I agree with you that defenders who defend first and attack later shouldn't be overlooked or scoffed at, not at all. As I said, I think he's a quality defender.
Secondly, I don't think it's utter fucking tripe. You can't go to the World Cup with the aim of looking to dominate possession and having to break down teams with one quality (on the ball) Center Back and another OK (on the ball) Center Back. Especially against the better teams, they'll figure you out.
Personally I would take him if I were manager, but I also wouldn't place so much emphasis on England dominating possession as we're not good enough to win like that. He doesn't yet suit the way England want to play, that's unfortunately the way it is for Jamaal. But I agree with people that if some other mid-table fodder can get the nod then you'd have to wonder why wouldn't he get a chance in the friendlies at least.
It is like, do you actually think Gareth Southgate is going to have us playing some sort of possession based football that would be far far above anything Jamal could fit into ?
Tripe doesn't describe it to be honest...utter arse gravy might be better.