Capello hints at weakness

When the now infamous one sided 12-minute meeting took place at Wembley last year, it should've been the last time John Terry got near the England captaincy.

Fabio Capello himself even stated his decision to strip the armband from the Chelsea defender was irreversible.

That added to the farce witnessed in Copenhagen recently, when with the exception of Terry, every player, steward and fan seemingly got the chance to captain England.

It seemed to further highlight the Italians initial remarks.

Now though with Rio Ferdinand, the man who was awarded the captaincy, suffering from more and more injury woes and number two Steven Gerrard also out the door is open for JT.

The mind boggles.

It is one game versus Wales, why couldn't Wayne Rooney, Ashley Cole or Gareth Barry fill in in the absence of Ferdinand and Gerrard?

The Liverpool midfielder has also been praised by Capello when filling in for the Manchester United defender.

This latest move hints at desperation.

There is no doubt Terry is a born leader, but when the man in top job states "he will never be my captain again" the country took it as fact.

Now fans of the Three Lions will be questioning the motivation of the man who stirred such anticipation in the build up to last years World Cup.

Not only that, but communication in the FA could also come under the spotlight.

As Capello's own number two, Franco Baldini, phones Rio to assure him that the Terry rumours were simply that and to not take them seriously.

But a day later it is revealed that the rumours were spot on, and now we are hearing that Ferdinand is naturally very upset.

Lack of communication, desperation, and potential division in the squad and a manager who now doesn't stick to his word.

English football could be in trouble, and it could be highlighted in extreme fashion in the Millennium stadium later this month.

All this needless flirting!

Is there anyone else out what thinks a final decision should be made about the sale of Cesc Fabregas?

I understand some people may point to the fact there has been other transfer sagas that have gone on for longer, think Gareth Barry and Cristiano Ronaldo, but this eclipses them all.

In the other two cases neither player made such a statement to the leave the club, although i know they both stated publicly on a few occasions.

But Fabregas seems to be stating it weekly, with a debatable plea to stay at Arsenal made a few weeks ago seemingly throwing his desires into disarray.

The fact is he has grown up a Barcelona fan, I presume you knew the other club in question, and it is inevitable he will leave to go back to Catalonia.

He is a self confessed fan of the Spanish Champions, constantly wishing them to do well and no doubt deep down wishing he was there himself.

Arsenal's, or Arsene Wenger's, refusal to invest heavily in the transfer market has no doubt sealed his fate.

The years of no success could be too much to handle for the youngster, despite his love of London and the Emirates based side.

It is at times unbelievable to believe that Fabregas is just 23 years of age, after so many years of being the lynchpin in the Gunners side.

But this incessnant flirting needs to come to an end sooner rather than later.

The constant public desires to stay far outnumber the one he made to stay at the club, while the latest debacle at the Spanish World Cup celebrations should be the final nail in the coffin.

'Forced' to don a Barcelona shirt, Liverpool 'keeper Pepe Reina (another ex-Barcelona player) then hailed him "the future of Barcelona".

These fluttering eye lashes aren't just all one way, as Arsenal seem to be kidding themselves into believing.

If sold now it would benefit both sides.

Barcelona would be getting the player they consider one of there own, after growing up in the much lauded Barca academy.

While Arsenal would have plenty of cash to re-invest in a squad that looks some way off the pace.

I know selling the best player would be largely criticised, however look what happened after the sale of Theirry Henry.

If Wenger could work that magic again, while splashing the cash Arsenal could find themselves in with a very real shout of the Premiership title.

England breakdown

Following the unsuccessful qualifying campaign for Euro 2008, England needed a major overhaul. And they got just that. Fabio Capello came in, and transformed an unconfident team into one that breezed through the group. One of the top points scorers was coupled with one the highest goal scorers in Wayne Rooney, with a 4-1 win in Croatia the main highlight. The usual height of expectation has already begun in England, just this time they may not disappoint.

Goalkeepers

Two experienced 'keepers are being pushed all the way by the new kid on the block. In recent months Robert Green has over taken David James, but Joe Hart's form while on loan at Birmingham has caused much debate about the 'trouble position' of the last few years. Capello's claims that he picks on form suggests that Hart will be the one given the gloves, although that policy seems to have gone out of the window with some selections in his 23 man squad. It is widely thought that Green is the one that will be trusted with the gloves in South Africa, as James' injury troubles seems to have cost him. However if it was down to the fans, the general consensus would show Hart to be the overwhelming favourite.

Defenders

In the two warm up friendlies there have been many problems highlighted, with one being the defence and what seems to be a lack of organisation. This is a rare problem for an Italian coach, although it is not new, clean sheets have been a rare phenomenon during Capello's reign. Pace seems to be the main problem in the center, with usual paring John Terry and Rio Ferdinand not blessed with great pace. Neither Matthew Upson nor utility man Jamie Carragher solve the problem, so it would be left to Ledley King if was needed. Although this problem could have solved itself, due to the injury to Ferdinand it looks like King will get the nod to step up. If Ashley Cole keeps himself fit there's no problem there, although Steven Warnock as deputy would be less inclined to bomb forward. Glen Johnson on the right still divides opinion with his attacking intentions, but he is the best we've got and in all honesty isn't anywhere near as bad a defender as is made out. With a bit of confidence the first choice of Johnson, Terry, Ferdinand and Cole is solid, and with Gareth Barry coming back it could be just the confidence that is needed to keep those all important clean sheets.

Midfield

Theo Walcott's omission has got many questioning Capello's selection, but I believe he has made the right choice. We have Aaron Lennon, Shaun Wright-Phillips and Joe Cole all naturally right footed, but capable of operating both wings. Pace alone doesn't make you a good footballer, and these three all offer something different which is well needed. The midfield could be the hardest position to guess, due to the sheer quality that lies throughout. Although if it goes with the usual decisions, it will no doubt be Lennon, Barry, Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard. But I whole heartedly believe Michael Carrick, James Milner, Wright-Phillips or Cole could fill the breach if needs be. There is plenty of dynamism and creativity within the eight selected here, and it could be these players that make the difference both going forward and in defence.

Strikers

Darren Bent was the unlucky party to miss out up front, with, to almost everyone's dismay, Emile Heskey was chosen instead. However i don't believe this decision is as catastrophic as everyone is making out. It is well known that Wayne Rooney likes partnering Heskey in attack, due to the sheer amount of chance he makes due to his strength at holding the ball up. If this can be used in the right way Heskey could be key to success this summer. Jermain Defoe and Peter Crouch make up the four, with the Tottenham men showing this season that they are more than capable of having an impact in South Africa.. Although both were out scored in the Premier League by Darren Bent.

Key Man - Wayne Rooney

No one else could be given this title except the enigmatic Manchester United striker. With Cristiano Ronaldo gone he has shone for his club side in front of goal, and has taken that form onto the international stage with England. Injured when he went to the last World Cup he couldn't have the desired impact, and ended the tournament with that controversial red card against Portugal in the quarter-final. He is now determined to set the record straight and shown the world what he is capable of, with Capello's advice to be more selfish and stay up front ringing in his ears.

One to Watch - Joe Cole

Before the injury troubles that has blighted his last few years, Cole was a key member of the England squad. And now back to regular football he is reminding us all of why exactly that is. His tricky style of play makes him exciting to watch, and the knowledge that he is capable of doing the unexpected makes him difficult for defenders to handle. His impact in the friendly against Japan has hopefully set a precedent as to what we can expect this summer.

Manager - Fabio Capello

The Italian has won trophies where ever he has plied his trade, and he doesn't intent on stopping now. Although admitting this is his most difficult challenge, he has instilled a belief into the England squad that has been lacking for years. Similarly to 2006 this could be our best chance yet of emulating 1966, and more importantly the players also seem to think so.

Odds - 6/1

Prediction - A semi-final place at the least is all what would be considered an acceptable return.

Next Time

Tomorrow I will be looking at the rest of group C, Algeria, Slovenia and USA.