Premier League Soccer News

2010-01-19T12:32:00.000-08:00

EXCLUSIVE: Wayne Rooney's Representatives 'Encouraging' Massive Offers From 'Very Big Clubs' As Barcelona Loom

Star striker loyal to Sir Alex - though owners pressured to make Wayne top earner

Wayne Rooney's representatives have been hearing offers from big clubs for the striker in an attempt to encourage Manchester United to improve his contract, Goal.com UK can reveal.

Though negotiations for a new deal have not yet formally begun between the player and club, there is already pressure to ensure Rooney, 24, has a salary to match or surpass the top earner at the club, Rio Ferdinand.

Rooney, whose current deal expires in 2012, pockets around £100,000 a week - which is less than what Ferdinand gets per week and the deal handed to Cristiano Ronaldo in his last season at Old Trafford.

“New contract negotiations with Manchester United will begin very soon, but Wayne should be one of the highest earners in world football never mind Man United," a source close to Rooney revealed to Goal.com UK.

Speculation surrounding a lucrative Barcelona switch has intensified in recent days and Cristiano Ronaldo has endorsed his former team-mate's ability to potentially succeed in La Liga with him at Real Madrid.

The interest is likely to increase unless United take action soon. “We’ve had some very encouraging offers from some very big clubs and we have not discouraged any to be perfectly honest with you," admitted the source.

"We have been encouraged to hear what they have to say and we have been offered ridiculous amounts of money and all sorts of packages for Wayne’s services."

Father figure | Sir Alex keeping Wayne at Old Trafford

Rooney, who has scored 16 goals in 26 appearances in a starring role for United so far this season, continues to see his ideal future working under Sir Alex Ferguson.

The source added: “Wayne is very appreciative of what Sir Alex Ferguson has done for him and looks up to him as a sort of father figure."

“Sir Alex is a very honest and straight forward individual. He does have Wayne’s interests at heart and has encouraged him to be more constructive in his life outside of football and take more hobbies and matured him as a man.

"He went as far as giving him some time off when Coleen was due to give birth and United were short of strikers.

“He'll stay loyal to him, but the owners have to put their money where there mouth is.”

Following last week's revelation that United were more than £700m in debt, reports emerged that the club's American owners, the Glazer family, may have to sell the England star.

But reports have surfaced that Barcelona are prepared to offer Rooney a massive £200,000 a week - and may tempt the Glazers to sell him with an £80m bid.

Premier League: Arsenal frustrated, Chelsea clear

2009-12-16T14:34:00.000-08:00

Graham Alexander fired an equaliser from the penalty spot as Burnley frustrated Arsenal in a compelling Premier League encounter.
Cesc Fabregas struck early as Arsenal started superbly at Turf Moor, but Thomas Vermaelen's foul on the outstanding Andre Bikey allowed Alexander to equalise. Both sides hit the woodwork - Burnley twice and Arsenal once - and enjoyed a glut of other chances but neither side could find a winner.

A second-half penalty from Frank Lampard spared Chelsea's blushes as bottom club Portsmouth threatened to dent the Blues' title ambitions.

Lampard scored from the spot in the 78th minute after Branislav Ivanovic had been fouled by Marc Wilson as Chelsea ended a four-match winless run in all competitions to restore their three-point lead at the top of the standings.

The strike also ruined former boss Avram Grant's return to Stamford Bridge after Pompey threatened to leave with a point when Frederic Piquionne's 50th-minute effort cancelled out a first-half goal from Nicolas Anelka.

Having promised Liverpool fans he would secure a top-four spot come the end of the season, manager Rafael Benitez knew nothing less than victory against Wigan would do at Anfield. And Liverpool achieved it thanks to a ninth-minute goal from David Ngog and a late second from Fernando Torres, who started the match on the bench.

It was not all plain sailing for the hosts, though, with Jason Scotland hitting the bar with the score at 1-0 and Charles N'Zogbia netting in injury time.

Niko Kranjcar and Jermain Defoe were on the scoresheet to get Tottenham back to winning ways and frustrate Manchester City at White Hart Lane in the clash of the Champions League hopefuls.

The Spurs pair struck either side of half-time for a first win since the 9-1 demolition of Wigan nearly a month ago, with Kranjcar rounding off the victory with his second of the night in injury-time. City only needed to avoid defeat to go on their best unbeaten run since 1977 - but far too many of those games ended in draws and this defeat further dents their top-four aspirations.

Saturday Game Round-Up

2009-12-12T12:46:00.000-08:00

Manchester United suffered their first home defeat of the season as Gabriel Agbonlahor's first half goal earned Aston Villa a 1-0 victory at Old Trafford.
The Red Devils never managed to hit top gear and the defeat let Chelsea off the hook, who drew 3-3 at home to Everton.

Agbonlahor scored the only goal of the game in the 21st minute, stealing in at the near post to head home an Ashley Young cross.

It means Chelsea missed the chance to fully extend their lead at the top of the Premier League after they were held 3-3 at home by beleaguered Everton.

David Moyes' side went into the game at Stamford Bridge woefully out of form and short on numbers, but managed to stun the division's best defence. It was a day to forget for goalkeeper Petr Cech, who scored an own goal and was at fault for Everton's third goal of the afternoon.

Everton took the lead in the 12th minute when Louis Saha's shot struck the post, came back out and went in off Cech. But the lead did not last long as Chelsea struck twice in five minutes to turn the game on its head. Didier Drogba levelled the scores before strike partner Nicolas Anelka was on hand to bag the second.

But Everton shoved resolve to level on the stroke of half-time as Yakubu scored his first Premier League goal for almost 13 months.

Drogba put Carlo Ancelotti's side back in front just before the hour mark but their hopes of claiming all three points were hit when the ball rebounded off Saha for the sixth goal of a scintillating match, with Cech in no man's land at a free-kick.

The shock of the afternoon came at White Hart Lane as Wolverhampton Wanderers claimed a superb 1-0 win away to Champions League chasers Tottenham Hotspur. After seeming to be on a relentless downward spiral, Wolves have now won back-to-back games. Their winner came from forward Kevin Doyle after just three minutes.

Manchester City got back to their old habits by drawing their eighth match in nine, at struggling Bolton Wanderers. In another entertaining encounter, Croatia international Ivan Klasnic put the home side in front on 11 minutes. In-form Carlos Tevez levelled for Mark Hughes' side before Gary Cahill restored the lead two minutes before the break.

But before the players headed down the tunnel there was still time for Micah Richards to bring the visitors back on level terms again.

Bolton must have thought they had won the game when Klasnic grabbed his second of the game on 53 minutes, and then City striker Craig Bellamy was dismissed for picking up a second booking. But City, who have lost just one league game all season, were not to be denied as they equalised for a third time with Tevez scoring his second.

Birmingham City's brilliant run of form continued as they recorded another victory, and yet again it was Lee Bowyer who was the hero as he netted the only goal of the game against the club he supported as a boy, and used to play for, West Ham United.

Burnley and Fulham shared the spoils at Turf Moor. Bobby Zamora opened the scoring five minutes after half-time but the lead did not last long as Wade Elliott earned a 1-1 draw.

Sunderland will be kicking themselves after they conceded a late goal at home to bottom club Portsmouth. Darren Bent had scored in the first half only for Younes Kaboul to make it 1-1 in stoppage time. Kaboul was then sent off as he got a second yellow card for removing his shirt in celebration.

There was another four-goal thriller at the Britannia Stadium as Stoke and Wigan drew 2-2. Emmerson Boyce headed in from a yard out to net the first of the afternoon but Tuncay Sanli scored for Stoke before the break. Wigan went back in front when Maynor Figueroa scored an inspired free-kick from inside his own half but, just moments later, defender Ryan Shawcross made sure both sides left the DW Stadium unbeaten.

In the day's final game, Hull City and Blackburn Rovers could not muster a goal.

Fernando Torres: Liverpool Are Out Of The Premier League Title Race

2009-12-11T11:33:00.000-08:00

Still, Spaniard retains silverware hope.
Liverpool striker Fernando Torres has admitted that the Reds are well and truly out of the race for this season's Premier League title.

The Merseysiders have just one victory from their last five games in the league, and have also bowed out of the Champions League at the group stage.

Torres said that the club's objectives had to be reworked to suit the current situation.

"This season is not the season we were expecting at the beginning of the season, but these things happen," Torres told Sky Sports News.

"We were thinking of trophies, first choice was the Champions League and the Premier League - we are out of the Champions League, and we are really far out from the Premier League, so we now change our targets.

"We have to think the Europa League and FA Cup are the two competitions we can win this season and obviously trying to stay in the top four."

Despite the obvious disappointments so far, the former Atletico Madrid forward hopes that his side can win some silverware this season.

He added: "The people of Liverpool deserve to play in finals, whether it be in Europe or England. It is a long time since we played in a final and they deserve more trophies.

"At the end of the season if we win one trophy, it will have been a nice season, so we are on target."

Real Madrid's Ruud Van Nistelrooy Linked With Winter Move To Blackburn Rovers

2009-12-10T12:51:00.000-08:00

The injury-plagued striker could be about to return to England...
After failing to break into coach Manuel Pellegrini's side and having struggled with a host of injuries, Real Madrid striker Ruud Van Nistelrooy has been linked with a January transfer to Premier League side Blackburn Rovers.

According to The Sun, Rovers manager Sam Allardyce would be thrilled to have the ex-Manchester United man return to England while Bolton, Birmingham, Sunderland and Fulham are also reported to be interested in the Dutchman's services.

Van Nistelrooy has endured a difficult year of fitness problems, including a season-ending knee injury last year, and the 33-year-old is seeking regular playing time in his quest to earn a spot in the Dutch national team for next summer's World Cup in South Africa.

The player's agent, Barry O'Connor, has remained diplomatic about the transfer rumours, saying that it is a private issue until Real Madrid decide on Van Nistelrooy's future.

Steven Gerrard: Liverpool Were Not Good Enough

2009-12-10T12:45:00.000-08:00

Reds skipper disappointed at Champions League exit
Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard said his side must now concentrate on qualifying for next year’s Champions League after failing to make it through the group stages.

Defeat at home to Fiorentina saw Rafael Benitez’s side end their campaign on a disappointing note and will now take their place in the Europa League.

But Gerrard insists they were unfortunate to go down 2-1 on home soil.

He told Sky Sports: “We gave a good account of ourselves, we were unlucky to lose the game in the end but if you look at the whole campaign it was not good enough from our point of view.

“Now we need to qualify for the same competition next year.

“Every time you play for Liverpool there is something in the game because you are playing in front of your own supporters so you have to give it everything you have got.

“We understood before the game there was not much in it for us as far as points were concerned and points on the table– it was all about trying to get this game out the way and trying to get good preparation for Arsenal.”

And Gerrard admitted he was impressed by Alberto Aquilani, making his first start for Liverpool.

He continued: “It’s going to take him a while to get up to speed as far as match fitness is concerned but the boy is a player, there is no two ways about it.

“I have no doubts he will turn into a fantastic player for this club.”

Campbell ready to accept offer from Man United

2009-12-09T23:45:00.000-08:00

Sol Campbell is waiting to hear if he will receive an official SOS from Manchester United to ease Sir Alex Ferguson's plague of defensive injuries.

GettyImages

Sol Campbell could join former England team-mate Michael Owen at United

Reports in the British press on Wednesday claimed that Campbell had been invited to train with the United team to assess his fitness ahead of the New Year, and Ferguson could then offer him a six-month contract until the end of the season.

However, Campbell has revealed that there has not yet been any approach from the Red Devils but he would be happy to train with the Premer League champions after spending several weeks with former club Arsenal.

Campbell told ESPN Soccernet: "I have heard nothing officially from Manchester United, but there have been suggestions and of course, it would be a great move for me, if it happens. I shall just have to wait and see if a call comes through the right channels.

"Of course I would love to play for Manchester United, but I am not counting any chickens, just waiting to see what happens. I am training as usual at Arsenal, and would go to train at Manchester United if I was asked."

Campbell also told ESPN Soccernet that he feels fully fit after intense training every day with the Gunners, and he is itching to resume his career.

With a host of defenders, including Rio Ferdinand, John O'Shea, Jonny Evans and Wes Brown, all sidelined, Sir Alex could be interested in bringing in the former England defender on a short-term contract.

Although the player has reached an agreement to leave Notts County, it is highly unlikely that he would be able to play for another club before the transfer window opens on January 1 as he was contracted to the Magpies when the last window closed.

A host of Premier League clubs are likely to be chasing his signature once he is eligible to sign for a new club, though it is certain the 35-year-old will need time to get back to full match fitness.

Graeme Souness fears Liverpool downward spiral

2009-12-09T23:25:00.000-08:00

Former Liverpool captain and manager Graeme Souness fears the club are in "meltdown'' after a disastrous Champions League campaign - and things will get much worse if they fail to qualify for next season's edition.

Graeme Souness fears silverware is becoming increasingly elusive for Liverpool

• Liverpool 1-2 Fiorentina
• Gerrard: Reds not good enough

A stoppage-time 2-1 defeat to Fiorentina at Anfield left Rafael Benite's side, who were already unable to progress to the knockout phase, with just seven points from six matches.

The Europa League is of little consolation to Souness, who is more concerned with Liverpool's disappointing Premier League form which means there is a real danger they could not be involved in Europe's top club competition next season.

Souness, who won the European Cup three times with Liverpool, captaining them to victory in 1984, has grave concerns about what failing to progress in the Champions League this season could mean for his club.

"I fear they are in meltdown. If they don't reach the Champions League next year the best players won't want to play for Liverpool,'' he said. "That would be the first time in as long as I can remember. They are hundreds of millions of pounds in debt and they need a new stadium to keep up with the rest and just stand still.

"Every year they are dropping off the pace so they need a new stadium. If they don't get to the Champions League the banks will be knocking on the door wanting to replace the income stream that the Champions League would give them.

"All those scenarios are frightening for Liverpool supporters. I can't see them becoming a Leeds United because I think there will always be someone out there, whether it be a Russian or someone from the Middle East, who deep down is a big fan and would get them out of a hole - a saviour if you like.''

Souness said the priority now must be securing a top-four place in the league despite the lure of silverware elsewhere.

"I think there is real danger. They have to look at the second half of the season,'' he told Sky Sports. "The Europa League means nothing to Liverpool. I'm a Liverpool supporter and I would love them to finish in the top four and win the Europa League and FA Cup. But if there was a choice of those three it would be to finish in the top four.

"If you are looking to move your club forward you have to encourage the best players to come to your club. If they are not in the Champions League that won't happen because you won't have the same income coming into the club. If you are already in debt the banks will put pressure on Liverpool because they want money from somewhere to lessen the debt they have right now.''

Agent rules out City switch for Ignazio Abate

2009-12-09T23:10:00.000-08:00

The agent of AC Milan defender Ignazio Abate has dismissed suggestions that his client could become the latest recruit for big-spending Manchester City.
Abate, 23, has been linked with a possible move to Eastlands after taking advantage of the injury problems suffered by Massimo Oddo to make 19 appearances for the Rossoneri in all competitions this season.

The right back started his career at the San Siro but has only recently secured a regular first-team place after a succession of moves to other Italian clubs, including Torino and Empoli.

Abate's agent, Claudio Pasqualin, has rubbished talk of a transfer to City and instead revealed that his client is poised to discuss a contract extension with the side sitting second in Serie A.

"I've also heard these rumours, but they have no basis," Pasqualin told Calciomercatonews.com. "Certainly these things are pleasing because it means that they are all realising the potential of the player.

"The truth is that Abate is very happy at Milan and Milan is very happy with Abate. To confirm this I can anticipate that we will meet soon with Milan to deal with the contract extension."

Meanwhile, City striker Robinho has spoken of his delight at returning to action for Mark Hughes' side. The Brazil international has made three appearances since overcoming his injury troubles and is delighted to be back in the Premier League spotlight.

"I am just happy to be playing," said the 25-year-old. "I feel excellent. I am strong, physically and mentally, and I want to play in every game. I like to play football anywhere, at any time."

CHELSEA INJURY WOE: Essien out for a month

2009-12-09T22:51:00.000-08:00

Chelsea midfielder Michael Essien will be sidelined for three to four weeks after scans revealed a torn hamstring, the club confirmed on Wednesday.
The 27-year-old was injured in the he first half of Tuesday's 2-2 Champions League draw with Cypriot side APOEL Nicosiam and will be out until next year.

The Ghana international was due to meet up with Black Stars for the African Cup of Nations, which runs from January 10 to January 31, in the new year and his participation has now been called into question.

Essien missed most of last season after rupturing knee ligaments but has been a key member of Carlo Ancelotti's Premier League leaders this term.

Ian Rush: Liverpool Will Finish Among Top Four In The Premier League

2009-12-09T14:30:00.000-08:00

Legendary striker reckons Reds will taste Champions League football yet again next season.
Liverpool legend Ian Rush believes that the Reds can put their foot on the gas and finish in the top four this season.

The former Kop hero maintains that the glass is half full as opposed to the critics' claim that it is half empty, and insists that the Merseyside club have become victims of their glorious past.

Rush said in his column for The Liverpool Echo: "The critics see another two points dropped [against Blackburn Rovers] as the latest reason for believing that Liverpool’s world is about to come crashing down and that the situation is bleak.

"Yet just have a look at the Premier League table and you will see that we are just four points behind third placed Arsenal with a game against them coming up this weekend at Anfield – the situation is only bleak because the standards Liverpool have set through the years are so high.

"When our levels of performance drop a bar or two, it becomes noticeable yet here we are still in there fighting for a place in the top four, knowing that we are traditionally a better team after Christmas."

However, Rush conceded that the Anfield outfit have been well off the pace this season, and hoped that they would get back to playing at their best in due course.

He continued: "True, there is no escaping the fact that Liverpool are not playing with the kind of fluency you would expect, while the biggest disappointment of all is that we are 12 points off current table-toppers Chelsea.

"I’m convinced, though, we will finish the season in fourth and there is no better time than Christmas for a team to lay down a statement of intent."

Fish & Chip Shots: Bumpy Road

2009-12-09T14:26:00.000-08:00

You have to love when the season starts getting into gear and the points matter that little bit more. I just love games where there is a feeling of desperation among the players.

We were lucky enough see a few of these matches this weekend. Obviously the two big fixtures, Manchester City-Chelsea and Everton-Spurs, but Fulham-Sunderland deserves some consideration, as does Wigan-Birmingham.

The quality was there in all the matches and it just made for a satisfying couple of days. Then again, I’m rarely dissatisfied with the League, as we all know it’s the world’s best.

So the matches were exciting, we know that. Unfortunately, the results weren’t all what some had hoped they’d be. When I say that, I’m talking about Chelsea, Tottenham and Sunderland.
Two of the three sides, Chelsea and Spurs, seemed to be cruising of late and really looked to keep that going in their respective matches as both had leads. Then they were both pinned back by impressive efforts by the home teams and were left scratching their collective heads.

Both matches really could go far in knocking the aforementioned two off their balance. When you are experiencing a solid run of form like Chelsea and Spurs, results like these really go a long way in just upsetting the karma of the locker room. Then again, what do I know? I’m no professional athlete.

Point is, very rarely do teams experience a run to glory that isn’t littered with potholes and road kill. Unless you are Arsenal circa 2003-04, things are undoubtedly going to get rocky at some stage, it’s just whether you can keep the ship afloat during the harder times that matters.

I’d like to focus on them Blues, Chelsea, right now as honestly they have the most to lose, literally and figuratively. January is nearing and that is not a good thing for Carlo’s boys as some key players will be off to the African Cup of Nations. Can they replace Drogba’s intensity and supreme skill? That remains to be seen. What about Michael Essien’s ball-winning abilities? Hard to say.
All I know is, they should be playing their best football now to prepare for this exodus. Sunday didn’t show this, unfortunately. In the battle of the billionaire owners, Chelsea were beaten. I know you all think I hate on Chelsea, but what have I said about them that hasn’t been fact? Granted, the ref was a bit card happy in the match and caused Ancelotti to make some forced changes, but they couldn’t break down City and were overrun in the second half.

If you’re a Chelsea fan, which I know many of you are, I wouldn’t be too worried. Out of all the managers in the league right now, I’d say Ancelotti is rivaled only by Sir Alex and maybe Arsene Wenger. He knows his stuff, and should have them back in proper shape for a tricky Everton visit this Saturday.

As for Spurs, they’re still learning how to be big boys. I said in TFE that the match against Everton was one they simply needed to win. A talented team not playing well are the matches that when won not only raise confidence but help to legitimize the credentials of a team. They had their chance and should have finished the job. All is not lost though, as they remain in fourth place and have plenty to build on going forward.
They would constitute the second degree of worry, if you want to put it that way. Two shaky results in a row though points were had. They are progressing and coming together nicely under Harry Redknapp, but still have some work to do if they seriously want to contend for a Champions League place.

Finally, we have Sunderland who really did a lot to impress me when they beat Arsenal 1-0 a few weeks ago. Since, they have just stalled. Two straight 1-0 losses doesn’t do much for keeping the spirits high and they’ll surely appreciate Portsmouth coming to town.

The Black Cats have a bit more to worry about than the other two, but the talent on that team is obvious and I have a feeling they’re going to surprise people as we get further on in the season, especially if DB can keep netting goals.

Pickled Onions

Not a bad week, by any stretch. If you read TFE, you could kinda tell I was leaning towards Man City in the match but picked Chelsea. That’s right, I picked Chelsea to win the match. Did I mention I picked Chelsea to win?

We discussed the Man City match, and when it was all said and done, they deserved the three points, though Micah Richards did have a suspicious hand ball on the first goal.

In match numero dos, I had Spurs taking the match by beating an already down Everton side. I was close, but Everton were able to fight back in the match and force a point from Redknapp’s hands. Jermain Defoe had a chance to save my blushes, but totally blew that. Well done, Timmy.

In the last match of the week, I had Pompey beating Burnley at Fratton Park. Low and behold, I got that right! A gutsy effort by the home side handed Avram Grant his first win in charge of the struggling club. NMS, I tell ya (that’s New Manager Syndrome for all you newbies out there).

Olympiakos 1-0 Arsenal: Leonardo Goal Gives Olympiakos Victory Over Arsenal

2009-12-09T14:23:00.000-08:00

Wenger's young guns beaten in Athens.
Dec 9, 2009 4:40:00 PM
A 47th minute goal from Leonardo gave Olympiakos a 1-0 win over Arsenal to send the Greek side into the knockout stages.

Arsenal's young guns deserved at least a point though after a spirited performance in Athens.

With his side guarenteed top spot in Group H, Arsene Wenger named ten teenagers in his squad. 18 year old left-back Tom Cruise was handed his first team debut and young stars Jack Wilshere, Carlos Vela and Theo Walcott also started in the Greek capital.

Arsenal dominated possession in the early stages of the game with their young starlets looking very comfortable inside the Karaiskaki Stadium.

Despite the intimidating atmosphere, it was the home side who looked the most nervous as Arsenal created the first chance of the match. The ball landing at the feet of Walcott who fired a shot straight at Antonios Nikopolidis.

After all their possession Arsenal’s young guns were nearly caught on the break, but striker Kostas Mitroglou blazed his shot well over Lukasz Fabianksi’s crossbar.

The naivety of Wenger’s young players was evident as Olympiakos again counter-attacked to great effect. The Greek’s broke well down the left and a deep cross was met by Argentine Luciano Galletti who volleyed into the side netting.

Arsenal just about edged the first half but chances were at a premium with both sides lacking quality in the final third.

The second half was only two minutes old though when the hosts took the lead.

After hesitation from Arsenal defender Kerrea Gilbert, Leonardo broke through the Arsenal defence and showed great pace before slotting the ball through the legs of Fabianski.

Arsenal had the chance to equalise just two minutes later. Aaron Ramsey superbly picked out Vela, but the Mexican's finish was poor and his shot went straight at Nikopolidis.

Vela really should of brought his side level after 70 minutes. Fran Merida slid the ball through and the striker fired the ball over the bar when a goal seemed inevitable.

Goalscorer Leonardo was close to extending the lead seconds after Vela's effort, however his shot was well saved by the oncoming Fabianksi.

With Olympiakos only needing a draw the home side were happy to sit back and let Arsenal try and score an equaliser in the later stages of the match.

Merida and Vela both came close with efforts in the closing stages and Leonardo had to hack the ball of the line after an Arsenal corner but the young guns just couldn't grab the equaliser that their play deserved and Olympiakos held on for a 1-0 win.

Chelsea 2 - 2 Apoel Nicosia

2009-12-08T14:57:00.001-08:00

Mixed night for Essien.
Chelsea finished the Champions League group stage unbeaten but their defensive shortcomings are under the spotlight again after they allowed minnows APOEL to snatch a last-gasp draw at Stamford Bridge.

• Essien to miss Everton clash

Chelsea have now failed to win in three games and Carlo Ancelotti's side suffered a shock start when Marcin Zewlakow put APOEL in front in the sixth minute.

But Chelsea, who made seven changes from the side that lost to Manchester City in the Barclays Premier League on Saturday, stormed back with goals from Michael Essien and Didier Drogba putting them 2-1 ahead before the interval.

Ancelotti is clearly not afraid to bruise reputations as he rested goalkeeper Petr Cech and England midfielder Frank Lampard began the night among the substitutes.

Lampard was forced into the action moments after Drogba had put the Blues in front in the 25th minute, when their other goalscorer, Essien, collected a knee injury and had to leave the field.

Chelsea's defence has come under much scrutiny in the last week and another lapse in concentration allowed APOEL to become only the second team this season to score at Stamford Bridge.

Not since Hull's goal on the opening day of the English domestic season had an opposing side managed to trouble the score sheet.

But captain John Terry was caught napping when Constantinos Charalambides crossed for Zewlakow to fire past goalkeeper Ross Turnbull. It was another wake-up call for Ancelotti's side who, with Group D already won, could have been forgiven for taking it easy.

But the expected response was not long in arriving. Joe Cole had a header cruelly ruled out for offside in the 11th minute but Essien restored parity seven minutes later with a thunderous shot from the edge of the penalty area.

The Ghanaian midfielder collected a pass from Florent Malouda and despatched a shot so powerful that it completely deceived Dionisios Chiotis in the APOEL goal.

But it was Essien's last contribution as he collected a knee injury moments later and was replaced. The change had no effect on Chelsea's fluent passing game with Yury Zhirkov and Gael Kakuta - making his first start for the Blues - particularly impressive.

The pair combined superbly for Chelsea's second in the 25th minute. Kakuta delivered a precision pass inside the full-back and Zhirkov's cross was swept home by Drogba from eight yards.

Kakuta, who at 18 is now the youngest player to have started a Champions League game for the English side, then provided another slide-rule pass for Cole. But the England midfielder hesitated sufficiently enough for the APOEL defence to deal with the danger.

Chelsea's class was all too evident as the half-time whistle approached and Lampard was unlucky to see a left-footed drive flash the wrong side of an upright.

Chelsea served up much of the same fare after the re-start. Drogba, relishing time and space in attack, was inches wide with a 25-yard free-kick in the 56th minute.

Malouda tried go one better in the 72nd minute but he was a yard wide of the target.

Chelsea replaced Kakuta with Fabio Borini moments later and the teenager received warm applause for a performance that belied his years. It was also a further demonstration of the potential that prompted Chelsea to bring Kakuta to England from Lens two years ago.

Terry had a goal ruled out for offside with four minutes remaining and seconds later they paid a hefty price for not putting the game beyond the visitors.

Chelsea's defensive woes continued in horrific fashion when John Mikel Obi gave the ball straight to substitute Nenad Mirosavljevic. The APOEL striker ran on to slide the ball into the net through the legs of Turnbull to clinch an unlikely point for the Cypriot side and provide Ancelotti with more food for thought.

UEFA Champions cup Round-Up :Owen hat-trick fires United top

2009-12-08T14:47:00.000-08:00

A Michael Owen hat-trick saw Manchester United claim top spot in Group B with a 3-1 win at Wolfsburg. Meanwhile, Bayern Munich stormed into the last 16 with a 4-1 win at Juventus and AC Milan and Real Madrid both qualified for the knockout stages.
Needing a point to secure top spot, an unfamiliar United defence that included Darren Fletcher and Michael Carrick looked unconvincing as Wolfsburg wasted a number of clear chances in the first half in Germany, but Michael Owen gave the visitors an undeserved lead when heading home just a minute before the break.

In the knowledge that CSKA were leading Besiktas at half-time and therefore sneaking into second place, Wolfsburg emerged with purpose for the second half and reputed United target Edin Dzeko headed his side level on 56 minutes. But Michael Owen secured top spot for United when tucking home his second after good work from Gabriel Obertan after 83 minutes and completed his hat-trick when rounding off a quick break with a masterful dinked finish.

Defeat meant that Wolfsburg were left to contemplate a place in the Europa League as CSKA, dealing with the fall-out from a drugs controversy, defeated Besiktas 2-1 in Turkey. Milos Krasic struck first for CSKA and although Bobo equalised, Evgeni Aldonin netted deep into injury time to send the Russians through to the knockout stages for the first time.

However, CSKA's place in the competition remains at risk after Alexei Berezutsky and Sergei Ignashevich tested positive for a banned stimulant. UEFA will hear the case on December 17 and under the governing body's rules, the Russia side could be expelled from the competition.

Group A came to a thrilling conclusion as Bayern Munich answered their critics with a thrilling 4-1 victory at Juventus, handing them a place in the knockout stages at the expense of the Italian club, who needed only a draw to take second place behind Bordeaux.

David Trezeguet made a bit of history for Juventus when his expert finish after 19 minutes gave the Italian side the lead. It was Trezeguet's 168th goal for the Bianconeri, making him the club's highest ever foreign goalscorer, surpassing Omar Sivori.

Bayern responded in unusual circumstances when goalkeeper Hans-Jorg Butt scored from the penalty spot on the half-hour mark and Louis van Gaal's side took the lead in the second half when Ivica Olic pounced after Gianluigi Buffon turned Daniel van Buyten's header into his path. Goals from Mario Gomez and Anatoliy Tymoshchuk sealed a famous win which means Juventus go into the Europa League.

Bordeaux had already won the group and a Jussie goal after 13 minutes ensured they finished with 16 points from their six games with a win at Maccabi Haifa. The Israeli side finished without so much as a point or a goal.

In Group C, Real Madrid claimed top spot with a 3-1 win over Marseille while a 1-1 draw at FC Zurich was enough for Milan to claim the second qualification spot. Cristiano Ronaldo, sent off at the weekend, put Real in front with a stunning free-kick after only five minutes for his fifth goal in four Champions League games for Real Madrid, but Marseille responded six minutes later when Argentinian Lucho Gonzalez struck at Stade Velodrome.

Raul Albiol claimed his first goal for Real on the hour mark after Marseille failed to clear a corner and the home side had the chance to respond again when Iker Casillas felled Mamadou Niang in the box. Lucho smacked his penalty against the crossbar though and Ronaldo claimed his second with ten minutes remaining.

Milan made hard work of beating Marseille into second as they were forced to come from a goal down to defeat FC Zurich. Having already lost to the Swiss side at home, Milan found themselves a goal down when Milan Gajic struck after 29 minutes. A red card shown to Alain Rochat allowed Ronaldinho to equalise from the penalty spot in the second half.

Chelsea had already topped Group D but suffered a disappointing evening when drawing 2-2 with Apoel Nicosia. In an eventful first half at Stamford Bridge, Apoel took a shock lead through Marcin Zewlakow but Michael Essien hit back with a long-range effort before being forced off with a suspected hamstring strain. As Chelsea reshuffled following the loss of the midfielder, Didier Drogba scored his third goal in three Champions League games this season when finishing off a nice move but Nenad Mirosavljevic equalised with three minutes remaining.

Meanwhile Porto, already guaranteed of second place, turned on the class against Atletico Madrid when goals from Bruno Alves, Falcao and Hulk saw the Portuguese side secure a 3-0 win at the Vicente Calderon. Atleti still took the Europa League spot due to Apoel's draw against Chelsea.

United tempted by "ideal" Dzeko

2009-12-07T12:23:00.000-08:00

Manchester United assistant Mike Phelan rates Wolfsburg striker Edin Dzeko as "ideal for the English league'' and has hinted the Red Devils could consider a move for the player.
Dzeko, 23, has attracted interest from teams in Spain, Italy and England, with United, Manchester City, Chelsea and Arsenal all linked with him in recent weeks.

But the Bosnia forward had repeatedly hinted that his preferred destination, should he move from Germany, would be Serie A side AC Milan.

The striker scored 30 goals in 33 appearances to help Wolfsburg lift the Bundesliga title last season and has 11 already this campaign.

Dzeko scored against Sir Alex Ferguson's side when the sides met in the Champions League earlier this season and Phelan has admitted the club have been looking at him since.

"I'm sure there are a number of teams looking at him. Are we one on them? We are looking at talent all of the time and we are in there with the rest of them,'' Phelan said.

"He showed his threat in the game at Old Trafford and he appeals because he is a tall, skilful boy and in some ways he is an ideal player for the English league.

"He has stature, his feet are good and he is producing some good performances. I am sure everybody has looked at him.''

2009-12-07T12:19:00.000-08:00

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has held "positive talks'' with Javier Mascherano about the midfielder's future at the club.
Mascherano was heavily linked with a move to Barcelona this summer but Benitez insists the player is happy and negotiations are under way about extending his current deal, which runs for another two years.

"We were talking with him and his agent a month ago about our idea and his idea,'' Benitez told the club's official website. "He's doing really well and has come back to his best. We were really pleased to talk to him to make progress.

"We have plenty of time but we are happy with him and he is happier now, too. He has two more years on his contract; we were talking before and we will sit down sooner rather than later and talk about the future. The last conversations that we had were very positive.''

Benitez is also hoping to tie up a new contract for goalkeeper Pepe Reina over the coming months.

"We are very happy with him,'' Benitez said. "He has been improving every single year and he will improve more because goalkeepers have more time in their career. He's always positive and he's one of the best in the training sessions because his attitude is always good.

"It depends on the agent and what the player wants but Pepe is very happy here in Liverpool so I don't see a big problem. The team-mates love him because he's a very good example.''

Carlo Ancelotti blames Petr Cech for City defeat

2009-12-07T12:16:00.000-08:00

Carlo Ancelotti believes Petr Cech was at fault for Chelsea's shock defeat at Manchester City, but is in no doubt of his keeper's ability.
Carlos Tevez' free-kick beat Cech to earn City all three points at Eastlands, after Emmanuel Adebayor's strike had cancelled out his earlier own goal.

The Chelsea boss was left to rue Frank Lampard's late penalty miss as they let an early lead slip to concede their first league goals in six weeks but, although Ancelotti believes Cech was to blame for City's winner, he insists he still has full faith in the Czech Republic international.

"This season, over the whole campaign so far, Petr has done very, very well," he said. "I like him. He takes the responsibility and likes to come out and catch the ball in the box. But if you ask me about the free-kick on Saturday, he could have done better.

"If the keeper stays in the right position, by the post, and the opposition player puts the ball over the wall and in, we have to congratulate him. It was not like that at City. But even a good goalkeeper can make a mistake sometimes."

Chelsea face Cypriots APOEL Nicosia in the Champions League on Tuesday, and with his side already qualified for the knock-out stages, Ancelotti, whose side have now lost two games on the trot, is likely to hand French youngster Gael Kakuta his first start and rest skipper John Terry, Michael Ballack and Ashley Cole.

2009-12-07T12:06:00.000-08:00

Arsene Wenger openly admits he will not gamble with the fitness of any of his first-team regulars against Olympiakos in Arsenal's final Champions League group game on Wednesday.
With safe passage into the knockout stages already secure, Wenger will take a youthful squad to Greece to give some of his walking wounded a chance to recuperate ahead of the vital Premier League trip to Liverpool on Sunday.

Forwards Theo Walcott and Eduardo both missed the win over Stoke on Saturday with minor injuries, while Czech winger Tomas Rosicky was substituted at half-time with a groin problem that could keep him out for a month.

William Gallas, Emmanuel Eboue, Armand Traore and Andrei Arshavin all suffered knocks during the 2-0 win, leaving Wenger with something of a selection headache ahead of their midweek match.

However, given that the group is already won and there is nothing other than pride resting on the outcome, Wenger is ready to give those players who helped reach the Carling Cup quarter-finals more big-game experience.

"In the competition as a whole this season, the boys did really well and I am extremely proud of them," Wenger said. "I will give some of them an opportunity on Wednesday, for many reasons.

"At the moment, we have so many players injured that we cannot take any Gambles. Also, you must give players a breather when you can. You will see Fran [Merida], [Jack] Wilshere etc.

"We played Manchester City last week and they had a full side out. For an hour we did not suffer at all. I will try to build a similar team in Greece.

"It will be a great game for them because Olympiakos will play for something, and it is another good opportunity to show that we can do better than we did at Man City."

Mikael Silvestre, 32, is also set to start to help give experience to the younger players, and Wenger believes his value is not recognised.

"He doesn't get enough praise for his attitude and his quality," he said. "Silvestre's commitment to the cause was absolutely fantastic at Man City. People respect him highly in the dressing room. He's a quiet leader.

"He is a positive guy and helps the young players, but of course the best help is to win the games."

Olympiakos, coached by Brazil legend Zico, are currently unbeaten at the top of the Greek domestic league and recently beat arch-rivals Panathinaikos. A draw would be enough to see Olympiakos also safely through to the last 16 ahead of Standard Liege.

Defensive crisis deepens for Manchester United

2009-12-07T12:01:00.000-08:00

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has received yet another defensive blow with the news that both John O'Shea and Jonny Evans will be out until the New Year.
Sir Alex had already been left to rue injuries to Wes Brown and Gary Neville in the weekend victory over West Ham United, while Nemanja Vidic did not travel with the rest of the squad for the Champions League clash with Vfl Wolfsburg.

Evans has a calf injury which O'Shea's problem was not revealed.

Injuries forced Sir Alex to finish the 4-0 win at Upton Park with midfielder Michael Carrick and lef-back Patrice Evra as the centre-back pairing. Ryan Giggs had to fill in on the left of defence with Darren Fletcher on the opposite flank.

United had hoped Vidic would have recovered from the flu bug that kept him out of Saturday's win at West Ham. However, the Serbian was absent as the Red Devils checked in for the short flight to Germany, giving their manager a major headache.

His list of injured defenders includes skipper Neville and England international Brown, plus longer-term casualties Rio Ferdinand, O'Shea and Evans. With the Da Silva brothers, Fabio and Rafael, also sidelined, the only orthodox defender Ferguson has in his squad is Evra.

Ferguson has already revealed his intention to play Michael Carrick in central defence again, while Fletcher seems certain to occupy a defensive berth, too, although which one is open to debate.

Among the less familiar faces in the United party are Oliver Gill, son of chief executive David, Magnus Eikrem, Cameron Stewart, Matte James and Oliver Norwood.

Normally, Ferguson would only class outings such as this as useful staging posts in a young player's development. However, on this occasion, there is the very real possibility they could play a prominent part.

Ferguson has vowed not to give preferential treatment to Gill. "It doesn't concern me. If he is good enough, he plays,'' said Ferguson. "That is the name of the game at Manchester United. I had my own son in the squad for four or five years and he was treated exactly the same as any other member of the squad. It will be the same for Oliver.''

Of the crisis which leaves the United boss with just one experienced defender, Sir Alex said: "One defender. It is worth trying. It would be easy to organise anyway.

"Wolfsburg will be delighted we have so many injuries. I know we might come second in the group but I am not sure whether it really makes much difference. AC Milan and Real Madrid are in one group, Bordeaux, Bayern Munich and Juventus are in another, Barcelona, Rubin Kazan and Inter Milan in a third, so if you get one of those it doesn't matter whether you have finished first or second.

"The one issue is that if you finish second you have to play the first leg of your knock-out round at home but that is all.''

In addition to the defensive problems - first-choice keeper Edwin Van der Sar is also missing - Ferguson has taken the option of leaving Wayne Rooney and Dimitar Berbatov at home, meaning Michael Owen and Danny Welbeck are the only strikers in his 19-man squad.

Given Wolfsburg are unbeaten at home in this season's competition, it would appear United's best hope of finishing top would be for CSKA Moscow to beat Besiktas in Istanbul, which would leave the Red Devils at the head of affairs no matter what their result.

At least it should mean Paul Scholes should retain his place for a game the former England star feels will round off what has been a harder group than seemed likely when the draw was made.

"This was one of the toughest groups,'' he said. "We had to go to Moscow, which is always difficult, especially on a plastic pitch, and it is the same in Turkey, yet we managed to win both games.

"CSKA and Besiktas went on to prove at Old Trafford that they are very capable teams and, when you take into account Wolfsburg are the German champions, we did well to qualify as early as we did.''

He continued: "We want to win the game and finish top of the group. How much difference that makes to who we get in the next round, I am not too sure. There are lots of good teams at that stage of the tournament."

Cool Capello: Bring on Group of Death

2009-12-04T13:11:00.000-08:00

Fabio Capello admits the World Cup will be his hardest test as a manager but insists he has no fear of any team or even a potential group of death since England have to beat the best to be the best.

Fabio Capello: Concocting Plan A, B, C and D for the World Cup.

Friday's draw will make the picture clearer for Capello and the other 31 team bosses, but for now, Capello is just relishing the experience of being a manager at a World Cup, and the unprecedented levels of preparation required of him.

He said: "It will be a great test, the hardest test of me as a manager. For me it's the first time I've breathed this atmosphere of the World Cup, the sensation. I can taste it. The airport, the people, the FIFA World Cup, Bafana Bafana, it's exciting.

"It's new for me. As a player it was different, because you think for you, now you have to think of more things, decide more things, check more things. The next five months will be really important to decide everything.

As a seeded team, England avoid six of the heavyweights for Friday's draw, but France and Portugal are still lurking in Pot D, with African powerhouses such as Ivory Coast also a possibility.

"I don't worry about [a group of death]. You have to play against all of the teams at some point, but of course if you play against the best teams it's not so easy to pass the first round. If we want to win you have to play against all of the teams. It is not important which team we have to play in the group.''

Capello believes an African side will make it to the semi-finals in South Africa next summer, in what is the first World Cup finals to be played on the African continent.

He added: "I think about the Africans and I believe this will be one of the most important World Cups for the African teams. I believe one of these countries will get to the last four. I saw the Ivory Coast play against Germany and they are a very strong team.

"They impressed me very much. The spirit of this team is to go forward, all the players are really good technically, and they surprised me because they play a lot of touches and they found the space to attack the space really fast. But it will be really important at the end of the season to see which players arrive fresh or fit. A player like Drogba is important.''

Capello insisted one of his own important assets in Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand has plenty of time to shake off his nagging back problem.

"It's not a worry if he's not fit even in January,'' said Capello. "An Italian example is Alessandro Nesta who was injured for one year, now he's the best, and people are saying please come back into the national team. I cannot say he will be fit or not but I hope so - I hope the best England players will be fit.''

Football Association chairman Lord Triesman predicted England "will sail through'' the group stage if they keep to their qualifying campaign form. In a rehearsal for the draw, England were drawn with Australia, Slovakia and Cameroon, which Capello would no doubt settle for.

David Beckham, who will become the first Englishman to play at four World Cups if he appears for the national side next summer, echoed Capello's sentiments about not worrying who England end up with.

Beckham said: "It's always good to be seeded and be up there with the best teams in the world but in the World Cup it's not about staying away from certain teams.

"If you want to go all the way in the competition you have to come up against them at some point. You are going to have to beat the best teams and the best players so it doesn't really matter when you come up against them.''

Manchester United Manager Sir Alex Ferguson: Cristiano Ronaldo My 'Signing Of The Decade'

2009-12-03T14:09:00.000-08:00

Iconic manager also singles out Ryan Giggs for high praise...

Dec 3, 2009 8:15:02 Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has named Cristiano Ronaldo as his 'most important signing' of the decade.

The United boss was reviewing the past ten years at Old Trafford and was full of praise for the recently departed Portuguese winger, who was sold to Real Madrid for a world record £80 million in the summer.

Ferguson also named Milan midfielder Ronaldinho as the player he wished he had signed having missed out on the Brazilian back in 2003.

"He [Ronaldo] was fantastic. Just a marvellous player," the United boss told Inside United.

"We missed out on Ronaldinho but it was the same summer we signed Ronaldo which more than softened the blow. We’d agreed a deal with Ronaldinho but all of a sudden, whatever happened with Peter Kenyon and the other agents, the deal fell apart."

When asked about who he felt was the 'man of the decade' at Old Trafford, Ferguson insisted there was only one choice.

"It has to be Ryan Giggs, for his unbelievable service and the high standards he continues to set. He’s a truly marvellous player," he added.

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FRATTON PARK TROUBLES

2009-12-03T14:04:00.000-08:00

"Despair" as Portsmouth players not paid again
A Portsmouth insider has told ESPN Soccernet that the players have been promised to be paid only a "portion" of their November pay cheques, and that the full balance will be paid next week. This has since been confirmed in an official club statement.

GettyImages
Avram Grant already has financial problems to contend with
It is the second time this season that Fratton Park staff have not been paid in full. During the brief and ill-fated ownership of Sulaiman Al Fahim the Pompey players were forced to wait for their wages for September and the struggling club have now failed to pay their staff for the month of November.

Saudi Arabian businessman Ali Al Faraj took control of the Premier League's bottom club from Al Fahim in late October, but it appears the same problems persist.

ESPN Soccernet have also been told that that the transfer embargo placed on the club has not been lifted, and that the new owners are fighting to find the money to pay a whole series of pressing creditors, including two Premier League clubs, outstanding VAT, Inland Revenue and now staff wages are late.

The insider said: "We're all in a state of despair here. The players seem okay about it, but they're not very happy as you would expect.

"They've been told they will get a portion of it this weekend and then the rest next week, and as long as they will be paid, eventually, they are putting up with it. But it makes everyone at the club despair, because we all thought the finances were being sorted."

ESPN Soccernet tracked down chief executive Peter Storrie and put the latest dire financial situation to him.

Storrie said: "As you know I am no longer looking after the financial situation but from what I have been told the owners are continuing the process of trying to re-source the club with money and resolve the financial issues.

"Precisely what those financial issues are, they are handling them, but I have been informed that they are doing all they can to resolve the issues.

"As for the transfer embargo, we all thought it would lifted by now, that the money owed to the clubs would have been paid, but we really do need to get that right before Christmas so we can buy players in the January transfer window."

Avram Grant took over as manager on the understanding that there would be funds available for two or three player purchases in January.

Grant will be shocked to discover the latest financial intrigue at Fratton Park which threatens to undermine his recruitment plan for players in January.

PFA chief executive Gordon Taylor has voiced his concern at the news that Portsmouth have not paid their squad for the second time this season. Taylor told Sky Sports News: "You can understand much better problems in the Football League and lower down. Chester City, Bournemouth, Crystal Palace, Watford - players have shown a great deal of solidarity and sympathy and understanding and deferred wages.

"But if that is happening in the Premier League I'm sure it is not good for the image of the game and if it is the case it is not going to be highly thought of at the headquarters of the Premier League either.

"There can't be any good reason in the Premier League with the money they enjoy from television income alone, never mind sponsorship. That is what life is about in football, paying wages of the players. I thought this had been solved with the change of ownership at the club a few weeks ago. We had this earlier in the season.''

Gerrard has top four aim

2009-12-03T13:55:00.000-08:00

Liverpool's Steven Gerrard admits finishing in the top four is now a more realistic aim than winning the title.
The Reds, who take on Blackburn Rovers on Saturday, have slipped 13 points behind Barclays Premier League leaders Chelsea after an indifferent run of results over the past two months.

They are out of the Champions League and must end up in the first four places if they want to play in Europe's elite competition again.
Victory over Everton in the Merseyside derby at the weekend will have boosted morale and that has moved Rafael Benitez's outfit to just two points behind fourth-placed Arsenal.
TITLE RACE
Reds skipper Gerrard said: "I think we have to be realistic. At the moment we're out of the title race, but we will keep trying to get back in it.
"There is still a lot of football to be played and it is possible to turn it around, but I think Chelsea are looking really strong at the moment.

"But our main target is to get back into the top four. We're coming off the back of a fantastic win at Everton and we want to continue that against Blackburn and try and go on a run of games where we can get closer to the teams above us."

Premier League Back the Bid

2009-12-03T13:08:00.000-08:00

A host of former Premier League stars are stepping up their support for England's World Cup bid.

With just one year to go to decision day, the likes of Alan Shearer, David Beckham and John Barnes are throwing their weight behind the campaign.

They are determined to see England host either the 2018 or 2022 FIFA World Cup™ and have personally "Backed the BidThe drive needs as much support as possible and the Premier League legends are calling on fans to join them in supporting the case for England to be granted the privilege of hosting the world's greatest international football tournament.
The Premier League and the 20 clubs are fully behind the Bid and last month announced, through a range of marketing and communications inventory, that the brand and reach of the Barclays Premier League will be harnessed to help promote England as an excellent potential host nation for the 2018 FIFA World Cup.

KEY ROLES
Many England and Premier League greats and members of the Bid team have travelled to Cape Town, South Africa for Friday's 2010 FIFA World Cup draw.

Meanwhile, 15 potential host cities for England's Bid have all made their presentations to be included in the submission to FIFA, with Premier League clubs playing key roles in a number of the city bids.

In a fortnight, decisions will be announced on the selected cities - and then it will be full steam ahead to complete all the elements of the Bid which will be delivered to FIFA in May 2010.

After a series of inspection visits, the location of the 2018 and 2022 FIFA World Cups™ will be announced in December 2010.

England has great stadiums, great infrastructure and a great football heritage. But most of all, the country has great fans.

That includes you, so make sure you vote for England's bid by clicking here now.