Terrific Townsend puts England on verge of World Cup

Roy Hodgson surprised almost everyone last night as he handed Tottenham midfielder Andros Townsend his first start in an England shirt. The 22 year old was given the task of producing down the right hand side in what was Hodgsons most crucial test yet as England manager.

It had been a tough week for the manager with comments from Harry Redknapp suggesting that Hodgson wasn't first choice in the eyes of the people last year when a 'clueless' FA turned to Hodgson instead of himself. The pressure was hyped again just a few days after though as the manager then had to leap to the defence of Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere who claimed only English players should play for England.

Hodgson handed both scenarios as we would have come to expect from a man that has so much experience in the game, calmly, gracefully but more important, he handled it right. When Hodgson handed in his team sheet last night there is no question that eyebrows all around Wembley and further afield were raised.

It was a must win for England if they want the opportunity to take part in Brazil 2014, and after a tense goalless first half it was time for Hodgson to deliver one of his most important half time speeches. He kept faith with Townsend who had looked bright and it was about to pay off as the Spurs winger delivered a breath taking second half performance that would have the top defenders around the world trembling with fear.

Just three minutes into the second half Townsend set off on a mazy 30 yard run down the right before delivering a perfect ball which allowed Wayne Rooney to put the hosts in front. England then doubled their advantage as Branko Boskovic put the ball in his own net.

Montenegro who hadn't really offered much halved the arrears soon after though as Dejan Damjanovic poked home from what looked like an offside position to bring Wembley to an eery silence.

Hodgson may have have stunned people by playing Townsend but it was to be further vindicated as he again showed pace and quick feet before driving a swerving shot past the visitors keeper to ensure England remain on course to qualify for next years World Cup. There was even time for a fourth as Danny Sturridge continued his fine form of late to slot home a penalty from 12 yards to give England a massive confidence boost ahead of Tuesday nights must win fixture against Poland.

Hodgson has shown this week that he is the right man to lead England. He has shown calmness, experience and passion, something we all demand from our international side. Most of all though perhaps, Hodgson has shown to be bold, he will make decisions that shock providing they will benefit the team. Last nights decision was certainly that, bold, brave but it turned into breath taking.

England now prepare for their final date with destiny. A win over Poland and qualification to Brazil 2014 is secure, a draw or defeat and they then need a miracle of Ukraine dropping points against San Marino.

Let us know your thoughts, will England qualify for Brazil 2014? Write in our comments box below or tweet @RyanDay100

Harry rant aimed to harm Hodgson?

Harry Redknapp launched a fierce attack today on the Football Association after being rejected as the next England Manager last year when Fabio Capello was sacked.

The now QPR boss labelled the FA as 'clueless' and he wouldn't trust them to make important decisions such as who should manage the England side. Time has passed since Redknapp was overlooked, with the job instead being handed to Roy Hodgson who faces a vital week as England look to secure their place at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.

Redknapp today though took time to swipe at the FA bosses after being overlooked, and while sour grapes spring to mind, you do have to wonder about the timing from Redknapp with two crucial qualifiers looming large on the horizon for Hodgson and his side.

Redknapp writing in his new autobiography: " Everyone said I was the people's choice, the only choice. All the senior players seemed to be up for me to get the job. I got quite a few text messages at the time from players saying they would love me to manage England: Steven Gerrard, Wayne Rooney, Rio Ferdinand, John Terry. But the FA went for Roy Hodgson to be the England manager – a man who is more their cup of tea."

Redknapp says he holds no grudge against Hodgson for getting the job but does admit he had spoken to now Liverpool boss, then in charge of Swansea about becoming his assistant at the 2012 European Championships.

Redknapp seemed the nailed on choice for the job last year, however, he ended up jobless after a run of two wins from ten games for Tottenham while he was being linked to the job meant they missed out on the top four of the Premier League and Champions League football. Spurs chairman Daniel Levy took the decision to sack Redknapp, leaving with a summer of uncertainty.

The experienced boss bounced straight back into action though in November when he answered QPR's SOS call and despite failing to keep the R's in the Premier League, Redknapp has rebuilt his squad and the London club look well on course to return to the Premier League.

It will remain unclear until next Tuesday or possibly even after the 2014 World Cup finished to know for certain if the FA was right to give the job to Roy Hodgson, but it seems that the top bosses at the FA headquarters will not appreciate Redknapp's comments and certainly the timing of them.

Was the FA right to give the England job to Roy Hodgson, and has Redknapp chosen now to attack the FA to make an already difficult week for Hodgson that little bit harder?

As always comment below or tweet us at @RyanDay100

The Y-word is as racist as the N-word but Cameron labels it as the A-word- Acceptable

WARNING: This blog may contain some words that offends readers.

This week the Prime Minister took time out to wade in on the continued debate over the use of the word Yid, from Tottenham Hotspur fans and opposition fans that may still use the racist term.

The word Yid originates from a time when racism was accepted, a time when black people were used as slaves and the N word was used at its most frequent. Time has changed many things but mostly, and rightly so it has changed the attitude towards racism. No longer is it acceptable to use any racist language towards anyone.....or is it?

Tottenham adopted the term Yid Army as a defence mechanism after opposition fans regularly mocked the club for it's Jewish following. Around 5% of all Tottenham fans today have Jewish roots, but yet the clubs fans see themselves as the Yid Army.

In the past week the debate has become quite heated after the Football Association commented any fans using the racist term, whether a Tottenham fan or not should be prosecuted, this was after the continued battle from Jewish, Chelsea fan David Baddiel who continues to fight for the Y-word to be banned.

The debate however has taken an unusual twist this week after David Cameron, yes the Prime Minister of England, declared that the use of the word from Tottenham fans was acceptable, as they were not 'motivated by hate'.

So this opens a scenario where the FA are fighting for the banning of the word, while the Prime Minister says it's ok. So who is going to win this battle that no one really wants to have?

The answer? Nobody. The lobbying for the banning of the word is frankly pointless as Tottenham fans class themselves as the Yid Army and that will never change, but what about the Jewish section of the Tottenham fans that find the term offensive? Where do they stand in this debate? Is the Tottenham fans chanting the word offensive to them, and is it 'motivated by hate'

The fact Cameron even got involved is a baffling one, the fact he said what he said, was even more strange. As a politician, we would have expected him to sit on the fence and let others deal with it. He spoke openly about the term and even went as far as almost giving Tottenham fans the green light to continue using it. So debate over? Again, maybe not.

With black friends myself, I ask the question if I was to walk up to one and use the N word, would it be welcomed by them, or would they view it as 'motivated by hate'? Of course this scenario wouldn't happen amongst my group of friends but up and down the country we regularly hear stories of racism in society.

We don't have to stray too far from the football field to find cases of racism either, both John Terry and Luis Suarez were recently handed bans after being found guilty, yet no legal prosecution. Both cases were condemned by football fans up and down the country, even by some that still use the racist Y-word to either describe themselves, or another person.

Rapper Jay Z recently released a new song in the charts with the N word featured several times, some listeners, white and black will take offence to that, however it appears to be fine as it is not 'motivated by hate', yet some people that are offended by the word, myself included are just left to deal with it as it apparently is acceptable in the context of his song.

My final point is that a racist term is a racist term and that nobody can say otherwise. What can be argued is the motivation behind the use of the word. Tottenham fans don't use the word to abuse others, in fact they use it to endear themselves. Does it make it right? Unfortunately not in my view.

What may offend you, may not offend others, that is the world we live in today, however, we would all agree there is no room for racism in society, let alone football. As mentioned previously, if a group of people branded themselves with the N word, it certainly wouldn't be accepted, and even more certainly, David Cameron would not be defending them in his weekly parliament speech.

Do you think the word Yid is still a racist term? Are the FA right to try and force the banning of the word, or is Cameron right, should Tottenham fans be allowed to continue to use the word?

Let us know your thoughts.

Time to put the boot into Homophobia in Football

Normally the myth says a pot of gold can be found at the end of a rainbow, but this weekend gay rights charity Stonewall will be hoping some gold can be found at the feet of thousands of professional footballers across England and Scotland.

The charity have sent all 92 professional League Clubs in England some rainbow coloured laces as they try to gain the support of footballers. The campaign is aimed at changing the attitude towards homophobia in sport, rather than encouraging any footballers to come out as gay.

Robbie Rogers, formerly of Leeds and Stevenage announced he was gay last year after retiring from the sport, claiming it was impossible while he was playing because of the 'Pack mentality' that meant he feared he wouldn't be accepted in the game.

Rodgers has since gone back on his retirement and is currently plying his trade in the MLS with LA Galaxy.

The FA have had no involvement with the campaign and say it is 'up to each individual club and player' as to whether they join in with wearing the laces in matches this weekend across England and Scotland, but have promised to discuss the campaign with Stonewalls next year.

Everton, have been the first club to come forward and publicly confirm their support of the campaign, it remains uncertain as to how many others will do the same though. The campaign has had support from QPR midfielder Joey Barton who today tweeted: 'Sexuality in sport should not be an issue in 21st Century.'

The belief within the game is that attitudes are changing in football towards homosexuality. Work continues to try and rid the game of the image that saw Justin Fashanu commit suicide after publicly coming out.

This weekend, clubs and players have the chance to help enhance that image further by wearing the rainbow coloured laces for just 90 minutes. If every player was to come together and support the idea, it would show the watching crowd and media that the game has changed and that it is ready to embrace its first openly gay footballer in the English leagues.

You can show your support by wearing the rainbow coloured laces as well this weekend whether you are a semi-pro player, Sunday League or just having a kick around at the park.

This weekend potentially could go down as one of the historical moments......the moment football welcomed homosexuality into its sport.

 

Rainbow laces can be purchased here: http://www.biglaces.com/mall/departmentpage.cfm/BigLaces/_343294/1/Rainbow%2520Laces



Will you be wearing your rainbow coloured laces this weekend?

Carlisle sacking could provide catalyst for overhaul

At 10:30AM today in the very north of England, Carlisle United sacked their manager Greg Abbott. Of course to many this news will be of very little importance, in fact it would have been ignored or not even seen by most eyes.

However, after Greg Dykes passionate speech last week regarding the state of the English game, the sacking of Abbott could in fact be seen as the perfect example of exactly what is wrong with English football.

It is common knowledge that the lower depths of League One are not the high life of the Premier League and certainly do not possess the riches of the worlds richest division, however, it is where a handful of English coaches are finding their feet.......or maybe not.

Abbott, not a household name across England let alone the world took charge of Carlise in 2008, he led them to Wembley twice and secured the club their highest finish in League One as they finished 8th in the 2011/12 season. The 49 year old was the third longest serving manager in England behind Arsene Wenger and Paul Tisdale of Exeter.

The sacking of Abbott though only serves to highlight the fact that English coaches are not being given the time to impress and even less are being given the opportunity to progress through the ranks.

This week former Tottenham and Liverpool director of football Damien Comolli blasted Dykes suggestion that foreign imports were to blame for the English sides failure, instead suggesting the FA should look at their own style of coaching, or lack of it:

"I thought [Dyke's] speech was very poor. The FA needs to produce better quality coaches, and more of them.

"In England a new manager comes in, then brings his mate to take charge of the under-12s. Most teams change managers about every 18 months, so that brings an incredible instability to the academy." added Comolli.

While Carlisle go in search of their first manager in nearly six years, this latest sacking in English football might just provide the kick start into some much needed soul searching at the FA as the need to overhaul the identity of football in England begins to outweigh the success of the game.

Do coaches and Managers in England need more support? Do you think the FA do enough to encourage more coaches in the English game?

Win a World Cup by 2022? On your bike Dyke

FA Chairman Greg Dyke this afternoon set England a challenge to win a World Cup by the year 2022, as part of the countries need to reform the national game, but was his challenge a step too far?

Every two years, expectant England fans (myself included) claim that 'this is our time', and yet time and time again we are left to bemoan and blame everyone but ourselves. Whether it be a dodgy referee, a freak goal or those dreaded penalties it never seems to be England's fault.

However, that all changed today a tiny bit as FA Chairman Dyke admitted that English football needed reforming to avoid "letting down the country and thousands of England football fans." The main issue seems obvious, however not so easy to approach. Last season just 32% of players in the Premier League were eligible to play for the England national side.

So how does the FA suggest we deal with this? Send your answers on a postcard as no explanation or plan was given other than a need "to work closely with the Premier League to deal with this frightening trend." A 'frightening trend' indeed, in 1995 just under 50% of players were English.

The warning from Dyke that things needed sorting was music to many ears, his next statement was not so. "I set a target that we win a World Cup by 2022." While extremely optimistic, it begs the question as to whether Dyke has completely misunderstood the challenge that faces him.

To reform the English national side, plans need to be drawn up to change the philosophy of the players. This plan needs to be implemented into players from as young of six or seven, allowing them to progress with a clear vision. The average age of a winning World Cup side is 27, so any hopes of winning a World Cup within 20 years seem unlikely.

Dyke of course should be congratulated for setting targets, something that has been missed by his predecessors, however his outlandish target seems to have overshadowed his much needed announcement.

Any plans to enhance the performance of our national side are welcome and I look forward to seeing what the FA and Premier League plan, however after the transfer window just slammed shut with a record amount spent on transfers, I can't see the Premier League accepting any proposals which will be detrimental to the worlds greatest league.

What would you say is the way forward for English football?

The FA must 'shake-up' the pre-match routine to save respect

Having read lots of articles and blogs on the subject of whether the FA should abolish the pre-match hand-shake after the refusal of Luis Suarez to shake the hand of Patrice Evra (the man he was found guilty of racially abusing) in the Liverpool-United clash at Old Trafford last weekend I thought I would share my thoughts.

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson said after the game that Suarez could have caused a riot, slightly over the top; however, Fergie continued that Suarez was “A disgrace to Liverpool and English football”. This I completely agree with. Suarez had the opportunity to put the whole thing to bed by a simple shake of the hand, but could the FA have done more by abolishing the pre-match handshake before the game?

I personally see the handshake as nothing more than a pre-match marketing tool where sponsors on shirts get extra coverage meanwhile TV broadcasters use the hand-shake to go to advert breaks. Rightly the FA will argue that the hand-shake shows respect between the two sides, however I argue that if the players genuinely respected each other we wouldn’t see some of the awful challenges that we see on the field and we certainly wouldn’t see scenes such as Evra’s pathetic celebration after the game in the face of Suarez which in Ferguson’s own words ‘Could have caused a riot’ in itself.

The FA already undermined their ‘respect’ campaign weeks ago when they decided to abandon the pre-match hand-shake between QPR and Chelsea players in the wake of the John Terry and Anton Ferdinand racial abuse accusations. The removal of that hand-shake appeared to have removed the tension between the two sides and a clean game was played between the two.

Where to go from here? In all honesty the FA must abandon the pre match hand-shake as soon as possible. The players don’t need to prove their respect for the other players before a game, their actions on the field should show that. It is nothing more than a PR stunt from the FA and must be scrapped. If they insist on keeping it then it should be moved to the end of the game after the players have finished. By moving it to after the game not only are the players showing respect to their opponents they are also teaching younger players to lose and win graciously as well as putting an end to the childish behaviour we saw from Evra and his team-mates after Manchester United’s win against Liverpool.

What do you think? Should the hand-shake be scrapped or does it promote respect?

As always let me know. 

FA must 'arry up and appoint Redknapp to forget latest mess.

Fabio Capello sensationally resigned as England manager this evening leaving England without a manager and a captain just four months before Euro 2012.

The Italian decided to step down this evening after talks with FA chairman David Bernstein and secretary Alex Horne over comments made to Italian TV over the decision to strip the captaincy armband from John Terry after allegations of the Chelsea defender racially abusing QPR defender Anton Ferdinand.

On Sunday evening Capello was quoted as saying he 'absolutely disagreed' with the decision to take the armband away from Terry as he was still under suspicion and had not actually been found guilty as of yet. The comments from Capello were badly timed and were frowned upon fiercely by the FA who would have wanted to avoid this type of controversy just months before a major tournament.

With Capello appearing to be undermined by the FA as they made the decision without the managers opinion, Capello made the decision tonight that he could no longer manage the national side and resigned with immediate effect. Reports this evening from Italy say that Capello has said that the FA "really insulted me and damaged my authority". Regardless of people's opinion on the Italian, he is England's most successful manager based on win percentage with a 66.7% rate.

Capello's decision to resign has come as a huge shock to many fans although the feeling from the majority fans was 'Bring on Harry Redknapp', however it is clear that Capello did have his supporters with retired groundsman Ray Baker saying "The FA have insulted Capello's intelligence, he did a good job with the England team".

Harry Redknapp, cleared today of tax evasion is the favorite to take over the job on what could only be explained as a dream day for the current Tottenham manager. Former Arsenal defender Martin Keown said on Redknapp: "He started the day facing prison, he ends it in heaven." Despite Redknapp seeming to be the only candidate there are other names that are already being mentioned. Stuart Pearce, Jose Mourinho, Guus Hiddink, Gareth Southgate and Gary Lineker have all been linked with the post.

England have done what they do best and shot themselves in the foot just months before a major tournament, however, this self implosion seems to be repairable should England have a successful European Championships.

What do you think? Who will England turn to next?

Capello comment's couldn't have come at a worse time.

“I absolutely disagree with the decision to remove John Terry as the captain”. These were the comments made by England manager Fabio Capello yesterday on Italian TV which has caused fury at the FA headquarters this morning.

Last week the decision was made by the FA committee at their Wembley headquarters to remove the prestigious armband from the Chelsea defender after his trial for allegations of racial abuse against Anton Ferdinand was delayed until the 9^th July 2012, one week after the European Championships in Poland and Ukraine.

With the hearing delayed, FA bosses believed they couldn’t allow a player who is up against such allegations lead the country in a major competition, however, strangely it emerged afterwards that England manager Fabio Capello was not involved in discussions whether to remove the armband from Terry. After the announcement, it was made clear that Capello supported the FA’s decision and would begin the search for his new captain who would hopefully lift the European Championship trophy on July 1^st; however, comments on Italian TV from Capello have since indicated he is not supportive of the decision.

Capello could have landed himself in huge trouble after the remarks with former FA chairman David Davies saying he might have ‘breached his contract’, the punishment for that obviously being dismissal. It is unlikely the FA will dismiss Capello, in fact they should be moving heaven and earth to avoid that situation as a calm build up to a competition would be what the Association hope for. Capello’s argument is that Terry as not yet been found guilty and until he is so then he should remain as captain.

One argument that continues to show its face against the boss is that Capello is undermining whoever is asked to take over the role. While it is true Capello stripped the armband from Terry before over the incident of the player sleeping with team mate Wayne Bridge girlfriend, Capello clearly supports his skipper in this bitter row which could cause dressing room unrest, particularly as Terry’s central defender partner at the Euros could be Anton Ferdinand’s brother Rio.

While it is highly unlikely Capello will get the sack over his comments, it is something the FA bosses will take extremely seriously as again it shows a lack of unity in the run up to another major tournament and Capello can expect some punishment, however nothing more than a quiet word from David Bernstein along the lines of ‘Just focus on winning Euro 2012’ is expected.

Was Capello right to say what he did? Should the Italian be sacked?

As always let me know your thoughts?

FA decision is Terry-ble news for John

‘Innocent until proven guilty’ is the way the Football Association normally react to situations that don’t sit easy at the headquarters, however, today the FA went against their own policy as they stripped John Terry of the England captaincy over allegations that the Chelsea defender racially abused QPR defender Anton Ferdinand when two sides met in October at Loftus Road.

On Tuesday, John Terry’s legal team pleaded not guilty on behalf of the Chelsea defender, while the club itself threw their own support behind their player as they insisted Terry could ‘Have as much time off as necessary to clear his name.’ The court hearing was adjourned until July 9^th, eight days after the final of the European Championships which England and Terry will be hoping to be involved in.

The 31 year old defender was informed this morning by the Football Association chairman David Bernstein that he would no longer be captain until the situation was ‘resolved’ meaning that Fabio Capello will have to find a new leader to captain the side out in England’s opening game against France on 11^th June.

Oddly, Capello was not involved in the decision to remove the armband from Terry with many at the Association fearing the decision not to allow Capello his opinion could backfire on the FA, however, it has appeared since the announcement that Capello has respected the decision not to include him in the decision process.

So the question that remains is who next? A various amount of candidates are in the running with Liverpool midfielder Steven Gerrard currently odds on favourite at 4/5, while Tottenham midfielder Scott Parker is second favourite at 9/2. One man that seems to have a lot of backing is Manchester City goalkeeper Joe Hart. Starting the day at 20/1, odds have considerably shortened to 6-1 as support for the 24 year old increases. The need for a long term captain seems to be the main reason for many supporters tipping the Shrewsbury born keeper with 19 year old student Luke Stone saying “If it was up to me JT would still have it. The FA should stick behind their captain until proven innocent.  But Joe Hart would be my choice for the next captain as he is likely to be in the side for years to come and we need a long-term captain”.

Support continued from Southampton Solent University student Ollie Eden who said that Joe Hart would help England ‘form a new generation’. Support has also been thrown behind Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard from 21 year old Glenn Noble who stated: “Gerrard for the Euros, let’s see how he goes and what the new manager will have planned”.

Odds of England captain at Euro 2012 (Odds from Skybet)

Steven Gerrard 4/5
Scott Parker 9/2
Joe Hart 6/1
Gareth Barry 7/1
Frank Lampard 9/1
Rio Ferdinand 25/1
Ashley Cole 25/1
Phil Jones 25/1

One man that is no longer in the running is Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand after he tweeted this afternoon "I just want to concentrate on playing for Manchester United." That will come as a blow to some supporters who would have hoped the experience of Ferdinand would have helped the younger players along in the pressure cooker of a major championship.

Of course there are those supporters who support the Chelsea skipper, his club manager Andres Villas Boas who after the announcement humoured with the gathering press that “I have nothing to say on the matter- except I think it was the wrong decision”. 21 year Old Sam Copson from Watford said the whole situation was a sorry mess: “The whole situation is a mess; it should have been dealt with by now. Think it’s all been overhyped and Terry can feel hard done by”.

Capello would have wanted to avoid these scenes heading into his final major competition as England manager. It is expected that Capello will go with what he knows meaning that he will choose Gerrard to lead his side in Poland and Ukraine and then leave the manager following in his footsteps to choose the next permanent captain of English football after the Euros are completed.