England manager Roy Hodgson surely can't ignore Southampton's Rickie Lambert now

Rickie Lambert scores against Chelsea Rickie Lambert scores against Chelsea

Rickie Lambert for England? It looks an increasingly plausible notion.

The striker came off the bench at Stamford Bridge last night to score his tenth Premier League goal of the campaign – a beautiful arcing header from Nathaniel Clyne’s right-wing cross that sparked a famous comeback for Nigel Adkins’ side.

No English player has netted more top-flight goals this term than Lambert now.

Only Robin Van Persie, Luis Suarez, Demba Ba – who opened the scoring for Chelsea – and Michu have managed more.

It is exalted company that Lambert is keeping. He doesn’t look out of place, either.

It’s certainly not bad for a 30-year-old forward who 18 months ago had not played above League One level and who used to work in a beetroot factory earlier in his career.

His story is already wonderful enough, but perhaps it will soon have an incredible new chapter. Maybe even next month.

February 6 is the date – Brazil versus England, at Wembley.

What a moment that would be for the Liverpudlian, should Roy Hodgson see fit to select him.

And why not?

At Lambert’s age, a long-term international future is perhaps unlikely, but his performances and his goals must surely warrant consideration.

Who would you rather have in your team, Lambert or Andy Carroll? Surely there’s no contest right now.

Hodgson has already shown with his selection of Adam Lallana earlier this season that he is willing to consider players at clubs like Saints for international recognition.

He has even gone so far as to mention Lambert by name.

He might be looking even more seriously now.

Again last night, the powerful number seven proved his worth.

Dropped to the substitutes’ bench, he took just three minutes and five seconds following his second-half introduction to spark Saints’ improbable revival from 2-0 down.

Up to his arrival, Nigel Adkins’ side had played reasonably well, but looked blunt in attack.

With Lambert on, they became menacing. Chelsea hated it, and Saints stormed back.

It all had echoes of Lambert’s response to being dropped on the opening day of the season at Manchester City.

His header was also a reminder of his extensive catalogue of goals – whether his head or his foot, close range or long distance, or from the penalty spot, he is a magnificent finisher. There is not much he misses.

He is a man for the big occasion too. Manchester City, Manchester United and now Chelsea – all clubs he has scored against this season.

What a story if he was to add the name of Brazil to that list.

Comments(38)

insane saint says...
8:36am Thu 17 Jan 13

ENDLAND'S NEW NO. 7 DON'T GIVE HIM THE 9 / 10

RICKIE IS THE ENGLAND FORWARD WE HAVE BEEN LOOKING FOR.

COYR

Ganja Jungle says...
8:45am Thu 17 Jan 13

Lambert should be a England vet by now. Big club bias

Just think Lambert, Lallana and Shaw in the England team would be fantastic and I know they would play there hearts out's, like they do for us.

SaintinCanada says...
8:55am Thu 17 Jan 13

Totally agree with this. There is currently too much emphasis on "pace" rather than "intelligence".

Ricky deserves a cap....England deserve Ricky.

AmsterdamSaint says...
9:00am Thu 17 Jan 13

Brilliant game ! COYS !

Alicesdad says...
9:09am Thu 17 Jan 13

I would love to see Lambert, Lalla, and Shaw in an England shirt. But I have some doubts.

Hodgson is looking to the future so that may mean it's only Lalla and Shaw who make the breakthrough.

Ricky is and always will be a Saints legend for his contribution since he joined us. Absolutely amazing player.

Little Hitler says...
9:14am Thu 17 Jan 13

This is all a bit positive Echo? Better late than never!

SFCOLDBOY says...
9:16am Thu 17 Jan 13

Prior to heading the ball in the net.
Did you see Rickie shift Cahill out of the way to give himself space, just as Nat Clyne crossed the ball.
Cahill walked away head down,his body language was,
"I'VE BEEN MUGGED".

Who say's you can't teach an old dog new tricks.
Rickie has become streetwise at this level.
This player is a genious.
I have often compared him to other players we have had in the past.

I will not anymore.

He is UNIQUE.

If his displays for Saints doesn't get a deserved cap for England I really don't know what will.

(Sorry forgetting,he plays for Southampton ,that small provincial club somewhere on the south coast.
Not, London,Manchester or Liverpool!)

OH! how lucky we are that Pardew pursuaded Cortese to sign him.

Onwards and upwards.

COYS.

p.s.
Saints have got to find how we can be competative in his absence.

Taunton Saint says...
9:16am Thu 17 Jan 13

Thank you Ricky, you just got me a tenner after putting away your tenth of the season.

The Skunt is chunttering but has agreed to pay up lunchtime the Gasheads in the Office are just as happy as me.

Tenner will be burnt on receipt (better do it outside to save fire alarms!)

Back to thread - do it Roy, the man is a legend.

People go on about Holt, not fit (literally too) to lace Sir Rickie's boots

WECOMING4U says...
9:22am Thu 17 Jan 13

SFCOLDBOY wrote:
Prior to heading the ball in the net. Did you see Rickie shift Cahill out of the way to give himself space, just as Nat Clyne crossed the ball. Cahill walked away head down,his body language was, "I'VE BEEN MUGGED". Who say's you can't teach an old dog new tricks. Rickie has become streetwise at this level. This player is a genious. I have often compared him to other players we have had in the past. I will not anymore. He is UNIQUE. If his displays for Saints doesn't get a deserved cap for England I really don't know what will. (Sorry forgetting,he plays for Southampton ,that small provincial club somewhere on the south coast. Not, London,Manchester or Liverpool!) OH! how lucky we are that Pardew pursuaded Cortese to sign him. Onwards and upwards. COYS. p.s. Saints have got to find how we can be competative in his absence.
Thought the same Cahill good British Centre Half had no hands up in the air, but walked away knowing that SRL had done him up like a kipper!!!
I hope SRL gets the England call but he probably won't, but if even he was playing for the likes of West Ham he would be in?
Southampton's goal machine is total class.
Ba £9million and we gave pennies for the MASTER.

Dubai-saints89 says...
9:24am Thu 17 Jan 13

He Deserves a chance since he is joint top English goal scorer in the prem

mbetts says...
9:24am Thu 17 Jan 13

Lambert is worth a call up, but more concerning is Luke Shaw who although is only 17 absolutely killed Chelsea to set up the 2nd last night, if history tells us anything it's that you don't become an England regular til you get a move away from St. Mary's can think of dozens of worthy candidates who were never given a good run whilst at Saints, Bridge, Beattie, Le Tissier 2 out of 3 Wallaces and Shearer who only became worthy once he left us, things need to change at the FA, maybe Roy is the man to do that, but we haven't had regular England players at Southampton since the early 80's

ToastyTea says...
9:35am Thu 17 Jan 13

He will never get picked sadly as he is a Saint and as such we get overlooked. Complete bias to the bigger clubs. Don't care about England and their big egos anyway, never have done.

JohnItaly says...
10:07am Thu 17 Jan 13

....but he will not! The average England football manager can see no further than the so called bigger clubs. In addition they often overlook talent in favour of effort. One only has to look at Matt Le Tissier to see that and also to Glen Hoddle who, IMO, did not get the number of England caps he deserved.

Jesus_02 says...
10:07am Thu 17 Jan 13

He wont get an England call. Not because he is a saint but because he is 30 and not "High Profile"

England have spent the majority of my lifetime building for the future and never getting there. The idea of "Senior players" is almost non existance as soon as a player aproaches 30 he is dropped let alone picked

WECOMING4U says...
10:13am Thu 17 Jan 13

Jesus_02 wrote:
He wont get an England call. Not because he is a saint but because he is 30 and not "High Profile" England have spent the majority of my lifetime building for the future and never getting there. The idea of "Senior players" is almost non existance as soon as a player aproaches 30 he is dropped let alone picked
Kevin Davies got a shout a couple of years ago playing for Bolton, only because the London press championed him. A nice article in the Evening Standard my help SRL.

Saintsteve7 says...
10:16am Thu 17 Jan 13

Problem with super Rick is the fact he struggles to last 90 mins without fading last badly last 15 mins.
Truth is though he would provide more for 75 mins than most English centre forwards.

olddellsaint says...
10:23am Thu 17 Jan 13

mbetts wrote:
Lambert is worth a call up, but more concerning is Luke Shaw who although is only 17 absolutely killed Chelsea to set up the 2nd last night, if history tells us anything it's that you don't become an England regular til you get a move away from St. Mary's can think of dozens of worthy candidates who were never given a good run whilst at Saints, Bridge, Beattie, Le Tissier 2 out of 3 Wallaces and Shearer who only became worthy once he left us, things need to change at the FA, maybe Roy is the man to do that, but we haven't had regular England players at Southampton since the early 80's
out of fajrness, we have a few old players that became England regulars, but the issue here is not the clubs but there are a few big name England players that think that they have the
God given right to play for England, if they don't get picked there will be an out cry from the agents of these players so great the shares for dummies will soar in mother care, Roy should pick a team (hopfully Rickie included) he thinks will beat any country, and he should also include lower leagues.

Jesus_02 says...
10:25am Thu 17 Jan 13

WECOMING4U wrote:
Jesus_02 wrote: He wont get an England call. Not because he is a saint but because he is 30 and not "High Profile" England have spent the majority of my lifetime building for the future and never getting there. The idea of "Senior players" is almost non existance as soon as a player aproaches 30 he is dropped let alone picked
Kevin Davies got a shout a couple of years ago playing for Bolton, only because the London press championed him. A nice article in the Evening Standard my help SRL.
I hope so... I might take an interest again. Ive had enough of footballers that spend more time in tabloids than playing football

Dubai-saints89 says...
10:55am Thu 17 Jan 13

Jesus_02 wrote:
WECOMING4U wrote:
Jesus_02 wrote: He wont get an England call. Not because he is a saint but because he is 30 and not "High Profile" England have spent the majority of my lifetime building for the future and never getting there. The idea of "Senior players" is almost non existance as soon as a player aproaches 30 he is dropped let alone picked
Kevin Davies got a shout a couple of years ago playing for Bolton, only because the London press championed him. A nice article in the Evening Standard my help SRL.
I hope so... I might take an interest again. Ive had enough of footballers that spend more time in tabloids than playing football
well lets hope roy hodgson takes a gamble on SRL. he talked about including him so im quiet confident he will do so..

Rudolf Hucker says...
11:29am Thu 17 Jan 13

There are 2 main reasons why RH should consider Rickie for England...1) his proven goal scoring ability, and 2) the way he brings other players into the game..His ball distribution is brilliant, and his footballing mind is far quicker than we give him credit for....He may not score every game, but rest assured he will provide chances for other players, whether it be for Saints or England....ITS RICKIE TIME!!!!!!

Norwegian Saint says...
11:38am Thu 17 Jan 13

Goalkeeper,
CLYNE,
Defender,
Defender,
SHAW,
Oxy-Chambers,
PUNCHEON,
Midfielder,
LALLANA,
Walcott,
LAMBERT.


We are half way to being the new England team!

Beer Monster says...
11:39am Thu 17 Jan 13

Saintsteve7 wrote:
Problem with super Rick is the fact he struggles to last 90 mins without fading last badly last 15 mins.
Truth is though he would provide more for 75 mins than most English centre forwards.
This is true when he plays for Saints, but only because he works his heart out, pure and simple hard working ethics.

Deserves a call up to see how he could fit into the set up, and let us not forget his penalty taking record - how many shootouts have England lost in major comps?

Norwegian Saint says...
11:52am Thu 17 Jan 13

Norwegian Saint wrote:
Goalkeeper, CLYNE, Defender, Defender, SHAW, Oxy-Chambers, PUNCHEON, Midfielder, LALLANA, Walcott, LAMBERT. We are half way to being the new England team!
Blooming heck! I forgot Cork in Midfield!!
So... our cunning plan Baldrick is get an English Keeper, 2 Central Defenders, a Midfielder, Bring Walcott and Oxy and we have the England team! (guess that means we won't win anything though!)

Clemster says...
12:09pm Thu 17 Jan 13

mbetts wrote:
Lambert is worth a call up, but more concerning is Luke Shaw who although is only 17 absolutely killed Chelsea to set up the 2nd last night, if history tells us anything it's that you don't become an England regular til you get a move away from St. Mary's can think of dozens of worthy candidates who were never given a good run whilst at Saints, Bridge, Beattie, Le Tissier 2 out of 3 Wallaces and Shearer who only became worthy once he left us, things need to change at the FA, maybe Roy is the man to do that, but we haven't had regular England players at Southampton since the early 80's
Don't agree with this. I think Bridge and Beattie were given a fair crack and didn't go on to do alot for England after they left us.

Shearer was so young but still made an impact on the Int scene.

Bridge was a regular England player whilst at Saints.

mbetts says...
12:19pm Thu 17 Jan 13

Clemster wrote:
mbetts wrote:
Lambert is worth a call up, but more concerning is Luke Shaw who although is only 17 absolutely killed Chelsea to set up the 2nd last night, if history tells us anything it's that you don't become an England regular til you get a move away from St. Mary's can think of dozens of worthy candidates who were never given a good run whilst at Saints, Bridge, Beattie, Le Tissier 2 out of 3 Wallaces and Shearer who only became worthy once he left us, things need to change at the FA, maybe Roy is the man to do that, but we haven't had regular England players at Southampton since the early 80's
Don't agree with this. I think Bridge and Beattie were given a fair crack and didn't go on to do alot for England after they left us.

Shearer was so young but still made an impact on the Int scene.

Bridge was a regular England player whilst at Saints.
Oh well it's all about opinions, I still believe it's easier to get England call-ups if you play for Man Utd, Liverpool or Arsenal, the fact that Welbeck and Cleverly are current regulars when neither are prolific goal scorers for their club proves this.

Stroppy_gramps says...
12:37pm Thu 17 Jan 13

given our national sides complete failure to win anything since 1966, I would welcome any change at all at national level.

We've seen some cracking games and some superb wins. but silverware?

Personally, after the last world cup I would have sacked the lot and told every English player 'You have a chance to get in the national side'
we would have seen the players who are actually interested in playing for England then.

As for Lambert - it would be great for him to get the call up as long as it doesnt effect his play for Saints.

Strasbourg Saint says...
1:07pm Thu 17 Jan 13

Taunton Saint wrote:
Thank you Ricky, you just got me a tenner after putting away your tenth of the season.

The Skunt is chunttering but has agreed to pay up lunchtime the Gasheads in the Office are just as happy as me.

Tenner will be burnt on receipt (better do it outside to save fire alarms!)

Back to thread - do it Roy, the man is a legend.

People go on about Holt, not fit (literally too) to lace Sir Rickie's boots
Did you burn that tenner, Taunton? If not, you can bring it with you to Newcastle and I'll help you 'burn' it on a few beers.

DisplacedFan says...
2:28pm Thu 17 Jan 13

RL is .....you fill in the words. He'll never score ......20 goals in the PL. A great story of it's never too late.
Go RL!

Taunton Saint says...
3:52pm Thu 17 Jan 13

Strasbourg Saint wrote:
Taunton Saint wrote:
Thank you Ricky, you just got me a tenner after putting away your tenth of the season.

The Skunt is chunttering but has agreed to pay up lunchtime the Gasheads in the Office are just as happy as me.

Tenner will be burnt on receipt (better do it outside to save fire alarms!)

Back to thread - do it Roy, the man is a legend.

People go on about Holt, not fit (literally too) to lace Sir Rickie's boots
Did you burn that tenner, Taunton? If not, you can bring it with you to Newcastle and I'll help you 'burn' it on a few beers.
LOL Strassie

Aint been burnt yet, it is on the Notice Board behind my desk with a picture of Sir Rickie

He and the whole floor have to walk by me so I have been asked a couple of times about it.

Figure like the Skunts Club I would let him suffer, seeing a better player and more money :-)

Will be burnt tomorrow I think, let him sweat or should I bring it to Newcastle?

Wha do we think!!

Nemesisaint says...
4:31pm Thu 17 Jan 13

It is of course illegal to destroy UK currency, best to give it to a Charity, there is a very good one down the other end of the M27, I of course refer to the D-Day Museum, a very good cause indeed.

Strasbourg Saint says...
5:04pm Thu 17 Jan 13

Taunton Saint wrote:
Strasbourg Saint wrote:
Taunton Saint wrote:
Thank you Ricky, you just got me a tenner after putting away your tenth of the season.

The Skunt is chunttering but has agreed to pay up lunchtime the Gasheads in the Office are just as happy as me.

Tenner will be burnt on receipt (better do it outside to save fire alarms!)

Back to thread - do it Roy, the man is a legend.

People go on about Holt, not fit (literally too) to lace Sir Rickie's boots
Did you burn that tenner, Taunton? If not, you can bring it with you to Newcastle and I'll help you 'burn' it on a few beers.
LOL Strassie

Aint been burnt yet, it is on the Notice Board behind my desk with a picture of Sir Rickie

He and the whole floor have to walk by me so I have been asked a couple of times about it.

Figure like the Skunts Club I would let him suffer, seeing a better player and more money :-)

Will be burnt tomorrow I think, let him sweat or should I bring it to Newcastle?

Wha do we think!!
Well, you could put it on a Scunny win against the skunts on Saturday. Not sure what the odds are, but it should bank you a few quid.

Then, burn the tenner as planned and bring the rest to Newcastle.

Double the celebration!

Norwegian Saint says...
6:19pm Thu 17 Jan 13

Could Rickie be playing against Guly next month? :-D

Taunton Saint says...
7:31pm Thu 17 Jan 13

Nemesisaint wrote:
It is of course illegal to destroy UK currency, best to give it to a Charity, there is a very good one down the other end of the M27, I of course refer to the D-Day Museum, a very good cause indeed.
My Mrs did point out the legality of my said proposal for the winnings

So I suggested Strassie's idea

Thanks for the idea Strassie - I think, if we can, we will get a group shot of us drinking our round, that way he can have it as his screensaver.....

GHamilton says...
7:53pm Thu 17 Jan 13

Was at the game last night, knew as soon as the cross came in the keeper had a problem!....if that had been JR in the box, i dought he would even have got his head to it, let alone power it home. Probably the best header of a ball since Ron Davies...Shearer included. Would love to see him get capped for England. Rickie £800,OOO..........
Torres £50,000 000....... as Chelsea fan said after the game, ''makes u f*****g weep''
!!!.

saintlysoul says...
7:53pm Thu 17 Jan 13

mbetts wrote:
Clemster wrote:
mbetts wrote:
Lambert is worth a call up, but more concerning is Luke Shaw who although is only 17 absolutely killed Chelsea to set up the 2nd last night, if history tells us anything it's that you don't become an England regular til you get a move away from St. Mary's can think of dozens of worthy candidates who were never given a good run whilst at Saints, Bridge, Beattie, Le Tissier 2 out of 3 Wallaces and Shearer who only became worthy once he left us, things need to change at the FA, maybe Roy is the man to do that, but we haven't had regular England players at Southampton since the early 80's
Don't agree with this. I think Bridge and Beattie were given a fair crack and didn't go on to do alot for England after they left us.

Shearer was so young but still made an impact on the Int scene.

Bridge was a regular England player whilst at Saints.
Oh well it's all about opinions, I still believe it's easier to get England call-ups if you play for Man Utd, Liverpool or Arsenal, the fact that Welbeck and Cleverly are current regulars when neither are prolific goal scorers for their club proves this.
That's a very fair and accurate comment this approach pervades all the England age groups!

Moods says...
8:33pm Thu 17 Jan 13

Clemster wrote:
mbetts wrote:
Lambert is worth a call up, but more concerning is Luke Shaw who although is only 17 absolutely killed Chelsea to set up the 2nd last night, if history tells us anything it's that you don't become an England regular til you get a move away from St. Mary's can think of dozens of worthy candidates who were never given a good run whilst at Saints, Bridge, Beattie, Le Tissier 2 out of 3 Wallaces and Shearer who only became worthy once he left us, things need to change at the FA, maybe Roy is the man to do that, but we haven't had regular England players at Southampton since the early 80's
Don't agree with this. I think Bridge and Beattie were given a fair crack and didn't go on to do alot for England after they left us.

Shearer was so young but still made an impact on the Int scene.

Bridge was a regular England player whilst at Saints.
I agree beattie was given a fair crack and never quite cut it.
I think Bridge made the mistake of going to chelsea and sat on the bench behind cole. Then went to Man City and done the same
If he had stayed at saints or gone onto a club where he would have got 1st team football Im sure he would have had a more prosperous international career

Strasbourg Saint says...
8:55pm Thu 17 Jan 13

Taunton Saint wrote:
Nemesisaint wrote:
It is of course illegal to destroy UK currency, best to give it to a Charity, there is a very good one down the other end of the M27, I of course refer to the D-Day Museum, a very good cause indeed.
My Mrs did point out the legality of my said proposal for the winnings

So I suggested Strassie's idea

Thanks for the idea Strassie - I think, if we can, we will get a group shot of us drinking our round, that way he can have it as his screensaver.....
Nice idea. Alas, I reckon Scunny will be evens to beat the skates, so we'll have but a tenner between us.....


....... mines a half of shandy :(

Rising_Son says...
5:38am Fri 18 Jan 13

Strasbourg Saint wrote:
Taunton Saint wrote:
Nemesisaint wrote:
It is of course illegal to destroy UK currency, best to give it to a Charity, there is a very good one down the other end of the M27, I of course refer to the D-Day Museum, a very good cause indeed.
My Mrs did point out the legality of my said proposal for the winnings

So I suggested Strassie's idea

Thanks for the idea Strassie - I think, if we can, we will get a group shot of us drinking our round, that way he can have it as his screensaver.....
Nice idea. Alas, I reckon Scunny will be evens to beat the skates, so we'll have but a tenner between us.....


....... mines a half of shandy :(
Can I put my name down to join you?

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