A Not So Flexible Friend And A Robbery
Did you know that plastic is perhaps the greatest invention known to man, but quite why England have to play football on it against Russia is beyond me.
However, if England’s players think they have got it bad on the astro-turf in Moscow, spare a thought for Sunderland midfielder Dickson Etuhu whose first call-up to the Nigeria squad has been soured, ever so slightly, by the fact he was robbed in Mexico.
Not robbed as in losing the ball in midfield, but robbed as in robbed after thieves cleared out his hotel room while he was taking part in the Super Eagles’ 2-2 draw with the Mexicans. Nice touch.
Etuhu had actually started a game for his country for the first time, but returned to his hotel to find his credit cards, cash and driving licence had been stolen. So if you see a Mexican in a sombrero claiming to be a Sunderland footballer in Legend’s Bar you might want to contact the police.
As for the plastic in the former Soviet Union - have I ever mentioned that From Russia With Love is my favourite James Bond movie? - I’m sure it’s good for making sure games can be played in the winter, but I doubt it’s any good for the fitness of England’s players. I mean, have you ever tried a sliding tackle on an artificial pitch?
Then there is Paul Robinson, the slightly rotund Tottenham keeper is already slow enough in getting down to low shots, but what will he be like on this sort of surface. As for any uneven bounce, well we’ve already seen what can happen against Croatia haven’t we Paul?
Then again, given the perilous nature of the surface and the distinct possibility of injury, I’d start with Frank Lampard. I’d also like to see him play for the whole 90 minutes!
Which is about 90 more than most Newcastle fans will want to see Michael Owen on the plastic pitch for. Given the ranting and raving about his availability for this latest round of European Championship qualifiers, there will be riots if he picks up another injury and misses the game against Tottenham on Monday night.
I don’t know about you, but I’m bored of the whole Owen, club vs country, is he staying, is he going thing. I’d just like to see Newcastle’s number ten stay injury free, play plenty of games for the Magpies and do what he does best (after looking after racehorses that is) - putting the ball in the back of the net.
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Luke Edwards - is Chief Sports Writer of The Journal and uses his blog to give a unique and entertaining insight into events at Newcastle United and Sunderland.
Message from M: If you see ANYONE attempting to be a Sunderland footballer, you should consider them EXTREMELY dangerous. Message ends.
You weren’t clear in your post Luke, did you mean you would start with Frank Lampard in goal instead of Paul Robinson??
As for Owen, I think it makes no tactical sense to play him anyway, surely the best way to win this game is to knock it long to a big guy, Crouch would be ideal, and have two attacking midfielders ready to link up with him, Lampard and Rooney.
Now 4-5-1 might not go down too well in and amongst the masses of England fans in a very nippy Moscow, but it’s all about the result tomorrow, Owen could be held in reserve for the last 30 minutes, if he’s needed, but I’d by-pass the surface and go long ball. Barry could hold the middle, with Wright-Phillips and Joe Cole providing the width, Lampard and Rooney could read the inevitable knock downs from Crouch.
Oh and please play James in goal (Never thought I would say that!!)
Gerrard and Owen could provide a sort of “victory squad� in the last half an hour if Plan A hasn’t worked by then.
And on the subject of James Bond, I’m a fan myself of From Russia with Love.
What’s that Moneypenny? Astroturf allows games to be played in winter? Well my dear, I could think of some other games that can be played in winter.
Oooh James. . .
Note From Luke
If it meant Fat Frank picked up an injury I'd play him anywhere!
Yes, it is a good Bond, topped only perhaps by Goldfinger, oh and Casino Royale, which I thoroughly enjoyed as well.
I reckon Red face McClaren will play 4-5-1 in Russia, he only needs a draw really and he has always been a safety first kinda manager.
Don't tell my boss but I'm leaving work early to watch this game.
IF Michael Owen gets injured, I will be drinking with Malcolm McClaren after the game. However, he will only be drinking Molotov Cocktails (Quite a favourite in Moscow this time of year)
When is he going to get his hair cut properly..... Smug, Smoggy so-and-so
So who's your favourite Bond then Luke?
I'm about to leave work (wonders of flexi-time) and watch the England game. Fingers crossed Michael doesn't breakdown again, as long as he returns fit and England win, in the words of Sam Allardyce, I'll be a happy man!
Note From Luke
My favourite Bond would have to be Connery as he defined the role, but I always quite liked Timothy Dalton and Daniel Craig looks promising.
My day off today so about to settle down to watch England myself.
Quote 'the slightly rotund Tottenham keeper is already slow enough in getting down to low shots, but what will he be like on this sort of surface'
Brilliant! you tipped the Russians off!
Pahkah comrade!
Now back to the football...the story so far, Big Sam...
Pity that Harps cannot keep regularly for NUFC, as he must be there, or there about`s as the next best Engish keeper. Agree, it was stupid to play MO - this game needed a big man to hold the ball up; not two little dwarfs upfront. Also sick of the MO saga.
Note From Luke
I wish you'd leave a name Mr Anonymous!