B ALL W ATCHING WORLD CUP SPECIAL ———RUSSIA 2018———
ROAD TO THE LAST 16! A LOOK AT ENGLAND’S
Gareth’s Goalkeeping Dilemma
GROUP OPPONENTS
Hart, Pickford, Butland, The BATTLE for England’s No. 1 VAR Verdict Dreaded Football Sweepstake
Russian Ultras
This magazine is a non-commercial work of fiction and created for University purposes only as part of the ’Writing in the media’ module. All images and rights belong to their respective owners .
EDITOR’S
WANT MORE?
LETTER This exciting issue tackles the impending 2018 World Cup in Russia. Once again this marks the time where we all start thinking that maybe, just maybe, this will be England’s year. This pitiful cycle has forced us to structure this issue to look at who should make Gareth’s starting XI , and which teams may pose the greatest threats to our ‘chances’ of lifting the trophy.
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BW BALLWATCHING.COM
@BALL_WATCHING
The world cup this year brings with it plenty of controversy. Following the announcement that this will be the first international tournament to use VAR we look at how it has fared so far and whether this bodes well for Russia’s success.
@BALLWATCHINGUK
We finish with a helpful guide for the casual football fan , featuring the dreaded world cup sweepstake and what to expect for those who brave the journey to Russia to Conor support the three liWalsh ons.
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Enjoy the issue.
Editor
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CONT 8 ACTION REPLAY SHORT FEATURES 6 Pre World-Cup 18 in Pics 20 19 Quiz: Name that Golden Boot Winner
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12 England Boss Gareth Southgate
24 The Columnist: Life as an England Fan 26 The Siren-Like Sweepstake
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ENTS
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BW BREAKSDOWN MORE FEATURES 8
VAR Analysis
22 Worth a Gamble: 28 BW’s Dark Horse England Squad Picks
14 The Battle for England No.1 30 England’s World Cup base scrutinised 32 A Travelling Fans Guide to Russia
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ENGLAND SEAL WORLD CUP PLACE Harry Kane's injury-time winner secured England's qualification for this summer's World Cup with victory against Slovenia
A VARCE OR A Look at what the for
A TRIUMPH? inclusion of VAR at the 2018 World Cup means the fate of the tournament…
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abelled “comical”, “embarrassing”, and even “farcical” it is fair to say that the introduction of VAR into the modern game has not been a huge success.
Premier League Pandemonium VAR’s first hiccup on the premier league stage was in the Manchester United vs Huddersfield game. In what has described an “embarrassing low” for the new system, Manchester United midfielder Juan
VAR or ‘Video Assistant Referee” was created to replicate the sys-
tem used in Rugby, with the idea that an off-field official will step in when the referee makes an erroneous decision or needs extra help. VAR is claimed
to be applicable to penalties, offsides, goal/no goal decisions, and mistaken identity. The reviewing process has two options; either the off-field assistant requests that the ref looks at a decision, or the referee can request to look at one. The aim is to reduce the controversy that always follows a questionable in-game decision. However, so far it has
Mata saw his goal on the stroke of half-time disallowed after VAR adjudged the Spaniard to be have received the ball in an offside position.
Whilst
seemingly the correct decision, the images broadcast on television of VAR’s decision process were
both embarrassing and worrying, with a wavy scribbling excuse for a straight line showing the United midfielder’s kneecap as offside. An apology was immediately issued, followed by claims that the decision was made with straight lines and not those shown to the viewer. However, anger and confusion ensued
done nothing but make matters worse, and criticism ranges from decisions taking too long, to the discon-
nect there is in the stadium for the crowd (as of yet the fans cannot see the review process).
England Debut Var’s first major contribution to England on the international stage didn’t fair much better. England looked sure set to claim an impressive 1-0 win over Italy, in what had been a very promising performance, before VAR intervened
The World Cup FIFA had remained adamant in their stance,
and VAR will be used in the world cup. Key members of footballs governing body have insisted that the system, whilst undeniably imperfect, has been successful especially
“ENGLAND LOOKED SURE SET TO CLAIM AN IMPRESSIVE WIN BEFORE VAR INTERVENED…”
during the group stages of the Confederations Cup, where many "game-changing" decisions were made with the help of VAR in addition to other "major incidents". Allegedly, the Confederations Cup would have been wholly different, and less fair,
A James Tarkowski collision with Italy’s Federico Chiesa in
tournament without the reviews that VAR
the dying minutes of the game, saw penalty appeals
encroached.
waved away by German referee Deniz Aytekin only for the
Clearly a work in progress, only time will
decision to be overturned through a VAR review, allowing
tell whether this new technology will damp-
Italy to come away with an unlikely draw. Outrage en-
en or ruin this summer’s tournament. There
sued, with the penalty decision dividing opinions and
have been ups and downs so far for VAR,
VAR’s promise to provide “clear and obvious” results be-
and Russia 2018 could well be improved by
lied.
it, but it doesn’t look good. This could be the most controversial world cup to date.
Saving Grace?
England have had more than their fare
It has not been all bad for VAR though. Elsewhere, namely
share of controversy in recent tourna-
the MLS, Serie A and the Bundesliga VAR has notched a
ments, one only has to close their eyes for a
whole season under its belt. In all of the leagues, there has
second to picture all too vividly, Frank Lam-
been a vast number of decisions overturned correctly (18,
pard’s shot, bouncing yards over the line,
21 and 23 respectively). Unfortunately, this small success
and the disbelief on his face when the goal
arrives amidst yet more controversy but there is evidently
was not given. We can only hope that VAR
a light at the end of the tunnel. VAR can indeed help make
saves us from this sort of misery, rather
correct decisions and be of use for the modern game.
than cause more of it.
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AN INSIGHT INTO
GARETH SOUTHGATE
THE OPPORTUNITY TO MAKE HISTORY IS HUGE. I AM EXCITED BY THE CHALLENGE
The pressures of playing for England are surpassed only by the role of manager. But that only fills this man with exhilaration, can he be the one to lead England to long overdue glory?
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fter a prestigious playing career, that saw him captain Crystal Palace, Watford, and Middlesbrough before making 57 appearances for England; Gareth turned to management. At just 35 years of age, he became a premier league manager yet he didn't exactly create fireworks, and soon transitioned into a role in the England development setup with the U21s. Consequently, his appointment as England manager on a permanent basis came as a huge surprise amidst huge uproar and disgust. Unfazed, Gareth has been working tirelessly to become England’s most successful manager in recent years. Whilst results have not been exactly spectacular, England qualified comfortably and the bravery in dropping huge names such as then captain Wayne Rooney in favour of youthful promising talent was a bold move and it already looks to be paying off. Lingard, Rashford, Pickford are just a few youthful faces that have shone in qualifying under Gareth, and the general view in the footballing world is that to have a manager so fixated on form and youth can only bode well for the summer.
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Perhaps his bravest decision , to transform England into a back-3 team could prove most pivotal. Manchester City have showcased the brilliance of this system, and to see England adopting a riskier ideology to the safety and monotony of the 4 -4-2 system is refreshing. The system worked incredibly well against The Netherlands and Italy, and saw fans become entranced by the most exciting brand of English football for over a decade. He also seems a lot cannier than his many predecessors, claiming that he does not want to take two of every position, and end up taking six centre-backs , but will instead utilise the versatility of wingbacks such as Kyle Walker as cover to free up more positions for attacking options in his squad .
It isn't all promising, however. Gareth’s admission that he still doesn't know his No.1 just 50 days away from the world cup is worrying. And England are still not a ‘great’ side. Managing only three goals in five games suggests there are glaring attacking problems to address. But there is an identity forming here, and more importantly...there is hope.
THE INTENSE BATTLE
FROM LEFT TO RIGHT Jordan Pickford Joe Hart Jack Butland Nick Pope
BATTLE FOR NO.1
FOR ENGLAND NO. 1 Four Keepers have emerged as frontrunners in the Battle to be first choice . We look at why their selection would be justified , and the accursed history they are up against...
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he England No.1 jersey has always been highly coveted and fiercely fought after, yet it seems inexplicably cursed. Any goalkeeper that wears it will tragically meet their goalkeeping demise. Think of Peter Bonetti, whose otherworldly reactions seemed to slow under the weight of the No.1 shirt as the ball painfully squirmed under him and cost England the cup. Perhaps the stonewall that was David Seaman springs to mind; so reliable until his mistake against Brazil in the 2002 World Cup, a mistake that saw England knocked out of the tournament. Paul Robinson’s miskick, Rob Green and the hand of clod, Scott Carson and…well pretty much everything he did before losing the No.1 spot…the list seemed endless spanning decades of English Goalkeeping nightmares, until along came Joe Hart. .
comes with representing England at any major tournament. Pickford also showed incredible distribution with both feet, which belies his young age, and this perhaps makes him the best choice if Southgate decides to keep his system of a back 3 which relies heavily on a keeper able to play the sweeper role.
Fleeting Hope A string of strong performances for England in several major tournaments saw Hart leave a sea of speechless pundits and supporters in his wake. It was beginning to seem like the curse had lifted. Hart was evidently ‘head and shoulders’ above the rest (you can thank his antidandruff shampoo campaign for that pun). Cue Euro 2016. The dream shattered not once, but several times, as Hart’s calamitous performance against Wales was matched by a abysmal performance in the infamous Iceland game. Hart provided a helping hand in England’s embarrassing defeat to the international minnows…literally. The curse was back, and the jersey once again unoccupied.
Decisions, Decisions Cut to the present, where Gareth Southgate is nursing a goalkeeping headache. Less than 50 days before England’s opening game against Tunisia, and the England manager has admitted he still doesn’t know his three World Cup goalkeepers, never mind his No.1. Domestically, this has been a fantastic year for English goalkeeping talent in and around the top flight, but there are four keepers who are making Southgate’s job so difficult; Stoke’s Jack Butland, Everton’s Jordan Pickford, Burnley’s Nick Pope, and West Ham’s Joe Hart. Pickford has perhaps begun to edge the competition in recent months. At the tender age of 23, he has been dubbed this season’s most consistent player by Everton manager Sam Allardyce after a constant stream of critical saves. Not only has he shown impressive consistency in featuring in all 31 of Everton’s premier league matches but has made a remarkable 112 saves this season (the third highest in the premier league). Pickford’s England caps against Germany and Holland showed perhaps the two most important aspects of his game. His composure on the national stage was impressive, boding well for his chances of dealing with the oppressive pressure that
Below: Pickford displays a commanding presence in Netherlands win Top Right Hart makes an impressive save to secure qualification. Middle Right Butland acknowledges fans about impressive display. Bottom Right Pope puts on a show in training.
Stiff competition comes in the form of Butland however, who tops the premier league saves table with an insurmountable 133. To many, Butland’s announcement as No.1 is long overdue, and has only been prevented thus far by an unfortunate injury that saw him sidelined for much of last season. Butland is no stranger to the England scene, having become the youngest player ever to don the goalkeeping jersey at just 19. Cleary his composure cannot be considered an issue. An incredible shot-stopper, Butland has kept Stoke in the fight to stay in the premier league, often single-handedly at times. Has more than justified the nod from Southgate.
Pope is a surprise competitor, having only
GARETH SOUTHGATE NURSING A GOALKEEPING HEADACHE, LESS THAN 50 DAYS TILL ENGLAND’S OPENING GAME, ADMITTING HE DOESN’T KNOW HIS THREE GOALKEEPERS, NEVER MIND HIS NO.1.
recently stolen the Burnley starting spot from Tom Heaton. Pope’s performances this season have been nothing short of miraculous considering it was not that long ago since he was languishing in the depths of semi-professional football. Largely responsible for Burnley’s surge into 7th place and their unprecedented challenge for European football, the Clarets have him to thank for the 10 clean sheets, the highest of any English keeper in the top flight this season. Whilst perhaps too inexperienced for the No.1 shirt at present, Pope still warrants a place in the squad.
Finally, there is Hart. Whilst an almost laughable afterthought following struggles early on in the season, Hart now cuts a rejuvenated figure. World class performances against the formidable strike forces of both Chelsea and Arsenal, caused manager David Moyes to announce this week that he belongs in the England squad “without question”. Being the only keeper in contention with tangible World Cup playing experience, Hart must surely still have Southgate’s attention.
Jitters And yet these World Cup hopefuls all have one major flaw in common. Whenever one of them seems to have the advantage, the ensuing media spotlight causes a host of uncharacteristic mistakes. Seemingly, none of them want the cursed jersey. Only time will tell who will be given the responsibility of somehow steering England to World Cup glory, whilst not becoming another gloved nightmare.
BATTLE FOR NO.1
PREDATORY INSTINCTS Meet Zabivaka, FIFA’ s 2018 world cup mascot.
ONE QUESTION QUIZ GOLDEN BOY WHO?
The golden boot goes to the top scorer at the world cup. Can you name these winners?
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NOT A HAPPY ENDING It wasn't supposed to end like this. Italy crash out to Sweden in their world cup playoff qualifier thanks to a Jakob Johansson strike– ruining goalkeeping legend Buffon’s anticipated hurrah in Russia
DARK HORSE PICK
TRENT ALEXANDER— ARNOLD This blistering youngster may not make Gareth’s squad but he definitely should. A real talent at such a young age.
Born: 7 October 1998 (age 19 years), Height: 1.75 m Weight: 69 kg Current team: Liverpool F.C. Not many teenagers have the opportunity or the ability to grace the premier league, especially for a top four club. Having performed exceptionally well all season, calls for his inclusion in England’s 23-man squad are growing rapidly. “A reliable full-back, Trent possesses a great engine and an eye for a pass, and is as comfortable involving himself in attacks as stopping them”. (Liverpool FC Club statement).
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CAREER HIGHLIGHTS
The Deep End Makes his debut against Man United in a 2-1 defeat.
Welcome to Europe Scores on his European debut against Hoffenheim aged 18.
The Men’s Game Trains with the England men’s team after a good run of form.
THE COLUMNIST
LIFE OF AN ENGLAND FAN This weeks BW columnist is a very disgruntled England Fan, who laments about the life he has suffered already prior to what he expects to be another dismal and painful World Cup. I am sure we can all relate.
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t’s difficult to pinpoint when or why I became a loyal follower of England. It just happened. I didn’t emerge from the womb mid- rendition of our national anthem, nor did my first words consist of ‘Wayne’ and ‘Rooney’. Yet somehow, I succumbed to the England calling at an age far too tender and naïve to understand the very extent of the torment and suffering this decision would have on the rest of my -now miserable- life. For I was born half Irish and half English and had a choice for my pledge of allegiance. It’s a shame I chose wrong.
Woeful England Portugal 2004 World Cup. England crash out on penalties. I watched, and I cried. Germany 2006 European championships. England crash out once again. And once again I watched, and I cried. I could go on spewing out a list of tournaments in which England have not failed to disappoint, but I think you get the picture. There have been tears, lots of tears. It’s been a difficult existence. Time and time again, I get caught up in the hype and media speculation, becoming part of a whole nation thinking maybe, just maybe, this is our year. And yet it never is. Before long, with England mere minutes away from crashing out of another major tournament I realise that my hopes have been foolishly resting on some very suspect shoulders. Sitting in my armchair of lunacy I have thought that perhaps Wayne Rooney can be the man to lead us to World Cup glory. Something rather doubtful, to the football neutral, considering he’s about ten stone overweight and can only score from the penalty spot. Perhaps, James Milner then. Again, slight problem, he can only pass backwards. Mind you, he does pass backwards exceptionally well. People say wisdom comes with age, but in declaring yourself an England fan I think you lose all chance of ever acquiring any. Every year, I become more hopeful and ultimately more tearful. You’d think I’d have learnt by now?
What could have been My life could have been so much better. As I watch the Irish fans dance and cheer and drink, and simply celebrate their teams very existence on the international stage, I grow increasingly envious. They’re a mediocre footballing nation at best, I scoff. But that’s their secret. They know it. And so, at 5–0 down they still laugh and drink, whilst I sit there and cry into my England scarf, before screaming uncontrollably at the Joe Hart poster on my bedroom wall. If I had known what my life would come to whenever England are on the telly, back at the start of my childhood, well I’d be drinking Guinness and singing ballads of Roy Keane instead of writing this sorry piece. And be all the happier for it.
A sorry cycle The icing on a very sorry looking cake, and perhaps the embodiment of the state of English football, was the loss to Iceland in the 2016 Euros. To lose to a team who failed to qualify for 7 of the last 9 international tournaments, whose manager is actually a dentist, from nation that has less people than we have sheep…I have no more words. I Lament. Or, at least, I should. Despite all the grief and shame this article has conjured up inside me, I know that the 2018 World Cup is just around the corner, and already I am confidently dreaming of our three lions lifting that golden trophy. I cannot help it. Pity me.
THE BLEAK MARCH TO WEMBLEY, AND SOON TO RUSSIA, GOES ON.
“England will never again win the World Cup in my lifetime”. 1966 winner Bobby Robson’s brutal words still cut deep in the hearts of many England fans today. 52 years on, as we gullible fans salivate at the possibility of this being ‘our year’ once again, we turn a blind eye to the failings of the national team and the growing concerns that England will never again win a world cup in any lifetime for that matter. But why do England consistently fall apart on the international stage?
A Foreign Premier League It is undeniable that it is not the Premier’s League job to provide the English national team with players. It is also a fair claim that domestic football would not be half as entertaining, nor would English teams have half as much success in the Champions league and Europa League, without the influx of foreign talent. Yet this leaves such a shallow pool of proven English talent for the national team. The 2016/17 season saw only 31% of premier league players eligible for England selection, much to then manager Sam Allardyce’s disbelief. This season this has plunged further by a shocking 15%. With only 33 uncapped players available in the search for new talent, and such a small pool of existing players playing regularly, there is little wonder as to why England struggle on the pitch when they struggle to even fill their squad.
Winter Break Former England boss Sven- Goran Eriksson laments that England’s biggest obstacle is tiredness. His claims that England would continue to find World Cup glory elusive without “a winter break” are part of a cacophony of cries for the premier league to introduce such a break. Such demands are not unfounded. The likes of Spain, Germany, and France who all surpass England in the FIFA World Rankings, have lengthy domestic breaks over the winter period and have done for some time. Whilst undoubtedly leaving some very bored and unhappy fans on boxing day, and indeed throughout what is an astonishingly laden festive period of domestic matches, if it allows England to match the success of their European counterparts- then surely it would be a price worth paying. The FA are in talks to implement a two week winter break into the 20/21 season, and it cant come soon enough for the three lions.
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Philosophy Gone are the days where ‘when in doubt’ echoed round the ground, accompanied by the cheers as the ball Is lumped into Row Z, and reckless challenges are met with slightly quieter smatterings off applause. But English football is still lacking in philosophy. Gareth Southgate, in recent friendless has implemented a gorgeous back 3 system, similar to Premier League winners Manchester City, thus providing much hope for a more exciting style of play. However, his resorting to England’s older and more ineffective system for the entirety of their qualifying campaign is worrying. Yes, it might be ‘safer’, but safe doesn’t win you international glory.
Pressure But perhaps the answer is rather simpler. The pressure upon the England players at any major tournament is insurmountable. Regardless of how mentally resolute a seasoned premier league player will be, the media onslaught, the probing scrutiny from fans and pundits alike must take some responsibility for England’s constant underperformance. Take Brazil, a team normally so unflappable, and their embarrassing capitulation in the 7-1 defeat to Germany at their home world cup. Clearly pressure is a factor, and the pressure England players face would almost expect you to believe they are the home nation…every tournament.
Moment of Truth In 50 days we may watch as England take Russia by storm, stunning the sceptical pundit, media and fan alike, and ultimately proving this to the ramblings of a clueless and pessimistic fan. Unlikely, granted this is England we are talking about, but stranger things have happened.
THE SIRENLIKE SWEEPSTAKE
I struggle desperately to control my shaking hand. A bead of sweat trickles down my cheek, I can hear my heart pounding perilously. All eyes are on me. I take a deep breath I plunge my hand into the shadowy chasm of the upturned hat, emerging with a small folded piece of paper. My fingers fumble hurriedly as the paper unravels to reveal a name; Iran. I groan, trying desperately to resist the urge to fall to the floor and cry, as the laughter erupts around me… That was my 2014 South African World Cup sweepstake experience, and nothing more needs to be said about it. I didn’t win, obviously. This should be something that many of you can relate to, world cup fever leads to sweepstakes emerging everywhere, from university halls, to family houses, to work offices-isn’t it so irritating when Karen from HR pulls out the holy grail ‘Germany’, knowing so little about football she doesn’t know whether to celebrate…Anyways it is BallWatching’s duty to fill in the uninitiated so they can join in this year round.
The Hat, The Pot, Or the Plastic Bag Regardless of what instrument you find yourself picking out of (here at BallWatching we like to keep things professional with a black top hat), it will contain all 32 teams, written and folded on individual pieces of paper, and eventually you will get your one pick, or more depending on the number of brave but oh so foolish competitors. Whilst this may seem innocuous enough, we haven’t yet mentioned that each player has to pay to play. Of course, this is generally no more than £5, but it isn’t the fear of losing that grips you like a fever, but the desperation to win as you’ll no doubt find out over the coming months. The combined might of that £100+ pot, bragging rights over your now sworn enemies, and the ensuing world cup delirium that overcomes all football fans; will leave you clutching that piece of paper for over a month…if you’re lucky. But how do you know if you have been lucky? Luckily, BallWatching is here to let you know whether you should take your shirt off, swing it round your head and do a lap of honour around the surrounding area, sit and bite your nails with optimism, or unfortunately go and drown your sorrows…immediately.
What’s in a name? Five-time winners Brazil, defending champions Germany, the ever-omnipotent Spain and the exhilarating France, these should all warrant jubilation if you are lucky enough to pull them from the hat. Argentina, Belgium, Portugal, Iceland. Any of these teams, whilst not the bookies favourites, do present you with half a chance of glory. After all, Leicester won the premier league, clearly stranger things have happened. Argentina, last tournaments runners up with an indomitable frontline, Belgium with their array of premier league stars, Portugal the European 2016 champions, and Iceland with their surprising emergence as an international powerhouse, can all never be truly counted out. Australia, Colombia, Costa Rica, Croatia, Denmark, Egypt, Iran, Japan, Mexico, Morocco, Nigeria, Panama, Peru, Poland, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Serbia, South Korea, Sweden, Switzerland, Tunisia, and Uruguay. Draw any of these teams, and you can start thinking about the 2020 Qatar World Cup sweepstake instead. Harsh, but accurate as you’ll soon find. That just leaves one team…England. Whilst we would personally like to place them in the hopeless group, that would perhaps be a little harsh. However, this is perhaps the worst pick of the lot. The whole idea of the sweepstake is to ease the pain of supporting England, it is an excuse to support a successful nation and retain some interest in the tournament long after England have gone crashing out.
A Tear-able Idea Whilst we introduce the uninitiated to, and remind the seasoned pro about, the glorious idea of the sweepstake in the hope it will make your World Cup experience that much greater, it will likely make it that much gloomier. Condolences to those who waste their money drawing a team that wont even make it past the group stage, just don’t hold us responsible for your bad luck.
DARK HORSE PICK
JONJO SHELVEY This talented playmaker may be too controversial for Gareth’s squad but his incredible range of passing would make him a huge asset in England’s midfield.
Born: 27 February 1992 (age 26 years) Height: 1.83 m Weight: 78kg Current team: Newcastle United Beginning to put his disciplinary problems behind him, it comes as no surprise that Gareth is watching the former Swansea man intently . It has been over two and a half years since his last England cap, but a fantastic run of form coupled with the fitness concerns over his main rivals Adam Lallana and Jack Wilshere means he might be set for an unlikely inclusion. “A combative midfielder who has represented England at senior level, Jonjo has an impressive passing range and has found the net with spectacular efforts from distance on several occasions” (Newcastle United Club Statement)),
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CAREER HIGHLIGHTS
Taste of Victory Shelvey is part of a rampant Liverpool side that achieve league cup glory at Wembley.
One of Us Shelvey makes his England debut in a performance that leaves him ‘buzzing’.
Back in Form MOTM performance on his Newcastle debut, in a much needed win against West Ham..
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BASE BOREDOM. WORSE THAN CAMP CAPELLO...
ForRestMix Club– England’s Repino based home for the world cup, handpicked by Gareth Southgate.
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he England players are in for a shock this summer. A far cry from the luxury hotels of old is their modest Repino base for the world cup. Even in Marseille at the Euros, the England team lived a life of luxury and entertainment, entrenched in a hotel boasting 2 Michelin star restaurants, in the heart of a thriving city. But here, at the ForRestMix hotel, there is nothing to do. The nearest mess of shops some distance away, and devoid of designer brands. The roads are soulless and deserted, the players won’t be ‘Russian back’ that is for sure. Some of the traditions they will be exposed to are not much better. All water is served at room temperature due to the irrational fear that anything chilled might lead to sickness. The England players may well have a large number of unwelcome guests in this deserted place. The mosquitos will also be arriving soon as the temperatures rise in Repino, leaving Gareth’s squad to be eaten alive whilst they train.
No Other Option The FA had originally been looking at complexes by the Black sea, but Southgate’s fears over training in the oppressive summer heat forced that idea to be abandoned. Much further north in Repino, there will be no such problems with temperatures averaging no more than 16 degrees. There are talks of a potential moving of the England base to another of the host cities if England were to qualify from the group stages into the last 16, but that remains to be seen. For now, the players will have to make do with what they have been given.
Echoes of Camp Capello Worryingly, mutterings about camp Capello have begun to stir, amidst fears of Déjà vu The infamous 2010 World Cup in South Africa was a disaster for England, with a total collapse and talks of disharmony and mutiny within the camp all stemming for Capello’s, since labelled, prison-camp mentality. The players were forced to live almost a ‘monastic’ lifestyle in their boredom base of Rustenburg and this largely contributed to their downfall. The isolated existence this time round in Russia, could well test the players resilience once again.
A Master Plan? Whilst the location is undoubtedly a bit of a gamble from Gareth Southgate, there could well be a method to his apparent madness. The training centre has been worked on tirelessly since it was confirmed England would be staying here, meaning that playing surfaces and training conditions will likely be immaculate. A number of facilities have been erected especially for the England squad, and the FA have meticulously made sure that this sight is not overlooked; thus, limiting the dangers of both paparazzi and spies from opposition camps. It is well known that players have complained about the intense boredom and isolation at major tournaments in the past, but Southgate appears to have this covered. He is encouraging and inviting players families to come with the team to Russia, hoping that the entertainment they provide will nullify any of these dangers. A quite unprecedent approach, but it could work wonders for player moral. Southgate travelled to Russia personally earlier this year to perform a full assessment into training facilities and hotels and returned satisfied that this complex ticks all the boxes for successful preparation and a successful tournament. Only time will tell whether he has fallen into the same traps as Fabio Capello. We will just have to trust him.
The ‘Camp Capello’ disaster still evokes nightmares to this day.
The ‘soulless’ feel is prominent inside and out of the hotel.
‘DON’T TAKE ME HOME, PLEASE DON’T TAKE ME HOME…’
For the fan loyal enough to follow the England team into the depth of Russia, here is everything you need to know to survive long enough to watch England achieve World Cup mediocrity‌.
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s much as England hurt us and drive us crazy, we all love them and want them to succeed more than anything. Some of us fans go above and beyond for the cause, even going as far as following England into the depths of Russia, which is why we have compiled the important information needed to survive.
All-Access Pass To enter any stadium during the World Cup, you’ll need to have your match ticket, your Fan-ID, and your passport. This Fan-ID is a photographic pass allows holders to secure a free Russian visa. Other benefits of the pass include free public transport, in and around the hosting cities of the tournament.
England’s Group Opponents First up is Tunisia, who were unable to beat England in their only two previous attempts. However, they finished top of African Group A in qualifying and are ranked surprisingly high at 27th in the World in the FIFA world rankings. They are a resolute team that
only conceded 4 goals in qualifying, and England need to be careful to avoid an upset here. The second game is against Panama. The American side have never faced England before, nor have they ever played in a World Cup, narrowly missing out in 2014 after reaching the fourth round of qualifiers. Despite beating the USA team to qualification, the side are labelled ‘minnows’ for a reason, currently ranked 55th in the world they prefer to frustrate teams rather than attack with any real purpose. England should find this a comfortable fixture. Finally, Belgium. Sporting a squad full of premier league talent, including Vincent Kompany, Eden Hazard, Thibaut Courtois and Kevin De Bruyne, and ranked 5th in the world they are a formidable opponent for anyone. The Belgians qualified in style, and now coached by a duo of Roberto Martinez and Thierry Henry should be better than ever. England will struggle here.
GUIDE TO RUSSIA 2018
“HAVING TARGETED ENGLAND FANS IN MARSEILLE, RUSSIA’S ULTRAS WILL BE AFTER MORE OF THE SAME COME JUNE…” Russia's Stadiums Russia boast a truly remarkable collection of stadiums for the world cup. It is rumoured that somewhere in the region of £20bn has been spent in preparation for the tournament. England’s first venue is The Volgograd Arena. A 45,000-seater stadium located in Volgograd in Southern Russia, which will see them face Tunisia on the 18th June. Next is The Nizhny Novgorod Stadium, located on the banks of the river Volga. A 44,899-seater stadium where England will play Panama. Finally, attention turns to The Kaliningrad Stadium, a 35,000-seater stadium where England will close their group stage against Belgium on the 28th June. On the off chance that England make to the world cup final on the 15th July. The match will be played at the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow. A majestic 81,000 capacity stadium, the largest in Russia.
Russian Ultras Having targeted England fans in Marseille during the two nations 2016 European championship match, Russia’s Ultras will be after more of the same come June, so be careful. These football hooligans are notorious for their violence and pyrotechnics and gained infamy during the Euro 2016 tournament in France, where an attack on the English fans in Marseille during the two sides group match saw the Russian national football team given a suspended. The Ultras have vowed to "unleash hell" this summer, and photos have leaked of their training camps in the Russian forests. Safety warnings have been released for all football fans travelling to Russia, with even an official statement from FIFA. It has been advised that any inflammatory chanting or behaviour is kept to a minimum to risk inciting further attacks and violence.