Morning:
14°c
Russian spy Sergei Baltacha sees John Terry as weak link
Andrew Hodgson09.10.09
John Terry will be given a rough ride by his former Chelsea team-mate Andriy Shevchenko, according to the Russian sent to spy on England for tomorrow's opponents.
Sergei Baltacha, father of top British tennis player Elena, has compiled a dossier on England for his former international team-mate Oleksiy Mykhailychenko.
The pair were in the Russia team who smashed England 3-1 at Euro 88 and Mykhailychenko has dispatched former Ipswich star Baltacha to watch all eight of our World Cup qualifiers.
The London-based PE teacher's verdict will make uncomfortable reading for England skipper Terry.
Baltacha said: “There is nothing special about this England team. I will bet on a 1-0 score to the Ukraine.
“England defenders are slow and they are not of a high level. That is why John Terry is not playing for a European team. He will always have a bad time playing against a long-legged forward.
“You need leaders and I believe Shevchenko will become one against Terry and will outplay him.”
Shevchenko is unlikely to start tomorrow's qualifier but Fabio Capello is well aware of the damage he could cause from the bench.
“When I was coaching in Italy, Shevchenko always scored against me,” the England manager said.
“He has a great record which he maintained when we beat Ukraine at Wembley. Even though he came on as a substitute with only 20 minutes to go, he still managed to put the ball in the net.”
Judged a failure after his £31million move to Chelsea yeilded just nine goals from 48 appearances, Shevchenko has returned to Dinamo Kiev, where he has scored twice in four appearances.
However, he has netted 42 times in 90 games for his country, having made his debut in 1995.
Reader views (4)
Sergei Baltacha was the best player I have ever watched play for St Johnstone, has nearly 100 caps for the USSR so to say "What sort of football association uses a PE teacher and failed tennis coach to give advice on opponents anyway" shows a lack of knowledge on your part.
I still think England will be too strong for Ukraine. As to whether the team are special or not, that will be proved next summer when for once you have a quality manager and players who have belief in your team
- Martin Hawkins, Perth, Scotland
Hope Mr Baltacha is enjoying his 30 seconds of fame. Based on the past three years, Shevchenko would have difficulty in giving a rough ride to Blue Square league defender these days, let alone the Europe's best centre half (as voted for by UEFA).
- Blue Baby, London
Dead right Charlie, I'm afraid Sheva couldn't outpace a dead donkey. What sort of football association uses a PE teacher and failed tennis coach to give advice on opponents anyway.
- Bluetooth, London
I should stick to helping your daughter on the tennis court, Comrade Baltacha, as it seems you know very little about English football and the Premiership. If you think defending is just about physical speed then you and your countrymen are done for.
According to your delusions, therefore, the Manager/Coaches of all of the Champions League Clubs have got it totally wrong, for the past two seasons, in voting the England Captain the best defender in Europe, then. Buffoon.
- Charlie, Nr. Crackpot, North Yorkshire
