Mario Balotelli - 'The Rocket-man' - Insane or insanely brilliant?

At this time of writing, 'Super' Mario Balotelli is at the peak of the footballing world. With 5 goals in his last 5 domestic games, Balotelli is making the headlines - and for a pleasant change, it's for all the right reasons.

Undoubtably he is, to City fans and football followers in all, one of the biggest frustrations in the game, such an incredible talent this boy has - yet all we seem to read about are his 'excursions' off field, not looking to defend him here, there have been many - far too many in fact. The ultimate question is 'Can he turn the corner and put it behind him?' Last weeks admittance of finally growing up and moving on was scarred by a certain 'firework' incident nonetheless he then re-alit on Sunday with his superb performance in the Manchester derby rout. 

So, which Mario Balotelli is it going to be over his career? The 'Super' Mario that delights, wows and inspires fans, or the Mario that is familiar to front page headlines? Ruining what chance he has of making the very top...

With his brother Enoch - at the family home before
Mario Barwuah's fostering.

A little delving into Mario's upbringing suggests far from an easy childhood, after being born Mario Barwuah to Ghanaian immigrants in Italy, he generated health problems from his cramped and poverty-like conditions. After much discussion it was ultimately decided fostering was the best option, this was where an Italian couple by the name of 'Balotelli' stepped into his life. This alone is enough to thrust confusion and rejection in any young mans life. Furthermore though, after Mario made it on the radar through his footballing talents, his biological parents regained contact and wanted him to return. Unsurprisingly Mario cast that offer aside without a blink, claiming they were 'glory hunting' and wanting him for the 'fame and fortune'. 

It is easy to read through a list of his offenses, brand him an idiot who just happens to be a talented sportsman and move on. Without a doubt though many fostering or adoption cases cause difficulties in the child's mind, exactly what could of occurred with Balotelli, perhaps having the pressure of the worlds media and press over his shoulder 24/7 is preventing his emergence as a man. Or, has he had the opportunity to grow out of this 'childish behavior' and are we being too kind on him looking to his defence? 

It is not as though Roberto Mancini bought his compatriot to The Etihad Stadium without understanding the consequences, Mario's attitude in Italy had succumed to much critisicm from pundits, fans of his own Inter Milan side, teammates and most infamously his ex-boss Jose Mourinho, not one to step out of the spotlight himself. Being an African immigrant playing in Italy, even after taking up Italian citizenship is not easy, 3 times over his career for Nerazzurri did Balotelli have to withstand frankly shocking racial chants from giant Turin rivals Juventus, opposing fans would not accept him, hence the chant "Black Italians do not exist"...

The incident with Juve's Felipo Melo that instigated
dirty scenes.

This can't of been easy for the 18 year old, and would not of made his growth any easier, all of the above is excusable, to an extent it's horrific that a young man would have to bear such inhuman comments. Not all though, is defendable - His time at Inter was marred by his own stupidity and thoughtless behavior. He came into conflict with Mourinho several times, first of all regarding his lack of effort in training, he showed poor side of his discipline for the first time on field against Juve, when an elbow from Brazilian Felipe Melo sparked terrible, violent scenes. His well documented tension with ex-Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho reached a climax when Mourinho's Inter side returned to Stamford Bridge for a Champions League tie, leaving without Mario Balotelli, who he'd had an alleged 'altercation' with in the week prior - at all times his teammates were losing faith, veterans Javier Zanetti and Marco Materazzi were not impressed and let their feeling be-known to the Italian public.

The moment that undoubtedly sealed his switch from Internazionale though was when Balotelli appeared on Italian TV Show 'Sriscia La Notizia' - bearing an AC Milan shirt, for the majority this was the point of no return, being in and out of the side for the rest of the term before being offloading to The Citizens for £24m in summer 2010.

Mario posing on TV with a Rosseneri shirt.

Perhaps then, finally a chance for Mario Balotelli to leave his actions of the past behind him, to forget old ways and live to play the football - his occupation, his life.

Not entirely, to name just a few occasions Mario has caught the English press limelight; 

Writing off his Audi R8 in the Aug
2010 smash.

-Crashed cars 

-Allergic grass reactions forcing him to not play

-Strolling out of casinos offering the homeless £1000 

-Being dismissed on more than one occasion for violent conduct on field

-Throwing darts at a City youth player!

-Swearing on live TV

-Arrested when he and his brother were caught 'wandering' around an Italian female prison because he just wanted to 'take a look'

-The 'Why always me?' T-shirt against United

-Causing a rift on international duty from playing with his iPad after being left on the subs bench

-That lethargic back-hell when one-on-one with a keeper in a City pre-season friendly in the States

-And to top it all off preparing for a Manchester derby by setting his house on fire courtesy of a firework.

The beautiful T-shirt 'Super' Mario unveiled after
his first goal against United.

His outragious back-heel after being in
on goal in a friendly with LA Galaxy.

Some occasions are humorous, some portray the Italians great personality, but there has to be a cap, a cut-off line for a professional footballer who is idiolised by thousands of youngsters. Through his first year in England he was gathering a reputation for himself of simply being an angry man, who wasn't enjoying his football, even when scoring, showing no signs of emotion. Even at The Etihad 2 weeks ago when City trounced Villa 4-1 Balotelli had an altercation with the opposition fans, giving him the need to wind them up and return to his old antics after netting.

The Italian can be, as the title suggests insanely brilliant on field, he has shown, in Italy and in his year and a bit  in the North-east huge, huge potential. His boss at both Inter and City Mancini believes: "His attitude is all that is stopping him becoming in the best 3 players in the world, with Ronaldo and Messi". These are high praises, and pundits alike agree - his recent form, that infamous double in this weeks Mancunian derby, his marvelous performance in last years FA Cup final victory have left City fans drooling over his talent...

All that both Mario Barwuah as it was, to all of us Balotelli, doesn't need is to find himself on the wrong side of the newspaper, because on the face of it, it could tarnish and spoil what could be a splendid career, full of goals, trophies, awards, memorable moments and his enjoyment of the game.

Surely he would love all of that? To really show his 'glory-hunting' parents what they're missing out on...

Mario's foster parents, The Balotellis and inset,
his biological father - Thomas Barwuah

5 Of the best!: The top 5 Premier League goals of the weekend.

5). Darren Fletcher - Manchester United 1-6 Manchester City - In the grand scheme of things, it meant nothing, nada, zilch. We all know what happened in that incredible 90 minutes, how the balance of power is looking to have shifted over to the blue side of Manchester. It was the only excuse United fans had to lift an eyebrow all afternoon, and to be fair to the Scot - it was a marvelous, technical finish. After taking control of a lose ball half way into City's half he played a quick ball into Javier Hernandez's feet who had his back to goal around 25 yards out. 'Little Pea' using his first touch, set the ball into Fletcher's path, who has buried his fair share of peaches of his United career, superbly used his instep to curl the ball into the top corner, it was United's only moment of quality all game. In all it emphasised City's dominance the fact that a beautiful goal like this would not get a single back page mention.

4). Bryan Ruiz - Fulham 1-3 - Typically, as a few days ago i featured an article about this lad not reaching his full potential, he really stepped to the plate and shut me up on Sunday. At the time Fulham were 1 down, and had bought on their mid-drought Costa Rican forward to bolster their front line in the search for an equaliser. The front 3 of Fulham combined well in the end for Ruiz's finish, Andy Johnson's surged towards Everton's goal before picking out American Clint Dempsey inside the 'D', Dempsey sprayed it left to Ruiz, who had just entered the left side of the area, seemingly in a position to curl in a cross to one of the aforementioned. To the whole of Craven Cottage's surprise though, with a little look up he dinked a beautiful little chip agonizingly over Tim Howards's grasp. A delightful way to bag your first goal in English football - and a great way to silence those wannabe writers who had been writing your performances thus far off! (Take it all back Bryan!)

3). Edin Dzeko - Manchester United 1-6 Manchester City - The second goal of this week's top 5 from the Manchester derby - and not the last! This, the 6th and final goal of Fergie's and all United supporters nightmares was all about the assist, in fact the assist propelled it into our list, that was the extent of sheer quality shown. Yes, you've guessed correctly, it was that little magician David Silva I refer to, he's had a fabulous, fabulous season in all honesty, he really is stepping up his game and is many pundits undisputed 'best Premier League player' at this precise moment. This outrageous assist, would not have harmed those claims. After using a lovely touch to bring an aerial Chris Smalling header under his control , he used his second touch (still without the ball hitting the turf!) to volley an absolutely perfect ball right into the Bosnian front-mans path, exquisite accuracy, the just right weight. It was a gobsmacking moment, Dzeko finished it well, but with was all about the little Spaniard - pure brilliance.

2). Yohan Cabaye - Newcastle 1-0 Wigan - After having a nightmare myself pointing out Bryan Ruiz's lack of performance and goals since his summer move, I feel a tad relieved to mention a certain French Newcastle midfielder I praised in the same very article who bagged his first goal the weekend - and what a strike it was!
Much has been made of Newcastle's fantastic early season form, which has seen them lie in 4th place heading towards the end of October, they faced a tough time Saturday though, at home to a stubborn Wigan side determined not to flop to their sixth straight Premier League defeat. The Geordies were frustrated all day, well, up to 81 minutes that is - as Cabaye added the only thing that has been missing from his brilliant performances since his move, a goal. A decent Ryan Taylor cross from the Newcastle left saw fellow summer signing Sylvain Marveaux take the ball down elegantly before laying it into his compatriots path, much like Fletcher above him, the Frenchmen used his instep to guide his effort beautifully into the top corner, a great, great goal of technical brilliance. It sparked wild scenes at St James's Park as clearly a new cult hero has been born.

1). Mario Balotelli - Manchester United 1-6 Manchester City - This goal for me epitomized Manchester City's rise to dominance, particularly their sheer control of this game. It wasn't a cracker from 30 yards, it was a superb team goal, full of individual class and it really portrayed City's power all over the squad. David Silva the genius was the architecht at the heart of the superb flowing move again, his one touch ball out to the right by-line was met by Micah Richards, who inturn knocked a one-touch ball down the line for fellow Englishman  James Milner, who along with Silva, provided a masterclass performance Sunday. Milner's prodded first time ball into Silva's penalty area burst was quality, as Nani managed to hold him up, Milner continued his run and seemingly without lifting his head to spot the former Villa man, Silva played a beautiful, telepathic reverse ball to set Milner in wide of the goal, although his task seemed simple now the England international still picked out a perfect square ball for man of the moment 'Super' Mario Balotelli, who added yet more 'fireworks' to his weekend by finishing with a confident side footed volley past De Gea for his second. The move was full of class, individually and team-wise - To see a team giving a Manchester United side the run around like this was strange, and painted a very strong portrait to the rest of the League on how to win at Old Trafford - In style!

This weeks winner was Mario Balotelli's second goal at Old Trafford, a superb, flowing team effort!

Stop ruining our game!

After coming across the quite frankly shocking article last week about foreign owners wanting to remove relegation and promotion from and to the Premier League, I am sure I am not the only writer/fan/lover of English football that is dismayed and for loss of better words - worried and scared for the future of our game...

Things all started brewing up when LMA (League Managers Association) head Richard Bevan claimed; "Several  foreign-owned Premier League clubs want to scrap relegation" last week. Any football, or even sporting fan who logged onto a news website that day or flipped to the back page of a newspaper would've been shocked to the core at these revelations - Or would they? Football is all about money, we've known so for years now - people claim it is more of a business than a sport. So, why the big shock that billionaire owners from abroad want to keep their 'franchise' in the biggest league of them all?

If McDonlads or Burger King could force through a rule where a line is drawn as to no other fast-food franchise could sprout up and suddenly overtake them in the global market - they would, quicker than a blink of an eye. It is competition - that's what it boils down to, an incentive for lower business'/clubs' to stand up and get to the peek of their profession! After competition, what is left inside football? No charge to gain promotion - What is the point? Would be the attitudes each week, football would slide down the pan and eventually subside. Yes, it's startlingly harsh but it is what will happen if quite moronic claims like this are ever put through.

Currently, 9 of the Barclays Premier League clubs are under foreign ownership, wether American, Russian, Asian or not is irrelevant, they are now a project. A way in which these tailored businessmen imagine their bank balances rising even more. With no real respect for our game, pure-blooded English fans or the deep, colourful history of English League football - what is to stop them feeling this cut-off point is unthoughtful and just totally wrong!?

Unfortunately for us all, nothing is the answer to the above question - well, nothing besides the rule 14 of the clubs must abide to the ideas put forward in the new rule. Who's to say in 2 years time we couldn't have all 20 Premier League clubs owned abroad? I'm afraid at that point, the possibility becomes even more stark...

Wigan Athletic, prime example. 30 years ago nothingness, non-league football. Look at them now! Beginning their 7th consecutive Premier League year, they are the real incentive to all of the clubs, fans and owners out there that believe their club is going no where. It is exactly the same with Leeds United and Southampton (But opposite!) 7-8 years ago they were playing Champions League football and regularly achieving top-half finishes along with cup finals. Now, after suffering a football related; Fate worse than death, and dropped into the third tier of League football are working there way back up, both having had excellent starts to their Championship campaigns.

Decorated, successful sides can have dips, some could last half a decade, some a full 10 years, perhaps even longer - but the roller-coaster ride that is being an avid football supporter never dies down. Yes, money and income from TV rights and award funds may drop, but you'll still get your 30,000 loyal supporters every week, just look-up Carrow Road, Elland Road and St Mary's.
It is surely the case the the English Football League governing body is far too strong for nightmares like this ever to come true. Nonetheless it cannot be denied that football is heading down a treacherous slope, full of uncertainty, debt and no real love and affiliation. Eventually money will catch up on our game, it could take decades but it will happen. Let's just hope and pray that the people right at the top are ready to face it head-on, to deal with the issues and keep the bread and butter of our old, fragile English game alive.We mustn't ever let it reach a hanging in the balance situation. As to many, it is a matter of life and death - Could you honestly imagine English football without end of season scenes such as these below?

Don't let them take our game away from us!

Ridiculous red cards!

After witnessing Yoav Ziv, the 30 year old Israeli defender applying his trade at Maccabi Tel Aviv, geniously kicking his loosely tied boot at assistant referee Christos Akrivos - earning himself a red card. It got me thinking: 'What is genuinely the most stupid/inconsiderate/moronic (tag necessary) red card ever given out? Anywhere?'

Here, sadly excluding Ziv's moment of class - is my top 5:

5). Valery Karpin - The Russian midfielder was at Spanish side Real Sociedad at the time, and after just picking up his first yellow for a challenge (if you can call it that) was substsituted by his boss for fears of picking up another yellow. This was the trigger though, as Karpin spent a staggering amount of time dilly-dallying off the field, shaking hands with every player in his reach before clapping just about every single fan in the stadium. Eventually, having reached the dugouts, the referee decided to canter over, tap an unsuspecting Karpin on the back and issue him his second yellow card. Pure comical class.

At least get it on right lad!

4). Neymar - This Brazilian has talent, and clearly will go on to achieve big, big things across Europe and for the national side. But, he does have a temper on him, that edgy side that is lightly to get him in trouble a fair few times over the course of his career. Here after bagging a beautiful solo goal in the 3-2 Copa Libatadores victory over Colo Colo - Neymar headed straight to the sidelines, to grab a face mask of himself, and after putting it on (UPSIDE DOWN!?) he was then given his marching orders by the referee for reasoning that could literally be anyones guess...


3). '19, honestly 19 of the 22 players on the field!' - Recreativo were beating Saladillo 1-0 in Spain's lower tier 2 years ago, the referee had already sent off one Recreativo player, probably the worst decision he's ever made! As shortly after half-time a fight broke out between players from either side which quickly transitioned into a mass brawl, involving everyone - coaches, managers & even the fans raided the pitch to get in on the action. All this while super referee Jose Manuel Barro Escandon fled from the pitch fearing for his own safety!
The game was abandoned, and in his final match report the man in black stated he'd sent off 19 layers from either side leaving only 3 men suspension free! Be interesting to see who made the two sides squads for the next game!?


2). Takahiro Masukawa - This one is QUALITY - and to be fair to the referee, for the first time on this list, has made the correct decision. It is just for the fact this poor poor Japanese defender playing for J-League side Naguya Grampus could only last 5 seconds of the game before picking up his red - that made it such a good one! Straight from kick-off Masukawa was played the ball only for his first touch to chronically let him down, whilst nippy little forward Naoya Okane stole in and was then pulled back by unfortunate Takahiro. 100% correct from the man in the middle, fair play - Just real, real special when your game lasts 5 seconds and you pick up an extremely unwanted world record!

1). Ashley Vickers - He didn't get sent off for tackling a streaker did he!? Really? Don't tell me referee's can sink so low? It's true I'm afraid - Dorchester Town's player-manager Ashley Vickers brilliantly rugby tackled a local idiot who took to the field in a mankini, later he admitted to being opponents Havant & Waterlooville supporter Alan Young, who admitted to have entered the pitch for a bet down at his local! Vickers believed he was doing the stewards a 'favour', despite not impressing officials - he probably got a cheer from every football fan in the world for that tackle. Yet, the nonsensical decision from the ref showed no humour, no personality and no gratitude towards the player-boss, who gave the overweight, shockingly out of shape  stewards a big helping hand here. So banned for 3 games as a player and a boss in the dugout - for stepping up and helping fellow humans take down a lunatic? Fully deserving of this number one spot.

 - You absolute beauty!

Around Europe: How it's looking - Spain's La Liga

We'll start in La Liga - Where else? Whilst having Barcelona and Real Madrid sitting pretty as ever at the summit of the table, it is of massive shock and relief to those who follow Spanish football to see a smaller side challenge the big guns. Little Levante UD - finishing a very ordinary 14th last term have taken off marvelously in Spain, remain one of only three sides unbeaten (Barcelona and Sevilla) in La Liga. With a game in hand over the two European giants they have the unbelievable opportunity to take joint top spot with the Catalan men. Casting an eye further down the table we find the stalwarts that prop up Madrid & Barca year after year - perhaps with the exception of Malaga, with there Qatari millions, Valencia, Sevilla, Atletico & Espanyol are solid as ever. It is clear the struggle to upturn the top two remains as challenging and unenviable as ever, as pleasant as Levante's start is, even the most die-hard of Granotes fans would be reluctant to believe this run would continue - long may it continue though, a nice effort to show a bit of teamwork and organisation can take a basic side a long way.

Betis's Brazilian skipper in action.

Continuing with the surprise packages though we have Real Betis, casting minds back a couple of years and finding Betis in 7th spot would not cause any raising of eyebrows - in-fact they were playing regular UEFA Champions League football. Taking into account the clubs dramatic drop last year into La Segunda Division it is fair to conclude 7th place is a very decent, solid start. With 4 wins and 3 defeats from their opening 7 games and a seemingly solid backbone to their squad, Inaki Goitia, former Barca center half Mario, strong and influential Brazilian skipper Iriney backed by impressive loanees of which include Dusko Tosic, Jefferson Montero, defender Ustariz and perhaps biggest of all Roque Santa-Cruz from Manchester City - things again look promising at The Benito Villamarin.

Footing the La Liga we find Sporting, Racing Santander and Granada. Ignoring Granada, a relectively surprising bottom 3 to Spanish football, with Sporting Gijon & Santander both achieving mid-table security last term, they have equally suffered a nightmarish opening this year. Having considered Betis already, Granada - one of the other promoted sides this year have not endured such a rewarding start as their Betis rivals, not appearing too bad on paper, they boast the loan signing of talented South American Franco Jara - one of three Benfica loanings this year (Julio Cesar & Carlos Martins), formerly Portsmouth Algerian Hassan Yebda and seasoned Nigerian forward Ikechukwu Uche, the mentioned need to start performing for their new suiters or they could face a difficult 8 months.

Benfica loanee Franco Jara will want
to begin to turn it on for his new side.

Individual watch - It would be easy to mention Messi, Higuain and Ronaldo - with 10, 8 and 6 goals respectively so far. There is Atletico's new big money man Falcao (See shocking transfers) on 5 goals enjoying a decent start to life in Spain, closely followed by regular Spanish goalscorers in Valencia's Roberto Soldado and Sevilla's Alvaro Negredo. It is another one of my earlier transfer article that has really shone on his return to Spain. Cesc Fabregas has molded into the Barcelona squad majestically, the worry of fitting Xavi, Iniesta, Pedro, Busquets to name a few is not fazing Guardiola, the ex-gunners skipper already has four goals to his name, along with the same amounts of assists he is looking a fine purchase.

We are of looking at early days here, removing the top 2 perhaps - all other positions across the board are up for grabs, being Champions League, Europa League. mid-table obscurity or escaping relegation, it is all to play for!

Pos Team G W D L GD P 1 Barcelona 7 5 2 0 +22 17 2 R. Madrid 7 5 1 1 +18 16 3 Levante 6 4 2 0 +5 14 4 Valencia 7 4 2 1 +3 14 5 Malaga 6 4 1 1 +6 13 6 Sevilla 6 3 3 0 +3 12 7 Betis 7 4 0 3 -1 12 8 A. Madrid 7 2 3 2 +2 9 9 Espanyol 7 3 0 4 -5 9 10 Mallorca 7 2 2 3 -2 8

Individual under-achievers of the season so far...

There were a few signings completed back in July and August that really got the pulses of English Premier League supporters racing. As we near the back end of October, it is fair to say many have shone - but there are those who haven't made much, if any! - of an impact so far. Here, i'll asses just why that may be the case...

Where else is there to start but that infamous Arsenal defence? The Gunners have looked unhealthily porous at the back so far this year. The responsibility to prevent such issues was to throw in an £8m deadline day offer for gangling German 6'6" centre-back Per Mertesacker. Having endured their worst league start since 1953, following defeats to Liverpool and that 8-2 spanking at Old Trafford, albeit without the German making his debut, things were supposed to be looking up when he finally made his long-awaited start - an extremely unconvincing victory against Swansea at The Emirates was worsened with a humiliating 4-3 reverse at Ewood Park to Blackburn Rovers. More recently Arsenal suffered defeat in the North-London derby with Tottenham - featuring yet more abysmal defending Gunners fans are left far from content. Mertesacker came out recently and said he is having difficulties adjusting to English life, with Sebastian Squillaci and Laurent Koscielny as the Germans back up, he needs to start living up to expectations - and fast!


Moving from the defence to attack now, we have Fulham's new Costa Rican Bryan Ruiz, costing the London side a whopping £10.6m in late August. Prolific in the Dutch league, it is fair to say he has not enjoyed the start to English life he would of hoped - being prolific in the Dutch league, is not a necessity for English success though, as Afonso Alves, Mateja Kezman and Dirk Kuyt found out ahead of him. Since his debut on the 11th September at Blackburn, he has hardly set the Premier League alight with 2 full 90 minutes and 3 cameos from the bench he is yet to net, with Fulham's stalwarts Clint Dempsey and Bobby Zamora in the goals followed by the re-emergence of Andy Johnson, it is difficult to see where Ruiz will fit in. No doubt he'll take off, but will it be too late? Not the starts Cottagers fans had in mind.














Fellow summer movers Yohan Cabaye, Jose Enrique and Shay Given - costing a mere £14.3m between them have all shone for Newcastle, Liverpool and Aston Villa respectively,  perhaps signaling less expectation, headlines and price tag could equal more success.
We do, of course remain only in October, it would be impossible to rule players of this quality out so early in the season. Arsenal's side will tighten up and climb the table whilst Fulham should come to rely on Ruiz, who wasn't once one of the hottest prospects around for no reason. This article simply highlights the pressure added with extensive price tags and little game time to make an impact.

5 Of the best!: The top 5 Premier League goals of the weekend.

5. Mohammed Diame - Wigan 1-3 Bolton - Perhaps any other week the lad would find him further up on our list. After a weekend filled with so many pearlers though the Senegalese did well to even make fifth in the end. Following impressive persistance from The Latics Ben Watson, Diame found the ball at his feet 25 yards out slightly to the left of Jussi Jaaskelainens goal, despite shaping his body so it was apparent to the whole DW what he was attempting, he bent a beautiful, unstoppable effort into the top corner. Jaaskelainen is no mug, but two of him would not of kept it out. A real rocket that lit up an otherwise a very ordinary affair.

4. Robin Van Persie - Arsenal 2-1 Sunderland - Where oh where would Arsenal be without this man? Sunday afternoon at The Emirates did nothing but persuade Arsene Wenger to get that chequebook open and lock the Dutchman down for the next 6 years. After giving his side the lead, The Gunners were pegged back by a Seb Larsson strike we will meet later. RVP was not about to be upstaged on his hallowed turf though, after Arsenal were awarded a free-kick very much to the left of goal from all of 30 yards, there was no doubt in Van Persie's mind where it was heading, and sure enough a peach of an effort followed into the Sunderland net. It was only unfortunate his earlier 'Bergkamp esque' right-footed lob hit the post, else we would of been talking Top 5 for the season, nevermind week. Cracking free-kick nonetheless.

3. James Milner - Manchester City 4-1 Aston Villa - City sent out a warning to the rest of the Premier League on Saturday, despite having 75% of their squad returning from a tasking international break they were able to thump decent looking Aston Villa 4-1 at The Etihad, whilst leaving Messes Silva, Nasri and Dzeko on the bench and having little Kun Aguero out injured. After what analysts described as one of the 'passes of the season' by Milner, he caught up with play and held his position outside of the D. Gareth Barry slotted it into his path and using his stride he bent an outstanding effort with the inside of his foot away from Shay Given into the far top corner. Any other week would've nicked our #1 spot. A goal of unbelievable technique.

2. Sebastian Larsson - Arsenal 2-1 Sunderland - Here it is, the one mentioned earlier - Really what was attempted by Robin Van Persie could be seen as average in comparison to this beauty of a dead ball by the specialist Swede. Dead centre of goal 25 yards out there was absolutely no doubt over who was taking command of the situation, Larrson is creating a bit of a profile for himself following his move to the North-East from Birmingham, and this effort won't harm it one bit. The set piece bent into the top corner like a postage stamp, curling away from Wojciech Szczesny. You will not see a better free-kick all season, unless another hit by this lad, as good as any in The Premier League in such situations.

1. Shola Ameobi - Newcastle 2-2 Tottenham Hotspur - This goal left many a football fan speechless, Newcastle United had twice fallen behind home to a resurgent Spurs and were facing down the barrel of defeat. Toon cult figure Shola Ameobi had been bought on, despite his impressive haul of goals over the years, it was not expected to be extended in the final 10 minutes here. On the contrary following a brave ariel challenge from Cheik Tiote, a Cabaye through ball fell into big Shola's path, having just entered the penalty area far left, there was still no apparent danger. Shola Ameobi doesn't have the left foot of Roberto Carlos does he? Or does he? What a strike! The effort straight across Brad Friedel was pinpoint, clean as a whistle, I'm not sure how many of those 71 Toon goals he's netted with his left, but I'm sure that'll be the best, perhaps of any. The angle from behind Friedel really shows the accuracy Shola produced. Quite astonishing, a great way to equalise and end a memorable second half but more importantly a great way to finish off our 5 Of the best! An outstanding weekend of Premier League quality!

This weeks winner - Shola Ameobi's left-footed arrow from an impossible angle.

Swapping one side of the dugout for the other...

Making the step up from a successful footballer to becoming a manager is not as common as is perceived, many stay out of the limelight, perhaps take up golf or horse racing, a few pick up lesser roles - coaches or 'advisers'. Here i've whittled a list of 10 stars who are taking that next step and swapping their kit for a suit.

Current players - 


John Terry - Chelsea through and through, the warrior of a defender has made no secret of his desire to one day manage the side he's spent a decade battling for. With his current boss being just 3 years his senior, Terry has been inspired and announced seeing Villas-Boas succeed was a good incentive for his ultimate aim. Used to the big occasion, the pressure that surrounds being the centre man and the headlines that come attached with this, John Terry has perhaps an advantage over competitors on this list. His communication is first class and for me has potential to go a long way as a manager.
Verdict - 8/10

Jamie Carragher - Carragher is almost a certainty to make the step up into the heirachy of football once he's hung up his boots, young Liverpool defender Martin Kelly came out only last week and stated he expects Jamie to be a 'great' manager in the future. To anyone who knows anything about him, Carragher is the pinnacle of footballing knowledge, he knows everything that is worth knowing, anywhere in the footballing world. Carra's links with Liverpool FC will go on further than playing, that is obvious, it would not come as a surprise to see him as Liverpool manager anytime in the next 10 years. It is of opinion that his sheer passion and love for the game would not allow anything to stand in the way.
Verdict - 9/10

David James - An interesting one this, perhaps the figure that has been most public about his managing aspirations, Jamo came public that he was eyeing the role: 'Management is something i really want to do'. James's desire to be a manager then, is surely undisputed, yet it remains to be seen wether the job is genuinely suited to the big man. One can only to easily remember when it was 'Calamity James' in the headlines, with no the question beckons on just wether he could command that respect a manager does, both to the players and fans. Everyone has to believe in what their manager is instructing, be confident in their ideas. This, is perhaps where David James struggles on our list.
Verdict - 5/10

Danny Murphy - On contrast to our list, Murphy is quite the calm character. Though by no means does this put him out of contention, in fact a managers role would surely suit his intelligent style of play or at least how he conducts himself? Great managers don't always need to be loud, look at Shankly, Ferguson and more recently Ancelotti and Mancini, in my eyes Danny Murphy epitomises professionalism and respect. There are no doubts in my mind he commands that Fulham squad in his own right. He has been around the block, his knowledge of the game will be second to none. I for one could see him rising through the lower league ranks and surprising everyone.
Verdict - 8/10

Ryan Giggs - Who could rule out Ryan Giggs succeeding Fergie at Old Trafford? He has already began to undertake his coaching badges and it could well be the 'legendary' status he has himself at Old Trafford, that makes him that bit more a serious contender. Not known for being overly vocal or captaining United over long periods, Giggs has been the stalwart of the Premier League and seen it all. It is unimaginable that such experience won't get an opportunity to shine on the other side of the white line. One hopes that personal issues won't stand in his way, it is hard to imagine any employee of Giggs not showing respect for the Welshman. It is difficult to imagine Ryan Giggs out of football.

Verdict 7/10
















Retired players -


Zinedine Zidane - What more has to be said? It would be mortifying to see 'Zizou' not make it in the top level of football management. The infamous World Cup 2006 final should not shield what was a marvelous career, full of attributes that should allow Zidane to shine at managerial level - Leadership, organisation, communication too name a few, overall though respect, which group of players is not going to listen and absorb every single word this football legend says? Now 'Special adviser' at The Bernabeu, don't be surprised when this great is leading a team from the dugout.
Verdict - 9/10

Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink - A huge character inside the game, the widely loved Dutchman was admired by all for his attitude and personality to football. It was certainly a pleasant shock to hear him consider himself for the recent job vacations at Brentford and Cardiff, there is no doubt in my mind that he will blossom into a fine young manager. Being out of the game a few years Jimmy has completed his coaching badges and will have a wide range of knowledge, being comfortable in languages is another huge tick for Hasselbaink. It would not come as a huge shock to see him rising through the football league managerial ranks in the coming future.
Verdict 7.5/10













Paul Scholes - Out of all of the mainstays in the classic 'Fergie's United kids' perhaps Scholes would be bottom of the list in terms of management. Although he has showed hunger for the main job. A couple of years ago he notably announced his ambition to succeed Ferguson, now - coaching badges complete, there isn't much standing between this playmaker and a chance to be boss. To many his lack of 'in your face' communication has been apparent, like Danny Murphy previously, this will not be a problem for Scholes if his passion and commitment is there, if he is prepared to take the slog and get the door slammed in his face like once teammate Roy Keane, there is no reason why he cannot make it.
Verdict - 7/10

Dennis Bergkamp - Current Ajax assistant boss Bergkamp has got to be a leading contender for a top European job of the future. Since retiring in 2006 he has been completing coaching badges and now is already thriving in his assistant role. However, his Premier League admirers at The Emirates firmly hold him as a favorite to succeed Arsene Wenger. His charismatic persona and ability to dictate things on the field will give him an opportunity, he will command respect and interact well at any level. Perhaps Arsenal is a step too far for a first main job, but if Arsenal fans had their way, he'd be in that seat inside the next decade.
Verdict - 8/10













Robbie Fowler - Fowler cheats our list, already holding down a position of player/coach at Muangthong United in Thailand. This natural finisher has surely proved his commitment to taking the next step in the game, moving to Asia and straight into such a job takes backbone, language barrier will be an issue, yet Robbie has played everywhere, all over Continents, and knows all sorts of footballing levels inside out. This job could be vital for his managerial future, taking the step already as a player/coach holds a big advantage and Fowler has made it no secret of returning to Anfield and replacing Kenny Dalglish, seems a tad naive now, but given a couple of solid years is not beyond the realms of possibility.
Verdict - 8.5/10

Wayne Rooney's 'groveling' letter to UEFA...

Last week I posted a summary of our National side, a day prior to the all important Macedonia game - determining where our country were in terms of promise and genuine ambition.

Who'd of thought that whilst qualifying, it can now be more than fair to say our chances have thinned, our key man's attitude has once again got the better of him and another distinctly average performance has got everyone on a bit of a downer.
Granted they secured the required point away in Montenegro, but the inexplicable and frankly mindless actions of a certain Mr Rooney have hampered English progress and especially targets in Austria & Ukraine next summer. According to 'top' man manager, Rooney was "ready", all the press revolt regarding his Father's alleged match and result fixing to secure bets were behind him, and he was totally in focus. As the game entered it's final 20 minutes Rooney was robbed of possession by Miodrag Dzudovic, before unforgivingly lashing out with his right boot, referee Wolfgang Stark had no choice, and in my view got it spot on.

Without being too harsh on Rooney - I fully appreciate his quality and what he adds to the side - just the reason why it is so frustrating! Can we truly prove that ill-tempered Merseyside teenager has changed so much in his 5 or 6 years in the spotlight? On this evidence no. I read this was only the second red card he has received since the infamous 'winker' situation with ex-teammate Cristiano Ronaldo at The World Cup 2006 5 years ago, yet not even that fact fills me with confidence, it's not so much different to the confrontational QPR midfielder Joey Barton, no matter how well he does for himself over the coming months and season, everyone knows that temper and attitude is there, and will use it against him to gain advantage.
Rooney clearly wasn't in the right frame of mind last Friday, whether that was down to the striation with his Father at home, is unclear and it would not be right for me to suggest. It's quite clear though, that the consequences will be regretted by not just him, but the rest of his supporting nation in the 8 months remaining build up to the tournaments kick-off.

 - What Capello had to say.





Definately missing the opening group game, it emerged earlier this week Rooney himself was sending a letter to UEFA regarding this ban, to try and minimise it to just the one game, to save the unthinkable from happening, and it being extended to the full three games, equalling in him missing out on the whole group stage.


In my opinion though, Rooney should not be 'let-off' if a three game ban would be how anyone else should be punished, being a player from Spain, England or even American Samoa, if UEFA view his outburst as a offense worthy of a three game ban that should be stuck too 100%. Wayne needs to learn, I'm sure after this he will, it will undoubtedly hit him harder if the ban is the full three games, perhaps for his own good? I believe so. For me, former England center half Terry Butcher hit the nail on the head earlier today - quoting: "If he gets one game he's the luckiest man in the world," said Butcher.

"He's got no defense and he just has to hope Uefa are lenient. He has had red cards before and UEFA may see it as a chance to make their mark."

Rooney's unforgiving lash out on Friday

Nothing on that letter should change their views, it shouldn't even come into consideration, a Wayne Rooney without the temper could be terrific for our nation's prospects, but if this ban is extended, it's effectively another competition over, or the chances slimmed by a long-shot. Either way Rooney was silly, impetuous and what occurred that night shouldn't be seen on Sunday league let alone on the international stage.

My tribute to a legend: Ronaldo de Assis Moreira - Ronaldinho Gaucho.

The entertainer, an inspiration to millions.

I found myself, yet again, the other day browsing through Youtube videos of amazing football moments, memories and pieces of genuine genius.

Browsing through all the players who have made football their own in the 21st century, the Zidanes, Messis, Ronaldos (Yes both!) one thing caught my eye. It was attached to a video compilation of Ronaldinho, and the comment read:

Ronaldo - "God sent me to teach the people how football is played"

Messi - "No, God sent me to teach the people"

Ronaldinho - "I didn't send anyone"

To me, this comment said a million words (as does the above picture), in effect the above said as much as my tribute following will, i firmly believe the talent and attitude of this man should never be forgotten, and this is why...

It was the morning of Friday 21st June 2002, i remember it being a Friday in particular, even though i was only 8, there was huge excitement surrounding this day, it was World Cup Quarter final day, and England were still alive and kicking! Why do i remember it being Friday in particular? Because there we were, the whole of my year 4 class, the whole of the primary school, cramped into the school hall to watch our nation take on the might of the favorites, Brazil.

Little did our 8 year old minds know, we were witnessing the birth of a superstar...

Ronaldo cancelled out the promise of Michael Owens first half goal, before heartache struck with that moment, when that 'Brazilian chap' the 'goofy one with the long hair' outrageously chipped David Seaman from all of 40 yards. Like Seaman, and millions of other Englishmen, i will never forget that goal, but not for the reason it knocked us out of The World Cup, but because it was the first time the world really sat up and took notice of Ronaldinho Gaucho.





Ronaldo de Assis Moreira was born on 21st March 1980, to Mother Dona and Father Joao, his Father never got to see his sons footballing prowess, despairingly suffering a fatal heart-attack in the family swimming pool whilst Ronaldinho was just 8 years old. Ironically, it was never really Ronaldinho that set the family pulses racing in terms of football at child level, his elder brother, Roberto, was on Gremio's books, and after he finally got a deal the family of Dona, Roberto, Ronaldinho and sister Deisi to move to a more luxurious any of his hometown Porto Alegre.

At 8 Ronaldinho was finally noticed, it went from playing 'Joga Bonito' on the beach to being on the Gremio Youth's books to the Parc Des Princes of Paris St Germain to gracing the finest European stadiums in The Camp Nou and The San Siro for 7 beautiful, mesmerizing years.
Ronaldinho did the business at Gremio over the two years he was a first teamer, he was banging in the goals, bringing out the tricks, and the national team were already sniffing around him. He had shone in an U-17's World Cup in Egypt 1997. On the contrary to what many believe, the diminutive Ronaldinho earnt his first Brazilian cap before the turn of the millennium in June '99, from there the lad never, ever looked back.

I'm sure many of you will still be queering why this man deserves so much praise, yes he shone in a Barca side, but he had the players around him - same goes for Brazil. So just what is it with Senor Ronaldinho?

'That' dink at Stamford Bridge in 2005

For me, he is everything football should be: fun, exciting, enthralling, thrilling, unpredictable and genius. Similar to the memory of watching that Brazil - England World Cup game at my school, i recall a further moment that summed up what this man is all about from March 2005, Barcelona's Spanish stars were at Stamford Bridge in London for a Champions League last 16 game, despite going down 4-2, all i can remember is everyone for the next X amount of weeks trying the 'Ronaldinho shuffle & toe poke' that he stabbed past Petr Cech - i will never forget watching that goal live and thinking: "I just witnessed something special right there".

The thing that riles not just me now, but I'm sure many others out there, is that whenever Ronaldinho's name is bought up in footballing terms it gets frowned upon, dismissed. I believe this to be a truly unfair and an extremely inaccurate look on a mans career. This Samba Man changed how i viewed and took football in, nobody had ever seen such tight, close control and dribbling skills on a football. The 'flip-flap' his own skill, again never seen repeated to this day. Nobody else seems to have not just the technique, or the genuine backbone Ronaldinho had at his prime.

When trawling through videos of highlights from the great man, one stood out, his return to The Nou Camp, after leaving behind 'his' fans, his self proclaimed "greatest five years of his life". He lined up in a friendly for new suiters AC Milan, but the occasion was all about Barcelona and Ronaldinho's love affair, you could see it not just on the big screen at the highest point of the famous stadium, but also in his eyes. He didn't really want to ever leave. And in a way he has never truly left. (Below is the aforementioned video)

He was always marvelous to watch, in some ways, he is very much the dribbling and flair of Lionel Messi blended together with the physicality, power and cheek of Christiano Ronaldo, the man was such a global figure for football, No matter where you were, there would be cartoon T-shirts of Ronaldinho with super enlarged teeth, everyone knew who he was, even if you had no interest in the beautiful game.

Those who argue against me building such a case for Ronaldinho Gaucho would bring up his partying and binging antics, and suggest them towards the 'decline' in his career. Firstly i would say: The lad suffered a tragic loss as a very young child, of course he will have times of doing the wrong thing of course hyped by the press, but i would further like to add - What decline to a career would they be bringing up? Ronaldinho has hit 31 and has spent his prime of 8 years playing for arguably the two most illustrious and successful European clubs, not just playing for these it should be said, starring, shining for them, being the creative man, that figure who everyone wants to see, meet or be. He has returned to his native Brazil to play for Flamengo, so what? The Brazilian league is for no slouches and as of September 2011 the twice Balon D'Or winner has earnt himself a call-up back to the Brazilian national squad, for the first time in 3 years! Didn't happen in Italy did it doubters?

The image of football through the 'noughties'

The game where Ronnie was able to bag his 50th Barca goal saw him at the pinnacle of his powers, i remember waking up one morning and catching La Liga highlights of Barcelona v Villareal at The Nou Camp, he netted his 50th, nonetheless the moment was still to come. Ronaldinho received a cross on the left-hand side of the penalty area on his chest before a swivel and a seemingly impossible bicycle kick was accomplished, an art of a goal, no one else, in my opinion in the history of the game could've scored that goal. That was all of Ronaldinho in one, and for him to run off with that tooth-filled grin waving his fingers like a rock star in that celebration was just an unbeatable sight.

I'm extremely glad i came across that comment mentioned at the top of this article, without my eyes scanning it, i wouldn't have been sent into such deep thinking of this special player, this man i'd always respected as a player, this talent that in my eyes has yet to be breached, knocked off his perch as king of Barcelona. I will never forget those Ronaldinho memories as a kid, never forget the disappointment at 'play-time' after the Brazilians defeat of England when my friend got to be Ronaldinho and i was stuck being Ronaldo. To put it in terms of the youth today, Ronaldinho had a untouchable swagger about him, you could genuinely see that he loved what he was doing, he idolized the fans who worshipped him. The on field partnership he struck up with Samuel Eto'o was unforgiving and unforgettable. It would of been truly catastrophic if Pele had not included him in the 100 Greatest players of all time list, for me this man bought football to where it is today, went the extra mile and hurdled the extra tackle. Wasn't afraid of what might happen after. Lived to play this game and entertain the whole world!

Ronaldo de Assis Moreira - Ronaldinho
I bow down to you, for me, King of the football pitch.

UNBELIEVABLE: Argentinean goalkeeper saves 5 penalties and scores one in one game!

Don't we just love it when a lowly, semi-pro footballer achieves something completely out of the ordinary and becomes an overnight sensation? On this occasion, and an extremely impressive occasion it is, step forward Argentinean fourth division side Excurionistas's goalkeeper Marcos Fascanella - who helped his side progress to the next round by saving from 12 yards in normal time, before keeping out a further 4 spot kicks in the shoot-out and scoring his own!


In the South American Copa American, a competition equivalent  to the English FA Cup, Excurionistas were facing fellow fourth division side Argentino de Merlo, and this super stopper made it his own job to make sure they weren't knocked out!
In reality, it is extremely hard to imagine anyone would've been searching the Argentinean side's name into their search engine, nor that of Fascanella, it's just a beautiful moment when someone in a remote area of the world, achieves something so rare and shocking it makes it all the way to us!
Who knows!? Petr Cech is getting on a bit, De Gea hasn't exactly shone at Old Trafford and we all know Arsenal could do with someone who can actually get away with putting a keeper jersey on. Let's get Messes Villas-Boas, Ferguson and Wenger to this blog ASAP!!


The below link will show you highlights of this rarity. Be sure to check it out!
http://www.metro.co.uk/sport/oddballs/877917-goalkeeper-in-argentina-saves-five-penalties-and-scores-one-himself

Fascanella's first save of his outstanding 120 minutes

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>


Coming up later, my tribute to a modern day legend. An inspiration!

England: Where are our national side heading?

 As I'm sure you're all waited with baited breath, the days have finally ran down to our national sides all important European Championship qualifier in Podgorica on Friday. Where England only need a point to qualify for next years Championships in Ukraine and Poland


So? What can we expect? Really expect, will it be same old England, just scraping through the qualifying job and letting us all down at the big time? Or do we have genuine reasoning nowadays to get excited over the prospect of our side. Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Scott Parker was quoted yesterday; "Judge the new England side after Euros", is this a fair statement?


Here, i'll have an in-depth look at the youthful side of England's current selection. Can we hold our hopes up high? Or will we just be let down again?


Following is the squad manager Fabio Capello selected for the vital game. Reasons to smile? Or more of a reason to drag some of our kids through the regime quicker (without doing a Theo Walcott in 2006) next year!


England squad: Scott Carson (Bursaspor), Joe Hart (Man City), David Stockdale (Ipswich); Leighton Baines (Everton), Gary Cahill (Bolton), Ashley Cole (Chelsea), Phil Jagielka (Everton), Phil Jones (Man Utd), Micah Richards (Man City), John Terry (captain, Chelsea), Kyle Walker (Tottenham); Gareth Barry (Man City), Stewart Downing (Liverpool), Adam Johnson (Man City), Frank Lampard (Chelsea), James Milner (Man City), Scott Parker (Tottenham), Theo Walcott (Arsenal), Ashley Young (Man Utd); Darren Bent (Aston Villa), Andy Carroll (Liverpool), Wayne Rooney (Man Utd), Danny Welbeck (Man Utd), Bobby Zamora (Fulham)

Future England captain? Phil Jones

Right, first thoughts? Who sticks out? - 

"That's the way forward!" Welbeck scoring for United.

Well, surely a huge positive, in my book anyway is the inclusion of so many youthful names, it adds such refreshing feel to the squad and i'm sure has the same effects on the players. Surely gone are the days of the solid Feridnand, Terry, Lampard, Gerrard and Beckham, with no dis-respect to any of these players, some of which still have a vital role within the squad, it was just hard to see where the team was heading. To see the likes of Gary Cahill, Phil Jones, Kyle Walker, Adam Johnson and Danny Welbeck is nothing but positive. in that list of 5 players alone there is so much potential in a vast spread of positions.
Good start then? Possibly...


Problem we used to face?
Goalkeeping!! What a relief! The emergence of Joe Hart has been tremendous, the lad has quickly risen to the very top of goalkeeping standards in not only Europe but the world. The times of picking and choosing between David James, Rob Green and Scott Carson to name but a few are delightfully a thing of the past. Cool, calm on the ball, full of flair and creativity for a stopper the lad adds character to the dressing room. With such a young age attached, he really could go all the way for England.

Joe Hart - very much a first name on the teamsheet now.

Older lads that have finally made it -
Scott Parker, Phil Jagielka and Bobby Zamora, 3 names that would always strike confusion into any England fans brain. HUGE potential, everyone recognised Scotty Parkers ability to hold together a shocking West Ham side for seasons, and has apsolutely shined since he finally got his move to Spurs. Never really happened for him at the higher level though? About to change, shone against Wales on his return to the fold, and it is hard to see him out of the starting midfield, terrific at breaking up play but adds that bit more than Gareth Barry, notably on the distribution side of things after breaking up the play. The same could be said for Jagielka, consistently brilliant at the heart of Everton's central defence for a fair few years now, along with Sheffield United before that, why hasn't he had his chance? Was it because of the Ferdinand - Terry stalwart that was not allowed to be broken? In my humble opinion yes, nonetheless as we'll discuss later, with the shock exclusion of Rio, things will be changing and Capello will be looking towards the long term. Finally, Bobby Zamora, such a raw English talent, on his day, i'd go so far as saying unplayable, an 'English Didier Drogba', and it is so hard to believe talent like that does not get used to it's full potential, who knows where they could be? Unfortunately for Fulham's Zamora, a certain Wayne Rooney is in the form of his life, and depending on how the Italian coach plays his wide men, Big Bobby may get overlooked again...

Bobby Zamora will hope to prove to Capello he
can finally hack it on the International stage

Not bad, who's missing then?
We've mentioned Rio Ferdinand, big big shock to everyone. The Manchester United defender hasn't been the fittest of late, yet always walks into the United XI, United's defence hasn't exactly been watertight of late though, and with the emergence of a few youngsters mentioned. Perhaps we shouldn't be as surprised as we are on his omission. Steven Gerrard? The man is well and truly back, after six months out for Liverpool, the Reds skipper returned in the recent league meeting with Wolves and is expected to start against United at Anfield after the break. Capello has said "If Steven is fit, he will come" so is still a very big part of the Italians plans, and who should blame him? Ignoring the whole 'Lampard-Gerrard' debate they have been two of the best midfielders in Europe of the 21st century, and will be hard to leave out. One final suprise omission was Jermaine Defoe, a couple of decent outings for Spurs this year mixed with goals, one would of thought the diminutive striker had done enough for a call-up, but will be disappointed at missing out to the likes of Villa's Bent and Liverpool's Carroll to name a couple.

Rio will be disappointed at missing out on the squad, times-a-changing?

Steven Gerrard on his way back to full fitness,
 not risked for Montenegro Friday

My personal first XI from Capello's selected squad:
                                               


                                                       Hart


Richards               Cahill                              Terry                Cole.A






Downing              Parker                     Lampard               Young




                             Rooney
                                                                Carroll


Of course, me selecting this side and this side stepping out tomorrow night against Montenegro are two very different cases, nevertheless, i firmly believe the Rooney, Carroll partnership could blossom, especially with Lampard tucked in behind them, Parker doing the dirty work effectively as he does. Young and Downing have been on fire for United and Liverpool respectively, so are almost automatic choices down the wings for me now. My worry would be right-back, looking a bit short with Glen Johnson out, Micah Richards at times can show what he can really do, but a risk? Possibly, Montenegro could look to exploit. Cahill or Jagielka? Was a tricky one, the Bolton centre half seems to have had the nod from Capello recently, and despite a shocking start domestically, i expect the high profile sort after defender to hold his spot.


Verdict:
A draw is all that's needed, several players have been quoted in the press promising that "playing for a draw will be the last thing we intend", a positive sign. One more plus is that the venue is not Wembley, much has been made of the added pressure of England's infamous home, and how the current crop of players just don't seem to perform, across the continent though the performances seem to pick up, players play with far more flow and freedom, a lot easier on the eye.
So what of Montenegro? Can't see them threatening to much, they've already been out to say second place in the group is their goal, so maybe they'll set out to shut up shop,a decent side they must be to get where they are though, new Blackburn addition Simon Vukcevic is a notably talented player, who can hurt and punish defences. They will though, undoubtedly look to Juventus forward and skipper Mirko Vicinic for goals, they have a real player there, who will look to continue Gary Cahill's torrid time of late. Looking through squads though this one is England's to loose, and Fabio Capello has every reason to be devastated if England complete Friday 7th October 2011 without qualification sealed to Euro2012.

Danger man, Juventus's Vucinic needs to be
kept on guard by Englands back 4.