retired_be_me

England to go to Russia high on confidence, concede an early goal, and finish the match with Crouch and Heskey up front.

mattsaunders

So what’s the crack with Terry? Is he playing with this Lecter mask on tonight?

mattsaunders

well, yes he is.

don't all rush in and reply at once.

retired_calyle

I expect Robert Green to be ignored again, despite being the most in form keeper in the Prem at this moment in time.

No way is Ashton ready to play for England yet

retired_Fit

Good to see Robbo coming into some form in time for the big games

retired_Fit

These international dates were announced ages ago so i'm not all that surprised when they come around.

mattsaunders

Beckham 'not ready for England'

David Beckham is not yet ready to return to the England side for the Euro 2008 qualifiers against Estonia and Russia, his LA Galaxy coach says.

Beckham resumed light training on Wednesday for the first time since injuring his knee on 29 August.

But Galaxy coach Frank Yallop said: "He's not played a competitive game. It will be hard to be ready."

Beckham said: "It went well but we'll have to see. I'm still restricted on many things but overall it felt good."

The 32-year-old midfielder's early return to training prompted suggestions he could be named in manager Steve McClaren's squad on Friday for the matches on 13 and 17 October.

However, Beckham admitted he would not rush his return to first-team action, although he remains keen to play a part in the Galaxy's run-in to the end of the Major Soccer League season.

Yallop, who had expected Beckham to out for 10 weeks, added: "He's been doing light work by himself for five to six weeks, but it was good to see him out there with the team and with a smile on his face.

"He's not done anything with the team, it's just nice to have him back out there.

"Now we need to see how he feels and just take it slowly."

England are second in Group E, three points behind leaders Croatia, and know anything less than two wins next week will seriously damage their Euro 2008 qualification hopes.

retired_embartl

Carrick sidelined by broken elbow


Manchester United midfielder Michael Carrick will be out of action for up to six weeks with a fractured right elbow.

The injury also means the 26-year-old will miss England's crucial upcoming Euro 2008 qualifying games against Estonia and Russia.

He suffered the injury during the latter stages of United's Champions League victory over Roma on Tuesday.

Carrick appeared fine immediately after the game, but X-rays have revealed the full extent of the problem.

The injury also leaves United boss Sir Alex Ferguson facing a selection headache for Saturday's encounter with Wigan, with Owen Hargreaves already ruled out.

Midfielder Hargreaves will be out of action for up to four weeks with a knee injury.

retired_linton_justin

More good news for England - Carrick's out for 6 weeks :thup:

retired_linton_justin

Brian