The Manchester Premier League

by Kareem Manning

The Premier League has officially become a two horse race after last weekend's enticing match ups which saw both Manchester City and Man United leave their opponents trailing and choking on their dust.

Balotelli scores at the death with a coolly taken penalty kick

This weekend pitted the best of London vs the greats of Manchester, with Manchester City gearing up against the in form Spurs, while the defending champions Manchester United took a trip down to London to face a rather off coloured Arsenal.  Going into the weekend it seemed to be an intriguing match up with favourable results that could have potentially caused a crucial mix-up in the title race. Contrary to the false consensus that was upheld by the majority, where critics and reports were counting on an upset, the Premier League title race continued to roll on as it has from the inception of this season as the Red Devils and City dispatched their London counterparts in stylish fashion.

City conjured up the win in injury time, throwing salt into fresh wounds of what was a very spirited Spurs side.  Looking at the positives, if Spurs can keep this more-than-capable side together with the addition of one or two investments they will definitely be considered a true heavy weight and would unarguably be able to match their rivals in Manchester City. With the citizens missing their two most influential defensive minded players in Yaya Toure and Vincent Kompany, I wasn’t too surprised with the eventual fight back from 2-0 down, but credit to both Redknapp, who instilled a burning hunger and fiery drive in his lads, who are now easily one of the most exciting teams in the league when on the attack. Man City however showed us that they indeed, were the team with the predatorial killer instinct, with a fantastic late win which only adds to their unbeaten home record, a crucial bonus for teams competing for the coveted title.

United's Rafael lunges in on an incisive run by Chamberlain

An extremely depleted Man United side expertly neutralised a sorry Arsenal with an important away win as they cruised to victory at the Emirates Stadium with a 2-1 scoreline. The final score did no justice to United’s performance as they created chance after chance and totally dominated Arsenal for 80% of the game, bossing possession and limiting Arsenal to half chances. At times many may have thought Arsenal was giving up as their performance showed. The killer instinct that I mentioned earlier - that core characteristic of what transforms a team from being just a team, to being champions is what the Gunners lack.  One must have the mentality of being a champion if one will ever be, and judging from the substitution made by Arsene Wenger, who swapped Arsenal's best attacking performer on the night, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, the champion mentality is oblivious and the trophies will remain further out of reach unless this is mentality is altered. Wenger, belief is key.

United's win certified that the title race will continue to be battled out in the north of England as they collected three vital points that kept them within range of Manchester City. One thing going against United though, is the amount of injuries, as players crawled to the finish, giving Sir Alex Ferguson a massive headache for the huge fixture list in the coming weeks.

To be successful in this extremely competitive League, one quality is needed as games will be drawn and lost.  It is the ability to bounce back from unwanted results.  The ability to return to your best after you've been cut short is crucial to help get the team back on track, as teams like Arsenal and Chelsea show, who continue to string too many losses and draws, making them inconsistent and bereft of that champion mentality I keep mentioning. The two at the top of the tree in City and United, have proved that there are easily the two most consistent teams and are by far the strongest in the league in terms of the collection of players at their disposal and even management. It will be very difficult to predict this league finish as we can never count out Sir Alex and United but for now it is advantage to City in the MANCHESTER PREMIER LEAGUE.

Paul Scholes: 18 Quotes That Define A Legend

Bringing a close to his glittering twenty year Manchester United playing career at the end of the 2010/2011 season; whilst accumulating a total of twenty four club honours, Paul Scholes is now a name nestled within the club's all time greatest players.  His uncanny ability to disperse the most perfectly weighted and inch perfect 60 yard pass to one of his flying wingers, or to simply dismantle an entire defense by his cinch short passes; coupled with his intelligent off the ball movement, supreme touch and lethal shots, it is quite easy to understand why many regarded him as the best midfielder of his generation - including myself.

On September 21, 1994, Paul Scholes made his senior debut for Manchester United in the League Cup against Port Vale, scoring both goals in a 2-1 victory.  He would be handed further opportunity that season by the omnipresent and all wise Sir Alex Ferguson, as he saw the quality that brewed within the ginger hermit.  Rightfully so, Scholes continued to play for another 17 years at the highest level in the United shirt, amassing a total of 676 appearances in all competitions for the Red Devils, splitting defenses, dictating the pace of nearly every game he was present in and scoring some vital goals along the way.  No wonder he is a footballing legend.

It is not often in this modern generation of football that one player stays true to one club, but Scholes was a Manc, and always will be a Manc.  He will stay in the hearts of many football fans across the globe, not only those situated at the club, and this is because of his simple style of play.  I have never seen a player that made the game look so easy in even the most difficult of conditions.  Scholes would take no more than three touches on the ball, but always seemed to have the ball at his feet.  It was simple logic for him, pass, move and receive - and this rhythm was repeated throughout the game, while creating some enticing attacking plays and distributing the ball like no one else on the field.

He was probably one of the most under-rated players in the history of the game, due to his austere lifestyle and timid personality;  Scholes was never one to seek attention.  He simply did his job to perfection and was content with just that, shunning interviews and praise from pundits.  This is probably why many would over look his name when it comes to listing the all time midfield greats.  But he was the best!

Hailed from across the globe, many footballers within his generation, including Zinedine Zidane and Edgar Davids; before his generation, Sir Bobby Charlton and Arsene Wenger; and after his generation, Xavi and Fabregas all agree.

Trying to write an article on Scholes was exciting, but then I realised how much there was to say, and how little I would be able to.  What better way than to allow the stars of football do the talking?

Here are 18 quotes that summarise and defines his legacy better than any article really could:


1. Alonso

“Fans in Spain rate him very highly and I admire him a huge amount. To me Paul is a role model. He is the best midfielder I’ve seen in the last 15 or 20 years.”

2. Berbatov            

“Nobody else in the world can play the way Scholes does. The passes he produces all over the field and the way he changes the game is brilliant. Every manager would like him. But luckily he is here and playing with us. Paul practices that all the time. When he has finished training he always goes out and shoots.”

3. Best                      

“The boy can play”

 
4. Davids                 

“Every one of us is just trying to become as good as him. Everyone can learn from Paul Scholes”

5. Henry
     
“Every time we used to play against Manchester United, we always used to be scared of Paul   Scholes.  His vision, the way he sees the game, his goal ratio... he has indestructible mental strength and he is a genuine competitor.”


 6. Fabregas             

“He is the one whose level I aspire to. He is the best player in the Premier League.”

7. Ferguson            

“He’s one of the great players to come through the ranks here.”

8. Figo                      

“I’m star-struck when I see Paul Scholes because you never see him. On the pitch you can’t catch him. Off the pitch he disappears.”

9. Guardiola           

“He is the best midfielder of his generation. I would have loved to have played alongside him.”

10. Lippi                     

“Paul Scholes would have been one of my first choices for putting together a great team.”

11. Maradonna       

“His technique is unique.”

12. Messi                   

“At La Masia, his name was mentioned a lot. He’s a teacher.”

13. Mourinho          

“Why isn’t he playing for England? It is crazy. Only in England. Scholes is a great, great player. So experienced and still, for me, one of the best in the world in midfield. Manchester United are lucky to have him.”

14. Pele                      

“If he was playing with me, I would score so many more.”

15. Pique                   

“One of the best players I’ve ever seen in my life! Spectacular on training!! Playing with him was a joy!”

16. Viera                    

“The player in the Premiership I admire most? Easy – Scholes”

17. Xavi                      

“In the last 15 to 20 years the best central midfielder that I have seen — the most complete — is Scholes. I have spoken with Xabi Alonso about this many times. Scholes is a spectacular player who has everything. He can play the final pass, he can score, he is strong, he never gets knocked off the ball and he doesn’t give possession away. If he had been Spanish then maybe he would have been valued more.”

18. Zidane                 

“My toughest opponent? Scholes of Manchester. He is the complete midfielder. You rarely come across the complete footballer, but Scholes is as close to it as you can get."

How City beat United

What a shocker. What an absolute shocker.  By no means am I suggesting that City didn't have it in them to beat United, but scoring six goals at Old Trafford? - Phenomenal. It's a grey day for all who are involved with the Red Devils, who are probably looking a little more blue now then ever before, and Sir Alex Ferguson has to use the next week to rally his squad together for a tough trip to Goodison Park.

Manchester City look the real deal for title contenders after their exhilarating performance, and they now aim to build on their hard earned three points.  But where did United lose the game? Or rather, where did City outsmart United to claim such a historical win?

Three factors largely influenced the clash between the reds and the blues:

The sizzling Balotelli 

Balotelli showing his humor

Building on his fine individual performance against Villa in City's last Premier League outing, Balotelli played a pivotal role in his team's victory against their rivals.  Balotelli's movement was a bit much for the United defence to subdue and keep under control.

His first goal was a sublime finish, elegantly placed in the bottom right corner, but it was his positional awareness that allowed him to check his run and place himself at the top of the box, as opposed to scrambling into the clustered penalty area - both Ferdinand and Evans lost their bearings, caught ball watching and not communicating with each other, as he stood in acres of space to calmly punish the absentminded United defence.

This is where we see Balotelli's limitless potential and football wisdom, when he is able to get himself into these dangerous positions and use his undoubted physical talent to score goals of that pedigree. At the inception of the second half, 63 seconds to be precise, City was able to work the ball with quick passing and fluent movement to rattle the lacklustre United defence for a second time.

Again, Balotelli's movement allowed him to latch onto a perfectly weighted through ball, only to be wrestled to the ground by Johnny "Stone Cold" Evans.  It was a horrible challenge that indicated his lack of concentration and ability to read the game, it was also a challenge that highlighted Evan's lack of pace and strength as Balotelli was able to use his knowledge to run across the bumbling defender, to then be brought down.  Smart playing by Mario, as it was nearly a penalty and obviously a red card offence.

After City were soaring with their two goals, they were still relentless.  The Spanish international, David Silva, who has been on top form for the sky blues so far this season, twisted and turned, waited and distributed the perfect pass to slice the home defence wide agape, as Milner latched onto the end of it, only to find who else but the sizzling Balotelli.  He has now scored 6 in his last 5 games.

The Red Card

United are reduced to ten men as Evans is shown red

As it would in any game of such magnitude, being detracted to ten men is a hard blow.  Johnny Evans was the culprit, but perhaps his selection in the United defence was a variable that brought an inevitability of apprehension with it.  I remember reading the starting XI for the home team and thinking that perhaps Jones would have suited better in such a game, after all, he has the physicality to match City's tough players, but also brings a sense of surety to his team mates.

Subsequent to the sending off, City took advantage of the ball possession and at one point nearly had 70% of it in the first twenty minutes of the second half.  This is where Mancini's tactical prowess shows in his team.  They decided to control the game and be cautious, ultimately shutting out the lingering hopes of the United team and supporters.

With an extra man on the pitch, City then invited the waves of attack from United, with the intention of hitting them on the break - and my God did it worked.  They doubled up on the right flank to give Evra a torrid time and used the same tactics to score the goals of Balotelli (his second) and the flying Argentine, Kun Aguerro.  We are well aware of the detrimental effects a red card can bear on a team, but credit to City, as they took full advantage of the deficit.

Ferguson's Poor Choices

Fergie rues his team's poor display

Who am I to question the great Sir Alex Ferguson in all of his years at the summit of English football?  Yes, I'm not aware of who is doing well in training from who isn't, or who was more up for the game in the changing room, but what I am fully aware of is that you cannot play a City team of this calibre, and not list a central midfielder in the substitutes.

The failure to sign the World Cup finalist Wesley Sneijder from Inter Milan and allowing City to lure Samir Nasri to the Etihad Stadium may be a move Ferguson regrets, as the lack of quality in midfield may only now begin to show it's frailties.

The world is growing to learn more about Manchester City's incredible team; the physical, technical attacking team that Mancini has at his disposal.  Therefore it was quite a surprise when I learned that there would be no Michael Carrick on the bench, especially when Cleverley was still not near full recovery.  This instantly limited United's options in the centre of the park.

Perhaps the starting line-up was a decent choice, but why not play Phil Jones as opposed to Johnny Evans?  We know what Jones is capable of and we are well aware of what Evans is not, that is, consistency.  After the team dropped to ten men, Ferguson's delayed reactions could have caused a third goal, as Rooney then dropped into defence to fill the void of his Irish team mate, leaving Welbeck to drown in depths of City's robust defence.  They were numerous instances where I thought Carrick would have suited the game.

Fergie decided to go with the energetic duo of Fletcher and Anderson, who are both good midfielder's in their own respects, however Carrick may have been a better choice to compliment either one of these midfielders, as he does have a good reading of the game, and provides cover at the back.  His ability to break up play in the midfield would have suited this fragile United squad, as a lot of the play would be broken down or at least slowed the blistering pace of City's attacks.

With five men in Manchester City's engine room, they provided a solid shield for their defence, making it all the more difficult for United to create any chances.  United tried to get down to business as they attempted to use width and their usual wing play, but this just did not work against City.  City always had all four defenders perfectly organised in the box, with Barry and Yaya Touré providing zonal marking in front of them to sweep up any loose or misplaced clearances.  The crosses were never going to work. Never.  With Rooney and Welbeck leading United's attack, both of the players were rather undynamic and insatiable in their roles.  United needed the penetrating and energetic, zipping runs of Chicharito, without him, the Red Devils were always going to need an incredible goal in order to score.

Richards was on top form against the Red Devils

All in all, it was a horrible, dark day for United players and fans alike, on the contrasting spectrum; a fantastic one for City, who are now bedazzled and inviting the hurdles of the future. The key ingredient for their success today was the raw urge to win.  They wanted the win; they played like they wanted to win - and so they got their wish. Each player was on top form in the City ranks, notably Vincent Kompany, who organised his team like a real veteran and lead by example, as well as Micah Richards, who was solid at the back and produced some fine attacking play. The rest of the team were red hot and cooled the angst of the sputtering United side.

City grabbed this opportunity to full capacity and mauled the reigning champions.  However, there shouldn't be much panic for the United fans nor any over excitement for the City faithful, as there is a long gruelling season ahead.  Couple this with the fact that when Fergie's team were previously whipped in such an embarrassing manner in the past, the majority of the time his boys managed to bounce back to win the league.

But with City's depth and overall quality, it may just be the beginning of a major power shift in Greater Manchester.


Fergie's worst outings:

• Newcastle United 5 - 0 Manchester United (October 20, 1996)
  title winners: Man Utd
  
• Southampton 6 - 3 Manchester United (October 26, 1996)
  title winners: Man Utd
  
• Chelsea 5 - 0 Manchester United (October 3, 1999)
  title winners: Man Utd
  
• Manchester United 1 - 4 Liverpool (March 14, 2009)
  title winners: Man Utd
  
• Manchester United 1 - 4 QPR (January 1, 1992)
  title winners: Leeds Utd
  
• Manchester City 5 - 1 Manchester United (September 23, 1989)
  title winners: Liverpool

MANCHESTER UNITED v MANCHESTER CITY PREVIEW

• Read "How City beat United"

This weekend, the Premier League prepares for a true clash of the titans, as the first edition of the much anticipated Mancunian derby kicks off on Sunday (12:30 GMT / 7:30 E/T).  This fixture pits the current league leaders, Manchester City against the most successful team in Britain, and current holders of the BPL crown, Manchester United. 

United supporters take a dig at Tevez as well as main rivals City

This fixture is one of such immense importance, that the two clubs involved, effectively zoned an entire city to be separated in what is now a red and blue divide.  In a match with the incentive of topping the league, this perfectly sets the stage for a match full of battles and raw passion, creating the impetus for players to strive for the victory to contribute to the legendary history of this fierce rivalry.

 United have dominated the lion's share of victories in statistics, but one must acknowledge that Man City are looking beyond history and stats, they're fixated on the present - the now, which is to snatch all three points from under United's  noses at their own formidable fortress.

Competition	City wins	Draws	United wins
League	37	49	58
FA Cup	3	0	5
League Cup	3	1	2
Community Shield	0	0	2
Total	43	50	67

Tactics 

Mancini aims to leave OT with something

Roberto Mancini - As a  typical Italian manager who habitually approaches these types of games by congesting the midfield, it is expected that he does so again, but with more strength and steel in his selection, as he is arriving at the feet of his fiercest rivals at the "Theatre of Dreams", where these dreams are rather feverish nightmares for the away teams. 

Mancini can be expected to use a five man midfield with the likes of Barry and De Jong (if fit) holding deep, while Nasri, Toure and Silva diffuse across the offense.  With Barry and De Jong holding the midfield, they will be expected to decimate all potential attacking plays, but to also provide support for others, to allow the team to retain possession.  With a trio of Nasri, Toure and Silva, the transition from defence to attack is made smoother.  Toure will be dropping deep to then carry the ball into the offence, dictating the overall pace of City.  Nasri and Silva will be instant attacking outlets for Toure, ready to inflict serious wounds on any faltering United defender.  To lead the attack, it can be none other than their in form striker Kun Aguerro. He will have to be sharp and unforgiving to his former Atletico Madrid team mate David De Gea, as the task of providing the goals rest on his shoulders.  

City is typically a strong defensive team, however, despite them scoring as much as I did back in college, they will be expected to find it hard to breach the United defence. This will be Mancini and his boys' first real test and they will be fully focused on limiting United's scoring chances.

Sir Alex Ferguson celebrates 25 years at the helm this year

Sir Alex Ferguson - The headmaster in the school of these type of matches, is more than expected to have a few tricks up his sleeve. It is known that not many people on earth, let alone managers in the game are able to predict a SAF line-up, as he recycles and manipulates it so often. 

However, I'm certain that United will be going for City's jugular in what can be a vintage United attacking display; they will be cautious, but will make certain that they are the team controlling the game.  Living on the edge with a high line and blistering counter attacks, whilst always defending as a unit.  Each player will be putting in a shift to match the hard working Lela Starr (wink, nudge, wink), and will be well aware of the dangers of their noisy neighbours.

Ferguson will learn from his latest encounter with City in the Community Shield, where United started very slowly and City took a 2-0 lead,  to be cautious, as City poses a threat from all over the pitch. United's main asset to hurt City will be from the wings, and I'm sure the city wing backs are going to have one hell of an afternoon if Young and Nani get the nod.

Probable Line ups  

Manchester United                           

De Gea

Chris Smalling        Rio Ferdinand        Nemanja Vidic      Partice Evra

 
Darren Fletcher           Michael Carrick           Anderson

Nani Wayne Rooney Ashley Young

I think Fergie will disperse a three man midfield to compete with City's tight midfield.  This should grant them the opportunity to retain some possession on their home turf and to also absorb and break up any attacks.  They can then distribute the ball out wide to utilise the pace of Young and Nani to begin a trademark counter, or they can  provide width if things need to be slowed down. 

With the omnipresent Wayne Rooney, United can expect goals, as he will be on hand to put anything away or, to simply link with an attack lead by either Nani or Young.  With Anderson and Fletcher's beastly stamina, they will provide the movement which will be crucial for United in helping them win the ball back and to also gain momentum in the attack against an extremely strong defensive unit.

Man City

 Joe Hart 

Micah Richards              Vincent Kompany Joleon Lescott Gael Clichy

         Gareth Barry Nigel De Jong

David Silva Yaya Toure Samir Nasri

        Kun Aguero

This is a very strong and balanced line up for City and it also has every ingredient to cause United havoc. The midfield is strong physically, with enough pace and strength to combat Anderson and Fletcher's energy and movement. With Silva, Nasri and Aguero United's defence will have to be on their toes all game long.

Predicted Result:

 Manchester United 2 -1 Manchester City

 Old Trafford is the most daunting stadium to travel to in England, and as previously mentioned, not many teams win here. City would be happy if they could take a draw home and stay on top, but I believe United will pull out with the win somehow - as they somehow so oftenly do in front of their beloved supporters and go top, leaving the title race wide open once again.

Share your opinion with us and don't forget to pick your team in the comments section!

BPL Preview: Liverpool v Manchester United

LIVERPOOL v MANCHESTER UNITED PREVIEW

Tomorrow's early Saturday kick-off can potentially be the match of the season as Manchester United head to the formidably hostile fortress of Anfield.

In recent seasons, Anfield has been an unfavourable hunting ground for Fergie and his troops, as they have lost their last three matches when visiting there in very unconvincing and below-par performances.  It is unusual for United to be dominated in recurring fixtures, but Liverpool have recently made a healthy habit of kciking pure ass against the Red Devils in recent times playing at home.


In tomorrow's affair it is expected to be heated, as the reigning and current Premier League holder goes up against a rather inconsistent Liverpool who are more than capable of providing a proper challenge for all three points.  If all goes in favour for the Merseysiders, a win would take them to 3rd, an the opportunity for every scouser to rightfully gloat like a true pig.

Players to Watch 

Manchester United - The most discussed player in England, Wayne Rooney  should be an interesting player on the field.  Given his recent international red card, combined with his former ties with Liverpool's fierce rivals Everton, the Anfield faithful will surely be out to give him a horrid time for the entire 90 minutes. However, Wazza is in perfect form to snatch a win for them, and I'm sure he'll be looking to silence his critics with a few goals and hopefully no cards!

Down boy!

Liverpool - The Reds will surely be relying on their returning captain, Steven Gerrard  as he readies to make his first full return since last season. Gerrard thrives in such occasions, as we've learnt that he saves his fuel for massive games like these. Man United's midfield will have to be on their toes against the returning captain, pressing and closing down any spaces to prevent Captain Fantastic from unleashing the fury on  poor De Gea.  But for Liverpool to control the game, Gerrard must dictate his midfield and find a groove early in the early minutes, once in this position he can then seriously contribute to their play going forward, while covering defensively in an organised manner.

 
The much anticipated return of Steven Gerrard

Predicted Outcome:  2-2

Liverpool will cause United a lot of trouble tomorrow as they always do, but Man United's attack will be as potent as ever and can score at any ground in the country. It will be a game decided on concentration and smart judgements as both Liverpool and United's defence are guilty of the occasional off day. I see this one being an entertaining 2-2 draw, handing each team a well deserved point.




                                                                                                                                                    Reem

The Future of England lies on their 5 lucky stars

For a very long time the England national team had attached to them a grubby reputation for being tournament chokers, and rightly so.  They never seem to fulfill the high expectations, and they never display the high pedigree we have been accustomed to see weekly in their respective Premier League games.



For the last decade, England have relied on the likes of Frank Lampard, Steven Gerrard, Rio Ferdinand, John Terry and David Beckham. All of these players have had tremendous careers in regards to the many medals, silverware and personal achievements they have individually collected over the course of their sparkling careers, however, on the international stage they have always failed to deliver the goods.

This has led to ultimate frustration for many fans, including myself, and it has reached the point where it is time for the England set up implement a plan to introduce the young talent into the senior squad for the betterment of England's footballing future.

Introducing the following five fledgling players, while keeping the grit and experience of certain players can establish England as a young vibrant team that will be sure to offer more energy on the pitch whilst delivering a more attractive overall style of play.

Starting from the back:

Phil Jones in stride

Phil Jones - In this 19 year old, England can potentially have a world beater in their defence for the next 5-10 years, presuming of course he stays fit and maintains the high standards he has displayed so far in his budding. This season, he has been a revelation for Manchester United fans, with a string of dynamite, swashbuckling performances. He looks like he has been a United player for years.

Thus far Jones has displayed the ability to tackle strong; he possesses good pace, an excellent leap for heading, a keen eye to read the game and he is built like an ox to deal with the many types of players he will come across in his exciting future. His confidence is high, his boldness and natural leadership on the pitch is innate and England should address their problems from the back coming forward and starting here.

Smalling training with the England Under 21 squad

Chris Smalling - With this 21 year old lad, England have the perfect complement for Phil Jones. Smalling is surely the silk to Jones's steel.  He is a fantastic athlete with great pace and equal strength, but also possesses a good touch for a defender. Chris Smalling would prove a great asset to England and could be the future to Rio Ferdinand's Jersey for club and country.

Wilshere's future for England may not look this glum..

Jack Wilshere - Wilshere is the future of England's midfield and the odds are high for him to inevitably develop into a true star of world football. There is no doubt of his limitless talent, and that was only proven again in his terrestrial performances against, unarguably the best team in Europe and perhaps the world, Barcelona.

In the showdown, he was Arsenal's best player by a league, being the ventriloquist in midfield, pulling the strings and dictating the play like a sure veteran. Wilshere's sharp vision for a player his age  is a phenomenon quite rare.  Couple this with his ability to weight the perfect pass, and we know that he surely has a glittering  career in the sport. He is the ideal candidate for England's engine room as their terribly ineffective long ball style of play is destined to be changed.

Cool, calm and collected.

Tom Cleverley - With Tom Cleverley, England has a dynamic and versatile midfielder that can comfortably appear across anywhere in midfield. Despite his attacking passing ability not being in the same class as his England counterpart Jack Wilshere, he still exhibits great patience and confidence in his talent. He is a simple yet extremely effective footballer.

He received rave reviews for his prior two loan spells and has continued his first season in the Old Trafford starting squad  in the same fashion. For England, he would bring a simple pass and move tempo that would assist them in building a much needed passing game. He has a pretty good engine and usually finds himself in both boxes which, of course could only be a bonus.

Welbeck may well be England's golden boy in the coming years

Danny Welbeck - For years England have waited for a partner for Wayne Rooney. Too often Rooney had to lead the attacking line on his own as his plethora of partners which were experimented with by Capello, were never very effective. However, in Danny Welbeck, England are certain of what they are getting. A strong, fast lad with a deft touch who is more sparing on the ball and doesn't need it at his feet constantly. He can play great off the ball which is exactly what Rooney needs in a partner, take Javier Hernandez as an example. Offering a good physical presence in England's attack, his muscular, sweaty body can surely wriggle itself onto the end of a set piece.

All in all, the England national team has been a huge disappointment for decades, however with this emerging new crop all hope isn't lost, with the right management, the Three Lions have a pretty strong future.