The England Enquiry

Since England’s dismal world cup came to a shuddering end on Sunday, every news paper, sports channel and today even the government has had its say on why the national team continues to fail. Now it’s my turn to point out what I think is wrong with the team.

Like most problems in England, when things go wrong they blame foreigners. I have heard pundits on Sky Sports News, and other channels bemoan the amount of foreigners in the Premier League. These are the same outlets which complain that all the stars are going to La Liga in Spain. The point i’m trying to make is that yes there are a lot of foreigners in the Premier League, gifted players who our players can learn a thing or two from- like how to get past someone, play a killer pass, and how to be comfortable in possession. Here are the factors which have contributed to a lower quality of English football player and hence a poor world cup display.

Premier League- The amount of money being pumped into the Premier League is becoming hazardous. Even as I type, many former English starters at Manchester City must fear for their careers as superstar after superstar join the North West team. There barely seems a place in the top league where young promising talent can play week in and week out competitively. The nature of the competition has means time is not an option, and unless success is immediate managers pay the price. Meaning a gamble on a promising player takes a back seat to an established player, usually foreigner has priority. Only rare cases like Wayne Rooney and Steven Gerrard with the combination of a manager willing to gamble will result in a English player making the first team.

The media- The press in England are a unique organisation. They are extremely quick to build up players, perhaps too much, which makes them believe their own hype. For example before the world cup they were talking up the prospect of Rooney putting on a show to prove he is as good Messi, Ronaldo et al. The same can be said for the so called ‘golden generation. Whilst praise for your national player is good, putting excessive pressure on them is not. The players in the squad looked laboured, shackled and looked like the weight of the shoulders were on them.

Tactics- Fabio Capello, known for his shrewd approach to management made many fatal errors in South Africa. His selections for his squad were questionable to say the least. He limited his options by taking Shaun Wright-Phillips, who is a like for like replacement of Aaron Lennon. Surely Theo Walcott could have added a pace injection to some of the lacklustre performances. Also his formation, despite the fact it was not working, never changed and in the end was exposed by Germany.

With Capello keeping his job the future now turns to the younger generation. But with so much emphasis on youth and so little opportunity the future remains to be seen.

A-Force wins with hand tied behind his back....

(KO from 7mins)

Audley Harrison won the vacant European title in dramatic fashion at Alexander Palace last night.

Behind on all three score cards, with a locked right arm, he knocked out Michael Sprott in the last round- coming within minutes of his own career coming to an end.

Harrison who started brightly in the first round, surprised viewers when he began boxing in an orthodox stance from round 2. He rarely threw with his right hand. He had been bossed the whole night by Sprott who had a far superior work rate, and willingness to actually fight.

The win could lead to a possible fight with one of the Klitchko brothers.

What happened to Eduardo?

Eduardo Da Silva, once one of the best finishers in the premiership. tormentor of England during the infamous Steve McClaren campaign away to Croatia. A striker who drew plaudits and comparisons to the clinical Robbie Fowler.

After that unforgettable afternoon at St Andrews two years ago, many feared Eduardo would never kick a ball again. Fortunately thanks to the staff at the Emirates he was able to make a full recovery. But though fully recovered, there is something missing from the Brazilian born Croatian. When he first returned from his injury he made one of two impressive performances, most notably his volley against Burnley in the FA Cup last year, but after seeing him during the Wolves game, and his previous appearances I like many are wondering if he will ever reach the level he did before he got injured?

The problem seems to be mentally. The effects of the tackle by Martin Taylor appear to have seriously effected his decision making. He also seems to be lacking severely in confidence, which really isn't his fault considering the amount of games he's started. But when he has come on he seems lost. What can be done to fix it?

Maybe Wenger needs to put an arm around him and remind him how good he actually is. Maybe he needs some psychological help, perhaps some counselling. Maybe he is alright but just needs games (I really hope its the latter). Maybe some people think I am overreacting, and maybe I am. But the one thing I do know is that the Eduardo we see now is not the same as he was before. With the imminent arrival of Chamakh, Van Persie coming close to fitness, and the injury time heroics of Bendtner, Eduardo will eventually need to come good, or face being phased out of the Arsenal team.

Derby Day Drama

Manchester United won a dramatic derby over rivals Manchester City at Old Trafford today in the most exciting game of the season so far. City who three times came back to equalise, were beaten by Michael Owens first league goal at home to raise the roof in an action packed game.

United came quick out the blocks and were quickly in front after only a minute and a half, with Wayne Rooney scoring his 5th goal of the season after causing havoc in the six yard area. United were in control at this stage and enjoyed good possession and created a few openings, but were unable to get a second. Then before the 20th minute, a mix up between goalkeeper Ben Foster and Rio Ferdinand after pressure from former United man Tevez allowed Gareth Barry to fire in his 1st league goal. The goal clearly gave City confidence and they began to create chances, with Tevez going closest, hitting the post after good work from Stephen Ireland.

United started the 2nd half just as they started the first and within minutes they retook the lead with Darren Fletcher heading in a Ryan Giggs cross. United again looked in control and were pressing to get the third goal that would seal the game. City had other ideas, and after breaking into the United half, grabbed the equaliser. Craig Bellamy picked up the ball on the left wing, cut in and curled in a superb shot, underlining a clinical edge from City. This spurred United forward again, and after Dimitar Berbatov spurned 3 glorious opportunities to grab the lead, Darren Fletcher scored his second on the 80th minute, again through a Giggs cross with what seemed to be the winner. But an error from Ferdinand allowed Petrov to send a through ball to Bellamy, who raced clear from Ferdinand and slotted home to level the game in the 90th minute. With the game all but finished and with the last attack of the game, Giggs was able to find Owen who slotted home perfectly to down City.

Ronaldo Move Complete

Cristiano Ronaldo today officially completed his move to Real Madrid. The Portuguese winger becomes the most expensive player on the planet with the fee of £80 million paid in one lump sum.

Yesterday Kaka was unveiled to 50,000 awaiting fans. He will be wearing the number 8 shirt, quashing rumours he will be number 5.

Real Madrid today also agreed a deal with French club Lyon for striker Benzima. Reports have indicated that a 6 year deal has been agreed with the player and Madrid, with the clubs settled on a £30 million fee. If the transfer goes as planned, Real Madrids total spent on transfers could exceed £180 million in 22 days.

Ancelotti Takes Charge Of Chelsea

Carlo Ancelotti became the 5th Chelsea manager in 2 years after finally sealing a much anticipated move from Italian club AC Milan. Ancelotti who quit Milan on Sunday afternoon, signed a three year deal. He already signalled his intent by declaring he is aiming to win the elusive Champions League for the first time in Chelsea history.

A host of players have already been linked with Chelsea since their arrival of their new coach. French winger Frank Ribery, Spanish & Valencia forward David Villa and Emmanual Adebayor are among players who are reportedly on Chelsea's 'wish list'. It is also been reported that 100million will be available for transfer funds.

Man United Win 18th Premiership

Alex Ferguson claimed his 11th Premiership title with a 0-0 home draw against Arsenal. United went into the game knowing they only needed a point to secure a record equalling 18th title, to level Liverpool's record of being the most successful team in English history.

The game itself had few chances, with Robin Van Persie and Wayne Rooney both going close with headers in the first half. In the second half, Ji Sung Park had a goal ruled out for offside, and late on Cesc Fabregas hit the post as the nerves settled in for the champions late on.

This was only the second time United had won the title on their home ground, and the home fans were treated to lavish show and parade of the trophy.