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England News December, 2005

Saturday, 31 December 2005 - Michael Owen has broken a bone in his foot and will be out for two to three months.  The 26-year-old fractured his fifth metatarsal during the Newcastle United's 2-0 defeat at Tottenham Hotspur today.  "It's a mighty blow.  It's an absolute disaster for him and an absolute disaster for the club. It's a dark day for us." said boss Graeme Souness.  Sven-Göran Eriksson said he would be monitoring Owen's recovery closely ahead of the 2006 World Cup.  "Obviously I'm very disappointed for Michael.  It's very bad luck for him and for Newcastle United.  Michael is a fantastic striker and a very important player for his club and for England.  I hope that he returns to fitness as soon as possible and I will follow his progress very closely."  The fifth metatarsal is the bone in the foot that connects to the little toe - and the same one broken by England colleagues Gary Neville, in April 2002, Steven Gerrard, in September 2004, and Wayne Rooney in Euro 2004.  David Beckham broke his second metatarsal just before the 2002 World Cup, and was still struggling for fitness during the tournament.

Premiership football:-  Darren Bent scores Charlton Athletic's second of two goals against West Ham United.  Peter Crouch is again on the Liverpool scoresheet, this time scoring the only goal of the game against West Bromwich Albion. 

Friday, 30 December 2005 - Chris Waddle has claimed David Beckham does not deserve a place in the England team on current form.  The former England winger wants to see Steven Gerrard replace Beckham on the right, where the Liverpool captain has been playing for his club.  "Beckham has not been playing fantastic football.  He's England captain and I'm sure he will play, but Gerrard's form has been brilliant since Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez moved him to the right."

Thursday, 29 December 2005 - Chris Sutton's future at Celtic is to be resolved sooner rather than later to end any speculation, hopes manager Gordon Strachan.  Newspaper reports suggested that English clubs had been alerted about the 32-year-old's availability.  But Strachan said: "We're very keen that Chris remains at the club and hopefully this can be achieved."  It seemed that a new contract in 2004 tied Sutton to Celtic until 2006, but there appears to be a get-out clause.

Lee Bowyer will serve a three-match ban after losing his appeal against his dismissal in the 2-0 Boxing Day defeat at Liverpool.  Referee Mark Halsey showed the Newcastle United midfielder a straight red card for a challenge on Xabi Alonso which sparked a brawl that saw Peter Crouch booked.  Bowyer's appeal was dismissed at a FA disciplinary commission on Thursday.

Wednesday, 28 December 2005 - Premiership football:- Wayne Rooney scores for Manchester United, although his scoring streak ends in the 2-2 draw with Birmingham City.  Peter Crouch, Steven Gerrard and James Beattie all score in the Merseyside derby, of which Liverpool beat Everton 3-1.  Joe Cole score's the only goal of the game as Chelsea beat Manchester City.

Monday, 26 December 2005 - Premiership football:- Frank Lampard ensures Chelsea's grip at the top of the Premiership remains intact, his goal, one of three Chelsea goals against Fulham's two, keeps the blues' nine points clear.  Steven Gerrard score's Liverpool's first of two goals against Newcastle United, Lee Bowyer was sent-off.  Paul Scholes and Rio Ferdinand are on the scoresheet for Manchester United, as they beat West Bromwich Albion 3-0.  Jermain Defoe scores a last minute goal for Tottenham Hotspur as they beat Birmingham City 2-0.  Andrew Cole grabs a late consolation goal for Manchester City, City lose at Wigan Athletic 4-3.  Danny Murphy is sent-off for Charlton Athletic against Arsenal.

Saturday, 24 December 2005 - England shirts with gold numbers will be worn by Eriksson's men as they bid to bring home the World Cup.  The new strip will also feature players’ names in gold and will not be officially unveiled until February.  But The Sun has obtained a  exclusive sneak preview after a handful of precious versions were stitched together in Japan by makers Umbro for a TV ad.  The away kit was flown in amid massive security as the commercial for team sponsors Nationwide Building Society was filmed at Shepperton Studios in Middlesex. 
One of the strips was shown in today's Sun newspaper.  England famously wore red shirts when we won the World Cup in 1966. A gold star above the three lions badge on the new shirt marks that heroic victory.   London agency Leagas Delaney, makers of the commercial, were desperate not to let the kits out of their sight.   Film extras and players including Michael Owen, Ashley Cole, Jermain Defoe and Joe Cole were told to hand them back immediately after the shoot.   One witness said: “It was like a military operation — kits were treated like gold dust.”
 

Friday, 23 December 2005 - England's pre-tournament planning for next year's World Cup has started to take shape with Hungary confirmed as friendly opponents.  Hungary, 74th in Fifa's world rankings, are scheduled to face England on 30 May 2006 at the rebuilt Wembley Stadium.  The match should be the first England international at the new Wembley. England coach Sven-Göran Eriksson is hoping to have three friendlies before the World Cup gets underway.  "Hungary have a huge football tradition.  Although they have not qualified for major tournaments recently, they are always a technical, imaginative team.  They have some regular players with English clubs, like West Brom's Zoltan Gera and Crystal Palace's Gabor Kiraly, who we will be watching closely.  I know there is a great deal of history attached to England versus Hungary fixtures."  Hungary were the first team from outside the British Isles to beat England on home soil, winning 6-3 in November 1953.

Wednesday, 21 December 2005 - England are hoping to play World Cup warm-up matches against Uruguay and Jamaica.  Although nothing has been set in concrete, the Football Association have pencilled the Uruguayans in for a March 1 clash at Anfield, while they hope that Jamaica will become their second opponents at the new Wembley Stadium.  Their first opposition looks set to be Hungary on 30 May, with Hungarian Football Federation president Imre Bozóky being quoted as saying: "The English Association has invited Hungary for the opening international game of the new Wembley."

Multiplex, the firm building the new Wembley Stadium, has admitted it may not complete the venue in time for the 2006 FA Cup final.  The building of the 90,000 all-seater venue has already been troubled by delays and has gone Ł75m over budget.  Multiplex said there was a "material risk" that the stadium would not be ready for 13 May - the date of the FA Cup final.  "Some works that are not critical to delivering the operational status of the stadium continue past this date but still permit the FA Cup final to be played on May 13.  There remains a material risk that these dates will not be achieved and the stadium will not be available for the FA Cup Final."  The company's initial completion date of 31 January has had to be put back to 31 March.

Tuesday, 20 December 2005 - Alan Thompson's agent believes Celtic would consider a reasonable offer for the midfielder.  Tony McGill met club officials today and was assured that they are not looking to sell the player.  But McGill said that at least one English Premiership club is weighing up an offer for him and that could test Celtic's resolve.  "If a club came in with an offer, I think they would probably give it serious consideration.  I've told those interested that they have to speak to Celtic and I won't be doing anything until I'm told otherwise by Celtic."  Thompson has not been a regular starter under Gordon Strachan, but is happy to stay and fight for his place, according to McGill.

Monday, 19 December 2005 - Frank Lampard has come second to Ronaldinho in the battle for 2005 FIFA Player of the Year.

: England remain 9th.

Sunday, 18 December 2005 - Premiership football:- Jermain Defoe is one of the Tottenham Hotspur goalscorers in the 3-3 draw with Middlesbrough.  Joe Cole scores Chelsea's second of two goals against Arsenal.

Jermain Defoe will be missing from Tottenham Hotspur's festive programme after he injured his ankle in the 3-3 draw with Middlesbrough.  Defoe appeared as a second-half substitute and almost won the game for Spurs late on with a shot that was well saved by Mark Schwarzer.  But Defoe then limped off.  Spurs boss Martin Jol said: "Jermain will probably be out for two weeks."

Despite Liverpool's best efforts, and being the better team on the day, they still lose out on the FIFA World Club Championship to a single first half goal from Sao Paulo.  Captain Steven Gerrard played at his best, as did Jamie Carragher.  Peter Crouch played the final ten minutes of a pulsating Liverpool performance.

Saturday, 17 December 2005 - Premiership football:- Wayne Rooney scored Manchester United's second of two goals against Aston Villa.  A Michael Owen hat-trick and Alan Shearer's 199th Newcastle United goal secured the points for 'toon against West Ham United in an impressive 4-2 win.

Friday, 16 December 2005 - England will be based at the Schlosshotel Buhlerhohe - a luxury hotel in the Black Forest - for their World Cup campaign next summer.  The hotel is close to the spa town of Baden-Baden and coach Sven-Göran Eriksson said: "I'm delighted.  It is so important that we have the right base camp as this will be the players home and set the atmosphere as we prepare for all of our games.  We have already identified a training ground five minutes from the hotel."  The hotel has 90 rooms and Eriksson is happy with its location in relation to England's group stage fixtures.  "We are within a good travelling distance to the venues we have been drawn to play against during the group phase.  Additionally, we have the beautiful spa town of Baden-Baden only a few miles away which has a marvellous atmosphere with some wonderful restaurants and cafes.  I'm already very excited about the World Cup next summer and now the draw has been made and we've chosen our hotel, I can't wait for the tournament to begin.  Hopefully this hotel will be the launch pad for us to achieve success in Germany."

Thursday, 15 December 2005 -   The FA has announced a new long-term sponsorship deal with England kit suppliers Umbro.  The new deal will last until the end of the 2013/14 season, a four-year extension of the current agreement.  As part of the deal they will be the official football supplier to the FA at all levels of the game from July 2006.  Umbro also becomes one of four Founding Partners at the new Wembley Stadium and the title sponsor of the National Football Centre at Burton-upon-Trent.

Peter Crouch scored twice to help Liverpool book their place in the final of the World Club Championship.  The Reds dominated their semi-final against Costa Rican side Deportivo Saprissa, taking an early lead when Crouch steered in a first-time shot.  Steven Gerrard made it 2-0 with a rasping volley from the edge of the box to finish off a flowing move before Crouch slotted home a third after half-time.

Wednesday, 14 December 2005 - Premiership football:- An opening James Beattie goal for Everton does not last as they go 2-1 down at home to West Ham United.  A Wayne Rooney brace following a Rio Ferdinand opening goal helps Manchester United in a 4-0 victory over Wigan Athletic.

Sven-Göran Eriksson insists three places are still up for grabs in his 2006 World Cup squad.  Eriksson will name his squad for Germany in mid-May and said: "I'm very open-minded. What is important is that I pick the 23 best players."  And he revealed the stars who could yet gatecrash the World Cup party. He said: "Darren Bent is one of the leading under-21 players and Kieron Richardson too. Aaron Lennon and Nigel Reo-Coker are not too young."  Eriksson added: "I could pick the squad now, at least 20 of them, then I have to start thinking harder.  Maybe I'm just looking for a fourth striker, perhaps one full-back and the third goalkeeper.  You always hope some new player will come on, although with just six months to go that is not very likely."

Jlloyd Samuel is still hoping to represent Trinidad & Tobago at the 2006 World Cup.   The 24-year-old, who has played for England's Under-21 side, has appealed against Fifa's ruling that he is too old to switch allegiance.  The Soca Warriors are in England's group and Samuel said: "The World Cup draw opens up the possibility of a real dream coming true.  The appeal is still going through and I'm keeping my fingers crossed."  Samuel was born in Trinidad but represented England at Under-18 and Under-21 level and was called up to the senior squad for last year's friendly against Sweden, although he did not play.

Uefa wants the rest of Europe to follow England's lead in dealing with the issue of racism in football.  It also said clubs may be banned from European and domestic competitions if they cannot control racist behaviour.  "England is a good example as they have addressed the behaviour of players and fans in the fight against racism," said chief executive Lars-Christer Olsson.  "There, it is not accepted by public opinion, but there are countries where the subject is not that important." Olsson wants leagues to have anti-racism sanctions in place by next season and warned of heavy penalties.

Tuesday, 13 December 2005 - Kevin Phillips has undergone keyhole surgery in a bid to solve the ankle problem which kept him out of Aston Villa's 1-1 draw with Bolton Wanderers.  The club's medical staff believe Phillips has a piece of floating bone in the ankle.  Manager David O'Leary said: "Hopefully it won't put him out for too long."

Les Ferdinand today received an M.B.E. from Prince Charles at Buckingham Palace.

Monday, 12 December 2005 - FA Chief executive Brian Barwick says planning has started in earnest for England's friendlies prior to the World Cup next summer.   Barwick says the fixtures will be tailored to suit Sven-Göran Eriksson's side after Friday's World Cup draw.  "We will be planning strategically for the opponents that we will face in Germany.  Over the next few days and weeks, we will put together a friendly programme to build towards the World Cup."

England fans could receive more tickets if their World Cup Group B opponents fail to sell their full allocation.  The Football Association will receive 8% of the tickets available for the matches against Paraguay, Trinidad and Tobago and Sweden.  Only Sweden are expected to sell their allocation and the FA will have first refusal on returns for the other games.  A further 250,000 tickets went on sale on Monday and organisers are expecting demand to be fierce.

Pelé has tipped England and Italy to be Brazil's biggest challengers at the 2006 World Cup finals in Germany.  "I've seen a lot of games in the last two years and England have improved a lot.  Of course if nobody gets an injury, then I think England, Italy or Brazil will be in the final.  But if I have to name a team to win, I name Brazil. Not only because of their quality, but also because they have two players in every position."

Premiership football:- Ledley King and Jermain Defoe secure the points for Tottenham Hotspur following a 3-1 victory over Portsmouth.

Saturday, 10 December 2005 - Premiership football:- A single Nicky Butt goal earns Birmingham City an essential win over Fulham.  Darren Bent scores one of two Charlton Athletic's goals against Sunderland, in a 2-0 win.  John Terry scores again for Chelsea, this time against Wigan Athletic. 

Friday, 9 December 2005 - England have been drawn to face Paraguay, Sweden and Trinidad and Tobago in the 2006 World Cup finals group stage next summer.  Boss Sven-Göran Eriksson faces another meeting with fellow countrymen Sweden, who England have not beaten in 37 years, after the draw in Leipzig.  England's opening game will be against Paraguay in Frankfurt on 10 June.

Sven-Göran Eriksson is hoping to avoid an 'Ashes rematch' with Australia in Friday's World Cup draw.  Eriksson admits he would rather avoid the "English speaking countries" such as Australia and the United States.  "They are desperate to beat England in a big tournament, which is why I don't want to play them.  But there is a wider aspect to Australia.  There is a sporting rivalry between the two countries. What I saw during the summer in the cricket was amazing."

The photographer who claimed former England football star Paul Gascoigne attacked him outside a hotel, has said he is withdrawing his complaint.   Gascoigne was arrested on Monday night outside the Hope Street Hotel in Liverpool after photographer Steve Farrell said he was attacked.  He was released on police bail the following day.  Mr Farrell said he was dropping his complaint as the star had enough problems in his life.

Thursday, 8 December 2005 - Kieron Dyer has suffered a setback in his long-standing battle against injury.  The 26-year-old England midfielder suffered a hamstring strain, dashing his hopes of returning for Newcastle United against Arsenal.  Dyer has spent time at the British Olympic Medical Centre to try to cure the muscle problem which has troubled him for two years.  A BOMC spokesman said: "He settled in well but felt a twinge in his hamstring when he was doing some work."  Dyer was scheduled to return to training with Newcastle last Monday, but following his latest setback, he will remain at the BOMC in Harrow.

David Beckham has been handed a one-match suspension by the Spanish FA following his sending off for Real Madrid last weekend.  Beckham, 30, was red-carded in Real's 1-0 home win over Getafe for his rash challenge on striker Riki.

Fifa will launch a new young player of the tournament award for the 2006 World Cup in Germany next summer.  The votes of fans after the semi-finals will be used to collate a top three and Fifa's Technical Study Group (TSG) will add another three to a shortlist.  The winner will be chosen by the TSG, which is made up of football coaches and analysts.  Players aged 21 and under will be eligible for an award whose patron is World Cup winner Lothar Matthaeus.  Wayne Rooney was one of the stars of Euro 2004 and Argentina's Lionel Messi, who led his country to the World Youth Championship this year, have been mentioned as possible contenders.

Wednesday, 7 December 2005 - A Paul Scholes goal is not enough to help Manchester United progress.  A 2-1 defeat to Benfica sees United exit all European competitions.

Tuesday, 6 December 2005 - England have been placed among the top eight seeds for the 2006 World Cup.  Sven-Göran Eriksson's side are in a top pool of hosts Germany, holders Brazil as well as Argentina, France, Italy, Spain and Mexico.  England will now avoid meeting those countries when the draw for the tournament is made on Friday evening.  Under the seeding system used by Fifa, England came out second to Brazil while Netherlands and the US finished just outside the top eight countries.

Paul Gascoigne has been arrested over an alleged assault outside a hotel.  Mr Gascoigne, 38, was arrested on last night outside the Hope Street Hotel in Liverpool after a member of the press said he had been attacked.  Merseyside Police confirmed a 38-year-old was in custody in the city.

Monday, 5 December 2005 - Premiership football:- An Emile Heskey goal is not enough for struggling Birmingham City, as they lose 2-1 at home to West Ham United.

Paul Gascoigne wants to buy Kettering Town after being sacked by the non-league outfit after just 39 days in charge.  The former England international, 38, was relieved of his duties today after claims from club owner Imraan Ladak that things were not working out.  Gascoigne hit back, accusing Ladak of interfering, and says he now wants to buy the club.  Gascoigne has denied claims from Ladak that his position as manager was made untenable because he had begun drinking again.

Sven-Göran Eriksson is confident England will be named as one of the seeds for the World Cup finals.  Fifa's World Cup organising Committee will announce on Tuesday which six sides will join holders Brazil and hosts Germany as seeds for 2006.  England are ninth in the world but Eriksson said: "The world ranking is important but it is also what you did in the last two or three World Cups.  I doubt very much the US and Mexico will be seeded before us."

Nigel Martyn is a major doubt for Everton's trip to Manchester United on Sunday.  Martyn limped out of last weekend's 2-0 win at Blackburn Rovers with a groin injury and Richard Wright took over for a rare first-team appearance.  The 39-year-old will need a scan on the injury, but it is already feared that it will take time to heal.  Everton boss David Moyes said: "It gives Richard an opportunity if Nigel does not pull through."

Sunday, 4 December 2005 - Premiership football:- Manchester City crushed Charlton Athletic with contemptuous ease at The Valley, winning 5-2.  The visitors flooded forward almost at will and deservedly took the lead when Darius Vassell set up Andrew Cole.  Darren Bent pulled a goal back with a volley against the run of play before Trevor Sinclair lashed in from an acute angle.  It was late Vassell and Cole goals that secured the points.

Saturday, 3 December 2005 - Premiership football:- Peter Crouch finally gets off the mark for Liverpool, scoring one and having a heavy hand in another in the 3-0 victory over Wigan Athletic.  John Terry scores for Chelsea in the single goal victory over Middlesbrough.  Paul Scholes and Wayne Rooney score for Manchester United against Portsmouth.  An Alan Shearer penalty was not enough to secure the three points for Newcastle United as a Gavin McCann equaliser for Aston Villa shared the spoils.  Michael Carrick scores the winner for Tottenham Hotspur in their 3-2 victory over Sunderland.
La Liga football:- David Beckham was sent off for the third time this season during Real Madrid's 1-0 win over Getafe.  The midfielder made a rash challenge from behind on striker Riki in front of the team dugouts in the 56th minute and was given his marching-orders.  He exchanged angry words with the Getafe management as he stormed off.

Friday, 2 December 2005 - Gary Neville has been appointed as the new club captain of Manchester United.  The 30-year-old England defender was confirmed as Roy Keane's successor by manager Sir Alex Ferguson today.  However, with Neville recovered from the groin injury which had ruled him out for most of this season, Ferguson has handed him the captain's armband.  Neville has been at Old Trafford for 12 years and is approaching 500 appearances for the club.

Thursday, 1 December 2005 - Ashley Cole has revealed he has no idea when he will return from the broken foot that has kept him out since early October.  Initially the 25-year-old Arsenal defender was told the cracked metatarsal bone in his right foot would keep him out for four weeks but the injury has not yet healed.  "We are assessing the injury every two weeks but at the moment there is no comeback date.  I haven't suffered a setback, it's just taking time to heal.  I thought it was just a knock so I was putting ice on it every day.  It's annoying. I haven't missed too many games through injury before but I think I'll end up missing quite a few now.  I'm working in the gym doing weights and on the bike but until I can take the protective boot off, I can't even jog or anything like that."
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CG