Anybody that watched last night's Carling Cup semi-final between Manchester City and Manchester United can fail to have noticed that Wayne Rooney was effectively carrying his team.
He has been for much of the season as the shadow of Cristiano Ronaldo was removed from him, which left him the club's one world class star and also left him as the player expected to grab games by the neck and lead United to victory.
In fact the pressure is much worse given that Carlos Tevez also left the club, that Dimitar Berbatov has been hopeless this season and than Michael Owen has failed to find his feet at the club.
It is therefore all about Rooney and he is a player that relishes this expectation and pressure to perform and they is no doubt he is putting in the effort game in, game out. He wants to play every minute of every game and if the match is not going well, as is increasingly the case, he will work his socks off trying to change United's fortunes.
This presents two major problems for England with the World Cup coming just weeks after the conclusion of the season this summer. He is going to be physically drained after such an intense season and also mentally exhausted given the pressure he is under and the pressure he puts on himself in each and every game.
He is also the focus piece of the England team, so again all the eyes will be on him with the opinion that if he doesn't perform, nor will his country.
Manchester United need to find their form quickly, for their sake and England.
Wednesday, 20 January 2010
Monday, 18 January 2010
South Africa angry at WC stab proof vests
World Cup hosts South Africa have responded angrily to the story we reported last week about a website selling stab proof vests, which could be personalised with the flag of each country competing at the World Cup this summer.
South Africa's authorities have condemned a London-based company, Protektorvest, which is selling the stab-vests aimed at football supporters.
"These people are out of order," said South Africa's football boss Kirsten Nematandani. "We've never heard of such measures being taken before and there surely is no need for it."
Meanwhile the BBC's Pumza Fihlani, reporting from in Johannesburg, says security officers usually advise foreign travelers to guard against "standing out", so wearing the vests could attract unwanted attention.
South Africa's authorities have condemned a London-based company, Protektorvest, which is selling the stab-vests aimed at football supporters.
"These people are out of order," said South Africa's football boss Kirsten Nematandani. "We've never heard of such measures being taken before and there surely is no need for it."
Meanwhile the BBC's Pumza Fihlani, reporting from in Johannesburg, says security officers usually advise foreign travelers to guard against "standing out", so wearing the vests could attract unwanted attention.
Sunday, 17 January 2010
Clint Dempsey becomes World Cup doubt
The United States are facing the prospect of being without arguably their best player at the 2010 World Cup after Clint Dempsey suffered an injury while playing for Fulham this afternoon.
The attacker limped off during Fulham's 2-0 defeat at Blackburn at Ewood Park today and faces a scan tomorrow that will show the extent of the injury and his chances of being on the plane to South Africa for the World Cup tournament.
Fulham boss Roy Hodgson explained: "Clint will be scanned on Monday but we feel it might be a posterior cruciate knee ligament which would be very bad for us and he would be out for a while.
"It's a concern up front because Clint Dempsey is very useful for us but now with both he and Bobby out it makes us a bit weaker in that area than we'd like to be."
United States kick off their tournament on June 12th against England in Group C, which also includes Slovenia and Algeria.
Another Fulham player, John Pantsil of Ghana, is also a World Cup doubt following an injury he suffered last month.
The attacker limped off during Fulham's 2-0 defeat at Blackburn at Ewood Park today and faces a scan tomorrow that will show the extent of the injury and his chances of being on the plane to South Africa for the World Cup tournament.
Fulham boss Roy Hodgson explained: "Clint will be scanned on Monday but we feel it might be a posterior cruciate knee ligament which would be very bad for us and he would be out for a while.
"It's a concern up front because Clint Dempsey is very useful for us but now with both he and Bobby out it makes us a bit weaker in that area than we'd like to be."
United States kick off their tournament on June 12th against England in Group C, which also includes Slovenia and Algeria.
Another Fulham player, John Pantsil of Ghana, is also a World Cup doubt following an injury he suffered last month.
Saturday, 16 January 2010
England World Cup Squad - Prediction
There is plenty of time for someone to emerge into the international reckoning (see Theo Walcott in 2006), while injuries can also strike in the final four months of the Premiership season.
However, at the time of writing this is the prediction for what will be Fabio Capello's 23-man World Cup squad for South Africa. At SAWC2010 we would love to hear your opinion on this squad and your alternative versions.
Goalkeepers
Joe Hart - Birmingham - The emerging England goalkeeping star will be impossible to leave out on current form.
Rob Green - West Ham - Will need to finish the season strongly to hold off a challenge from Paul Robinson.
David James - the veteran keeper will still go to South Africa based on his experience, as long as he does get some first team action before the season is over.
Misses out - Paul Robinson, Chris Kirland and Ben Foster.
Defenders
John Terry - Chelsea - Captain and a fixture in the team regardless of off-the-field troubles.
Rio Ferdinand - Manchester United - Assuming he can prove his fitness he will go to South Africa.
Matthew Upson - West Ham - Despite his club's troubles he is standby to the first choice two above.
Ashley Cole - Chelsea - One of the best left backs in the world and in great form for his club.
Glen Johnson - Liverpool - Currently injured and there are still question marks over his defending abilities, but England are not blessed in the full-back department.
Wes Brown - Manchester United - a player that would not get a look-in if he were not at United. However, he is experienced and fairly versatile, which will see him get the nod over technically better players.
Wayne Bridge - Manchester City - Still in Ashley Cole's shadows, but England have few better options.
Gary Cahill - Bolton - The least experienced of all of England's squad players, but his form has been solid this season.
Misses out - Ledley King and Jonathan Woodgate due to injuries, Michah Richards due to inexperience, and Jolene Lescott following his disappointing form with City.
Midfielders
Steven Gerrard - Liverpool - A problematic club season and patchy form, but Gerrard will have to be on the plane.
Frank Lampard - Chelsea - Another player that has to be picked.
Gareth Barry - Manchester City - The former Aston Villa player is impressive at city and provides a stable option.
Aaron Lennon - Tottenham - A player who has performed so well that he can't be left out.
Joe Cole - Chelsea - Injuries have left his place in doubt, but providing he completes the season unscathed he will be selected.
David Beckham - AC Milan - The big debate will be over whether the former captain is picked. We think he will, even though he will only be used as a substitute.
James Milner - Aston Villa - Tough decision here! He will be competing with team-mates Ashley Young and Stewart Downing for one of the final seats on the plane. He is favourite a the time of writing.
Theo Walcott - Arsenal - Injuries are putting Walcott's place in severe doubt, but he played a key role in the qualifiers and his pace should win his inclusion.
Misses out - Owen Hargreaves (injury), Jermaine Jenas, Michael Carrick, Tom Huddlestone, Shaun Wright-Phillips.
Forwards
Wayne Rooney - Manchester United - The one star of England's team and the first name down.
Jermain Defoe - Tottenham - A goal machine that was criminally overlooked in 2006, but will have to go this time, even though he doesn't alway perform his best for England.
Emile Heskey - Aston Villa - An awkward player to play against that can perform a certain role, however, he is a borderline inclusion with Peter Crouch the alternative.
Darren Bent - Sunderland - A seemingly awful player at international level, but his goals tally this season may see him included above Gabriel Agbonlahor, Carlton Cole, and Michael Owen.
Misses out - Agbonlahor, Cole, Owen and Crouch.
However, at the time of writing this is the prediction for what will be Fabio Capello's 23-man World Cup squad for South Africa. At SAWC2010 we would love to hear your opinion on this squad and your alternative versions.
Goalkeepers
Joe Hart - Birmingham - The emerging England goalkeeping star will be impossible to leave out on current form.
Rob Green - West Ham - Will need to finish the season strongly to hold off a challenge from Paul Robinson.
David James - the veteran keeper will still go to South Africa based on his experience, as long as he does get some first team action before the season is over.
Misses out - Paul Robinson, Chris Kirland and Ben Foster.
Defenders
John Terry - Chelsea - Captain and a fixture in the team regardless of off-the-field troubles.
Rio Ferdinand - Manchester United - Assuming he can prove his fitness he will go to South Africa.
Matthew Upson - West Ham - Despite his club's troubles he is standby to the first choice two above.
Ashley Cole - Chelsea - One of the best left backs in the world and in great form for his club.
Glen Johnson - Liverpool - Currently injured and there are still question marks over his defending abilities, but England are not blessed in the full-back department.
Wes Brown - Manchester United - a player that would not get a look-in if he were not at United. However, he is experienced and fairly versatile, which will see him get the nod over technically better players.
Wayne Bridge - Manchester City - Still in Ashley Cole's shadows, but England have few better options.
Gary Cahill - Bolton - The least experienced of all of England's squad players, but his form has been solid this season.
Misses out - Ledley King and Jonathan Woodgate due to injuries, Michah Richards due to inexperience, and Jolene Lescott following his disappointing form with City.
Midfielders
Steven Gerrard - Liverpool - A problematic club season and patchy form, but Gerrard will have to be on the plane.
Frank Lampard - Chelsea - Another player that has to be picked.
Gareth Barry - Manchester City - The former Aston Villa player is impressive at city and provides a stable option.
Aaron Lennon - Tottenham - A player who has performed so well that he can't be left out.
Joe Cole - Chelsea - Injuries have left his place in doubt, but providing he completes the season unscathed he will be selected.
David Beckham - AC Milan - The big debate will be over whether the former captain is picked. We think he will, even though he will only be used as a substitute.
James Milner - Aston Villa - Tough decision here! He will be competing with team-mates Ashley Young and Stewart Downing for one of the final seats on the plane. He is favourite a the time of writing.
Theo Walcott - Arsenal - Injuries are putting Walcott's place in severe doubt, but he played a key role in the qualifiers and his pace should win his inclusion.
Misses out - Owen Hargreaves (injury), Jermaine Jenas, Michael Carrick, Tom Huddlestone, Shaun Wright-Phillips.
Forwards
Wayne Rooney - Manchester United - The one star of England's team and the first name down.
Jermain Defoe - Tottenham - A goal machine that was criminally overlooked in 2006, but will have to go this time, even though he doesn't alway perform his best for England.
Emile Heskey - Aston Villa - An awkward player to play against that can perform a certain role, however, he is a borderline inclusion with Peter Crouch the alternative.
Darren Bent - Sunderland - A seemingly awful player at international level, but his goals tally this season may see him included above Gabriel Agbonlahor, Carlton Cole, and Michael Owen.
Misses out - Agbonlahor, Cole, Owen and Crouch.
Friday, 15 January 2010
England denied official World Cup song
England's football fans have been denied an official World Cup anthem for this summer, as the English FA said it wanted to "fully focus on the football".
We are not sure how selecting a popstar to write and perform a song would have distracted the team from their job at hand in South Africa, however, the last time there was no official song was in 1966 - when England won the World Cup.
This does not mean that the charts this summer will be filled with football related anthems, as comedian Rik Mayall has already announced his decision to sign a song for 'noble England', while there will be a re-release of New Order's 1990 UK chart-topper 'World In Motion'.
We are not sure how selecting a popstar to write and perform a song would have distracted the team from their job at hand in South Africa, however, the last time there was no official song was in 1966 - when England won the World Cup.
This does not mean that the charts this summer will be filled with football related anthems, as comedian Rik Mayall has already announced his decision to sign a song for 'noble England', while there will be a re-release of New Order's 1990 UK chart-topper 'World In Motion'.
Thursday, 14 January 2010
Rik Mayall to release World Cup song
Comedian Rik Mayall, famous for starring in Young Ones and Bottom, has revealed his plan to release a song supporting the England football team ahead of the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.
The song, title Noble England, which will not be England's offical World Cup anthem, is due to be released on St George's Day - April 23rd.
While pointing three fingers in the air, Mayall told Sky News: "Those three forks, that is what England has bestowed onto the world.
"That is football, Shakespeare and Rik Mayall. Those are the three greatest cultural things that this country England has.
"Shakespeare wrote, 'God cry a win for England and St George', Rik Mayall records it, it's so obvious."
He added: "I am the lovechild of Britannia and St George. That is why they gave birth to me, so that I could release this single, so that England could win the 2010 World Cup.
"This is me doing my bit, it ain't much. God knows I am a modest man, the most wonderful pan-global phenomenon that's ever existed and I suffer from humility and modesty.
"But I'm doing my bit, just like every other Englishman, as we stand shoulder-to-shoulder, doing our bit, stiff upper lip - apart from when you're screaming out the lyrics to 'Noble England', which will win this World Cup."
The song, title Noble England, which will not be England's offical World Cup anthem, is due to be released on St George's Day - April 23rd.
While pointing three fingers in the air, Mayall told Sky News: "Those three forks, that is what England has bestowed onto the world.
"That is football, Shakespeare and Rik Mayall. Those are the three greatest cultural things that this country England has.
"Shakespeare wrote, 'God cry a win for England and St George', Rik Mayall records it, it's so obvious."
He added: "I am the lovechild of Britannia and St George. That is why they gave birth to me, so that I could release this single, so that England could win the 2010 World Cup.
"This is me doing my bit, it ain't much. God knows I am a modest man, the most wonderful pan-global phenomenon that's ever existed and I suffer from humility and modesty.
"But I'm doing my bit, just like every other Englishman, as we stand shoulder-to-shoulder, doing our bit, stiff upper lip - apart from when you're screaming out the lyrics to 'Noble England', which will win this World Cup."
Stab proof vests offered to World Cup travellers
Footballs fans traveling to the World Cup in South Africa this summer can buy stab proof vests in their country's colours.
The vests are being sold by London-based firm protektorvest.com and are available in the flags of many different nations taking part in the tournament.
The British Football Supporters Federation believe the company are cashing in on fears relating to South Africa's perceived high crime rate.
BFSF spokesman Malcolm Clarke said the federation worked closely with the authorities to give fans security advice.
"Part of that advice will not include buying a stab vest. This will just panic people and introduce a degree of tension," he said.
The company claims the vests, sold at $69.95, will protect fans from stabs, cuts, slashes and blows from sharp-edged or spiked weapons.
The vests are being sold by London-based firm protektorvest.com and are available in the flags of many different nations taking part in the tournament.
The British Football Supporters Federation believe the company are cashing in on fears relating to South Africa's perceived high crime rate.
BFSF spokesman Malcolm Clarke said the federation worked closely with the authorities to give fans security advice.
"Part of that advice will not include buying a stab vest. This will just panic people and introduce a degree of tension," he said.
The company claims the vests, sold at $69.95, will protect fans from stabs, cuts, slashes and blows from sharp-edged or spiked weapons.
Tuesday, 12 January 2010
World Cup draw and fixtures
If you want to remind yourself on the draw for the 2010 World Cup check out the BBC's World Cup draw page which also includes a complete fixture rundown.
Saturday, 9 January 2010
Togo Attack Raises World Cup Doubts
Following the African Nations Cup attack in Angola that targeted the Togo football team, doubts have been raised about the security at this summer's World Cup.
This is surely unfair on South Africa, as while it may have security shortfalls, these can not be ascertained from something that occurred in the same continent. If a similar event happened in Europe ahead of a European-based World Cup, the reaction would have been very different.
Anyway, Hull City manager Phil Brown, said: "This throws a question mark against next summer's World Cup.
"You simply cannot put the safety of players, officials and fans at the slightest risk. That is totally unacceptable.
"I have two players - Daniel Cousin and Seyi Olofinjana - on duty (at the African Nations Cup) and I want them back home here with us as quickly as possible."
In a response to the incident in Angola, World Cup chief organiser Danny Jordan, attempted to distance South Africa from the shocking incident, which left the bus driver dead and two players injured. He said: "It has no impact on our World Cup. The world understands that sovereign countries are responsible for their own safety and security and to say what happened in Angola impacts on the World Cup in South Africa is the same as suggesting that when a bomb goes off in Spain, it threatens London's ability to host the next Olympics.
"It is nonsensical for South Africa to be tainted with what happens in Angola, which is not even one of our neighbouring countries."
This is surely unfair on South Africa, as while it may have security shortfalls, these can not be ascertained from something that occurred in the same continent. If a similar event happened in Europe ahead of a European-based World Cup, the reaction would have been very different.
Anyway, Hull City manager Phil Brown, said: "This throws a question mark against next summer's World Cup.
"You simply cannot put the safety of players, officials and fans at the slightest risk. That is totally unacceptable.
"I have two players - Daniel Cousin and Seyi Olofinjana - on duty (at the African Nations Cup) and I want them back home here with us as quickly as possible."
In a response to the incident in Angola, World Cup chief organiser Danny Jordan, attempted to distance South Africa from the shocking incident, which left the bus driver dead and two players injured. He said: "It has no impact on our World Cup. The world understands that sovereign countries are responsible for their own safety and security and to say what happened in Angola impacts on the World Cup in South Africa is the same as suggesting that when a bomb goes off in Spain, it threatens London's ability to host the next Olympics.
"It is nonsensical for South Africa to be tainted with what happens in Angola, which is not even one of our neighbouring countries."
Thursday, 7 January 2010
ESPN to show World Cup in 3D
American TV network ESPN have announced that they are planning to show 25 games from this summer's World Cup in 3D. Yes, from the comfort of your own home it'll seem like Didier Drogba is trying to kill you even more than normal.
ESPN say they will debut its revolutionary new 3D system during the opening game between South Africa and Mexico when the tournament kicks-off on 11 June.
The 3D technology relies on a network of cameras and will require viewers at home to wear special glasses during the broadcast.
It is unknown if this technology will be on offer for UK subscribers to ESPN.
ESPN say they will debut its revolutionary new 3D system during the opening game between South Africa and Mexico when the tournament kicks-off on 11 June.
The 3D technology relies on a network of cameras and will require viewers at home to wear special glasses during the broadcast.
It is unknown if this technology will be on offer for UK subscribers to ESPN.
Wednesday, 6 January 2010
Pantsil a doubt for 2010 World Cup
Ghanian defender John Pantsil is a doubt for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa after suffering a knee injury.
Pantsil is expected to miss the majority of the remaining Premiership season at least following the injury, which he sustained in Fulham's 2-1 defeat at Chelsea last month.
He consequently has to withdraw from Ghana's African Cup of Nations squad, but Ghana would be aghast should he be forced to miss a second tournament.
"We know from the scan that John has damaged his posterior cruciate ligament so he has a serious injury," said Fulham boss Roy Hodgson.
Pantsil is expected to miss the majority of the remaining Premiership season at least following the injury, which he sustained in Fulham's 2-1 defeat at Chelsea last month.
He consequently has to withdraw from Ghana's African Cup of Nations squad, but Ghana would be aghast should he be forced to miss a second tournament.
"We know from the scan that John has damaged his posterior cruciate ligament so he has a serious injury," said Fulham boss Roy Hodgson.
Tuesday, 5 January 2010
World Cup Favourites Are Spain
At the time of writing (January 2010) the favourites for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, according to Betfair.com are Spain, followed by Brazil and England.
The rank outsiders to win the tournament are Honduras, North Korea and New Zealand, who are all listed at 1000/1 to lift the Jules Rimet trophy.
Current odds (in decimal format) for top five teams:
Spain: 5.7
England: 6.4
Brazil: 7
Argentina: 12
Italy: 14.5
Check out the World Cup odds at Betfair.com
The rank outsiders to win the tournament are Honduras, North Korea and New Zealand, who are all listed at 1000/1 to lift the Jules Rimet trophy.
Current odds (in decimal format) for top five teams:
Spain: 5.7
England: 6.4
Brazil: 7
Argentina: 12
Italy: 14.5
Check out the World Cup odds at Betfair.com
World Cup Ball Named Jabulani
The 2010 World Cup ball will be known as Jabulani.
Jabulani is a Bantu word meaning 'celebrating' and the word will accompany all the official ball merchandise sold by Fifa and Adidas.
It is composed by 11 different colours, symbolising the 11 players in a team and also the 11 South African official languages and tribes.
Jabulani is a Bantu word meaning 'celebrating' and the word will accompany all the official ball merchandise sold by Fifa and Adidas.
It is composed by 11 different colours, symbolising the 11 players in a team and also the 11 South African official languages and tribes.
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