International Football
McClaren leaves out Lampard and breaks old England taboo
Published: 13 October 2007
Frank Lampard has not reclaimed his place in the England side to face Estonia and so one of the oldest taboos is finally broken.
Donadoni's revolution put on the spot
Published: 13 October 2007
It is barely 15 months since Italy lifted the World Cup but there is an increasing air of change about the Azzurri. Whether this represents renewal, or the end of an era, will become clearer in a month's time when Roberto Donadoni's remodelled team go to Glasgow for what looks like being the decisive closing fixture of Group B. First, though, Italy must defeat Georgia in Genoa tonight.
McFadden at centre of Scots' new belief
Published: 13 October 2007
A year and two days ago, Scotland went to Ukraine and were taught a footballing lesson. The hosts' 2-0 winning scoreline did not reflect their control from start to finish. Scotland were dogged but outplayed, flat-footed and toothless.
Staunton does best to stir Irish souls in effort to delay the end
Published: 13 October 2007
Not a natural rabble-rouser, not even a man who looks comfortable speaking in public, Steve Staunton nevertheless did his best to stir the Irish soul yesterday. In alleging that some unnamed members of the German FA were less than enthusiastic about Croke Park and its famed atmosphere, Staunton was trying to whip up some excitement about a match that is perceived by many in Ireland as a staging post to the Republic of Ireland manager's exit and little more.
Desire for Wales success speeds Bellamy's recovery
Published: 13 October 2007
Craig Bellamy cited his desire to play for Wales and improve their world status as his reason for being here against the odds to face Cyprus today.
Jensen struggles to bridge Estonia resource chasm
Published: 13 October 2007
Viggo Jensen, the Dane who now coaches Estonia's national team, is a thoughtful and rational fellow. As his depleted squad prepared to train yesterday on the Wembley turf where they will face England in today's Euro 2008 qualifier, he spoke in measured tones about the gulf that exists between the two sides – and made it clear that anything other than defeat for his men would be, well, a fairy tale.
Croatia win over Israel would all but ensure progress
Published: 13 October 2007
England will await news of Croatia's tie with Israel in Zagreb this evening with mixed feelings. A Croatian win would all but ensure their qualification leaving England with a straight fight against Russia, who do not play today, for the second spot from Group E. Yet it would also, assuming Croatia take a further point from their penultimate match in Macedonia, mean Slaven Bilic's team would arrive at Wembley on 21 November with nothing to play for.
England U21 1 Montenegro U21: Derbyshire strike puts England top
Published: 13 October 2007
England Under-21s moved to the top of their Euro 2009 group following victory over Montenegro.
Qualification or bust for Weir and Scotland
Published: 12 October 2007
The widespread view in Scotland is that even if the national team fails to make Euro 2008, the qualifying campaign can be celebrated thanks to some remarkable results – including two wins over France – and a leap in standards and belief. All this with a young, developing side.
Terry out of Estonia game and big doubt for trip to Russia
Published: 12 October 2007
John Terry was last night ruled out of England's crucial Euro 2008 qualifier against Estonia tomorrow in what is a major blow for his manager Steve McClaren
Pearce backs Agbonlahor to step up
Published: 12 October 2007
The England Under-21 manager, Stuart Pearce, believes Gabriel Agbonlahor could be the next of his youngsters to step up to the senior squad – just months after the international future of the Aston Villa striker looked uncertain.
Staunton issues rallying cry for Republic
Published: 12 October 2007
The Republic of Ireland manager, Steve Staunton, is adamant motivation will not be a problem ahead of his side's European Championship match with Germany.
Easter aims to win club move with Wales form
Published: 12 October 2007
The Wales striker Jermaine Easter has told his club side Wycombe he wants to play at a higher level than the bottom tier of the Football League, and sees his country's two European Championship qualifiers, in Cyprus tomorrow and in San Marino next Wednesday, as putting him in the shop window.
Truthful Rooney admits to his failings
Published: 12 October 2007
From Wayne Rooney; an apology. "When I first started playing for England I did really well and the last couple of years haven't been as good as I can be, I know that," he says. "My club form's been fine, there's no problem with that. But when I've been away with England probably over the last year or so I haven't played as well as I can do. I can't see why that is and obviously I want to try and put it right."
McClaren facing loss of Terry for crunch qualifiers
Published: 11 October 2007
Steve McClaren's England plans were thrown into doubt last night when it emerged that his captain John Terry will require a scan today on a knee injury that caused him to pull out of training
Hiddink extends Russian contract
Published: 11 October 2007
In a clear sign that Roman Abramovich does not want to court unpopularity in his homeland, Guus Hiddink has extended his contract as Russia coach until the summer of 2010.
Bellamy surprises Wales with rapid return to fitness
Published: 11 October 2007
Craig Bellamy joined up with the Wales squad yesterday and insisted he could play now if he was asked.
Scots' hopes of easy ride hurt by Ukraine ambition
Published: 11 October 2007
Scotland are under no illusions that just because they lead their Euro 2008 qualifying group it will be simple to progress. That fact was underlined yesterday when Oleg Blokhin, the manager of Saturday's opponents, Ukraine, said he would quit if his side did not make it.
Place in England's heart the reward for patient Barry
Published: 11 October 2007
He is self-effacing, uncomplaining and, in demeanour as well as style, a bit of a throwback but it is clear that Gareth Barry expects to retain his place in the heart of England's midfield for Saturday's European Championship qualification match at home to Estonia.
Newcastle plea to FA deepens Owen dispute
Published: 11 October 2007
Michael Owen's suitability to play for England was the subject of a letter sent by Newcastle United to the Football Association this week in which the club raised concerns about the striker's fitness to play in the two forthcoming Euro 2008 qualifiers. This latest development came after it emerged that Owen is privately angry at attempts by his club to say he is not ready to play for his country.
McClaren to stick with Robinson for Estonia game
Published: 10 October 2007
Paul Robinson was given a dramatically early vote of confidence by Steve McClaren yesterday when he announced that the embattled Tottenham goalkeeper will be in the England side to face Estonia on Saturday
England could slip up on plastic pitch, warns Ferguson
Published: 10 October 2007
Sir Alex Ferguson has warned England they face "a big problem" playing on an artificial pitch against Russia next week. The Euro 2008 qualifier in the Luzhniki Stadium on Wednesday night will be the first time England have played an international on artificial turf and the Manchester United manager believes Russia will benefit from their experience of the surface.
Owen is fit and ready to face Estonia
Published: 09 October 2007
With Steve McClaren receiving confirmation of Dean Ashton's unavailability yesterday, Michael Owen delivered some welcome news to the England manager: he is physically ready to start against Estonia on Saturday.
Points to make against Estonia but Russia is still key
Published: 07 October 2007
