England’s women

England kicked off the tournament with a disappointing 1-1 draw against Mexico before they chalked up their first win on Friday – coming from behind to beat New Zealand 2-1.

That result, coupled with Japan’s 4-0 win over Mexico, means the winner of Tuesday’s showdown will end up topping the group and therefore probably avoid a knock-out clash against hosts Germany in the last eight.

So it’s no surprise to hear star striker Kelly Smith insisting they are going all out for a win in their final group game (England to win 2-1 – 9/1 – Correct Score).

The two sides played out an entertaining 2-2 draw in the World Cup four years ago – with England denied by a late equaliser after Smith had scored twice – and the 32-year-old says they will not settle for a draw against Japan despite it being enough to ensure progress.

“We are going for a win, we don’t normally set out to draw the game,” she said. “We really want to get three points and top the group.”

Germany are the powerhouse of women’s international football, having won the last two World Cups and three European Championships. Only America have come close to stopping their domination in recent years and England found out to their cost just how good the Germans are on their day when they lost 6-2 to them in the European final two years ago.

France are likely to lie in wait next should the Lionesses top Group B, however, and the two sides are very evenly matched with the last two games between the nations ending in 2-2 draws.

Smith knows this could be her last shot at World Cup glory as she will be 36 when the next tournament comes around so she is desperate to avoid going home early from Germany.

“You have to grab the opportunity with both hands whether you are 21 or my age, you might not play in the World Cup again, you might not qualify,” she said.

So if Smith, who has scored 43 goals in 106 appearances for her country, can inspire England to a win over Japan to avoid Germany in the quarters, then England may just sense they can make it at least into the semi-final before they can maybe start dreaming of even more glory this summer.

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Liverpool

Konchesky followed boss Roy Hodgson from Fulham to Anfield this summer and the 29-year-old is expected to be the first-choice left back for Liverpool for the rest of the season.

The former England international admitted he jumped at the chance to make the switch to Merseyside and, while teaming up again with Hodgson was a factor in his decision to move, the lure of playing for one of the biggest clubs in the country was just too good an opportunity to turn down.

“I’m 29 and this is my last chance to play at the highest level,” Konchesky said. “That is what Liverpool are and I am really looking forward to it. “It (Hodgson) was a big factor but Liverpool being a big club was a massive factor.

“I’m looking forward to getting a new lease of life and playing at a very high standard. I can’t wait to pull on a Liverpool shirt in the Premier League - it is a massive club and it is a big step for me.”

Konchesky got his first taste of playing for Liverpool at Anfield when he turned out in Jamie Carragher’s testimonial on Saturday and he says he is ready to take his chance for his new club.

“I just want to give it my all and go from there,” he added. “I’ve had three or four days’ training and although there have not been a lot of players there it has been a good week and I am hopefully going to enjoy it soon.

“You look at the history they have got behind them – it is unbelievable – and there are some great players here. If we can bring that back to the side this year in something like the Europa League (11/1 to win outright) then this team can go a long way.”

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Ballack was unable to secure a new deal with Premier League champions Chelsea and moved to his former club in the Bundesliga.

The 33-year-old is still ambitious about his future and is looking to bring success to Leverkusen as they look to challenge for the league title.

He said: “We want to win the league in the near future.

“My ambitions are still very high. I have always been playing to win trophies over the last decade and we can do that with Bayer too.

“Of course Bayern are the top favourites, but there is such great potential here in Leverkusen and we should also go a long way in Europe,” he added.

Ballack stated that he was shocked not to be offered a new deal at Stamford Bridge (Chelsea 13/8 to win the Premier League next season) after he helped the west London side secure their first domestic double in their 105 year history.

The former Bayern Munich midfielder would be captaining Germany at this summer’s World Cup in South Africa but for an ankle injury he picked up in the final game of the season for Chelsea in their win against Portsmouth in the FA Cup.

Ballack is still a key player for the national side and is determined to continue his career at that level after he recovers from injury.

He said: “Of course I still want to play for the national team and I have my eyes on Euro 2012.

“I will be 35 then and we will have to see nearer the time what happens (with a new contract). My health also plays a very big role.

Ballack will regain his favoured number 13 shirt when he plays for Leverkusen and could feature as the captain next season however the player is taking nothing for granted.

He said: “That is up to the coach,” he said. “I don’t have to be the captain to assume responsibility.

“Simon Rolfes is a great captain and has filled the position well and I think that it will remain that way.”

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Heurelho Gomes

Gomes had a patchy start to his Spurs career and made a few high profile blunders. This led to ridicule in the press and boss Harry Redknapp scouring the world for a replacement. However, under the expert tutelage of goalkeeping coach Tony Parks, he has been in consistent form this season and is now hopeful of securing his first international call-up in four years. This will add to Gomes’s nine international caps thus far.

Gomes inspired Spurs to a 2-1 success over local rivals Arsenal in the Premier League on Wednesday night. Tottenham’s first league win against their north London rivals in 11 years severely dented the Gunners’ title hopes and kept Spurs hot on the heels of fourth placed Manchester City in the battle for the final Champions League spot.

Spurs are currently 2/1 second favourites behind City (at 4/9) to finish fourth but with many twists and turns still to come, Redknapp will be hoping that Gomes’s form continues for the remainder of the season.

There was a time when Gomes’s lack of confidence was causing a problem, particularly shortly after his move from Dutch giants PSV Eindhoven. However, Redknapp had been assured by former PSV boss Guus Hiddink that Gomes was one of the best goalkeepers in the world and that he should persevere with him. Redknapp did and he now agrees with Hiddink’s sentiments.

Speaking ahead of this weekend’s tough clash against Chelsea, Redknapp stated that Gomes is “up there with the very best… but it took him time to adjust. He’s had a couple of dicky moments but ever since then he has got better and better and some of the saves on Wednesday, particularly a couple from Robin van Persie and from Sol Campbell, were vital saves.”

He quantified this statement by stating; “I always knew he had the ability. I spoke to Guus Hiddink and he said he nearly took them [PSV Eindhoven] to a Champions League final in 2005, he’s that good.”

Spurs face Chelsea on Saturday with both sides needing the points for different reasons. Chelsea will be hoping to distance themselves from Manchester United in the race for the title whilst Spurs will be hoping to increase the pressure on Manchester City in the battle for fourth place.

Spurs are one point behind City, who currently occupy fourth, whilst Chelsea are four points ahead of United at the top of the League. City face United at Eastlands on Saturday so the two battling for fourth face the two battling for the title.

Spurs are 11/4 to beat Chelsea, whilst the Blues are 10/11. The draw is 12/5.

City are 17/10 to beat United, with the Red Devils 11/8 to take the three points. The draw is 12/5.

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