The good news from England’s 1-0 defeat to France is that Beckham’s 100th cap is out of the way. We don’t have to talk about it ever again. The only question now is whether he adds to his collection. On last night’s evidence I’d say… maybe. He looked pretty much match fit, especially for guy […]

Lineups very recently announced. They look like this:
France: Coupet, Abidal, Gallas, Makelele, Malouda, Toulalan, Clerc, Thuram, Trezeguet, Ribery, Anelka. Subs: Landreau, Mexes, Cisse, Govou, Squillaci, Alou Diarra, Flamini, Evra.
England: James, Brown, Ferdinand, Terry, Ashley Cole, Beckham, Hargreaves, Barry, Joe Cole, Gerrard, Rooney. Subs: Robinson, Johnson, Lescott, Bridge, Bentley, Downing, Owen, Crouch, Walcott, Green.
England will play […]

If you’d told me Rio Ferdinand was the new England captain five years ago, I’d have choked on my Snakey B. Rio was talented but dozy, and not the sort of man you’d want leading you into battle (or anywhere else.)
But now it’s 2008 and we’ve all done some growing. I rarely, if ever, let […]

Hi, I’m Daryl and I’ll be stepping in to take over from Matthew who’s had to give up England WCB due to other commitments. Not a problem though, there’s plenty to talk about.
The big news, apparently, is that Beckham survived Fabio Capello’s culling of the England squad from 30 down to 23. Shouldn’t really be […]

The media is out in force covering tonight’s game, and we have a (preliminary) squad for tonight’s match:
Goalkeeper: David James (Portsmouth)
Right Back: Wes Brown (Man Utd)
Centre Back: Rio Ferdinand (Man Utd)
Centre Back: Matthew Upson (West Ham)
Left Back: Ashley Cole (Chelsea)
Right Winger: David Bentley (Blackburn)
Central Midfield: Steven Gerrard (Liverpool)
Central Midfield: Owen Hargreaves (Man Utd)
Left Winger: Ashley […]

Fabio Capello’s first England squad selection is out, and it’s everything I’d hoped it would be. Here’s my position-by-position analysis:
Goalkeepers:
Scott Carson - Aston Villa
David James - Portsmouth
Chris Kirkland - Wigan
It was a foregone conclusion that Paul Robinson would be dropped from the England lineup, given his recent form, but it’s still amazing how quickly he’s […]

Beckham all the way…
The Guardian: “Look, Fabio: he really, really wants his 100th cap. And here’s a video of him holding an African baby with HIV. How can you not play him against Switzerland?”
Fabio Capello (in Italian): “But his match fitness…”
The Guardian: “Look at the baby? He must be some sort of saint, because he […]

Scott Carson should be Fabio Capello’s number one. Hands down, no question. And he should be in goal against Switzerland next month. Here’s Carson talking to the Times about his howler against Croatia - but before you blame him for it, ask yourself: who in their right mind would play a 22-year-old goalkeeper in his […]

Several newspapers are reporting today that England manager Fabio Capello will not name David Beckham in his squad for England’s upcoming friendly match against Switzerland. Since Beckham hasn’t played regular competitive football since he moved to America (did you spot the obligatory snobbish European MLS joke?) Capello apparently feels that Beckham won’t be match-fit for […]

Best manager in the world!