England v Siopis

[SLUDGE FACTORY]

Jude Bellingham is the only world class player England have and Harry Kane was up to a couple years ago. All the rest are over hyped by amateur football commentators.

Yep , that's a good summary 👍

[The Lone Gunman]

Jude Bellingham is the only world class player England have and Harry Kane was up to a couple years ago. All the rest are over hyped by amateur football commentators.

I guess that depends on your definition of ‘world class’. I’ve never been sure myself what people actually mean when they say that.

[William Treseder]

I guess that depends on your definition of ‘world class’. I’ve never been sure myself what people actually mean when they say that.

My guess would be, that being labeled as “World class” means, you could comfortably walk into any other team in the world.
Others may define it differently.

[The Lone Gunman]

My guess would be, that being labeled as “World class” means, you could comfortably walk into any other team in the world.

If that’s the definition (and it tallies with what I was assuming) then there would only ever be a small handful of such players on the planet at any given point in time. Therefore, it wouldn’t really be surprising if England only had one.

[SLUDGE FACTORY]

My guess would be, that being labeled as “World class” means, you could comfortably walk into any other team in the world.
Others may define it differently.

Giggs , Bale , Southall , Rush

[Rjk]

Jude Bellingham is the only world class player England have and Harry Kane was up to a couple years ago. All the rest are over hyped by amateur football commentators.

England have a very talented squad, packed with players who are at clubs that are playing at the elite level - going deep into the champions league etc.
A few gaps in the squad i.e. goalkeeper, but they are on paper as good a squad as anyone really.

[William Treseder]

Giggs , Bale , Southall , Rush

In his prime, I’d say that Bale could have played in any 1st 11 in the world.

[Tuerto]

In his prime, I’d say that Bale could have played in any 1st 11 in the world.

Jn his prime he was one of the top 5 players in the world.

[xsnaggle]

Giggs , Bale , Southall , Rush

Charles!

[Rjk]

If that’s the definition (and it tallies with what I was assuming) then there would only ever be a small handful of such players on the planet at any given point in time. Therefore, it wouldn’t really be surprising if England only had one.

yes, how many world class players did the winning teams for the last few major tournaments have? id be surprised if any had more than 2 or 3

[lardy]

The two main schools of thought seem to be that world class is either "would be in the world XI" or "is one of the best few players in his position".

I'd go with the latter. It doesn't seem right that there would only be one world class goalie in the world at any times for example

[Moodybluebird]

The two main schools of thought seem to be that world class is either "would be in the world XI" or "is one of the best few players in his position".

I'd go with the latter. It doesn't seem right that there would only be one world class goalie in the world at any times for example

Yes I agree with your judgement that world class should mean the selective few best players each position.

As much as I detest everything about Jude Bellingham's attitude and demeanour, it cannot be argued that he shouldn't be in that category. Possibly Harry Kane too prior to his performances at the Euros. As for the rest, well they're good but not that good, certainly not world class.

So take Spain for instance. They have several world class players coupled with many very good players, a tried and trusted system of playing and the confidence that comes of regularly beating top teams. A recipe for success as they have proven and will probably continue to prove in future tournaments.

[The Lone Gunman]

So take Spain for instance. They have several world class players....

Who do you consider as world class in the current Spain team?

[BLUEAWAY TOO]

Giggs , Bale , Southall , Rush

Surely that depends on who else is available.
Bale or Cruyff
Rush or Messi
Etc

[Moodybluebird]

Who do you consider as world class in the current Spain team?

Lamin Yamal, Nico Williams and Rodri definites. Based on their performances at the Euros, Fabian Ruiz and Dani Olmo are very close to world class and Dani Carvajal has always been a quality player of the highest order.

[Rjk]

Lamin Yamal, Nico Williams and Rodri definites. Based on their performances at the Euros, Fabian Ruiz and Dani Olmo are very close to world class and Dani Carvajal has always been a quality player of the highest order.

I would say Rodri, maybe Williams

[The Lone Gunman]

Lamin Yamal, Nico Williams and Rodri definites. Based on their performances at the Euros, Fabian Ruiz and Dani Olmo are very close to world class and Dani Carvajal has always been a quality player of the highest order.

Interesting…

[William Treseder]

Lamin Yamal, Nico Williams and Rodri definites. Based on their performances at the Euros, Fabian Ruiz and Dani Olmo are very close to world class and Dani Carvajal has always been a quality player of the highest order.

I would say we are now entering the realms of absurdity. Of that Spanish squad that won the Euros, Rodri would be my only choice of a world class player.
Further up the thread, comparing Rush to Messi, is suggesting an all time World class squad,.
An interesting topic, but as in all things football, it’s just opinions.
For what it’s worth, in my all time squad, Messi wouldn’t get into it.

[lardy]

I would say we are now entering the realms of absurdity. Of that Spanish squad that won the Euros, Rodri would be my only choice of a world class player.
Further up the thread, comparing Rush to Messi, is suggesting an all time World class squad,.
An interesting topic, but as in all things football, it’s just opinions.
For what it’s worth, in my all time squad, Messi wouldn’t get into it.

We're well into absurdity if Messi wouldn't even make your squad

[Father Dougal]

Ive always struggled with world class. However the definition of getting into and improving pretty much any team in the world is pretty good.

Obviously its subjective re the final 11 (to take the definition literally you can only have 11 at any one time) but anyone who is seriously in that conversation is world class. Eg for wales bale and ramsey definitely in that conversation around 2016 time. No player now anywhere near close for wales.

[Moodybluebird]

Ive always struggled with world class. However the definition of getting into and improving pretty much any team in the world is pretty good.

Obviously its subjective re the final 11 (to take the definition literally you can only have 11 at any one time) but anyone who is seriously in that conversation is world class. Eg for wales bale and ramsey definitely in that conversation around 2016 time. No player now anywhere near close for wales.

What ?!! Not even Wes Burns ?!!! Ridiculous lol

[the other bob wilson]

Jn his prime he was one of the top 5 players in the world.

Top three for me. I’ve not seen another Welsh player who managed that, although I was too young to ever see John Charles at his best.

[Rjk]

I prefer elite level than world class as a comparitor, as it's easier to define - i.e. someone who is capabpe of playing at the highest levels of the game - competing for top league titles, going deep into champions league etc

Either way Wales currently have zero

[Father Dougal]

Lamin Yamal, Nico Williams and Rodri definites. Based on their performances at the Euros, Fabian Ruiz and Dani Olmo are very close to world class and Dani Carvajal has always been a quality player of the highest order.

Neco certainly did well to set up.the goals on friday and that goal line clearance was brilliant. However he isnt quite world class level yet imo.

[delmbox]

I would say we are now entering the realms of absurdity. Of that Spanish squad that won the Euros, Rodri would be my only choice of a world class player.
Further up the thread, comparing Rush to Messi, is suggesting an all time World class squad,.
An interesting topic, but as in all things football, it’s just opinions.
For what it’s worth, in my all time squad, Messi wouldn’t get into it.

I'd love to see your all time squad if Messi isn't in it