It should of been 2-2 before half time. Frank Lampard's calculated lob over the German goalkeeper, would of made a game of this contest. Unquestionably, England would of gone on to win Sunday's match against the talented but inexperience German team.
However, the disallowed goal should not mask the painful fact that England defended woefully in this game and did not put in a good performance in any of the four matches they played. I am genuinely at a lost to think why the so called Golden Generation did not perform as they truly can. Unlike other commentators I still believe that the England team are filled with world class players who would adorn most international sides.
Do I think Fabio Capello should go? The short answer is No. The Italian is still a world class manager and with a little luck (which clearly deserted the side in Bloemfontein) and team spirit this side will still be a formidable outfit come the European Championships in 2012.
With England out of the World I am focusing my attention on Andy Murray - Anyone for Tennis!!
Wednesday 30 June 2010
Wednesday 23 June 2010
Football Order Has Been Restored
As predicted England comfortably beat Slovenia, even if it was only a goal to nil. A brilliant poacher's goal by Tottenham's Jermaine Defoe was the decider. For once all the pessimists who vehemently argued that England were hopeless can choke on their words (at least for now). Admittedly I would of preferred to avoid Germany in the last 16. But I suppose if you going to win this trophy you have play the top teams at sometime.
However, I am confident that we will beat the Germans on Sunday 27 June and go on to win the World cup.
I am still a believer!!
However, I am confident that we will beat the Germans on Sunday 27 June and go on to win the World cup.
I am still a believer!!
Saturday 19 June 2010
"They Think Its All Over" - Its Not Yet For England
Maybe I am an eternal optimist. I genuinely believe that England will retain the Ashes in Australia, Andy Murray will one day secure a Grand Slam and my beloved Tottenham will win the Premiership in my lifetime. It is this optimism that I reflect on the debacle that I viewed last night when England played out a timid draw against Algeria.
The criticism levelled at England has been overwhelming. Some of it has been constructive but most clearly over the top and even deranged. One caller demanded on a talk-in radio show, that Rooney should be dropped along with Lampard and Gerrard and Fabio Capello should be sacked immediately, with David Beckham taking over the managerial reins.
Lets be clear this was an awful display by England. The worst I have witnessed for many years. The performance lacked dynamism, wit and skill. But this is where my optimism kicks in. England conceivably cannot play any worse then they did last night. If they can produce any sort of display against Slovenia, their final opponents in the group stage, that mirrors their qualifying performances then they should win and win handsomely. All is definitely not lost.
I am convinced that England will win the World Cup. History shows us that teams that start slowly get better as the tournament progresses. This was the case for Italy in 1982 and 2006. And the Azzurri were triumphant on both occasions.
I am so sure in my heart and mind that England will carry this tournament that I have put £200 at 10/1 at my local bookmakers. England will be victorious, prove all the pundits wrong and I get to go on a Caribbean cruise with my winnings.
COME ON ENGLAND!!
The criticism levelled at England has been overwhelming. Some of it has been constructive but most clearly over the top and even deranged. One caller demanded on a talk-in radio show, that Rooney should be dropped along with Lampard and Gerrard and Fabio Capello should be sacked immediately, with David Beckham taking over the managerial reins.
Lets be clear this was an awful display by England. The worst I have witnessed for many years. The performance lacked dynamism, wit and skill. But this is where my optimism kicks in. England conceivably cannot play any worse then they did last night. If they can produce any sort of display against Slovenia, their final opponents in the group stage, that mirrors their qualifying performances then they should win and win handsomely. All is definitely not lost.
I am convinced that England will win the World Cup. History shows us that teams that start slowly get better as the tournament progresses. This was the case for Italy in 1982 and 2006. And the Azzurri were triumphant on both occasions.
I am so sure in my heart and mind that England will carry this tournament that I have put £200 at 10/1 at my local bookmakers. England will be victorious, prove all the pundits wrong and I get to go on a Caribbean cruise with my winnings.
COME ON ENGLAND!!
Sunday 13 June 2010
In England We Trust - Have Faith
After watching England's first match of the World Cup against the USA on the 12th June, I still believe that England's captain Steven Gerrard will lift the Jules Rimet Trophy on Sunday 11 July.
They were terribly unlucky. Robert Green's howler is the stuff of nightmares for any goalkeeper. England had dominated the play before then and were well worth their one-nil lead. With a bit more luck they would of won the game by 3 or 4 goals. I thought their performance was commendable and will improve as they progress through the tournament. I am positive they will bounce back and be stronger for this minor set-back.
Listening to the radio talk-in shows you would of thought that England had been knocked out of the World Cup and that they were the worst team ever to put on a pair of football boots. As ever if the team wins they are the best if they lose (or draw in this case) they are completely and utterly pants. There no shades of grey when it comes to the England national side. I think the worst offender on these talk-shows are the hosts in particular one chap Alan Green who works for Radio 5. At every opportunity he lambastes England and their lack of world class players. It must be said that he makes a very comfortable living in commentating on them all over the world. I think he and other commentators should back the national side rather than constantly criticise them.
We do have world class players and its the likes of Gerrard, Lampard, Cole (both Ashley and Joe) Rooney and Robert Green which will end 44 years of torment, frustration and hurt and bring the World Cup back to England. In England we trust.
They were terribly unlucky. Robert Green's howler is the stuff of nightmares for any goalkeeper. England had dominated the play before then and were well worth their one-nil lead. With a bit more luck they would of won the game by 3 or 4 goals. I thought their performance was commendable and will improve as they progress through the tournament. I am positive they will bounce back and be stronger for this minor set-back.
Listening to the radio talk-in shows you would of thought that England had been knocked out of the World Cup and that they were the worst team ever to put on a pair of football boots. As ever if the team wins they are the best if they lose (or draw in this case) they are completely and utterly pants. There no shades of grey when it comes to the England national side. I think the worst offender on these talk-shows are the hosts in particular one chap Alan Green who works for Radio 5. At every opportunity he lambastes England and their lack of world class players. It must be said that he makes a very comfortable living in commentating on them all over the world. I think he and other commentators should back the national side rather than constantly criticise them.
We do have world class players and its the likes of Gerrard, Lampard, Cole (both Ashley and Joe) Rooney and Robert Green which will end 44 years of torment, frustration and hurt and bring the World Cup back to England. In England we trust.
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