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David Beckham back as captain

Fabio Capello has continued to switch the England captaincy before making a permanent choice and David Beckham is next in line. Beckham had been the captain of England but resigned after the 2006 World Cup. It’s not thought that Beckham will not get the job permanently.

It wasn’t that long time ago that Beckham gave his emotional speech at the end of his reign as captain.

Odds with the bookies are split at the moment between John Terry and Rio Ferdinand. My bet goes on,…..Rio.

FA want Capello to get a semi

The Football Association want semi final finish or better our of Fabio Capello by the next two tournaments. The FA have also set other tasks for the organization but Capello’s target has been set high by toffs at the F.A.

They also sight hosting the 2018 World Cup in England as top priority a task which should be achievable with the New Wemley and two stadiums in Liverpool planned. Winning is everything thinks that setting the task of reaching the semi finals is beyond the Italian with the current crop of players.

The full list reads.

Successfully bid to host the 2018 World Cup
Wembley achieving an annual operating profit by 2012
The FA’s move to Wembley completed by 2010
RESPECT campaign improves overall disciplinary performance by 25% by 2012
Commercial/broadcast revenues increased by a substantial amount at the next review date in 2011
One million 5-11-year-olds trained through FA Tesco Skills Programme by 2010
125,000 existing teams retained and 20,500 new teams created by 2012
26,000 referees retained and an additional 8,000 referees recruited by 2012

France 1 - 0 England

Fabio Capello suffered his first defeat as England manager tonight losing 1-o to France in what was a dismal performance by Capello’s team.

David Beckham was given a starting place in his 100 appearance for his country tonight. Comparing to Capello’s first match John Terry started at the back in place of Matthew Upson and Jenas was replaced by Owen Hardgreaves.

France were without several first team players including Henry and Viera. Anelka started up front with Trezeguet. Capello started with Rooney alone up front supported by Gerrard, similar to how Gerrard plays with Torres at Liverpool.

England did actually control the game in the fist half for the first 3o minutes, with the best chance being a cross which Beckham tried to get on the end of. France scored after 32 minutes when Francois Clerc’s ball along the channel found Anelka, who brought down by David James, a clearcut penalty.

Bayern Munich midfielder Franck Ribery slotted the ball home from 12-yards sending James the wrong way.

At the half time break Capello changed things around with four subs and moving to 4-4-2. Crouch and Owen came on to play upfront, Terry was replaced by Lescott and Joe Cole by Downing. Despite the more attacking formation chances were scarce  and it was France that had the best opportunities to score, one falling to Anelka and one to Cisse.

Overall it was a very disappointing night for England. Although the back four looked solid the team could have played for another hour and still not scored.

Ferdinand named as England captain

Rio Ferdinand is the surprise choice to skipper the England side in tomorrow evening’s international friendly with France.

Favourite John Terry, and Liverpool midfielder Steven Gerrard – who captained the side against Switzerland last month – have been overlooked by Capello who is eager to stamp his own trademark on English football.

Winning is Everything also understood that former captain David Beckham could lead the side out if he earns his 100th cap.

Despite the Italian naming the Manchester United defender as captain for tomorrow’s match, there is no guarantees that he will be the man to lead the country in the 2010 World Cup qualifying campaign. This has been supported by an F A statement released this afternoon which commented –

“Capello has confirmed this continues his policy of rotating the captaincy between players in the friendly matches before confirming a permanent captain for the World Cup qualifying games.”

Ferdinand is set to earn his 66th cap for England and made his debut eleven years ago against Cameroon.

John Terry, skipper under previous manager Steve McClaren is said to be disappointed but told BBC Sport that “ I wish to continue as England captain but I respect Mr Capello’s decision”

Capello recalls Beckham for France clash

Former England captain David Beckham looks set to gain his 100th cap after being recalled to the squad for next weeks friendly in France.

Beckham,32, has been included in the provisional 30 man squad released this morning.

Capello’s assistant Franco Baldini assessed the former Manchester United midfielder’s fitness last week and he was deemed ready for a long anticipated return to the international setup.

Also called up are Portsmouth striker Jermaine Defoe, Villa’s Gabriel Agbonlahor and Middlesborough defender Dave Wheater. Theo Walcott is also recalled despite not featuring for the national team since the World Cup two years ago.

Surprisingly Paul Robinson has been omitted from the squad despite some exemplary performances of late – Capello opting instead for David James, Scott Carson and Chris Kirkland as his three goalkeepers.

With the return of John Terry from injury, speculation is rife surrounding who the Italian will name as captain for the clash in Paris. Steven Gerrard skippered the side against Switzerland last month, but with the return of the Chelsea defender, and even the inclusion of former captain David Beckham it is unclear who Capello will choose to lead the side out.

The provisional squad will be reduced to a final party of 23 on Saturday evening – despite thirteen players expected to play the following day when “Grand slam Sunday” pairs the top four against each other.

Hartlepool to stage England tie

Winning is Everything has learnt that the England U18 clash with Austria next month will be held at Hartlepool United’s Victoria Ground.

The match will be played on Wednesday April 16th - Wiining is Everything will have a comprehensive build up to the match nearer the time.

England legend released from hospital

Former England midfielder Paul Gascoigne has been released from hospital after he was detained under the Mental Health Act.

“Gazza” as he is affectionately known was detained in February after being called to a hotel where residents and staff were said to be feeling “threatened” by his actions.

Gascoigne’s off the field problems have been well documented – almost on a daily basis since that memorable World Cup Semi Final with Germany eighteen years ago. The former Spurs and Lazio midfielder suffers with alcohol related problems as well as personality disorders which require psychiatric treatment on a consistent basis.

Football-mad Gascoigne has now been out of the game for several years following a brief stint managing Conference North Side Kettering Town. Personality clashes and claims of excessive Chairman interference put this to a speedy conclusion however.

Despite this news of Paul Gascoigne dominates the media to the same extent as it did when he was every school boys idol in the late 80s and early 90s. The whole country is interested in what he does, where he goes and the problems he faces. In essence he is the property of the media and it is this which has exemplified his illness to levels which far eclipse what they would have been with this harassment.

Former club Tottenham Hotspur have pledged to help Gazza and other former players by setting up a trust to support their former employees and their families. Gascoigne’s beloved Newcastle United have also stated their intention to help one of their most loved sons in a bid to give him his life back.

I wonder if those who must hold at least a large proportion of the blame, the media, will be equally as supportive?

Winning is Everything would like to which Paul and his family our very best wishes and hope that you not only overcome your current obstacles but you are given the privacy and respect to do this in a speedy manner.

Artificial pitches could be used in World Cup Finals

Fifa President Sepp Blatter has stated that there is a possibility that artificial pitches will be used at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.

Speaking following a FIFA International Football Association Board meeting in Scotland, Blatter stated that due to climate conditions associated with the South African summer, artificial pitches would definitely be an option.

Mr Blatter, who has come under intense criticism following his comments regarding Martin Taylor’s tackle on Eduardo this week, said that -
“if there are any problems then it is a possibility that some matches could be played on artificial turf”

Fifa’s President followed this up by stating -
“Football on artificial turf is the future…the only opponents are people who have never played on it.”
The Pieman disagrees yet again with Blatter, artificial pitches are a thing of the past and reintroducing these will have no benefit to the game. I remember teams like Luton Town having plastic pitches and not only were they shocking, they inhibited creativity which is surely to the detriment of the game.
Daft comments from a guy who recently has said nothing but!

Brady links up with Republic

 Arsenal legend Liam Brady has agreed to become Giovanni Trapattoni’s assistant as he takes charge with the Republic of Ireland.

Brady formerly played under the Italian during the 1980s at Juventus and is now director of Arsenal’s youth academy. The Gunners however have given one of their famous sons permission to work with Ireland and keep his role at the Emirates.

Brady has a good knowledge of the Republic players who missed out on qualification for Euro 2008, and as their focus shifts to the 2010 World Cup in South Africa the move to appoint him in an official capacity has been well received by the Irish.

Arguably Brady’s most important task, certainly in the short term, is to convince Andy O’Brien and Steve Finnan to repeal their decisions to quit international football and play an integral part in their qualification for South Africa.

The new management team have been drafted in following Steve Staunton’s departure back in October. The former Liverpool defender left his post by mutual consent following a lacklustre draw with Cyprus which ended their Euro 2008 hopes.

Beckham ready to claim 100th cap

England Head Coach Fabio Capello has strongly hinted that former Captain David Beckham very much figures in his short term plans.
Capello has suggested that Beckham can be confident of achieving his 100th England cap in the near future despite missing out on the recent friendly with Switzerland due to a lack of match fitness.
The former Real Madrid coach has been quoted as saying that Beckham “is in contention” to play against France later this month and followed this up by stating that “he will get his 100th cap if he is fit and in form”
Beckham is reported to have had a fiery relationship with the Italian during their time together at Real Madrid, yet it seems that Capello is giving the midfielder an olive branch and asking him to prove that he is worth a starting place.
The Pieman applauds this approach - too many times England Managers have played people on the back of who they are rather than what they can deliver. Capello looks to have the balance just right which is very encouraging for the future!

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