Football Betting: Players to Watch Chasing the World Cup Dream

The speculation has now immediately turned to South Africa 2010 thanks to England’s impressive win over Croatia beating them 5-1 confirming they will be at the World Cup next summer. The players are now focused on performing well enough to be selected in Fabio Capello’s 22 man squad. Some of the slots have already been taken with players like Ashley Cole, John Terry, Frank Lampard, Wayne Rooney and Steven Gerrard sure to be in not only the squad but the starting line up, but who are the players looking to break into the squad at the last minute? I have picked out three players who may force their way into Capello’s thinking between now and the World Cup.

Capello has proven throughout his reign as England manager that he is not concerned with reputation but with form and performance. The peripheral squad members are chasing inclusion into the squad knowing if they play well they can make it.

Michael Owen is the biggest name seemingly in the international wilderness at present. He was a player three years ago that was first on the team sheet, however injuries, lack of form at Newcastle and a lack of public commitment to the clubs cause during their relegation battle has raised question marks over his ability to play at the highest level. He must score goals and prove his worth at Manchester United. Fortunately for Owen he has 40 goals for England and a good performance for Manchester United scoring goals and proving his fitness must give Capello food for thought. He is currently behind Heskey, Defoe, Rooney, Crouch, Carlton Cole and perhaps Gabriel Agbonlahor in the race for the four forward spots on the plane to South Africa. He has it all to do to make it to the World Cup it seems and only a brilliant season for Manchester Utd could see him picked by Capello.

David Beckham must pick a top level club to go on loan after his LA Galaxy season is over to prove his fitness to Capello. He was brought on against Croatia to steady the ship and provide threats at set pieces. He is competing with Aaron Lennon, Theo Walcott and Shaun Wright-Phillips for a place on England’s right but may go as a back up midfielder. Whether he chooses a Premiership team or a return to AC Milan, Beckham is hoping his reduced role in the squad and massive amounts of experience will be enough to secure his place in the squad. It looks as though he will probably be selected but his choice of club to play for the next six months is critical to his chances at securing a World Cup spot. Unlike Sven Goran Eriksson, Fabio Capello has no problems leaving him out if Beckham does not satisfy him that he is up to the job.

Paul Robinson is facing an important season in goal for Blackburn. Robert Green seems to be the current number one for Capello and he played well against Croatia. David James is probably the obvious back up with his experience and athletic ability. Robinson could have a chance to oust Ben Foster from the third goalkeeper position as Foster will probably return to the reserves when Van der Sar returns from injury for Manchester United. If Blackburn continues to struggle Robinson will have to perform very well, in the mould of Shay Given when he was at Newcastle, to give himself a chance at breaking into the squad. As Capello has not, as yet, given him a chance in goal and has gone on record saying he knows who his starting goalkeeper will be at the World Cup, it may be too late for Robinson.

Because footballers are so well paid at a young age some of the fire in their belly can be lost that causes amazing single performances. They try hard, but the passion to change their life is no longer there as they are comfortable. Fines do not hurt due to their high earnings, but a World Cup appearance is something that cannot be bought, it can only be earned. These groups of players will be trying with every piece of energy in their body to make a mark on their matches this season. You should consider this when working out your sports bets, who are the players that are looking to make it to the World Cup and will give that extra effort? It can be a collection of players from various countries. Every player is chasing probably the only dreams that have left in football, representing their country at a World Cup.

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By Malcolm Clarke