ITALIAN TAKING HIS TILT AT IMMORTALITY June 8, 2010 WHEN Fabio Capello named his final 23-man squad, he surprised most observers by plumping for experience over youthful vigour. Shaun Wright-Phillips (28) got the nod over Theo Walcott (21), Joe Cole (28) was preferred to Adam Johnson (22), despite scant playing time, while Jamie Carragher (32) was tempted out of exile for the campaign. One [...]
Magical Messi the inspiration for Argentina June 8, 2010 WE are now only days away from World Cup 2010 and let’s just hope there are no more last minute injuries to some of the stars on show. I can’t remember a tournament where so many top players have missed out due to physical breakdowns, but at least the world’s best player, Lionel Messi, seems [...]
THE RACE FOR THE GOLDEN BOOT June 8, 2010 David Villa is the favourite with every bookmaker to win the Golden Boot and his goalscoring record for Spain is excellent, finding the net 37 times in 57 games. LIONEL MESSI is next best at 10/1 with Paddy Power and if Argentina are to do well he has to have a decent chance of winning [...]
France could struggle to get through Group A June 8, 2010 FRANCE have made it to two of the last three World Cup finals, but they were knocked out in the group stages in 2002, taking just one point and the same happened at Euro 2008. It is remarkable that Raymond Domenech has managed to keep his job and they are only really in South Africa [...]
See the World Cup in world-class style June 8, 2010 FEVER PITCH, FULHAM You won’t miss a second of build-up if it’s up to World Cup pop-up bar Fever Pitch in Fulham. Open since May and closed after the final, this is the place to enjoy the action on nine screens spanning 360 degrees while sipping a pretty decent selection of beer. The 400-capacity venue [...]
We’ll be ready for USA, vows Defoe June 7, 2010 PLATINUM STARS (0) vs ENGLAND (3) JERMAIN DEFOE admitted England are still struggling with the high altitude in South Africa – but insists his side are ready for their World Cup opener on Saturday. The Tottenham striker was among the goals as England cruised to a 3-0 win over local side, Platinum Stars, in their [...]
Quins flanker Robshaw gets captaincy chance in opener June 7, 2010 ENGLAND boss Martin Johnson has backed international rookie Chris Robshaw to excel as captain after choosing the Harlequins flanker to lead the side for the first time against the Australian Barbarians today. Once-capped Robshaw, 23, is joined in a strong England side for the opening fixture of a five-match tour Down Under by Test regulars [...]
Wage outlay is worrying, top clubs told June 7, 2010 PREMIER League clubs have received a stark warning over their spending by one of the leading authorities on the game’s finances. Dan Jones of Deloitte’s Sports Business Group says the proportion of income that clubs are lavishing on wages is “worryingly high” and must be brought under control. The average wages/revenue ratio for teams in [...]
Scholes: England recall came too late June 7, 2010 MANCHESTER United veteran Paul Scholes insists he only turned down the chance to come out of international retirement at the World Cup because he felt rushed. Scholes, who played his last England game in 2004, rejected a late plea from Fabio Capello to return to the fold for the finals in South Africa. The 35-year-old, [...]
England can lead us, says Lions skipper June 7, 2010 CAPTAIN Rory Hamilton-Brown says his Surrey side will aim to follow the lead of England when they open their Friends’ Provident T20 campaign tonight. The all-rounder leads the Lions in their opening day/night encounter with Gloucestershire at The Oval. And the former England under-19 international hopes his new side can emulate the feat of Paul [...]