Try to at least look excited

Well, it's international week again, and to be honest the usual banter over team sheets seems a bit drab - not surprising when we're playing Kazakhstan and Andorra, although to his credit it was some brilliant planning by Capello...from a realist's point of view

So anyway, I'm really only interested in a few things - who will Capello choose in goal? - he hasn't got the old donkey, so will he favour Carson, Green or Robinson - I choose Ben Foster, and also who will he give the striker's role too? Crouchy, Cole and Defoe are the real choices, and I just find it interesting to see who is at the front of his mind

Otherwise the tactics and approach are barely worth analysing - of course feel free to add any comments about it at the bottom

In the other Home Nations, Wales are against Azerbaijan, not that it really matters

The only other game is Ireland, who have a much bigger game against Bulgaria - I think they're good for a draw, any thoughts?

As for Scotland - not playing, but it's a very tight group and I think they need to watch out for Macedonia

So, with little real action, I instead chose to focus my own blog this week on.....gambling!

Personally I'm thinking Denmark to win group 1 (5/6) is a good bet - yes that's Portugal's group, and that's exactly why I think it's good - public opinion affects odds and it means Denmark are being rather overlooked I feel

For the short term - a Serbian double (Austria and Faroes) looks reasonable, as does the Netherlands and obviously England (not worth it though) - also Macedonia may be worth a punt

Any opinions?

Tarquin

*Also congrats to my adoptive nation Australia, as they are probably going to be officially the first nation in the World Cup within the next 24hrs - the qualifying has been ridiculously easy but meh...it's an achievement, sort of

Hiddink To Decide On Chelsea Job

Guus Hiddink has been made an offer to be Chelsea boss, according to the Times and Sky Sports. Chelsea were granted permission today to talk to Hiddink about a short term permission that will see him take control of Chelsea until the end of the season, as well as remaining coach of the Russian national team.

Hiddink has stated that he is not prepared to walk away from the Russian job mid-campaign, and previously held the job of Australian coach whilst managing PSV.

There is not much chance of Hiddink being in place for the FA cup game against Watford, so Ray Wilkins will remain temporarily in charge of first team affairs. But an answer is expected in the next few days.