The Premiership Talk Friday Five: Players Who Deserve an England Spot

By Brian Lofrumento | 22nd August 2008

The Premiership Talk Friday Five: Players Who Deserve an England Spot | read this item

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In the wake of England’s disappointing performance against the Czech Republic, Premiership Talk takes a look at the five players who have proven themselves in the English Premier League and deserve a call-up. Nominate your players by joining the Premiership Talk Forum.

1. Gabriel Agbonlahor. Agbonlahor is an extremely pacy winger/striker for Aston Villa who can almost always be counted on to come up with the goods. Gabriel made a loud and clear statement to England manager Fabio Capello on the opening day of the season as he grabbed the first hat trick of the year. In a time where England is so desparate for goalscorers, why can’t Agbonlahor earn a chance to prove himself in a meaningless friendly against the Czech Republic?

2. Dean Ashton. Ashton has forever been known as a top prospect, but a career spoiled by injuries has raised a lot of doubts about his future. With a full preseason under his belt, though, Ashton is once again proving his critics wrong. A brace on his first game of the year helped West Ham get off to a flier and should do wonders for his confidence (although a free kick later on in the game which he hurt himself on didn’t help). Surely Ashton should be getting a chance over the known quantity Jermain Defoe.

3. Ben Foster. Foster’s career is one destined for greatness, although injuries are trying to halt his progression. A great few seasons for Watford combined with an outstanding debut for Manchester United last season showed Foster’s quality and even earned him a few call-ups to the English side. For some reason, though, no one takes him seriously yet, and I’m sure this will change soon. Currently playing in United’s reserves, Foster is just waiting to take over the number 1 shirt of Edwin van der Sar. With David James certainly out of contention for the next World Cup, Ben Foster should quickly be groomed as the next English number 1.

4. Micah Richards. The talented Manchester City youngster is a phenomenal athlete. His physique, strength, and speed make him a great overall defender and allows him to have the stamina to run the flank as well. Richards is viewed throughout the country as the natural replacement for Gary Neville, and in the past there have even been rumors that Sir Alex Ferguson was interested in the Oldham-born defender. Instead of using the likes of Wes Brown to backup Neville in the English side, why doesn’t Capello give Richards a chance when he’s available?

5. Michael Johnson. Another youngster in Manchester City’s ranks, Johnson showed his talent to the the Premier League last season. He was instrumental to the City side as they finished in the top half of the table. During the summer, a host of giant clubs chased after the 20 year old, with Arsenal amongst the list of admirers. Johnson will be approaching a perfect age during the next World Cup, and there’s no reason that he shouldn’t start getting chances with the senior side now. Fabio Capello: watch this youngster!

Discuss these players and more at the Premiership Talk Forum!