Philip Rolfe

16th July 2010
Speculation continues to mount as to whether Steve McLaren will become the new England manager. The 49 year old, currently in charge of Aston Villa, is widely expected to hold talks with the Football Association before the new season starts. Aston Villa chairman Gary Atkinson has issued a 'hands-off' statement saying that McLaren is under contract to Villa until 2012 and will not be going anywhere. However, this is not expected to stop the FA getting their man, should McLaren be the one of their choice.

21st July 2010

Guidolin named as new Italy boss
The Italian FA today unveiled former Bologna manager Francesco Guidolin as the new Azzurri manager. The likeable 54 year old manager has reportedly signed a deal to expire after Euro 2012. Guidolin leaves his job at Bologna, where he has been for over twelve years. In his time at the Emilia club he won the UEFA Cup in 2009, and finished runners-up in the European Cup Final of the previous season. He is a manager who tends to like a blend of experience and youth, and has a great track record with young talents. Guidolin is the man accredited with the emergence of Manolis Ligkos - recently winner of the Golden Boot at the World Cup. Guidolin is said to be "extremely excited" at the prospect of managing Italy, whilst also "deeply saddened" at ending his long association with Bologna.

In associated news, 49 year old former Serbia & Montenegro manager Zoran Maric was appointed as the new Croatia manager, charged with getting the side to Norway in two years time.

22nd July 2010

England appoint McLaren as expected
The worst kept secret in English football was today admitted as England announced Steve McLaren as the successor to Jamie Peake. The 49 year old leaves his post at Aston Villa to take full charge of the national side of which he was previously a coach before managerial spells at Middlesbrough, Crystal Palace, and Villa Park. McLaren is known as a manager who prefers to work with young and talented individuals, as his style is very technique based.

At a press conference FA Chief Mike Palios said "we are delighted to have Steve on board. We, and the League Manager's Association, have been paying close attention to his progress over the last decade and now presents the perfect opportunity for Steve to take his experiences onto another level. We firmly believe the right name is in place in order for England to be successful initially at Euro 2012, and then even further at the 2014 World Cup."

McLaren himself described it as "an honour" to take charge of a national side with such a prestigious but inconsistent past, and has promised to take England onto the next level however he sees fit. Reports former club Aston Villa have been fully compensated are as yet unconfirmed, but Chairman Gary Atkinson has given his best wishes to McLaren in his new role. His first match in charge will be on September 4th against Austria at Wembley.

rsl

Good stuff.

It is CM3 so England WILL win

Brian of Nazareth

I agree, excellent stuff here, very well written too. Nice format that's comfortable on the eyes and entertaining . Now then, come on England! Romania and maybe Austria are decent enough to threaten. Sadly expects 90 year old Doug Ellis to be trying to screw England .

Nortern Ireland look pretty screwed !

Good luck with this bug free CM version

Philip Rolfe

Um, I made a slight mistake about the version - it's 3.9.67, not 68.

cheers guys for the early encouragement

displaced_seagull

Come. ONE. Ingerland.

Great stuff

Philip Rolfe

22nd August 2010

McClaren names first squad
As the first rounds of Euro 2012 qualifiers approach, there have been no suprises in the squads named for the upcoming games in the majority of squads. Steve McLaren's first England squad for the games at home to Austria and away to Romania throws up no shocks whatsoever, as it bears a resemblance to Jamie Peake's World Cup selection. John Terry expectedly returns after missing the World Cup through injury, and Portsmouth right back Jamie McCoombe gets a recall. Cherno Samba is restored after making way for numbers in Brazil. McLaren said he is "looking forward" to an exciting career with England.

Squad
Gk: Tony Fuller (Ipswich), Chris Kirkland (Liverpool), Paul Robinson (Leeds)
Def: Jonathan Woodgate (Millwall), Rio Ferdinand (Man Utd, capt), John Curtis (Chelsea), Jamie McCoombe (Portsmouth), John Terry (Bayern Munich), Neil Clement (Chelsea), Darren Purse (Sunderland), Ashley Cole (Arsenal), Chris Riggott (Arsenal)
Mid: Owen Hargreaves (Barcelona), Kieron Dyer (Milan), Matt Hamshaw (Bolton), Paul Ifill (Ipswich), Joe Cole (Milan), Jason Paterson (Chelsea), Matthew Etherington (Sunderland), David Dunn (Sunderland), Matthew Piper (Roma)
Fwd: Cherno Samba (Chelsea), Michael Bridges (Liverpool), Alan Smith (Hertha BSC), Marcus Bent (Leverkusen), Michael Owen (Liverpool)

Guidolin names five uncapped players in first squad
As he prepares for his first two matches in charge of the Azzurri (against Belarus and Luxembourg respectively), Francesco Guidolin has found room to experiment with his 26 man squad. Uncapped players Roberto Guana, Nicola Ventola, Salvatore Bruno, Nicola Orru, and Nicola Pagliarin are all selected in the party. Alberto Gilardino earns a recall after the World Cup, whilst quite surprisingly Guidolin finds no room for Luca Toni, Gianpaolo Bellini, or Inacio Pia. Of the newcomers, Roberto Guana and Nicola Orru are perhaps the ones to watch. Guana, a right winger, has had a great time with Inter in the last year, and fully warrants the call. Young Nicola Orru, a similar player to Guana, has impressed sufficiently at Napoli to earn his calling. The selection of Gilardino and Ventola over Toni suggests Guidolin will stray somewhat from his predecessor's 4-5-1 outlet leaving Luca Toni alone up front. In any event, the opposition should pose few threats to the Azzurri side, and Guidolin may just have found something Colomba didn't.

Squad
Gk: Gianluigi Buffon (Barcelona, capt), Christian Abbiati (Milan), Gian Luca Pegolo (Juventus)
Def: Alessandro Nesta (Barcelona), Manuel Amantini (Roma), Giovanni Castellini (Juventus), Claudio Cioffi (Atalanta), Marco Zanchi (Bologna), Marco Cassetti (Lecce), Gianluca Comotto (Dortmund), Marco Zamboni (Milan), Massimo Oddo (Milan), Nicola Pagliarin (Juventus)
Mid: Luciano Zauri (Milan), Andrea Pirlo (Milan), Matteo Brighi (Parma), Marco Marchionni (Parma), Roberto Guana (Inter), Damiano Zenoni (Milan), Nicola Orru (Napoli), Giuseppe Colucci (Bologna)
Fwd: Salvatore Bruno (Lecce), Alessandro Pellicori (Lazio), Eder Bau (Roma), Alberto Gilardino (Parma), Nicola Ventola (Inter)

Philip Rolfe

One surprise in French party as experience leads the way
As expected, Paul Le Guen has made few shocks in his squad for the matches against Latvia and Georgia. The exception is the fact Sidney Govou has strangely not been selected. Instead, uncapped but prolific youngsters Fodé Mansaré and Baptiste-Mehdi Ibrahim-Ouali have been named for the matches. Even if the duo do not make the action, the experience will certainly benefit them, as training with the likes of Trezeguet, Le Tallec, and Sinama Pongolle will be extremely helpful. Elsewhere, Patrick Vieira looks set to reach cap number 134, whilst David Trezeguet, recently acquired by Barcelona, is only five behind. Le Guen said of his squad "We have to look to the future. Patrick (Vieira), David (Trezeguet), Didier (Agathe) and Willy (Gallas) won't be around forever, so some of the younger players may get a chance to prove themselves." Players such as Rivière, Le Tallec, Mansaré and Soler are the future of Les Bleus, and they'll get the chance to show it.

Squad
Gk: Sebastien Frey (Inter), Benoit Benvegnu (Birmingham), Mikael Landreau (Bordeaux)
Def: Philippe Mexes (Celtic), William Gallas (Inter), Mickael Silvestre (Man Utd), Didier Agathe (Liverpool), Willy Sagnol (Liverpool), Jérémie Brechet (Lyon), Christian Rivière (Inter), Jean-Alain Boumsong (Anderlecht), Djimi Traoré (Birmingham), Julien Escudé (Barcelona)
Mid: Patrick Vieira (Liverpool), Geoffrey Doumeng (Montpellier), Didier Soler (Nantes), Stéphane Dalmat (Liverpool), Ludovic Giuly (Nantes), Camel Meriem (Liverpool), Bruno Cheyrou (Liverpool), Jérome Rothen (Lyon)
Fwd: Anthony Le Tallec (Man Utd), Florent Sinama-Pongolle (Lyon), Fodé Mansaré (Metz), Baptiste-Mehdi Ibrahim-Ouali (Bayern Munich), David Trezeguet (Barcelona)

New era for Spain?
After falling at the last eight of the Brazilian World Cup, Spain look to the future with an adventurous squad for the Euro 2012 qualifiers against Scotland and Ukraine. The most notable omission is that of 126 cap/64 goal captain Raul. The legenday forward, newly signed by Celtic, has been rested by manager Miguel �ngel Lotina, who has decided to bring in seven previously untried names as Spain are seemingly set on a new path. Valencia keeper Jonathan is called in as Spain look for a quality challenge for Iker Casillas. The defence is strengthened by 31 year old David Rivas of Betis, and 21 year old Alejandro Pardo. After many a prolific season at Racing Santander Rodolfo Bodipo's talents are acknowledged with a first call-up, whilst team-mate Francisco Gallardo is a right winger of considerable ability. Despite the younger players in the squad, there are a number of 32+ players in the squad. However, the move has been met positively by Spanish press and public alike, as they firmly believe Lotina is the man to take them further. However, should he fail to impress over the coming year, Lotina will be out of a job.

Squad
Gk: Iker Casillas (Real Madrid), Francesc Arnau (Celta), Jonathan (Valencia)
Def: Alejandro Pardo (Valladolid), David Rivas (Betis), Carles Puyol (Barcelona), Juanfran (Celta), Marcelo (Racing Santander), Gálder Zubizaretta (Mallorca), EspÃ*n (Atlético Madrid), Fernando Varela (Real Madrid), Francisco Pavón (Real Madrid)
Mid: Gerard (Barcelona), Francisco Gallardo (Racing Santander), Joseba EtxeberrÃ*a (Athletic Bilbao), Xavi (Barcelona), Fernando Sales (Bayern Munich), Raúl Ivars (Real Madrid), Roberto Trashorras (Barcelona)
Fwd: Roberto Losada (Valencia), José Antonio Reyes (Atlético Madrid), Rodolfo Bodipo (Racing Santander), Guayre (Betis), Güiza (Celta)

In brief....
....talented Man Utd striker Diogo Bessa called into Portuguese squad.....Norwich's Richard Spong receives call from Swedes....Van Nistelrooy restored to World Champions after injury....Becker promoted to German seniors.....

Philip Rolfe

Spotlight on......

Dennis Becker

For years Germany have searched for the perfect left sided player. They never truly found someone who was able to terrify defenders with speed, agility, and raw talent. Many tried without much success. Of the current side, Marcel Ketelaer and Daniel Bierofka never lived up to expectations, whilst in previous years Jorg Böhme and Christian Ziege were not the players required. Never, since the days of the legendary Wolfgang Overath and Gunter Netzer have the Germans had a midfield talent the likes of which would control the left side as necessary.

Now, the generation of 2010 has yielded Dennis Becker. Bayern Munich have a nineteen year old midfielder who has the admiration and support of the whole country - quite an honour for a Bayern player to have. His talents seem endless. The immediate noticeable trait is his pace. At his best there are few who can go stride for stride with Becker. Of course, this pace would be rendered useless without some ability.

Becker has this in abundance. His creativity is reminiscent of Michael Ballack, and when in full flight comparisons can seriously be made to Ryan Giggs. What Becker has been praised for above all else is his work rate - he never seems to stop buzzing around the field. He really came to prominence last season in what was his first full season at the top level. Three goals and twelve assists from 27 games is perfectly acceptable, and the praise from club manager Ottmar Hitzfeld could not be higher. "Becker has everything. It's quite scary to think he is at such a tender age that he can actually improve."

One man certainly excited at the prospect is national coach Rudi Völler. "Dennis is certainly in my plans. How often he starts is another question, but to have someone of his talents in the squad is certainly a positive."
And what of Becker himself? "I just want to play football." Some modesty from a far from modest talent. Keep an eye on this one.

Profile
Date of Birth - 10th July 1990
Club - Bayern Munich
Appearances/Goals - 60/7
Previous Clubs - FC Bayern (A)
Honours - Under 21 German International; Bundesliga Midfielder of the Season 2009/10

Philip Rolfe

1st September 2010
This morning saw the international squads meet up for the weekend's opening Euro 2012 qualifying matches. There are a number of exciting games at an early stage which will make or break some nations chances of making it to Norway.

Group Three - Spain vs Scotland
Madrid's Santiago Bernabéu plays host to a meeting between Miguel �ngel Lotina's Spanish side and David Körner's emerging Scottish talents. The two sides are expected to dictate the group, and thus the result on Saturday evening will go a long way to shaping the group. The Spanish decision to leave Raul out means Güiza is likely to play and attempt to continue a goal per game record at this level. Rodlofo Bodipo may also have a chance of making a debut, having impressed in the Spanish gathering in Madrid. Scotland are expected to stick with their tried and tested five defenders, although it is possible Körner will play an extra holding midfielder ahead of an attacking one - most likely Gary Teale.

Group Four - Greece vs Sweden
Greece showed at this summers World Cup they are going to be a force to be reckoned with. The South Europeans have as good an attacking line-up as any, but they will be tested by a resolute and efficient Swedish side not without their own capabilities. The World Cup's most prolific partnership of Papadopoulos and Ligkos will start again, meaning no room for Alexiou or Charisteas. Zlatan Ibrahimovic should pass a fitness test to start for the visiting Swedes.

Group Six - Ireland vs Holland
History between the two goes back to 2002 when the Emerald Isle qualified for the Korea/Japan World Cup at the expense of the Oranje. Since then the Netherlands have made their position known, as they finally achieved their dream of winning the World Cup mere months ago in Brazil. Many expect them to steamroller their opposition, but Mick McCarthy's Irish contingent will come prepared, and Ruud Gullit knows his side will be in for a game. Monchengladbach's Martin Sheridan looks set to make his debut in goal after an injury crisis ruled out Liam Synnott and Saul Deeney. The Dutch are set to name their strongest side, as World Cup hero Dirk Kuijt is expected to make way for Ruud Van Nistelrooy.

Group Eight - Russia vs Portugal
Both nations could do so much more, and Saturday is the chance for one to start on the road to glory. Russia hold the advantage in the two most recent meetings, inflicting home and away 3-1 defeats on Giresse's Portugese lot. Saturday in Moscow may be different though. Man Utd's Diogo Bessa may play some role for Portugal after earning his first ever call-up.

Philip Rolfe

4th September 2010

Scotland shock Spain in Madrid

Scotland kicked off their Euro 2012 qualifying campaign in the finest style possible with a comprehensive and fully deserved 3-0 victory in Real Madrid's Santiago Bernabéu stadium. Spanish boss Lotina selected his most experienced side for the clash, whilst Scotland's David Körner chose Stephen McPhee ahead of Gary Twigg. It turned out to be a masterstroke.

Scotland started cautiously, with the main focus on preventing an early Spanish strike. At the first opportunity Scotland had, they took it. Steven Caldwell swung a free kick into the area. As Iker Casillas flapped, McPhee was able to head Scotland into a lead. The remainder of the first half was a drab affair as Spain showed no urgency whatsoever in attempting to reduce the deficit. Only Guayre forced half a save from Young in the visiting goal. It took just three second half minutes for the crowd to witness one of this year's finest goals. Chelsea's Mark Kerr picked the ball up in his own half. He set off past the inane challenge of Joseba EtxeberrÃ*a, before slipping past Gerard. Carles Puyol's resistance was not enough to stop Kerr continuing into the area before driving in a stunning finish. It shocked Spain into life. Yet whatever they tried, Lee Wilkie was standing firm in defence. Just shy of the hour Guayre dragged a shot wide of Young's right post. It was Scotland who were still making the running. An ambitious long-range volley from Teale worried Casillas, before Guayre went down the other end and wasted another opportunity. With three minutes remaining on the clock Scotland secured the win in fine style. McPhee seized the loose ball on the break. Pavón was beaten easily, which left McPhee alone. Last season's third highest Serie A scorer slotted in the third to leave Spain dejected, whilst the Tartan Army were delirious. Questions will be asked of Lotina's decision to drop Raul, as he may have made a huge difference to what may be a potentially crucal defeat for Spain.


Spain 0
Scotland 3 (McPhee 13, 87, Kerr 48)
Attendance - 74,861
Referee - Reha Biçici (Turkey)

Spain - Casillas, Puyol, Juanfran, EspÃ*n, Pavón, Sales, Reyes(c), Gerard, Güiza (Trashorras 59), Guayre, EtxeberrÃ*a

Scotland - Young, Paterson (Naysmith 82), McCunnie, McNaughton, Wilkie, Teale, Kerr, Caldwell, McPhee, Parker(c), Fletcher (S.Hughes 76)