Blades defender, Jack O’Connell, has once again been left out of the England squad by Gareth Southgate.
Jack O’Connell has once again been ignored by England (Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images)
Although we reported he was set to miss out, the United star was widely tipped – mainly by Blades fans – to make the squad. O’Connell is part of the best defence in the Premier League. Indeed, Southgate has been seen at Bramall Lane.
However, Southgate has opted against selecting O’Connell. Instead, he has recalled John Stones and gone with Chelsea youngster, Fikayo Tomori.
Blades fans, then, aren’t too impressed with Southgate’s decision. Plenty of them took to Twitter following the announcement to have their say on the issue.
Some fans think there is an agenda against the so-called ‘smaller’ Premier League clubs.
If o'connell played at West ham Everton ect he would have nearly five caps already main stream media never credit our club FACT!
— daveyboi (@daveyboi1889) November 7, 2019
Did he ever go through youth ranks at all? Think that may be why. Either way he can’t be far off! Best defence in league in all 3 leagues he’s played for us in!
— Brandon (@brannyy_) November 7, 2019
Others simply think the England manager needs to get a move on in picking O’Connell.
@England sort it out..
— Callum Hobson (@CallumHobson__) November 7, 2019
Gareth wake up!!!!!
— PromotionSoon (@PaulBatho2) November 7, 2019
Joke
— Simon Breen (@simonjbreen) November 7, 2019
On the other hand, some United fans seem pretty please O’Connell has been ignored.
Good! Put your feet up Jack! 👍👍
— TheBlades (@skibumg) November 7, 2019
Suits me actually. Less risk of injury and keeps them under the radar.
— Daryl Ball (@benballcv) November 7, 2019
The case for O’Connell
Like so many in this Sheffield United squad, O’Connell is attracting attention.
He’s made that left-side centre-back role his own at Bramall Lane. Good enough on the ball but with the no nonsense approach of a good, old fashioned defender.
O’Connell is part of the best defence in the Premier League (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)
It’s easy to see why so many want O’Connell involved. Five clean-sheets as part of the joint best defence in the league is an obvious stat. As is the fact he has continued his overlapping ways in the top-flight.
Systems coming into play
Southgate has previously nodded to the fact that it’s hard to select people playing in different systems.
Gareth Southgate has suggested some systems don’t match his England philosophy (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)
Frankly, as Sheffield United fans, that excuse just does not wash. If O’Connell isn’t good enough now, in the best defence in the league, then when will he ever be?
Although, as some fans alluded to above, it might play into Chris Wilder’s hands. Some much needed rest could be on the cards for O’Connell.
The last thing United need is injuries. So, from a selfish and fan point of view, Jack O’Connell staying back in Sheffield with the Blades is perfectly fine.