In all fairness though, previous comments and motivations do not override opportunities to rebuild around my new core of Pierce-Horner-Canning with players closer to their age. I am ruthless.
From this I think you understand what I meant. Just in case anyone else doesn't I'll make clear I understand that circumstances change and I definitely didn't feel misled in any way.
If I were you, I think 34 is probably the last shout for NT players in consolation tournament years, although it's true that even at 35 and with a rough start to the year skills-retention wise, Sharpling is still more effective than other NT options for a wide range of tactical choices and still deserves his spot on the NT roster on merit.
I don't think I'd have included any other 35yo. Sharpling is a special case for me. If this is my last season with the NT I think I can be forgiven for not wanting to pick an England squad without him in it.
It would be nice to think I could blood younger players in consolation years but until we actually get out of the Euro qualifying stages I think we should regard the consolation as our best chance of having a long season.