Hodgson: England’s skill can match Europe’s best June 14, 2012 ENGLAND manager Roy Hodgson has slammed suggestions that his players lack the technical qualities of their Continental counterparts, as they prepare for tonight’s Euro 2012 showdown with Sweden in Kiev. Hodgson’s comments came after France coach Laurent Blanc had slighted England, saying “a really good side” would have punished them more in the opening stages [...]
More of same is Roy’s best way forward June 14, 2012 ENGLAND are in danger of letting expectations get too high again just because they have drawn their opening match against France.The key for them is to build on a decent performance, particularly in the opening exchanges of that game, but take this competition stage by stage. They simply cannot have any grand plans when they [...]
Kallstrom at heart of more attacking side June 14, 2012 SWEDEN have long been known for their durability and aerial prowess but under Erik Hamren have been praised for casting aside the shackles of the safety-first tactics of predecessor Lars Lagerback in favour of a more ambitious approach. In fact analysis shows that the Scandinavians have steadily increased the number of shots per game over [...]
Not so Swede: Last meetings in big games June 14, 2012 World Cup 2006 England 2 Sweden 2 A close game best remembered for Joe Cole’s stunning 35-yard volley and Michael Owen’s horrific knee injury. England also twice conceded the lead. World Cup 2002 England 1 Sweden 1 England were unconvincing, despite taking the lead through Sol Campbell’s 24th-minute header. Sweden’s Niclas Alexandersson equalised from 20 [...]
Redknapp had bluff called by Spurs hierarchy June 14, 2012 OPINION may be divided over whether Harry Redknapp deserved to be cut adrift by Tottenham on Wednesday night, but ultimately his strong-arm bargaining tactics left the club with few options. When Redknapp went public last week with his frustration at not being given a new contract, arguing that the uncertainty over his future would destabilise [...]
Harry rubbishes retirement talk and vows to emulate Sir Alex June 14, 2012 DEFIANT Harry Redknapp insists he has no plans to retire following his abrupt departure from Tottenham on Wednesday night. Redknapp, who maintained he would have been sacked even if he had qualified for the Champions League, cited his evergreen counterpart at Manchester United. “I don’t think I am coming towards the end of my career,” [...]
NEXT IN LINE: WHO WILL REPLACE REDKNAPP? June 14, 2012 David Moyes Current club: Everton; Previous clubs: Preston; Nationality: Scottish; Age: 49; Everton record: P 473 W 198 D 123 L 152; Win Percentage: 41.8% n Works wonders on a relatively small budget and proved a capable, long-term club builder. Roberto Martinez Current club: Wigan; Previous clubs: Swansea; Nationality: Spanish; Age: 38; Wigan record: P [...]
We lost to a top side, admits awed Andrews June 14, 2012 SPAIN 4 REPUBLIC OF IRELAND 0 REPUBLIC of Ireland midfielder Keith Andrews admits they were outclassed by Spain after their decisive defeat ended Irish hopes of reaching the European Championship quarter-finals. Two goals for Fernando Torres and one each for David Silva and Cesc Fabregas ensured Ireland were the first team to be knocked out [...]
Motta: Spain and Croatia won’t conspire against us June 14, 2012 ITALY 1 CROATIA 1 ITALY midfielder Thiago Motta insists he cannot see Spain and Croatia agreeing to draw their final group game, even though their draw with Croatia leaves them vulnerable to elimination from the European Championship. Andrea Pirlo’s masterful free-kick gave Italy the lead six minutes before half-time but though they remained the stronger [...]
Seven places to watch the Euros June 14, 2012 KETTNER’S, SOHO This Georgian mansion in the middle of Soho is famous for its glamorous clientele, burlesque aesthetic, selection of English wine and champagne vibe. Not, on first glance, the sort of place you’d think of for watching the football. Well, think again: with a warren of private rooms available for hire, it’s just the [...]