Tamim leads Bangla fightback

Tamim Iqbal celebrates a superb hundred 4th day at Lords

So, we're through 4 days of Test Cricket at Lords and whilst England took the honours on the first day, there's no doubt that Bangladesh have overshadowed the hosts on days 2, 3 and 4. Jonathan Trott's 175* lit up the home of Cricket on Thursday, an innings that displayed remarkable resilience and positivity (a word that hasn't often been associated with a Trott innings) before he fell for a first-class best of 226 on Friday morning.

The South African-born Warwickshire batsman has had his doubters over the past 7 or 8 months, stemming from a disappointing tour of his home country after introducing himself to English fans with a match-winning 119 at the Oval against the old enemy. A Test series best of 69 and average of a smidge over 27 didn't do justice to the ability and technique that Trott undoubtedly possesses, and his place as an England 5-day player was under close scrutiny. He didn't fair much better in Bangladesh either, making a turgid, stodgy 64 in the Mirpur Test practically summing up the way he'd been playing. Prodding and nurdling was becoming the accustomed way for Trott, and there didn't seem to be a place in the side for such a player, particularly with Paul Collingwood aka 'brigadier block' in fine form and giving the selectors no reason to replace him. However, as is usually the case with England's selectors, they kept faith in an out-of-form batsman, and on this occasion it paid off.

Trott's 226 was one of the finer Test innings' that Lords had witnessed, and whilst there will always be those people who say 'it was only Bangladesh', the old adage of 'you can only score runs against the bowlers you play against' certainly comes into play here. 20 immaculate boundaries in nearly 6 hours at the crease underlines the mental capacity that Trott contains, and he's made himself a certainty for the Tests against Pakistan later this Summer.

Despite such a superb display of batsmanship however, I'm afraid the plaudits for this particular game will have to go to Tamim Iqbal, a left-hander in the mould of Chris Gayle, or closer to home Virender Sehwag. A first-innings 55 was nothing compared to his second stint of the match as he clobbered England's bowlers to all parts of the most famous ground in Cricket. James Anderson, a world-class swing bowler of great experience and expertise, was made to look distinctly second-rate against the quick hands and supernatural timing of Bangladesh's most exciting talent. In a team full of youngsters, Tamim has done remarkably well to stand out from the crowd, and his maturity and apparent disrespect for some of the best bowlers make him a priceless fortune that Bangladesh would be foolish to waste.

Having been asked to follow on after an under-par 282 in their first knock, Bangla hit back with an uncompromising 328-5 at the close of play on day four, with an England victory far from in the bag. Imrul Kayes showed great patience in his knock of 75, one half of a 185-run opening stand for the tourists, almost double their first innings effort. Junaid Siddique has also made it a match to remember with scores of 58 and 66* as he continues to resurrect an International career that didn't exactly set the world alight in its early stages. A contribution of 46 from Jahurul Islam has consolidated Bangladesh's position in the match, and gives them an excellent chance of saving a game they should have been well out of this time yesterday.

Ballack only has himself to blame

I’m not a huge believer in fate and things ‘meaning to turn out the way they do’, but I do believe in the common saying ‘what goes around comes around’. It’s not by any kind of divine intervention, or some force from above, but things usually come around to bite you in the backside, and whilst it’s all very sad that our beloved Michael Ballack will miss out on what is probably his last chance of playing in a World Cup finals, he had it coming to him sooner or later.

Kevin Prince Boateng’s badly-timed (or well-timed, depending on where you come from) tackle on Germany’s skipper has got the ageing Chelsea star in a bit of a huff, so much so that he claims he’s contemplating legal action against Boateng, who incidentally will potentially be facing up against the Germs in South Africa in a matter of weeks. There’s also the possibility that his half-brother, and Manchester City target Jerome Boateng will be involved in that game too. It’s all very complicated. The fact is, Ghana’s very own KP has the facts all right, and as far as I’m concerned, Bollock hasn’t got a leg to stand on. Literally.

Here’s what Boateng had to say about the incident:

"There is my foul on the one hand, and his slap on the other, and I think that violent conduct is far worse than a foul. Ballack really does surprise me. He complains for weeks when (Lukas) Podolski slaps him and yet he does it himself… What kind of behaviour is that? When I hear that, I can see that he has two different ways of seeing things. Can his captain slap whomever he wants? That was clearly violent conduct. If I had done that, I would have been banned for two years. That is why I left the Germany setup to represent Ghana."

Pretty fair stuff from Boateng there. The point clearly being that you can’t moan and winge about something and then go and do exactly the same to someone else. What goes around comes around Michael. See you in South Africa! Oh no.. That’s right. We won’t.

Barcelona sign David Villa, so what now for Cesc?

Barcelona have completed the signing of Valencia and Spain striker David Villa in a deal said to be around £34.2m. Since the 2009/10 La Liga season concluded with Barcelona lifting their 20th League title, speculation increased by the day as to the future of Valencia’s most prized asset, and whilst the rest of the world are talking about whether Cesc Fabregas will make the move back to the club he started off at, Barca have quietly gone about the business of securing the 28-year old on a four-year deal.

The arrival of Villa could well spell the end of Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s career at Camp Nou just 12 months after it began. The big Swede could only manage 16 League goals this term, and compared to the 47 scored by Lionel Messi, Ibrahimovic looks distinctly 2nd rate. Villa hit 28 in all competitions for 3rd-placed Valencia, and with El Guaje a national favourite as well, there seems little room for the big frame of Zlatan to fit into the Barcelona team. Roberto Mancini has hinted at a reunion with Zlatan in the near future, after the Italian managed him for two years at Inter Milan. Barcelona have not denied that they would stop Ibrahimovic leaving either.

Not only could the signing of Villa open the door for Zlatan to leave, but it could mean that Barca are unable to bring Fabregas to the club as well. Whilst the Catalan giants have more than most when it comes to money, they certainly don’t have a bottomless pocket, and another 40 million Euros may prove a bridge too far for Joan Laporta. However, with Laporta giving up his President’s seat in the very near future, he’s determined to secure Fabregas as one of his signings, rather than leave it to the man who is expected to take over from Laporta, Sandro Rosell. A number of figures have been suggested for the transfer of Fabregas, with 40 million Euros being the most likely. Perhaps selling Zlatan should be more of a priority than it currently is, in order to raise the necessary funds to bring the Spanish wonderkid to Camp Nou.

Capello faces tough call on final 23

Adam Johnson has had a superb first season at Eastlands, but does he merit a place in Fabio's final squad?

The countdown is on until the World Cup finals in South Africa, and together with the customary excitement and expectation of every England supporter comes Fabio Capello’s final squad announcement before the big kickoff, and there are still a few unanswered questions.

The main talking points would be the inclusion of Jamie Carragher and Adam Johnson in England’s provision 30-man squad. Whilst the former has called an end to his International exile, Johnson has experienced his first senior team call up, something the Manchester City winger will be looking to make more of a habit of in the future. Johnson’s fantastic run of form has earned him a well deserved opportunity in the National side, and it can’t be argued that his move to Eastlands has been the catalyst for this bright talent’s enigmatic displays.

A big money move from Championship underachievers Middlesbrough may have put too much pressure on the 22-year old, but he’s thrived under the expectation of such a hefty price tag. His efforts for ‘boro (big rivals to his hometown club Sunderland) didn’t go unnoticed amongst the Premier League’s big names, and City beat both Chelsea and Arsenal to his signature, which says a lot about the nature of the Premier League these days. However, Johnson is determined to prove his worth to City, and a dip into South African waters this summer will doubtless do just that. It may also pencil him in for a regular England place for the European Championship qualifiers that come later this year.

As for Carragher, he was cast aside under Steve McClaren, and decided to hang up his boots on the national side. His performances for Liverpool this season have been unusually uncharacteristic, and he will be the first to admit that he wouldn’t place himself amongst the forerunners to start England’s first game of the tournament on June 12. Nevertheless, Capello clearly has faith and confidence in him, and judging on the form of Matthew Upson and John Terry in recent months, you could do worse than Carra.

Perhaps the pace of some of the tournament’s hitmen – the likes of Messi, Robinho and Torres – may leave Carragher vulnerable to exposure, but when it comes to committment and experience, there’s few the fit the category as accurately as he does. Terry’s also had his problems with pace recently, and Upson is no Usain Bolt himself. Rio Ferdinand’s regular injury worries may also cast a doubt over his fitness, which could mean either Michael Dawson or Ledley King will be lining up to take on USA in Rustenburg.

With the revelation that is Johnson rapidly appearing on the scene, Joe Cole may be fearing for his place, particularly as his matchtime adds up to nowhere near as much as his left-sided counterpart. Cole’s been a fantastic player for England in the past, but right from his first day in office, Capello has stated that in order to get into the England team, you have to be playing day in, day out, something that Cole has been unable to do. However, with Cole’s skill and trickery, and the experience of major competitions with both England and Chelsea, he should be on the plane along with Johnson.

Another problem area for me is in attack. Wayne Rooney, Peter Crouch, and Jermain Defoe are shoe-ins, which leaves a battle between Emile Heskey and Darren Bent for the final striker’s slot. Heskey’s International goalscoring record leaves plenty to be desired, but Capello is a big fan of his muscular presence in attack, and believes he is a perfect foil for Rooney. However, you cannot ignore a man who has ended up as the Premier League’s 3rd top scorer, and that for a club that finished 13th in the table. Surely one giant is enough, and Crouch’s goalscoring ability is far greater than Heskey’s. Goalscorers are what you need to win trophies, and Bent possesses just that skill. So for me, it’s Bent ahead of Heskey.

Finally, does Theo Walcott go or doesn’t he? Everybody has their doubts about Walcott, and this season has been somewhat disappointing for the so-called ‘wonderkid’. He has his moments of magic, there’s no doubt about that, and perhaps that could prove the difference in a tight quarter-final match against a France, or a Brazil. But is that enough? Defensive prowess – Poor. Work rate – average. Influence – Inconsistent. It would be a gamble, and I think there are better options out there. However, I have a feeling he’ll get the nod over Shaun Wright-Phillips, and it’s probable that he’ll be making his 2nd World Cup squad at the age of just 21.

Pietersen the key as England head for semis

Kevin Pietersen has regained his form at the perfect time for England

Since he burst onto the International scene back in November 2004, Kevin Pietersen has gathered a reputation of being England's best thing since sliced bread. Now, 5 and a half years on, Pietersen is relighting the fire that saw him smash a triplet of hundreds against the country of his birth in his first high profile International series.

As the England team seemingly embarks on an exciting new era under ex-Zimbabwean Test and ODI batsman Andy Flower, Pietersen is determined to remain the linchpin of the top order. An impressive start to the 2010 ICC World Twenty20 in the Caribbean has got the 29-year old smiling again, after 9 months of battling injury and form. During that short period of time, pundits spoke about the 'Pietersen of old'. The Pietersen who used to stride arrogantly to the crease and swat away anything the bowlers threw up for him. The Pietersen who would look so imposing and confident in his upright stance and domineering aura. That Pietersen was lost for a while under a blanket of self-doubt and confusion, but now he's back.

England's latest win in Barbados, coming against a powerful South African lineup, epitomises the transition that is taking part in the camp. From being a timid, lacklustre Twenty20 outfit, Flower has transformed his team into an aggressive, fearless unit, in no small part down to the inclusion of Craig Kieswetter, Michael Lumb, and Michael Yardy. Kieswetter and Lumb have provided firepower at the top of the order, signified by 2 of the highest powerplay scores for any side in this tournament. Whilst neither have gone on to make a substantial contribution, Lumb has often got the innings off to a flyer, and a tournament strike-rate of 152.17 is reflective of that. Kieswetter has been a touch more sedate, but a workmanlike 41 against SA proved to be crucial, in a partnership worth 94 with Pietersen.

As for Yardy, he's added a subtle balance to the side, and despite being an opening bat for Sussex (where he is also captain), he's found a new birth at number 8 for the national side. However, it's been his bowling that has been the real talking point amongst fans of this unorthodox left-hander. His first over of the victory against Pakistan was smacked for 12, and needless to say Collingwood had seen enough. That was until a few overs later when he brought Yardy back on, faith that was repaid with a fantastic spell of 3-0-7-2 (final figures of 4-0-19-2). It says a lot about Yardy's temperament for him to produce such a spell under pressure.

Despite the new faces in the England ranks, the fundamentals of the team have remained. Pietersen at 3, captain Collingwood in the middle order - able to switch gears with ease - Eoin Morgan and Luke Wright at 5 and 6 giving England much firepower in the final overs. The one grey area for me would be the inclusion of Tim Bresnan in the side. Batting at 7, Bresnan looks out of his depth, and wickets aren't a formality with the big Yorkshireman. Perhaps there would be room for James Anderson in the team, with Yardy, Stuart Broad and Graeme Swann all pushed up one in the order. 

Nevertheless, this is an impressive England outfit, and a far cry from the team of the past. The likes of Ian Bell, Ed Joyce and the retired Michael Vaughan seem in a different class from the exciting, youthful exuberance that the 2010 England side portray. New Zealand are England's next obstacle in the World Twenty20, and a win would see them top the group with a 100% record. England's quest to win a first global tournament is well on its way, and who would bet against them this time?

One hit wonders or in for the long term?

As Tottenham Hotspur players allow the events of Wednesday night to slowly sink in, the ears of thousands of North Londoners will still be ringing from one of the greatest nights in the club’s history. However, as the reality of Champions League football hits home, I’m asking the question; can Spurs cement a place in Europe’s elite, or will this season’s forage into the big time remain a one-off wonder for Harry Redknapp and his men?

People talk about the difficulty of defending the title, and whilst Manchester United have made a bit of a habit of doing just that in recent years, Chelsea are on the verge of crashing the party that would see the Red half of Manchester lift their 4th consecutive Premier League title and overtake Liverpool as the top flight’s most successful club. Now, the task that confronts Tottenham is of similar difficulty. Not only do the majority of Tottenham fans expect to be watching the likes of Barcelona and Inter Milan at the Lane for years to come, but the expectation will go beyond that should Spurs perform admirably in next season’s competition, and retain their illustrious fourth place position.

As the ‘big four’ becomes the big three, Tottenham are drooling over the prospect of attracting superstar performers to the Lane with the millions of pounds of prize money they will gain from the Champions League. ‘arry has promised the Spurs faithful that money will be spent in the summer to enhance Tottenham’s credentials and ensure that the club will once again challenge for a fourth place spot. Getting through the group stage of the Champions League must also be a big priority of Redknapp’s.

However, Liverpool have shown this season that the weight of expectation can have adverse effects on a club’s fortunes, and from being title challengers at the beginning of the season, the Anfield club has been fortunate to qualify for Europa League football next term. The difference between Liverpool and Spurs, however, is money. Liverpool have none, Tottenham will have a lot. Whilst bringing in top players and handing the likes of Gareth Bale and Ledley King new contracts shan’t be a problem, the inexperience of defending major  achievements may prove a little too strong for Tottenham, who’s last appearance in the European Cup was way back in 1962. Since then there’s been the odd flirtation with the old UEFA Cup, and a sporadic Cup Winner’s Cup, but nothing of the magnitude or reputation of Europe’s big daddy.

In Harry Redknapp (named Premier League Manager of the season), Spurs have a manager that can take them places. Winning the Champions League is far from realistic at this stage, and Spurs need to look at the big picture. Beating Real Madrid or AC Milan is certainly out of Tottenham’s reach, but Redknapp will doubtless look to build a squad which is capable of challenging those teams, and going further than just the group stage of the competition. For me, Redknapp is the best manager England have never had, and if I was a Spurs fan I’d be mighty proud of his achievements. If there’s one man you’d want to lead you in your first Champions League campaign in over 40 years, it’s ‘arry.

Fulham take the plaudits after remarkable season

Thousands of people have written thousands of articles on Fulham’s 2009/10 quest past the gloss and glamour of Europe’s elite, and it was only a matter of time before someone put their own account here on the WDKF site, so here it is.

Before the start of the season, the regular Fulham fan would have settled for progression to the 2nd round of the Europa League – European Champions Cup’s younger brother – and expectations would not have exceeded that by much. A mid-table position in the Premier League was a given considering the stature of their manager and the moderate array of talent that the Fulham squad possesses. A mediocre team with a vastly experience manager and decent financial backing. That’s Fulham for you. At least, it was.

In the space of 10 months, since playing their first game of the season way back in late July away at FK Vetra of Lithuania in the Europa League 3rd round qualifier, Fulham have wriggled their way from the back of the country’s mind, right to the forefront, so much so that their wonderful story isn’t far off outshining the race for the title. The rather predictable Manchester United vs Chelsea battle for the summit seems somewhat insignificant in the face of such an unlikely story, but don’t tell United or Chelsea fans that.

‘It’s what dreams are made of’ is the old adage, and although I’m not one for clichés and soppy fairytales within Football, even I have been fixed to this truly unique conquest. As far as I’m concerned, Roy Hodgson is a miracle maker, and a manager I could see lifting any trophy around the world. Including the World Cup. Future England manager? Fabio Capello’s successor? Who knows. But if I was Trevor Brooking and co. at the Football Association, he’d be first on my shortlist of candidates.

As a fan of Liverpool, and with that a viewer of the stupendous decline of the Anfield club over the last 12 months, I’m constantly on the lookout for possible candidates to take over from Rafael Benitez at the end of this disastrous season, and with Hodgson not entirely committed to Fulham, Liverpool may be on the phone to the Cottage sooner rather than later.

Switzerland, Inter Milan (X2), Udinese, UAE, Blackburn, and Finland are just a few of the clubs the 62-year old has been in charge of, and his CV doesn’t stop there. UEFA Cup winner 96/97 with Inter, Swedish Cup winner on two occasions with Malmo FF, as well as two Championship medals, a Danish Cup and League title with Copenhagen, a now a Europa League final with Fulham. It doesn’t get much more impressive than that, and although some may argue that the stature of most of the clubs he has managed isn’t very impressive, you can’t ignore a man who has so much silverware locked up in his cabinets.

His style of play is another notable achievement to add to the list. Fulham are a side who have always looked to play on the floor, but have never really achieved too much with it – perhaps like today’s Wigan Athletic. Tigana came and failed, Coleman lasted a decent time without winning anything, and Sanchez barely had time to blink before he was out. But in Hodgson, Fulham have found a man who has continued and enhanced an attractive style of football, but actually turned it into a winning formula as well, and that is priceless in football.

Some people who may not have followed Fulham all the way through this season, or even at all, may not understand the enormity of the task they’ve achieved. As if creeping past the likes of AS Roma, CSKA Sofia, and Basel in the group stage wasn’t enough, they then went on to beat competition holders Shakhtar Donestsk (3-2 ag), and Serie A giants Juventus (thanks to an unbelievable 5-4 aggregate win, having been 4-1 down after 4 minutes at the Cottage), before overcoming German sides Wolfsburg and Hamburg over the two legs. A date with Atletico Madrid is the prize, an encounter that is sure to water the mouths of numerous Fulham supporters.

Perhaps the exit of Liverpool on the same night as Fulham’s triumph has been a good thing for the Europa League. I don’t know about anybody else, but I would have made Liverpool favourites for the match, and that’s not being biased. It would have been a great shame for Fulham to go all that way and then fall at the final hurdle. But for me, Fulham have to be favourites for the final against Atletico, who’s dreadful League campaign has been forgotten thanks to 2 Cup finals, including the Copa del Rey. There’s no doubt that I’ll be rooting for Hodgson and his men on 12th May, if only to alert the attentions of the Directors at Anfield to the managerial ability of Hodgson, if they haven’t already noticed.

A 3-2 win at home to West Ham today still isn’t enough for Fulham to qualify for next season’s Europa League, but should they emerge victorious a week’s time, they’ll be competing for bigger honours alongside the likes of Barcelona and Real Madrid. What a season. One that this generation of Fulham fans will never ever forget.