The Fan

Two uncapped players in England World Cup squad

Only 2 fit strikers picked

Uncapped youngsters Aaron Lennon and Theo Walcott are in Eriksson’s provisional World Cup squad. No places for Defoe, Bent or Wright-Phillips.

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The FA’s predicament

Not who to choose, but when to choose

If current media reports are to be believed, the English FA are currently wrapping up its interviews for Eriksson’s successor as England coach.

There were good reasons for England to announce earlier in the year that Sven would be leaving his post after this summer’s World Cup, but the affair of naming his replacement has dragged on to the extent that it has led to a new problems.

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Fifa today refused to heed lobbying from the Football Association after ruling out the use of video evidence to retrospectively punish players who dive.

From: The Guardian

 

Related: FA’s war on divers to fail

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The Football Association’s campaign to have diving punished retrospectively seems doomed.

The main problem in punishing simulation - attempting to deceive the referee - is that it comes under unsporting behaviour and is therefore punishable by a yellow card.

Fifa sources indicated yesterday they would change regulations only if the majority of the 203 national associations report similar problems [as the English FA].

From: The Telegraph

 

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Fifa reject bid to extend World Cup squad deadline

Eriksson fails to get May 15th deadline pushed back

Despite having the backing of other top European coaches, Sven Goran-Eriksson’s attempt to delay the date that World Cup coaches have to choose their squads, has failed.

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Chelsea to sign Ballack ‘before World Cup’

German captain aims to move before June

Germany’s Michael Ballack is hopeful of signing for Chelsea before the start of the World Cup in June. The 29-year-old Bayern Munich captain is out of contract in May and his agent said: “I think there is definitely something happening before the World Cup.”

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The best midfield in the world?

...only if Sven can get them playing together

England head coach Sven Goran Eriksson believes he could have the world’s best midfield at his disposal for the World Cup this summer [From: Sky Sports].

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Cole grabs late England winner

England win their final friendly before World Cup Final squad selected

ENGLAND beat Uruguay 2-1 in their final warm-up match before this Summer’s World Cup in Germany. Goals from Crouch and Cole late in the second half helped England overcome Uruguay who led from Pouso’s fantastic first half volley.

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Alex Ferguson has offered Trinidad & Tobago captain Dwight Yorke the opportunity to train with Manchester United prior to the World Cup.

Trinidad & Tobago will play England in the group stage on 15 June.

With Ferguson regularly playing two of England’s potential star players (Rio Ferdinand and Wayne Rooney) out of position in midfield, could it be his deliberate intention to spoil England’s World Cup chances?

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Eriksson to quit after World Cup

The BBC is reporting that Sven-Goran Eriksson will quit as England coach following this summer’s World Cup finals.

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