Is Ricky Lambert capable of the international stage?
The rise of Rickie Lambert from the lower Leagues to a respected relic in the Premier League jewellery set has been one any footballer would aspire to achieving.
He has done exceptionally well to convert his imperious goal scoring record he had in the Championship into the Premier League.
It is certainly form which is very difficult to ignore. Lambert could be the difference between relegation and survival amongst the English elite for Southampton.
It is difficult to dismiss goals as an option when it comes to any stage but the international stage is one which is a very different beast to the Premier League.
The international game is focussed very much around passing and is played at a far slower tempo as there seems to be a nip and tuck of tactical chess when the World’s best match up.
In this environment you can’t afford to carry any dead weight. There are some players that are decent enough footballers but just not cut out for playing for their country.
Whilst Lambert is a shining example for players looking to climb the League and make it to the top his rise should end here. He does not belong in the Three Lions set up and falls into a similar bracket that Grant Holt did last season. He is above average but not exceptional.
He is latest fancy for the media to try and put in the national set up. Rickie Lambert will soon prove he isn’t capable of replicating such form consistently, so Hodgson should save the fans the pain the frustration and waste of time it would be calling him up.
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