As we've got as good a chance in this World Cup as we have had in years, hopefully England in South Africa will give us memories and moments that we will talk about for years to come. Given that I'm 23 I don't have "They think it's all over" and I only remember Gazza's Italia 90 tears from my dad's video. But England have still given me plenty to reminisce over down the years. Here's a select few of my favourites.
England v Scotland Euro 96 Gazza's dentist chair
I was 9. I remember watching this game on a Saturday afternoon at my Nanny's house with my Uncle who had come down to visit from London. We had conceded a late goal to draw with Switzerland and next up were the old enemy. Scotland put up a fight but one moment stole the whole game from the rest of my memory. A bleach-blonde Gazza came up against the bravehearted Colin Hendry, he gently lifted the ball over the big centre half and volleyed it straight into the back of the net. He lied down in a dentist chair pose to mock a drinking game he had been spotted playing before. His team mates ran over squirting water in his mouth, I still remember it was from a Lucozade bottle. Me and my uncle jumped feet and hugged each other. I expect every England fan can remember when they were when Gazza scored that goal, but they may need a reminder that David Seaman also saved a penalty in that game.
England v Brazil Japan/Korea 2002, Ronaldinho's lob
While Seaman was hero in 96 he was caught out to shatter our hopes against Brazil in 2002. It was an early kick off because of the time difference so me and my mates gathered at Falmouth Town FC to watch the game over breakfasts, some of us sneaking a few cheeky Smirnoff Ices and Bacardi Breezers in the process, despite only being 15. We went crazy when Owen scored early and were tense when it was forced into extra time. But when Ronaldinho took that early free kick to lob Seaman I think you could have heard a pin drop. We spent the rest of the day in school moping around, at the time it seemed the saddest moment in my life.
England v Argentina France 98
Prior to the Brazil loss this day seemed like the saddest moment in my life. I remember going to bed with tears streaming down my face after David Batty missed that penalty. But the emotions were flying that game. Jubilation after Owen's wonder goal. Rage at Beckham's stupid sending off. Nail's bitten off during penalties and then shock at coming so close and losing, before it sunk in and the tears poured out.
England v Portugal Euro 2004
Sol Campbell scored in the Argentina game, but it wasn't given. A similar thing happened in the game with Portugal, when they became established as one of England's arch enemies. I still remember the name of the ref, Urs Meier (I promise I did not use Wikipedia for that) and I still can't get my head round what was wrong with that goal. It could have been so different.
England v Sweden Germany 2006
What a volley from Joe Cole. There wasn't too much to scream about in this tournament. We limped our way to the quarter finals and lost on penalties again, but that volley from Cole was certainly a screamer and one that will live long in the memory.
As you can see my England memories are all a bit negative minus the Gazza moment, but even that ended with Southgate's penalty miss. So lets hope that 2010 will bring some moments we will cherish forever and not look back on with a hint of sadness.
What are your favourites?
JT
Thursday, 29 April 2010
Wednesday, 28 April 2010
Favourite manager characteristics
When we watch Premier League matches on the TV, we are always shown interviews with the managers after the games. With the race fourth and the title race still to be settled, we'll be hearing a lot more from them. But are they good characters?
Chelsea
Carlo Ancelotti
Every Chelsea boss since Mourinho has lived in his shadow, because the league has never experienced anyone like him. Big Phil came close with a loveable personality with his broken English, but the results didn't match. Ancelotti got off to a flyer when he made a joke about Terry going to Man City in his first press conference, but since his limited English hasn't created a great character for the British fans to see. I think I speak for most of us when I say the biggest talking point about Ancelotti's character is his People's Eyebrow.
Manchester United
Sir Alex Ferguson
S'Alex is a mixed bag. We always talk about his one-dimensional moaning about referees and added on time, which is a real pain. But on occasion you are surprised with an honest assessment of a poor Utd performance, or something like "typical Germans." The BBC do miss out without his input because no-one cares what Mike Phelan says.
Arsenal
Arsene Wenger
"I didn't see it," is the general script for Arsene Wenger comments on contentious issues post-match. But when asked about other things in football, such as Arsenal's lack of activity in the transfer market or Fabregas' possible move to Spain, Arsene shows his true colours and is entertaining. "Why would any player with a competitive edge want to go to a league where the team in third is 37 points behind the top two," was a classic. When he was sent to the stands against Man Utd in August and held his hands out in front of the crowd was another example that Wenger is a good character.
Tottenham Hotspur
Harry Redknapp
Old cod face can be quite one-dimensional in interviews but it was his constant use of "triffic" that inspired me to write this post. Every other player was "triffic" when Spurs win but he can be honest when they lose. He never has too much to say about any new players, just that "they're good players." Maybe it's his cheeky cockney accent why people like him.
Aston Villa
Martin O'Neill
The most energetic and enthusiastic manager in the league. On the touchline he gives it everything and is good box office with his jumping up and down. He gets so close to the action that he was even taken out by Nicolas Anelka this season. Post-match comments can be a bit tedious, especially when he is still banging on about the Carling Cup Final.
Manchester City
Roberto Mancini
The big talking point on Mancini in his scarf. Whether he wears it in the spring sunshine to look cool or to look like a true fan is still the burning question in English football. He's very fair in his interviews but stirs the pot every now and then with the likes of his Torres quotes, but he does have the money to back it up.
Liverpool
Rafael Benitez
The most unpredictable manager to listen to in the league. Fact. Rafa can be a press dream when he goes on his rants, but he gives the impression that he can be a nightmare to interview because he has his own agenda. But great quotes like guaranteeing fourth place when they are 7th with two games to go will live long in the memory.
There are a few more greats in the Premier League such as straight talking Mick McCarthy, playing with pride Avram and Tony Pulis with his cap. Who's your favourite?
JT
Chelsea
Carlo Ancelotti
Every Chelsea boss since Mourinho has lived in his shadow, because the league has never experienced anyone like him. Big Phil came close with a loveable personality with his broken English, but the results didn't match. Ancelotti got off to a flyer when he made a joke about Terry going to Man City in his first press conference, but since his limited English hasn't created a great character for the British fans to see. I think I speak for most of us when I say the biggest talking point about Ancelotti's character is his People's Eyebrow.
Manchester United
Sir Alex Ferguson
S'Alex is a mixed bag. We always talk about his one-dimensional moaning about referees and added on time, which is a real pain. But on occasion you are surprised with an honest assessment of a poor Utd performance, or something like "typical Germans." The BBC do miss out without his input because no-one cares what Mike Phelan says.
Arsenal
Arsene Wenger
"I didn't see it," is the general script for Arsene Wenger comments on contentious issues post-match. But when asked about other things in football, such as Arsenal's lack of activity in the transfer market or Fabregas' possible move to Spain, Arsene shows his true colours and is entertaining. "Why would any player with a competitive edge want to go to a league where the team in third is 37 points behind the top two," was a classic. When he was sent to the stands against Man Utd in August and held his hands out in front of the crowd was another example that Wenger is a good character.
Tottenham Hotspur
Harry Redknapp
Old cod face can be quite one-dimensional in interviews but it was his constant use of "triffic" that inspired me to write this post. Every other player was "triffic" when Spurs win but he can be honest when they lose. He never has too much to say about any new players, just that "they're good players." Maybe it's his cheeky cockney accent why people like him.
Aston Villa
Martin O'Neill
The most energetic and enthusiastic manager in the league. On the touchline he gives it everything and is good box office with his jumping up and down. He gets so close to the action that he was even taken out by Nicolas Anelka this season. Post-match comments can be a bit tedious, especially when he is still banging on about the Carling Cup Final.
Manchester City
Roberto Mancini
The big talking point on Mancini in his scarf. Whether he wears it in the spring sunshine to look cool or to look like a true fan is still the burning question in English football. He's very fair in his interviews but stirs the pot every now and then with the likes of his Torres quotes, but he does have the money to back it up.
Liverpool
Rafael Benitez
The most unpredictable manager to listen to in the league. Fact. Rafa can be a press dream when he goes on his rants, but he gives the impression that he can be a nightmare to interview because he has his own agenda. But great quotes like guaranteeing fourth place when they are 7th with two games to go will live long in the memory.
There are a few more greats in the Premier League such as straight talking Mick McCarthy, playing with pride Avram and Tony Pulis with his cap. Who's your favourite?
JT
Tuesday, 27 April 2010
3D Football coverage - not quite green and red glasses
High definition was given the big build up and now it's pretty much everywhere. So much so Sky now say, "It's live on Sky Sports 1 and also available in standard definition!" but HD can't be flavour of the month forever, the next thing is 3D, and I've found that far more impressive. However it would be a long time before I bought it.
So far I've seen two football matches in 3D, after the Mason's Arms in Falmouth brought it out. It's fair to say it's a far cry from green and red glasses.
I have to say I liked it, especially the second game I watched, which was the Manchester derby - although I did not like the result.
The reason that game looked better than the other was the setting, for some reason the City of Manchester stadium appealed to the 3D concept more than White Hart Lane (the other game was Tottenham vs Arsenal), with the blue confetti, green and gold scarves and something as simple as the layout of the stands.
Certain angles look really good, for example crowd shots and those when the manager is on the touchline spouting instructions. But to be honest, your general view above the halfway line does not make a real difference. In fact, the big winner for 3D in that view is the camera's position.
The coverage is completely different in 3D. They use different shots, have different commentators (Sky use the kind you would normally have in a League 1 match for the 3D while Tyler and Gray are stuck on "standard definition") but most of all the cameras are positioned much closer to the action which leaves the biggest sense that you are at the game above anything else.
In the Mason's Arms they have a smaller TV showing the game in "standard definition" and when comparing the two it does show the difference. The halfway line view in 3D does not have anything jumping out at you, but it makes the standard view look like it's shot from a Betfair blimp (other bookmaker's blimps are available).
Incidentally, without the 3D glasses on, the TV screen looks like how a short sighted person would see any screen without their glasses on - fuzzy.
Before the matches the pub showed clips of other sports shot in 3D and it proved that football is not the big winner in this new concept. Slow-playing sports like golf look particularly good, because they show off the obstacles in the player's way and bring the golfer in front of the crowd and out of the screen. Boxing looks good because there are only two people for the cameras to concentrate on. The big winner for me is tennis, I actually dodged out of the way when I thought a ball was coming towards me. I would love to see a bit of Wimbledon in 3D.
The landlord in the Mason's Arms told me that Sky are sending some of their 3D cameras to South Africa for the World Cup and they have done a deal with the BBC to broadcast a few games. He thought it was a good money spinner to bring people down for games that would not necessarily be affecting England. I think he's right and I'll report back via this blog to show just how many punters he gets in for the 3D matches.
TVs are starting to be sold for home use now. But it will be a long time before I would consider getting one. Firstly because of the price (about £2000 a pop), secondly because of the lack of 3D content available to make it worth it and finally because at the moment I like the novelty of wearing 3D glasses in the pub and looking at my mates after seeing a certain camera angle and simultaneously nodding in satisfaction.
Leave your comments on your 3D experiences, what do you think?
JT
So far I've seen two football matches in 3D, after the Mason's Arms in Falmouth brought it out. It's fair to say it's a far cry from green and red glasses.
I have to say I liked it, especially the second game I watched, which was the Manchester derby - although I did not like the result.
The reason that game looked better than the other was the setting, for some reason the City of Manchester stadium appealed to the 3D concept more than White Hart Lane (the other game was Tottenham vs Arsenal), with the blue confetti, green and gold scarves and something as simple as the layout of the stands.
Certain angles look really good, for example crowd shots and those when the manager is on the touchline spouting instructions. But to be honest, your general view above the halfway line does not make a real difference. In fact, the big winner for 3D in that view is the camera's position.
The coverage is completely different in 3D. They use different shots, have different commentators (Sky use the kind you would normally have in a League 1 match for the 3D while Tyler and Gray are stuck on "standard definition") but most of all the cameras are positioned much closer to the action which leaves the biggest sense that you are at the game above anything else.
In the Mason's Arms they have a smaller TV showing the game in "standard definition" and when comparing the two it does show the difference. The halfway line view in 3D does not have anything jumping out at you, but it makes the standard view look like it's shot from a Betfair blimp (other bookmaker's blimps are available).
Incidentally, without the 3D glasses on, the TV screen looks like how a short sighted person would see any screen without their glasses on - fuzzy.
Before the matches the pub showed clips of other sports shot in 3D and it proved that football is not the big winner in this new concept. Slow-playing sports like golf look particularly good, because they show off the obstacles in the player's way and bring the golfer in front of the crowd and out of the screen. Boxing looks good because there are only two people for the cameras to concentrate on. The big winner for me is tennis, I actually dodged out of the way when I thought a ball was coming towards me. I would love to see a bit of Wimbledon in 3D.
The landlord in the Mason's Arms told me that Sky are sending some of their 3D cameras to South Africa for the World Cup and they have done a deal with the BBC to broadcast a few games. He thought it was a good money spinner to bring people down for games that would not necessarily be affecting England. I think he's right and I'll report back via this blog to show just how many punters he gets in for the 3D matches.
TVs are starting to be sold for home use now. But it will be a long time before I would consider getting one. Firstly because of the price (about £2000 a pop), secondly because of the lack of 3D content available to make it worth it and finally because at the moment I like the novelty of wearing 3D glasses in the pub and looking at my mates after seeing a certain camera angle and simultaneously nodding in satisfaction.
Leave your comments on your 3D experiences, what do you think?
JT
Sunday, 25 April 2010
Weekend review - what we know and what we don't
This weekend has officially confirmed a few things we already knew in the world of football. Burnley will be relegated, Rangers will lift the SPL trophy and Wayne Rooney has been the best player in the Premier League this year. But there are also many more scores to be settled before we wrap up this season and look forward to the World Cup.
Rooney was always going to win the PFA award and rightly so. I personally thought it was wrong that Florent Malouda wasn't nominated but then I realised that the other nominations were just to fill in space and it didn't matter who else was shortlisted because Rooney was always going to win. The Manchester United man has been fantastic and as an England fan I can only hope that his fitness gets better in time for the tournament and that he plays like he has been for Man Utd.
I found it strange that Milner won young player of the year, not because he didn't deserve it but because it feels like he'd been around for years!
Burnley's fate was sealed at home to Liverpool yesterday, but in reality it was a foregone conclusion, maybe from when Brian Laws was appointed manager, although chairman Barry Kilby admitted he was dealt a bad hand. And it all looked so rosy when they beat Man Utd 1-0 in August.
Hats off to Rangers for winning the SPL. Walter Smith's men ran away with it and showed once again that organisation can triumph over free flowing football, the kind that Mowbray brought to Celtic before he was sacked. We'll find out who will win the next Organisation vs Pretty Football showdown when Barcelona play Inter on Wednesday.
Congratulations must go to Norwich and Bournemouth after getting promoted from League 1 and League 2 respectively. Who would of thought it after Norwich's 7-1 defeat first game of the season and Bournemouth's financial ruins last campaign? But Paul Lambert and Eddie Howe have both done brilliant jobs and good luck to them next season.
What's not yet confirmed but is certain barring a miracle, is that Hull, who lost at home to Sunderland on Sunday, are relegated and taking a financial mess down with them. Iain Dowie didn't really stand a chance and I'm not sorry to see them go and I don't think most neutrals would be either. They lost all their box office when Phil Brown went, although there is still a chance that he could be back again. I'm pleased West Ham will stay up because they are a club with a rich history who deserve to be in the top flight, plus they have a footballing genius for a manager. Nice touch when Scott Parker led the players in a hug with Zola after his goal on Saturday. A nod must also go to straight-talking Mick McCarthy and Wolves as well, looks like fielding a poor side against Utd worked, I don't agree with today's calls that Wolves can push for silverwear now though.
What of course is not done and dusted is the title race and the race for fourth. Stoke did not have a Kalou at Chelsea, who weren't flattered by seven goals and Tottenham could not keep up their run at Old Trafford, leaving it all to play for on Sunday. Questions have been raised about whether Liverpool would lie down for Chelsea to stop Utd getting an unprecedented 19th league title and maybe Steve Bruce would do the same for his old manager, but let's be honest, it's a professional game and that won't happen. Look at Liverpool v Blackburn in 1995, they won 3-0 on the last day and Blackburn only won the league because Utd couldn't beat West Ham.
Liverpool have got their own prize to play for anyway, with fourth place very much open up. Tottenham are in the box seat but still have Man City to play while Villa, fresh from a stroke of luck that reignited some Old Firm flames yesterday, also have City in the run in. Liverpool would have wanted to quietly go about their business but that won't happen as Chelsea travel to Anfield Sunday lunchtime.
Its another big one next week, but there's some Champions League semi-finals first, where English football fans can sit back and relax and enjoy what will hopefully be some fantastic football.
JT
Rooney was always going to win the PFA award and rightly so. I personally thought it was wrong that Florent Malouda wasn't nominated but then I realised that the other nominations were just to fill in space and it didn't matter who else was shortlisted because Rooney was always going to win. The Manchester United man has been fantastic and as an England fan I can only hope that his fitness gets better in time for the tournament and that he plays like he has been for Man Utd.
I found it strange that Milner won young player of the year, not because he didn't deserve it but because it feels like he'd been around for years!
Burnley's fate was sealed at home to Liverpool yesterday, but in reality it was a foregone conclusion, maybe from when Brian Laws was appointed manager, although chairman Barry Kilby admitted he was dealt a bad hand. And it all looked so rosy when they beat Man Utd 1-0 in August.
Hats off to Rangers for winning the SPL. Walter Smith's men ran away with it and showed once again that organisation can triumph over free flowing football, the kind that Mowbray brought to Celtic before he was sacked. We'll find out who will win the next Organisation vs Pretty Football showdown when Barcelona play Inter on Wednesday.
Congratulations must go to Norwich and Bournemouth after getting promoted from League 1 and League 2 respectively. Who would of thought it after Norwich's 7-1 defeat first game of the season and Bournemouth's financial ruins last campaign? But Paul Lambert and Eddie Howe have both done brilliant jobs and good luck to them next season.
What's not yet confirmed but is certain barring a miracle, is that Hull, who lost at home to Sunderland on Sunday, are relegated and taking a financial mess down with them. Iain Dowie didn't really stand a chance and I'm not sorry to see them go and I don't think most neutrals would be either. They lost all their box office when Phil Brown went, although there is still a chance that he could be back again. I'm pleased West Ham will stay up because they are a club with a rich history who deserve to be in the top flight, plus they have a footballing genius for a manager. Nice touch when Scott Parker led the players in a hug with Zola after his goal on Saturday. A nod must also go to straight-talking Mick McCarthy and Wolves as well, looks like fielding a poor side against Utd worked, I don't agree with today's calls that Wolves can push for silverwear now though.
What of course is not done and dusted is the title race and the race for fourth. Stoke did not have a Kalou at Chelsea, who weren't flattered by seven goals and Tottenham could not keep up their run at Old Trafford, leaving it all to play for on Sunday. Questions have been raised about whether Liverpool would lie down for Chelsea to stop Utd getting an unprecedented 19th league title and maybe Steve Bruce would do the same for his old manager, but let's be honest, it's a professional game and that won't happen. Look at Liverpool v Blackburn in 1995, they won 3-0 on the last day and Blackburn only won the league because Utd couldn't beat West Ham.
Liverpool have got their own prize to play for anyway, with fourth place very much open up. Tottenham are in the box seat but still have Man City to play while Villa, fresh from a stroke of luck that reignited some Old Firm flames yesterday, also have City in the run in. Liverpool would have wanted to quietly go about their business but that won't happen as Chelsea travel to Anfield Sunday lunchtime.
Its another big one next week, but there's some Champions League semi-finals first, where English football fans can sit back and relax and enjoy what will hopefully be some fantastic football.
JT
England Squad - will Fabio gamble?
The time for Capello to name his squad for the World Cup is drawing ever closer, while the Rooneys, Lampards, Gerrards and Ferdinands are deservedly nailed on, there are a couple of places up for grabs. I think Fabio can afford a gamble or two for the competition but the big questions are who will they be and will he make them? Let's have a look at the options for the squad.
Goalkeeper
There's been a lot of talk about Robert Green and whether he's good enough between the sticks in the World Cup. I think he's not. Green's not necessarily a bad keeper and he's had an OK season considering the players in front of him, but I don't think he's a commanding presence between the sticks.
David James is a big presence, he's been around and knows the game and the other players. He's been Portsmouth's best player this season but that's not saying too much. He had a blinder in the semi-final with Tottenham and if he carries that form on I would say he's the favourite for the no.1 shirt. But having a goalkeeper who has been relegated does not do much for England's reputation going into the tournament, however it would do wonders for James' reputation when he looks for a new club afterwards.
My gamble for goalkeeper is Joe Hart. He's had a brilliant season at Birmingham, he's a good shot stopper and confident with crosses, and he puts his two pennies in with the defenders when he needs to. Hart's form has linked him with a move to Arsenal which I would like to see for him to progress. Whether or not he'll play in South Africa is a big doubt. You don't put an untried and untested keeper on the big stage straight away. I would like to see Hart start in goal in the upcoming friendlies.
Defence
Ferdinand's obviously skipper so he's in, Cole's a top left back and provided he's fit he's in. Johnson looks favourite for right back even though I've not been overly-impressed with him, but what else is there? Surely not Gary Neville. Surely. A question for me is John Terry. Forget off the pitch. On it he's had far from an outstanding season even if he could still lift the Premier League trophy and other Englishmen have stood out this season, especially Michael Dawson. The Spurs man has been fantastic, he gets his head everywhere, positions well and makes very few mistakes. Dawson's another one I would like to see get a go in the friendlies, he should be ahead of Lescott - who's rubbish - and Jagielka because he's been injured all season. Dawson's colleague Ledley King has been consistently class, but I don't think he's got the stamina to play a potential seven games in a month with his ongoing knee problem, but word is Capello's watching his fitness and he knows better than I, so watch this space.
Midfield
Lampard and Gerrard have to play together. They are two arguably world class players and although they may not have had the best seasons by their high standards I back them to rise to the occasion. I think Gerrard is best on the left with Lampard playing through the middle and Barry sitting in and my gamble in midfield is Adam Johnson to play as an impact substitute, he's given City a new lease of life since joining. The headache for Fabio is on the right, but it's a good problem to have with Young, Walcott and Lennon all good options but there are question marks over all of them, especially with Lennon's recent injury. I don't know to be honest, but I'm not paid millions to make that decision so let's see the manager earn his money. Battling Scott Parker has staked a claim to be in after carrying West Ham to safety and Carrick picks perfect passes, but I don't agree with talk of playing Owen Hargreaves, he's not played in months.
Up front
Rooney's a given and for me Crouch should play up top with him in a 4-4-2. Crouch's height provides an element teams aren't used to, he can hold balls up for Rooney to run onto and most of all he provides his own goal threat - you can't argue with 20 goals in 37 appearances. My other two for the squad would be Jermain Defoe (although I wouldn't put him on penalties) and Bobby Zamora. Zamora's untested for England but he's in the running for most improved player this season, he works hard, scores goals and has got the aerial presence of a Crouch or Heskey. Heskey's in the running because Rooney likes playing with him but he gives so little else to the cause. I say take a punt on Zamora.
So the big gambles are Hart, Dawson, maybe King, Johnson, Parker and Zamora. Capello's got seven weeks to hedge his bets, let's see what happens.
JT
Goalkeeper
There's been a lot of talk about Robert Green and whether he's good enough between the sticks in the World Cup. I think he's not. Green's not necessarily a bad keeper and he's had an OK season considering the players in front of him, but I don't think he's a commanding presence between the sticks.
David James is a big presence, he's been around and knows the game and the other players. He's been Portsmouth's best player this season but that's not saying too much. He had a blinder in the semi-final with Tottenham and if he carries that form on I would say he's the favourite for the no.1 shirt. But having a goalkeeper who has been relegated does not do much for England's reputation going into the tournament, however it would do wonders for James' reputation when he looks for a new club afterwards.
My gamble for goalkeeper is Joe Hart. He's had a brilliant season at Birmingham, he's a good shot stopper and confident with crosses, and he puts his two pennies in with the defenders when he needs to. Hart's form has linked him with a move to Arsenal which I would like to see for him to progress. Whether or not he'll play in South Africa is a big doubt. You don't put an untried and untested keeper on the big stage straight away. I would like to see Hart start in goal in the upcoming friendlies.
Defence
Ferdinand's obviously skipper so he's in, Cole's a top left back and provided he's fit he's in. Johnson looks favourite for right back even though I've not been overly-impressed with him, but what else is there? Surely not Gary Neville. Surely. A question for me is John Terry. Forget off the pitch. On it he's had far from an outstanding season even if he could still lift the Premier League trophy and other Englishmen have stood out this season, especially Michael Dawson. The Spurs man has been fantastic, he gets his head everywhere, positions well and makes very few mistakes. Dawson's another one I would like to see get a go in the friendlies, he should be ahead of Lescott - who's rubbish - and Jagielka because he's been injured all season. Dawson's colleague Ledley King has been consistently class, but I don't think he's got the stamina to play a potential seven games in a month with his ongoing knee problem, but word is Capello's watching his fitness and he knows better than I, so watch this space.
Midfield
Lampard and Gerrard have to play together. They are two arguably world class players and although they may not have had the best seasons by their high standards I back them to rise to the occasion. I think Gerrard is best on the left with Lampard playing through the middle and Barry sitting in and my gamble in midfield is Adam Johnson to play as an impact substitute, he's given City a new lease of life since joining. The headache for Fabio is on the right, but it's a good problem to have with Young, Walcott and Lennon all good options but there are question marks over all of them, especially with Lennon's recent injury. I don't know to be honest, but I'm not paid millions to make that decision so let's see the manager earn his money. Battling Scott Parker has staked a claim to be in after carrying West Ham to safety and Carrick picks perfect passes, but I don't agree with talk of playing Owen Hargreaves, he's not played in months.
Up front
Rooney's a given and for me Crouch should play up top with him in a 4-4-2. Crouch's height provides an element teams aren't used to, he can hold balls up for Rooney to run onto and most of all he provides his own goal threat - you can't argue with 20 goals in 37 appearances. My other two for the squad would be Jermain Defoe (although I wouldn't put him on penalties) and Bobby Zamora. Zamora's untested for England but he's in the running for most improved player this season, he works hard, scores goals and has got the aerial presence of a Crouch or Heskey. Heskey's in the running because Rooney likes playing with him but he gives so little else to the cause. I say take a punt on Zamora.
So the big gambles are Hart, Dawson, maybe King, Johnson, Parker and Zamora. Capello's got seven weeks to hedge his bets, let's see what happens.
JT
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