With Danny Welbeck carrying an injury, Liverpool striker Andy Carroll is set to lead the line for England this summer, according to The Telegraph.
The Anfield hitman has had a largely inconsistent 2011-12 campaign, but improved towards the end of the season with goals for the Merseyside club.
Welbeck is still suffering from an ankle injury that he picked up in the Manchester derby back in April, and is reported to have limped out of Three Lions training this week.
England defender Joleon Lescott has backed Carroll to start for Roy Hodgson’s men in Welbeck and Wayne Rooney’s absence, and pose a real threat to opponents this summer.
“Andy Carroll is a threat in any game,” the Manchester City centre-back told reporters.
“It’s nice to see him getting the media coverage and the high praise he deserves over the last few weeks of the season.
“I’m sure his confidence is high going into the tournament. Andy’s always a handful to play against but when his confidence is high it’s even worse.
“He has great ability, it’s not just in the air. International football is not just about that aerial threat but not many teams have that presence in the air and he brings that to the squad.
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“He’s had a good finish, been called into the squad for a major tournament so if his confidence is not high for something like this, there’s not a lot it will be high for. So you’d like to think after his last couple of games and getting called up, this is the best he’s felt about himself,” Lescott admitted.
There is a rare beast in North London, a creature seen so scarcely its very existence has been questioned. Its name is the Tottenham Hotspur home-grown player. First team sightings are so few they can be counted on the fingers of one hand in recent years.
We are not talking here about players who fit the new home-grown criteria set to be introduced for the next premiership season, players like Dawson, Huddlestone and Lennon for example. We are talking about products of the Academy, the Spurs youth setup, brought in as youngsters and turned into top quality, valuable players.
According to the Spurs website, their ethos is: ‘to recruit the best potential which can be developed by the best coaches, working in the best facilities..’ but the results have been pitiful. They currently have Ledley King and Peter Crouch (even though the latter failed to make an appearance for the club as a youngster) representing the academy, before that we are harking back to such club legends as Luke Young, Dean Marney and Jamie O’Hara. There is no haul here, no golden era, not even close to a steady trickle.
The failure of youth team players to make it into the first team has been a problem for the past 20 years, and whilst the current crop of youth players look highly promising, it will be interesting to see how many actually make it.
During Tottenham’s many years of disappointment, Arsenal, West Ham, Manchester City and Manchester United have all nurtured top premiership talents. The recent approach at Spurs lodge has been to buy this young talent, developed elsewhere, before it gets too expensive. Whilst this policy has proved successful with the likes of Huddlestone, Lennon and even Bale, it is an acknowledgement of the failure of the club’s own development programme and also a nod to the need for instant success at this level.
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However, with the need for a new stadium looming, and the prospect of a severe belt tightening with it. The financial need of developing at least some home-grown talent will become apparent. Buying young players from other more successful academies to cover up the inadequacies of the youth programme is a short-term solution and an unsustainable one.
Harry Redknapp’s involvement at West Ham during the period in the 90’s that saw them bring through, Ferdinand, Cole, Lampard, Carrick and Defoe should encourage as surely he understands the importance of the youth system, but Spurs have a lot of catching up to do.
Blackburn return home to Ewood Park shell shocked after their mauling at the hands of new Premier League leaders, Manchester United. Sam Allardyce will have done very well to clear the performance from the minds’ of his players.
Wolves were only minutes from another frustrating defeat against Sunderland last weekend, before a late double prevented Mick McCarthy’s men settling at the bottom of the Premier League table. Wolves still need points desperately and whilst back to back wins may drive them out of the relegation zone, it is hard not to see this game as a potential relegation six pointer.
It must be remembered that Rovers have a very strong home record- it is this that has kept them in the league over the past two seasons. Wolves will come to play, and will not park the proverbial bus. This may well be a decent game plan with Blackburn’s potentially fragile mental state- how they respond should they go a goal down will be key to the outcome.
Prediction: 1-0
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Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand has stated that he feels team-mate Paul Scholes should continue playing for another season, but knows that the veteran will weigh up his options in the summer.
The ageing midfielder retired last summer, only to return to action in January and spearhead the Red Devils’ title charge.
After impressive performances over the last couple of months, Ferdinand is in no doubt whether or not the 37-year-old should continue playing.
“Definitely,” Ferdinand told The Telegraph when quizzed if Scholes should participate for another campaign.
“It would be nice if he could play another season, but with Scholesy, you know it doesn’t make a difference what anybody else says.
“He’s his own man and he’ll make his own decision.
“There are a number of reasons why we’ve done well since the turn of the year and there’s no doubt that one of them is Paul Scholes.
“It’s not just the quality of his football that impresses me but the way he has adapted physically.
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“He was out of the game for months and yet he’s come straight back into top-level football and he’s hardly looked out of place. At this stage of his career, that’s phenomenal,” he admitted.
Barcelona vice-president Josep Bartomeu yesterday announced that there was “no rush” to sign Cesc Fabregas, and that the club would be willing to wait until the last minute of the transfer window should they need to in order to gain the services of the Arsenal skipper. Speculation surrounding Fabregas’ future has dominated the headlines for two summer transfer windows now, and the Spaniard has made no secret of his desire to return to his boyhood club despite the protests of Arsene Wenger and the Arsenal board. Last season Arsenal rejected two bids from Barcelona believed to be in the region of £30m, however their valuation of the midfielder appears to have dropped this year and in their most recent attempt to lure Fabregas to the Nou Camp, the European champions were only willing to offer around £27m.
We are led to believe that at the right price, Arsenal would reluctantly allow Fabregas to leave the club, and it had been expected that Barcelona would return with an improved offer that the two clubs would agree on. However Arsenal cannot afford to wait until the last day of the transfer window to decide whether or not the offer on the table is good enough for their talisman. A player of Fabregas’ calibre would need to be replaced, and a sufficient replacement will take time to locate and almost certainly come at a hefty price. For the sake of Arsenal’s progress in the transfer window then, Wenger must obtain the funds from Fabregas’ sale sooner rather than later. Arsenal must emphasise to Barcelona that if they wish to sign Cesc Fabregas then an offer needs to be made relatively soon – Bartomeu’s plan to hold out until the last day of the transfer window is simply not an option.
Cesc Fabregas is not the only player who has been linked with a move away from the Emirates this season, and with Gael Clichy already completing his £7m move to Manchester City, and an alleged interest in Samir Nasri from all of the other ‘top four’ clubs, the Arsenal board must surely have some targets or potential replacements in mind should they lose two of their top players. Wenger has often been criticised for his refusal to spend big sums of money in the transfer market, however the sale of either Fabregas or Nasri would provide the Frenchman with the kind of money that he has been short of, particularly since the club moved to the Emirates stadium in 2006 – a project costing almost £400m.
Arsenal are rumoured to be interested in a number of big names this season which would suggest that Wenger is willing to dig a little deeper into his pockets in order to strengthen his side. The signing of French forward Gervinho from Lille was considered a signal of intent from the Arsenal board, however the sale of Gael Clichy emphasises that the club must be willing to sell in order to buy. Whilst Gael Clichy may be seen as a player that is ‘easily replaceable’ by some Arsenal fans, the likes of Samir Nasri and Cesc Fabregas would undoubtedly be missed, and would ultimately be incredibly difficult to replace.
The likes of Juan Mata and Eden Hazard are just two of the names that Wenger is rumoured to be interested in bringing to the Emirates and despite their youth, these players are likely to be valued at over £20m. Arsenal are also likely to be looking for a goalkeeper that they can rely on, as well as defenders that know how to defend. The likes of Gary Cahill and Christopher Samba have been linked with a move to the club throughout this transfer window, but again these kind of players will come at a price for Arsene Wenger; a price that is likely to need funding through the departure of one or two key players.
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With regards to Cesc Fabregas, there seems to be two options available. Wenger can either allow Barcelona to bide their time and make an offer when it suits them, or he can give them a deadline or a time frame within which an agreement would need to be made between the two clubs. Opting for the former would mean that, come August 31st, should Barcelona meet their valuation of Cesc Fabregas, Wenger would have little option but to allow his captain to leave – without replacement. Of course this offer could still be rejected, but then the club would be holding Fabregas against his will and this, as we have learned through the likes of Dimitar Berbatov and Fernando Torres, will almost certainly have negative repercussions on both player and club.
It seems clear that in order to benefit in any way from the sale of Cesc Fabregas, Arsenal must insist on a deal being agreed well before the closing of the transfer window. Although the process of identifying a suitable replacement for their playmaker is sure to be underway, Arsenal cannot afford to hold out as long as Barcelona are willing to. Should Fabregas stay at Arsenal, Barcelona know that they have the likes of Iniesta, Xavi and Mascherano to fall back on. Should he leave, Arsenal know that they do not have players of this ability to step in. Arsenal must make it clear that any plans to bide time over signing Cesc Fabregas can be forgotten; Barcelona must make an offer soon, or not make an offer at all.
It was raining goals in the Premier League yesterday with no fewer than 36 hitting the onion bag. We can only hope that we will see much of the same at White Hart Lane and St James’ Park this afternoon, in what promises to be a feast of football.
In the papers this morning we have seen a mixed bag of stories including an exclusive interview with Gareth Bale; Michael Carrick wants a contract for life at Old Trafford, while Andy Carroll wants to make the headlines for all the right reasons and much more…
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Ivanovic admits Wilkins shock – Sky Sports
Harry Redknapp’s strength is to let his players enjoy themselves – Guardian
Newcastle’s Carroll wants to make headlines for the right reasons – Daily Mail
Gareth Bale Exclusive Interview – Mirror
Michael Carrick desperate to stay at Manchester United – IM Scouting
Liverpool line up swoop for Sampdoria striker Antonio Cassano – IM Scouting
Roy Hodgson deserves better than this – Guardian
England 2018’s late bid for votes – Daily Telegraph
Hiddink sheds some light on the monkey business at Chelsea – Mirror
Arsenal to make £10m bid for Bolton’s Gary Cahill – IM Scouting
Grant opens door for Di Canio – Sky Sports
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Arnesen’s departure will leave Ancelotti isolated – Daily Telegraph
It has been a fantastic season for Brighton this season. The brand new AMEX stadium is full week in week out and the team are performing superbly under Gus Poyet. At the beginning of the season, the target for the Seagulls was a mid table. They have exceeded all expectations and look set to finish in the play-off places.
However, it hasn’t all been plain sailing to Brighton’s current position. After a stunning start and even a period of being top of the table, the Seagulls slumped. Arch rivals Crystal Palace were in town with former Albion striker Glenn Murray on their team sheet. Record signing Craig Mackail-Smith put Brighton in front before 2 goals in 10 minutes gave Palace the lead. Then Judas (Murray) slotted in a 3rd. It was the first league defeat at the AMEX and a second league defeat after the first loss of the season away to Leicester the week before. The poor run would continue for a further 7 matches. Brighton, having been 3rd had slumped to 12th before they grabbed a scrappy 2-0 win over Barnsley.
The next game was a tough looking tie away to league leaders Southampton. The two south coasts’ clubs had developed a bit of a rivalry due to both teams coming up from League One last season and Saints manager Nigel Adkins quoting that Brighton would have to “keep up” with his side if both sides were to be competing for the title, which Brighton won with ease.
Poor refereeing handed the 3 points to Southampton and Brighton went down to 13th before 3 wins in a row lifted them up back into the play-off places. December started with a last minute victory over Nottingham Forest but ended terribly. Major injury problems lead to 4 defeats in a row without scoring and the Seagulls fell from a play-off position to 16th in the table.
The New Year came about with a visit from Southampton who had maintained their top spot. Brighton, still with massive injury problems throughout the side seemed destined to lose. But teen sensation Jake Forster-Caskey opened the scoring after Saints striker and pie lover Rickie Lambert was sent off for slapping Adam El-Abd. And then Matt Sparrow scored two stunners to give Brighton a hugely unexpected 3 points.
The win over Southampton became the start of a 12 match unbeaten league run. With the addition of an FA Cup run which saw a close victory over Wrexham and a 1-0 win over Newcastle which set up a dream tie away to Liverpool. 6000 Brighton fans turned the away end of Anfield into a sea of blue and white but where outclassed and were well beaten 6-1 (although 3 of Liverpool’s goals were scored by an Albion player).
The first league defeat of 2012 came at the hands of play-off hopefuls Blackpool who inflicted a 3-1 defeat. But a bounce-back 2-0 win over Derby lifted the Seagulls into 4th place, their highest position since September.
A draw against Middlesbrough has seen the team drop down to 6th but Brighton are under no pressure. No one expected the team to do so well and the performances have lead to plans for an additional 8,000 seats to be put forward early. The belief is strong that Brighton & Hove Albion will be in the Premier League sooner rather than later and a 30,000+ capacity stadium will help pave the way there.
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Several teams below 6th spot still have the belief that they can sneak into the play-off spot and Brighton’s next few fixtures will be tough. They face a Burnley side that have just put 5 goals past Portsmouth. They then welcome Reading to the AMEX who have stormed into 2nd place and beat West Ham 4-2 at Upton Park, where the Seagulls then travel to before taking on mid table Watford and then play-off contenders Birmingham before finally travelling to Barnsley for the last game of the season.
CONCACAF general secretary Chuck Blazer claims suspended FIFA vice-president Jack Warner has violated the terms of his ban.On Tuesday, Warner urged members of the Caribbean Football Union (CFU) to vote for current FIFA president Sepp Blatter in Wednesday’s election.
But with Trinidadian Warner suspended from all football-related activity after being implicated in a bribery scandal with Asian Football confederation president Mohamed Bin Hammam, Blazer sees the move as a breach of that suspension.
Warner and Bin Hammam – the latter of who was originally slated to contest the election against incumbent Blatter – are alleged to have paid cash to CFU officials in return for them voting for Bin Hammam in the June 1 poll.
Qatari Bin Hammam pulled out of the election on Sunday, and later that day the pair were suspended from all football activity.
“We have clear evidence of a violation of his (Warner’s) suspension and we have reported that to the FIFA secretary general Jerome Valcke,” Blazer said.
“He has also been meeting with (CONCACAF) members, which is against the rules of the suspension.”
Warner’s letter urged CFU members to vote for Blatter in Wednesday’s poll and implored them not to use the FIFA Congress to stage a protest.
“At our last meeting we agreed as a union to support the incumbent Joseph ‘Sepp’ Blatter in his quest to regain the presidency,” Warner wrote.
“I wish to assure you nothing has changed. Our mandate was set then and despite it all we must fulfil it.”
Warner was also adamant that there should be no protest on his behalf on Wednesday.
“I, Jack Warner, a servant and believer in the principles of this beautiful game do humbly besiege (sic) you, my brothers and sisters from the Caribbean Football Union to desist from initiating any protest action at tomorrow’s FIFA Congress,” he wrote.
Meanwhile, CONCACAF interim president Lisle Austin – appointed to the role on Monday after Warner’s suspension – has asked Blazer to explain his decision to engage Chicago law firm Collins and Collins to investigate Warner, leading to his suspension.
Austin also asked Blazer to cease working with Collins and Collins.
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson believes Tottenham Hotspur goalkeeper Heurelho Gomes must shoulder the blame for gifting the Red Devils their clinching goal in Saturday's 2-0 win at Old Trafford.
The Brazilian shot-stopper bowled the ball out of his hands anticipating a free-kick after Nani had handled in the penalty area.
But referee Mark Clattenburg waved play on after Nani's indiscretion and the Portuguese winger rolled the ball into the empty net.
The whistler allowed the goal to stand, much to Spurs' disgust but Ferguson insists the keeper should have known better.
"It was bizarre," he said."No-one knew at the time what was wrong. One minute the goalkeeper had the ball in his hands and the next it's in his net.
"Nani looked back and looked at the referee and the referee said play on, so what can he do but put the ball in the net.
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"You can look at the referee and look at the linesmen and blame them, but the goalkeeper should know better. He's an experienced goalkeeper. I thought he made a mess of it.
"The referee played on because the goalkeeper took possession of the ball. He then went to take a free-kick thinking it was a foul. He made an error."Subscribe to Football FanCast News Headlines by Email
Paris Saint-Germain owner Nasser Al-Khelaifi has admitted that the big-spending Ligue 1 club want to sign Luis Suarez in the summer.
The Uruguay international has been a revelation for the Reds since moving to Anfield from Ajax in January 2011, but has been hounded by the media due to racist remarks made to Patrice Evra.
The French capital-city side are ready to end Suarez’s spell in England, and the billionaire owner has admitted that they club will spend big over the next five to six years.
“We are already looking at the market for next season,” the Qatari businessman is believed to have said according to Mirror Football.
“We have clear targets in mind. It is true that we want Luis Suarez and [Real Madrid striker] Gonzalo Higuain.
“Our real short-term targets are to win the Champions League and find a new Lionel Messi.
“We will spend what is normal for a top-class club. We prefer to invest a lot and immediately.
“In the next five or six years, we still spend this amount. Then the investments will slow,” he concluded.
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