Barry's Beef

Wayne Rooney - Forget about Springtime for Hitler, it's Goaltime for Wayne. The scene is set for the boy-wonder on the biggest stage. Unbelievable player; so strong, so skillful with great finishing and awareness. Has got over his penchant for 50 year old hookers and if he keeps his temper and doesn't break his foot again, England must feel it could be their year. Also inspired my favourite tabloid headline of the year: "Rooney: Hungrier than ever"












Michael Owen - Has more international pedigree than Crufts. Poacher extraordinaire who loves scoring goals for England. Hopefully, he gets fit soon and bangs in a few for Newcastle before spearheading England's World Cup effort. Even when not playing well, always likely to pop up with a goal or two (see evidence A: England 3:2 Argentina). Legend material even if he doesn't quite have the pace of old. And that goal against Argentina in 1998...

Jermaine Defoe - What exactly has he done to piss off Martin Jol? Spill his Grolsch perhaps? Or said he didn't like Shrek? Whatever the reason Defoe is unlucky not to be playing that regular for Spurs and looks destined to leave in the summer with high-class suitors including Liverpool. Defoe has a great eye for goal and is basically a type-for-type replacement for Owen. Not a starter but an invaluable sub who could prove crucial.

Dean Ashton - For me Ashton has done enough to pip good touch for a big man Peter Crouch to the final place in my Fantasy Squad. Ashton has been consistently top-notch for a few years. Bagging goals left, right and centre for Crewe, Norwich and latterly West Ham, Ashton looks like an excellent prospect. And don't England tend to do well in World Cups with a West Ham player up front?