Random Stats

I have resisted until now but here are some stats just to keep you going.

Squad Players by Club 1950 - 2010

The following clubs have provided players for England on World Cup duty

Manchester United - 33

Tottenham Hotspur - 31

Liverpool - 25

Chelsea - 19

Arsenal - 17

West Ham United - 15

Wolverhampton W - 13

Leeds United - 11

Everton - 9

Aston Villa - 8

Newcastle - 8

West Brom - 8

Manchester City - 7

Unused Tourists

The following players went to the World Cup with England squads but didn’t play a single minute.

2006

David James

Wayne Bridge

Jermaine Jenas

Scott Carson

Theo Walcott

2002

Wes Brown

Nigel Martyn

Martin Keown

Gareth Southgate

David James

1998

Nigel Martyn

Martin Keown

Les Ferdinand

Rio Ferdinand

Tim Flowers

1990

Gary Stevens

Neil Webb

Chris Woods

Tony Dorigo

Steve Hodge

Dave Beasant - Stevens, Webb and Dorigo all played in the 3^rd & 4^th place play-off, I stand corrected!

1986

Viv Anderson

Chris Woods

Gary Bailey

1982

Ray Clemence

Viv Anderson

Terry McDermott

Joe Corrigan

Peter Withe

Saudi Arabia flag controversy

McDonald's and Coca-Cola advertised their sponsorship of the 1994 World Cup by printing the flags of the participating nations on take-away bags and drinks cans, respectively. However, in doing so they made the faux pas of including the flag of Saudi Arabia, which bears the Islamic declaration of faith. Outraged Saudi Arabian officials said “Printing the creed on disposable items is completely unacceptable”, these items were discontinued.

Keeper plan backfires

North Korea’s plan to boost their attacking options at the World Cup by naming striker Kim Myong-won as a back up keeper has backfired. Manager, Kim-Jong-hun, only named two regular keepers in his squad but has been told by FIFA officials that Kim, listed as the No3 will only be allowed to play as a goalkeeper, not as an outfield player. FIFA increased squad sizes from 22 to 23 for the 2002 World Cup.

England v France Friday 18 June Group C

I know we are supposed to be playing Algeria in Cape Town but looking at their squad, I may have been right first time. Only six of the 23 man party are born in Algeria, the remaining 17 are all born in France! Only Lounes Gaouaoui (1), Rafik Halliche (5), Rafik Saifi (10), Abdekader Laifaoui (14), Faouzi Chaochi (16) and Djamel Mesbah (20) are Algerian by birth.

Old Man James

David James made his international debut against Mexico in 1997, every member of the England side, with the exception of Robbie Fowler, has since retired. And let’s be honest Robbie is only topping up his pension in the A League.