Your Shout - views on World Cup referee decisions and England players positions

Published: 24 June, 2010

LIKE most supporters across the country I’m bamboozled as to why Fabio Capello was reluctant to play Joe Cole in England’s opening World Cup games.

The former Haverstock schoolboy is one of the most creative players in the squad and could have easily helped England avoid the Slovenia nail-biter.

I’m also a huge Tottenham fan, however, and believe in pulling the positives.

The reality is that the quieter Cole is in South Africa the more chance we have of capturing his signature when he returns home.

As a free agent there is already a host of clubs, including those Gonners down the road, interesting in capturing Cole. 

If in being robbed of a chance to shine at the World Cup means that Harry Redknapp has a better chance of using his family leverage to bring Cole to the Lane than so be it.

After all, for me it always has to be club above country.

STEVEN ELLIS, NW5

Flair players are sadly missing

YOUR Match Point column (June 17) suggested that so far the World Cup has been a success.I think Steve Barnett’s in a minority of one.

A combination of the irritating vuvuzelas and refereeing performances have made the tournament about as exciting to watch as the latest series of Big Brother… or any series of Big Brother.

There has been a distinct lack of creative flair, and so far the likes of Kaka, Messi, Rooney and Ronaldo have gone missing.

Note to Cesc Fabregas: Iniesta and Xavi are still keeping you out of Spain’s starting line-up, so why join Barcelona?
JAMIE COLLINS, N1