Why has Kevin Nolan not been given a chance in the England team?

Question

It's seem unfair that here's a player who is desperate to play for his country but can't get a look in. He plays in an established top half Premiership side in Bolton and is consistent in his match performances. Anyone know why he isn't picked?

Answer 1

He plays for Bolton.

If he moved to a big four club, his chances would improve many times over.

Read one of his columns on BBC, he talks about this very thing.

Answer 2

I'm supprised that he hasn't at least been included in a squad as he has been playing well for a few years now. It's all down to wether the player is liked not the club (though it doesnt help) as was proved with Barton being picked. Like some other people have said Lampard and Gerrard are always going to be ahead of him (and rightly so) but also the likes of Hargreaves and Carrick with plyers like Jenas and Dyer who can also play through the middle. Players who are good and consistant like Barton, Nolan, Barry etc will always be overlooked. Is it any suprise Barry has been picked by 5 different england managers and still only has 9 caps? It always happens. In the 90's Adams and Palaster was the centre back pairing for England but both their respective partners never got a look in (Steve Bruce 0 Caps, Steve Bould 2 Caps).

Answer 3

Absolutely not! I saw an interview with him on Sky earlier where he stated that he was enjoying all his time off and has not even been training, and this is not an attitude that needs to be permeated through the England Team. When was the last time that his CONSISTENT form make him an automatic shoe in for the starting 11? Why does he not want to bat a number 3, as the vast majority of world class Batsmen do- IVA, Ponting, Bradman, Miandad etc etc? There is only one cause that KP cares about, and that is KP! There are several players ahead of him to take over from Strauss- Cook, Bell or even Broad- and he should either accept that or move back home and become a Protea.

Answer 4

Unfortunately for Nolan the F.A. gave in to media pressure and sacked Sven and gave the job to a weak manager with no apparent clue, he dropped Beckham because the media wanted it so the only way Kevin Nolan will have a chance of playing football for England is either, we get a new manager who understands how to pick a good team and tactics, or the media say McLaren should pick Nolan. I personally think he is good enough but that doesn't always seem to matter when it comes to playing for England, when did Rooney last score! yet he always gets picked ahead of the likes of Dean Ashton or Andy Johnson.

Answer 5

I think Nolan is an excellent player and should get a chance.

But I think the midfield could be the toughest area to break into for an English player at the moment. Nolan can play left wing which should help, but he seems to be more a central player.

Macca does not have Cole for sometime and Downing has not been able to hold down that left side. So Barry and Nolan should get their chances.

Answer 6

Because he's a lacklustre player. By playing him in the england team, you are effectively decreasing the skill level of the team. He is simply not good enough. If he was good enough to play for an england team who expects to win world cups etc he should be playing for a club who expects to win league titles, european cups etc, although none of these big clubs would want to take him on as he isnt good enough. Can you really see Alex Ferguson wanting to buy him. By giving him a spot in the england team you are lowering england to how bolton are seen in the premiership - only challenging for 5th place

Answer 7

Kevin Nolan, whilst a very good player is not as gifted as Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard, Owen Hargreaves, Michael Carrick and David Beckham (although he's not playing either now). The same has been said of Joey Barton, the fact that all of these players play as central midfielders (Beckham less so), makes it difficult for Nolan. His form in the 06/07 season isn't what it was in 05/06 either.

Answer 8

It's simple really, Steve McClaren is the biggest joke in international football. Only in England could the national team be managed by a second rate manager.

Its not just Nolan that should be in the team, but also:

Beckham (even if only as a super sub)
David James (Simply the best keeper in the league)
Cambell (ten times better than woodgate)
Mat Taylor (Left footed and scores bucket loads)

Bring back Sven!! lol

Answer 9

Basically because he is not good enough to represent England at the top level.
I'm not saying that some of the recent choices have been good enough - but it does not mean we should keep trying players like Barton, Nolan etc who are average Premiership players in avaerage premiership teams

Answer 10

I just don't think that he would cut it at that level, hes a great club player, Busy,gritty, determined and most importantly effective!

I don't think he should be an england regular but surely he deserves a cap if the likes of barton and barry are getting their chance!

However Im sure hed show more passion for his country than the likes of lampard and those other pre maddonas! A good Bolton lad like him

Answer 11

Its a tough one - but i don't think that its just cos of the team he's at if the choice of Joey Barton and Micah Richards of Manchester City are anything to go by.

The difference between him and Barton, is the difference they make to the team, Barton influence is clearly noticeable in the City team, however Nolans is not as great, and whilst their skill levels maybe of comparable levels its shown in the way the teams perform without them. Its a shame cos i like Nolan as a player and would happily see his name on the team sheet above Fat Frank but sadly there are many excellent players in that position who are English. if he wants to play international football i believe he should join up with Eire (as he is intitled to play) as i do not believe that he will ever get picked over Lampard, Gerrard, Hargreaves, King even Barton.