The big difference between England Cricket and England Football right now is not just the obvious one of success (taking on and maybe beating Australia? <a href=”http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/internationals/4224742.stm”>Losing to Northern Ireland 1-0?</a>), it’s one of selection.<br />
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Sven doesn’t know his best team, or how to play them. Beckham in a holding, central role? Rooney up front or out wide to accomodate Owen? Gerrard on the left? It’s all so confused.<br />
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Cricket? The 11 pick themselves. The only dilemma has been whether to pick Collingwood or Anderson to replace the injured Simon Jones. Collingwood, you feel, got the nod for his all-round contribution and team-ethos. Anderson can get too down on himself, and in a clutch test, you need everyone to be on fire.<br />
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So, as the Oval test starts, the overpaid footballers lose to a team ranked 110+ in the world, and the crickers take centre stage. They have the right team ethic, and win or lose, play aggressive, clever cricket. The footballers look spineless in comparison. <br />
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Of course, once the Ashes are over, it will be a free run for football for months. <br />
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