Spurs manager Harry Redknapp said Aaron Lennon deserves a chance to shine for England after the winger inspired his side’s 1-0 win over Blackburn.
Lennon was a constant problem for the Blackburn defense at White Hart Lane on Sunday and set up Roman Pavlyuchenko’s first half winner.
With Theo Walcott out for at least three months after shoulder surgery and David Beckham increasingly marginalized, there is a vacancy on the right flank for England that Redknapp believes Lennon can fill.
Lennon has fallen out of favor at senior international level since going to the 2006 World Cup and England coach Capello hasn’t asked Redknapp about the former Leeds star’s form.
“If he starts seeing him play like that he’ll put himself in the picture again,” Redknapp said. “I’ve had Walcott [at Southampton]. Walcott is young but so is Lennon. He’s 21, only a kid. There is nothing to stop him because there are not many wingers around who can do what he does.”
“Lennon is exciting. He carries the game forward for us. He was the wonderkid at the last World Cup, then he was off the radar and not getting a game here. I think his confidence is coming back,” he said.
Lennon said, “I’ve been getting better and better since the new boss [Redknapp] has come in and this was probably my best performance.”
US track and field athletes have about four dozen pieces to choose from when assembling their uniforms at the Olympics. The one grabbing the most attention is a high-cut leotard that barely covers the bikini line and has triggered debate between those who think it is sexist and others who say they do not need the Internet to make sure they have good uniforms. Among those critical or laughing at the uniforms included Paralympian Femita Ayanbeku, sprinter Britton Wilson and even athletes from other countries such as Britain’s Abigail Irozuru, who wrote on social media: “Was ANY female athlete consulted in
Four-time NBA all-star DeMarcus Cousins arrived in Taiwan with his family early yesterday to finish his renewed contract with the Taiwan Beer Leopards in the T1 League. Cousins initially played a four-game contract with the Leopards in January. On March 18, the Taoyuan-based team announced that Cousins had renewed his contract. “Hi what’s up Leopard fans, I’m back. I’m excited to be back and can’t wait to join the team,” Cousins said in a video posted on the Leopard’s Facebook page. “Most of all, can’t wait to see you guys, the fans, next weekend. So make sure you come out and support the Beer
Former US Masters champion Zach Johnson was left embarrassed after a foul-mouthed response to ironic cheers from spectators after a triple bogey at Augusta National on Friday. Johnson, the 2007 Masters winner, missed the cut after his three-over-par round of 75 left him on seven-over 151 for 36 holes, his six on the par-three 12th playing a big role in his downfall. Television footage showed Johnson reacting to sarcastic cheers and applause when he tapped in for the triple bogey by yelling: “Oh fuck off.” Such a response would be considered bad form in any golf tournament, but is particularly out of keeping
The sacred flame for the Paris Olympics was lit yesterday in Olympia, Greece, the birthplace of the ancient Games, in a ceremony inspired by antiquity and marked by messages of hope amid multiple global crises. “In ancient times, the Olympic Games brought together the Greek city states, even — and in particular — during times of war and conflict,” International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach said. “Today, the Olympic Games are the only event that brings the entire world together in peaceful competition. Then as now, the Olympic athletes are sending this powerful message — yes, it is possible to compete fiercely