The Pharaohs Come to Town

England vs Egypt

Ninety nine days to the world cup. England play Egypt, which could be a tricky tie. Egypt are no pushovers as the other participants of the African cup of nations will testify. They have been denied, what would have been a deserved place in the world cup. So, it should be a good test for Capello and his team. His team, which is hinged around the extremely talented feet, and of recent, head, of Wayne Rooney. He is in the form of his life, in exactly the right time. And it may turn out that the team to profit the most from the sale of C.Ronaldo is the English football team. There always is a worry of a burn out, but the stage of the world cup should provide enough incentive to push harder. There are of course 10 other players Rooney will have to share the field with, of which the most important in an attacking sense, would be Steven Gerrard. He is the axis around which the team rotates. His timed runs into the box could prove crucial in unlocking tight defenses. Although not playing brilliant at the moment, he is quality through and through and when the time comes he'll be ready. So we hope.
The problem really lies in defense. And there is an inevitable and very worrying question mark in every department of defense including the goal keeper. Right back: Glen Johnson, very good in attack, so-so in defense but injured. Centre of defense: John Terry, excellent defender but going through a horrible dip in form for well documented reasons. Rio Ferdinand, captain of the team, but a chronic absentee for both club and country. Left back: Ashley Cole, second best left back of the premier league, injured and off-match scandals threatening to hamper his football. Goal keeper:? Who should England play in goal? My candidate would be Joe Hart. He has had a brilliant season. But he's inexperienced and it seems unlikely that Capello will take a chance with him. Green? James? Kirkland? Foster? Just wish someone would make a real good case for himself in the next couple of months. Capello will make the right choice. He has to. He's capable enough.
So now to wembley, for tonight's game against the champions of Africa. Rooney to score a brace and one from Gerrard with a final score line of 3-1.