Internationaled » Mike Trusler http://www.internationaled.org International Sports Association Sat, 31 Dec 2011 13:52:38 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.0.3 Alonso Wins German GP, But Storm Clouds Gather Over Ferrari and F1 http://www.internationaled.org/formula-1/alonso-wins-german-gp-but-storm-clouds-gather-over-ferrari-and-f1/ http://www.internationaled.org/formula-1/alonso-wins-german-gp-but-storm-clouds-gather-over-ferrari-and-f1/#comments Mon, 26 Jul 2010 03:49:46 +0000 Mike Trusler http://bleacherreport.com/articles/424963-alonso-wins-german-gp-but-storm-clouds-gather-over-ferrari-and-f1 As the dust settles and the crowds clear from the Hockenheim circuit the reverberations from the latest scandal to hit rumble on.

Today we witnessed a sport which, as usual, managed to throw up a surprise or two, this is what F1 is built and prides itself on. However, F1 is also sadly built on team orders which reared its ugly head today in, as always, controversial fashion.

The first major surprise of the weekend was to see both Ferraris back on form and at the sharp end of the grid ahead of both the ever threatening Red Bull's and the heavily updated McLarens. Ferraris surprising pace was not the only shock, McLarens distinct lack of speed was also a shock to many, especially with the new rear end and 'blown diffuser' package they bought to Germany this weekend.

Friday saw dark clouds hang over the circuit, and despite the sun eventually breaking through, it very much set the tone for what was to come. Friday was the first time we saw a surprise with Adrian Sutil taking first place in a session heavily affected by rain. Despite a few scary moments for Massa he achieved P2 in Practice 1, confirming that Ferrari had a very good pace this weekend. Practice 2 was a little dryer and this time both of the prancing horses set a gauntlet down to Red Bull by sandwiching Sebastian Vettel as Alonso took first place and Massa third.

Saturday opened with Free Practice 3 and we saw the first real dry session and again both Ferraris and Red Bulls locked out positions 1 to 4 with 0.7 separating Vettel in first from Massa in 4th.

Again in qualifying the battle resumed with Alonso taking the fastest times of both Q1 and Q2, but in Q3 the one lap pace of the Red Bull prevailed again and took pole with only 0.002 separating Vettel from second places Alonso, who both comfortably out qualified their respective team mates by over half a second.

Come race day again we clear sky’s above leaving all the eyes to be on track in which Mark Webber described on the grid, 'Could be one of the most interesting races of the year' after Bridgestone bought two very contrasting tyre compounds.

The race got underway and Pole man Vettel made a poor get away and he was soon swamped by Alonso, and most importantly Massa.

Massa jumped from third on the grid to first at turn 1 and Alonso had effectively held position by diving up the inside of Vettel at the same turn. Massa and Alonso streaked away and in the midfield Schumacher had made an impressive start from 11th to 8th by turn 2.

Massa and Alonso continued to pull away at the front dragging Vettel, in third, with them. Vettel and Red Bull a cunning and brave plan to pit early and surprise everyone, but most importantly release him into clear air. Both Ferraris reacted within a lap and Alonso pitted before race leader Massa to cover off Vettel. A lap later in came the leader and he rejoined back into first place ahead of Alonso once more on the harder compound rubber.

Massa regained the lead when Button pitted, however on the laps immediately after his stop Massa struggled and repeated locked brakes and was out of shape into corners. It has been a well known fact all season that Massa has struggle on the harder tyre.

The traffic was against Massa and he often caught it in awkward situations which at one stage let Fernando has an opportunity to pass at Massa into the hairpin and the following corner, however Alonso blew his chance by taking the inside for turn 7 meaning he had to back off and that left him too far down for 8 and not able to get that near to Massa again.

However after a couple of laps Masse seemed to get his car to work and actually pulled a gap to Alonso with race engineer Rob Smedley telling his driver he could win this race with his current pace.

However, this was not to be.

Alonso was gradually catching Massa, albeit by a small margin each lap, and inevitable the message came to Massa. 'Fernando-Is-Faster-Than-You, do you understand' came the message from Smedley to Massa over the radio. I think we all understood what was meant and sure enough over a lap later Massa cruised out of the hairpin to the delight of the Spaniard who casually took up first place.

Cried of foul rang wide across the internet, in the grandstands and among the media, most notably from golfer Ian Poulter who posted on his twitter, ‘That's nonsense if I was asked to bogey the last to let a Cobra team mate pass. I would tell them to forth and multiply. Make birdie instead’.

It's hard to say if what happened robbed us a great fight to the end, as there is no saying that Alonso would have made a move. But what we can say is today we were robbed of a rightful result. For me, it’s very much irrelevant that Alonso was faster. If in front of Alonso was a Red Bull or a McLaren he would have to find away past that car, else face being second.

We all understand why Ferrari has done it. We all understand that Massa had to do it but what we seemingly can't get to grips with is why it has to happen. One thing we must not do is look back on how sweet of a win this would have been for Massa and the F1 world a year on from the accident. We must deal in facts and leave feelings aside, after all if Ferrari broke a rule today, that is the most important thing.

Of course it is nothing new in the sport. As Martin Brundel and David Coulthard rightly point out in the excellent F1 Forum on BBC, the sport is built on this, it happens regularly. So why has this one incident caused so much out cry?

All the interviews after the race tell their own story. The 'I didn't know what happened' interviews by Alonso, bringing back vivid memories of Singapore 09 when he was being grilled on the result of Singapore 2008, and the very shady interviews from the top heads of Ferrari spoke volumes. But the most telling of all came from Felipe Massa, who once again was in the heart of every Formula One fan world wide.

When asked by BBC Radio 5 Lives David Croft in the post-race top 3 interview his string of questions, both his body language and his expressions spoke louder than his very striking words did. The nervous laughter when answering the question 'What happened?' was very compelling and matched his answer of, 'I don't really need to tell you do I?’. Seemingly though, and much more interesting, was how his answers had changed by the time Lee Mackenzie interviewed him for the BBC. Coulthard remarked on how professionally he answered the questions, however everyone could see and hear the hurt and anger voice and body language in the second interview, no matter how professional his words of 'It was my decision' were.

For all the analysis after the race, I felt that Coulthard's comments that 'it's part of the sport' were quite irrelevant. I think the uproar wasn't just about today it was the frustration of why it has to happen.

Since the end of the race I have spent my time ranting on various forums and I have been researching and asking sources about it and I have come to many conclusions.

Firstly, I don't believe today is about people thinking this hasn't happened before. Today is very much the straw that broke the camels back. We witnessed all the radio communications and saw with our very own eyes what happened and it does leave a very sour taste in the mouth. But I didn't hear an out cry like this in 2007 when Massa again let his team mate through 'for the team' and for 'the championship'. Again in 2008 I heard barely a whisper when Raikkonen returned the favour in Brazil.

So does that mean that to the degree we understand a decisions, make it any more fair? In 2007 and 2008 we understand why they did what they did. It worked in 07 and nearly worked in 08 so were they wrong to do what they did? Is it really much different from today as they effectively rigged a result for 'the good of the team and the championship'?

Secondly, today we have witnessed the business that is Formula One and not the sport. From hearing Stefano Domenicali say after the race that the result was effectively pre-mediated shows this race was settled in the board room and not on track. We heard Luca Colajanni stumble and stutter through a tough interview with the BBC, which hardly convincing results.

In both the interviews I was very much struck by the way they answered the questions. Sometimes they categorically denied that they had asked Massa to move over, however in other answers, especially Stefano’s 'We decided before the race what's best for the team' answer surely shows that it was pre-empted or even executed?

My final conclusion is a very unfortunate one.

Today we have seen that our sport isn't as 'fair' and as 'clean' as we are often fooled to think it is. Formula One is riddled with business decisions, clauses in contracts and people pulling the wool over ours, the fans, eyes.

Read more Formula 1 news on BleacherReport.com

]]> As the dust settles and the crowds clear from the Hockenheim circuit the reverberations from the latest scandal to hit rumble on.

Today we witnessed a sport which, as usual, managed to throw up a surprise or two, this is what F1 is built and prides itself on. However, F1 is also sadly built on team orders which reared its ugly head today in, as always, controversial fashion.

The first major surprise of the weekend was to see both Ferraris back on form and at the sharp end of the grid ahead of both the ever threatening Red Bull's and the heavily updated McLarens. Ferraris surprising pace was not the only shock, McLarens distinct lack of speed was also a shock to many, especially with the new rear end and 'blown diffuser' package they bought to Germany this weekend.

Friday saw dark clouds hang over the circuit, and despite the sun eventually breaking through, it very much set the tone for what was to come. Friday was the first time we saw a surprise with Adrian Sutil taking first place in a session heavily affected by rain. Despite a few scary moments for Massa he achieved P2 in Practice 1, confirming that Ferrari had a very good pace this weekend. Practice 2 was a little dryer and this time both of the prancing horses set a gauntlet down to Red Bull by sandwiching Sebastian Vettel as Alonso took first place and Massa third.

Saturday opened with Free Practice 3 and we saw the first real dry session and again both Ferraris and Red Bulls locked out positions 1 to 4 with 0.7 separating Vettel in first from Massa in 4th.

Again in qualifying the battle resumed with Alonso taking the fastest times of both Q1 and Q2, but in Q3 the one lap pace of the Red Bull prevailed again and took pole with only 0.002 separating Vettel from second places Alonso, who both comfortably out qualified their respective team mates by over half a second.

Come race day again we clear sky’s above leaving all the eyes to be on track in which Mark Webber described on the grid, 'Could be one of the most interesting races of the year' after Bridgestone bought two very contrasting tyre compounds.

The race got underway and Pole man Vettel made a poor get away and he was soon swamped by Alonso, and most importantly Massa.

Massa jumped from third on the grid to first at turn 1 and Alonso had effectively held position by diving up the inside of Vettel at the same turn. Massa and Alonso streaked away and in the midfield Schumacher had made an impressive start from 11th to 8th by turn 2.

Massa and Alonso continued to pull away at the front dragging Vettel, in third, with them. Vettel and Red Bull a cunning and brave plan to pit early and surprise everyone, but most importantly release him into clear air. Both Ferraris reacted within a lap and Alonso pitted before race leader Massa to cover off Vettel. A lap later in came the leader and he rejoined back into first place ahead of Alonso once more on the harder compound rubber.

Massa regained the lead when Button pitted, however on the laps immediately after his stop Massa struggled and repeated locked brakes and was out of shape into corners. It has been a well known fact all season that Massa has struggle on the harder tyre.

The traffic was against Massa and he often caught it in awkward situations which at one stage let Fernando has an opportunity to pass at Massa into the hairpin and the following corner, however Alonso blew his chance by taking the inside for turn 7 meaning he had to back off and that left him too far down for 8 and not able to get that near to Massa again.

However after a couple of laps Masse seemed to get his car to work and actually pulled a gap to Alonso with race engineer Rob Smedley telling his driver he could win this race with his current pace.

However, this was not to be.

Alonso was gradually catching Massa, albeit by a small margin each lap, and inevitable the message came to Massa. 'Fernando-Is-Faster-Than-You, do you understand' came the message from Smedley to Massa over the radio. I think we all understood what was meant and sure enough over a lap later Massa cruised out of the hairpin to the delight of the Spaniard who casually took up first place.

Cried of foul rang wide across the internet, in the grandstands and among the media, most notably from golfer Ian Poulter who posted on his twitter, ‘That's nonsense if I was asked to bogey the last to let a Cobra team mate pass. I would tell them to forth and multiply. Make birdie instead’.

It's hard to say if what happened robbed us a great fight to the end, as there is no saying that Alonso would have made a move. But what we can say is today we were robbed of a rightful result. For me, it’s very much irrelevant that Alonso was faster. If in front of Alonso was a Red Bull or a McLaren he would have to find away past that car, else face being second.

We all understand why Ferrari has done it. We all understand that Massa had to do it but what we seemingly can't get to grips with is why it has to happen. One thing we must not do is look back on how sweet of a win this would have been for Massa and the F1 world a year on from the accident. We must deal in facts and leave feelings aside, after all if Ferrari broke a rule today, that is the most important thing.

Of course it is nothing new in the sport. As Martin Brundel and David Coulthard rightly point out in the excellent F1 Forum on BBC, the sport is built on this, it happens regularly. So why has this one incident caused so much out cry?

All the interviews after the race tell their own story. The 'I didn't know what happened' interviews by Alonso, bringing back vivid memories of Singapore 09 when he was being grilled on the result of Singapore 2008, and the very shady interviews from the top heads of Ferrari spoke volumes. But the most telling of all came from Felipe Massa, who once again was in the heart of every Formula One fan world wide.

When asked by BBC Radio 5 Lives David Croft in the post-race top 3 interview his string of questions, both his body language and his expressions spoke louder than his very striking words did. The nervous laughter when answering the question 'What happened?' was very compelling and matched his answer of, 'I don't really need to tell you do I?’. Seemingly though, and much more interesting, was how his answers had changed by the time Lee Mackenzie interviewed him for the BBC. Coulthard remarked on how professionally he answered the questions, however everyone could see and hear the hurt and anger voice and body language in the second interview, no matter how professional his words of 'It was my decision' were.

For all the analysis after the race, I felt that Coulthard's comments that 'it's part of the sport' were quite irrelevant. I think the uproar wasn't just about today it was the frustration of why it has to happen.

Since the end of the race I have spent my time ranting on various forums and I have been researching and asking sources about it and I have come to many conclusions.

Firstly, I don't believe today is about people thinking this hasn't happened before. Today is very much the straw that broke the camels back. We witnessed all the radio communications and saw with our very own eyes what happened and it does leave a very sour taste in the mouth. But I didn't hear an out cry like this in 2007 when Massa again let his team mate through 'for the team' and for 'the championship'. Again in 2008 I heard barely a whisper when Raikkonen returned the favour in Brazil.

So does that mean that to the degree we understand a decisions, make it any more fair? In 2007 and 2008 we understand why they did what they did. It worked in 07 and nearly worked in 08 so were they wrong to do what they did? Is it really much different from today as they effectively rigged a result for 'the good of the team and the championship'?

Secondly, today we have witnessed the business that is Formula One and not the sport. From hearing Stefano Domenicali say after the race that the result was effectively pre-mediated shows this race was settled in the board room and not on track. We heard Luca Colajanni stumble and stutter through a tough interview with the BBC, which hardly convincing results.

In both the interviews I was very much struck by the way they answered the questions. Sometimes they categorically denied that they had asked Massa to move over, however in other answers, especially Stefano’s 'We decided before the race what's best for the team' answer surely shows that it was pre-empted or even executed?

My final conclusion is a very unfortunate one.

Today we have seen that our sport isn't as 'fair' and as 'clean' as we are often fooled to think it is. Formula One is riddled with business decisions, clauses in contracts and people pulling the wool over ours, the fans, eyes.

Read more Formula 1 news on BleacherReport.com

]]> http://www.internationaled.org/formula-1/alonso-wins-german-gp-but-storm-clouds-gather-over-ferrari-and-f1/feed/ 0 Formula One: Why StefanGP Were Rejected http://www.internationaled.org/formula-1/formula-one-why-stefangp-were-rejected/ http://www.internationaled.org/formula-1/formula-one-why-stefangp-were-rejected/#comments Fri, 05 Mar 2010 16:48:21 +0000 Mike Trusler http://bleacherreport.com/articles/357148-formula-one-why-stefangp-were-rejected Developments in recent days have come as a shock to many, but to some very predictable.

For a while now there has been major doubts over the new teams. Lotus and Virgin, (Formally Manor) made it to at least one major test before the opening race in Bahrain and seem good to go for the whole season, however USF1 and Campos failed to make any test with major doubts over funding hanging over them.

Campos seem to have found themselves a backer in José Ramón Carabante who has taken a majority stake within the team. That has led to a name change from Campos to Hispania Racing and an unveiling of the car, less than two weeks before the first race.

USF1 however, ceased to exist on Tuesday as the workers at the Charlotte based team were ordered to down tools and stop working.

Formula 1 governing body the FIA confirmed that the USF1 team will not compete in the 2010 World Championship and that, furthermore, no team will be selected to replace the American outfit.

The FIA Statement:

"The USF1 Team have indicated that they will not be in a position to participate in the 2010 FIA Formula One World Championship. Having considered the various options, the FIA confirms that it is not possible for a replacement team to be entered for the Championship at this late stage.

In the coming days the FIA will announce details of a new selection process to identify candidates to fill any vacancies existing at the start of the 2011 season."

This came as a surprise to many after it was long known StefanGP, Toyota equipped, were waiting in the wings.

Many feel it was pure biased by the FIA and Ferrari who called the team 'Serbain Vultures' for picking at the bones of the leaving Toyota teams.

However I can now reveal the fiances, and thus reason of rejection, of StefanGP's parent company and owner Zoran Stefanovic.

AMCO is a Serbian engineering company. The AMCO website says the company has apparently had its hand in projects such as Ariane 5 and worked with Germany's Federal Defence Force.

However these claims have found to be false.

"After consulting with the system manufacturers of the drones KZO and LUNA we can confirm that in the Bundeswehr product there are no technologies of the Serbian company AMCO," said a spokesman of the German defence department Bundesamtes fur Wehrtechnik und Beschaffung to Express .

Even more sensationally, the financial situation of AMCO reads more like fraud, than a potential owner of an F1 team.

It has become apparent that AMCO Corp is a limited liability company, which is less than a year old. The company has a capital of 500 euros split 80/20 with Mr Zoran Stefanovis and Mr Vuk Stefanovic.

With financial revelations like this it seems it wasn't a conspiracy that led to no replacement for USF1, rather poor finical backing for its potential replacement.

 

 

EDIT:

StefanGP hit back at these claim's by releasing the following statement:

On behalf of the AMCO Corporation we would like to make the following statement:

The German newspapers Express published an article that is not founded on facts but on speculation and bad translation.

The AMCO Corporation never stated anywhere that "it cooperated with the German Federal Defense Forces (Bundeswehr) on a production of an unmanned aircraft". The correct information is that one of our engineers was involved in a construction of an engine for a German company, the buyer, which turned out to be for an unmanned aircraft. We never stated nor did we ever imply that we worked with Bundeswehr in any form or way. Furthermore we have no idea how we were brought in context with the other German companies with whom we had no contacts at all. Illustration about capabilities of our personnel in Serbia was misunderstood and maliciously used for sensationalist journalism. Such construction of facts can only be aimed to discredit us and all the others mentioned.

On the other hand, our people should be recognized for producing parts for the ARIANE V rocket, seven years ago by our company in Serbia. We are very proud of this fact.

The demanti have been published in the German media.

AMCO Corporation
PR department


 

 

 

Read more Formula 1 news on BleacherReport.com

]]> Developments in recent days have come as a shock to many, but to some very predictable.

For a while now there has been major doubts over the new teams. Lotus and Virgin, (Formally Manor) made it to at least one major test before the opening race in Bahrain and seem good to go for the whole season, however USF1 and Campos failed to make any test with major doubts over funding hanging over them.

Campos seem to have found themselves a backer in José Ramón Carabante who has taken a majority stake within the team. That has led to a name change from Campos to Hispania Racing and an unveiling of the car, less than two weeks before the first race.

USF1 however, ceased to exist on Tuesday as the workers at the Charlotte based team were ordered to down tools and stop working.

Formula 1 governing body the FIA confirmed that the USF1 team will not compete in the 2010 World Championship and that, furthermore, no team will be selected to replace the American outfit.

The FIA Statement:

"The USF1 Team have indicated that they will not be in a position to participate in the 2010 FIA Formula One World Championship. Having considered the various options, the FIA confirms that it is not possible for a replacement team to be entered for the Championship at this late stage.

In the coming days the FIA will announce details of a new selection process to identify candidates to fill any vacancies existing at the start of the 2011 season."

This came as a surprise to many after it was long known StefanGP, Toyota equipped, were waiting in the wings.

Many feel it was pure biased by the FIA and Ferrari who called the team 'Serbain Vultures' for picking at the bones of the leaving Toyota teams.

However I can now reveal the fiances, and thus reason of rejection, of StefanGP's parent company and owner Zoran Stefanovic.

AMCO is a Serbian engineering company. The AMCO website says the company has apparently had its hand in projects such as Ariane 5 and worked with Germany's Federal Defence Force.

However these claims have found to be false.

"After consulting with the system manufacturers of the drones KZO and LUNA we can confirm that in the Bundeswehr product there are no technologies of the Serbian company AMCO," said a spokesman of the German defence department Bundesamtes fur Wehrtechnik und Beschaffung to Express .

Even more sensationally, the financial situation of AMCO reads more like fraud, than a potential owner of an F1 team.

It has become apparent that AMCO Corp is a limited liability company, which is less than a year old. The company has a capital of 500 euros split 80/20 with Mr Zoran Stefanovis and Mr Vuk Stefanovic.

With financial revelations like this it seems it wasn't a conspiracy that led to no replacement for USF1, rather poor finical backing for its potential replacement.

 

 

EDIT:

StefanGP hit back at these claim's by releasing the following statement:

On behalf of the AMCO Corporation we would like to make the following statement:

The German newspapers Express published an article that is not founded on facts but on speculation and bad translation.

The AMCO Corporation never stated anywhere that "it cooperated with the German Federal Defense Forces (Bundeswehr) on a production of an unmanned aircraft". The correct information is that one of our engineers was involved in a construction of an engine for a German company, the buyer, which turned out to be for an unmanned aircraft. We never stated nor did we ever imply that we worked with Bundeswehr in any form or way. Furthermore we have no idea how we were brought in context with the other German companies with whom we had no contacts at all. Illustration about capabilities of our personnel in Serbia was misunderstood and maliciously used for sensationalist journalism. Such construction of facts can only be aimed to discredit us and all the others mentioned.

On the other hand, our people should be recognized for producing parts for the ARIANE V rocket, seven years ago by our company in Serbia. We are very proud of this fact.

The demanti have been published in the German media.

AMCO Corporation
PR department


 

 

 

Read more Formula 1 news on BleacherReport.com

]]> http://www.internationaled.org/formula-1/formula-one-why-stefangp-were-rejected/feed/ 0 England: What Can Fabio Do? http://www.internationaled.org/international-football/england-what-can-fabio-do/ http://www.internationaled.org/international-football/england-what-can-fabio-do/#comments Tue, 02 Mar 2010 23:37:24 +0000 Mike Trusler http://bleacherreport.com/articles/355397-england-what-can-fabio-do Every boy across the land dreams of scoring the winning goal in the World Cup before holding it aloft in front of millions of adoring fans.

Since Fabio Capello took charge of England and turned them from Euro flops to World beaters it seemed a dream that might come true for John Terry.

When the World Cup groups we announced, England's odds were rapidly slashed as they became third favourites to win the FIFA World Cup, and no one could argue with that.

However, since we have entered World Cup year it seems Fabio Capello has ran out of luck, and he has been abruptly woken from his England dream and thrown straight into an England nightmare.

Capello is a stickler for discipline and consistency—something he hasn't been given by his players. Of course some of this is not directly the players' fault, but we'll delve deeper into that in a moment.

Before you stop reading—this isn't an article about Bridge/Terry.

Well not just about them.

England's main problem for a few years now has been in goal.

In recent times, very few goalkeepers have reached the sheer number of caps as England greats Shilton, Seaman or Banks. Unusually coming into World Cup year the first name on the team sheet is hard to call.  Since Capello took charge, nine different keepers have played or been involved in England squads. James, Robinson, Hart, Green, James, Carson, Lewis, Foster, and Kirkland have been in and around the England set up; however, not one seems to have nailed down the England No. 1 jersey.

Of the nine, only six have regular first team places in the Premier League, and only one of them is keeping goal for a top 10 team. So who does Fabio pick?

Many feel David James is the current England No. 1.

As well as being the most experienced of the nine, he is widely regarded to be a top-class keeper.

However the nickname "Calamity James" seems to stick with James—and with good reason too. Having played at top clubs like Liverpool, West Ham, and later Portsmouth as they won the FA Cup, there is no doubt he has quality and we see week in-week out that he makes vital saves for Portsmouth. But can he stay fit and hold the No. 1 going into South Africa?

James' main rivals are in from Man City (via Birmingham) stopper, Joe Hart and West Ham keeper, Robert Green. All three keepers have been selected for the mid-week friendly with Egypt with no real indication from Capello who will start.

Green currently has nine caps to his name, is having a very solid season for struggling West Ham, and is apparently in high demand.

Hart, on the other hand, has been in fantastic form for Birmingham this season having kept 11 clean sheets. He is one of the main reasons the Blues are looking at a much unexpected top 10 finish in the Premiership after their promotion from the Championship last season.

Outsiders for the coveted No. 1 jersey are Paul Robinson, Ben Foster and Chris Kirkland.

With Ben Foster only making 13 starts this season, he looks unlikely to be selected if Capello insists he wants all his players playing regularly.

Having won his first cap under Capello, it seems he is a fan; however, the stubborn Italian will not budge unless Foster is playing regularly for Manchester United.

Unlike Foster, Kirkland and Robinson are both playing regular first team football for Wigan and Blackburn respectively. Like Green, both are playing in struggling sides; however, both have often come to the rescue of their teams on many occasions, and both are still considered top keepers.

Fabio is spoilt for choice when it comes to his goalkeepers and this could be more of a hindrance than anything else.

On the other hand, a position where Fabio is not spoilt for choice is across the defence.

Ashley Cole's injury, as well has his personal troubles, has left Capello with a difficult decision when it comes to naming his final World Cup squad.

During Chelsea's 2-1 defeat to Everton, Cole suffered a broke ankle in an innocuous challenge which could lead him out to up to three months. This means, come June time, Cole might not be fit enough to compete in the World Cup, leaving his left back position wide open.

Many consider Cole to be the best left back in the world at this moment, and it will take some big shoes to fill the position he could leave vacant.

The situation has been complicated after long time deputy Wayne Bridge decided he is not in the right frame of mind to line up with England with John Terry.

Wayne Bridge's decision leave the door open for one, or maybe two, unlikely player to make the plane to South Africa.

Potentially there are six players who could be England’s left back for the World Cup.

The three favourites are Leighton Baines, Stephen Warnock, and Kieran Gibbs. They are having very solid seasons for their clubs and have been named in the squad to face Egypt.

With full back's playing a vital part in Fabio Capello's system, England needs a great all-rounder.

Kieran Gibbs has been touted as a carbon copy of Cole having come through the same youth system at Arsenal.

If Fabio wants a like-for-like swap for Cole, Gibbs is the answer.

Despite only 11 first team games for Arsenal and 14 Under-21 level, it’s widely considered if Gibbs can get himself fit from now until the end of the season, he could be in with a shout. However, the pressure could be too much for the 20 year old, and his inexperience, coupled with his fitness doubts, could be his downfall.

The only capped player of the three is Stephen Warnock, who played six minutes as a substitute in a 3-0 win over Trinidad. He is currently a regular at Aston Villa, who are fighting for a top four spot this season, with Warnock playing a key part.

Baines, however, remains favourite to take the left back spot if Cole is unable to.

He's a consistently high performer for Everton, has a threat from set pieces, and gets his fair share of assists for David Moyes's men. The former Wigan man was also a regular at Under-21 level.

As well as those three, England also has three makeshift left backs in Joleon Lescott, Gareth Barry and James Milner.

Lescott's versatile nature could see him jump and become left back, as Capello values the idea of having a versatile squad in a tournament structure. Lescott also seems to be a favourite of Capello, having been selected often by Fabio. However, since his big money move from Everton to Eastlands, Lescott’s form has hit a dramatic slump, and he has not performed to the high level he did before.

Barry and Milner are unlikely to play left back as Barry has a vital job to play in the England midfield and Capello could have very different ideas for Villa man Milner...

England’s right back situation is not much better.

Glen Johnson's recent injury has exposed Capello's lack of options. Luke Young effectively retired from international football after he rejected the call to join up with the England after Johnson pulled out last November.

This leaves England with only four replacements. The longest shots of which are the two Neville brothers.

Gary and Phil, 34 and 33 respectively, have represented England numerous times before.

Gary has 85 caps to his name and is the ninth most capped player of all time. For a majority of his cap, he formed a fantastic relationship with David Beckham. However, Neville will be 35 when the World Cup kicks off and with decreasing ability comes decreasing playing opportunities. He is unlikely to make the squad.

His brother Phil, however, is playing more than ever. He is currently captaining Everton and playing regularly all over the pitch. In recent times, a national newspaper has championed Phil's unlikely recall to the England team.

The likely back up for Johnson (a fully fit Johnson) will be either Micah Richards or Wes Brown.

Despite only being 21, Richards made his international debut in 2006, becoming the youngest defender to do so.

The athletic full back has dropped down the pecking order at Manchester City in recent times and also down Capello's order, with Wes Brown seemingly jumping ahead of him.

Brown, like Lescott, is likely to be in the squad due to his versatility as well as his ability. Brown has played a few games at right back and by many is a logical choice. However, Fabio Capello's recent squad has listed James Milner as a defender with him likely to be used at right back.

During the week, we saw Florent Malouda play left back for Chelsea against Inter Milan, dispelling the myth that midfielders cant play in defence. Milner is a very versatile member of Capello’s squad, and it would be no shock to see Milner play defence in the build up of, or even during, the world cup.

With the problems in the wings, Capello and his centre back choices should be a lot more straight forward.

Should.

Injury and circumstances permitting, Fabio has three centre backs set in stone—former Captain John Terry, current captain Rio Ferdinand and West Ham's Mathew Upson.

However, all three have hardly been models of consistency this season.

John Terry’s fall from grace is well documented.

His alleged affair with former England left back Wayne Bridge’s ex-girlfriend has been all over the news in recent weeks.

The revelations have affected the player's game.

A day before the stories surfaced, John, with knowledge of what was going to be printed, played one of his best games of the season for Chelsea away at Burnley, scoring the winning goal. Many praised him for being a tower of strength.

However, since that day his performances have been in steady decline, being blamed for Lewis Saha’s winner for Everton in a 2-1 defeat at Goodison Park. This lead to Ancelotti giving his captain some time off while he tried to get his marriage back on track.

After successfully doing this, the 2009 Dad of the Year came back to the fore playing for Chelsea in big games, such as their first leg against Inter Milan and the crunch game at home to Manchester City. Chelsea lost both of these games and many critics have questioned Terry’s focus, as well as his game, while he is failing to hit the high standards he has set for himself. All this comes as Capello ended Terry’s chance of become England captain again, as he told media he will never be captain as long as he is England manager.

This lead’s us to former deputy, now England captain, Rio Ferdinand.

Rio has had a stop-start season for Manchester United with injury and suspension spoiling the centre back's season. Questions over Ferdinand’s fitness will continue right up until the start of the tournament, with a dodgy back the culprit of problems.

One player who has deputised for Rio Ferdinand at international level is Matthew Upson.

Upson is considered a very solid defender playing well below his level at struggling West Ham. The West Ham captain, at the age of 30, is hitting his peak and playing some great football under Capello and Zola at West Ham.

To some, Upson is not just a worthy deputy, but could steal a regular starting place from either Terry or Rio if their problems persist.

The so-called fifth CB place is well up for grabs if Wes Brown and Joleon Lescott are selected as auxiliary full backs. The contenders for this spot are Gary Cahill, Ryan Shawcross, Ledley King, Michael Dawson, Roger Johnson, and Phil Jagielka.

This seems a position that England are spoilt for choice for quality, but are any of them world beaters? Cahill, Shawcross, Dawson, Johnson and Turner have all been regulars of their respective clubs.

Cahill was a surprise inclusion in one of Capello’s squads, and the Italian had rave reviews about the Bolton centre back.

However, a cruel blood clot in his arm has seemingly cut short his season, and this means he is even more unlikely to make the World Cup squad.

Another player unlikely to make the plane is Roger Johnson. Johnson has been part of the Birmingham team who, along with Joe Hart, has kept 11 clean sheets. His performances this season have lead to him being called a "dark horse" for a spot in Capello’s squad. He has even had a facebook group called "Roger Johnson for England" set up in his favour and has attracted nearly 3,000 fans. However, he is unlikely to be included.

Stokes’ Shawcross has been in top form this season and has helped Stoke consolidate on their fantastic first season in the premiership. Shawcross has been included in the squad to face Egypt and could play. The former Manchester United fan is also in contention with Phil Jagielka and Ledley King.

Capello is a fan of both players; however, both have had restricted game time this season due to injury.

King’s chronic knee troubles could see him miss out, as it is rumoured he needs six days off between games and he doesn’t train.

Jagielka has been out since the tail-end of last season, after a horrible injury in the FA Cup semi-final at Wembley that caused him to miss the final. Jagileka has been in previous Capello squads and, if he can regain his form, is in prime position to make it to South Africa.

Many believe success is based on a solid and consistent defence selection. Going into World Cup year, Capello should well be worried about his defence with players off form, injured, or distracted by other issues.

Fabio’s midfield is more straight forward; however, not settled.

For many years England has been crying out for a complete left midfielder and this year is no different. Or is it?

In recent years it has been up to a right-footed player playing out of position to fill this position.

Joe Cole has done well, but picked up a couple of injuries that have hampered him.

Steven Gerrard deputised well, but we all know his position shouldn’t be out wide and Shaun Wright-Phillips is right-footed, too.

England left side options seems clear.

Stuart Downing, Ashley Young, or James Milner.

All three Villa men are in contention when all fully fit, leaving Capello with a tough decision when it comes to this position.

Milner seems a given for the squad if he keeps his form up, as his sheer versatility means he’s twice as valuable as say Downing, who is limited to just left midfield. However, Downing is an out-and-out left midfielder and, unlike Milner, who is two-footed, has applied his trade from the left side for most of his life. Considered light weight while at Middleborough, his quality was obvious. Under O’Neill after his comeback form injury, Downing seems to have bloomed along with his teammates, and he also carries a threat from set pieces.

This means his Villa teammate, Ashley Young, is likely to miss out, unless he can grab an unlikely slot in right midfield. Young, who was last season's Young Player of the Year, has been in tantalising form again for Villa this season. However, he is likely to be low in Capello’s pecking orders despite his obvious qualities. But he is likely to be ranked behind a fully fit, on form Joe Cole.

Editors note:
Outsiders tip: Adam Johnson—Manchester City.

Young has a slim chance, but faces stiff competition from Aaron Lennon, Shaun Wright-Phillips, and the ever-green David Beckham.

With Walcott likely to be picked as a striker, the pacey duo of Aaron Lennon and Wright-Phillips are left to sprint it out while Beckham waits in the wings.

Wright-Phillips appearances under Capello has been considered poor by many; however, Fabio continuously picks the nippy winger.

Lennon has suffered an injury setback, which has kept him out for Tottenham. But he has definitely put in a strong case to Capello after a string of great performances for Spurs.

Beckham needs no introduction to Capello, having worked and fell out with him while at Real Madrid.

Having started his second spell at AC Milan, he is keen to make the 2010 World Cup squad—which could be his last for England. His lack of pace makes him an unspectacular choice; however, his off-the-ball qualities, experience, and dead-ball prowess makes him an automatic choice by many.

In the engine room of the team, Capello has two stone set options. Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard are the life and soul of the England team and two genuine world class players that England has to offer.

However, Steven Gerrard has been far from top form this season and has struggled with injury. Many feel he may have been burned out by the sheer number of games over the past few years and needs a rest before he can get back to form. This will be a worry for Capello.

Liverpool needs Gerrard more than ever as they could lose out on a top four place and vital champions league money. This has lead to him being rushed back from injury by Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez. An out of form Gerrard is still a player capable of winning games; however, he is often prone to mistakes and could cost England games.

Lampard, on the other hand, has been in glorious form for Chelsea again this season and seems in no need for a rest.

Options to make up the midfield are Gareth Barry, who has been a prominent figure under Capello, Michael Carrick, and possibly Joe Cole and James Milner.

Barry and Carrick are seen as obvious players to include in the squad as back-up players.

Both are playing regular football for their clubs, and both have a quality they can show on an international stage.

However, for more attacking options, Milner and Joe Cole offer something Carrick and Barry don’t: Both are flair players and, going forward, are very creative and very different players from Barry and Carrick.

Cole is unlikely for this position; however, if fully fit, he could make the place.

James Milner has been mentioned for just about every position so far—he is a given.

As well as a settled defence, a world class team needs a strong, creative midfield.

Capello has big decision with the wide players, but scandal permitting his centre of midfield oozes quality from every pour.

Capello’s striking options seem simple.

Rooney is on top form for United this season post Ronaldo. Many pundits feel he has carried United and is the only reason they are still in contention for the title come March after scoring 23 goals so far this season.

However, finding the perfect partner for Wayne is a hard ask. England needs an unselfish, strong, goal-scoring striker with the ability to hold up the ball.

Simple right?

England cannot rely on Rooney’s goals alone if they are going to win the World Cup this year. Capello seems to favour Emile Heskey for the second striker role; however, Heskeys’s lack of goal scoring prowess and pace means he could simply be out of his depth. Fabio’s other options are Carlton Cole and Bobby Zamora.

Cole has won caps under Capello and has been in good form for West Ham this season; however, Cole has failed to really create any spark during his international appearance leading to doubts about his quality.

Zamora suffers from the same—however, only theoretically. Zamora has been in prolific form for Fulham this season and is brimming with confidence. Pundits and fans alike seem much split in opinion when it comes to the question of Bobby’s ability on an international stage. Having yet to be given a chance by Capello, it seems clear of Fabio’s opinions.

The likely partner for Rooney will be Crouch. Peter Crouch has been in good form for Tottenham again this season and has been prolific for England. Crouch’s height, goal scoring ability, and general play makes him the perfect foil for Rooney.

Places are still up for grabs in the striking positions with Walcott, Agbonlahor and Darren Bent, Jermaine Defoe, and Michael Owen.

Walcott was taken to the 2006 World Cup (many feel wrongly) by Sven.

Under Capello, Walcott scored an unforgettable hat-trick in Croatia, leaving many feeling he was ready for the big stage. However, injury and lack of game time at Arsenal has left Capello with a tough decision come July.

Bent and Agbonlahor have become instrumental for their respective clubs this season. Pace man Agbonlahor has scored 11 goals for Villa this season and is the fourth highest Englishman on the goal scoring lists as of March 1. Gabby’s main threat is his sheer pace and ability to scare defended into mistakes. His ability is rare, explosive, and could be very useful to Capello.

Bent has 15 goals to his name this season and is currently the fourth highest goal scorer in the Premier League. Like Cole and Heskey, Bent is a big target to hit. His pace, strength, and rebound goal scoring touch has left him in with a shout at a World Cup place.

Jermaine Defoe is an almost cert for a place after impressive displays both for Tottenham and for England.

This leaves us with Michael Owen.

Owen has scored three goals in 19 games for United this season, but has yet to find the form we know from him. Injuries have blighted what should have been the peak of Owen’s career. Having scored 40 goals for England, already many feel only a fool wouldn’t take Owen to South Africa.

England’s striking partnership is a key part of Capello’s team. Being too reliant on a fragile Rooney could prove costly; however, Rooney is very much the focal point of any team and should be built around. Whoever plays next to him will carry a huge responsibility.

With injury, scandals, and out of form players, England’s dream year could be little more than just another missed opportunity. Fabio has some huge choices in the coming months and only time will tell…

Read more International Football news on BleacherReport.com

]]> Every boy across the land dreams of scoring the winning goal in the World Cup before holding it aloft in front of millions of adoring fans.

Since Fabio Capello took charge of England and turned them from Euro flops to World beaters it seemed a dream that might come true for John Terry.

When the World Cup groups we announced, England's odds were rapidly slashed as they became third favourites to win the FIFA World Cup, and no one could argue with that.

However, since we have entered World Cup year it seems Fabio Capello has ran out of luck, and he has been abruptly woken from his England dream and thrown straight into an England nightmare.

Capello is a stickler for discipline and consistency—something he hasn't been given by his players. Of course some of this is not directly the players' fault, but we'll delve deeper into that in a moment.

Before you stop reading—this isn't an article about Bridge/Terry.

Well not just about them.

England's main problem for a few years now has been in goal.

In recent times, very few goalkeepers have reached the sheer number of caps as England greats Shilton, Seaman or Banks. Unusually coming into World Cup year the first name on the team sheet is hard to call.  Since Capello took charge, nine different keepers have played or been involved in England squads. James, Robinson, Hart, Green, James, Carson, Lewis, Foster, and Kirkland have been in and around the England set up; however, not one seems to have nailed down the England No. 1 jersey.

Of the nine, only six have regular first team places in the Premier League, and only one of them is keeping goal for a top 10 team. So who does Fabio pick?

Many feel David James is the current England No. 1.

As well as being the most experienced of the nine, he is widely regarded to be a top-class keeper.

However the nickname "Calamity James" seems to stick with James—and with good reason too. Having played at top clubs like Liverpool, West Ham, and later Portsmouth as they won the FA Cup, there is no doubt he has quality and we see week in-week out that he makes vital saves for Portsmouth. But can he stay fit and hold the No. 1 going into South Africa?

James' main rivals are in from Man City (via Birmingham) stopper, Joe Hart and West Ham keeper, Robert Green. All three keepers have been selected for the mid-week friendly with Egypt with no real indication from Capello who will start.

Green currently has nine caps to his name, is having a very solid season for struggling West Ham, and is apparently in high demand.

Hart, on the other hand, has been in fantastic form for Birmingham this season having kept 11 clean sheets. He is one of the main reasons the Blues are looking at a much unexpected top 10 finish in the Premiership after their promotion from the Championship last season.

Outsiders for the coveted No. 1 jersey are Paul Robinson, Ben Foster and Chris Kirkland.

With Ben Foster only making 13 starts this season, he looks unlikely to be selected if Capello insists he wants all his players playing regularly.

Having won his first cap under Capello, it seems he is a fan; however, the stubborn Italian will not budge unless Foster is playing regularly for Manchester United.

Unlike Foster, Kirkland and Robinson are both playing regular first team football for Wigan and Blackburn respectively. Like Green, both are playing in struggling sides; however, both have often come to the rescue of their teams on many occasions, and both are still considered top keepers.

Fabio is spoilt for choice when it comes to his goalkeepers and this could be more of a hindrance than anything else.

On the other hand, a position where Fabio is not spoilt for choice is across the defence.

Ashley Cole's injury, as well has his personal troubles, has left Capello with a difficult decision when it comes to naming his final World Cup squad.

During Chelsea's 2-1 defeat to Everton, Cole suffered a broke ankle in an innocuous challenge which could lead him out to up to three months. This means, come June time, Cole might not be fit enough to compete in the World Cup, leaving his left back position wide open.

Many consider Cole to be the best left back in the world at this moment, and it will take some big shoes to fill the position he could leave vacant.

The situation has been complicated after long time deputy Wayne Bridge decided he is not in the right frame of mind to line up with England with John Terry.

Wayne Bridge's decision leave the door open for one, or maybe two, unlikely player to make the plane to South Africa.

Potentially there are six players who could be England’s left back for the World Cup.

The three favourites are Leighton Baines, Stephen Warnock, and Kieran Gibbs. They are having very solid seasons for their clubs and have been named in the squad to face Egypt.

With full back's playing a vital part in Fabio Capello's system, England needs a great all-rounder.

Kieran Gibbs has been touted as a carbon copy of Cole having come through the same youth system at Arsenal.

If Fabio wants a like-for-like swap for Cole, Gibbs is the answer.

Despite only 11 first team games for Arsenal and 14 Under-21 level, it’s widely considered if Gibbs can get himself fit from now until the end of the season, he could be in with a shout. However, the pressure could be too much for the 20 year old, and his inexperience, coupled with his fitness doubts, could be his downfall.

The only capped player of the three is Stephen Warnock, who played six minutes as a substitute in a 3-0 win over Trinidad. He is currently a regular at Aston Villa, who are fighting for a top four spot this season, with Warnock playing a key part.

Baines, however, remains favourite to take the left back spot if Cole is unable to.

He's a consistently high performer for Everton, has a threat from set pieces, and gets his fair share of assists for David Moyes's men. The former Wigan man was also a regular at Under-21 level.

As well as those three, England also has three makeshift left backs in Joleon Lescott, Gareth Barry and James Milner.

Lescott's versatile nature could see him jump and become left back, as Capello values the idea of having a versatile squad in a tournament structure. Lescott also seems to be a favourite of Capello, having been selected often by Fabio. However, since his big money move from Everton to Eastlands, Lescott’s form has hit a dramatic slump, and he has not performed to the high level he did before.

Barry and Milner are unlikely to play left back as Barry has a vital job to play in the England midfield and Capello could have very different ideas for Villa man Milner...

England’s right back situation is not much better.

Glen Johnson's recent injury has exposed Capello's lack of options. Luke Young effectively retired from international football after he rejected the call to join up with the England after Johnson pulled out last November.

This leaves England with only four replacements. The longest shots of which are the two Neville brothers.

Gary and Phil, 34 and 33 respectively, have represented England numerous times before.

Gary has 85 caps to his name and is the ninth most capped player of all time. For a majority of his cap, he formed a fantastic relationship with David Beckham. However, Neville will be 35 when the World Cup kicks off and with decreasing ability comes decreasing playing opportunities. He is unlikely to make the squad.

His brother Phil, however, is playing more than ever. He is currently captaining Everton and playing regularly all over the pitch. In recent times, a national newspaper has championed Phil's unlikely recall to the England team.

The likely back up for Johnson (a fully fit Johnson) will be either Micah Richards or Wes Brown.

Despite only being 21, Richards made his international debut in 2006, becoming the youngest defender to do so.

The athletic full back has dropped down the pecking order at Manchester City in recent times and also down Capello's order, with Wes Brown seemingly jumping ahead of him.

Brown, like Lescott, is likely to be in the squad due to his versatility as well as his ability. Brown has played a few games at right back and by many is a logical choice. However, Fabio Capello's recent squad has listed James Milner as a defender with him likely to be used at right back.

During the week, we saw Florent Malouda play left back for Chelsea against Inter Milan, dispelling the myth that midfielders cant play in defence. Milner is a very versatile member of Capello’s squad, and it would be no shock to see Milner play defence in the build up of, or even during, the world cup.

With the problems in the wings, Capello and his centre back choices should be a lot more straight forward.

Should.

Injury and circumstances permitting, Fabio has three centre backs set in stone—former Captain John Terry, current captain Rio Ferdinand and West Ham's Mathew Upson.

However, all three have hardly been models of consistency this season.

John Terry’s fall from grace is well documented.

His alleged affair with former England left back Wayne Bridge’s ex-girlfriend has been all over the news in recent weeks.

The revelations have affected the player's game.

A day before the stories surfaced, John, with knowledge of what was going to be printed, played one of his best games of the season for Chelsea away at Burnley, scoring the winning goal. Many praised him for being a tower of strength.

However, since that day his performances have been in steady decline, being blamed for Lewis Saha’s winner for Everton in a 2-1 defeat at Goodison Park. This lead to Ancelotti giving his captain some time off while he tried to get his marriage back on track.

After successfully doing this, the 2009 Dad of the Year came back to the fore playing for Chelsea in big games, such as their first leg against Inter Milan and the crunch game at home to Manchester City. Chelsea lost both of these games and many critics have questioned Terry’s focus, as well as his game, while he is failing to hit the high standards he has set for himself. All this comes as Capello ended Terry’s chance of become England captain again, as he told media he will never be captain as long as he is England manager.

This lead’s us to former deputy, now England captain, Rio Ferdinand.

Rio has had a stop-start season for Manchester United with injury and suspension spoiling the centre back's season. Questions over Ferdinand’s fitness will continue right up until the start of the tournament, with a dodgy back the culprit of problems.

One player who has deputised for Rio Ferdinand at international level is Matthew Upson.

Upson is considered a very solid defender playing well below his level at struggling West Ham. The West Ham captain, at the age of 30, is hitting his peak and playing some great football under Capello and Zola at West Ham.

To some, Upson is not just a worthy deputy, but could steal a regular starting place from either Terry or Rio if their problems persist.

The so-called fifth CB place is well up for grabs if Wes Brown and Joleon Lescott are selected as auxiliary full backs. The contenders for this spot are Gary Cahill, Ryan Shawcross, Ledley King, Michael Dawson, Roger Johnson, and Phil Jagielka.

This seems a position that England are spoilt for choice for quality, but are any of them world beaters? Cahill, Shawcross, Dawson, Johnson and Turner have all been regulars of their respective clubs.

Cahill was a surprise inclusion in one of Capello’s squads, and the Italian had rave reviews about the Bolton centre back.

However, a cruel blood clot in his arm has seemingly cut short his season, and this means he is even more unlikely to make the World Cup squad.

Another player unlikely to make the plane is Roger Johnson. Johnson has been part of the Birmingham team who, along with Joe Hart, has kept 11 clean sheets. His performances this season have lead to him being called a "dark horse" for a spot in Capello’s squad. He has even had a facebook group called "Roger Johnson for England" set up in his favour and has attracted nearly 3,000 fans. However, he is unlikely to be included.

Stokes’ Shawcross has been in top form this season and has helped Stoke consolidate on their fantastic first season in the premiership. Shawcross has been included in the squad to face Egypt and could play. The former Manchester United fan is also in contention with Phil Jagielka and Ledley King.

Capello is a fan of both players; however, both have had restricted game time this season due to injury.

King’s chronic knee troubles could see him miss out, as it is rumoured he needs six days off between games and he doesn’t train.

Jagielka has been out since the tail-end of last season, after a horrible injury in the FA Cup semi-final at Wembley that caused him to miss the final. Jagileka has been in previous Capello squads and, if he can regain his form, is in prime position to make it to South Africa.

Many believe success is based on a solid and consistent defence selection. Going into World Cup year, Capello should well be worried about his defence with players off form, injured, or distracted by other issues.

Fabio’s midfield is more straight forward; however, not settled.

For many years England has been crying out for a complete left midfielder and this year is no different. Or is it?

In recent years it has been up to a right-footed player playing out of position to fill this position.

Joe Cole has done well, but picked up a couple of injuries that have hampered him.

Steven Gerrard deputised well, but we all know his position shouldn’t be out wide and Shaun Wright-Phillips is right-footed, too.

England left side options seems clear.

Stuart Downing, Ashley Young, or James Milner.

All three Villa men are in contention when all fully fit, leaving Capello with a tough decision when it comes to this position.

Milner seems a given for the squad if he keeps his form up, as his sheer versatility means he’s twice as valuable as say Downing, who is limited to just left midfield. However, Downing is an out-and-out left midfielder and, unlike Milner, who is two-footed, has applied his trade from the left side for most of his life. Considered light weight while at Middleborough, his quality was obvious. Under O’Neill after his comeback form injury, Downing seems to have bloomed along with his teammates, and he also carries a threat from set pieces.

This means his Villa teammate, Ashley Young, is likely to miss out, unless he can grab an unlikely slot in right midfield. Young, who was last season's Young Player of the Year, has been in tantalising form again for Villa this season. However, he is likely to be low in Capello’s pecking orders despite his obvious qualities. But he is likely to be ranked behind a fully fit, on form Joe Cole.

Editors note:
Outsiders tip: Adam Johnson—Manchester City.

Young has a slim chance, but faces stiff competition from Aaron Lennon, Shaun Wright-Phillips, and the ever-green David Beckham.

With Walcott likely to be picked as a striker, the pacey duo of Aaron Lennon and Wright-Phillips are left to sprint it out while Beckham waits in the wings.

Wright-Phillips appearances under Capello has been considered poor by many; however, Fabio continuously picks the nippy winger.

Lennon has suffered an injury setback, which has kept him out for Tottenham. But he has definitely put in a strong case to Capello after a string of great performances for Spurs.

Beckham needs no introduction to Capello, having worked and fell out with him while at Real Madrid.

Having started his second spell at AC Milan, he is keen to make the 2010 World Cup squad—which could be his last for England. His lack of pace makes him an unspectacular choice; however, his off-the-ball qualities, experience, and dead-ball prowess makes him an automatic choice by many.

In the engine room of the team, Capello has two stone set options. Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard are the life and soul of the England team and two genuine world class players that England has to offer.

However, Steven Gerrard has been far from top form this season and has struggled with injury. Many feel he may have been burned out by the sheer number of games over the past few years and needs a rest before he can get back to form. This will be a worry for Capello.

Liverpool needs Gerrard more than ever as they could lose out on a top four place and vital champions league money. This has lead to him being rushed back from injury by Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez. An out of form Gerrard is still a player capable of winning games; however, he is often prone to mistakes and could cost England games.

Lampard, on the other hand, has been in glorious form for Chelsea again this season and seems in no need for a rest.

Options to make up the midfield are Gareth Barry, who has been a prominent figure under Capello, Michael Carrick, and possibly Joe Cole and James Milner.

Barry and Carrick are seen as obvious players to include in the squad as back-up players.

Both are playing regular football for their clubs, and both have a quality they can show on an international stage.

However, for more attacking options, Milner and Joe Cole offer something Carrick and Barry don’t: Both are flair players and, going forward, are very creative and very different players from Barry and Carrick.

Cole is unlikely for this position; however, if fully fit, he could make the place.

James Milner has been mentioned for just about every position so far—he is a given.

As well as a settled defence, a world class team needs a strong, creative midfield.

Capello has big decision with the wide players, but scandal permitting his centre of midfield oozes quality from every pour.

Capello’s striking options seem simple.

Rooney is on top form for United this season post Ronaldo. Many pundits feel he has carried United and is the only reason they are still in contention for the title come March after scoring 23 goals so far this season.

However, finding the perfect partner for Wayne is a hard ask. England needs an unselfish, strong, goal-scoring striker with the ability to hold up the ball.

Simple right?

England cannot rely on Rooney’s goals alone if they are going to win the World Cup this year. Capello seems to favour Emile Heskey for the second striker role; however, Heskeys’s lack of goal scoring prowess and pace means he could simply be out of his depth. Fabio’s other options are Carlton Cole and Bobby Zamora.

Cole has won caps under Capello and has been in good form for West Ham this season; however, Cole has failed to really create any spark during his international appearance leading to doubts about his quality.

Zamora suffers from the same—however, only theoretically. Zamora has been in prolific form for Fulham this season and is brimming with confidence. Pundits and fans alike seem much split in opinion when it comes to the question of Bobby’s ability on an international stage. Having yet to be given a chance by Capello, it seems clear of Fabio’s opinions.

The likely partner for Rooney will be Crouch. Peter Crouch has been in good form for Tottenham again this season and has been prolific for England. Crouch’s height, goal scoring ability, and general play makes him the perfect foil for Rooney.

Places are still up for grabs in the striking positions with Walcott, Agbonlahor and Darren Bent, Jermaine Defoe, and Michael Owen.

Walcott was taken to the 2006 World Cup (many feel wrongly) by Sven.

Under Capello, Walcott scored an unforgettable hat-trick in Croatia, leaving many feeling he was ready for the big stage. However, injury and lack of game time at Arsenal has left Capello with a tough decision come July.

Bent and Agbonlahor have become instrumental for their respective clubs this season. Pace man Agbonlahor has scored 11 goals for Villa this season and is the fourth highest Englishman on the goal scoring lists as of March 1. Gabby’s main threat is his sheer pace and ability to scare defended into mistakes. His ability is rare, explosive, and could be very useful to Capello.

Bent has 15 goals to his name this season and is currently the fourth highest goal scorer in the Premier League. Like Cole and Heskey, Bent is a big target to hit. His pace, strength, and rebound goal scoring touch has left him in with a shout at a World Cup place.

Jermaine Defoe is an almost cert for a place after impressive displays both for Tottenham and for England.

This leaves us with Michael Owen.

Owen has scored three goals in 19 games for United this season, but has yet to find the form we know from him. Injuries have blighted what should have been the peak of Owen’s career. Having scored 40 goals for England, already many feel only a fool wouldn’t take Owen to South Africa.

England’s striking partnership is a key part of Capello’s team. Being too reliant on a fragile Rooney could prove costly; however, Rooney is very much the focal point of any team and should be built around. Whoever plays next to him will carry a huge responsibility.

With injury, scandals, and out of form players, England’s dream year could be little more than just another missed opportunity. Fabio has some huge choices in the coming months and only time will tell…

Read more International Football news on BleacherReport.com

]]> http://www.internationaled.org/international-football/england-what-can-fabio-do/feed/ 0 Formula 1: Mateschitz Bullish About Red Bull’s Aims http://www.internationaled.org/formula-1/formula-1-mateschitz-bullish-about-red-bulls-aims/ http://www.internationaled.org/formula-1/formula-1-mateschitz-bullish-about-red-bulls-aims/#comments Mon, 01 Mar 2010 22:18:52 +0000 Mike Trusler http://bleacherreport.com/articles/354738-formula-1-mateschitz-bullish-about-red-bulls-aims Red Bull owner Dietrich Mateschitz has set high targets for the 2010 World Formula One Championship by declaring his team must fight for the championship this season, and believes Red Bull Racing now belongs at the top

With less than two weeks until Bahrain, Mateschitz fired an ultimatum to his team and a message to the Formula 1 paddock.

Red Bull were runners-up in both constructors’ and drivers’ championships in 2009 despite a mid-season fight with strong-starting British squad Brawn GP.

The energy drink giant's owner hopes the momentum is with them this season after admitting only title honours will suffice.

"We have realistic expectations that of course progressed each year," said Mateschitz.

"Last year we wanted to finish among the top three teams, which we achieved." the 65-year-old told Austrian newspaper the Salzburger Nachrichten .

The billionaire also went on to say that he felt his driver, Sebastian Vettel, was robbed of the title due to the early-season double diffuser row.

"At the start of last season, we were the only team without a double diffuser that could match Brawn's pace," he said. "If you consider we had to rebuild the car, Vettel had to accept the penalty after Melbourne, he could have been champion already last year."

Mateschitz is also happy with the driver pairing of Mark Webber and Sebastian Vettel and he feels both drivers are title-ready, which could only have a positive effect on the team.

"As Sebastian, he can too. Two drivers of equal strength are no problem but a huge advantage because they push their respective limits.

“Sebastian had more wins and poles last year than Mark but on fastest laps they were equal. Vettel of course is an exceptional personality that might come out maybe in some decades.

"By his pressure Mark could push his limits remarkably. The fact that Vettel is a product of our young driver scheme is an additional satisfaction for us."

However, the Austrian went on to comment about the long-term future of Red Bull's engine supplier, suggesting he doubts that Renault has a long-term commitment to the sport.

“I doubt it, because I suspect Renault does not intend to be in Formula 1 for so long,” he continued. “That Renault does not have a long-term connection is for us a little bit of an uncertainty.”

Read more Formula 1 news on BleacherReport.com

]]> Red Bull owner Dietrich Mateschitz has set high targets for the 2010 World Formula One Championship by declaring his team must fight for the championship this season, and believes Red Bull Racing now belongs at the top

With less than two weeks until Bahrain, Mateschitz fired an ultimatum to his team and a message to the Formula 1 paddock.

Red Bull were runners-up in both constructors’ and drivers’ championships in 2009 despite a mid-season fight with strong-starting British squad Brawn GP.

The energy drink giant's owner hopes the momentum is with them this season after admitting only title honours will suffice.

"We have realistic expectations that of course progressed each year," said Mateschitz.

"Last year we wanted to finish among the top three teams, which we achieved." the 65-year-old told Austrian newspaper the Salzburger Nachrichten .

The billionaire also went on to say that he felt his driver, Sebastian Vettel, was robbed of the title due to the early-season double diffuser row.

"At the start of last season, we were the only team without a double diffuser that could match Brawn's pace," he said. "If you consider we had to rebuild the car, Vettel had to accept the penalty after Melbourne, he could have been champion already last year."

Mateschitz is also happy with the driver pairing of Mark Webber and Sebastian Vettel and he feels both drivers are title-ready, which could only have a positive effect on the team.

"As Sebastian, he can too. Two drivers of equal strength are no problem but a huge advantage because they push their respective limits.

“Sebastian had more wins and poles last year than Mark but on fastest laps they were equal. Vettel of course is an exceptional personality that might come out maybe in some decades.

"By his pressure Mark could push his limits remarkably. The fact that Vettel is a product of our young driver scheme is an additional satisfaction for us."

However, the Austrian went on to comment about the long-term future of Red Bull's engine supplier, suggesting he doubts that Renault has a long-term commitment to the sport.

“I doubt it, because I suspect Renault does not intend to be in Formula 1 for so long,” he continued. “That Renault does not have a long-term connection is for us a little bit of an uncertainty.”

Read more Formula 1 news on BleacherReport.com

]]> http://www.internationaled.org/formula-1/formula-1-mateschitz-bullish-about-red-bulls-aims/feed/ 0 Formula 1: Internal Battles Could Take Center Stage in 2010 http://www.internationaled.org/formula-1/formula-1-internal-battles-could-take-center-stage-in-2010/ http://www.internationaled.org/formula-1/formula-1-internal-battles-could-take-center-stage-in-2010/#comments Thu, 25 Feb 2010 14:00:11 +0000 Mike Trusler http://bleacherreport.com/articles/351932-internal-battles-could-take-center-stage-in-2010 With less than a month until the Formula 1 circus moves to Bahrain to raise the curtain on the new decade, we wait with bated breath to see if the 2010 Formula One World Championship will be as exciting as it threatens to be on paper.

The field boasts four world champions, 11 race winners, (hopefully) four new teams, a returning team, five or more new drivers, and the return of the most successful driver in the sport's history. 

Many feel the main battle this season will be between the McLaren Mercedes squad and the Mercedes GP team, fresh from their takeover of BrawnGP.

However, I don't think that will be the case. This season has been billed as a face off between nations. Britain vs. Germany, Hamilton vs. Schumacher, Former Champions vs. Reigning champions.

It threatens to be a huge battle. With Mercedes powering both chassis, it comes down to the designers, who incidentally are both based in the UK, to come up with trumps and create the best car. However, the battles within the teams could take center stage.

With Michael Schumacher returning to Mercedes, they hope to have a car that lives up the great driver’s expectations and add to his tally of seven world titles, as well as building on the success of the BrawnGP team.

The forgotten man of this whole piece seems to be Nico Rosberg. After being told to "Get out" from being Schumacher’s teammate by Rubens Barrichello, Rosberg got his head down and worked.

When he signed for Mercedes GP, he had no idea who is partner would be with the new team. Many speculated Heidfeld or even Button to stay on to team up with the young German, however it was Schumacher who lurched in the shadows to secure the drive and reincarnate part of the Ferrari "Dream Team" that saw him to five world titles. Initially, Rosberg was on the attack towards Schumacher.

"When you stay away from F1 for a long time, it takes time to get used to all the trial sessions again; it is not simple," Rosberg told a German national newspaper. "It will not be easy for him."

However, once the seven-time world champion was confirmed as his teammate, all went quiet in Camp Rosberg.

Warnings have come from all over the paddock, none more vocal than Barrichello. He told Rosberg not to lay down and die for Schumacher and be his own man.

Schumacher has already tried the psychological games by demanding the No. 3, saying he raced better with odd numbers.

McLaren, on the other hand, are hoping to show that again they are the team to beat in Formula 1. After a torrid 2009, they welcome world champion Jenson Button to join Lewis Hamilton, who both look to build on their solitary world championships.

This could become more of an internal power struggle, as Button hasn’t moved to McLaren to play second fiddle to Hamilton. He’s moved to win.

There has been mixed predictions between on what could happen between the two drivers this season. Former Ferrari driver Eddie Irvine spoke his mind, however, as he eloquently phrased it, "Button will be ‘murdered’ by Hamilton."

However, former F1 driver and BBC pundit David Coulthard thinks differently.

“There's no question that Lewis Hamilton is a great driver, and there's no question that Jenson is a great driver, but one of those guys come the end of the season will be on top...and it's going to be fascinating to watch. I don't know the answer; let's wait and see,” Coulthard told crash.net.

After all the pleasantries have been passed, the two seem to have some deep-lying respect for each other. This could be what stops the pair becoming a Hamilton/Alosno or even a Senna/Prost partnership.

Many feel it could be the best all-British partnership since Hill and Clark in 1966. Whatever the comparisons, it seems Button and Hamilton could write themselves into history one way or another this season. For better or for worse.

Its widely thought that all four drivers are capable of winning races, but can any of them step up above their teammates to win the title?

However, I don't think it’s the battle that will take center stage this season.

For this battle we need to look towards the stable of Ferrari.

Before pre-season testing even began, it was well known that Ferrari have been working on the F10 since the middle of last season, ploughing funds and time into the development of the chassis.

After a horrible 2009, Ferrari will stop at nothing to get back to the top as we saw with this week's statement from Ferrari, launching a scathing attack on the FIA and how its pushing through smaller teams. (See http://bleacherreport.com/articles/351128-unravelling-ferraris-tirade-towards-the-fia)

In the statement, they include the line "Ferrari have always succeeded via the means they know best—through investing millions," signaling their intention to get back to the sharp end of the F1 grid.

After the worst-kept secret in Formula 1 was revealed, that Alonso was moving to the Maranello-based team for the 2010 season, it was clear of Ferrari's intentions.

Alonso has come out with some very good sound bites for Ferrari, describing joining the team as a "dream come true," as well as saying he hopes to finish his career with them.

I currently consider Alonso to be the most driven, naturally talented driver on the grid at the moment. I have no doubt in my mind come this time 2011, I will be sitting here typing about reigning world champion Fernando Alonso, and how it will be difficult to defend his title.

For the first time since Schumacher, Ferrari has a driver they can mould a team around: a leader, a grafter and a talented driver.

However, at this point I’d like to mention, although I don't think Felipe Massa is a driver you can build a successful team around, there is no doubt in my mind he is capable of winning a world championship. I feel this is where the struggle will start.

Massa has been a loyal servant to Ferrari. Of this there is no doubt. The very likable Brazilian has worked hard to get up to the high standards that are expected of him, and pre-season testing has shown he has a steely determination to win.

After his accident in Hungary last season, many felt he might never live life to the fullesy again, no matter the drive.

However, the little Brazilian has come out fighting. Although he didn't win the battle with his fitness to race again in 2009, he has come back stronger and is fighting fit to win the world championship this year. 

Alonso might be set to experience something similar to where we saw him at McLaren. He has joined a team who has moved heaven and earth to sign him and has been seated alongside a driver who has grew up with that team.

Alonso quickly quashed these rumours by saying he has learned from what happened in 2007.

‘"It will not happen again," Alonso said. "I am more prepared than I was two years ago. And Ferrari is more important than any driver in that car.’

We will see what the volatile Spaniard will do when push comes to shove.

Read more Formula 1 news on BleacherReport.com

]]> With less than a month until the Formula 1 circus moves to Bahrain to raise the curtain on the new decade, we wait with bated breath to see if the 2010 Formula One World Championship will be as exciting as it threatens to be on paper.

The field boasts four world champions, 11 race winners, (hopefully) four new teams, a returning team, five or more new drivers, and the return of the most successful driver in the sport's history. 

Many feel the main battle this season will be between the McLaren Mercedes squad and the Mercedes GP team, fresh from their takeover of BrawnGP.

However, I don't think that will be the case. This season has been billed as a face off between nations. Britain vs. Germany, Hamilton vs. Schumacher, Former Champions vs. Reigning champions.

It threatens to be a huge battle. With Mercedes powering both chassis, it comes down to the designers, who incidentally are both based in the UK, to come up with trumps and create the best car. However, the battles within the teams could take center stage.

With Michael Schumacher returning to Mercedes, they hope to have a car that lives up the great driver’s expectations and add to his tally of seven world titles, as well as building on the success of the BrawnGP team.

The forgotten man of this whole piece seems to be Nico Rosberg. After being told to "Get out" from being Schumacher’s teammate by Rubens Barrichello, Rosberg got his head down and worked.

When he signed for Mercedes GP, he had no idea who is partner would be with the new team. Many speculated Heidfeld or even Button to stay on to team up with the young German, however it was Schumacher who lurched in the shadows to secure the drive and reincarnate part of the Ferrari "Dream Team" that saw him to five world titles. Initially, Rosberg was on the attack towards Schumacher.

"When you stay away from F1 for a long time, it takes time to get used to all the trial sessions again; it is not simple," Rosberg told a German national newspaper. "It will not be easy for him."

However, once the seven-time world champion was confirmed as his teammate, all went quiet in Camp Rosberg.

Warnings have come from all over the paddock, none more vocal than Barrichello. He told Rosberg not to lay down and die for Schumacher and be his own man.

Schumacher has already tried the psychological games by demanding the No. 3, saying he raced better with odd numbers.

McLaren, on the other hand, are hoping to show that again they are the team to beat in Formula 1. After a torrid 2009, they welcome world champion Jenson Button to join Lewis Hamilton, who both look to build on their solitary world championships.

This could become more of an internal power struggle, as Button hasn’t moved to McLaren to play second fiddle to Hamilton. He’s moved to win.

There has been mixed predictions between on what could happen between the two drivers this season. Former Ferrari driver Eddie Irvine spoke his mind, however, as he eloquently phrased it, "Button will be ‘murdered’ by Hamilton."

However, former F1 driver and BBC pundit David Coulthard thinks differently.

“There's no question that Lewis Hamilton is a great driver, and there's no question that Jenson is a great driver, but one of those guys come the end of the season will be on top...and it's going to be fascinating to watch. I don't know the answer; let's wait and see,” Coulthard told crash.net.

After all the pleasantries have been passed, the two seem to have some deep-lying respect for each other. This could be what stops the pair becoming a Hamilton/Alosno or even a Senna/Prost partnership.

Many feel it could be the best all-British partnership since Hill and Clark in 1966. Whatever the comparisons, it seems Button and Hamilton could write themselves into history one way or another this season. For better or for worse.

Its widely thought that all four drivers are capable of winning races, but can any of them step up above their teammates to win the title?

However, I don't think it’s the battle that will take center stage this season.

For this battle we need to look towards the stable of Ferrari.

Before pre-season testing even began, it was well known that Ferrari have been working on the F10 since the middle of last season, ploughing funds and time into the development of the chassis.

After a horrible 2009, Ferrari will stop at nothing to get back to the top as we saw with this week's statement from Ferrari, launching a scathing attack on the FIA and how its pushing through smaller teams. (See http://bleacherreport.com/articles/351128-unravelling-ferraris-tirade-towards-the-fia)

In the statement, they include the line "Ferrari have always succeeded via the means they know best—through investing millions," signaling their intention to get back to the sharp end of the F1 grid.

After the worst-kept secret in Formula 1 was revealed, that Alonso was moving to the Maranello-based team for the 2010 season, it was clear of Ferrari's intentions.

Alonso has come out with some very good sound bites for Ferrari, describing joining the team as a "dream come true," as well as saying he hopes to finish his career with them.

I currently consider Alonso to be the most driven, naturally talented driver on the grid at the moment. I have no doubt in my mind come this time 2011, I will be sitting here typing about reigning world champion Fernando Alonso, and how it will be difficult to defend his title.

For the first time since Schumacher, Ferrari has a driver they can mould a team around: a leader, a grafter and a talented driver.

However, at this point I’d like to mention, although I don't think Felipe Massa is a driver you can build a successful team around, there is no doubt in my mind he is capable of winning a world championship. I feel this is where the struggle will start.

Massa has been a loyal servant to Ferrari. Of this there is no doubt. The very likable Brazilian has worked hard to get up to the high standards that are expected of him, and pre-season testing has shown he has a steely determination to win.

After his accident in Hungary last season, many felt he might never live life to the fullesy again, no matter the drive.

However, the little Brazilian has come out fighting. Although he didn't win the battle with his fitness to race again in 2009, he has come back stronger and is fighting fit to win the world championship this year. 

Alonso might be set to experience something similar to where we saw him at McLaren. He has joined a team who has moved heaven and earth to sign him and has been seated alongside a driver who has grew up with that team.

Alonso quickly quashed these rumours by saying he has learned from what happened in 2007.

‘"It will not happen again," Alonso said. "I am more prepared than I was two years ago. And Ferrari is more important than any driver in that car.’

We will see what the volatile Spaniard will do when push comes to shove.

Read more Formula 1 news on BleacherReport.com

]]> http://www.internationaled.org/formula-1/formula-1-internal-battles-could-take-center-stage-in-2010/feed/ 0