Football World Cup 2010

[BaaBaa.]

The studio hosts will be Bob Ley, Chris Fowler and Mike Tirico

Got all the experts in then?

May as well employ Stan "Dogger" Collymore.

At least you'll be spared Andy Gray!

Yes, Thai TV 3 and/or 7 will have it live. The problem may be getting the commentary in English on your system. Pete

That'll do me, they'll make more sense than Martin Tylers Monkey and Richard "Dick Head" Keyes anyway.

[Big Boy]

Interesting at this evening's World Cup warm up at Wembley - The Egyptian mascots all wore England shirts. Maybe they forgot to pack the correct kit

[PeteC]

I know many of you don't care for Beckham but what happened to him I wouldn't wish on my worst enemy. It could be a career ender for him. Pete

[BaaBaa.]

I don't mind Beckham, shame it wasn't Rooney.

[Randy Cornhole]

I just hope he can scrape by on his previous earnings. My life will never be the same again. I just hope I can get to sleep tonight without worrying about him...

[Big Boy]

TV talk yesterday says Capello will still take him to the World Cup because he is good for team morale. I wonder if that's why Sven took an Arsenal reserve last time

[Zidane]

TV talk yesterday says Capello will still take him to the World Cup because he is good for team morale. I wonder if that's why Sven took an Arsenal reserve last time

Surely he wouldnt take Beckham as one of the squad of 23 ? Thats a waste of a place.
If its good for team morale why not take Sir Bobby Charlton or Sir Geoff Hurst and both of them will be a little bit more agile than Beckham come June.
Ironically Beckhams injury almost certainly means that Walcott will be on the plane for South Africa now.

[Big Boy]

My reference to Walcott was only a wind up. No, it wasn't as part of the 23.

[caller]

So, a lot has happened since the last post in this thread!

Anyone have any views on Englands very own El Capitano by default getting injured, in, er training and having to miss the competition?!?!

Based on Ferdinands season of a handful of league games and 21 in total and his patchy performances and evident lack of match practice and fitness, is this a blessing in disguise, or is he really so far ahead of King, Dawson and Upson (nah, scratch that last one) that he is irreplacable?

And who will replace him to play alongside Terry? King has to be the strongest candidate, surely?

I can't recall whether King and Terry played together in defence as kids at Senrab FC (the most successful academy for modern day pro's in the Country) but they were team mates, as was Ferdinand, so the understanding should be there!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Terry (check early career and click on senrab)

[Terry]

So - Rio's out.

As caller stated "is this a blessing in disguise" - I think so.

Dawson may not be the best replacement (And I AM a Spurs supporter) but what it does mean is Gerrard gets to be captain.

About bloody time I say.

OK - his life off of the pitch sometimes causes headlines - BUT - as a captain and one who leads by example he's the best in my opinion.

Terry? - anyone who sits in the middle of the pitch crying after losing a final (Chelsea - to Man U in Moscow) is NOT captain Material.

Rio? - ok but not a good enough motivator in my books

One other thing..........
Gerrards future at Liverpool - given their current state - may be in doubt.

Where better to show off your skills as the Captain of one of the lead contenders? - and get yourself a stonking good offer from a prospective buyer.

The Drama goes on

[Terry]

And Drogba's at it again...............

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/footbal ... 722701.stm

[caller]

And Drogba's at it again...............

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/footbal ... 722701.stm

It will actually be a huge blow to the competition if he doesn't make it. He's idolised in many parts of Africa and is without doubt, a true world class player.

He's already carrying a serious groin injury that will be operated on after the tournament, it will be quite something if he continues to play with a broken bone in his arm as well - I just can't see that as being possible?

[caller]

Actually, if Drogba doesn't make it, thats 4 Chelsea players out of the World Cup - Essian, Mikel, Drogba and Ballack. The 1st three are all definitely at the Bridge next year, so sad for the their Countries, but good news for Chelsea!

[buksida]

There is an amusing little roundup of the tournament on ATol:

http://atimes.com/atimes/Global_Economy/LF10Dj05.html

[lindosfan1]

Very amusing