Being Frank
‘ITS unlike the Telegraph to be hyperbolic but its headline – Beckham gets the party going – suggests more than it delivers.
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| Beckham Jnr – on his way to Chelsea? |
Englands victory over Croatia last night by three goals to one was the right result, and the outstanding David Beckham did score the home sides opening goal from the penalty spot. But a party?
The Independent speaks is more prosaic tones, saying how although this was Englands sixth win on the spin it was in keeping with the sides habit of producing better results than their performances deserve. Something the paper calls a larcenous practice.
But a win is a win, and if England are winning then what does it say about their opponents? That England are better. If thats the case, fans will excuse more of the same.
The Guardian saw the game and heaps praise on Frank Lampard, but the Chelsea midfield will be excused for looking less ahead into a glimmering future and more over his shoulder.
News in the Times is that Chelsea are poised to sign Alexei Smertin, a Russian midfielder, taking the Chelsea contingent in the centre of the park into the low hundreds.
Also on his way out, if only on loan to Charlton for now, is Carlton Cole, once seen as the future of the Blues attack. Now thats one Hernan Crespo, the Argentine with the reputation as stretched as his hairband.
Its looking like Chelsea are tying to buy success sooner rather than later. Roman Abramovich at least realises that every season counts and days in the sun are few.
So shed a tear for Tim Henman who, as the Times says, has been handed his most awesome draw in the first round of the US Open a match with Andy Roddick.
The American with the weapon of mass destruction serve represents a prized scalp or a swift exit for Henman. Can he do it? Can Frank Lampard play for England?’
Posted: 21st, August 2003 | In: Back pages Comment | TrackBack | Permalink
