Are DJ’s England Dreams Over?

In just over 48 hours England face Wales in a crunch European Championship qualifier.

And whilst there could well be a couple of Seasiders (in the shape of Neal Eardley and David Vaughan) lining up in the red of Wales, there will be no Blackpool representatives on the England team.

So what, what’s new, you may ask? Well prior to his sending off against Wolves, DJ Campbell had spoken extensively about his dream of representing England. Not only that, but he received backing from the likes of ex England international striker Les Ferdinand.

And being in a hot streak of form, Fabio Cappello even popped down to Bloomfield Road to check both DJ and Ian Evatt out (amongst others) when the Seasiders beat Spurs last month.

DJ scored that night, but his absence in the squad suggests that either a) Cappello doesn’t think he’s good enough or b) his red card against Wolves cost him.

Or rather, it could it be the case that the Seasiders are seen as an ‘unfashionable’ club for England to select players from? After all, the likes of Stoke’s Ryan Shawcross and Wolves’ Matt Jarvis have only got a look in when there haven’t been any other feasible options to select from. Meanwhile, the likes of Joleon Lescott and Shaun Wright-Phillips continue to get picked despite some very average performances (and not neccessarily even playing every week!).

There was of course a time when the Seasiders had several England internationals in their ranks, but that time has long gone.

However, whilst at face value DJ’s dream appears to be dead in the water, I’d suggest that there’s still a chance – no matter how small – that one day the likeable striker will get his wish. Stranger things have happened, after all.

If DJ is to ever line up in the Three Lions though, one thing is for certain; the Seasiders need to remain in the Premier League, and Campbell can go a long way to ensuring that by scoring plenty of goals during the run-in.

Do you think that DJ (and Evo) are good enough for England? As always, you can have your say on our forums.