While Ireland may be relatively limited in the players they are able to select at international level at the minute, there are no such problems for our neighbours across the water.
England have an incredibly deep squad right now, meaning that a number of quality players miss out during every international break. That isn't to say some selections from manager Gareth Southgate haven't baffled the public.
Trent Alexander-Arnold was omitted from the most recent squad despite three other right backs being selected, while Leeds striker Patrick Bamford was also ignored despite his fine form in the Premier League.
It has been suggested that England tend to favour players at the big clubs despite their current form, something Charlie Austin agrees with.
Austin was the fourth top goalscorer in the Premier League during the 2014/15 season, and while he was called up to the England squad on one occasions (largely thanks to the U21 European Championships meaning a number of players were unavailable), he never featured at international level.
This is something he believes was down to the fact he played for a relegated QPR side, with this theme continuing into the current squad.
🤷♂️ “I think it goes against a lot of people.. it’s going against Patrick Bamford now.”
“Eric Dier’s been called up.. has he done enough? Or is it that he plays for #THFC?”
Charlie Austin says not playing for a top half club cost him a first England cap. 🏴 pic.twitter.com/zTehVHuRgm— talkSPORT (@talkSPORT) March 24, 2021
I was fourth top goalscorer in the Premier League for a team that got relegated. I think it was Sanchez (it was actually Harry Kane), Diego Costa, and Sergio Aguero that was above me, which speaks volumes for the way I performed...
I think that goes against a lot of people (not playing for a big club). It's going against Patrick Bamford right now. It's football snobbery, that's just the way it is. Sometimes a face doesn't fit...
You look at Bamford, and what has he done not to be called up?
They favour the bigger clubs. Eric Dier has been called up. Has he done enough to be called up, or is he called up because he players for Tottenham?
Gareth Southgate has made some strange selections at times, with the decision to leave Patrick Bamford out on this occasion certainly one of them.
Players at the Premier League's biggest clubs do seem to be selected far more often, but it must be mentioned that those who are lacking playing time at those teams tend to do so because they are part of a far more talented squad.
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