Wembley Stadium

Next Game

England v Rep Ireland

Wednesday, 29 May 2013, 20:00

International Match

Last Game

Montenegro 1 - 1 England

Tuesday, 26 March 2013, 20:00

World Cup Euro Qual Group H

Zaha debut concerns Holloway

Crystal Palace manager Ian Holloway has questioned the motives behind Wilfried Zaha being given his England debut against Sweden.

Last Updated: 18/11/12 at 11:56 Post Comment

Wilfried Zaha: Crystal Palace youngster made his England debut against Sweden

Wilfried Zaha: Crystal Palace youngster made his England debut against Sweden

Zaha was a late addition to England's squad for the friendly in Stockholm and was introduced for the final few minutes of the 4-2 defeat.

However, with the 20-year-old also eligible to play for the Ivory Coast, Holloway fears Zaha is being pressured into pledging his international allegiance to England.

"I would like to know the motive behind Roy Hodgson's decision to hand Wilfried Zaha his England debut during the week," wrote Holloway in his column for the Sunday Mirror.

"Was it because the England manager wanted to see how my Crystal Palace striker would handle international football just a few days after his 20th birthday?

"If so, why the hell did he give him just four minutes of action in Sweden in a friendly that had already slipped away from his team? Every other substitute got 20 minutes. And that worries me.

"I've got a horrible feeling that the reason Wilfried was given a first Three Lions cap because it was a way to pressurise a young lad into committing himself to England rather than the country of his birth.

"Wilfried was born in the Ivory Coast and moved to live in London as a four-year-old. Not surprisingly, after seeing how well he has been playing for Palace this season, Ivory Coast are also on his case with the African Nations coming up in the New Year.

"I really don't know which country Wilfried wants to play for. But I desperately hope that handing him a few minutes in Stockholm on Wednesday night was done for all the right reasons and not to press gang the lad into choosing England."

Related News

Sky Bet

    • Retrieving latest Sky Bet odds

Most Commented

Readers' Comments

I

thought you were describing Bart Simpson there from the episode where he sold his soul to Milhouse. I wonder do automatic doors work for Michael Owen.

sulman
The Evaporation Of Michael Owen

R

afa Benitez has won more trophies (10) over the past 11 years than the rest of the current managers in the EPL combined, except for Alex Ferguson.

angry bird
Chelsea duo salute Benitez

T

he day Tonys hat goes missing for some bantz will be different story altogether..

TheBrestEver
Stoke probe 'banter gone wild'

Footer 365

Hearts avoid SPL relegation

Hearts have avoided instant relegation after the SPL declined to subject them to an immediate points deduction.

Fernandinho tweets City wish

Brazilian midfielder Fernandinho has confirmed he wants to join Manchester City having helped Shakhtar Donetsk to another title.

Transfer news: Juventus keen on Manchester City striker Carlos Tevez

Italian champions Juventus have admitted their interest in Manchester City striker Carlos Tevez.

Mail Box

What Would United Be Like In The Pub?

The Premier League season has only been over for about 20 hours and already we're well into the summer-type Mailbox. Plus, a shout for the 2014 player of the year...

Arsenal Should Be Praised For Finishing Fourth

Arsenal fans are largely positive after their top four finish, whilst one wag suggest buying Bale from their rivals. We also have an interesting final mail. Enjoy...

© 2013 British Sky Broadcasting Ltd. All Rights Reserved