I am now back in the UK… and enjoying the weather that accompanies my visit (woot).
It seems as ever (despite the best attempts of the Olympics) most sports news is dominated by football, and this week the start of the English Premier League and the selection of England’s new captain… which is John Terry.

Whilst I don’t disagree with the appointment, personally I would have preferred to seen Steven Gerrard in that role. Howeve, I feel that either he (Gerrard) Rio Ferdinand or John Terry would do a decent job.

This brings us neatly onto the selection of the squad… who will Don Fabio (don’t you just loathe The Sun) pick. Well… here is my selection and formation.

Firstly my formation… I would go for a 4-5-1 formation, similar to that used by both Liverpool, Chelsea and English and Premier League champions (sic) Manchester United. This involves a standard back four with attacking fullbacks with two defensively minded midfielders just in front supporting three attacking midfielders and a single (preferably Strong and fast striker) up front. The reason for this selection is simple… most of the players chosen in this squad know this system as they play it for their domestic clubs…. and it produces attractive attacking football, something that has been missing from England for a long time.

So the squad…

Goalkeeper: David James
James for me still has to be England’s number one, despite getting on a bit and being prone to the odd clanger their are very few better keepers in the premiership… let alone English ones. He adds experience and is a good communicator at the back.
Other contenders for this spot include: Green, Foster, Carson, Hart and Manual Alumina (if he can get English citizenship he should be considered)… Paul Robinson would have to show a complete change in fortune to be considered.

Right Back: Wes Brown
Despite not particularly liking this player, right fullback is a position in which England are woefully short of cover. Wes can attack and cross a ball, and his positional sense isn’t bad… in essence you can be THAT bad if you’ve won the Premier League and Champions League.
Other considerations: Micah Richards Glen Johnson and Gary Neville (if he ever shows some of his previous form)

Center backs: John Terry and Rio Ferdinand
Two of the best defenders in the world let alone England and this has to be the first choice center back pairing. Rio is fast and (despite loosing concentration occasionally) a very good reader of the game. Terry will sacrifice anything for his team… just don’t let him take a penalty.
Other considerations: Woodgate (if fit), Micah Richards, David (Davros) Wheater.

Left Back: Ashley (money money money) Cole
Ashley blows (allegedly) hot and cold, but there is little doubt that he is England’s best left full back. Although he isn’t very tall, he is very fast and makes Christiano Ronaldo look pretty ordinary whenever he plays against him. He will have a big year for Chelsea this year under (allegedly ) Scolari.
Other considerations: Wayne Bridge, Matthew (goal of the season) Taylor.

Defensive Midfielders: Owen Hargreaves and Gareth Barry
Owen Hargreaves was the man we all loved to hate a few years ago but has gone on to show what a very good player he is. A real work horse with good versatility he must start if fit. Gareth Barry, lusted after by Rafa Benitez and Liverpool fans alike is my second choice. When I first thought about this squad I didn’t think that choosing two DMs would be hard, but there is a real lack of quality in this area. Barry gets the nod over the others because he is a natural leader and is left footed, he also takes a good set piece.
Other considerations: Michael Carrick, Huddestone, Mark Noble.

Attacking Midfielders/Forwards: Joe Cole, Gerrard, Rooney
Three of the most technically gifted English footballers all very strong with a reasonable amount of pace. All can pass and shoot… all of them quality.
Other considerations: Lampard, David Bentley, Ashley Young, Jermain Jenas, Shaun Write-Phillips, Arron Lennon, Stewart Downing, Kieron Dyer

Striker: Gabriel Agbonlahor
A controversial choice. Gabby has shown his ability in the last two seasons in the prem, he is lightning fast and knows how to find the back of the net. He’s also very young and likely to improve and isn’t made of glass, so wont break in half as soon as someone comes close.
Other considerations: Ashton, Crouch, Owen, Defoe, Walcott.

Ok ok, now I will admit that I am a big fan of football, and that I am enjoying the rececnt euro 2008 championships… they have been great. The football on show in most cases (italians french and greeks being the exception)

But I cant help feeling a certain sense of apathy and dis-interest. I have adopted Spain as my team to support this year.. and they have been excellent so far… but i feel a certain sense of guilt… it should be england….

Looking at the qualityu (or lack oif) from some teams makes me angry… mostly with Steve McLarren.

Thanks Steve.

(and yes i know tis old)