Betting on England v France and Capello’s new look team

Fabio Capello has reinforced his rule of iron over the England team by choosing Rio Ferdinand over John Terry as captain for tonight’s friendly encounter with France at the Stade de France. Rumours abound among sports betting enthusiasts that Terry is being punished for his antics at White Hart Lane last week when he took on the referee, Mike Riley, over his response to Ashley Cole’s disgraceful tackle on Tottenham’s Alan Hutton. Capello has stated that he regards England players, particularly the captain, as role models for young people and Ferdinand, now rehabilitated after various past delinquencies, is seen as a man who can overcome his weaknesses and take on the mantle of a responsible being.

David Beckham returns to the team and, in the process will gain his 100th cap joining the select few of godlike figures of Bobby Moore, Bobby Charlton, Billy Wright and Peter Shilton. Opinion is divided on whether Beckham deserves to be among such exalted company but both Capello and the great man himself believe he will be in the next World Cup in 2010.

Meanwhile, the French coach, Raymond Domenech, appears to have chosen his team on the basis of astrology. He denies this but admits it is an influence on his thinking. ‘All parameters have to be considered’ he says. Perhaps online betting fans might like to follow his example in their efforts to determine the outcome of the match. Domenech (Aquarius with Virgo rising) has, in the past, attributed personal issues with Robert Pires to the fact that the French midfielder is a Scorpio and that this meant Pires always worked against him. There were no Scorpios in last night’s France’s B international against Mali nor are there any in tonight’s squad. Fortunately for England, Rooney and captain, Ferdinand, are both Scorpios. Capello’s genius knows no bounds.

This is just as well because Capello believes tonight’s match to be the hardest of England’s forthcoming three friendlies before the World Cup qualifying campaign. Following the French match England meet the United States in May and the Czech Republic in August. Both games are at Wembley. The England coach points out that France is a strong team and, on their home ground, will be a force to be reckoned with. Encouragingly, and revealing his strength as a manager, he welcomes this as a hard but rewarding test if we play positively.