BallHype - Latest England News Articles

Espanyol's Zabaleta and Riera head for Premier League (Reuters)

Fri, 29 Aug 2008 10:39:27 +1900

Espanyol duo Pablo Zabaleta and Albert Riera will fly to England to take medicals ahead of moves to Manchester City and Liverpool respectively, the Primera Liga club said on Friday.

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Espanyol accept Reds' Riera bid

Fri, 29 Aug 2008 10:30:25 +1900

Espanyol have announced on their official website that midfielder Albert Riera has travelled to England to undergo a medical with Liverpool after the clubs agreed terms of the deal. > >

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Ajax bid to bounce back, new challenge for McClaren (AFP)

Fri, 29 Aug 2008 01:10:49 +1900

While PSV Eindhoven target a successful title defence Ajax are out to revisit past glories while former England coach Steve McClaren cuts his teeth in foreign climes as the Dutch league kicks off this weekend.

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Lewis looks to help reeling Galaxy

Thu, 28 Aug 2008 22:23:00 +1900

After spending nine years playing in England, U.S. international Eddie Lewis has returned to MLS, signing last week with the Los Angeles Galaxy.

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Can SWP Re-Ignite His Career Back at Eastlands?

Thu, 28 Aug 2008 15:28:07 +1900

The re-signing of Shaun Wright-Phillips by Manchester City on a four-year contract from Chelsea has come at just right the time for the diminutive Englishman. Signed by Chelsea for around £21 million back in June 2005, SWP has struggled to cement a regular starting berth in the capital, fading one of England's most exciting pre-World Cup 2006 prospects into obscurity. When he did get his chance Wright-Phillips seldom reproduced the electrifying form he displayed regularly in his first spell at City. He did manage to show brief glimpses of his former self but struggled to perform to a consistently high level. Faced with competition from World-class wide-men like Robben, Cole, Kalou, and Duff is not an enviable task for anyone looking to establish themselves at one of England's biggest clubs. Other talented young players like Scott Parker and Steve Sidwell, and more renowned players like Crespo, Boulahrouz and Shevchenko has all struggled to make an impact under the Mourinho and Grant regimes, ...

Find more top sports news, videos, and blogs on BallHype: Soccer, Shaun Wright-Phillips, England, Manchester City, Premiership, Chelsea

Can Shaun Wright-Phillips Re-Ignite His Career Back at Eastlands?

Thu, 28 Aug 2008 15:28:07 +1900

The re-signing of Shaun Wright-Phillips by Manchester City on a four-year contract from Chelsea has come at just right the time for the diminutive Englishman. Signed by Chelsea for around £21 million back in June 2005, SWP has struggled to cement a regular starting berth in the capital, fading one of England's most exciting pre-World Cup 2006 prospects into obscurity. When he did get his chance, Wright-Phillips seldom reproduced the electrifying form he displayed regularly in his first spell at City. He did manage to show brief glimpses of his former self, but struggled to perform at a consistently high level. Faced with competition from World-class wide-men like Robben, Cole, Kalou, and Duff is not an enviable task for anyone looking to establish themselves at one of England's biggest clubs. Other talented young players like Scott Parker and Steve Sidwell, and more renowned players like Crespo, Boulahrouz, and Shevchenko have all struggled to make an impact under the Mourinho and Grant ...

Find more top sports news, videos, and blogs on BallHype: Soccer, Shaun Wright-Phillips, Manchester City, Premiership, Chelsea, England

Wright-Phillips returns to Man City from Chelsea (Reuters)

Thu, 28 Aug 2008 13:40:22 +1900

England midfielder Shaun Wright-Phillips has returned to his former club Manchester City from Premier League leaders Chelsea on a four-year deal, City said on Thursday.

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England May Find a Silver Lining In Gerrard's Absence.

Thu, 28 Aug 2008 12:45:17 +1900

When it was reported that Steven Gerrard would be going under the knife for a groin operation after Liverpool's Champions League qualifier against Standard Liege, there was a discernible amount of wailing and gnashing of teeth across the country. Nearly as much as there was when watching Liverpool's lifeless performance against the Belgian side. Those with his club’s best interest at heart regard Gerrard as a talisman, and there are many who place him on a similar pedestal for the England team as well. When Liverpool need a goal he is normally there, saving his side. As for England? Not quite the same story. Gerrard's problem at international level stem from problems at his club. True, he pops up with a 25-yard screamer in the final minute of a big game, hence his talisman status, but does his manager Rafa Benitez know his best position? Does England manager Fabio Capello? More to the point, does Steven Gerrard? Gerrard's all-action style is his downfall, his versatility his undoing. ...

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Steven Gerrard's Absence May Have Silver Lining for England

Thu, 28 Aug 2008 12:45:17 +1900

When it was reported that Steven Gerrard would be going under the knife for a groin operation after Liverpool's Champions League qualifier against Standard Liege, there was a discernible amount of wailing and gnashing of teeth across the country. Nearly as much as there was when watching Liverpool's lifeless performance against the Belgian side. Those with his club’s best interest at heart regard Gerrard as a talisman, and there are many who place him on a similar pedestal for the England team as well. When Liverpool need a goal he is normally there, saving his side. As for England? Not quite the same story. Gerrard's problem at the international level stems from problems at his club. True, he pops up with a 25-yard screamer in the final minute of a big game, hence his talisman status. But does his manager Rafa Benitez know his best position? Does England manager Fabio Capello? More to the point, does Steven Gerrard? Gerrard's all-action style is his downfall, his versatility his undoing. ...

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Don't Go, Milner: King Keegan Hopes To Keep James Milner On Tyneside

Thu, 28 Aug 2008 11:50:29 +1900

Newcastle United's winger has given in a shock transfer request which has left the Magpies confused as to whether they will still have him in the squad when the transfer season concludes. Aston Villa and perhaps even Liverpool are suggested to be pursuing the England U21 star. However, Newcastle manager, Kevin Keegan is hopeful Milner will stay at St. James Park. "James has a three-year contract, I do not want to talk about losing him. He is absolutely top notch around the club, around the training ground. He is getting better and better every game." Needless to say, Milner's departure will be a huge loss and Newcastle fans will be hoping they can either get an adequate replacement or hoping the transfer deadlines hits before any deal is finalized.

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Groin operation rules Gerrard out for England

Wed, 27 Aug 2008 23:52:58 +1900

Steven Gerrard will miss both of England's forthcoming World Cup qualifiers after having an operation on Thursday on his troublesome groin problem. > >

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Gerrard groin op set to rule him out for England (Reuters)

Wed, 27 Aug 2008 22:58:15 +1900

(Adds details, quotes)

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Gerrard out of England's World Cup qualifiers

Wed, 27 Aug 2008 22:48:28 +1900

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard will miss England's first World Cup qualifiers after a groin operation.

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Premier League teams advance in League Cup

Wed, 27 Aug 2008 21:59:09 +1900

Premier League sides Fulham, Blackburn, West Ham and Sunderland advanced past lower-division opposition in England's League Cup on Wednesday, but were made to battle for their victories. Fulham was the only club not to fall behind, although the Cottagers came within seven minutes of being eliminated by Leicester before winning 3-2.

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Fowler refuses week-by-week contract with Blackburn (AFP)

Wed, 27 Aug 2008 18:16:35 +1900

Former England striker Robbie Fowler, a free agent after being let go by Championship side Cardiff City, has refused a week-by-week contract with Blackburn Rovers.

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Manchester United's Nemanja Vidic: Get A Life

Wed, 27 Aug 2008 14:16:10 +1900

Nemanja Vidic has become the latest high profile English Premier League player to have a go at his surroundings, in fact, anything English at all. The Serbian international is unhappy with life in Manchester and apparently hates the weather. I didn't know they had it so good in Serbia. Before I go any further, this story comes from a Russian football magazine called Football Weekly and I have experienced problems with quotes attributed to people in the Russian press before. So, give him the benefit of the doubt if you must. I've never had Vidic down as a moaner, have respected his skills, and never say die defending since he joined Manchester United from Spartak Moscow. That's why this sudden attack on British life comes as quite a shock. I thought he was a warrior who was proud and honoured to play for a club like Manchester United. Vidic said, "In future, I would like to test myself in another top league. I'm thinking of Spain. At least there will be no reason to complain about the weather." So ...

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Vidic hints at move to sunny Spain

Wed, 27 Aug 2008 13:30:14 +1900

Manchester United defender Nemanja Vidic has hinted he would be interested in a move to Spain after criticising life in England.

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Vidic denies criticizing life in England

Wed, 27 Aug 2008 13:28:49 +1900

Manchester United's Nemanja Vidic denies criticizing the English way of life — and the weather in Manchester.

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James Milner Hands in Toon Transfer Request

Wed, 27 Aug 2008 12:20:05 +1900

James Milner joined Newcastle United in 2004, but struggled to earn a first team spot so was loaned to Aston Villa for the season 2005/2006. Since then, however, the midfielder has been a fan favorite on Tyneside, and has had a spectacular start to his developing career. Every summer Milner is said to be heading for the exit door at St James', but the player would always deny it. This season it looked like we were heading for the same scenario, especially as Kevin Keegan publically stated that he was the player least likely to leave the club. But after the Carling Cup victory over Coventry—where Milner had an assist and a goal—Newcastle United officially revealed that the England U-21 international had handed in a transfer request. All Toon fans must be hoping that a deal will not go through, and that Milner will stay and realise that he is made for the Toon Army. The question is, will there be enough time for the transfer too go through? Or might James Milner end his ...

Find more top sports news, videos, and blogs on BallHype: Soccer, Newcastle United, Premiership, Aston Villa, Kevin Keegan, England

Nemanja Vidic Can't Handle the Rain

Wed, 27 Aug 2008 12:15:00 +1900

I was shocked when I heard today that Nemanja Vidic wants to leave Manchester United. The big Serbian defender is crucial to United, his partnership with Rio Ferdinand key in United's brick wall of a defence. Along with Ferdinand, he was pivotal in Manchester United's two successive Premier League titles, as well as their UEFA Champions League trophy. And now to hear that after bringing so much success to Manchester United, the Serbian wants to leave the Red Devils. It appears he now wants to move to Spain and the attacking football of La Liga. Another Manchester United player having his head turned by Real Madrid!? I was fuming until I read what he said. "I will never stay to live in England that's for sure," he told Russia's Football Weekly magazine. I was thinking Real Madrid were in contact with him until I read below. "You get a brief glimpse of sunlight before it's all cloudy again." "The winters are mild, but in the summer the temperatures seldom go higher than 20 ...

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I'm staying at Milan, says Kaka (AFP)

Wed, 27 Aug 2008 11:36:10 +1900

Despite recent newspaper claims in England that Chelsea have launched an 80-million-euro (118-million-dollar) bid for Kaka, the Brazilian superstar insisted Wednesday that he is staying at AC Milan.

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Michael Owen: A Top Class Striker

Wed, 27 Aug 2008 09:29:24 +1900

Michael Owen scored a goal in extra-time to give Newcastle the win at Coventry in the Carling Cup last night. The visitors started very well, rushing into a two goal lead, but when Coventry levelled it up in injury time and forced another 30 minutes, it was Michael Owen—who came on as a 75th minute substitute—who finished the job after a crucial 97th minute goal. Owen also scored the winning goal for the Magpies at the weekend, and now has two goals in as many games—and it is said that he is not even 100% fit. Owen will be hoping to start at the Emirates on Saturday, but the "super sub", as he is called in some places, might need one more game before he reaches full match fitness. This could be a relief for not only Newcastle fans, but also for England fans. England manager Fabio Capello has been searching for a striker to partner Wayne Rooney in the England lineup, and Owen looks like he can solve his problems. People can say what they like about ...

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Vidic hints at move to sunny Spain

Wed, 27 Aug 2008 09:22:20 +1900

Manchester United defender Nemanja Vidic has hinted he would be interested in a move to Spain after criticising life in England.

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Vidic 'hates England and wants Spain move'

Wed, 27 Aug 2008 08:26:03 +1900

A case of mistranslation or the latest United star wanting to quit Manchester? An interview with Red Devils' defender Nemanja Vidic is sure to cause a storm after the Serbian international was quoted as saying he loathed the climate in England and aimed to play in Spain. > >

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McClaren defends dodgy accent, backs Fabio

Wed, 27 Aug 2008 07:30:10 +1900

Steve McClaren is fully focused on the job of continuing FC Twente's progress towards regular Champions League football, with the 'problems' of England now someone else's concern. > >

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Ryder Cup hopefuls wait for the call

Wed, 27 Aug 2008 01:47:11 +1900

As England's Paul Casey lined up a 22-foot birdie putt on the 18th hole Sunday at Ridgewood Country Club in the final round of ...

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England's problems won't go away warns McClaren (AFP)

Wed, 27 Aug 2008 01:15:23 +1900

Steve McClaren has warned Fabio Capello that England's problems won't disappear overnight.

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Can Roman Pavlyuchenko Replace Dimitar Berbatov?

Tue, 26 Aug 2008 22:39:48 +1900

With Robbie Keane off to Liverpool, and Dimitar Berbatov looking ready to pack his bags too, Tottenham Hotspur must sign a striker. Roman Pavlyuchenko appears to be their saviour for this task. "I can confirm I'm joining the Spurs," the Spartak Moscow player told local media. "Right now I'm getting my visa and as soon as it is ready I will fly to England to sign a contract." The Russian made himself well known this year. First, he scored two goals against England in a Euro 2008 qualifying match. Russia won the game two-one, and it led to England being eventually left out of the tournament. Then, in Euro 2008, he led his country to the semi-finals with three goals in five matches. The 26-year-old was one of the top scorers in the tournament. These performances got the attention of many clubs around Europe, and Roman was destined for a move. Tottenham first attemped to sign Andrei Arshavin (the other Russian that made a huge impact at Euro 2008), but Zenit St Petersburg rejected the offer. ...

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Fantasy Insider: Gear up, Playoff fever grips The Hub

Tue, 26 Aug 2008 22:03:49 +1900

The New England weather has been gorgeous of late, and the TPC Boston backdrop is a wonderful vacation spot for the bombers in the field -- the birdies flow at this event. Grip it, rip it, and let's grab some points as Playoff Fever grips The Hub.

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Russian Star Pavlyuchenko Claims Spurs Deal

Tue, 26 Aug 2008 21:13:34 +1900

Roman Pavlyuchenko has claimed he is set to complete a move to Tottenham Hotspur. The 26-year-old Russia international striker has been linked with a move to Spurs all summer. Now it appears that the North London outfit have sealed a deal with his club Spartak Moscow. Speaking to Uefa's Russian website, Pavlyuchenko confirmed he had not travelled with the rest of the Spartak squad for the second leg of their UEFA Champions League qualifier against Dynamo Kiev as he was finalising the details of his move to Spurs. "I am back in Moscow and I will not play in Kiev, and I can confirm I am going to Tottenham," he told uefa.ru . "I am waiting for a Visa and as soon as it is granted, I am ready to go to England and sign." Pavlyuchenko revealed he was yet to discuss the move with Spurs boss Juande Ramos. "Juande Ramos, I have not yet met, it seems like he will call me—but I know for sure he is very interested in my services," he continued. Not a done deal Spartak spokesman ...

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Player Duels: Bryan Robson Vs Paul Scholes

Tue, 26 Aug 2008 20:17:00 +1900

Player Duels is back again! This is the eighth instalment of this series in which I compare two players and ask all readers to leave a comment and vote who you think was the better player. You can find links to the others at the bottom of this page, where voting is still open. Today's duel sees two of the best Manchester United midfielders ever: Bryan Robson v Paul Scholes. Both could make a killer, pin-point pass to set up a goal, or finish off a chance as well as some strikers. Both have played more than 300 matches for Man Utd, having a huge effect on the success of the club during their time there. Bryan Robson "Captain Marvel" as Man Utd and England fans called him, Bryan Robson was an iconic image for club and country throughout the 80s and early 90s. If he wasn't so injury prone then he would have made an even bigger impact. He started his career with West Brom, playing there for seven years, before moving to Old Trafford for a British record transfer fee. In his 13 ...

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Twente's McClaren: England woes won't go away

Tue, 26 Aug 2008 19:26:53 +1900

Steve McClaren believes England's 'problems will always be there' - but insists his focus is now all on the job in hand with FC Twente.

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Your The Gaffer: England's XI

Tue, 26 Aug 2008 19:02:53 +1900

Don't we all wish we could pick our team's XI? When our manager gets the sack we all say, god I could have done better. But who would you have picked differently and here in lies the problem. Its just your opinion but now Bleacher members will rate your opinion! Fabio Capello has struggled to get his England team firing and it doesn't look like much of a change from the Steve McClaren era. How can the Italian get his side playing together in cohesion for the first time in yonks? Why can't he get Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard playing in the same midfield together. Why can't England's strikers produce the goals when needed? And who should get the nod for goalkeeper? Well Fabio has just been sacked after a dismal 1-0 loss to Andorra and you've been hired by the FA to turn things around. You face a tough match in Zagreb against Croatia but have every player fit and ready. The win is a must to keep qualification hopes alive and get England on the road to South Africa 2010. You arrive in ...

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About Town: Boston

Tue, 26 Aug 2008 18:54:35 +1900

Week two of the PGA TOUR Playoffs for the FedExCup is upon is, and that means a short trip up the Eastern Seaboard from New York City to Boston. The host of the Deutsche Bank Championship -- TPC Boston -- is actually south of the famous city, not far from Foxborough, home of the New England Patriots.

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England Premier League: Week Three Preview

Tue, 26 Aug 2008 16:44:07 +1900

Week three marks the end of the first part of the Premier League race with no more games until mid-September because of international matches. Because of the UEFA Super Cup game this coming weekend, Manchester United’s game with Fulham has been postponed. As a result, Liverpool and Chelsea will be five points ahead of United after the international break when United travel to Anfield and Stamford Bridge in successive weeks. After two weeks of action we are a poor nine and 11, putting us clearly in Mark Lawrenson territory Bolton vs West Brom Bolton must have friends in the Premier League scheduling office. They opened up the season at home to Stoke and now they get another promoted team at home. West Brom have tried hard against Arsenal and Everton this season but they look a little short of class. I expect Bolton to get all three points from this game. Everton vs Portsmouth After losses against Chelsea and Manchester United, Portsmouth must get at least at point at ...

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Serioux answering Hyndman's call

Mon, 25 Aug 2008 23:00:00 +1900

Before an August 3 match at Toronto FC, FC Dallas defender Adrian Serioux had never before played right back. Not in his formative years growing up in the Toronto area, in England or while a member of the 2006 MLS Cup champion Houston Dynamo.

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A Tribute To... Bobby Moore

Mon, 25 Aug 2008 22:26:44 +1900

Welcome to the seventh in the "A Tribute To..." series. Today's tribute is to the man who led England to their first, and so far only, World Cup: Bobby Moore. Characterised by seemingly effortless authority, elegance and skill, Bobby Moore was the best defender in Britain in the 1960s and early 70s, some say the best British defender ever. Although he didn't posses great pace, nor towering height, he compensated for this with his great anticipation and vision, and his tackling was clean, incisive, and perfectly timed. His unruffled and often diffident manner concealed a sharp, aware football brain. Born on 12 April, 1941, Moore was the first of a long line of players to come from Barking. Since, the likes of Giles Barnes, Trevor Brooking, Paul Konchesky, Bobby Zamora and John Terry have all come from Barking. Moore signed for West Ham United at the age of 15, and two years later made his debut, at the expense of Malcolm Ellison. Despite playing out of position (he was at left-back), Bobby ...

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LIVE: Man United takes on Portsmouth in Prem

Mon, 25 Aug 2008 20:25:41 +1900

It's Monday night football in England as Manchester United travels to the south coast to face Portsmouth LIVE.

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Inside Football: Don't Blame Fabio Capello For England's Mess

Mon, 25 Aug 2008 00:47:19 +1900

Inside Football brings you an inside look on debatable issues in the football world. After their failure to make an impact at the last two major international competitions, England endured a huge disappointment by not making it to Euro 2008. With Steve McClaren’s reign now finally over, England fans can look forward to a fresh start of competitive football under the guidance of Italian manager Fabio Capello. However, Capello has already fallen out of favor with most critics after only five friendlies with most England fans tagging Capello’s England as the “same old England.” But isn’t this the same team that failed to qualify to Euro 2008? I saw the match in which England drew 2-2 at Wembley against Czech Republic and have read some forgettable articles that highlighted how poor Capello’s impact has been until now. Critics seem to forget that the “inferior” Czech side that qualified to the Euros, unlike England. While France, the ...

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Chicago Triathlon winners cross finish line

Sun, 24 Aug 2008 20:14:00 +1900

Stuart Hayes, 29, from England won the Chicago Triathlon in an unofficial time of one hour 48 minutes 11 seconds. He beat Australian Greg Bennett, the defending champion, who finished in 1:49:40. Brent McMahon, from British Columbia, came in third in 1:50:10.

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Chicago Triathlon winners

Sun, 24 Aug 2008 18:33:00 +1900

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Manuel Almunia: England's Next Number One?

Sun, 24 Aug 2008 14:57:33 +1900

Many England fans are unhappy with David James as England number one but who is the answer? The Portsmouth veteran had a dodgy start to the season last week in the 4-0 drubbing at Chelsea and it has done little to inspire confidence. There are plenty of other choices for England manager Fabio Capello, including Scott Carson (West Brom), Robert Green (West Ham United), Chris Kirkland (Wigan Athletic), Paul Robinson (Blackburn Rovers), Joe Hart (Manchester City) and maybe, just maybe Manuel Almunia. The Arsenal number one is Spanish as we all know but the 31 year old is just one year away from being British. Well if he chooses to be that is. It's not the first time he's mentioned it and with the chance of playing for Spain not in the offing, he has hinted at doing what it takes to play international football. The Spaniard told Sky Sports News, "Playing for England could be my only chance for international football," "If playing for England is the only way to play in international matches ...

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Match-winner Deco singled out by Cole

Sun, 24 Aug 2008 14:53:14 +1900

England left-back Ashley Cole believes the 'magic' of players like Deco can help leaders Chelsea depose Premier League champions Manchester United. > >

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Drop Beckham, Robson urges Capello (AFP)

Sun, 24 Aug 2008 10:13:06 +1900

Bobby Robson says England coach Fabio Capello must make a stand and drop David Beckham from his starting line-up ahead of their upcoming World Cup qualifying campaign.

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Hargreaves puts club before country

Sat, 23 Aug 2008 20:50:21 +1900

Owen Hargreaves has not given up hope of being involved in England's opening two World Cup qualifiers - but he admits Manchester United must come first.

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Clarke shoots 66 for 3-shot lead at KLM Open

Sat, 23 Aug 2008 19:24:49 +1900

Ryder Cup contender Darren Clarke shot a 66 to take a three-stroke lead at the KLM Open on Saturday with an overall 12-under 198. Clarke, who was joint halfway leader with England's Robert Rock and Sweden's Alexander Noren, birdied the fourth, sixth and seventh holes before a bogey at No. 8. But Clarke was back in contention after birdies on the 12th and 13th boosted his bid to get a Ryder Cup wild card on Nick Faldo's European team.

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Scolari baffled by Lampard taunts

Sat, 23 Aug 2008 12:53:48 +1900

Chelsea manager Luiz Felipe Scolari cannot believe the stick that Blues midfielder Frank Lampard gets while on international duty with England.

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Will Theo Walcott Ever Be A Gunner Legend?

Sat, 23 Aug 2008 02:38:18 +1900

The career of young Theo Walcott has already taken a few twist and turns. As a young kid, he came to Arsenal in January 2006 with a ton of potential and rave reviews after only a handful of senior games from Southampton. His inclusion in the national team for the 2006 World Cup at only 17 was probably a bit premature and may have even stunted his development to a small degree. Some blistering performances in the last season showed fans glimpses of what he is capable of as well as some very ordinary ones to go alongside them to remind us that he is not quite the finished article yet, but I think this could be Theos’ year to shine. He had a superb finish to last season out on the wing, finally turning in some match-winning performances, including that fantastic run at Anfield in last seasons Champions League and followed that up with some more than impressive pre-season performances during the Gunners training camp in Austria. ...

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Benitez unconcerned by Gerrard's England storm (AFP)

Fri, 22 Aug 2008 18:57:14 +1900

Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez is confident Steven Gerrard won't be affected by the storm surrounding his England appearance this week.

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Rio will be next United captain

Fri, 22 Aug 2008 14:28:46 +1900

Sir Alex Ferguson has assured Rio Ferdinand that he remains in line to lead Manchester United despite missing out on the England captaincy. > >

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