Every week, Sportsnet.ca will chat with Sportsnet soccer commentator James Sharman about the big stories and issues in the Premier League, and preview the weekend’s games.
Jamie Vardy and Harry Kane scored in England’s recent friendlies, leading to debates as to whether they should start ahead of Wayne Rooney at Euro 2016. What do you think? Should England even bring Rooney to France?
It is a shame that when looking back on Wayne Rooney’s international career it peaked at Euro 2004. That’s not to criticize what has otherwise been a wonderful career, but he never reached those heights again for his country. Perhaps it is not too late, but unless Rooney returns for the final two or three weeks of the season and puts on a master-class for Manchester United and for England in the remaining friendlies, I don’t see how he starts at Euro.
Harry Kane has cemented that centre-forward spot, and I think there are better options than Rooney to play as the No. 3 behind Kane. That being said, you still need experience, and Rooney could be a great weapon off the bench, and don’t put it past him to force his way back onto the team at some point. I do need to clarify that this is all what I’d do—I still think Roy Hodgson will find a spot in his starting 11 for a fit Rooney.
What are your thoughts on Remi Garde parting ways with Aston Villa?
Remi Garde, like Tim Sherwood before him, was a victim of a club that was run in an atrocious manner. Arriving with a reputation for working with young players, Garde found out there weren’t very many young players ready to make an impact. He had little money to spend on improving a clearly over-matched squad, and reportedly he did nothing to stop the fractures within the squad, the cracks of which were likely forming even before he arrived. Basically Garde was on a hiding to nothing. Villa needs to be blown up and started all over again, which is such a shame given its standing in English football.
Gary Neville was also fired as manager of Valencia this week. Do you see him landing another job in the Premier League anytime soon?
No. This was always such a strange hire, although the fact that he is such good friends with the owner explained everything. Neville has had a taste of managing now, even though he failed at Valencia, so he may well step into the breach again. But I think he is smart enough to learn his trade in a lower league, or as an assistant before he takes the plunge again. In the meantime let’s hope he returns to the commentator’s booth, as he is one of the top footy analysts in the country.
Newcastle goalkeeper Rob Elliot suffered a serious knee injury while on duty for Ireland. With first-choice Tim Krul already sidelined with a long-term injury, how does the loss of Elliott hurt the Magpies and their chances of avoiding relegation?
Elliott had played very well for Newcastle in Krul’s absence. In comes Karl Darlow who has made four saves this season. Four! Darlow will keep goal for the second worse defence in the League, and will suit up for this weekend’s enormous relegation battle with Norwich. All in all, this is not good, although with Rafa Benitez now at the helm the defence will improve. It had better.
Liverpool hosts Tottenham on Saturday. Aside from the usual suspects (Harry Kane and Dele Alli) who’s impressed you the most on Spurs this season? Who’s played a unheralded role in Tottenham’s title push?
Let’s throw Eric Dier among the usual suspects too. A lot of players have excelled this season at Spurs, but let’s give some love for Moussa Dembele—he is the man who sits beside Dier and never really puts a foot wrong. Dembele looks and feels like a central midfielder, and he is one of the league’s best: Big, tough, a really good passer of the ball and overall an intelligent footballer who always knows what the best pass is. Dembele loves to get forward, and probably feels that he should score more goals, but the fact that he doesn’t keeps him off the radar. Dembele is superb, and could be Spurs’ most influential player.
SPORTSNET.CA’s Soccer Central podcast, hosted by James Sharman, takes an in-depth look at the beautiful game and offers timely and thoughtful analysis on the sport’s biggest issues.
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