That Bloke In The Big Smoke

It's international football o'clock again! w00t! w00t! Nearly two months of non-stop action including the small matter of a World Cup. As has been the case for a few years now, I've virtually stopped supporting Italy any more. They're like a third team now, behind England and Spain. I've always wanted England to win and since moving here permanently I've become a more committed fan. Italy was fun while it lasted but once Roberto Baggio hung up his boots and I moved here, the inspiration dwindled. I'll always keep an eye out for them. As for Spain, it boils down to two words that will determine whether Liverpool can even qualify for the Europa League next season. Fernando Torres. Spain should've always been my natural second team. I've loved the language since I was a kid, studied it in high school and enjoyed my best ever holiday there in the summer of 2008, incidentally just two weeks after La Furia Roja won their second Euro Champ title!

And they happen to play the best brand of football on the continent, surpassed only by potential fellow contenders, Brazil. Spain are clearly this year's favourites and although history suggests otherwise, they should win their first ever world title. Their biggest challengers are probably Germany and Brazil. On paper Argentina are by far the strongest team but they have by far the worst possible manager. If they had a better manager I'd be tempted to put my money on an Argentina-Spain final. And what a match that would be. Sorry, what's that you say? England? Good question. They've got a great manager and it beggars belief how a team of champions is unable to play as a champion team. I doubt they'll make the semis but I'd love to be proven wrong. Don't let tonight's scoreline belie our largely shoddy performance. Mexico couldn't convert their chances and were the more creative of the two teams on display. Nevertheless, this was not our strongest eleven on display. Come June 12 and hopefully all will have been sorted out. So bring on them Yanks! FOOTBALL's COMING HOME!!! GET IN!!

I cannae believe I turned down an offer to watch The Tangerines qualify for the Premier League at a miserly price of £30 at Wembley!!!