Beckham's Season And World Cup Dream Is Over

As everyone who isn't living in a cave is aware, David Beckham has been on loan to AC Milan in a bid to improve his chances of making the World Cup this summer. That dream has now ended after Beckham tore his Achilles tendon during yesterdays match with Chievo.

I do feel sorry for Beckham but the thing is, if I were Capello I probably would not have taken David Beckham to the World Cup anyway, and thus Fabio Capello and more importantly the England Team can be spared a media backlash from Beckhams absence in South Africa.

There is a good argument that Beckham would be an impact player, who could come from the bench and deliver a vital free kick or corner in the dying minutes of a game that could further our progress. But I would say that any player who is not in consideration of 90 minutes of action per game probably should not be going and I would also say that with the likes of Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard in the team we should not need additional set-piece takers, they are certainly good enough to build our set piece tactics around. Yes, Beckham may still be the best in the world at set piece delivery, but that is not enough on it's own in my book for special consideration.

Beckhams form has not been great for AC Milan, and he has not nailed down a first team slot. So, if he is not good enough to break into the team demolished by Man Utd recently, is he good enough for England?

I wish Beckham well and a speedy recovery and I will look forward to seeing him in his blazer giving his opinion from the BBC match box.

Wayne Bridge Rules Himself Out From England Selection

Wayne Bridge today declared that he is ruling himself out of contention for the World Cup.  In a short statement this morning the Manchester City defender claimed that his presence within the England squad was potentially divisive and as such, he did not wish to be selected.

It would seem that Bridge has done some soul-searching and decided that it is an impossible situation for him to play alongside his former friend and ex-captain.  Fabio Capello was questioned earlier today on his return to England from South Africa and refused to make a comment.

The decision also means that Capello is without his first and second choice left-backs for the Egypt friendly and attention will turn to Stephen Warnock and Leighton Baines, both of whom should get some minutes on the pitch now.

Bridge's decision vindicates Capello's decision to strip Terry of his Captaincy over the affair.  The situation of Bridge potentially being available for selection but ruling himself out because of his captains actions warrant that Terry cannot be captain if his own actions damage the strength of selection available to the manager.

Here is the statement:

"I have thought long and hard about my position in the England football team in the light of the reporting and events over the last few weeks,

"It has always been an honour to play for England. However, after careful thought I believe my position in the squad is now untenable and potentially divisive.

"Sadly therefore I feel for the sake of the team and in order to avoid what will be inevitable distractions, I have decided not to put myself forward for selection.

"I have today informed the management of this decision. I wish the team all the very best in South Africa."

Terry Stripped Of Captaincy

It seems that Fabio had already made his mind up and todays meeting lasted just 12 minutes. I think it probably is the right decision, mostly because of his actions having an effect on an England team mate in Wayne Bridge.

Congratulations to Rio, who I suspected would be an England and Man Utd captain one day, and I also suspect he will want to quickly make people forget how he became Captain by putting in some strong performances.

Hopefully we can all focus on the World Cup now!

The John Terry Issue

Like most of you, I have been shaking my head at the revelations that have come to light regarding John Terry’s personal life, and more specifically it’s encroachment into Wayne Bridge’s personal life. The judge who presided of the attempted injunction made clear his feeling that John Terry had been more concerned about how this may affect his income through his sponsorships than he was of the feelings of those involved. The question now is this; should JT now carry on as England Captain?

I think when we ask this question the situation becomes murkier, because it wouldn’t matter if Terry resigned or was asked to step aside the problem becomes who would be asked to step into the breach? Well, that is open to debate, but the leading candidates are not exactly covering themselves in glory, certainly not if Terry is stripped of his captaincy because he is deemed not to be setting a healthy example of a role model off the pitch.

Let’s look at the potential candidates.

Rio Ferdinand. Missed a drugs test eight years ago despite receiving a reminder that very morning and still took himself off shopping for the afternoon… and turned his mobile off whilst out. All very fishy at the time, and perhaps Rio has won the benefit of the doubt from most it has left question marks over the whole situation. As far as sex scandals go, Rio was one of the players who gave new meaning to the term “Roasting” a few years back whilst on holiday in Ayia Napa with Frank Lampard and Kieron Dyer.

Steven Gerrard. Appeared in court last year on charges of assault, and though acquitted there was some released CCTV footage that sticks in the mind that seems not to hold up Gerrards version of having acted in self defence. I feel he is very lucky not to be in Prison.

Gary Neville. United Captain, but not only has Capello not picked him in any team yet, Neville is struggling to get selected for United and with his age is unlikely to be putting in a consistent run between now and the World Cup.

David Beckham. The appointment of Beckham would be a return to the past, not necessarily a welcomed one. He is someone who has struggled for fitness in recent years and has struggled to impress Capello consistently, both for England and for Real Madrid. He is a fringe player in todays England squad. Beckham was centre of his own sex scandal when he is alleged to have had an affair with Rebecca Loos. Then Manager Sven Goran-Eriksson didn’t seem to mind the allegations, but then again Sven was repeatedly revealed to be playing out the role of sugar daddy to a number of women behind the back of long term girlfriend, and paparazzi friend Nancy Dell’olio.

David James. About to be relegated. Not necessarily England’s first choice goalkeeper, so unlikely to figure in any discussions as new captain.

Frank Lampard. Well, as mentioned there are sex scandals, and then there are sex scandals where the English language is changed forever. This would appear not to have been an isolated incident so in the wake of one England captain stepping down in favour of another, Lampard may find he is not in contention for the same reasons.

Gareth Barry. Perhaps the leading choice based on probability of a start and lack of personal scandal in the media. With Barry as Captain in a four man midfield Capello may be forced to choose between Lampard and Gerrard for the role alongside him in the middle of the park. It is worth remembering that Barry was stripped of the Aston Villa Captaincy when he spoke out against Martin O’Neil and the club for turning down Liverpool’s advances. B as far as scandals go, not one that made the front pages.

Wayne Rooney. In arguably the best form of his career for Man United and if his metatarsals are strong enough he will be on the plane and a certain starter at the next World Cup. Two things do stand out against Rooney in the context of this debate; firstly Rooney has been centre of his own sex scandals, most remember ably with Patricia Tierney, or as most people will recall “ye auld Slapper”. Though, this is looked upon more in the context of a very young man thrust into the lime light acting out. Secondly, and this is more a personal thing, I don’t like Captains to be front players. I have always felt that the best captains are those in Central defence or Midfield because their position puts them in the best place to influence others.

So, back to Terry… Like I mentioned, I am in the camp that feels let down by his behaviour and is ashamed to see yet another England Captain embroiled in a tawdry affair. This is not new territory for Terry. He has confessed to a number of affairs before his marriage, and was involved in both a nightclub brawl which resulted in an arrest but also the shameful events around the September 11th attacks when a group of Chelsea footballers (including Frank Lampard) were drunkenly heckling American tourists about the attack in a bar near Heathrow. But, it would perhaps be somewhat hypocritical to strip Terry of the captaincy only to hand it to someone else whose scandals are just a little less fresh in the mind. Terry should be stripped of the captaincy but the general behaviour of the modern international player at the top of their game makes it impossible to choose somebody who both deserves to be the first name on the team sheet and also reflect exacting moral standards; or, at least has a better track record of keeping his pants on.

Yet again, England fans can feel a little aggrieved and pinned into a corner. Depending on how Terry plays this with the morally strict Capello, we will probably keep his place and the armband, but really it’s a reflection on the whole squad that there is nobody waiting in the wings in a position to assume this role given what has happened.

New FA Chief Executive Named

The Times is reporting that Ian Watmore has been named the FA's new Chief Executive, taking over from Brian Barwick in June this year.

Watmore is a lifelong Arsenal fan, and has recent experience of national government, serving as Permanent Secretary for the Development of Innovation, Universities and Skills.

Top priorities will be England's 2018 World Cup bid and The National Football Centre in Burton.

Barwick, who left his role on 31st December 2008 will be remembered for his very public and very embarrassing failed attempt to secure Luiz Felipe Scolari as Sven Goran Erikssons replacement. He attempted to move past this calamity by hiring Steve McClaren as England Manager. History may redeem Barwick if Fabio Capello can bring that long sought after success that England Fans demand.

England Performance

Not a great performance tonight from England, largely they seem to have maintained some of the discipline that was showing late in 2008, but showed very little in the way of invention.

Spain did not need to go above third gear, and were assured in possession. They never really looked in any danger. They were hungry to be in possession and quite plainly are much more productive holding possession. England seemed rushed at times when in possession and just gave the ball away.

England were not dire, but there was an obvious difference in class that Capello will need to work on. The second goal for Spain will be played over a few times. England are much improved on the Steve McClaren era, but are nowhere near to the standard required to win a major tournament.

I may be being a little harsh, Spain are the best team in the world at the moment and England were without Gerrard, Ferdinand, Joe Cole, and Wayne Rooney.

England, in my opinion are lacking credibility in a number of positions. Hopefully the emergence in the next year of Ashley Young and Gabriel Abonglahor will help address two such problems, aided in future squads with the impressive James Milner. Yes, England are likely looking to Martin o'Neil and Aston Villa for the next stage in the teams improvement. The return of the aforementioned big players and also, later in the year, Owen Hargreaves will offer a Capello a much improved squad from which to launch a bid for the World Cup.

Not a great evening, but at least I don't have to listen to another pointless McClaren post-match interview!!

Your views on England and Spain are welcomed.