International Honours for Exeter Students

Following the England Students squad announcement, Mike Stanton, Sports Editor, caught up with Rob Coote, Ollie Claxton and Jamie Gray before they head to Portugal for the first fixture.

Rob Coote, as well as Claxton and Gray, also plies his trade with Exeter Chiefs. Photo: exeterchiefs.co.uk

Three Exeter students have been selected for the England Students squad playing against Portugal on 24 January. Rob Coote, Ollie Claxton and Jamie Gray of EURFC made the squad following trials at Loughborough.

These selections mean a return to the squad for Coote and Gray following their successful season last year and, sees Claxton’s first call up for the Students’ side.

“It’s a massive honour playing for your country,” EURFC Club Captain Jamie Gray told Exeposé.

“You never know when is going to be the last time you pull on the England jersey, so it’s very special every time.”

“It really sinks in when singing the anthem,” said Claxton, who has previously represented England at a variety of age groups.

“It sends chills down your spine. That’s when it really sinks in that you are representing everyone in England.”

“It [the anthem] builds you up so much,” Coote continued.

“Once you are out there you are trying so hard, you’ve got the emblem on the shirt, the rose, it drives you on.”

The squad is made up of students from all over the country, a considerable contingent coming from the South West, and Exeter is one of the most well represented universities in the squad.

The Exeter boys are looking forward to playing the Portugal international side, who are ranked 22nd in the world on the IRB rankings. Following a close fixture last year, where the students won for the first time, they are preparing for a tough fixture.

“They will bring the same physicality.” said Coote.

“They like to hit the rucks and have some big boys.”

The England boys face a quick turnaround following the Portugal game, getting back from Portugal on the Saturday before flying out to France three days later, but the Exeter boys are confident for the upcoming games.

“It was a huge boost beating Portugal last year,” said Gray, “France are always decent, I don’t know when we last beat them.

“With regards to Wales,” who England Students face on 7 March, “we usually show some dominance against them.”

All three manage to balance studying full-time degrees with their rugby, as well as representing Exeter Chiefs at fifteen and seven-a-side. On the opportunity to represent their country whilst studying, the Exeter trio are very grateful and relishing the opportunity.

“Eight guys got contracts after England Students last year,” said Gray, “I think it’s a really good way to expose players to a higher level.

Turning from international duties to EURFC 1st XV, Exeter currently sit second in the table behind Hartpury, the boys admitting to a few performance hiccups.

“I think if we had beaten Bath everyone would be a lot more relaxed because we would be level pegging with Hartpury,” Claxton said.

“If we had beaten them all we would have to do is win our remaining games but now we have to chase bonus points.

“We’ve got four games left and I think if we win them and pick up some bonus points we can come top.”

Exeter face first placed Hartpury in their next game, which falls in the week of the England Students game meaning the squad will be missing three of its key players. Despite this they are very confident.

“We’ve got a great squad and fantastic individuals,” said Coote.

“We know how they play so we will look to cut them off wide and force them in, we got an interception try from that last year.”

“It was a close game last time we played them,” said Gray. “It will be an 80-minute game, it won’t be won in the first half.”

The 1st XV also welcome Bath in the annual varsity at Sandy Park on 19 February. Having lost to their rivals earlier this season, the men in green will be looking to make amends at their marquee derby match and are hoping for yet another large crowd.

“Even if you don’t like rugby it’s a great place to be, great atmosphere and everyone’s a bit merry!” said Coote.

“It’s the whole uni coming together for a celebration,” continued Claxton.

“It doesn’t matter if you are a rugby player, football player, hockey player; everyone is willing the team on and raising money for charity.”

Despite a demanding close to the season and admitting to putting pressure on themselves to perform, fully expecting to reach the BUCS semi’s and hoping to improve on last year’s outstanding season, the three internationals are relaxed, quietly confident  as they joke about Claxton’s impending initiation to the England Students and Jamie’s England Sevens prospect; the big second row stating “He may have a run out,” followed by laughs from the other two.

With England Students caps hopefully coming for the trio in Portugal the boys from Exe will definitely be ones to keep your eye on in the future. And what better opportunity than the Varsity to see them and the rest of the 1st XV in action, just a month away?

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How can English cricket rise again?

It seems likely Andy Flower will continue in his current role despite calls for his head. Photo: yorkshirepost.co.uk

Ben Pullan examines what went wrong for England during the recently concluded Ashes and looks at what options they may have to turn around their lacklustre form.

In years to come, 5 January 2014 will be viewed as one of the lowest points in England’s long association with Test Match Cricket. Fans of the game, looking back, will scarcely be able to believe that an team full of some of England’s most celebrated players ever managed to lose a series 5-0 against an Australian side whom they had beaten 3-0 only four months previously.

Indeed, after further investigation, they will probably think they are reading some sort of joke, written by an Aussie wag. They will see ridiculous margins of victory in every Test Match, and encounter seemingly stereotyped scenarios: the batsman who can’t take the pressure, has a breakdown and then runs off home; the formerly great bowler who decides he has no other option than to retire at a time when it could not be less convenient for the team; and a captain who is clueless.

On the other side of the coin, they will read about the outstanding performances of two 36-year-olds, deemed by many to be past their sell by date, achieving fairytale success; a batsman, who turned himself from being a left-hook-swinging laughing stock into a destroyer of England’s bowling; and a bowler, who came into the series as a joke, but left it as a legend.

Yes, there has been very little about this series that anyone would have expected. Though the Aussies had shown some signs of resurgence prior to the series, most expected an England win – or, if not, a closely fought series at the least. No one would have predicted what has happened here – that Australia have walked all over England in each of the five matches and have barely broken sweat.

Never has an England team ceded a series so easily; even the nadir of England cricket in recent times – the 5-0 whitewash of 2006/07 – saw England put up a fight in at least one of the Test Matches. And the worst thing about it is that in that series, the Australian side featured names such as Langer, Hayden, Ponting, Martyn, Hussey, Gilchrist, Warne, McGrath and Lee. The Australian side of 2013 / ‘14 were no such galácticos. Indeed, after being whitewashed themselves by India earlier this year, many were of the view that they were the worst Australian cricket team ever.

Ben Stokes is one of English cricket’s brightest young prospects. Photo: thejournal.co.uk

As for England, it’s impossible to see how any team can be beaten so categorically – by an Australian side that can hardly be described as world-beating – and not make changes. The question is how drastic these will be. In the moments after the conclusion of the Sydney Test, England team director Andy Flower conceded: “It does feel like the end of some type of era and there will be some sort of new start.” Though many feel that the best way to begin this is with Flower’s head, it is highly likely that England’s most successful coach will keep his job; so too the captain, Cook, largely due to a lack of alternatives.

This ‘new start’ for England is most likely to come into effect through a change in style, influenced by some new playing personnel, rather than through drastic changes at the top. The retirement of Graeme Swann has ensured that this process has already begun; no longer do England have a world class spinner who, even when conditions do not suit him, is able to ‘bowl dry’, holding up an end. Without this luxury, England can no longer risk going into Test Matches with only four front line bowlers; what they now need is a five-man attack à la 2005, with a genuine all-rounder to bat at number six.

Thankfully, it seems that, from the gloom of the past couple of months, one shining light has emerged – someone who could provide the key to balancing such a side. We ought to be wary of placing too great a weight of expectation on such young shoulders, but it is impossible not to be excited by the talent Ben Stokes has displayed in his brief international career.

In the entirety of Andrew Flintoff’s career, the talismanic all rounder registered only five centuries and three five wicket hauls; Stokes has achieved one of each inside only four Tests. What is more, the manner in which he has scored his runs and taken his wickets is just what England need. For too long we have been getting by with an uninspiring brand of cricket, relying on the top three to churn out centuries, a tactic effective against lesser opposition but liable to be exposed by the type of aggression displayed by Australia.

For this reason, it is also essential that England ensure that Steven Finn regains the form that has seen him take 90 wickets in only 23 Test Matches. He, like Stokes, has that element of star quality; capable of bowling at speeds of over 90mph, he would have been perfectly suited to the pitches Down Under, and must be ready to play come the first Test of the summer.

Steven Finn recapturing his best form would be a major boost to future English hopes. Photo: kingcricket.co.uk

A four-pronged seam attack of Anderson, Broad, Stokes and Finn, with Onions in reserve, looks lethal on English wickets. Such a pace attack may allow England to play leg-spinner Scott Borthwick, a genuine attacking option, in Swann’s open berth. But if not, the best option for the moment may be to stick with Panesar.

Nevertheless, it is not the bowlers who are to blame for this debacle – the fault lies firmly with the batsmen. England’s problem is that players such as Cook, Trott, Pietersen and Bell are statistically some of our country’s greatest ever, with Test records that make them very hard to drop. Trott’s troubles have probably opened up space for some long term freshening-up, but on the whole, these players will remain the mainstay.

The key for England is to ensure they are all fully committed to righting the wrongs of last winter and overseeing the development of future stars such as Root and Ballance. With this healthy mix of experience and youth, England’s batting star could yet rise again, but they must be ready to face extreme pace next time they encounter it.

It may sound strange to be excited about English cricket at this lowest of moments, but with players like Stokes and Balance we are entering into a brave new world. Who knows – their drubbing may in fact allow the England cricket to, like the Phoenix, rise from the Ashes more beautiful than before.

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How have Australia transformed themselves this Ashes series?

Australia’s victory in Perth completed a seismic shift in the cricket power battle against England. Cricket expert Ben Pullan analyses how a team that meekly surrendered the Ashes in the summer has been transformed into a formidable force in world cricket.

Michael Clarke has led by example. Photo: cricketcountry.com

In the early hours of Tuesday morning, what has looked like an inevitability for the past couple of weeks came into fruition, as Australia regained the Ashes. The moment itself seemed fitting; another hapless England tailender, James Anderson, poking another well-directed Johnson thunderbolt into the hands of the short leg fielder.

Cue scenes of utter jubilation from the Australian players at the Waca, who were all (aside from Clarke) tasting victory against England for the first time. As for our boys, serious questions now need to be asked, starting with how on earth the Ashes fortress – won in 2009 and then defended so stoutly for over four years – has been ceded in a matter of fourteen days on the field.

Much criticism has been given to those responsible for England’s limp performance, including the supposedly world-class players Cook, Pietersen, Prior, Swann and Anderson, but we now must for a minute forget England’s shortcomings and give due credit to one of the great turnarounds in cricket history. Four months ago, Australia were a distant second to England, now they are runaway winners here. How has this happened?

1. The bowling.

Mitchell Johnson. Two words that, prior to this series, formed the punch line to ninety-nine per cent of the Barmy Army’s jokes. A bowler who had been hyped up so much by the Australian media, yet never fulfilled his promise against England.

The more observant spectators would have taken note of his ominous performances in recent One Day series against England and India, but very few would have predicted quite what has happened here. Put simply, he has destroyed England’s batting with extreme pace delivered from his unique low-arm slingy action.

Ryan Harris has developed into an excellent bowler. Photo: telegraph.co.uk

The stats reflect this. So far this series, he has taken 23 wickets at an absurd average of 15.47. If he continues to take wickets at this rate, he will finish the series around the 40 mark, which would put him in seriously exclusive company.

However, the demise of England’s celebrated batting line-up cannot be attributed to one man alone. Australia’s back up bowling has played a key role in Johnson’s success.

Last summer saw the emergence of Ryan Harris as an Ashes star and he has carried over that good form into this winter, with his right arm out swing contrasting with Johnson’s left arm pace to form a lethal new ball pairing.

And the pressure is not released once these two are done, as Clarke can turn to Peter Siddle, a vastly underrated, accurate, economical seamer who has the happy knack of picking up Pietersen’s wicket. In addition to these three, Australia’s off spinner, Nathan Lyon, has out-bowled Graeme Swann, and England find Shane Watson’s military medium pace almost impossible to score off.

So Australia have something of a dream attack at the moment – four back up bowlers at the top of their games, ensuring that the star man – Johnson – can be used in the short, sharp bursts that suit him.

2. The Batting.

Whilst Johnson has been the success story in the bowling department for Australia, another former laughing stock, David Warner, has come to the fore with the bat for them. Encouraged to play his natural game and restored to his preferred position at the top of the order for Australia, the ultra-aggressive batsman has come out in every Test Match and looked to take the game to England.

This Hayden-esque approach to opening the batting has meant that Australia have got off to several ‘fliers’ in this series, particularly in their second innings, where Warner has thrown caution completely to the wind, ensuring that England have not got a look in.

He has clearly thrived on the license to attack; in three Tests last summer he scored 138 runs at an average of 23, as opposed to the 457 at 91.4 he has scored so far this series. Warner has come a long way since swinging a left hook at Joe Root and thus being sent home from the Champions Trophy in June.

David Warner has bullied the England bowlers. Photo: telegraph.co.uk

As with the bowling, however, it has been no one man show; five of Australia’s top seven have contributed to Australia’s tally of seven centuries (compared to England’s one). Clarke, once again, has led from the front brilliantly, scoring two centuries and comprehensively winning his battle against England’s spinner, Graeme Swann.

Haddin, the wicket-keeper, has had a superlative series with the bat (and gloves) so far. Coming in at number seven, he has been a constant thorn in England’s side, whether it be in leading a rescue act or scoring quick runs to set up a declaration, and has failed to pass fifty only once in the series so far.

Smith and Watson are the other two century makers, and Bailey, Johnson and Rogers have had their moments as well. So Australia have all bases covered with the bat – an extraordinary turnaround from the embarrassing collapses of last summer.

3. The Management.

Though it is down to the players on the field to win games of cricket, one cannot understate the contribution to Australia’s success that their coach, Darren Lehmann, has made. Australian cricket was in a shambolic state of affairs when he took over; on the field, they had been whitewashed in India and had not won a game in the Champions Trophy; off the field, there had been a series of embarrassing mishaps, including the famous ‘homework saga’.

The man he was replacing, Mickey Arthur, was the ultimate ‘technocrat’, placing emphasis on seemingly trivial off-field analysis, rather than getting the job done and winning games of cricket. What Lehmann has done so well, in partnership with the skipper Clarke, is cut the rubbish and go back to basics, letting his batsmen go out and hit the ball and encouraging his bowlers to intimidate England’s batsmen.

This ‘old school’ style has had a liberating effect on players like Warner and Johnson, and Australia have rediscovered the aggression that saw them dominate world cricket for the best part of two decades.

Under the influence of this back to basics approach, Australia’s players have been given a chance to express themselves, resulting in the thrilling brand of cricket that has seen them transformed from the whipping boys of four months ago to the force that they are now.

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A Terribly British Christmas

Hannah Butler shares her quintessentially English Christmas Day…

IN my household, Christmas Day traditionally starts early. The current record for me and my sister trooping into our parents’ room with manic grins and stockings in hands is currently 5am  – completely oblivious, of course, to the fact that said parents had been forced to stay awake until well into the early hours, due to the overexcited “can’t sleep” routines we inevitably made them endure.

The early mornings are still a prominent feature of Christmas Day though, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. Those first few waking minutes, in which I lie in bed, heart pounding like that giddy 8-year-old who can already see the shadow of a filled stocking in the gap of light issuing from the bedroom door… that’s Christmas for me. That feeling continues as the family crams onto our parents’ bed, bleary eyed and giggly, exchanging Merry Christmases between yawns.

Image Credit: paparutzi

Over the years, this scene has evolved: a couple of years ago, my sister and I surprised our parents by buying and filling stockings for them, an act which has stuck. Last year’s stocking routine undoubtedly beat the previous year’s hands-down though: reaching the end of the presents, as my sister pulled out the obligatory orange that was to go straight back into the fruit bowl, I shook out my stocking and complained to my parents that they’d forgotten mine. Exchanging puzzled glances, they admitted that actually, they hadn’t put oranges in either of our stockings this year. This was when, taking a closer look, we realised that what was in my sister’s hand was last year’s orange, completely fossilised after twelve months in the bottom of her wardrobe. Disgusting, of course, but it left us crying with laughter. That moment made my Christmas last year. Not just the fossilised fruit – although that was pretty impressive – but the four of us sharing a moment of utter hilarity and closeness we don’t get to experience too often any more.

Christmas is full of special moments. I know that this year, like always, I’ll go to bed exhausted but unspeakably thankful that on this special day I can surround myself with those I love and cherish

This year though, I’ll also be donating to Crisis at Christmas, reserving a place for someone less fortunate than myself to enjoy warmth, company, support and advice on 25 December. For my family, Christmas is a day to over-indulge, and enjoy each other’s company. However, projects like this offer hope and support, changing lives and proving Christmas can be special in more ways than one.

Hannah Butler

The end of an era for England's cricketers?

In the aftermath of the Adelaide test, cricket expert and Sports Team member Ben Pullan analyses the state of the England side. Are they in crisis or can they rescue the series? Is the natural end of a golden era for England? 

Mitchell Johnson has terrified the England batsmen. Photo: smh.co.au

Watching last week’s Test Match was a pretty harrowing experience; whereas England’s dire performance in Brisbane could be cast aside as a one-off, there is now no hiding from the truth that England’s seven-year grip over the little urn will most likely come to an end this winter.

In Test cricket teams simply do not come back from 2-0 down. In 130-odd years of the game, on only three occasions has a team come back to draw a series from this position. And an England win? Well if that were to happen, they would stand with Bradman’s ’36 / ’37 Australians, the only side to have achieved this. The facts make pretty grim reading.

It is not simply the fact that England lost last week that has enraged fans– though this is hardly a top Australian side – but the manner in which they succumbed. For it became quickly apparent that England’s illustrious batting line-up had not learnt their lessons from Brisbane.  They still showed no answer to the raw pace of Mitchell Johnson, who simply blew away England’s first innings with figures of 7/40.

Though the mustachioed villain did send down one of the most inspired spells of pace bowling in recent history, there is simply no excuse for collapsing to 172 all out on a wicket as flat as Adelaide’s.

The second dig, as well, highlighted that the ‘soft’ tag that had been attached England after Brisbane was justified; craving to see some sort of resistance from Broad and Swann on the fifth morning, we were palpably let down when they both threw their wickets away.

The bowling attack, likewise, seemed toothless in the face of their Aussie counterparts. Whilst Johnson, Harris and Siddle all steamed in with aggression for Australia, Broad and Anderson tiptoed – and England’s master plan of playing two spinners was an unequivocal failure: the combined match figures for Swann and Panesar read 4/380 – a complete nightmare.

Just to complete the set, Australia out-fielded England, who dropped several chances during the match, including an absolute dolly from Carberry when Haddin was only on seven, costing England 111 runs.

Indeed watching England so far this series has reminded me what it was like prior to the Flower ‘golden age’. Waking up to find that England’s batting line-up had collapsed once again recalled strong memories of the horror story ’06 / ’07 whitewash – when, as a cricket-mad eleven-year-old, I used to dread the early morning check of Cricinfo. At least in that series England had challenged the Australians by this stage, having scored 551 for six declared in the first innings of the Adelaide Test.

The most remarkable aspect of this series so far is that the teams have experienced such a sudden change of fortunes. Looking simply at recent results, very few would have predicted England to be 2-0 down after 2; yes, they had to scramble a series draw in New Zealand last March, but on the whole, their results have been good, whilst Australia’s have been dire.

Nevertheless, the more observant spectator would have noticed that, over the past year or so, the master plan that saw England dominate world cricket in 2010 and 2011 has slowly been eroding. During that period, England could generally rely on one of their top seven of Cook, Strauss, Trott, Pietersen, Bell, Collingwood and Prior to score big runs in the first innings. This ensured that the pressure was always on the opposition, never more so than Down Under in the 2010 / 2011 Ashes, where in every Test bar Perth England racked up a huge score, meaning that the Aussies could not get a look in.

However, since then, cracks have appeared and widened. The number 6 position, for so long occupied by the stalwart of the side Collingwood, has been problematic since his retirement; Morgan, Bopara, Root and Stokes have all had a go, but none have nailed down the spot.

Michael Carberry sees a catch opportunity go beyond him. Photo: the Daily Mail

Likewise, Strauss has still not been replaced at the top of the order. Compton was the first choice, but he was rather unfairly dumped, to be replaced by Root, who has now been dropped down the order once again to make space for Carberry.

In addition to this mess, Prior and Cook have been in woeful form, Trott has had a breakdown, and Pietersen has been his usual inconsistent self. Really, the only batsman who has played to his full potential in recent times is Ian Bell, to whom England have to thank largely for their Ashes victory last summer. Looking at it in this way, it should not really be that surprising that a top class attack with a quick bowler in genuinely world class form should succeed against such a flawed line-up.

The question now is where do England go? Is this genuinely the end of an era? Are wholesale changes to the team required for success? Is this the equivalent of the 2005 Ashes, where Australia’s decade-long empire finally began to crumble? If so, then England have had not nearly long enough as a superpower in world cricket.

At the start of the series, we thought we had a settled line-up, but over the past couple of weeks the heads of such regulars as Graeme Swann, Jonathan Trott, Matt Prior and Kevin Pietersen have been called for at some point or another. These are men who have dominated world cricket during our current decade – and should now be in the prime of their careers – but has this settled England side begun to stagnate? There have even been suggestions that Alistair Cook – for so long touted as Strauss’s successor – should relinquish the captaincy. What a turnaround from the position he was in at the end of last summer!

I personally would advise England not to act too drastically yet. Put slightly simplistically, it has just been two poor performances. Carberry and Stokes have already been thrown in at the deep end, and I would be loath to see more newbies brought into such a series; it could be potentially career damaging.

So let’s give the old guard their chance to prove their worth. It now really is ‘do or die’ time, and if they don’t stand up in Perth –  and the Ashes are ceded limply – some careers will be on the line.

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World Cup 2014: Who will get beyond the group stages?

Following last week’s draw for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, Will Cafferky looks at each of the eight groups that were announced and offers his predictions as to which teams will progress.

Will Bayern Munich’s Mario Mandzukic make an impression on the world stage? Photo: sloanecroatia.com

Group A 

It’s hard to see anyone other than the hosts triumphing in this one, with Croatia probably presenting the toughest challenge. Mexico will be hoping their current transition phase is before the tournament starts, whilst Cameroon need to ensure that they correct the divisions starting to form within the squad if either hope to challenge for the second spot up for grabs.

Prediction: Brazil and Croatia to progress

Key Players: Neymar, Thiago Silva, Kaka, David Luiz, Oscar (Brazil), Mario Mandzukic, Luka Modric (Croatia), Javier Hernandez (Mexico), Samuel Eto’o, Alexander Song (Cameroon)

Group B

This proves much less straight forward than Group A; without wishing to use the label “group of death”, there’s no doubting this is a strong group. 2010’s finalists Spain and the Netherlands speak for themselves. However, as I recently discussed for Exeposé, Chile go into the tournament looking very strong and could upset the Dutch. Meanwhile, spare a thought for Australia.

Prediction: Spain and Chile to progress

Key Players: Jordi Alba, Xavi, Iniesta, David Silva, Cesc Fabregas (Spain), Gary Medel, Arturo Vidal, Alexis Sanchez (Chile), Wesley Snjeider, Robin Van Persie (Netherlands), Miles Jedinak, Tim Cahill (Australia)

Group C

One of the weaker groups of the cup, Group C is without any of the main big hitters. Columbia undoubtedly boast the strongest squad and will look to capitalise on a favourable draw. Ivory Coast will be thankful to finally get a bit of luck with a World Cup group, and this arguably presents their best opportunity to progress to the next round with Japan and Greece likely to prove little more than cannon fodder.

Prediction: Colombia and Ivory Coast to progress

Key Players: Rademel Falcao, Jackson Martinez, James Rodriguez, Fredy Guarin (Colombia) Yaya Toure, Kolo Toure, Wilfried Bony, Didier Drogba (Ivory Coast), Kesuke Honda, Shinji Kagawa (Japan), Sokratis, Kostas Mitroglou (Greece)

Could Southampton star Adam Lallana ruffle a few feathers against Italy and Uruguay? Photo: telegraph.co.uk

Group D

There were few draws that could have been harsher to England – whilst they did avoid Spain and Germany, they did manage to get the next best thing. Italy are a team in the ascendency under manager Cesare Prandelli, whilst few teams in world football can claim to have two better strikers than Uruguay. It’s hard to see England escaping alive, with the only respite coming in the quivering shape of Costa Rica.

Prediction: Italy and Uruguay to progress

Key Players: Gianluigi Buffon, Giorgio Chiellini, Andrea Pirlo, Mario Balotelli (Italy) Luis Suarez, Edinson Cavani, Diego Forlan (Uruguay), Steven Gerrard, Jack Wilshere, Wayne Rooney, Joe Hart (England), Bryan Ruiz (Costa Rica)

Group E

The unseeded France will be rather happy with the result of the draw, as they look favourites to redeem their disastrous 2010 campaign. Honduras will likely prove to be the proverbial doormat, whilst Ecuador and Switzerland will battle for second place, with the latter coming out on top.

Prediction: France and Switzerland to progress

Key Players: Hugo Lloris, Mamadou Sakho, Frank Ribery, Paul Pogba, Samir Nasri (France), Stephan Liechtensteiner, Valon Behrami, Xerdan Shaqiri (Switzerland), Antonio Valencia, Felipe Caicedo (Ecuador), Wilson Palacios (Honduras)

It’s time Leo Messi made an international tournament his own. Photo: empireofsoccer.com

Group F

This group seems fairly straightforward; Argentina’s overwhelming attacking talent will probably send shivers down the spines of Iranian defenders. Meanwhile, Bosnia-Herzegovina will likely be satisfied with the draw, especially following Nigeria’s fairly woeful display at the Confederations Cup earlier this year.

Prediction: Argentina and Bosnia-Herzegovina to progress

Key Players: Javier Mascherano, Pablo Zabaleta, Lionel Messi, Sergio Aguero, Carlos Tevez, Gonzalo Higuain, Ezequiel Lavezzi (Argentina), Asmir Begovic, Miralem Pjanic, Zvjezdan Misimovic, Edin Dzeko (Bosnia-Herzegovina), John Obi-Mikel, Victor Moses, Obafemi Martins (Nigeria), Reza Ghoochannejhad (Iran)

Group G

Germany are the favourites of many a pundit for Brazil 2014. Whilst Portugal, Ghana and USA present tough opposition, it’s hard to imagine anything other than an efficient group stage from the Germans. Portugal endured a hairy play-off tie with Sweden to earn their place, and whilst USA and Ghana enjoyed more relaxed campaigns, it’s hard to picture either coping with the superhuman ability of Cristiano Ronaldo.

Prediction: Germany and Portugal to progress

Key Players: Manuel Neuer, Philipp Lahm, Mats Hummels, Bastian Schweinsteiger, Thomas Muller, Mesut Ozil, Mario Gotze (Germany), Pepe, Joao Moutinho, Cristiano Ronaldo, Nani (Portugal), Sulli Muntari, Kwandwo Assamoah, Asamoah Gyan, Kevin-Prince Boateng (Ghana), Tim Howard, Jozy Altidore, Michael Bradley, Clint Dempsey, Landon Donovan (United States)

Group H

Belgium couldn’t have wished for a better group as they look to capitalise upon their impressive qualifying campaign. Labelled a “golden generation,” the team is littered with Premier League superstars. Meanwhile, Fabio Capello’s Russia will face stiff competition from a promising Algeria side for the second spot in the round of 16, with South Korea also destined for an early exit.

Prediction: Belgium and Russia to progress

Key Players: Jan Vertonghen, Vincent Kompany, Alex Witsel, Moussa Dembele, Marouane Fellaini, Eden Hazard, Christian Benteke, Romelu Lukaku (Belgium), Igor Akinfeev, Aleksandr Kerzhakov, Yuri Zhirkov, Alan Dzagoev (Russia), Ryad Boudebouz, Sofiane Ferghouli (Algeria), Ki Sueng-Yueng, Kim Bo-Kyung, Lee Chung-Yong, Ji Dong-Wong, Park Chu-Young (South Korea)

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England need to stand up to the pace to avert a repeat of Brisbane

Australia’s Johnson during a bruising first test for England. Photo: thesidelineagenda.com

It is fair to say that the England cricket team came back down to Earth with a rather painful bump in Brisbane last week. Apart from Stuart Broad’s crowd-defying heroics on the first day, Australia bossed this Test Match.

As a spectator, it was almost as if we had taken a trip back in time to 2006/07, or even the Dark Ages of the 1990s; our batsmen succumbed weakly to Australia’s pace attack, and our bowlers – Broad aside – could not match their Australian counterparts. What’s more, coming out of the Test Match, it seems as if the Australian side have rediscovered their snarl.

Throughout the Test, England’s batsmen were peppered with short-pitched bowling from Johnson, Harris and Siddle. Johnson, in particular, proved to the doubters just what a threat he is on his day. Though his low-arm, slingy action can go horribly wrong, when everything clicks – as it did last week – the constant barrage of extreme pace becomes a nightmare for the batsman.

The aggression shown by Australia’s bowlers, in turn, gives greater weight to the verbals deployed by the men in the field; when Michael Clarke told the incoming batsman James Anderson to “get ready for a broken f***ing arm”, he knew he genuinely had the firepower in his bowling attack to inflict this.

Australia’s aggression has already claimed one victim for good; Lehman and Clarke would consider the return home of Jonathan Trott with a ‘stress related illness’ as a wicket for their tactics of ‘mental disintegration’.

This first Test has reminded the cricket world just what an asset to any side raw pace is. This is particularly the case in Australia, where, on their fast, bouncy wickets, there is no substitute for an accurate 90mph plus bowler. In the 1932/33 Ashes, England were lucky enough to have one of these in Harold Larwood. Bowling ‘bodyline’ with relentless accuracy to a packed leg side field, he proved to be too hot to handle for the Australian batsmen, who simply could not take the sustained barrage.

He even managed to contain the greatest batsmen of them all, Don Bradman, whose average for that series was a mere mortal 56.57 (as opposed to his extraordinary career average of 99.94), which proved to be the deciding factor in England’s victory.

Since then, England have been given a taste of their own medicine on several tours Down Under, most notably in 1974/75, when Australia had two of the quickest bowlers ever at their disposal, Dennis Lillee and Jeff Thomson. England lost this series 4-1; if Lillee or ‘Tommo’ didn’t get you out, they would knock you out.

It might be hyperbolic to compare England’s current challenge with these events of the past (Johnson is, as we know, a hugely inconsistent bowler), but no one can deny that England are going to have to find a way to face the pace if they are to come back in this series. Nobody would doubt that England have the talent in their top six to do so; Cook, Pietersen and Bell are universally regarded as some of the best batsmen in the world, and they all thrive on quick bowling.

One suggestion would be that they do not give their wickets away cheaply to the support bowlers; with the Australian pace attack in their current form, we cannot afford to throw away wickets to Nathan Lyon (which happened last week) – they must resist the urge to relax once they have seen off the pace.

The only other thing that can be said is that they simply need to be prepared to grit it out. Whilst it cannot be much fun facing Johnson’s 90 mph thunderbolts, these guys are considered the best batsmen in the country for a reason, and part of the job description of a Test Match batsman is to wear a bit of ‘chin music’.

They should consider themselves lucky; Bradman and co. faced Larwood’s assault without helmets, and without rules limiting the amount of short balls bowled per over. So man up England – or be prepared to lose again!

Ben Pullan, Sports Team

Where is it all going wrong for England?

Photo: sport5.co.il

Sports Team writer Scott Johnson and Online Sport Editor Matt Bugler dissect the failings of England after a double defeat.

Scott:

When Roy Hodgson looked at November on his calendar, he would have had a few things on his check list. These will have included sorting out England’s best playing system, giving fans reasons to be positive about next year’s World Cup, and proving that plucky England can still stand up to the heavyweights of the international football scene.

However, after an uninspiring 1-0 defeat to Germany at Wembley last night, following a soporific 2-0 loss in the match against Chile on Friday evening, Hodgson will be looking at this checklist with nothing at all ticked off.

Let’s look at the first point on Hodgson’s checklist. England’s current playing style is extremely confused – they play four attacking players (one striker, two wide attacking midfielders and one player behind the striker), yet the defensive style of the team completely negates the effectiveness of all of the attack.

The defenders are constantly being forced to play deeper than their effective position because of the system employed, leaving the front men completely isolated and ineffective against any defence worth its salt. It’s as if Hodgson wants to be attacking, but can’t bring himself to live with the consequences if it goes wrong. However, this approach is just leading the team to stagnation, not to glory.

If you sat through either, or both of the matches, you’ll know that point two on Hodgson’s checklist most certainly hasn’t been ticked off. We were poor against a side that most fans would be expecting to beat should they be in our World Cup group, and we rarely troubled the opposition in a match that any English team should be desperate to win.

So, all in all, we’re not optimistic at all, which is a shame after the final group performances during the qualifying phase which showed more attacking intent. The reversal of mentality when in front of a home crowd will not give any fan confidence about tough matches played in a neutral setting.

Item number three, equally, is most definitely not checked off. Although it was only a 1-0 defeat to Germany, it was in no way their strongest team and we were at Wembley. England rarely threatened and didn’t manage a single shot on target, Andros Townsend coming closest with a long range effort that rattled the post with Weidenfeller beaten.

England also contrived to beat themselves. Take a look at Mertesacker’s winning goal – there were seven England players around the six yard box to defend that final cross, yet Mertesacker beat them all to it, a criminal mistake at international level.

Admittedly, the header was very impressive one and Joe Hart had no chance once it was on its way. Hart almost wrote the headlines again with another mad rush for the ball outside the box resulting in a huge collision with Smalling; thankfully the ball not dropping to any attacking players.

England fans looking at Brazil 2014 are not going to be feeling terribly buoyant, especially knowing that England will be drawn alongside one of the top sides in the World as they are not one of the eight seeds. However optimistic you are as an England fan, two defeats at home can only mean the World Cup draw on December 6th is not going to make for happy viewing for the England camp.

Matt: 

Watching England on Tuesday night was almost pointless. Germany’s second string strolled around in the middle of the park, gently caressing the ball back and forth while Roman Weidenfeller earned money for standing still on some grass.

Roy Hodgson didn’t do himself any favours when told England had no shots on target: “What about Townsend’s shot that hit the post? Is that not on target? I rest my case.” No Roy, if it hits the post then it’s not going in. You’re better than that.

Townsend did do one thing though, which other players seem to be unable to do: run with the ball. When he gets the ball he aims to charge forward and gain ground, reinforcing the notion that football is a form of exercise. Many other players seem content to labour around, lob balls over the top and generally create nothing. Seriously, if you can’t find one shot on target in 90 minutes, what’s the point of showing up?

Quite how Daniel Sturridge managed to stay on the pitch for 90 minutes is beyond me, after a more than anonymous performance where he showed zero understanding with Wayne Rooney. The whole formation was a bit of a mess, was it 4-4-2 or 4-2-3-1? I’m not convinced that Sturridge can lead the line on his own, but in theory the attacking quadrant should be much more fluid and looking to run in behind defenders.

Photo: Leon Benjamin (Flikr)

Some players simply aren’t good enough to be playing international football; the Hendersons, Smallings and Cleverleys of this world should be nowhere near the plane to Brazil. If you’re not playing regularly for your club, you shouldn’t be starting for England.

Adam Lallana had a quiet night compared to his impressive debut against Chile, but he was made to hug the touchline and rarely stray away from the left flank. At Southampton he plays everywhere, giving defenders nightmares with his omnipresence, but for England he’s not going to routinely beat full-backs for pace like Townsend.

Some people criticised the inclusion of Lallana and Jay Rodriguez, which doesn’t make sense considering the Saints are third in the league, with a plethora of English talent. They play continental-style football involving high pressing and interchanging positions, with fitness being the main thing to increase since Mauricio Pochettino’s appointment. Are England’s players really fit enough if they can’t run with the ball or press?

England have to change their mentality now. Increase fitness, play with freedom and try to create chances. Defensive mentality gets you a trip home in the first knockout stage if you’re lucky. Take some risks, try to entertain the fans, play quicker with the ball and do some running. Otherwise nothing has changed since Hodgson’s appointment, and no-one wants a bore-fest like the dross we served up against Italy in Euro 2012.

Assessing England's impact in the Autumn Internationals

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

With England’s three match autumn series having now come to a close, it is time to reflect on what we have learnt and which players have excelled.

Despite being unable to replicate last year’s heroics of beating the irrepressible All Blacks, Saturday’s performance impressed many and was easily England’s best of the series. Even though they also achieved back to back wins against Australia and Argentina, neither performance was that impressive.

Beating a new look Australian side was important for England to show that progress had been made but was perhaps a touch fortuitous, with a contentious try the difference between the two sides. The Argentinian win showed very little, with England easily overcoming their downtrodden, inferior opposition.

Saturday’s performance against New Zealand, undoubtedly the best side in the world, was far more impressive, with England dominating large periods of the game, especially up front and has given England fans a fresh dose of optimism looking forward.

With the home World Cup now less than two years way, Stuart Lancaster will be starting to get a feel for his best team and squad, with the following players having done their chances no harm at all.

Dylan Hartley – The New Zealand born hooker impressed earning his 50th cap for England on Saturday, ending a perfect series for him. Whilst Lion and adversary Tom Youngs lost his mojo at the lineout, Hartley was committed in defence, impressive with ball in hand and impeccable at the set piece. Hartley has regained ownership of the jersey.

Courtney Lawes – Another Saints player who consolidated his position after falling down the pecking order earlier this year. The mercurial Lawes finally lived up to his billing, with bone shuddering tackles, dynamic line out work and athletic carries. Alongside the ever notable Joe Launchbury and Lion Geoff Parling, England look strong in the second row.

Chris Robshaw – After missing out on the Lions squad and having a summer away from rugby, Robshaw reinforced why he is the right man to lead England. He led from the front yet again with wholehearted commitment across the pitch, especially against New Zealand. His decision making seems to be improving, with the right balance being struck between taking points when on offer and going for the jugular. Ably supported by the equally impressive Tom Wood, the two are forming the basis of a formidable back row, capable of competing with the world’s best.

Billy Vunipola – Following his elder brother into the international reckoning, the Harrow schoolboy shone across the series with some fantastic displays of ball carrying. He never took a backwards step, drawing in defenders and consistently beating the gain line. His competition with Ben Morgan for a starting berth can only be healthy for England.

Mike Brown – England’s man of the series and the only back to really shine. Brown, who was played out of position throughout the Six Nations, made the full back role his own after three near faultless displays. He is ever dependable under the high ball, possesses a huge left boot and has a rare ability to find the smallest of gaps. Both Ben Foden and Alex Goode have done little wrong in an England shirt but Brown has undoubtedly made himself England’s first choice full back.

Looking forward, England are prioritising a Six Nations win and potential grand slam, with revenge for the thrashing they received in Cardiff high on the list. For this to happen, they will need to build on the last few weeks’ performances.

Up front, they appear to be heading from strength to strength, with healthy competition in most positions. However, the back line is a much greater cause for concern. Only Owen Farrell and Mike Brown would feel certain of a start in Paris on 2 February and Manu Tuilagi’s attacking impetus was sorely missed throughout the series, with England lacking the cutting edge.

Billy Twelvetrees did his reputation no harm, with some dynamic ball carrying but the jury remains out on Joel Tomkins. Solid in defence, Tomkins was totally ineffectual with ball in hand and showed he perhaps isn’t ready for this level yet. Whether he will get another chance to stake a claim remains to be seen.

Meanwhile, Chris Ashton appears a mere shadow of the player he was a few years ago, his attack limited and his defence at times feeble. It seems likely that if young flyers Christian Wade and Marland Yarde can keep scoring countless tries for their clubs, then Stuart Lancaster will have to give them a chance, to add some excitement and finishing prowess to the currently lacklustre England back line.

It was evident that here lied the real difference between England and the All Blacks on Saturday. England dominated possession but scored one try to their three with the added quality in the final phase the difference and showing why New Zealand are the world champions.

Overall, it has been a positive series for Stuart Lancaster’s men, who appear a courageous and united group. The forwards are developing into a formidable force capable of competing with the best in world rugby, and, though the backs still need to improve if grand slams and world cups are to become a reality, the gap is closing. The red rose may rise again.

Freddie Turner, Sports Team

Five things to watch out for at the Ashes

Photo: ibnlive.in.com

TMS listeners will be longing to hear Boys banging on about his “nan being able to hit tha” – particularly when it becomes obvious to all that the Aussies simply do not know how to hold a bat, let alone use one. Geoffrey’s relatives are frequently mentioned on air, as is his unnerving ability to feel that he, a 70 year old man, could face up to the likes of Ryan Harris and Mitchell Johnson. Here’s hoping that one of them can knock some sense into him.

On a serious note, though, we do love the TMS team – especially good old Henry ‘Blowers’ Blofield, who will no doubt identify many pigeons throughout the series. Legend has it that, were a kookaburra to come swooping onto the field, Blowers would let himself go, causing Aggers to exclaim: “control yourself Henry!” There is much love for the proper way of listening to our beloved game.

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A double hundred for Ashton Agar will be the icing on the Barbie for the Aussies, as he destroys the spin attack of Swanny and Rooty. Here is a kid, as fearless as Mark Owen taking to the stage without Take That, who annihilated England’s bowling in the first Ashes test scoring a remarkable 98 on debut.

Considering he was recently potty trained, the baby faced Agar waved his bat around like a musketeer’s rapier, stroking the ball to all parts of Trent Bridge. To onlookers his inclusion is paramount, for he will easily double the top six’s total score. Without him, the Aussies will struggle to reach triple figures.

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Photo: John Garghan (via Flickr)

Rumour has it that Hollywood will be making a visit down under this winter in order to scout an all-new comic action hero who can fight crime and provide hours of banter along the way. Needless to say, the cheeky chappy will be England’s very own Graeme ‘Swanny’ Swann, whose last series in Australia provided the public with hilarious video diary entries which prove that sportsmen do in fact have a sense of humour.

It is believed the first film will include Swanny weaving a web around the evil Doctor Clarke and Watto-man, as he teases them, before flicking his finger and knocking them into the ground. Box office records will be broken.

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An interesting situation will occur at Sydney when it appears Stuart Broad has super-glued his feet onto the ground, meaning he cannot walk when given out. A public outcry follows with Aussie coach Darren Lehman calling for Broad to “man up and play barefoot.” Broad of course will deny he applied said glue before a suspiciously shaped package is found at the bottom of his sister’s bed.

In addition, snide comments about KP’s streamlined bat edge come to the fore at a drunken New Year’s party, where David ‘the Haymaker’ Warner attempts to knock out Joe ‘choir boy’ Root, only for Boyd Rankin’s fist to intervene. Warner will later be seen crying his heart out to Liz Hurley, who suggests he tries the artful game of poker as it is working wonders with Warney, for she “barely sees him anymore.”

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Photo: espn.com

Will Watto ever learn where his off stump is? Having been dismissed an incredible 20 times by LBW, Shane Watson appears to have no idea where his stumps are. Having been LBW in six consecutive innings, in the fourth test, with Australia 3-0 down, he decides to take matters into his own hands by standing behind the stumps and swinging his bat.

When asked why this was preferable to sorting the problem out, Shane replies, ‘Well mate, least my f***ing pads are given a break!’ Lehman is quick to drop him for the final test and bring in Ricky Ponting for one final hoorah. By then, though, it is far too late. England win the series 5-0, with Alastair Cook scoring an unbelievable 1000 runs and Monty Panesar being the leading wicket taker.

Cook himself is given a knighthood, whilst his counterpart Michael Clarke retires, citing back problems. Andy Flower feels he has taken the side as far as he can, thus retiring to spend more time in the garden, leading the public’s favourite, Geoffrey Boycott, to take over. England’s domination is set to continue for many years to come…

Alex Whitington, Sports Team