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An Unfinished Story - ‘Footballs coming home, it’s coming home.’
An Unfinished Story
'Footballs coming home, it's coming home.'
We’ve all followed one of the greatest nations England, on their way to what hopefully will end in glory, during the World Cup and European Champions. We’ve all felt the horrible sharp feeling of sadness as yet another promising and talented, English side crash out of the tournament, leaving your body and soul completely numb.
Only to wake up the following morning, to read the headlines: “Another English Scandal”, ‘England Manager Sacked’.
The Sven-Göran Eriksson Era came to an end after the World Cup in Germany. Another disappointing World Cup campaign, which saw England’s hope of glory demolished in another heart-ripping penalty shoot-out. Star players like Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard, which are considered to be two of the best midfielders in the world couldn’t step up to the challenge, as the Portuguese goalkeeper, Ricardo became Portugal’s hero for the second time in a row.
With Sven-Göran Eriksson out of the picture the start of what was taunted to become a new promising era began. Sadly what first looked like to be a new dawn for the national side, suddenly took an awful U-turn, as England were denied a win at the hands of the Macedonian team, at Old Trafford. This was followed up by the wretched performance in Zagreb, which saw Croatia score twice including Gary Neville’s horrendous own-goal.
To make matters worse England failed to return from Tel Aviv with three points after a dismal nil-nil draw against the Israelis. Seriously harming England’s chances to qualify for the European Champions in Switzerland/Austria.
With only five matches left in the European Qualification, England currently lay in a gloomy fourth place in the group, three points a drift leaders Croatia and second-placed Israel who have a game in hand.
There’s no time for Prima Donna’s, what the England side need are players who are honoured to play for national side, and will do anything in their path to help England qualify.
Steve McClaren’s job as the English manager is in deep uncertainty, as many are calling for his resignation.
Eleven men carry the hopes of an entire nation; can McClaren motivate his players enough to gain qualification?
England face Germany, for the first match for England at the newly built Wembley stadium on the 22nd of August. Will it be against archrivals Germany that the English side get back on the right track or it will condemn the side and perish all hope of qualification?
Harry Green
10-22-2007, 03:55 PM
An Unfinished Story - ‘Footballs coming home, it’s coming home.’ Post #2
It was during today’s press conference at with the spokesman of the English Football Association, that the surprising figure of Paul Scholes was presented. Together with the under-pressured England manager, Steve McClaren the pair announced that Scholes had reconsidered his decision of his international retirement.
The Manchester United midfielder and former England star had already rejected twice the possibility to rejoin the English national team, but was apparently approached after the game at Pride Park, which saw Manchester United defeat newcomers Derby County.
“I’m very pleased that Paul Scholes finally accepted my proposition to rejoin the English national team, with a vast amount of experience as Scholes has he can be nothing but an needing addition to the side. Paul has already shown during the opening matches of the season, that he really wants to be play for his nation again. He’ll give tough competition to both Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard.
We had a short meeting with the majority of the players; discuss the current situation of the national team, just a few days ago. During which I made it very clear that no one should be too confident over their place in the start eleven. If I see a player isn’t giving his best during the trainings, then I shall not hesitate to replace him with another player, no matter of value or reputation,” said a surprisingly happy McClaren.
McClaren was also asked during the meeting if Jamie Carragher, former Liverpool captain was to make a comeback after only a month since announcing his retirement from the international team, McClaren did admit of having approached him but to no avail. Other former names, which have been out in the cold from action with the national side, are David Beckham and Sol Campbell who both seemed to have caught the interest of the current England manager, Steve McClaren.
The absence of former England captain David Beckham since the appointment of Steve McClaren has been a hot debated topic through out the country, with many having a different opinion.
Steve seemed to be very happy during the entire meeting, and also announced the departure of Martin Thomas and Steve Round both working as backroom staff, for the national side. The duo was replaced with former Arsenal and England captain Tony Adams, together with David Court and Tony Colbert both from Arsenal Football Club.
Scholes ready for England return
10-23-2007, 06:41 PM
An Unfinished Story - ‘Footballs coming home, it’s coming home.’ Post #3
This could be a changing point that England and McClaren so desperately need. The new state of the art re-built stadium Wembley will host England’s first ever match since the reconstruction of the historical stadium.
McClaren and a few of the England players will already be familiar with the stadium, as Wembley hosted the Community Shield. In which Chelsea got the edge over opponents Manchester United as newly signed French Florent Malouda, scored the only goal in the game.
The previous encounter between England and Germany was the historical night in Munich when Sven-Göran Eriksson and the England side put five past Germany away from home. It was after the amazing night in Germany, that England’s lucked change to the better as they secured a place in the World Cup Finals in Germany. Hopefully for McClaren this game will have the same effect on the players, as England will want to continue on their two games in a row 3-0 streak.
McClaren be a familiar face during the opening of the Barclay Premiership, following many of the top matches but has also been seen at, Elland Road. Sadly the chance for any players from the Yorkshire club seem extremely slim, and the only realistic reason of McClaren’s presence is that he is known to have a soft heart for the whites.
Paul Scholes looks to make his return to the English national team, having previously just two weeks ago accepted McClaren’s offer to reconsider his decision, and return from his international retirement.
Liverpool’s giant Peter Crouch will not be a part of England’s fixture due to serving an international suspension, whilst Gary Neville’s injury seems to have made his call-up very uncertain, as the United medical team doubt that he’ll get fit in time.
It’s known that many of the top teams in the English Barclay Premiership aren’t all to willing to let there player’s play in what many consider unnecessary matches. Steve McClaren though will need all the time possible to get his team to gel, and get his team working together as one.
So I the surprising return of David Beckham the in time for the home fixture against Germany, Beckham’s been out in the cold since McClaren took over the England side after the World Cup Finals. Joleon Lescott could be ready to play his first ever, international cap for England, the same goes for Nigel Reo-Coker and Kevin Nolan.
Kevin Nolan seems to finally have the opportunity, as he’s called up for the national team, whilst highly impressive Darren Bent returns. Scott Carson and Chris Kirkland seem to have got the better edge above rival David James who hasn’t been called up, after a dismal start to the season.
10-24-2007, 01:03 PM
An Unfinished Story - ‘Footballs coming home, it’s coming home.’ Post #4
'God save our gracious Queen!
Long live our noble Queen!...
It’s a big day for English football and Steve McClaren, as we are nearing kick-off here at Wembley stadium, in what officially is a friendly match between arch rivals England and Germany, but I have a hunch this games not going to be all to friendly. Last time these two nations faced each other was during Sven-Göran Eriksson’s era with the English national team, that historical night in Munich when England put five past Germany in a tremendous night, which finished 5-1 in England favour. The Germans will surly be up for the game, wanting to revenge there dismal previous performance.
England on the other hand will be without wonderkid Wayne Rooney, who’s yet to score since the European Champions, nearly three years ago for the English side. Rooney was injured just five days ahead of today’s fixture and was replaced by Jermain Defoe of Tottenham Hotspurs, who had an impressive pre-season for his London club netting twice, but with newly signed Darren Bent and the other world class strikers at Tottenham Hotspurs, Defoe has had problems getting into the starting eleven, and has yet to start for his club in the league.
Mirsolav Klose who recently moved to German giants FC Bayern Munich will be the man that could provide England’s biggest threat, scoring twice in his two appearances so far in the Bundesliga. The stadiums been sold out for since a week ago, the Germans won’t have any chance of being heard during the match as a deafening eighty-thousand Englishman are expected to turn up for today’s match.
‘I’ve just been informed that the two teams are ready to walk onto the pitch as Peter Fröjdfeldt assembles his referee team to walk out for the national anthems. England start with their traditional 4-4-2 formation, Paul Robinson in goal, Micah Richards on right with in the defence, captain John Terry and Rio Ferdinand in the middle and out on the left flank Chelsea’s Ashley Cole. Shaun Wright-Phillips is given the green light to start on the right flank with David Beckham starting the match on the bench; in the middle we have Steven Gerrard and Paul Scholes who goes directly into the starting eleven, finally to the left Aston Villa’s captain Gareth Barry. Upfront it’s Michael Owen and Darren Bent gets the opportunity to start on the behalf of Wayne Rooney’s absence.
On the bench for England we have, Carson, Campbell, Lescott, Beckham, Cole, Lampard, Carrick, Johnson and Alan Smith.
But were in for a surprise as the Germans run out onto the pitch Markus Brzenska from Borussia Dortmund is given his first cap in the German squad, whilst Simon Rolfes earns his fourth cap for the German squad.
What an amazing atmosphere here inside the Wembley stadium as eighty-five thousand Englishman sing their hearts out to the national anthem, God save our Queen. Kick-Off now then and I’ll leave you over to our commentators for the match.’
Frings with the ball near the English penalty box, the balls intercepted by Ashley Cole who sends a long ball forwards to Darren Bent who hits the ball directly up field to Michael Owen, England have the first opportunity here in the match but the pass is over-hit and Jens Lehmann can easily launch the ball forwards. Steven Gerrard has an early opportunity easily saved by Jens Lehmann during the opening five minutes, down the other end now and Klose hits the ball over the cross bar.
Things calm down for a while but fifteen minutes into the first half and the Germans have a real good opportunity here outside the penalty box with Frings ready to take the free kick. Frings hit’s it with power and it curls into the top left corner, but Paul Robinson prevails with an amazing save, as the Germans are unable to pounce on the rebound.
A quick one two between Darren Bent and Michael Owen gives Owen loads of free space down the left flank he receives the ball and is very close to the penalty box, but Metzelder comes in from no where and tackles Owen agonisingly on his left knee. The England players are appealing for Fröjdfeldt to give the German defender a straight red card, but Meztelder gets away with a yellow card only.
Steve Gerrard stands alone behind the ball ready to take the free kick, which is straight in front of the German goal on inches outside the penalty box. He runs forwards to he ball and hits to the left of the German wall, Lehmann leaps BUT IT’S IN GERRARD OPENS THE SCORELINE FOR ENGLAND! With an amazing free-kick Lehmann had no chance there, and McClaren does look happy.
Just a minute later and Lehmann gets his revenge when he pulls of an amazing reflex save to deny Michael Owen’s header from just a few yards from the goal line.
England continue to mount on the pressure trough out the reaming period of the first-half, but Jens Lehmann is stopping everything now and the Germans will have Lehmann to thank, as the half time interval is blown.
So the half-time interval here at Wembley stadium, Steve McClaren will surly be looking into changing a few things for the second half. Paul Robinson’s had a good game so far in goal for England, whilst Michael Owen has had a few clear goal chances denied. Just been informed that Shaun Wright-Phillips and Michael Owen are coming off for Joe Cole and Andy Johnson for the second half, whilst the Germans decide not to make any chances.
England open the second half the same way as they ended the first and yet again Lehmann pulls of an amazing save in the second minute of the second half to deny Darren Bent’s volley effort from Joe Cole’s cross.
But here is an opportunity for England Paul Scholes with the ball in the centre half passes it forwards to Steven Gerrard who slots the ball behind the German defence, Andy JOHNSON IT’S IN, EXCELLENT performance by the Everton striker, but what’s this, Fröjdfeldt looks to the right to his linesman whose flagged Andy Johnson for off-side, so no goal for England there.
But both sets of strikers are denied through out the rest of the second half thanks to some brilliant goalkeeper by Jens Lehmann and England’s goalkeeper Paul Robinson. David Beckham makes his return into the English side as he replaces Gareth Barry with five minutes left; Michael Carrick is also given a last five-minute run when he replaces Steven Gerrard.
A horrendous cheer of joy erupts as the Swedish referee blows the whistle, as England win their third in a row. Jens Lehmann receives the match ball, but he doesn’t seem all to pleased about becoming the man of the match. Paul Scholes had a good night out on his return from international retirement, whilst Darren Bent proved that he’s capable of playing on the international stage. The celebrations will probably be continuing through out the night for the English while the Germans travel home empty handed.
It’s only three weeks to England return to Wembley stadium to face Israel in what definitely will be a decisive match in the European qualification followed up with a match against Russia four days later. All in all a good performance here tonight for England and McClaren who, did look a lot more pleased then after the final whistle in Tel-Aviv.
10-28-2007, 10:44 AM
An Unfinished Story - ‘Footballs coming home, it’s coming home.’ Post #5
England captain John Terry was very pleased with the lads’ performance last night, as England battered archrivals Germany 1-0, at the Wembley stadium. It might have only been a friendly but this win might have just given the English players the confidence and boost they needed to get their act together and qualify for the European Champions in Austria and Switzerland this coming summer.
“It’s an honour to run out for England, doesn’t matter what kind of type match or opponents, it is always an honour. Seeing the lads performing yesterday just showed how much passion we all have and how well we can work together. We’re in a right mess and we know it, we’ve got to do our nation proud.
After the game in the changing rooms you could see how much it meant to the lad’s, the win was vital for their confidence.
English media has been giving McClaren far too much negative attention; it’s not the managers’ fault, we’re eleven men on the field. We’re the ones who can make the difference, so don’t blame the gaffer its as much our fault as his, if not more,” said England’s captain John Terry.
It seems like the English players stand behind manager Steve McClaren and have full faith in him and themselves. Israel and Russia are next up for grabs for England; both games are to be played at Wembley.Last Night Sum-Up
10-29-2007, 06:15 PM
An Unfinished Story - ‘Footballs coming home, it’s coming home.’ Post #7
As the European domestic leagues have a short international break, the European Champions qualification matches, are the headlines for the coming week. England face Israel first off at Wembley before playing Russia.
Steve McClaren has yet again been busy, following some of the regular England internationals, but he’s also been spotted during a few games in both the Coca-Cola Championship and the League one.
Sir Alex Ferguson blasted England’s boss Steve McClaren after the friendly game, the Scotsman had asked McClaren not to play both Paul Scholes and Rio Ferdinand for the entire ninety minutes, as to avoid any possible injuries. Both players remained on the pitch for the rest of the game, Sir Alex Ferguson commented that the international friendlies were pointless risk for his players in a busy season and McClaren wasn’t making himself popular by ignoring him. Steve McClaren replied, that he thought Sir Alex Ferguson was intervening with the national teams matters.
“We need any possible chance to blend the lads together, and to get the work as a team. On the contrary to what Sir Alex Ferguson said I feel the international friendlies are a very important part of a build-up for the more important games. Just like pre-seasons play an important way for a clubs season. The English Football Association backed Steve McClaren on the matter but rumours out that they’ve asked Steve to try and create a better communication between Premiership managers and McClaren.
The English Football Association announced as always the twenty-six-man team, who are to join up in London ahead of the qualification fixtures.
Strikers: Darren Bent (Tottenham Hotspurs), Jermain Defoe (Tottenham Hotspurs), Emile Heskey (Wigan), Michael Owen (Newcastle United), Wayne Rooney (Manchester United) and Alan Smith (Newcastle United).
So Paul Scholes is officially back into the English national team for a competitive match, whilst Joleon Lescott could be in line to make his first appearance for England having had a real good start for Everton, in the Barclay Premiership. Paul Robinson won’t be able to be all too confident about keeping his number one spot as both David James and Scott Carson have had a terrific start to the Premiership.
Jermain Defoe and Emile Heskey who both missed the fixture against Germany have returned to international duty whilst Gary Neville is yet again left out of the English squad.
11-04-2007, 03:07 PM
An Unfinished Story - ‘Footballs coming home, it’s coming home.’ Post #9
England v Israel
Saturday 8th of September
Wembley
European Qualification
Welcome back to the Wembley stadium for the first competitive international match for England, as they take on Israel in a very important match in the European Qualification Group game. The previous encounter between the two nations, is a result which the English will surly want to forget, as England returned home with only a single point in a dull 0-0 draw, at the Ramat-Gran stadium.
Steve McClaren will be hoping to continue England’s fine form after just recently defeated rivals Germany here at the Wembley Stadium 1-0, just over two weeks ago. As the national anthems come to an end it’s time to join our commentators at the Wembley Stadium for kick-off.
“Thank you Gary, England line up with Robinson, Richards, Terry, Ferdinand, Cole, Wright-Phillips, Gerrard, Scholes, Barry, Owen and finally Rooney. Frank Lampard is yet again left out of the starting eleven, as Paul Scholes replaces the Chelsea regular in midfield.
On the bench for England we have Carson, Lescott, Beckham, Lampard, Reo-Coker, Heskey and Darren Bent who’s had an excellent start for Tottenham Hotspurs in the league.
Israel continue with the same team that played their previous European Qualification match, so no surprises there, but mind you the Israeli captain Dudu Aouate has been pulling of some truly amazing world-class saves during the warm-up. Can Rooney and Owen net past him? Only time will tell as referee Domenico Messina from Italy gets the two teams ready for kick-off.”
England in their traditional white-kit start the match against the Israelis in blue. Israel steal the ball of England just a few seconds into the came and here comes Refaelov, who strikers the ball from the middle of the England half… god that was close for the English, as the ball goes inches over the left-hand crossbar.
Both teams continue to push on during the opening minutes before Gareth Barry plays Newcastle’s Michael Owen beautifully free. Owen with a golden opportunity here for England! … WHAT A SAVE BY AOUATE, rebound here but no Owen can get the ball on target and that’s a goal kick. What a chance for England their to break the deadlock.
Both sides have a few decent chances, with England having the best of them, but yet again Aouate prevails.
Just under six minutes to go before half-time, England here on a counter-attack with Shaun Wright-Phillips with the ball down the right flank he crosses it far to Wayne Rooney who perfectly put forehead to the ball, but his header goes agonisingly wide of the goal.
Only a minute since Wayne Rooney header went outside of the goalmouth here comes young Micah Richards with a long throw-in deep in Israeli territory. Richards plays it smartly back to Gerrard who returns the ball to Micah Richards, WHO CROSSES IT TOWARDS THE GOAL, MICHAEL OWEN GOES UP FOR THE HEADER! IT’S IN OWEN’S 5 “8” IS ENOUGH to head home the first goal of the game and that must heart the Israelis only two minutes before half-time and Owen scores the opening goal.
I’m not to sure Steve McClaren’s going to have many happy words for the English side, even though they enter the changing rooms for the half-time interval.
Steve McClaren makes two changes to his squad for the second half as Shaun Wright-Phillips seems to have hurt his thigh, it doesn’t look nasty but I doubt McClaren wants to jeopardize anything ahead of the match against Russia. The young Chelsea midfielder is replaced by former captain David Beckham, whilst Darren Bent takes the field for the second half on the behalf of Wayne Rooney whose already on a yellow card and hasn’t really got into the game.
Michael Owen has yet again a golden opportunity just the beginning of the second half but he blasts it wide of goal to a goal kick. Ten minutes later and Owen’s there again this time the Newcastle striker attempts an impressive audacious overhead kick, which hits the top of the crossbar. That would have been some goal!
Just a minute later and some intense good hard-work by Aston Villa captain Gareth Barry pays-off has he quickly passes the ball forwards to Michael Owen whose in space, Darren Bent calls for the ball to left of the Michael Owen. He receives the ball and dummies Ben-Haim, he’s trough on goal, and Its IN! DARREN BENT SCORES, only ten minutes since coming on, England now lead 2-0! Some true formidable work there by Gareth Barry to provide that opportunity.
Here comes England again this time with Paul Scholes who unleashes a striker towards the top right corner but yet again the Israeli goalkeeper saves, for yet another English corner, the fourth in the game.
David Beckham steps up to take the corner from the left hand-side, he crosses it towards the penalty spot, and both Owen and Darren Bent go up for it! DARREN BENT USES MICHAEL OWEN’S BACK TO LAUNCH HIMSELF UP, AND UNLEASHES A IMMENSE HEADER INTO THE LEFT TOP CORNER! GOOOOOOOALLLLLL, England score number three as Bent gets his second goal only fifteen minutes into the second half. Whilst Michael Owen seems to be having a fit laughing his head of, whilst chatting to goalscorer Darren Bent as they walk to the half way line.
England have a handful of opportunities before the full-time whistle goes, but all credit to Israel’s keeper Aouate who’s playing well over his normal standards. Nigel Reo-Coker is introduced to the game with six minutes left of ordinary time, as he replaces vice-captain Steven Gerrard.
The Israelis to get a consolation goal before the games over, and what might be the best goal of the game as substitute Mao Bozaglo scores a screaming free-kick from outside the England penalty box, only five minutes since coming on for his nation.
Darren Bent collects the man of the match award for a truly impressive second half performance, but honestly the award could have as easily gone to Dudu Aouate who stopped England from running rampage here at Wembley Stadium. Russia are next on the list for England here at Wembley Stadium the Wednesday after next.
That’s it from Wembley, England defeat Israel 3-1 after two goals from substitute Darren Bent!
11-04-2007, 03:52 PM
An Unfinished Story - ‘Footballs coming home, it’s coming home.’ Post #10
The English Nation side were on a winning streak as the First Team, Under-21’s and the Under 19’s won their respective matches. Brian Eastwick’s Under-19’s were the first of the two three age groups to play their fixture, as Carrow Road in Norwich was the host venue for the friendly match between England and Israel. The players whom the majority come from the Premier League clubs were unable to break the deadlock during the first-half; forcing Brian to make changes for the second half. Captain Scott Golbourne was the first to come as Andrew Driver of Hearts replaced him during the half-time interval.
Chelsea’s Michael Woods was the first to score for the English team, with his long-range effort from outside the penalty box on the sixty-second minute. By then Danny Haynes had replaced Chelsea’s Scott Sinclair at the top, England would make more changes as Jack Hobbs, Tommy Spurr, Nathan Dyer and Frazier Campbell would all had come onto the field before England would take the lead again. Yossi Levi had earlier equalised thanks to a mistake by Joe Mattock. It would only take three minutes before Frazier before he was on the end of Danny Haynes’ cross to give the Under-19’s the lead. Nathan Dyer netted the final goal, thanks to a impressive solo performance dribbling past three of the Israeli defenders before striking the ball into the back of the net.
Michael Woods, the goalscorer of England’s first goal was an immense factor for England through out the game and was rightfully given the Man of the Match award for his performance.
“Michael Wood’s performance here tonight in Norwich was extremely impressive, he really showed good-heart sportsmanship and also proved his talents, Woods is looking more and more like an impressive prospect and who knows how far he can go, I’m sure McClaren will with time consider the possibility of Woods into the First Team in a few seasons. Other then that it was a great performance by the lads and I’m very pleased with them, the first half wasn’t exactly very good, but the lads went out for the second half determined to open the scoreline, and as a manager it’s always enjoyable to see that, ones words doesn’t fall upon deaf ears during the half-time interval.” Said a pleased Brian Eastwick’s during a post-match interview.
Stuart Pearce’s side faced Malta away from home in the Under-21 European Championships qualification the following day. A few new faces were in the starting eleven for the match against Malta, which saw debutant Chris Eagles score the only goal of the game just on the half-hour mark. Eagles who had manager Roy Keane in stands was impressive through out his first match for the Under-21’s, and made a name for himself in Pearce’s notebook with a few very decent performances. Sadly there wasn’t much more action in the game as England had a total of 19 shots trough out the game with only nine on goal. Malta’s captain and goalkeeper Robert Calleja was on fire tonight preventing Derbyshire and the rest of the England player’s to increase the scoreline, and was rightly given the man of the match award.
Stuart Pearce wasn’t all to please with his players after the game and declined to give his opinions on the match, to the dislike of the travelling English journalists.
Back in England, the main team defeated Israel at the Wembley stadium thanks too Darren Bent and Michael Owen who netted as England rounded of an impressive round with the game finishing 3-1 in England’s favour.
England face Russia in just four days time at Wembley whilst Stuart Pearce takes his Under-21’s to London for their encounter against Serbia, whilst the Under-19’s face Russia tomorrow in London at Upton Park.
An Unfinished Story - ‘Footballs coming home, it’s coming home.’ 
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