Euro 2012 Qualifiers

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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

Mar 14, 2012 6:00:00 PM

By Mark Doyle

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United States coach Jurgen Klinsmann has admitted that he retains doubts over whether England have the mental strength to win Euro 2012.

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England have repeatedly arrived at major tournaments being talked of as potential champions only to lose their bottle in penalty shootouts or to seemingly come unstuck because of problems within the camp.

Consequently, Klinsmann wonders whether a side currently without a permanent manager can really triumph in Poland and Ukraine this summer.

"England has a strong squad before every major tournament on paper," the former Tottenham Hotspur striker told SPOX.com.

"But they have never found the right chemistry in the team and they fail more on account of themselves than their opponents.

"About England, I have my doubts."

Klinsmann, though, has not such worries about his native Germany. However, the big concern, as far as he is concerned, is whether Joachim Low's men can finally upset a Spain side which defeated them on the way to winning both Euro 2008 and the 2010 World Cup.

"We are hoping to lift the cup," the former Germany international enthused. "The team has strengthened over the years, having been underpinned by the younger generation, from [Mesut] Ozil and [Sami] Khedira to [Andre] Schurrle, [Marco] Reus, and [Mario] Gotze.

"The quality is there to stand up at the crucial moment. But Spain remain the team to beat. They are still number one, the world's best.

"But they have won so much in recent years, so we can hope that a little bit of their hunger is gone - and then we have to bite."

As for the other possible contenders, Klinsmann believes that Italy deserve to be treated with respect, even though he led the USA to a 1-0 friendly win over the Azzurri in Genoa last month.

"Italy has a team with tremendous class," he claimed. "They have changed their style and Cesare Prandelli is coaching the team more offensively.

"Italy have to be reckoned with, while France, Netherlands and Portugal will also have a say."

 

[|Hulk|]

Mata: Torres will be at the European Championships
The former Valencia star thinks that his compatriot will have a great end to the season and will be rewarded with a place in La Furia Roja's squad for Poland and Ukraine

Van Hanegem: Van Persie is not a real striker
The legendary Dutchman feels that the Arsenal star is at his best in a free role behind a striker, and hopes to see the forward play off Klaas-Jan Huntelaar at Euro 2012

Capello insists he was right to walk away from England
The Italian has revealed he enjoyed his time with the Three Lions and living in the country until the Football Association stepped in and stripped John Terry of the captaincy

Madrid's Pepe: Cristiano Ronaldo has always had a lot of responsibility on him
The Portuguese centre-back stressed that the 27-year-old attacker needs to be calm to show his true colours as the Seleccao will face a difficult task in Poland and Ukraine

 

[|Hulk|]

Capello insists he was right to walk away from England

The Italian has revealed he enjoyed his time with the Three Lions and living in the country until the Football Association stepped in and stripped John Terry of the captaincy

Mar 18, 2012 3:57:00 PM

By Rhys Turrell

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Fabio Capello is adamant he made the right decision when he resigned as England manager last month.

The 65-year-old left his role after the Football Association removed the captaincy from John Terry in light of allegations he racially abused QPR defender Anton Ferdinand during a Premier League clash in October.

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The Chelsea skipper will stand trial after this summer’s European Championships, but Capello wanted Terry - who he himself stripped of the captaincy prior to the 2010 World Cup in South Africa - to lead the side during the tournament, despite the court case hanging over his head.

Speaking to Italian TV programme Che tempo che fa, the Italian said: "The trial will be on July 9 and I asked them to wait for the case to be heard and then make a decision.

"Why should I take the armband off Terry, seeing as I had only just given it back to him after two years?"

Capello became England boss in late 2007 following the disastrous reign of Steve McLaren and guided the Three Lions to the next two major tournaments, but he was heavily criticised for the team’s poor showing in South Africa.

Despite this, however, the Italian insists he thoroughly enjoyed his time in England.

"It's a magnificent place to work and to play football,” he added.

"It was a lovely experience. London is a great city where you have everything.”

And as the FA continue their search for a replacement in time for this summer’s European Championship in Poland and Ukraine, Capello has spoken about the job he vacated:

"Being England manager is an important role," he continued. "A very important role.

"You are always in the eye of the storm and have the media focused on you at all times but it's something beautiful."

The Italian has been linked with a move to Inter Milan, but he has insisted he has no interest in returning to management in his homeland.

“I will only coach abroad if there is anything interesting,” he insisted.

"I am a child of the world, I like to experience new countries and different cultures."

 

[Luis Suarez]

West Brom boss Hodgson reiterates England interest
The Baggies' manager has conceded that an approach from the FA regarding the national team job would be too good to turn down and his players are backing him for the role

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McClaren urges quick appointment of next England manager: 'The sooner the better'
Former Three Lions boss insists that plans must be made with the national side as Euro 2012 nears and a permanent leader must be quickly installed so they are not caught short

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Ozil 'convinced' Germany can win Euro 2012
The 23-year-old has talked up his side's chances of winning the prestigious competition and ending a title drought which stretches back to 1996

Klose sustains thigh injury in training
The Germany star pulled up with the problem on Thursday, and Lazio's doctor has revealed that the 33-year-old is set for a spell on the sidelines

Igor Semshov: People don't know what to expect from Russia at Euro 2012
The Dynamo Moscow midfielder has stated his optimism that his country can cause a shock in Ukraine and Poland, and reminisces about their showing four years ago

From rescue to ruin - Harry Redknapp's England ambition is prompting another Tottenham implosion
The man who would be manager of the national team needs to keep his eye on the ball as Spurs' slump continues ahead of a vital game against contenders for fourth spot in the league


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England Euro 2012 games not sold out
Tickets are still available for the Three Lions' meetings with France and Sweden, though there will be a full house for their clash with co-hosts Ukraine

Borini keen to make Italy squad for Euro 2012
The young striker is confident that he can convince Azzurri coach Cesare Prandelli to give him a place in the team if he continues playing at a high level

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Italy coach Prandelli hails German youth system
The Azzurri boss has cast an envious glance in the direction of Joachim Low, who will take a squad to Poland and Ukraine this summer packed with exciting young talent

Spain are the 'number one' favourites at Euro 2012 and Germany are second, says Heitinga
The Everton defender backs La Furia Roja to successfully defend their European title, but stressed that Oranje are also one of the top contenders at this summer's tournament

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Tottenham’s Jenas fears England job may be too hard to resist for Redknapp
With the Spurs boss the overwhelming favourite for the vacant international post, the midfielder has revealed his concerns that he may find the opportunity too tempting to ignore​

 

[Luis Suarez]

Glen Johnson claims England 'can beat anybody' in a one-off game
The Liverpool defender has insisted that the ongoing managerial situation following the departure of Fabio Capello will not affect the players ahead of Euro 2012 this summer

Low: Helmes is a striker with enormous quality
The boss of die Mannschaft praised the 28-year-old forward as he considers his striking alternatives in the potential absence of Miroslav Klose

Pearce preparing for Euro 2012 in belief he may be England boss - report
The national team's current caretaker coach has intiated meetings with Premier League bosses to establish the form and fitness of players he is interested in selecting this summer

'James McClean is different class and needs to be taken to Euro 2012' - Ireland legend Paul McGrath
The 52-year-old admits that dropping one of the players who helped the Boys in Green qualify for Poland-Ukraine would be a tough decision but thinks McClean has to go

Hoddle should be a serious contender for the England job, says former Three Lions coach Roeder
Former West Ham boss worked under ex-Tottenham manager at the 1998 World Cup and believes he has what it takes to slot straight back into managing the national side at Euro 2012

FA to appoint technical director for the first time in 10 years
The successful candidate will take the helm at the new national football centre at St George’s Park, with a view to establishing a coaching centre of excellence

A French revolution at Chelsea? Abramovich looks to Blanc as hunt for new manager intensifies
The highly-rated coach is out of contract with the French Football Federation after Euro 2012 and is said to have been targeted by the Russian tycoon to replace Andre Villas-Boas

England fans set to snub expensive Euro 2012
A relatively small amount of Three Lions fans will make the trip this summer, with travel and accommodation costs limiting the country's followers from making the journey

'Incomplete' Hoddle would relish England return
The former manager believes that the Three Lions would benefit from the reduced pressure on a caretaker boss but admits that he is unlikely to get the call for a second chance

 

[Luis Suarez]

Liverpool striker Andy Carroll can still make the England Euro 2012 squad - report
The misfiring £35m forward is still in with a chance of flying to the Ukraine and Poland in the summer, but he has to start scoring regularly for his club side

John Terry appointed England player-manager for Euro 2012
The Chelsea defender wowed executives at interview and sensationally returns from international exile two months after being stripped of the Three Lions captaincy

Spain coach Del Bosque: Raul's goals are a source of joy
The 61-year-old had words of praise for the striker but still has not given any hint as to whether the veteran will make an appearance in Poland and Ukraine

'England must hire new manager sooner rather than later,' says Wenger
The Arsenal boss has joined others in stating that the vacant Three Lions' job needs to be filled sooner rather than later and also gives a new update on Jack Wilshere’s progress

 

[Luis Suarez]

John Terry appointed England player-manager for Euro 2012

The Chelsea defender wowed executives at interview and sensationally returns from international exile two months after being stripped of the Three Lions captaincy

Apr 1, 2012 8:00:00 AM

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By Oli Farlop

The FA has ended weeks of speculation by announcing the appointment of John Terry as England's player-manager for Euro 2012.

The Chelsea defender takes charge just two months after he was sensationally dropped from the national captaincy, which prompted the resignation of previous boss Fabio Capello. But the 31-year-old appears to have resolved his issues with the country's executives and will now lead the Three Lions into this summer's tournament.

"We are extremely proud that John has agreed to take on the role of player-manager and are confident that he can lead England to glory in Poland and Ukraine," an FA spokesman, Alf Lopior, told Goaldotcom.

"He has a long and distinguished record of success at leading from the front already under his belt and we are delighted to be able to tie him down to a role which he has already been trialling unofficially at Chelsea."

THE RISE OF TERRY
THE NEW MANAGER'S ENGLAND CAREER
DEBUT FIRST SPELL AS CAPTAIN SECOND SPELL AS CAPTAIN MAJOR TOURNAMENTS CAPS GOALS	2003 2006-10 2011-12 3 72 6

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There had been concerns that taking Terry to Euro 2012 in any capacity could be seen as inappropriate, given the fact that the 31-year-old faces a date in court after the tournament’s conclusion in July over allegations that he racially abused QPR’s Anton Ferdinand in November 2011.

However, Mr Lopior put fans’ minds at ease, explaining: “We feel it best not to focus too much on the details.

“We knew that we had to be quick about appointing John as soon as he came in for interview. He gave a very eloquent and in-depth presentation about his plans for the tournament as well as the years to come.

“He was the most impressive interviewee by far, though the FA would like to thank Harry Redknapp, Stuart Pearce and Alex McLeish for their interest in the position.”

Terry’s full backroom team have yet to be decided, though the Blues defender is expected to speak to colleagues Frank Lampard and Ashley Cole about their potential involvement, but one key addition to the Three Lions setup was revealed.

“Joey Barton will also be travelling with the team to Poland as the FA's new social media advisor,” Mr Lopior continued.

“Euro 2012 is set to be a very exciting time and we know that the players will be very keen to engage with fans online throughout the tournament – and, we hope, all the way to the final.

“Joey’s expertise in the field made him an obvious choice to set our agenda and he will begin distributing pertinent lyrics by The Smiths to all potential members of the final squad in the coming days.

“Whether or not he features in the playing squad as well is, of course, down to John.”

According to reports from White Hart Lane, a teary Redknapp refused to wind down his car window to comment on the appointment.

 

[Luis Suarez]

Dortmund's Gundogan confident of Germany recall
The 21-year-old has been in fine form for the defending Bundesliga champions and feels that he has an outside chance of featuring in Poland and Ukraine

Helmes not thinking about Euro 2012 call-up
The Germany international stated that he is not concerned about the tournament in Poland and Ukraine right now, and wants to concentrate solely on getting Wolfsburg into Europe

 

[Luis Suarez]

Eight out of 10 England fans are frustrated reveals survey

Sharp FanLabs have pried into the minds of football supporters once more to reveal yet more opinions ahead of Euro 2012

Apr 3, 2012 2:18:00 PM

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A survey has revealed that 82 per cent of England supporters are frustrated with their national side.

The Three Lions faithful topped the table of nationalities that are left the most agonised by their countries’ exploits in the run-up to Euro 2012, while Republic of Ireland fans are in second place with 53 per cent admitting their torment in a Sharp FanLabs poll.

England’s 3-2 loss to Holland in February at Wembley could be a reason behind their irritation, but ironically, since the friendly, passion levels have risen to 13 per cent more than they were after the draw was made.

Despite this, 78 per cent of fans relate the side with underachievement, whilst just 68 per cent associate team-spirit with England and banter levels are down by four per cent since losing to the Dutch.

The tournament kicks-off for the 1996 semi-finalists against France, but it is the date with Sweden on June 11 that they might want to watch out for, with the Swedish insisting they want to beat England more than any other team in the competition.

 

[Luis Suarez]

Giovanni Trapattoni & Marco Tardelli to visit Croagh Patrick with An Taoiseach Enda Kenny ahead of Euro 2012
The Italian coach and his assistant will partake in a charity initiative in County Mayo on Ireland's holy mountain shortly before they depart for the European Championships

Quagliarella eyes Italy recall for Euro 2012
The former Napoli forward netted nine times in his first 17 Serie A appearances for the Bianconeri but he has struggled to get back to his best after a serious knee injury

Oxlade-Chamberlain staying focused despite England talk
The 18-year-old has admitted that it would be nice to be involved in Euro 2012 this summer, but is remaining calm and eyeing a top-three finish with the Gunners first

 

[Luis Suarez]

Klose: I will be in top form for Germany at Euro 2012
The veteran striker has been suffering from a thigh injury, but is confident that he will return to fitness and make an impact for his country in Poland and Ukraine

Valencia's Maduro worried over Euro 2012 place
The Dutchman has fallen down the pecking order at Mestalla and is unsure of his selection in the Oranje squad for the European Championship in Poland and Ukraine

 

[Luis Suarez]

Podolski leaps to the defence of Koln colleague Peszko over taxi row
The Germany international believes that the club should be allowed to move on given the midfielder has already apologised for his behaviour during a taxi ride in Dusseldorf

Prandelli: Balotelli did not breach my code of ethics
The 54-year-old has stated that he will 'calmly evaluate' whether the striker belongs in his squad for Euro 2012 following the Italian's red card against the Gunners

I hope to be in Germany squad for Euro 2012, says Adler
The 27-year-old shot stopper hopes to be included in Joachim Low's side for the upcoming tournament in Poland and Ukraine

Diego Polenta's Oriundo offer reveals Italy's newfound struggle to produce top class defenders
South American stars have injected their own class into the Azzurri ever since the 1934 World Cup win but the case of Uruguay's young defender could be a cause to worry

Hodgson: England vacancy has nothing to do with me
The West Brom manager shrugged off suggestions the national team job could affect his Baggies contract extension while Blackburn boss Steve Kean admitted relief at other results

'You can never stop dreaming' - Hoolahan hopeful of making Ireland Euro 2012 squad
The Canaries midfielder believes that a strong finish to the season, along with a bit of luck, could place him in Giovanni Trapattoni's plans for Poland and Ukraine

Wenger still unsure if Wilshere will be fit for Euro 2012
The Arsenal boss has revealed that the coming weeks are crucial for the young midfielder if he is to feature again this season as he continues his recovery from injury

FA line up England talks for Redknapp and Hodgson within a fortnight - report
Tottenham boss is the overwhelming favourite for the England job, but the West Brom manager will also be contacted as the Three Lions' hierarchy keep their options open

A move to England would be a step up, says Sporting's Ricky van Wolfswinkel
The Dutchman admitted that is focusing on Sporting for now but is excited by a potential move to the Premier League, and conceded that he is unlikely to go to Euro 2012

Van Marwijk rules out Oranje place for Van Nistelrooy at Euro 2012
The former Manchester United and Real Madrid ace has been told that he will not travel to Poland and Ukraine, something he seems to have come to terms with

 

[Luis Suarez]

Soldado: I will surely be at Euro 2012 if I keep playing this way

The 26-year-old forward has declared that if he continues to perform capably for his club then he could well be participating in the tournament in Poland and Ukraine this summer

Apr 10, 2012 3:50:00 PM

By Tom Webber

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Valencia striker Roberto Soldado believes he will be a part of Spain's European Championship squad if he maintains his current form.

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The 26-year-old has propelled Los Che to fourth position in La Liga with an impressive 16-goal haul so far this season.

He is now on the cusp of the international squad, having beaten Fernando Torres to selection for the friendly against Venezuela.

The Valencia man scored a hat-trick in that game but admits that the Chelsea striker will provide stiff competition for a place in Vicente del Bosque's side.

"Torres means a lot to the team and we all know what he can give," Soldado told Cadena COPE.

"If I keep doing things very well I think I'll be at the European Championship."

"I have to keep doing everything possible to be in the squad.

However, the striker remains grounded and hopes to remain at Mestalla for the foreseeable future.

"I want to stay in Valencia. I have two years left on my contract and do not want to be a player who is just passing through here."

 

[Luis Suarez]

Inter to move for France coach Blanc after Euro 2012 - report
The Serie A outfit have sacked both Gian Piero Gasperini and Claudio Ranieri this season, and are allegedly interested in making the 46-year-old their next trainer

Giuseppe Rossi's injury blow leaves Italy short for Euro 2012 and spells disaster for Villarreal
The former Manchester United striker has suffered a significant setback in his rehabilitation from a serious knee problem, leaving club and country with issues to consider

Rossi is 'distraught' at missing Euro 2012, says Italy physio
The Villarreal forward was expected to be fit in time to compete in Ukraine and Poland, but tore his anterior cruciate ligament for a second time on Friday

Del Bosque: Raul is a potential call-up for Euro 2012
The 61-year-old coach has admitted that the former Real Madrid striker could feature in Poland and Ukraine, adding that he is still waiting for David Villa to fully recover

Rossi to miss Euro 2012 after tearing cruciate ligament again
The 25-year-old Azzurri forward had been hoping to make his return to Primera Division action in the coming weeks but he broke down in training on Friday morning

'If Italy don't want Del Piero, we'll have him': Giovanni Trapattoni on Juventus legend
Ireland boss quipped he would welcome the Italian superstar in a heartbeat for Euro 2012

Trapattoni: I did not want to meet Italy at Euro 2012
The experienced trainer conceded that he is not looking forward to meeting the Azzurri and hopes that the match will not decide the outcome of the group

Lennon: Celtic goalkeeper Forster good enough to play for England
The Bhoys manager feels that his title-winning shot-stopper is worthy of an international call up ahead of Euro 2012 and a permanent move to the Scottish Premier League champions

Vieira: Ben Arfa deserves to be in the France squad for Euro 2012
World Cup winner feels Newcastle winger should feature at the summer tournament with his manager Alan Pardew also full of praise for the in-form 25-year-old

 

[Luis Suarez]

New England Manager Quest Continues

The Football Association have made it clear that they want to wait until the end of the season in May before they appoint a new England manager, despite facing criticism for not having found a replacement for Fabio Capello with Euro 2012 drawing ever closer.

It is understood that the FA wish to delay the appointment to avoid the destabilising effect it would have on the club of the manager they select, but former England manager Terry Venables has emphasised the need to make a decision as soon as possible

Venables said: 'It seems to have gone on too long. There’s now a double take and no one seems to really know what’s going on apart from those that are in the seat.'

'They [the FA] may know what’s going on, but I don't know whether they do. They have to get someone in there straight away to do something about it. I don’t see any benefit at all in coming in at the last moment with a rah-rah-rah approach.'

'The manager has got to know those players, not just from he has seen, but how they talk and what they feel is important – really getting into the individuals. The more time you can get in the role the better. There’s nothing for you going in cold and you need everything in your favour because this is a big job.'

Harry Redknapp has established himself as a firm favorite with the fans and bookies to be the next England boss, but former England manager Glenn Hoddle has emerged as an outside contender after announcing he would like a second chance at managing his national team.

 

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[Luis Suarez]

O'Shea excited about first international tournament at Euro 2012 and prospect of quarter-final clash with England
Former Manchester United defender is relishing the major finals and does not envy the predicament in the manager-less England camp ahead of the tournament in Poland and Ukraine

Italy boss Prandelli coy on potential call-ups for Totti and Del Piero
Both players are now well into their thirties but there is a growing clamour for at least one of them to be included in the Azzurri squad for Poland and Ukraine

Prandelli: Cassano is in my Euro 2012 sticker book
The AC Milan forward underwent an emergency heart procedure last November but made his return to action against Fiorentina last Saturday week, and could yet make the Euro 2012

Turkish Football Federation confirms Euro 2020 bid
Turkey is the first country to formally announce its candidacy for the tournament, with a final decision on the host nation due in late 2013 or early 2014

'Different class' Scholes should replace Wilshere for England at Euro 2012, says Parlour
The 39-year-old has tipped the veteran midfielder to make a sensational return to international football after confirmation that the Arsenal youngster will miss out through injury

Pieters out for season with foot injury
The PSV defender has picked up yet another knock that will keep him out for the remainder of his club's domestic campaign, but he could return for Netherlands at Euro 2012

Laurent Blanc open to a return to club management with Chelsea
The France national team trainer remains uncertain over his future and admitted that if the right job came along, he would be more than willing to leave his current post

Ajax's Boilesen out for the remainder of the season
The left-back will spend the tail-end of the campaign on the sidelines due to muscular damage, which could also hinder his prospects of playing in Euro 2012 for Denmark

Del Bosque: I have renewed my contract with Spain
La Furia Roja coach's previous deal was due to expire after this summer's European Championship, but the 61-year-old has revealed that he has inked an extension

Wenger rules Wilshere out of Euro 2012
Following Arsenal's 2-1 defeat to Wigan on Monday night, the Gunners boss declares that the long-injured midfielder will be unavailable for England in Poland and Ukraine

Del Bosque not worried about potential Barcelona v Real Madrid Champions League final
The 61-year-old insists that he does not fear the repercussions of a continental final between the two clubs ahead of Euro 2012 in Poland and Ukraine

Joachim Low: Minor details will decide Euro 2012
The Mannschaft boss believes that the smallest margins will decide who wins in Poland and Ukraine, as he hailed his current crop of players who are "hungry for success"

FA secretary: England appointment not far away
Alex Horne says the governing body are close to picking a replacement for Fabio Capello though no approach has yet been made to any candidate

 

[Luis Suarez]

FA secretary: England appointment not far away

Alex Horne says the governing body are close to picking a replacement for Fabio Capello though no approach has yet been made to any candidate

Apr 15, 2012 11:10:00 PM

By Eliot Prince

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Football Association (FA) secretary Alex Horne says that the appointment of a new Englandmanager is "not far away".

The FA have been strongly linked with a move for Tottenham's Harry Redknapp since Fabio Capello's resignation, though speculation has recently cooled.

Stuart Pearce currently holds the role on an interim basis but Horne insists no decision will be made until the end of the season.

"We haven't approached anybody and have approached no club," he told BBC Sport.

"We continue to work on it, very quietly. We're waiting until the tail end of the season. We're not far away."

Roy Hodgson and Jose Mourinho have also been touted for the role though Horne believes whomever gets the job will follow ready-made preparations for Euro 2012.

"What we've done as an FA is clearly set up all our plans," he added.

"We know exactly what we're doing between now and our first game against France, and we just need to slot a manager in, giving that individual enough time to get used to the set-up."

 

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[Luis Suarez]

Re: perfect !

Walcott unlikely to feature for Arsenal again this season - Wenger
Manager reveals that the England winger looks to have a serious hamstring injury and could be out for his side's remaining games - putting his participation at Euro 2012 in doubt

Manchester United duo Welbeck and Jones talk up England chances
The youngsters have enjoyed breakthrough seasons at club level this year and head into Euro 2012 with not only a shot of making the squad, but a chance of a prominent role

With Italy running out of attacking options ahead of Euro 2012, Prandelli cannot ignore Di Natale any longer
The Udinese man has done as much as could have been expected of him over the past two years, but still the national coach has not called him up and time is now running out

Lineker confused by FA's decision to delay England manager appointment
The former international has urged the governing body's to bring forward the appointment announcement from the end of the season to aid preparation for Euro 2012

Albertini: Italy must consider Di Natale for Euro 2012
The former Azzurri midfielder believes that the Udinese forward is 'one of the eligible candidates' for a place in Cesare Prandelli's squad because of his goals record

Gourcuff not thinking about Euro 2012
The out-of-form midfielder is focused on regaining full fitness right now and revealed his disappointment at the team's heavy loss in his first game back from injury