Tuesday 17 November 2009

The aftermath


A few days have gone by since England's glamour game with Brazil, and what can only be described as one of the worst performances i've seen England give in my 25 years on this planet.

Ok we played against one of the best teams in the world, but then again we are also up there in the FIFA world rankings as a top 10 nation? Pundit's and players alike where moaning about the fact we had so many players out injured or unavailable, (although im quite sure Brazil didn't field the strongest team possible either)

The players that came in for England where more than good enough to play for the country, players like bridge, milner, lescott, all these players have commanded huge transfer fees over the past few seasons!

The World cup is only a stones throw away and for some of the players that represented England at the weekend, i bet they wished they stayed at home and played Brazil on fifa 2010!

Darren Bent is in the same mold as Ian Wright & Andy Cole, great premiership players but just couldn't find their feet at international level.

Ben Foster, What is with English goalkeepers, one minute they produce a fantastic god only knows how they kept that out kinda save, followed by a moment of madness, rash decision making, be it coming out for a cross they have no chance in getting or throwing themselves at the feet of a passing player, after the ball was long gone! Lets hope Rob Green keeps fit!

Theres still 2/3rds of the season left to play, lets hope we unearth a few gems in that time!




Thursday 12 November 2009

The England squad.


Good morning people, As we get ready for a mouthwatering match against one of the best teams in the world at the weekend, it feel's nice knowing we have some great players waiting in the wings just incase of an injury to one of our star players. The likes of Tom Huddlestone , James Milner & Matthew Upson just a few of the adequate replacements Capello could call upon if needed come the summer of 2010.

But what about the players with an outside chance of making the squad, we all know what difference a year makes, just ask Spurs & Newcastle fans. So heres a run through of players that may be able to force the hand of Capello with some outstanding & consistent performances throughout this season.

Goalkeepers
Chris Kirkland
consistently turning in top performances, a player with so much talent yet troubled by so many injuries, if he can keep he's fitness up he could well be in with a shout of making the plane.

Steve Harper
A fantastic keeper, now getting the chance to finally show us all what a top notch shot stopper he is, Commanding at crosses and great distribution, Harper will play a big part in helping Newcastle get back into the big time next season, The only thing that may be against him breaking into the England set up, is the fact he is not playing in the top tier of the English game.

Defenders
Michael Dawson
Big solid center half who over the past few seasons has become a consistent performer for Spurs, Playing with players of such Caliber as Ledley King & Jonathan Woodgate, The future looks bright for this ever maturing centre half, at 25 time is on his side, although a place in the final squad may be just out of reach,

Jonathan Woodgate
Like Kirkland the problem with Woodgate is injuries, 8 senior caps is far less than this player deserves, On his day he is one of the best centre half's in the world, If Woodgate can get a solid run of games under his belt for Spurs, then Woodgate should be considered.

Paul Konchesky
A player who has never reached his full potential, Although under Roy Hodgson, Konchesky is starting to show the form which was expected of him when he burst onto the seen with Charlton. The right back position in the England squad has come under questions over the last few months, and although my view is that Glen Johnson is the best right back in English football, we still need to find a back up just incase Johnson becomes injured.

Ryan Shawcross
What difference a few seasons make, deemed surplus to requirements by Man United, Shawcross joined Stoke, and has blossomed into a brilliant player. The only thing that may hold him back from Capello's squad is lack of experience at international level.

Midfielders
Scott Parker
Likes a tackle, can break up play and chips in with the odd goal here and there, One of the most underrated players in the league, So much was expected of Parker at a young age, after a string of fantastic performance's for Charlton a big money move to Chelsea followed. Unfortunately for Parker the move didn't work out and he ended up at Newcastle, where he was the workhorse of their midfield, a move to West Ham followed, Since being at the Hammers Parker has regained the form he was showing at an early age, And Should rightly be a contender to take a seat on the plane.

Jimmy Bullard
A gifted footballer, but like others mentioned in this post, suffers from injuries! Now over 30 this could be Bullard's last chance of making the step up to international football, If Hull are to stay in the league this season it will be down to the form & fitness of this guy! A good season could see him gate crash into the squad.

Matthew Taylor
What a great piece of business by Megson in bringing Taylor to Bolton, This player works his socks off, has pace, power, and a fantastic shot. Would be great cover for the left side of the team.

Strikers
Darren Bent
Scores goals, has pace and works hard for any team he has played in, but just hasn't been able to make the step up into the national side, in and out of squads, and not taking the chances that have presented themselves to him in the past, the Brazil game may be the last chance for Bent to impress the England manager

What's in a religion?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Religion