Game of the week

England v Spain

Comment: 0 November 8th, 2011 by: admin
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The English team breathe a sigh of relief as controversial player John Terry gets the backing of both squad coach Fabio Capello and the mighty Football Association to take the field.

Terry’s inclusion in the lineup suddenly makes the Three Lions a squad now deadlier than how they previously seemed. And as they get ready to face the Spaniards in a friendly match this weekend, hopes are high and spirits are soaring

Another source of reassurance for England must come from their comparatively impressive home performance in exhibition matches. Their record of 1 defeat in 7 matches trounces Spain’s away performance of 3 wins, 3 losses and 1 draw.

However, despite these seemingly fortunate circumstances, there is still the fact that England will be facing a squad that defeated them during their last three meetings. With foes of such calibre, the addition of one player, no matter how skilled he may be, might not be enough for England to break out of their losing streak.

FEARLESS FORECAST

Send in the young lads
By Wayne DeVille

Forget about the oldies for a while. This is just a friendly folks. The England-Spain friendly at Wembley will provide a perfect platform for Fabio Capello to test whether his younger crop of players should be included in his plans for the Euro 2012.

Spain is fielding a powerhouse 23-man lineup, indicating their seriousness to shame the Three Lions at Wembley but if the hosts put up a brave stand and snatch a win mainly because of the young lads doing, then it would be most welcome.

For Capello, he should send in the likes of Danile Sturridge, Danny Welbeck, Tom Cleverley and Josh McEachran against the Spaniards who look formidable that a mere sight of them treading onto the pitch for kickoff could already make opponents quiver in fear. Let’s hope Capello’s Young Turks would be brave enough not to be intimidated.

As for John Terry, he has made enough negative impression about his racist slur issue against Rio Ferdinand, and if Capello filed him in, the controversial playmaker should at least play to impress.

A Spanish Invasion
By Jamie McClough

Kudos to the English. Terry’s back and the future looks bright. But I dare say, the euphoria will not last.

Aside from their embarrassing record against Spain, there is the fact that Terry’s personal state at the moment is not the most inspiring.

It might have been different if say, the Chelsea skipper rejoins the squad after a dramatic injury that threatened his playing career. But Terry is under investigation for a charge so heinous that it will remain a constant thorn in his side, an unavoidable distraction that could compromise his performance.

Although I give the English team full support and send them my best wishes, you will not find me wagering anything on them.

Let’s be honest here: the Spanish are deadly, out for blood, and they will be seen splattering English blood all over Wembley.

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