Beckham Gone, Now Meet The New King

Wow. What a great week of international fixtures. Great time to get away from the immoral world of money-hungry football clubs. International football is still one of the domains where the sanctity and the true beauty of football still reigns.

Where football is not played for money, but for the love of the game.

World Cup qualifiers took place in practically every single confederation. There were some shocks, some disappointments and some mind blowing performances.

The biggest shock was by far France’s capitulation against Austria, a team who struggled to get a point at Euro 2008. There is something seriously wrong with the team, and I, like many people, point to the coach. Domenech has clearly got too many favourites and has never been an outstanding coach. If he stays, then I honestly cannot see France making the World Cup.

Other shocks included Denmark’s victory against Portugal away from home. It seems that Scolari left a big hole in Portugal.

Across the Atlantic Ocean, Bolivia provided the biggest shock in drawing 0-0 with Brazil in Rio. What a shock. Just as everyone thought that Brazil were back on track against thrashing Chile 3-0 in Santiago, they could barely make goal scoring opportunities against the Bolivians. Expect Dunga to go soon.

However, the most mind blowing performance of the last week was England’s thrashing of Croatia in Zagreb.

4-1! Let me say that again.

England beat Croatia 4-1 away from home!

It’s probably not up there with the 5-1 victory against the Germans in qualifying for the 2002 World Cup, nevertheless, it was a surprise. Yes, it was a surprise that England actually played well and won.

It looks like Capello may have turned the corner and is working his magic to get the best out of the England team. About time. But who knows, this could all just be temporary. How I wish I could make them face Macedonia again.

That said, exit David Beckham, enter Theo Walcott.

Theo who?

Theo Walcott! Remember the name. For those unaware, Walcott was the surprise inclusion in England’s 2006 World Cup squad. That should have made us aware of his potential.

For those following Arsenal and the EPL, Theo Walcott has been a regular fixture nowadays and many attribute his popularity to the fact that he’s the only regular English player at Arsenal.

Wenger surely did find a gem in England. His hattrick against Croatia has pretty much made it impossible not to choose him. Which means that Beckham may never again get picked.

The King, the pinup boy, the fashion icon of world football may now be forced to end his England career.

His crown has, however, found a worthy successor. Theo Walcott’s career has only just begun and there is every certainty that he will continue to give wonderful performances not just in the EPL but for the England national team.

Maybe now England will become a credible threat for the World Cup.