May 30th 2010

I've never placed much faith or interest in the necessary evil that is the friendly or warm-up match. I've long believed that there is too much football played in England and pointless Wembley invitations and trips half-way around the world rarely produce any answers but usually provide more questions. So it was with this week's two games against Mexico and Japan.

Both games produced the result that England would have wanted and, just possibily, Fabio learned something he didn't know. In truth though, as a supporter, all you wanted was to see a good result and all the players walking off without any strains or broken metatarsals. In that sense, the warm-up's have been a success.

May 11th 2010

Fabio Capello sprung a few surprises when he announced his first 30 strong squad for the World Cup with Sunderland's Darren Bent, West Ham's Scott Parker and Spurs trio of Ledley King, Tom Huddlestone and Michael Dawson all making the first cut.

Sensibly, despite saying on many occasions he would not take a chance on injured players, Capello has also included Manchester City's Gareth Barry who was initally rumoured to be ruled out of World Cup contention completely, although the decision to take one-match-a-week man Ledley King will raise a few eyebrows.

May 11th 2010

In exactly one month's time, the 2010 FIFA World Cup will kick-off in Johannesburg, South Africa. I don't know about you but I am feeling exactly the same way I did when I was anticipating my first World Cup back in....well, we'll talk about that later. My mood can best be summed up in one word though: excited!

Those of you, who joined me for 2002 and 2006 will know the drill by now; a daily diary of all games, specific focus on the England matches and all news and views of the tournament as it progresses and that includes looking at emails and comments received. And yep! That includes the abusive ones.