Beckham matches Bobby Moores record of 108 caps, now the 2 most capped out field players.
England fans at Saville
Thursday, 12 February 2009
Spain 2 England 0 match pictures and images
Beckham matches Bobby Moores record of 108 caps, now the 2 most capped out field players.
England fans at Saville
Monday, 9 February 2009
Beckham steals the headlines as England hope to reign in Spain.
The recall of former skipper David Beckham understandably took most of the headlines when Fabio Capello announced his England squad on Saturday evening.The former Man United man has impressed while on loan at AC Milan and now has the chance to equal the late, great Bobby Moore’s record of 108 international caps.
Though I’m sure he would never admit it, I believe Becks made a mistake when he left Real Madrid for L.A. Galaxy in 2006. At the time he signed the pre-contract agreement to move to the U.S. he was frozen out of Steve McClaren’s England squad and out of favour at Real Madrid (ironically under Fabio Capello). So a big money move, and a chance to see out is career in L.A., must have seemed an attractive proposition.
But by the time he made the move across the Atlantic, McClaren had recalled Beck’s to the England fold. Beckham’s dream of playing at the next world cup in South Africa had suddenly become more of a reality – but playing in a sub-standard league was never going to count in his favour.
To be fair to Beckham, he was the consummate professional and got his head down and worked hard to settle in at his new club. But wasn’t a surprise that when Milan came calling, Becks jumped at the chance to play for one of Europe’s biggest clubs. Despite the usual media circus that surrounds him, Beckham’s performances on the pitch have been impressive and his recall to the squad is on merit. If I was a football betting man, I would be tempted to put money on Becks being on the plane to South Africa next summer (should we qualify of course!)
Elsewhere Capello continued his policy of picking players based on form with, among others, West Ham’s Carlton Cole earning a call-up. Hammers striker Cole has been in goal scoring form of late and looks set to play in the ‘Heskey’ role, using his strength and power to hold up the ball.
His inclusion may have raised a few eyebrows, but it is a statement from Capello. Too often under previous managers the squad has been seen as a closed shop, with the same players being called up every time. But Capello has given hope to any English player that if they play well enough, they are in with a shout.
Cole may have his weaknesses, but if he uses his power and strength to hold up the ball and lay it off to more creative team-mates, he could play a key role in England’s future.
The game against Spain represents another step in England’s recovery from their disastrous EURO 2008 campaign. Pride has been well and truly restored by Mr Capello and the victory in Germany last November gave us the biggest boost of all. A win over reigning European champions Spain could show to the world that England is back as international force.
Written by Tom Mallows, online sports writer for Betfair. Check them out for the latest Cheltenham odds.
Though I’m sure he would never admit it, I believe Becks made a mistake when he left Real Madrid for L.A. Galaxy in 2006. At the time he signed the pre-contract agreement to move to the U.S. he was frozen out of Steve McClaren’s England squad and out of favour at Real Madrid (ironically under Fabio Capello). So a big money move, and a chance to see out is career in L.A., must have seemed an attractive proposition.
But by the time he made the move across the Atlantic, McClaren had recalled Beck’s to the England fold. Beckham’s dream of playing at the next world cup in South Africa had suddenly become more of a reality – but playing in a sub-standard league was never going to count in his favour.
To be fair to Beckham, he was the consummate professional and got his head down and worked hard to settle in at his new club. But wasn’t a surprise that when Milan came calling, Becks jumped at the chance to play for one of Europe’s biggest clubs. Despite the usual media circus that surrounds him, Beckham’s performances on the pitch have been impressive and his recall to the squad is on merit. If I was a football betting man, I would be tempted to put money on Becks being on the plane to South Africa next summer (should we qualify of course!)
Elsewhere Capello continued his policy of picking players based on form with, among others, West Ham’s Carlton Cole earning a call-up. Hammers striker Cole has been in goal scoring form of late and looks set to play in the ‘Heskey’ role, using his strength and power to hold up the ball.
His inclusion may have raised a few eyebrows, but it is a statement from Capello. Too often under previous managers the squad has been seen as a closed shop, with the same players being called up every time. But Capello has given hope to any English player that if they play well enough, they are in with a shout.
Cole may have his weaknesses, but if he uses his power and strength to hold up the ball and lay it off to more creative team-mates, he could play a key role in England’s future.
The game against Spain represents another step in England’s recovery from their disastrous EURO 2008 campaign. Pride has been well and truly restored by Mr Capello and the victory in Germany last November gave us the biggest boost of all. A win over reigning European champions Spain could show to the world that England is back as international force.
Written by Tom Mallows, online sports writer for Betfair. Check them out for the latest Cheltenham odds.
Monday, 26 January 2009
Uncapped wonders - Ones for the future
2008 was a successfull year for England under Fabio Capello. From EURO 2008 failures to top of their qualification group, people are now tempted to put a bet on England to win the World Cup!
England’s first game of 2009 will be in Spain on the 11th February. It will be a further chance for Capello to experiment with his squad and perhaps take a look at some of England’s younger players with one eye on South Africa 2010.
With that in mind Tom Mallows takes a look at some uncapped youngsters whose recent performances may have forced themselves into Capello’s thoughts.....
Leighton Baines
An attacking full-back, Baines’ form at Wigan earned him a big money move to Everton in 2007. But he struggled in his early Everton career and soon found himself out of the team. However he has found himself back into contention recently and has played his part in Everton’s defensive resurgence.
Fabian Delph
The Bradford born youngster has established himself in the Leeds team this season and has earned a reputation as a creative attacking midfielder with an eye for goal. He has already been linked with a move to the Premier League and the football odds suggest he will eventually make a big money transfer. Capello may want to have a closer look at him.
Michael Mancienne
The Chelsea youngster’s form while on loan to Wolves earned him a call up to Capello’s squad for the friendly in Germany last year. He has since been recalled by the Londoners and if he can match his form for Wolves for his parent club, a first cap will not be far away.
Lee Cattermole
A regular for the under 21s he has played a key role in Wigan’s surge up the Premier League table since signing from Middlesbrough last sumer summer. England is blessed with central midfielders though so he may have to be patient and wait for his chance.
James Milner
Is this the year Milner finally gets that first cap? Since making his Leeds debut aged 16 Milner has racked up over 200 first team appearances and is England Under-21s most capped player. Named by Fabio Capello as one for the future and in sparkling form for high flying Aston Villa, he is almost certain of a call-up next month.
Steven Taylor
Newcastle defender Taylor has remained a consistent and loyal figure in the Magpies team despite their slide down the Premier League table. He captained the Under 21 side at the European Chaminships in 2007 and has made an appearance for the England B team. He can’t be far away from a full call up - Newcastle fans will hope he is still a Magpies player when he does get the nod.
Jamie O’Hara
Spurs midfielder O’Hara only made his Under 21 debut early last year but he has since become a regular in the both the Under 21 side and the Spurs squad ever since. As well as central midfield O’Hara can play at left back or left midfield - His versatility may tempt Capello to call him up.
Do you agree with Tom? Who else should be in Capello's squad? Please leave your comments below.
England’s first game of 2009 will be in Spain on the 11th February. It will be a further chance for Capello to experiment with his squad and perhaps take a look at some of England’s younger players with one eye on South Africa 2010.
With that in mind Tom Mallows takes a look at some uncapped youngsters whose recent performances may have forced themselves into Capello’s thoughts.....
Leighton Baines
An attacking full-back, Baines’ form at Wigan earned him a big money move to Everton in 2007. But he struggled in his early Everton career and soon found himself out of the team. However he has found himself back into contention recently and has played his part in Everton’s defensive resurgence.
Fabian Delph
The Bradford born youngster has established himself in the Leeds team this season and has earned a reputation as a creative attacking midfielder with an eye for goal. He has already been linked with a move to the Premier League and the football odds suggest he will eventually make a big money transfer. Capello may want to have a closer look at him.
Michael Mancienne
The Chelsea youngster’s form while on loan to Wolves earned him a call up to Capello’s squad for the friendly in Germany last year. He has since been recalled by the Londoners and if he can match his form for Wolves for his parent club, a first cap will not be far away.
Lee Cattermole
A regular for the under 21s he has played a key role in Wigan’s surge up the Premier League table since signing from Middlesbrough last sumer summer. England is blessed with central midfielders though so he may have to be patient and wait for his chance.
James Milner
Is this the year Milner finally gets that first cap? Since making his Leeds debut aged 16 Milner has racked up over 200 first team appearances and is England Under-21s most capped player. Named by Fabio Capello as one for the future and in sparkling form for high flying Aston Villa, he is almost certain of a call-up next month.
Steven Taylor
Newcastle defender Taylor has remained a consistent and loyal figure in the Magpies team despite their slide down the Premier League table. He captained the Under 21 side at the European Chaminships in 2007 and has made an appearance for the England B team. He can’t be far away from a full call up - Newcastle fans will hope he is still a Magpies player when he does get the nod.
Jamie O’Hara
Spurs midfielder O’Hara only made his Under 21 debut early last year but he has since become a regular in the both the Under 21 side and the Spurs squad ever since. As well as central midfield O’Hara can play at left back or left midfield - His versatility may tempt Capello to call him up.
Do you agree with Tom? Who else should be in Capello's squad? Please leave your comments below.
Thursday, 11 December 2008
Thursday, 20 November 2008
Germany 1 England 2 in Berlin
It just keeps getting better and better! Here are some images of this great victory.
Wednesday, 19 November 2008
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