United Gift Owen A Lifeline

Alex Ferguson, the sole architect behind United’s 23 year stretch of both domestic and European glory, has rarely been questioned for his signings, despite how much a flop they have turned out to be, but the recent arrival of Michael Owen has made many a critic and fan raise an eyebrow of concern. The ex England international - I say ex because he has only managed one cap under the newly appointed Capello regime and looks in no shape to feature again any time soon- has saw his career rapidly decline since the transfer back to our British soil, with an injury plagued stint at Newcastle United.

With the ‘Owen brochure’ doing the rounds a few weeks ago, it looked as if he would make do with the likes of Hull City or Everton at best, but when the great Scot asked to meet Owen for a spot of breakfast and offered the striker the chance to get his career back on track, how could he say no. It’s not like the 29 year old really needs the money, especially with the extortionate weekly pay check he was picking up at St James Park.

Nine out of 10 people have taken the negative approach to Owen making the surprise appearance at Old Trafford, but I, like the minority, think it might possibly be the bargain of the season -note bargain not signing. At the end of the day, Owen isn’t and never will be a replacement for the underrated Carlos Tevez, but a free transfer for an experienced player that just needs the confidence and a decent team around him who can actually play football, isn’t bad to say the least.

Fergie is expected to sign another striker before the new Premier League season commences, but a freebie is something nobody can turn down. He might not score 20 goals a season, in fact I bet on him not doing so, but I can guarantee he will turn out to be a surprise package for United. Once a predator, always a predator and Owen will surely rekindle that killer instinct we all know he has, under the influential Sir Alex Ferguson.

With the World Cup only a year away, it would be nice to think United’s coaching staff and medical team could get Owen in some kind of shape to play regular football and make an impression on the hard-to-please Capello, but that is still a pipedream at present. If anyone is more serious about quality within a team and the will to win games, United are at the front of the queue. It will be interesting to hear Capello’s opinion of the move.

At the end of the day, Owen will be a cheaper option than what Dimitar Berbatov turned out to be. I don’t expect Owen to be a starting option, until needed, and could possibly be seen as the fourth choice striker within the squad after Rooney, Berbatov and Welbeck. Ferguson likes to gamble with certain players, especially with the youth development that we have already witnessed during his time, but will this be his biggest gamble yet? Not at all, he doesn’t even have to play him or rely on him and with £60 million still left in the kitty from the sale of Ronaldo, Fergie has plenty of cash and time to bring in a suitable replacement for the United deportees this summer.

Valencia the New Number 7?

With Cristiano Ronaldo Madrid bound, it seems Ferguson has found the perfect replacement to fill the boots of the winking Portuguese international. Instead of spending thousands to fly chief scouts around the world, living off expenses to find the next big thing, all that was required was a mere 17 mile journey to neighbouring side Wigan Athletic. Yesterday, it was announced that Antonio Valencia would be the first signing at Old Trafford since Ronaldo’s £80 million Madrid departure.

Valencia 23, will be yet another youthful singing in Ferguson’s young empire, that has been built over the past five years. Refusing to spend over the odds for ever ageing stars, Ferguson opts to sign players under the age of 25. Instead of trying to fit a players style into an already suited United team, the Scot prefers to mould the player into what he is looking for. With Alan Hansen’s famous outburst “You’ll never win anything with kids” in 1995, United have proved that they can be successful year after year with ‘kids’.

The singing comes as no surprise, but will Valencia be able to fill the vacant number seven shirt at Old Trafford? Despite United fans being left with a bitter taste in their mouths since Ronaldo’s Judas style departure to Spain, they cannot deny what he has done for the club in his five seasons in England. Valencia will not need any time to adapt to the English game, like many foreign players do including Ronaldo, and will not ruin any chances of playing for his country with poor performances - it is only Ecuador at the end of the day.

The number seven shirt has been worn by the likes of David Beckham, George Best and Eric Cantona in its time, but has Valencia got what it takes to be in the same league as these superstars?

Southgate, Gazza and Hurst

Last night’s disappointing result against Germany was just one fixture in the long list of encounters we have had with our old foe, although there not always that disastrous. Friendly fixtures - if there is ever such a thing - or World Cup crunch matches against German opposition will always receive a substation amount of media coverage, with The Sun traditionally opting for the England flag double spread pullout.


England v Germany matches to remember:

1966 England 4 Germany 2
The last and the only time we have won the prolific World Cup, courtesy of a superb Geoff Hurst hat trick and a Martin Peters strike. Victory on British soil made it that it that little bit more special.

2001 Germany 1 England 5
The previous year, England had come out second best at Wembley, which resulted in Kevin Keegan’s resignation, but in September of 2001 England got their revenge in magnificent fashion. Michael Owen’s hat trick, alongside a goal a piece from Steven Gerrard and Emile Heskey left the Germans stunned in Munich.

1996 England 1 Germany 1
Another tournament held in England, and another Germany team trying to stand in our way of cup glory, but this time they succeeded. With Baddiel and Skinner behind us, it seemed we go all the way until Gareth Southgate missed the crucial penalty to send England crashing out of Euro 96.

1990 England 1 Germany 1
The original ‘Euro 96’ in terms of a semi final place, Germany, and a shocking penalty display, and who says history doesn’t repeat itself.

You May Have Won The Battle, But We Won The War

Timeless World War encounters, endless World Cup scuffles and now a European scrap to be added to the numerous times that England have gone to war - no pun intended - with arch enemies Germany. After seeing off the hosts in the semi finals, Stuart Pearce’s side booked their place in the final at Malmo New Stadium, in a tie the nation would love to see replicated in South Africa next year.

Missing key players through suspension, Pearce was forced to make difficult alterations. These absentees proved to play a major part in England’s downfall, as Germany clinched the game with ease to set a new record of largest goal margin in the final of the tournaments history.

As well as the desire for glory, squad players surely couldn’t help think that an impressive tournament might improve their chances of making the 23 man squad for next year‘s World Cup, especially with Pearce having a huge influence in the selection process.

England’s most capped player, James Milner, will most defiantly have given himself a good chance of making the provision squad, if not the actual squad, despite not making an actually senior appearance.

Theo Walcott was the surprise selection in 2006 and since then has become a senior squad regular -when fit - but an average tournament for the Arsenal attacker means he could face uncertainty about a regular starting place.

Since the arrival of Shay Given at Eastlands, Joe Hart hasn’t make a single appearance for City and cleverly made the smart move to Birmingham City ready for next season, ensuring regular first team football, and lets face it, Birmingham are going to have a lot of shots against them.

Although the World Cup is a staggering 345 days away, if I was to step into Capello’s expensive Italian leather shoes, I would pick the following 23 man squad:

Goalkeepers
David James
Robert Green
Joe Hart

Defenders
Ashley Cole
Rio Ferdinand
Glen Johnson
John Terry
Matthew Upson
Kieran Gibbs
Micah Richards

Midfielders
Gareth Barry
Steven Gerrard
David Beckham
James Milner
Frank Lampard
Joe Cole
Theo Walcott
Ashley Young


Strikers
Wayne Rooney
Jermain Defoe
Emile Heskey
Peter Crouch
Kevin Davies (I wish)

Federer 27 going on 21

Considered the best tennis player of all time, Roger Federer shows us no sign of slowing down just yet. After commentator John McEnroe yesterday used the phrase ‘veteran’, when mentioning Lleyton Hewitt, it made me ponder just how long Federer has left on the international circuit.

The Aussie, who fought off fifth seed Juan Martin del Potro, is only a single year older than the world number two. With Federer aiming to represent his country at London 2012, as well as expressing his desire for his first child to watch him play, we could find the Swiss to be around for some time.

Like any sport, the earlier you can develop as a champion, the better. Pete Sampras, who Federer recently equalled in Grand Slam wins, didn’t call it a day till the age of 32, shining light on the possibility of many more potential titles to come for the 27 year old.

His ability is unquestionable as good as it has ever been, but the physiological factors are against him. I’m not saying he’s turning into an old man, whose speed and power weakens over time, but he will have to alter his style of play against the up and coming young guns, who are hot on his heels.

Federer’s experience will shine over the next few years as he will make his opponent do the majority of the work, not that he doesn’t already. With the correct diet and training, we could see a David Beckham or Paulo Maldini of the tennis world, competing at the highest level.

After turning on today’s match against Kohlschreiber and witnessing the first game, that of course Federer won with two aces and not dropping a single point, he’s got the potential to take his Grand Slam record deep into the unknown.

Pearce the Friendly Psycho

After going through my morning routine, which consists of shower, shave and Sky Sports news, I was happy to sit down and enjoy the latter with a nice bowl of cornflakes. With only one day remaining till England’s young guns face hosts Sweden in the semi final of this year’s European Championship, it was no surprise then to see the stern, serious face of Stuart Pearce being grilled by journalists.

Admiring the answers that the gaffer gave to both English and Swedish press, I got the impression that he held an healthy relationship with the media, especially with the response to Sky Sports Andy Burton: “You’ve been in the England camp and we’ve spoke on and off the camera.” His approach to the media is a credit to him and the country. Happy to answer any question with complete honesty, it’s no surprise that we don’t see much of his name dragged through the national press, linked with scandal and bust ups.

His calm and collective personality matches his managerial style. Pearce guided the under 21’s to semi final disappointment two years ago, but is confident he can go that step further this campaign.

As well as being the under 21’s manager, he is also the coach for the senior team, with many believing that he is the next England manager in the making. He, himself, is not getting too carried away and insists he still has a lot to learn in the business. He seems to keep the Premier League bad boys in check, but to be fair I wouldn’t like to get on the wrong side of a man that’s nicknamed Psycho.

With the FA and Pearce meant to have met a gentleman’s agreement over an extended contract, we could hear a Mike Bassett “Four more f**king years” outburst if he can guide them to the final in four days time.

Murray Speaks the Truth

Andy Murray’s unprovoked outburst at the lack of depth that British tennis players are producing seems slightly harsh, but yet a close reflection of reality. This past year has seen all aspects of Murray’s game improve, but while he rises up the world rankings, he advances alone, being the only Brit inside the ATP world 100.

Murray is in the same boat as 13 other players inside the top 100, who fly the flag alone for their country. His frustration at his fellow country men comes after yesterday’s victory over Robert Kendrick, which has resulted in the 22 year old being the only Brit remaining in the tournament.

The absence of British talent from Wimbledon isn’t just a modern phenomenon. Although we have the world’s greatest tournament - maybe slightly biased - we can not come close to produce the remarkable talent of Fred Perry, the last Brit to triumph at Wimbledon, but why does this seem to be the case?

The majority of the world’s top 100 is full of players from eastern Europe and neighbouring developing countries, despite the lack of facilities or funding. In Britain, tennis will never be able to shed its middle class image and while this the case we will struggle to encourage youngsters into the sport.

Tennis is often seen as a social activity, rather than a competitive sport, with schools and colleges rarely putting any dedicated effort into taking the game further. With the funding available through the LTA, the main problem seems to be lack of identifying the talent at a young age.

While we continue to put all our eggs in one basket, we should be focusing on the development of teaching tennis through the educational system, that way we could identify natural talent at a young age and risk the chance of going without a British champion for another seven decades.

Wimbledon Fashion Week

While every blog, forum and website across the country will be swarming with Andy Murray’s victory over Robert Kendrick - it’s no shock to the system really, considering the 73 places between the two. One matter that has grabbed my attention over the past few days, is the peculiar clothing attire that certain players are modelling.

Roger Federer’s chic waist jacket, Serena Williams’s stylish trench coat and even Murray’s retro Fred Perry look has given tennis an unusual, but smarter appearance. It seems that style and impression has always played a major part in the English tournament, and in recent years we have been witness to blazers, trousers, cardigans and even manbags, mostly courtesy of Federer.

The warm up period prior to matches seems to have turned into a catwalk show, with players showing off their array of bizarre outfits. These clothes are obviously not suitable for playing in - not that they’re ever designed for it - but they don’t care as long as it gets the crowd and viewers remembering the name of the sponsor afterwards.

Wimbledon’s fashion statement just shows how the world of tennis is evolving, especially with players taking up role of the designer, and even having time off the sport to do so. Whatever next will we see on display, shirt and tie? Evening gown frock? Or even Murray showing his Scottish heritage with a kilt? Or will the ladies get their ultimate fantasy, with players deciding against any top at all?

Gareth Hock in Paradise White

What drives the modern sports star to the edge of insanity? Is it the constant pressure of success? Maybe the media invasion of personal affairs? Or even the harsh reality that comes with failure? Today it was reported that Wigan and England forward, Gareth Hock, has been tested positive for the banned substance cocaine and has been provisionally suspended by the Rugby Football League, pending an investigation.

Cocaine isn’t the typical drug associated with the game of rugby, but more you would relate to the rock n roll lifestyle of the likes of Motley Crew and Kiss. You often hear about the odd athlete being caught in the act enjoying a smoke, but the happy powder is one that’s becoming more frequent in the lifestyle of the professional sportsperson.

English international Matt Stevens, was banned for the same reason earlier this year, claiming: “Many athletes – like most of us – like to let off a little steam from time to time.” Surely having the right to demolish the opposition and bring them to their feet, by near enough any means, is stress relieving enough. The sport of rugby itself should be like a drug to the players that have dedicated their lives to play the game - that’s the reason they got involved in the first place.

With alcohol and marijuana having hangover effects on the human body, the increased number of athletes that turn to the mama coca is increasing to let off the ‘ever rising pressures of the game’. Wendell Sailor, Martina Hingis and Richard Gasquet - allegedly - have all fallen victim to the illegal substance.

If sports stars are tempted to turn to the movie star drug, then they must question their dedication to the sport, as there is always up and coming youngsters that will happily fill their boots if given the chance.

Robson goes into Further Education

We all know exactly how daunting it can be leaving secondary school for that all important, but necessary, leap to the real world, whether it be for further education or in search of that life pursuing ‘perfect job‘. The reality though can be hard hitting, one minute your king of the school, the next, your at the bottom of pack amongst the geeks and the rookies. One person who knows what I’m talking about, is wild card Laura Robson, who turned up to today’s match against Daniela Hantuchova on No 2 court after taking the huge step into the women’s game.

Despite being only 15 years of age, as we are reminded at every opportunity, she was not too far out of her league. Last year’s girls champion was the youngest player in the women’s draw since Martina Hingis in 1995, but with many expecting it to be a very one sided game, Robson had other ideas. 456 places lay between the two and after the first set, which Robson triumphed, it didn’t appear to be that obvious.

Although in the end the Slovak managed to use her years of wisdom and experience to claw back the game and ended up winning the next two sets, Robson showed positive signs that in a few years she could be a force to reckon with. A superb serve and a hungry apatite will do the youngster no harm in her pursuit for tennis glory.

The big step has already been taken by Robson, who must now start again at the bottom and work her way up but one thing is for sure, time is on her side.

Murraymania Begins

After a remarkable victory last weekend - to become the first Briton in 71 years to win at Queens - it seems Murraymania has been kicked into overdrive, as Wimbledon rapidly approaches. If you rewind just a measly 12 months ago, the British number one was ranked out of the top ten in the world and had never been beyond the fourth round of any Grand Slam tournament. But, with less than a week to go until the only Grand Slam to be played on grass gets under way, the 22 year old’s fortune has rocketed.

Murray’s ever joyful face has been, and will continue to be, in every national newspaper on a daily basis, with the hysteria adding to the already over hyped Murraymania. The British press are doing what they do best, putting unnecessary pressure on out best hope before a major competition.

With confirmation that the number one seed, Rafael Nadal, will play no part in the English tournament, which he was dominant throughout last year. His exit is no real shock, as Nadal was also forced out of Queens with a similar knee injury, but it does mean that the World Number one will be the first champion not to defend his SW19 crown since Goran Ivanisevic skipped the competition in 2002.

Murray must see his chances increased after learning of Nadal’s exit and that Roger Federer will be in the second half of the tournament, meaning that the only time Murray can face the Swiss is in the final - what a final that would make.

We must recognise that even if Murray isn’t successful - we all hope that’s not the case - his game is ever improving and this time next year we could be talking about Murray breaking into the top two…and the year after? Seems I’ve been sucked into the Murraymania as well.

Final Farewell to Silverstone

Sunday draws a dramatic end to the home of British Grand Prix, as Silverstone will host its last ever race on the Formula One calendar. The Northamptonshire circuit as been on the F1 calendar since 1950, when it was the first race in the newly created World Championship.

The two final Brits involved in Sunday’s 191 mile race will be looking to mark the historical occasion with victory in front of a home crowd.

Last year’s World Champion, Lewis Hamilton, is no stranger to a podium finish and when the rookie driver won last years event, he became the second Brit to triumph at Silverstone since the turn of the millennium. Hamilton joined the likes of John Watson, Damon Hill, Johny Herbert, Nigel Mansell and the great Sir Stirling Moss.

With current leader Jenson Button in superb form, it will be difficult for Hamilton to re-enact last season’s display. Button, despite being in his ninth season in the sport, has yet to make any impact at Silverstone, but with the Brawn driver running away with the Championship, it seems we may say a final farewell with a British winner.

Bully Drogba Escapes with Detention

It was announced today that Chelsea’s notorious hot headed striker, Didier Drogba, will miss at least four European matches after his controversial outburst against Barcelona in the recent Champions League competition. Drogba’s team mate Jose Bosingwa was also banned for three European games, after he was too found guilty of verbally abusing Tom Henning Ovrebo. Along with the two suspensions, Chelsea have also been fined £85,000 for the improper conduct of their players during the clash.

These suspensions, along with such a petty cash figure, for a club that earns over £70 million on a match day hardly seems like the appropriate conclusion of such a ruthless deed. According to the FA, over 7,000 referees call it a day on an annual basis due to abuse received by players and spectators. The correct authorities should of made an example out of Drogba and Chelsea, ensuring this type of behaviour doesn’t occur again.

Instead, Chelsea should have been forced to play four home games -matches due for televised broadcast- behind closed doors, hitting the West London side where it really hurts, their pocket. Despite Drogba missing four matches, he will still be receiving earnings of over £100,000 a week, so where is the justice?

With Chelsea getting off so lightly, to say the least, you can guarantee that this type of verbal abuse will continue within the game, until the authorities grow a pair and stand up to the playground bullies of the sport.

Gissa Job

It was just over four years ago that Michael Owen was apart of the famous Galactios era at the Bernabeu, playing alongside the likes of Zinedine Zidane, Luis Figo and Ronaldo, but today the former England striker is more like Yosser Hughes, with his catchphrase “Gissa job.”

The fictional character from Alan Bleasdale’s 1982 television series Boys from the Blackstuff was well known for his low class approach for employment and today Owen took the same route. One of the most prolific goal scorers to have ever worn an English jersey, today sent a 30 page begging brochure to Premier League clubs in a desperate attempt to continue playing at England’s top level.

Owen 29, will be hoping that the brochure will do the trick as his four year contract ceases at the end of this month, meaning the Newcastle number 10 can leave St James Park on a free transfer. His current £120,000 a week deal is surely not going to attract much attention, with Owen expecting to take a huge pay cut to play in the Premier League.

The 30 page document claims that: ’Were it not for an unhappy spell at Real Madrid and two injury scarred years at Newcastle, he would be spoken about in the same breath as Torres and Ronaldo and valued in the priceless figures that only match winning goalscorers ever justify’…but to be blunt that isn’t the case and never will be.

It is easy to suggest what might have been, but it doesn’t change the fact what has actually happened. With Owen’s best bargaining tool being a 30 page booklet reminiscing on the past, which even includes a section devoted to a recent medical report, it looks like the former Ballon d’Or winner faces a period of limbo as he waits anxiously for a club to declare their interest.

King of Queens

In just a few hours, Andy Murray could become the first British winner of Baron’s Court since Bunny Austin 71 years ago. The only thing that stands between the British number one and his eighth final triumph in the past 12 months is American’s James Blake, seeded sixth for the competition.

Murray, has been in magnificent form over the past year with the only opponents to get the better of the Brit in tournament finals being the dynamic duo Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal. Although his game has massively improved, Murray still has a long way, and a grand slam, to go before he can close the gap on Federer and Nadal.

This year’s Queens tournament has been just what Murray needed in preparation for Wimbledon, which will begin later this month. Seeded number one for the tournament was always going bring high expectations and so far Murray as surpassed them.

On route to the final, the 22 year old has not dropped a single set and has served an impressive 31 aces against just four opponents, proving that the young Brit’s game is on the incline. His 39-6 win-loss record this year will make him today’s favourite. Lets just hope the future number one - so my crystal ball tells me - has a better concentration level that our last British hope…although I think even Henman himself would agree he has.

Stuart Broad...Cheating or The Start of a New Era?

Many students find that during their studies the majority of their modules they do end up being pointless, myself included, but one incident occurred during the Twenty20 cricket World Cup that made me sit up and realise I had learnt about this in the classroom. I’m talking about none other than England’s Stuart Broad, who was involved in, well lets say some very un sportsmanship behaviour against South Africa on Thursday night.

His ‘antics’ have earned him a warning from the ICC and could possible bring into dispute future actions from fellow cricketers. It seemed as if the 22 year old was purposely trying to put off and distract the opposition, with pointing halfway through his run up. England’s bland captain Paul Collingwood believes that: "New techniques and theories are going to be produced and things like this are going to happen and people are going to find different ways of putting a batsman off."

But the big debate that’s come out of the incident is whether or not it is classed as cheating. We have seen the same bizarre mannerisms used in other sports, without complaints or warnings issued. Can’t sports stars win on just ability alone or do they need such dirty and off putting tactics in order to gain an advantage? Although in Broad’s case no advantage at all.


Other Sports Personalities accused of such bizarre tactics:

Edwin Van Der Sar - The Dutch giant used similar methods during the 2008 Champions League penalty shoot out against Chelsea…it obviously worked for him.

Rafael Nadal - Although the world number one doesn’t point, he does intentionally control the tempo and speed of the game by wiping his face after every point.

I’ve been converted to…Twenty20 cricket?

Not being the biggest fan of cricket is an understatement and the only time I find myself watching the sport is either a) there’s nothing else on, b) the football season is finished or c) university work requires me to do so, but since the Twenty20 World Cup as started - as I can imagine is the case with others - I have found myself hooked to the sport.

I have always been under the assumption that cricket is a dull, dragged out sport for unfit athletes that couldn’t make it into any other sports team as a child, and the majority of cricket I have witnessed in my time would back this up, bar The Ashes of course.

Many of my friends are regular cricket followers and always go on about the excitement and action involved, with my mind often wondering elsewhere during conversations, but now it seems there is a style of the sport which can sustain my interest throughout. I have always been aware of Twenty20 cricket, but never really took the time to actually sit and experience the latest phenomenon for myself.

My new found interest has blossomed into a minor summer crush, which I now regularly follow on a day to day basis. Having already admitting I’m not the biggest cricket fan, although not a hater of the sport, I feel this bite sized game is a suitable substitute for non cricket lovers and could help attract new fans to the sport.

Just a mere 20 overs per team adds tension and pressure with every ball bowled, making the impact of scoring runs more dramatic and more significant. Pakistan’s Misbah ul Haq’s showboating strike against Sri Lanka was no different to a Steven Gerrard 40 yard strike, both superb.

As much as I hate to admit it, I have now been converted to the game of Twenty20 and might even give the normal game a chance…on second thoughts lets just take it one day at a time.

Ronaldo’s departure a blessing in disguise?

The inevitable as today happened with Premier League champions Manchester United accepting Real Madrid’s £80million offer for Cristiano Ronaldo. The Portuguese winger almost signed for the Spanish side last year, but the Red Devils managed to keep hold of their prized procession for another season.

A disappointing Champions Leagues final and the arrival of Kaka at the Bernabeu must of surely been the deciding factor in Ronaldo’s desire to leave Old Trafford. Real president Florentino Perez seems to think he is playing a game of Football Manager, with him rein acting the famous galacticos era again.

Ronaldo 24, joined United in 2003 from Sporting Lisbon for £12.2 million and has achieved everything he set out to win with Alex Ferguson’s side.

Zidane’s £45.6million world transfer record has stood for eight years until Kaka smashed that figure this week, but it now seems that will get broken again

Despite his incredible ability, are Ronaldo‘s childish antics wanted at United? Do united really want to field a player week in week out who doesn’t want to be at the club? Or more importantly does Ronaldo’s departure make way for Antonio Valencia?

Come on Fergie, there's no excuse to get rid of Tevez now.

Just call it a day Neville…

Currently ranked 196th in the FIFA world standings, with only eleven other countries below them, last night’s clash against Andorra was always going to be a David and Goliath affair. The one sided match, which saw the visitors only manage 20% of the procession in the 90 minutes played, was just another stepping stone for England as they continue their impressive, not to mention unbeaten, run in qualifications for next years World Cup competition.

Fabio Capello could of easily fielded a weakened side to help players rest after a long League campaign, giving the chance to certain squad members to gain some important international time, but instead he made just three changes to the side that put four past Kazakhstan , showing fans that he cannot afford to take his eye off the ball, until we are official announced as qualifiers.

One player that stood head and shoulders above the rest was right back Glen Johnson. Johnson 24, was involved in all three opening goals and continued to deliver in the second half, when he set up former team mate Jermain Defoe for his first of the night.

Despite only having 15 caps under his belt, the young defender showed a thirst for an attacking style of play, which is pleasing to see compared to previous right backs, such as Gary Neville, Jamie Carragher and even Danny Mills. Although the previous England right backs have attacked well, Johnson seems to take it that little bit further, bringing is current club form to England.

Johnson, on a personal level, had a very successful 2008-09 campaign despite Portsmouth finishing in the bottom half of the Premier League. It was announced at the end of the season that Johnson had been named in the PFA team of the year, only the second player to do so since pompey gained promotion to the England’s top flight.

With the only other options of injury prone Ledley King or Micah Richards, who is still yet to prove himself on the international circuit, it looks like Johnson has done himself no harm by taking full advantage of England’s last two weakened opponents. At such a young age it is quite possible we could have an answer to the current vacant right back position, which has been begging for an Ashley Cole clone for some time.

Tube Strike Halts England Fans

Anybody who has visited our nations capital will have more than likely used the very confusing, but efficient method of transportation that is know as ‘The Tube‘. For any visitor or tourist the complicated colours and lines can seem too advanced for its own good, but in fact the tube is one of the easiest methods of travel around and can transport you around London quicker than a car could.

Sounds too good to be true, it is until the one word we all hate to hear springs up…strikes. The only good strike I have ever known in my lifetime was when teachers decided to strike, just because it meant a day off school, but tube strikes in London causes chaos at the highest level.

Tomorrow’s England clash against Andorra has been hit by the announcement of the striking of London Underground workers, which is scheduled to start in less an 30 minutes time and will last for 48 hours. With no park or ride system in place, fans will find it very difficult to get to Wembley on Wednesday night.

Refunds will be available on all tickets purchased, with Capello’s side looking like they could play to a half filled Wembley as they continue their quest for World Cup qualification.

It’s a sad day when major, or even minor, sporting events are affected by such incidents. The only people who will be glad to see the strike put into power will be the sponsors who have paid their big bucks to advertise during the live coverage on ITV aka The Advertising Channel.