(Sorry Theo, but there's no turning back now)Today was the deadline for participating nations in the 2010 World Cup to submit their 23-man roster to FIFA. Some of the countries, such as the United States, had already chosen just whom they were taking to South Africa before June 1st.
Today gave us some surprises, most notably the absence of a couple promising young players from European nations.
For England, pacey winger Theo Walcott was left off the squad in favor of a more seasoned midfield crew. Walcott, who was taken by former manager Sven Goran-Eriksson to the 2006 World Cup in Germany when he was 17, admitted that he did not deserve a place in the last go-around. Unfortunately, Fabio Capello now thinks he is unworthy of a position at his current status. Adam Johnson, a promising young midfielder from Manchester City, was also left out of Capello's side.
Back in the 2009 Confederations Cup, American-born forward Giuseppe Rossi was a revelation for the Italians. His creativity and pace stood out amidst the mostly aging Italian team. While he is well known for his snubbing of the United States national team, Rossi most likely deserved a spot in the final 23 for Italy. But as a good friend told me once, it's a game of opinions. Manager Marcello Lippi chose to omit Rossi for South Africa, which might spark some debate back in the home country.
For more information on all 32 rosters, visit ESPN Soccernet's World Cup page.
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