The pinnacle of any player’s football career is to get to play for their country.
Whether that be in friendlies, qualifying games or major tournaments, the chance to pull on the shirt from the land of your birth is extra special.
Not, however, it seems for three current England upstarts. Players who, frankly, should never be handed another opportunity again to wear the Three Lions with pride.
According to The Sun, Manchester United’s Mason Greenwood, Borussia Dortmund’s Jude Bellingham and Chelsea’s Callum Hudson-Odoi have turned their noses up at playing for England.
Gareth Southgate detailed that Greenwood noted back in September that he didn’t want to be considered for any remaining matches in 2021. Bellingham was reportedly ‘tired’ and Hudson-Odoi continues to snub the U21s, believing that he’s worth a shot in the senior team which is something Southgate clearly disagrees on.
This entitled sort of attitude has become all too common in the youth of today. Having the gall to ask not to be picked is astonishingly bad practice.
If any of the three are welcomed back into the fold with open arms, it will set a dangerous precedent for the future, when players will want to pick and choose what internationals they play in.
A disaster waiting to happen.
In the case of CHO, he is far too good for Junior football. What is actually a measured plan from him to try and nail down his spot in the Chelsea team following recent good form will eventually see him good enough to be selected in the senior team. The same can be said of Greenwood trying to keep his place at United.
With Bellingham, it should not be surprising he is wary of fatigue after Pedri’s (another 18 year old) injury 2 months ago after his insane schedule last season.
While playing for your country is obviously the highest honour, to spout disdain on two 20 year olds and an 18 year old for wanting to continue their development safely rather than either sit on the bench or play junior football is shameful to say the least, Jason.
In the case of CHO, he is far too good to be playing junior football. What is actually a measured plan from him to cement his place in the Chelsea team after recent good form will see him become good enough in Southgate’s eyes to be selected for the senior team. The same can be said of Greenwood also fighting for his spot at United.
The amount of games in the calendar already and all the coverage given of footballers being at risk of long term injury from playing too many games should not leave 18 year old Bellingham’s decision as a surprise. Especially after Pedri’s injury 2 months ago.
While playing internationals are obviously the highest honour. Spouting such disdain to an 18 year old and two 20 year olds for wanting to safely continue their development is frankly abhorrent, Jason and you should feel ashamed.
Who ever wrote this article is a biased and disconnected from reality. Cant footballers focus on club football and it’s importance (the reason they made the national team) or prioritize spending time w their families which they don’t get to see for MAJORITY OF THE YEAR being on the road traveling. Geez like they can’t have lives as well and miss their friends/ fam? Just curious