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TheFA.com >> Princely visit > Prince William - New FA President

Prince William will be the new president of The FA come May 2006. England Blog Comment >> Welcome Prince William. Maybe you can get rid of some of those old faceless folk at the FA headquarters? That would help you shed that figurehead starus.

Posted at 7:04 AM, Saturday, October 29, 2005

Jenas Views On New Technology For Referees

I am not decided as to whether referee's do such a bad job to warrant technology. More worrying to me are the rules. The passive offside rule is unworkable, so how can referee's be helped by technology?

Fifa has hinted it could introduce goal-line technology at the 2006 World Cup after a trial at the recent Under-17 World Championships. The 'Smart Ball' will be given a second test in the World Club Championship in December.

Referee's are in favour of technology aswell. There are many arguements for and against. Too many to list here, see the referee technology discussion for many eaxamples for and against, collated by the BBC

Jermaine Jenas is in favour of referee's utilising extra technology to help refereeing aswell.Referee Technology Related >>
♠ Referee Technology Will Ruin Football Betting

Posted at 10:38 PM, Thursday, October 27, 2005

Chris Sutton Or Peter Crouch?

Chris Sutton has 1 cap for England. He played for 15 minutes as a sub for Glenn Hoddle against the Cameroon team back in November 1997. Sutton was promptly dropped to the England B-Team. Sutton was'nt having any of that. Since then Chris has been overlooked for selection.

That said, Sutton is not beyond an England call-up, he is not on an England manager blacklist. Tord Grip has clearly stated before that Sutton is being watched by Sven

Now Peter Crouch is in the England squad playing the "big man" role. Sven has also lost patience with Heskey after the France defeat. I am wondering if Peter Crouch continues his poor form for Liverpool, whether Chris Sutton will get a look in.

I guess Sutton is a superior footballer than Peter Crouch all round. Sutton also operates in midfield as an attacking midfielder and a crunching ballwinner if called upon, also can quite happily play at centre back. Sutton does get goals too.

Seems odd to me Sven does'nt fancy Sutton. I reckon if Sutton were playing in the English Premier, he's get called up in no time.

Chris Sutton
♠ England Team Offcial
♠ Celtic FC
♠ Ex Canary Sutton
Chris Sutton fun
♠ Chris Sutton Anagrams

Posted at 9:54 PM, Wednesday, October 26, 2005

Independent >> Bridge set for return as Chelsea reshuffle > Wayne Bridge Is Back

Wayne Bridge will certainly be hoping to play tonight against Charlton

Mourinho will be resting players and Bridge needs to find a way back into the team. A league cup game may be the only chance Bridge will get to impress and prove he is back to full fitness.

With Ashley Cole out injured for a good 5 weeks still, Bridge will have his eye on the Argentina V England friendly squad for sure. Fingers crossed Bridge will be available for Sven to fast-track back into the England fold.Wayne Bridge Related >>
♠ Wayne Bridge England Page
♠ Wayne Bridge Club Page
♠ Chelsea Team Blog

Posted at 1:07 AM,

Football365.com >> Beckham wins appeal > Beckham Appeal Victorious

David Beckham and Real Madrid have won their appeal against the second yellow card Becks received in the 2-1 defeat by Valencia on the weekend.

Beckham got his second yellow for sarcastically applauding the referee. However, Beckham had half turned his back to the referee and was clapping as he was moving away from referee Arturo Dauden Ibanez.

The fact Beckham was not clapping in the referee's face, certainly helped swing the victorious appeal decision handed out by the Spanish FA his way.

Posted at 7:46 PM, Tuesday, October 25, 2005

Fulham FC >> Johnny Haynes Tribute

Johnny Haynes - The Maestro - died on the 18th of October 2005 in Edinburgh, Scotland, as a result of a car crash aged 71.

John Norman Haynes played 56 times for England, 22 as the captain. Johnny scored 18 goals. Johnny played before my time, so I never had the pleasure.

RIP Johnny Haynes

Johnny Haynes last interview >> "The Pass Master" Johnny Haynes Interview

Posted at 6:51 AM, Monday, October 24, 2005

Telegraph >> Beckham sent off for sarcastic applause > Beckham Goes Rooney

David Beckham was sent off with 3 minutes to go during the 2-1 defeat for Real against Valencia

Referee Arturo Dauden Ibanez blew for a foul by Raul on Madrid's right touchline.

Beckham reacted furiously, throwing up his right arm in disgust and appearing to say something to the referee. When Dauden Ibanez brought out a yellow card, Beckham walked away applauding sarcastically, leaving him little choice but to immediately produce a second yellow and send the England captain off.

England Blog Comment >> Beck's getting himself sent off for sarcastically clapping the referre like Rooney did not so long ago, is not something the bookies had even thought of pricing up.

I can see a slew of crazy football betting markets popping up all over the place at a bookie near you. There are no off the wall football betting markets out there yet are there?

Posted at 11:04 PM, Sunday, October 23, 2005

Roberto Carlos (32) has heard rumours that Real Madrid are interested in signing England left back Ashley Cole from Arsenal.

Ashley Cole has been touted as the best left back in the world by various footballing pundits. Roberto Carlos is of the opinion that Ashley Cole would be his cover if he came to Real, judging by his latest comments.

Then again, judging by Carlos's final words, he is certainly concerned by the news Ashley Cole may be on his way to the BernabeuRoberto Carlos Links >>
♠ Roberto Carlos Official Website
♠ Uefa - Roberto Carlos Profile

Posted at 10:25 PM,

David Beckham is carrying a slight back injury, which needs an injection for him to be able to play in matches. After the matches though, Beckham has to lay up and rest.

It is a worrisome developement for England fans. If the injury does'nt clear up at some stage, Beckham will go into the World Cup injured and probably very tired after carrying an injury all season while playing for Real Madrid.

Real Madrid are in the champions league, so it's not like Beckham will get much chance to rest the back I feel.

David Beckham Link >>
♠ www.beckham-magazine.com

Posted at 4:47 AM, Saturday, October 22, 2005

England V Argentina International Friendly

Argentina will be a tough test for England next month. No quarter will be given by the blue and whites, there is no such thing as a friendly when Argentina take on England.

Maybe Jonathan Woodgate will get a call up to travel to Argentina. It would be Woodgate's first appearance in an England squad for a good 18 months to 2 years, if not longer.England V Argentina Official Links >>
♠ TheFA.com - England v Argentina Match Library
♠ Official Argentina Website

England V Argentina Friendly Link >>
♠ www.friendlygame-in-geneva.com

England V Argentina Tickets >>
♠ Resa Plus

Posted at 4:25 AM,

TheFA.com - Get behind the U21s

England v France
UEFA European U21 Championship
Play-Off, First Leg
11 November 2005, 7.30pm
Venue = White Hart Lane

Tickets are on sale now for England's UEFA Under-21 Championship play-off against France being staged at Tottenham Hotspur's White Hart Lane.

The match will be played on Friday 11 November with kick-off at 7.30pm. Tickets are priced at £10 for adults and £5 for concessions (under-16s, over-65s) and fans are advised to book early"

Under 21s Link >> England Under 21s Official

Posted at 4:06 AM,

FIFA rate England as joint 9th best international football team in the World. That is a rise of 2 spots I believe.England Blog Comment >> England are 9th, the USA are 7th. Funnily enough, the Czech's are 3rd best in the world in the Fifa rankings, but still have not qualified for the 2006 World Cup finals.

Posted at 7:51 PM, Friday, October 21, 2005

David Beckham is a team-mate of Jonathan Woodgate at Real Madrid as we all know. (I think anyone reading about football knows Woodgate and Beckham both play for Real Madrid.)

According to Beckham, who is afterall England's captain, the manager Sven often asks how Jonathan Woodgate is getting on.

It is also obvious David Beckham thinks Woodgate is good enough to play for England too.

England Blog Comment >> I am not surperised Sven keeps an eye on Woodgate by asking Beckham. As Beckham surmised, Sven would'nt keep tabs on Woodgate if he did'nt think he were good enough to play for England.

Posted at 6:41 PM,

Jonathan Woodgate scored for Real Madrid last night. Woodgate nicked in at the back post to head home a Beckham cross and defended comfortably enough when called upon.

Most importantly, Woodgate is fit again.

Alternatively, Real Madrid have a decent centre back who can actually defend and Sven has another selection headache in defence. Woodgate went to hug Real doctor Alfonso del Corral after scoring against Rosenborg and the Madrid physio was just as pleased as his patient.Del Corral praised Woodgate, who despite only having started playing again this season, is a very popular figure at Real Madrid.England Blog Comment >> It is good to see Woodgate fit and well. England have Rio, Sol, John Terry and Carragher to choose from at centre back. Woodgate could well get in the England 2006 World Cup squad, because Carragher is versatile and can play at full back, thereby leaving room for another centre back to join the squad.

Jonathan Woodgate is a quality player if fit, hopefully he can stay uninjured.

Posted at 5:24 PM,

England World Cup Odds >> England's are 8/1 to win the 2006 World Cup in Germany next year.

The 8/1 odds on offer for England are short for sure, but we will probably get a bit shorter in the betting after the World Cup qualifier playoffs are over. Big names could still go out, so the betting odds will surely shorten for England very soon. I estimate England will be a good 1.5 to 2 points shorter come the finals with traditional bookies.

  Get on England at a best priced 8/1 with Ladbrokes before the play-offs are over if you are thinking of betting on England to win the World Cup Finals.

Posted at 6:02 AM, Friday, October 14, 2005

England beat Poland 2-1 to win group 6 and qualify in 1st place for the finals.

A good display from England. There seemed to be a new energy about the team. Whether that was because there was new blood in the side, or whether the lack of pressure to qualify, I don't know. I do know we looked a lot more impressive against the Poles than we did against the Austrians. The Polish team has won 9 games in a row and has been in some form of late.

Ledley King had a good game sitting in the anchor role behind the midfield. Ledley broke down many Polish attacks before they got started. Most impressive of the newcomers was Wright Phillips out wide right in place of Beckham. Phillips was everywhere in the first half and looked very dangerous. Sven will still pick Beckham, but Becks will have seen Wright Phillip's ability and knows he will have to really play very well to warrant keeping Phillips out of the side.

The England defence was pretty solid against a decent attack. Only 1 lapse where we got pulled all over the place after Luke Young was caught playing everyone on. That said, Luke Young had another good game overall at the right of defence. Terry and Rio played well at the back, Rio even came forward at times. Carragher was steady on the left.

Lampard got the winning goal and is in fine goalscoring form at the moment. Joe Cole was lively on the left and showed some nice touches. Cole will be better suited to playing in the centre I think, but still plays very well out wide. Rooney was Rooney, running with the ball he looked very dangerous. Twisting and turning opponents inside out, good passing, good vision. Controlled his temper. All good.

Owen scored a 6 yard flick and showed glimpses of his pace at times. If Michael's hamstrings hold up, he could well be playing the best football of his life over the next few months. Hopefully Owen will light up the world cup finals with some real quality displays and bring the world cup back to England with him.

Posted at 9:59 PM, Wednesday, October 12, 2005

William Hill Press Office >> Sven 7/2 To Make It To 2008 > 7/2 Sven Stays Manager Untill 2008

Sven Goran Erikkson's comments that he intends to see his long term contract out for England, William Hill offer 7/2 that he will still be manager of England in 2008; 33/1 that he quits in 2005; 1/3 that he goes during 2006 and 8/1 that he departs in 2007. Sven can claim as confidently as he wants that he will go when his contract is up but common sense and precedent suggests that to have the slightest chance of surviving until 2008 he will have to get England into the World Cup semi finals at least' said William Hill spokesman Graham Sharpe.

Posted at 2:19 PM,

Danger Here >> Gerrard plays down injury fears > Gerrard Quick Return From Injury

Stephen Gerrard is hoping for a quick return to action after picking up a shin injury against Austria on saturday.

Gerrard won't be fit by wednesday to face the Polish team, but is hoping to be fit in time for the Liverpool V Fulham game in 12 days time.Ledley King will most likely replace Gerrard against the Poles in 2 days time.

Posted at 9:25 PM, Monday, October 10, 2005

blogfc.com >> Gary Neville prank phone call > Gary Neville Prank Call Or Real?

Apparently prank calls from some schoolboys to Gary Neville ended up with Neville ringing one of the boys to find out who had been passing his mobile number around.

I can't be sure it is actually the real Gary Neville making the call. It could be a prank call by someone imitating Gary Neville, showing annoyance at a prank call.

If you catch my drift.

Anyway, Click Here To Listen To The Neville Prank Call Direct From Blog FC

Related >> Gary Neville Prank Call >
♠ Prank Calls To Gary Neville By Bath Schoolboys Reported

Posted at 8:08 PM,

Sven Goran Eriksson reckons England can win the World Cup

Sven has said that England need to definately improve on the last 3 performances for us to have any chance in Germany next year. Also, England will have to be lucky enough to avoid injuries to key players if we are to make an impact in football's premier tournament.

I hope Sven gets his wish and proves the Swede's doubters wrong. England have come fairly close to some kind of success unders Sven's guidance, but as yet - no cigar.

Do I reckon England can win the World Cup? Of course I do. We are England afterall and we also have a few decent players, which should help.

Posted at 3:09 AM,

Stephen Gerrard picked up a shin injury against the Austrians and will miss the last qualifier match against Poland on wednesday.

Funny thing is that Owen Hargreaves in not in the squad. It would have been a perfect opportunity for Hargreaves to play in the centre where he probably belongs and show us what he can do.

The most likely replacement for Gerrard will be Jenas. That said, I would'nt be surprised to see Ledley King play in midfield to deputise for Gerrard.

Posted at 12:08 PM, Sunday, October 09, 2005

Germany - Here We Come

World Cup Finals - Germany 2006 qualification has been achieved with 1 game to go in the qualifiers.

The Dutch beat the Czech's 2-0 away, which means England are guaranteed a spot in the 2006 World Cup finals in Germany next year. If we can beat the Polish team on wednesday, England will qualify in first place. If we draw, the Poles wil lbe the group champions.

The bookies will have their fingers crossed the Poles can get a result. Group qualifier short priced accumulator betting hounds will have England on their betting slips for sure.

Germany - Here We Come!

Posted at 8:59 PM, Saturday, October 08, 2005

England V Austria was interesting today, interesting to see the route of the england armband around the pitch.

Beckham is the captain but was sent off. The armband then went to Michael Owen as per usual. Sven identified Beckham and Owen as the two most likely "social leaders" early on in his reign.

The third captain was interesting. When Owen came off in the last 10 he passed the armband to Stephen Gerrard. Would Sol have got the armband 3rd if he was on the pitch?

What about John Terry? Will John Terry ever wear the England armband?

Who is most likely to take the armband when Beckham retires? I guess Owen will still be about by then, so Owen will probably be the England captain for a good while to come.

Have I missed anyone?

Posted at 7:47 PM,

The FA >> England within sight > England Beat Austria 1-0

England 1
Lampard (25 pen)
Austria 0

England beat Austria 1-0 at Old Trafford this afternoon with a well enough taken 25th minute penalty by new penalty taker Frank Lampard

I don't think England played well. We won't win the World Cup with performances like this. That said, first come first is to qualify. Worry about maybe winning it when we are there.

♠ Rio Ferdinand was surprisingly and maybe unfairly dropped. Sol Campbell came in, did okay and hobbled off with another hamstring pull. That'll teach Wenger for adding to the clamour demanding Campbell be selected next to John Terry.

♠ Peter Crouch was a handful for the Austrians, but did not impress enough to get the anti tall guy brigade off his back. Rooney will play against the Polish on wednesday night for sure. Crouch will be on the bench.

♠ David Beckham was sent off for 2 yellows, neither of which were half a yellow. There will be an appeal by the England management to Fifa for sure. I would not be surprised if the second yellow is rescinded. David Beckham now holds the infamous record of being the only England captain sent off. Also Beckham is now the mostest sent off player for England too. I am quite sure there will be an appeal. Beckham will not want those records to stand.

♠ If Holland beat the Czech's tonight away, England will automatically qualify for the World Cup 2006 finals by virtue of second spot. If not, we will have to ensure a win against the Poles to guarantee qualification.

Come On England!

Posted at 7:33 PM,

England u21 - 1
C Cole (18)
Austria u21 - 2
M Janko (56) (76)

England U21's went down 2-1 in the mist at Elland Road. The first half was all England and Carlton Cole sent the u21's into the half time break 1 up.

In the second half the Austrian u21's sneaked their way back into the game ever and it was no surprise to see the big Austrian striker Marko Janko level the match on 56. England u21's then tried to get back into the tempo of the first half, but ended up conceding an untidy goal from Janko again on 76.

From there on in, England huffed and puffed to no avail. Dawson managed to miss late on when it looked easier to equalise, but finished like a centre back and that was that.

Hopefully the England first team do better tomorrow.

Posted at 8:27 PM, Friday, October 07, 2005

World Cup Soccer >> Beckham steps down as England penalty taker > Penalty Takers - Lampard In - Beckham Walks

David Beckham will not be taking the penalties for England any more. The penalty taker duties go to Frank Lampard.

Beckham walked, stepped down, he was not stripped of the penalty taking responsibilities.

England's head coach, Sven Goran Eriksson confirmed on Friday that Beckham had informed him of his intentions several months ago.

"The fact is David has not taken a penalty in a match for a long, long time," Eriksson said. "I don't think he ever did it for Real Madrid, so that means the last one was for the national team (at Euro 2004), and Frank (Lampard) always takes them."



Posted at 8:26 PM,

Sporting Life >> Ferdinand set to make way > Rio Ferdinand Dropped?

The word is "Rio Ferdiinand will be dropped" to make way for Sol Campbell. As far as I can recall, Sven has always played Rio and Sol when they are fit. I cannot see that changing tomorrow.

My guess is that John Terry will move to right back, Carragher on the left of the defence. Rio Ferdinand and Sol Campbell in the middle like as usual.

Rio Ferdinand is England's only ball playing centre back and I would be very very surprised to see Sven drop Rio. Sven is very loyal to players through difficult patches and I think Rio will play.

I could be wrong, it has been known. I would play Rio Ferdinand too by the way.

Posted at 7:25 PM,

TheFA.com >> Lampard lauds Crouch > Lampard Rates Crouch

Frank Lampard rates Crouch is of the opinion that Peter deserves to be in the England squad to face Austria and Poland.England Blog Comment >> Hopefully a few crosses come in from Beckham and Joe Cole so Crouch can rise high and dominate. The Austrian defence will not want to play against the height of Crouch with quality crosses coming in at all angles.

Posted at 7:19 PM,

The FA.com >> Team named for U21s > England Team named for U21s

Peter Taylor has named his side for tonight's penultimate European Championship Group Six Qualifier and is looking to end the campaign on a high.

England and Germany have been neck and neck throughout the qualifiers and have both already secured a passage to the play-offs. However, with the top team in the group being paired with the runner-up in another group, Taylor has his sights on first place. England U21 Team
Scott Carson
Steven Taylor
Michael Dawson
Anton Ferdinand
Leighton Baines
Tom Soares
Tom Huddlestone
James Milner
Aaron Lennon
Jerome Thomas
Carlton Cole

isten to the England U21 V Austria u21 match live on Radio 5, 909 AM or Medium Wave. 7.45pm kickoff.

Posted at 6:39 PM,

Ashley Cole is out of the England squad with a stress fracture of the metatarsal and Stephen Warnock from Liverpool has been called up as a replacement.

Maybe Sven will line up with Carragher at left back and Luke Young at right back, now Ashley Cole is injured. Warnock will very likely be on the England bench.

Some would argue Sven should go 3 at the back with Sol Campbell, Rio Ferdinand and John Terry. Who would play on the left moving forward in a 352, now Ashley Cole is injured, would be interesting.

Posted at 6:22 PM, Tuesday, October 04, 2005

Sven has named the England Squad to face Austria on saturday 8 october and Poland on wednesday 12 october in the two very important 2006 World cup qualifier home ties.
Sven and England will probably start with Ashley Cole at left back, Sol Campbell and Rio Ferdinand in the centre and Carragher at right back, maybe Luke Young.

Beckham right, Lampard and Gerrard in the England central midfield and Joe Cole left mid.

Crouch and Owen may start up front England in what can only be described as the original little and large show.

Posted at 7:29 PM, Monday, October 03, 2005

The FA >> England v Austria: Match Library > Sven Names Austria Squad Tomorrow

Sven names the England squad to face Austria tomorrow.

England will be taking on Austria in the World Cup qualifiers at Old Trafford in a weeks time on Saturday October 8, 4pm kickoff.

Posted at 3:45 PM, Saturday, October 01, 2005

♠ England 23 To Face France On 26 Mar 2008
♠ England 2 Switzerland 1 (6 Feb 08)
♠ Capello Names His First England Squad
♠ Fabio Capello - The New England Manager?
♠ Steve McClaren Sacked As England Manager
♠ England 2 Croatia 3 - England Fail To Qualify
♠ Isreal Beat Russia - England Can Qualify
♠ Austria 0 England 1 (friendly)
♠ Russia 2 England 1 (17 Oct 07)
♠ England 3 Estonia 0 (13 oct, 07)

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