Schweinsteiger on track for Euro 2012

Bastian Schweinsteiger has returned to full training with the rest of the Germany squad, participating in an open session on Monday.

Joachim Loew’s side arrived in Poland on Monday ahead of Euro 2012 and waited just three hours before starting their first training session at Lechia Gdansk Stadium.

The Bayern Munich midfielder joined up with the squad a week ago following his involvement in the Champions League final.

Schweinsteiger missed the 5-3 loss to Switzerland as he was still nursing a thigh injury.

However, the 27-year-old was given the all clear by the team’s medical staff to take part in the session, with Germany general manager Oliver Bierhoff confirming his return.

“The health department has given the green light.” Bierhoff said. “He can train normally again.”

The Euro 2008 runners-up will stay in Poland, despite their group matches being held in Ukraine, and Bierhoff thanked the locals for their warm welcome.

“We have been extremely well received and have excellent conditions. We look forward to the time in Poland and now ever say thank you for your hospitality,” Bierhoff said.

Germany begin their Euro 2012 campaign against Portugal on June 9, before playing the Netherlands and Denmark.

Source : http://www.soccernews.com/schweinsteiger-on-track-for-euro-2012/95873/

Germany arrive in Poland for Euros

The Germany squad have arrived in Poland four days before their opening Euro 2012 match.

Joachim Loew’s men arrived in Gdansk on Monday, where the team will be based for the tournament.

After checking in at the hotel, Germany had their first training on Polish soil at a local stadium in front of 10,000 spectators.

All 23 players took part in the practice session, including Bastian Schweinsteiger, who has suffered a series of fitness issues recently.

The Bayern Munich star has been passed fit for Germany’s Euro 2012 opener against Portugal on Saturday.

Source : http://www.soccernews.com/germany-arrive-in-poland-for-euros/95864/

Szczesny expecting Poland to fire

Wojciech Szczesny believes Poland have assembled their strongest squad for years ahead of Euro 2012.

As one of the host nations, Poland qualified automatically for the competition but will face a stern test in Group A against Russia, Czech Republic and Greece.

Arsenal goalkeeper Szczesny says there is a confident mood in the squad ahead of the tournament and hopes the team can live up to their own expectations.

“It’s all there for us to go and have a successful tournament – I think it’s the strongest Poland team the fans have seen for years so hopefully we won’t let them down,” Szczesny said.

“I think Poland have a chance of doing well. The atmosphere around the national team has changed a bit and people have realised that we actually have world-class players.”

Szczesny singled out Borussia Dortmund trio Jakub Blaszczykowski, Lukasz Piszczek and Robert Lewandowski as three key players for the Poles ahead of the tournament.

The 22-year-old believes their quality and experience will be vital, after their success in helping Dortmund to the Bundesliga title this season.

“The three players from Borussia Dortmund are as good in their positions as anyone in Europe – Lukasz Piszczek is a right back and I’d easily put him in the top three in Europe, his fitness levels are something I’ve never seen before,” he said.

“Jakub Blaszczykowski, the skipper, always steps up for the national team while Robert Lewandowski is just a natural goalscorer.

“We’ve got plenty of others who can make an impact too – Ludovic Obraniak in midfield is a fantastic player and we have some solid defenders.”

Source : http://www.soccernews.com/szczesny-expecting-poland-to-fire/95851/

Stricken M´Vila to travel with France

The French Football Federation (FFF) has confirmed Yann M’Vila will remain with the France squad for Euro 2012 despite an ankle injury.

The Stade Rennais midfielder picked up a knock in France’s 2-0 friendly win over Serbia, and it was initially feared he could miss the European Championship due to the injury.

However, an MRI scan has revealed the 21-year-old’s physical problems are less serious than previously thought, and he will not have to withdraw from the squad for Euro 2012.

“The MRI confirmed that it’s a moderately serious sprain, without aggravating factors. It’s running its course, there are no complications,” an official statement from FFF read.

M’Vila will travel to Ukraine with the rest of the France squad on Wednesday, but he is unlikely to make a full recovery before their Group D opener against England on June 11.

After the England match, France take on tournament co-hosts Ukraine and then Sweden.

Source : http://www.soccernews.com/stricken-m%c2%b4vila-to-travel-with-france/95831/

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/

Rosicky makes cut with Czechs World Soccer Shop

Tomas Rosicky has been included in the Czech Republic's final 23-man squad for Euro 2012 despite concerns over the midfielder's fitness.

Rosicky: Going to the Euros

The Arsenal man was struggling with a calf injury, but Czech Republic coach Michal Bilek has given Rosicky the green light to travel to the finals.

Bilek has also axed FK Teplice goalkeeper Tomas Grigar from his 24-man draft selection, while Vladimir Darida had already replaced Daniel Pudil after impressing in Saturday's 2-1 win against Israel.

The Czechs meet Hungary in Prague on Friday ahead of their opening Group A game against Russia in Wroclaw on 8 June.

"It was not pleasant, especially for the withdrawn players," Bilek told UEFA's Euro 2012 website."During the last week the fitness of Rosicky made things more complicated as he was not 100 per cent.

"Ideally we would play our strongest possible starting line-up (for Friday's friendly against Hungary]) but in this case the most important thing is that Tomas is fit and ready for the first game at Euros."

Czech Republic squad: Goalkeepers: Petr Cech (Chelsea), Jaroslav Drobny (Hamburg), Jan Lastuvka (Dnipro).

Defenders: Theodor Gebre Selassie (Slovan Liberec), Roman Hubnik (Hertha Berlin), Michal Kadlec (Bayer Leverkusen), David Limbersky (Viktoria Plzen), Tomas Sivok (Besiktas), Marek Suchy (Spartak Moscow).

Midfielders: Vladimír Darida (Viktoria Plzen), Tomas Hubschman (Shakhtar Donetsk), Petr Jiracek (Wolfsburg), Daniel Kolar (Viktoria Plzen), Milan Petrzela (Viktoria Plzen), Vaclav Pilar (Wolfsburg), Jaroslav Plasil (Bordeaux), Frantisek Rajtoral (Viktoria Plzeò), Tomas Rosicky (Arsenal).

Forwards: Milan Baros (Galatasaray), David Lafata (FK Jablonec), Tomas Necid (CSKA Moscow), Tomas Pekhart (Nurnberg), Jan Rezek (Anorthosis Famagusta).

Source : http://soccer365.com//news/european_news/general/17397/rosicky_makes_cut_with_czechs

Koval makes Ukraine squad World Soccer Shop

Ukraine coach Oleg Blokhin has finalised his 23-man squad for Euro 2012, with Dynamo Kyiv goalkeeper Maksym Koval making the cut.

Koval: Retained in Ukraine squad

The co-hosts are facing a goalkeeping crisis heading into the tournament, with first-choice Olexandr Shovkovsky ruled out with a shoulder injury.

Andrey Dykan suffered head and facial injuries in a Russian Premier League match, while Oleksandr Rybka was suspended for using a banned diuretic.

Shakhtar Donetsk goalkeeper Andriy Pyatov, who has 24 caps, is therefore considered to be the first-choice custodian, while Metalist Kharkiv man Olexandr Horyainov and Dynamo's inexperienced teenager Koval have been named as cover.

Oleksandr Bandura misses out along with defender Vitaly Mandzyuk and midfielder Taras Stepanenko as coach Blokhin cuts his initial 26-man party down to 23.

Ukraine, who are co-hosting the tournament with Poland, warmed up with a 4-0 friendly win over Estonia on Monday.

They will take on Austria in another friendly on Friday before finishing their preparations against Turkey on June 5.

Blokhin's men open their Euro campaign against Sweden on June 11, with England and France also in Group D.

Final Ukraine squad for Euro 2012:

Goalkeepers: Pyatov (Shakhtar Donetsk), Horyainov (Metalist Kharkiv), Koval (Dynamo Kiev).

Defenders: Kucher (Shakhtar Donetsk), Rakitskiy (Shakhtar Donetsk), Shevchuk (Shakhtar Donetsk), Khacheridi (Dynamo Kiev), Mykhalyk (Dynamo Kiev), Selin (Vorskla), Butko (Illichivets).

Midfielders: Aliev (Dynamo Kiev), Garmash (Dynamo Kiev), Gusiev (Dynamo Kiev), Yarmolenko (Dynamo Kiev), Konoplyanka (Dnipro Dnipropetrovsk), Rotan (Dnipro), Nazarenko (Tavriya), Tymoshchuk (Bayern Munich).

Forwards: Milevskiy (Dynamo Kiev), Shevchenko (Dynamo Kiev), Devic (Metalist Kharkiv), Voronin (Dynamo Moscow), Seleznyov (Shakhtar Donetsk).

Source : http://soccer365.com//news/european_news/general/17394/koval_makes_ukraine_squad

Prandelli stands by Bonucci

Italy coach Cesare Prandelli has named Leonardo Bonucci in his Euro 2012 squad despite his links to the Serie A match-fixing scandal.

Earlier this week, Prandelli dropped Domenico Criscito due to the Zenit St Petersburg defender having his apartment searched as part of a match-fixing investigation in Italy.

But while it has emerged that Bonucci will also be questioned as part of the investigation, Prandelli has decided to keep the Juventus defender in his final 23-man squad.

“As far as Bonucci is concerned, we know nothing about the news that is passing on at the moment, so we are relatively serene about it,” Prandelli said during his squad announcement on Tueseday.

“Obviously we need to wait, but I talked with the guy a moment ago and he knows nothing”.

Prandelli claimed that he left Criscito out of the squad for the player’s own good.

He believes Criscito would not have been able to handle the pressure at the European Championships as the match-fixing scandal continued in Italy.

“From the human point of view we were good at remaining close and making Criscito feel our support, but we’re working to get ready for a very important sport event and we need confidence and serenity,” Prandelli said.

Inter defender Andrea Ranocchia and Siena striker Mattia Destro also miss out from Prandelli’s initial extended squad.

Source : http://www.soccernews.com/prandelli-stands-by-bonucci/95475/

Bonucci selection under fire World Soccer Shop

Italy coach Cesare Prandelli has defended his decision to include Juventus defender Leonardo Bonucci in his Euro 2012 squad.

Bonucci: Retained in squad

Bonucci is expected to face questioning in the latest match-fixing investigation to hit the country with prosecutors interested in his time as a Bari player in the 2009-10 campaign.

However, he is not under any formal investigation at this stage and has denied any wrongdoing.

Italy omitted Zenit St Petersburg defender Domenico Criscito from the squad on Monday after he was handed an official notification by the police at the Azzurri's training headquarters in Coverciano, Florence, of being under investigation.

"The most annoying thing is that some people have linked Bonucci's issue with that of Criscito," Prandelli said to Italian TV station Rai.

"I reiterate that Bonucci has not received any type of notification from the prosecutors' office.

"This is why he will come with us to the European Championship."

The tournament will be played in Poland and Ukraine.

In 2006, a match-fixing scandal was a dark cloud over the Azzurri and Juventus were eventually relegated and stripped of two league titles after being found guilty of influencing referees.

Even so, the Italians won the World Cup in Germany.

"We want to play, to win and to come out clean," Prandelli said. "The similarities with that of 2006 are there but they say in the difficult times the group unites.

"I hope that will be the case but I don't believe in the theory that says that Italians only emerge in times of crisis.

"We also rise in times of calmness.

"Now the important thing is to make people understand our intention and that is to clean up football."

The country of Italy, meanwhile, has been rocked by an earthquake in the northern region of Emilia Romagna on Tuesday morning.

At least 10 people are known to have died in the 5.8 magnitude quake - the second to take place in the space of nine days in the same region.

Italy's friendly against Luxembourg in Parma that was due to be played on Tuesday night has been called off.

The Azzurri will face Russia in Zurich in a friendly on Friday.

Inter Milan defender Andrea Ranocchia and Siena striker Mattia Destro will not be travelling to Switzerland as they were dropped from the squad on Tuesday after Prandelli announced his final 23-man roster.

Source : http://soccer365.com//news/european_news/general/17375/bonucci_selection_under_fire

Croatia leave out injured Lovren

Croatia coach Slaven Bilic has had to leave injured defender Dejan Lovren out of his final Euro 2012 squad.

The Lyon centre-back has failed to recover from a foot problem he sustained in last month’s Coupe de France final success over Quevilly.

Lovren has also omitted Hajduk Split goalkeeper Goran Blazevic, Dinamo Zagreb defender Sime Vrsaljko and Dnipro attacker Nikola Kalinic.

Croatia play Norway in Oslo on Friday before heading for Poland, where they will kick off their European Championship campaign against Republic of Ireland on June 10.

The Croats, who qualified courtesy of a play-off win over Turkey, also have Italy and Spain in Group C.

Squad: Goalkeepers: Stipe Pletikosa (Rostov), Danijel Subasic (Monaco), Ivan Kelava (Dinamo Zagreb).

Defenders: Vedran Corluka (Tottenham), Josip Simunic (Dinamo Zagreb), Gordon Schildenfeld (Eintracht Frankfurt), Darijo Srna (Shakhtar Donetsk), Domagoj Vida (Dinamo Zagreb), Danijel Pranjic (Bayern Munich), Jurica Buljat (Maccabi Haifa), Ivan Strinic (Dnipro).

Midfielders: Luka Modric (Tottenham), Ognjen Vukojevic (Dynamo Kiev), Tomislav Dujmovi (Dinamo Moscow), Ivan Perisic (Dortmund), Ivan Rakitic (Sevilla), Niko Kranjcar (Tottenham), Milan Badelj (Dinamo Zagreb).

Strikers: Eduardo (Shakhtar Donetsk), Ivica Olic (Bayern Munich), Mario Mandzukic (Wolfsburg), Nikica Jelavic (Everton), Ivo Ilicevic (Hamburg).

Source : http://www.soccernews.com/croatia-leave-out-injured-lovren/95462/

Gourcuff, Yanga-Mbiwa dropped from France squad

Laurent Blanc has cut Yoann Gourcuff and Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa from his final Euro 2012 squad.

Initially the France coach had named 27 players but Olympique de Marseille’s Loic Remy dropped out last week because of a thigh problem sustained at the end of the Ligue 1 season along with Tottenham centre-back Younes Kaboul (knee).

Speculation was rife as to the identities of the other two players, but Gourcuff was always considered to be a likely player to drop out after a difficult campaign with Olympique Lyonnais.

He was given the chance to impress in Sunday’s 3-2 friendly win over Iceland in Valenciennes, but clearly did not do enough in Blanc’s eyes to justify his selection.

Yanga-Mbiwa, meanwhile, was one of four centre-backs named in the initial squad, but the uncapped Montpellier player will not travel to Ukraine, with his lack of experience probably a key factor in the coach’s decision making.

France meet Serbia on Thursday and then face Estonia on June 5 in their final warm-up matches. They will meet England, Sweden and co-hosts Ukraine in Group D of Euro 2012.

France squad: Goalkeepers: Hugo Lloris (Lyon), Steve Mandanda (Marseille), Cedric Carrasso (Bordeaux).

Defenders: Gael Clichy (Manchester City), Mathieu Debuchy (Lille), Patrice Evra (Manchester United), Laurent Koscielny (Arsenal), Philippe Mexes (AC Milan), Adil Rami (Valencia), Anthony Reveillere (Lyon).

Midfielders: Hatem Ben Arfa, Yohan Cabaye (both Newcastle), Alou Diarra (Marseille), Yann M’Vila (Rennes), Marvin Martin (Sochaux), Florent Malouda (Chelsea), Blaise Matuidi (PSG), Samir Nasri (Manchester City), Franck Ribery (Bayern Munich).

Strikers: Karim Benzema (Real Madrid), Olivier Giroud (Montpellier), Jeremy Menez (PSG), Mathieu Valbuena (Marseille).

Source : http://www.soccernews.com/gourcuff-yanga-mbiwa-dropped-from-france-squad/95451/

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/

Foley out, McShane in for Irish World Soccer Shop

Injured Wolves defender Kevin Foley has been ruled out of Euro 2012, with Paul McShane replacing him in the Republic of Ireland squad.

Foley: Won't be part of Euro 2012 squad

Foley reported for duty with a hamstring problem and has been aiming ever since to shake it off, but he has now become the second man to be sent home following Birmingham midfielder Keith Fahey's departure at the weekend.

Republic coach Giovanni Trapattoni said: "Although Kevin has been recovering well, I have made the difficult decision to leave him out of the 23-player list after completing fitness tests on John O'Shea and Paul McShane this morning.

"I have spoken to him and understand how difficult it is, saying that he can remain with the squad if he wishes."

Ironically, Foley trained at the Stadio Comunale Alberto Benedetti in Borgo A Buggiano on Monday night, while McShane did not after suffering a bruised heel during Saturday's 1-0 friendly victory over Bosnia-Herzegovina in Dublin.

However, the inclusion of goalkeeper Shay Given and defender O'Shea, who have both been nursing injuries in the last week, suggests Trapattoni is confident they will both be fit in time for the opening fixture at the finals against Croatia on June 10.

Trapattoni said: "With the injuries that we experienced in the squad over the past week, I have had to make a tough decision when it comes to naming the 23 players that must be submitted to UEFA for the championship.

"Kevin Foley, John O'Shea, Paul McShane, Darren O'Dea, Shay Given had all been carrying knocks and we have been monitoring them closely in their recovery."

The Republic play a Tuscan Select XI in a friendly in Pistoia on Tuesday evening on a day when they and the inhabitants of Montecatini, the Italian spa town where they have based themselves for this week's training camp, felt the tremors from this morning's earthquake around 50 miles to the north.

Source : http://soccer365.com//news/european_news/general/17356/foley_out__mcshane_in_for_irish

Gourcuff given chop by Blanc World Soccer Shop

Midfielder Yoann Gourcuff and centre-back Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa have been left out of France's final 23-man squad for Euro 2012.

Gourcuff: Left out by Blanc

Coach Laurent Blanc made his final cut, ahead of his first major tournament in charge, with Gourcuff omitted just days after he played 75 minutes in the 3-2 friendly win over Iceland.

The Lyon midfielder, who has endured a season undermined by injury, left the pitch with France 2-1 behind before his replacement, Franck Ribery, levelled.

Defender Yanga-Mbiwa, who helped Montpellier to their first Ligue 1 title, also made way while striker Loic Remy had already been ruled out from the initial 26-man list due to injury.

Blanc included 12 France-based players in his squad, headed by skipper Hugo Lloris, while there are seven players from the Premier League including Manchester City's title winners Gael Clichy and Samir Nasri.

Final France squad for Euro 2012:

Goalkeepers: Cedric Carrasso (Bordeaux), Hugo Lloris (Lyon), Steve Mandanda (Marseille).

Defenders: Gael Clichy (Man City), Mathieu Debuchy (Lille), Patrice Evra (Man Utd), Laurent Koscielny (Arsenal), Philippe Mexes (AC Milan), Adil Rami (Valencia), Anthony Reveillere (Lyon).

Midfielders: Yohan Cabaye (Newcastle), Alou Diarra (Marseille), Florent Malouda (Chelsea), Marvin Martin (Sochaux), Blaise Matuidi (Paris St Germain), Yann M'vila (Rennes), Samir Nasri (Man City).

Forwards: Hatem Ben Arfa (Newcastle), Karim Benzema (Real Madrid), Olivier Giroud (Montpellier), Jeremy Menez (Paris Saint-Germain), Franck Ribery (Bayern Munich), Mathieu Valbuena (Marseille).

Source : http://soccer365.com//news/european_news/general/17354/gourcuff_given_chop_by_blanc

Tziolis cut from Greece squad World Soccer Shop

Teenage winger Kostas Fortounis has been included in Greece's 23-man squad for Euro 2012, but Alexandros Tziolis and Panagiotis Kone are out.

Tziolis: Fails to get Greek nod

Kaiserlautern's Fortounis, 19, has only won two caps to date but has done enough to persuade coach Fernando Santos he is worth taking to Poland.

However, experienced defensive midfielder Tziolis has failed to make the cut due to a lack of match action for French Ligue 2 club Monaco, whom he joined in February.

Santos said: "We know that Tziolis hasn't played enough this season. But that's why we take players along to the training camp, to check out their condition."

The other player omitted by the Portuguese coach is attacking midfielder Kone, who spent last season on loan at Bologna.

Greece's final friendly is against Armenia in Austria on Thursday.

They then kick off the tournament against co-hosts Poland in the Group A clash in Warsaw a week on Friday, before facing the Czech Republic and then Russia.

Final 23-man Greece squad for Euro 2012:

Goalkeepers: Kostas Chalkias (PAOK), Michalis Sifakis (Aris Thessaloniki), Alexandros Tzorvas (Palermo).

Defenders: Vassilis Torosidis (Olympiacos), Kyriakos Papadopoulos (Schalke), Sokratis Papastathopoulos (Werder Bremen), Avraam Papadopoulos (Olympiacos), Jose Holebas (Olympiacos), Giorgos Tzavellas (Monaco), Stelios Malezas (PAOK).

Midfielders: Kostas Katsouranis (Panathinaikos), Giorgos Karagounis (Panathinaikos), Giannis Maniatis (Olympiacos), Giorgos Fotakis (PAOK), Grigoris Makos (AEK Athens), Giannis Fetfatzidis (Olympiacos), Sotiris Ninis (Panathinaikos), Kostas Fortounis (Kaiserslautern).

Strikers: Dimitris Salpigidis (PAOK), Giorgos Samaras (Celtic), Fanis Gekas (Samsunspor), Nikos Liberopoulos (AEK Athens), Kostas Mitroglou (Atromitos).

Source : http://soccer365.com//news/european_news/general/17352/tziolis_cut_from_greece_squad

Criscito protests his innocence World Soccer Shop

Domenico Criscito says he has done nothing wrong after being dropped by Italy as a result of the latest match-fixing scandal to hit the nation.

Criscito: Dropped from Italy squad

On Monday, police questioned the Zenit St Petersburg defender at the Azzurri's training headquarters in Coverciano, Florence, after Criscito's name surfaced in an investigation carried out by prosecutors in Cremona.

Italy then dropped Criscito, who was a certainty for the Euro 2012 squad, from the team.

"To do these (match-fixing) things, it is not something I would do," Criscito told RTL radio station. "Fortunately, I don't need money, 20, 30 or 40,000 euros, whatever it was, but I don't need money.

"I do a job that I've always dreamed of doing since I was young and I would not

mess it up for stupid acts.

"It hurts that this has happened before the (Euro 2012) list, but I'm sure that I will come out stronger."

Prosecutors have alleged the 25-year-old Criscito acted unlawfully while he was a Genoa player.

He was on the books of the Genoa outfit from 2008 until 2011 before moving to Zenit.

"Criscito is ready to explain anything that may have caused him to be under the spotlight," Criscito's agent Andrea D'Amico said today.

"Our legal team is working in order for the magistrates to listen to him as soon as possible.

"Our only wish is for everything to be cleared as soon as possible."

Earlier on Monday, Lazio captain Stefano Mauri and former Genoa midfielder Omar Milanetto were arrested in the probe over allegations of "criminal association and sporting fraud".

Officers also searched more than 31 homes in Italy and abroad, including those of coaches and players of clubs in Serie A, Serie B and lower divisions.

Monday's operation is part of an investigation called "Last Bet" carried out by prosecutors in Cremona which focuses on 33 games over the past two seasons, the majority of which were in Serie B.

Italy football federation president Giancarlo Abete is disappointed with the latest events.

The country was already rocked by a match-fixing scandal in 2006, the year they won the World Cup.

"It is a bitter day," Abete said to Gazzetta dello Sport. "In these conditions, it is better for Criscito to defend himself.

"This episode brings further sadness but Italy is focusing on the European championship."

Italy coach Cesare Prandelli has not spoken on Monday.

He will announce his final squad for the European Championships on Tuesday ahead of the Azzurri's friendly against Luxembourg in Parma.

Source : http://soccer365.com//news/european_news/general/17323/criscito_protests_his_innocence

Loew names final Euro squad

Coach Joachim Loew has announced his final Germany squad for Euro 2012.

Loew has made four cuts, trimming his initial 27-man squad to 23 ahead of Tuesday’s deadline.

Marc-Andre ter Stegen and Julian Draxler, who made their debuts in Saturday’s 5-3 loss to Switzerland, have been cut, along with midfielder Sven Bender and striker Cacau.

The cuts mean that Manuel Neuer, Tim Wiese and Ron-Robert Zieler will be Loew’s goalkeepers, while only one Bender twin (Lars) will be available for selection.

Cacau’s omission leaves Loew with only Miroslav Klose and Mario Gomez as established strikers, with Marco Reus an option.

Germany kick-off their Euro 2012 campaign on June 9, against Portugal.

Squad: Goalkeepers: Manuel Neuer (Bayern Munich), Tim Wiese (Werder Bremen), Ron-Robert Zieler (Hannover).

Defenders: Holger Badstuber, Jerome Boateng (both Bayern Munich), Benedikt Howedes (Schalke), Mats Hummels (Dortmund), Philipp Lahm (Bayern Munich), Per Mertesacker (Arsenal), Marcel Schmelzer (Dortmund).

Midfielders: Lars Bender (Leverkusen), Mario Gotze, Ilkay Gundogan (both Dortmund), Sami Khedira (Real Madrid), Toni Kroos (Bayern Munich), Mesut Ozil (Real Madrid), Bastian Schweinsteiger (Bayern Munich).

Strikers: Mario Gomez, Thomas Muller (both Bayern Munich), Miroslav Klose (Lazio), Lukas Podolski (Koln), Marco Reus (Monchengladbach), Andre Schurrle (Leverkusen).

Source : http://www.soccernews.com/loew-names-final-euro-squad/95410/

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

Prandelli reduces squad by seven

Italy coach Cesare Prandelli has cut seven players from his provisional Euro 2012 squad ahead of Tuesday’s friendly against Luxembourg.

It had been announced by the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) on Monday that Zenit left-back Domenico Criscito would not be travelling to Poland and Ukraine after his room had been searched by police that morning as part of the investigation into the Scommessopoli match-fixing scandal.

Prandelli subsequently confirmed Criscito’s defensive colleagues Davide Astori and Salvatore Bocchetti had also been axed, though for football reasons.

Palermo goalkeeper Emiliano Viviano has also missed out, with Prandelli naming Morgan De Sanctis and Salvatore Sirigu to provide cover for captain Gianluigi Buffon.

In midfield, Atalanta duo Luca Cigarini and Ezequiel Schelotto have both been axed, as has Pescara starlet Marco Verratti, whose inclusion in the provisional panel had been something of a surprise.

Prandelli has not dropped any strikers, seemingly increasing the likelihood that he will retain all six of the forwards he named in his original 32-strong list when he announces his final squad on Tuesday.

Italy’s 25-man squad: Goalkeepers: Gianluigi Buffon (Juventus), Morgan De Sanctis (Napoli), Salvatore Sirigu (Paris Saint-Germain).

Defenders: Ignazio Abate (AC Milan), Federico Balzaretti (Palermo), Andrea Barzagli, Leonardo Bonucci, Giorgio Chiellini (all Juventus), Christian Maggio (Napoli), Angelo Ogbonna (Torino), Andrea Ranocchia (Inter).

Midfielders: Daniele De Rossi (Roma), Alessandro Diamanti (Bologna), Emanuele Giaccherini, Claudio Marchisio (both Juventus), Riccardo Montolivo (Fiorentina), Thiago Motta (Paris Saint-Germain), Antonio Nocerino (AC Milan), Andrea Pirlo (Juventus).

Strikers: Mario Balotelli (Manchester City), Fabio Borini (Roma), Antonio Cassano (AC Milan), Mattia Destro (Siena), Antonio Di Natale (Udinese), Sebastian Giovinco (Parma).

Source : http://www.soccernews.com/prandelli-reduces-squad-by-seven/95403/