Euro 2012 Qualifiers

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FA reveal that money is no obstacle as they look for next England manager
Chairman David Bernstein says the Association is prepared to pay whatever it takes to bring the right man on board - and hails popular choice Harry Redknapp's work at Tottenham

Aston Villa's Darren Bent sets sights on Euro 2012 place
Villa Park's £24m striker is looking to go on a goal-scoring run in the hope of securing a place in the new England's manager's tournament squad for Poland and Ukraine this summer

'I owe Tottenham and I owe the chairman' - Harry Redknapp plays down links to England job
The Spurs manager spoke of his delight at the way he has been treated by the club's owners and fans following his side's 5-0 demolition of Newcastle United at White Hart Lane

Emmanuel Adebayor: England need Harry Redknapp more than we do but he must stay at Tottenham until the end of the season
The north London outfit ran riot at White Hart Lane with the Togolese striker assisting four times before grabbing his own goal to finish off a truly disappointing Magpies side

‘I would be very surprised if I didn’t finish the season with Tottenham’ – Harry Redknapp
The 64-year-old has reiterated his commitment to Spurs until the end of the current campaign, but has not ruled out taking on the England job on a part time basis

West Brom's Roy Hodgson refuses to rule himself out of England job
The 64-year-old insists it is not down to him to but the FA to decide whether he is a candidate for the position, although concedes Harry Redknapp is firm favourite

PFA chief Gordon Taylor plays down England interim boss Stuart Pearce race incident
Following the 49-year-old's temporary appointment to the senior side, reports have resurfaced of an alleged exchange with midfielder Paul Ince back in 1994

FA deny Fabio Capello handed £1.5m compensation following England resignation
A spokesman for the football governing body has insisted the reported payout for the Italian coach, who was on £6m-a-year as Three Lions head coach, is inaccurate

‘England could have won Euro 2012 with Fabio Capello’ - Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini
The Citizens coach lamented his Italian compatriot’s resignation and reveals he feels ‘very sorry’ for the former Real Madrid and Juventus boss

 

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Re: Loew backs Ballack to return to Germany colours

Manchester United's Paul Scholes set to come out of international retirement for England at Euro 2012 - report
The 37-year-old hasn't played for his country since 2004, but the lure of this summer's tournament might be too tempting for the veteran midfielder to miss

'I want AC Milan's Antonio Cassano at Euro 2012, even if he is our 24th man' - Italy's Cesare Prandelli
The Rossoneri striker may not be able to play in Poland and Ukraine, but the Azzurri boss is keen to reward the 29-year-old for his importance during the qualifying campaign

Joe Hart tipped for England captaincy by Manchester City team-mates Gareth Barry & James Milner
England's number one has been in impressive form this season, and now he is being tipping to lead his country at Euro 2012

Harry Redknapp says he would pick Manchester United's Paul Scholes for Euro 2012 if he was named England manager
Tottenham boss states veteran midfielders Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard should also go to the tournament in Ukraine and Poland as their quality and experience is invaluable

 

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Re: Loew backs Ballack to return to Germany colours


Spain remain top in Fifa ranking but Germany move up to second ahead of the Netherlands

The World Cup winners continue to lead the way in the latest world ranking, while Joachim Low's side dislodge the Netherlands from second despite a month of inactivity

Feb 15, 2012 11:15:00 AM

By Karthick Arvinth

World and European champions Spain continue to top the Fifa world ranking, but Germany have climbed one spot into second place as they bump the Netherlands down to third.

Fellow European heavyweights Portugal and Italy moved up one spot each to sixth and eighth respectively, while Denmark also climbed one place to push Argentina down to 11th.

The changes mean Uruguay (fourth) and Brazil (seventh) are the only non-European nations in the top 10. England in fifth and Croatia, ninth, round up the top 10.

Fifa said the changes were due to the devaluation of matches from previous years, as none of the major European and South American countries in the top 10 played a match in the last month.

Elsewhere, Zambia's victorious Africa Cup of Nations campaign saw them soar 28 places to 43rd, making them the African continent's fourth highest ranked nation.

Ivory Coast, who lost Sunday's Afcon final in a penalty shoot-out, remain Africa's highest-ranked team at 15th. ​

 

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Re: Germany can win Euro or World Cup - Loew

David Beckham backs Harry Redknapp to succeed Fabio Capello as England manager
The Three Lions' most-capped outfield player believes that the Spurs boss' man-management makes him the outstanding candidate for the role

FA confirms 'important' funding from Umbro is behind regular England strip changes
The country's football governing body has backed the decision to change the national team's kit after only eight matches as the funding received from Umbro is crucial

Harry Redknapp reveals it would be 'unfair' to walk out on Tottenham but suggests he would manage England on part-time basis at Euro 2012
The experienced coach played down rumours and reports linking him to the open national team position before the end of the current campaign, but hinted at Euro role interest

Tottenham optimistic of Harry Redknapp stay as Spurs boss hesitates over England job
The 64-year-old is red hot favourite to take over as Three Lions manager but will return from a break in Dubai on Thursday genuinely torn over his future

Sir Alex Ferguson: There is no chance Paul Scholes will play for England again
Harry Redknapp, who has emerged as the favourite to replace Fabio Capello as manager of the national team, had suggested he would select the midfielder for Euro 2012 this summer

Ola John, Luciano Narsingh and Adam Maher named in Netherlands squad to face England
The uncapped trio have lined out alongside one another for their country at under-age level but they have now received their first call-ups to the senior squad

 

[Yi Dao]

I will do this to fight those spammers here.

 

[Yi Dao]

Damn spammers again!

 

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Sergio Ramos offers support to axed Spain pair Fernando Torres & Raul Albiol
The Real Madrid defender has given a few words of comfort to the players, who have both been left out of the national team for this week's game against the South American nation

Steven Gerrard feels Fabio Capello exit could lift England going into Euro 2012
The 31-year-old Liverpool midfielder believes that the Three Lions needed a change and a fresh start as they prepare for their re-arranged friendly with the Netherlands

Nelson Oliveira included in Portugal's squad for Poland friendly
The young striker has been given the chance to make his first senior appearance for the national team and may even earn a spot in the Euro 2012 list

Ruud Gullit: Germany are clear favourites to win Euro 2012
The Dutchman believes that Joachim Low's men, along with Spain are well-positioned to triumph in the tournament, and has played down England and Italy's chances

Stuart Pearce says Arsenal starlet Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain could feature for England at Euro 2012
The stand-in Three Lions coach believes that the Gunners teenager could play at the tournament in Ukraine and Poland but wants him to gain more experience with the U21 squad first

Fernando Torres left out of Spain squad for Venezuela friendly
The former Atletico Madrid and Liverpool frontman has been in disappointing form at Stamford Bridge and it has now cost him a place in the national team set-up

'I have no problem with Andy Carroll' - Stuart Pearce explains striker's England squad omission
The stand-in boss named uncapped Sunderland forward Fraizer Campbell ahead of the Reds No. 9 but says it has nothing to do with him missing last summer's European U21 Championship

Manchester City defender Micah Richards claims Fabio Capello had 'favourites'
The Citizens' full-back is delighted to return to the international fold but is mystified as to why he couldn't work his way back into the squad under the Italian tactician

France boss Blanc: Contract controversy not an issue for players
The World Cup winner's current deal with the French Football Federation (FFF) expires in the summer and it has been made clear that he will not be offered a new one before then

Stuart Pearce sweeps away the forgettable Fabio Capello era but fails to grasp chance to revolutionise England squad
Caretaker boss could have gone further in ushering in a new era by relying on less of the players favoured by his Italian predecessor

Stuart Pearce offers to lead England at Euro 2012 but insists 'beyond that, it's not for me'
The former Manchester City manager maintained that the role is not right for his development at the current time and remains keen to concentrate on Team GB and the Under-21 sides

Interim England boss Stuart Pearce believes squad experimentation will benefit next manager
The 49-year-old coach insists that calling up young players such as Fraizer Campbell in his first Three Lions squad will aid next boss

Louis Saha included in France squad to face Germany
The former Manchester United striker returns to les Bleus as the 1998 World Cup winners prepare for a difficult test against the Germans next week

Fraizer Campbell, Tom Cleverley and Micah Richards named in England squad for Netherlands friendly
Caretaker manager Stuart Pearce calls up two new faces but omits veterans Rio Ferdinand and Frank Lampard, as well as defender Joleon Lescott from his first senior squad

Lampard out, Cleverley in - rudderless England should bin the old guard & lay foundations to be contenders in Brazil 2014
The new Three Lions boss should leave the 'golden generation' behind, bar a few trusted soliders, and prepare for the future by giving youth a chance in Ukraine and Poland

Ribery believes France can make an impact at Euro 2012
The Bayern Munich star feels Les Bleus are improving on a game-to-game basis and can make serious inroads at this summer's European Championships in Poland and Ukraine

Manchester City loanee John Guidetti earns Sweden call-up
The Stockholm-born striker has earned a first senior call-up to the national team after scoring 18 goals in 16 appearances for Feyenoord during the current campaign

Low: Germany success is as much an achievement for society as sport
The trainer believes his team's success speaks well not only for athletics, but culture, although he feels much is left to do. He also revealed he will experiment against France

Low: Mertesacker will be fit to play for Germany at Euro 2012
The former Werder Bremen defender is expected to be included in the trainer's squad this summer, but Cacau still has plenty to prove if he is to earn a spot

Dion Dublin backs Manchester United's Paul Scholes for England call-up
The former Red Devils forward believes the midfielder should make the Three Lions squad for Euro 2012 after a sensational return to the Premier League

Tomasz Kuszczak reveals he joined Watford on loan to boost Euro 2012 chances
The Manchester United goalkeeper is hoping loan spell with the Hornets could help his prospect of featuring for Poland when they co-host the European Championships

Arsenal defender Mertesacker not in danger of missing Euro 2012
The towering Germany international has given his assurance that he will not miss out on this summer's European Championship in Poland and Ukraine

'Paul Gascoigne is the only world star England have produced since 1966' - Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson
The Red Devils boss also revealed that the club are yet to have drawn up a shortlist of potential candidates to replace the Scot but had words or praise for David Moyes

Germany boss Joachim Low tempted by club coaching role
The 52-year-old has been involved with the national team since 2004, but refused to rule out a return to club duty in the future

Host nations Poland and Ukraine outside threats for Euro 2012 according to Sharp FanLabs
The research project has also identified holders Spain and top qualifiers Germany as favourites for this summers tournament, as FanLabs expands to Facebook

Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp wants FA to leave him alone until the end of the season
Spurs manager has made it clear his immediate priority is to bring his season's work with the north London club to fruition, and not be distracted by Three Lions considerations

Laurent Blanc: France's aim at Euro 2012 is to win a match
The 46-year-old trainer has claimed that his side is still under construction and believes the tournament in four years time is a more realistic target for success

Tottenham Hotspur boss Harry Redknapp insists he will remain at the club ... for now
The 64-year-old claims to have had no contact with the FA over the vacant national side's managerial vacancy and will focus exclusively on his club for the time being

 

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Mesut Ozil: Spain have the same respect for Germany as we have for them
The 23-year-old remarked that the two national teams will not underestimate each other at Euro 2012 and stated his side can go all the way in Poland and Ukraine

'Celestial' Spain unveil new sky-blue second strip for Euro 2012
La Roja, currently preparing for Wednesday's friendly against Venezuela in Malaga, showed off a different look with an unusual colour choice for their reserve kit for Euro 2012

Fernando Torres, Rio Ferdinand & the dropped international stars who must win back their squad places before Euro 2012
The Spain and Netherlands internationals are among a number of household names attempting to make their way back into the good graces of their coaches ahead of Poland and Ukraine

Van Persie & Huntelaar keep scoring for fun, but Netherlands have cause for concern ahead of Euro 2012 as Robben & Sneijder continue to struggle
Two of Oranje's stars have been on fire throughout the 2011-12 campaign, but a couple of their key players have been in relatively disappointing form all season

Blaszczykowski: Portugal match is Poland's dress rehearsal for Euro 2012
The BVB man is looking forward to his country's match against the Iberian side, while team-mate Robert Lewandowski cannot wait to play in his first match in the National Stadium

Sergio Ramos: I have adapted to play as a centre-back for Spain
La Liga star reveals he has adapted to play as a centre-back, while also claiming the coach only 'selects the best' in regard to Torres and Albiol's national axe

James Milner backs Stuart Pearce to take charge of England at Euro 2012
The 26-year-old says that the current interim boss has more than enough experience to take charge for the summer tournament, before throwing his name into the captancy ring

Darren Bent doubtful for Euro 2012 after being ruled out for three months with ankle injury
The forward suffered ruptured ligaments in his left foot after falling awkwardly against Wigan, and is set to be out of action until the end of May, according to the club

Roberto Soldado hoping Fernando Torres earns Spain recall for Euro 2012
The Valencia forward has benefited from his compatriot's dip in form but insists that he would like to see the Chelsea misfit rediscover his goalscoring touch

Joachim Low considering Marko Marin and Mike Hanke for Germany squad at Euro 2012
The 52-year-old is thinking of taking the two strikers to the European Championship this summer in Poland and Ukraine

Spain coach Vicente del Bosque: Dropping Fernando Torres was difficult
The 27-year-old forward has been axed from the national team for the first time in five years in light of his poor goal-scoring form with Chelsea this season

Prandelli considering leaving 'agitated' Balotelli out of Italy's Euro 2012 squad
The Azzurri boss insists that he will only call on players that he knows he can rely on to maintain their composure in a high-pressured environment for Poland and Ukraine

Steven Gerrard contemplates his international future, might quit England after Euro 2012 to extend Liverpool career
The Anfield skipper has revealed he is considering his future as part of the England squad, saying he might have to retire in order to prolong his useful service to his club

Harry Redknapp has same qualities as Clough, Shankly & Ferguson, says Stuart Pearce
The Tottenham boss is favourite to land the England role, while Pearce has ruled himself out of the running to take the post on permanently

 

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Fernando Torres, Rio Ferdinand & the dropped international stars who must win back their squad places before Euro 2012

The Spain and Netherlands internationals are among a number of household names attempting to make their way back into the good graces of their coaches ahead of Poland and Ukraine

Feb 28, 2012 1:00:00 PM

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By Adam Scime

With less than four months to go before kick-off at Euro 2012, international coaches are starting to fine-tune their team selections ahead of the tournament and one of the most high-profile absentees from the latest player selections for friendlies across the continent was that of Spain striker Fernando Torres.

The Chelsea hitman's malaise has been well documented, but the former Atletico Madrid and Liverpool star is not the only one aiming to prove himself between now and May, when the final squads are announced.

MARIO BALOTELLI | Italy

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PROFILE Position Striker Club Manchester City 2011-12 Club Stats 23 apps/13 goals INTERNATIONAL STATS Caps/Goals 7/1 Last International Nov 15, 2011 vs Uruguay <tbody> </tbody>

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While Balotelli has improved the consistency of his performances and goalscoring rate for Manchester City this term, Azzurri coach Cesare Prandelli remains worried about the player's temperament.

Prandelli labelled the striker as "agitated" after leaving him out of the squad list for their friendly against USA on Wednesday, stressing that he can't risk his team being reduced to 10 men at Euro 2012. Balotelli caused concern for Prandelli after recently serving a four-match suspension for stamping on Tottenham's Scott Parker.

However, should Balotelli tone down his antics, the former Fiorentina boss will likely welcome him back into the fold. The recent omission is most probably designed just to teach the 21-year-old a lesson.

ANTONIO DI NATALE | Italy

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PROFILE Position Striker Club Udinese 2011-12 Club Stats 28 apps/22 goals INTERNATIONAL STATS Caps/Goals 36/10 Last International Jun 24, 2010 vs Slovakia <tbody> </tbody>

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Domestically, Di Natale has been simply unstoppable. With back-to-back capocannonierecrowns already under his belt, he is on course to bag a record-equalling third successive top-scorers' title. His 75 goals in 94 league games since the beginning of the 2009-10 season make him one of the hottest Italian marksmen on record.

When wearing the azzurro of the national team, though, it is a different story. The 34-year-old Neapolitan has scored only five times in competitive internationals, and four of those came against Ukraine and Cyprus in qualifiers.

The other he scored against Slovakia at the end of Italy's shambolic 2010 World Cup campaign, and he hasn't been handed a shirt since. Prandelli threw him some hope before Christmas when he said Di Natale might be worthy of a look-in should he still be scoring later in the season, but there was still no call for the USA friendly thanks in part to a recent knock which saw him sidelined for two weeks.

All he now needs is to continue his current vein of form, then it's all down to the whim of the coach. 'Toto' can do no more than he's already doing.

ELJERO ELIA | Netherlands

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PROFILE Position Winger Club Juventus 2011-12 Club Stats 3 apps/0 goals INTERNATIONAL STATS Caps/Goals 26/2 Last International Oct 11, 2011 vs Sweden <tbody> </tbody>

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A move to Serie A giants Juventus during the summer transfer window seemed to be a step in the right direction for Elia, but the left-sided winger has barely managed to step foot on the field in Turin and has lost his spot in the Netherlands squad as a consequence.

Often used as an impact substitute by national team boss Bert van Marwijk in the past, the former Hamburg star probably only requires playing time in order to get himself back into contention, but having made a number of appearances you can count with one hand for his new club in 2011-12, there's only a slim chance that Elia will be representing his country come their Group B opener against Denmark.

RIO FERDINAND | England

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PROFILE Position Centre-back Club Manchester United 2011-12 Club Stats 25 apps/0 goals INTERNATIONAL STATS Caps/Goals 81/3 Last International June 4, 2011 vs Switzerland <tbody> </tbody>

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Veteran defender Ferdinand has not featured for the Three Lions for nearly nine months and many feel the end of his international career is looming, if it has not arrived already.

The 33-year-old centre-back has seemingly fallen out of favour and form, resulting in his omission from England interim manager Stuart Pearce's list of players to take on the Netherlands. From criticising the FA for taking their time to deal with the alleged racism row involving John Terry and his brother Anton to his inconsistent displays on the field for Manchester United, he must prove he is still worthy of an England place despite being one of the 'old guard'.

Another of the veterans left out was Chelsea's Frank Lampard, but the midfielder has often come up with crucial goals this season and is more likely to retain his place before the tournament begins as Pearce experiments with other midfield options. On the other hand, Ferdinand has hardly been praiseworthy and with Gary Cahill and Phil Jones available, he may not get another look in.

In Rio's favour, though, is his experience, but that must be supported by the quality of his performances if he is to be in the new England manager's plans come time to submit the final 23-man squad in May.

YOANN GOURCUFF | France

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PROFILE Position Midfielder Club Lyon 2011-12 Club Stats 16 apps/1 goal INTERNATIONAL STATS Caps/Goals 28/4 Last International Mar 29, 2011 vs Croatia <tbody> </tbody>

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Was it simply a case of 'too much, too soon' for Gourcuff? Praised as the answer to France's lack of creativity in a central-attacking midfield role since the retirement of the legendary Zinedine Zidane, the Lyon playmaker has fallen off the radar.

Gourcuff impressed during the early stages of Laurent Blanc's reign after the World Cup winner took over following Les Bleus' debacle in South Africa, but has quickly diminished in influence for both club and country.

The 25-year-old often plays the role of substitute for his club these days, failing to justify his €22 million move to Stade Gerland and Blanc has opted to leave the playmaker at home for the last few friendlies. Save a dramatic improvement in form and retaining a starting place, it is difficult to see the former AC Milan man being present at Euro 2012.

MARKO MARIN | Germany

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PROFILE Position Winger Club Werder Bremen 2011-12 Club Stats 11 apps/0 goals INTERNATIONAL STATS Caps/Goals 16/1 Last International Nov 17, 2010 vs Sweden <tbody> </tbody>

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Just a few years ago, Marko Marin was regarded as the 'German Messi'. The Bosnia-born attacker earned his first senior international cap at age 19, and later in 2008 scored his first goal for country. He returned to Under-21 level, and alongside the likes of Mesut Ozil and Sami Khedira, he won the 2009 European Championship.

However, Marin's stock has plummeted in recent years. Following the departure of Ozil from Werder Bremen, the dribbling wizard was moved from the wing to a central playmaking role in Thomas Schaaf's club, and his goals and assist tallies have taken a sharp decline.

Following the emergence of Thomas Muller, Andre Schurrle and Mario Gotze in the Germany set-up, Marin has become a forgotten figure, with his last appearance dating back to late 2010. He has had a resurgence of form as of late, however, and in a Monday press conference, Germany coach Joachim Low announced that Marin's unique dribbling qualities are useful to him, and should he maintain his form, the 22-year-old has a chance of making his squad for Euro 2012.

PEDRO | Spain

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PROFILE Position Forward Club Barcelona 2011-12 Club Stats 31 apps/7 goals INTERNATIONAL STATS Caps/Goals 15/2 Last International Oct 10, 2011 vs Scotland <tbody> </tbody>

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Pedro played for Barcelona B in Spain's third tier in 2007-08, but stepped up to the first team on a permanent basis with coach Pep Guardiola the following summer and played a starring role as the Catalans claimed six trophies out of six in the next 18 months.

The Tenerife-born forward scored in all of those to set a new record (since equalled by team-mate Lionel Messi) and his football fairytale continued as he was called up for the World Cup, before going on to start in the final as Spain beat Netherlands in extra time.

More success followed in 2010-11, but injuries and a loss of form have restricted the winger over the last year and he has started to drift out of the plans of Spain coach Vicente del Bosque, who is taking the opportunity to look at some different players ahead of the Euros.

Spain are overloaded with options in midfield and further forward, but Pedro's pace offers them something different and if he can return to form ahead of the summer, he is likely to make the final cut for Poland and Ukraine.

FERNANDO TORRES | Spain

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PROFILE Position Striker Club Chelsea 2011-12 Club Stats 30 apps/4 goals INTERNATIONAL STATS Caps/Goals 91/27 Last International Nov 15, 2011 vs Costa Rica <tbody> </tbody>

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When Fernando Torres bagged the winner in the Euro 2008 final against Germany it certainly wasn't hard to imagine the then 24-year-old as a fixture in the Spain line-up for the next decade. But, four years on, many wonder whether he will ever come close to reaching his dizzy heights from Austria and Switzerland.

Since his big-money move from Liverpool to Chelsea just over a year ago, Torres has been little more than a passenger on the pitch and after a 21-game Chelsea goal-drought has finally been dumped by Spain coach Vicente del Bosque, who described the action as "difficult but fair". Now 27, Torres will have to overcome his loss of confidence in order to get back into the reckoning with the likes of Fernando Llorente and Roberto Soldado in better shape. However, having been a fixture in the squad for such a long time, a return is certainly possible for 'El Nino' should he find his shooting boots.

 

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'Celestial' Spain unveil new sky-blue second strip for Euro 2012

La Roja, currently preparing for Wednesday's friendly against Venezuela in Malaga, showed off a different look with an unusual colour choice for their reserve kit for Euro 2012

Feb 28, 2012 2:30:00 PM

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By Ben Hayward | Spanish Football Editor

The sky is the limit for Spain. This summer, La Roja will look to become the first national team to claim a European Championship, a World Cup and another continental competition in consecutive tournaments.

And they will hope their new light-blue second strip will bring them good fortune in Poland and Ukraine.

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Ahead of Wednesday night's friendly against Venezuela in Malaga, Spain have unveiled a stylish sky-blue second strip which is based on a kit used by La Roja in the 1960s and, according to manufacturer Adidas, uses a combination of colours "never seen on a Spain shirt" before.

Several Spain stars, including Barcelona's Xavi, Real Madrid's Xabi Alonso and Athletic Bilbao's Fernando Llorente, took part in modelling of the new kit on Monday, before the Spain squad started training ahead of the game on Wednesday.

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A vision in blue ... | Xabi Alonso, Fernando Llorente and Xavi in the new strip

Spain wore yellow as they defeated Germany in the 2008 European Championship final, and earned a maiden World Cup win in the South Africa showpiece against Holland in a dark-blue outfit, while La Roja's Under-21 side claimed their own continental crown last summer in an all-white strip.

Good omens? Perhaps. Spain will go into Euro 2012 as tournament favourites and Vicente del Bosque's men will hope a new kit brings a new title, too. So can 'celestial' Spain hold off the likes of Germany, Italy and Holland to add Euro 2012 glory to success in 2008 and 2010?

The sky is the limit.

 

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Peter Schmeichel advises Harry Redknapp to turn down England job
The former Manchester United goalkeeper has questioned why the 64-year-old would want to leave a Tottenham side that "hasn't even peaked yet"

Barton slams England and backs Rooney for captain
The once-capped QPR midfielder has heavily criticised the direction in which the national team is heading on Twitter as the European Championships approach

Del Bosque refuses to compare Soldado & Torres
The former Real Madrid boss was unwilling to contrast the Valencia forward's display at La Rosaleda with those of the man he has effectively replaced in the national team

Cox & McClean show Trapattoni that the new boys will provide the best options for Ireland at Euro 2012
The manager vowed to stick loyally by the old guard but the draw with Czech Republic shows that the new boys are more adequate replacements

Sir Trevor Brooking claims there is no rush to appoint next England manager
The 63-year-old admits Football Association officials are taking their time in naming a new Three Lions boss despite strong links with Harry Redknapp

Down but not out - Parker's first game as captain ends in defeat but Tottenham star should still lead England into Euro 2012
The 31-year-old's performance faded as Stuart Pearce's team suffered defeat to the Netherlands but he remains the more suited to the role than rival candidate Steven Gerrard

Pearce rules himself out of full-time England role after Netherlands defeat
Although the former international left-back doesn't want the role permanently, he would be happy to lead the Three Lions to Ukraine and Poland in the summer

Shane Long believes Czech Republic draw will stand Ireland in good stead at Euro 2012
The WBA striker's club-mates, Keith Andrews and Simon Cox, featured positively for the Irish against Czech Republic, who provided a glimpse of what to expect in Poland

Bert van Marwijk: Van Persie was subbed against England because he had 'problems with his groin'
Dutch boss said he had not spoken to Arsene Wenger but had told the Arsenal striker beforehand that he would only play 45 minutes because of injury concerns

James McClean hopeful of making Ireland's Euro 2012 squad following impressive debut in Czech draw
The home side were lifted by the introduction of the in-form Sunderland winger who says he will use the rest of the Premier League season to force his way onto the plane to Poland

Prandelli: Cassano wants to return in time for Euro 2012
The Italian forward is working hard to be a part of the Azzurri squad in Poland and Ukraine after undergoing heart surgery four months ago

Pearce hails enthusiasm in England camp
The interim Three Lions boss has called for an exhibition of football in front of the Wembley crowd as the squad look to cope with an uncertain future ahead of Euro 2012

Wenger: Successful international teams need a talismanic player to win tournaments
The Arsenal boss has claimed that, if a country wants to win trophies, they need to have someone who can do ‘something special’ for their side rather than just an array of talent

Pearce: Ashley Cole is England's best-ever left-back
The 31-year-old has struggled for form alongside his Chelsea team-mates, but the temporary national coach believes that the defender will return to his best in time for Euro 2012

Wenger 'convinced' Arsenal winger Oxlade-Chamberlain will go to Euro 2012
The Frenchman believes that the 18-year-old can cope with the pressure of a big tournament, but has warned of the repercussions of playing so many games at such a young age

Do not read too much into Scott Parker's appointment as England captain
The Tottenham man has been given the armband ahead of Steven Gerrard and Joe Hart but Stuart Pearce might give his first and last England team talk before kick-off

Robbie Keane: Loan spell at Aston Villa a good deal for everyone
The Irish forward feels that his brief time at Villa Park has helped all involved as he looks to lead the Republic of Ireland out at Euro 2012 and prepare for the new MLS season

Christian Eriksen fancies Denmark's chances at Euro 2012
The Ajax attacking midfielder is confident that his country will survive the group stages at Euro 2012, and is hopeful of one day emulating his idol Michael Laudrup

Stuart Pearce reveals interest in taking England job permanently
The caretaker boss has admitted to reshuffling his predecessor's summer plans claiming he had to leave his mark on the team in case he takes over in the summer

Adrian Bevington denies FA approach for Harry Redknapp over England job
The Tottenham boss remains the overwhelming favourite to land the role, as Stuart Pearce prepares to take temporary charge against Netherlands on Wednesday

 

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Wenger: Successful international teams need a talismanic player to win tournaments

The Arsenal boss has claimed that, if a country wants to win trophies, they need to have someone who can do ‘something special’ for their side rather than just an array of talent

Feb 29, 2012 5:00:00 PM

By Edward Tibbles

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Arsene Wenger believes that every international side needs a talismanic player to be successful at a major tournament.

The 62-year-old has singled out the examples of Zinedine Zidane, Michel Platini and Raymond Kopa as the reasons for previous successes for France over the years.

The Arsenal boss also insisted that national managers need to be lucky and get the right player at the right time, claiming that, without that special player, even an abundance of good players will struggle to win trophies. Wenger's native France are 14/1 to lift the Euro 2012 trophy this summer with Paddy Power.

“I believe that you can have a good team yet still not win trophies with a national team because you need one exceptional leader in the side,” Wenger explained to the official Arsenal magazine.

“I remember the France side of the late 1950s and early '60s with Raymond Kopa in the team had a very good period. Then again in the 1980s with Michel Platini; then we had a very good period in the 1990s with Zinedine Zidane.

“Of course there were fantastic players around him, like Patrick Vieira and Emmanuel Petit, but you need one outstanding leader who can absorb the pressure from the media. You need one player who can be the technical leader on the pitch, who can do something special to win a tight game.

“You must be lucky as a national manager to have that player available at the right moment.”

 

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Peter Schmeichel advises Harry Redknapp to turn down England job

The former Manchester United goalkeeper has questioned why the 64-year-old would want to leave a Tottenham side that "hasn't even peaked yet"

Mar 1, 2012 10:49:00 AM

By Oliver Platt

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Peter Schmeichel - Denmark 1992. Getty

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Former Manchester United goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel has advised Harry Redknapp to resist any potential approach regarding the vacant England job and remain at Tottenham.

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The Dane believes that the Spurs team Redknapp has built is still yet to peak and admitted he would not be attracted to the national team position had he done an "amazing" job like the 64-year-old at White Hart Lane.

"If I was him, having done all that at Tottenham, I would ask myself - 'why would I leave this? This hasn't even peaked yet,'" Schmeichel told Reuters.

"Harry is a great manager, he's proved that on many occasions, small clubs with no money, he's got them to perform at the highest level.

"He's now got a little bit of money and what he's done with Spurs is amazing, but if they [England] want an Englishman, what are the options?"

Schmeichel described some of the difficulties of the England job and was quick to deny any suggestions he might submit an application himself.

"Absolutely not!" he joked when asked if was eyeing up the position. "I got asked yesterday if I have coaching or manager ambitions, and I don't.

"I don't think it's worth it. Obviously the guys that are in those jobs now believe it is, but I don't think it's worth the hassle. And it is hassle.

"Not only are you dealing with the players, whose mentality has changed enormously over the last five years, but also dealing with the press. I don't think you get a fair deal."

The 48-year-old concluded that the Netherlands and Germany were the clear favourites to win Euro 2012 this summer.

"I went through all the fixtures this morning, and I challenge anyone to do the same and come up with a different result," Schmeichel said.

 

[callmebad]

Hotspur is doing very well, for the coach to leave this club and lead the national team is not worthwhile the risk, after all, judging at history, the England team seldom plays up till the final stage

Currently, Britain has a big problem, lack of your talented players to fill up the gap left by those retiring ones.

That's why you see Ryan Giggs staying on in MU, Scholes, coming back from his retirement, because the young players still can't perform

 

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Sir Alex Ferguson believes Harry Redknapp is the right man for England job
Tthe Manchester United boss has revealed that he believes his Spurs counterpart will be named the next Three Lions manager

Huntelaar: My brain still feels like it's shaking after Smalling collision
The Schalke striker was left unconscious - and with a tuft of grass in his mouth - after collapsing to the floor during the second half of his country's friendly outing at Wembley

Ibrahimovic: Guidetti will be Sweden's joker in the pack at Euro 2012
The teenage striker, who is currently on loan to Feyenoord from Manchester City, made his first international appearance in the midweek victory over Croatia

Kuyt: Gerrard is the right man to captain England
Scott Parker was selected as skipper for the midweek friendly against Netherlands but the Liverpool midfielder should lead the nation at Euro 2012, according to his Dutch club-mate

England manager will not be decided until end of Premier League season, claims FA general secretary
Following Fabio Capello's resignation, the governing body's general secretary has maintained that it will take its time to appoint a boss in order not to disrupt domestic affairs

Parker: England need more quality if they are to challenge for Euro 2012
The new Three Lions skipper is happy with his side's comeback against Netherlands but insists that 'courage and commitment' alone will not be enough to win in Poland and Ukraine

Dortmund CEO criticises Joachim Low's selection policy for Germany
Only one BVB player featured for die Mannschaft in Wednesday's 2-1 loss to France, with Kevin Grosskreutz left out of the squad altogether

Soldado: If I want to be at Euro 2012 with Spain, I must keep scoring for Valencia
The Spanish striker hailed the quality of La Furia Roja's attacking prowess following his hat-trick but insisted he is not guaranteed a place in Vicente del Bosque's squad

Peter Schmeichel says England have 'big problems' & lack leadership ahead of Euro 2012
The Dane feels the Three Lions had "the right man" in Fabio Capello and has advised Harry Redknapp to think twice about leaving Tottenham for his dream job

Albert Luque: David Villa will only go to Euro 2012 if he is fully fit
The former Deportivo la Coruna man says that the striker will not consider representing Spain in the competition if he is not 100 per cent ahead of the tournament

Kuyt delighted with successful Wembley week for Liverpool and Netherlands
The Dutchman followed up the Reds' League Cup triumph with a 3-2 international win against England to make it two victories in a matter of days at the national stadium

England remain in limbo following Pearce's failed caretaker cameo
Many players simply went through the motions at Wembley as the interim manager took charge of his first and possibly last England match

Marco Reus: Germany still on course for Euro 2012 success despite France loss
The 22-year-old conceded that his debut in die Mannschaft's first XI was not everything he had hoped for, but was adamant that his side can achieve their goals

 

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Dortmund CEO criticises Joachim Low's selection policy for Germany

Only one BVB player featured for die Mannschaft in Wednesday's 2-1 loss to France, with Kevin Grosskreutz left out of the squad altogether

Mar 2, 2012 1:10:00 PM

By Enis Koylu

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Borussia Dortmund CEO Hans-Joachim Watzke believes that more BVB players should have featured for Germany in their international friendly against France.

Thanks to injuries to Mario Gotze and Sven Bender, only Marcel Schmelzer and Mats Hummels were called up from Dortmund's squad, with the former staying rooted to the bench in the 2-1 loss on Wednesday.

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"I've wondered why only one player from the German champions has played," Watzke mused to German television show Audi Star Talk.

"I thought about it and it annoyed me. This has nothing to do with Dennis Aogo [who played instead of Schmelzer]. In any case, with his defensive strength, Schmelzer could have done well for Germany.

"Even Kevin Grosskreutz was not called up to the squad, I don't understand."

However, Watzke feels that Germany coach Joachim Low is doing a "class job" for the national team.

 

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Balotelli: Ibrahimovic is up there with Messi & Cristiano Ronaldo and there's no player of his calibre in England
The 21-year-old striker has taken the time to praise the Sweden international, and added that he felt his exclusion from the Italy squad was not deserved

Bernstein confirms FA have 'a number' of targets for England manager's job
Stuart Pearce is currently in charge of the Three Lions and has declared his interest in taking the vacancy at Euro 2012, but will face competition from 'high quality' candidates

Eriksson believes he should be next England manager: I know all the players
Former Three Lions boss believes his experience in the hot seat and his knowledge of the squad's key players would make him an ideal candidate to return to the international fold

Bent undergoes successful ankle surgery but remains doubtful for Euro 2012
Aston Villa have confirmed that the England international will miss a further 12 weeks with the injury he picked up in last weekend's draw against Wigan Athletic

Theo Janssen not expecting Netherlands call-up for Euro 2012
The former Twente midfielder believes he is unlikely to be selected for Netherlands' Euro 2012 squad, but has left the door open if he was to receive a call from the Dutch coach

 

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Sevilla's Michel sure Spain will take Negredo to Euro 2012
The Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan trainer is full of praise for his striker, and despite a lot of competition, the tactician feels the 26-year-old will go to Poland and Ukraine

Wenger: England speculation will continue despite Premier League warning
The Arsenal boss insisted he was unaware of a gagging order placed on manager's over discussing the Three Lions hot seat, but believes it will not halt the rumour mill

Slaven Bilic insists FA have ‘easy choice’ for England job in Redknapp
The Croatia boss has hailed the 65-year-old's managerial capabilities following his time at Upton Park, and is hopeful of meeting the Three Lions at Euro 2012

Dawson set to miss Euro 2012 after sustaining serious ankle injury in FA Cup clash
The Spurs defender is out for the remainder of the season and is expected to miss the European Championship after being stretchered off against Stevenage

Defoe insists England call is 'at the back of my mind' after inspiring Tottenham past Stevenage
Diminutive poacher continues his fine goal-scoring form and admits he is chasing a place in the Three Lions squad while team-mate Bale backs him for a regular starting spot

Redknapp backs Defoe for a spot in England's Euro 2012 squad
The 29-year old has found opportunities at White Hart Lane limited, but his manager feels England's current shortage of strikers could see him thrive in Ukraine and Poland

Busquets wants to play at Euro 2012 and the Olympics
The Barcelona midfielder is willing to represent his country in London, even though the Games get underway less than three weeks after the close of play in Poland and Ukraine

 

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Uefa events CEO David Taylor criticises Euro 2012 accommodation
The former Scottish FA executive believes that hotels charging too much in Ukraine is an issue that needs tackling with England fans being quoted huge fees in the country

Redknapp torn between England and Tottenham posts
The Spurs manager is unsure whether he would accept the national role and admits that he would find it very difficult to leave his Premier League post with the north London club

Croatia coach Bilic: Spain are firm favourites for Euro 2012
The eastern European trainer has admitted that the holders will be the team to beat this summer, but declared that it will not be easy for La Roja to defend their title

Kahn: It is disrespectful to say Spain and Germany could dominate world football for years to come
The former goalkeeper has stressed that the two powerhouses can be joined at the top by other countries at any time, but feels his nation can be successful at Euro 2012

Spain boss Del Bosque cautious ahead of Euro 2012
La Roja head coach is guarding against complacency before this summer's tournament in Ukraine and Poland, but admits that previous successes will not impact on his players

'Rooney will be a major loss for England' - West Brom's Hodgson
The experienced manager believes the 26-year-old is among the world's best and that the Three Lions will struggle without him for the opening two Euro 2012 group games in Ukraine

Harry Redknapp dismisses claims Tottenham are affected by England rumours as 'absolute rubbish'
The Spurs boss has seen his side lose three consecutive Premier League matches but insists his link to the vacant national team role is not to blame for a bad run of results

 

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Germany coach Low: Lahm will play at left-back in Euro 2012
The 28-year-old has played on the right-hand side of the defence in his last two outings for his club but his national team coach has no intention of using him in that position

Gilardino eyeing inclusion in Italy Euro 2012 squad
The Genoa striker is in no way guaranteed a place in Cesare Prandelli's group for the competition this summer, but is determined to show the national selector his worth

France boss Blanc saddened by new Abidal blow
Les Bleus coach did not hide his regret at seeing the defender suffering from health issues again, but stressed that he is not considering whether the player will be at Euro 2012

Tottenham losing hope of keeping Redknapp as Spurs boss leans towards England
Sources at the club have told Goal.com that the former Portsmouth manager is now keen to take the Three Lions job as Levy attempts to persuade him to stay at White Hart Lane

Saha: Recent good form proves France can win Euro 2012
The forward believes that his national team can replicate Greece's competition success in 2004 after a shock 2-1 friendly win against Germany that continued their unbeaten run

AC Milan's Allegri: I hope that Cassano will be back for final games and Euro 2012
The Italian coach is confident about the striker's chances of playing in Poland and Ukraine, while expressing surprise at Juventus' criticism of referees lately

Redknapp: England not a young man’s job
The Tottenham boss has insisted that experience should be a key factor in the decision to appoint the next Three Lions coach, while insisting his focus remains at White Hart Lane

Klinsmann doubts England can win Euro 2012
The former Germany international does not foresee the 1966 world champions triumphing in Poland and Ukraine, believing it is difficult to again look past Spain

Giovanni Trapattoni dismisses link to Dnipro Dnipropetrovsk
Ambitious Ukrainian club rumoured to have offered the Italian veteran a €5 million salary but the former Juventus boss has said he isn't interested

Keith Andrews believes Hodgson would make a great England manager
The midfielder has enjoyed a revival in his career since teaming up with the 64-year-old and insists the former Fulham manager would be a perfect choice as Three Lions boss

Terry: I have complete respect for Capello
The Chelsea defender has hailed the former England boss, who resigned following a fallout with the FA after the 31-year-old was stripped of the Three Lions captaincy