We were full expecting Jack Colback to pick up his first England cap against Norway tonight at Wembley before he was ruled out because of injury.
Jack Colback – Newcastle midfielder
However the injury is reported as only minor and Jack picked up a slight knock in training and manager Roy Hodgson has said the game against Norway will come a day early for the Newcastle man.
But Jack will remain with the squad and should be available for England’s first Euro 2016 qualifying game at Switzerland on Monday night, which could be a difficult game for us.
However, it was always more likely he would be selected for his first cap in a friendly game than a competitive tie, but it depends on how impressive Jack is in training before Monday.
This is what Jack has said in the Shields Gazette today:
“Things are going well – I couldn’t have asked for much more,” “The fans have been great since I came.” “All I want to do is pay them back with some wins, and the England thing is a massive bonus.”
“Obviously, I wasn’t expecting it, but I got the call and I was over the moon.” “Alan Pardew just pulled us to one side in the morning and said that England had been on the phone to check that I was fit, but he wasn’t sure if I’d be in the squad or not.”
“It was obviously a surprise, but it shows that if you’re doing well, you’ve got a chance.” “It’ll be a good experience for me. Hopefully, I can get some game time.”
“Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard retiring has left a massive hole,” “It gives people who maybe weren’t expecting it a chance.” “It would be nice to get some game time and a cap, but I won’t be classing myself as an England international just yet.
“I’ve got a chance to go in there and hopefully impress, and hopefully get in squads in the future.” “If I can play a few games, maybe I can be called that.”
There has been criticism of Colback’s call up by some journalists, but it will depend on how Jack plays in an England shirt.
We have so many good English players who have hardly ever produced their best club form while wearing the England shirt and we’ve always thought players should be selected for England depending on their England performances, and some players excel in an England shirt.
Jack has certainly excelled so far in a Newcastle shirt, and we see no reason why he cannot become a good player for England long term.
What do you think?
Comments welcome.
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9 comments so far
Markaccus
Sep 3, 2014 at 9:05 AM
Comment #1Martoon
No, i missed that one. But then again if colin got things right, we would have Richards, aubemayang, alderwiereld and nastsic 😀
Harley
Sep 3, 2014 at 9:05 AM
Comment #2Gutted for colback as he totally deserved his call up. We don’t seem to have another holding player in the country (that I can think of). If he keeps improving he could be a regular.
I voted no on last article. A great start replacing the players who’d left that ended in total disappointment with the squad now looking weaker than last season.
Toon-Prodigy
Sep 3, 2014 at 9:11 AM
Comment #3Shame for the lad, hopefully he can impress in training
Rotonda heights
Sep 3, 2014 at 9:15 AM
Comment #4Some hope in the independent this morning. However, if the miracle happens and pardew is finally dispatched I really hope a replacement does NOT come from one of David Moyes, Tony Pulis or Steve Clarke, all out of work Brit managers.
Although upgrades on Pardew and tbh not many wouldn’t be, they are not the answer and never will be.
Frank De Boer has to be the number 1 target and failing him, a Spanish / Latin manager
if we are to ever realise the potential talent in the current squad.
If it has to be English, only Hoddle, Dyche or Howe would really have us close to playing attractive football.
70TWO
Sep 3, 2014 at 9:19 AM
Comment #5I expect to see Colback filling in at right back very soon, AP will be itching to inverse the wing play and the first injury to Janmatt will be the opportunity he craves.
70TWO
Sep 3, 2014 at 9:22 AM
Comment #6Was going to suggest Steve Clarke will be on Ashleys radar but I see he is linked with Leeds. Watch this space!
beermonkey
Sep 3, 2014 at 9:27 AM
Comment #7RH
go back 18mnths and moyes would have been top of the list on a lot of fans as a replacement
i think his wages would be to much for the fat man he also wouldn’t take bonus related pay only for the club to sell players he wants,
i would take hi tbh at least he has a good record bringing players through,
i don’t think he is in any danger at the moment and he will still be here come xmas
beermonkey
Sep 3, 2014 at 9:44 AM
Comment #8RH
go back 18mnths and moyes would have been top of the list on a lot of fans as a replacement
i think his wages would be to much for the fat man he also wouldn’t take bonus related pay only for the club to sell players he wants,
i would take him tbh at least he has a good record bringing players through, and his football was not that bad at everton
i don’t think pards is in any danger at the moment and he will still be here come xmas
toonincheek
Sep 3, 2014 at 9:51 AM
Comment #9The No. 1 requirement for ANY new manager is that he has to be MA’s mouthpiece/Yes-man.
That seems to exclude any quality independent-thinking manager, or any manager with any self-esteem.