His rise to the top of the game seems to have been full on over the past week or so, especially after scoring two goals in two international appearances in recent days.
Yet, Adam Johnson (pictured above) has always been set for the top of the game in England and who knows he may venture abroad in years to come.
As a blog writer I will admit I read very few blogs (I know), but one blog I tend to always read is that of Oliver Brett on BBC Sport and when I recently read his Ashes Pick and I realised it is just over 8 weeks until England’s tour of Australia to defend the ashes begins in earnest.
Don’t worry we’ll have another 3 weeks down under before the first test begins in Brisbane. After reading his informative blog, it made me wonder;
Who would make my 16 man squad for the test series in Australia?
England begun to banish the ghost of another poor world cup past with the first game in the qualification for the 2012 European Championships with a convincing 4-0 victory over group G compatriots Bulgaria.
Several performances stood out for notable mention, Joe Hart looked assured in-goal, Jermain Defoe at his lethal best, Wayne Rooney returning to his former self but one mans performance brought a smile to my face.
I consider myself true sports fan, let alone a keen follower of the leather hitting the willow on a warm (ish) sunday afternoon up and down the country, though after the allegations of yet another cheating scandal to rock the sporting world I am questioning my loyalties.
These co-called sports men and women, have over the years, used the basis of their arts to exploit, deceive and prosper from the glorious professions we all would truly aspire to replicate for one day only!!
In a week that has seen him hit the headlines with the release of his memoirs, I thought it only fair the former Prime Minister, Tony Blair, be given credit and recognition, when both are rightly due.
I’ll admit I stumbled across this fantastic foundation whilst looking at potential sports courses to do, prior to my dreaded knee injury back in January of this year. What I found needs more attention, recognition and ultimately, it needs taking advantage of.
I’d like to introduce a truly inspirational lady who after surviving a double lung transplant back in 2006 and many difficult months in the following years has shown true grit and determination in life.
Say hello to Justine Laymond, who recently returned from the transplant games with a haul of medals to boot. Read her fantastic games diary below…
England cricket is experiencing a change in fortune over recent months, as the post-ashes slump appears to have refrained from happening like it did back in 2005.
This time around ‘team England’ have gone from strength to strength, having respectably drew a test series in South Africa, won the ICC T20 World Cup and defeated the Aussies in a pointless one-day series recently.
I like to think I have a keen eye for spotting sporting talents before the majority of sports fans do and then seeing them hit the world stage, almost brings a tear to my eye.
They have made the mark and I have proved right to back their talents and as they hit the world stage and others join in on the bandwagon, I can think, I saw him/her first!!
Just a quick blog to have a rant at the so-called governing body of World football, that is more commonly and politely known as, FIFA (Federation Internationale de Football Association), though we all have less polite versions I am sure.
In a week when the English media and sports fans in general are questioning the hunger, skill and desire of the nations footballers, thankfully the cricketing equivalent within the English game are glowing with continued success.
On the back of the World T20 Victory, England (at the time fo writing) have a unasailable 3-0 lead against our greatest cricketing rivals, Australia, in the five-match, one-day international series.
Gaffers Sports Blog 