Gilberto wary of England threat

March 8, 2010

Brazil midfielder Gilberto Silva is convinced that England will not be weakened by the recent furore surrounding John Terry and Wayne Bridge.

England boss Fabio Capello stripped Terry of the captaincy following allegations involving Bridge’s ex-girlfriend, and the Manchester City man subsequently made himself unavailable for international football. With Ashley Cole out with a serious ankle injury, Capello’s problems have been mounting, but Gilberto knows the Three Lions will still be a threat at the World Cup.

“I think that is a concern but we cannot, as a possible opponent of England, focus on that and think that this kind of thing can disturb them,” said Gilberto.

“England is a very strong squad, a very strong team. We know that. Some of the England players are in very good form. They can do a lot in South Africa. It will be a tough tournament for everyone who wants to win. We will fight for it.”

There have been hundreds of column inches written debating the potential consequences of the Terry-Bridge situation with suggestions that Capello’s squad will not be as focused and together as they need to be. But Gilberto’s thoughts are clear and they will be echoed by England’s other World Cup rivals. There’s no way the other teams will be lulled into a false sense of security concerning England.

The USA, England’s first opponents on June 12th, will shatter that notion. Bob Bradley’s men, who will certainly prove to be the toughest group opponents, are sure to be revved up and there will be no talk of England’s perceived problems in their dressing room ahead of kick-off.

However, with all the problems they face it would be a brave man who makes England their World Cup 2010 tips. Meanwhile, in horse racing news all eyes are on Cheltenham as the final preparations for this year’s Festival begin. The highlight, as always, will be the Gold Cup and the clash between Denman and Kauto Star should make for one of the best Cheltenham races of all time.

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