The Three Players who have to be on England's Euro 2012 plane

With the new year only a matter of weeks away, the new Premier League season has begun to produce some of England's brightest young talents. With the 'golden generation' of England players now fading away into memory, we must now look to the new breed of England stars, and a few of them are making a name for themselves. The three players I have chosen to look at, are slowly becoming the star players at their clubs, and only a fairly idiotic manager would leave them out of their squad, but then again Capello has proved us wrong before, the name Heskey rings a bell in that respect.

1. Daniel Sturridge:

The Loan spell at Bolton last year seems to have done absolute wonders to Chelsea's new star man, and his new found ability on wing and a good left foot is something England have been needing, and his goalscoring abilities far outweigh that of Theo Walcott or Stewart Downing, who constantly struggle to find the net for England. Sturridge at the moment for me is Chelsea's best player and his pace and finishing abilities could be key for England to succeed in the summer, and if it were me Sturridge would be on the plane way before Walcott, Young or Downing, but unfortunately its not my decision.

2. Phil Jones:

The 19 year old probably was not expecting all the first team football he is getting, but at his tender age he has adapted to first team football at Manchester United better than anyone I have ever seen. His versatility is unquestionably impressive, while his prescence on the ball and determination are something England need whether it's in defence or midfield. His performance in midfield against Spain showed he is easily capable to perform against the best even when out of position, and with the great Sir Alex Ferguson nurturing him, combined with the decline of John Terry and Rio Ferdinand, for me Jones has to be on that plane and in time we could be looking at the future England captain.

3. Kyle Walker:

People have been crying out to add Micah Richards to the England squad, but for me it's Tottenham's new found star Kyle Walker that should be the first choice right-back. The sheer attacking flair of Walker is combined with his sheer quality in his defensive duties is something England have been searching for on the right side of their defence. While Johnson and Richards are both decent right-backs, for me they don't have the all round package that Walker offers, and to leave him out of the Euro 2012 squad, would be a huge mistake on behalf of Fabio Capello.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

The Champions League Draw: Who Chelsea and Arsenal want to avoid

With the London giants the only English opposition left in Europe's elite competition they both look towards the second draw tomorrow, anxious to which opposition they will both be facing. With both teams topping their selected groups they may think they will be getting some easier opposition, but there are still some dangerous teams they could be pitted against, because truthfully there are virtually no team left in the competition that couldn't give Chelsea or Arsenal a scare.

3 reasons why Manchester United are currently struggling

With the Red Devils eliminated from Europe's elite competition to Swiss minnows FC Basel, problems look like there finally emerging at Old Trafford, and Ferguson needs to fix holes in his side, but just what are the these issues causing this slump on the red side of Manchester?

1. Lack of a creative midfielder:

With Tom Cleverley's continuous injury lay off's and several others in the midfield area, the Red Devils lack that spark of creativity that can win you games. It was clear against Basel and in a few Premier League games recently that none of the United midfielders have the vision or the skill to pick out that defence-splitting pass and open the lock so to speak and for a team of the calibre and high expectancy of Manchester United this creativeness is without a doubt a necessity. Wesley Sneijder would be an ideal candidate, but if Fergie can't find a suitable creative spark to add to his midfield, United will find it more and more difficult to break teams down as the season wears on.

2. Rooney's form deteriorating, once again:

At the start of the season everything Rooney touched turned to gold, as he was scoring hattricks and playing like a truly world-class player. However recently United's star man has entered a goal drought, and his performance in Switzerland was shamefully below par. Without Rooney playing to his best United lack goals, and it shows as they have not scored more than once in the Premier League in the last 8 games. With a one month lay off to Javier Hernandez a bigger goal-scoring burden has been placed on the shoulders of the England man, but at the moment the burden is getting the most of him and costing his team.

3: Rio Ferdinand is not the player he was:

Nemanja Vidic's horrific looking knee injury in Switzerland is yet another injury for the Serb this season, and for United this is a hammer blow. More emphasis is now placed on Rio Ferdinand to lead the back line, and with Rio's age starting to show he has and will find it hard to try and lead a very young United defence on his own. A few years ago it would not have been such a big issue to Alex Ferguson, but with Rio slowly succumbing to his age and without his fantastic Serbian partner, the Red Devils defence will struggle in the bigger matches, and may struggle to keep up with defending the Premier League crown.

'With United's current situation, it will be a hard task for them to get out of the rut they find themselves in, Thursday nights certainly aren't going to help.'

Old Trafford stunned by Ambrose

It may only be the League cup but Darren Ambrose showed some true class to score what must surely be one of the best goals at Old Trafford by a visiting team, could even be better than Rooney's.

Best Disallowed goal ever?

Pablo Osvaldo of Roma does his impression of Wayne Rooney, and if anything it is slightly better than Manchester United stars attempt. Unfortuantely for hotheaded Osvaldo his goal was wrongly disallowed, better luck next time.

What we learnt from Saturday

Referees are not scared of Old Trafford:


Yesterday at Old Trafford something out of the ordinary happened; a harsh penalty was given against Manchester United. A shocking decision by the officiating staff for Rio Ferdinand's well timed tackle on Hatem Ben Arfa showed that the officials maybe are not scared of Old Trafford anymore. Ridiculous decisions and unnecessary amounts of injury time have almost become a trademark for United, and we always see one Fergie-favoured incident every year, normally in crucial games. Yesterday though showed that referees have maybe have lost the fear that's ever present at the 'Theatre of Dreams', either that or Fergie has stopped paying them before the game, one or the other.

Villas Boas has some serious thinking to do

Today's 2-1 loss to the scousers shows that Chelsea have some serious issues to sort out if they are to boost there title credentials. The clear lack of flair in the forward play of the Blues and the shocking defensive options they bolster these days, reeks of an ageing and untalented side.

Villas Boas or AVB has some very big questions to answer to the very impatient Chelsea faithful, and with the lack of security for most managers in the Chelsea position it can be safe to say that after tonight's performance against Liverpool, AVB may find it very hard to sleep tonight.

The ever growing problems surrounding the comical defending of David Luiz would be enough to keep any manager occupied, and it strikes me as amazing that the Chelsea manager persists with the Sideshow Bob wannabee in his backline. Surely if Luiz is to feature in his Chelsea team then he should be played as a forward going midfielder, or at the very least as a full-back. Branislav Ivanovic is a quality centre half, and he is wasted as a right-back as was obvious with the laughable defending of both Luiz and Terry at the centre of defence, and the big-headed Serb could have added much more security to the centre of the defence. It is fair to say that both Luiz and Terry were not helped by the poor performance of Obi Mikel in the holding role, and yet again it's another defensive issue that Chelsea must sort out, as Mikel simply has not got the pace nor the talent to play in a top four side in the Premier League.

Arsenal show true character to get all 3 points at Norwich

Steve Morison's opening goal of the day due to some sloppy defending from German beanpole Per Mertesacker could have started a terrible afternoon for the Gunners

However Arsenal's recent surge in form helped them today to win all 3 points and move level on points with Chelsea and Tottenham, and surpassing Liverpool. Today was not a world-class display from Arsenal but they showed something they haven't for a long time and that is character.

The five surprisingly good players in the Premier League so far?

The Premier League can be absolutely bizarre at times, and none are more bizarre than the players themselves. Most players form is all over place in this crazy modern age of football, but now we look at the players who at the moment there form is surprisingly positive.

1.Gabriel Agbonlahor - Aston Villa

The pacy Villa striker had a 2010/2011 season, most players would wake up in a cold sweat from, racking up a hugely unimpressive 3 goals and 1 assist. However the new season seems to have kickstarted Agbonlahor's career, and he has arguably been Villa's best player, overshadowing the slow starting Charles N'Zogbia. However with the talent emerging in England's forward line up it is unlikely we will see Gabby on the plane to the Euros, but who knows with his sudden upturn in form and the crazy antics of the English coach.

Scott Parker: England's key to victory

Last night at Wembley England may have achieved what we could say a victory, however it was one of the most slender and lucky victories at Wembley for a long time. England may have defended with discipline but to be completely dominated as they were is not acceptable, as England are considered to be amongst the top five international teams.

One man in a white shirt last night who did look worthy of praise though was one Scott Parker. The Tottenham stars tenacious and terrier like style has done wonders for his domestic campaign but last night, he fulfilled it against arguably the greatest midfield the world has ever seen. Capello must have been watching the 30 year old putting his life on the line for his country and thinking, 'there is my star midfielder'.

Much has been said about England's golden generation, but Parker now has to be England's star player, and is one of our only chances of success at the Euro's. Combined with the attacking flair of Young, Wilshere and Walcott, Parker could lead England's midfield to success and its about time Capello perhaps considered making Parker the England captain, as truly he was the only leader on the pitch against the Spanish.

The decline of Brazil as a football nation

Back in the 1970's Brazil were the team everyone spoke about, Pele, Carlos Alberto are just a few names that stunned the world of international football, as they swept away everyone in there path including a 4-1 demolition of a talented Italian side to claim the 1970 world cup trophy. However as we descend upon this upcoming international break and as we look to the 2014 world is there any need to have the fear of Brazil that we used to.

Even as close as 2002 when Brazil claimed the world cup, every country had the fear of playing them and sadly, England crashed out to them 2-1. World stars were all throughout that team, but ever since then a certain 'invincibility' has been lost from one of footballs finest nations.

                                                 
A good example could be one of the all time greats Ronaldo, and the under-performing Alexandre Pato. By Patos age Ronaldo was running riot across European football and in his career helped Brazil to two world cup finals. Pato wasn't included in the squad for 2010, and had a dismal Copa America this year, and is simply not good enough for one of Brazils most promising young players.

Brazils throne at the pinnacle of international football has now been firmly taken by the glorious 'tika taka' football of the Spanish, and Germany, Holland and Argentina are all arguably overtaking the most succesful international side in football history. Neymar could perhaps be a shining light in otherwise a grim generation of players. Neymars talent is undeniable and I look forward to him arriving on the European domestic scene, but for now Brazil do not seem to be the force they once were, but in 2014 this might have all changed and they may be lifting another world cup trophy.

Alex Ferguson's Five Best Buys

The scotsman's illustrious career at United has seen him raise superstar players from the United youth system, Paul Scholes and Ryan Giggs being prime examples, but Sir Alex also had a great eye for buying the best players in the transfer market, but what were his best buys?

1. Eric Cantona - £1.2 million from Leeds United

Cantona is often viewed as United's greatest player, his class on the ball his unbelievable goals and his character was testament to the dominance of Manchester United in the 90's. Unfortunately for Cantona he never made it internationally due to occupying the same position as the great Zinedene Zidane, but his true talent showed in the Premier League and he will be forever remembered as one of the finest players to grace the turf of the Premiership.

Aaron Ramesy, the next Fabregas?

After the welsh midfielders horrific leg break To Ryan Shawcross's tackle against Stoke, Aaron Ramsey has made an absolutely stunning recovery and now finds himself as arguably the king pin in Arsene Wengers midfield.

With the sales of Fabregas and Nasri during the summer and the long term injury suffered by Jack Wilshere Arsenals midfield was looking as if it was clutching at straws, however Ramsey's recent performances in an Arsenal shirt have showed why they have no need to search for a 'new Fabregas' as they now may have the ideal replacement.

Ramsey's passing and vision have been key to many of Arsenal's victories this season. His late winner at Marseille showed he also has an eye for goal, while his passing against Chelsea last week was just simply quality. At the moment Ramsey is showing all the qualities that made Fabregas and Arsenal legend, but if Ramsey stays fit and keep working hard, he may soon be in the same league as Fabregas.





'Ramsey's heroic winner in France showed the whole of Europe that he can become one of the top midfielders.'

Are Manchester City Premier League Favourites?

The blue side of Manchester has been destroying everyone in its path this season and it is no surprise that many people consider them favourites to lift the trophy at the seasons end. So is there any stopping them? An unbeaten start to the season, and impressive 5-1 and 6-1 wins to both Tottenham and Manchester United away respectively, suggests that this is a team bent on world domination.

However in the chase for the Premier League crown Man City have still got some huge obstacles to overcome. This time last season Chelsea were the favourites to lift the title and were said to be nearly 'unbeatable' but a sudden change of form completely destroyed there season. City may also face stiff competition, as you can never rule out clubs like Manchester United, and Tottenham and Arsenal have recently been in sensational form.

If Man City continue to play the way they are, with Balotelli firing on all cylinders, and David Silva ruling every game in midfield, then yes they will win the Premier League, but people have to be wary that Man City could slip as they are only five points ahead, and form can change at any moment in football.


'Man city's new found togetherness has set them up to capture the Premier League crown, but can they keep it up for an entire season.'

Europa League Predictions

Rubin Kazan 1-2 Tottenham
Birmingham 1-1 Club Brugge
Maccabi Tel-Aviv 0-3 Stoke
Fulham 3-0 Wisla Krakow

Anyone think any different?

Javier Zanetti: Still doing it at 38

Eden Hazard is supposedly the next best thing in European football but the LOSC Lille prodigy last night failed to sparkle in a 2-1 loss against an Inter Milan side with an average age of over 31 years old. The real star of the show was the familiar hero of the Inter Milan faithful, Javier Zanetti. The 38 year old is still a regular in the Inter set up and last night he was more than ready to face the onslaught of young talent in the Lille starting line up.

Hazard barely had a sniff in a game where everyone was watching him, and the scouts in the stand watching him were probably not to pleased. However many of the scouts must have been wishing that Javier Zanetti was still in his early 20's, because his performance last night showed he could fit into most teams in europe, even at the ripe age of 38.

Zanetti has maintained himself fantastically, and it is a message to all world-class footballers to maintain themself physically and carry on there playing careers. Xavi and Ryan Giggs are two other fantastic examples, and all three are still achieving in Europe and there respective leagues. Zanetti is a great role model for the younger generation of footballers, and we can only hope his trend continues.





'To achieve the heights he is achieving at 38 is nothing short of outstanding. Every footballer should follow in the example he has set.'

£80 million bargain: Cristiano Ronaldo completes a sensational century for Real Madrid

Cristiano Ronaldo on Wednesday night put his name into Real Madrid folklore as he notched up his hundredth strike for the Galactico's in just 105 games, a scoring ratio that is beyond most of the great players to grace the game.

His move from Manchester United simply shook the world of football and many questioned whether any footballer is ever worth £80 million, well perhaps the exception here could be Ronaldo. In the current market we have seen players like Andy Carroll and Fernando Torres sell for extravagant amounts of money, and even though they have talent, they are nowhere near the same league as Ronaldo. T-Shirt sales, goal return and his sheer image in football, have near enough payed back his huge price tag, while Carroll and Torres have barely lived up to a minimal amount of there huge price tags.

It may possibly be the most expensive bargain in football history, but with Real Madrid's seemingly certain signing of Brazilian prodigy Neymar, perhaps Real Madrid are lining up yet another expensive bargain to compete with the might of Barcelona.



'100 goals in 105 games, is the stuff of legends, and i'm sure he has paid back Real Madrid his £80 million price tag'

Man City: Once again European contenders?

Tonight saw perhaps the return of Manchester City as a European force. A dominant 3-0 victory over an injury plagued Villareal side, and Bayern Munich achieving victory over Napoli, has placed Man City in a great position to qualify for the next round.

However this should not be reason for Man City fans to get over excited just yet, as they face two difficult games ahead, Bayern Munich at home and Napoli away, so we cannot be certain yet if we will be seeing the Poznan in the second round

The Champions League is often an unpredictable competition, and Man City may yet experience this, from Alexandre Pato's 20 second opener in the Nou Camp, to APOEL Nicosia topping there group after 4 games, no one knows what is coming next from Europe's elite competition.

'Will the city fans be celebrating in the Champions League in 2012?'

Champions League Predictions 02 November 2011

Manchester United 4-0 Otelul Galati

Villareal 1-3 Manchester City

Manchester giants will most likely resume winning ways in the champions league tonight, I'd also wager a bet Mario Balotelli is bound to score tonight

Game to Watch: Bayern Munich vs Napoli, Prediction: 2-2

Why is Robin Van Persie not a Ballon d'Or nominee??

Robin Van Persie's sensational hattrick at Stamford Bridge on Saturday showed the world that he is truly a world class player. 28 goals in 27 games is something we are used to seeing from the likes of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, and yet Van Persies name does not appear on the Ballon d'Or list

Carlos Tevez Saga is Damaging Football

The Grumpy face of Carlos Tevez has become a familiar sight to us and to most football fans his behaviour that infamous night in the Allianz Arena was simply disgusting, and as Graeme Souness suggested he is simply a 'bad apple'.