The ENGLAND football team have been a hot topic lately, what with the John Terry saga, eventually concluding with Bridge quitting from international duty and JT himself getting dropped as captain. The first test on the field came yesterday on home soil against the 3-time reigning African champions Egypt. We showed great fight, determination and unity as we came from behind to win 3-1.
Egyptian striker ZIDAN got the better of a Matthew Upson slip on the edge of the box, and finished very neatly to put the visiors ahead in the first half. England were a bit impatient I'd say, trying to force the final ball at times. The second half however was better. The substitutes all played key roles in the comeback and I was impressed by the desire shown by the players to win the game. Michael Carrick looked sharp with some clever passes, Peter Crouch scored a brace, Wright-Phillips had one goal and one assist, and James Milner was a refreshing talent as always.
The English players can do no more in the Three Lions shirt until the provisional World Cup squad is named by the manager come May. With club action getting as hot as ever, including a tantalising race to the title, to the fourth place spot, and to remain in the Premier League, as well as mouth-watering ties in Europe. I feel that places in the England squad are as competitive as ever, and that there is everything to fight for for those who are yet uncertain of their plane ticket to South Africa. Certainly, Crouch and Wright-Phillips look to have upped their status after last night's performances, while others have perhaps faded.
A final word on the captaincy agenda from me, it was quite ironic how neither the former or current captain wore the armband yesterday, but three different players each had their minutes as England Captain. Gerrard, as vice-captain, was the stand-in skipper for injured Rio Ferdinand, until he was subbed off and surprisingly gave it to Wayne Rooney. Now, at the start of the Capello tenure, several players were chosen as candidates, each given the opportunity because they are captains of their club. Terry for Chelsea, Gerrard for Liverpool, Ferdinand for United, Barry for Aston Villa at the time, and even David Beckham. But Rooney wasn't one. He still isn't one. It was a little unexpected to see him take over last night. Having said that, I have no doubt that he will one day become the England skipper, once he grows more mature and has more experience. Anyways, back to last night, Rooney was also taken off towards the end leaving very few players capable of taking the temporary captaincy. Barry received it, but for one moment I did wonder whether Terry would have to fill in. That would have been funny. Oh, but what wasn't funny was how he was booed in the first half. I think it's absolutely shameful to boo a player of the team you support, especially in front of the rest of said team. Quite disgusting behaviour in my opinion. You have every right to criticise him off the field, but whilst he is playing for your country, it is not correct.
So, who do you think will make the final cut? What could the first XI look like? Is Rio the right man for the captaincy? Are you even an England fan, or remotely interested in football? Tell me because I want to know!!
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