Good week, bad week

Impact: Adam Johnson scored England's third goal against Bulgaria

13 April 2012

We round up who had a great weekend of sport, and those who had one to forget.

GOOD WEEK

Adam Johnson
The 23-year-old's talent was gloriously on display last Friday. Tantalising the Wembley crowd with his 16-minute spell of scintillating wing play, Johnson surely impressed Fabio Capello.

When brought on from the bench, the Manchester City flyer flourished by testing and teasing Bulgaria's back-line. And he even scored against Stanimir Stoilov's side.

On receiving a Rooney pass, Johnson cut inside and slotted home with seven minutes to go.

He's not afraid to shoot and Capello shouldn't be afraid to pick Johnson more often.

Joe Hart
Manchester City's goalkeeper is going from strength to strength.

Although he conceded a last-gasp spot-kick to Sunderland, Hart has successfully protected his goal against Spurs and Liverpool in the league this season. While his international form isn't bad either.

Hart saved potential England blushes when he parried Chavdar Yankov's fizzing effort when one-on-one, in turn renewing defenders' faith in a position derided by Robert Green's fumble at the World Cup.

Capello should now take heart from finally finding a keeper so assured in his craft.

Jermain Defoe
With finishes such as the strikes that beat Bulgaria so clinical, Defoe can be an integral cog in the England team that seeks to come through qualifying unscathed.

Tottenham's forward made the ball speed into the net three times to draw delight from the Wembley crowd. A flashed finish from close range, a guided pass into the net and a well-placed strike will give Defoe even more confidence for the rest the campaign. Barring injury, more Group G games for the 27-year-old surely await him.

England's U21 team
Daniel Sturridge's 35th-minute goal gave England's U21 team a vital win against Portugal in Barcelos last Friday.

And a win for Stuart Pearce's youngsters on Tuesday against Lithuania should see them through to the European Championship play-off stages.

A few of these fledglings could be forcing their way into the senior fold soon.

England's T20 team
After the dark arts of the betting scam scandal hit cricket, England shined against Pakistan in the first T20 match on Sunday.

Eoin Morgan finished not-out on 38 and Michael Yardy was unbeaten on 35 as England chased down Pakistan's 126 with five wickets to spare.

The game cried as the calamitous no-ball story was exposed last week, as it lost some of its soul to spot-fixing. And although its tears may still be flowing, at least England flourished.

BAD WEEK

Michael Dawson
Beginning positively in defence against Bulgaria, the game ended heartbreakingly early for Dawson as 12 minutes into the second half the centre-half was taken off because of a nasty injury.

His damaged knee ligaments will take time to heal, a real tragedy for Tottenham and England.

Wayne Rooney
The tawdry tale that was revealed about Rooney's private life at the weekend was unsavoury.

Fans will point the finger at a high-earning footballer who should know better. And while money and morals do not necessarily go hand in hand, certain standards are required of a high-profile figure.

So Rooney will been feeling embarrassed this week - but let's hope his football isn't affected.

England's rugby team
England women's side did brilliantly to reach the Rugby World Cup Final. But Sunday's loss to New Zealand will nonetheless be a disappointment.

The All Blacks beat England 13-10 at the Stoop to win the Women's World Cup. Yet their head coach, Gary Street, insisted on looking at the bright side. "There are so many positives to take from it," reflected Street after the final. "What we've done with women's rugby has changed perceptions forever."

But he added: "We're bitterly disappointed with the score."

Andy Murray
The Scot slumped to a 6-7, 7-6, 6-3, 6-3 defeat to Stanislas Wawrinka to crash out of the US Open at the third-round stage.

After the match a dispirited Murray said: "I was dissapointed that I struggled physically. I tried to find a way to come back. Didn't quite do it."

Defenders everywhere
A simple message to all defenders around the country: be afraid, be very afraid.

Because after he stops running, Usain Bolt plans to become a professional footballer in around four years' time.

"I would like to try and play football for two years," announced Bolt on Radio Five Live's Sportsweek. "I'm definitely a good player – a defensive or attacking midfielder."

The runner's comments will surely fill defenders with fear.

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Fabio Capello

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