Sports Letters: Waddle omission

Sir: It was good to see the Independent taking a strong stand against Chris Waddle's continued exclusion from the England squad and international football (16 April). That a player of Waddle's skill, experience and above all, flair, should be repeatedly passed over must bring into question the current methods of team selection. Has the time come for selection by a committee? Committees are not always right, but almost anything is preferable to a system whereby one man - at best too stubborn to change his mind, and more likely pursuing some sort of personal vendetta - should be allowed the final say without possibility of appeal or even rational discussion. Outside onlookers must only see the rejection of England's finest talent as utter foolishness. They are right.

Yours sincerely

K, D and J INGLEBY

Oxford

18 April