TOM ROSS: Has the World Cup got going for you yet?
I don’t know about you but I am still waiting for the World Cup to get going.
Like most I was eagerly awaiting the opening game, ready to enjoy a fest of world class football.
Yet so far I have been underwhelmed by the failure of the competition to live up to its billing, the quality of the games, low key matches, non sell out stadiums, and not forgetting that dreadful vuvuzela.
The trumpet-like instrument is ruining the games for fans, players and us watching TV here at home. There are calls for it to be banned but the South Arica 2010 organisers have opted not to.
On the pitch, though, have you noticed how the World Cup is just like the Premier League? There are three divisions within the Premier League and three within the World Cups 32 teams.
There are about six teams that have a realistic chance of winning it, around another six who will be there or there about’s with the rest also rans... funny old game.
I got a lot of stick after writing in the Mail a couple of weeks ago that, in my opinion, England had no chance of winning the world cup. I have not changed my mind.
I also received a barrage of e-mails after saying on BRMB that Fabio Capello was an experienced club manager but was inexperienced when it came to managing in a world cup so he was also learning.
In my opinion that was borne out by errors made by the likeable Italian for the game against the USA.
He picked James Milner despite the Villa midfielder being unable to train due to illness prior to the game. That resulted in a wasted substitution.
He took Rio Ferdinand and Ledley King to South Africa when everyone knew it was a risk and that they might struggle fitness wise.
And not telling players the team until two hours before the kick-off is something I cannot understand. How did the team prepare for the USA?
What pattern play did they do? How did they work on free-kicks and corners and who would mark who?
Some players can deal with that situation others need time to get over the nervousness of knowing they are in the team. I suspect that was Rob Green’s problem.
Finally, I was surprised that Fabio didn’t give Joe Cole a chance to come off the bench in England’s hour of need.
I also found it difficult to understand the criticism of Emile Heskey after the game. I thought he was one of England’s better players and certainly contributed more than fans’ favourite Wayne Rooney.
He gave the USA defenders a torrid time, winning most headers and creating England’s goal with a fantastic piece of creativity.
He works his socks of for the three lions and is obviously proud to be wearing the shirt.
