Is anyone surprised?

Laurent Blanc said before last nights game "I have no world-class players". Last night England had Gerrard and Ferdinand out there and neither of them could stamp any authority. We are guilty of building up our players and calling them World Class too early, Blanc is not interested in that smokescreen. He's a results man.

Every single french player looked more up for it last night, technically they are a million times better than England and they looked a hell of a lot better than us.

I'm totally not surprised and I have no desire to comment on it further. Save that I saw Gibbs limping when he was subbed, I hope its nothing serious that will keep him out for the weekend. I'm also a bit peeved that Nasri played the 90...I hope he's not going to be too knackered for the weekend and that the french management let him and Clichy go home straight after the game.

Right, I'm done with England today. Morocco were unfortunate yesterday to concede a penalty so late in the game after Chamakh scored to put them 1:0 up. USA won as I expected, I hope some of you guys got on that at 3/1?

Spain got totally trashed last night, I'm almost shellshocked by it. I knew Portugal were decent but I thought Spain would hold them and win 1:0 and didnt. Well done Portugal.

Spuds initial team news to come later.

WG

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Defining infinitum (badly) - International yawner lasts forever!

England take on France tonight in a friendly - I scoff at the thought. Its hardly worthwhile playing games like these. My reasons are many, but a few in particular is relevant - Its practically half-way through the season, its absolutely the wrong time to be playing a meaningless, irrelevant game when players bodies are already being battered every 3 days.

That said however, I will probably watch the game to see how young Gibbs and Walcott get on - just to prove I'm opinionated and have an appreciation for irony, a wonderful combination. Wilshire has returned to Arsenal for treatment and faces a sprint to the weekend for the game against the Spuds.

I really wonder how many of our players come back with knocks...I shudder to think really. Fingers crossed - RvP might make it back in one piece!

There are plenty of other international friendlies going on. For those that are interested in betting there is plenty to be interested in, the USA for example being 3-1 to beat South Africa. The USA are away, but their quality should see them through - they will be familiar with the territory and won't be overawed with the atmosphere and the probably howl of the Vuvuzelas.

Other games worth a punt include Morocco against Northern Ireland over in Ireland. I think Morocco have this all day - especially as the Northern Ireland squad has been decimated by injuries including a new keeper and players all across the midfield and defence. I've seen odds at 3.5-1 on that.

There are bargains out there to be had, but don't bother with England, you'll never get decent odds on them.

Lets get this out of the way and bring on the weekend!! I will write a preview up this arvo for Spuds.

WG.

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