England and their scandals

Scandals and England players go hand in hand don't they? Rio Ferdinand and his drug tests, John Terry and his mates missus and now, it appears Wayne Rooney has been doing his controversial part by seeing a prostitute whilst his wife, Coleen, was pregnant with their child. This isn't the first time this season an English striker has been caught out going behind their WAG as Peter Crouch was caught cheating on Abbey Clancy (who, in their right mind, would do that?!?) with a prostitute. A brief note to Crouchy, keep it in your pants. You previously admitted that if you weren't a footballer, you would be a virgin so why cheat on the second best WAG at Tottenham (the best being Sylvie Van Der Vaart).

Anyway, back to England. It appears as though the press try their actual best to de-rail any success the national team can achieve. The story about Rooney surfaced two days after their 4-0 victory over Bulgaria in the first European Championship qualifier. It was a good performance all round with Defoe grabbing a hat-trick, Theo Walcott and Adam Johnson giving clear indications that they should have been on the plane to South Africa and Joe Hart cementing his place as England's Number 1 as Capello heaped praise on the young Manchester City keeper stating "I worked with Casillas and Buffon and Joe Hart is good, a really good keeper" which, to me, is one of the biggest compliments, if not, the biggest, compliment the former U-21 shot stopper can receive.

Yet, this result may have lifted the pressure off Capello for the time being, the national media decide heap pressure elsewhere with the story of Wayne Rooney and a prostitute falling right on top of the shoulders of the Manchester United striker. To be bluntly honest, Rooney shouldn't have been doing the dirty deed in the first place and to do so is a massive insult to Coleen especially during her pregnancy with their child. However, for the national media to print such a private allegation much be a huge embarrassment for both Wayne and Coleen made all the worse that Rooney has flown to Switzerland to partake in England's second European Championship qualifier so they can't be with each other at a time that must be difficult for both parties.

Yet, the fact that Rooney has flown to Switzerland today is an indication that his mind is solemnly focused on performing for his country which would've been nice had he shown the same attitude during the World Cup. James Milner has also come out today and told the national press that the England team are fully focused on the job at hand and would rather allow their football do the talking than what is said in the press which is the right approach to have following the abysmal display in South Africa shown by the players. All that is needed is a solid victory over Switzerland with every man doing their part to help the national team succeed otherwise, pressure could begin to grow again on Capello and the players which is the last thing that is needed at this point in time.

Personally, I am predicting a solid 2-0 win for England with Rooney to score as he aims to have his name plastered across the Wednesday morning papers for the right reasons. I must say, I bet he is thankful that his shenanigans were highlighted at a time when Cricket is taking the spotlight courtesy of the recent Pakistan betting scandal

Sticking the England squad briefly, I was delighted to see Defoe score a hat trick on Friday night and delaying his groin surgery could be the best thing that has happened to the Spurs striker. Here is hoping he can replicate his form at the weekend against West Brom. I was also thankful to see Michael Dawson only ruled out for between 6 and 8 weeks following his awkward fall during Friday's game. There were initial reports that he could be out for the season, yet, scans revealed that the no nonsense centre back has only sprained his left knee ligament and one of his left ankle ligaments allaying fears that it was all to similar to that of Michael Owen a few years ago.

Furthermore, I would like to, again, question Capello on his non-selection of Everton midfielder, Jack Rodwell. For me, he needs to start getting some international experience under his belt in order to improve him further because this boy is a definite starter for England in the future and his versatility adds to my argument as to his future inclusion.

Finally, I wish to move away from Football altogether and send my thoughts and prayers to the family and friends of 19 year old Moto GP rider Showa Tomizawa who, unfortunately, passed away yesterday following an accident at the San Marino GP. May he rest in peace.

I will write again shortly.

Laters,

Macca