3390: World Cup 2006- How Was It for

by : Hugh Larkin

All the senior Premiership teams had a lot of their squad on duty in Germany. For some clubs the competition has been a bonus but for others the tournament has thrown up a lot of unwanted problems. Here’s how the Spurs players fared

Aaron Lennon

Tottenham get the ultimate result. A young player goes off to the Finals without too much expectation but comes back with confidence boosted without playing very often. Lennon should return well rested and raring to get into the Premiership season and commanding the respect off all the opposition defenders. Martin Jol probably can’t wait to start working with him again.

Michael Carrick

Mixed blessings here. The midfielder only started the one game but he’s probably not exactly had his confidence built up by Sven-Goran Eriksson’s tactical meanderings. Martin Jol will need to emphasise Carrick’s key role in the team, although the waters are muddied by the continued interest from Manchester United.

Jermaine Jenas

His World Cup was a non event but at least Spurs get another well rested player back. With a new England manager Jenas can be expected to hit the ground running in the new season to try to carve out a role in Steve McClaren’s first selection.

Paul Robinson

Still unchallenged as England No 1 keeper but he was another who appeared to have some moments of uncertainty in Germany. The whole England defence had some moments of doubt on set pieces but a few weeks working with familiar back four colleagues should iron out any apprehension. Overall his trip to Germany can only enhance his stature and provide crucial experience for Spurs European adventures.

Lee Young Pyo

Started all three matches for the Taeguk Warriors but the South Koreans couldn’t get out of their section. It was a creditable performance in what turned out to be a tough group and Lee is a very experienced international so he’ll take things in his stride. Should come back well tuned for the new campaign.

Jermaine Defoe

So how will Jermaine Defoe react to just missing out on the World Cup? Will he feel that his lack of matches for Spurs cost him dearly? Or will he put the blame on Eriksson and knuckle down to winning a place in McClaren’s first squad? With Owen and Rooney out of contention he surely has all the incentive to start hitting the net from the off and Spurs could be the beneficiaries as long as Defoe isn’t prised away.

Michael Dawson

Another to just miss out on the England squad but his situation was a wholly positive one. Was never really expected to be part of the 23 but he advanced his case significantly over last season-from Spurs point of view though it was better he had the summer off given the serious injury to Ledley King.

Grzegorz Rasiak

The Pole had left the club well before he was selected for his country’s World Cup squad. His World Cup was as successful as his Spurs career, lasting all of six minutes. Poland’s performances explained why the Southampton man made the squad and confirmed the wisdom of letting him go.

Hugh Larkin
10 July 2006