Fan blogger Joe Difford looks at the Hammers’ involvement in Euro 2016
Fan blogger Joe Difford looks at the Hammers’ involvement in Euro 2016
It was a frustrating lead up to the Euros for West Ham fans, as we have had to watch as Roy Hodgson selected his side, completely overlooking the likes of Mark Noble, Aaron Cresswell and Michail Antonio, who have had phenomenal seasons.
But instead of getting worked up again about those who have missed out, it is important to remember that four Hammers will be representing their countries in France this month.
Dimitri Payet was called up to the French national side after Didier Deschamps finally conceded that he was in top form and has already made an impact with the stunning winner against Romania in the tournament’s opening game. In the friendlies since Payet's call-up, he has been the star man too, scoring two outrageous free kicks along the way.
Just a few months ago the midfield maestro was set to watch the Euros on his television in his living room, but is now one of the first names on the team sheet and could be an outside bet for Player of the Tournament. Many Hammers fans are suddenly feeling a little French since Payet's introduction.
Angelo Ogbonna is another man who has seen his fine form rewarded with a return to international football, representing Italy this June and July. He certainly hasn't got a guaranteed place in the side, largely due to the fact that their back three consists of one of the most feared centre back trios in world football.
Andrea Barzagli, Leonardo Bonucci and Giorgio Chiellini play together for Juventus and will likely play together for Italy, but given Ogbonna's versatility and ability to play out on the left as well as in the centre, he could well be called upon at some stage during the tournament.
Another claret and blue centre back who will hopefully be displaying his defensive abilities is Ginger Pele, James Collins. Collins was brilliant and typically dependable this season for the Hammers, and after 12 years in the Welsh senior side, he will likely be a key figure on and off the field in their first major tournament since the World Cup in 1958.
Shay Given has 134 international caps for the Republic of Ireland, so it is no wonder that Darren Randolph has had to wait for so long to finally be named as his country's starting goalkeeper. The West Ham shot stopper will almost certainly be featuring in at least three games in France, and hopefully he can continue the great form he has shown when called upon for us this season.
Despite being first called up five years ago, Randolph has only nine caps to his name, but he has featured at every level of football for Ireland, from Under-15 to Under-21. This could be Randolph's last major tournament in a green shirt, with his nation only qualifying for one since 2002.
It will always be difficult to watch England knowing that three deserving Hammers are back home, unable to make the difference we all know they would make. But during the Euros in France, West Ham fans will almost certainly be cheering on the French, Italians, Welsh and Irish, regardless of where they are from.
For more West Ham fan views or to join the conversation visit http://www.90min.com
The views in this article are those of the author and not necessarily those of West Ham United
It was a frustrating lead up to the Euros for West Ham fans, as we have had to watch as Roy Hodgson selected his side, completely overlooking the likes of Mark Noble, Aaron Cresswell and Michail Antonio, who have had phenomenal seasons.
But instead of getting worked up again about those who have missed out, it is important to remember that four Hammers will be representing their countries in France this month.
Dimitri Payet was called up to the French national side after Didier Deschamps finally conceded that he was in top form and has already made an impact with the stunning winner against Romania in the tournament’s opening game. In the friendlies since Payet's call-up, he has been the star man too, scoring two outrageous free kicks along the way.
Just a few months ago the midfield maestro was set to watch the Euros on his television in his living room, but is now one of the first names on the team sheet and could be an outside bet for Player of the Tournament. Many Hammers fans are suddenly feeling a little French since Payet's introduction.
Angelo Ogbonna is another man who has seen his fine form rewarded with a return to international football, representing Italy this June and July. He certainly hasn't got a guaranteed place in the side, largely due to the fact that their back three consists of one of the most feared centre back trios in world football.
Andrea Barzagli, Leonardo Bonucci and Giorgio Chiellini play together for Juventus and will likely play together for Italy, but given Ogbonna's versatility and ability to play out on the left as well as in the centre, he could well be called upon at some stage during the tournament.
Another claret and blue centre back who will hopefully be displaying his defensive abilities is Ginger Pele, James Collins. Collins was brilliant and typically dependable this season for the Hammers, and after 12 years in the Welsh senior side, he will likely be a key figure on and off the field in their first major tournament since the World Cup in 1958.
Shay Given has 134 international caps for the Republic of Ireland, so it is no wonder that Darren Randolph has had to wait for so long to finally be named as his country's starting goalkeeper. The West Ham shot stopper will almost certainly be featuring in at least three games in France, and hopefully he can continue the great form he has shown when called upon for us this season.
Despite being first called up five years ago, Randolph has only nine caps to his name, but he has featured at every level of football for Ireland, from Under-15 to Under-21. This could be Randolph's last major tournament in a green shirt, with his nation only qualifying for one since 2002.
It will always be difficult to watch England knowing that three deserving Hammers are back home, unable to make the difference we all know they would make. But during the Euros in France, West Ham fans will almost certainly be cheering on the French, Italians, Welsh and Irish, regardless of where they are from.
For more West Ham fan views or to join the conversation visit http://www.90min.com
The views in this article are those of the author and not necessarily those of West Ham United