Blanc unsure over M´Vila fitness

France coach Laurent Blanc has cast further doubt over Yann M’Vila’s participation in France’s opening Euro 2012 clash with England.

M’Vila suffered an ankle sprain in last week’s friendly international with Serbia.

The 21-year-old, believed to be a transfer target for Arsenal, sustained the injury when tackled by Dusan Tadic early in the 2-0 win, and although he attempted to shake off the knock, he was unable to continue.

The Rennes man was an expected starter in Les Bleus’ midfield for the match with England, but Blanc is cautious about a premature return.

“I don’t know if he will play versus England,” Blanc said to reporters.

“He has a substantial injury, but we should be careful. The injury can move in the right direction in a few days.”

Speaking ahead of his team’s friendly against Estonia on Tuesday, Blanc said he wanted a good performance from his side.

“It is very difficult for me to confirm whether the team that starts tomorrow against Estonia will be the same one that will start against England on June 11,” Blanc said.

“We still have the same goal and objective – to progress past the first round, to reach the quarter-finals and then see where we go from there.

“For us, we want to play well during the friendlies and to have that confidence and conviction in order to achieve our objectives.”

France attacker Florent Malouda said it was important for his side to take the clash against Estonia seriously.

“The most important thing is to keep doing what we are doing, but we still have to increase our level and build up our confidence ahead of the tournament,” Malouda said.

“Of course, the competition itself is always different compared to the friendly games.

“It is essential to enforce good practice, whatever the opposition or match.”

Source : http://www.soccernews.com/blanc-unsure-over-m%c2%b4vila-fitness/95877/

Hazard: Belgium deserved win at Wembley

Eden Hazard believes Belgium should have defeated England in Saturday’s friendly international at Wembley.

Danny Welbeck’s solitary goal moments before the break sealed a 1-0 win for England, but the Chelsea-bound ace insists his side played the better football and deserved the win.

“We deserved a victory,” Hazard told reporters. “When we had the ball, I think we played better.”

Hazard, whose protracted move to the Blues from Lille was confirmed on Monday, then gave his opinion on how England will fare in Poland and Ukraine, as they prepare to kick off their European campaign against France in Donetsk on June 11.

“It’s hard to judge England, because it was their last game before the Euro’s,” he said.

“It’s a great team. They have arguments, but if France are on a good day, they can do something.

“I saw France against Serbia and they impressed me in the first half. They can win against England, though England also know big games.”

Source : http://www.soccernews.com/hazard-belgium-deserved-win-at-wembley/95867/

Lescott ´gutted´ for Cahill

England defender Joleon Lescott says he is devastated for Gary Cahill after the Chelsea centre-back was ruled out of Euro 2012.

Cahill left the field at Wembley after colliding with goalkeeper Joe Hart following a push from Belgium’s Dries Mertens in England’s 1-0 victory on Saturday.

The former Bolton defender suffered a double fracture of his jaw and was consequently ruled out of the tournament, becoming the fourth player from Roy Hodgson’s squad to have to pull out of the competition.

Lescott replaced Cahill after 19 minutes and helped England record their second clean sheet under the tenure of their new manager. He now looks in prime position to partner John Terry in the heart of the defence against France on June 11.

The Manchester City defender revealed he was disappointment for his team-mate and believes Mertens should have been punished more severely than the yellow card he received.

Lescott wrote on his Twitter account: “Gutted to hear Gaz is ruled out.

“The challenge that caused it was more reckless and dangerous than most two-footed tackles so why only yellow?”

Source : http://www.soccernews.com/lescott-%c2%b4gutted%c2%b4-for-cahill/95848/

No WAGs allowed, warns Neville World Soccer Shop

England coach Gary Neville has vowed that there will never be any repeat of the WAGs debacle at the 2006 World Cup in Germany.

Cheryl Cole: Proved an off-field distraction in 2006

As with this summer, six years ago, England opted to base themselves in an accessible location for a major tournament, the rather genteel spa resort of Baden Baden, close to the Black Forest.

However, England's presence was completely overshadowed by that of their glamorous wives and girlfriends, who became a magnet for photographers and a massive distraction.

Poland's second city Krakow may not hold the same appeal and, a combination of the logistical difficulties of getting to matches taking place in Ukraine - a two-hour flight away - and the potential for racism has led some families to make a decision to stay away altogether.

Whether the lure of Brazil in 2014 raises the WAGs issue once more is open to debate.

Neville, part of that England squad in Germany which bowed out to Portugal in a quarter-final penalty shoot-out, is confident those chaotic scenes are a thing of the past.

"That won't happen again," he said. "The FA learned from the experience in 2006. The England team did. The England players did.

"That wasn't ideal for anybody.

"It was symptomatic of the times. Between 2002 and 2007 everyone got carried away with everything in life.

"It is a different world now and those mistakes won't happen again under any manager or any regime. The platform won't be given.

"We are managing it this time in a completely different way. We are here to play football. We are here to work."

England's response to Baden Baden was to shut their players away in the relative isolation of Rustenburg in South Africa.

That did not work either, with many players complaining of boredom.

So, when they leave England on June 6, they will do so for the centre of a city with approximately 750,000 inhabitants.

Yet, according to Neville, this is the only way to replicate the normal day-to-day experiences of the England squad, and get the best out of them.

"Players would not pen themselves into a countryside location between a Saturday and Tuesday game for their clubs," he said.

"That is the big message, to have players doing what they would normally do.

"You can never replicate the home environment but in terms of being free to go for a coffee or to the shops - we should embrace it, even though it has never been done before."

Though he went to five major tournaments as a player during an 85-cap England career he regards as "a waste of time" in the sense of never winning anything, this will be Neville's first as a coach.

It represents a giant leap of faith from manager Roy Hodgson, who knows the 37-year-old has no relevant coaching experience.

Hodgson was attracted to Neville, though, because of his astute observations in his role as a TV pundit on Sky.

Yet, during that time, the former Manchester United full-back has made many forceful comments about most of the 23-man squad he is now trying to get the most from.

"I don't think the players are too fragile," said Neville. "Yes, at some point I will have highlighted a mistake from every player in this squad, or praised them.

"But football players are very honest.

"If someone makes a mistake in a big game millions around the world will have seen it, plus their own coaches, own fans, family, themselves.

"The last thing they will be worried about is me sat in a little glass box saying something.

"A lot more questions were being asked about me and my role at Sky 12 months ago.

"I had been at United for 20 years and I was still an ambassador. How was I ever going to talk openly and honestly about Manchester United's players and their opponents?

"I would like to think I have proved I am impartial and can speak openly.

"As long as you are fair and honest across the board I don't think anyone has a problem, although the real proof will come next season.

"That is when I have to prove I can handle both of these roles.

"But I am not worried about it at all."

Source : http://soccer365.com//news/european_news/general/17523/no_wags_allowed__warns_neville

Injury casts doubt on Lampard for Euros

Veteran England midfielder Frank Lampard’s participation in Euro 2012 is in doubt.

Lampard was forced out of training on Wednesday with a thigh injury, a problem that England’s doctors will assess on Thursday before making a decision on his fitness for the tournament in Poland and Ukraine.

Liverpool midfielder Jordan Henderson has already been notified of the injury and put on standby.

“Frank Lampard has today (Wednesday) pulled up in training with a thigh injury,” the FA confirmed.

“He will have a scan and be assessed by the England medical team tomorrow (Thursday).

“Jordan Henderson has been put on standby notice as cover whilst Lampard continues to be monitored.”

Lampard, who won the Champions League with Chelsea this season, has played in every one of England’s games at international tournaments since 2002.

He was named in the the final 23-man squad for the Euros when it was submitted to UEFA on Tuesday, but players can be still be substituted before the tournament’s start as long as an independent examination from a UEFA doctor confirms that a player is too injured to play.

England are due to face Belgium at Wembley in their final friendly before the tournament begins. Their first game of the group stage is against France on June 11.

England manager Roy Hodgson has already been forced to make one late amendment to his squad, after Gareth Barry was ruled out of the tournament with a stomach tear.

Henderson had been expected to replace the Manchester City midfielder, but Hodgson opted instead to bolster his defensive ranks with the versatile Phil Jagielka.

Barry’s withdrawal came after third-choice goalkeeper John Ruddy was also forced out after breaking his finger.

Source : http://www.soccernews.com/injury-casts-doubt-on-lampard-for-euros/95529/

Gerrard admits Rooney ban a blow

England captain Steven Gerrard has admitted that Wayne Rooney’s absence from the first two Euro 2012 group games will be a blow.

The Manchester United striker was handed a three-match ban by UEFA, later reduced to two, after he kicked Miodrag Dzudovic in the 2-2 draw against Montenegro in October.

But the 32-year-old midfielder said the Three Lions are more than capable of putting in good performances until Rooney’s return.

Gerrard told RMC: “Wayne (Rooney) is a world class player. Any team would suffer after the loss of such a player.

“So yes, we will miss him. But we hope it will go well without him and we can do the job. In any case, we expect to reach the quarterfinals.”

The Liverpool man also praised the quality of the France squad ahead of the two sides’ meeting in their opening group game on June 11.

“Playing against France for the first game is a difficult start because this team is fantastic. But this type of game is exciting,” he said.

“They are fantastic players. For example, we know (Samir) Nasri and (Karim) Benzema very well. When we see such players selected for France, we understand that the quality of the French team is high.

“I consider France to be one of the favourites for the Euros. We are all looking forward to playing this game.”

However, Gerrard refused to look past the match against Les Bleus, insisting that his side will take it step by step.

“We take the games one after another,” he said.

“Sincerely, we hope to first achieve a good result against France. What we do will automatically give a lot of confidence for the rest.”

Source : http://www.soccernews.com/gerrard-admits-rooney-ban-a-blow/95521/

Kuyt attracting Euro interest World Soccer Shop

Liverpool forward Dirk Kuyt claims there are clubs in England, Germany, Spain and Italy interested in signing him this summer.

Kuyt: Set to leave Liverpool

Kuyt, 31, has a year to run on his Anfield contract, but seems destined to leave after a season in which he found first-team starts limited.

"There are many clubs who are interested," he told NUsport in Holland.

"Not only from England, also from Germany, Spain and Italy."

One club he has ruled out, however, are former side Feyenoord who would not be able to afford his wages.

"I have had several conversations with Feyenoord but we were unable to agree," he added.

"I did not want on my conscience that Feyenoord would have financial problems because of my salary.

"There were too many doubts on both sides. I've thought about it, but it is not the time to return. "

Source : http://soccer365.com//news/european_news/general/17449/kuyt_attracting_euro_interest

Radu agent claims Prem interest World Soccer Shop

Stefan Radu's agent says he is "working with someone in England" regarding the possible transfer of the Lazio defender to the Premier League.

Radu: Linked with Premier League move

Radu has been linked with both Arsenal and Manchester City in recent weeks and the 25-year-old's agent has confirmed there is interest from the Premier League.

"We are working with someone in England," Viktor Becali told lalaziosiamonoi.it. "There are three clubs that are very interested in Stefan.

"If we were to receive a good offer and Lazio were to accept, then he could leave.

"Otherwise, he is happy to remain in Rome. He is under contract until 2016."

Radu joined Lazio from Dinamo Bucharest in 2008 and made 21 Serie A appareances for the Biancoceleste in the 2011/12 season.

Source : http://soccer365.com//news/european_news/general/17443/radu_agent_claims_prem_interest

Parker: Capello couldn´t communicate

Scott Parker has admitted that a poor grasp of the English language tainted Fabio Capello’s tenure as England coach.

Parker admitted improved communication under the former West Brom manager Roy Hodgson compared to Capello, has already been key as the Three Lions prepare for Euro 2012.

“To be honest, the previous manager struggled to get his point across because of the language barrier,” he told The Sun.

“Fabio Capello was a bit distant whereas Roy Hodgson is very proactive and interacts with the players.

“He’s extremely well organised and you have a far better understanding of what he requires from you.

“He’s an old-fashioned type of manager, the type you know is very approachable and hands-on.”

Despite England’s expectations going into Euro 2012 being reasonably low, Parker said it has not transmitted onto the playing squad who are going to Poland and the Ukraine to win the tournament.

“As a player I’m not going to the European Championship with the mindset it’s alright if we perform reasonably well,” he said.

“And I’m quite sure I can say the same for the other players — we are going to the tournament to try and win it.

“I will be 33 when the World Cup comes around and this may be my first and only chance of winning something with England.”

Source : http://www.soccernews.com/parker-capello-couldn%c2%b4t-communicate/95512/

Will Leighton Baines move to Manchester United this summer?

Everton and England full-back Leighton Baines is being linked with a summer move to Manchester United.

The Everton star is currently away on international duty with the England squad and has stated he is focused on his national team for now.

Consistent

Leighton Baines has been one of the most consistent players in the Premier League for a few years now.

The ex-Wigan man was a crucial part of Everton’s attacking play last season as he got forward and supported the teams attack.

Baines contributed four goals and numerous assists as Everton finished seventh in the Premier League. His defending has also improved in the last year or so as he has matured.

Second

Leighton Baines is now considered the second best left-back in the Premier League, after England teammate Ashley Cole. Baines is seen as Cole’s successor for the England national team but is just four years younger than the Chelsea man.

He is rather unfortunate to have came along at the same time as Cole, as England have lacked talented left-footed full-backs in the past. Like buses though, none come along for ages and then two come along at once.

Competition

It now seems that Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson is hoping to sign the full-back to provide competition for temporary-captain Patrice Evra. The French full-back didn’t have the best of campaigns last season and Baines is considered the perfect alternative to Evra.

Flattered

Baines told Sky Sports: “The United link is flattering. There is no harm in people talking about it because it is a great club. But I’m at a great club as well, a club that I love.

“The focus now is all on the tournament. There’s not much time to let other things seep in. It’s about getting your head on this job for the next six weeks and trying to do the best you can.”

He continued: “Would it be hard to turn United down? I’m not letting my focus shift to that while I am in camp. I’m focused on what I’m doing at the moment.

“Would it be hard to leave Everton? Yes, obviously. You know what it means. I’ve been there for five years myself but also know first-hand what it means to a lot of people so, yes it would be.”

Money

Although Leighton Baines is one of Everton’s key players the Toffees are in need of finances to strengthen their squad. A fee of £15million has been mooted and that sort of money would be hard to turn down for the hard up Toffee’s.

Everton boss David Moyes is unlikely to be able to bring in any new signings without players leaving the club. The Scot really is in a catch 22 situation, sell one of his best players and bring in some fresh faces or stick with the squad of players he already has.

Loyalty

Baines seems to have a strong loyalty to Everton but as we have seen in the past clubs like Manchester united can turn players heads. Wayne Rooney headed to Old Trafford from Merseyside to win trophies. Baines isn’t likely to win any trophies staying at Everton.

As a Everton fan I really wouldn’t want Baines to leave the club but as this story gathers momentum it really does look like Leighton Baines exit is inevitable.

Will Leighton Baines move to Manchester United this summer?

Source : http://www.soccernews.com/will-leighton-baines-move-to-manchester-united-this-summer/95502/

Euro 2012: Hodgson finalizes England squad

Three Lions boss Roy Hodgson has included Danny Welbeck and Glen Johnson in England’s final Euro 2012 squad despite the injury concerns surrounding the duo.

Welbeck picked up an ankle injury in the Manchester derby on 30 April 2012 following a speculative challenge from City midfielder Nigel de Jong.

The Dutch defensive midfielder has become notorious for his reckless play on the pitch. In 2010, the former Ajax star broke the legs of Stuart Holden and Hatem Ben Arfa.

Throw in the Dutchman’s karate kick on Xabi Alonso in the 2010 World Cup final and you’ve summed up De Jong’s game in a nutshell.

Welbeck enjoyed his best season in professional football for the Red Devils in 2011-12, bagging nine goals and four assists in 30 English Premier League appearances.

Furthermore, the 22-year-old Manchester-born striker tallied two goals in two UEFA Champions League games for United, while also netting two goals in the European Under-21 Championship.

Danny Welbeck is 6/1 to be England’s top scorer at Euro 2012, and 50/1 to be the top overall goalscorer in Poland-Ukraine.

Now then, onto Glen Johnson. The Liverpool right back has been bothered by an infected toe in recent days.

However, the toe injury won’t keep the Englishman out of this summer’s European Championships, which is definitely good news for England’s supporters.

Johnson registered one goal and three assists in 35 appearances for club and country in 2011-12, and is 66/1 to be the Three Lions’ top marksman at Euro 2012.

England’s 23-man Euro 2012 Squad:

Goalkeepers:

Joe Hart, Robert Green, Jack Butland

Defenders:

Glen Johnson, Ashley Cole, Gary Cahill, John Terry, Leighton Baines, Phil Jones, Joleon Lescott, Phil Jagielka

Midfielders:

Steven Gerrard, Theo Walcott, Frank Lampard, Ashley Young, James Milner, Scott Parker, Stewart Downing, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain

Forwards:

Andy Carroll, Wayne Rooney, Jermain Defoe, Danny Welbeck

Euro 2012 Betting Odds: England

England are 1/2 to qualify from Group D and advance to the knockout stages of this summer’s competition.

In turn, the Three Lions are 17/10 to win Group D outright, with France given the same odds to top the group.

All things considered, I fancy Les Bleus to top Group D, with England advancing to the knockout stages after a second-place finish.

Not only are the French two-time European champions, but they have Karim Benzema, who missed the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, back in their side.

In addition, France have winger Franck Ribery at their disposal. The Bayern Munich play-maker is arguably the best player in Group D, and just recently ended his international goal drought against Iceland. That may just prove to be a lethal combination.

“It [scoring against Iceland] has done a lot of good for me and my loved ones,” said Ribery.

“It was becoming a weight on my shoulders and people were asking questions. At the same time, I am not a goalscorer, I like to make runs and good passes.

“But it did not surprise me because what I did [against Iceland], I had done for a whole year with Bayern and I just couldn’t understand why I failed to replicate this form with France.”

Which team will finish atop Group D in Euro 2012?

Source : http://www.soccernews.com/euro-2012-hodgson-finalizes-england-squad/95477/

Jagielka relishes underdog tag

Defender Phil Jagielka believes the lack of expectation on England could help them to flourish at Euro 2012.

Unlike in previous years, the national team head to Poland and Ukraine as outsiders to win the tournament, and Jagielka is hoping they can now surprise people.

“I’m sure if we win a game we’ll be favourites and if we lose a game we’ll be a waste of space,” he told reporters.

“It’s a hard one to call. It would be better for the squad if there’s a little bit less expectation on us. Hopefully we can go under the radar until the latter stages of the tournament and hopefully get further than we have.

“If we’re being realistic we haven’t won anything for a number of years and maybe that’s because we don’t deserve to so hopefully this time round we can perform better and see where that takes us.”

The Everton centre-back also suggested that not much has changed since England’s friendly clash with France in November 2010 – ahead of their meeting in the tournament opener on June 11.

“I’m sure their squad will be quite similar to what it was back then and ours isn’t too different. It’s going to be a slightly different atmosphere and a different sort of onus on the game,” he said.

“Obviously it’s a tournament game, not a friendly so we’ll need the points to top the table and hopefully go through.

“We’ll be going out there to win the game but I think if we take a draw and get two other good results in the group then we’ll take that just as much.”

Jagielka also said he has enjoyed training under new boss Roy Hodgson so far, adding: “It has been good. We’ve obviously not had too long with it but a 1-0 win (against Norway) is a decent start.

“We didn’t play amazing but we’re still getting used to the tactics and the different roles that some of us have to play.

“We’ve got to look upwards and we’re going into a tournament and hopefully we can do well with him in charge.”

The 29-year-old also expressed excitement at the prospect of playing for his country alongside his former Toffees team-mate Joleon Lescott.

He continued: “Yeah definitely me and Joleon have known each other for about 10 years now so that’s obviously useful for England.

“We’ve played together a lot at Everton him got himself a fantastic move to Manchester City and has won himself a Premier League medal this season so his career has gone onto fantastic things and I think I’ve done ok for myself.”

“It’s always nice to have a familiar face next to you, especially at international football where the standards are so high. I think the last three games with had we’ve had three wins.”

Source : http://www.soccernews.com/jagielka-relishes-underdog-tag/95463/

Welbeck, Johnson selected for England

Injured duo Danny Welbeck and Glen Johnson have been included in England’s 23-man squad for Euro 2012.

Manchester United forward Welbeck has been struggling with an ankle injury sustained in a challenge from Nigel de Jong in the Manchester derby towards the end of last season while Johnson has sat out training recently with an infected toe.

In attack Andy Carroll, Jermain Defoe and Welbeck will fight over the forward positions in the absence of the suspended Wayne Rooney for the opening two games in Group D.

Roy Hodgson’s team kick-off their campaign on June 8 against France.

Full England squad:-

Goalkeepers – Joe Hart (Manchester City) Robert Green (West Ham) Jack Butland (Birmingham)

Defenders – Glen Johnson (Liverpool) Ashley Cole (Chelsea), Gary Cahill (Chelsea), John Terry (Chelsea), Leighton Baines (Everton) Phil Jones (Manchester United) Joleon Lescott (Manchester City) Phil Jagielka (Everton)

Midfielders – Steven Gerrard (Liverpool) Theo Walcott (Arsenal) Frank Lampard (Chelsea) Ashley Young (Manchester United) James Milner (Manchester City) Scott Parker (Tottenham) Stewart Downing (Liverpool) Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (Arsenal)

Attackers – Andy Carroll (Liverpool) Wayne Rooney (Manchester United) Jermain Defoe (Tottenham) Danny Welbeck (Manchester United)

Source : http://www.soccernews.com/welbeck-johnson-selected-for-england/95445/

Raul: Real & Barca best in world World Soccer Shop

Veteran striker Raul is convinced Spanish heavyweights Real Madrid and Barcelona would dominate the Premier League if they played in England.

Raul: Hands up if you think Real and Barca are quite good

The Primera Division has become something of a two-horse race in recent years, with Valencia the last side to lift La Liga title outside the two Spanish heavyweights in 2004.

Since then, Barcelona have triumphed on five occasions and reigning champions Real have won three times.

And such is the quality amongst their ranks, Real's all-time leading goalscorer Raul believes they would be a match for anyone.

"The problem lies not in the league," Raul told Doha Stadium Plus. "Manchester United are a great team in England, but right now Barcelona and Real Madrid are the two best teams in the world.

"It is normal then the other teams are struggling to keep up with them .

"If Real Madrid and Barcelona played in England, it would be a race of two.

"At the moment Real Madrid and Barcelona are the best. The gap could be reduced in coming years."

The 34-year-old, who left Real for Schalke in 2010 after scoring 228 goals with the Bernabeu outfit, is now with Qatar club Al Sadd.

He last played for Spain in 2006 but thinks they are on course to make history this year.

No country has retained the European Championship trophy either side of winning the World Cup, although both France and Germany have held the two trophies at the same time.

World and European champions Spain now have the chance to break that record at Euro 2012.

Raul, who scored 44 goals in 102 appearances for the national side between 1996 and 2006, acknowledges they must overcome some tough challenges in Poland and Ukraine, however.

"It will be difficult for Spain," he added. "In history, no country has won the European Championship, World Cup and Euros again.

"I want to see Spain make history, but they know they will face a major challenge, mainly from Germany, Holland and France."

Source : http://soccer365.com//news/european_news/general/17359/raul__real___barca_best_in_world

Aguero to stay at City

Manchester City striker Sergio Aguero has dismissed reports of a move to Real Madrid, insisting he will see out his contract in England.

The Argentine, 23, he remains committed to the club he joined from Atletico Madrid last summer and is looking to win more silverware at City.

“My future is at Manchester City,” Aguero told The Times.

“I want to stay here. My contract has four years left to run and I see myself being here at least as long as that.

“There are always rumours, but there is no truth in them. I am not thinking about moving to Real Madrid or anywhere else.

“City have treated me very well from the very first day I arrived, I’m settled at the club and my family are happy in Manchester, and I want to stay.

“I can win everything that I want to win here. We have won one title now and we can go on to win more. Once you have one, you are desperate for the second, the third, the fourth, and it will be the same with us.

“We won the Premier League this season. Why shouldn’t we believe we can win it in years to come, too?

“We will be even better next season, I am certain of that. We had a lot of new players getting to know each other this year. We want to keep going.”

His first trophy was last season’s Premier League title, with Aguero’s 23 league goals helping City secure their first top flight crown in 44 years.

He made his name in his homeland with Independiente, before moving to Spain in 2006 to start a four-year spell at the Estadio Vicente Calderon.

Aguero then linked up with compatriot Carlos Tevez at City in July 2011 and netted 30 goals in all, including the title-winner against QPR.

Source : http://www.soccernews.com/aguero-to-stay-at-city/95413/

Barry out, Parker fit for England

Gareth Barry has been ruled out of Euro 2012 with a stomach muscle injury with Phil Jagielka coming into England’s squad.

A scan on Monday revealed that Barry has a tear in a lower abdominal muscle and manager Roy Hodgson has decided to leave the Manchester City midfielder behind when he takes England to the European Championships.

Everton defender Jagielka, who played in England’s 1-0 friendly win over Norway on Saturday, has been picked as Barry’s replacement.

“I’m very disappointed to lose Gareth,” Hodgson said.

“Not only was he a member of my original 23-man squad but he has featured prominently in the England team over the last few years.

“I know how much he wanted to be part of the tournament but I’m sure he will still have a part to play with England after the Euros.

“I wish him a speedy recovery.”

But in some good news for Hodgson, Tottenham midfielder Scott Parker has proven his fitness for the tournament in Poland and Ukraine, which starts on June 8.

An Achilles injury had cast doubt over Parker’s participation at Euro 2012 with Hodgson required to name his final 23-man squad on Tuesday.

But Parker’s 55 minutes of action against Norway has convinced Hodgson that the defensive midfielder is fit.

Parker was happy with his performance against Norway in Hodgson’s first match as England’s boss.

“It’s always important to be out there,” Parker said.

“It’s a fresh start and, in a way, you’ve got to prove to him you’re worthy of a place in his team.

“It was good to get out there and as a team we showed what we can do.”

Source : http://www.soccernews.com/barry-out-parker-fit-for-england/95407/

Jags replaces Barry for England World Soccer Shop

Phil Jagielka has been called up to England's Euro 2012 squad after midfielder Gareth Barry was ruled out through injury.

Jagielka: Confirmed in 23-man England squad

Manchester City's Barry suffered a tear to his lower abdomen against Norway in Oslo on Saturday.

His withdrawal was confirmed after Barry had a scan in the north-west on Monday.

Everton centre-back Jagielka has been called up as his replacement, the Football Association confirmed.

"I am very disappointed to lose Gareth, not only was he a member of my original 23-man squad but he has featured prominently in the England team over the last few years," said manager Roy Hodgson.

"I know how much he wanted to be part of the tournament but I'm sure he will still have a part to play with England after the Euros.

"I wish him a speedy recovery."

Barry's place was in doubt after he lasted less than half an hour of a second-half appearance in Saturday's friendly win over Norway in Oslo.

After the game Hodgson said he may have to trust Barry to let him know exactly how bad the injury was.

It is not thought that was necessary, though, with scans indicating there was no way the Manchester City man was going to be fit to play any meaningful role in Poland and Ukraine this summer.

Jagielka had been tipped to come in and strengthen Hodgson's defensive options.

The Everton man was produced an excellent performance in Norway alongside Joleon Lescott - a pairing that kept Spain out in November and are now pressurising Chelsea duo John Terry and Gary Cahill.

They will report for duty at England's Watford base on Tuesday, along with the remainder of Hodgson's 23-man squad.

That number will include Danny Welbeck and Glen Johnson, who had been doubts with ankle and toe injuries respectively.

However, it seems those problems have cleared up, along with Scott Parker's Achilles injury, and the FA are anticipating having to make no further changes when they submit their official squad to UEFA at 11am on Tuesday.

Source : http://soccer365.com//news/european_news/general/17307/jags_replaces_barry_for_england

Kompany keen on England chances World Soccer Shop

Vincent Kompany believes England are dark horses for Euro 2012, but has warned Belgium are ready to ruin the Three Lions' preparations.

Kompany: Hoping to unsettle England

The Manchester City captain is expected to be in his nation's starting XI on Saturday at Wembley and he will be team-mates with a host of rising stars.

Eden Hazard, Moussa Dembele, Marouane Fellaini and Jan Vertonghen are among Belgium's threats to England in their final pre-Euros friendly.

And although Premier League winner Kompany thinks Roy Hodgson's unfancied team could go far in Poland and Ukraine, the centre-back hopes they receive an upset at the weekend.

Kompany said: "I'm looking forward to this game. If we can win, it would cap the season for me.

"I know I won't be going to the Euros but we have such high ambitions for the World Cup.

"This is an important start for us preparing. This game is just as important for us as it is for England.

"They are definitely my pick of the bunch as the surprise team at the Euros."

Source : http://soccer365.com//news/european_news/general/17297/kompany_keen_on_england_chances

Hodgson wants honesty from Barry

England manager Roy Hodgson will demand honesty from Gareth Barry over his groin injury before naming his Euro 2012 squad on Tuesday.

The midfielder was forced off less than 30 minutes into a substitute appearance during Saturday’s 1-0 friendly win over Norway, and requires a scan to determine the extent of the blow.

The scan could, however, be inconclusive, resulting in a dilemma ahead of the May 29 squad submission deadline over whether or not to select a player whose fitness is not assured.

“We only have a couple of days to sort it out and we can’t take any risks,” Hodgson told reporters.

“He is a very honest individual and whilst the scan will tell us a lot, if it doesn’t give us the answer we want I shall be having a very serious discussion with him. He will have to be honest with me and let me know exactly how it is.”

Should the Manchester City midfielder prove too much of a risk ahead of the tournament, the manager hinted that defender Phil Jagielka could be the chosen replacement from the standby list.

With only seven recognised defenders in the squad, the Everton centre-back could get the opportunity to build on his display in the November win against Spain and make up for missing the 2010 World Cup through injury.

“I am prepared to reconfigure,” Hodgson said.

“I am not necessarily looking to replace man-for-man in the midfield area because we have a lot of players in that area.”

Hodgson has received no further bad injury news, however, with Scott Parker suffering no ill effects from his recent Achilles problem and both Danny Welbeck and Glen Johnson improving.

Source : http://www.soccernews.com/hodgson-wants-honesty-from-barry/95386/

Eriksson: England will progress ´easily´

Former England boss Sven-Goran Eriksson believes Roy Hodgson’s side should ‘easily’ qualify from their Euro 2012 group.

Eriksson feels that, even without the suspended Wayne Rooney, England should have no problem advancing from Group D, which also contains France, Sweden and co-hosts the Ukraine.

In his column for the Times of India, the Swede wrote: “Despite Rooney’s unavailability, I would think that England should easily reach the knockout stage from the group and their real test should start from there.

“However, how far England would progress in the competition would depend on whether their experienced midfield stays fit throughout the tournament and how soon Hodgson can put together a perfect combination on the field.

“He gets two friendlies to work out what he wants to do in Ukraine and has already got off to a solid start with a victory against Norway on Saturday. I wish him the best for the tournament.

Eriksson feels Hodgson will be under more pressure to succeed given England’s failure to qualify for Euro 2008 and the fact they have never won the competition.

“I have been the manager of England at the World Cup in 2010 and I know the pressure the English team manager has to handle,” he wrote.

“The pressure would be all the more on Roy Hodgson, since England had failed to qualify for the last edition of the competition and the fans would be expecting that their star players would bring home the trophy that has eluded them since the start of the championship.”

Source : http://www.soccernews.com/eriksson-england-will-progress-%c2%b4easily%c2%b4/95385/