The Soccer Thread (Version 8)

Rooney retiring to DC United.

 

Looks like Burnley's Nick Pope is getting the third England keeper spot over Joe Hart. I love this decision. England keeper of the future. Let him experience a World Cup and then arrive in four years fully primed.

Jack Wilshere and Joe Hart left out of England's World Cup squad - Fabian Delph expected to be included

 

He’s older than both Pickford and Butland

 

True, but he has zero international experience. Pope was playing League Two just two seasons ago, didn't make a regular start for Burnley last season, and only got his chance this season because Tom Heaton was injured. Late-ish bloomer.

 

Household tables.

3rd, 10th, 13th.

 

Just hope England doesn't come up against Arsenal in the World Cup...

 

It's not quite fair to Hart, but no England manager could have left him on the team just for karma/fan reaction reasons. He is too associated with past failures. And it's not like he was ever great.

 

Agreed. He seems like a good guy, but you can’t take a 31 year old as a non-playing veteran presence.

Still can’t believe that Phil Jones and Ashley Young made the squad. They are barely League Cup level.

 

Mario Götze, the extra-time hero of Germany’s 1-0 win over Argentina in 2014, is left off the 2018 team.

 

Everton just sacked Big Sam. Among a complete overhaul of the front office, I've learned.

 

Start the World Cup hype train.

Lionel Messi is the quietest superstar