New boy Hape is inspired by Robbo June 10, 2010 RUGBY League convert Shontayne Hape says he will be looking to Jason Robinson for inspiration when he makes his Test debut for England in tomorrow’s Cook Cup clash with Australia in Perth. The former New Zealand international becomes the third ex-Kiwi to play Test rugby for England, although his two predecessors, Henry Paul and Lesley [...]
Strauss takes captaincy stranglehold June 10, 2010 NATIONAL selector Geoff Miller insisted there was “never any doubt” that Andrew Strauss would continue as England’s one-day captain despite missing out the World Twenty20 triumph. Strauss was confirmed as skipper for the five-match series with Australia this month, fronting a 13-man squad, which includes a surprise selection for back-in-favour Ian Bell and the addition [...]
Italy dealt a Pirlo blow June 10, 2010 ITALY suffered a setback after influential midfielder Andrea Pirlo was ruled out of his country’s opening two games against Paraguay and New Zealand with a calf strain. The 31-year-old, named man-of-the-match in the 2006 final against France, will be replaced in the Azzurri side by Fiorentina playmaker Riccardo Montolivo. Pirlo is hoping to return in [...]
Spain boosted by Iniesta June 10, 2010 FAVOURITES Spain have been boosted by the news that Andreas Iniesta’s thigh injury is not as bad as first feared. The Barcelona midfielder had a scan on his right thigh on Wednesday after pulling up in the 6-0 warm-up win over Poland the previous night. But only slight swelling was detected and it is hoped [...]
Sven’s hopeful on Drogba June 10, 2010 SVEN-GORAN ERIKSSON says star striker and captain Didier Drogba could be fit for the Ivory Coast’s World Cup opener against Portugal on Tuesday. The Chelsea hitman broke his arm in a warm-up match but has recovered in double quick time and could return for the Elephants sooner rather than later. Coach Eriksson said: “If the [...]
Cosgrave can maintain 100% record on gutsy Invincible Lad June 10, 2010 WITH just a handful of days to go until the start of this year’s Royal Ascot meeting, this weekend’s racing is definitely the calm before the storm. That said, a 2/1 winner at Southwell on a wet Wednesday still pays the same as a 2/1 winner at the Cheltenham Festival and I hope I have [...]
England could stutter against USA tomorrow June 10, 2010 ENGLAND vs USA TOMORROW – 7.30PM ITV1 THE tension is building, the car flags are flying and the red and white face paint is out. World Cup 2010 is nearly here and, as always, every England fan is expecting a first major trophy since 1966. The boys have been given a relatively easy group and [...]
the INSIDER June 10, 2010 OLE, Ole, Ole, Ole, Ole, Ole, the World Cup starts today. I’ve been growing my nails getting ready for the penalty shoot outs and red cards. It’s time for a lot of beer and a huge amount of highs and lows. I’m sure England will do well and I will be backing them in running [...]
Ousted Cole keeps his focus June 9, 2010 JOE COLE refused to be drawn on his future last night after it was confirmed he is to leave Chelsea this summer. The England playmaker will depart Stamford Bridge after seven years on 1 July after the Premier League champions refused to agree terms to a new deal. He joins 30-pluses Michael Ballack and Brazilian [...]
Ballack ‘surprised’ by Chelsea release June 9, 2010 MICHAEL BALLACK’S agent has told of the German’s “complete surprise” at being released by Chelsea. The 33-year-old was believed to be locked in talks with the Premier League champions to extend his existing deal, which is worth an estimated £150,000 a week. But Ballack’s agent, Michael Becker, claimed there had been no contact with Chelsea [...]