Source: Team_Talk
Ruud backs Bobby for England
Ruud van Nistelrooy has tipped Fulham striker Bobby Zamora to gatecrash England's World Cup squad.[LNB] Zamora has found the net against the likes of Juventus, Wolfsburg and Shakhtar Donetsk to help Fulham into the last four of the Europa League, where they play Hamburg in the first leg on Thursday night.[LNB]He has 19 goals to his name so far this season - by far his biggest haul since he first made the step up to top-flight football in 2003. His ability to hold the ball up and eye for goal have led some to call on England manager Fabio Capello to give the striker a chance to test himself at international level ahead of this summer's World Cup in South Africa.[LNB]Time is running out for the 29-year-old though, with Capello due to name his 30-man provisional squad on May 16.[LNB]Zamora's burly physique would make him an unfashionable choice for some but Van Nistelrooy, who will start against the Cottagers, believes the former Tottenham striker deserves a chance.[LNB]"I think Capello doesn't look at fashionable things - he just looks at the effectiveness more than anything else," said the Dutchman, who spent five successful seasons at Manchester United.[LNB]"He's definitely a candidate now. He's very important for the team. He holds the ball, he's a team player, works hard and he's an all-round striker. He has proven himself on a European level, which is also very important for him. Getting through against these teams and scoring goals in these games, it makes him more attractive for Capello."[LNB]After spending much of his three-and-a-half-year spell at Real Madrid either out of favour or on the treatment table, Van Nistelrooy decided to move to Germany on an 18-month contract in January. He admits he came close to returning to the Premier League during the last transfer window though, with Tottenham, West Ham and Fulham all interested in signing the striker.[LNB]He said: "I was in serious negotiations with Spurs and here from Hamburg. They were the two that in the end were there.[LNB]"I had a very good conversation with (Spurs boss) Harry Redknapp. We couldn't agree terms though. Tottenham only offered me a six-month contract. For me that wasn't ideal with a family to get over there for six months."[LNB]Van Nistelrooy has tracked Fulham's progress this season and is sure they will present Hamburg with a stern test at the HSV-Arena on Thursday night.[LNB]"They can beat anyone, that's what they have proved," the 33-year-old said.[LNB]"We're aware of that and we have to be very careful. They're a Premier League side who play week-in week-out against the best teams with the best players, so it will be a big test."
