Can England Win The World Cup?

December 4 2009 - England looked to have their greatest chance in 20 years to finally lift the World Cup again.

Fabio Capello's side had come off the back of an impressive qualifying campaign. The Italian had injected organisation, discipline and some much needed confidence into a limp Three Lions. Nine wins and a meaningless defeat to Ukraine gave England the third best qualifying record in Europe after Spain and Holland.

Few will quickly forget the home and away vanquishing of Steve McClaren's conquerors Croatia. The 5-1 home win and even more exciting 4-1 away victory confirmed that this was a side full of verve and purpose. In Wayne Rooney, Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard, England boasted a triumvirate of match winners. Theo Walcott resembled a young Ryan Giggs, but with even more pace and a greater eye for goal.

Rooney bagged nine goals in qualifying and Lampard, Gerrard, Peter Crouch and Jermain Defoe all looked prolific. Indeed, confidence was so high that even Emile Heskey managed a goal against Kazakhstan.

A straightforward World Cup group of USA, Slovenia and Algeria served to confirm the whispers that had been spreading for months: England can win the World Cup.

Six months and five days later, the Three Lions are not roaring as loudly as they were.

Uninspired victories over Mexico, Japan and Platinum Stars have raised serious questions about England's chances in this 19th World Cup. The continued absence of Owen Hargreaves was exacerbated by injuries to Rio Ferdinand and David Beckham alongside fitness concerns over Gareth Barry.

Poor performances, injuries to key personnel and questions over the strength of England's squad have seen Capello's charges drop to fourth betting favourites.

With three days to go until Steven Gerrard leads England out against the USA in Rustenburg, the team are limping towards the starting blocks.

So, do they have any chance of lifting the trophy on July 11?

Yes, they have a chance. Whilst expectations have dampened significantly since December, most fans, players and pundits agree that England, whilst not the outright favourites, are part of a group of about five teams who have an outside chance of lifting the trophy.

To my mind, the three favourites are Spain, Argentina and Holland. Then come Brazil and following is a group consisting of Italy, Germany, Portugal, France and England. You may be interested to know that my two outside bets are Chile and Uruguay (Ivory Coast if Drogba is fit).
Spain and Argentina boast the two most talented squads in the competition. The quality of Spanish midfielders is unmatched: Iniesta, Xavi, Alonso, Silva, Fabregas, Busquets, Navas, Mata and Martinez. Add to those David Villa and Fernando Torres, and we are faced with justifiable favourites.

Argentina face a significant handicap in the shape of the former saviour. His brief tenure has revealed that Diego Maradona is no football coach. The impulsive and emotional "El Diego" has neither the tactical nous nor mental fortitude to effectively lead the Argentinian national side. But such is the talent at his disposal, that these shortcomings may not matter. A strike-force of Tevez, Higuain and the peerless Lionel Messi makes them my tip as winners.



Holland performed well throughout qualifying and after a solid Euro 2008 look well set to surprise people. Arjen Robben and Wesley Sneijder were two of Europe's finest performers this season and the high-tempo Dutch style of football is ideally suited to expose struggling sides like Italy and France. They should go far.

I am not putting Brazil in the top bracket because they are an efficient but unspectacular side. Too little is being made of their poor qualifying campaign, in which they topped the group by one point from Chile. This side will not play other teams off the park and do not pose the same creative threat that the three Rs of Ronaldo, Rivaldo and Ronaldinho did in 2002. Having said this, their experience, the talent of Kaka and Robinho, and Luis Fabiano's goals give them as good a chance as ever.

Germany, France, Italy and Portugal are shadows of their recent selves. Germany's lack of experience, Italy's failure to unearth a top centre forward, France's inept leadership and Portugal's over-reliance on Cristiano Ronaldo give each of them little more than an outside chance.

And so, belatedly, we come to England. The reality of their chances lies somewhere in the middle of the fatalism and optimism heard in the media.

A comfortable draw has benefited England hugely. They face a possible last 16 clash with Serbia and a potentially very winnable Quarter Final against France.

The squad is is no stronger than the 2002 and 2006 vintages. A prime Michael Owen and David Beckham would be welcomed by Fabio Capello, as would Sol Campbell's 2002 form. But, there are a handful of players who rival any in the world. Rooney and Ashley Cole are world class and Lampard, Gerrard and Terry are all exceptional when on form. The nucleus of this side can certainly take England past the Quarter Finals.

However, the problem lies in the supporting cast. Uncertainty over the goalkeeper combined with a weakness at right back and a chronic lack of pace amongst the remaining centre halves, creates concern.

Gareth Barry's fitness struggle has left Capello with an unbalanced midfield. If Barry is fit for the knockout stages, then a potential midfield of James Milner or Joe Cole on the left, Lampard and Barry playing centrally and Aaron Lennon on the right looks quite strong on paper.

But if Barry isn't fit, then England look to have a soft centre. The thought of Michael Carrick starting in this World Cup is one likely to cause dread amongst England fans.

Perhaps the biggest question of all is: Who should play with Rooney? Emile Heskey looks set to be given the nod but, given his woeful scoring record and poor form, the Aston Villa man is lucky to be in the squad. Crouch has an enviable eye for goal, but is too static to be Rooney's foil. Defoe is a good poacher, but I have doubts over his ability at the very highest level.



For most observers, the answer lies in playing Gerrard behind Rooney. This would allow Rooney to operate as England's spearhead, as he has been for Manchester United all season. This system allows for England's two most dangerous attacking players to occupy their best positions and work in tandem.

But, Capello has shown few signs that he will place his trust in this system. He is nothing if not a pragmatist and if a system works he will exploit it to the full. The Rooney Heskey pairing served him well in Qualifying so the signs are that he will persist with them.

There is no cause for mad panic just yet. Whilst recent form has been poor, England are in a decent position to go far in the tournament.

I foresee a Semi Final exit to Brazil or Holland. The friendly against Mexico was extremely revealing. It confirmed that, even given their greater organisation and compactness under Capello, England still struggle against sides who pass the ball well and do not surrender possession easily.

I can see England beating mediocre sides like France and having too much quality for possible Second Round opponents Serbia or Australia. But against cultured teams such as Holland, Brazil, Portugal, Argentina and Spain England simply surrender possession too easily to take control of the game.

However, I will add a caveat. If Wayne Rooney approaches his Manchester United form during the tournament, then anything is possible. Injury robbed him of a chance to define the outcome of Euro 2004 after looking lethal in the Group stages. After a trio of disappointments in major international tournaments (not qualifying for Euro 2008 counts), England's talisman can finally seal his reputation as one of the world's best.

Review Of The Season

Match of the Season
Manchester United 4-3 Manchester City - Everyone was a winner here. Exciting action for the neutrals, two ridiculously late goals, controversial refereeing, not to mention Michael Owen's most important contribution of the season. Plus, Manchester City fans had to admit, grudgingly, that United were still Manchester's top dogs, whilst United fans became worried that City will catch them in the next couple of years. It simply had everything.


Match of the Season 2
Fulham 4-1 Juventus - Perhaps not as great a spectacle as the Manchester derby purely on its own merits, but ultimately more memorable. Losing the first leg 3-1 and going behind to a David Trezeguet strike after ten minutes in this match wasn't the greatest start. But Fulham scored the 4 goals they needed to go through to the Europa Cup quarter finals. More importantly, Roy Hodgson's often patronised side had beaten the European giants to prove decisively their genuine pedigree. Oh and it also had two sending offs and a masterful display from Bobby Zamora.


Favourite Moment
Not technically a moment, but: No more sycophantic pundits salivating over the beloved "Top 4". A poor season for the Premier League's standard bearers: Chelsea and Man Utd were well short of their best, Arsenal's challenge predictably petered out when it mattered most and Liverpool were utterly woeful. No English representative in the Champions League Semi Finals isn't a great testament either. Nor is the fact that they are no longer the "Top 4".


Least Favourite Moment

The "Hand of Gaul". Thierry Henry united football fans worldwide with his homage to Diego Maradona. The Republic of Ireland were comfortably the better side in this Play-Off second leg before being robbed by the former Arsenal man's Extra Time slight of hand. I'm not alone in wishing Roy Keane was still an Irish player at the time as we may well have seen the "Hand of Cork" ... smashing straight into Henry's face. Consolation comes from the knowledge that any side who are comfortably outplayed by an average Republic of Ireland side will not be troubling the Championship rounds of the World Cup.



Unsung Hero
There are two reasons for his inclusion in this award. Firstly, his win in the Dutch Eredivisie with Twente represents both the biggest achievement from an English manager this century, but it also offers McClaren a semblance of redemption after his comic tenure as England manager. Which is not to say that he isn't still something of a clown. Just as his achievement is under appreciated, so is the inexplicable but hilarious Dutch accent that he has adopted.

If you watch no other video make sure you watch this one http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ZnoP4sUV90


Villain



John Terry - An obvious choice. If Ashley Cole is more popular than you then you are deserving of a place in any villains list.

If even Sky cancel their pre kick-off adverts then you know it's a big event. Here's the "handshake" again.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WXXHbXN1Dbc


Owners of the Season
Arsenal's. The infighting and takeover speculation at Arsenal would ordinarily preclude their omission from any ownership awards. However, they are the third most valuable football club in the world (behind Man Utd and Real Madrid). With pre-tax profits of £35.2 million and a debt reduction of £129.2 million, Arsenal's owners have ensured a period of growth over the next few years. Peter Hill-Wood has promised that the revenue from the Highbury Square development would be reinvested in the squad and the Emirates. So a promising season for the Gunners on the field could be supplemented by a healthy bank balance for the club. This should give Arsene Wenger ample money to spend in the next couple of years.


What We Have Learnt
That the current finances of English clubs are unsustainable. The sight of Portsmouth and Hull wallowing in a quagmire of debt and the popularity of Manchester United and Liverpool's owners are an indictment of the indulgence of the Premier league over the past decade. Something must change.


Quote of the Season
"He's like a Playstation player" ~ Arsene Wenger on Lionel Messi after the Argentinian's four goal salvo in Barcelona's 4-1 quarter final victory.
Wenger summed up perfectly what we all think of Lionel Messi, just as football writers worldwide penned bloated articles lazily churning out cliched platitudes.. The quality of Messi's football, at times, defies typical footballing descriptions. He is the most devastating combination of natural ability and actual achievement in the last 20 years. And he is only 22.

Just watch this
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G5UksOpQL2E


In 20 years they'll still be talking about... "The Messi World Cup". Spain and Brazil are most people's favourites to lift the World Cup. However, there is something to be said for Argentina. After an indifferent qualifying campaign, they beat Germany in a friendly. If Maradona can reign in his "eccentricities" and Messi can replicate his club form, then they are far more than dark horses. Messi will make the most singular mark on a World Cup since Zinedine Zidane in 1998.


The Ryan Giggs Award For Turning Back Time
Paul Scholes has approached his best this season. With little pace to lose, he has become the fulcrum of United's midfield alongside the revelatory Darren Fletcher. At 36, he is the best passer of the ball anywhere outside Barcelona. It is a shame, therefore, that he will not receive anything approaching the same accolades as Giggs did last season.


Scariest Moment of the Season
If looks could kill, Roy Keane would be looking at a long stretch behind bars:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fgT8KUzULZI

And just to be detailed, here's another:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WFulcDJDJEU&feature=related


Not as good as everyone thought
Rafa Benitez - More "fat Spanish waiter" than Shankley's long lost heir. Did anyone notice the change from him being called Rafael Benitez to Rafa Benitez? Thought not.



Young Players of the Season
I am going to mention two young English stars and two Welsh ones. Jack Rodwell has proven himself to be a composed and supremely talented holding midfielder, whilst Jack Wilshere has impressed on loan at Bolton. Welsh fans have one of the finest young full backs/ wingers in the world in Gareth bale and, in my opinion, the best of the four in Aaron Ramsey. These four British youngsters have been the pick of the Premiership's U21s.Imagine if Great Britain's Olympic midfield was:

Bale Ramsey Rodwell Wilshere

A video of Aaron Ramsey
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nuzbOpgiJ7c


Cliche of the Season
Wigan play good football. This phrase was rolled out before every single Wigan match this season by some expert or another. In reality, we mean that Wigan pass the ball around, but lack the personnel to hurt any serious side. They harmlessly knock the ball around at about half the pace of Arsenal without ever looking particularly threatening. There is a reason they finished 16th. Contrast them with Stoke, who combine direct football with some, much underrated, tidy play.


Glad To See the Back of Them
Hull City - They offered absolutely nothing to the Premier League. Apart from an incredible start to the 2008-09 season, they have been, without exception, a woeful excuse for a top flight side.


Everyone's second team this summer
Spain


Everyone wants them to lose
Thierry Henry and his French team mates.


Finally ... Wayne Rooney is realising his potential. Sure, he has always been a rare talent. But there was a time when an emerging Lionel Messi was seen as Argentina's pathetic answer to "our Wayne" and Pele and Maradona would soon be merely the second and third best players ever. Okay, so maybe we got a little carried away at the time.

Rooney's 2010
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gaPZZ9_VDqU

Best Advert

"If Carlsberg did teamtalks" - this could be the best advert since Guinness' were actually good. Although, I'm almost certain that Fabio Capello wouldn't let Phil Taylor throw darts around in the tunnel.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=66OuJZGDCHE

All Roads Lead Where?

"In the sport of boxing, all roads lead to Floyd Mayweather."

"I don't care what fighter your going to name, I'm the best. Throw a name at me and I'll break his stats down. Whatever they've done I've done it quicker and with no losses."



These two recent lines highlight the caricature which has replaced the reality of Floyd Mayweather.

The point at which Floyd Mayweather, boxer, transformed into an ill-conceived self-parody can be pinpointed to his decision to change his nickname from "Pretty Boy" Floyd to "Money"Mayweather.

He is ostentatious and difficult to like, yet one has to admire grudgingly his phenomenal athletic ability. But hand in hand with this go serious questions over Floyd's commitment to fighting the best.

I will address tomorrow's fight, Floyd's shortcomings and delusion and where he stands in the pantheon of boxing greats.

Ahead of his super-fight with Shane Mosley, most boxing scribes have arrived at the same conclusion: Floyd wins this fight every time.

Mayweather is coming off the back of an utterly dominant performance against Juan Manuel Marquez. At the time, the Mexican was in every pound for pound top five list and Floyd dissected his style and delivered a punch perfect display.

It is easy to forget that Marquez was a blown up lightweight that night and Mayweather took a $600,000 penalty in order to ignore the 144 pound limit.

So an impressive comeback, albeit, on his terms against a bloated lightweight champion.

Mayweather v Mosley is very different. Mosley destroyed the myth surrounding Antonio Margarito in beating him by a 9th round TKO.

"Sugar" Shane's performance dispelled the memories of two defeats to both Vernon Forrest and Winky Wright.

Mayweather has risen to the pinnacle of the sport through a combination of astonishing natural talent and dedication in the gym and careful matchmaking. "Money" has never fought a professional bout he didn't know he would win.

He has fought a succession of very good fighters who fell below genuine pound for pound status. Jose Luis Castillo, Arturo Gatti, Zab Judah and Ricky Hatton all fall into this category.

Whilst accumulating his "perfect" record, Mayweather consistently dodged Shane Mosley, Antonio Margarito and Miguel Cotto. I have no problem with this; after all, this skillful matchmaking has made Floyd a very successful and rich man.

But, to call himself "The greatest boxer of all time" is delusional.

Muhammad Ali, Sugar Ray Leonard and Sugar Ray Robinson are rightly revered for their sublime ability in the ring. However, it was their willingness to consistently fight the best boxers around which has guaranteed their place in boxing folklore.

Ali's legend was established by his bouts with Frazier, Liston and Foreman and Leonard's name is synonymous with his carousel of great opponents such as Benitez, Hearns, Hagler and Duran.

These men didn't just proclaim their greatness, they dared to prove it. And this is where "Money" falls short.

If all roads led to Floyd Mayweather then he would have fought a prime Oscar De La Hoya, would have challenged the Lightweight version of Shane Mosley and would not impose unreasonable drug testing demands in order to duck Manny Pacquiao.

But now fight fans can watch Floyd test himself against a live contender. Mosley is the naturally bigger man and carries notable power, speed and reflexes.

Has Floyd finally made a mistake? I think Mosley will adapt to Mayweather's elusive style and will outwork him over the course of the fight.

For all his mastery of defensive boxing, Mayweather has two weaknesses: his safety first approach can lead to him being outworked and he can be troubled by a solid jab.

Both De La Hoya and Zab Judah gave Mayweather problems for six rounds by using a stiff jab to nullify "The Pretty Boy's" usually unparallelled defence.

I believe that Mosley is both intelligent and athletic enough to beat Mayweather over 12 rounds. Mosley by decision is my prediction.

We mustn't forget that Mosley compiled a record of 38-0 with 35 knockouts. An undefeated record counts for little if that record does not include "live" opponents.

Most fans judge fighters past on their historic matchups and their ability to rouse themselves in the wake of defeats. Muhammad Ali did this, as did Sugar Ray Leonard. It remains to be seen whether Floyd Mayweather can do the same.

With the prospect of consecutive fights against Shane Mosley and a possible matchup with Manny Pacquiao, we may finally see how Mayweather responds to adversity.

Kessler v Froch

This looks set to be a typically absorbing Super Six bout. Carl Froch secured a questionable split decision over Andre Dirrell in his first fight, as Mikkel Kessler succumb to the astonishing speed and skill set of Olympic gold medallist Andre Ward.

I am a big fan of Froch due, in main, to his relentless pressure fighting and astonishing ability to absorb punches to the chin.

Froch's win over Dirrell followed up his stunning 12th round knock out of former undisputed Middleweight Champion Jermain Taylor.

However, Dirrell's subsequent impressive victory of Arthur Abraham renders Froch's performance slightly more impressive.

Kessler has the undoubted edge in skill and ability, relying as he does on a piston-like jab and good lateral movement to set his opponent up. However, Froch has built his recent career on overcoming superior opponents and unfavourable odds.

His unanimous decision over Jean Pascal was a fight of the year candidate and the knockout of Jermain Taylor was as impressive as it was timely.

The knockout of Taylor: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wYcGdQdoUbc

Let's not forget that Kessler was comprehensively beaten by Andre Ward (my pick for the tournament) last time out.

I'm backing him to walk Kessler down incessantly, whilst falling behind on the score cards. However, his willingness to walk through shots to land huge shots of his own will tell. We mustn't forget that his recuperative powers are second to none in the sport of boxing.

Just watch this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=89TARUBb0XM&feature=related

So, behind on all three scorecards as the fight enters the later rounds, I expect "The Cobra" to seriously test Kessler's resolve. I'm backing the Nottingham man to stop Kessler in the 10th or 11th round.

A lot has been made of Kessler's undefeated record in Denmark (37 fights). However, such is Froch's mental fortitude, that I don't see this as a major factor. I wouldn't be surprised if Kessler wins a unanimous decision, but I think Froch's underrated ring smarts and aggression will prove decisive.

N.B. The failure of Sky to pick up the rights to the bout is as baffling as it is disappointing. Froch does not take a backward step and his first line of defence (literally) is his chin. He is deserving of a better platform than Primetime.

Top 10 Underrated Premiership Players

Here are my top 10 underrated players in the Premiership. Let me know what your list is.

10. Mikel Arteta - It is hardly a secret that the Spaniard is Everton's talisman. Sky Sports and Match of the Day regularly tell us how clever and subtle his play is. So why underrated? Because few people, besides Everton fans, realise quite how good he is. A metronomic passer of the ball with very quick feet, dangerous set pieces and an eye for goal. Man Utd and Liverpool are crying out for a midfielder of his quality. Next season he will probably continue to be the best midfielder outside the top four. Oh, and do you know how much he cost? £2 million.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9zjC0raztco

9. Paul Scholes - A contentious inclusion this one. For 15 years he has been a regular for Man Utd and is rightly regarded as a fabulous midfielder. But, like Arteta, few regard him as highly as they should. Scholes is the most naturally gifted midfielder in Premiership history. Giggs may have the edge in trophies and longevity, but it is not for nothing that Zinedine Zidane, Brian Kidd, Xavi and Darren Fletcher say he is the most talented footballer they have seen. He has long since lost any semblance of pace which he might have had. But the result has been a deep lying playmaker whose range of passing and ability to retain possession can match that of Xavi and Pirlo.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BjnQad_ulgQ

8. Jamie O'Hara - With just four games to go, Spurs are in prime position to capture football's "holy grail" - fourth spot. If they hadn't loaned O'Hara to Portsmouth, perhaps they could be all but guaranteed Champions League football next season. Despite Portsmouth's dismal form and embarassing financial problems, O'Hara has been their best player by a wide margin. A combination of good vision and an underrated ability to support both defence and attack has caught the eye of Giovanni Trapattoni. The 23-year-old is torn between declaring for the Republic of Ireland and waiting for an England call up. There is one certainty, he will be putting serious pressure on Tom Huddlestone and Wilson Palacios for a starting spot next season.
Not strictly a video of his elegant passing, but: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gyd1SV2fXFc

7. Scott Parker - It is very easy to overlook Scott Parker given West Ham's dismal season and his relative failure at Chelsea. But the former Charlton man has demonstrated over the past two years the qualities which led Claudio Ranieri to shell out £10 million for him. He is an excellent tackler (Martin Keown and Stan Collymore called him the best in the Premiership) and provides an excellent screen for his defence with his positional awareness and neat passing. It's a shame that the rest of Gianfranco Zola's side don't perform with the same quiet efficiency.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E1NIbVYVzMohttp:// and Parker demonstrating his tidy approach to winning the ball http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s_tdBdoCA5s&feature=related

6. Kevin Doyle - So non-descript are Mick McCarthy's Wolves side, that I would forgive anyone for understimating them. However, this season Doyle has quietly and doggedly reminded the Premiership of his debut top flight season with Reading. The Irish striker has few notable weaknesses: he is fairly quick and strong and blends a decent ability in the air with a natural striker's instinct. His tally of seven goals this season is underwhelming, but he has selflessly lead the line and his performances have helped propel Wolves clear of relegation trouble.
Worth watching for a hilarious aside from the journalist about Liam Hunt.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ezIti82nLKA&feature=related

5. David Dunn- Does anybody remember how good David Dunn was supposed to be? Around 11 years ago he was touted as the future of England's midfield alongside the prodigiously talented Joe Cole. Of the two "New Gazza's", it is Cole who has since done most to deserve the moniker. Dunn has always been a decent midfielder but nothing more. This season though, Dunn's memorable goals and technical ability have been at the fore during Blackburn's impressive season. He might not be the answer to the Gerrard-Lampard "equation", but he is finally delivering on his rich promise.
Look how much he's improved http://www.blogger.com/www.youtube.com/watch?v=x4fsLeCjB4s&feature=fvsr

4. Aaron Ramsey - If you cast your mind back to the pre-season forecasts for the Premiershipseason, you will well remember the hype that surrounded Jack Wilshere - "The heir apparent to Paul Gascoigne", "the best English player since Rooney". Funny then that it is the Welsh teenager Ramsey who seems to be Arsenal's most promising youngster. In the injury-enforced absence of Cesc Fabregas, Ramsey seamlessly filled the midfield playmaker's position and turned in a string of eye-catching performances. No doubt Wilshere is a fantastic prospect, but Ramsey is better. When he returns from his broken leg he will surprise everybody all over again.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nuzbOpgiJ7c


3. Damien Duff - Surplus to requirements in his final year at Chelsea, part of Newcastle's "would have challenged for the title five years ago" side, Duff's star had fallen since his memorable time at Blackburn. However, the man who was arguably the best left-sided midfield player in the world in 2002 (Pires and Giggs may disagree) has been back to his best at Fulham. Injuries have sapped his once blinding pace and the plaudits don't come as often as they did during his 2002 World Cup campaign ( watch those Youtube videos). But nine goals this season and an innate ability to beat a full back mean the winger is once more a force to be reckoned with. N.B. Has anybody else noticed how Duff always looks so out of breath he could keel over at any moment.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FYogG8x_im0&feature=related

2. Lee Bowyer - While he was at West Ham, I had more than one conversation which started with "remember when Bowyer used to be good". At Leeds he was an angry, aggressive but deeply talented footballer. But he was so spectacularly rubbish at West Ham that he makes Kieron Dyer look like a decent signing. So imagine our surprise when he strolls back into the Premiership with Birmingham City. Surely they'd be going straight back down if they relied on duds like Bowyer. Wouldn't they? But, whisper it, he's actually good - really good in fact. Five goals, four assists and numerous "Leeds-like" performances.
What a nice guy. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AFLeTm46CqQ

1. Rory Delap - He is number one on the list due to his actual abilities as a footballer being completely ignored. Yes, we all know Rory Delap has a long throw in. It has regularly been compared to "a howitzer", "a missile" etc. So prodigious a skill is Delap's, that he could carry on until his mid-40s and still be a considerable weapon for Stoke. Did you know he has 20 assists from throw in's over his last two Premiership seasons. But the former Southampton man is actually a decent midfielder. He's no Lampard or Fabregas, but nor is he just a "throw-in merchant". 73 appearances in the last two years for a gradually improving Stoke side is testament to that.
Oh all right here's his monster throw in against Man City http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BFGgeor351g

Let Me Bend Your Ear

Darren Bent's stock fell during his spell at Tottenham - there is no denying it. After shelling out £16.5 million, Spurs were hoping for a rather more sizeable return than 25 goals in two seasons across all competitions.

However, with 23 league goals this season, the former Ipswich and Charlton striker has firmly punctured any doubts about his ability. The front man's achievements are made all the more remarkable when set against Sunderland's determined mediocrity.

And yet, with more Premier League goals to his name than any English player, bar Wayne Rooney, the 26-year-old looks set to miss out on Fabio Capello's World Cup squad. With the alternatives out of form, lacking goals or losing early season momentum, why won't Mr Capello pick him.

Capello has always maintained that he will only pick players who are fully fit and playing regularly for their clubs. The appointment of an England manager who picks on form, and not reputation, was welcome relief to those sceptics of the boys club mentality of the England camp under both Sven Goran Eriksson and Steve McLaren.

However, he seems to have gradually diverged from this initial promise. The repeated selections of Theo Walcott, David Beckham, Emile Heskey and, more understandably, John Terry disproves the notion that form is the decisive factor behind selection.

Having watched Jermain Defoe's early season form stall and Carlton Cole pik up niggling injuries, Fabio Capello has some questions to answer before picking his squad.

And so to Bent. His £10 million (possibly rising to £16.5 million) move to Sunderland raised eyebrows at the time. Steve Bruce, it seemed, wished to continue the same lavish, scattergun approach to transfers as his predecessor.

But Bent has outshone Kenwyne Jones in a very average Sunderland side. Whilst his club have underachieved, he has consistently been Sunderland's best performer.

He blends genuine pace and a keen eye for goal with a willingness to harry defenders. Indeed, after Michael Owen and Jermain Defoe, Bent is probably the most natural English goalscorer around.

These qualities led The Daily Telegraph's Henry Winter to identify him as an England star of the future by naming him in his 2006 squad of the year.

It doesn't take a genius to identify his pedigree - 141 goals in 336 appearances highlights a striker who has scored regularly at every club he has played for. That ratio is second only to Defoe of the current Premiership strikers eligible for England (and that includes Rooney).

The central criticism is a straightforward one: In five international appearances he is yet to score. This cannot be ignored, but with only two starts amongst those caps it is hardly worrying form.

He is by no means an established international forward, but nor is he less experienced than Agbonlahor or Cole. Lest we forget, Jermain Defoe's England career was largely unremarkable until the past 12 months.

A football phone in show this week criticised Bent for failing to shine against the big teams. This, it was said, was why Capello has overlooked him.

But hang on! Let's examine that argument.

This season he has scored in a 2-2 away draw against Manchester United, the opener in a 3-1 defeat to Chelsea in addition to winners against Arsenal, Liverpool and Spurs. Any reputation he has earnt as a flat-track bully is at best undeserved and at worst woefully ignorant of the facts.

He does not offer defences the same physical challenges as Peter Crouch, Emile Heskey or Carlton Cole, but he is quicker and a more potent goalscorer than all three. Both Gabriel Agbonlahor and Theo Walcott have electrifying pace without the inherent footballing intelligence to go with it.

Whilst Bent does not offer the same obvious qualities as some of the other candidates, he represents a useful blend of all of them. Strikers with pace, strength, a natural eye for goal and a willingness to work for the team and bring others into play are all too rare. Fernando Torres and Didier Drogba are the high end examples.

I would have Bent in South Africa ahead of Heskey, Cole and Agbonlahor. Assuming Rooney and Defoe are certainties, I would bring Crouch and Bent as impact substitutes. This leaves a possible spot for a fifth striker. Perhaps Theo Walcott, as overrated as he is quick.

The case for Bent's inclusion is a strong one:

1. Second highest English Premiership goalscorerthis season.
2. An impressive mixture of pace, strength, work ethic and goals.
3. Has sustained a high level of performance for the last eight years.

So surely a coach who picks on form and not reputation would take him. Wouldn't he?

On Saturday I will be compiling my World Cup 23 and my predictions for Capello's 23.