England Selection Problems

Selections for international friendlies often spark headaches amongst puzzled football fans. With England's friendly with the world's 2nd best team, Holland on Wednesday night, Mr. Capello issued his squad.

First of all without even getting into the argument of what player should be picked and why and vice-versa, why oh why did the FA decide that the best date for a friendly was 3 days before the start of the Premier League season. It is beyond ridiculous and it will give managers such as Arsene Wenger and Sir. Alex all the more reason to impose minute limits on players and therefore making a mockery of the game.

Perhaps the biggest surprise was the inclusion of Manchester United youngster Danny Welbeck, although he did play well in patches for Sunderland last season he is nowhere near England quality. If Capello was looking to include a young striker then he should have looked no further than Daniel Sturridge who was a revelation at Bolton during the back-end of last season, scoring 8 goals in 12 games. Another surprise was that Tottenham full-back Kyle Walker was included as he has only appeared 3 times for Spurs. Although both Walker and Welbeck are promising young players Holland coach Bert van Marwijk has more quality players at his disposal, for example Arjen Robben and Wesley Sneijder. He has included young Georginio Wijnaldum of , Feyenoord who could win his first cap, I have bought him on every single Football Manager game since 2006 and he is brilliant not to say that is anything to go by.

Danny Welbeck in action for the Under 21's

Capello's reign as England manager has not been the smoothest at all. Since last summer when England failed and he selected Emile Heskey over Darren Bent many fans have been calling for his head. A player whose head has been called for many a time, would have been in my squad had I been England manager. Joey Barton, amid all his history and current contract issues last season he was brilliant and more than earned his spot ahead of players who had poor season like Gareth Barry and Michael Carrick. Barton has only played once for England and this should have been his second cap. Another player who has not been recognised by Capello is Kevin Nolan now of West Ham. Having scored 30 goals in the last 2 seasons from midfield, surely he would have been a shoe in to gain his 1st cap, but the likes of Barry and Carrick were selected. Capello branded Barton 'too dangerous', it is obvious why he made those comments but Barton seems (note I used the word 'seems' as I don't want to tempt fate) to have moved on and matured over the last season, maybe he could give lessons to a certain Mr. Balotelli. http://bbc.in/qjBeju

As for players being removed from squads and having minute caps, this friendly will have more than any other and even then, there are usually mass substituions to please each manager. Arsene Wenger has said that Jack Wilshere 'can be picked but he will not play', this is understandable as Wilshere picked up a knock against DC United in pre-season, this begs the question, why select him? Barton or Nolan amongst others could have been picked and featured in the game. As for Manchester United players of which there are 4 and 3 probable starters, Sir Alex Ferguson will not allow Wayne Rooney, Rio Ferdinand and Ashley Young to play the full game, they will be hauled off among many others, like John Terry, Frank Lampard and Ashley Cole.

After the European Championships in 2012 another selection will have to be made, that of a new manager. Personally I believe Stuart Pearce has done a good job with the Under 21's and deserves a chance, the usual names will be thrown in like, Harry Redknapp and Steve Bruce but Pearce will remain a front runner in my opinion. As for Wednesday only time will tell how England will fare against a side of Holland's quality.

Game 1 & 2 NBA Finals

The First 2 games of the 2011 NBA Finals were split, the Miami Heat won Game 1 and the Dallas Mavericks Game 2. In both teams wins, they used their trademark assets to great effect. Miami's suffocating defense won them Game 1. Dallas' fighting spirit and Number 41, won them the second.


Dallas' Shawn Marion said: "You hold a team to 38 percent shooting and 92 points, for us, that's usually a victory,"


In game 1 neither team shot the ball well, Miami shot 38% FG and won by 8. Dallas was held to 37%. A credit to Miami's defense when they can win a game whilst shooting a meagre 38%. Former Toronto Raptor Chris Bosh got off to a good start scoring 6 of Miami's first 8 points and it wasn't until 14 minutes had passed with the score at 20-18 (DAL) that a 'non-big 3' Miami player scored when Mike Miller drilled a 3 to put them back up by 1. With 13 points at the half Dirk Nowitzki and Chris Bosh were leading all scorers.
Another big factor to Miami's win was that they out-rebounded Dallas by 10. Although both teams had 30 Defensive rebounds. Miami had 16 offensive compared to Dallas' 6. Giving the Heat 10 shot-clock resets and much more momentum especially with a loud, passionate Miami crowd on hand.


In the 2nd Half Dwyane Wade took over the ball game scoring 15 of his 22 points. Dirk Nowitzki tried to keep his team close throughout shooting 12-12 from the free-throw line and finishing with 27 points, leading all scorers. Miami's three-headed monster proved too much for the Mavs. LeBron was fed by with for an alley-oop pass with just under a minute to go that provided a fitting exclamation point as Miami proved they have awesome offense to go with their defense that helped them through game one. The Mav's fell behind in a play-off series for the first time this year.


Thursday night at the American Airlines Arena, Miami saw Game 2 of the Finals. Question marks were raised over Nowitzki's head as to how he would perform, due to the torn tendon in his left finger. By the end of the night, there were no question marks. Nowitzki had 24 and a game winner to cap a brilliant comeback from Dallas. "Dirk knew it was coming to him," teammate Jason Terry said. "He does what he always does. He comes through in a big way." They were down by 12, then D.Wade nailed a corner 3 which sparked a celebration with LeBron James. They seemed confident of the win, so did all in attendance apart from the team wearing blue, they would have nothing of it. Miami's defense was nowhere to be seen down the stretch with Nowitzki scoring Dallas' final 9 points. So many times over his career Nowitzki has come up clutch for the Mavs, but this may be the most important yet. Going down 2-0 and facing a confident Heat side is the stuff of nightmares. for the Heat now they need to win one of the next 3 games in Dallas for the series to head back to Florida.

Wade had his best play-off game this year scoring 36 (13-20) but it was to be in a losing effort. Miami coach Erik Spoelstra will be looking for the same kind of output in the remainder of the series. How long that will be is too hard to judge. We are where we were before any baskets had been made. Miami has undoubtedly the better roster, but Dallas has strength in depth and a man that can seemingly make any basket when the going gets tough.

Sunday night 8pm ET sees Game 3 and a chance for one team to get another edge in this back and forth contest. I predict Miami in 7. LeBron James will take the finals MVP, however do not be surprised at all if I a way off with this prediction.


Were in it for the long haul!