Monday, May 26, 2008

An Inside Tip on England - Mum's the Word

We've been told by various journalists here that one of the changes installed by Fabio Capello since he took over the England job is the policy of not revealing the starting lineup until two hours before kickoff - TO ANYONE. While you can debate the pros and cons of not telling the players, one group that finds the practice particularly frustrating are the equipment managers. You see, England has a long tradition of putting their starting team in numbers 1-11 in accordance with their position on the field, a practice begun in club football as early as 1908 (at least according to wikipedia - and who doesn't trust that?). Since Capello refuses to tell anyone who is starting, the equipment guys literally have to print jerseys right up until near kickoff. Guess that might be easier at home, but how about in Trinidad? We hope they bring enough jerseys, just in case ...

3 comments:

Unknown said...

This must be only for friendlies, as they can't do that in tournaments, where the rosters are finalized for the whole tournament. And hasn't David Beckham still been wearing 23 in their latest games?

Gabe said...

No, he still wears 7 for them.

DrumSocc said...

Speaking of friendlies, you guys should come check out an amateur U.S. Fans vs. England Fans friendly match - (Sam's Army vs. LONDONENGLANDFANS) - being played tonight (Tues 27th) in Wembley Park sports ground, London, btwn 7-9pm!

Pre- and Post-match watering hole is the Green Man pub/hotel, also near Wembley stadium.
See you there?