England Will Have No Problems Getting to Brazil + other stories

Firstly, I do apologise that I had to abandon my second post from last week due to other commitments, but I am happy to say normal service has now been resumed. Enjoy!

Another World Cup draw, another seemingly straightforward route for England to reach Brazil in 2014. Everything will be playing into our hands. We have an ever-improving squad, with the likes of Ashley Young and Jack Wilshere getting better year after year. Also, by the time it comes around, we would have got rid of Capello, who, even if we miraculously won Euro 2012, would still probably be branded as rubbish. And that means another manager – hopefully a decent one this time. Harry Redknapp anyone? As long as he’s English, I’ll be happy, meaning that Redknapp is the only suitable option.

By the way, it’s only straightforward if we don’t do a ‘South Africa’ again. San Marino and Moldova should be – emphasis on ‘should be’ two walks in the park, whereas Poland and Ukraine may provide sterner tests. Hopefully they can avoid getting hit by flames like last time.

Capello: Will be gone by 2014

The other team in the group, Montenegro, is a tricky one. Not really sure how good they really are – they drew with us 0-0 at Wembley a few months ago, except they don’t really have a star player. They do have Roma’s Mirko Vucinic, but if I’m honest, he is only any good on FIFA.

I honestly think they can aim for a points total of about 24 out of 30, if they nick a good away win here and there. It would be a tricky challenge to go unbeaten, but as long as we qualify, I don’t think we’ll worry too much. Overall, it's a very pleasing draw

After all, it could have been worse. We could have got France. I’m glad Spain got them – a possible banana skin for the world champions is always a good thing. They do get to play less games than us, though, so they may have a greater advantage over us anyway. I suppose things always go for you when you’re on top of the world…

After a dire few months of no football whatsoever, at first I was pleased and pleasantly surprised when I remembered that the SPL starts in July now. Then I remembered the SPL is utterly boring, so I won’t say anything else on the subject.

Congratulations to Uruguay for winning Copa America. A couple of years ago, they were probably the most underrated country in the world, considering all the star players they possess. A 4th placed World Cup finish and now a continental title. What a massive achievement. And to knock out the hosts, Argentina, on the way demonstrates how rapidly they are becoming a force in world football again, as the victory now secures their position as the most successful team in South America.

I wouldn’t be surprised to see them up there in 3 years’ time. And to have the tournament in their continent should be a huge boost (though that never did work for England).

Manchester City’s signing of Sergio Aguero alone could see them pose a serious title challenge this season. There is no doubt he is a star player, and with or without Tevez, he could help City set the Premier League alight. If they make another star signing (fingers crossed it won’t be Nasri), they would probably look unbeatable.

Man City have, rather expectedly, been the best team with regards to summer signings. Well, it certainly isn’t Liverpool, who can’t even beat Hull. I think Charles N’Zogbia’s move to Villa was also a good one. Wigan may struggle now, if they could only scrape survival with him. They could spend the money gained from his transfer, but who in their right mind wants to play for Wigan?

Next week: A Premier League preview + predictions… Arsenal fans might not be very pleased!