Bournemouth’s International Break: A Time for Reflection and Recognition

As Bournemouth reflects on the missed chances that cost them at least a point in their recent match against Leicester City, the international break presents a natural opportunity for the club to take stock of its progress and potential. The Cherries have come a long way from their days of providing only the occasional under-21 international for Scotland, Wales, or Northern Ireland. Today, the majority of the squad boasts at least one full cap for their respective countries, marking a significant evolution in the club’s stature and talent pool.

A New Era of International Representation

The transformation of Bournemouth into a club that regularly contributes to international squads is noteworthy. This season, only Adam Smith and Marcus Tavernier remain as regular starters without full international caps, although both have previously represented England at the under-21 and under-20 levels. The presence of multiple full internationals on the pitch is a testament to the club’s growth and the quality of players it has attracted.

Bournemouth has come agonizingly close on several occasions to fielding 11 full internationals simultaneously, a feat that would be a historic first for the club. Despite the modern game allowing for five substitutions, there has consistently been at least one player—be it Smith, Tavernier, England U21 midfielder Alex Scott, or Spain U21 defender Dean Huijsen—who has not yet reached full international status.

The Case of Lewis Cook

One player who may feel a tinge of nostalgia as his teammates depart for international duty is Lewis Cook. The talented midfielder captained England to Under-20 World Cup success in 2017 and made history a year later by becoming the first player to earn a full cap for the Three Lions while being a permanent Bournemouth player. Cook’s journey has been impressive, especially after leading the U21s to victory at the 2018 Toulon Tournament.

However, despite his stellar performances under the management of Andoni Iraola, Cook has not received a call-up to the senior squad in recent times. Even when injuries sidelined two central midfielders from the current England squad, Cook’s phone remained silent. This absence from the international scene is perplexing, especially for supporters who remember the disappointment of last season when Dominic Solanke was overlooked despite a remarkable 20-goal campaign.

The Supporters’ Perspective

The frustration among Bournemouth supporters is palpable. They feel aggrieved by the lack of recognition for players like Cook and Solanke, who have proven their worth on the pitch. Solanke’s eventual recall to the England squad after a modest start at Tottenham only added to the sense of injustice felt by fans who believe that form and consistency should be rewarded, regardless of the club’s stature.

A Bright Spot: Justin Kluivert’s Recall

Amidst the discussions of missed opportunities and overlooked talents, there is a silver lining for Bournemouth in the form of Justin Kluivert. The Dutch winger has been recalled to the Netherlands national team more than six years after his last senior appearances. Kluivert’s return to the international fold is a testament to his hard work and dedication, and it reflects positively on Bournemouth’s ability to nurture and develop talent.

Conclusion: Looking Ahead

As Bournemouth navigates this international break, the club has much to reflect on. The evolution from a team with limited international representation to one that boasts a wealth of talent is commendable. While some players may feel overlooked, the Cherries are undoubtedly on the right path, showcasing their players on both domestic and international stages.

The upcoming matches will provide further opportunities for Bournemouth to solidify its position in the league and perhaps earn more recognition for its players. As the club continues to grow, it will be interesting to see how the international landscape evolves for Bournemouth and its talented roster. The future looks promising, and with continued hard work and dedication, more Cherries may soon find themselves donning their national colors.