tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-72151256924447196562024-02-07T05:26:25.906+00:00England National Football Team BlogFor news, stories, gossip, ticket information and match previews and reports. World Cup, European Championships, Qualifier or Friendly, read about it here.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger186125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7215125692444719656.post-45273897155302569432013-05-20T21:37:00.003+01:002013-05-20T21:37:29.542+01:00Rio right to announce England retirement<br />
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Rio Ferdinand has done the right thing in announcing his retirement from international football: not just for the good of his career but also the evolution of the England team.</div>
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The 34-year-old hasn’t played for England in almost two years, since a 2-2 draw with Switzerland during Euro 2012 qualifying. Since then a race row and new managerial appointment in Roy Hodgson has blocked Ferdinand’s path to a recall, leaving him time to focus on club side Manchester United.</div>
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And what a focus that has been. Despite suffering from numerous injuries the ageing centre-back has maintained his place in the Old Trafford dressing room and last week scored his first goal since October 2008 (in an England shirt) as United beat Swansea 2-1 on Sir Alex Ferguson’s last home game.</div>
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Ferdinand has benefitted from not having to travel Europe with England and his infamous withdrawal before the February international break only fuelled speculation his heart isn’t in it.</div>
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Indeed, as <a href="http://betting.betfair.com/football/leedixon/lee-dixon-arsenal-to-seal-another-season-in-the-champions-league-with-win-at-st-james-160513-11.html">Betfair pundit Lee Dixon</a> has previously written, maybe it’s good for England that Ferdinand calls it a day, for Hodgson’s side is now free to develop with younger players. Both he and John Terry have threatened to return to the side before retiring, and this has given Chris Smalling, Joleon Lescott and Gary Cahill the opportunities to stake their claim for a first-team shirt.</div>
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After the 2010 World Cup many football betting fans argued we should get rid of the England old guard and start afresh and, although Ferdinand played no part in the tournament because of injury, his name was alongside Terry, Heskey, Joe Cole, even Lampard and Gerrard as those who must now leave.</div>
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The 2014 World Cup will certainly be the latter pair’s ultimate international tournament and then, finally, England will have gotten rid of its golden generation (bar Ashley Cole, who appears impervious to bad performances).</div>
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Now Hodgson can start afresh and begin building a new generation without the stresses of a previous era, perhaps tempting pundits to put a <a href="http://betting.betfair.com/football/">Football bet</a> on future England glory. Ferdinand has been a loyal servant to England and a credit to his profession, and a return to the set-up would only tarnish that reputation.</div>
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Tom Mallowshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18421603400914983366noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7215125692444719656.post-17866354271163172412013-04-26T08:54:00.002+01:002013-04-26T08:54:15.069+01:00Gerrard desperate to seal World Cup placeEngland captain Steven Gerrard says his side are ‘desperate’ to qualify for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.<br />
The Three Lions are yet to taste defeat in qualification, but despite them being in what appears to be a rather straightforward group, they have so far struggled to dominate their opponents and currently trail Montenegro with four games left, <a href="http://www.bet365.com/news/en/betting/football/international-football">with some punters who bet on football</a> tipping them to fall into the play-offs.<br />
Qualifying, whether it be automatically or through the play-offs, is a must for England, especially with the 2014 World Cup already shaping up to be one of the best in the competition’s history.<br />
The tournament is also likely to be a number of players last for the national side and they will understandably be desperate to finally fulfil the potential they that they have always promised but never really delivered on following a string of quarter-final disappointments.<br />
Gerrard acknowledges that his side are in some danger of missing the championship, but says he’s desperate to lead his team to South America and that everyone in the squad will be doing all they can to make it through to what promises to be a true festival of football in Brazil.<br />
"There's no getting away from it. It's a huge year for the FA, it's the 150-year anniversary and what they're doing for the game and putting back in,” the skipper <a href="http://www.bet365.com/news/en/betting">said to football betting news reporters</a>. <br />
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"In amongst that is a really big challenge ahead of us to qualify for probably the biggest World Cup there's going to be. There is no bigger place to have the World Cup than in Brazil, except for England for us players.<br />
"We want to be there, we're desperate to be there and we're going to keep fighting all the way to the end, and give it everything we've got to get there."Tom Mallowshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18421603400914983366noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7215125692444719656.post-38178987889670853132013-03-18T18:31:00.002+00:002013-03-18T18:31:33.180+00:00Hodgson not worried by Rooney's temper troubles
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England boss Roy Hodgson says he is not
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<span lang="EN-US">Last time the Three Lions played in
Podgorica, they were leading 2-0 before the Manchester United striker was
sent-off for lashing out at an opponent.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">England ended up drawing that game 2-2,
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the first two games of Euro 2012.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">This wasn’t the first time that the
27-year-old’s temper had got the better of him in a big match, after he was
previously sent-off for stamping on Portugal defender Ricardo Carvalho in the
quarter-finals of the 2006 World Cup. Indeed, <a href="http://www.bet365.com/news/en/betting">punters who bet on football</a> regularly back Rooney to see red.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Following draws against Poland and Ukraine,
the Three Lions currently sit second behind the Montenegrins in their World Cup
qualifying group, and the upcoming clashes against both San Marino and Branko
Brnovic’s men are sure to prove vital in their bid to qualify for Brazil in
2014.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">This means Rooney is likely to be once
again under the spotlight but Hodgson says he won’t be taking any special
measures to ensure the striker keeps his head at the Stadion Pod Goricom.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">"I don't think I will speak to Wayne
personally on the matter because he is more than aware (of what happened),” the
boss <a href="http://www.bet365.com/news/en/betting/football/international-football">said to football betting news reporters</a>. "When you have been sent off in a game, you don't forget your
sendings off.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">"I will be speaking to all the
players. Away matches at this level of football require a lot of discipline,
not only tactical discipline but also mental.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">"But I won't be singling out Wayne for
that. He has not let me down as a player so I have no reason to doubt
him," he added.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Tom Mallowshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18421603400914983366noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7215125692444719656.post-21088558752094252932013-03-18T15:31:00.001+00:002013-03-18T15:31:10.731+00:00Rio furore a waste as defender withdraws from England<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
The mass debate that surrounded Roy Hodgson’s decision to
recall Rio Ferdinand to the England squad appears to have been a complete waste
of time after the defender announced his withdrawal from this week’s <a href="http://betting.betfair.com/football/world-cup/england-rios-out-of-qualifier-but-should-still-go-to-brazil-180313-579.html">World Cup qualifiers</a>.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Ferdinand’s inclusion sparked huge interest in the betting
world with fans, pundits and pub landlords alike all happy to give their views
on the decision to recall the centre-back.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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For many, the defender’s return would only further signify Hodgson’s
weak management, for the boss only last years excluded Ferdinand for England’s
Euro 2012 squad. For others, however, Rio’s comeback was to spark a greater
solidarity in England’s defence that could prove vital to their qualification
for Brazil.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Regardless of which argument has most truth, the fact is Rio
now won’t don the England shirt for upcoming clashes against San Marino and
Montenegro.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The reason for his withdrawal is based on Ferdinand’s
physical routine at club side Manchester United, where his deteriorating body
is kept in check via a “detailed medical programme he must follow” – according
to Hodgson.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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So while he is happy to play for England, his appearances
must come in line with his progression at Old Trafford.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The more suspicious of England fans in <a href="http://betting.betfair.com/football/world-cup/">World cup 2014 betting</a> markets may wonder if United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has had any influence
over proceedings, but we are not here to point fingers.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Instead, fans should just be pleased Ferdinand is willing to
play for his country and put previous bad blood – such as his relationship with
Ashley Cole – behind him. He is a professional and a good one at that, and if
his influence on the team helps us qualify for Brazil 2014 then Hodgson’s
decision to bring him back will be more than vindicated.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Tom Mallowshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18421603400914983366noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7215125692444719656.post-81685280379560072932013-02-06T15:23:00.002+00:002013-02-06T15:24:00.811+00:00Confident England get U21 Championships Boost<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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England U21’s hopes of winning the 2013 European
Championships this summer will be sky high after Stuart Pearce’s side
demolished Sweden 4-0 in Walsall during a friendly on Tuesday.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Although the Euros are still four months away, this squad
will take great confidence from their performance that saw them dominate a
Sweden side who comfortably won qualifying group B before losing to Italy in a
two-legged playoff last October.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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The man of the moment – as he has been all season – was Tom
Ince, Blackpool’s spirited winger-come-striker who terrorised Sweden’s defence
with two clinical finishes. Jonjo Shelvey also got on the scoresheet, while
Connor Wickham is making a name for himself at U21 level with a header late on.</div>
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<br /></div>
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It was a performance that will greatly impress not only boss,
Pearce, but also England manager, Roy Hodgson, who is still developing the
first team into a unit capable of qualifying and possibly winning the 2014
World Cup in Brazil.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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Fans <a href="http://betting.betfair.com/football/">betting on football</a> should expect Ince to be in the
first-team squad by next summer, and success at this year’s European
Championships can only help the 21-year-old’s aspirations.</div>
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England are in a tough group with Italy, Norway, and Israel
yet have now won their last seven matches and lost just once since June 2011.
Over this two-year period Pearce has developed a strong side genuinely capable
of winning silverware and their dominance over Sweden proved this team is the
real deal.</div>
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The players have just one more fixture – against Wales in
March – to prove themselves before Pearce picks his 2013 Euro squad. With
competition rife throughout the squad, each player will put his all into every
opportunity handed to them – a spirit that could make the difference at this summer’s
Euros.</div>
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<i>Watching tonight’s match? Pick up the latest odds, tips, and
news from the England camp at <a href="http://betting.betfair.com/football/premier-league/">http://betting.betfair.com/football/premier-league/</a></i></div>
Tom Mallowshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18421603400914983366noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7215125692444719656.post-38614890162477546802012-12-31T13:03:00.001+00:002012-12-31T13:03:07.382+00:00First Stadium Opens in Brazil<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<br />
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Brazil have taken an enormous step to realising their 2014
World Cup ambitions after the first of 12 new stadiums was announced open this
week.</div>
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The Castelao Arena, in the city of Fortaleza, was
inaugurated in an opening ceremony attended by President Dilma Rousseff. The
project comes in on schedule and cost an approximate £153.5m to fully renovate a
40-year-old stadium, which has hosted international matches since the 1980s.</div>
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It was all smiles and laughter at the opening ceremony and
the President used the opportunity to congratulate Brazil’s capability of achieving
success both on the football field and in building stadiums, yet there are
still major concerns some projects will not be finished.</div>
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The Maracana Stadium – Brazil’s historic arena that will
host the World Cup final in 2014 – is slightly behind schedule, while the Arena
da Amazonia in Manaus is still very much a construction site.</div>
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Meanwhile FIFA general secretary, Jerome Valcke, recently
claimed one of Brazil’s host cities has just 17,000 hotel rooms for a
45,000-seater stadium, while a report by the Brazil Audits Office claimed a
multi-million-pound rail infrastructure project in another city would not be
complete until after the World Cup.</div>
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However, many Brazilians will claim this is just
scaremongering from the media and tactics by FIFA to get the government into
more decisive action. The Castelao Arena’s completion proves Brazil is on track
and just about on budget to host football’s largest tournament in 18 months’
time.</div>
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Granted, there is still work to do and the Castelao itself
looks bare without the billboards, flags and vibrant supporters that will
eventually fill its terraces. But faith should be put in Brazil to host a
successful World Cup. South Africa did it in 2010 despite greater pressures
from the international community, so there is no reason to believe Brazil
cannot better that success.</div>
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<i>Looking for some early gambling tips for the World Cup?
Visit the Betfair website (<a href="http://betting.betfair.com/football/">http://betting.betfair.com/football/</a>)
for the latest news, tips, and odds for Brazil 2014: <a href="http://betting.betfair.com/football/world-cup/">http://betting.betfair.com/football/world-cup/</a></i></div>
Tom Mallowshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18421603400914983366noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7215125692444719656.post-53901611726272379782012-12-10T13:35:00.000+00:002012-12-10T13:35:10.199+00:00Fan ‘hubs’ a great idea for Euro 2020The growing positivity behind a continent-wide Euro 2020 must please UEFA president Michel Platini, who received much criticism for the idea just a year ago.<br />
<br />
Platini was branded a moron by many experts and pundits for his apparent ‘out of touch’ comments about a Europe-wide tournament. Yet after the infrastructure and financial problems that surrounded Euro 2012 last summer, in which hotel rooms were being sold at almost £500 a night in the major cities, his novel Euro 2020 idea has drawn wider acceptance.<br />
<br />
On Thursday UEFA confirmed it would stage a continental European Championships and invites national football associations to bid for host city status. The English, Scottish, Welsh and Irish FAs are all interested, and if they join together could all stage games should a ‘hub’ idea prove desirable.<br />
<br />
For these four FAs could act as a northern ‘hub’ for Euro 2020, with four-stadium hubs in the west and the east making the tournament accessible for all fans. The distance between Wembley, Hampden Park, the Millennium Stadium and Dublin’s Aviva Stadium is far shorter than, say, Paris, London, Copenhagen and Stockholm.<br />
<br />
A northern hub on the British Isles and Ireland would work wonders for Euro 2020, giving fans the safety and accessibility of movement while also offering four countries the chance to stage games.<br />
In the west we could see Barcelona, Marseilles, Rome and Milan form a hub, while the east could boast Berlin, Warsaw, Prague and Vienna.<br />
<br />
Granted, these names are pulled out of thin air and UEFA’s decision on host cities will be far more detailed and considered, yet the idea of hub areas should not be dismissed. The point of Euro 2020 is to improve the fan experience and bring Europe together; many punters in the betting world would rather they join a hub, rather than single host city miles from anywhere, to mingle with the multitude of crowds.<br />
<br />
<em>Make sure you head over to Betfair for all your cup betting needs. As well as the latest news and expert opinion there is the latest </em><a href="http://betting.betfair.com/football/capital-one-cup/"><em>Capital One Cup Betting</em></a><em> markets as well as all the </em><a href="http://betting.betfair.com/football/fa-cup/"><em>Betfair FA Cup</em></a><em> tips and previews you could ever need.</em>Tom Mallowshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18421603400914983366noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7215125692444719656.post-30937149890821378882012-11-27T16:00:00.000+00:002012-12-03T16:00:24.630+00:00Home Nations need Reality Check<div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 13px/normal arial, sans-serif; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">
Two years ago, during European Championships qualification, Scotland scored two late goals to overcome Liechtenstein 2-1 at Hampden Park, a result that kept their flickering qualification hopes alive - barely.</div>
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This week, a fellow British team pulled respect from the jaws of defeat as Northern Ireland scored late on to draw 1-1 with the Azerbaijan, with old boy, David Healy, coming up trumps.</div>
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In both games the home crowds went wild – more out of relief than delight of beating a major rival. The apparent embarrassment of losing to such lowly footballing nations would have left Northern Ireland the laughing stock of Group F had they fallen to Azerbaijan at home.</div>
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Yet should we still expect our home nations to ‘perform’ on the international stage? When Scotland beat Liechtenstein, back in September 2010, there was a feeling around Hampden that they deserved victory before kick off, such is the history of football in Scotland and their domestic league strength compared to Liechtenstein.</div>
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It is a feeling many England fans and<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a href="http://betting.betfair.com/football/champions-league/">Betfair football</a><strong> </strong>pundits voiced when playing Macedonia and, recently, Moldova: ‘Why should we play these small teams in qualifying, let them play each other so we can get on with it.’</div>
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This unfortunate attitude is very dangerous for the greater good of football that does not focus solely on the home nations. For none of England, Scotland, Northern Ireland or Wales have any divine right to overturn international opponents, despite the history and development apparently in our domestic leagues.</div>
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International football has grown since these four were even remotely powerhouses in the game and we can now expect ‘smaller’ nations, such as Azerbaijan, Macedonia, and Moldova, to<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><b><a href="http://betting.betfair.com/football/internationals/international-result-four-goal-zlatan-destroys-england-141112-200.html">put up a fight against our national teams</a></b>.</div>
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It may be embarrassing to draw or lose to such lowly opposition, but they nevertheless have as much right to play international football as we do and fans must realise this before they criticise their teams for apparent underachievement.</div>
Tom Mallowshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18421603400914983366noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7215125692444719656.post-30657655538691055932012-11-26T22:14:00.002+00:002012-11-26T22:14:27.479+00:00Forster eyes World Cup place
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<span lang="EN-US"></span><span lang="EN-US"></span><span lang="EN-US">Celtic goalkeeper Fraser Forster says he’s
now aiming to seal his place in the England squad for the 2014 World Cup
following his recent heroics against Barcelona.</span>
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<span lang="EN-US">The 24-year-old has been earning rave
reviews since moving to the Bhoys on loan in 2010 and his performances in last
season’s title winning campaign persuaded the Glasgow giants to pay Newcastle
£2.5million for his permanent signature in the summer.</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">He has once again impressed so far this
term, <a href="http://www.bet365.com/news/en/betting/football/international-football/hodgson-happy-despite-defeat">helping Celtic to some impressive live scores</a> <span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span></div>
<span lang="EN-US">, and after years of taking the plaudits in
Scotland, he finally earned some recognition south of the border, as he was
called up to the England squad for the recent World Cup qualifiers.</span>
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<span lang="EN-US">Following his match winning performance in
Celtic’s Champions League win over Barcelona, as <a href="http://www.bet365.com/news/en/betting/football">result that stunned punters gambling online</a>,<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>he was once again included in the
party for Wednesday’s friendly with Sweden.</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">Despite being yet to make his debut,
Forster is being tipped to earn his first cap in Stockholm and is seen by many
as current incumbent Joe Hart’s biggest long-term competition for the Three
Lions number one jersey.</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">The ambitious stopper is understandably
pleased with his form and is now eyeing a place in the 23-man squad for the
2014 World Cup in Brazil.</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">"I was in the England squad for the
last World Cup qualifiers and I'm in again this time which is great,"
Forster said. "England is something I've been aiming for and I enjoyed
getting to work with Joe Hart when we met up with the last squad. He's a great
guy as is the goalkeeping coach Dave Watson.</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">"That fortnight was an important
experience for me and, having watched the last World Cup on TV, I've got to be
aiming to get to Brazil with England for the next one."</span></div>
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Tom Mallowshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18421603400914983366noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7215125692444719656.post-57209491214022819122012-11-21T11:58:00.003+00:002012-11-21T11:58:29.116+00:00Hodgson Aiming to Put the Pride Back into the Three LionsRoy Hodgson may not have stepped into the England manager’s role with quite the same reputation as some of his recent predecessors, but what he lacks in top level success he is certainly making up for in enthusiasm.<br />
Over recent years players seem to have grown to consider playing for England as a burden, an inconvenience that they could do without. After watching squad after squad filled with players who could win the Champions league at club level but fail to make any impression in major international tournaments, it seems that Roy Hodgson has had enough apart from <a href="http://www.bet365.com/news/en/betting/football">just improving England’s results and scores</a> he also wants to restore pride in the shirt.<br />
"When people are called up I expect them to come running, get on a bicycle and cycle to the training session if they have to, then they shake hands with everyone and tell everyone how happy they are to be there” <a href="http://www.bet365.com/news/en/betting/football/international-football/hodgson-happy-despite-defeat">he told news sport reporters</a>.<br />
Since becoming England manager it seems that Hodgson has had to endure more than his fair share of disruption caused by withdrawals from his squad. His message to those players who regularly pull out of squads for no good reason seems be simple- if you aren’t interested in playing for England then we aren’t interested in you. <br />
"It is very simple for me: to be asked to play for England is a major honour and a major feather in people's caps," said Hodgson. "I am not interested in people who are deciding whether England is where they want to be or whether they want to be somewhere else.”<br />
After the apathy of the Eriksson, McClaren and Capello eras, Roy Hodgson’s pride and belief in the England squad and what it means to play for England is a real breath of fresh air. If Roy can pass his enthusiasm on to his young charges then all might not be lost for England just yet.Tom Mallowshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18421603400914983366noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7215125692444719656.post-70370286867351323742012-10-31T12:37:00.005+00:002012-10-31T12:37:55.574+00:00Bolton right to pursue highly-regarded FreedmanBolton's search for a new manager to succeed the sacked Owen Coyle has so far proved fruitless but they appear to be barking up the right tree going after Crystal Palace's Dougie Freedman.<br /><br />The Trotters look to have made the highly-rated Eagles boss their number one target after several other, more high-profile, names were initially linked with the post in the wake of the popular Coyle's departure.<br /><br />Mick McCarthy, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and even Sven Goran Eriksson <a href="http://www.bet365.com/news/en/betting/football/league-cup/sunderland-target-league-cup-success">were mentioned in latest odds as possible contenders for the Bolton job</a>.<br /><br />Clearly, the under-performing Lancashire club are keen to go down the route so many other teams seem to want to go down now, and make an up-and-coming young British coach their new manager.<br /><br />And, in this case, their judgement seems spot on, but whether they will be able to lure him to The Reebok or not remains very much up in the air.<br /><br />Palace initially refused to allow Bolton to speak to their former striker and are, understandably, desperate to keep hold of Freedman, who has managed to guide them up to fourth in an ultra-competitive and extremely tight Championship so far this season.<br /><br />This comes after the firm fans' favourite, who is only 38, lead Palace to the last four of the League Cup last season, which included a famous win at Manchester United, something that further marked him out as one of the brightest young managers around.<br /><br />Palace insiders say Freedman, <a href="http://www.bet365.com/news/en/betting/football">a favourite of the odds betting community</a>, is a methodical, open and intelligent modern coach, who does his best to utilise all the tools available to him to make a success of the job at Selhurst Park. Judging by what he has done already, he seems to be learning quickly and his methods are undoubtedly getting positive results.<br /><br />He may decide to stay where he is for now, viewing the Bolton job as only an equal position to the one he already has and don't bet against him leading Palace into contention for a promotion spot later in the season if he opts to continue the job he has started so well.<br /><br />On the other hand, Bolton may get their man after they were eventually granted permission to speak to him.<br /><br />But one thing's for sure, it looks like the talented Freedman's career will continue on a swift upward curve, whoever he is in charge of.Tom Mallowshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18421603400914983366noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7215125692444719656.post-36586017713423351562012-10-11T13:50:00.000+01:002012-10-11T13:50:00.425+01:00Neville won't tolerate complacency<br />
England assistant boss Gary Neville says he will do all he can to ensure the Three Lions do not fall foul of complacency ahead of their meeting with San Marino on Friday.<br />
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Roy Hodgson’s men host the minnows at Wembley, knowing that they’re expected to record an impressive victory over what is likely to be a team largely made-up of amateurs and part-time players. Indeed <a href="http://www.bet365.com/news/en/betting/football/international-football/shawcross-makes-neville-proud">the latest betting news suggests punters</a> expect England to score at least six goals without reply.<br />
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England famously missed out on qualification for the 1994 World Cup after conceding an early Davide Gualtieri goal during a qualifying match in the tiny republic and despite winning the game 7-1, the team were blasted for their perceived complacency.<br />
<br />
However, Neville is adamant that there will be no similar slip-ups this time around and has called on his players to prepare in the same manner as they did for last month’s win over Moldova. He insists that the fans at Wembley Stadium, at home watching on TV or <a href="http://www.bet365.com/news/en/betting/football">even logging-on to watch live football online</a> will see a professional and committed England team take to the field.<br />
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England also face Poland in this batch of international fixtures and the former Manchester United defender says it’s vital that his side take match against La Serenissma seriously, as it will help them prepare for Tuesday’s game in Warsaw<br />
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“People can look at the San Marino game and think it's a formality and I'm not going to stand here as an England coach and say I'm not fully aware of our responsibilities to win this match,” he said.<br />
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"But when I was a player playing in this type of game in the past the way I prepared for it was to scare myself and think of what would happen if we didn't win and that's enough to get you focused.<br />
<br />
"And we certainly don't want to go into the Poland game with anything other than a very good victory on Friday," he added.<br />
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Tom Mallowshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18421603400914983366noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7215125692444719656.post-9081013951555455082012-10-05T10:17:00.002+01:002012-10-05T10:17:53.477+01:00Bent must build to Gain England Chance<div style="font-family: inherit;">
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<span style="font-size: small;">Coming off the bench for just 10 minutes of action in a huge
local derby when your team needs a goal is not what a prospective England
striker should be doing. Firing home a cool-headed finish to equalise for your team
with just two minutes on the clock, however, is bound to catch the eye of Roy
Hodgson.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">As is the enigmatic status of Darren Bent, currently sat in purgatory
with no idea where his career will turn next. At Villa, he has started every
game but one, yet competition for places is fierce, after the arrival of Christian
Benteke in the summer.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">At international level, a freak ankle injury back in
February ruined his chances of playing at Euro 2012 and ended his season as
Villa slowly fell into a relegation scrap. It now seems Hodgson’s plans have
moved on since then to accommodate a different type of striker, while Villa
still need a talisman.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Bent has a lot to do to secure another England chance, and form
at club level is all-important. Yet without a winning goal in the Premier League
this season, his reputation as a match winner is fast depreciating. Thank
goodness he scored at the weekend.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">The Aston Villa marksman rocked West Brom’s travelling
support last Sunday when he volleyed home the equaliser, earning manager, Paul
Lambert, a crucial point and restoring some sort of pride against their Midlands
rivals; his finish was composed and determined, a gift in front of goal that
still needed converting.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Bent must build on this strike <a href="http://betting.betfair.com/football/opta/opta-stats-tottenham-v-aston-villa-031012-19.html">against Spurs, this weekend</a>, and
start netting regularly for Villa if he has any chance of convincing Hodgson to
try him out for England again. At 28-years-old, Bent does not have time on his
hands and must hit the back of the net for Villa before Christmas comes around.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Looking for betting tips for the weekend? Take a look at the
<span style="color: black;"><a href="http://betting.betfair.com/football/premier-league/">favourite winning odds Premier League</a>.</span></span></div>
Tom Mallowshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18421603400914983366noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7215125692444719656.post-24962529464315973632012-09-29T11:01:00.000+01:002012-09-29T11:01:01.407+01:00England’s Young Lions<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<br />
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">So, let us be positive; let us
forget England’s disappointing showing at the Euros and their ordinary
performance against Ukraine in the World Cup qualifier. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">Let us assume that England
will qualify for the finals in Brazil in 2014, and that the young players
showing promise will progress as we hope, and will be injury-free come the big
carnival.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">Let us also, for the sake of
this discussion, take all players who will be over 30 in two years out of the
equation, and that includes Joe Cole, John Terry, Rio Ferdinand, Steven Gerrard,
and Ashley Cole. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">What have we got left to
frighten Brazil, Spain, and the rest? Well, here goes: how about this for a
team of ten twenty-somethings and one teenager?</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">Joe Hart (who will then be
27) in goal. A given. A back line of Kyle Walker (24), Phil Jones (22), Gary
Cahill (28), and Leighton Baines (29). </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">A midfield comprising Alex
Oxlade-Chamberlain (21), Tom Cleverley (25), Jack Wilshire (22), and Raheem
Sterling (19). And a front two of Danny Welbeck (23) and Wayne Rooney (28).</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">Doesn’t look too shabby, does
it? And, while sticking with youth, there’s decent cover at the back with Ryan
Bertrand and Chris Smalling; in midfield, with Theo Walcott, Jake Livermore,
and Nick Powell, and up front with Daniel Sturridge and Andy Carroll. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">England</span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"> demonstrated against Ukraine that possession for
possession’s sake does not get you very far; we need players from front to back
who can keep the ball and use it tellingly when and where it matters. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">There are signs that the
group mentioned above has the skills to deliver. Perhaps it is asking too much
for them to light any fires in Brazil, but they will almost all still be in
their twenties come the Euros in 2016 and then we may well have a team to go
all the way with.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">Fans with their hopes planted
firmly in the present should take a look at the early <a href="http://betting.betfair.com/football/champions-league/">betting on Champions League</a> for updates on next week’s games. </span></i></div>
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<br /></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">There is also hope for
Barnsley fans in the <a href="http://betting.betfair.com/football/championship/the-championship-previews-tykes-to-continue-ipswichs-miserable-run-280912-200.html">Championship Previews: Tykes to Continue Ipswich's Miserable Run</a>.</span></i></div>
Tom Mallowshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18421603400914983366noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7215125692444719656.post-61609898452719211432012-09-19T09:08:00.003+01:002012-09-19T09:08:51.982+01:00Owen can be a big success at StokeAfter what seemed like a lifetime of speculation, Michael Owen finally set his heart on Stoke City in what was an expected move by members of the <a href="http://football.betvictor.com/">BetVictor</a> football community.<br /><br />Media and bookies had tipped Owen to move to the Potters, despite late rumours linking him back to Merseyside with either the Reds or his boyhood club Everton.<br /><br />Owen, who once featured prominently in <a href="http://football.betvictor.com/category/premier-league/liverpool">Liverpool betting</a> markets, made his first appearance in two years against Manchester City at the weekend, but there’s one huge question overshadowing the move. Can Owen still compete at this level?<br /><br />Thousands have taken to Twitter to tell Owen just how bad they think he is, as well as some more derogatory comments. They will be plenty more that will agree, but this writer certainly doesn’t.<br /><br />It’s staggering to think that Owen, who seems to have been around for a lifetime, is only 32. He’s had injuries and lost some of his pace. However as the old saying goes, class is permanent. <br /><br />He will need a run of games, service and maybe time but give Owen a chance in and around the box and nine times out of ten you will have a goal in your favour. His experience will be invaluable to the dressing room and more importantly Owen knows how to play with fellow striker Peter Crouch.<br /><br />A first-team chance might not come for some time due to Stoke’s style of play and good form at present. But when it does expect Owen to be firing on all cylinders, and if given an opportunity he could help take Stoke to the next level.<br /><br />To some football fans, Stoke have taken a risk which will fail. For me they have signed one of England’s greatest ever strikers for one last hoorah.Tom Mallowshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18421603400914983366noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7215125692444719656.post-38125239542821756662012-09-15T11:52:00.003+01:002012-09-15T11:52:42.610+01:00England still Need a Target Man<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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A lot was made in the build-up to England’s second World Cup
qualifier with Ukraine this week about the national team’s lack of a main
striker and, with Wayne Rooney and Andy Carroll injured, forward
responsibilities fell on Jermain Defoe’s narrow shoulders.</div>
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Although Defoe did a good job and scored a <a href="http://betting.betfair.com/football/world-cup/England-v-Ukraine-Result:-Misfiring-Lions-narrowly-avoid-defeat-110912-200.html">perfectly fine disallowed goal</a> in the first half, he struggled to make himself known in the
Ukraine defence and their back four were relatively solid for the majority of
the game because of it.</div>
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England played a more patient, passing brand of football
than previous games and it was nice to see our wing play used to proper effect.
Steven Gerrard was given the usual distributer job in midfield and with
full-backs, Glen Johnson and Leighton Baines, happy to come forward, England
found themselves in very promising situations.</div>
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Yet, midway through the second half and a goal down, Roy
Hodgson’s side should have equalised when a cross came over for Defoe. The
striker rose to meet the ball but his 5 ft. 5 in. frame would not stretch far
enough: a golden chance wasted.</div>
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It is a simple thing to say but, had a taller striker been
there, England would have equalised a lot earlier than they did. The encounter
was truly nail-biting for fans <a href="http://betting.betfair.com/football/">betting on football</a>. </div>
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This is not to denigrate Defoe’s clear striking talents, but
England do need a physical presence in the box. Three of their Euro 2012 goals
came from headers and, with a player like Gerrard able to pick a man in the
box, it seems foolish not to harness this advantage.</div>
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Hodgson may opt for a bigger front man in future qualifying
games to provide this aerial presence. Rooney may be the obvious choice but
with Carroll, Peter Crouch, and Darren Bent all more than capable of scoring
with their head, there is plenty of choice for Roy to find his perfect front
man.</div>
Tom Mallowshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18421603400914983366noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7215125692444719656.post-69172968598459241142012-08-16T13:59:00.000+01:002012-08-30T13:59:32.015+01:00The Carroll conundrum continues<br />
England fans may come away happy with their nation’s 2-1 friendly win over Italy this week, but there are still tactical issues that Roy Hodgson must sort out before the start of World Cup 2014 qualifying.<br />
<br />
One particular concern on Wednesday, <a href="http://www.bet365.com/news/en/betting/">noted by those who watch live football online</a> at home, was England’s wing play, with the handful of crosses into Italy’s box either over-hit or misdirected. It throws into question the use of a target man upfront if he isn’t going to get the service he needs.<br />
<br />
The England squad is littered with wingers, with Adam Johnson, Theo Walcott, Alex Oxlaide-Chamberlain, Stuart Downing, James Milner and Aaron Lennon all vying for contention on the flanks over the last four years.<br />
<br />
Yet despite this England struggled to use their width to their advantage on Wednesday night. Johnson and Milner failed to pepper the box with those crosses that generated such success at Euro 2012, while full-backs Leighton Baines and Kyle Walker also appeared conservative in their directness.<br />
<br />
Admittedly this lack of service certainly didn’t hinder England in the second half, with nippy Jermain Defoe upfront on his own unable to match the areal ability of Italy centre-halves. It was the first half, with Andy Carroll leading the line, that England were found wanting.<br />
<br />
Frank Lampard failed to find Carroll on more than one occasion, while Johnson and Ashley Young appeared more than happy to cut inside and distribute the ball sideways. This desire to retain the ball is commendable considering England’s usual inability to hold possession, but that tactic does not fit Carroll’s game.<br />
<br />
If you play Carroll upfront on his own he must be given service by a direct and attentive midfield. England should have played two games last night, testing the Italian defence in the first half with crosses from the wings and leaving the tiki-taka stuff until after the break.<br />
<br />
This may only have been a friendly<a href="http://www.bet365.com/news/en/betting/football/international-football"> and his live scores as England boss have been encouraging</a>, but Roy must work out the best style for his team to play, and whether or not Carroll’s game can handle it.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
Tom Mallowshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18421603400914983366noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7215125692444719656.post-63349248679530585882012-08-06T11:29:00.000+01:002012-08-11T11:31:08.391+01:00GB Experience Future Penalty LessonStuart Pearce was right to comfort his Team GB footballers
for the wealth of experience that have gained at these Olympic Games, despite
their penalty shoot-out defeat to Korea, last weekend. <br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
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The manner of their loss will only come to aid the players
when they suffer the same outcome at major tournaments later in their career.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
At the end of a dogged encounter at the Millennium Stadium,
the scores were tied at 4-4 when Daniel Sturridge stepped up to take GB’s final
spot kick. The striker nailed his run-up but could do nothing to prevent
goalkeeper, Lee Bumyoung, parrying the strike.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Sturridge and his GB team-mates looked drained and dejected
on the Cardiff turf, yet penalty shoot-out deflation will not come as a surprise
for these players, but in fact act as a chilling memory for when they suffer
the same fate later on in their international careers.</div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
For the England national side are notoriously appalling at
penalties. In eight shoot-outs, England have won just one, against Spain during
Euro ’96. GB’s current stars will have grown up with England’s recent penalty
heartbreaks: 1998 defeat to Argentina and successive 2004 and 2006 losses to
Portugal.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Indeed, England’s most recent shoot-out failure against
Italy only this summer should have acted as a precursor for last Saturday’s
game. Like Italy, Korea dominated large spells of the match and were guilty of
not winning the tie in normal time. GB just about scraped into the shoot-out,
where they once more fell at the last.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
What Pearce’s men can gain from this experience is simply
the knowledge of what it feels like to crash out on penalties the next time it
comes around, a feeling that supporters placing an England or <a href="http://betting.betfair.com/football/premier-league/">Premier League bet</a> will have experienced before. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Sturridge, along with successful penalty converters, Tom
Cleverley and Craig Dawson, will no-doubt one day be thrown back into this
tortuous situation in England colours. Their experience this summer will do
nothing but strengthen their fear on that long walk to the penalty spot.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The news currently doing the rounds on Betfair is the fact
that <a href="http://betting.betfair.com/football/internationals/tottenham-youngsters-in-experimental-england-squad-100812-39.html">Tottenham youngsters, Steven Caulker and Jake Livermore, have been named in an experimental England squad</a>.</div>Tom Mallowshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18421603400914983366noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7215125692444719656.post-59096590369372211052012-06-29T11:12:00.001+01:002012-06-29T11:12:15.467+01:00Kocic downbeat after another Toronto collapseToronto FC goalkeeper Milos Kocic admitted he was left wondering what more he could do after seeing his defence concede two late goals, and let their commanding lead against New England Revolution slip to draw 2-2. <br /><br /><a href="http://www.bet365.com/news/en/betting/">The Canadians have defied soccer betting tips</a> with their dismal MLS form this season, with one solitary win to their name, but could have taken maximum points from their last two games. <br /><br />Toronto have drawn their last two matches despite being in commanding positions going into the closing stages of both, firstly against Houston and now New England.<br /><br />Danny Koevermans and Ryan Johnson had given Toronto a 2-0 lead, only to be pegged back by Blake Brettschneider’s 71st minute goal before Chris Tierney popped up in stoppage time to nod an equalizer past the unfortunate Kocic in the Toronto goal.<br /><br />While Kocic had spent much of the game as a spectator, he was called upon on more than a couple of occasions as the Revolution began to control the game towards the end.<br /><br />The Serbian stopper was downbeat following the game, admitting he was at a loss to explain why the team continued to come away from games without what they deserved. <br /><br />“Whatever I do, it doesn’t matter I guess. It’s frustrating,” said Kocic. “I see other goalkeepers in the league make one save and the game ends 1-0 or 2-0. Whatever I do, it doesn’t seem to matter at the moment.”<br /><br />Head coach Paul Mariner will have been well aware of just how big a job was on his hands when he took over from Aron Winter last month.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.bet365.com/news/en/betting/football/">Those that bet on soccer games know</a> that drawing games from winning positions will need to be stamped out if Toronto are going to climb off the bottom of the league.Tom Mallowshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18421603400914983366noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7215125692444719656.post-32183866820191058532012-06-21T13:54:00.000+01:002012-07-04T13:55:24.170+01:00England ‘are Here to Win’- Hart<div class="MsoNormal">
England goalkeeper, Joe Hart, has given a reminder that
England are not at Euro 2012 just to make up the numbers. He feels that, having
made an unbeaten start, they are genuine contenders to win the tournament. </div>
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"The whole point in coming here is not to keep people
happy and off our backs," Hart said. "We are here to win." </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Hart’s comments presumably refer to pundits and the media,
and he was quick to state that, whatever anyone else thought of England’s
chances, the team always believed.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
"Regardless of what some people thought, that was
nothing to do with the camp. There has been a group of people who did not think
we would do well but, for anyone who knew the players, it is not a surprise and
it is part of the plan," the 25 year old said.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The form of the England team in defeating Sweden and
Ukraine, and drawing with France, has pleased Hart, who insists that <a href="http://www.bet365.com/news/en/betting">the best football scores are yet to come</a> from Roy Hodgson’s men. "We're growing with each
game.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“We started well with the right ideas and right game-plans
and we've executed them well," he said.
"We are not those guys [who settle for reaching the quarter-finals]
- we are winners. We want to be successful for ourselves, and make English
people proud of their team,” he added.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
England face Italy in the final quarterfinal of Euro 2012,
on Sunday night, in Kiev. The winner of that tie will face Greece or Germany in
the semi-final.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
If England are to confound all expectations and win the
tournament, then they will have to continue to improve; whilst they have been
better than expected so far, they haven’t won anything yet.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
England fans who <a href="http://www.bet365.com/news/en/betting/euro-2012">like to watch football live will find a paradise of odds</a>, tips, and news items on the Bet365 website.</div>Tom Mallowshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18421603400914983366noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7215125692444719656.post-65926081269853295592012-06-17T17:46:00.002+01:002012-06-17T17:46:10.942+01:00Kilbane calls for McClean chanceFormer Ireland midfielder Kevin Kilbane and several <a href="http://www.bet365.com/news/en/betting">soccer betting</a> observers have urged Giovanni Trapattoni to select winger James McClean for the Republic’s clash with Spain on Thursday.<br /><br />Pressure is building on the veteran Italian boss to include the in-form Sunderland star, who burst onto the scene last season and injected some much needed pace into the sluggish Black Cats’ line-up.<br /><br />This led to him being called-up to the national side and he has looked sharp in his limited appearances so-far, leading many to tip him to start in his country’s first game at Euro 2012 against Croatia.<br /><br />However, Trapattoni, who is famously loyal to his players, decided to stick with the team that played during the majority of the Republic’s qualifying campaign, meaning McClean could only look on as his side were comfortably beaten 3-1.<br /><br />The ‘Boys in Green’ were then defeated by World and European champions Spain in Gdansk which knocked out of the tournament in Poland and Ukraine, although they can salvage some pride when they return to <a href="http://www.bet365.com/news/en/betting/euro-2012/">live football</a> action against Italy this week.<br /><br />And a number of pundits have called on Trapattoni to take a chance on McClean and try and use his pace to unsettle the Italian defence.<br /><br />Kilbane, who represented his country at the 2002 World Cup, is fully behind the campaign for the exciting winger’s inclusion, but believes the Italian manager’s defensive instincts will see him continue with the team that started the opening match.<br /><br />“There’s been big talk over the last few weeks about James McClean,” said Kilbane. <br /><br />“His inclusion in the squad has been a big thing for the Irish supporters, so I think every Irishman and woman would have thought he would be the natural man to come in on that left wing.<br /><br />“In typical Giovanni Trapattoni fashion, though, he will pick the team as he sees fit,” he added.Tom Mallowshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18421603400914983366noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7215125692444719656.post-10374706056666978602012-06-13T13:38:00.000+01:002012-06-13T13:38:48.324+01:00Gerrard Satisfied with OpeningEngland captain, Steven Gerrard, has admitted that he was left feeling satisfied by his side’s 1-1 draw in their opening Euro 2012 match, against France. Les Bleus were tipped to beat England in the <a href="http://football.betvictor.com/">betting on football from Bet Victor</a>.<br />
<br />
After taking the lead, England will have been a little frustrated not to finish with the three points. However, Gerrard claimed the mood in the camp was good, after getting a point from the in-form French.<br /><br />After an impressive opening to the game, England began to fade in the second half, as the French took control of the match. Laurent Blanc’s men failed to add to their equaliser from Samir Nasri, however, with new England manager, Roy Hodgson, maintaining his unbeaten run since taking the job. <br /><br />Gerrard insisted the result was not exactly what England had wanted from the match, yet he made it clear a draw that against France was a good platform on which to go into their remaining Group D matches, against Ukraine and Sweden.<br /><br />"We would have been delighted with a win but, as you saw tonight, France have got fantastic players", said the midfielder. "We caused them as many problems as they caused us, so we're satisfied with the performance.<br /><br />"But we said before the game that win, lose, or draw we wouldn't get carried away, and that this was just a platform. It's great to get off the mark points-wise."<br /><br />Hodgson will have been able to take plenty of positives away from the game - from youngsters, Danny Welbeck and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, in attack, to John Terry and Joleon Lescott’s partnership in central defence. <br /><br />It remains to be seen whether the manager will change things around, during the rest of the group campaign. <br /><br />England are favourites to beat Sweden, on Friday, according to the <a href="http://football.betvictor.com/category/euro-2012">odds for the Euros with Bet Victor</a>.Tom Mallowshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18421603400914983366noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7215125692444719656.post-65897776639118369972012-06-08T16:01:00.005+01:002012-06-08T16:01:50.806+01:00Rooney expecting 'big things'<br />
Wayne Rooney believes that England can win Euro 2012despite their difficult build-up to the tournament and insists that he knows that he is not guaranteed a place in the team once he returns from suspension.<br />
<br />
The Three Lions go into the championships in Poland and Ukraine with perhaps the lowest expectations of many years, despite a superb qualifying campaign.<br />
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After sealing their place at the tournament last October, England have been plagued by problems following the resignation of former boss Fabio Capello and new coach Roy Hodgson will be without a number of his key men due to injury.<br />
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However, Rooney believes the squad is still strong enough to compete and says he is expecting ‘big things’.<br />
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"We are trying and no-one should even think we are just turning up," said Rooney. "Sometimes when you lose, you have to hold your hands up.<br />
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"But when you look at our squad, I don't see why we can't win it. There have been a lot of changes but I will expect big things.”<br />
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The Manchester United striker will miss his side’s first two group games against France and Sweden after being suspended following his sending off in the final qualification match in Montenegro.<br />
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This is one of the reason there is so much doom and gloom around the camp as without Rooney, a number of pundits have suggested that England might struggle to find the net.<br />
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However, the 26-year-old has rejected these claims and believes he may find it difficult to get back into the team for the final pool game against co-hosts Ukraine.<br />
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"It is the price I have to pay for making that mistake,” he continued. "It happened and I have to accept it. I will just prepare myself as if I was playing and hopefully comeback into a winning team."<br />
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<br /></div>Tom Mallowshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18421603400914983366noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7215125692444719656.post-81318460603043581522012-06-08T12:22:00.000+01:002012-06-08T12:22:05.341+01:00England’s first referee<br />
England and France will be happy to hear that one of UEFA’s top referees is in line to officiate their clash on Monday. Italian ref Nicola Rizzoli has been handed the duty of managing what is expected to be a feisty encounter in Group D, with both teams looking for a winning start to the competition.<br />
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What England can expect from Rizzoli is a man that knows his own mind. The determined Italian has made a name for himself in Serie A since joining the league 10 years ago, and has gone on to become an ‘elite’ UEFA official, taking charge of the 2010 Europa League final.<br />
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Rizzoli will let Monday’s game flow, but is not scared of holding up play to sort out miscreants. His Serie A average of 4.89 yellow cards per match does front him as one of the strictest referees in Europe, but his no-nonsense attitude should help England against France.<br />
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For if England can hit the wings going forward on Monday, cards could start to flourish down France’s flanks.<br />
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The pace of Theo Walcott and Ashley Young should attract midfielders Yann M’Vila and Yohan Cabaye, and with France more likely to play a high line that Sweden or Ukraine, England’s wingers will find space to surge in to.<br />
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If the space can be found, M’Vila and Cabaye will follow: doubling up with respective full-backs to prevent crosses for the looming Andy Carroll. For France will defend doggedly to prevent balls into the box, and should commit a good number of fouls in the process.<br />
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This can only be good news for England with a referee unfazed to express himself on the major stage. He is as happy to discuss incidents with players as he is to order them about, an attribute that should endear him to Roy Hodgson’s men.<br />
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<br /></div>Tom Mallowshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18421603400914983366noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7215125692444719656.post-63082991298318048062012-05-30T09:48:00.003+01:002012-05-30T09:49:17.280+01:00Bent Accepts England OmissionDarren Bent has accepted Roy Hodgson’s decision not to include him in England’s Euro 2012 squad, and is confident that the team can go on and impress in Ukraine and Poland.<br />
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The 28-year-old Aston Villa striker has already endured a three-month lay-off since he ruptured ligaments in his ankle in a challenge with Wigan Athletic defender, Antolin Alcaraz.<br />
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Bent, who has scored four goals in 13 appearances for England, had hoped to be included in Hodgson’s 23-man squad, but accepts that the former Liverpool and West Brom manager’s decision.<br />
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He said: “Roy rang me the day before and outlined the reasons he couldn’t pick me. He told me I had not played any games and he could not take the chance of taking me to a tournament.<br />
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“It was really positive. He was brilliant. As far as phone calls go, I have had three to tell me I have not made it to a major tournament; out of all of them, Roy’s was the best.”<br />
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Bent, who returned to training, earlier this month, believes that England’s recent victory against Norway augurs well for the tournament. He thinks that there is no reason why England cannot go all the way in Ukraine and Poland.<br />
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Bent started his career at Ipswich Town, and went on to play for Charlton Athletic, Spurs, and Sunderland before joining Villa, in January 2011, for £18million.<br />
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During his time at Villa Park, Bent has scored 18 goals in 38 Premier League appearances for the club.<br />
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He found the net ten times in the 2011-12 campaign, before suffering his untimely injury. He netted for England in the 2-2 draw against Montenegro in a Euro 2012 qualifier, in October 2011.<br />
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Of the other underdogs at Euro 2012, Russia are claiming much of the limelight, according to the <a href="http://betting.betfair.com/football/euro-2012/group-a/russia/">Russia Euro 2012 odds</a>.<br />
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Visit the <a href="http://betting.betfair.com/football/euro-2012/group-b/">Group B Euro 2012 odds</a>, for more information on two of the favourites, namely, Germany and Holland.Tom Mallowshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18421603400914983366noreply@blogger.com