England: Rooney and Beckham
Manchester United and England striker Wayne Rooney said that his recent injuries might be a blessing for England's cause at the World Cup. Erm, tell that to MU, Wayne, the club that actually cuts your cheques. MU manager Sir Alex Ferguson cannot be amused, as Rooney's absence has left the giant club with only one true striker for the EPL title chase.
David Beckham is now targeting a November return, right after the end of the MLS season. Just a coincidence? While Rooney made his comments while accepting the PFA "Footballer of the Year" award, Beckham made his timetable known backstage at "The View".
It's actually a sad commentary on the England midfield that Beckham will be missed. He hasn't been an effective player since Manchester United sold him to Real Madrid seven years ago. This is Aaron Lennon's chance to take over the spot, if he's both healthy and given the opportunity.
Denmark: Sorensen
Updating a weekend item, Thomas Sorensen (dislocated elbow) is optimistic he'll be able to play goal for Denmark in the World Cup. The Danes really have no one else with international experience—almost certainly a selection error built up in recent years. A team always needs a seasoned backup in case the unthinkable happens.
This has become even more crucial in recent years with the enforcement of the rule that a goalkeeper can be sent off for accidentally blocking the forward's boot instead of getting the ball. The goalkeeper running in off the bench as a substitute in that situation then needs to face a penalty kick and play the rest of the way a man short. Experience working with the defenders in front of him is essential.
Denmark are by no means alone in giving one goalkeeper all the work. But even European champions Spain, who rely almost exclusively on Iker Casillas, have capped Pepe Reina 19 times. If Casillas became unavailable, Reina and the men in front of him have already had some experience co-operating at defending corner kicks together, and Reina can marshal the defense in technical lingo the defenders understand.
France: Gallas
William Gallas thinks his calf injury will have healed in time for him to join France's back line at the World Cup. Gallas should never have tried to play through the injury in Arsenal's Champions' League quarterfinal against Barcelona. He and the club share equal blame.
Gallas might do better to just sit this one out to ensure he's fit for next season. The French entry is imploding anyway in the face of a child prostitution scandal. Now UEFA president and France legend Michel Platini is piling on, claiming that Raymond Domenech is not fit to coach the team. What a mess.