Cole set for Spurs switch

Joe Cole's move from Liverpool to Spurs is set to go through this week after the two clubs agreed a £3million fee.
The midfielder, 29, struggled with injuries and poor form at Anfield last season following his free-transfer switch from Chelsea 12 months ago and is set to be offloaded by the Reds this summer.
Spurs boss Harry Redknapp remains a big fan of Cole, who he nurtured as a youngster when they were both at West Ham, and wants to take him to Tottenham this summer despite his less-than-successful spell on Merseyside.
Reports claim the two clubs have already agreed a £3million fee and a deal could go through this week, provided Cole passes a tough medical and agrees personal terms.
The England international is believed to be keen on a return to London and will push for a move to Spurs even though he will have to take a considerable pay cut from what he earns at Anfield.

from sport.co.uk

Chelsea told to pay £4million for Hiddink

Chelsea will have to fork out £4million to secure current Turkey manager Guus Hiddink as their new boss.
Hiddink, who spent a brief spell at Chelsea and guided them to FA Cup glory in 2009, is the current manager of the Turkish national side but the Dutchman is widely believed to be Chelsea's top choice to replace the axed Carlo Ancelotti.
The 64-year-old has hinted on a number of occasions that he would welcome a return to Stamford Bridge and again spoke of Chelsea's interest following Turkey's 1-1 draw with Belgium on Friday night.
"I can't answer that. Everything is fluid. My time at Chelsea was a beautiful time. Everyone knows that," said Hiddink.
"I still have a contract with Turkey but at my age when some issues come up, you always have to talk about them. At my age, most of my story is behind me."
It has been reported that the Turkish FA accept Hiddink is keen to move on but they will demand a fee of £4million to release him from his current contract.

No Arsenal move for Alcantara

Barcelona's Thiago Alcantara will not be heading to Arsenal as part of a deal for Cesc Fabregas, according to the youngster's father.
The Catalan giants are expected to launch yet another move for the Gunners midfield star in the summer and reports had suggested they would offer Alcantara as part of a £50million player-plus-cash deal.
The 20-year-old struggled to break into the Barca side last season but his father, former Brazil international Mazinho, believes Alcantara has a place at Camp Nou and is a part of boss Pep Guardiola's plans for the 2011/2012 campaign.
"We have seen the news in the papers, but I believe that Thiago is in the plans of Guardiola for next season," Mazinho told EFE.
"My son stays at Barcelona. They have a contract and we have decided it's continuity.
"Thiago is developing and needs to evolve.

"This season was important, but next season could be better."

Parker in no rush to decide future

Spurs target Scott Parker says he will take his time to decide on his future but will leave West Ham following their relegation.
The football writers' Player of the Year has admitted he wants to stay and play in the Premier League next season meaning he will quit the recently-relegated Hammers over the summer.
Speaking after England's 2-2 draw with Switzerland on Saturday, the midfielder says he will go on holiday and take time to decide on where to go with Spurs, Arsenal and Liverpool all said to be interested.
Spurs remain favourites to land the former Newcastle and Chelsea man who plans to speak to new Hammers boss Sam Allardyce to discuss his future.
"I'm sure he'll (Allardyce) give me a call and we'll go through things," he said.
"As soon as that game ended, I think my main focus was having a rest and just shutting the body down, really.
"It's been a long, hard season for the majority of the players in there. So, looking forward to getting away with the family and just chilling out a little bit."

Wolves keen on Upson deal

Wolves are said to be leading the race for West Ham defender Matthew Upson on a free after the Hammers were relegated.
Boss Mick McCarthy is on the lookout for new signings over the summer to bolster his squad after they managed to stay in the Premier League on the last day of the season.
It has been quiet on the transfer front at Molineux so far but McCarthy has said he wants to land some experienced top-flight players and Upson is available after the Hammers were relegated.
Upson is out of contract at Upton Park and will be among several star exits to leave with plenty of clubs interested in the centre-back.
However, Wolves are thought to be leading the race for him and McCarthy hopes to sort out a deal for the former Arsenal and Birmingham man in the next few weeks.

City poised for Baines battle

Arsenal will reportedly join Manchester City in the bid to try and lure defender Leighton Baines away from Everton this summer.
City boss Roberto Mancini has been heavily linked with a swoop on Goodison Park this summer as Jack Rodwell is another possible transfer target.
And, following recent reports that 26-year-old Baines is wanted at Eastlands with talk of a possible cash-plus-player deal involving Wayne Bridge, it now looks like Gunners boss Arsene Wenger could try and make a counter offer to take the England international to the Emirates Stadium.
Toffees boss David Moyes would be loathe to lose such a key player in Baines, but with finances tight at the Merseyside club, the Scot has been informed that he will have to sell before he can then move to bring in any of his own transfer targets.
And, this could lead to an interesting scramble between City and Arsenal as the two clubs bid to bolster their respective back lines for Champions League football next term.

Newcastle close to £10m swoop

Newcastle boss Alan Pardew is believed to be on the verge of securing a £10million deal for Lille winger Gervinho.
The Ivory Coast international is set to depart the French Champions in the summer and he is now expected to join Newcastle, where he would link up with international team-mate Cheik Tiote.
Gervinho's agent has revealed his client will open talks with a Newcastle this week and a deal could be completed by the end of the week.
However, Liverpool have been credited with an interest in the past and Gervinho has been linked with a number of sides from across Europe, meaning Pardew may still face a battle to capture the 24-year-old.

Stoke plan striker swoop

Stoke boss Tony Pulis has been to watch Caen's Youssef Al-Arabi in action and could launch a move for the striker in the summer.
The Moroccan striker bagged 17 goals for the French outfit last season as Caen narrowly avoided the drop but Al-Arabi is believed to be keen to move on.
Reports claims Pulis has watched the 24-year-old in action and may make a move in the summer.
Pulis has been linked with a number of forwards in recent weeks and it would appear as if he is keen to strengthen his options in attack.
Bari striker Erik Huseklepp and Liverpool forward David Ngog have been linked with Stoke since the end of the season, but Pulis is yet to launch a firm bid for either Al-Arabi, Ngog or Huseklepp as yet.

Wigan star attracting interest

Wigan are preparing for a battle to retain Charles N'Zogbia, with Liverpool, Sunderland and Newcastle all linked with a swoop.
Latics boss Roberto Martinez has stressed his desire to retain the Frenchman for the 2011/2012 campaign, although he admits N'Zogbia will move on at some point in the near future, but it would seem as if his biggest transfer battle this summer will be keeping hold of the playmaker.
Sunderland boss Steve Bruce is believed to have identified N'Zogbia as his top target and is ready to make a firm offer.
Newcastle had a bid turned down in the January transfer window and reports indicate they will reignite their interest during the current window.
Liverpool are keen to bring in at least one wide man during the summer window and N'Zogbia is thought to be amongst boss Kenny Dalglish's targets.

Swansea City rise from rags to Premier League riches

BBC Sport Wales

As far as footballing deals go, acquiring a club for a quid and banking a £90m return inside 10 years has to be up there as the sporting deal of the century.

Swansea City were down and going out of business in 2001 before a hardy bunch of supporters and local businessmen, , came to the rescue.
Fans had taken to the streets to ensure previous owner Tony Petty got the message - and once the wreckage of his controversial three-month stewardship had been cleared, the heart of this close-knit Welsh community could beat soundly again.
But not even the ever-optimistic Nurse could have predicted the rags to riches story that was dramatically completed on a memorable Spring Bank Holiday at Wembley.
And like all fairytales, their Championship play-off final triumph over Reading had a twist that even Swans fan and Hollywood actor  would have enjoyed.

 

Years ago the club couldn't even pay the electricity bill at the Vetch which is absolutely incredible if you look that we have just won the £90m game

Brendan Rodgers Swansea City manager

Swansea, leading 3-0 at the interval, survived Reading's stirring revival as the Royals came back with two goals inside eight second-half minutes.
But Scott Sinclair's third - a second composed penalty - confirmed a  and Swansea's ticket to the millionaire's playground of the Premier League with its estimated £90m jackpot for the new boys.
Yet as Swansea celebrated the dawn of a golden era, the club always remember the dark days.
"Eight years ago the club to stay in the Football League," said Swans manager Brendan Rodgers.
"And Swansea won that game 4-2 and one player scored a hat-trick that included two penalties.
"So it is absolutely ironic that to become the first Welsh team to go into the Premier League that someone got a hat-trick with penalties and we won 4-2. The footballing gods were with us."
But there is nothing divine about the reasons why Wales' second city still has a football club to call its own - Swansea City survived by virtue of the sheer commitment, courage and diligence of a bunch of proud Jacks.
The initial deal to satisfy Petty may have been small change but the new owners had to deal with an estimated £1.7m debt.
Directors sought a  and hand the Welsh club hope and a future that now has never seemed so bright.
"I was talking to the chairman about that period," said Rodgers, who has completed the Swansea dream in his first year at the Liberty Stadium.
"And years ago the club couldn't even pay the electricity bill at the Vetch which is absolutely incredible if you look that we have just won the £90m game.
"It took brave people to come in and save the club. The club was very unstable in that moment but what you had is local businessmen and basically supporters who had the club at their heart.

Rodgers reflects on his journey

"They were making decisions as supporters rather than as businessmen.
"There is no question that the close-knit community of Swansea helped the club during the dark days.
"That is the uniqueness of Swansea. It is down in south Wales and I think people think Wales stops at Cardiff but if you travel another hour down the road you come to a wonderful city, one of the most beautiful places in the world, where people's passion is only Swansea.
"There is no coincidence that our home record this season is the best in division and that is because of the passion and hostility as well as the quality of our players - so that ability to fight for the cause of saving the club was vital.
"The club has since taken off in the football department and let us hope now with finances that are in place at the club, it will hopefully allow it to stabilise and keep the business growing."
Investing in a football club is usually akin to throwing money down a black hole, but Swansea do things differently.
The ramshackle old  by the , the council-run ground the Swans share with the Ospreys rugby region, and the once directionless club were now benefiting from a stable foundation.
Swansea had fallen on hard times since dropping out of the top-flight after two seasons in 1983 but once the books started balancing off the pitch, their swagger and style returned on it.

And it is perhaps fitting that Swansea completed their rise from bottom to top division inside six years with such joie de vivre just two days after  had dished out yet another football lesson on the very same Wembley turf.
Swansea watched  in the Champions League before the team nicknamed 'Swansalona' strutted into the Premier League.
"This club is clever in that they understand the type of manager they want," added Rodgers.
"Nine out of 10 good managers wouldn't suit the Swansea way in how the club want to play - a wee bit like the Barcelona philosophy where they have a method and each manager brings in a new slant.
"And the Premier League will be a better place with Swansea in it."

By Peter Shuttleworth

Watford assess Swansea Danny Graham bid

Watford are seriously considering an offer of more than £3m from Swansea for Danny Graham, BBC Three Counties Radio understands.

Graham's 24 goals this term made him the Championship's top marksman and he has already attracted a £2.5m bid from QPR, which was rejected.
The Hornets will wait to see if any other bids come in for the 25-year-old before making their decision.
Graham has stated he would only leave Watford for a Premier League club.
"I'm contracted to Watford, I love it here, but I'm not going to lie or kid anyone, I want to play at the top level," he said at the end of the season.
"If that happens, it happens. If not, and another Championship club comes in, I'm not interested.
"I want to be a Premiership player, I'm not going to hide the fact, but we'll see what happens."
Swansea and QPR will be aware of Graham's talents, after he netted a brace at Loftus Road in a 3-1 win over the Championship title winners in December and scored his side's goal in a 1-1 draw in Wales in March.

England 1-1 Ghana

Derek Boateng picks up Gyan as Ghana celebrate their equaliser

By Phil McNulty Chief football writer at Wembley

Asamoah Gyan's injury-time equaliser deprived England of victory in a highly entertaining friendly against Ghana at Wembley.
Andy Carroll's first international goal just before the interval looked to have settled the game in favour of Fabio Capello's revamped England side before Gyan gave Ghana a draw they fully deserved.
Ghana's vast and colourful support inside Wembley celebrated wildly as Gyan bamboozled England substitute Joleon Lescott, not for the first time, inside the area before clipping a composed finish beyond Joe Hart.
Liverpool's £35m striker Carroll still looked short of match fitness after a lengthy recent injury absence - but gave a glimpse of his rich potential when he rounded off a fine move with a powerful finish just before half-time.
Ghana, however, were a threat throughout and Gyan's goal was fitting reward for his tireless display and the Black Stars' ambitious attacking approach.

Dominic Adiyiah forced Hart into two fine saves in the first half, while Ashley Young should have scored for England when he drove a close-range effort against the bar from Stewart Downing's cross.
Despite fears that Capello's decision to make seven changes from the team that beat Wales in Saturday's Euro 2012 qualifier would take the edge of this friendly, Wembley played host to a vibrant occasion that was given a game to match the atmosphere.
Capello will be disappointed that victory was cast aside so late, but England's coach can still take away plenty from the game, particularly Carroll opening his England goal account and accomplished performances from Young and Downing as he worked with a 4-3-3 formation once more.
And it was also a memorable night for Wolves winger Matt Jarvis and Danny Welbeck, on loan at Sunderland from Manchester United, as they made their England debuts in the second half.

Carroll's fine left-foot strike put England ahead at Wembley

Capello made the expected changes prior to kick-off, but the alterations did not affect the rhythm of a thrilling first half as both sides showed commendable attacking intent.
Ghana, urged forward by a huge following banked at one end of Wembley, were a constant threat and Adiyiah signalled their positive approach early on when he raced clear only to be thwarted by the advancing Hart.
England's response was swift, with Downing shooting well over from an angle and Young forcing an athletic save from Ghana keeper Richard Kingson with a rising effort from 20 yards.
Sunderland's Gyan was the darling of the Ghana fans, but his ambition got the better of him when he tested Hart from in excess of 40 yards - a shot that carried plenty of power but was straight at the England keeper.
Young's enterprising start should have been rewarded with a goal after 24 minutes. He arrived perfectly on the end of a cross from Villa team-mate Downing but turned his shot against the bar with Kingson beaten.
Hart was England's saviour again when Adiyiah sent in a shot from Sulley Muntari's free-kick, sticking out a hand to make a fine reflex save to ensure Capello's side remained on terms.
Ghana were unhappy when England full-back Leighton Baines launched himself into a 50-50 challenge with Isaac Vorsah that left the Ghana player rolling in agony, but Turkish referee Cuneyt Cakir kept his yellow card in his pocket.
As an end-to-end half somehow looked to be ending goalless, Carroll rounded off a slick passage of play to give England the lead. Young picked out Downing with precise pass and Carroll slammed a left-foot finish low past Kingson.
Capello made one change at half-time, sending on Lescott for Glen Johnson - and it was Ghana who made the early running after the break.

Ghana's following almost got the goal they craved as the Black Stars threatened twice within second, England captain Gareth Barry deflecting John Pantsil's shot over the top and Jonathan Mensah heading the resulting corner just wide.
Carroll had given England an hour before he was replaced by Jermain Defoe and Capello later introduced two more debutants when Jarvis came on for Jack Wilshere and Welbeck replaced Young.
Welbeck was not afforded a warm reception by Ghana's followers after pledging his loyalty to England despite qualifying for the Africans.
They forgot their anger at Welbeck when the goal they had been waiting for arrived as the fourth official signalled the start of three minutes of added time.
Gyan's sleight of foot was all too much for Lescott and the striker rounded off a fine night's work with a goal that was greeted ecstatically by Ghana's fans.

---

England: Hart, Johnson (Lescott 46), Cahill, Jagielka, Baines, Milner, Barry, Wilshere (Jarvis 69), Downing, Carroll (Defoe 59), Young (Welbeck 81).
Subs Not Used: Green, Parker, Crouch, Bent, Carson.
Booked: Milner.
Goals: Carroll 43.
Ghana: Kingson, Pantsil, Vorsah (Jonathan Mensah 46), John Mensah, Lee Addy (Opare 46), Adiyah (Tagoe 69), Annan (Derek Boateng 46), Agyemang-Badu, Kwadwo Asamoah (Inkoom 83), Muntari (Ayew 59), Gyan.
Subs Not Used: Adjei, David Addy, Kumordzi, Clottey, Sowah.
Booked: Derek Boateng, Ayew.
Goals: Gyan 90.
Att: 80,102.
Ref: Cuneyt Cakir (Turkey).

England boss Fabio Capello pleased with 4-3-3 formation

England players react to their comfortable 2-0 win in Cardiff

England coach Fabio Capello felt that his team's 4-3-3 system was a key factor in his team's 2-0 win in Wales.

Frank Lampard and Darren Bent scored as England moved to the top of Euro 2012 qualifying Group G.
"We played really well, we passed the ball quickly and created chances to score goals with no chances for Wales," said Capello.
"This formation is really good because some players like Ashley Young are improving a lot."
Scott Parker played in a holding midfielder role, with Jack Wilshere and Frank Lampard given licence to push forward.
Bent spearheaded the front line, with Wayne Rooney starting on the left and man of the match Young on the right.

"The goals that we scored were really nice and in every moment we were focused on the game, which was important," added Capello, who hinted that he might make 11 changes for the friendly against Ghana at Wembley on Tuesday.
"I decided after watching games Wales have played to use Parker and two midfielders. I decided for a new position for Rooney and Young.
"When we are defending they stay wide, when we have the ball Wayne comes in and it was a problem for Wales.
"Parker is a good player in the holding position, he won back a lot of balls and we need someone like him in that role."
Lampard put England ahead from the penalty spot after seven minutes following a clumsy challenge on Young by Aston Villa team-mate James Collins.
Bent then slotted home a low cross from Young after 14 minutes as England built up an impressive early lead.
"It was a new formation for us but people knew what they were doing and it worked," said Young.
"We worked on getting the ball back as soon as we lost it and putting them under pressure straight away."

The new system was very positive - the attitude was to get at them and press them high up the pitch

England captain John Terry

The match was the first since John Terry was reinstated as captain of England on a permanent basis - and the central defender was pleased with a winning return to the role.
"The new system was very positive," said Terry. "The attitude was to get at them and press them high up the pitch to stop them breaking out early."
The vast majority of the 68,959 supporters inside the Millennium Stadium booed throughout God Save the Queen as the national anthem of the England team was played prior to the match.
"It was not nice and sometimes it can have the reverse effect," added Terry when asked if it motivated his players.
"We set the tempo early and it was very important that we over-powered their fans, we silenced them after the opening goal."
Terry revealed that England had practised regaining possession in the build-up to the game.
"We worked on it and during the first half we did it really well," added Terry. "In the second half the lads felt a little bit tired. We are back on top of Group G and we must keep winning."
Meanwhile the Football Association will not be making a formal complaint over the shining of lasers in the eyes of players when Scott Parker was replaced by Phil Jagielka.

Fulham's Zamora and Stockdale named in England squad

Fulham striker Bobby Zamora has been called up for the England squad to face Switzerland in the Euro 2012 qualifier on 4 June at Wembley.

Zamora is joined by Fulham team-mate David Stockdale, who is one of three keepers alongside Manchester City's Joe Hart and West Brom's Scott Carson.
Rio Ferdinand is also recalled to the squad for the first time this year.
Arsenal's Jack Wilshere, left out of the Under-21s squad, is included while striker Wayne Rooney is suspended.
The Manchester United star collected a yellow card in England's 2-0 win over Wales at the Millennium Stadium in March, his second of the qualifying campaign, forcing England boss Fabio Capello to reassess his attacking options against Switzerland.
Liverpool's record £35m signing Andy Carroll has been ruled out through injury, handing Zamora, who made his first international appearance in August last year, another opportunity to impress the Italian.
The 30-year-old missed out on last year's provisional World Cup squad because of an Achilles injury but he suffered another setback in September, sustaining a broken leg and ankle ligament damage during a 2-1 victory against Wolves.
His goal against Arsenal in Sunday's 2-2 draw on the final day of the Premier League season was his fourth in 11 matches since returning to full fitness.
Capello has faced a goalkeeping crisis for the Euro 2012 qualifier However, Capello has faced a greater quandary with his goalkeeping options following  earlier this month.
The Birmingham keeper had been Hart's number two, but the 28-year-old cited "niggling injuries" as the main reason for his hiatus.
And West Ham's Robert Green, who had hinted at taking a break from international football, has been overlooked in favour of Carson and Stockdale, who was first summoned to the England squad for the friendly against Denmark in February.
The 25-year-old has made 10 appearances for Fulham this season, although his last game for Mark Hughes' side was the 4-0 FA Cup victory over Spurs at the end of January.
Meanwhile, Manchester United defender Ferdinand earns his first call-up since he lost the captaincy to John Terry in March.
The 32-year-old is set to partner Terry in place of Tottenham's Michael Dawson, who has been surprisingly left out by Capello.
Michael Carrick also earns a call-up, the first time he has been involved with the senior squad since last year's World Cup.
Arsenal's Theo Walcott, who was not selected for the Wales squad, is also recalled.
ahead of Montenegro on goal difference.
Switzerland trail Capello's side by six points and have lost two of their four qualifying matches.
England squad:
Goalkeepers: Scott Carson, Joe Hart, David Stockdale; Defenders: Leighton Baines, Gary Cahill, Ashley Cole, Rio Ferdinand, Phil Jagielka, Glen Johnson, Joleon Lescott, John Terry, Kyle Walker; Midfielders: Gareth Barry, Michael Carrick, Stewart Downing, Adam Johnson, Frank Lampard, James Milner, Scott Parker, Theo Walcott, Jack Wilshere, Ashley Young; Strikers: Darren Bent, Peter Crouch, Jermain Defoe, Bobby Zamora.

from bbc

Jermain Defoe unhappy on Tottenham sidelines

Tottenham striker Jermain Defoe has admitted he is frustrated with not being in the first team.

The 28-year-old has struggled to hold down a starting place this season and has scored only four goals in the Premier League this term.
He told Sky Sports News: "When you feel like you are working hard, training hard and being professional and then you are not playing, it is difficult."
Defoe hinted that he may reconsider his future if he does not feature more.
"If you speak to any of the players and the fans, they will tell you that I am committed to the club," Defoe added.
"I love the club and I still get the same buzz that I did when I first walked out at White Hart Lane, which is important.
"But for me the main thing is playing football and if I am not playing football then I am not happy, because I love my football."
Defoe, who was out for two months last autumn after undergoing ankle ligament surgery, has made 21 league appearances this season, with six of those as a substitute.

Continue reading the main story

I want to play in every game and score goals

Jermain Defoe

He fired a hat-trick for England in the 4-0 victory over Bulgaria in September while he also scored braces for Spurs in the draws with FC Twente in the Champions League and Wolves in the Premier League as well as the FA Cup victory over Charlton.
And he has admitted that he is frustrated with not playing for Spurs more often.

"At the end of the day I am ambitious," Defoe reflected.
"I want to play in every game and score goals, especially when you score goals for a fantastic club like Tottenham.
"I have always been like that from the first day I walked through the door and I truly believe that if I am playing games I will score goals. I think my record shows that.
"It has been really, really hard to be honest. Players come and go, that is just football and it is out of my hands."

Euro 2012: Montenegro drop points against Bulgaria

Radomir Djalovic (right) gave Montenegro the lead

Montenegro failed to take advantage of Euro 2012 qualifying Group G leaders England dropping two points against Switzerland as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Bulgaria.

Radomir Djalovic gave Montenegro the lead only for Ivelin Popov to equalise.
It leaves Montenegro level on 11 points with England, who have a superior goal difference (plus eight to plus three).
England, who were held 2-2 by the Swiss, visit Montenegro on 7 October in a game that could decide who qualifies.
"I think we are in a great position because we have stayed clear of Bulgaria and Switzerland while we are set to continue a neck-and-neck battle with England for the top spot," said Motenegro coach Zlatko Kranjcar.
"A win over Wales in our next match would all but secure the runners-up spot and even if we don't win the group, we have a good chance of being the best second-placed team."
In Group B, two goals from Robbie Keane ensured Republic ofIreland beat Macedonia 2-0 to stay joint-top on 13 points with Slovakia and Russia.
Russia beat Armenia 3-1 thanks to a hat-trick from Tottenham striker Roman Pavlyuchenko, while Slovakia won 1-0 against Andorra through Miroslav Karhan's strike.
Greece top Group F after beating Malta 3-1 with two goals from Ioannis Fetfatzidis and one from Kyriakos Papadopoulos.
They are a point ahead of Croatia and Israel, who themselves beat Latvia 2-1 with goals from Chelsea midfielder Yossi Benayoun and a Tal Ben-Haim penalty.
And in Group H, Denmark beat Iceland 2-0 with goals from Lasse Schone and Christian Eriksen to go joint top.
Portugal lead that group on goal difference after they beat Norway 1-0 through former Tottenham striker Helder Postiga's 53rd-minute strike. It means Portugal, Denmark and Norway all have 10 points.
Elsewhere in international friendlies played on Saturday, Netherlands drew 0-0 with Brazil while world champions Spain beat the United States 4-0 courtesy of two goals from Gonzalez Santi Cazorla and one each from Alvaro Negredo and Chelsea striker Fernando Torres.

England 2 - 2 Switzerland

Ashley Young came on at half-time for England

England were held to a draw after surviving a major scare against Switzerland as they were forced to come from two goals behind to earn a point in the Euro 2012 qualifier at Wembley.

Fabio Capello's out-of-sorts side looked to be heading for a damaging defeat and a heavy blow to their hopes of reaching Poland and Ukraine next summer as Switzerland deservedly took command.
Tranquillo Barnetta was the grateful beneficiary of uncertain England defending and poor goalkeeping from Joe Hart as he twice saw speculative free-kicks end in the back of the net in the first half.
Wembley was noisily registering its unrest with Capello and England, who were without the suspended Wayne Rooney, when Johan Djourou's foul on Jack Wilshere gave Frank Lampard the opportunity to pull a goal back from the spot before the interval and provide the foundations for a second-half recovery.
Capello mystifyingly left Ashley Young out despite a match-winning display in the Euro 2012 qualifier win in Wales in March and he only underlined the folly of the decision by emerging as substitute at half-time and striking a fine equaliser six minutes after coming on.

England have now gone four games without a win at Wembley, their longest sequence without a victory in 30 years, and still have much work to do to reach Euro 2012 as they prepare for a testing trip to face Bulgaria in Sofia in September.

Capello watched in frustration as England defended poorly and failed to provide any ammunition or support for Bent until after the break - but he was the architect of his own problems.
The selection of James Milner ahead of Young was the product of muddled thinking and the absence of Peter Crouch - with 22 goals in 42 England appearances - from even the substitutes' bench was also a surprise.
Milner and Theo Walcott failed to justify their selection ahead of Aston Villa's Young as they struggled ineffectually in the first half, leaving striker Bent isolated and starved of supply as Switzerland looked the more composed and ordered team.

Capello's choice of Milner ahead of Young was close to inexplicable but smacked of unnecessary cautionGlen Johnson almost gave England the perfect start after only two minutes when he met Lampard's corner at the far post but Switzerland keeper Benaglio spread himself to make the block.

Hart's eventful half started when he saved smartly from Eren Derdiyok then scrambled to turn away Gokhan Inler's shot after it took a deflection off the outstretched leg of the recalled Rio Ferdinand.
England's keeper was by far the busier and he was in action again to save from the industrious and intelligent Shaqiri as Switzerland grew in confidence.
Ferdinand's header was narrowly off target before Switzerland stunned Wembley with two goals in three minutes just after the half-hour to take command in a fashion that visibly infuriated Capello as he stood in his technical area.
Capello had just been forced to replace Ashley Cole, injured in an early tackle on Valon Behrami, with Leighton Baines and the Everton defender could only watch as his defensive colleagues handed the initiative to the Swiss.
Barnetta was the goalscorer on both occasions - with England twice demonstrating a costly inability to deal with routine free-kicks into their penalty area. The first was floated in and missed by Ferdinand, wrong-footing Hart as it landed in the far corner.
The second was even more calamitous, with the wall formed by Walcott and Milner breaking hopelessly and Hart reduced to an awkward attempt to kick Barnetta's effort away from his near post, an effort that ended in embarrassing failure.

England were desperate for a lifeline before the interval and Djourou provided it after 37 minutes with a lunge at Arsenal team-mate Wilshere that resulted in a penalty, converted by Lampard.
Wembley reacted with jeers at half-time - and Capello's response was to replace Lampard with Young. The switch was rewarded within six minutes as Baines cleverly chested a chipped pass into Young's path and set up a low angled finish past Benaglio.
England's shape looked more comfortable and they were now in charge. Wilshere's wonderful run and pass sent Bent clear, but Benaglio plunged bravely at his feet to save.
Bent, so reliable in front of goal for England in recent games, was then guilty of an awful miss as he threw away the opportunity to complete the comeback with 20 minutes left. The lively Young's shot was saved by Benaglio to leave Bent with what looked like a formality in front of an open goal, but he side-footed his finish over the bar with the Swiss keeper stranded.
Young's second-half show only highlighted Capello's errors in selection and he almost got his second when he reached Milner's pull back, but could not trouble Benaglio.
As the game entered three minutes of stoppage time, both sides almost snatched the win. Substitute Admir Mehmedi was inches away with Hart beaten and Stewart Downing, on for Walcott, shot weakly into the side-netting with the last kick of the game as England had to settle for a point.
While they were disappointed with the result, the home team's prospects of qualification were boosted later on Saturday as Montenegro, England's main rivals for top spot in Group G, drew 1-1 against Bulgaria in Podgorica

Football tables table : EURO 2012

If anybody need more about this table. contact to me.i will send full for you. 
Hosts Poland and Ukraine qualify automatically. All nine group winners qualify. The second placed team with the highest number of points from matches against the first, third, fourth and fifth placed teams also qualifies. The eight remaining second-placed teams will take part in two-legged play-offs to decide the four remaining qualifiers.

European Championship Qualifying : Group A Table

Friday, 3 June 2011 21:47 UK

		P	W	D	L	F	A	GD	PTS
1	Germany	6	6	0	0	19	2	17	18
2	Belgium	7	3	2	2	15	10	5	11
3	Turkey	6	3	1	2	9	7	2	10
4	Austria	6	2	1	3	10	10	0	7
5	Kazakhstan	6	1	0	5	2	15	-13	3
6	Azerbaijan	5	1	0	4	4	15	-11	3

European Championship Qualifying : Group B Table

Sunday, 5 June 2011 18:01 UK

		P	W	D	L	F	A	GD	PTS
1	Rep of Ireland	6	4	1	1	11	6	5	13
2	Russia	6	4	1	1	9	4	5	13
3	Slovakia	6	4	1	1	6	4	2	13
4	Armenia	6	2	2	2	10	7	3	8
5	Macedonia	6	1	1	4	5	8	-3	4
6	Andorra	6	0	0	6	1	13	-12	0

European Championship Qualifying : Group C Table

Friday, 3 June 2011 21:42 UK

		P	W	D	L	F	A	GD	PTS
1	Italy	6	5	1	0	14	1	13	16
2	Slovenia	7	3	2	2	9	4	5	11
3	Serbia	6	2	2	2	8	9	-1	8
4	Estonia	6	2	1	3	7	9	-2	7
5	Northern Ireland	5	1	3	1	3	3	0	6
6	Faroe Islands	6	0	1	5	3	18	-15	1

European Championship Qualifying : Group D Table

Friday, 3 June 2011 21:50 UK

		P	W	D	L	F	A	GD	PTS
1	France	6	4	1	1	9	2	7	13
2	Belarus	6	2	3	1	4	2	2	9
3	Albania	5	2	2	1	4	4	0	8
4	Romania	6	2	2	2	8	6	2	8
5	Bosnia-Hercegovina	5	2	1	2	6	7	-1	7
6	Luxembourg	6	0	1	5	1	11	-10	1

European Championship Qualifying : Group E Table

Friday, 3 June 2011 21:31 UK

		P	W	D	L	F	A	GD	PTS
1	Netherlands	6	6	0	0	21	5	16	18
2	Sweden	5	4	0	1	15	6	9	12
3	Hungary	6	3	0	3	15	13	2	9
4	Moldova	6	2	0	4	7	9	-2	6
5	Finland	5	2	0	3	11	6	5	6
6	San Marino	6	0	0	6	0	30	-30	0

European Championship Qualifying : Group F Table

Saturday, 4 June 2011 21:27 UK

		P	W	D	L	F	A	GD	PTS
1	Greece	6	4	2	0	8	3	5	14
2	Croatia	6	4	1	1	10	3	7	13
3	Israel	7	4	1	2	10	7	3	13
4	Georgia	7	2	3	2	5	5	0	9
5	Latvia	6	1	1	4	5	9	-4	4
6	Malta	6	0	0	6	2	13	-11	0

European Championship Qualifying : Group G Table

Saturday, 4 June 2011 21:32 UK

		P	W	D	L	F	A	GD	PTS
1	England	5	3	2	0	11	3	8	11
2	Montenegro	5	3	2	0	4	1	3	11
3	Switzerland	5	1	2	2	7	7	0	5
4	Bulgaria	5	1	2	2	2	6	-4	5
5	Wales	4	0	0	4	1	8	-7	0

European Championship Qualifying : Group H Table

Saturday, 4 June 2011 22:52 UK

		P	W	D	L	F	A	GD	PTS
1	Portugal	5	3	1	1	11	7	4	10
2	Denmark	5	3	1	1	7	4	3	10
3	Norway	5	3	1	1	6	4	2	10
4	Cyprus	4	0	2	2	5	8	-3	2
5	Iceland	5	0	1	4	2	8	-6	1

European Championship Qualifying : Group I Table

Friday, 3 June 2011 21:30 UK

		P	W	D	L	F	A	GD	PTS
1	Spain	5	5	0	0	15	5	10	15
2	Czech Republic	5	3	0	2	6	3	3	9
3	Scotland	4	1	1	2	4	5	-1	4
4	Lithuania	5	1	1	3	3	8	-5	4
5	Liechtenstein	5	1	0	4	3	10	-7	3

Ashley Young set for talks with Villa chief Lerner

Villa are eager to keep hold of Young (left)

Aston Villa forward Ashley Young will meet club chairman Randy Lerner to discuss his future after stating he wants to play "at the highest level".

The 25-year-old has been linked with a summer move to either Manchester United or Liverpool.
Young has one year left on his Villa contract but says he wants to experience Champions League football and major international tournaments.
"I'm going to talk to him [Lerner] this week," said the England player.
The Villa star added to his growing reputation by scoring his country's equaliser against Switzerland on Saturday in the 2-2 draw at Wembley.
In a disappointing year for Villa, he was a stand-out performer, scoring 10 times.
"As a kid you always want to play in the best competitions. As a kid I wanted to play in the Champions League - and hopefully one day I will," added Young.
"People say the prime of your career is aged 25, 26, 27. I'm 26 next month so hopefully I'm coming into my prime."
Young has constantly intimated he will speak with Lerner before announcing any news about his future - and nothing has changed.
"I'm going away on holiday. But I said at the end of the season I was going to speak to the chairman," he commented.

Hughes must prove staying power

Mark Hughes was the victim of Manchester City chief executive Garry Cook's infamous "trajectory of results" when he was shown the door at Eastlands and replaced within a matter of minutes by Roberto Mancini.
Hughes nursed an acute sense of injustice, shared by many observers inside and outside City, and public humiliation when he took charge of the 4-3 win against Sunderland in December 2009 with the word already out that his time was up as soon as the final whistle sounded.
The 47-year-old is walking away from Fulham with that same trajectory on an upward curve after a season in which he heard demands for his dismissal at Craven Cottage before a strong conclusion rebuilt his reputation and earned a place in the Europa League via the Fair Play standings.
Hughes, in a statement met with heavy cynicism, insisted his decision to activate a break clause in his two-year contract had not been prompted by the intervention of "an outside party" after Gerard Houllier left Aston Villa on health grounds only 24 hours earlier.
It may well be, though, that the bitterness Hughes felt at the manner in which he was sacked at City hardened his belief that it is every man for himself in Premier League management and if a faster train is about to pull up at the platform, he will jump aboard.

The dust has not yet settled on Villa's decision to part company with Houllier, or indeed where Hughes' next destination might be, but it is clear the Welshman believes he is on the way to bigger and better things.
In his eventful time at Eastlands, during which the Abu Dhabi riches rolled up at the door, Cook also claimed Hughes had been hit by what he described as "bowling ball syndrome" - namely when you opened a cupboard one of these painful objects landed on your head.
This was not literally true of course. Cook meant that Hughes had occasionally been underminded by events that were unexpected and beyond his control. Fulham chairman Mohamed Al Fayed must have felt like he had been hit by a 16-ton weight when it became clear his manager was leaving on Thursday.

Hughes has managed Wales, Blackburn, Manchester City and Fulham Hughes may well be, in his own words, "a young ambitious manager" but he is now getting a reputation as a nomadic one. He is leaving Fulham after spells in charge of Wales, Blackburn Rovers, Manchester City and now a new home. Whether this is Villa Park remains to be seen, with sources in the Midlands insisting owner Randy Lerner wants to explore the possibility of landing sacked former Chelsea coach Carlo Ancelotti before committing himself to any move for Hughes.
It is tough on Fulham, who stood by Hughes amid the early turmoil and who lost Roy Hodgson to Liverpool this time last year. Chief executive Alistair Mackintosh, who worked with Hughes at City, runs a tight ship but there is no doubt Hughes' departure will come as a destabilising blow.
And it takes quite a leap of the imagination to believe Hughes has burned his boats so comprehensively at Craven Cottage without being certain another post would present itself in the very near future.
Hughes and his trusted team of right-hand man Mark Bowen, Kevin Hitchcock and Eddie Niedzwiecki have proved to be an effective and tight-knit unit. They have are adept at organising a team and uniting a dressing room - which may prove a key element if they do take over at Villa after the public disharmony of the Houllier era.
Villa is also a team in danger of seeing important elements breaking up, with England pair Ashley Young and Stewart Downing hinting strongly they may see their future elsewhere. This will be a top priority on the agenda of their new manager and a crucial early test.
It will need a powerful character, a criteria Hughes fulfils perfectly but credentials also high on Ancelotti's CV after a coaching career managing high-profile personalities on the pitch and in the boardroom.
Lerner will make his choice carefully after being caught out by O'Neill's departure just days before the start of last season and the turbulence of Houllier's tenure that was eventually ended after he suffered heart problems. Hughes has to serve a month's notice under the terms of his contract and Lerner is certain to use that time to explore every option before alighting on his final choice.
Hughes is also under pressure once he takes his next post. He needs to demonstrate he can put down roots and show he can establish a management model and stick with it for the long-term.
His fate at Manchester City was out of his hands but he willingly walked away from Blackburn and Fulham - wherever he goes he has to show his capability to fashion a vision that he will stick with over a number of years.
He must ensure the trajectory of results heads skywards and keep it there.

www.bbc.co.uk

Samir Nasri unsure over Arsenal future

Samir Nasri has cast more doubt over his Arsenal future by admitting he may not sign a new contract.

The 23-year-old midfielder, who is entering the final year of his current deal, has also refused to rule out a move to Manchester United.
Speaking to French sports programme Telefoot, Nasri said: "I don't know if I will sign a new contract, the discussions are ongoing.
"Do I want to go to United? First, we should see if it's real and concrete."
Manchester United defender Patrice Evra invited his French team-mate Nasri to move to Old Trafford last month.
The versatile attacker, who joined the Gunners in 2008 from Marseille, has scored 27 goals in 124 appearances.
He particularly impressed during the first half of last season, which was his most productive to date at the Emirates, scoring 15 goals in 45 games in total during the campaign.

from : news.bbc.co.uk/

Diouf eyes up West Ham switch

Blackburn striker El Hadji is eyeing a reunion with former manager Sam Allardyce after his appointment at West Ham United.
The 30-year-old is due to report back to Rovers in time for the start of pre-season training after recently returning from a loan spell with Rangers, but the player has already been warned by boss Steve Kean that he faces an uncertain future at Ewood Park.
Diouf would jump at the chance to be reunited again with Allardyce, have worked previously with him at Bolton and then Blackburn, despite the Hammers relegation to the Championship.
The Senegal international has a year left to run on his existing Rovers contract but a parting of the ways seems inevitable this summer.
He told Sky Sports News: "I have finished my loan so I am expecting to return to England with Blackburn.
"I am 30 years old, I want to play week in, week out these days.
"Working with Sam? That would be a fantastic thing to do. Sam is a fantastic manager and very good man. I would be delighted to work under him again."

from : sport.co.uk

Villa star still wants out

England international Stephen Warnock still wants to quit Aston Villa despite the recent departure of Gerard Houllier.
The full-back was frozen out of the first-team picture by the outgoing Villa boss and forced to train with the kids after a bust-up with the Frenchman last year.
Warnock watched on as Villa struggled at times without him but despite talks to try and resolve the dispute, a resolution was never reached and a parting of the ways seemed inevitable this summer.
However, even a change of management is unlikely to change the 29-year-old's stance as he is now determined to make a clear break according to sources close to him.
Wigan, Bolton and Stoke are thought to be in the running for his signature and could land the player for £5m less than Villa paid to Blackburn for his services two years, with a fee of £2m now being bandied around.

Bolton star calls for cash injection

 

Bolton defender Zat Knight is calling on chairman Phil Gartside to open the cheque book this summer to increase competition for places.
The 31-year-old believes too few were being asked to do too much last season and pinpoints the lack of resources at Owen Coyle's disposal for a faltering end to a campaign that had promised much more than a 14th place finish.
Knight is convinced a few extra bodies would make a big difference and help the club push on to the next level after a few seasons of struggle.
The defender told the Bolton News: "The players have been fantastic but I do believe it's time for a revamp.
"We have to go into next season stronger and hopefully the chairman does stick to his word and bring players in because we have got a small squad.
"There were times when we couldn't even fill the bench. We need a bigger squad with better, more experienced players.
"If we can get those little additions of quality to the squad then I think we will push on and get into Europe next year."

Everton boss linked with Gabon ace

Everton are thought to be considering a move for Lorient defender Ecuele Manga, who has impressed in Ligue 1 this season.
It's also claimed Lille, Marseille and PSG have been alerted to the qualities of the Gabon international, who moved to his current club from second division Angers.
The 22-year-old's existing contract with Lorient still has three years left to run, but the central defender admits he is flattered by the interest particularly from Everton boss David Moyes.
"I am delighted with all this attention on me," Manga told skysports.com.
"I have a contract until 2014 but Everton is a fantastic club and I would be delighted to even be considered for their team.
"I love the passion at Goodison Park. But like I said, it is only paper talk and neither I nor the club have been approached."

Magpies hunt Royals star

Newcastle United are believed to have joined the chase for Reading striker Shane Long with a £5m bid rumoured to be in the offing.
Everton and Celtic have also shown an interest in the Irishman who has just enjoyed an impressive season in the Championship with Brian McDermott's beaten play-off finalists.
He has been watched on several occasions by Alan Pardew and his coaching staff in recent months and seems certain to be moving on from the Madejski Stadium in the coming months.
McDermott said: "I'm aware of interest in Shane Long. How confident am I we can ward off that interest? Not very."
The Magpies are ready to turn to Long if top target Kevin Gameiro rejects their advances after they tabled a £10m bid to Lorient for the French international.
Gameiro is vowing to make a decision about his future after France's double-header with Belarus and Poland, but it's thought he is leaning towards a move to either Valencia or Paris St Germain.

from http://www.sport.co.uk

Latics winger on Reds' wanted list

Wigan winger Charles N'Zogbia is reportedly a top summer transfer target for Liverpool who are rumoured to be lining up a 15m bid.
The Sun claim Reds boss Kenny Dalglish has identified the French winger as the player to bring extra creative flair to provide the ammunition for new strikers Andy Carroll and Luis Suarez.
N'Zogbia was a key performer as Roberto Martinez's men won their battle to beat the drop, but having nearly lost him to Birmingham during the January transfer window, the club must prepare to have their resolve to keep him tested once again.
The 25-year-old's versatility is another quality which has found favour with Dalglish and his director of football Damien Comolli, due to his ability to play either as an attacking midfielder or at left-back.
Wigan would have trouble rejecting any sensible offers for the player's services as he only has a year remaining on his existing deal at the DW Stadium.

Argentine star set for Cats exit

Sunderland full-back Marcos Angeleri is expected to move on this summer despite being given the all-clear to carry on playing.
The defender has hardly figured for the Black Cats since joining them last summer for £1.5m from Estudiantes, making just three appearances, due to an ongoing concern about a cruciate ligament injury he suffered two years ago.
He recently returned to his native Argentina to train with his old club in the hope of securing a move back there in time for next season, with Steve Bruce now apparently ready to cut his loses on the player.
The 28-year-old's chances of doing that have been boosted by an exploratory operation on knee this week, which showed up no serious problems.
He originally aggravated the injury during Sunderland's pre-season friendly against Benfica last July.
Bruce said: "Angeleri has not been fit since the Benfica game in pre-season, which is a shame.
"He went back to Argentina to see the specialist about his knee.
"His surgeon is involved with the Argentinian national team, so we decided it would be better for him to go and speak to him in his native language."

Stoke boss ready to get moving

Stoke boss Tony Pulis is rumoured to be eyeing a possible summer swoop for Liverpool pair David Ngog and Christian Poulsen.
The duo are believed to be surplus to requirements at Anfield as Reds manager Kenny Dalglish looks to remodel his squad after being handed the reins at Anfield on a permanent basis.
Pulis is also understood to be interested in Manchester United midfielder Darron Gibson and Manchester City winger Shaun Wright-Phillips, while a fresh move for Tottenham star Jermaine Jenas is also likely.
The City boss expects plenty of movement from the Premier League's big clubs this summer and hopes to take advantage of their need to balance thrie books accordingly.
"I expect it to be a busy close-season," said Pulis. "A lot of money will be spent at the top end of the market - not just Man City, as everyone expects, but also United, Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool and Tottenham. I think they will all have a go.
"That either clogs up the market because unwanted players are sitting on big contracts that clubs like us will not pay, or hopefully it might free the market up if their clubs help out so we can do the deals."

Spain's Fernando Torres admits injuries held him back

The Chelsea striker did not hide the fact that it has been a trying twelve months on a personal note but he also expressed his wish that next season will see him have more joy

 Spain international striker Fernando Torres revealed his relief at being back playing for the World Cup winners after enduring perhaps the toughest period of his career to date.

Torres, who moved from Liverpool to Chelsea in January, came off the bench at half-time and went on to score his country's fourth goal in a convincing 4-0 rout of the United States in Boston in an international friendly on Saturday evening.

"I felt very comfortable from the beginning. I felt good and I was really committed. It has been a tough year for me," he told TVE after the game.

"I have only played twice for the national team in recent times. The injuries I have had prevented me from being in good shape. I am happy that the team won and that everything was perfect."

The former Atletico Madrid forward hopes that his darkest days are behind him and that he will be back to his best next season once he recharges his batteries over the next few weeks.

"Now I will think of the Venezuela game [on Tuesday] and then afterwards I will go on my holidays," he said. "I hope that next season will be different."

Manchester United striker staying at Old Trafford

According to his agent, Federico Macheda will be a Manchester United player next season.

Giovanni Bia understands that the Old Trafford hierarchy have indicated they will block any moves for the youngster.

The Italian Under-21 international joined Sampdoria in January to gain more first-team experience but he endured a mixed time back in his homeland, failing to score in 14 appearances and saw the club relegated from Serie A.

Despite claims Sir Alex Ferguson might look to offload the striker, Bia claims United have no plans to sell him or loan him out again.

In an interview with Radio Mana Mana, he said: "As far as I am aware, Manchester United intend to keep Macheda. They don't want to loan him out again."