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.

This week sees the semi (hehe) finals of the champions league take place, with three english teams and one spanish team (well maybe two if you count liverpool). I am sure most readers in the UK know what the british press/general public feel… But what of the spanish perspective.

 VS
It is fair to say out of the remaining matches this is tie is the one that is receiving the most exposure in the Spanish press (for obvious reasons). Barca, by their standards, are having a bad season. With reports that Eto, Ronaldiniho and others are unsettled the Catalan giants have been suffering from an Arsenal esk slump in form, and are currently 3rd in La Liga after Villareal won against relegation threatened Valladolid at the weekend. Barca fans have been protesting outside of the Nue Camp, and pretty much anywhere else that people will pay attention to them, and this can only be disruptive for a team which its ´Should´ be in the Champions League final. Manchester United on the other hand have looked (much to my displeasure) a class apart from most of their rivals both domestically and in continental competition. Despite the intimidating fortress that is the Nue Camp I can see only one winner here. As far as the Spanish go, obviously Barca fans are rooting for their team, everyone else is backing Manure. Manchester United to go through.

VS

Hmmmm, have we been here before. Inexplicably these two pseudo giants of English football have managed to come up against each other for the 3rd time in recent years. There is considerable Spanish interest int his match with Spain FC (Liverpool) containing a host of Spanish internationals including the unfathomably good El Niño, Fernando Torres, and a Spanish manager. It has has been a disappointing season for Liverpool. After the mass summer spending by Sr Benitez most scouse fans expected their team to be fighting for the premiership title this year, instead they find themselves in yet another Champions League semi final and yet again 4th in the Premiership. The bright point for Liverpool is that after years of searching they have found a striker who will really put the fear of god into any opponent. A disappointing season is something that Chavski can also relate to, despite finding themselves in with  long shot of recapturing the premiership title from Man U. Avram Grant will surely be told to clear his desk in the summer (even if it is for a more executive role), as his team seem to capitulate in an “must win” matches. Despite this, exit in the FA cup to Barnsley as well as loosing in the League Cup final against Tottenham could spur (see what i did there) Grants men past Liverpool and into the final. Spanish hearts say Liverpool for the win, Spanish heads say its a lot closer than that. Liverpool to go through on penalties.

Adios

Nickox