Category Archives: Vice Chancellor’s Memo

Capello should stick with Plan A against USA, even if Gareth Barry is unavailable. Michael Carrick can support Frank Lampard in central-midfield with Steven Gerrard retaining his position at left-midfield. Against Mexico, Carrick and James Milner failed to strike up … Continue reading →

Which teams and players are going to the top in South Africa – and which are going to flop? In addition to my forecasts, WCC contributors Dr Neil and Dr Paul have submitted their predictions. US correspondent Dr Mike also … Continue reading →

Fabio Capello has picked his squad of 23 for the World Cup. Perhaps the most notable exclusion is Theo Walcott. He has been a Capello favourite since his hat-trick against Croatia in Zagreb kick-started England’s qualification campaign. I feel sorry … Continue reading →

Fabio Capello tinkered to good effect against Mexico, but should start with his favoured approach against Japan. Peter Crouch seems to have supplanted Emile Heskey as first choice centre-forward, and should support Wayne Rooney in attack again. However, Heskey and … Continue reading →

With two friendly fixtures before World Cup 2010, Fabio Capello has the tricky task of optimising the collective playing time of his favoured personnel whilst fielding as many of his squad as reasonably practicable. Even with Gareth Barry missing, the … Continue reading →

Centre-forward has traditionally been the most celebrated role in football. The scoring system in football is based on goals – and it was centre-forwards that scored the most goals. It was the glamorous, attention-seeking, headline-stealing position. Whilst their colleagues toiled … Continue reading →

Fabio Capello will name his preliminary squad of 30 for South Africa on 11th May. This will be reduced to the final 23 on 1st June (following friendlies against Mexico and Japan). WCC suggested a squad back in March, but … Continue reading →

This month’s 3-1 victory over Egypt vaguely enhanced the impression that England could have their best World Cup since 1966. Likewise England struggled sufficiently in the first half-hour of the game to demonstrate that a dismal implosion in South Africa … Continue reading →