Monthly Archives: May 2010
Gerrard shrugs off injury fears
Liverpool midfielder Steven Gerrard has moved to assure nervous supporters he will be fit for England’s World Cup Group C opener against USA in Rustenburg on June 12 (8/1 Gerrard – Top England Goalscorer).
The Kop icon picked up a knee injury in the unconvincing 2-1 international friendly win over Japan on Sunday but stressed it [...]
Capello clear in his mind
Fabio Capello has admitted England’s two warm-up matches against Mexico and Japan have had no bearing on selection for his 23-man World Cup squad (England 6/1 to win World Cup).
England followed up their 3-1 victory over Mexico with an unconvincing 2-1 win over Japan in Graz, Austria on Sunday, courtesy of two own goals from [...]
Lippi confident of repeat win
It is 48 years since a country successfully defended a World Cup – when Brazil sealed back-to-back triumphs – but Marcello Lippi believes Italy (12/1 to win the tournament) can repeat that feat.
Lippi acknowledges that his current squad is not the most talented bunch of players he has ever worked with.
But he talked up Italy’s [...]
Slovakia dealt Karhan blow
Slovakia (150/1 to win the tournament) midfielder Miroslav Karhan has been ruled out of the World Cup because of a recurring Achilles tendon injury.
“There’s a little tear which means I can’t take part in the tournament,” the 33-year-old said.
“I have a three week break ahead of me and the World Cup begins in two weeks. [...]
Modric signs deal to stay at Spurs
Luka Modric has ended speculation regarding his possible transfer from Tottenham Hotspur, by signing a new six-year contract with the club (Spurs 50/1 to win the 2010-11 Premier League).
Manchester United and Chelsea had been linked with a move for the playmaker, who arrived at White Hart Lane from Dinamo Zagreb in 2008.
Modric was instrumental as [...]
Australia and Argentina prepare for finals
Australia’s Jason Culina is banking on the squad’s experienced to be a factor in their favour in South Africa (Australia 8/1 to win Group D).
The Socceroos have come in for plenty of criticism in the build-up to the tournament, with the media quick to label them as too old to do well in the World [...]
More Gerrard injury concern
Steven Gerrard (8/1 to be England’s World Cup Top Goalscorer) cut short an England training session for a second successive day on Friday, adding to fears over the midfielder’s fitness.
Reports claim the Liverpool skipper pulled up during Thursday’s practice match and received treatment on the sidelines for a calf problem.
Gerrard did return to training on [...]
Ferguson to help pick successor
Manchester United (United 11/5 to win the Premier League outright) manager Sir Alex Ferguson will have a key role in deciding his successor, according to chief executive David Gill.
Speculation over when the United boss will retire from management has continued after his side missed out on the Premier League title to Chelsea this season.
Gill has [...]
Daggers up for Millers clash
Dagenham & Redbridge assistant manager Terry Harris believes the chance to play in League One is all the incentive his players need in Sunday’s League Two play-off final with Rotherham (Daggers 10/11 to be promoted).
The two sides go head-to-head at Wembley on Sunday for the chance to rise into English football’s third tier, with Rotherham [...]
Jose ready for Real challenge