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| Come On England! |
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| Wednesday, 14 June 2006 | |
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Group B Striker Wayne Rooney could make the England bench after coach Sven-Goran Eriksson described him as "match fit". But right-back Gary Neville (calf) is doubtful after being sent to hospital for a scan, with either Owen Hargreaves or Jamie Carragher set to deputise. West Ham's Shaka Hislop will continue to fill in for injured Trinidad and Tobago goalkeeper Kelvin Jack. Defender Brent Sancho keeps his place but full-back Avery John is suspended.
England (probable): Robinson, Hargreaves/Carragher, Ferdinand, Terry, A Cole; Beckham, Lampard, Gerrard, J Cole, Owen, Crouch. Trinidad & Tobago (probable): Hislop, Lawrence, Sancho, Gray, Edwards, Samuel, Birchall, Theobald, Jones, S John, Yorke. Referee: Toru Kamikawa (Japan) Eriksson said that Michael Owen is likely to start in attack alongside Peter Crouch for England's second Group B match but his biggest selection poser is over the participation of Rooney.
His appearance at the finals has been the subject of fevered debate since he broke his foot against Chelsea on 29 April. The coach revealed he would sleep on the decision as to whether he would risk Rooney as a substitute, but insists there is no chance that 20-year-old will actually start the match. His decision comes against a backdrop where some reports suggest the FA could face legal action if the Manchester United striker suffers a secondary injury. Eriksson may consider sending on 17-year-old Theo Walcott up front if Michael Owen, who was substituted after 55 minutes of Saturday's 1-0 win over Paraguay, fails to last out again. Former United striker Dwight Yorke, perhaps the best known of the Trinidad and Tobago squad, has warned England will face a physical game. Conditions are also likely to be tough, with the temperature possibly reaching 28C despite the match kicking off in the early evening. It will also be a battle of the giants as Crouch tussles with Trinidad's Dennis Lawrence, the Wrexham defender who is also 6ft 7ins tall. BIG MATCH STATS
Progress possibilities
If England beat Trinidad & Tobago they will be certain of a place in the second round. If England win and the later match between Sweden and Paraguay is drawn, England will be the winners of Group B. Head-to-heads This will be the first international between England and Trinidad & Tobago. Trinidad & Tobago is the 11th Commonwealth nation to play England in an official international. England's 21 previous games against Commonwealth opposition have resulted in 17 wins for England, three draws and one defeat. The sole defeat was 1-3 against Australia in February 2003. Team facts - England England are participating in the World Cup for the 12th time. From Europe, only Germany and Italy have taken part more often. The 1966 winners reached the quarter-finals four years ago, when they were eliminated by the eventual World Champions Brazil. England have only failed to progress from the group stage on two occasions, in 1950 and 1958. Team facts - Trinidad & Tobago Trinidad & Tobago were the first of the six debutants at the 2006 World Cup to pick up a point, drawing with Sweden in their first match. T & T are unbeaten in five competitive contests. Player facts - England Steven Gerrard and Peter Crouch run the risk of suspension if they receive another yellow card. Theo Walcott could become the second youngest player ever at a World Cup. Should he take the field against T & T, the Arsenal youngster would be playing at the age of 17 years and 91 days, only 50 days older than all-time record holder Norman Whiteside. If Walcott scores, he will be the youngest ever goalscorer, beating Pele's record of 17 years and 239 days. Player facts - Trinidad & Tobago Avery John is suspended against England having received the first red card of the 2006 World Cup in Trinidad & Tobago's opener against Sweden. Dwight Yorke will be suspended for the match against Paraguay if he receives a yellow card. Marvin Andrews is the most capped player in Trinidad's squad. He has 98 international matches to his name. He didn't play in Trinidad's opener. Stern John is the top scorer with 65 goals in 96 matches. Miscellaneous Info England have won every match that Peter Crouch has appeared in, while they've won 10 and drawn one of the last 11 matches in which Wayne Rooney has not played. Trinidad's Leo Beenhakker is coaching at the World Cup for a second time. He has yet to win a match. In 1990, he led Holland to the last 16 where they suffered a 2-1 defeat at the hands of West Germany.
Big Match Stats source: Infostrada Sports           Readers have left 31 comments.
Abu Abdullah:
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You treacherous pieces of filthy scum.
1. What does football have to do with "political jihad"? 2. With all that is happening to the ummah, why do you try and sidetrack Muslims with such trivial issues? Account to Allah for the 90 minutes you spend in front of the fitna box 2moro. 3. The Crusader Cross - enough said 4. Nationalism and Patriotism is haram
(1)
2006-06-14 23:22:43
Fahad:
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Thank you MPAC for reminding us of this fard ayn. Once again the mosques and isocs have let the Ummah down. Long live MPAC!!!
(2)
2006-06-14 23:48:13
Rob:
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The point numb nuts is that MPACUK is offering light hearted support for the national side, saying that the flag is the crusader cross(it isn't by the way, it's St Georges, even if it was it was 700 years ago!)is that why u can't support football, please that is so sad, do u want people like me to imagine everytime i see a crescent or a guy with a beard it's Al Queda? What u are saying is silly and i won't comment further, IT IS A GAME!
(3)
2006-06-15 05:47:49
Dr Anthony McRoy:
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If British Muslims do not demonstrate an identification with the UK, they will never be able to mobilise the wider British people around the issues that concern them - Iraq, Palestine, Iran, etc. If government policy in these areas is to be changed, then the UK Muslim community must be able to argue not just that these policies are hostile to the Ummah, but also that they damage British interests. Otherwise non-Muslim Britons won't listen.
Similarly, if British Muslims don't utilise the Union flag and the distinctive flags of the four constituent nations of the UK - including the English flag - in their campaigns, than their enemies - especially the BNP, but including others, such as the Labour government in its policies on Iraq and Iran - will use those flags against them. Islamophobes of all descriptions from the BNP and the pro-Israeli militants to media Islamophobes all like to present Muslims as a hostile fifth column who aren't really British. This both raises hostility against Muslims and undercuts their campaigning for issues of concern, both foreign and domestic. Moreover, given the strong feelings of the British,especially the English, about football (particularly at present, it is a smart and vital PR move to cheer the England team. It undermines media Islamophobic, BNP, pro-Israeli extremist and Hard Right propaganda against British Muslims - nothing is more British than supporting the national football team of one's constituent UK nation! By posting this headline, MPAC struck a blow against the BNP and all other Islamophobes. And by the way, I'm Irish! But Come on England!
(4)
2006-06-15 06:32:17
Ahmed:
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I agree with Abu Abdullah, this is an insult to Islam, what is the connection suddently to a mindless sport that encourages violence and racism against our brothers.
We must support Saudi, Algeria and Iran if anything.
(5)
2006-06-15 07:48:00
truth:
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Haha, thats great.
MPAC talks about football in the midst of the israeli massacre of innocent civilians. Surely you should have better things to be concerned about? P.S I'm not muslim, but I hate football anyway.
(6)
2006-06-15 07:56:16
Ceebee Philips:
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Abu Abdullah, you really are doing a lot to mend fences, aren't you? The Muslim community wants us all to love and respect you and then you drop by with a comment like the one you posted. Multiculturalism will never work. Recently I have been out and about to the opera at Covent Garden, the ballet, a concert at the Albert Hall and an art exhibition. I saw only 'Crusaders' at these events. If you think footie is an affront to Islam then how can you expect to integrate into this society and expect reconciliation after Forest Gate?
(7)
2006-06-15 08:22:40
Abu Abdullah:
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The first time in history that England used the St George's Cross was during the Crusades to distinguish them from the othher nations. Currently the BNP is renowned for its use of the flag. Muslims have grown up in Britain being beaten and abused by skinheads wearing this flag. In school, this flag was drawn on lockers belonging to Muslims as a sign of intimidation. Now we are expected to drape ourselves in the same flag.
This is not to say that every person who flies an English flag is a racist but when British police persecute the Muslim community on a daily basis, when British judges rule that Muslims can be extradited to countries where they are sure to be tortured, when British intelligence is complicit in the kidnapping and torture of Muslims, when British ministers draft ddraconian laws which are used to depoliticise Islam and criminalise our community, when British press demonise Islam and Muslims, then tell me, why would any Muslim in his right mind proudly fly this flag. You cant step all over an individual and then ask him to back you up in a fight to show a facade of unity. Ceebee Phillips - why is the onus always on Muslims to mend fences - pre-dawn raids based on false intelligence were taking place for 2 years before 7-7. Because come July 10th, the World Cup will be over, the flags will come down but the persecution of Muslims in Britain will continue.
(8)
2006-06-15 09:52:27
shah:
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come on England... i really think this time they can go all the way.
on a side note, i don;t think any of the critical comments here are from muslims, the arguments just don't follow. especailly the one about defocusing from israel, have they seen the front page. also in regards to the st george's cross, get over yourself you idiot. and bury your head in the zionist facist hole you peeped out of.
(9)
2006-06-15 10:19:28
Raja:
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I don't believe that there is still people thinking its bad to support the national team. I am a muslim, I pray 5 times a day and YES I support England. I am wearing an England football shirt right now as I am typing this message.
There is no harm in supporting England we live in this country, so we have to take part in its celebrations. Since when has football been a problem to the muslim ummah. Football is the only game that builds bridges between communities. And that comment about it being a crusader cross. I have studied the crusade wars and let me tell you this it wasn't this flag that massacred muslims in Palestine. It was the first crusade which was launched by France that massacred muslims. The crusade of Richard the Lionheart never even entered Palestine. Saladen and his army made sure of that. This was the third Crusade. Saladen himself has reported as saying that he had alot of respect for Richard the Lionheart. Get your head out of the clouds Abu Abdullah.
(10)
2006-06-15 12:32:11
AbuAamanea:
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Whilst i share the sentiments of brother Abu Abdullah, I would not of said it that way, but he spoke the haaq. 22 men kicking a ball for 90 minutes is a waste of time and money, not just for muslims but for all of mankind. Why this group MPAC call all people to this distraction only they and God know, and we will all be questioned what we do with our time, I personally would not want to die in front of the TV worshipping these idols. I encourage u all to reject the advise from this group and spend your time on more proactive and better things. This applies to all human beings. Peace.
(11)
2006-06-15 13:07:04
muslim teen:
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Abdullah I think you are totally over-reacting. What is wrong with supporting OUR country who, in my opinion, are very good at football?
Off course we have to remember the things that are happening worldwide but we also have 2 loosen up a little occasionally and enjoy what life has to offer. What the world cup shows is the unity of all these countries and as well as supporting England, i also support Saudi, Tunisia and Iran. - I tell you what would be a wicked game - Iran V USA!! :) And i think MPACUK are doing a good thing supporting england. COME ON ENGLAND!!! WOOO!!! (",)
(12)
2006-06-15 16:18:37
ilmwear the t-shirt people:
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At this time, I would argue that it's more important to connect various communities with previous Historical events. After all it's that same flag which is used in the sporting arena, which has been/is carried into other countries in the name of war and colonialism amongst other things. Why else would coalition forces attempt to remove 'Allahu Akbar' from the Iraqi flag, whilst the United States tried to flood Iraq with videos/books on Christianity (not I feel for dialogue).
I see no wrong in supporting a club/national sports team, but steps towards flying such flags are maybe too far - especially as one of the things that hazrat Isa(as) will do is break the cross. I remember seeing promotional pictures of multiculturalism with a sister wearing a Union Jack hijab, which didn't sit too well with me. The question then arises is, would it be okay to fly an England flag from a mosque, or for individuals to wear England paraphernalia emblazoned with crosses inside a mosque whilst praying? The same argument could be extended to Muslims wearing crosses, because for the wider public, they are merely fashion and show little affiliation to the tenants of Christianity. David Beckham being an example - having been brought up as a Jew, but ably sporting tattoo designs with crosses. For Muslims supporting Liverpool football team, the same challenges arise, as their sponsor is an alcoholic beverage company, that has its logo emblazoned across the front of the shirt in big letters. In Scotland and Northern Ireland, wearing colours and sectarianism has lead to a lot of strife. In some areas, like shopping centres, football colours are prohibited - because things like cricket and football have always been linked with politics and religion (Enoch Powell and Norman Tebbit spring to mind) [there are some interesting articles surrounding racism and cricket in the CRE publication Catalyst Magazine which you can look at online] Academics like Chomsky have also written on such things [read/watch 'Manufacturing Consent']. By using Sport in this way, it is a subtle way to set the agenda for other more serious concepts. If we look to the United States for example, their demonstration of 'fair play' lies in encouraging teems of ethnic minorities into, sport and music. This offers a distraction, helps to galvanise individuals whilst dissolving themselves of many responsibilities associated with incidents like the handling of the New Orleans floods and Guantanamo. Over half of front line soldiers in Iraq are from ethnic minorities; which it could be argued would not have been achieved, without so many icons on Olympic podiums draped in the same colours, or designer label clothing which sanitises a past, which still has bearing on the present. For these reasons, many non-Muslim academics and informed individuals would fee reticent about extending further than merely supporting a team, as opposed to going the full hog and sporting the colours. I exclude politicians from this group, as they have ulterior motives. At times it seems that the only two communities that wear these garments with fervour are ethnic communities and those concerned with the threat of a 'dilution' of society with the presence of multi-culturalism. All actions are judged by intention as we are told. The role for us as teachers is to furnish individuals with all the relevant facts - to enable those concerned to make informed judgements. I would be interested to know if any scholars have produced literature on this field. This is also an opportunity to discuss such sporting legends as: - The Native American Jim Thorpe and his struggles against racism and prejudice; not to mention the treatment of the community as a whole - Muhammad Ali's anti-War stance in Vietnam and the price that he paid - Paul Robeson, the scholar, athlete, actor and activist My concern is that all of this is a lizard-hole.
(13)
2006-06-15 16:46:20
Abu Tahir:
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Don't Be A Fool
Such an extreme lack of intelect once again makes the Muslims the laughing stock of the world. Fancy showing loyalty to a country by supporting it's football team, despite that country waging war against our brothers and sisters. Our brothers and sisters here in England suddenly feel patriotic to the English campaign in a trivial and insignificant football tournament in Germany. Whilst our brothers and sisters suffer at the hands of the enemies of Allah The Almighty Creator of All Things and his beloved Prophet Muhammad Peace and Blessings Be Upon Him, Muslim brothers and sisters have joined in with the host nations support of the England Football Team in the World Cup 2006 by displaying in their homes and cars the flag of the 'Dragon Slayer'St George's Red Cross which is the symbol of the Christians fighting against Islam. The Red Cross depicting the blood of the Muslims is an insensitive reminder of the Crusades. The Crusades were Christiandom launching a brutal and savage holy war against Islam. This historical reminder is offensive to all Muslims and non Muslims all over the world. So please my dear brothers and sisters refrain from this and put your enthusiasm, passion and support into something that will benefit the suffering Ummah all over the world.
(14)
2006-06-15 17:23:05
Mpacs too funny:
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lol i love playing football and at odd occasions watching it, but hey Mpac u'v took it too far this time right lol stop being so Patriotic , your only doing this to mix in with the white folk and to be known and heard, for fame i guess. stop bowing down to England, u foolz. Supportem but, hey! arnt u meant to save a Palestinian child with your time or have you got enough time to waste on Wane Rooney, recalling in your extract, many at times of how much england needs him.
(15)
2006-06-15 21:15:37
Fahad:
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Ceebie Phillips: "If you think footie is an affront to Islam then how can you expect to integrate into this society and expect reconciliation after Forest Gate?"
Firstly, I dont think Abu Abdullah was against footy per se but against mpac calling on people to support England on what is supposed to be a site to activate Muslims in "political jihad" Secondly, your comments seem to indicate that Muslims are somehow to blame for the Forest Gate shooting. It is the British government and police which should be begging for the forgiveness of the brothers who were falsely arrested and not Muslims begging for reconciliation. Your comments are inherently ignorant and racist where you expect the victim to repeatedly apologise for being oppressed. As for Muslim Teen - if it was your blood brother who was shot 2 weeks ago or your father who is being tortured in Guantanamo or your sister being raped in Iraq, would you "loosen up a little and enjoy what life has to offer". We are comfortable in our cushy homes and that is why we have the luxury to "loosen up". Millions of our brothers and sisters dont have that luxury.
(16)
2006-06-15 22:52:17
ilmwear the t-shirt people:
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...also, if tactical voting and boycott are the calls of the day, then why not support the Trinis? Why not support the countries who aren't sending troops into Iraq, or banning the hijab?
Not so long ago, if West Indies were playing England at cricket, then Pakistanis would support the Windies... and in the same way Caribbeans supported Pakistan. It was politics and a statement of unity against those who had colonised and enslaved other peoples and their land. Not to mention you'd be in the same company as Scotland's First Minister Jack McConnell and Alex Salmond - who said they would both be supporting Trinidad and Tobago. If any of you were travelling home on public transport this evening you may have seen or had to stand next to drunk, reeking, loutish England supporters shouting "Engur-land-ah" in your face. I'm sure that 'they' only want you to support 'their' team, if: (a) you can actually play, score goals and help them win (b) part with your hard earned cash (c) they can have a laugh at our expense at how impressionable we are. How many Brit ex-pats support the national teams of the countries where they go and work, or would fly their flag? (and you can't include Peter Kay's character wearing a Pakistan cricket shirt)
(17)
2006-06-16 00:00:55
unecessary!:
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Theres nothing wrong with football or with supporting England- but what i do find rather hilarious is how MPAC have manged to fit this article in between the massacre in Gaza and Islamophobia in britain etc etc- im sorry it just doesnt seem to fit! i really didnt expect MPAC to feel they overtly need to confirm their support for the national team- just because u choose to stand up against injustices being carried out by your government doesnt mean u have to justify tht tht doesnt extend to the football team- its just football! there are more important things to worry abt in the world! and MPAC should stick to tht!- by all means watch play and support ur teams
All im saying is tht this article wasnt really necessary and out of context being put between more serious issues like the massacre in gaza etc.
(18)
2006-06-16 13:31:04
waqar:
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Mpac must be off their rockers if they showing this kind of blatant nationalism for a country whose flag is the crusader flag, you don't have to kiss englands backside to live as a muslim in the uk you know. It was only last week 2 brothers where arrested and one of them shot by englands boys in blue.... and for those who think politics and sport don't mix read up on history sporting events are entrenced with politics!
(19)
2006-06-16 16:06:59
billy best:
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Waqar you really show why you and the rest of the islamofascists will never fit into a democratic society.The majority of muslims who live here do so and live in peace but people like you who see everything in this country as an affront to islam will be the downfall to the rest.If it is really so bad here for you ,then why stay ? The UK is not an islamic state and we do not live under islamic law or custom , get used to that .
(20)
2006-06-16 19:40:10
yfeer:
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Football is a sport and it is one of the best things to come out of modernity. A game of physical challenge and enjoyment. Have you seen the recent 'sponsor an orphan' advert on TV, where a young African kid says how he loves football and makes his own ball out of plastic and string? Did you see the joy on those poor kids faces? Those kids enjoyed it amidst poverty. It is only spoiled by politics. If you gave a football to the poor kids in Palestine regardless of whether they are being oppressed I am pretty sure they would have a kick about if they could, and have smiles on their faces. So don't talk nonsense that this is haraam , it's only haraam if u make it. Leave politics out of the beautiful game. I think this is the 1st post by MPAC not to do with the normal Islamic topics and you're crying like babies- loosen up.
(21)
2006-06-16 23:52:46
Abu Abdullah:
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Just wondering when MPAC will be sending out an action alert for Muslims to contact Buckingham Palace to wish the Queen a Happy Birthday and prove our Englishness?
(22)
2006-06-17 08:32:40
English Hijabi:
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I would like to invite all my sisters to join me in wearing England flag hijabs on match days. Try it - you actually get compliments on your hijab from non-Muslims in the street! I think showing our support for our national team is powerful in the media jihad - fighting Islamophobia by destroying all those stereotypes about Muslims being foreign and treacherous. Come on England!
(23)
2006-06-17 15:13:40
Amandeep:
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Get used to "billy best" the Muslims DID NOT invent fascism, your religion did it as what religion was franco or (correctly) moshelini - YOURS!!
Also this is your standard, the world knows better than to accept your worthless rubbish as a "standard". You have no real worth do you!! Since your keyboard commando style again shows you are a boy in a mans world. Now go back to that stolen PS2!! IAM NOT A MUSLIM LITTLE BOY.
(24)
2006-06-17 20:28:00
idriss:
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Seems as though you guys have lost the plot! The symbol of the crusader flag is a clear proof of religious intent! world cup? Allah clearly marks the position of the cross in the quraan and the end of it to the fact that essa (Jesus) will come to break the cross is enough to prove the evil it projects what kind of political jihad is this? 22 overly paid womanizing 'drunk playboys who have more money than sense? Even non Muslims have noticed the overtly racists connotations it holds also it’s the flag of the extreme right Ulster unionist paramilitary group who have no problem killing non English people ! It’s enjoyed a revival in the last tens years strangely since the war in Iraq took on a new crusade which bush and Tony have no problem expressing in their talks even to the point of saying god inspired them to commit mass murder is this not Christian fundamentalist in action but some deaf Muslims choose to hear only what they want to hear!' they live in denial or maybe they really just don’t give a monkeys because of their double standards maybe their desires must dictate to them what is fair seeming to the selling of there hereafter? Yes Blair’s kind of Muslims those who agree with him will get on! While those of us who don’t will suffer tyranny....!? And if you think it’s just about a game of football then wait Allah's judgement between us!and see who was time wasting!
(25)
2006-06-19 00:07:17
suhail:
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Asa
Clearly there has been a quite dramatic polarisation of views here on the issue of supporting "our team" There are a no. Of points to be bourn in mind: 1) In a reverse situation ie amer khan, the boxer, would the good old brits support him on the basis of being Muslim? - p'haps not! 2) Are we as Muslims considered British? -the episode of the sister on the train would suggest not 3) why should we feel the need to demonstrate our "patriotism" so overtly to feel that we are accepted in this society. we should be accepted on our own merits - ie by what we contribute to the society thru our jobs as drs/lawyers/accountants etc and not by some token flag waving. 4) indeed many (not just Muslims) may consider it offensive to be confronted by the perceived symbol - rightly or wrongly- of Christian imperialism 5) whether mpac admit it or not this does trivialise their other v. imp. msg ie fighting against injustice and standing up for Muslims, esp. juxtaposed as it is b/w articles of israeli brutality (a point already made) 6) whilst living in Britain we inevitable must take on some norms and social mores of this culture eg dress/lang. we should never feel the need to "be like them" in all aspects esp. when it concerns such a profligate and decadent pastime as football 7) remember - neither east nor west, Islam is the best
(27)
2006-06-20 11:47:24
Raquib:
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"Treacherous piece of filthy scum"?
Can't we discuss, debate and differ without name calling and sometimes worse? While each Muslim thinks he has a monopoly on the truth and pours scorn and insult on every other we will never have unity. We will always be divided, weak and ineffectual. By creating obstacles to unity and harmony, you are doing the work of anti-Muslim fascists. Those who deny respect to their brothers and sisters will get none in return. Nor will they win people over to their point of view. The Prophet (saw) did not shout invective at the top of his voice. His soft voice and gentle manner conquered pagan hearts and turned them to the truth.
(28)
2006-06-20 12:33:16
Raquib:
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"English Hijabi" - a great idea to wear a hijab with the English Flag.
Wherever our parents came from, we have made our homes here. This is one of the best places in the world to live. Here we have freedom, democracy, justice, freedom of worship and respect for the individual. Let's show our pride in being Muslim and British. Islam is not a foreign religion and culture, but part of the fabric of Britain. Go England Go!!!
(29)
2006-06-20 12:41:45
solicitr:
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" when British police persecute the Muslim community on a daily basis, when British judges rule that Muslims can be extradited to countries where they are sure to be tortured, when British intelligence is complicit in the kidnapping and torture of Muslims, when British ministers draft ddraconian laws which are used to depoliticise Islam and criminalise our community, when British press demonise Islam and Muslims, then tell me, why would any Muslim in his right mind".......stay in Britain? I'm sure we'd both be happier if you went home.
(30)
2006-06-22 00:59:58
hello:
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Yes get out as the only damage to the world & UK commuinty does not want you socltr. So what religion was Philby or maxwell??
(31)
2006-06-22 17:11:15
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