Strike

So Alonso is out of the running... I think we will sign a midfielder in January. It is obvious that the CM position lacks quality and depth especially with van Ginkel's injury lay-off.

Arsenal too. They won the Top 4 trophy in 2012 because of RvP

Jagielka in for Cahill but yeah, that's about the best team England can put out. Can't believe Milner, Cleverley, etc still start for them.

Piazon has been very good for Vitesse so far, even PvA

Why was it allowed? The South Africa coach was pissed off

I was skeptical about this deal. 30mil on a position that didn't need strengthening. But it's nice to see him doing well.

that second goal was awesome. Controlled the ball, didn't even look at the keeper or the goal, just smashed it in. Bottom corner

He is 27 btw and yes, a class striker in his prime will definitely make a difference. No, not worth 50mil and there is also Lukaku trying to break into the first team. Don't think rumours are even remotely true. He probably went to watch our Belgians or some other player in the Colombia vs Belgium match.

Tough games for the top teams this weekend. Merseyside derby, Man City vs Spurs, Arsenal vs Soton...Can creep up back to 2nd with a win

Yeah. He has a contract till 2015 too unlike Terry, Cole etc and doesn't seem to have a big role in the squad.

Carrick out injured now but yeah, he isn't used often. Wilshere started with Milner on Friday. A man who has hardly started for City and that too rarely in Central Midfield. England don't have a strong settled core like some of the other top national teams. Roy is still experimenting - handing debuts to new 'flavour of the month' players. Germany should really walk over this England team.

How did the papers come to the conclusion that Jose was there to watch Falcao? It could have been any of the Belgian players who play for Chelsea. Could have been someone else among the two teams like say, Witsel. But they aren't worth 50million, so he's definitely there to watch Falcao...

Still no new contract. http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11668/9028204/

yeah, Loan move looks likely. Probably Bertrand Traore will be sixth choice then. He'll have gotten his work permit. edit: Not like he'll get to play anyway

In some cases, players won't get work-permit to play in England - eg Atsu. The Vitesse connection is useful

read somewhere it's three years under the age of 21. Lukaku, Kalas will be HG next year

The atmosphere is good in some games, especially the bigger ones but when the team is playing Cardiff, WBA etc it's quiet. it would be nice to see the crowd react more to the game. For eg - when a Chelsea player recovers the ball and starts off on a counter.

Marin on the bench again

Jose going to watch Belgium vs Colombia.The press, ofcourse is linking Chelsea to Falcao but I don't think it is to watch Falcao.

Messi out for 2 months. Ronaldo can finally win the Ballon d'or

I disagree with the main point. Lower fan expectation? This is a team which finished 3rd last year. Added more players and brought in a great manager. Expectations are to do better than last year and that's normal. Doesn't mean the fans are spoilt. Sure, the fans should have more patience but the expectations of challenging for the title are fine. Not over-ambitious at all Ofcourse the gameplay can be a lot better and with time, it will be, but transition isn't an excuse for not doing better in the league this year. Jose wants to build a dynasty but we shouldn't take a step backwards from last year. It's pretty much the same team, only better now. Oscar, Mata, Hazard have had a year of English football under their belt. Schurrle, Willian were added to challenge them/give depth. Pretty much no other changes and with the same base formation 4-4-1-1 or 4-2-31 whichever it is

Last season was transititon. We have a shot this year

this is the thing. Oscar can have a string of bad games and still start while Mata can't have a bad 45 mins or he'll get dropped

Can't break-down teams that defend deep.

Pass pass pass Ivanovic crosses..Blocked