England To Win World Cup? The Ball Is Round...

When I was in primary school, not only do many of us play with marbles and fighting spiders, the school I was at has two very unique features - all the boys have to be spotting crew cut (botak) and when the recess bell rang the first time, everyone must stay completely still and after the second bell rang a short while later were we allowed to move to go in line for class. Till today, I am still not aware of the reason for having to stay still at the first bell but the "botak" crew cut gave us two things. 


The first was the everybody yearned for the day we could keep our hair long, not necessary long like some rock stars but just normal length. So when everybody went back to school for their PSLE results, we all looked funny - none was found to be still botak. The graduation was like the feeling of a Shaolin monk depicted in movies especially the part where they have to carry a burning urn so that the the imprints of a tiger on one arm and the dragon on the other would be indelibly captured for life. Six long years, we bore the brunt of jokes thrown at us. 


Those other three months in NS during BMT was the other time where one could really feel light-headed and save on shampoo, besides being the first to know when it rained. With the weather so hot and humid, there are times I was tempted to do a redux. Next after lower secondary, you get to wear pants and you thought that you would look cool in those "panther" shoes ever so popular back then. If I were to give you those panther shoes today, you wouldn't want them do you? 


So, everything is relative ain't it? What you may be willing to die for today may become silly and unimportant tomorrow. For example, an ex boyfriend or girlfriend when you see them in later years or hear about them, you may even thank God you were not with them. The problem is we humans see things only for the "now". Sometimes, it is good you didn't get what you wished for. So, relax you are doing alright. Be steady "poon pee pee" lah (whistles).

Sometimes, when asked to comment on some upcoming important soccer games, some technical experts like to say "the ball is round, anything can happen". Not that we can't see it's round but probably what they meant is since it's round, it could roll either way. So do you express it as "the ball is dimpled" in golf term? It's as good as "no comment". You 'll need to say more otherwise reporters can't write and you won't make the game more exciting and when they lose their jobs they go hunting for scandals instead. That's why I like Noh Alam Shah. 


When asked about Singapore facing Vietnam, he said "we are going to thrash them". I believe him as he has always walked the talk and wears his heart on his sleeve just like Kevin Keegan. He spoke some truth about the S-League too but the forum he chose to do it was not appropriate. Jose Mourinho did an even better job of talking, always there to surprise you with some colourful comments which you least expect it, sometimes going overboard. 


David Letterman makes a living out of talking and poking fun at others including their exploits, boo-boos or sex lives. He came under scrutiny himself over the recent blackmail incident which prompted rival Jay Leno to say that if you came here tonight looking for sex with a talk show host, you have come to the wrong studio.

The Gambler

Kenny Rogers's The Gambler went: "You must know when to hold it, know when to throw it. Know when to walk away, know when to run." "You never count your money, while you're sitting at the table, there'll be time enough for counting when the dealing's done". Many top sportsmen missed the adulation of fans and when the applause has died, they became lonely recluses, turned alcoholic or became broke. Some tried to extend their shelf-life, others attempted comebacks in one way or another. 


Maradona came back to coach Argentina and now they are baying for his blood as the results were the worst in many years. Paolo Maldini of AC Milan and Italy extended his playing career and was successful. Sol Campbell of England and formerly Arsenal, Spurs and Portsmouth lasted one day at Preston in the lower division before calling it quits as things were quite different.

Age will take away our edge, take us to the edge and take us over the edge. S. Rajagopal, the Camel, our ex international soccer player suffered a heart attack when he took part in a curtain raiser match for ex internationals just like Dollah Kassim did when he collapsed on a Sunday. I haven't seen Raja for quite a long time as we sometimes bumped into each other during lunch. 


I was still playing some up to June which is one of many comebacks but decided it is better to give up for a smaller ball as the demands from soccer is far greater. I knew what Bill Shankly said - that soccer is not just a matter of life and death, it is far more serious than that. He was spot on judging from the emotions of Singaporeans over telecast rights of the EPL.

EPL

In my opinion, Liverpool should have won the Premier League title last year as they lost only two games, beaten their key rivals but they drew too many of the games (11) against the smaller teams. The othere reason was both Chelsea and Manchester United weren't that good. Cristiano Ronaldo was still scoring many goals but not as many as the previous season as opponents are figuring better ways to deal with him as Rooney was still his most effective decoy. 


He should do okay at Real Madrid given his talent but I do not think he's going to be as effective. My unqestionable preference is for the little wizard Lionel Messi of Argentina and Barcelona. This lad is a greater gift to mankind and soccer. He picks himself up even when he got smacked down compared to Ronaldo's diving. I hope Messi shines at the World Cup.

Arsenal

You can't mention Barcelona who plays the planet's best soccer without mentioning Arsenal for Arsenal is at least Barcelona Light. They play the EPL's most breathtaking attacking soccer. Their movements are so fluid without breaking stride and is a sight to behold. Just look at the goals they have scored. You have to give the highest regard and respect to Arsene Wenger for transforming the way they eat, train, think and play. 


He made Patrick Viera into the great midfield general, turned Thierry Henry from an ordinary winger at Juventus into Europe and the world's finest striker. Henry could score from almost every free kick and would weave his dribbling magic at will as if defenders do not exist. Then he found Kanu, Adebayor and made them stars. Alexander Hleb was at his best for Arsenal but left and now admitted it was great at Arsenal. Then there was Dennis Bergkamp, the flying Dutchman. Now you are staring at the future - Eboue, Clichy, Varmaelen, Sagna, Denilson, Van Persie, Brendtner, Theo Walcott and and just look at Fabregas and how he has taken center stage.

Prediction

Way back, I made a few predictions. I gazed at the crystal ball and saw nothing, so I made my own. Chelsea has been a very good, balanced side but their defence once impregnable are making others pregnant. Drogba is in the form of his life so they'll be in with a shout. I have also said that Manchested United is not the same even as they were grinding out results like Paul Scholes late goal against Wolves nothwithstanding a great performance v AC Milan (4-0) on mid-week. 

Rooney did a brace over them (Italian defence) in each leg. I have also boldly claimed that getting rid of Cristiano Ronaldo is not necessary a bad thing because Rooney has been made to play everywhere else as his main decoy. Rooney is going to be even better than Ronaldo as you are seeing him now even scoring frequnetly with high quality headers something which was not his forte. 

He is a world beater now and England had better pray for his form to sustain and keep him safe for injury for the World Cup where he is going to be a star alongside illuminaries like Lionel Messi, Kaka and possible other like Higuain. Arsenal has just demolished Porto 5-0. I have also mentioned it could be a high possibility this year. They were both brutal and yet beautiful and from start to finish were simply terrific, dictating pace and played with great imagination and intelligence - typically Arsene Wenger and they were without their talismanic captain Fabregas.

England To Win The World Cup?

There are many local fans of English football and because we are familiar, they seems to be everybody's favourite team other than loving the way Brazil plays. The English press like to build their team up and crash them to bits the moment they didn't do so well. Let's just look for a start the possible players that can get selected by Fabio Capello and since Don Fabio selects based on current form and not reputation, I shall use current index of the Premier League as a gauge. Here's how it looks for the Three Lions:

Goalkeepers

At goal, once England's forte and the world's finest, it has been reduced to being medicore. Joe Hart (111 points) who played a starring role for the U-21 has moved to Birmingham from Manchester City after they signed Shay Givens and has been in outstanding form but he hasn't played too much at senior level. Paul Robinson (102 points) who looks much leaner these days has been playing well for Blackburn Rovers and has previous experience as no.1. Robert Green (100 points) is a steady goalie at West Ham and for England but he is not that outstanding. 

David James while being the most capped and an excellent shot-stopper and been blighted by injuries and playing for a poor team in Portsmouth. This is possibly England's weakest link. A winning team always has a good defence and goalie but the question is does the defence that makes the goalie great or vice versa? Who should do it in June? At the moment, Green has been playing. 

I would go for Joe Hart. You need to be daring and he has the best rating in the EPL among the four. In the past, all of England's top goalie played for a top team. Hart plays for Birmingham at 8th position in the EPL followed by Robinson's Blackburn in 12th, Greens's West Ham in 16th and James' Portsmouth in 20th. Green seems to be Capello's choice. You may be playing well but at bottom teams you spent more time picking balls at the back of the net so much so that if your confidence is not hurt, then your back will.

Defence

Two top defenders both from Chelsea - John Terry and Ashley Cole are facing problems due to their sexual appetite. Cole is worse off as it seems the wife has given up on him and he has a broken ankle. While some quarters criticize JT to be slow, others said that his fighting qualities, reading, courage and leadership are outstanding. Ashley Cole is one of the world's best fullbacks and England will miss his presence if he doesn't recover in time. His most suitable replacement Wayne Bridge has opted out due to his issue with JT. Everton's Leighton Baines is having a good season, so too Villa's Stephen Warnock but both have never featured meaningful for England at senior level. 

Glen Johnson easily walks into the right fullback position but for his injury that has kept him out. Since joining Liverpool from Chelsea he has improved with regular games. He supports that attack well and even scored goals and few defenders can dribble like him and yet make more than decent crosses but too much forays may leave gaps at the back. He is exciting to watch for a defender. Other options are old warhorse Gary Neville, Wes Brown or Micah Richards. Gary is in his twilight and is no spring chicken. Wes Brown was talent-spotted by Man U but although he continues to play for both club and country, I feel he was never going up a notch more. Micah Richards starred for Steve McClaren and Man City, even going up front to score a few goals at a young age and was instantly tipped for bigger things but he hardly featured for Capello. 

How things have changed. Matthew Upson while solid has never been first choice. Gary Cahill was surprising sold by Villa to Bolton and I put him equal to Stoke's Ryan Shawcross being young outstanding defenders in the typical English mould. Joleon Lescott was doing very well at Everton but he seemed to have lost some steam after joining Man City. Rio Ferdinand is out injured and has not really played much for Man U and a recurring bad back does not bode well for England because Rio is really a stylish defender with can play the ball with his feet. 

You need him at the World Cup. Ledley King is an excellent player but the problem with his knee meant that he could only do light training at Tottenham mostly. Thierry Henry at his peak named Ledley King as his most difficult opponent having played against the world's best because King is so fast and reads the game so well, he doesn't foul you to make an interception and suddenly just come up and rob the ball from you. England's fortune in the World Cup can be defined here. Their current performance in EPL.

1) John Terry (119), 2) Ashley Cole (108), 3) Ryan Shawcross (98), 4) Leighton Baines (91), Matthew Upson (82), Glen Johnson (79), Gary Cahill (77), Stephen Warnock (64), Wes Brown (61), Micah Richards (55), 11) Jolean Lescott, 12) Ledley King (43), 13) Gary Neville (34), 14) Rio Ferdinand (25), Wayne Bridge (?).

When injury-free, the defence picks itself - Glen Johnson (right-back), Ashley Cole (left-back), John Terry and Rio Ferdinand (centre-halves).


Midfield

They say that the midfield is the engine of the team. Based on current standing, this is the score:

1) Frank Lampard (175), 2) James Milner (132), 3) Steven Gerrard (109), 4) Ashley Young (104), 5) Gareth Barry (94), 6) Aaron Lennon (93), 7) Shaun Wright Philips (82), 8) Michael Carrick (68), 9) Jack Rodwell (48), 10) Stewart Downing (47), 11) Theo Walcott (36), 12) Jack Wilshere (16), Joe Cole, David Beckham, Owen Hargreaves.

Frank Lampard has always been outstanding for Chelsea and Steven Gerrard as the main inspiration for Liverpool. Both, playing in England and Europe are among the best with Lampard's goal-scoring record putting some strikers to shame. While Gerrard could run all over the place, Lampard has the knack of coming in from the blind side to score. The surprise is James Milner, the former Newcastle U-21 who is now starring for Villa. Milner has high work rate and is versstile and rarely guilty of a bad game and always dependable. 


What surprises me is why Ashley Young has not featured more often. He could play with both legs, good with crosses, is very pacy, could score and is dangerous at set piece free-kicks. He should be on that plane. Gareth Barry (formerly Villa and now Mac City) is consistent and is able to hold midfield. To me, he is also the best candidate to play left back should Cole not be available. Aaron Lennon and Shaun Wright-Philips makes the right wing compelling. Lennon has been showing his full potential. Lightning fast and unstoppable on his run he will give headaches to any defence and his crosses has improved while SWP is full of tricks both capable of mazy runs. 


This is where David Beckham if selected may only feature towards the las 20 minutes for he is still valuable for his experience and set pieces from corners and free-kicks. Theo Walcott has tremendous acceleration and will be a world beater if he could summon the same performance he gave versus Croatia with that hattrick but injuries limited his appearances for Arsenal and seems lacking in confidence. when you lack confidence, he try very hard and it gets worse. He is in danger of missing out. Michael Carrick is not a hard man like Roy Keane but he makes interceptions quietly with good timing and distributes the ball well that is why Man U is still ticking. Stewart Downing is decent but just so-so. Jack Rodwell (Everton) and Jack Wilshere (Arsenal) are great future prospects with their talent. Owen Hargreaves was outstanding in the last World Cup but hardly touch a ball this season. Joe Cole is more Brazilian than English with his repertoire of skills. Long lay off from injuries now featuring now for Chelsea may not give him an edge. The midfield almost picks itself with Lampard, Gerrard, Barry and one from among SWP, Lennon or Walcott to give speed upfront.

Strikers

Only Wayne Rooney is much feared. Darren Bent has been doing very well for Sunderland while Jermaine Defoe has been showing his clinical finishing this year that's why Spurs are flourishing and none more complete than the five goals he scored in a game. Gabriel Agbonlahor is strong and fast leading thte line for Villa. Peter Crouch came in as sub v Egypt and scored two goals. At this point England is ranked 9th by FIFA and Egypt 10th. Funny thing about Crouch is that he doesn't score many but when he put on the three-lions badge, he outscored many others at international level. 


However, there is a tendency for balls to be pumped to him as a target man nullifying movement across the field and make England predictable. Emile Heskey hardly scored but he has been selected by several different managers for his ability to hold the ball. Carlton Cole is at best peripheral. Micheal Owen is England's best and most proven goal-scorer but he has been sadly ravaged by injuries. Despite a hattrick for Man U, he is down again with injury and looks like missing the trip. What a blow. England has to pray for Rooney to stay injury-free and sustain his current form and he will be a world beater. This is the current score:

1) Wayne Rooney (199), 2) Darren Bent (149), 3) Jermain Defoe (122), 4) Gabriel Agbonlahor (116), 5) Peter Crouch (93), 6) Carlton Cole (80), 7) Emile Heskey (43), 8) Michael Owen (39).


Depth in Squad

Whether you are playing in a league or cup, in this case a cup tournament that last for a month, you really need to condition yourselves to peak physically at the right time and also truly playing to form. If your team is jaded and tired, it gets really tough. That is one problem with the English who is the only one who plays their league through winter. You will also need a golden generation of players to come together such that talents flow through the squad and fills in every position. 


Look at Michel Platini's France, Zidane's France, Beckanbauer's Germany, Pele and Ronaldo/Ronaldinho's Brazil, etc. Besides first teamers, a winning team needs strength in depth so that when a star player is injured or suspended, his replacement even if not equal would be close to that standard and could do things to win games. This is where England may lack as compared to Brazil and Spain. In this respect, Brazil and Spain could not be matched for talent spread and strength in depth throughout their squad. English players also lack guile like those of that from Brazil, Argentina and Spain. You will need to play in tight corners, thread passes, move the ball and players around and control the pace of the game. England is devoid of a play-maker.

For England to win the World Cup, a few key players must play to their true form of their lives and keep free from injuries and suspension. Johnson, Ferdinand, Terry and Cole must hold the line well. Lampard, Gerrard must transfer their club form to international level. Throw in a few surprises from Walcott, Lennon or Young and SWP. Rooney playing to his current form is fearsome enough and perhaps for Crouch or Defoe to shine. Last but not least, in Fabio Capello, they have an awesome manager who is in control and knew precisely what he is doing. His tactics and selection for a game and usage of suitable substitution will then hold the key. My favourites for now remain Spain and Brazil. What do you think? Germany?