Monday 13 September 2010

Who's next on the chopping block?

With Fabio Capello announcing he will retire from management, the hunt is on for his successor. The general consensus is that the FA have to pick an English manager to succeed him. The usual suspects are already being lined up for the job, which ranks as one of football's most pressurised positions. The position is pretty much a poisoned chalice and although England have won nothing for more than 40 years, anything less than success and the boss is slaughtered by the press and public.

Despite this pressure, it still ranks as one of the most attractive jobs in football. Aside from the humongous contracts that the FA hands out, the chance to coach some of the most talented players in the world is an opportunity few turn down. The fact is that none of the recent national team bosses have managed to make this team click when it matters and pundits like Betfair Football Andy Gray know that's what counts in the end.

The biggest thing about coaching England has to be the ability to motivate the talented squad. The team has enough talent but needs a manager to get them believing in themselves. The England job doesn't need a master tactician; it needs the type of school coach that got these players psyched up for matches when they were 12, 13, and 14. When this England team start enjoying the pressure of playing for their country rather than folding under it, then they will have a chance of challenging the world's best.

Harry Redknapp, Sam Allardyce and Stuart Pearce have all been linked to the job and all have the power to motivate in bucket loads. Allardyce and Redknapp have been linked with the job for years now but will have their best chance when Capello steps down. Both managers would come with a bit of baggage and that may make them less attractive.

Pearce looks to have been groomed for the job for a few years now. He has been a part of the national team coaching set-up for a few years along with his role as Under-21 boss. He would be a pretty good choice for the job, the players and fans both have plenty of respect for Pearce. His domestic managerial experience hasn't been a massive success but he has done a good job in his England roles and could prove to be a good choice should the FA choose him.

Until then Capello has the chance to leave a legacy in this country if he manages to bring success in Euro 2012 in what will be his swansong.

Meanwhile, the Fulham betting tips suggest the side will struggle to finish in the top half this season.

However, the team did enjoy a good win over Wolves at the weekend.

Friday 10 September 2010

Will England chants come back to haunt Tottenham?

Tottenham Hotspur fans have often proudly (and very smugly) chanted "England" at their North London rivals Arsenal in mockery of the fact that the Gunners have a squad made up almost entirely of foreign stars, compared to a Spurs squad that is heavily reliant upon its English contingent.

However, following England's recent European Championship qualification matches, these same fans may wish that they had considerably fewer England stars in their side's starting line-up. With Michael Dawson now out for two months, and Jermain Defoe set to be absent for longer, Spurs are now having to face the fact they will have to do without two of their key men for a good chunk of what is arguably their most challenging season in the Premier League, and their first campaign in the Champions League. The football predictions suggest they will struggle to make a massive impact this season.

With Harry Redknapp already short of defensive options due to the persistent injury problems that both Jonathan Woodgate and Ledley King experience, he will now be relying upon ex-Arsenal defender William Gallas, a man with a recent injury record that does not make good reading for Spurs fans, to help guide his side through some tough fixtures on the horizon.

Despite the loss of Dawson being a big blow, the absence of Defoe may be even more painful for the Tottenham boss. Defoe had appeared to be moving beyond his traditional role of a straight up poacher, and instead looked to be completing a long-awaited transformation into a complete striker capable of leading the line. However, with his current injury appearing to be one that could well linger, Spurs fans may have to wait a while longer before they are able to see whether this transformation is able to reach its final stages.

Meanwhile, the Newcastle betting suggests the north-east side should pick up another three points this weekend.

Young striker Andy Carroll will be looking to bag more goals as he looks to stake his claim for an England place.

Wednesday 8 September 2010

Switzerland beaten 1-3 by England

England top of the group after 2 games!

Wayne Rooney England 2010/11 Switzerland V England (1-3) Group G 07/09/10 UEFA Euro2012 Qualifier Photo Robin Parker Fotosports International Photo via Newscom

Adam Johnson and team mate Gareth Barry Celebrates after the final whistle England 2010/11 Switzerland V England (1-3) Group G 07/09/10 UEFA Euro2012 Qualifier Photo Robin Parker Fotosports International Photo via Newscom

Steven Gerrard Celebrates after the final whistle England 2010/11 Switzerland V England (1-3) Group G 07/09/10 UEFA Euro2012 Qualifier Photo Robin Parker Fotosports International Photo via Newscom

Joe Hart celebrates after 2nd goal England 2010/11 Switzerland V England Group G 07/09/10 UEFA Euro2012 Qualifier Photo Robin Parker Fotosports International Photo via Newscom

Tuesday 7 September 2010

England training pictures ahead of the Switzerland Match

Attention focused on Wayne Rooney after stories were published on Sunday about his private life.

England soccer player Wayne Rooney (C) attends a training session with team mates at St Jakob Park stadium in Basel September 6, 2010. England are due to play Switzerland in a Euro 2012 qualifier in Basel on September 7.  REUTERS/Stefan Wermuth (SWITZERLAND - Tags: SPORT SOCCER)

England manager Fabio Capello (R) and player Wayne Rooney attend a team training session at St Jakob Park stadium in Basel September 6, 2010. England is due to play Switzerland in a Euro 2012 qualifier soccer match in Basel on September 7.  REUTERS/Stefan Wermuth (SWITZERLAND - Tags: SPORT SOCCER)

Saturday 4 September 2010

England 4 Bulgaria 0 pictures

Defoe hat-trick, new kit, convincing win...... good start to the campaign.

Wembley Stadium, England v Bulgaria, European Championship Qualifying Group G 3/09/2010  Jermain Defoe of England leaves the pitch with the match ball after scoring his hat-trick Photo Marc Atkins Fotosports International Photo via Newscom

Wembley Stadium, England v Bulgaria, European Championship Qualifying Group G 3/09/2010  Adam Johnson of England celebrates scoring the 3rd goal 3-0 Photo Marc Atkins Fotosports International Photo via Newscom

England Team Group 2010/11 England V Bulgaria (4-0) 03/09/10 UEFA Euro2012 Qualifier Photo Robin Parker Fotosports International Photo via Newscom