Gareth Southgate’s World Cup 2018 selection: the breakdown

LONDON, ENGLAND – MAY 17: England Manager, Gareth Southgate speaks to the media during an England press conference at Wembley Stadium on May 17, 2018 in London, England. Gareth Southgate’s 23 man squad was announced on Wednesday. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)

Now that England manager Gareth Southgate has named his squad for the 2018 World Cup, the typical four year cycle of disappointment and pessimism has now reached its third stage: optimism and hope. Another tournament is on the horizon, and despite all the opinions we hold about the national team, it’s the time of year where all English fans from across the country come together and support the team, through thick and thin.

Now, with the squad chosen, I go through who I think should start come June 18^th, what role certain players need to play, and which players could count themselves unlucky to not be selected.

East Bergholt housing dispute nears final conclusion

Just off of the A12, on the Essex and Suffolk border, lies the small quant village of East Bergholt. The village sits just ten miles north of Colchester, and a mere eight miles south of Ipswich, and is home to nearly 2,500 people.

The village has history running through its veins. It is the birthplace of famous painter John Constable, whose wealthy corn merchant father owned the nearby Flatford Mill and Dedham Mill. Many of Constable’s paintings are inspired by the tranquil beauty and views of the village, including the Hay Wain, The Lock and The Leaping Horse.

However, in 2015, the peacefulness of the village came under threat for the first time, when housing developers confirmed their intention to the council to build a new housing estate within the area, which is estimated to increase the population of the village by around 15%. The plans have caused huge controversy amongst locals in the village.

Daniel Bryan cleared to return to wrestling by WWE

WWE star Daniel Bryan has been medically cleared to wrestle, two years after being forced into a shock retirement.

Bryan hasn’t wrestled since he tagged with brother in law John Cena to face Tyson Kidd and Cesaro at a Smackdown episode in April 2015, but finally has been given the go ahead to return to in ring action.

The Video Assistant Referee – Help or hindrance?

Wembley’s scoreboard as VAR is viewed during the FA Cup Fifth Round Replay between Tottenham and Rochdale. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)

“Embarrassing”. “Degenerate” “A mockery of the game”. Words you’d probably associate with racism, sexism or violence in football perhaps?

Not in this case. These are terms used by pundits and figures in the football world to describe the use of the Video Assistant Referee, or VAR.

We are in an age where Joe Bloggs at home has a better idea of what happens in an incident than the match officials do. The system is designed to bring increased legitimacy to matches, and to add support to referees in times of confusion and doubt.

Thus far, VAR has done anything but that.

Triple H ‘pushed for Jeff Jarrett to be included in WWE Hall of Fame’ sparking speculation of a return

TNA founder Jeff Jarrett’s WWE Hall of Fame induction was pushed by Triple H, it has been revealed, sparking speculation that he could make a comeback to the organisation.

Jarrett, who created Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA) in 2002, was announced on Monday as the latest inductee into WWE’s class of 2018, alongside The Dudley Boyz, Ivory and Bill Goldberg.

CM Punk hints at wrestling comeback after “In” tweets

Punk is the 12th longest reigning WWE Champion in history (Image: Getty Images North America)

Ex WWE star CM Punk has caused a stir among wrestling fans after appearing to tease a return to the ring.

The Chicago born star sent out a tweet, aimed at fans asking if he had been “in’.

“In” was seemingly a reference to the upcoming super-show “All In’, being organised and self funded by Cody Rhodes and the Bullet Club on September 1.

Debunking the myth – Why can’t Messi score against Chelsea?

 

Bigfoot. The Loch Ness Monster. Bloody Mary. King Midas.

They are just some of the world’s most intriguing myths and legends, and still to this day, none of these have been proved or disproved.

However, in the sporting world, there is one myth that has so far stood the test of time: why can’t Lionel Messi score against Chelsea?

South East Essex Green Party member warns of dangers as proposed airport expansion gains momentum

A South East Essex Green Party (SEEGP) member has claimed that a proposed expansion for Southend Airport is not sustainable, and will impact negatively on the area.

James Vessey-Miller, a spokesperson for the environmentally friendly party, also said that an expansion to the airport would not be environmentally responsible.

The Crucial First Six Weeks

A key figure in student development at the University of Essex has stressed the importance of the first six weeks of a student’s experience at university.

Victoria Frost, the head of Residence Life & student support at the University of Essex, spoke of the crucial first few weeks of a student’s life at university, which can define how a student’s university experience will be shaped, and why the Residence Life programme is so important at the university.

Bubble Football – An Ab-zorb-ing Experience

Zorb Football. So simple, yet so brilliant. A football match, except the only rule is that essentially there are no rules. You are inside a giant inflatable ball, and you have to score more goals than the opposition. Seems simple right?