Friday 30 September 2011

Pearce gives FA food for thought

Stuart Pearce feels he is not ready to become the next England manager when Fabio Capello steps down, news which will make the Football Association sit up and take notice.

The powers-that-be at FA headquarters will have already been discussing who will take the reins of the national side, when Capello quits following Euro 2012 – should England qualify.

Pearce has been seen by some as a natural successor and it seems that was the plan for the FA, after giving him a coaching role beside Capello and sticking by him as Under-21 boss. Those following the Euro 2012 betting will have expected him to have one eye on the job.

But despite the invaluable experience he will have gained in the last couple of years, the former England full-back believes he needs more time to learn his trade.

Pearce will be 50 when Capello steps aside, but 'Psycho' thinks he needs more managerial experience before he can think about taking the senior position. Those looking at stars and strikes may agree.

The former Manchester City boss said: "I believe it's maybe a job for an older man who has got more experience. If you amass all the games (as a manager, it is less than 200 matches. For me, there is not enough experience there."

So who do the FA turn to?

They have been strong indications that they will look to a British manager, after failed spells under Capello (so far) and Sven Goran Eriksson.

Harry Redknapp appears to be number one candidate and he has often admitted it's a job he would be proud to take.

West Brom manager Roy Hodgson is another who has been mentioned, with previous international experience with Switzerland. But his failure at Liverpool may concern those doing the hiring.

Martin O'Neill, Sam Allardyce and even David Beckham are the other names believed to be in the frame for the role some describe as the "impossible job".

Tuesday 27 September 2011

Wright-Phillips targets England call

Queens Park Rangers winger Shaun Wright-Phillips has admitted that he had not given up hope of playing for England once again.

The 29-year old moved to Loftus Road in the summer from Manchester City for an undisclosed fee, after two spells at Eastlands, stretching back 12 years. He left the club in 2005 to join Chelsea for a fee of £21 million, but the move didn't work out to plan and he returned to City in 2008.

After failing to break into Roberto Mancini's side at the start of this season, the London-born winger felt it was the right time to move away from the club once again and he returned to his home city with Neil Warnock's QPR. People looking at the betting odds will know he has started well.

Wright-Phillips has made 36 appearances for the national side, and was selected for manager Fabio Capello's 23-man squad that went to the World Cup in South Africa last year.  However, since then, he has not been a part of the Italians plans, mainly due to not playing regular first-team football. In fact, when the national team have been playing lately he will have had time to watch a Man United Bowling Video.

The winger one was one of several players to add to the newly promoted Premier League side over the summer, along with Joey Barton, DJ Campbell and Luke Young.

Man United bowling



The England manager was on hand to watch Wright-Phillips in his side's 1-1 draw with Aston Villa on Sunday, and he could not be set for a return to the national side in their upcoming Euro 2012 qualifier against Montenegro on October 7.

The Three Lions are unbeaten so far in their Group G qualifying group and need just a point against Montenegro to secure a place at next year's finals in Poland and Ukraine.

Wednesday 21 September 2011

England slide in the rankings

England have fallen down to eighth in the latest FIFA world rankings, despite consecutive victories in their Euro 2012 qualifying campaign.

Fabio Capello's men have fallen behind Uruguay, Portugal, Italy and Brazil in the standings, which are based on the results of the last four years. Those looking at the betting won't be too surprised.

Their recent form has been good, after beating Bulgaria 4-0 in Sofia, and Wales 1-0 at Wembley, as they sit top of Group G in the Euro 2012 qualifying table, and remain unbeaten in the group.

World Champions Spain are back to number one in the rankings, after leapfrogging Holland who fall to second place.

Germany reaming in third after winning all eight of their qualifying games, and have already booked a place for the finals of Euro 2012 in Poland and Ukraine.

Copa America champions Uruguay moved up to fourth place after winning their continental football tournament. They beat Paraguay in the final to win the event for the 15th time. They beat Argentina and Peru on the way to picking up the trophy. Fans of Betfair will have to keep an eye on them.

Wales are amongst the biggest climbers, and are now in the world's top 100, after moving up 27 places. This follows their Euro 2012 qualifying win in Group G over Montenegro.

Republic of Ireland and Scotland both move up the table. Ireland climb up two positions to 29th thanks to draws against Slovakia and Russia. Whilst the Scots edge up three places to 52nd following a win over Lithuania and an impressive draw against Czech Republic.

However, Northern Ireland lose ground in the rankings, moving down to 70th, 11 places below their previous standing. Defeats to Serbia and Estonia have taken effect on their position for Nigel Worthington's team.

Wednesday 7 September 2011

England 1 Wales 0

This 1-0 win means England need just 1 point to qualify for Euro 2012.

Saturday 3 September 2011

Bulgaria v England result!

0-3 to England. England now look in a strong position to qualify after Montenegro lose to Wales.