In a twist of events, Steve McClaren named John Terry as England skipper, while Gerrard has to contend with being his understudy. Well, Gerrard has always been viewed as having a slightly higher chance to take over the armband from Becks but somehow, Terry was picked instead. I admit I'm a teeny bit sore to see a Chelski player captaining England, and scoring a one-up against a Liverpool player, but nevertheless, Terry is a worthy candidate - he just happens to be in Chelsea. Can't help feeling sore about it though.

Ironically enough, Pool face Chelsea this weekend for the FA Community Shield. It'll be a chance for me to view the new Reds in action. Looking forward to Jermaine Pennant, Craig Bellamy, Mark Gonzalez etcetc. Must say that Rafa has made quite a few interesting buys this pre-season. Of course, doubt can be cast over his previous flopped signings, the biggest disappointment being Morientes and Nunez, but we'll just see how it goes. It's already looking pretty promising after their first Champs League qualifier against Maccabi Haifa where Bellamy and Pennant netted on their Liverpool debuts.

Anyway, I'm darn happy to be going to UK - York specifically - cos it's kinda near Liverpool. Imagine being surrounded and totally immersed in Soccermania. Wheeee! (: