Category Archives: news-t

Gerrard hails stylish England

Posted on by
Reply

Steven Gerrard hailed England’s impressive performance against Switzerland and feels the Three Lions have now gone some way to banishing the memory of their poor World Cup with back-to-back Euro 2012 qualifying wins (England now 9/1 NOT to qualify).

The 4-0 success over Bulgaria at Wembley on Friday was followed up with the 3-1 win in Basel and Gerrard was delighted with the display, saying England “tore their opponents apart” at times.

The abysmal World Cup showing over the summer will soon be forgotten if Capello’s side can continue to play like they did on Tuesday and the stand-in skipper claims the feel-good factor is back in the camp.

Gerrard admitted: “I think all the players who were over in South Africa realised it wasn’t good enough.

“We knew we had to regroup, stick together and try and raise our performance levels. I think over the last two games we’ve certainly done that.”

Many had predicted a tight game in Group G but England, with Adam Johnson, Gerrard, Wayne Rooney and James Milner all starring, were always on top and should have been further in front than 1-0 at half time.

The Liverpool star admitted he was expecting a tough defensive showing from Switzerland, who famously beat world champions Spain in South Africa, but insisted they could not live with England as an attacking force.

“They’ve got a good record, especially at home,” Gerrard added. “Many people were talking about them being hard to score against and hard to beat, but I thought we tore them apart at times.”

England take on Montenegro next in the group, in what could prove a tougher game than originally expected, after they picked up their second win on Tuesday.

Following a 1-0 win over Wales on Friday, the so-called ‘minnows’ also won 1-0 in Bulgaria and will head to Wembley next month in good heart (Montenegro 22/1 to win the group).

Bet on the World Cup and get £200. Click here to visit Bet365 and claim your free money.

Carragher eyes attacking Liverpool

Posted on by
Reply

Jamie Carragher believes Liverpool, on offer with tote at 6/4 to finish in the 2010-11 Premier League top four, have enough strike power to compete this season.

Reds boss Roy Hodgson was forced to sell wantaway Javier Mascherano and also tried to recruit a striker in the transfer window but failed to land several targets, including Mario Gomez of Bayern Munich and West Ham forward Carlton Cole.

However, defensive stalwart Carragher believes there is enough attacking talent at Anfield to fire them forward in the first half of the season.

The former England man believes a fit-again Fernando Torres, supported by David Ngog, youngster Daniel Pacheco, Ryan Babel and Dirk Kuyt provide plenty of options for the Merseysiders (Top Six finish – 3/10).

“We are looking for Fernando Torres to stay as fit as possible but I think David Ngog in the last 12 months is a completely different player, and his start to the season has been fantastic,” he said.

“We’ve also got Dirk Kuyt and Ryan Babel as well.”

Meanwhile Pepe Reina, who made a poor error to let Argentina’s Carlos Tevez score against him when in goal for Spain on Tuesday, admitted losing Mascherano to Barcelona is a big blow to the club.

The goalkeeper admitted: “Javier is very competitive, very Argentinian and he always offers his maximum in every game. For Barca this is a good new thing, but it’s not for us.

“He was not someone who got into controversy. He never caused rows in the dressing room. He was good on the pitch, broke up counter-attacks and now we need other players with his characteristics.”

Bet on the World Cup and get £200. Click here to visit Bet365 and claim your free money.

Chelsea stars close to comeback

Posted on by
Reply

Carlo Ancelotti is hoping that Chelsea (6/5 to win Premier League) stars John Terry and Frank Lampard both continue their progress returning from injury in time to face West Ham at the weekend.

The duo both missed the latest round of international games, but that has allowed the Italian manager to assess the rehabilitation of his captain and vice-captain at Chelsea’s Cobham training base.

Chelsea have had an impressive start to their Premier League season and are the only side with maximum points from their first three games.

In that time the Blues have scored 14 goals and conceded none and their fans will be hoping that impressive record can continue against West Ham at Upton Park this weekend (West Ham 15/2, Chelsea 1/3, draw 18/5).

The Hammers are currently rooted to the bottom of the Premier League with three defeats from three games, and things could be looking even worse for their fans as Ancelotti has claimed there is a chance that both Lampard and Terry could line up for the game.

“Lampard had surgery on Tuesday and I think that he will start to train this week. I don’t know when but we will see how he trains and we will take a decision for the game against West Ham,” said the manager.

“Terry didn’t have surgery but he used the last week to improve his hamstring. He will start to train with the squad this week and I think he will be able to play against West Ham.”

After the West Ham game, Chelsea then get their Champions League campaign underway with a trip to play Slovakian side MSK Zilina (Chelsea 11/2 to win tournament).

For all their success since Roman Abramovich took over the West London club, the Champions League trophy has been the one that has eluded them over the years.

Chelsea midfielder Michael Essien recently said that he was confident that curse could be broken this season, especially after the club looked so impressive winning their first ever league and FA Cup double last season.

The Ghana star said the club aim to “win every competition” they enter and, while they seem a certainty to get out of the group with MSK Zilina, Spartak Moscow and Marseille (Chelsea 2/9 to win Group F), he thinks they stand a great chance of winning the Champions League.

“As a player you get the inner feeling that something big is around the corner and I feel the same way I felt last season when we won the double,” said Essien.

“However I am sure we can go one further and add the big one – the UEFA Champions League to our collection of trophies.”

Bet on the World Cup and get £200. Click here to visit Bet365 and claim your free money.

Relieved Levein takes positives

Posted on by
Reply

craig leveinCraig Levein chose to ignore Scotland’s poor display against Liechtenstein and insisted their late, late win over the minnows was all that mattered as they breathed life into their Euro 2012 qualifying campaign (16/1 to win Group I).

Scotland appeared to be heading for a humiliating 1-1 home draw against a side routinely beaten at this level, before Stephen McManus’ 97th-minute winner changed the mood completely in Glasgow.

Veteran Mario Frick, on his 36th birthday, had given the visitors a remarkable lead a minute after the interval, before Kenny Miller equalised just past the hour mark.

The expected goal onslaught did not materialise, however, and the Tartan Army had to wait until the very last seconds of the match to celebrate an unlikely win.

Despite the nature of the victory and the overall poor display from his side, Levein was keen to play up the positives – as Scotland, who are now 11/2 to qualify for Euro 2012, find themselves top of Group I following two games.

He said: “I’m a very happy man. The facts and the stats will show that we are top of the group.

“We can play much better. I can understand the criticism that will be levelled at us but I would like to give credit to Liechtenstein – they made it difficult for us.

“People want to talk about what we did do or didn’t do but that is irrelevant – it’s the result that matters and our result on Friday night in Lithuania looks better.

“The good thing for me is that the players didn’t give up. They kept going and showed grit and determination.”

The winning goal at Hampden Park came seven minutes into stoppage time despite the fourth official signalling for just five minutes to be added on but Levein, predictably, was pleased the extra seconds were tagged on.

He added: “I think the referee had every right to add the extra time. Even in injury time, there were substitutions and time-wasting.”

Bet on the World Cup and get £200. Click here to visit Bet365 and claim your free money.

Gerrard wary of mean Swiss

Posted on by
Reply

England captain Steven Gerrard has warned fans not to expect a goal rush against Switzerland in Basle on Tuesday night (Switzerland 16/5 – To Keep A Clean Sheet).

The Three Lions move on from the 4-0 hammering of Bulgaria at Wembley in the opening game of the Euro 2012 qualifying campaign by taking on the stingy Swiss.

Ottmar Hitzfeld’s men set a new record at the World Cup for minutes played without conceding a goal – 559 – which beat the previous best of 550 minutes set by Italy.

Switzerland also rolled over eventual world champions Spain in their opening group game although they still failed to get into the second phase after a defeat to Chile and a draw with Honduras.

Gerrard admits he has personally run the rule over the Swiss and says England must be patient as they look for chances later.

The Liverpool star said: “They’re a top side. Defensively they’re very good. We’ll be watching more tapes of them before the game.

“I followed them really closely in the World Cup because we were linked with a player called (Gokhan) Inler with the rumours that (Javier) Mascherano was supposed to be leaving Liverpool.

“They’ll be difficult to break down. I liked Inler, thought he was good, but I don’t control what players we sign.”

While the Swiss are mean at the back, lack of goals was their problem in the summer while they only scored more than two goals on one occasion during World Cup qualifying – against minnows Luxembourg – in 10 games.

In contrast, England scored 34 times during qualification for the 2010 World Cup finals although the feel-good factor around Fabio Capello’s side evaporated during a dreadful campaign in South Africa.

Capello is looking forward, though, and admits he is delighted to have unearthed the strike partnership of Wayne Rooney and Jermain Defoe (England 4/7 – To Score First Goal).

The Italian said: “Sometimes over the course of a season it is like players have a chemical moment. I can see that in them now.

“Against Bulgaria, Defoe’s movement was fantastic and Rooney’s passing was fantastic.

“Rooney has played in a lot of different positions, left wing in the Champions League, as a lone centre-forward and in midfield.

“On Friday I asked him to play just in front of their two central defenders.

“He had a lot of possession, was free to move around the pitch and was really good with the ball at his feet.

“He is so technically strong his passing was excellent.”

Bet on the World Cup and get £200. Click here to visit Bet365 and claim your free money.

Duo after Wales role

Posted on by
Reply

Ryan GiggsRyan Giggs and John Hartson have both admitted they would like to manage Wales (20/1 to qualify for Euro 2012) with John Toshack set to step down on Thursday.

The position as head coach of the national side looks likely to be up for grabs very shortly with the Welsh football association calling a press conference for later in the week – when it is expected that Toshack will resign.

The decision comes after a disappointing World Cup qualifying campaign and a poor start on the road to Euro 2012, losing 1-0 to minnows Montenegro on Friday.

The defeat to the Balkan nation appears to have been the final nail in Toshack’s coffin and the former Real Madrid coach reportedly feels he has taken the young squad as far as he can.

The 61-year-old took over in 2004 after Wales had narrowly missed out on qualifying for Euro 2004, losing out to Russia in a play-off.

However, since then Welsh football has gone downhill and Toshack has been forced to try and blood a new generation of players with the likes of Robbie Savage, Giggs, Jason Koumas and Simon Davies all retiring from the international set-up.

While Wales have a good collection of youngsters, the likes of Gareth Bale, Joe Ledley, Aaron Ramsey, Chris Gunter and Jack Collison have so far failed to cut it on the international stage.

Toshack reportedly spent Monday in talks with the FAW in Cardiff to discuss his future and it seems inevitable he will step down before next month’s double header against Bulgaria and Switzerland (10/3 to beat England).

Despite Toshack’s resignation having not been confirmed, there is already a long list of candidates to take the post.

The likes of under-21 coach Brian Flynn, Mark Bowen and Kenny Jackett have all been linked with the job.

However, the favourite for the job already is Manchester United (11/5 Premier League outright) winger Giggs, despite the 36-year-old still being involved with first team action at Old Trafford.

With Giggs’ playing career drawing to a close it has been suggested he could be talked into an early retirement in order to take over the post.

While the United legend concedes it would be a dream come true to manage the national side he admits it might be tough to take up the post at this time.

“If you go into management, the big job is to be in charge of your country. And I’m no different in terms of thinking like that,” Giggs, who has already taken Uefa coaching badges, said in the Daily Telegraph.

“At the moment it is difficult, because I still have commitments as a player.”

Another name being thrown into the hat is that of former Arsenal, West Ham and Wimbledon striker Hartson, who says he would love to take over from Toshack.

“I don’t know how seriously the FAW [Football Association of Wales] would consider me,” Hartson told BBC 5 Live.

“But if they were to offer me the job it is something I’d… take seriously.”

“I’ve got all my [coaching] badges, I’ve worked with the best, I feel as if I’ve learnt a lot about the game and still have a long way to go and a lot to learn.”

Whether it Giggs, Hartson or someone the FAW are set to name a new manager before the team face Bulgaria and Switzerland next month.

Bet on the World Cup and get £200. Click here to visit Bet365 and claim your free money.

Liverpool confirm Kuyt setback

Posted on by
Reply

Liverpool (6/4 – 2010-11 Top Four Finish) have said that Dirk Kuyt will be sidelined for four weeks, after suffering a shoulder injury whilst on international duty.

The Reds forward picked up the problem during training with the Netherlands squad (2/7f – to win Euro 2012 Group E) on Monday and was flown back to the UK for further treatment.

The 30-year-old underwent tests and the Liverpool club doctor Peter Brukner confirmed that Kuyt is likely to be missing for a month.

Having suffered “damage to the A-C joint”, the Dutchman is set to miss several big games for his club over the coming weeks.

Kuyt, who scored in the Netherlands 5-0 win over San Marino on Friday, looks set to be sidelined for six Liverpool (11/1 – to win 2010-11 Europa League) matches.

The former Feyenoord man is expected to miss the Premier League games against Birmingham, Manchester United and Sunderland, the Europa League fixtures with Steaua Bucharest and FC Utrecht, as well as the Carling Cup tie against Northampton.

The absence of Kuyt, who had been linked with a summer move to Inter Milan, will be a major blow to Roy Hodgson, who is already short of attacking options.

There has been some welcome news though for the Reds boss, regarding the fitness of Fernando Torres.

The Spaniard’s start to the season has been sporadic because of an injury sustained in this summer?s World Cup final.

The Reds’ medical team were keen to make sure that he is not rushed back too soon, despite the fans eagerness to see Torres firing in the goals.

But the striker showed in the recent win over West Brom, when he scored the only goal, that he is making good progress and has promised the supporters that the best is yet to come.

The 26-year-old said: “The recuperation is perfect and we have waited our time. I am still not 100 per cent, but the people will soon see the best Torres.

“Each time I am recuperating sensations and I hope to obtain success with Liverpool this season.”

Bet on the World Cup and get £200. Click here to visit Bet365 and claim your free money.

Toshack ‘to quit Wales’

Posted on by
Reply

John Toshack is ready to walk out on Wales’ Euro 2012 qualification campaign (Yes 20/1, No 1/150 – To Qualify) following their 1-0 opening defeat in Montenegro on Friday, according to reports.

The 61-year-old was already under pressure going into their opening Group G (Wales 33/1 – Group G Winner) clash in Podgorica, having failed to get the country into a major tournament since he took charge of team affairs six years ago. And the defeat to Montenegro has left question marks hanging over Toshack’s future especially when he admitted that Wales’ chances of reaching Euro 2012 would be slim if they fail to defeat a Bulgarian side thrashed 4-0 by England at Wembley on Friday, in their next match.

The former Real Madrid coach’s admission was a far cry from before a ball was kicked last week when he felt the emergence of young talent in the Wales squad was finally about to come of age and fire them to qualification.

Former Wales midfielder Robbie Savage has already stuck the boot in on Toshack and demanded he be axed from the post. The veteran Derby midfielder infamously quit international football after a row with the manager five years ago.

He said on BBC Radio Five Live: “It is time John Toshack left Wales.

“I think we need a fresh start, fresh impetus. We need to get the crowds back and I think Toshack has to go.

“He has made enough excuses, he has been in the job six years. Judge him on his qualifying campaigns – they haven’t qualified yet and they have got off to a terrible start again.”

There has yet to be any official word from the Football Association of Wales to validate the rumours that Toshack is set to depart. However, if he does leave then the race will be on to get a new man on board ahead of next month’s vital games against Bulgaria and Switzerland.

Bet on the World Cup and get £200. Click here to visit Bet365 and claim your free money.

Duo claim Reds interest

Posted on by
Reply

Liverpool missed out on international duo Rafael van der vaart and Mario Gomez during the summer transfer window, it has emerged (Liverpool 6/4 - Top 4 Finish).

New Reds boss Roy Hodgson was one of the busier managers  before  the window closed last Tuesday after drafting in the likes of Joe Cole, Paul Konchesky, Raul Meireles and Christian Poulsen, among others.

But the former Fulham chief also missed out on a couple of high-profile players as well, with Dutchman van der Vaart opting to join Tottenham and the Champions League, while interest in taking Gomez on loan ultimately came to nothing for the Merseysiders.

Van der Vaart told Sky Sports: “Liverpool were interested. Bayern (Munich) were not interested.

“In the end you have to have a good feeling, and with this manager I got a good feeling. I am happy and I am going to Spurs.

“I am going to give it my best and hopefully I will play a lot of games and be important for the team. I hope to get a lot of goals and have a lot of fun.”

Gomez has revealed that Bayern see him as a player for future despite the fact the 25-year-old Germany international struggled for first-team football last season (Bayern Munich 1/2 – Bundesliga Outright).

“I have said that if I leave Bayern I will go abroad,” Gomez told Bild.

“Then came this interesting offer from Liverpool. I took the loan offer seriously and discussed it with my family and girlfriend because I just want to play.

“But Bayern gave me the impression that they see a future for me. And therefore a change was not an issue anymore.”

Meanwhile, star striker Fernando Torres admits he is not yet 100 per cent fit but promises Liverpool fans the best is ahead of him (Torres 7/1 – Premiership Top Goalscorer).

The Spain ace’s start to the season has been hampered because of an injury sustained in the World Cup final, with the Reds refusing to rush him back.

The 26-year-old, though, is pleased with the way his recovery has been handled and optimistic over his fitness for the rest of the campaign.

The former Atletico Madrid captain said: “The recuperation is perfect and we have waited our time. I am still not 100 per cent, but the people will soon see the best Torres.

“Each time I am recuperating sensations and I hope to obtain success with Liverpool this season.”

Bet on the World Cup and get £200. Click here to visit Bet365 and claim your free money.

Rooney makes Swiss trip

Posted on by
Reply

England striker Wayne Rooney will be available for selection against Switzerland in Tuesday night’s Euro 2012 qualifier in Basle (Switzerland 10/3, draw 5/2, England 5/6 – 90 minutes).

The Manchester United forward has travelled with the rest of the squad despite strong allegations over his private life being made in the Sunday tabloids.

Speculation suggesting Rooney might pull out has proven to be unfounded and he is set to partner hat-trick Jermain Defoe up front against the notoriously stingy Swiss defence.

Coach Fabio Capello will be delighted to call on Rooney’s services as he looks to take another step towards restoring the feel-good factor around the national side (Rooney 4/1 – First Goalscorer).

The Italian is already without Peter Crouch and Bobby Zamora while Emile Heskey retired from international football after the World Cup.

Capello also has Carlton Cole and Darren Bent at his disposal in Switzerland although both are still feeling their way on to the big stage and their lack of experience would have been a worry without Rooney.

But one player whose lack of experience will not count against him is Manchester City goalkeeper Joe Hart.

Capello admits he was forced to bring the 23-year-old back down to earth after his debut in a friendly two summers ago which explains his lack of action in South Africa a couple of months ago.

“He probably started to play in the first XI too early,” said Capello. “He started to think ‘I am the best’.

“You have to understand what happens in the mind of the young player. Sometimes it is this. But in two years he has come back.”

Capello added: “He improved a lot last year when he played at Birmingham. That was a really important period for him.

“With any young player, the most important thing is his quality. Now it is really up to him.”

Swizterland drew 0-0 with Australia in a friendly on Friday so Tuesday’s game marks the start of the qualifying campaign and coach Ottmar Hitzfeld insists Rooney remains the danger man (Switzerland 16/5 – To Keep A Clean Sheet against England).

He claimed: “Fabio Capello is not able to leave a player of his class out.

“I am no psychologist but Wayne Rooney is looking sharp and I am sure he will perform well.

“The only reason he didn’t do well in the World Cup was that he was injured beforehand and didn’t have time to make his fitness up in time for the tournament.”

Bet on the World Cup and get £200. Click here to visit Bet365 and claim your free money.