june 10th
It’s all Euro2004 stuff this morning, as the closest we’re going to get to Arsenal football is England v France on Sunday.
Thierry Henry has been talking about England’s strikers, Owen and Rooney. About Owen he flirts with being complimentary, saying “I can’t be in the box all the time. I would die if I had to do that.” And when it comes to Rooney he says “I’ve seen him do some strange challenges, but he doesn’t care where or who he is playing. I like that. When you’re young, you don’t worry, and you can see that in Rooney’s eyes.”
So Owen is a glory boy poacher while Rooney is lunatic. Sums them up quite nicely, don’t you think? Jamie Carragher reckons he’ll be able to take care of Henry should he play. Anyone who saw Henry take Carragher apart on Good Friday might not agree with him.
Robert Pires has been talking about the Premiership and the quality of players. He says “ Technically the level is not extraordinary. People enjoy watching the games because there are fewer tactics – it is all attack and defend. There will always be goals for that reason.”
Can’t really argue with that. You just have to look at La Liga or Serie A to see that even the lower teams have far more technical ability than most Premiership sides, and tactically they’re far superior. English teams play with passion and grit and fire in their bellies. Not that Le Bob expects England to be like that on Sunday. He says “Their coach has made sure the team is tactically aware. The England team is strong and has good players.”
Ashley Cole reckons the England team is in good shape for their game against France. According to him they’re fit, well prepared, hungry for success and he gives a remarkable insight into Sven’s tactics by letting everyone know how they’re going to stop Robert Pires. Ash says “If I get near him I’m going to kick him.”
He’s also warned his team-mates not to upset Thierry with verbals or anything like that. “Someone upset him at Blackburn this season and he just said ‘OK’ and scored right away from a free-kick. I have told the lads not to upset him – that’s the worst thing you can do.”
I’m sure all the England players will be perfect gentlemen towards Henry throughout the game. Right, that’s it. Bicycle. Beach. Swim. Later.
