England News
February, 2005
Monday, 28 February 2005 -
Premiership: Robbie Fowler scores his 150th & 151st premiership goals tonight as
Kevin Keegan's Manchester City come
from 2-0 down to beat Norwich City 3-2.
A former sports minister at Westminster has accused Scottish football fans of
trying to hijack the naming of a footbridge at the new Wembley stadium.
Tony Banks has put down a motion in the Commons insisting that it must be called
the Bobby Moore bridge. The Tartan Army have voted online for it to be
named after the late great Jim Baxter. Scottish nationalist MPs tabled a motion
last week endorsing the call. The Baxter vote currently leads the online
poll, which closes on 15 March. Baxter was the hero of the "home
international" at Wembley when Scotland beat England 3-2 in 1967. The
victory over England came a year after the home side's World Cup win. Slim
Jim thrilled fans with a display of "keep-uppie" during the Wembley game.
Aston Villa boss David O'Leary admits that his side are missing injured
Gavin McCann's combative edge in
midfield. Villa were booed off after their 3-1 defeat by Everton on
Saturday and McCann's replacement Eric Djemba-Djemba is struggling to make an
impact. O'Leary said: "We're a better and stronger team when Gavin is in
it." McCann, 27, who joined Villa from Sunderland for £2m in 2003, is
unlikely to play again this season after undergoing knee surgery.
Sunday, 27 February 2005 -
Carling Cup Final - Liverpool 2 Chelsea 3 - after extra time.
John Terry leads his Chelsea side
to victory. A Steven Gerrard
own goal equalised for Chelsea 11 minutes from normal time, before two goals in
extra-time gave Chelsea their first silverware in 5 years.
John Terry, Frank Lampard,
Joe Cole &
Glen Johnson all receive winners
medals. Steven Gerrard &
Jamie Carragher receive loser's medals.
Premiership: A Lee Bowyer &
Kieron Dyer goal each gave Newcastle United (11th) victory over Bolton Wanderers
(7th).
Scottish FA Cup quarter-final: Alan
Thompson scores one of Celtic's 5 against Clyde.
Saturday, 26 February 2005 -
Premiership: Wayne Rooney scores
twice as Manchester United (2nd place) beat Portsmouth 2-1 to move six points
behind Chelsea (1st). Andy
Johnson netted two penalties to move Crystal Palace (17th) four points clear
of the Premiership relegation zone after a scrappy match at Selhurst Park
against Birmingham City (12th).
Darius Vassell returned to the
Aston Villa team as a 62nd minute substitute, but was still beaten 3-1 by
Everton.
Championship: Joe Royle's Ipswich Town (3rd) are beaten by Queens Park Rangers.
Steve Coppell's Reading (7th) are held to a scoreless draw by Leicester City
(18th). Dennis Wise's Millwall (9th) are beaten by a late Brighton & Hove
Albion (15th) goal. Glenn Hoddle's
Wolverhampton Wanderers (17th) draw yet again with a scoreless result against
Watford (14th).
League One:
Peter Taylor's Hull City (2nd) beat
Colchester United (17th) 2-0, the second coming from Nicky Barmby. Brian
Little's Tranmere Rovers (3rd) draw away at Bournemouth (6th). Roy
McFarland's Chesterfield (12th) are beaten by Peterborough United (22nd).
Paul Merson's Walsall (15th) drew with Colin Todd's Bradford City (11th).
League Two: Carlton Palmer's Mansfield Town (12th) earn a scoreless draw
with Rushden & Diamonds (22nd).
La Liga: David Beckham & Michael Owen both start as Real Madrid lose to
Deportivo La Coruna. Real remain 2nd, 8 points behind Barcelona.
Hull City boss
Peter Taylor will sign a new deal with
the club this week. Taylor has agreed a contract for the rest of this
season and the two seasons after that. He still hopes to continue his
part-time role as England Under-21 coach. "It's something I'm delighted
with. As far as I'm concerned things have gone exceptionally well and there's
still more to do. I've had quite a few letters from supporters all
thinking that I'm leaving at the end of the season and they couldn't be further
from the truth, so it's about time I said something. I just wanted to make
sure everybody realised that there's no change at the end of the season and I'm
still committed as I ever was when I first walked through the door."
Friday, 25 February 2005 -
Middlesbrough boss Steve McClaren hopes that
Stewart Downing did not
seriously damage his hamstring during the 2-1 Uefa Cup win over Graz AK.
The winger was carried off on a stretcher in the closing stages. McClaren
said: "Stewart has tweaked a hamstring, which is a blow for us. We will assess
it in the morning. But I'm delighted with the match result. They say in
sport you can win ugly - and we certainly did."
Arsenal defender Sol Campbell looks almost certain to miss the second leg
of the Champions League game with Bayern Munich on 9 March. Campbell, 30,
has been out since twisting his ankle against Manchester United on 1 February.
He missed the 3-1 defeat in the first leg in Munich and manager Arsene Wenger
said: "Sol's ankle is still swollen. I am concerned. I have made up my
mind I will not consider him at all because he will not play in the next weeks.
I would like him to be here but we have to be positive and we have to deal with
it."
Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has ordered captain
Steven Gerrard not to play down
their Champions League ambitions and be more positive. Gerrard had said
Liverpool were unlikely to win the trophy this year. Benitez responded: "I
spoke to Steven and said to him that in future it's better to think we can win
the Champions League. Why not?"
Thursday, 24 February 2005 -
UEFA Cup: Newcastle United progress to the last 16 with a win over SC Heerenveen,
a 2-1 victory gave United a comfortable aggregate score - Alan Shearer started
and scored, Kieron Dyer and Nicky Butt also started,
Jermaine Jenas was a half-time
substitute. Middlesbrough also progressed after beating Graz AK 2-1 -
Gareth Southgate, Ray Parlour and
Stewart Downing all started.
England forward Michael Owen has said that he is happy in Spain and has no
plans to quit Real Madrid to return to the Premiership in the near future.
But the 25-year-old, who has spent much of his time coming off the bench in La
Liga, did not rule out a return to the Premiership at some stage. "I'm
pleased with the start I've made here. England is my country. It's
definitely part of me but who knows whether, if or when I'll be playing there
again."
Oldham Athletic have parted company with manager Brian Talbot by mutual
agreement. The Latics caused an FA Cup shock last month by beating
Manchester City 1-0 - but have lost their last seven games and conceded 16 goals
in the last four. Talbot now departs Boundary Park after just under a year
in charge. "We are sorry that things have not worked out for Brian and the
club," managing director Simon Corney said.
Millwall player-manager Dennis Wise charged with improper conduct by the
Football Association and has until Thursday 10 March to respond. It
follows an incident towards the end of the Championship match with Cardiff City on
Tuesday, which Millwall won 1-0. Wise was sent to the stands after he
threw down a water bottle which then struck the referee's assistant. The
game finished with an ugly melee as official Mike Jones handed out three red
cards after the last-minute brawl.
Birmingham City say they are confident midfielder
David Dunn will make a full
recovery after he has surgery on a long-term back problem. The 26-year-old
former Blackburn Rovers player has endured several failed comebacks from a nerve
problem in his back, which also affects his hamstrings. "We're reassured
that this is the correct route forward for him to take," said chairman David
Gold. "It will take about five months but he should make a complete
recovery". Dunn had a course of injections in the hope that he might be
able to play again this season, but a reaction to the final injection led to his
surgery being put back.
Wednesday, 23 February 2005 -
UEFA Champions League, knock-out phase: Barcelona came from behind to beat
Chelsea after Didier Drogba's controversial red card -
John Terry, Frank Lampard and
Joe Cole started,
Glen Johnson came off the bench.
A costly mistake from Manchester United keeper handed AC Milan the advantage in
their tie with a narrow win at Old Trafford - Gary Neville, Wes Brown, Rio
Ferdinand, Paul Scholes & Wayne
Rooney all started.
Newcastle United boss Graeme Souness is lining up a summer move for England and
Real Madrid striker Michael Owen. He sees Owen, 25, as the ideal
replacement for Alan Shearer, but has not given up hope of persuading the
34-year-old to postpone his retirement. Souness said: "Without giving too
much away, I am confident he will be here next season."
Tuesday, 22 February 2005 -
UEFA Champions League, knock-out phase: Arsenal's Champions League hopes hang by
a thread after a nightmare performance against Bayern Munich -
Ashley Cole playing the last 7
minutes because of a virus, and
Owen Hargreaves playing the last 16, Munich won 3-1. Liverpool took
charge of their last 16 Champions League tie with a commanding performance
against Bayer Leverkusen - Jamie Carragher playing the full 90 minutes of a
3-1 win. Real Madrid beat Juventus 1-0 - David Beckham started, Michael
Owen played the final 14 minutes.
Premiership: Bryan Robson's West Bromwich Albion played out a dull scoreless
draw with Southampton to remain bottom of the table.
Championship: Joe Royle's Ipswich Town slide to a home defeat by Watford,
losing 2-1. Steve Coppell's Reading draw at Crewe Alexandra 1-1, Royals
are 7th. Dennis Wise's Millwall beat Cardiff City in a stormy affair, 1-0,
but are 8th, Wise was sent-off from the touchline. Glenn Hoddle's
Wolverhampton Wanderers play out another 1-1 draw with Queens Park Rangers,
climbing to 16th spot.
League One: Paul Merson's Walsall lose at league leaders Luton Town, the
Saddlers remain in 13th place. 2nd place
Peter Taylor's Hull City draw at
Milton Keynes Dons. Brian Little's Tranmere Rovers remain 3rd following a
3-0 win over Huddersfield Town. Colin Todd's Bradford City lose 2-1 at
Blackpool, dropping to 11th. Roy McFarland's Chesterfield beat Stockport
County 2-1 to go 12th. Brian Talbot's Oldham Athletic are thrashed 5-1 by
Bristol City and drop to 19th spot. League Two: Carlton Palmer's Mansfield
Town are beaten 4-1 by Wycombe Wanderers, and drop to 12th place.
Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Sean
Davis came through a reserve match on Monday as he completed his first full
game since undergoing knee surgery in November. Davis said he suffered no
adverse reaction in the 2-1 defeat to Charlton. The injury-hit 25-year-old
has played just seven times for Spurs since signing for £3m in July 2004.
"You need games, that is the main thing. If I can get a few more games at this
level and tempo my stamina should improve. I am prepared to be patient,
I've been out for so long and there is no need to rush it."
Steven Gerrard has
admitted that Liverpool have little chance of winning the Champions League this
season. The 24-year-old Reds skipper spoke out ahead of Tuesday's first
leg at home to Bayer Leverkusen in the last 16, which he will miss through
suspension. "Let's be realistic, there are some fantastic teams left in
the Champions League. We are just going to try to stay in as long as
possible but we realise that maybe it is not our year this year."
Michael Ricketts will go
straight into Stoke City's squad to face Leicester City on Tuesday after signing
on loan for a month from Championship rivals Leeds United. The 26-year-old
former England striker only joined Leeds in the summer but has struggled this
season.
Mick Harford has joined Swindon Town as assistant manager to boss Andy
King. "It's nice to finally be here. Andy is a very good friend - working
together is something we have always wanted to do. It will be until the end of
the season, when we will review it. I will do the coaching, and just
assist Andy in any way I can. Hopefully we can have a bit of success."
Monday, 21 February 2005 -
Glen Johnson has been banned
from driving for a month after being caught speeding on the M25 at 112mph with
five friends in his car. The 20-year-old Chelsea and England player, of
Cobham, Surrey, was caught late at night in April last year. He admitted
driving over the 70mph limit and using the vehicle in a dangerous condition with
so many in it.
Aston Villa striker Darius Vassell's
battle to return to full fitness has been hampered by the postponement of
Monday's reserve game with Newcastle United. The 24-year-old has had four
months on the sidelines since breaking an ankle against Fulham last October but
made a 90-minute reserve comeback last week.
Mick Harford has arrived at Swindon Town - to take up an as-yet-unspecified role
on the Robins' coaching staff. Harford, who has been director of football
at Luton Town and caretaker boss at Nottingham Forest this season, will be
involved in training today. Earlier this month, boss Andy King dismissed
reports that he was set to become director of football in order for Harford to
take charge of the team. But King has been without an assistant since Mike
Walsh left the club.
Chelsea left-back
Wayne Bridge will miss the rest
of the season with a broken ankle. The England international,
24, was hurt in an innocuous challenge with Alan Shearer during the Londoners'
FA Cup defeat at Newcastle on Sunday. "We think it's a big injury," said
Jose Mourinho, whose Chelsea team this week meet Barcelona in the Champions
League and Liverpool in the Carling Cup final.
Sunday, 20 February 2005 -
FA Cup fifth round: Newcastle United see off Chelsea, who were down to nine men
by the end of the second half,
Wayne Bridge sustaining an injury. Championship
strugglers Nottingham Forest earned a replay against Tottenham Hotspur after a
determined display. Spurs looked to be in control after Forest's keeper
dropped Jermain Defoe's free-kick
into his own net just before half-time. But a mix-up between
Ledley King and
Paul Robinson allowed Forest to
score into an empty net.
Newcastle United deputy chairman Douglas Hall claims the club would have
been relegated if Sir Bobby Robson
remained in charge at St James Park. Robson parted company after five
years, following a poor start to the season.
Victoria and David Beckham are celebrating the birth of their third son,
who they have named Cruz. The couple said they were "delighted" after a
caesarean section delivery in Madrid at 1040 local time (0940 GMT) on Sunday.
The baby weighed 7lb (3.2kg). The Real Madrid and England star said: "He's
gorgeous, healthy and his mum is very good so we're a very happy family.
He's got Victoria's lips and nose."
Saturday, 19 February 2005 -
FA Cup fifth round:
Wayne Rooney fails to shine, but
participates in Manchester United's progress at the hands of Everton.
United won 2-0. Leicester City's Dion Dublin's last-minute strike sent
Charlton Athletic crashing out of the FA Cup as City won 2-1.
Championship: Teddy Sheringham scored twice as West Ham United thrashed
Plymouth Argyle 5-0, climbing to 6th spot. A Les Ferdinand goal for Steve
Coppell's Reading is not enough to overcome Coventry City. City won 2-1,
Reading drop to 7th. Dennis Wise's Millwall lose to Stoke City and
drop to 9th. Glenn Hoddle's
Wolverhampton Wanderers earn another draw to Gillingham.
League One: Peter Taylor's Hull City
find winning form again after beating Wrexham and remain 2nd. Colin
Todd's Bradford City lose to league leaders Luton Town 1-0, and drop to 10th
spot. Roy McFarland's Chesterfield lose to Sheffield Wednesday, dropping
to 12th. Paul Merson's Walsall have a scoreless draw with Milton Keynes
Dons, but remain 13th. Brian Talbot's Oldham Athletic lose to Stockport
County and drop to 18th. League Two: Carlton Palmer's Mansfield Town
beat Bury by two goals and climb to 11th place.
SPL: Terry Butcher's Motherwell beat Hearts of Midlothian 2-0 to climb to 6th
place.
La Liga: A rare start for Michael Owen, coupled with a starting place for
David Beckham, was not enough for Real Madrid as they lost 2-0 to Athletico
Bilbao.
Real Madrid's Jonathan Woodgate is set to be sidelined for the rest of the
season, according to reports in Spain. Woodgate's return will be postponed
until at least the summer following the latest tests on his injured left thigh,
leading sports daily Marca said. The England international defender has
not played for Madrid since joining the Spanish giants from Newcastle for £13.4
million in August 2004. The 25-year-old has a ruptured tendon as well as a
thigh muscle injury.
Friday, 18 February 2005 -
Championship: Joe Royle's Ipswich Town draw away at Preston North End.
Town remain six points ahead at the top of the table.
Wayne Rooney will play for
Manchester United in the FA Cup fifth round tie at former club Everton.
United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has decided not to spare the 19-year-old the
expected hostile reception. Everton have also warned fans the club could
be punished if the game is marred by crowd trouble. The FA is monitoring
Everton's crowd control after two pitch invasions this season and spokesman Ian
Ross said: "We appeal for common sense." Rooney's return provides a
potential flashpoint, and Ross added: "We have been told that the authorities
are monitoring the situation."
Chelsea midfielder Scott Parker
is only a couple of weeks away from a comeback from injury and hopes to
strengthen their bid for four trophies. Parker has been out of action
since breaking a bone in his foot against Norwich City in late December.
But he hopes to be back for the second leg of Chelsea's Champions League game
with Barcelona on 8 March.
Thursday, 17 February 2005 -
UEFA Cup: Newcastle United came back from a goal down to claim a vital away win
in their tie against SV Heerenveen. The home side took the lead after 24
minutes. United responded well in the second half and skipper Alan Shearer's
fine finish into the right-hand corner levelled the scores.
Lee Bowyer's flick put Newcastle
ahead 12 minutes later before he was sent off for a second yellow card.
Manchester United captain Roy Keane has accused Arsenal defender
Ashley Cole of diving in the
encounter at Highbury. The United skipper claimed that he pulled out of a
tackle with Cole, only for the England defender to go down in the penalty area.
Keane said: "I wasn't quite sure what he was up to, if I'd known I might have
reacted differently. It's not just foreign players, it's crept into the
Premiership and seems to be getting worse." Keane also took a side-swipe
with a call for anti-diving wristbands to be introduced.
Wayne Bridge has vowed to fight
for his future at Chelsea after reports linking his club with Arsenal's
Ashley Cole. Chelsea are
being investigated by the Premier League over an alleged illegal approach for
the Gunners' England star. But Bridge said: "Even if Ashley did end up
coming here - and I haven't a clue about that - I'll stay and fight for my
place. There's nowhere better to be at the moment than Chelsea and I won't
be going anywhere."
Tottenham Hotspur midfielder
Sean Davis played for an hour in a training ground friendly as he stepped up
his recovery from knee surgery last November.
Danny Mills believes
Manchester City are paying the price for a lack of strength in depth this
season. Sunday's 2-0 loss to Manchester United means the Blues are almost
certain to miss out on a European slot next term. "It'd be nice if there
were competition for places. That would help to raise everybody's
standards. This is a small squad and we have also had to cope with some
horrific injuries, which has been very unfortunate for the players involved."
Wednesday, 16 February 2005 -
Liverpool are set to offer defender Jamie Carragher a contract extension.
The 27-year-old, who has two years left on his current deal, has impressed Reds
boss Rafael Benitez with his consistent form this season. His contract is
now likely to be extended by up to three years in a new deal reportedly worth
£40,000 a week.
Everton insist Wayne Rooney
will not be receiving special attention if he plays against his former club for
Manchester United in the FA Cup fifth round. Rooney, who left Everton for
United in a £27m summer deal, faces his boyhood heroes for the first time on
Saturday. The 19-year-old England striker is set to receive a hostile
reception at the ground where he was once idolised. But Everton assistant
manager Alan Irvine said: "He will be treated in the same way we treat all good
players."
Former Arsenal star Paul Merson believes the England team could be
affected because teams like the Gunners are focusing on foreign players.
Monday's 5-1 Premiership win over Crystal Palace marked the first time ever an
English club squad was completely foreign. "I think it's a joke, really,
that's my opinion," said Merson. "You can understand why England are
struggling when top clubs like Arsenal have no English players playing."
Tuesday, 15 February 2005 -
Ronaldinho's World XI beat Andriy Shevchenko's European XI 6-3 in the Nou Camp
as the world's top players raised money for the tsunami relief fund. David
Beckham and Steven Gerrard
started for the European side.
Chelsea have been rewarded for their Premiership form by winning manager and
player of the month awards for January.
John Terry bagged a prize after
leading the Blues to four successive wins over Liverpool, Middlesbrough,
Tottenham Hotspur and Portsmouth. "Chelsea had a blistering start to 2005
with Mourinho's tactical sharpness and Terry's inspirational presence," said the
Barclays Awards Panel's Nic Gault.
Aston Villa reserves coach Kevin
MacDonald says everyone is looking forward to the return of striker
Darius Vassell. The England forward completed his first 90 minutes in
four months, and only the fourth of the season as Villa's second string
eased to a 2-1 win over Bolton Wanderers on Tuesday night.
Chelsea have no need to pursue Arsenal left-back
Ashley Cole, according to Blues
captain
John Terry. Chelsea are
being investigated by the Premier League over an alleged illegal approach for
the Gunners' England star. But Blues centre-half Terry said Chelsea were
already in possession of a world-class left-back in
Wayne Bridge. "Bridge is a
first-class player, one of the best left-backs in the world so why do we need to
go out and do that? Ashley's a great player, I'm not denying that.
But I think if you speak to Ashley, he's Arsenal through and through. It
is the same with me, I don't want to ever leave Chelsea."
Liverpool midfielder Steven Gerrard
is relishing playing in Tuesday's benefit match for victims of the Asian
tsunami. More than 50 of the world's top players will take part in the
match between a European team and a World XI. "I'm looking forward to it.
There will be some great players on show. I don't think it is going to be
like a Premiership game or an important international match but I think it will
be competitive."
Monday, 14 February 2005 -
Premiership: Three goals in seven first-half minutes helped keep Arsenal's title
challenge alive as they thrashed Crystal Palace. For the first time in
their history, and in the history of the Premiership, Arsenal fielded a 16-man
squad that contained no British players, with regulars Sol Campbell and
Ashley Cole out through injury
and illness. Arsenal ran out 5-1 winners, an
Andy Johnson penalty consoled
Palace.
Paul Konchesky is no longer on
the transfer list at Charlton Athletic, according to manager Alan Curbishley.
The 23-year-old wanted to leave the club last summer after being replaced at
left-back by Hermann Hreidarsson. Konchesky spent three months on loan at
Tottenham Hotspur last term and has started three games for the Addicks this
season. Curbishley said: "Things have been a bit up and down but I was
under the impression that when Paul returned to Charlton he came off the list."
Konchesky, who won his only England cap against
Australia in February 2003,
has been shunted to the left wing since Hreidarsson's arrival. But
Curbishley is adamant the Charlton youth product still has a future at the club.
"He's a valuable member of our squad so I'm not looking to let Paul go anywhere.
I understand Paul's frustration because he's not played at left-back since
Hermann Hreidarsson came to the club. But playing wide left, which he has
done for us for some time now, he can do very well. He can also get goals for us
- and make goals."
Sven-Göran Eriksson
More than 50 of
the world's top players will take part in
Tuesday's benefit match for victims of the Asian tsunami. The game, at
Barcelona's Nou Camp, will be between a European team, led by Andriy Shevchenko,
and a non-European side captained by Ronaldinho. England's David Beckham,
Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard
are in the team with Shevchenko, of AC Milan and Ukraine. The game will be
refereed by Italian Pierluigi Collina. All proceeds from the match will be
donated to the Fifa/Asian Football Confederation Tsunami Solidarity Fund.
Sunday, 13 February 2005 - Everton manager
David Moyes will discipline striker James Beattie
after all for his headbutt on Chelsea defender William Gallas. The Scot
initially defended Beattie, whose dismissal put Everton on the back foot in a
game they ultimately lost 1-0, saying Gallas overreacted. But he has had a
rethink after looking over the video evidence again. He said: "I believe
that I should set the record straight by conceding that the dismissal was right
and correct."
FA Cup fourth
round replay: Sheffield United need penalties to overcome West Ham United.
Teddy Sheringham scores the Hammers equaliser. Then misses one of their
penalties in the shoot-out. Sheffield win 3-1 to set up a fifth round
clash with Arsenal.
Premiership: Wayne Rooney
scores one and creates another as Manchester United beat Manchester City 2-0.
La Liga: England striker Michael Owen helped inspire Real Madrid to a 2-1
win. The former Liverpool star again started on the bench, but he
cancelled out Pierre Webo's opener soon after coming on as a second-half
substitute. Roberto Carlos' free-kick was parried and when Raul's shot was
kept out Owen was in the right place to head home. Ivan Helguera scored
the winner for Real, who have won seven games in a row under new coach Vanderlei
Luxemburgo.
Scotland manager Walter Smith has given his backing to the reinstatement
of the Home International series. Such a plan is to be proposed by the new
chief executive of the Northern Irish FA, Howard Wells, at the next meeting of
the four home countries. The English FA has expressed doubt as to whether
the fixtures could be accommodated at the end of each season. But Smith
said: "Bringing it back would add meaning to friendly games and that's something
that's needed." The Home International series was done away with in 1984,
with the traditional Scotland-England fixture continuing until 1989. That
game is one Smith would be delighted to see reinstated.
[see comment]
England striker
Michael Owen has hinted that he may opt to leave Real Madrid to safeguard his
international prospects. Owen has failed to command a regular place in the
Real team and is concerned that his increasing amount of time on the bench may
affect his England place. "Sometimes I feel I am happy then the next week
I might be on the bench and I am a bit low in myself again. It is
frustrating and isn't the best way to prepare for the next World Cup."
Owen has had to prove himself to three managers in his short time at Real.
Saturday, 12 February 2005 - FA Cup fourth
round replays: A brace from Jermain
Defoe helped Tottenham Hotspur beat Bryan Robson's West Bromwich Albion.
Premiership: James Beattie is
sent-off for Everton as they go down to Chelsea.
Championship: Joe Royle's Ipswich Town beat Leicester City 2-1 to maintain their
push for automatic promotion. Dennis Wise's Millwall draw away to Gillingham.
Steve Coppell's Reading are beaten by Leeds United.
League One: Peter Taylor's Hull City
are beaten by Luton Town in the top of the table clash, with Brian Little's
Tranmere Rovers drawing with Colchester United to gain on Taylor's side.
Colin Todd's Bradford City beat Sheffield Wednesday. Brian Talbot's Oldham
Athletic are well beaten by Bournemouth, 4-0. Roy McFarland's Chesterfield
beat Doncaster Rovers. League Two: Carlton Palmer's Mansfield Town lose to
Cheltenham Town.
Friday, 11 February 2005 - League One: Paul
Merson's Walsall beat Bristol City with a single goal.
Birmingham
City boss Steve Bruce has admitted he has ambitions of becoming England manager
in the future. Bruce, 44, who took over at Birmingham in December 2001,
said he viewed the England job as the "pinnacle" of any English manager's
career. "The plum job for me is the national manager's job."
Arsenal defender Sol Campbell looks almost certain to miss his side's
Champions League tie away to Bayern Munich on 22 February. Campbell, 30,
has been out since twisting his ankle against Manchester United on 1 February.
Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger revealed: "There is only a small chance of Sol being
fit for the Bayern Munich game. "He has had this injury a few times and I
have never rushed him back. When Sol feels okay, we will bring him back."
Terry Butcher and his Motherwell management team have signed new contracts
with the club. Butcher, his assistant Maurice Malpas and coach Chris
McCart extended their current deals, which were due to expire in the summer,
until 2008.
Thursday, 10 February 2005 - Plans to
resurrect the Home Internationals could founder because of a crowded fixture
list, the English Football Association has warned. Northern Ireland will
raise the possibility at the next meeting of the four home associations.
But FA executive director David Davies said: "In principle, we have absolutely
no objection. But the issue is where on earth we can sit games like that into
the international calendar?" The Scottish FA has also welcomed in
principle the Irish Football Association's idea of a knockout competition
involving England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.
England striker Wayne Rooney
has admitted he would rather play in a central role for his country, after
playing on the left against Netherlands. Rooney played in an experimental
4-3-3 formation at Villa Park on Wednesday with Michael Owen as the main
striker. Rooney said: "I think I would prefer to play centrally. I did
well in Euro 2004 there, but it's good to try different things in friendlies
should we need it. I've played to the left for Manchester United so it was
nothing new to me."
David Beckham feels he is running back into form after two seasons when he
has failed to produce his best for England. There has been growing
pressure on the England captain with some parts of the media clamouring for him
to be dropped, but he claims he does not feel it. "I didn't feel under
pressure myself because this is what I love doing - I love playing for England.
Things do get said about you and that can turn fans, but their support means a
lot to me and I hope it continues."
Sportswear manufacturer Nike has responded to claims by England defender
Gary Neville that it is cheapening football's anti-racism campaigns.
Neville made his comments after England and Netherlands wore strips sporting
anti-racism messages on Wednesday. But Nike, which has a sponsorship deal
with Neville's club Manchester United, hit back by issuing a statement. It said:
"It's not about cheap PR or profit but tackling the issue of racism that is
still an issue in football." Nike also said the idea of for the 'Stand Up,
Speak Up' anti-racism campaign was from Thierry Henry and the company had worked
with the Arsenal striker and other European players to make it work.
Wednesday, 9 February 2005 -
Sven-Göran Eriksson defended his
decision to play Andy Johnson
out of position in the Crystal Palace striker's England debut. England
coach Eriksson brought the 24-year-old on after an hour and then handed an
unfamiliar role on the right flank in the 0-0 draw. Eriksson said: "I know
he's better in the centre, but we decided to stick with the system we started
with. He was OK. He was very happy to be picked and play his first game.
I talked to him. We could have changed to 4-4-2 and taken him inside, but I
preferred to stay with our formation."
England 0 Netherlands 0
- England and Netherlands played out a low-key stalemate at Villa Park.
Shaun Wright-Phillips had
England's best chances in the first half, but was twice off target from close
range. England gave debuts to
Andy Johnson and Stewart Downing,
but they had little chance to shine as two under-strength sides settled for a
draw.
Sven-Göran Eriksson gave
Wright-Phillips his first start, and he had chances to make his mark in a first
45 minutes lacking in real quality.
Premier
League bosses have told England manager
Sven-Göran Eriksson to keep out of
the 'tapping-up' row. Eriksson defended players' rights to talk to other
clubs following allegations that Arsenal
Ashley Cole had a secret meeting
with Chelsea.
England
coach
Sven-Göran Eriksson says he will talk
to Manchester United's Wayne Rooney
about his temperament ahead of the friendly against Netherlands. Eriksson
had to take Rooney off during England's last match in Spain and the 19-year-old
was lucky not to be sent off in the league at Arsenal last week. "I may
speak to Wayne about it but you cannot take away his temperament, it's why he's
so good. Even in practice, he hates to lose. But I might talk to him a
little bit." Eriksson is desperate not to interfere with Rooney's game
with the teenager in great form for United and he admitted he still is not sure
of the former Everton striker's best position. Eriksson added: "Wayne
Rooney is one of the biggest talents we have in this country and I want him to
be protected. Of course, I do not want him to have a red card. I really do
not know where Wayne's best position is. He is extremely good everywhere he
plays. I am talking about on the right, on the left, as the only striker,
as the second striker and, as we play him, as the offensive midfielder in the
diamond. He does a great job there as well. But give him the ball and he
will do the business wherever he is operating from."
Tuesday, 8 February 2005 - England U21
1 Netherlands U21 2 - Netherlands made the most of a disjointed performance by
England to claim a comfortable friendly win. Fulham striker Collins John
put the Dutch ahead when Liam Ridgewell failed to cut out Edson Braafheid's
cross. Edridge Joger made it 2-0 before half-time when he rose
unchallenged at the far post to head Stijn Schaars' deep free-kick past Scott
Carson. Substitute Leroy Lita did manage a consolation for England by
turning in a John Welsh cross in the final minute.
League One: Colin Todd's Bradford City are thrashed by Milton Keynes Dons
4-1. Brian Talbot's Oldham Athletic are beaten 2-0 by Blackpool.
League Two: Carlton Palmer's Swansea City surprise Swansea City with a 1-0 win.
England
coach
Sven-Göran Eriksson says he is
unconcerned if reports that Chelsea made an illegal approach for
Ashley Cole prove to be true.
The Premier League is to investigate whether Chelsea held a secret meeting with
the Arsenal defender last month. But Eriksson said: "As a professional
footballer it must be your right to listen if some other work is available.
We don't live in a dictatorship, we're in a democracy. It's the same in other
professions but normally no problem. Loyalty is important but contracts
end and that is life in football."
Aston Villa
midfielder Lee Hendrie has signed a new deal that will keep him with the
Midlands club until June 2007. Hendrie has scored five Premiership goals
this season and hopes to return to the side at Portsmouth on Saturday after
being sidelined with a virus. The 27-year-old's game has improved since
David O'Leary came to the club and he recently praised his manager. "Since
he has come here things have picked up and he's given me a lot of confidence,"
said Hendrie.
Sven-Göran Eriksson has revealed
Shaun Wright-Phillips
will start against the Netherlands. But Wright-Phillips will not make his first
start for England playing on the left, as had been widely expected. "Probably
Shaun Wright-Phillips will start to the right," said Eriksson. "But I'm not
going to put Wright-Phillips to the left." Eriksson also revealed that Wes Brown
will start alongside Jamie Carragher in the injury-hit centre of defence. When
asked if Brown and Carragher would start Eriksson replied: "I could tell you
yes. It's a blow that four or five central defenders are away because of
injuries. On the other hand it's good for Carragher and Brown to show what they
can do at this level. That's positive." The England coach is also expected to
start with David Beckham on the right of three-man midfield. Wright-Phillips
could then play to the right of a three-pronged attack alongside Michael Owen
and Wayne Rooney. But Eriksson said all will become clear at his team's training
session on Tuesday.
Monday, 7 February 2005 - England's
defensive worries have increased following the withdrawal of Tottenham Hotspur's
Ledley King, Chelsea's
John Terry and
Wayne Bridge. Terry's absence gives coach
Sven-Göran Eriksson a headache at
centre-back ahead of the friendly at Villa Park. Eriksson has drafted in
Manchester United's Phil Neville as cover. Terry, the captain of Chelsea
as they push for the Premiership title, would have been a certain starter in the
absence of Campbell and Ferdinand. But now he has pulled out, which should
mean a centre-back pairing of Wes Brown and Jamie Carragher.
Liverpool
chief executive Rick Parry has revealed they would turn down a £50m bid for
Steven Gerrard. But Parry
also admits Gerrard, who has been constantly linked with Chelsea, will have the
final say on his future. He said: "Steve is above money. He is the future
of Liverpool. It doesn't matter if it's £30m, £40m or £50m, we will not
accept offers. But we are also realistic enough to know we can't keep Steven
against his will.
Sunday, 6 February 2005 - Birmingham
City defender Matthew Upson has
pulled out of England's squad for the friendly with Netherlands on Wednesday.
Upson was in line to feature from the start at Villa Park in the absence of Rio
Ferdinand and Sol Campbell. But the 25-year-old missed the Blues' defeat
at Manchester United with a hamstring injury, which will now keep him out of the
game against the Dutch. With
Ledley King also having an injury
concern, Wes Brown has been drafted in.
Premiership: A brave defensive display, led by keeper David James, helped
Kevin Keegan's Manchester City hold the
leaders Chelsea. James Beattie
scored against his old club as Everton drew at Southampton.
England coach
Sven-Göran Eriksson has hinted David
Beckham will start as captain in Wednesday's friendly against Netherlands at
Villa Park. Beckham, who has struggled for England recently, has been put
under pressure by the emergence of Manchester City midfielder
Shaun Wright-Phillips.
But Eriksson said: "He is the captain so he should be the number one. He
didn't play well for a while but recently he has been doing very well."
Eriksson watched Beckham play in Real Madrid's victory over Espanyol on
Saturday, which moved the club to within four points of leaders Barcelona.
Beckham took a knock on the shoulder when he fell awkwardly but Eriksson expects
him to be fit to face the Dutch.
Saturday, 5 February 2005 - England
coach
Sven-Göran Eriksson has called up
Crystal Palace striker Andy Johnson
and Middlesbrough winger Stewart
Downing for the first time. The pair join up with the rest of the
24-man squad for the friendly against Holland on Wednesday at Villa Park.
Chelsea defender Glen Johnson
and Newcastle's Kieron Dyer have both been recalled by Eriksson for the game.
Rio Ferdinand, Sol Campbell, Alan
Smith and Darius Vassell all
miss the match through injury.
The Premier League is to examine "further information" from a newspaper
that Chelsea made an alleged illegal approach for
Ashley Cole. Arsenal
left-back Cole is reported to have met Blues boss Jose Mourinho to discuss a
possible transfer, which would breach Premier League rule K3. Arsenal boss
Arsene Wenger has said that he does not want Premiership leaders Chelsea to lose
points.
Premiership: Manchester United continued their fine form with a win over
Birmingham City, Wayne Rooney
scoring United's second in their 2-0 win. Rio Ferdinand played the full
game, but ended the ninety minutes with a hamstring injury, thus becoming
unavailable for squad selection tonight.
Ashley Cole scores Arsenal's
third of 3 goals against Aston Villa's none. Bryan Robson's West Bromwich
Albion lose to Norwich City 3-2. Kieron Dyer was on target for Newcastle
United as they drew 1-1 with Charlton Athletic, and Andrew Cole scored a Fulham
consolation as they lost at Liverpool 3-1.
Championship: A goal from David Unsworth see's Joe Royle's Ipswich Town extend
their Championship lead at Sheffield United. Town won 2-0. Dennis
Wise's Millwall drew 0-0 with Queens Park Rangers. Steve Coppell's Reading
drew 0-0 with Plymouth Argyle.
League One: Peter Taylor's Hull City draw 1-1 with Bristol City, Nick Barmby
scoring. Colin Todd's Bradford City draw 1-1 with Brian Little's Tranmere
Rovers. Roy McFarland's Chesterfield lose 1-0 to Hartlepool United.
Brian Talbot's Oldham Athletic lose 2-1 to Swindon Town. Paul Merson's
Walsall draw 2-2 with Wrexham. League Two: Carlton Palmer's Mansfield Town
celebrated their 3,000th league game with a derby day victory over local rivals
Notts County.
Friday, 4 February 2005 -
Championship: Glenn Hoddle's Wolverhampton Wanderers earn yet another 1-1 draw,
tonight against Sunderland.
Thursday, 3 February 2005 - England
coach
Sven-Göran Eriksson is expected to bring in
new faces when he names the squad to face Netherlands in a friendly on 9 February. Middlesbrough's
Stewart Downing and
Andy Johnson, of Crystal
Palace, are two players tipped for inclusion. "Holland have so many
skilful players and I'm looking forward to seeing how our own team rises to this
challenge." England will wear shirts bearing an anti-racism message in the
game. It will be the first time in 133 years of international
football the front of the England shirt will have carried anything other than
the three lions badge and manufacturer's logo. The match will be at Villa Park and the team's red shirts will
have a slogan on the front and the 'Kick It Out' badge on the sleeves. "This is a unique opportunity for fans and players to join
together to speak out against racism. The players are always very proud to wear the England shirt
but this time it will have even more meaning for them." Netherlands are also planning their own anti-racism message by
wearing a black and white kit instead of their traditional orange.
On the squad front, Downing has been touted as a possible
answer to England's problem left midfield slot. Johnson, meanwhile, is the leading English marksman in the
top-flight and is second in the Premiership scoring charts with 15 goals. Johnson's club manager Iain Dowie said: "Andy certainly
wouldn't be out of place in the England team. He's a proper player and would get in any side. It's no fluke
what he's done; he got 32 last year and has got 15 this season in a struggling
team. He works terrifically hard for the team - I'd be amazed if
there's another Premiership forward who puts in more effort. I wouldn't swap him
for anyone." Eriksson will be without injured central defender Sol Campbell
and Manchester United striker Alan Smith.
Arsenal boss Arsene
Wenger will be without first-choice central defender Sol Campbell at Aston Villa on
Saturday. Campbell limped out of the defeat to Manchester United on
Tuesday after twisting his ankle and will also miss England's game with
Netherlands
next week.
Newcastle United manager Graeme Souness paid tribute to Alan
Shearer after the 34-year-old striker scored his 250th Premiership goal. The veteran was on target against Manchester City and
afterwards Souness said: "Alan Shearer is the greatest centre forward England
has ever had. He scores every type of goal imaginable. He really is a
phenomenon. He sets an example to everyone at our club, which is why I so
badly want him to extend his career." Shearer, who is planning to retire at the end of the current
season, is now just 14 goals short of Jackie Milburn's all-time goalscoring
record.
England captain David Beckham insists he is not concerned
by criticism of his displays for club and country. "As long as I'm happy
with my form for Real Madrid and England, whatever anybody else says doesn't
really matter. The most important thing for me is that I'm comfortable with
the way I'm playing - I must admit, the last month has been my best month for a
while. There are a lot of important games coming up, for Real and
for England."
Leeds United have sealed the signing of Blackburn's Michael
Gray on a three-month loan deal. The 30-year-old former England defender made over 400
appearances for Sunderland before switching to Ewood Park in January 2004.
Wednesday, 2 February 2005 -
Premiership: Alan Shearer scored his 250th premiership goal as Newcastle United
drew away to Kevin Keegan's Manchester City, Robbie Fowler equalised with a
penalty. Elsewhere, Andrew Cole missed a penalty as Fulham drew with Aston
Villa. At the end of the night, Chelsea are 11 points clear at the top,
Everton remain 4th, 7 points clear of 5th placed Liverpool. Manchester
United & Arsenal hold 2nd & 3rd spots.
England's
senior goalkeeping coach Ray Clemence has been diagnosed with prostate cancer.
The ex-Liverpool and Tottenham keeper will miss England's training sessions next
week before their friendly against Netherlands while he undergoes treatment.
Clemence, 56, said: "The news I have had from the doctors so far has been very
positive and encouraging. "I'm looking forward to getting the treatment
out of the way and returning to work as soon as possible." As a player,
Clemence won 61 England caps as well as three European Cups, two Uefa Cups, five
League titles, one FA Cup and one League Cup with Liverpool. He joined
Tottenham in 1981 and played in two more FA Cup finals, winning one, before
retiring through injury aged 39 in October 1987.
Tuesday, 1 February 2005 -
Premiership: Bryan Robson's West Bromwich Albion draw with Crystal Palace.
Steve McClaren's Middlesbrough are beaten by Portsmouth.
Jermain Defoe scores Tottenham
Hotspur's only goal in their 3-1 defeat to Bolton Wanderers.
League One: Roy McFarland's Chesterfield draw 1-1 with
Peter Taylor's Hull City.
England coach
Sven-Göran Eriksson has issued a
rallying cry to supporters to get behind the National team. Next month's
world cup qualifier against Northern Ireland is a sell out, although their are
tickets available for the match against Azerbaijan at Newcastle. Eriksson
said: "Players always want to play in front of capacity crowds and the fans in
Newcastle will be very important. I hope as many England supporters
as possible will come and watch the game".
___________________
CG
England Football Online