Showing posts with label England. Show all posts
Showing posts with label England. Show all posts
Friday, 8 June 2012
366/160 - Support England... with American beer and Belgian lager...
Today's Project 366 photo was taken in Tesco, Beeston.
Wednesday, 16 May 2012
England Squad for Euro 2012
And so it's been announced - the England squad for Euro 2012.
No Rio Ferdinand (good), still a place for John Terry (bad), and wasting a place to allow the thug Rooney to play once his suspension has been lifted (bad).
Inclusion of Andy Carroll is a surprise but he has hit form recently.
A shame not more youngsters in my opinion.
Goalkeepers
Joe Hart, Robert Green, John Ruddy
Defenders
Leighton Baines, Gary Cahill, Ashley Cole, Glen Johnson, Phil Jones, Joleon Lescott, John Terry
Midfielders
Gareth Barry, Stewart Downing, Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard, James Milner, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Scott Parker, Theo Walcott, Ashley Young
Strikers
Andy Carroll, Jermain Defoe, Wayne Rooney, Danny Welbeck
Standby
Jack Butland, Phil Jagielka, Jordan Henderson, Adam Johnson, Daniel Sturridge.
No Rio Ferdinand (good), still a place for John Terry (bad), and wasting a place to allow the thug Rooney to play once his suspension has been lifted (bad).
Inclusion of Andy Carroll is a surprise but he has hit form recently.
A shame not more youngsters in my opinion.
Goalkeepers
Joe Hart, Robert Green, John Ruddy
Defenders
Leighton Baines, Gary Cahill, Ashley Cole, Glen Johnson, Phil Jones, Joleon Lescott, John Terry
Midfielders
Gareth Barry, Stewart Downing, Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard, James Milner, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Scott Parker, Theo Walcott, Ashley Young
Strikers
Andy Carroll, Jermain Defoe, Wayne Rooney, Danny Welbeck
Standby
Jack Butland, Phil Jagielka, Jordan Henderson, Adam Johnson, Daniel Sturridge.
Saturday, 12 May 2012
Roy's dilemma: Ferdinand or Terry
According pundits on Radio 5 this is Roy Hogdson's big dilemma this week. Should he pick John Terry or Rio Feedinand for the forthcoming Euros?
What an awful choice.
Should the new England manager pick a proven drug cheat who has been patchy with his form this season and, as he's getting on a bit, is likely to be tiring after a long season, or should he choose a hot-headed thug, with a poor disciplinary record this season, who hasa pending court case for racist abuse and who has also been off form lately?
Drug cheat or racist thug? Tough choice.
I hope Hodgson surprises everyone. Nobody is expecting much from the team at the Euros this year. Why not pass over all the tired has beens, skip a generation and pick a youthful squad who will be the core of his selections as England, hopefully, head towards the next World Cup in Brazil in 2014.
Sadly, I fear he'll give the old guard a final hurrah - and, consequently, England won't get beyond the group stage.
What an awful choice.
Should the new England manager pick a proven drug cheat who has been patchy with his form this season and, as he's getting on a bit, is likely to be tiring after a long season, or should he choose a hot-headed thug, with a poor disciplinary record this season, who hasa pending court case for racist abuse and who has also been off form lately?
Drug cheat or racist thug? Tough choice.
I hope Hodgson surprises everyone. Nobody is expecting much from the team at the Euros this year. Why not pass over all the tired has beens, skip a generation and pick a youthful squad who will be the core of his selections as England, hopefully, head towards the next World Cup in Brazil in 2014.
Sadly, I fear he'll give the old guard a final hurrah - and, consequently, England won't get beyond the group stage.
Monday, 30 April 2012
OPINION: Roy Hodgson to be England manager
The F.A. never fails to amaze with its decisions. Everyone was expecting Harry Redknapp to be announced as the next England manager, but yesterday, it was announced that they were in discussions with Roy Hodgson and that he was the only person they had approached.
The announcement didn't go down well with many who wanted to see Redknapp at the helm for Euro 2012 and beyond.
But wait a second...
Roy Hodgson is a much better choice. The F.A. have, for once, made the right decision.
Not only is Hodgson more experienced than Redknapp, with successful times managing national teams and managing a major European club side (all things that Redknapp hasn't done), he's won more trophies than Harry and is a safe pair of hands, with no allegations against him.
I think Roy Hodgson could be the ideal manager but, it must be remembered, he is 64 and the F.A. must start planning now for who will follow him.
The announcement didn't go down well with many who wanted to see Redknapp at the helm for Euro 2012 and beyond.
But wait a second...
Roy Hodgson is a much better choice. The F.A. have, for once, made the right decision.
Not only is Hodgson more experienced than Redknapp, with successful times managing national teams and managing a major European club side (all things that Redknapp hasn't done), he's won more trophies than Harry and is a safe pair of hands, with no allegations against him.
I think Roy Hodgson could be the ideal manager but, it must be remembered, he is 64 and the F.A. must start planning now for who will follow him.
Wednesday, 8 February 2012
OPINION: Capello's replacement?
So who will replace Capello as England football manager?
Mid-season isn't a good time for many candidates.
Harry Redknapp
The popular choice and, only hours earlier, cleared by the courts, but with Spurs riding high in the table will they let him go? In fact, would he he walk out on what could be his greatest season as a lib manager? FA have always rejected part time option but, to end of season, that might be a possibility.
Stuart Pearce
Currently coach of the Under 21 team and do part of the FA set up. Clearly being groomed as a potential future full international manager but is it too soon and does he really have the tactical wherewithal to lead England into the European championships?
Ray Wilkins
Yes, really! Why not?! Very experienced as an England international though known to be tactically rather negative. Didnt have much success as a club manager. A good tactician as a tv pundit but not Mr. Personality. Surely he'd be a safe pair of hands with the media.
Sam Allardyce
"Big Sam" is currently the West Ham manager who are top of the championship and grading for promotion. Would they let him go? Doubtful. Not always popular with fans due to rather basic and physical game.
Steve McClaren
Bizarrely, he's got to be in the reckoning following success in The Netherlands but, surely, his previous stint (and his time as Sven's number two) can never be forgotten.
Gareth Southgate
Er.... NO!
Roy Hodgson
To be honest, I'd forgotten all about him. Hugely experienced and, until his disastrous spell at Liverpool, I would have said a safe pair of hands. If Harry says no....
Who else? A return for Keegan? Go for another foreign manager?
Mid-season isn't a good time for many candidates.
Harry Redknapp
The popular choice and, only hours earlier, cleared by the courts, but with Spurs riding high in the table will they let him go? In fact, would he he walk out on what could be his greatest season as a lib manager? FA have always rejected part time option but, to end of season, that might be a possibility.
Stuart Pearce
Currently coach of the Under 21 team and do part of the FA set up. Clearly being groomed as a potential future full international manager but is it too soon and does he really have the tactical wherewithal to lead England into the European championships?
Ray Wilkins
Yes, really! Why not?! Very experienced as an England international though known to be tactically rather negative. Didnt have much success as a club manager. A good tactician as a tv pundit but not Mr. Personality. Surely he'd be a safe pair of hands with the media.
Sam Allardyce
"Big Sam" is currently the West Ham manager who are top of the championship and grading for promotion. Would they let him go? Doubtful. Not always popular with fans due to rather basic and physical game.
Steve McClaren
Bizarrely, he's got to be in the reckoning following success in The Netherlands but, surely, his previous stint (and his time as Sven's number two) can never be forgotten.
Gareth Southgate
Er.... NO!
Roy Hodgson
To be honest, I'd forgotten all about him. Hugely experienced and, until his disastrous spell at Liverpool, I would have said a safe pair of hands. If Harry says no....
Who else? A return for Keegan? Go for another foreign manager?
Sunday, 5 February 2012
OPINION: John Terry's punishment
The fact the maximum penalty John Terry can receive for his race hate is a fine of £2,500 highlights a couple of issues which parliament need to address.
1) Race hate crimes need to have more serious punishments. A fine of £2,500 is simply not sufficient.
2) Fines need to be as a percentage of income/worth NOT a flat tariff for everyone. £2,500 is a month's salary for many. For John Terry it is less than a morning's work. This is wrong.
3) Court cases cost a lot and, currently, this is paid by the tax payer. Court costs SHOULD be recouped from the guilty.
4) Any crime which has an anti-social element, as the race hate charges Terry has been accused of, must have a custodial sentence. Anti-social behaviour means you should give up your place in society for a fixes period of time.
5) This isn't Terry's first scrape with the legal system. Clearly his previous punishments were insufficient. Two strikes and you're out, now matter what the crime is.
1) Race hate crimes need to have more serious punishments. A fine of £2,500 is simply not sufficient.
2) Fines need to be as a percentage of income/worth NOT a flat tariff for everyone. £2,500 is a month's salary for many. For John Terry it is less than a morning's work. This is wrong.
3) Court cases cost a lot and, currently, this is paid by the tax payer. Court costs SHOULD be recouped from the guilty.
4) Any crime which has an anti-social element, as the race hate charges Terry has been accused of, must have a custodial sentence. Anti-social behaviour means you should give up your place in society for a fixes period of time.
5) This isn't Terry's first scrape with the legal system. Clearly his previous punishments were insufficient. Two strikes and you're out, now matter what the crime is.
Wednesday, 1 February 2012
COMMENT: John Terry's racism charge
Today John Terry found that the trial for his alleged use of racist insults against Antonio Ferdinand won't take place until 9th July - just over a week after the Euro 2012 Championships have finished.
Terry has pleaded not guilty to making racist comments in a match between Chelsea and QPR last October. Today, in the Magistrates' Court, he pleaded "not guilty".
Now I realise and accept that, as the law stands, John Terry is currently innocent until proved otherwise. Howev, the police have investigated the accusations and the Criwn Prosecution Service have decided, based on that investigatin, that Terry has a case to answer.
Yes, the fact he has a case to answer doesn't stop him being innocent.It just means he has a case to answer.
But, should Terry go to Poland/Ukraine in June to represent England in the Euro 2012 Championships and, if he does go, should he still captain the England team (a position he only regained in March 2011 having been stripped of it a year earlier due to "troubles" in his private life)?
Personally, I think there are many issues that are raised if Terry is selected and goes:
1. What about his relationship with Les Ferdinand (Antonio Ferdinand's brother) who is likely to be in the England squad?
2. What of the FA's "KICK RACISM INTO TOUCH" campaign?
3. Will Terry's mind be on football or his impending court case?
4. Will he have the support of other black players in the squad?
5. What effect will it have on the FA's credibility?
I'm undecided. I strongly support the notion of innocent until proven guilty but I do wonder whether Terry's inclusion in the squad, let alone being captain, raises too many questions. It's not as if he has an unblemished past - there are several incidents in his past that make him an unsuitable ambassador for the country on the international stage.
I suspect the FA will somehow manage to fudge the issue... and hope he picks up a metatarsal injury in April/May that will prevent him going!
Terry has pleaded not guilty to making racist comments in a match between Chelsea and QPR last October. Today, in the Magistrates' Court, he pleaded "not guilty".
Now I realise and accept that, as the law stands, John Terry is currently innocent until proved otherwise. Howev, the police have investigated the accusations and the Criwn Prosecution Service have decided, based on that investigatin, that Terry has a case to answer.
Yes, the fact he has a case to answer doesn't stop him being innocent.It just means he has a case to answer.
But, should Terry go to Poland/Ukraine in June to represent England in the Euro 2012 Championships and, if he does go, should he still captain the England team (a position he only regained in March 2011 having been stripped of it a year earlier due to "troubles" in his private life)?
Personally, I think there are many issues that are raised if Terry is selected and goes:
1. What about his relationship with Les Ferdinand (Antonio Ferdinand's brother) who is likely to be in the England squad?
2. What of the FA's "KICK RACISM INTO TOUCH" campaign?
3. Will Terry's mind be on football or his impending court case?
4. Will he have the support of other black players in the squad?
5. What effect will it have on the FA's credibility?
I'm undecided. I strongly support the notion of innocent until proven guilty but I do wonder whether Terry's inclusion in the squad, let alone being captain, raises too many questions. It's not as if he has an unblemished past - there are several incidents in his past that make him an unsuitable ambassador for the country on the international stage.
I suspect the FA will somehow manage to fudge the issue... and hope he picks up a metatarsal injury in April/May that will prevent him going!
Thursday, 8 December 2011
OPINION: FA wins Rooney appeal
This morning, the FA won its appeal and had Wayne Rooney's three-match ban at the Euro 2012 tournament reduced to two matches.
This means, assuming that Capello selects Rooney, he will be available t play in the final group stage match against the co-hosts, Ukraine.
But what sort of message does this send out to youngsters, as well as other players?
At best, Rooney's tackle was petulant. At worst, it was thuggery of a type Rooney regularly exhibits. He'll feel he's got away with it to some extent.
Rooney, and all other footballing thugs, should be banned and fined far more dramatically. When Eric Cantona Kung fu kicked a fan in the crowd he was banned for the rest of that season. That is the sort of punishment that Rooney deserves. And, if there is a repeat (and there have been many repeats from this dullard yob) he should be banned for life.
He is a danger to himself, to the teams he plays for and, more seriously, to the opposition because, the chances are, his violent tendencies will, one day, lead to a player being seriously injured.
Today, UEFA lost my respect. The FA, by appealing the original decision, had already lost my respect. Rooney is scum, sporting detritus, and should not be allowed to play again, in any competition, until he cleans up his act and learns how to play within the rules ofthe game.
This means, assuming that Capello selects Rooney, he will be available t play in the final group stage match against the co-hosts, Ukraine.
But what sort of message does this send out to youngsters, as well as other players?
At best, Rooney's tackle was petulant. At worst, it was thuggery of a type Rooney regularly exhibits. He'll feel he's got away with it to some extent.
Rooney, and all other footballing thugs, should be banned and fined far more dramatically. When Eric Cantona Kung fu kicked a fan in the crowd he was banned for the rest of that season. That is the sort of punishment that Rooney deserves. And, if there is a repeat (and there have been many repeats from this dullard yob) he should be banned for life.
He is a danger to himself, to the teams he plays for and, more seriously, to the opposition because, the chances are, his violent tendencies will, one day, lead to a player being seriously injured.
Today, UEFA lost my respect. The FA, by appealing the original decision, had already lost my respect. Rooney is scum, sporting detritus, and should not be allowed to play again, in any competition, until he cleans up his act and learns how to play within the rules ofthe game.
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