West Ham's England representatives have returned from the World Cup today and it's fair to say they have not returned in a blaze of glory.
Robert Green's World Cup was over after being beaten by Clint Dempsey's daisy cutter in the first match. Although tere was clearly fault with the Green one for that goal, I don't think David James exactly covered himself with glory in the Germany match. Green has been okay for us in thelast season but we are well aware he is capable of an error or two. I don't believe this makes him a bad keeper, all keepers make errors, and he is still big asset for us, especially if we improve the defence in front of him. However, with one year of his contract to go, I would not be surprised if Greeno looks for pastures new before the start of the season.
Matthew Upson had an interesting time, playing reasonably well against Slovenia but falling victim to the ruthless Germans at the weekend. Playing on his preferred left side, Upson should have been more comfortable in his role. However, it was also clear that terry was pushing forward and Upson had quite a bit of clearing up to do at the back. He is still a strong centre half but his future would seem to lie at club rather than country level.
It seems like I'm a bit down on the Hammers boys, but it's a refelction of the England team's performance as a whole that I feel that way. I think only Ashley Cole and James Milner can hold their heads really high, and I jsut hope they are part of a new generation that does not wear the burden of the nation's expectations so heavily on their shoulders.
Now, bring on the Premier League!