Every week, Footballopod will bring you 3 interesting news from the World Football scene as we give our own perspective on each matter.
We look at what is happening behind the International football scene recently as major European teams is planning to pick up another three points in their qualifying games this weekend to move closer to qualification for Euro 2012 Finals.
1) Peter Crouch and James Milner give John Terry their vote of confidence
From Soccernet.com
"He's a great leader on the pitch and will be again for England. The manager likes defenders to be the captain and John has done it for so long. He`s been at Chelsea for years and has been captain for a long, long time.’’
Footballopod’s view: It is definitely comforting to hear that duo Crouch and Milner is backing John Terry as their captain. Italian gaffer Fabio Capello realises that in order to protect John Terry from further criticism by the press and to maintain order in the Three Lions’s dressing room, this could be the plot to reduce the psychological pressure the press could inflict on the English players. Thus, it seems uncertain if the bulk of the players are honesty backing John Terry as their captain marvel. This is a massive problem that Fabio Capello has to rectify by utilizing his man management skills to convince his players that they have to put their bitter thoughts about Terry behind and unite together to help England to secure a berth in the Euro 2012 Finals. On the other hand, this situation could trigger yet another issue which Fabio Capello has to address swiftly to ensure consistent performances in his defense. Rio Ferdinard is clearly unhappy on Capello’s decision to appoint Terry ahead of him as England’s skipper. The Italian has to find a formula readily to sustain a strong defensive partnership between Terry and Ferdinard which could lead them to their long awaited accolade in the Euro 2012 Finals.
2) Patrice Evra aims to be part of the French team despite facing a horrific world cup journey previously
From Soccernet.com
'’I think I shall always live with that scar, but I want to go ahead and build a new story, much better than the previous. I want to be a solution, not a problem.''
Footballopod’s view: Having endured a disastrous World Cup 2010 campaign which saw the Manchester United left back begin his lengthy absence from international duty, the Frenchman is determined start a new chapter with gaffer Laurent Blanc to resurrect his international career. Being a prolific defender himself, French gaffer Laurent Blanc has the tactical ability to bring the best out of Evra in the backline. Compared to former boss Raymond Domenech who was was a negative influence in the dressing room, Laurent Blanc could possibly form a great understanding with Evra on the road to the Euro 2012 Finals. Without a doubt, Evra is also one of the most consistent defenders who has graced the English Premier League. His experience and composure at the back would aid the rebuilding process Blanc is implementing with an exuberant French team. With Eric Abidal on the recuperation process after removing a tumor on his liver and Gael Clichy faring poorly for Arsenal recently, Laurent Blanc could be tempted to field Evra in the starting line up against Luxembourg in the Euro 2012 qualifiers this weekend.
3) Mario Balotelli and Daniele De Rossi could return next week to face Ukraine
From Soccernet.com
"Their omission is for one game, we will see for the game against Ukraine in Kiev.''
Footballopod’s view: It seems bizarre that Italy’s gaffer Cesare Prandelli is making a decision in leaving out Balotelli and De Rossi for their Euro 2012 Qualifying encounter against Slovenia and bringing them back for their tie against Ukraine next week. Despite watching the Man City striker putting up a dismal performance against Chelsea and warranting an early sending off against Dynamo Kiev in Ukraine in the Europa League earlier due to silly red card offence, Prandelli is still putting his faith on the temperamental lad. Having called up several forwards to conjure decisive goals to put them in an advantageous situation in their Euro 2012 Qualifying campaign, Prandelli remains in search for a consistent striker who is able to convert goals on a regular basis. Being featured in 20 games for Man City this season, Balotelli has bagged 10 goals to his name. On an interestingly note, Balotelli could be given a chance to don the Italian jersey in Ukraine where he was sent off previously. He could be motivated to prove a point in Ukraine by maintaining his discipline and notching a couple of goals for Italy. With younger midfielders such as Aquilani and Marchisio failing to impress in the Euro 2012 Qualifiers, De Rossi could simply be the player to stabilize and strengthen the midfield. Playing alongside Pirlo and Gattuso previously, De Rossi has shown that he is a consistent performer for Italy in the centre of the park.