One English defender who enjoyed a more productive day, though, was Michael Dawson and I have absolutely no idea why he has not been in the England squad for the past year to 18 months. I think he is everything a centre half at international level should be; he is tall, intelligent, good on the ball, commands his area and as a player, he has very quietly and very steadily improved since his arrival from Nottingham Forest in 2005.

John Terry and Rio Ferdinand don’t fill you with confidence at the moment, especially Rio because of his injury problems, and I think to go to the World Cup and start with John Terry and Michael Dawson at the back would not worry too many fans. We were at Liverpool v West Ham on Monday night and Matthew Upson, who appears to be Fabio Capello’s number three, does seem to have lost all form. I know he is playing in a team that is struggling, but he doesn’t look the player he has been.

I have been saying this for a while: Michael Dawson is just outstanding. He is also a great ambassador for football. He is a pleasant, bright, happy and polite man and when I interview him he is always so good with the media, which I think is also important when you go to a World Cup. He is a good example, he ticks every box. If he doesn’t go to the World Cup I think Capello will have made a massive mistake, it would be grossly unfair. How has he not won a cap?

Tottenham and Dawson were outstanding on Saturday and it just proves what a great game football is. Everyone I spoke to, including Tottenham fans, thought they did great against Arsenal on Wednesday night but they wouldn’t have the legs to beat Chelsea. I think Harry Redknapp thought that as well, deep down. You absolutely thought Chelsea were going to win that game; it was nailed on. It was just amazing how one day turned the whole of the Premier League season on its head. Everyone woke up on Saturday morning and fancied City and thought that Chelsea would win. Suddenly, by the end of play, the season has been transformed.

You just don’t know what is going to happen this season. It’s great to have three games to go and not know what is going to happen. The race for fourth is also fascinating and I do think that has come down to Tottenham and Manchester City. Spurs go to City on May 5 in what will be one of the games of the season and I think that will be a play-off for the final Champions League place. It will be fantastic; two attacking teams with width and flair.

Arsenal play Manchester City live on ESPN Saturday and you have to wonder whether some Gunners fans will want City to win that game in order to prevent Spurs getting fourth place. It is the same for when Chelsea go to Liverpool. Will Liverpool fans want Chelsea to win to prevent United getting the title? Liverpool obviously thoroughly dislike United and Arsenal thoroughly dislike Tottenham. Where does a fan sit when it comes to the crunch and they have nothing to play for? Where does your loyalty lie? Can you ever not want your team to win a game? That’s another reason why we love the game, it’s not always about your team and to have a healthy rivalry with another team adds a spark and another dimension.

I agree with everything written here, Dawson has been amazing this season and in my view Spurs player of the season, the only time he has let himself down was the Pen he gave away, a silly tackle in the 90th min against Leeds in the cup.

I would be shocked if he didn't go to the World Cup but I think it's to late in the day now?

The Man City v Spurs game is massive for both clubs and for the health of the Prem, it would be nice to see a different team in the Champions League, we all know that if City Get 4th spot then they will spend massive amounts of money to be up there with the bigger Clubs and best of luck to them if they do.

This has got to be one of the best seasons ever as it has had everything from the top right through to the bottom 3.

As a Spurs fan Ii hope we can reach 4th spot and would be a massive boost to all our fans and club.

Rebecca,

Dawson has been immense for Spurs. He's a true leader of men and has the three key abilities required of a top centre half: a head that attracts the ball, a telescopic leg that grows a metre when needed and when passing he either finds a Spurs player or sends it far from danger. His one detraction is pace. He's not blessed with it but has that "football brain" to cope without it.

However I don't think you'll find many Arsenal fans hoping that they fall to their third EPL defeat in a row!

Also I think Arsenal have to watch their backs just a little. Scratching the extra game Arsenal have played (though I fully believe that a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush) Spurs are only 4 points behind Arsenal and Man City only 6.

So (in Spurs fantasy land) a City win over Arsenal and a Spurs win at OT and Bolton leaves Spurs 1 point away from 3rd place Arsenal.

Of course, as every Spurs fan knows in their hearts. We'll finish *th..

I have been saying for the past couple of seasons that Daws should be playing for England. He is a great ambassador for English Football and would do our Country proud!

It doesn't bother me at all that spurs will get in the champions league, in fact I would prefer it, firstly spurs playing in the champions league is a funny thought, they will get spanked every week, and the thought of city having champions league football to attract the biggest football names is a worrying though

Yeah, we'll get spanked. Just like your boys did against Barcelona and us last Wednesday!

Dawson should definitely go to the World Cup. Neither Rio or John Terry fill m with much confidence of late. I still don't trust Upson and Lescott has got to be one of the overrated defenders in the country.

reponse to jim (arsenal fan). You see spurs getting spanked in the champions league. We have spanked two so called champions league teams in a week, not that hard really

jim and you are an idiot!!!!

Spanked every week?????? Jim, you have a short memory, was it not Arsenal that got spanked by Barcelona and then humbled at the Lane, oh and to add to the fun did you not get humiliated by Wigan.

What is it about Arsenal fans? I don't think I've ever seen a more bitter collection of people in my life. Problem is, the internet is full of Arsenal fans who didn't know the club existed until Wenger started winning trophies (a trend that stopped dead almost 6yrs ago!). I suspect they'll soon be following Man City as soon as they eventually win a trophy.

On Dawson, the guy is a fantastic footballer and a fantastic character. He's led the side to unbelievable heights in the absence of Ledley King and in my eyes Dawson is the true Tottenham captain. He's really grown up and become a much better player since Harry became manager. He's gone from 3rd or 4th choice to first name on the teamsheet and for that he's due alot of credit and hopefully he'll be rewarded with a place in the England WC2010 squad.

Jim, put a sock in it.. You're just gutted/"dejected" (word of the week) that you're team will have to wait another year for a silverware. Suck it up..

suffering comes from one's desire: Learn it, live it.

Spurs will overtake Arse for 3rd place, and we will cruise through the group stages.

Ms. Rebecca Lowe, thank you for this great article, and get ready, because our Beloved Spurs will win an incredible treble next year.

COYS!

There is still 3 teams competing for 3rd, 4th and 5th in the Premiership. Arsenal still needs 6 points too be sure grabbing 3:rd place. Both Tottenham and City have 12 points to play for and they might both end up in front of Arsenal if Arsenal keeps playing like they did against Wigan. This weekend will be crucial for many teams.

Thanks Rebecca -- fascinating and insightful. Sounds as if JT is feeling the strain. He could easily have picked up 3 yellows at the weekend, as he got away with one on Defoe before the 1st booking.

Dawson though has been getting better and better, and should be much closer to selection than most of his rivals (apart from Ledley King, who, knees notwithstanding, is a peerless defender).

Excuse Spurs bias!

As for the bigger picture, I just do not know who will be Champions and who will be 4th -- lots more twists ahead!

Dawson for england???? Definately. He's been the most consistent england centre back all season and should be first on the team sheet with john terry.
Strong in the air, commanding in the tackle and a leader of men. It would we be a big mistake not to take him.

Ledley king also deserves a place in the squad to
SA, there is no one I'd rather have than ledders to step in for a injury in defence or centre mid. A true tottenham great. I wonder how good he'd hhave had good knees.

Also tom huddlestone deserves a mention. No one passes the ball better in the premier league and with the famous old question over gerrard and lampard I truly believe that rooney would thrive off the balls from tommo.

Dawson is in the form of his life, down to a bit more stability and the armband has helped not hindered him and proves he has the leadership qualities needed to succeed.

Arsenal will not want to lose at the weekend, if City get 4th then they can kiss any chance of winning the league in the next seasons goodbye. 4th attracts what top footballers crave, playing in the elite competition and money and we all know City have later in the bucket loads.

I predict an Arsenal win and pictures of Gary Neville kissing Bales boots as he flies past him all afternoon and a point for Spurs

Good article – COYS

This animosity beteen Spurs and Arsenal fans goes back a 100 years.I think by this time it should have softenned and become more of a rivalry.In 1946 (when I used to go with my father to White Hart Lane),Arsenal used to play there on the weeks when Spurs had an away match.Highbury the Arsenal ground in those days was bombed during the second world war.
I as one Spurs supporter wish Arsenal every success except when they play us(when I hope they lose 5-0).O.K they do not have the tradition or history that Spurs have, but in my eyes they are far more acceptable than the toffee nosed nouveaus who have sold their bodies and souls to the Russians on the other side of London.

Great article and thanks for sharing JT's sad moments, I really do feel for the guy especially in light of his recent escapades. That said, he wasn't torrid on Saturday, but our attackers (Bale, Pav & Defoe) simply were too much for him and Alex to handle. That is a worrying factor for Englands defence at the world cup.
On a related note, Dawson has been immense this season, but Spurs player of the year has got to be BALE - great prospect and we do risk losing him if we do not get the 4th spot. Remember Carrick in the lasagne season??? It's still annoying.
So, what is my point - it's simple - Spurs might not necessarily beat Man U on sat, but 6/9 points is better that 0/9 points. And as we will have Bolton, Man City & Burnley to face - I have a very good feeling we will make another 7 points after the Man U game. Arsenal will beat Man City and Villa will also torment them... so we are practically there. COYS

well spurs did thoroughly deserve to beat chelsea based on d performance on the day. they were the better team by far;that been said,to play in the champions league and b successful requires more than beatin two teams in a row at home.evevrybody knows ur away form is just as important as your home form.
spurs have been dismal against the top teams in the premier league away this season;3-0@ chelsea,3-0@arsenal and 2-0@liverpool.not champions league stuff if u ask me.a lot more wil be expected from them in the comin wks and if they eventually clinch that much coveted champions league slot. enough said

Quality blog as always Ms. Lowe. Great work, much appreciated.

I think Capello has to take DAWS and LEDLEY even if LEDLEY can only play one or two games you can use him as a protector against the better teams and DAWS should be starting because I have no confidence in Terry and Ferdinand.

SO COME ON CAPELLO USE YOUR HEAD.

Great article on John Terry. And Rebecca Lowe is my favorite guest on World Football Daily, the best daily football show. I hope she becomes a regular guest...her opinions are absolutely brilliant.

Fantastic article. Totally agree that Dawson needs to be in Capello's squad, but if you ask me Terry should really be replaced in the WC starting 11 as well, at the moment Ledley King is probably the best bet. They've talked quite a bit on this topic on World Football Daily, which is the best footy show out there. Rebecca Lowe is also a pretty regular guest and she's always a truly fantastic one at that. Good good stuff as usual Rebecca!

good stuff Rebecca... Makes my day when I hear you on Word Football Daily! For those of you not in the know- you gotta hear her on the best daily podcast on the beautiful game. Rebecca is great on it!
Check it out at www.wfdpremium.com

I loved that little convo you had with Terry, Rebecca. The man loves football and Chelsea, and just happens to have hit an incredible unlucky vein of form. He'll be the linchpin of the England defense at the World Cup. Any chance I'll get to hear you on World Football daily anytime soon? I love the way you talk with Steven and Kenny about all things footy, and you definitely give the show some life when you're on. Your insight goes toe to toe with their other guests like Tim Vickery and Graham Hunter. HOpe to hear you soon!

Great Article.

"O.K they do not have the tradition or history that Spurs have"

???