Completely understand about not selecting Smith and Kosta (particularly Kosta) with views to thinking long term, because there are players around the same level (and arguably better) who are younger. It's obvious both of those aren't going to be around in over 3 years time for the next WC.
But talking about dropping Wood is insane.
He's the first name on the team sheet if fit... he's someone who fans want to see since he's played PL (sorry but Kosta isn't going to be getting any extra fans along to games or watching on TV). Even if he isn't going to be available for the next WC he is one of the rare few who deserves to be picked.
I think that even If he doesn't get injured, he'll still be good enough for this team in 3 years time (even if he's likely in the lower English leagues or similar, or only good off the bench for x minutes) given there aren't any kiwis around the world scoring goals. It's very lean striker pickings compared to the days of Wood/Killen/Smeltz/Fallon all being available a decade back.
But talking about dropping Wood is insane.
He's the first name on the team sheet if fit... he's someone who fans want to see since he's played PL (sorry but Kosta isn't going to be getting any extra fans along to games or watching on TV). Even if he isn't going to be available for the next WC he is one of the rare few who deserves to be picked.
I think that even If he doesn't get injured, he'll still be good enough for this team in 3 years time (even if he's likely in the lower English leagues or similar, or only good off the bench for x minutes) given there aren't any kiwis around the world scoring goals. It's very lean striker pickings compared to the days of Wood/Killen/Smeltz/Fallon all being available a decade back.
So you think in 3 years time that Wood will be the first name on the team sheet?
Can you expand a bit on what you mean by "deserves to be picked"? Is it just a reward for service to the game and not whether he can impact the game itself?
Ah I see it now, I agree with this bit you said here, mainly the "off the bench" bit:
"I think that even If he doesn't get injured, he'll still be good enough for this team in 3 years time (even if he's likely in the lower English leagues or similar, or only good off the bench for x minutes) "
Regarding your post even higher up, not the one I quoted, I actually agree with most of your comments. It's just the ones regarding Wood that I don't.
When I said 'first name on the teamsheet' for Wood I meant now, if fit, not in 3 years. Although I do think in 3 years he will still very likely be good enough to make this team, which isn't so much a positive comment regarding Wood but a reflection on the low quality/depth of strikers we have right now. Waine is the only promising one I can think of and he's not even making the bench in League One and unlikely to ever get to the PL, let alone score 50 goals there.
By 'deserves to be picked' for Wood I mean:
In terms of his current quality compared to other kiwi strikers. Out of form in the Premier league is still streaks ahead of anyone else we have;
He has always made himself available for the All Whites, or Olympic team (unless genuinely injured) even in peak form. That wasn't always the case for Rufer/Nelsen/Reid if I recall correctly - that sets a good example for other players and 'deserves' credit imo;
He is the player most likely to attract fans to watch the All Whites at matches or on tv. Like it or not the guy playing in the PL is the draw card for many;
I'd imagine he is one of the most respected players in the squad who the younger guys can learn off. He's always talked highly of by ex teammates/coaches in the PL, a league most of the current All Whites could only dream of playing in.
If you want to focus on a few years time and the next WC there are several other guys to get rid of first.