Rooney Tunes Up
First of all, the new kit. Why the hell do we need a new kit? Times are hard, cash is strapped but never mind let's get a million schoolboys (and girls) across the country to give their mums a right flippin' earache 'cos their England shirts are 'so last year'.
Fortunately the new design, with some input from Capello apparently, is no problem to fake. Buy your kid an average white collared T-shirt, stick some badges on it and even the savviest fashionista brat might struggle to tell the difference.
Trouble is I quite like the new style. If they could only stop making stuff in a material that I can only describe as InstantHum polyester that'd really help
When you gather (or in the Riverside's case, clump) together on the terraces these days, the scent of man wafts over the seats like a fetid burger van. Fortunately, the odour has been well repressed at the home fans' end at our place 'cos there's been very little reason to raise our arms above the horizontal for weeks now. Besides, as my missus puts it, what's wrong with breathable cotton?
Becks's 109th cap passed by with not too much more than a murmur - great cross for Rooney's first, mind - and his place in the squad looks sealed 'til 2010 now. Alan Green is one of them who can barely suppress his low opinion of Beckham. Me, I'm of the opposite bent.
True, he's two-paced (slow and standing). True, he's an advertising hoarding. True, his trip to LA has been laughable. But the lad has always put in the effort on the pitch, he's the best crosser of a football the British game's seen, and all his managers can testify to his commitment (not least NCO Capello).
I wouldn't bother comparing him to Bobby Moore like some folk seem forced to. Moore lifted the World Cup, played 90 minutes of every game, never got sent off, and was the best central defender we ever had.
Just 'cos Beckham's not quite as legendary doesn't mean he hasn't earned them caps. Capello's no mug and as a late sub, with more space to work in and tired defenders around, Beckham can still do a good and dangerous job.
As John Terry rightly pointed out, Wayne Rooney will probably overtake the clothes-horse on the right as the most-capped England international. Despite the 'crazy man' tag, the national game seems to be back in love with Shrek. Clive Tyldesley summons up Wazza love-songs every time the little welterweight (or 'worth-the-wait' if it were down to Clive) thunders on to the pitch.
Rooney has had his detractors, mind. Probably the same oafs who were roaring their approval when he appeared like a fearless Scouse bear and terrified defences in 2004. It's hard to live up to that. But me, I'm glad Capello has urged him to rein it in a bit. I think there's a lot of all cack talked about Rooney's temper.
First of all, he's miles better than he has been (unless you ask the odd hospitalised corner-flag).
Second of all, there's no reason for anyone to defend the type of gob-smattering toilet-mouthed outburst that Wazza is prone to. Becks and JT have referred to the lad's 'passion'. Clearly in footballer-speak passion = rage. Next time the wife has a pop at us for not being passionate I'll remind her how recently it was that I wagged me finger in her face and bawled me head off at her.
Nah, that's not passion. It's just Wayne losing it. And it's a cartoon rage, is Rooney's. You can see the snarl playing on his lips, the eyes narrowing to pinpricks, the steam coming out his ears and the crown of his cropped head rattling like a pan lid on top of boiling potatoes, as he chases after some full-back who has foolishly just robbed him of possession.
And the point is that when he loses it, he tends to tread on defenders' delicates and then spends the next hour taking it out on the Radox in a lonely bath.
It's garbage to say if you took away Rooney's anger, you'd get half the player. The lad's at his best when he's calm and happy, as he was on Saturday night. Part of being a good pro is to curb the bits of you that don't help yourself or the team (if only Heskey could curb his natural ability to head it over from three yards, eh?).
Capello's done brilliant with Rooney thus far - and he reckons Wazza can play anywhere. Well anywhere except left back, if I remember rightly. Just keep him away from there.
The team looked pretty comfy, though. I'm still not sure whether Gerrard on the left is the way forward. He roams around and when the opposition break Cashley's left looking like a lion cub in a wildebeest stampede. But Johnson looks good at right-back and Lennon should start again if he can just measure his crosses a bit. While Becks can put the ball on a plate for a forward, Aaron seems to be happy enough if he can land in the same canteen.
Still, he's good to watch with the ball at his feet. There's a fascination in the way he wafts that rather camp right hand of his, like he's not only burning off the defender but doodling a little caricature of the chump on an imaginary sketchpad at the same time. It must be like being nutmegged by Rolf Harris ('Can you tell where it is yet?')
Things are looking good for the Ukraine game. Especially as Capello has said that he won't be looking to use Owen after 20 minutes of footy and there was a straight 'no' for Kevin Davies. Thank the Lord. It's hard to believe now but do you realise that once upon a time John Fashanu actually played for England. Twice. You tell the kids of today that and they'd never believe you.
I'm Derek Robson. People call me Robbo. Legend has it I was raised in the furnace and smog of Teesside. Some might say I took the hard road. I like to tell folk I had trials for Middlesbrough, for Hartlepool and for burglary (not guilty). I've always loved sport. My job is to say it as I see it - whether it's in the bar of the Blue Bell or on this blog. You won't find me calling a spade a soil-redistribution implement.
~RS~q~RS~~RS~z~RS~30~RS~)
Comments
Awooooooga!
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1st to reply any prizes?
Probably the best blog you've done to date more sense less humour and it works, okay everyone is thinking the same buts youre right. Just play the correct players in their own positions and we will go far so....
Play Barry on the Left and Stevie G and Carrick in the middle. Sorry Lamps go warm the bench. Rooney and any big man you choose from Ashton, Heskey or Crouch, guaranteed Semi finalists
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Never mind the new England kit - what about the supposed new Man Utd top, shown here complete with the name of their proposed new sponsors:
http://img8.imageshack.us/img8/5708/unitedaway.jpg
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'Radox in a lonely bath'
'happy enough if he can land in the same canteen'.
Classic.
It's why I'm happy to continue to lunch at your place, Robbo.
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best ever robbo blog - this is what you should churn out all the time kid!
On another note - you were havig a dig at Rooney last week - and this week you are all over him... i don't mind you having these changes of attitude... especially as this was a good read.
On the beckham caps front - i'm glad the huge debate on it has calmed down and i couldn't agree more with your comments on him - the guy came on and set up Rooneys goal as well as Crouch's/Terrys disallowed one - and played some other nice balls/crosses in as well...
We are not the best team in the world, Rooney is not the best player in the world, Beckham is not as good as he was - but i hope we can keep enjoying it for a bit longer... now if only we could find a centre forward to play with Rooney
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also - i like the new kit. what i would really like to see is the FA say that this will be the kit for the next 10 years now - and stop being a merchandising wh0re for Umbro or whoever else make the kit... obvioulsy they won't and they have contracts and it helps grassroots football and all the other tosh - but it would be nice to rise above it - just for once, on one subject!
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More Great Stuff Robbo
Back on Top Form, couldnt hold in the laughter that the office now thinks ive gone Scitzo?! hahaha
Of Course its he 'missus' that calls it "breathable cotton", u sure its not you Robbo reminising about ye good olde days of Footie?! It is true tho about the polyester shirts seeming to make people wearing them Instantly Hum?!
Loved the Arron Lennon Rant, to draw, im glad im not the only person to notice his Highly Camp John Inman esq Right Hand?!
Oh Dear John Fashanu, for ever to actually be remembered for his "Awoooooga" on Gladiators!
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Ok Good points, but what about the makeweights in the team... Barry, what did he do? Johnson, likewise, and Upson well, at least he keeps Terry honest. Becks should be given a coaching job to teach all other pretenders to the right wing lessons in how to find a team mate with a cross. Oh and how to work hard when you have lost the ball!
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Robbo - What are your thoughts on Stuart Downing as an England player... i hear he is like George Best, Pele and Maradona all rolled into one when he plays in front of 500 people for Middlesboro - but why is he so pony for England... despite Chris Waddles constant commentary pleas with us all to not get frustrated with him - he was awful. At one point he got hold of the ball, controlled it and then turned and ran off the pitch for a throw in to them - when under very little pressure at all... please advise - as sooner or later we will have to conclude that his rubbish performances are because he is infact rubbish.....
please help!
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Good article Robbo, nicely balanced. Of course you won't please everyone, what with you being impartial as an observer and all.
You need to either unconditionally LOVE Becks and Wazza, or permanently HATE them, no matter what they do.
It's a sad fact that support for the national team is so badly affected by the madness of club support. It means that nobody can ever praise an england player unless a) they play for their team or b) they play for bolton.
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I'm not normally a fan of yours to be honest, but this blog made me chuckle a couple of times. Spot on about what you say about Rooney as well ;-)
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decent blog ! Fash playing for England !!!!!
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Actually I like the kit n all, to be honest but I do think they could just hold off from producing a new one every six months. On the subject of Downing - well, the lad's done all right behind the front man in a cnetral role recently for the Boro and there's not a worm's chance in an aviary that he's going to land that role in the national team. I doubt his confidence is any higher than the rest of Teesside right now either. But he was pants on Saturday and I guess he just gets picked for balance at the mo.
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Good Kit, Good Blog but Robbo Robbo, how can you seriously defend a bloke with a name like downing what has he really ever done for club or country. The best thing Boro will get for him is the over valued price tag for Arry Redknap at the end of the season, I know you said that has done alright, but has he really, ask your self that question again robbo. honestly the best policy!
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Great blog as always mate, even better than usual actually! Only problem really will be the fact that any time now, 5tournamentfloplegend or whatever his name is, to come on and start mouthing off about Beckham.......
Other than that, spot on!
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Great article robbo. I'm a big fan of the new kit, simple but classy. I'm also one of these, admittedly that raved about Rooney in 2004, but I have taken issue with him for at least 3 years now. I do however get excited when I see him play for England like he did on Saturday, he reminds me that we have a chance internationally, and I am very hopeful of England's chances at the moment. I feel Rooney will need a quality partner though for 2010, what about Walcott playing slightly behind him?
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Great blog Robbo and I 100% agree on your Rooney analysis - this "take the anger away and you have half the player" nonsense is, well, nonsense. He needs to channel his aggression, like many top athletes before him have done, and as you say, he plays/will play a lot better for it. Staying on the pitch being the obvious first benefit.
Do you have a view on the Satanta (no sp. intended) commentary from the game? There is mentioning the opposition is sub-par then there is verbally abusing them with snide comments and rubbing their noses in it for the entire second half. For me it was very embarrassing and I'm surprised there have been no repercussions.
I'll understand if you must keep schtum on this! Anyway, good work.
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ref post 9 I forgot about Stuart Drowning, Perhaps the St. Michael was kicking in but I don't remember him doing anything.
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I aint ze England fan. But ze design of ze new kit itz sick. get me, its wicked.
And nice lengthy blogz by ze way. Chill.
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I kind of agree about Rooney. Angry Rooney is bad, but I think Rooney is a maverick and needs to be energetic and impish - but it's about how he directs it. It's more about positive and happy than calm, I think. Anyway, there's more of an explanation here:
Why Capello was wrong to tell Rooney to calm down
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What a load of rubbish, not at all funny, blah, blah, blah.
Haven't actually read it yet but isn't that what people normally write on here!!!!
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As a N Ireland fan, it was interesting to see the highlights of this game with Slovakia currently being the main threat to us qualifying. Satisfied to see them being brushed aside by England and we should be able to grab an important 3 points in a tight group when they visit Windsor Park come Sept.
On Downing - it's honestly beyond me how he gets in the England setup never mind the team. I wouldn't have him in the NI team, he's pathetic. A poor man's Chris Brunt!
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You know Robbo, you might finally have won over your detractors with this one.
Personally I think one of the reasons this is such a good read is because you’ve finally accepted that Boro are for the drop and you are now a little more philosophical.
I agree whole-heartedly with you about Lennon but SWP is not much better either with his final ball. As Becks is still getting a cap for 45 minutes work I cannot see him imparting his knowledge to the pretenders to his throne just yet.
Unfortunately top class English strikers are hard to come by and to loose three in one match is simply careless, (actually, none of those three I would classify as top class) but luckily Wooney is in a rich vein of form and Gerrard, thanks in no small measure to Rafa playing him in every position he’s not accustomed to, can double as an extra striker or midfielder when necessary, so I’m not worried.
Bring them on!
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...and I also agree on what you say about Gerrard on the left. As oppose to most pundits who scream he must be played at all costs with no actual review of formations for this to happen, you have mentioned what I think may a problem with this.
Against Slovakia at Wembley, playing 4-2-3-1 with Gerrard on the left of the 3, Rooney in the middle is fine, worked pretty well. But in the WC2010 (fingers crossed!) against a team of the tactical and technical level of Spain, Holland or Argentina, when Gerrard goes wandering their right side is going to take Ashley Cole to the cleaners.
I'm not sure what the answer is but it may, and I know this is blasphemy, mean benching Gerrard, Rooney and Heskey up top and probably Joe Cole, the very same who was our best player in an otherwise miserable WC2006, on the left. So basically, the same team that performed admirably against Croatia. An idea, nothing more, but I imagine a thought that has crossed Fabio's mind.
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What a brilliant blog Robbo, very good stuff.
Some interesting points, mainly the Rooney point. Dont get me wrong, hes a brilliant player, but I think its reasonably fair to say Rooney will never live up to the hype and promise he showed in 2004. He was fearless, creative and had a naiveity about him that fitted in beautifuly with the rest of his play. He was young, and relatively unknown, which made him a very good secret weapon. No he seems to have allmost, i dont know.. matured too much? Plays more simple balls, dosent show as much flair.
This isnt a dig or a put down aimed at Rooney, becuase he is one of Englands best players, but i just think we need to lay off the boy a bit and let him play, stop worrying about how we can curve his anger etc. the more we alter his attitude, the more he becomes manufactured
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1. At 12:27pm on 31 Mar 2009, Gate wrote:
Awooooooga!
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I second this.
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I agree with you about Rooney but the trouble is one day he *will* meet an international opponent who nicks the ball from him and his childish antics will re-emerge. He may be great when England are bossing it over a hapless Slovakian side but what happens when they meet a Spanish or Argentinian team that can string a dozen passes together? "Cartoon rage" Rooney will appear followed very quickly by a red card.
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Yean but no but, what about that time, it was february 11th, 2005, united vs portsmouth, and Rooney swore at the pitch? Eh? Have we all CONVENIENTLY forgotten how he cussed and made an angry face? How handy!
Are we really expected to allow our kids to grow up thinking it's alright to show frustration? We should be sitting them down to watch hour after hour of Michael Owen, now there's a player who never loses his temper.
How on earth are we expected to raise our children, when time after time they are being told how to behave by Wayne Rooney? It's impossible.
You might think it's big and clever to show your emotions and actually care about whether you win or lose, but I for one would rather we lost every England match than having to witness Rooney's terrible emotions on display. It's because of Rooney that the world is in such a terrible state.
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It must be a lie that "The Fash" played for England Robbo. I just won't believe it. Tell me it wasn't so.
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I thought it was a great blog Robbo, but then I always do and cannot understand those who don't!
On the Rooney front I am in full agreement with 99% of the guys(and girls) on here, he is fantastic, 2004 was a great year, but up till this season he has been disappointing. However, as we all saw on saturday, on form he is THAT good.
The striker situ is worrying though, and unless Michael Owen leaves the Geordies and finds fitness and first team football, I don't know who there is to fill me with hope!
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If Robbo as you say Beckham always puts the effort in on the ptich why did he pull out of that tackle against Brazil in the Quarter Final of the World Cup in 2002. I'm sure you remember it, the one that meant that Brazil went straight down the other end of the pitch and scored from. I'd say that twice Beckham has cost you a chance to go on and win the world cup, especially 2002 in Japan. You had Brazil on the rack and down to ten men. If you had won that game i'm sure England would have won the world cup. If England allow Beckham to continue to 2010 he will find another way to ruin it for you, wait and see.
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28. hahahaha.... brilliant.
I, like you and the rest of England am unable to bring up my children because of Wayne Rooney. I am powerless to influence them and set them on their way in life... they are probably destined to be crack addicts and homeless all because of Wayne Rooney...the only answer is to assassinate Wayne Rooney ASAP... then our children will know how to behave!
oh dear....
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sorry to go again, but I've just thought....
With regards to the Beckham rite, why not Theo? OK, I know he is injured...again, but he is fast, he does tackle, and he does know how to put a ball maybe not onto a plate, but definately onto the table you're sitting at.
I know the analogy isn't the best, but I was trying to work with the blog, so forgive me!
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28: It's a real shame when in one sentence somebody makes it clearly everything they say should be disregarded as piffle. How sad.
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Yes, yes, all this 'Wayne Rooney is what's wrong with this country' irony is all very funny. My point is that when he is off on one and getting the Mary Whitehouse LipReaders Association in full combat mode it invariably means he's playing a bit cack (or the team is and need him to stay on the pitch). So while I don't think he's corrupting our children, he is being a bit like that joke about the balloon who misbehaves at school and his Dad has to tell him 'You've let me down, you've let your mum down, and worst of all you've let yourself down.
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It's perfectly right for Capello to leave out Michael Owen. Moreover, the question about leaving or considering Michael Owen for this game shouldn't have arisen at all. But the talk that his England career is history is dreadfully wrong. He definitely has the ability to make a comeback, and Capello should not shut door on him. A fit Owen with minutes under his belt, will be a threat to any team in the world.
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Hi Robbo,
So Becks delivery did turn out to be better than the Royal post after all.
To be fair, regardless of results or the lack thereof, he has been the most committed footballer in an England shirt for the last decade. Every time I see England play, cant shake the feeling there are more than one players out there who make more of an effort for the club than for the country.
Anyway, I cant make out if Gerrard, Crouch, Rooney upfront would be much effective or are England better off, sticking to the tried and tested 4-4-2 and hence living with the resulting stampede situation.
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Good blog robbo....but have to disagree with one point "and Lennon should start again"
No.......Just No!!!!!!!!
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Maybe they could stick with the new kit, how long before the whiter than white kit transforms into a dirty shade of grey, still it could be worse they could make it out of cotton.
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How does Alan Green get to keep his job? As a commentator, he is employed to describe the action. Nothing more, nothing less. And yet, whenever I have the misfortune to hear him on 5Live, he seems to spend all his tell giving us a his opinion on most things other than what is going on in front of him and worse, presenting his opinion as fact!
If he thinks he can do a better job than the ref then I suggest that he gets out of the comfort of the commentary box and takes a ref's course like the others.
As for Robbo, great blog. And reactively moderated as well. Perhaps you could have a word with Phil McNulty and get his blogs changed as well.
Lennon - happy with the canteen. Classic!
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#28
I broke my toe accidently kicking the ladder that is very strangely placed in our landing the other week.. bloomin Rooney, all his fault
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"It must be like being nutmegged by Rolf Harris ('Can you tell where it is yet?')" - Cheers Robbo, I have just ruined a $159 wireless logitech keyboard with a tasty yet preemptively ejected mouthful of hot chocolate. Considering the quality of your blogs, I'm willing to consign a keyboard or two per year to such workplace mishaps.
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"While Becks can put the ball on a plate for a forward, Aaron seems to be happy enough if he can land in the same canteen. Still, he's good to watch with the ball at his feet. There's a fascination in the way he wafts that rather camp right hand of his, like he's not only burning off the defender but doodling a little caricature of the chump on an imaginary sketchpad at the same time. It must be like being nutmegged by Rolf Harris ('Can you tell where it is yet?')" LOL. Well done, Robbo. Always make me smile but laughed out loud today.
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...let the Crouch debate begin! i think Fabio's wise to put him in there, at least when Becks is out on the pitch.
and Crazy Wayne is too good to leave out, despite his milimeter-long fuse. "Cashley the Bear Cub in a Wildebeast stampede" on the other hand, is probably even more unstable, and i reckon he's due to seriously hurt the team in a crucial moment any day now... the guy's a liability, any way ya slice it.
"Oh Robbohhhhhh, when will you notice me, i'm down on my knee-ees"
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Bit harsh on Kevin Davis Robbo, the lad is quality, i'm a United fan and he gives our defenders hell, he's skillful on the ball, he chases everything down, he'll rough up the pansies of Spain, Italy etc... probably the best target man in England, he just wins everything in the air!
As for Rooney, the lad, when he's pumped up and calm, he's still amazing, he raises the game, like when he came on against Inter, there were expectations and excitement when he was on the field, the players found extra energy, when he's calm, he's a better centreforward, when he's pumped up, he's a better footballer all round but crud at finishing, I mean, look at his goal against Newcastle, he was giving the ref an earful, jogged down and struck possibly the best volley in recent history of the premier league, you can't tell me he was calm then!
Good blog, found alot of it funny "can you tell where it is yet" made me giggle like a girl.
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actually laughed out loud at the hand of lennon comment... great blog!
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I saw that kit and half expected to see Bill Beaumont playing centre half and it now occurs to me that if the rugby and footy teams could all wear the same kit the cash strapped mams and dads could save a fortune.
Shame about Downing, I thought it must be his ball and he was taking it home when he ran in touch with it.
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What the hell should we care about what kit they turn up in if we can't even get to see 'em play?
Who is it that's still paying into Setanta's coffers? Cancel your subscription and send 'em out of business. Do it now, even if only to show the F.A. that they cannot sell our national team from under our noses.
Vote with your wallet: keep it in yer pocket, so that football will be coming home ... to terrestrial T.V. where it belongs!
And shut up about SKY. Cancel that as well.
Setanta is Irish, Sky is Scottish (I think).
Support England, and get the match back on English television and get rid of this F.A. debacle.
The national game should not be about money. the club competitions are already ruined by the chase for money. We have the power to make the F.A. give us our game back. Use that power and send Setanta out of business.
Thank you - but do it do it do it do it do it do it
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When is this myth of the GREAT Bobby Moore going to be challenged. Anyone who thinks he was anything other than an average player in the right place at the right time, didn't live through the 60s.. Booby Charlton and Jimmy greaves were the iconic players of that era. Moore simply lifted the trophy others won for the team. If he wasn't a blond haired Londoner, but played for an unfashionable club, he wouldn't have even got in the England team. Think Mackay, Blanchflower (on the World stage - Beckebaur) to name just three, who were off a different planet in terms of quality. Don't just spout what the London press tell you with this revisionist history. How many European Players of the Year did Moore win?
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Is it me or could the new England kit save Mike Ashley and Newcastle? It seems to replicate the sort of rubbish you find on the floor in his shops with a illuminous £3 cardboard price tag on!
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I don't think employing Chris Waddle just for the sake of having a second commentator should come at the expense of the hearing public.
Chris Waddle was God awful. From his understated insults and who-gives-a-toss opinions to spineless Jon Champion agreeing with him.
Robbo, how did you find the commentary?
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49: Same number as Paolo Maldini by my reckoning. Does he not deserve it either?
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How does Alan Green get to keep his job? As a commentator
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Alan's Green's really funny, don't insult him in front of me! Keep up the funny one-liners and reactively moderated blogs Robbo, i'm annyed with Phils because i'm sick of seeing; 'this post is awaiting moderation' where all the comments should be, so there's no good debate there.
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Even more toshy that usual, Robbo! The new shirts? Fine, if they were trundling around a field in Windsor on a pony and whacking a ball at an undefended goal. The whole strip is just too white - it made Crouch look like he was about 9 feet tall (maybe that's a good thing) - how about some more red in there? After all, the national flag does have a big, red cross on that white background. Why not put the cross on the shirt, like the Inter away kit - looks good to me. Crusading spirit.
Yes, Lennon's glove puppet hand - not very manly. If he has a problem with balance, perhaps some stabiliser wheels would help.
Downing should kick a ball against a wall for a couple of weeks with his right foot...ditto, Cashley. What is it about lefties? All their right foot is good for is to stand on.
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Nearpostheader
Your writings don't make sense... your toshy.
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#53 discoagogo
I've explained why I don't think much of Alan Green and I stick by that. If only he would stick to commentating on what's going on rather than giving us his opinions on everything!
As for Phil's blog, I agree. It is ridiculous.
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"End Product" Out of all the players on the pitch on Saturday, expected to have a "final ball" or "end product", which ones actually had any? Lampard? Rubbish! Lennon? Rubbish! Downing? Rubbish! Cole? Rubbish wherever he is on the pitch!
I can remember Rooney crossing for Heskey to head over, Gerrard crossing for Skrtel to score an own goal, and Beckham crossing for Rooney to score. And tbh how often has Beckham's final ball been lacking in recent times? Lots. Free kicks straight in to the wall. Corners not clearing the first defender. Crossfield balls being cut out. Overrated! Overpaid!
I did like the kit though.
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#57 nomadic_dan
By what measure are the players 'overpaid'?
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Mrblueburns
I agree that Greenie goes on and on about his opinions, i just find it fun listening to him rabbit on in his cynical way, but obviously not everyone will like that. I'd certainly rather listen to Greenie's opinions than Motty's constant barrage of facts and statistics, i just prefer commentary thats entertaining.
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#58 MrBlueBurns
In that they are paid too much money to play football. Granted not for their country but in general. Do you not think these footballers should be able to cross a ball to a team mate?
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Football gets the level of commentator it deserves.
Bill Maclaren suits rugby; Benaud and Johnson suit cricket...
What does football get? Allan Bib Gob Green....
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it's a percentage thing Dan, no-one can deliver every cross 'on a plate,' but Beckman success ratio is higher than just about every player, which is why he's stil an asset to us. Many of the other players you mentioned are pretty rubbish at the job, again shows we need becks. Of course they're all overpaid, but that's pretty old news now.
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discagogo:
"Your writings don't make sense...your toshy"
Say what?! My writings don't make sense?!
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#62 discoagogo
It is old news. But it's so frustrating watching these players. And let's face it it is so much more frustrating when thay play against better opposition and they're made to look like amateurs.
I just want to see my national team win the world cup in my lifetime!!!! I've been waiting thirty + years.
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Nearpostheader
Well i read your comment at #54 and couldn't figure out what you were talking about... hope that makes sense. For example, 'lennon's glove puppet hand - not very manly.' ???
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60. At 4:55pm on 31 Mar 2009, nomadic_dan wrote:
#58 MrBlueBurns
In that they are paid too much money to play football. Granted not for their country but in general. Do you not think these footballers should be able to cross a ball to a team mate?
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I can't see that paying players any more or less than they are currently paid is necessarily going to help them kick a ball any better.
I think they are paid for playing for the country which is a joke. It should be an honour but that's probably the FA's fault as much as anything!
They get paid what they can get, simple as that. If someone offered you a very large amount of money for doing what you enjoyed anyway, would you turn it down?
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MrBlueBurns I am a prostitute.
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#48 TheDeluded
How about no. I like Setanta because they show Scottish football and I support Inverness Caledonian Thistle and live in Southampton, so its not often i get to watch them play. So thank you Setanta!
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'The lads at his best when he's calm and happy'. What a load of sychopantic garbage. Hes an adult or supposed to be at 23, not a 'lad' or a boy. One day a ref may well just say the hell with it and give him a dig. May the day come quickly!
He's at his best when the opponents are rubbish and are keeling over in submission from the outset. Hes very much a product of the Club hes with. All smiles when they win, bristling with indignancy when they lose. Hes a snarling, uncouth reprobate who in all probabilty needs help from some quarter or another. Why cant some of you just speak the plain and obvious truth? Youve seen the evidence for about 6 years, yet still you mitigate. Is it that hes English that you dont demand a flogging followed by a boat trip to part of an Aussie desert i wonder?
Its pathetic and you maybe moan and gripe in the pub with your peers about falling social standards among the youth (od should i say lads) of today while excusing it here.
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Brilliant as usual Robbo. If there's two men who can bring home the cup for England, its Rooney and Gerrard! When they play, everyone does!
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I watched the match on tv thanks to Supersport. (by the way this is the only reliable footy chanel here in malawi). I don't know if the pictures were telling me the truth, but I remember seing stewart downing on the pitch though my young brother says he was not even on the bench. I am saying this because you have skipped him in your analysis. Is it deliberate or you also din't see him? Don't you think he is the cure for England's left wing?
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I'd like to take a moment to also thank Setanta for making football more accessible to expats, even if it is for a fee. I was able to watch the England game on my regular subscription on Sat. Before Setanta came along England games were shown on PPV in Canada for about $25 per game.
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Cracking blog Robbo. Agree with you pretty much wholeheartedly. Beckham is a class act. Lennon, Downing and SWP couldn't cross the street, never mind a football. Rooney, Gerrard and possibly even Lampard could be the nucleus of a very good team...although I'll be a lot happier when Hargreaves and Joe Cole are back in the squad. I think Young, Agbonlahor, Walcott and Huddlestone have the makings of good international players too.
While I'm going on about Downing, every time my mate's Dad came across the pond to visit he used to bang on about going to the Riverside and seeing this lad Downing play a blinder. All I can say is he must have gone downhill fast, because now he doesn't seem to know what to do when he's got past someone. He can't cross the ball for toffee either. Shame in a way like, cos he did have one good game against Germany and I thought "Hey, I've been wrong about this lad"...
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im a rep. of ireland fan! i think england should change their formation to that of the european national teams 4-2-3-1! heres my team!
james
johnson terry ferdinand cole
barry carrick
gerrard lampard young/walcott/lennon
rooney
i think with this team england could actually win a big tournament. you have barry and carrick doing the defensive duties. carrick is also a great passer of the ball. i also feel it is a better formation in which gerrard and lampard can both play in effectively without gerrard on the wing or lampard staying back. they can both play behind rooney with either one of ashley young walcott or lennon bringing that pace and trickery to the team.
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Post 69. Bergysdeftflicks
Erm 'Lad' is a northern expression as in: 'One of the lads'it does not imply that Robbo views him as an unruly 'kid'.
'The plain and obvious truth' is that you have a rather large chip on your shoulder, maybe your vitriol would be better directed at your own team as they have massively underperformed again this season. Might egg them on to 'do better'.
BTW you guys may be in the market for a midfielder/striker this summer as Real Madrid seem to have come calling for your one and only world class player (You should be honoured it's usually only our players they want). So go on bid 50 mill for Rooney we like a good laugh. That's how much the 'Lad' means to our team.
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Rooney and Beckham are nothing more than an overrated thug and egomaniac respectively
Here's some education for you
Beckham is considered the best crosser of the ball for England BECAUSE HE NEVER LET ANYONE ELSE HAVE A GO AT CROSSING/TAKING SET PIECES
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It's taken a while but the monsters of moan have crept out of their lairs at last. Anyone who even suggests that Beckham can't cross a ball has truly missed the whole point of the player. Ask centre-forwards if he gives good service, you great dolt.
Rooney is a great deal more than a thug although I concede he has thuggish tendencies. #69 seems to think the first requirement of a good footballer is to be a top-notch human being. If only Wenger, that paragon of fair play and guardian of modern professionals and really very fair loser had taken the likes of Rooney in hand, eh?
And in any case, READ THE BLOG... at no point did I say the lad should be allowed to abuse officials or lose his rag. I said the opposite.
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I think the case with Beckam Robbo is he "used" to give good service to centre forwards. But the fact still remains that England have not produced anyone else who can do it better so I guess Beckham it is.
In the past the major gripe with Beckham was that he continually ran around like a headless chicken and disrupted the shape of the team by moving into the centre. Perhaps that's why Gerrard and Lampard struggled to gel. it was too crowded in there.
If England can build a team to support an attacking three of Gerrard,, Rooney and Joe Cole then they have a chance in a majot tournament.
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i think the new all-white kit is, although not traditional, better than normal. the only thing i dont like about the new kit is the amatuerish lettering. onto the team, i would prefer a proper winger on the left and gerrard instead of lampard in the middle. heskey plays better off a big target man like heskey, so thats a necessity, if rooney can keep the form hes been having for england lately then i cant see what people are complaining about. and to say he doesnt score enough goals is ridiculous because if i recall correctly he has scored 21 goals in 49 games and owen only got his 21st after 50. he wont just beat the caps record(if he doesnt get injured, like owen) but the goalscoring record too at this rate.
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Now I know why I skip this "Robbish" you write. I thought I would give it a go until you mentioned Kevin Davies. The lad has been great this season, is respected by his peers-just ask them and is a handful for everybody-just what we need. Mind you I remember you critcising the Heskey selection and then backtracking and thingy licking. So par for the course for you-stick to the cricket.
BTW Thought "Robbish" was a good un. Maybe it will set a new trend.
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Its strange how many "great players" we have that dont fit into a traditional positions.
-Gerrard, at his best when he plays behind the front two, or as for Liverpool, behind the front one...what is the name of this position?
-Rooney, not an out and out striker, who is most effective when he pulls off defenders and comes deep, creating space for a lone striker, or an overlapping midfielder...a position called?
-Joe Cole, frequently picked on the left side of midfield, but is effective coming inside and playing off a holding striker on the overlap, also gets into the box frequently, does not defend well....a midfielder of some sort?
-Theo Walcott, very pacey with excellent control and ball skills, an attacker, but not in the typical mould, not a target man, does not hold the ball up well, prefers to run with the ball from deep, or onto passes...some kind of "attacker".
-Stuart Downing, a "winger" who cannot beat anybody, and now apparently also likes to play in the "hole".
-Aaron Lennon, outstanding pace, an out an out winger, who can neither be relied upon to make a cross, or score goals.
ALL of these guys are the future of English football, they are in fact all very good players, but none of them "fit" into a 4-4-2.
Now in my experience all of these players will have been heavily coached through the youth systems of top clubs. Did they not have to conform to a position? Or become proficient at an important aspect of a position, for example wingers crossing the ball?
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I say this every week Robbo and I'm gunna say it again.
Great blog, love the snappy one liners (While Becks can put the ball on a plate for a forward, Aaron seems to be happy enough if he can land in the same canteen - simply legendary).
As always, even better than the one liners are the comments either defending or insulting you.
Maybe you should cover something truly contraversial and watch the crowds part like Moses' sea. Actually heard someone mention that the EPL should exorcise itself from the FA and establish itself as a European superleague. That would cause some mighty disputes.
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Post #81.
Excellent points. It kinda makes you realise why we have the "square pegs in round holes" discussion so much. Almost all of our best attacking players play in an undefined position, some sort of winger/support striker/attacking midfielder role. I've been watching Joe Cole at Chelsea for the last 5-6 years and I still don't know what position he should be playing. I guess that's why we've had managers who just throw them all on the pitch and figure it out for themselves and hopefully beckham can save it with a freekick or something.
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Being a Liverpool supporter, it's hard to admit Rooney is a genius at times. However you have to say he is inconsistent, for weeks he'll not do much then will score a great goal and the pundits will get on the bandwagon, I'm sure alot of Utd fans would agree.
As for Becks you have to say he gives 100% to the England cause. How many of the current so called regulars would accept starting on the bench and show the desire to win his place back, they would quickly retire from internationals.
Given what Lampard has said today about Owen not deserving a place, which is true, thats sends out the message that he thinks he's untouchable in the starting XI. With Beckham you can feel the pride in him putting the shirt on, I get the feeling that Frank thinks he has a divine right to play. IMO he's usually anonymous for England and against top opposition even more so, scoring the odd pot shot and pens against lesser premier league teams isn't enough to guarantee your England place.
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Not quite sue what you're on about #84. Lamps cannot possibly consider his place guaranteed at the mo. He was just answering a question put to him by a journo and he gave the pat answer. If he'd have said 'What?! Michael Owen!? That Pingy Hamstringed Goal Hanger!? He's done for, mate. Never was up to much apart from one goal against the Argies when he should've left it to Scholesy anway. Michael Owen? Darrn't make me larrrfff!' - well then you;d really think he was being a bit cocksure about his place in the side.
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Beckham fully deserves all his 109 caps and some more. Look at the calibre of the player. He has been a success wherever he has played and the quality of his game is immense. Becks has played alongside the best. Keane, Giggs, Scholes, Cantona, Hughes, Van Nistelrooy at United; Zidane, Carlos, Figo, Raul and Ronaldo at Madrid, and now Kaka, Ronaldhino, Maldini at Milan. As well as Ince, Wright, Shearer, Sheringham, Gazza??!!, Rooney, Owen at England level. Quite some achivement. Watch this space England 2010 WC winners courtesy of a Beckham freekick
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did my post go on in invisible ink?!
Cashley? Crouch? the future of the England squad?
zzzzzzzz...the gallery has become quite tiresome this week.
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I agree - Beckham as the super sub will keep all involved happy, for the opponents defenders its good to know that England brings on nobody with pace and ability in 1:1 situations but rather Mr. "Gary, play me the ball onto the foot so my toe can cross it in the box".
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wewerecontrolling (post # 84), I'm sorry but that is nothing but utter garbage spewing from the mouth of a jealous & bitter Liverpool fan. Sheer idiocy.
At no point in that interview did Lampard even slightly hint that he felt his place in the side was guaranteed.
Read it again, this time remove your rose-tinted reading glasses.
"Michael Owen is one of the best strikers ever to play for England and I am sure if he is fit and playing well, he will be in the team."
"The situation would be the same if I was injured or if Wayne Rooney is injured. If you are fit and playing well you will be in."
Can you do me a favour? Can you point out where exactly Lampard has said Owen is not deserving of a place? Or where he says (or even hints) he thinks he should be guaranteed a place in the England side? In fact, he has clearly said the exact opposite of your idiotic point of view!
Back on the subject (and away from the clueless minority of WUMs), I think that the Michael Owen situation is not dissimilar to the Beckham situation at Madrid. Capello, as illustrious as he may be, is a stubborn character and he will stick to his word to the point where it begins to harm the team. Not saying the exclusion of Owen is harming the team; if anything, it's a boon to the squad, an indication of the squad not being picked on names and reputations alone, motivating them to perform on an international and club level.
I think that, even if Owen is to hit form again, that Capello will refuse to pick him based on the principle that he has said he won't.
I think it’s irrelevant; Owen won’t hit form again and he won’t play for England again unless he starts actually playing football for a top quality club instead of languishing away on the sidelines game after game.
On the subject of Rooney, he is one of the most gifted strikers on the planet when he enjoys himself on the football field. In any other mood, he either becomes anonymous and goes missing for long periods of the game, or he becomes frustrated & angry - we all saw the pathetic, juvenile little tantrum he threw at Fulham.
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I very much enjoyed your blog Robbo. That being said I didn't entirely agree all the points you have raised.
Rooney is a very emotional player "passionate" is used in a perfectly correct way. According to the Oxford dictionary:
Passion
• noun 1 very strong emotion. 2 intense sexual love. 3 an outburst of very strong emotion. 4 an intense enthusiasm for something. 4 (the Passion) the suffering and death of Jesus.
What dictionary are you using? Surely a journalist should be more informed than these footballers using their primitive "football-speak".
Technicalities out of the way Rooney's England performance was exceptional. No matter the opposition Rooney is a valuable player to any team because of how committed to winning he is. Yes he gets upset if his team aren't winning, but is that not a good thing? Players who are happy to accept defeat tend to go missing in important games far too often. Being in a team with such a committed player can provide a galvanising effect. The same thing made Vieira and Roy Keane great captains in the Premiership not so long ago. Both have been labelled as thugs by many while being hailed as heroes from the stands.
I will agree that his language is foul and he should clean it up to set a better example to youngsters.
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#85 Robbo, have a minute. Owen scored a hat-trick against the Krauts that'll keep him on the speaking circuit until the D Day centenary.
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"Rooney's at his best when he's calm and happy as he was on Saturday".
I would turn that around. Surely it's "Rooney's calm and happy when he's at his best as he was on Saturday"..?
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"While Becks can put the ball on a plate for a forward, Aaron seems to be happy enough if he can land in the same canteen." CLASSIC!! Believe me, as an Arsenal fan, I am happy to criticize anything Spurs, but if Aaron had an end product, he would be deadlier than any winger I've seen in years.
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Great blog!
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I really like the new shirt, too! first one for years and years that i haven't hated!
obviously, the next one (in september) will be like a bloomin' kaleidoscope!
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ah - superb robbo. loved the rolf harris joke as well (i also laughed out loud at the guy who spat hot chocolate onto his keyboard. that had me spluttering myself!)
just wanted to agree with the people who rate beckham and believe he's earned his caps. Maybe not in the same class as Moore (I'm only 19 so don't anyone get on my back about how good Moore actually was!) but hats off to him for his professionalism. Maybe some people find it hard to admit, but there's a role model for you, writ large! (and rooney's certainly the cause of all bad things in the world LOL).
loved it as always, hope nobody's working too hard - I'm off to central london to laugh at the dirty smelling hippies! (i might even make my own placard saying "i love bankers and capitalism" lol -- oooooh!)
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#49 .... sorry i cannot let that go without a response...
Bobby Moore may not have been the most skillful or exciting player of his generation but Pele said "Moore is the BEST defender i have ever come up against" .... and in his time he has come up against plenty ...
Beckenbauher (forgive spelling) ...is another one who has said the same .... but obviously they don't know what they are talking about.
Beckham does deserve hos caps but you have to remember that the England team play far more games (qualifiers and friendlies) per year than they ever did in Moore's day ... even during world cup years!!!
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Very good blog Robbo.
Would you agree that it's a shame Capello is not giving Gerrard a second striker role just behind Rooney? He's been playing there for the best part of 2 seasons now for Liverpool and i think 99% of people can see it's his best position.
Apart from that things are looking good for England, although we should remember the lesson that Spain gave us a few weeks back and not get too far ahead of ourselves.
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I'm not agonising too much about Capello's selections to be honest. He's the opposite of McClaren. Gets the job done and hardly smiles. He obviously prefers a big man up front and Rooney's best position is not as the lone striker. I figure Gerrard will have licence to roam any road and link up with Rooney. Just hope Cole's not exposed on the left. (He brings the exposure on himself in his private life, but doesn't need it in hbis working one).
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I think Rooney is good enough to play up front with someone behind him, no probs. Will be interesting to see where Capello plays Gerrard when Joe Cole is back.
...and possibly even more interesting to see what happens to Beckham when we have him, Walcott, SWP and Lennon all fit and on form.
But yes as long as the team is winning and playing well it doesn't really matter, it's a world away from McClaren.
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btw Totally agree with Bobby Moore comments. He was a really top-class player. There's no point in saying otherwise. Sure Greaves and Charlton were the stars going forward but don't forget Bobby set up two of the goals in the WC Final for Hurst.
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Wagging your finger at an idiot referee is hardly the same as scowling and swearing at your wife for god's sake, and the people who think it is are probably the same sad morons who blame footballers for the bad behaviour of their own horrible little scrotes.
I agree it's a bit of a cartoon rage. But that's fiiting really when you think that the top players are generally surrounded in the stands at away games by pantomime crowds shouting hoof, who are ya, shall we sing a song for you? (er go on then if you've got any) and doing the hand gestures without pulling their trousers down for once.
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89. At 01:19am on 01 Apr 2009, CarefreeCoors wrote:
Back on the subject (and away from the clueless minority of WUMs), I think that the Michael Owen situation is not dissimilar to the Beckham situation at Madrid. Capello, as illustrious as he may be, is a stubborn character and he will stick to his word to the point where it begins to harm the team.
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Err ... not at all like the Beckham situation then. IIRC Capello brought becham back when it was obvious he was needed.
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Reckon you must be busy murdering the qwerty in an attempt to get something out fast regarding the news at your arch rivals then Robbo?
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97. At 09:47am on 01 Apr 2009, digispoonerta wrote:
Beckham does deserve his caps but you have to remember that the England team play far more games (qualifiers and friendlies) per year than they ever did in Moore's day ... even during world cup years!!!
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On the other hand they did play the Home International Tournament every year, AND remember Beckham's exclusion during the McLaren Wilderness but for which he would have had a few more.
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Complicated isnt' it? The right players in the right positions. If only another Italian manager not so far away would do the same!
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95. At 09:27am on 01 Apr 2009, telemonster wrote:
I really like the new shirt, too! first one for years and years that i haven't hated!
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On a different note, it's often occurred to me that teams could be missing a trick by not going for skin-tight shirts ..... (nothing for the opponent to grab hold of, would end shirt-pulling at a stroke). Course, for the fashion conscious might not be too cool:)
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#68 - Caley
You're Scottish. You support Scottish football. My comment isn't meant for you. Rather obviously. In fact, I'm sure that reading my comment, you cannot have failed to notice my repeated mention of England/English/the F.A.
You might be fine with having to pay the Irish to see your Scottish national side on telly, but this business of having to pay anybody to watch English national football is anathema to everyone this side of the border.
Either way, only by cancelling your subscription can you make a difference. Too many decisions are made in our name without our being able to influence them, and contrary to our best interests - but this one we can do something about. Individually. Collectively.
So yes. To everyone:
Cancel your Setanta subscriptions and force your F.A. to give you your game back. They can change their shirts as often as they like.
Don't give in! But it's the English F.A. that I'm most concerned about and their lack of respect for the fans.
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Disagree:
- Rooney plays well when he's not frustrated, read - an early goal for; smooth play and let play environment. First quarter of a game makes his game.
- Beckham never gives his full. Never seen his short dirty barring when he aimed the stadium clock from the PK. He's a great crosser. That's it.
- Capello has, till now, got it right. A bit lucky. I expect a tight game, scorewise, against Ukraine where the defence will be tested. A scoring draw, perhaps.
- The kit looks to wear uncomfortably. Don't know how it let's play.
And, your wavering from against the motion to for the motion, routinely, doesn't contribute to the writeup.
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"While Becks can put the ball on a plate for a forward, Aaron seems to be happy enough if he can land in the same canteen."
;-) What a quote!
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104. At 11:40am on 01 Apr 2009, onewelshunited wrote:
Reckon you must be busy murdering the qwerty in an attempt to get something out fast regarding the news at your arch rivals then Robbo?
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Tomorrow morning, sunshine, tomorrow morning. I hear Bernie Slaven's taking over at the Boro n all.
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Great blog, Robbo! Not sure what chemicals floating around Boro create brilliance like "Cashley as a lion cub in a wildebeast stampede," but keep them coming!
Also, good to see at least a few enlightened souls giving Beckham the respect he deserves for that 109th cap. He is so much more than just a crosser, though he does that with a touch and flair no one else in the game can match. It's the heart, grit, and commitment he always brings to the pitch that has had every manager he's ever played for (except for McLaren, which should be a mark in his favour) rate him so highly. Sure, the US move was clearly delusions of grandeur, but on the pitch he is a model for other players, especially youngsters, to follow.
You want further proof than the illustrious career he himself has posted? Take a look at the first couple years at United after he was ousted. They were rubbish as they struggled to find a heart again. It still boggles my mind that SAF had issues with Becks off the pitch, despite his undeniable performance, but now allows the gelled tumbler (my favourite Robboism yet) to squall for his dummy at the slightest breeze from a passing defender. Sure, Ronaldo has been prolific in scoring, but he's still an embarrassment for any true football supporter to watch. Sorry, that went a bit ranty, but sometimes it's hard being a long time United supporter abroad.
Anyway, well done Becks, well done England, and bring on Schevchenko (but somebody help cover Cole's corner!)
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#40 Couldn't agree more about Alan Green. I can't listen to his commentary. I can't help but think that the vastly superior behaviour of rugby players & rugby spectators is directly linked to the fact that rugby commentators don't undermine the officials at every opportunity. Commentators like Green add nothing to the game, just undermine the authority of the officials. Rugby is a passionate game, physically violent and now there is lots of money involved, but rugby players manage to not show dissent, try & get opponents sent off, or writhe around in agony at the faintest knock. Also of course, most England rugby players have more degrees that England footballers have GCSEs.
I cannot, for the life of me, understand how anyone thinks Lampard is a world class player. Also, why is Rob Green not getting a look in?
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Love your Blogs Robbo, can't understand people slagging em off.
I hope Capello starts playing a big man up front with Rooney and Gerrard behind. We are not good enough to play through teams. It may not be pretty but let's launch it to Crouch/Heskey whoever and work off them. We'd give teams more problems doing this than trying to play football thorough them. Ok i'm not advocating lanuching it every time but it's a option we don't use enough. Against Spain all we did was either pass it backward's or pass it in midfield then lose it. We'd have posed more problems had we just played it long.
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Good Blog Robbo, as always. Think you nailed the Rooney issue, you want that aggression and competitiveness, as long as it's channelled correctly.
RE 114, I can't believe you're advocating the 'launch it' tactic. With the likes of Rooney, Gerrard and Lampard, I believe we do have the ability to play proper football against the vast majority of teams. Spain are on another level, however.
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