The Manchester United defender Wes Brown - the world's first entirely orange footballer - has announced his retirement from international duty with England. The thirty-year-old's announcement follows a similar one by Blackburn goalkeeper Paul Robinson earlier on Sunday. This will obviously come as a considerable surprise to most England supporters who believed that both had effectively retired from international football years ago. Wes Brown, the classic definition of modern times of that seventies staple 'the utility man' (i.e. someone who is a bit crap in a number of positions. See also Paul Madeley, Leeds United and England.)
In the weekend's other major football news, the Lack-of-Charity Shield at Wembley produced the first significant result of the new season: The Scum 3, Moscow Chelski FC 1.
And, finally, Fabio Capello has apologised for England's dismal World Cup and insisted he will fight to turn things around. The Italian coach avoided the sack as England boss after the tournament and begins the build-up to Euro 2012 with a friendly against Hungary on Wednesday. 'I say sorry to the fans that joined us in South Africa,' he said. Capello also said he would remind Wayne Rooney of his responsibilities after reports of poor behaviour by the player outside a nightclub last week. The England boss said he understood fans had 'spent a lot of time and money following England' in South Africa. 'I'm really sorry,' insisted Capello. 'But we have to look forward now for the European qualification matches.' Now, if only one or two of his players could manage the same level of 'at least trying to look like they mean it' ...
And, finally, Fabio Capello has apologised for England's dismal World Cup and insisted he will fight to turn things around. The Italian coach avoided the sack as England boss after the tournament and begins the build-up to Euro 2012 with a friendly against Hungary on Wednesday. 'I say sorry to the fans that joined us in South Africa,' he said. Capello also said he would remind Wayne Rooney of his responsibilities after reports of poor behaviour by the player outside a nightclub last week. The England boss said he understood fans had 'spent a lot of time and money following England' in South Africa. 'I'm really sorry,' insisted Capello. 'But we have to look forward now for the European qualification matches.' Now, if only one or two of his players could manage the same level of 'at least trying to look like they mean it' ...
