England v Hungry

[carlton23]

I quite enjoyed the game this evening, how about you? Well done Gerrard, but what`s up with Rooney, too much Colleen?

[Buenchico]

In what other sport would a player be selected for international competition if he smoked? Can you imagine UK Athletics wanting a smoker to compete at international level in the 100m? Even cricket (where 'out of condition' players used to be able to compete at international level) now expects players to be at the peak of their fitness.

I used to referee local league football in Sheffield, back in the 1980s. Even then, several Sunday league sides had a rule that no player would be selected if he smoked. Yet we've still got the situation where our national team manager is selecting a player who he knows is less fit than he could be. Utter madness!

Chris

[craft1948]

Actually Chris I think quite a few athletes smoke.....

[mightyWBA]

Quite a few players smoke...Berbatov of Man U does....Not forgetting past players such as Cruyff,Socrates and Maradona..(who not only smoked but snorted and used his hand!)
I'm sure Rooney is as fit as a butchers dog.

[craft1948]

Zidane smoked as well...

[mark01]

I dont think smoking or drinking affects the players - theyre fitter than than any previous generation.

[piggynose]

whats his diet like?
burgers and more burgers