2010 World Cup Formbook: Is Scott Parker In Your England 23 For South Africa?

Ollie Irish

26th, April 2010

9 Comments

By Ollie Irish

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Scott Parker has been in blinding form in 2009-10, and the calls for his World Cup selection are getting louder. West Ham keeper Rob Green is the latest to sing Parker’s praises:

“Personally, I would love him to go [to South Africa],” Green said. “You look at the strength and depth of England’s midfield and you are looking at players of quality. If he doesn’t go then you know everybody else is flying.”

Parker still holds out hope of making the England 23 but realistically he is resigned to missing out, having only been called up once by Fabio Capello.

“I think if I had a chance to go to South Africa I would have been called into the squad more than I have so it is obviously against me a bit,” Parker said.

“All I can do is play well for West Ham and if I can keep producing the performances I am producing then hopefully it would be enough. If it happens it will be great and I will be raring to go but I think it is a big ask.”

Like many people, I’m a big fan of Parker. He’s a terrific homegrown Premier League midfielder, the sort of committed player who is perfect for a relegation scrap. I’m not sure he’s quite the player England needs at the World Cup though. What do you think? Would Parker make your final squad?


Posted in Opinion, West Ham Utd, World Cup

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9 Comments

  1. Chris Nee says:

    Not for me. A good season from a very good player, but he’s solid rather than spectacular in what is a fairly strong position for England. Or rather, a position with lots of existing, trusted options.

  2. Chris says:

    Sadly for Scotty, England already have a well-stocked midfield (even Steven Gerrard can’t be accomodated in the middle) so I don’t think he’ll go to SA2010 – despite his excellent form.

    Personally, I’d take him over Barry and Carrick, but I guess I’m just a sucker for hard-work and commitment.

  3. figg says:

    Doesn’t make my list. Cant see him make the difference against the top teams.

  4. Adam Leatherbarroq says:

    don’t see why he shouldn;t be in the 23…

    he will not be a first choice in the 11, but when you get big games, in the later stages of the competition, you need subs that can come in and won’t weaken the squad.

    if there is an injury to a key player you need someone like Parker to fill the void and fill the void well. same applies to ledley king, if one of our centre backs has taken a knock, upson will do a fair job, but king is a better replacement, even if its for 20 mins.

    i can;t see players like young, warnock and heskey being the type of players to change the game when they come off the bench, as they starters, they are used to starting and slowly getting into the game. players who make an immediate impact are the players you need in that 23.

    parker deserves the shot, he’s been fantastic for west ham and has carried the squad with him. he has an infectious personality and ability that will enhance englands chances this year. i’d still take beckham not as a 23 but in the background as a “coach/advisor” because his experience will be vital for the team.

    infectious players must go to the world cup, whats the point of taking a player who is not vocal, not determined and not passionate.

  5. No matter how much Parker impresses in the Premier League he will struggle because he plays in a position where England have a lot of talent. I would have him as part of the squad due to the obvious class he has, but he will never be a first teamer ahead of Lampard, Gerrard or Barry.

  6. Gillis says:

    Got to have scotty for me better than Barry class player very versatile and all that and a great work rate. Can play at the back and none of our other midfield players can do that

  7. Flynn says:

    Realistically Parker is the best defensive midfielder England hav got n say if we cum up agenst Spain at the world cup I can’t see carrick barry lampard or gerrard stopping one of their tricky players in midfield. Parker is small but strong so it means he match tricky players with agility. If upson possibly the worst cb in premier league gets in squad n Parker don’t then it wud b a disgrace

  8. This is a nice blog. Do you guys know of any sites that will stream the world cup games live? Thank you so much. 15:00

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