All posts by h79snht.top

New England captain Steven Gerrard admits he has mixed feelings about skippering the side at the World Cup.

The Liverpool ace has been handed the captain's armband by boss Fabio Capello after Rio Ferdinand was ruled out of the tournament on Friday when he suffered a knee ligament injury during training.

Gerrard admitted:"We're very disappointed about Rio but, by the time that first game comes around, I'm sure the team will be fit and ready to win.

"We're really excited. We've been given a super training camp at which to prepare. The guys are working hard to make sure they're fit and ready.

"It's fantastic for me to be able lead the country in the World Cup but obviously I'd rather that Rio was here fit and available so it's mixed emotions at the minute."

Meanwhile, Matthew Upson was the only member of the England squad who was unable to train on Sunday morning.

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. Subscribe FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

The West Ham United defender has been suffering from a high temperature that also led to him sitting out Saturday's session.

A Football Association spokesman said: "Matthew's feeling a lot better. He's working in the gym today and will train tomorrow (Monday)."Subscribe to Football FanCast News Headlines by Email

Franz Beckenbauer has publicly lambasted Fabio Capello’s England for their performance against USA on Saturday. The double World Cup winner was very critical of England’s style and labelled them a ‘kick and rush’ team.

“What I saw from the English in their 1-1 draw against the USA had very little to do with football. It looked to me as if the English have gone backwards to the bad old times of kick and rush.”

The Mail online reported Beckenbauer’s criticisms today and, though a little harsh in his condemnation, his comments are not without truth. England have failed to play the kind of passing game that many of our European rivals employ. But Holland, Portugal, France and Italy have all performed poorly in their opening matches so why is criticism of England more warranted?

Well, Saturday’s match proved the team’s determination to bypass midfield build up play and resort to long balls into Heskey. Though Heskey handled himself well and won aerial balls (he even assisted Gerrard’s goal with a good diagonal pass) the problem was a glaring deficiency in patient build up play; Ledley King’s first pass was almost always a long one for Heskey. Even the goal wasn’t a product of more than two passes; a throw in was missed by Rooney and kindly fell to Heskey who in turn assisted for Steven Gerrard.

I genuinely found it a difficult match to watch – the World Cup hasn’t provided us with any interesting encounters yet, though – and find it equally perturbing that the punditry refuse to cite England’s painfully direct style as the primary stumbling block in success. Yet today, for instance, the Ivory Coast-Portugal encounter was dismissed as ‘dire’ (a fair indictment but no more dire than England-USA, which escapes the scathing wrath of so many commentators).

Heskey played very well but the team’s style is geared for his needs as opposed to being geared for Cole’s forward forays or our need for Rooney to be included as often as possible. The match proved that starving Rooney of the ball and stopping Cole’s overlapping runs definitely stunts England’s play; this may be an obvious point but its one that needs addressing and overcoming i.e. tactically reacting during the game to involve the two. Directness will never be criticised if it leads to chances, goals and victories. But this was not the case against the USA.

Beckenbauer also admonished England’s pool of youth and also the dearth of English nationals playing in the Premier League:

“The English are being punished for the fact that there are very few English players in the Premier League as clubs use better foreign players from all over the world.”

England’s squad is the oldest it has been, whilst Germany’s is the youngest. Loew has bled through six members of the 2009 U21 European championship winning team whilst England have resorted to experience over youth – albeit, in part, due to an inability to call on U21’s of a similar calibre. However the English U17 recently picked up the European crown so, with some faithful management and talent nurturing, we should see some talents emerge from that team.

In conclusion Beckenbauer can point a damning finger at England with reason, especially considering his nation’s showing against Australia. In a qualification period that saw us neither tested nor cohesive in victory it is probably far too late to be calling on changes to style. I have said before that I would much rather our national team play well and go out in the quarters than make a forgettable grinding run to the semi finals. The English directness remains a dangerous style because it relinquishes possession far too cheaply and relies on one man to be the fulcrum of attack – Emile Heskey.

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. Subscribe FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

If you enjoyed this, you can follow me on Twitter

**

Challenge Your Friends Over The World Cup Build a new team every day Win up to £200 daily Follow fantasy scores LIVE Find out how to enter here

West Ham seem to be telling anybody that cares to listen about their transfer dealings this summer and it would serve them better if they kept quiet about any potential targets.

So far the club has been linked with the likes of Thierry Henry, David Beckham, Graham Dorrans, Frederic Piquionne, Loic Remy, Paolo Barrera, Asamoah Gyan, Sidney Govou, Yakubu, Neymar, Andre Bikey, Dan Gosling and the latest name is now Miroslav Klose. The German striker was in great form for Germany in the World Cup scoring four goals in the tournament, and prior to his goalscoring exploits his Bayern Munich were considering giving him a free transfer. However the German champions are now believed to be re-evaluating the situation with Klose and West Ham co-owner David Sullivan believes that they will now miss out on the forward:

“We had a deal in place before the World Cup, after he had a bad season in Germany. However, as a result of what he has done at the World Cup, it’s unlikely to happen.”

However making comments like this, whilst it can show supporters that the club is being ambitious can also create disappointment, and that is how fans are probably more likely to feel about missing out on Klose. The thought of exciting names like Henry and Beckham can give false hope for fans and any marquee deals like this should be kept under wraps. When Javier Mascherano and Carlos Tevez both signed for West Ham they happened out of the blue and proved to be a major coup for the club despite Mascherano failing to settle. The double deal excited the fans and it would probably be a much better approach for David Sullivan and David Gold to take.

Another downside to publically revealing your transfer targets is that it can alert other clubs to their avalibilty, and as a result they could end up hijacking at deal that the Hammers have lined up for a player. Also it can be frustrating for fans to see potentially players linked with the club and then as a result see nothing materialise out of it.

It’s no secret that West Ham need to dramatically improve their squad this season after narrowly escaping relegation from the last campaign. But they do need to re-think their transfer strategy otherwise everyone at the club from the playing staff to the fans could be facing a lot of disappointment.

Follow me on Twitter

Get the latest West Ham news on Twitter

**

Click on image below to see the ITALIAN babes at the World Cup

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. Subscribe FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

Manchester United won the first silverware of the new season by beating Chelsea 3-1 in the Community Shield at Wembley.

Michael Essien and John Obi Mikel were back after injury to start for the Blues, with Didier Drogba and summer signing Yossi Benayoun on the bench.

Michael Carrick recovered from a knock to start for United, with Michael Owen partnering Wayne Rooney in attack.

After a slow start to the game, both sides carved out clear chances, with Paul Scholes in the right place as Antonio Valencia lifted a cross in from the right, but he lashed a volley high over the top from 12 yards out.

A couple of minutes later Edwin van der Sar spilled a shot from Nicolas Anelka, but Salomon Kalou sliced the loose ball well wide of target.

With 17 minutes on the clock Florent Malouda's free-kick from the right was met by a thumping header from Branislav Ivanovic and van der Sar made a superb save going away to his left.

Two minutes later Rooney spurned a chance after being played in by Scholes, before the game slowed in pace as United started to have the better of the possession.

They made that count four minutes before half-time as Rooney ran into space on the right and his superb ball back into the area was perfect for the onrushing Valencia, who sidefooted home past Hilario.

United made a triple change at half-time and Chelsea were unable to test van der Sar, being restricted to a couple of long-range efforts.

Just past the hour mark Malouda fed Kalou and he rifled a shot from the edge of the box straight at van der Sar, before the Dutchman was quickly off his line to take the ball away from Malouda.

With 14 minutes left to play United looked to have made sure of the win, as Valencia drifted past Cole on the left and his cross found Hernandez unmarked at the far post.

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. Subscribe FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

The Mexican tucked the ball home with a hint of fortune, kicking the ball into his own face on its way into the net.

However, the Blues set up a tense finale seven minutes from time by making the score 2-1, as van der Sar could only push out a piledriver from Daniel Sturridge and Kalou tucked away the rebound at the far post.

Chelsea then piled on the pressure, but right at the death United made the final score 3-1 as they kept hold of the ball well and eventually Nani played in Dimitar Berbatov, who coolly lifted a shot over the advancing Hilario from the edge of the area.Subscribe to Football FanCast News Headlines by Email

Manchester United midfielder Anderson is set to make a return to action following six months on the sidelines.

The Brazil international has been sidelined since damaging his cruciate knee ligament during a Premier League game against West Ham United in February.

The 22-year-old had made 23 appearances in all competitions prior to his season-ending injury.

"I'm so happy and excited to be back again after six months without football," Anderson told the club's official website.

"I've been really excited to be back. I've been so happy ever since I got back to Carrington and I just can't wait to play again.

"I'm feeling good. I've been training for two weeks and I'm very happy. I think maybe very soon I'll come back again and start playing normally with the rest of the team.

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. Subscribe FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

"I have had no problems at all with the injury. I'm just running and training now really hard, so I can come back and train normally with the team."Subscribe to Football FanCast News Headlines by Email

Tottenham Hotspur striker Peter Crouch is a major doubt for England's two upcoming Euro 2012 qualifiers.

Crouch suffered a suspected broken rib during Saturday's 1-0 Premier League defeat to Wigan Athletic at White Hart Lane, in which he lasted just 45 minutes.

The in-form striker had been tipped for an international recall by England head coach Fabio Capello following his impressive Champions League hat-trick against Young Boys in midweek.

"I think he might have done a rib," said manager Harry Redknapp at full-time."He was in agony at half-time.

"He's not sure if he's broken a rib or what he did but he was in pain."

Meanwhile, Redknapp is still unsure whether strike partner Jermain Defoe will join up with the England squad for their double-header against Bulgaria and Switzerland.

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. Subscribe FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

Spurs postponed a groin injury scheduled for next week after Defoe reported an improvement in his condition prior to playing the full 90 minutes against Wigan.

When asked about Defoe's international availability, Redknapp replied: "I'm not sure – only because I haven't asked him – whether he had any reaction from the groin or whether he needs an op or not."Subscribe to Football FanCast News Headlines by Email

Owen Hargreaves could be back in a Manchester United shirt shortly, according to the 29-year-old former Bayern Munich star's surgeon.

The England international has spent almost two years trying to recover from a career-threatening tendinitis problem in his knees, with his latest setback coming during the early stages of pre-season training.

He was sent back to Dr Richard Steadman in Colorado for more rehabilitation work after complaining of pain in his knees.

Steadman told the BBC:"Things are looking good for Owen, it's all worked out. He's close to playing fitness, although it's obviously up to United to decide when he plays a match.

"The problem was with the tendon attached to the patella on each knee, which is difficult to resolve.

"After the surgery, the key was rest and working hard on recovery. Owen has spent a lot of time with us here in Colorado and he has never given up.

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. Subscribe FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

"The recovery was arduous and took a long time but his condition looks promising now."Subscribe to Football FanCast News Headlines by Email

West Bromwich Albion's DR Congo international midfielder Youssouf Mulumbu has opted to put club before country for the time being.

The 23-year-old has helped the Baggies make a fine start to life back in the Premier League and will not feature for his country until next year.

He told his club's official website:"I have had a word with the president of the federation and at the moment I have told him I am focused on the Premier League season, because it is my first full one.

"We are going to talk again in December and I will give him an answer.

"I stopped playing for my country at first because of disorganisation, but after that we had a word and I told him that this year I need to focus on West Brom.

"We need to stay in the Premier League and it's a big season in a big league. There is high intensity and I need some rest because I run a lot.

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. Subscribe FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

"I think he understood that, which is why he said we will talk again in December when I will let him know how it is going."Subscribe to Football FanCast News Headlines by Email

Sir Alex Ferguson admitted that Owen Hargreaves' shock return to the Manchester United first team had turned into a disaster.

The England international midfielder had not featured for more than two years due to knee problems and was hit by a hamstring injury just five minutes into his comeback against Wolves.

Ferguson commented:"We took a gamble with Owen Hargreaves. We thought by doing that it would give us a compact midfield with experience.

"But he only lasted five minutes. It was a disaster. He has hurt his hamstring, which is unbelievable."

Ferguson added of his depleted side's narrow 2-1 Old Trafford success:"We have done really well to get a result.

"You have to admire the perseverance of the team, because we have done it so many times.

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. Subscribe FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

"But it was a long struggle because we made so many changes."Subscribe to Football FanCast News Headlines by Email

Blackpool boss Ian Holloway has threatened to resign if his club are fined for fielding an under-strength side in the 3-2 defeat Aston Villa.

Holloway made a host of changes from the team which drew 2-2 with Everton at the weekend, having taken a leaf out of Wolves boss Mick McCarthy's book – with Wolves having been fined £25,000 by the Premier League last season for the side which played at Manchester United.

"I'd pack in, I can't work for this madness. I would resign," Holloway fumed."They do not know what they're talking about.

"You haven't got to be a genius to work out what happened to Wolves last year and how wrong that was. Mick can pick whoever he likes.

"We deserved at least a point and how dare anybody tell me the players I've been working with, I can't treat them with respect and give them a chance.

"Because they should have played before now. I wasn't sure they were ready, tonight they have enhanced their reputation with me.

"Let some person from the Premier League even try to tell me who I can pick. I am the manager of Blackpool Football Club and I select people to come to the club and play them whenever I want.

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. Subscribe FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

"I'm going to come here and try to beat Aston Villa and I'm going to go to West Ham and try to beat them and all. If I pick a different team, I've got every right to do what I like.

"Let them try and fine me, it's an absolute disgrace. I'll show the Premier League. We were a credit to football and let the Premier League try to tell me otherwise."Subscribe to Football FanCast News Headlines by Email