Manchester United

The midfielder was believed to have been contacted before the tournament by national boss Fabio Capello who wanted to use the player’s experience for the major competition.

However Scholes declined the chance to play for England with his priorities set on spending time with his family before the start of yet another season with United.

The 35-year-old had to watch as the Three Lions scraped through the group stages of the tournament before being knocked out by old rivals Germany in the first knockout round.

Scholes has since revealed that it was Capello’s assistant Franco Baldini who spoke to him in an attempt to bring the player out of international retirement.

He said: “I said no, but not straight away.

“If I’d have had a couple of weeks to make a decision I would definitely have gone.

“And watching the World Cup  I wish I had gone. Following England’s display, people said I must be thankful that I wasn’t involved.”

“I can honestly say that isn’t the case,” he added.

England could have used a player like Scholes as they lacked a cutting edge in South Africa, only scoring three goals in the tournament.

However the United veteran will be fresh and ready for the new Premier League season.

The Red Devils will begin their top flight campaign when they take on Newcastle United at Old Trafford on Monday (Man Utd 2/9, draw 5/1, Newcastle Utd 12/1).

United will be looking to win back the Premier League title from rivals Chelsea who won 6-0 against West Brom on the opening day of the season but Scholes is not worried about the Blues favourite tag.

He said: “That doesn’t worry me.

“The three seasons in a row we won the league I don’t think many people fancied us.

“The more people who don’t think we are going to win it the better.”

This could be the midfielder’s last season with the club who have already won the FA Community Shield after beating Chelsea 3-1.

Scholes along with the likes of Ryan Giggs and Gary Neville could all be coming to the end of their time at Old Trafford in a playing capacity with positions in coaching roles a possibility.

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

Chelsea

Carlo Ancelotti’s side lost 2-1 at Tottenham at the weekend which saw Manchester United (11/8 Outright) close to within a point with three games left to play in the top flight this term.

The White Hart Lane defeat was compounded by captain John Terry’s red card on 67 minutes while Ivory Coast star Drogba aggravated a groin problem he has been carrying recently.

Whether or not the 32-goal striker requires surgery remains to be seen, with Ancelotti confirming the decision rests with Drogba despite the fact Chelsea are going for the Premier League and FA Cup double.

“He doesn’t have a big problem. It’s more about controlling the situation,” said the Italian.

“He’ll take a decision at the end of the season. But it’s not sure he’ll have surgery.”

However, Drogba could well decide he needs to rest the problem in order to ensure he reaches the World Cup finals (Drogba 20/1 Top Goalscorer) in as good a condition as possible, surgery or not.

Ancelotti still feels the Premier League title is Chelsea’s to lose after United managed to secure a 1-0 win at Manchester City in the early kick-off on Saturday thanks to a late Paul Scholes header.

He added: “We are top of the list with only three games left so every team wants to be in our place.

“We have two at home and one difficult game away. We can be the best again. A one-point lead is not bad at this stage of the season.

“To be sure we have to win all three games. Now the most important is against Stoke.”

The Potters arrive at Stamford Bridge having again guaranteed their Premier League status with games to spare after winning promotion in 2008.

But boss Tony Pulis is eager to move the Britannia Stadium outfit further up the table next season from the confines of mid-table security.

He told the Sunday Mirror: “We want to take it up another level and that may mean shifting a few players on.

“There are a few players whose futures will be discussed and we will see where it takes us.

“There has to be changes if we are to move on because if you stand still you’re dead.”

Pulis’ challenge is to add to his squad while maintaining the unity that has largely served them well over the last three years.

View full post on totesport news – betting news and sports betting advice » Football Betting