England’s preparation for the World Cup next summer can now really kick on as we officially know what we are up against. Friday’s draw gave Roy Hodgson much to fear, most notably a trip deep into the humidity of the Amazon to play Italy. But, England’s group may not be as bad as it appears on the surface.
This past summer seemed to hold nothing but uncertainty for Man United’s Wayne Rooney. Now, just months later, Wayne Rooney is back lighting up the Premier League and doing so for United. Overused cliché alert: It is a funny old game. (Incidentally it’s also a game of two halves – for anyone counting)
One of the difficulties associated with operating within an environment whereby intensely close scrutiny comes with the territory is that, when the dust has settled and it’s time to reflect on a lifetime’s endeavour, there’s relatively little left to inform, far less surprise or entertain, when it comes to such musings.
My, how the tables have turned. As this season started it was being billed as one of the most open in recent years with many teams given a fighting chance of challenging at the top end of the league, and Spurs definitely being one of them. But now, is Spurs manager André Villas-Boas just one game from the sack?
After this week’s round of World Cup qualification play-offs the dust is finally settling and the World Cup is in sight for many. Yes, next year’s World Cup in Brazil (the real home of football?) will be a real spectacle and a hearty congratulations are in order for those who have made it. But what about those who have not?