My quadrennial obsession, World Cup football, is about ready to start up again.
During the years between, I'm absorbed by the watching the Premier League and tracking the progress of my favorite team, Liverpool. But this year all the stars come out to play.
England is currently second favorite (largely on the basis of bookmaker's trying to square the odds) to win behind Brazil. Largely on the idea that Wayne Rooney, superstar forward for Man Utd, will recover in time to play in the 'Cup. He broke a metatarsal in one of his feet about six weeks ago and has been very dicey to play.
Six weeks is the absolute minimum to recover. For him is his age and fitness level, as well as nightly stays in an oxygen-rich tent. Against him is the stress of trying to "force" his recovery plus the weight of the nation's expectations.
If I were Sven Goran Eriksson, the England coach, I would let him sit until the last group game and maybe not even play then unless I was sure he was both healed and sharp. We should (famous last words) be able to get through this group as winner and when we get to the single elimination we will really need his game-changing ability.
I'm about to place a bet on England so I certainly hope he gets a chance to play. The last WC was spoiled for us by not having Steve Gerrard or David Beckham fit.
No excuses this time.
Posted by artandscience at June 7, 2006 01:34 PM