportunity to give him some match practise.

[Poolfrog]

Probably not, but if he continues to put in performances like tonight, someone in the press has to make the call. Not only was he looking hungry for goals & likely to score, his link with the MF was excellent. That's something many people overlook, he has all-round ability & awareness. He also offers something that I don't think they have up front for England - a left foot

 

I think you need to lie down in a darkened room. Fair play to the lad, he scored, but talk of him for the world cup is madness. I'll be surprised if he gets a contract with us. He looks like he's pulling a tractor when he runs. He couldn't possibly have less pace if he walked everywhere. Not up to it anymore I'm afraid, which is why we offloaded him in the first place.