Word on the street is that Newcastle captain Scott Parker will line up for England against Croatia as part of a five-man midfield as England opt to play it safe in Zagreb. Parker will reportedly play in front of a back three of Rio Ferdinand, Ledley King and skipper John Terry. Gary Neville and Ashley Cole will play as wing-backs,
with Stewart Downing dropping out after another s**t display in an England shirt.
I like Parker a lot – he’s a whole-hearted player, unlike some of his international colleagues – and hope he grabs this chance with both hands. What say you?