Tomorrow, Wayne Rooney will win his 50th cap playing for England against Ukraine - it is difficult to believe the lad is still only 24 years old!
Wayne began his professional career at Everton; leaving to join Manchester United in 2004 for a reported fee of around £26 Million. It was a bit of business that was absolutely right for everyone involved: Everton pretty-much got themselves out of debt; Manchester United got the 'best young player' to emerge in England in 30 years, according to Sir Alex Ferguson; and Enlgand got it's rising star playing with the best talent in the Premiere League. Now that's what I call a win-win-win deal!
Following his outstanding display against Slovakia a few days ago, expectations amongst the fans are high. But this man is not only capable of producing quite exceptional performances, he also operates as a catalyst for the team as a whole - enabling those around him to shine also. A truly gifted and outstanding player, there is no question about it in my mind that, if he can stay clear of injury, he will break the record recently broken by David Beckham for the most-capped England outfield player.
A win on Wednesday would be a major boost to the team in it's campaign to qualify for the next World Cup.
I've been meaning to do this for quite some time; and I had a lot of fun doing it too. Below is my All-Time England Dream Team. And what a team it is!
In choosing my players, I decided that I would only pick those I had actually seen play in my own lifetime, so that ruled out many players of yesteryear (Sir Stanley Matthews, Tom Finey etc) who would probably be in most dream teams.
There will be those who would argue that I have not really chosen a proper team since - especially with my midfield quartet - I have not chosen natural right or left sided players. But, for me Sir Bobby Charlton has to be the first name on the sheet; and Bryan Robson makes a perfect foil for his creativity in midfield.
That leaves two midfield places; and I refuse to leave Paul Gasgoine out of my side, so I would simply ask Paul to play right side. As for left side, I would far prefer Wayne Rooney to anyone who has played left side for England - so there is my midfield.
As for strikers, Kevin Keegan is my number 1 choice; and although Alan Shearer (and Kevin for that matter) might partner better with a big man, I would have them as my twin stikers.
In the back four, Sir Bobby Moore is the first choice; and arond him, you can't go wrong with Stuart Pearce and Gary Neville - the best in those positions in my lifetime. Terry Butcher gets my final outfield place ahead of other great notables for his outstanding leadership. And there is absolutley no question at all that Gordon Banks would be in goal!
So here is MY England Dream Team ...
Alan Shearar Kevin Keegan
Paul Gasgoine Bobby Charlton Bryan Robson Wayne Rooney
Stuart Pearce Bobby Moore Terry Butcher Gary Neville
Gordon Banks
Why don't you try selecting your own England Dream Team - go on, enjoy yourself!
Tonight, I saw Gazza interviewed on Sky Sports Channel. He was speaking about his experiences with alcohol and his attempts to battle on with life. A shadow of his former self, Gazza - a true football hero beloved by many England fans - revealed how close to death he came in Tony Adams' rehab clinic.
In the interview he revealed, "My heart failed a few times ... three times they had to revive me." It was really sad to see Gazza speaking about his trials. But also, refreshing to see his positive attitude with regard to the challenges of his life including his medical condition.
Gazza - on behalf of England fans everywhere, we all wish you a speedy recovery. You brought hope to the side when we were in need; and we want to bring a message of hope to you in your hour of need. You were a genius on the football field - a truly rare talent!
We all love you; and wish you a speedy return to health.
Amongst my other Christmas presents, was Bobby Charlton's Biography - something I am really looking forward to reading. Sir Bobby Charlton this year received the BBC Sports Personality's Lifetime Achievement Award for 2008 - a well-deserved honour for one of my boyhood heros who still remains a hero, for me, today.
Sir Bobby is now 71 years old; and he is currently appearing in a TV commercial in the UK in which he shows a group of youngsters that he can still knock the ball right in the top right-hand corner of the net - something he did on many occasions for England. At present, Bobby Charlton is still England's all-time leading scorer with 49 goals to his credit. He also scored 249 goals for Manchester United during his illustrious career.
A second blow to England. Steve McClaren has been appointed as the next England coach. He is to take over from Sven after the 2006 World Cup. He has signed a four-year contract which starts on August 1.
Why Oh Why Oh Why don't the FA listen to he fans? We were right when we wanted Brian Clough; and we were also right this time to support his protoge Martin O'Neil!
Oh no! Our worst nightmare has become a reality - Wayne Rooney is likely to miss the World Cup after fracturing a metatarsal bone in his right foot. The injury will take a minimum of 6 weeks to heal; which means he will not be match-fit in time fo the 2006 World Cup in Germany.
The sad news is a major blow to England, Sven and supporters everywhere. But the news is even worse because Michael Owen also hobbled-off after his 30 minute outing with Newcastle yeterday - his first run-out after returning from injury. So it seems that England could be without her two best strikers for the competition.
Do we still have a chance? Well, as Alan Hansen commented yesterdey, 'Without Rooney, England have a chance; with Rooney England had a great chance!'. Without Rooney and Owen, it just does not bear thinking about. We still have great players, of course, but this is the worst possible situation with the competition only 6 weeks away.
Apparently, Luiz Felipe Scolari has now finally turned down the approach for him to become England Coach after the 2006 World Cup. Well - it's his loss! Felipe, we wish you the very best in your career but this blog supports Martin O'Neil.
As we all know, the front runners for the England job, so far, have been Sam Allerdyce and Steve McClarin - but we want to see the name of Martin O'Neil being talked about. He is the man who has inherited the magic Brian Clough touch; and, just like Brian, it seems he will probably be passed over for the top job, but we believe that he is our man.
Come on you guys down at the FA - get Martin's name on the list; get him interviewed; and make him the offer. After all, we want to win the World Cup in 2010 as well as in 2006!
