Capello reveals England ratings

Fabio Capello's controversial 'Capello Index' ratings of England's World Cup performances have been published.

The Italian coach caused uproar prior to this summer's showpiece in South Africa when it emerged that he intended to rate the showings of his players after each game, and make his thoughts public knowledge.

He was eventually persuaded by the Football Association to shelve that idea, as it was decided that scores should not be handed out until the tournament was over.

That time has now come and, with England having fared dismally on the world stage, the results have been eagerly anticipated.

The ratings, which are used in a fantasy league game, make for intriguing reading, with Capello's take on events in South Africa raising a few eyebrows.


Unsurprisingly, Robert Green's horror show in England's opener against the United States, in which he let a tame Clint Dempsey shot slip through his grasp, sees him finish bottom of the pile when it comes to the Three Lions.

Joe Cole and Gareth Barry also failed to impress, while Wayne Rooney's average score over the course of the four games he played was topped by the much-maligned Emile Heskey.

Of those at the opposite end of the scale, Jermain Defore takes the spoils as England's most effective performer, while Shaun Wright-Phillips and national skipper Steven Gerrard also deemed to have done well.

It is, however, worth pointing out that Defoe's average score of 62.47 still falls some way short of the 65.77 awarded to Uruguay's talismanic frontman Diego Forlan, the man rated as the best player at the tournament by Capello.


(source: skysports.com)

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Fabio Capello to remain England manager!

Fabio Capello is to continue as England manager despite England's disastrous World Cup campaign, the Football Association has confirmed.
The Italian, 64, found himself under pressure after England's campaign culminated in a 4-1 loss to Germany.
On Monday he was told he would learn his fate in two weeks, only to be given full FA backing four days later.




"We remain convinced that Fabio is the best man for the job," said Club England chairman Sir Dave Richards.
And Capello hinted that some of the players who underperformed in South Africa might find themselves replaced as he looks to blood younger players during the upcoming Euro 2012 qualifiers.
"I can assure the fans I am now fully focused on our European qualifying fixtures, starting with the friendly against Hungary in August," he stated.
"We will look to introduce new players to give the team new energy and I will use all my experience to take England forward.
"I am extremely proud to be the England manager, it means so much to me and I am determined to succeed."
Capello's position had appeared to be in the balance after his side were humbled by Germany to end a World Cup campaign that never truly got going.
In the immediate aftermath of the exit there were calls for a new man to take charge, with Alan Shearer among those suggesting Capello would be replaced by the time England face Hungary in August.
However, Capello stated that he was keen to remain in the post at a media conference on Monday and, with senior FA members including David Sheepshanks and Phil Gartside publicly backing him this week, the association has decided Capello is still the right man for the job.
"We are all still extremely disappointed at our performance in South Africa, and we believed it was important that we took some time to reflect on everything in a calm and considered manner back in England," Richards added.
"He went into the World Cup with a reputation as one of World football's finest managers and we are confident Fabio will benefit from his first international tournament experience and this will undoubtedly make us all stronger for the Euro 2012 campaign."

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Gartside: 'Capello is still right man for England'

Fabio Capello was given the first ray of hope yesterday that the Football Association will keep him on in the England manager's job when Phil Gartside, a key member of the FA's main board, broke cover and gave his backing to the Italian staying on.

The Independent also understands that, despite his low-key performance in Monday's press conference, 24 hours after the 4-1 humbling at the hands of Germany, Capello genuinely wants to stay in the job and is prepared to put aside the indignity of the FA telling him to wait for two weeks while his position is reviewed.

The 64-year-old will take most encouragement from the words of Gartside, who – as well as being on the FA board – is a close friend of Sir Dave Richards, the man who has the ultimate responsibility for deciding Capello's fate. Gartside, who has remained in South Africa on holiday, said: "I'm saying he's the right man for the job. He has lost one game of football. That's my opinion.



"I'm in South Africa and he's back in England. I don't know what the outcome will be. I don't know that there's a decision to be made, is there? He has got a contract and that's it.

"It's my personal opinion that he should carry on. Yes, I get on very well with Dave Richards, but I'm not speaking on anyone else's behalf. Personally, I don't think his future is up in the air."

While Gartside is only one member of the 11-man FA main board to whom Richards will have to report, he is one of the five professional game representatives and regarded as a leading voice. The other representatives of the professional game, including Manchester United chief executive David Gill and former Ipswich Town chairman David Sheepshanks, will also be crucial to Richards's decision on Capello.

Last night, sources close to Capello said the England manager wanted to stay in the England job for the Euro 2012 campaign because he wanted revenge for the defeat to Germany. The source also said Capello believed that if he was sacked, two and a half years of work and knowledge he had accrued would be wasted.

Capello is prepared to overlook the fact the FA would not back him in the aftermath of defeat to Germany and would be prepared to carry on working for the organisation. Last night, the FA said privately that it was committed to its review of Capello's position. The governing body also said it had not approached any other manager.

Roy Hodgson, the main candidate for the England job should Capello be sacked, is expected to tie up the last few details of his move to Liverpool today. The window of opportunity for the FA would have been yesterday if it was to try to hijack the deal but it has not made contact with Hodgson. The FA is thought to have now discounted Hodgson as an option.

Gartside's comments are the most encouraging news for Capello that he may yet have a future with England in the 72 hours that followed the team's exit from the World Cup finals. However, it should be stressed that Gartside is only one voice among many that Richards will be obliged to listen to. If he were to sack Capello, then the £10m payable to the Italian in compensation would have to be approved by the FA main board.

Another factor that could yet convince Richards to keep Capello – thus cutting short the uncertainty around the England manager – is the pressure Richards himself has come under. Richards is the Premier League chairman and senior figures at the league itself are concerned he has become so heavily involved with the FA and the England team that he is danger of blurring the boundaries between the two bodies.

Richard Scudamore, the Premier League chief executive, has always taken care to distance himself from the more chaotic elements of the FA but now there is concern that the public perception will be the Premier League is running the England team. Richards has a number of influential positions at the FA, including being chairman of Club England, the FA body now charged with running the national team.

However, all Richards' power – Club England, his seat on the FA main board and the chair of the FA's international committee – flows from the fact he is Premier League chairman. He no longer has a club affiliation. If he was in danger of losing his Premier League position, he would also endanger his career.

Hodgson, meanwhile, has only a few small contractual issues to resolve with Liverpool and will take the manager's job at Anfield despite the possibility of the England position opening up.

Hodgson will seek reassurances about outgoings from the current squad before taking the job, but that will not create a stumbling block and Hodgson also knows he has the support of senior players, several of whom were informed last week of his imminent appointment.

His salary is agreed. The length of contract may be one of the few outstanding issues to resolve, plus compensation payable to Fulham. Hodgson is on a one-year rolling contract at Fulham, though, and the compensation will therefore not be an impediment. Though there is a chance he will be unveiled as manager on Thursday, that target is slightly ambitious given the contractual details still to be ironed out.

What changing the England manager can cost

£2.5m The cost the FA incurred paying off the rest of Steve McClaren's contract after the team failed to qualify for Euro 2008. The former Middlesborough received his payout after he refused to resign.

£6m The amount paid to Sven Goran Eriksson after an agreement was reached for him to step aside after the 2006 World Cup, after he was caught in the "fake sheikh" sting. He had been handed a contract to 2008 at £5m a year just two years earlier after being seen discussing the Chelsea management post with Peter Kenyon.

£12m The amount it is expected the FA would have to pay to Fabio Capello in order to pay off his contract. This comes after an escape clause was removed when his contract was amended.

Current World Cup wages

Fabio Capello (England) £6m p/a (the highest)

Marcelo Lippi (Italy) £3m

Joachim Löw (Germany) £2.5m

Dunga (Brazil) £800k

Diego Maradona (Argentina) £800k

Kim Jong-Hun (North Korea) £170k (the lowest)


(source: independent.co.uk)

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England football team arrive home weary and humiliated

The England team arrived back on British soil under a cloud on Tuesday morning after their humiliating exit from the World Cup.

The players, who appeared tired and weary, arrived back at Heathrow Airport at 6.20am on a Virgin flight which had been specially chartered by the Football Association.

As they arrived home after the 11-hour flight the players, many of whom were dressed in official England team suits, could barely smile as they walked across the tarmac to waiting cars.


There were glum faces and few smiles as David Beckham led the team off the plane, with Jamie Carragher and Michael Carrick just behind him. Wayne Rooney and Steven Gerrard barely smiled.

An entourage of players' wives, girlfriends and children also followed them onto the tarmac.


Others including Christine Bleakley, 31, the girlfriend of England midfielder Frank Lampard, Joe Cole’s wife 26-year-old wife Carly Zucker and Toni Poole, 28, wife of former England captain John Terry left South Africa on a separate flight.


The players are not expected to have an official reception.

On board the Airbus aircraft the players travelled in Upper Class, Virgin’s equivalent of First Class, while FA officials travelled in Premium Economy and the economy section was empty.

This is in contrast to the French national team who were made to fly home in economy following their woeful showing in the tournament.

Earlier, in stark contrast to the fanfare of their arrival, the team had earlier slipped out of South Africa with barely a murmur.

While the weather in the UK is scorching, the players can expect a frosty reception from fans disappointed at their poor showing in the World Cup.

Before the flight the team arrived at O R Tambo Airport in Johannesburg on a coach bearing the slogan Playing With Pride and Glory, looking downhearted and sombre.

The players led by under fire coach Fabio Capello were driven into a specially designated part of the airport bypassing the public departures lounge and security.

There they were ushered through a security scanner and private passport control before heading to a secluded part of the airfield to board the plane.

There were no fans present and the players did not speak to waiting journalists.

The team were knocked out by their old footballing foe Germany after slumping to a 4 – 1 defeat in Bloemfontein.

It was England’s heaviest ever defeat in the World Cup finals and capped a miserable tournament in which they only scored three goals and won only once.

Ellie Darby the partner of England defender Mathew Upson’s and Glen Johnson’s wife Laura joined them as they arrived at O R Tambo airport in a minibus.

They travelled down from Rustenburg where the players have been based during their stay in South Africa arriving at the airport around half an hour earlier.

While England were soundly beaten by the Germans, the defeat was overshadowed by a perfectly good goal by Lampard which was not given.

The first half shot by the midfielder cannoned down off the crossbar and clearly crossed the line but was not awarded by the Uruguayan official.

Asked what she thought of the decision, which denied her boyfriend a World Cup goal and England, a potentially crucial equaliser, Miss Bleakley smiled but refused to comment.

She would also give no hint as to the mood in the England camp.

On Monday, the Italian manager claimed he wanted to stay at the helm despite the team's thrashing by the Germans.

But the Italian must wait two weeks to learn his fate.

Capello told reporters at a press conference in South Africa: "I spoke this morning with (Club England chairman) Sir Dave Richards and he told me that he needs two weeks to decide."

Asked whether he would like to stay in his role, the Italian said: "Absolutely. I said I can be the manager of England for the next season, but it is for him (Richards) to decide.

"We spoke also about the players that can play for the next qualification and I know what I have to do."

Asked about the performance of his players, Capello said they were tired after their hectic Premier League season.

And he pointed to Frank Lampard's disallowed second goal, suggesting the outcome of Sunday's game might have been different if the referee had got the decision right.

It is not only the England team that will be arriving home today.

Thousands of disgruntled fans will return in the coming days following a shorter than expected South African trip.

At the airport in Bloemfontein, fans were rearranging flights and some were trying to sell off their tickets for the quarter and semi-finals.

Barry Pringle, 51, an administrator from Clacton-on-Sea, Essex, said: "We just want to get back to England as soon as possible now.

"I thought we was robbed again, as normal.

"They definitely need to bring in video technology."

But James Richardson, 28, a mechanical engineer from Chelmsford, Essex, said: "The Germans deserved it. They took their chances and we didn't. We never look like a team, we are always individuals."

But asked if manager Capello deserved to go, he said: "Who else is going to do it? I would stick with him."

The Uruguayan referee blamed for the "goal that never was" smiled but offered no comment when a plucky Fifa volunteer asked if he knew Lampard's shot crossed the line.

Jorge Larrionda and his assistant Mauricio Espinosa failed to spot that the midfielder's shot crossed the line after crashing off the underside of the crossbar.

Unnoticed by England fans, the match officials passed through the airport in Bloemfontein yesterday where a young Fifa volunteer, who normally welcomes fans to the airport, asked if he knew the goal should have been allowed.

Charlotte Molakeng, 22, from Kroonstad, said: "I just asked if he knew there was a goal.

"But I got no comment, just a smile."







(source: Telegraph.co.uk, photo/The Sun)

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England players robbed by hotel staff!!!

Several England players had shirts, a medal and underwear stolen from the luxury hotel that served as their base during the World Cup.

Police in Rustenburg said cleaning staff from the hotel were responsible for the thefts.

Police spokeswoman Junior Metsi said only about £500 in cash was taken, as the thieves were more keen on grabbing souvenirs such as shirts worn during matches.

The thefts were only reported on Saturday, although it's thought they began on June 21.


Metsi said police solved the case in a day after searching the homes of hotel staff.

"Everything that was stolen was recovered and they (the thieves) are now behind bars," she said.

On Sunday, a special World Cup court convicted five hotel workers of the thefts. They were sentenced to three years in prison and fined.

The players who had items stolen were not named.


(source: mirrorfootball.co.uk)

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The wives and girlfriends despair as they watch their loved ones humbled by Germany in the World Cup

Christine Bleakley could not disguise the agony as she watched boyfriend Frank Lampard and his England team-mates get dumped out of the World Cup.

The TV presenter was joined in the stadium by John Terry's wife Toni Poole, Matthew Upson's girlfriend Ellie Darby and Glen Johnson's wife Laura at the game in Bloemfontein.

Rolling Stones singer Mick Jagger was also in the crowd put through a rollercoaster of emotions before England were eventually beaten 4-1 by Germany.


The Germans went 2-0 up early in the first half, but Upson pulled one back for Fabio Capello's men with a header.

Then, less than a minute later, Uruguayan referee Jorge Larrionda denied Frank Lampard a perfectly good goal when his shot bounced off the crossbar and over the line.



Things went from bad to worse in the second half when the Germans scored two breakaway goals as England chased the game.

The post mortem began at the final whistle, with English fans who paid a small fortune to follow their team in South Africa left wondering why none of the highly paid stars was able to perform.



Many will seek to blame Capello, whose disciplinarian regime appears to have rubbed some of the players up the wrong way and created a mood of ill-feeling in the camp.


Before the tournament, the Italian paid £6m a year, had told the players he did not want wives and girlfriends to be a distraction from the serious business of football.

In Baden Baden four years ago, the WAG sideshow was blamed for disrupting the team.

But the women couldn't be stopped from being in the crowd, even though Bleakley had previously said she wouldn't go.



'I'm not going to South Africa, sadly,' she said. 'So of course I'll miss Frank, but he's got a job to do.

'I'll be watching all the matches and supporting him from home though.'

But maybe the 31-year-old', who is leaving the BBC to join former One Show co-host Adrian Chiles at ITV, had a change of heart after signing her new contract.

She said: 'I am looking forward to a brand new experience at ITV albeit with an old friend'

One WAG who sensibly decided to stay at home was Coleen Rooney. She was pictured at Chester Races and looking after five-month-old son Kai, who at least should put a smile on the face of his father when he gets home.

'I have had the most wonderful three years at the BBC and The One Show.

'It has consumed my life in that time and I would not have had it any other way.'

Carly Cole is currently in Sun City with husband Joe and their three-month daughter Ruby, making the most of her time in the warm weather ahead of the match.

But Coleen Rooney decided to stay in England, after deeming the twelve-hour flight too much of an ordeal for her seven-month-old son Kai.

Alex Curran, wife of Steven Gerrard, also made the decision to stay in England.

Meanwhile, WAG Chantelle Tagoe offered support to the Three Lions today - as well as a lion cub and a cheetah.





While England fans were hoping to see the England team roar against Germany, Emile Heskey's fiancee was making the cats purr.

She paid a visit to the Cheetah Experience sanctuary in Bloemfontein, where she stroked a white lion cub and played with a two-year-old cheetah as it stretched out on the ground.


(source: dailymail.co.uk)

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Who could replace Fabio Capello after World Cup exit?

As Fabio Capello prepares to hold talks with members of the Football Association regarding his future as England manager, Duncan White looks at possible replacements for the Italian following the side's elimination from the World Cup.



Martin O’Neill
He was the public’s choice to succeed Sven-Goran Eriksson in 2006, but failed to impress in his interview with the FA. Has built a team based around young English players at Aston Villa and is an excellent motivator.
Stuart Pearce
The Football Association sought Pearce’s inclusion in Capello’s team in order to groom him as a future coach. He has been successful with the Under-21s, but there remain doubts about his aptitude and experience.
Arsène Wenger
An outsider for the job, but the Frenchman knows English football inside out, has an outstanding track record at Arsenal and would be able to coordinate the development of a new generation of talented players.
Roy Hodgson
The former Inter Milan manager would be favourite to succeed Capello after guiding Fulham to their highest Premier League finish and the final of the Europa League in consecutive seasons. Has international experience having managed Switzerland, UAE and Finland.
Harry Redknapp
Popular and gregarious man-manager who handles the media well and has worked with many of the England players at club level. Football Association may be concerned that he comes with too much baggage, what with a court case pending over alleged tax evasion.

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Lampard calls for technology

Frank Lampard has demanded the introduction of goal-line technology after being denied a goal against Germany as England crashed out of the World Cup.

England were trailing 2-1 when Lampard's 20-yard strike hit the underside of the bar and bounced down around a yard over the goal-line

However, the officials failed to spot the ball had crossed the line and allowed play to continue.

Germany took full advantage of their lucky escape by going on to win 4-1 and Lampard is amazed his goal was not allowed to count.

"I haven't seen the goal again but I didn't need to see it again," insisted Lampard.

"I knew straight away that my shot was over the line, clearly a yard or so.

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Fabio Capello blasts linesman Mauricio Espinosa

The Uruguayan official denied a goal by Frank Lampard, which took place as England were lagging behind by 2-1.

Replays, however, showed that it clearly crossed the line.

In the end, England were defeated by 4-1 but Capello insisted things would have been different if Lampard's goal had been allowed.

Capello said: "It was one of the most important things in the game."

"The goal was very important. We could have played a different style."

"We played I think well at 2-1, but after the third goal it was a little bit disappointing."

"We played well. Germany is a big team. They played a good game. We made some mistakes when they played the counter-attack."

"The referee made bigger mistakes. Little things decide the result always."


(source: metro.co.uk)

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Jorge Larrionda was booted off the 2002 World Cup list and also missed a 'goal' in 2004 qualifying

Referee Jorge Larrionda's decision not to award England a goal after Frank Lampard's deft effort clipped the cross-bar and bounced a yard behind the line is not the first glaring error made by the Uruguayan official.

The 42-year-old South American, once suspended for six months by his country's Football Association for alleged 'irregularities', was at the centre of a World Cup storm on his continent six years ago for just the same reason.

In a vital qualifying clash between Brazil and Columbia, Larrionda deprived the world champions a winner midway through the second half when Adriano saw his close-range shot bounce down off the underside of the crossbar and land half a metre behind the line.

It caused as much anger in Brazil as it did disbelief elsewhere yet the man in the middle was still selected to officiate at the 2006 World Cup.

In this year's tournament, where he has refereed three games, Larrionda has already attracted criticism for his failure to spot Tim Cahill's clear handball for Australia which ultimately cost Serbia a place in the last 16.


In his final match at the 2006 tournament, the semi-final between France and Portugal he gave a penalty against Ricardo Carvalho which ultimately decided the match.

Larrionda, who lists breeding animals as his main hobby, has the highest red card per match ratio in international matches, 94 in 140 or two reds every three games. It seems he comes with baggage.

The most damaging allegation against him, though, came in 2002. The 42-year-old was suspended along with four other Uruguayan officials for unspecified 'irregularities', a decision which cost him a place at the 2002 World Cup.

England might wish a similar ban had prevented his presence in South Africa this time around.


(source: dailymail.co.uk)

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Keeper Manuel Neuer relieved at Frank Lampard's disallowed goal

With England 2-1 down, Frank Lampard was convinced he had equalised when his shot beat Neuer before hitting the underside of the bar.
The ball bounced down and TV replays showed it had gone about two feet over the line. To Lampard's astonishment, Uruguayan referee Jorge Larrionda disallowed his effort.

It was a pivotal moment in the World Cup last-16 match as Germany went on to win 4-1 at the Free State Stadium.

Neuer was all smiles at the end of the game as England prepared to pack their bags and head home.

Neuer said: "I tried not to react to the referee and just concentrate on what was happening - it was difficult. I knew it was close.

"Then I saw it on the television in the doping control office and what actually happened. I knew it was tight - probably about two metres."

(source: telegraph.co.uk)

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England 1:4 Germany: match report

History just refuses to leave England v Germany alone. England crashed out of the World Cup amid controversy in Bloemfontein.

Fabio Capello's team went two goals down in the first half an hour but pulled one back through Matthew Upson’s header. A minute later Frank Lampard appeared to have levelled as his shot came down off the bar and clearly crossed the line. The Uruguayan linesman failed to give the goal. Revenge for the most famous goal in World Cup history?

It was a huge mistake to make in such an important game. While it is still impossible to say for sure whether Geoff Hurst’s second and England’s third had crossed the line in 1966, this was a clear goal. For Tofik Bakhramov read Mauricio Espinosa. He won't be allowed to forget that.

Germany also took vengeance for the 5-1 defeat in Munich, adding two counter-attacking goals in the second half to leave England humbled. For all the righteous English anger about the officials’ error, they were outclassed by Germany.

Capello had spent the night mulling over the decision of whether to recall Jamie Carragher, back from suspension, or retain Upson, who had played ably against Slovenia. In the end he decided to stick with his winning team and retain Upson. It was a resonant decision.

For the first half an hour England slipped effortless into their bad old habits. Gone was the intensity of the Slovenia performance and back was the timidity and ponderousness of the game against Algeria. The tempo was slow and too often they tried to hit overly-ambitious passes.



England were given early warning of the German threat. With just four minutes played, Mesut Ozil got in behind Ashley Cole. He had a tight angle to shoot from and tried to squeeze it between David James’s legs. The England goalkeeper managed to deflect it behind. He didn’t get so lucky next time.

Manuel Neuer, the German goalkeeper, hit a huge punt downfield and John Terry was caught out of position, too far up the field. As the ball sailed over him, Upson was slow to react and Klose pounced, getting ahead of the West Ham defender, holding him off and poking the ball beyond a hesitant James.

Ten minutes later and the German’s cut through the English defence again. Thomas Muller surged forward on the right and found Sami Khedira whose clever flick back to Muller allowed the Bayern forward to slip the ball through to Klose. James was out fast to block.

The German second was another beguiling, fluid move – or at least was made to look that way by England’s static defending. Again it came from the German right as Ozil and Klose combined to put Muller clear. He in turn passed the ball across to Podolski, sprinting forward down the left German left, and he shot underneath James and inside the far post.

Two goals down and facing a heavy defeat, England woke up. James Milner beat Jerome Boateng on the right and sent in and excellent low cross to the near post. Lampard came sprinting in and made good contact but Neuer, whether he was aware of it or not, managed to get a glove to it.

Eight minutes before the break and England pulled a goal back. Lampard went bursting forward and won a corner, took it quickly to Milner, who in turn dished off to Gerrard. The England captain curved in a fine cross which Upson met with a cushioned header past the stranded Neuer.

Just before the German second Defoe had hit the bar after being wrongly flagged offside. That was nothing compared to what Espinoza had in store. Just a minute after scoring Lampard superbly guided a shot against the underside of the bar. It came down and clearly bounced over the line. The England players celebrated. Capello celebrated. The fans celebrated. Espinoza remained unmoved. Rooney led the protests at half-time, with David Beckham waiting to confront the officials at the entrance to the tunnel.

Lampard must have wondered what he had to do. Having been denied by a superb save and the myopia of the linesman, the woodwork was next. From 30 yards he hit a dipping free kick that thumped against the bar.

England were pushing hard but could not quite find the equaliser, Boateng blocking Milner’s shot after Rooney had slipped him in.

Germany, though, killed the game with two counter-attacks that embarrassed the English defence all too easily. They just could not live with the movement of Ozil and, especially, Muller.

The German third came from a Lampard free kick which came back off the wall to Barry. He lost it to Boateng who played it to Muller, running clear. The Bayern player hit a terrific pass out to Schweinsteiger on the German left and he ran forward before cutting inside the retreating Johnson and lay the ball back into the path of Muller. He smashed his shot in at the near post, James diving out of the way.

The fourth echoed the third. The ball was cleared down the German left where Ozil had scampered off in anticipation, leaving Barry in his wake. The German playmaker had plenty of time to pick his pass and found Muller, who converted his second gleefully. This was a landmark performance from the 20 year-old.

Even as Germany chased a fifth, England’s attacking players refused to give up. Gerrard picked up on a cute Rooney lay-off, burst into the box and tried to curl the ball around Neuer. The German keeper made another fine save.

While the English players were understandably angry about the injustice of Lampard’s disallowed goal, this was an impressive performance from this young Germany side. They ruthless exposed England’s weaknesses and will meet either Mexico or Argentina in Cape Town on Saturday.


(source: telegraph.co.uk)

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The wives and girlfriends arrive in South Africa to back England

Christine Bleakley, the girlfriend of England midfielder Frank Lampard, was the latest to arrive in the country, joining Chantelle Tagoe, Emile Heskey's fiancée, and Carly Cole, the wife of Joe Cole, who were already there.

Bleakley, the television presenter who last week clinched a lucrative three-year deal to switch from the BBC to ITV, landed at OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg sporting a warm smile and wearing a gold, satin blouse and dark blue, skinny jeans.

Fabio Capello, the England manager, has discouraged WAGS from joining their husbands and partners in South Africa, but some have made the trip regardless – others also in the country include Ellie Darby, the girlfriend of Matthew Upson, and Glen Johnson's wife Laura.

Although Capello is known as an authoritarian, he has already softened his hard-line approach at the tournament. Ahead of last week's victory over Slovenia, he permitted players to drink alcohol although, in the end, it is not thought any player had so much as a single beer.


Unlike at the World Cup in Germany four years ago, the Football Association is not paying for the WAGS to travel to South Africa. They were seen as an unwelcome distraction for the team in 2006.

Today the WAGS are expected to do some "good works" in the morning – possibly a visit to a township or an orphanage – before watching the match in Bloemfontein, the winner of which will go through to the tournament's quarter finals.

Back in Britain, the television audience for the game is expected to beat the 19 million who watched England lose to Portugal in the World Cup in 2006. Millions will watch the match in pubs and cafés and on big screens in public areas.

Sainsbury's said it expected to sell five million pints of lager this weekend – up 30 per cent up on last week – 300,000 pizzas and enough sausages and burgers to stretch from London to Johannesburg.

Retail sales are projected to rise by £1.3 billion if the team reaches the quarter final and by over £2 billion if England win the World Cup, according to a survey by the Centre for Retail Research.


(source: telegraph.co.uk, photo/dailymail.co.uk)

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Germany's players offered £1million to beat England!

Germany's players have been offered an astonishing £1 MILLION bribe to beat England in today's make or break World Cup clash.

The extraordinary bonus was yesterday sanctioned by German football bosses - on the same day our players were subjected to a string of vile, personal attacks in the German press.

Germany's manager Joachim Loew - who last night skipped a press conference as pressure built on the eve of today's clash - announced the win bonus to his country's players.

The three-time world champions are so desperate to beat Fabio Capello's men in Bloemfontein today that they have agreed to make a one-off payment of almost £50,000 to every member of their 23-man squad.

The Germans have spent the week trying to portray England's players as the bad boys of the World Cup where, in fact, Fabio Capello's squad have agreed to give their appearance fees for today's game to charities.



But that did not stop the string of savage attacks on our boys in Germany's media.

Captain Steven Gerrard was labelled a bar-room brawler and star striker Wayne Rooney is described as a 'Freier' - a man who pays for sex.

And in a further sign the Germans were running scared they yesterday failed to send a player to the pre-match press conference.

They said it was in protest for the not being allowed to train on the Bloemfontein pitch.

The mud-slinging against our players appeared yesterday in the country's biggest selling newspaper - Bild - in an article under the headline: "Now our good German boys take on the English rowdies."

The article said: "They play the same game, but are completely different people.

"The best lesson for the English scoundrels? Send them home. No later than Monday."

German player Thomas Müller, who faces England defender Ashley Cole, is described as a faithful husband whereas Cole is labelled as a serial adulterer.

Wayne Rooney comes in for stick when the Germans drag up the details of his visits to massage parlours as a very young man six years ago. Jermain Defoe is described as a cross dresser, famous for getting his leg over.

And the Germans shamefully denounce captain Gerrard as a barroom brawler - a reference to an incident two years ago he was, in fact, cleared of. But his opposite number German captain Philipp Lahm is, you guessed it, a serious campaigner on AIDS issues and helps children in need.

John Terry is described as a man who loves to dabble with the girlfriend of another player while Miroslav Klose, the German striker, is described as a model footballer and keen angler.

But England's heroes rose above the mud-slinging yesterday - with Steven Gerard telling his teammates they were set to play the biggest game of their lives.

England's skipper said today's clash with the Germans was "massive" and vowed to have "no regrets" when the final whistle is blown.

Gerrard, 30, said: "We're ready. The mood is good. We've worked hard and we will do whatever it takes to get into the last eight."

And the Liverpool midfielder vowed t that fellow Scouser Wayne Rooney would break his World Cup scoring drought.

Speaking last night, Gerrard said: "I have no doubt that Wayne will score tomorrow.

"He's under pressure but the pressure is on the whole team. Top players put themselves under pressure. I'm sure that is what Wayne is doing.

" Manager Fabio Capello also revealed that Rooney has scored a hatful of goals in training since qualifying for the last 16.

"Rooney is training well and scoring lots of goals," he said. "He is very important for us. It is only a matter of time befor he scores in a match.

"We all expect that to be against Germany."

Yesterday the huge travelling army of Three Lions fans started their 20,000-strong descent on Bloemfontein -desperate to play a noisy, colourful part in our epic clash.

Our diehard supporters displayed glorious St George spirit as they packed sold-out flights from all corners of South Africa, slept all night on train carriage floors and drove for up to 10 hours in hire cars and minibuses.

And as they flocked to the 44,000-seat Free State Stadium in South Africa's remotest province, they were praying that our Three Lions would finally roar.

Countdown to crunch time

(local South African times) 4pm

Yesterday: The team board the coach from their Rustenburg training camp for Sun City airport, before an hour-long flight to Bloemfontein. They check in at the Bloem Spa Lodge in sight of the Free State Stadium.

7pm: Coach Fabio Capello and captain Steven Gerrard speak to the world in their last press conference before the game.

7.30pm: The squad tuck into a nutritional dinner of pasta, chicken, fish, vegetables and rice.

8.30pm: They relax in the hotel and watch last night's game between Ghana and the USA before drifting off to their rooms at around 10.30.

9am TODAY: The players assemble for the match-day breakfast of fruit, yoghurt, poached eggs and toast.

11am: The players gather for a group stretching session with physio Gery Lewin before a morning of relaxation.

12.30pm: Lunch of fresh pasta, steamed vegetables and fish.

2pm: They board the coach and drive past thousands of cheering fans as they sweep into the stadium.

3pm: They find their place in the dressing room and change into their warm-up kits before heading on to the pitch for the first time.

4pm: Captain Gerrard leads the team out. The stadium erupts. Come on England!


(source: mirror.co.uk)

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Bet of the Day: Germany - England

Match Odds: Germany 2.85, Draw 3.05, England 2.65

Kick-Off: Sunday, June 27, 15:00 BST.
Free State Stadium, Mangaung/Bloemfontein.

Matches like Sunday afternoon's is the reason the World Cup was invented. The mere mention of both Germany and England evokes memories of controversial goals, late comebacks and the dreaded penalty shoot-out. Yes, we did manage to go a full sentence before mentioning spot-kicks.

Let's take a look at the betting options for the clash.

England trudged their way through the group eventually finishing second with five points. A goalkeeping howler prevented the Three Lions taking maximum points over the United States and they were simply dreadful against Algeria labouring to a point.

Things got back on track with a 1-0 win over Slovenia which saw a vast improvement in performance. Winning their last match has given England a much needed confidence boost, but let's not get carried away as Slovenia are an average side.

On the plus part, England are unbeaten while Sunday's opponents are not. They've only shipped one goal and that was the result of a mistake. History indicates that England will raise their game when they play a better team and there are certainly no rivals more fierce than the three times World Champions.


Germany lit up the early part of the group stage thumping Australia 4-0, which was assisted by their knowledge of the Jabulani ball. The controversial football was introduced into the Bundesliga earlier in the season so German players could get acquainted with it. A 1-0 loss to Serbia followed where the Nationalmannschaft played with 10 men for 50 minutes and (frame now) missed a penalty. Ghana were beaten 1-0 in a match where the European side rarely looked troubled.

"It would be a terrible mistake to underestimate them [England] just because they had a few problems in their group. They may well raise their game for the knockout matches. We have no need to be in awe, and we certainly have no reason to fear them. We respect them of course, but we're not afraid," Lukas Podolski told FIFA.com.

England Tips
Considering their lousy record against Sunday's opponents you may be surprised to find that England are slight favourites at 2.65. Don't be. This is mainly fuelled by patriotic fans backing their team and bookies are savvy to this. In reality, Germany are the favourites.

Jermain Defoe will be given another opportunity after bagging the winner against Slovenia. The Tottenham Hotspur striker is not one of the world's top forwards but a confident, happy Defoe could cause Germany problems. He is an excellent 3.0 to score at anytime and 8.0 to score first as he did last time out.

Wayne Rooney does not look fit, or sharp, for that matter so odds of 2.37 to score at anytime look too short from this angle. His last goal came against German opposition when he scored against Bayern Munich. Wazza is 6.0 to score first.

A better bet is Steven Gerrard, who scored a long ranger in England's 5-1 thumping back in 2001, who is 4.0 to score at anytime and 9.0 to score first. The Liverpool skipper is captaining his country for the first time in the knockout stages and he has a tendency to roam, making shooting opportunities very likely. He's already scored in the tournament...

Germany Tips
At 2.85 Germany are superb value to win in 90 minutes. They have the hex over England in the World Cup eliminating them in 1970 and 1990.

Miroslav Klose returns for Germany after serving his suspension. Klose performs much better for his country than his club and coach Joachim Low is an enthusiastic supporter. With 11 goals already in his World Cup career, Klose is generously priced at 3.0 to score during the 90 minutes and 7.0 to score first.

Mesut Oezil has been identified by many as the key player for the Germans. Having scored arguably the goal of the tournament, Oezil is a very worthwhile 4.50 to score at anytime.

Germany have been very strong in the second-half of games recently, scoring ten goals after the break in their last six matches. In five of those games they won the second-half, so there is a lot of merit in Germany doing the same on Sunday afternoon and winning the second-half at stunning value of 3.03.

Extra Time
Don Fabio will want to avoid penalties like the plague just like Marcello Lippi did with Italy against Germany in the semi-finals four years ago.

* England to win in extra time - 12.0

* Germany to win in extra time - 12.0

Penalties
We had to mention it sometime and it certainly makes for dismal reading for the Three Lions. Italia '90 and Euro '96 eliminations were from the spot, and that was just against the Germans. France '98, Portugal '04 and Germany '06 were the scenes for more penalty heartbreak.

Jermain Defoe has missed six of his last 11 penalties, while Frank Lampard aimed his most recent one wide in the FA Cup Final. Germany have thrown England a bone thanks to Lukas Podolski's miss against Serbia - his nation's first in a World Cup since 1982 - or to put it another way, before Jermain Defoe was even born.

* England to win on penalties - 10.0

* Germany to win on penalties - 9.50

Betting Verdict
A draw after 90 minutes is the most sensible bet as the last four times these teams have clashed in a knockout tournament they have been level pegging making extra-time a necessity. At much better than even money this is most definitely worth shelling out a little Sterling or Euro on.

* Draw after 90 minutes - 3.05

In all the knockout games so far both teams have scored and Sunday should be no different. England have a makeshift defence, while as Serbia have demonstrated, Germany can be got at. You can't afford to be conservative with elimination staring you in the face.

* Both teams to score - 2.0

Local Insight
Dennis Weinacht, Goal.com Germany

"It will be a very exciting game which I suspect will have plenty of goals. In the end Germany will go through with some luck because Miroslav Klose will return to great form and score twice.

"Wayne Rooney will do the same for England. Only in the last minutes of the match will the game be decided. Maybe the teams have to play more then 90 minutes but there won't be a penalty shoot-out.

"It will also be important for Germany that the defence around Arne Friedrich and Per Mertesacker finally plays very well. We are relying on them."

Prediction: Germany 3-2 England

Odds on 3-2 Germany win: 34.0

Sulmaan Ahmad, Goal.com UK Chief Editor

"It may not be the prediction expected, but my honest instinct is that the German team looks to have goals from more areas, and while their defence hasn't been as strong as it used to be, it has remained fairly solid throughout the tournament so far.

"Plus, the battle of Oezil vs Barry is not one I imagine ending in England's favour. It may go to extra-time, but Germany are the more likely to produce a winner. Penalties would also be likely to end in their favour. That being said, this, along with Spain vs Portugal, is the closest round of 16 tie there is."

Prediction: Germany 2-1 England

Odds on 2-1 Germany win: 11.0

Match Odds: Germany 2.85, Draw 3.05, England 2.65


(source: goal.com)

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England v Germany: match preview

Round of 16

England v Germany
Free State Stadium, Bloemfontein
Kick-off: Sun June 27, 3pm BST
TV: BBC One 2.30pm

It was, perhaps, inevitable England would meet Germany in South Africa, but few expected it so early on. Germany have impressed more than England at the World Cup so far, particularly against Australia. Yet they have lost, against Serbia, while England remain unbeaten.

The last time these teams met in the finals was back in 1990, when England suffered the cruelty of a penalty heartache. But on the previous occasion they met in the qualifiers England record their best ever win over their rivals, a remarkable 5-1 victory in Munich.

Bastian Schweinsteiger, Jerome Boateng and Mesut Ozil all picked up knocks against Ghana but Germany anticipate the trio to be fit. The Germans will also have Miroslav Klose available after suspension.

England, meanwhile, are expected to keep faith with Matthew Upson alongside John Terry even though Jamie Carragher is available after suspension. There is, though, a slight double over Wayne Rooney and his ankle problem.

Key Clash

John Terry v Miroslav Klose: Terry was immense against Slovenia, having received a verbal lashing from Capello.

Now he faces one of the most successful strikers in world football and has to produce another superlative performance, aided by Matthew Upson.

Klose is one short of 50 international goals and his return, from suspension, against England will be his 99th appearance for Germany.


Touchline duel

Fabio Capello v Joachim Low: Two cool customers will stand side by side in Bloemfontein and both have points to prove.

Low has been criticised for fielding such a young side but the fact Germany have qualified again suggests the future is bright.

Capello’s hold over discipline showed cracks but now he has the support of his players again and confidence has returned.

Talking tactics

Capello has resisted calls to play Wayne Rooney as a lone striker with Steven Gerrard playing just off him. Gerrard started on the left against Slovenia, though he did drift inside.

James Milner impressed on the right in that game and will continue, while Matthew Upson will be expected to deliver another good display alongside John Terry.

Germany have used a 4-2-3-1 formation for all three games, with Cacau replacing Klose against Ghana.

Fabio Capello: “The players needed the victory against Slovenia and I needed it. They can play against all the teams and I am sure the performance will always be at this level with this spirit.”

Hansi Flick (assistant manager): “We have a very young team and England are certainly the favourites. But beating Ghana made us mentally stronger.”

Teams

Germany (3-2-3-1): Neuer; Lahm, Friedrich, Mertesacker, Boateng; Khedira, Schweinsteiger; Muller, Podolski, Ozil; Klose.
England (4-4-2): James; Johnson, Upson, Terry, A Cole; Milner, Lampard, Barry, Gerrard; Rooney, Defoe.
Referee: Jorge Larrionda (Uruguay)

Previous meetings

Played: 27 Germany 10, Draws 5, England 12

1930: (Berlin, Friendly): Germany 3 England 3
1935: (London, Friendly): England 3 Germany 0
1938: (Berlin, Friendly): Germany 3 England 6
1954: (London, Friendly): England 3 West Germany 1
1956: (West Berlin, Friendly): West Germany 1 England 3
1965: (Nuremburg, Friendly): West Germany 0 England 1
1966: (London, Friendly): England 1 West Germany 0
1966: (London, WC): England 4 W Germany 2 (aet)
1968: (Hanover, Friendly): West Germany 1 England 0
1970: (Leon, WC): W Germany 3 England 2 (aet)
1972: (London, EC): England 1 West Germany 3
1972: (West Berlin, EC): West Germany 0 England 0
1975: (London, Friendly): England 2 West Germany 0
1978: (Munich, Friendly): West Germany 2 England 1
1982: (Madrid, WC): W Germany 0 England 0
1982: (London, Friendly): England 1 West Germany 2
1985: (Mexico City, Friendly): England 3 West Germany 0
1987: (Düsseldorf, Friendly): West Germany 3 England 1
1990: (Turin, WC): W Germany 1 England 1 (West Germany 4-3 pens)
1991: (London, Friendly): England 0 Germany 1
1993: (Detroit, Friendly): Germany 2 England 1
1996: (London, EC): England 1 Germany 1 (Germany 5-6 pens)
2000: (Charleroi, EC): England 1 Germany 0
2000: (London, WCQ): England 0 Germany 1
2001: (Munich, WCQ): Germany 1 England 5
2007: (London, Friendly): England 1 Germany 2
2008: (Berlin, Friendly): Germany 1 England 2

Fact: Miroslav Klose has scored 11 goals in World Cup finals, just four behind all-time record scorer Ronaldo, who has 15.

He is only three behind Germany’s most prolific World Cup scorer, Gerd Müller. England’s highest scorer is Gary Lineker (10) while, in the present squad it is Steven Gerrard, with three.

Meanwhile, Germany have drawn only one of their last 15 games, keeping nine clean sheets in that spell.

All four previous knockout matches between England and Germany in major tournaments have gone to extra time.

Prediction: The time has come for England to beat Germany, and do it in regular time without penalties. England will win.

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Wayne Rooney issues rallying cry as defiant star aims to knock out the Germans

The defiant striker promised the Three Lions would draw on all their fighting spirit to knock our old foe out of the contest and warned Joachim Loew’s side: “We’re not scared of you.”

As thousands of excited England fans poured into Bloemfontein ahead of the last 16 knockout match, Roo – who was a keen boxer in his youth – said: “I thought the Germans looked good in their first match, but they are beatable and I am confident.

“Winning, that’s why I love football so much, it is all about winning. I have seen nothing to be afraid of.”

Rooney, 24, may have failed to sparkle in the competition so far, but England fans hope he will rediscover the blistering form that terrifies defenders. And veteran goalkeeper David James is convinced Roo, who last scored for England in September’s Wembley 5-1 qualifing rout against Croatia, will use tomorrow’s match as the springboard to do just that.

He said: “This is the platform for him, I am sure Wayne would like to make this his game.
“It is about the team winning, but Wayne’s contribution in our match against Slovenia was superb.”

James is also confident England can dump Germany out of the contest in 90 minutes, meaning we won’t face a dreaded penalty shoot-out against the most clinical spot kickers in the world. But he said he will be closely studying the penalty techniques of our opponents so he is 100% ready should the match end in a draw.

The 39-year-old added: “It is all about doing the homework.

“I watched the videos on three sides we have faced already.

“In a shoot-out there will be five of their regular penalty takers and I will be looking at that. I will be ready.

“Germany have not lost in a shoot out, but it is our intention to win in 90 minutes. We have confidence. We went to Berlin a couple of years ago and won 2-1, we can do it.”

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England's World Cup hopes dealt a blow by psychic octopus

Paul the octopus has correctly predicted all of Germany's wins and defeats in the World Cup so far - and he is tipping them to beat Fabio Capello's team tomorrow.

To get his predictions, food is lowered into Paul's tank in two containers with the flag of each country on the front. The one he goes for is his tip to win.




For this last 16 clash in Bloemfontein, Paul opted for a mussel in a glass of water marked with the black, red and yellow flag of our fierce rivals.

To rub salt in England's wounds, twoyear-old Paul lives in Oberhausen Sea Life centre in Germany but is originally from Weymouth, Dorset.

The centre's Tanja Munzig, who looks after the creature, said: "For the European Championship in 2008 Paul's success rate was more than 80% for Germany games.

"And for this World Cup, he has had a 100% success rate so far." She'll probably shell out a few squid on the result.

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Best Germany - England clashes from the past!

England star Wayne Rooney had already expressed his desire to lock horns with Germany earlier this month and the Manchester United forward will get his wish to face the Nationalelf in the first knock-out round of the 2010 World Cup on Sunday.

The Germans topped their group after beating Ghana 1-0 in the last match of the group stage, while the Three Lions had to settle for second spot in their group, despite beating Slovenia 1-0 on Matchday 3.

English Victories

The clash between Germany and England has quite an impressive history and previous meetings have led to some controversial moments. The most famous game between both nations is without a doubt the final of the 1966 World Cup at Wembley. Englishmen and Germans still don't agree on whether Geoff Hurst's goal had indeed crossed the goal-line. However, what counts most is that the referee awarded England a goal, eventually leading to the Three Lions' biggest success in history, winning the World Cup.
The 4-2 triumph for England was only one out of two victories for the Three Lions over their bitter rivals in a match of substance. The Nationalelf won't exactly have sweet memories of their 5-1 defeat in the qualification campaign for the 2002 World Cup either. Michael Owen netted a hattrick back then to humiliate Germany in Munich. Aside from these two matches, Germany have been the dominant side against England.

First German Win In 1968

Only two years after their controversial loss in the World Cup final, the Germans bounced back and beat England for the first time in history. Franz Beckenbauer was the one who led Germany to their first ever win against England after failing to record a victory in their previous 12 meetings.

Der Kaiser's goal was the start of a new era, in which the Germans proved to be too strong for England in important matches. Uwe Seeler headed the Nationalelf to victory against at the 1970 World Cup, while the Three Lions were also eliminated by 'ze Germanz' at Euro 1972, the 1982 World Cup, the 1990 World Cup and at Euro 1996.

Waddle And Southgate - 'The Donkeys'

One of Germany's favourite ways to beat their bitter rivals was via the penalty shoot-out. During Germany's triumph at the 1990 World Cup, Chris Waddle was the one who failed to convert his spot kick when it mattered most, thus ending England's World Cup hopes.
Six years later at the European Championships in England, the Three Lions' title ambitions were once again frustrated from twelve yards. Gareth Southgate was his side's 'donkey' this time when he failed to find the net from the spot in England's semi-final against Germany.

Lineker: "In The End Germany Always Win"

"Normally, every team could beat their opponent when it comes to spot kicks, unless England play against Germany," as English legend Gary Lineker once said.

"Football is a game for 22 people that run around, play the ball, and one referee who makes a slew of mistakes, and in the end Germany always win."

It remains to be seen though whether the English will be in tears again after Sunday's match...

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Franz Beckenbauer taunts England's 'inferior power'

Fresh from his dig at England's style of football in their opening two draws at the World Cup, when he said the team play 'kick and rush', the German legend has now picked another war of words by saying England will be mentally and physically fatigued by the time they get to Bloemfontein.

A nervy 1-0 win over Slovenia saw Fabio Capello's men make it through to the last-16 from Group C.

But Beckenbauer says the English domestic campaign will hamper England's efforts from here on in.

'What Germany have in our favour against England is our power,' the former coach told German daily newspaper Bild.

'The Englishmen looked tired [in the group stage] and there’s a reason for it: Premier League stars play far more games than their Bundesliga counterparts, including two national cup competitions.

'Hence they’re often burned out at World Cups or European Championships.


'That’s the impression I had after watching England's first two appearances in South Africa. Our players are in better physical condition.'

Germany themselves laboured to get out of their group after a second-half goal earned them a 1-0 win over Ghana - although defeat would have seen them eliminated altogether.

But Beckenbauer added: 'England versus Germany - those were always the greatest, most unforgettable games in our history.

'Such a game is fit for a semi-final, not in the second round, but unfortunately the match has come much too early.

'The English stupidly messed it up by finishing runners-up in their group.

'Do we need to fear our friends from the island?

'We need to respect them, but certainly not fear them. England’s first two World Cup appearances were poor.'


(source: metro.co.uk)

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