England, Fulham, World Cup 2010
Bullard has all the talent to become an England regular
Jimmy Bullard was the shock inclusion in Fabio Capello's England squad for their opening World Cup qualifiers but Matthew Day believes his call-up was fully warranted.
Jimmy Bullard has been in sparkling form for Fulham
From the depths of despair at a possible premature end to a very promising playing career to a call from the England selectors, the last two years of Jimmy Bullard’s life have been all about ups and downs.
Having starred for Wigan as they were promoted into the Premier League - and even back then touted for an England role and seemingly moving ever closer to the call - a move to Fulham started auspiciously with two goals in three games before tragedy struck.
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Bullard’s horrific knee injury, sustained against Newcastle United (ironically the Magpies’ first game with high-profile signing Michael Owen - who has been left out of this England squad - playing a role having signed from Real Madrid), looked dreadful live and proved so in the x-rays which followed.
The renowned knee specialist Dr Richard Steadman probably saved Bullard’s career - as the former Peterbrough man acknowledges heartily - and the 29-year-old made his return in early 2008. Many, including the Fulham faithful, questioned whether Bullard would ever rediscover his terrific pre-injury form. It was a pertinent debate: after such a horrific injury and long time away from the game (almost 18 months), few players at Bullard’s age could realistically expect to recapture their best form.
Yet Bullard, cautiously, did begin to recover his patent talent and ultimately played a huge role in saving Fulham from relegation. He missed the first half of the season as Fulham toiled, but his return triggered an unexpected revival in the Cottagers’ fortunes and it was Bullard’s plum free-kick delivery which set-up Danny Murphy for the goal against Portsmouth that ensured another year in the top-flight.
Over the summer, however, it appeared his future at Fulham was in doubt. Bullard was linked with various clubs, including former side Wigan, and Fulham refused to offer him a new contract. Yet having been the star in the Whites’ shock victory against Arsenal - including providing the cross for Hangelaand’s winning strike - watching England coach Fabio Capello felt Bullard had done enough to earn his first national call-up.
For the Fulham and Wigan supporters, there is little doubt Bullard has warranted his selection. It might have been a shock to the rest of the Premier League, where only the top six or seven clubs seem to be considered, but Bullard’s immense ability with the ball at his feet - his concise passing, excellent retention of the ball, and wonderful crossing - means he could easily star at one of those top clubs.
Fulham will surely have to fork out a lot more now to retain Bullard’s services, because with an England call-up comes new fame and fresh, luring looks from the best clubs in the land.
Bullard’s long search for stardom has finally come to an end and although he will not start for England in their opening World Cup 2010 qualifiers against Andorra and Croatia, his name has been added into the mix.
If he continues to excel for club, a début for country will inevitably follow.
Tags: Andorra, Croatia, England, Fabio Capello, Fulham, Jimmy Bullard, Wigan, World Cup 2010
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Well said Mathew Day, at last a journo who recognises Jimmy`s talent and who hasn`t said “why?” or given the call up a bashing.