Football Chat: Euro 2012 predictions and my take on Arsenal’s summer signings

Rooney transferred his club form onto the international stage

England impress…

England are now certain to qualify from the weak Group G. Their 3-0 win in Sofia against Bulgaria was a stroll in the park with all three goals coming in the first half against a poor looking home team. England were professional and efficient but it was all too easy for them. They now play Wales at home on Tuesday followed by Montenegro away and are certs to qualify as Group G winners for next year’s European finals. England have plenty of talent, I just hope they are not crocked or too tired come next summer otherwise it will the usual disappointment. Wales did well beating Montenegro both for themselves and England. But it was their first Group G points and it’s all too little too late.

All to do for the Irish…

The Republic of Ireland could still make it but Robbie Keane’s easy miss in Saturday’s home 0-0 draw with Slovakia makes it very tight and they will do brilliantly to get anything in Russia on Tuesday. Had the Republic beaten Slovakia then a point might be enough but not now. Still, they do have a chance. You could say the same about Northern Ireland who have a game in hand and are two points behind second place in their group. Serbia also have a game in hand and won 1-0 at Windsor Park on Saturday and with Italy well placed to take top spot I cannot see Northern Ireland doing it. The Irish have being doing well at home in recent seasons but this result looks like being their undoing this time round as manager Nigel Worthington is going to have to rely on big favours from other countries!

Poor refereeing leaves Scotland undone…

Scotland were robbed of a last gasp penalty by referee Kevin Bloom of Holland. I don’t like blaming referees but this one was poor. He missed a penalty to the Czech Republic, then gave them one that was a dive. He then managed to book Christophe Berra for diving when he was clearly fouled for a penalty that was not given! Scotland could still qualify but I fear they have far too much to make up. That 2-2 draw has almost certainly now cost them qualification.

My thoughts on Arsenal’s summer signing…

A few of my Twitter followers have asked for feedback on the Arsenal signings. Here’s what I think to Wenger’s purchases…

Per Mertesacker has won 75 caps for Germany and is 27 next month so he comes with a lot of experience. His style is that of an old fashioned English type centre-half. An £8m signing from Werder Bremen, at 6ft 6ins he does lacks mobility. Saying that he will have quicker players around him and should help the defence cut out threats in the air. Decent signing.

Park Chu-Young is a 26-year-old forward who came in for nearly £3m from Monaco (Wenger’s old club). He is the best striker from Korea and captain of his national side. He’s quick, scores goals and is a threat with set-pieces.

Brazilian left back, Andre Santos came in for around the £6m mark from Turkish side Fenerbache. At 28-years-of-age he is not better than what they had at Arsenal. Poorest of the summer signings in my opinion. Wenger should have bought Gary Cahill from Bolton much earlier in the summer and I feel there are still not enough top British Premier League players at the Emirates.

Finally, the Mikel Arteta signing is a good move for Arsenal and is a real talent. It’s nice to see Arsene Wenger is signing players with proven Premier League experience. Yossi Benayoun could be useful on loan and is also worth a shot

Beckford joins Leicester…

My team Leicester City have signed striker Jermaine Beckford from Everton for half the reported fee of £6m. I hope he does the business for Sven-Goran Eriksson who has spent a fortune by Championship standards. Beckford was deemed not good enough for Everton so will he be good enough for Leicester? We’ll soon find out…

Player of the month…

Once again I have a voted for my Barclays Premier League Manager and Player of the Month. My managerial vote for August went to Sir Alex Ferguson of Manchester United and player has to be Manchester City’s in-form striker Edin Dzeko. These two were the eventual winners of the August award.

For more from Gary Newbon, visit his official site at garynewbon.com.

Recent Posts on Sport - Latest analysis on the Sporting world -

• Bayern Munich in last chance saloon against Chelsea
• 2012 Olympics: Who said there are no shortcuts in sport?
• iBet: Back goals in the Championship play-off final
• iBet: Chelsea beware, Bayern Munich are formidable at home
• Via the World: From the Kuroshiocurrent to capsizing