England's weak links must be dropped to find successful era

For months on end, England manager Roy Hodgson has pledged an alliegance to the 'loyal' men with the Three Lions on their chests. While the English faithful sit and pray for the long-desired day of success at a major tournament to come flying round the corner, they may be waiting for an infinity before our nation's managers realise that the next generation of superstars must be plunged onto the international scene for success to come anytime soon.

Image courtesy of Creative/Wikimedia Commons

Source: Football.ua
Author: Олег Дубина

Some have called England's 1-1 draw with Montenegro in Podgorica a "disappointment", an "embarrassment" and even a "shambles". Lying in second in the World Cup qualifying group - it is not the time for the fans to be pointing fingers at a generic England, who somehow find themselves ranked the 4th best team in the world. It is instead time for the manager to realise the change the fans desire is a manager with some bottle.

Hodgson himself lacks bottle. He's the gentleman of football, but he is certainly the one capable to inspire a generation to international success. For some time now, I have been pleading for the manager to make changes which are obvious to the masses, but oblivious to the people who matter. It's a curious case of whether the coaching staff are willing to build for a better future, a future filled with talented youngsters, something in which England currently have in abundance.

Danny Welbeck is a suitable example. At the age of 22, the Manchester United forward is an established member of the starting XI. So he should be, he's earned his place with a consistent level of performances and an impressive major tournament debut in Poland and Ukraine during Euro 2012. Hodgson's faith in Welbeck is a step in the right direction. But there are a small minority of England's current crop who do nothing but halt England's rise to compete with the giants of world football.

There was a time I believed Wayne Rooney did not warrant his place in the England side. I was wrong. Even though he has yet to truly excel when it really matters for England, a stat of 26 competitive internationals goals, level with Michael Owen, is a testament to how important Rooney could be to this step into the future.

Steven Gerrard is another who seems to flounder when we really need him. His early goal at the 2010 World Cup against the USA showed signs of early promise that it was to be England's time, but his lacklustre performances post-USA in South Africa still leave an air of doubt over the captain's true ability to take England further. Gerrard's presence in Brazil is a must. England still requires that experience but too much responsibility is placed on a man who just cannot burden the weight of club and country expectations on his withering shoulders any longer.

While Rooney and Gerrard may have their critics, they are needed. The 'contributors' to England who should be nowhere near the setup continue to plague a squad with the true talent forced into international exile.

Glen Johnson, James Milner and Ashley Young are the three contributors at the dock. The latter especially has become a mere shadow of the potential he showed pre-Euro 2012. His goal against Norway just before travelling to Poland and Ukraine rounded off an impressive spell of form for both club and country. Young's performances were, quite rightly, earning him plaudits across the land, but his Euro 2012 impact was nothing short of disastrous. It was a disaster, capped off by his horrific penalty miss in the shoot-out against Italy. Just another victim of the cruel penalty curse which also continues to plague England's success in major tournaments. While some may argue Young offers England a new dimension, others critcise his lack of incisiveness, creativity and fight which makes a successful international.
Milner is another who continues to find his way into the first team but offers no real attacking threat or defensive structure.

Image courtesy of Creative/Wikimedia Commons
Source: Football.ua

Author: Станислав Ведмидь/Stanislav Vedmid'/Stanisław Wiedmid'

But why should he be offering defensive structure when he's being played as a winger? A winger who fails to leave defenders for dead and swinging in deadly balls - Milner's presence in the England team mirrors that of Stewart Downing, another club hopeful who failed to transfer his Middlesbrough form over to the white of his country. For too long many have been baffled by Milner's inclusion in the squad, let alone the first team. His effort on a field is undeniable, the man works his socks off, but that's all he gives, and if it's become a time when our manager picks players on effort, then our manager should be in charge of kids football for him to display that type of affection.
Glen Johnson is England's third choice right-back. This is not Roy Hodgson's opinion obviously, nor is it mine, but it is a fact. Two players infinitely better than Johnson in that position have been benched and forced into the exile road. Kyle Walker, who performed so outstandingly against San Marino deserved his shot against Montenegro. His pace, strength and ferocious forward play for Tottenham is a demonstration of the ability the 22-year-old has, and it is time Hodgson recognised that an ageing, lethargic Glen Johnson simply cannot cut it anymore for his country. Micah Richards is another forced onto the barren wasteland of club football and ONLY club football. Denied a spot in the squad for Euro 2012, he is another who's potential has remained unfulfilled merely down to a lack of international experience. Thwarted by managers who fail to highlight true talent.

One saving grace for England's current imbalance in the side is Hodgson's persistence in the likes of Welbeck, Cleverley and Smalling, all starting against Montenegro last night. These players have it. As do Theo Walcott, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Phil Jones, Leighton Baines, and perhaps just as crucially, England's main talisman Jack Wilshere.

It is at a stage where Hodgson must make some bold decisions in the run-in to Brazil. With England lingering behind Montenegro in second place, he simply must identify the weaknesses in the side before an automatic qualifying spot becomes untouchable. While Ashley Young can still offer a squad player status, Johnson and Milner must depart a squad brimming with talent waiting to make its mark on the nation. The team will continue to centre around Wayne Rooney, but the one who should be our main ambassador is Jack Wilshere. He is the focal point of Arsenal and will be the focal point of England. His presence, passion, and tenacity in any midfield is one England must utilise to its full ability, while the likes of Young, Milner and Johnson are the dead wood which England must abolish to produce any success in the short-term.

Ajmal plants the Saeed of doubt into England

England sure do have a task on their hands. After the first day of the first test between Pakistan and the English in Dubai, it is Pakistan who have gained an early and mouth-watering initiative in the early stages of this series.
Andrew Strauss seeming rather reluctant to pick Monty Panesar, in conditions where England's seamers have struggled in the past. On the sub-continent. An area of the planet where no English bowlers have really set the level of fierce, penetrating fast bowling.
Tremlett, Broad and Bell started after injury scares. As did Kevin Pietersen. Strauss wins the toss, and elects to bat. Mistake Number One. An out of form Jonathan Trott would surely be looking for some big runs to end his worst run of form in an England shirt? Would Eoin Morgan really cement his claim for a place in the Test side? And would the opening duo of Alistair Cook and captain Strauss provide England with the backbone to a steady innings. The Answer? No.

England were bowled out for a miserable 192. An innings that was saved by the resourcefulness and stubbornness of wicketkeeper-batsman Matthew Prior, and part-time batsman Graeme Swann. England found themselves 94-7, with Pakistani spinner Saeed Ajmal picking five of the seven. Ian Bell's injury worries were certainly proof in the pudding as he went first ball. Cook managed only three, and the erratic Pietersen once again gave the critics something to cheer about after only scoring a painful two runs off 29 balls. Trott looked a mere shadow of his normal self, whilst Strauss' naivity sent his bails toppling to the floor.
Morgan provided a brief test for the Pakistan attack, for which Ajmal happily obliged by dismissing the left-hander LBW for 24. Prior's resurgence though, and Swann's aggravating batting has taken England up to a more respectable total. Prior's battling 70 not out, and 35 from Swann left England 192 all out. A total most England fans would be stunned to se, but one Andrew Strauss and coach Andy Flower have to deal with, and quickly.
England need some early wickets on day two, with Pakistan reaching 42-0 at the close.

The day belonged to Saeed Ajmal though, and on a grander scale Pakistan. The start to this test match has buried any sorrow memories for a country in the spotlight of international cricket. The spot-fixing scandal of Butt, Amir and Asif seems long gone. Pakistan is under a new stewardship, and a new era. Ajmal's match figures of 7-55 off 24.3 overs shows a sheer passion and drive to overcome their problems. This team will centre around the more experienced players, but the chance for the younger generation will soon be approaching. Ajmal has set an example for Pakistan to learn from past human errors, and time to give the cricketing world something to think about.

England certainly have an early problem on their mind, and the decision to leave spinner Monty Panesar out of the team for this test will certainly be banging around in his head for a while, with 9 of the England wickets being dismissed by spin bowlers. England's first day in Dubai has been a horror, and something which must be amended quickly. Maybe Swann will be able to succeed in the same way Ajmal did, or is it time for a seamer to make a name for themselves in the sub-continent? Stuart Broad has a lot of critics to answer to. Chris Tremlett has competition from the likes of Steven Finn and Graham Onions. James Anderson will be looking to continue the form which has made him England's leading bowler, and one of the best bowlers in the world.

So, I leave this message to the England coaching staff and players before tomorrow's crucial play begins. You are the best in the world, you are number one in the world, but my oh my, you have a fight on your hands.

"The Master" just keeps on delivering

Two words. Sachin Tendulkar. Tuesday 8 November 2011 is a day in cricket history. A day Tendulkar made cricket history. The day when he came became the only man in history to ever reach 15,000 Test match runs. An incredible feat, and one that should not be overlooked as another one for the record books because it just so happens this man has been setting goals, targets and achieving the highest heights in cricket since he burst onto the scene in November 1989, aged just 16!

The leading run-scorer and century maker in both Test and ODI cricket, and the only player to score a double hundred in any one-day international match in the history of the game. Tendulkar's rise to the top has been more astronomical than any other sporting event ever.

In a week where the sport was tarnished in the spot-fixing scandal involving Pakistani cricketers Salman Butt, Mohammed Asif and Mohammed Amir, and sports agent Mazhar Majeed, who was consequently rumbled by an exclusive undercover report by the now-deceased "News of the World". This week has seen their court trial come to a head and verdicts given. All players were charged and convicted with a conspiracy to cheat at gambling and to accept corrupt payments. On 3 November 2011, jail terms were handed down of 30 months for Butt, one year for Asif, six months for Amir and two years eight months for Majeed. Despite this plunging the game into more doubt about its ethics, Tendulkar still continues to prove why cricket is one of the most adored sports on this planet with an exceptional display of batting seen since the days of Donald Bradman. His name was in the history books long ago, now is just a personal mission.

At 38 years of age, it's fair to say Tendulkar's longetivity in the sport is a dying age. His career will be THE ONE to remember. His 22-year tenure in the sport is a stubborn one and there is one goal which has slipped "The Little Master's" grasp in recent months. That elusive 100th hundred.

Tendulkar has been stuck on 99 international hundreds since March now, a period stretching for over 8 months. For somebody of his class, the record breaking century cannot be far away. Many expected him to claim his feat in England on India's recent tour, a tour which the Indians would like to forget soon though. But that tour was a disappointing one.
But the attention will now turn to Tendulkar and his quest to reach number 100 and become the first person in cricket history to reach it, having already scored 51 Test centuries and 48 ODI centuries in 635 international matches.

Tonight, Tendulkar sits on 33 not out after day three of India's first test against the West Indies in Dehli. Sachin needs 67 unbeaten runs to make even more history than what he has already. His aim is surely a matter of where and when now. His achievements are unquestionable. His talent is undeniable. His reputation as "The God of Cricket" will always remain undefeated.

The Real Cricket

Most people who watch the sport yet have no idea on how to play the game believe it to a be a boring activity where men or women stand around for hours on end chasing a small red ball around a field.



They are theoretically correct, but are otherwise wrong. Cricket is a game of passion, one based on respect for one another with a huge amount of skill or technique shown. Cricket, albeit completely different from fashions shows and teaching, demand a high amount of skill and a stunning control of anxiety levels, something you would never see in the before-mentioned activities, lifestyles, or even careers.








Here are the link to a few videos, which will show everybody, what cricket is truly about and hopefully after watching, you will truly understand why it is considered one of the most loved sports in the land.




























AND FINALLY.....

What is a cricket blog without one of the most popular cricket related incidents in the past year? This from the England Cricket team sent humour and admiration into the game for a long time to come. I know for sure, it won't be long before I am sprinkling everyone close to me! Enjoy.

Anderson rattles Australia in Melbourne

What a start to the fourth Ashes test!

Years gone by and the MCG has always been a ground where England falter, but last night was a completely different story and really gave England fans the performance they so desperately wanted on Christmas Day.

Winning the toss was an important start to the day. The pitch and the coniditons suited the bowlers, so it was important for England to win the toss and Strauss did just that, putting Australia into bat and giving the ball to James Anderson and Chris Tremlett. An advantage for the English conditions was the inclusion of Tim Bresnan who has replaced Steven Finn for this fourth test. Despite Finn being the leading wicket taker in the series heading into this test at Melbourne, concerns over his fitness and his expensive economy rate in the last test gave the England coaching staff some cause for concern and hence the decision was taken to replace the 21-year-old with the more controlled swing bowling of Yorkshire seamer Bresnan.

Australia were unchanged and it was a move which surprised many, with Ponting originally expected to put a spinner in, either youngster Michael Beer or the more experienced choice of Nathan Hauritz who surprisingly still has not featured in this year's Ashes series.

England needed to strike early and they did. Chris Tremlett bowling an unplayable length which Watson struggled to deal with and he found the top edge falling straight to Kevin Pietersen in the gully, and it was a wicket coming sooner rather than later, evidence perhaps that the opener was dropped twice before eventually falling to the pace and bounce of Tremlett.

The day's highlight was a combination of wonderful swing bowling from the England bowlers, and some poor shot selections from the Aussie batsmen, including opener Phillip Hughes, Steven Smith along with many others. James Anderson and Chris Tremlett in particular were superb, getting the ball to swing beautifully and bowling a line which the Australians just found difficult to deal with. Both Anderson and Tremlett finished with four wickets apiece, with Bresnan getting the other two. The quality of the bowling was evident in the way the wickets fell. All wickets were catches behind or toward the slips corden, and six of these came courtesy of the gloves of wicketkeeper Matthew Prior, so England's bowling was evidently one of persistency and consistency.

The collapse of Ricky Ponting for just 10 was again a sign the form of the Australian captain is still a worry for the home side, and the early departure of on fire Mike Hussey was a key blow to the structure of the innings. Hussey has been Australia's most important bastman in the first three test matches with a minimum score of 51 and averaging just over 104 for the series. But, the pace and swing of Anderson proved too much this time for the Aussie number 5, and Hussey edged to Prior, falling for just 8. The English celebrations were a sign of how important getting Hussey so early was to the rest of the innings.

Michael Clarke offered some resistent with a valiant 20, but even the shot for his wicket was loose, along with Brad Haddin, who was caught behind off the bowling of Bresnan. Johnson fell for a duck and even though there were some run-scoring swings of the bat from Peter Siddle and Ryan Harris, Australia could only manage a total of 98, the lowest first innings ever at Melbourne. England immediately had control of the test match, just two sessions into a five day test.

The reply was just as important as the previously achieved bowling performance. It would seem a waste had England themselves had collapsed and given themselves no hope of winning the test match and in turn, The Ashes. However, the batting frustrated Australia and our boys ended up on 157-0 at the close of play, Cook passing 80 and Strauss not out in the 60s.

A ground which can hold up to 91,000 people was brimming with excitement before the day's play. Yet at the end of play, all that remained were a few Australians along with the hoard of English people as units of the Barmy Army singing their hearts out.
This first day at the MCG has signaled England's intent to regain that beloved Ashes urn, but never write off Ponting's side, as time after time after time again, the Australians prove to be a bigger force in the cricketing world than any other known, but with Strauss' men focused, and the Aussies somewhat lacking authority, the urn could be making the plane journey back to England sooner rather than later.

Matty Jarvis: From Gillingham to England

Fabio Capello claimed he wants to inject a new face of young talent into his current England setup and the introduction of such players like Chris Smalling, Jordan Henderson, Andy Carroll, Jack Wilshere and Kieran Gibbs is very evident of the Italian's intent.

Not many will have heard of Matthew Jarvis however. The latest name to be faced with the huge possibility of wearing the Three Lions, and a player who I have had a huge admiration for since he made his professional debut, aged just 17. Yes that's correct, I was there when Jarvis was, what some football fans would call, "just a boy" but oh, how that boy has matured and become one of the most direct, creative and energetic wingers of the Premier League of now.
Jarvis, now 24, currently plies his trade in the Midlands with Mick McCarthy's Wolverhampton Wanderers and his performances in the last two years have earnt him lavish praise from colleagues, opponents and pundits alike across the land. He has proved to be one of Wolves' most instrumental figures in their attacking play and he contains all the key attributes in which Fabio Capello likes to see in his young players.

At Gillingham, Jarvis was described as pacey, skillful and a player with a good ability to read the game by many supporters. One of them would have been me. Yes we've been hear before, discussing the great loins of the KRBS Priestfield stadium and better yet, the characters to grace the turf of the Medway ground from Simeon Jackson, Jack Payne to now. But Jarvis is better. At Gillingham, Jarvis was and always will be known as a 'Gillingham legend', and I for one thought he was a brilliant footballer, regardless of his young age. It seems the numerous opinions of myself plus the Gills faithful have not gone unnoticed.

The 2006-2007 season was a busy one for Jarvis' reputation in the game. Transfer bids from both then-boss Ian Holloway's Plymouth Argyle and Nottingham Forest were knocked back as well as a keen interest from local rivals Charlton Athletic. His performances during this impressive season as Gillingham's key player earned him a place in PFA's League One Team of the Year and gave Gills' fans a sense of pride knowing one of their own was moving on to big things. Chairman Paul Scally had revealed Jarvis was close to a move, as well as predicting his most prized asset would be on the verge of an England call-up by the time he was 24.

Jarvis has hit 24, and Scally was right. The winger has been receiving backing by many to be the next addition in Fabio Capello's young alliance, and what a ladder that young boy would have climbed in such a short space of time.

It was 2007 when Jarvis left Gillingham for then Championship Wolves. At first, he struggled to settle into life in the Black Country both on and off the field and became linked with his hometown club Middlesbrough. Coupled with this were constant knee and hip injuries for Jarvis, and many begun to doubt his true ability however he came back strong and helped his side to promotion to the Premier League, and since his transfer from the lower leagues to the best league in the world, he has not looked back. Many Premier League sides now see Jarvis as McCarthy's most dangerous weapon. Known for operating either flank, Jarvis' pace, trickery and ability and confidence in using both feet make him a handful and something beneficial to Wolves and maybe soon to England.

Despite not being the most goalscoring midfielders, with only 26 goals in 230 professional appearances, Jarvis' main threats come from his speed and wide variation of creativity. It are these skills which have attracted major interest from clubs like Liverpool and Everton in the race to sign the Wolves man, a race which has been ongoing for some time now. Whether or not McCarthy wishes to sell, it will not be long before Jarvis is going international and challenging the best in the country to become known as one of the best wingers in England.