Exclusive: Dyke shrugs off threat of early setback to task force September 11, 2013 FOOTBALL Association chairman Greg Dyke has told City A.M. his plan for a commission to tackle the lack of top English talent playing in the Premier League remains on schedule to start this month despite signs of difficulties. Dyke announced the measure last week, when he invited chiefs from the Premier League, the Football League, [...]
Croft out for season but career not over, says Leicester boss September 11, 2013 LEICESTER boss Richard Cockerill has played down fears that Tom Croft’s career could be in jeopardy after the injury-plagued England flanker was ruled out for the season just one game into the campaign. Croft has undergone knee surgery after a blow to the joint in Sunday’s Aviva Premiership opener against Worcester left him with a [...]
Football Comment: Improve coaching of kids aged nine, not 19 September 11, 2013 ENGLAND’S uninspiring draw in Ukraine may have produced a sufficient result but the performance was further proof that this country is not producing enough quality players. Without Wayne Rooney, Danny Welbeck and Daniel Sturridge England could only battle to a deserved point, but they rarely threatened Ukraine and a few players did little but give [...]
Weather ends England’s efforts to square series with Australia September 11, 2013 ENGLAND’S hopes of levelling the one-day international series with Australia were washed away yesterday, after their clash at Edgbaston was abandoned due to persistent rainfall. It was the second time in this series a match had been abandoned due to the weather with no play possible in the first ODI in Leeds. The hosts, fielding [...]
Henman wants Britain to bring back good times September 11, 2013 FOUR-TIME Wimbledon semi-finalist Tim Henman hopes Great Britain can return to the Davis Cup world group with a play-off victory against Croatia this weekend to reignite the nation’s enthusiasm for the competition. Britain, spearheaded by world No3 Andy Murray, begin three days of action on the clay courts in Umag tomorrow, bidding to end their [...]
Raikkonen talks up Alonso after confirming his return to Ferrari September 11, 2013 FORMER world champion Kimi Raikkonen insists he is looking forward to racing alongside Fernando Alonso at Ferrari, despite predictions they will clash. The Italian team yesterday confirmed Formula One’s worst kept secret when they announced Raikkonen would return next season, five years after his first stint. Track greats Sir Jackie Stewart and Eddie Jordan believe [...]
Euro breakaway talk cooled after peace summit September 11, 2013 HEINEKEN Cup chiefs insist English and French clubs are not about to quit the competition, despite announcing plans for a breakaway on Tuesday. European Rugby Cup, which also runs the Amlin Challenge Cup, met yesterday in Dublin to discuss the deadlock and later issued an upbeat statement. “Despite recent reports, all parties involved in the [...]
We will qualify for World Cup, insists Wilshere September 11, 2013 ARSENAL midfielder Jack Wilshere expects England to win their final two World Cup qualifiers next month to achieve an automatic route to Brazil, despite their failure to beat any of their top rivals in Group H so far. Roy Hodgson’s side drew 0-0 with Ukraine on Tuesday to move a point clear at the top [...]
Lambert happy for competition September 11, 2013 NEWCOMER Rickie Lambert insists he will welcome competition for the England No9 shirt when regulars Wayne Rooney and Daniel Sturridge return from injury. The 31-year-old striker has scored twice in three games and believes he can retain his place in the squad, even when England are injury-free. He said: “It has been an exciting few [...]
Shevchenko ready to begin new career on the golf course September 11, 2013 FORMER Chelsea striker Andriy Shevchenko completes his full transition from professional football to golf today when he makes his debut on the Challenge Tour in his native Ukraine. The 36-year-old former European footballer of the year will play in the Kharkov Superior Cup and is relishing his test on the big stage. Shevchenko said: “I [...]