This summer, like many others I presume, I was looking forward to watching the 2018 World Cup, particularly with a view to seeing how the West Ham contingent would perform.
But, unfortunately, their participation could be somewhat thin on the ground.
Gareth Southgate, in selecting his 23-man squad, opted to totally ignore the claims of any English born players, with Joe Hart, Aaron Cresswell, Michail Antonio and Andy Carroll all being ignored.
However, it’s hard to criticise Southgate when you consider that three of the trio have suffered from injuries and a loss of form.
But, it would have been good to see the dependable and versatile Cresswell given a chance.
Thankfully, my dwindling interest has been given a boost by the news that Manuel Lanzini has been selected for the Argentine World Cup squad.
Hopefully, Lanzini will be given the opportunity, by Jorge Sampaoli, to shine and provide the opportunities for Lionel Messi to score the goals which will see Argentina go a long way in the competition.
But, as is always the case in a competition of this magnitude, producing the goods could also have a detrimental effect with the vultures of European football swooping to bolster their squads ready for the new season.
Let’s hope Lanzini is still with us at the start of the 2018 / 2019 season.
COYI’s
