England's Chances in South Africa

Under Fabio Capello, England have looked a much stronger unit especially against mid-range opposition they have traditionally slipped up against.  For the Group Stage, Capello's men will face USA, Algeria and Slovenia and I do not foresee any slipups with England topping their group easily.  The only question being how many will they score.
The first knockout phase of the World Cup is where the real test begins with a possible fixture against the runner-up of Group D from Germany, Australia, Serbia and Ghana.  Germany will win this group easily with the only real threat possibly coming from Serbia who finished top of their qualifying group ahead of France.  Serbia possess some dangerous players and can be difficult to break down with players like Jovanovic (Liverpool), Nikola Zigic (Valencia), Milos Krasic (CSKA Moscow) and Dejan Stankovic (Inter) all potentially match-winners.  It is likely England will face either Serbia or Ghana in the first knockout stage with my money going on a tie against Serbia who I think will be too good for Ghana. 

Terry Tamed by Bridge

When I was asked to write the following column, I was slightly concerned that it would detract from being a sports column to more of a preachy, moral argument about the rights and wrongs of relationships...but I’ll try anyway.
Tiger Woods, Ashley Cole and now John Terry, it’s as if being unfaithful is fashionable and the ‘in’ thing for this season. We all know that Tiger and Ashley have been linked with a number of women recently, with JT being involved with one known girl. So why is JT getting the most of the bad press?  Simple, Ashley and Woods were with a string of random girls, JT on the other hand just happened to sleep around with former team-mate Wayne Bridge’s girl.

England to face Wales in Euro Qualifying

England face a tricky couple of games against Wales in their qualifying group for Euro 2012. The draw for the Championship was made today and sees England face Switzerland, Bulgaria, Wales and Montenegro whilst current holders, Spain, have the Czech Republic, Scotland, Lithuania and Liechtenstein to contend with. While the rest of the home nations have a few long flights to eastern Europe to battle with the likes of FYR Macedonia, Estonia, Russia and Slovakia. Not too mention the poor quality of football pitch and fabled eastern bloc facilities.
The only real interesting thing of note to mention was Capello's immediate response to a reporter, "No questions about Rio Ferdinand, John Terry or the captaincy. I have spoken with John and will speak with Rio. No problem with the captaincy. Thanks and bye."  Obviously knew the question was going to arise.  Cracking answer, though.

Curse a footballer's loins!

Captain Courageous is now Captain Contradiction after the startling revelations surrounding John Terry's alleged affair with Wayne Bridge's ex-girlfriend, the French lingerie model, Vanessa Perroncel.  Reports suggest that Terry paid for the model to have an abortion after learning that she was pregnant with the married Chelsea skipper's child.
This news has come as quite a shock to Wayne Bridge, who has a son with Miss Perroncel, but some have suggested that it was this that soured the previously close relationship between the two England defenders.