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Capello set to wield axe

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England boss Fabio CapelloEngland are 8/1 to win the European Championships in 2012 but boss Fabio Capello has hinted some of the so called big names will not be around for the tournament.

Despite failing miserably at the World Cup Capello has managed to keep his job and will be handed the chance to amends, however the same can not be said for some of the players.

Many have suggested something has to be done at grass roots level but Capello is looking for a quick fix and that means some of the ‘old guard’ will be axed in order to make way for young players.

The likes of Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard and Wayne Rooney are sure to be safe unless they suffer a huge dip in form but some of the other players will be sweating on their international futures.

“For some this will be the end,” Capello revealed. “The chairman of Club England, Dave Richards, has asked me what I thought about the next tournament and the young players we might have to bring through, like Adam Johnson and Joe Hart.”

England kick off their qualifying campaign against Bulgaria at Wembley on September 3 but before then they have a friendly with Hungary on August 11 and it will be very interesting to see what squad Capello names.

Hart and Johnson are sure to be in it but if Capello stays true to his word then Gary Cahill of Bolton, Arsenal’s Kieran Gibbs, Bobby Zamora of Fulham and Everton’s Jack Rodwell will all be hoping to get the nod.

The writing will be on the wall for those players who are left out and there will be one or two who are bringing the curtain down on their international career.

England appear to be in an easy group and are 1/12 to qualify from it but Capello will be turning to youth and is not concerned over who he upsets in the process.

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Hodgson outlines Liverpool plans

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New Liverpool boss Roy Hodgson has targeted signing English players and could make a bid for Aston Villa winger Ashley Young as he looks to revive the Reds’ fortunes next season (Liverpool 8/1 to win the Premier League next season).

Hodgson was officially unveiled as Rafa Benitez’s successor at Anfield on Thursday and the former Fulham boss has already drawn up a shortlist of players he wants to sign over the summer – with a focus on attracting home-born players in line with new UEFA rules that say Premier League clubs must have at least eight ‘homegrown’ players in their squads from August.

“We would be foolish not to be aware of the importance of homegrown players with the way UEFA and Premier League rules are going,” Hodgson said.

“Otherwise we’re going to struggle to get our squad numbers together.

“I think the club have been trying to do that already with younger players like Jonjo Shelvey and Raheem Sterling but it takes time for them to come through so we might have to go into the transfer market.”

Reports suggest Villa winger Young is among the Liverpool manager’s first targets and Hodgson believes he could land the England international for around £6million.

Meanwhile, Hodgson has admitted his style of football was inspired by the great Liverpool teams of the 1970’s and 80’s and he hopes to reproduce it at Anfield with a team of his own as soon as possible.

“All the things I’ve always liked are the things Liverpool were famous for in their heyday,” he added on the club’s website.

“Pass and move, always move it quickly and once you lose it get back in to position. That was the mantra which took Liverpool through their great years.

“I like a high-tempo passing game. I like players to work hard, I like players to get back in position. Those are my priniciples.

“I was influenced by the Liverpool team which dominated the 70s with all its great players and playing the football they played.”

Hodgson’s first competitive game in charge of the Reds will be a Europa League qualifier at the end of the month before they kick off their Premier League campaign with a tough opener at home to Arsenal (Liverpool 5/4 to win).

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Del Bosque calls for improvement

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Spain manager Vicente Del Bosque has admitted his side will need to improve if they are to beat Germany in their huge World Cup semi-final on Wednesday (Germany 7/4, draw 11/5, Spain 6/4).

David Villla’s fifth goal of the tournament secured a late 1-0 quarter-final win for Spain over Paraguay to book their place in the last four and set up a showdown with the Germans (Spain 15/8f to win the World Cup, Germany 2/1).

Del Bosque says his side will need to improve their level of performance if they are to win on Wednesday, as they again looked well short of their best against Paraguay.

“We didn’t play well mainly because we didn’t get enough of the ball,” he said afterwards.

“We weren’t as at ease in possession as in other games and it’s important to be comfortable.”

However, the coach is pleased his side are still in with a shout in a competition which has seen big guns France, Italy, England, Brazil and Argentina all crash out early.

“We’re in the last four in the world,” he added. “It’s a good moment for Spanish football.”

Spain rode their luck to make it into the last four as Oscar Cordoba missed a penalty for Paraguay in the second half only for Xabi Alonso to do the same for Del Bosque’s side – the Real Madrid midfielder’s spot-kick having to be retaken after the referee spotted encroachment into the penalty area the first time around.

Spain are hoping to emulate France’s achievement in 1998 and 2000 by becoming European and World champions at the same time but they will have to beat an impressive German side if they are to do it.

Key midfielder Andres Iniesta has been taken aback by Germany’s displays in South Africa and he is predicting a titanic clash in Durban.

“Quite apart from their results, the Germans are playing brilliantly, so they must be tremendously motivated,” the Barcelona star said.

“It will be a game between two rivals who enjoy having the ball and I think it will be a beautiful battle.”

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Blanc installed France coach

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Laurent Blanc has been officially installed as France’s new coach, and faces an immediate task of picking the nation up off the floor following their disastrous exit in the group stages of the World Cup (France 12/1 to win Euro 2012).

Blanc, the 44-year-old who helped France win the World Cup on home soil in 1998, replaced Raymond Domenech, whose contract ended after the team were sent packing.

His first task is to help France qualify for the 2012 European Championships in Poland and Ukraine (France 4/9 to win qualifying Group D).

The former Bordeaux coach was appointed during a meeting of the French Football Federation (FFF) in Paris.

FFF president Jean-Pierre Escalettes formally handed in his resignation at the meeting, having said he would quit after the federation was blamed for the way it handled a player revolt in South Africa.

“I have decided to resign because it is my duty,” Escalettes told a news conference on Friday. “I accept my share of responsibility.”

“Raymond Domenech has humbly admitted that he had made mistakes and so have I,” said Escalettes.

The 75-year-old Escalettes and Domenech’s lack of authority were exposed when they failed to convince the players they should train at their base in Knysna, Western Cape.

“It was my responsibility to make the players get out of the coach and train and I failed,” Escalettes said.

“I felt humiliated. I am ashamed and I present my apologies to all those who loved and believed in that France team and to the whole world.”

“All my life I tried to give another image than the one I am leaving and I feel sad,” Escalettes said.

“My successor will have to draw the conclusions from what happened to make sure it never happens again.”

Nicknamed “The President” for his calm authority in his playing days, Blanc will initially be more respected than the controversial Domenech, if only for his far more impressive resume.

“I believe in Laurent Blanc and in the team he will come up with,” Escalettes said.

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World Cup could start new sporting era

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South Africa president Jacob ZumaSouth Africa’s success in staging the World Cup could be just the start of a new sporting era in the country, said President Jacob Zuma.

Zuma said the tournament had sparked economic development and proved the developing continent was capable of managing a world event.

“I think we have proved that not only South Africa, but Africa is capable of hosting any major event,” Zuma told the FIFA website.

The government has spent about 40 billion rand ($5.17 billion) on infrastructure projects, and billions more on upgrading roads and airports.

It could now spur a bid for the first African Olympics, Zuma said.

“People are already talking about a possibility of bidding for major events and we are supporting this. The Olympics are an example, I don’t see why we can’t bid to host the Olympics in the future. It’s important for Africa,” he added.

International Olympic Committee president Jacques Rogge last week offered encouragement to Africa for an Olympic bid, strengthening the possibility of South Africa being a host.

Cape Town was the first African city to bid for the Olympics but was trounced in the vote for the 2004 Games that were awarded to Athens.

Durban, which markets itself as Africa’s sports capital, has expressed an interest in hosting a future Games and built its new World Cup stadium with enough space to add an athletics track.

When asked what legacy he wanted the World Cup to leave for South Africa’s children, Zuma told FIFA: “It has taken the economic development to a different level. One of the important things for Africa is education and programmes like 1Goal (FIFA’S education programme) are playing a vital role – that is legacy.

“This tournament has inspired Africans.”

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Nigeria and FIFA increase war of words

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Nigeria has said it will not go back on its decision to withdraw the national team from international competition.

The country’s President, Goodluck Jonathan, had taken the measure on Thursday in the wake of the team’s poor showing at the World Cup.

He issued a statement that Nigeria’s team would not be allowed to play in international competitions for the next two years, and would only be able to play in friendly matches.

FIFA’s reaction was swift, threatening to suspend the country from the organisation which would mean they could not play any matches, and financial sanctions could also be imposed.

FIFA had issued an ultimatum that Nigeria had until Monday night to reverse their decision.

“Mr President will not rescind the decision because it’s the best decision for football development in Nigeria,” a presidency source said.

“Mr President and his team had weighed the consequences of this decision and arrived at this decision as in the interest of the nation. We need to restructure and reorganise our football for effective and commendable results.”

“FIFA will today send a letter to the Nigerian football federation indicating that the government of Nigeria has until Monday 6pm (1600 GMT) to cancel its decision to withdraw Nigeria’s participation in all FIFA and CAF organised football competitions,” FIFA spokesman Nicolas Maingot told a news briefing on Friday.

After meeting the country’s World Cup organising committee, Jonathan also said the accounts of the committee should be audited, and named an 11-member caretaker committee to sort out the administration and management of the game.

Maingot said FIFA would not recognise the management committee, but would send an executive member of the world body to attempt last minute mediation on Monday.

If the Nigerian government fails to heed FIFA’s ultimatum, it risks getting cut-off from all FIFA activities, including junior and female competitions. FIFA funding to the football association could also be cut.

“A suspension goes beyond the suspension of the national team, it also involves the freezing of the financial help and no referees can participate in international competition,” Maingot said.

Nigeria were set to begin their bid to qualify for the 2012 African Nations Cup finals in September against Madagascar.

They also qualified for the upcoming women’s world championships at under-20 and under-17 level and their top club side Heartland is to play in the African Champions League group phase later this month.

A ban would also cut access to its development courses and stop the annual payment of $250,000 each member association receives, cash that is much needed by Nigerian football.

This latest episode is not the first time Nigerian political authorities have been at loggerheads with football governing bodies over political interference.

Nigeria were banned by the Confederation of African Football in 1996 when then President Sani Abacha withdrew the team from the African Nations Cup finals in South Africa because he had been criticised by Nelson Mandela over the judicial execution of political opponents.

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Capello stays in England role

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Fabio Capello is to keep his job as England coach, despite the team’s disappointing showing at the World Cup (England 8/1 to win Euro 2012).

The Football Association announced its decision on Friday, more than a week earlier than they had planned.

The FA said their board had unanimously agreed to keep Capello in his job, despite the 4-1 drubbing at the hands of Germany in the second round last weekend.

“I am more determined than ever to succeed with the England team,” Capello said. “(Board chairman) Dave Richards has called me to tell me everyone at the FA wants me to continue.

“I explained it is very important we use the disappointment as a motivation in the future.

“I can assure the fans I am now fully focused on our European qualifying fixtures, starting with the friendly against Hungary in August.

“We will look to introduce new players to give the team new energy and I will use all my experience to take England forward.

“I am extremely proud to be the England manager, it means so much to me and I am determined to succeed.”

Richards said the four-man Club England board gained the approval of the FA Board to keep Capello on.

“We are all still extremely disappointed at our performance in South Africa, and we believed it was important that we took some time to reflect on everything in a calm and considered manner back in England,” Richards said.

“After fully discussing our performance we remain convinced that Fabio is the best man for the job.”

Capello started work in January 2008, and has a contract through Euro 2012.

Meanwhile, Huh Jung-moo has confirmed he is to leave his post as coach of South Korea.

The 55-year-old does not want to renew his 30-month contract, which expired at the end of the World Cup.

Huh, whose side were eliminated at the last 16 stage of the competition by Uruguay on Saturday, had stated his intention to leave his role after the tournament but side-stepped talk of his future following their exit.

He said: “I have decided not to seek a second term. This is not a resignation as my contract finishes at the end of June. I want time to recharge myself and spend some time with my family.”

He added: “I have made my decision and told this to the KFA. I want to rest for a while.

“There are many good coaches in our football community. I think they should be given a chance.”

Korea Football Association chairman Cho Chung-yun said earlier this week they hope to have a new coach appointed “no later than July 10″.

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Spain hoping to go Dutch

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The Netherlands are 21/10 favourites for the World Cup after knocking Brazil out of the competition.

The South Americans took the lead through Robinho in the first half but a Felipe Melo own goal and a Wesley Sneijder header turned the tables in the second half as the Dutch ran out 2-1 winners.

Things went from bad to worse for Melo, who was deservedly sent off for stamping on Arjen Robben with 17 minutes to go.

Spain are the 9/4 second favourites to lift the World Cup but they face a tricky test against Paraguay on Saturday evening (Paraguay 7/1, draw 11/4, Spain 1/2).

Paraguay scraped into the last-eight by beating Japan on penalties in the last round after a lifeless 0-0 draw. Their success has been built on a solid defence, which has only conceded one goal in the competition so far.

Paraguay have only scored three goals in the World Cup but coach Gerardo Martino insists that his side will pose a significant threat to Spain.

“In three of the four World Cup matches we had to take the game to our opponents and that’s difficult for a team like ours,” said Martino.

“Our future rivals will let us play. Spain will give us more space.”

However, goalkeeper Justo Villar has warned the Spanish that his side will not return the favour and let their star names play.

“Our football has always been about a lot of hard work and tactics,” said Villar.

“It’s going to be a good match where you will see two types of football.

“One side trying to attack skilfully while we try to stop them and then try to take advantage of our chances.”

Spain coach Vicente del Bosque is set to keep faith with misfiring striker Fernando Torres, who has failed to score in Spain’s four games in the World Cup to date.

Del Bosque has expressed his “full confidence” in the Liverpool striker despite Torres clearly struggling for form. In mitigating circumstances, he went into the tournament on the back of knee surgery in April and is clearly struggling for fitness.

In the last-16 clash against Portugal, del Bosque replaced Torres with Athletic Bilbao striker Fernando Llorente with the score at 0-0. Llorente twice went close to breaking the deadlock and was involved in David Villa’s winning goal.

This earned him plaudits in the Spanish media and the pressure is now on Torres to deliver with the Bilbao man breathing down his neck. However, he will receive confidence from the backing of his coach and will be hoping to reward this faith with a goal against Paraguay (Torres 4/1 to score first goal).

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Capello to remain England boss

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The Football Association has confirmed that Fabio Capello will remain as England manager, despite the national side’s poor run in the World Cup.

England were knocked out of the tournament at the last-16 stage by Germany in their worst ever World Cup finals defeat.

However, they failed to convince throughout the tournament, finishing second in their group behind the USA on goals scored. Their lacklustre showing against Algeria drew particular criticism.

The lethargic and uninspired performances led many in the media to question Capello’s suitability, with some blasting his team selections and tactics in South Africa.

On Monday, he was told that he would learn his fate within two weeks but since then, he has received public backing from various members of the FA board.

David Sheepshanks, the former Ipswich Town chairman, stated on Thursday that Capello was “one of the world’s best managers” and that “knee-jerk reactions never work.”

Meanwhile, Bolton chairman Phil Gartside, who is also on the FA board, also expressed his support for the Italian.

The unanimous decision to stick with Capello was made by the four-man Club England board on Friday.

The recommendation was ratified by the full Football Association board soon after and means that Capello will stay in the role until after the European Championships in 2012 (England 8/1 to win Euro 2012).

Speaking after the decision to keep Capello, Sir Dave Richards, Club England chairman, said: “After fully discussing our performance we remain convinced that Fabio is the best man for the job.

“He went into the World Cup with a reputation as one of World football’s finest managers and we are confident Fabio will benefit from his first international tournament experience and this will undoubtedly make us all stronger for the Euro 2012 campaign.”

Immediately after England’s 4-1 demolition by Germany, the feeling was that Capello had to go but within 24 hours, he had expressed his interest to remain at the England helm.

As the week progressed, the media turned their ire towards the players rather than the manager and this may have given him a little breathing space.

However, a key reason behind Capello staying may have been the FA’s baffling decision to remove the break clause in his contract.

With the Italian expressing his interest to stay in his post, sacking him would have led to a costly compensation exercise which could have cost the FA dearly.

Roy Hodgson’s decision to join Liverpool rather than hold out for a potential offer from the FA to coach England may also have been a contributory factor in persuading the FA to stand by their man.

Speaking after the decision, Fabio Capello said: “Sir Dave Richards has called me to tell me everyone at The FA wants me to continue.

“I explained it is very important we use the disappointment as a motivation in the future.

“I can assure the fans I am now fully focused on our European qualifying fixtures, starting with the friendly against Hungary in August.

“I am more determined than ever to succeed with the England team.”

Capello’s reputation was enhanced by England’s impressive qualifying record for the World Cup and the Italian will need to repeat this form in order to replace the gloss which has been removed by England’s dismal World Cup.

England are 2/7 favourites to win their qualifying group

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Dalglish backs Hodgson

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Liverpool (8/1 to win the Premier League) legend Kenny Dalglish has backed the appointment of Roy Hodgson as the former Fulham boss signs a three-year-deal at the Anfield club.

Hodgson was unveiled as the new manager on Thursday after Rafa Benitez was given a £6m compensation deal to leave the club.

The Spaniard has now moved to Italian giants Inter Milan and now Hodgson has stepped in to the role as he looks to restore Liverpool to their top four status in the Premier League.

Despite applying for the job himself, Dalglish supported the new signing, stating that he was more than happy with the appointment.

He said: “I look very favourably on the appointment.

“I have known Roy a long time and have a great respect for him.

“We’ve not had detailed conversations yet but my interests are in Liverpool,” he added.

Dalglish failed to secure the position as the new manager of Liverpool as Martin Broughton decided it was not in the best interest for the club despite the Scot leading the Merseyside club to their last league title.

Hodgson believes that he and Dalglish will be able to work together at the club despite the former Liverpool boss being looked over for the job.

He said: “I don’t feel at all awkward about the situation.

“Kenny was entitled to suggest to the board that he wanted to be considered. The board made it clear to me that they didn’t want that to happen, as the chairman (Martin Broughton) has outlined.

“As far as I’m concerned, it shouldn’t affect my relationship with Kenny in any way,” he added.

Hodgson’s first task is to try and keep hold of Liverpool’s top players before the start of the Premier League season.

The club won’t be playing Champions League football this campaign after finishing in seventh place in the top flight last season.

There are fears that the likes of Fernando Torres, Javier Mascherano and captain Steven Gerrard could be on their way out of Anfield and Hodgson will be trying his best to secure the services of these players.

Liverpool will take on Arsenal in the pick of the opening day matches at Anfield (Liverpool 5/4, draw 9/4, Arsenal 7/4) before they take on Manchester City at Eastlands.

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