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So now England may be in the market for a new captain.

Since John Terry’s Tiger-esque demise — in the space of one weekend, the entire Soccer World Cup campaign has apparently been jeopardised because Wayne Bridge can’t stand to be in the same room as Terry.

Well, what to do, what to do?

Clearly, the responsibility of the England captaincy is far too heavy to wear without one straying from one’s moral obligations.
Just the other day, it was David Beckham whose marriage was on the rocks.

At least Becks was straying’ in Spain — not that that is a justification — but JT couldn’t help but drive down the road for a bit on the side.

If, as it seems, he resigns before he is axed as captain, then somebody of outstanding moral fibre will have to take on the poisoned chalice.

Then again, I can’t really see what all the fuss is about.

It’s not as if whoever assumes the role will have to be some Terry Butcher figure. Those days are long gone, and the only thing that a captain of England seems better at than his team mates is cocking up.

Let’s recall, shall we, Becks’s sudden inability from the penalty spot once he was the man in charge.

The rugby-style conversion against the Portuguese in Euro 2004 is still amazing to see, not least for the indignant look that Becks gave to the turf.

Perhaps he had just spent too much time with fellow Adidas wonder-boy Jonny Wilkinson, and muddled his theory on what one is supposed to do with a penalty.

It may have been an excellent three points in rugby, but it was Three Lions shot down in football terms.

JT himself had no trouble emulating Becks’s inability on the big stage.

His monumental slip against Manchester United in the Champions League confirmed that he was destined to be England’s tragic hero.
And now we have come to this.

The problem with being captain, aside from the shenanigans, is that everything falls upon your shoulders. Which is probably why it wouldn’t be a good idea to give it to Wayne Rooney.

Heck, carrying United this season has been tough enough. Any more responsibility and he may crumble under the sheer weight of expectation.

Sadly, though, the cupboard is very bare. Rio Ferdinand was next in line, but he is certainly no angel himself. Missed drug tests, handbags at dawn — and not to mention a budding career in showbiz, which leaves little time to spare for things like press conferences.

Steven Gerrard, perhaps?

He is a dab hand at taking spot kicks, so his form in that regard should at least see him through until June. Perhaps Fabio Capello should just surprise us all and pluck a relative outsider.

David James, perhaps? Or maybe Jermain Defoe, since he has already got the knack of missing penalties. Whatever occurs, the English press have already got their scapegoat for the inevitable meltdown in the Soccer World Cup. Arise John Terry, the face that launched a thousand debts.




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5 Responses to “John Terry, you absolute plonker!”

YOU ARE IGNORANCE! Becks’ INABILITY in the big games? Who saved England from drop out of WC 2002? Who helped MU against Bayern Munich in CL 1999? Who saved England from the knock out stage in WC 2006? IT’s David “Goldenballs” Beckham! It’s not like other great players has NEVER missed any penalties or goals in the big game! What do you say of Cristiano Ronaldo MISSING THE PENALTY in the final Man U v Chelsea in CL 2008? Cristiano was really LUCKY that his teammates can save him from big humiliation! And lucky coz Chelsea eventually missed another penalty apart from JT’s!

As I said..YOU ARE IGNORANCE!

(Report abuse)

WTF? on February 2nd, 2010 at 1:21 pm

Well as long as we are focusing on the tiny bit that refers to David Beckham, I should point out that his strayin’ in Spain is to this day only alleged. The Terry story seems to carry a bit more weight, in part because it wasn’t purchased at great expense by our ever alert News of the Day — and then of course there’s the fact that so many people know the parties involved and kept abreast of developments.

(Report abuse)

Bella on February 2nd, 2010 at 10:58 pm

Oh, forgot to say that Terry is certainly a plonker, in long standing as far as I’m concerned! I enjoyed the article thoroughly whether I agreed regarding particular performances or not. And David James might not be the worst idea.

(Report abuse)

Bella on February 2nd, 2010 at 11:05 pm

Lungani,
I am not so sure that we as South Africans are in any position to adopt the moral high ground or comment on the indiscretions of England’s soccer Captain, given the recent revelations of our own leader (of the COUNTRY, ffs, not just a soccer team!).

Wayne Bridge is far from certain to make the England squad, let alone occupy the left back berth for England - Ashly Cole is a more likely candidate.

The reports that I have seeen indicate that JT had his afair with Wayne’s ex-girlfriend AFTER Wayne and said girlfriend split up, so the only genuinely aggrieved party should be JT’s wife, who, by all acounts, was aware of his prediliction for straying from the straight and narrow before they got married.

let’s be honest and realistic - if any of us could get our hands on the sort of loot that JT earns, we could probably see our way clear to turning a blind eye to the odd indiscretion, not so?

HOWEVER, your are right - JT is indeed a plonker!

(Report abuse)

Peter L on February 4th, 2010 at 10:16 am

Poor Wayne Bridge - he’s not even first choice with his wife.

John Terry has announced he’s lost his England captain’s armband. Fabio Capello told him to ask Wayne Bridge to check under the bed.

(Report abuse)

Banana on February 4th, 2010 at 5:50 pm

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Lungani Zama is a sports writer at The Witness daily newspaper in Pietermaritzburg, writing mainly on local and international cricket.

He brings an alternative perspective to the English Premier League, and having spent three years in Manchester and Liverpool playing professional cricket, has acquired the necessary passion for this most exciting of soccer leagues. He follows developments religiously, and has no bias as the team he truly supports, Leeds United, is languishing in the 3rd division.
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