Mike Martin on Uefa’s mass changes, Hull’s attacking victory over Arsenal, England’s right-side and the rebirth of failed Liverpool forward Florent Sinama-Pongolle.
Mike Martin bemoans the actions of Setanta and Danny Guthrie’s shocking tackle on Craig Fagan, reflects on England’s victory over an aging Croatia side, looks back at Luxembourg’s fantastic success over Switzerland, and asks whether Micah Richards really can play as a central defender.
A review of the 2010 World Cup qualifiers across Europe over the last five days as France toil, England impress and Italy struggle, while there is good news for the continental minnows.
Theo Walcott enjoyed the perfect evening as he tore apart the Croatian defence in England’s impressive victory.
Sir Alex Ferguson at last got his man - Dimitar Berbatov arrived at Old Trafford at a hefty price but one, Oli Dinsmore believes, will be repaid in quick time by the talented Bulgarian.
Mike Martin on England’s improvement, Brazil and Argentina’s plights in South American qualifying, Manchester City’s top four belief, the bumbling coach of the France national side, Raymond Domenech, and how Spain might have supported Andy Murray over local hero Nadal.
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.
Jonathan O’Shea evaluates whether Fabio Capello was right to omit the influential Michael Owen from the critical opening qualifying matches for World Cup 2010.