Italy was drawn alongside seeded nation Uruguay, England and Costa Rica in Group D.

Read more: http://www.smh.com.au/sport/soccer/australia-in-nightmare-group-of-death-for-brazil-world-cup-20131207-2yxjw.html#ixzz2mj2AdOwF

Edited by Joffa: 17/5/2014 09:52:52 PM

Edited by Joffa: 17/6/2014 10:27:24 PM

England SHOULD qualify second in this group... you'd think?

If they can't overcome/get the results they need against Luiz Suarez's Uruguay and Costa Rica then they don't deserve to progress, ofcourse!

Italy favourites, but not greatly superior either. Uruguay could still shake things up this group - they are the spanner in the works. England have their work cut out, that's for sure. But if they can't manage so, then again, good riddance to bad rubbish and well done Uruguay or whoever progresses at their expense!

Cue another change in management regimes in England and the merry-go-round goes on.

This one will be interesting i reckon Uruguay and Italy to advance.

Edited by Davstar: 7/12/2013 08:12:05 AM

I certainly wouldn't, Uruguay and Italy for me.

Steven Taylor to break Suarez' leg in the last game of the season.

Odds on Suarez to take a bite out of Gerrard?

Would have been great if Australia had been drawn in this group instead of Costa Rica.

This is England at a major tournament. The only team they'll beat is Costa Rica.

Anything possible with England, but Italy most likely for me....

Have to remember this is the traditionally slow starting Italy we're talking about here, would not like to be them going into a potential must win game against Uruguay in the last round of games. England do have the 'easier' draw with them playing Costa Rica 3rd, but you'd think would absolutely have to beat one of Italy or Uruguay.

Group D: Predictions and Preview

By Miguel Delaney

Group D: Brutal draw for England
Overview

This pool may not contain any outright favourites for the trophy, but it is the one with the most historic winners. Italy, Uruguay and England have a total of seven World Cups among them, and the feeling is that they will be the sides competing for the top two places, with Costa Rica capable really of only complicating affairs for one of those three.

Projected finish

Going by qualifying, if not quite seeding, Italy should finish on top. They cruised through qualifying, in contrast to the difficulties that both Uruguay and England encountered. Oscar Tabarez's side needed that handsome playoff win against Jordan; Roy Hodgson's men had to overcome all of that last-game anxiety against the Polish. That in itself indicates the greater tactical flexibility of the Italians, and they are probably the side with the greatest range of potential angles and attacks in this group.

Uruguay are reliant on their star forwards, Hodgson on his English team's structure. That contrast between England and Italy was revealed in their Euro 2012 quarterfinal, when Cesare Prandelli's side came through on penalties but were much more dominant than what the scoreline indicated. The margins in this group could be similarly thin, but both Italy's superior quality and the fact Uruguay are on their home continent mean they should fancy their chances of going through.

Team-by-team

Italy: The 2006 champions may not have the youth structures of countries such as Spain and Germany, or the fundamental star quality of Argentina or Brazil, but they do retain this supreme coaching school that has produced a manager of the caliber of Prandelli. The manner in which he overcame some of Italy's squad imbalances to reach the final of Euro 2012 was an illustration, and means that they remain a very dangerous side, if no longer one of the domineering favourites.

Uruguay: The feeling is that they're not quite the side that enjoyed such a successful run over 2010 and 2011, but one still well capable of forging a route to the semifinals, as they did in South Africa in 2010. An attack featuring Luis Suarez and Edinson Cavani certainly indicates that. The question will be over how they're backed up by the rest of the team, given that the Confederations Cup revealed some issues, not to mention how they navigate a tough group. A status as seeds did not do too many favours.

England: An awkward side but quite far from an excellent one. Hodgson has constructed a framework that has made England hard to beat, but also ensured they often find actually claiming victory rather difficult. That could be a particular issue in what would be considered the most winnable game, against Costa Rica. Yes, they have two or three players who are world-class level, such as Wayne Rooney and Jack Wilshere, not to mention some valuable different options up front, but there is a reticence to their play. They'll need to develop something more rousing here.

Costa Rica: They qualified rather easily, and largely because their back line is rock-hard. A run of 476 minutes without conceding a goal helped them claim the best defensive record in CONCACAF. Their main weakness is at the other end, where they lack much flair or forward capacity beyond Bryan Ruiz, who was their top scorer in 10 games of qualification with just three goals. Costa Rica are highly unlikely to qualify, but are capable of producing the result that tilts the rest of the table.

Best individual battle

Andrea Pirlo vs. Jack Wilshere

Pirlo's utter dominance of possession was the defining factor in Italy's Euro 2012 win over England, summing up as it did the clear difference between the sides in terms of ability to hold possession, and even coming to a culmination in the shootout itself. Pirlo displayed the supreme poise he had throughout the game. In that tournament, Hodgson was lacking Wilshere as part of a truly sturdy midfield, and it will be revealing to see how things are reshaped when the sides meet again June 14.

Best game

Italy vs. Uruguay

Whereas both England and Costa Rica are primarily based on sound defensive structure, Italy and Uruguay are a touch more front-loaded, which makes their June 24 matchup especially attractive. Prandelli has developed admirable flexibility with the Italians and worked toward a Spanish-type possession game, while Uruguay have all that forward quality in Suarez and Cavani. This is highly likely to be the most open game of the group, featuring the highest technical ability.

X factor: Temperamental superstars

There should no shortage of fireworks in a group featuring Suarez, Mario Balotelli and Rooney. Of course, the volatile nature of their games attracts all the more attention because of their accompanying variety of world-class brilliance, which is at least matched by the comparatively more level-headed Cavani. Even Costa Rica can somewhat balance their back line with the fluency of Ruiz.

http://espnfc.com/news/story/_/id/1640368?cc=3436

Uruguay are going to be a very tough opponent in Sao Paulo not that far from their own backyard

At this stage I'll back Italy and England to get through. Just got one of those feelings that Uruguay will struggle

England hate him enough already - imagine he scored a late winner :lol:

Right. When you really think about who we'd like to have a dog at. These 3 in one group make it very attractive.

I think England will beat Italy in the first game and Costa Rica will hassle all 3 teams.

Italy Face Difficult Base Camp Choice At World Cup
SHARE THIS

TAGS
ItalyWorld Cup
Italy have narrowed down their options for a World Cup base camp to two after finding out their group fate on Friday.

The Azzurri were drawn against Uruguay, England and Costa Rica in Group D with their games to take place first in Manaus, then Recife and finally Natal.

Their number one choice is thought to be the Portobello Resort and Safari Park which is located 150km from Rio de Janeiro with the FIGC having already pre-booked 152 rooms here for the players, staff and families although they could opt for another option after the draw.

A second possibility is being discussed as that Portobello Resort is located a two hour drive away from the closest airport so they are also looking at the Blue Tree Park resort located to the north or Rio.

It is famous for being located rather close to a nudist beach but more importantly for the team, it is much closer to the airport.
http://forzaitalianfootball.com/2013/12/italy-face-difficult-base-camp-choice-at-world-cup/?

uruguay to top the group follow be England in 2nd.

Not sure on Italy in the southern hemisphere and Costa Rica i don't see getting points.

Murderous Manaus: England fans face World Cup match in one of deadliest places on Earth

8 Dec 2013 00:00
The poverty-stricken city had 945 homicides last year. Armed and drug-crazed thieves roam shanty towns which are no-go areas for tourists

England fans will risk their lives in one of the world’s most dangerous cities as they cheer on the team in its first match of the World Cup in Brazil, the Sunday People reports.

Roy Hodgson’s men play four-time champions Italy on June 14 next year in the crime-ridden hell-hole that is the Amazonian capital Manaus.

The poverty-stricken city had an incredible 945 homicides last year, 70 per cent of them linked to drug ­trafficking. Armed and drug-crazed thieves roam shanty towns which are no-go areas for tourists.

The statistics led to it being branded the 11th most dangerous place on earth. And despite the grimness of Manaus, fans can look forward to paying rip-off prices there.

Last night there were just a handful of rooms still available in the isolated city. Hotel bosses are ruthlessly cashing in by demanding up to £500 a night for a basic room around the date of the Italy match.

The cheapest flights from London Heathrow to Manaus go via Lisbon and cost a whopping £1,200.

And fans staying in Brazilian capital Rio de Janeiro, alongside England’s players, face a mammoth 3,500-mile round trip to Manaus. The journey takes four hours each way by plane – or ten days by road and boat.

A basic travel package with the FA, including ­tickets, travel and accommodation to England’s three group games, will set fans back £7,000.

Individual match tickets are already being touted on the black market for more than £1,000.

Alison McGowan, a British ex-pat who runs an independent travel website in Brazil, said: “Manaus is going to ­almost break the bank, however you do it.

“Fans will find it is lacking in hotel provision of any quality. They won’t be cheap either.”

Visitors to the city have ­described filthy rooms and kitchens full of “bugs, cockroaches and rats” on travel website Tripadvisor.

Ramshackle tin-shack homes in the city’s lawless districts, called favelas, are painted different colours to signal to ­locals which varieties of class-A drugs they sell.

The Foreign Office has warned fans to be on their guard against robbers and pickpockets. The advice is to dress down and avoid wearing jewellery. Meanwhile the NHS has issued an alert over the threat of rabies from stray dogs and diseases such as malaria, diphtheria and hepatitis.

Daytime temperatures in Manaus average 32 degrees and humidity can top 84 per cent. Other risks in the area include poisonous snakes and tarantulas, poorly maintained roads and low standards of driving.

Manaus was once one of Brazil’s most prosperous cities due to its ­monopoly on rubber production but it is now one of its most dangerous and deprived and brutal cocaine barons have taken over.

They are so feared that judges are given 24-hour protection by an elite police squad.

Before last week’s draw, Hodgson provoked fury in the city after telling reporters he hoped his team would not have to play there.

Mayor Arthur Virgilio Neto responded indignantly, saying he did not want the Three Lions there and was hoping for a “better national team”.

But yesterday he congratulated England for “having the privilege of playing in Manaus”. Sao Paulo, where England face Uruguay in their second group match, is ranked the world’s 48th most dangerous place.

It has an extremely high rate of armed robbery of pedestrians, motorists and customers in restaurants.

Bookmakers moved England’s odds of winning the tournament from 22-1 to 33-1 after Friday’s draw matched them with Italy, Uruguay and Costa Rica in Group D.

FA officials now fear that only around 1,100 members of their official supporters club will travel to Brazil.



Check out all the latest News, Sport & Celeb gossip at Mirror.co.uk http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/murderous-manaus-england-fans-face-2904159#ixzz2mseHG1XP
Follow us: @DailyMirror on Twitter | DailyMirror on Facebook

No surprises here - Fabio Capello writes off England's chances

FABIO CAPELLO has dismissed England's World Cup chances - believing that his successor Roy Hodgson's team will arrive in Brazil shattered by an intense Premier League campaign.

By: John RichardsonPublished: Sun, December 8, 2013
2Comments
THERE MAY BE TROUBLE AHEAD: Fabio Capello says it will be difficult for England at the World Cup [ACTION IMAGES]

Now in charge of Russia, Capello couldn't resist taking a look at England's group, especially with his native Italy involved.

It was UEFA president Michel Platini who observed that England are lions in the autumn but lambs by the time spring comes around.

Capello subscribes to the same view that the Premier League, regarded as the best domestic competition in the world, is simply too gruelling.

It leaves England's players exhausted when the major championships come around. And now they have the added worry of kicking off their campaign in the steamy heat of the Amazon jungle against Italy in Manaus.

Former England boss Capello said: "It is always the same problem. Physically they are good in September, October, November.

"March? So-so. May? No! So England playerswill not be at the top of their physical condition and Manaus will be really, really warm - another difficult thing.

Related articles
England football fans grumble over jungle travel costs
Gus Poyet still confident about Uruguay's capability against England
England versus Italy match brought forward
In England the football is stronger, faster - they never stop
Fabio Capello
"It will be tougher for England. Italy sometimes arrive tired. But in England the football is stronger, faster - they never stop.

"In Italy there is a small break but it is good. You, at Christmas, play even more."

To try and combat the heat problem, England will now spend nine days before they fly to Brazil in the humidity of Florida, playing two games in the Sunshine State.

The build-up will begin with an initial training camp in Portugal or southern Spain a week after the domestic season ends before a send-off Wembley friendly on May 28 and then flying off to Miami the next day.

England will stage two friendlies in the Miami heat, probably one against the USA and a central American side to try to acclimatise.


http://www.express.co.uk/sport/worldcup2014/447442/No-surprises-here-Fabio-Capello-writes-off-England-s-chances

Uruguay is playing in South America. They will be up for this.
Italy, traditional slow starters, but against England first will be going for the win. They'll want to rest players in the 3rd game and be qualified by then.

Italy actually have a strikeforce worth talking about again (for the first time in years). England shouldn't even bother flying to Brazil :lol: :twisted:

good thats the PR taken care of now he can just concentrate on the match. Hearts and minds as they say

WELL, that's the thing, isn't it? England ALWAYS have pressure and even UNREALISTIC expectations from their press and fans! But...



IF this IS reflective of the sentiments of those in the UK and with an under-rated management regime in Hodgson and even, dare one says, under-rated England squad now, for once...

They're still highly competitive, or should be and can match up with any of these teams. It's almost ludicrous in a way that we suggest they SHOULDN'T.

Italy is top dog, but not greatly superior and even we showed that at the 06 WC, which they won! Uruguay may be strong, but their qualifying campaign was so unconvincing that they HAD to face the AFC side, AGAIN, via an Inter-continental play-off! Forlan and co are older.

England has a young, energetic, team. They SHOULD be bursting to impress. New England stars could be born this tournament! The Jack Wilshere's, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain's, Dan Struddige's, Andros Townsend's etc They COULD be a mixed bag, but hopefully Rooney and co can still pull something from that bag.

And most of all - the disappointment of 2010 should fuel more than anything, they were dreadfully disappointing in a WC group they SHOULD'VE cruised. Drawing with the likes of the US and Algeria. They will want to put that behind them with a better showing here, at the very least!

They COULD even 'positively surprise' in their group, given the talent they DO have now? :-k



Indeed, I under-estimated that a little.



lol!

Wayne Rooney's World Cup mission

WAYNE ROONEY insists he is not alone in having unfinished business at the World Cup.

By Paul Hetherington/Published 15th December 2013

The England striker has failed to score in the finals of the competition, has arrived late for one through injury, been sent off – and had a bust-up with fans.

But he is relishing next summer’s tournament under boss Roy Hodgson (right) in Brazil and says: “We all have unfinished business since 1966.

“We always give it our all to win it again and try to go as far as we can – but it hasn’t happened.

“For our country, it’s important we try to do that. There isn’t really the expectation this time that there has been in previous tournaments, because there are a lot of young players and raw talents.

“We always give it our all to win it again and try to go as far as we can”
Wayne Rooney

“But maybe that will help us and I was delighted with the draw. I see the games against Italy, Uruguay and Costa Rica as winnable.

“The last time we played Italy we won. They will be tough games but it is a World Cup and hopefully we can do well.”

England start against Italy in the Amazon jungle city of Manaus.

Rooney laughed and said: “No, I haven’t played in many jungles but it’s going to be a good experience.

“It will be hot but it’s the same for Italy. We have to deal with it and try to perform.”

http://www.dailystar.co.uk/sport/football/355964/Wayne-Rooney-s-World-Cup-mission

Hodgson ponders 'major headache' over England World Cup selection
11:57 - 26 DEC 2013

West Ham youngster Ravel Morrison is in the frame for a World Cup call-up.

Credit: PA
England boss Roy Hodgson has admitted choosing a World Cup squad now would give him a "major headache", such is his pleasure at the number of homegrown youngsters making their mark in the Premier League.

Tottenham winger Andros Townsend, West Ham midfielder Ravel Morrison and West Brom striker Saido Berahino are just three emerging talents to have won plaudits for their performances this season.
That is a boost for Hodgson, who may opt for fresh faces when England play Denmark in March at Wembley, ahead of next summer's World Cup.

"At the moment, I've seen a lot of our England players and contenders for England places playing extremely well. I wish I could bottle up some of the form and keep it," Hodgson told Sky Sports News.

"It's quite fascinating at the moment going to games, the number of players getting games, especially some of the youngsters, is good.

"There are a lot of teams fielding English players in their line-up at the moment and I'm seeing a lot of good performances.

"If I had to pick a team for the World Cup today it would be a major headache."

England captain Steven Gerrard, his Liverpool team-mate Daniel Sturridge and Townsend have been laid low by injury recently.

However, Hodgson is not yet panicking, adding: "My nerves when watching games is not as high as it might be at the end of April where if anyone got injured they wouldn't make it in time."

England face a testing time in Brazil after being drawn to face Italy, Uruguay and Costa Rica in their group matches.

Yet Hodgson is undeterred and is taking some consolation from Euro 2012, where they emerged from a tough group before being eliminated by Italy on penalties.

The former Inter Milan boss said: "We had an equally tough group in the Euros and we got out of that group and got ourselves to the quarter-finals.

"We believe we can do it. There are no easy groups in the World Cup."

http://www.itv.com/worldcup/hodgson-ponders-major-headache-over-england-world-cup-selection?

Prandelli Believes Italy Can Beat World Cup Odds And Triumph In Brazil

Internationals

Cesare Prandelli accepts Italy are not the best team in the World Cup Finals, but insists they can still win a record-equalling fifth crown in Rio.

The Azzurri reached the Finals in Brazil in fairly comfortable fashion, winning six and drawing four of their qualifying matches to finish six points clear of Denmark in Group B. They are likely to find life a whole lot more difficult next summer, though, when they take on England, Uruguay and Costa Rica in Group D of the Finals.

Prandelli’s side are currently ninth favourites to win the tournament, according to odds comparison website oddschecker.com, with Brazil, Argentina, Germany, Spain, Belgium, Colombia, France and the Uruguayans all rated more likely. However, whilst the head coach accepts there are likely to be some stiff tests ahead, he sees no reason why his side can’t upset the odds and equal Brazil’s haul of five World Cup wins.

“Our one is a really difficult group, with three national teams who have been world champion,” he told Gazzetta dello Sport. “The first aim is to qualify, probably as first of the group. Against England we have played a sensational game at the 2012 European Championship, but we didn’t score and we qualified at penalties.

“Against Uruguay we suffered in the second half of the final for the third place at the Confederations Cup and we won again at penalties. Anyone talks about Costa Rica, but I’ve started studying them. The World Cup has already started. Brazil, Argentina, Germany and Spain are the favourites. Let’s leave from our mind that we are the strongest; we aren’t. We are no more the best in the tournament but we can beat the best.”

The absolute minimum expected from the Italian public will be a run to the quarter-finals, and they will certainly look for a significant improvement on their showing of four years ago in South Africa when Marcello Lippi’s side embarrassingly crashed at the first hurdle, finishing bottom of a group containing Paraguay, Slovakia and New Zealand.

http://takefootball.com/prandelli-believes-italy-can-beat-world-cup-odds-and-triumph-in-brazil/?

Sport > Football > World Cup 2014
World Cup 2014: Roy Hodgson admits veterans must earn their place in his squad for Brazil with Ashley Cole and Michael Carrick under pressure from youngsters

Manager Roy Hodgson admits he may have to dash the World Cup dreams of one of his senior England players this summer.

A third of the 30-strong squad for next week's friendly against Denmark have fewer than five caps.

The England manager has always spoken of his desire to take a handful of inexperienced players to the tournament in Brazil.

And should the likes of Luke Shaw, Raheem Sterling and Ross Barkley perform well against the Danes, they may just nudge an established player out of the reckoning.

"I am very conscious of the fact that I could have to leave a big name out," the England manager said.

"It wasn't easy before the Euros to be honest. This time it is going to be even harder.

"Before the Euros at least I was choosing names of players I knew and players I had seen play but had never really worked with.

"This time I will have to disappoint some people I have worked with who have maybe done a good job for me and the team."

Hodgson is too clever to name names, but it would be reasonable to assume players like Ashley Cole and Frank Lampard, who have over 200 caps between them, are under threat.

Cole has been a mainstay of tournament football for England since 2002, but he is no longer first choice at Chelsea. Although Hodgson says he still "retains faith" in the player, the England manager dropped a hint that Shaw will get his chance to impress on Wednesday.

When asked whether the 18-year-old Southampton left-back would play some part in the friendly against the Danes, Hodgson said: "It is a logical thought but I can't make promises.

"I think everyone who has watched him play recently will not deny that he deserves a place in a large squad like this.

"It would be nice if he gets to play on Wednesday night, but that decision hasn't been made."

Speculation had been rife that Adam Johnson, or Wilfried Zaha, would be recalled, but neither made the cut for the Denmark game.

Fit-again West Ham striker Andy Carroll was another notable omission. Hodgson insisted those players still had a chance of making his World Cup squad, though.

"This is not a definitive list," Hodgson added.

"The fact someone is on this list does not say he will be going or be one of the seven standby players because I reserve the right to change my mind on those subjects."

Mystery also surrounds whether England's WAGs will be going to the World Cup.

The presence of players' glamorous partners proved to be something of a distraction in the 2006 World Cup, but Hodgson is happy for them to be in Brazil if his squad so wish.

"We haven't made any hard and fast rules," Hodgson said.

"It will be up to the players to decide."

The WAGs will not be invited to England's first pre-World Cup training camp in Portugal, but they will be allowed to attend "the latter part" of the squad's final camp in Miami.

http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/international/world-cup-2014-roy-hodgson-admits-veterans-must-earn-their-place-in-his-squad-for-brazil-with-ashley-cole-and-michael-carrick-under-pressure-from-youngsters-9159422.html

World Cup 2014: Roy Hodgson still open-minded about England squad for Brazil


MIGUEL DELANEY Sunday 02 March 2014
   
England manager Roy Hodgson has admitted he still has an open mind about who will be in the squad he takes to the World Cup finals, and even which players will start the opening games.

Although many observers saw the 30-man squad for Wednesday’s friendly with Denmark as the blueprint for those who will travel to Brazil, Hodgson says there is still a lot more experimentation to be done. England play their first group game against Italy on June 14.

“We’ve got to know what the balance of our team is,” said Hodgson. “I’m sure there will be players who, when I name the 23 and the seven stand-by players, might not even be in that group of 30 [for Wednesday]. The Denmark game is very much where I’ve got to think about what experimentations I need. If we take Steven Gerrard, does he need to play against Denmark to prove to me that he needs to play against Italy? Would I be better off playing somebody else because I know what Steven Gerrard can do?”

With England due to meet Uruguay and Costa Rica in their group as well, Hodgson also wants to be flexible. “My thinking is about getting the best XI for the way we want to play against the opponent on the field,” he admitted, doubting the formula of, say, picking Steven Gerrard, Jordan Henderson and Dean Sturridge because they work well together for Liverpool.

“I don’t think you should be putting people in the team just because they play alongside somebody in their club side if they’re not the best man for the job,” he insisted.

http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/international/world-cup-2014-roy-hodgson-still-openminded-about-england-squad-for-brazil-9162886.html

England coach Roy Hodgson hires psychiatrist for World Cup
March 5, 2014 - 7:52AM


In a bid to boost his team's mental strength at the World Cup, England coach Roy Hodgson says he's hired a psychiatrist for the lead-up to the tournament in Brazil.

Hodgson says Dr Steve Peters is the right man to help the team prepare for the trip.

"(He) is a very famous man in that area," Hodgson said.

"He has a great CV of working in different sports and has been doing some work with Liverpool and Brendan Rodgers."

Peters, who has a close relationship with England captain Steven Gerrard, is the man behind British cycling's recent successes.

He has helped the likes of Bradley Wiggins, Chris Hoy and Victoria Pendleton to master the mental side of their sport.

Peters' methods also seemed to work for the England rugby team which reached the 2007 World Cup final.

His list of clients also includes five-time world snooker champion Ronnie O'Sullivan and cycling's Team Sky, which produced two Tour de France champions.

His work at Liverpool seems to be helping as well, with the Reds currently second in the Premier League standings.

Peters first helped Gerrard when he was struggling with a serious groin injury back in 2010.

"He has helped me with my mental preparation and injuries and I've played my most consistent form for Liverpool and England since seeing Steve," Gerrard said.

"I feel he can help the players if the players buy into what he is trying to do.

"He can't help you do a (Johan) Cruyff turn or a 40-yard pass better but he can help you learn what goes off inside your head."

With 100 days to go before the World Cup, England starts its final preparations with a friendly against Denmark on Wednesday at Wembley Stadium.


Read more: http://www.smh.com.au/sport/soccer/england-coach-roy-hodgson-hires-psychiatrist-for-world-cup-20140305-345xb.html#ixzz2v2kUAA5c

You mustn't have watched Italy vs England at the Euros. There was daylight between the two sides. I had the benefit of watching it on the BBC, I think it was, and hearing Alan Hansen tear into England. It was very funny to watch. He was absolutely scathing, by highly impressed by the Italians, especially Pirlo.

If all the sides play to their potential, it should be 1. Italy, 2. Uruguay, 3. England, 4. Costa Rica. Having said that, we're talking about three highly volatile teams in Italy, Uruguay and England. They can just as easily be poor as they can exceptional. Plus England now have Sturridge in great form and some terrific midfielders you mention, in addition to Raheem Sterling, who's class. They have the fire power to top the group, just like Uruguay and Italy also have that firepower.

I just think Italy have the most up their sleeve and Uruguay have the best striker and England have a history of doing shit at major tournaments.

Vicky got outwitted and mentally crushed by Anna last Olympics.

Roy Hodgson to unleash England's Young Lions Ross Barkley, Luke Shaw and Raheem Sterling at World Cup in Brazil

Hodgson will name 23-man squad on Monday

By Rob Draper

Published: 08:20 GMT, 11 May 2014 | Updated: 09:13 GMT, 11 May 2014

Roy Hodgson is set to unleash England’s young stars on Brazil 2014 by announcing an exciting World Cup squad tomorrow that is expected to include Everton’s Ross Barkley.

With Southampton’s Adam Lallana, Liverpool’s Raheem Sterling and Jordan Henderson, and Arsenal’s Jack Wilshere and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain all set to make the cut as well, there will be a clutch of young and relatively inexperienced players in the World Cup squad for this summer.

Barkley, 20, looks to be in, although Hodgson is leaving the biggest selection dilemma — whether to go for Southampton’s 18-year-old prodigy, Luke Shaw, or 33-year-old Chelsea veteran Ashley Cole — until the last minute.

Shaw is more likely to get the nod and that would represent an even bolder statement of faith in the future.

Everton’s John Stones, who is 19, Cardiff’s Steven Caulker (22) and Liverpool’s Jon Flanagan (21) are being considered as stand-by players, while 32-year-old Michael Carrick, of Manchester United, looks as though he will be the major casualty, just failing to make the 23-man squad.

The rise this season of Liverpool and Southampton, two teams playing superb attacking football with young English players integral to their success, has been welcomed by critics.

Gary Lineker, a former England captain and the World Cup Golden Boot winner at Mexico in 1986, said: ‘Six months ago we thought, “Oh, we’re really struggling”. But since then Sturridge has proved to be a top-class scorer with a bit of confidence or arrogance.

'You’ve got Lallana, who can play in midfield or as one of two wide players, Sterling, who is a tremendously exciting young talent, and Barkley and Henderson.

‘A lot of credit must go to Brendan Rodgers at Liverpool and Mauricio Pochettino at Southampton.

'They have given the players belief and told them how good they are, instead of telling them what is wrong with their game. And it has had a really good effect, because they can all play.’

Former England captain Alan Shearer believes Barkley has the ability to repeat the impact his own strike partner — then just 18 — had at the 1998 World Cup in France.

‘It has echoes of Michael Owen in ’98 and the way he was put on to that stage — he could produce something like Michael did in France,’ said Shearer.

One young player likely to be disappointed is Tottenham defender Kyle Walker. England medics are due to visit Spurs today to make a final assessment on his pelvic injury and it is thought unlikely he will be picked. But United’s Phil Jones may be given the benefit of the doubt. His shoulder ligament damage looks as though it will have healed by England’s opening game against Italy on June 14.


Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/worldcup2014/article-2625436/Roy-Hodgson-unleash-Englands-Young-Lions-Ross-Barkley-Luke-Shaw-Raheem-Sterling-World-Cup-Brazil.html#ixzz31OsOvCBu

Roy Hodgson won't focus on penalties until group stages are over and admits spot-kick talk is boring him already

Hodgson will name his 23-man England squad on Monday with England's penalty hoodoo already being mentioned on several occasions




Paul Hirst




Sunday 11 May 2014

Roy Hodgson will not ram the subject of penalties down his players' throats when they begin preparations for the World Cup.


Hodgson will make the toughest call of his 38-year career in management on Monday when he names his 23-man squad for the World Cup.

Seven days later England begin a three-week build-up which takes in Portugal, London and Miami.

The subject of England's penalty hoodoo will barely be raised during that time. England have won just one of the seven penalty shoot-outs they have taken part in.

But Hodgson will only discuss the topic at length with his squad if they qualify for the knockout stages.

"I've got to say the subject of penalties bores me a little bit," the England manager said. "I won't be giving it an enormous amount of thought until we get out of the group stages,

"Of course we will practice a few, as every single team does. But I would think psychologically the obsession we have with penalty shoot-outs can only be negative in terms of succeeding in the next one.

"I'm not a psychologist, but I think if you go around all day worrying about a particular problem in life there's a much greater chance that problem will become greater than if you are able to put that problem out of your mind."


Hodgson believes constant practice from the penalty spot can only help so much.

The 66-year-old is aware that the psychological struggle is the biggest when it comes to spot-kicks.

Ashley Cole and Ashley Young had a 100 per cent record in practice during Euro 2012, Hodgson revealed, but they both missed from 12 yards against Italy.

Hodgson recalls the USA 94 penalty miss by Roberto Baggio - "one of the best technicians I have worked with" - as evidence that pressure and not skill is the biggest factor when it comes to penalty shoot-outs.

"The best way of not losing on penalties is not to get to them," Hodgson said.

But if England fans hope the appointment of Dr Steve Peters as team psychiatrist will help end England's awful record, then they must think again.

"If we win or lose on penalties, it won't be because Steve Peters has joined us," the former Liverpool manager said.

"Steve Peters has nothing to do with penalties. "It's not his responsibility at all."

Peters, acclaimed in his field for the work he has done with Liverpool, Team GB and Ronnie O'Sullivan among others, will be available to speak to players on a one-to-one basis if they need him.

Hodgson, who is a fan of Peters' "fascinating" book - The Chimp Paradox - will not force his players to regularly interact with the psychiatrist, who was recommended to him by British Cycling's former performance director Dave Brailsford.

"I've got a very curious group of players, an open minded group of players," Hodgson said.

"I wouldn't be at all surprised if quite a few others wanted to come and speak to him and find out what he's got to say, how they can better prepare mentally for matches.

"But I don't intend to say to the players 'This is Steve Peters, you must go to see him'. They will go to him if they want to go to him."

Hodgson will name his 23-man squad, along with up to seven stand-by players, at 2pm on Monday in Luton.

The England manager says he selected his squad "weeks ago", but he has had to make several alterations due to injuries to Theo Walcott, Andros Townsend and Jay Rodriguez.

Further changes will be required if Kyle Walker and Phil Jones are ruled out with their respective pelvic and shoulder injuries.

One of the main talking points will be whether Hodgson includes Ashley Cole or Luke Shaw as understudy to Leighton Baines. Hodgson has not ruled out taking all three.

If Jones and Walker are ruled out, Hodgson is likely to draft in another centre-half - possibly either Steven Caulker of Cardiff or Everton teenager John Stones, who only made his fist Premier League start on New Year's Day.

Up front Hodgson must decide whether to include either Rickie Lambert of Andy Carroll. Jermain Defoe is sweating on his place after leaving Tottenham for the far inferior quality of Toronto FC in March.

Tom Cleverley and Michael Carrick will be concerned about their places after a poor year with Manchester United while Hodgson must decide between John Ruddy, Fraser Forster and Jack Butland for the third goalkeeper position.

PA
http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/international/world-cup-2014-roy-hodgson-wont-focus-on-penalties-until-group-stages-are-over-and-admits-spotkick-talk-is-boring-him-already-9350501.html

Leaving Ashley Cole out was one of my hardest calls, says Roy Hodgson


Daniel Taylor   

The Guardian, Monday 12 May 2014   

Roy Hodgson has described leaving Ashley Cole out of his World Cup squad as "one of the hardest decisions of my career," after breaking the news in a telephone call that prompted the defender to announce his retirement from international football.

Cole informed the England manager he had no intention of going on the standby list after losing his place to the 18-year-old Luke Shaw in a 23-man squad that will also feature Ross Barkley instead of Michael Carrick, placing a heavy emphasis on younger players.

Cole's 107 caps put him fifth in England's all-time appearances list but Hodgson told the 33-year-old he was preparing a squad that also had the 2016 European Championship in mind and planned to use Leighton Baines as his first-choice left-back, with Shaw in reserve because of his outstanding performances for Southampton.

"I got the call from Roy and agree the England team should be about the young players," Cole said. "I think it best I retire from [the] England team now. We have a great manager and team and I wish them only success. I will be supporting them like a true fan. Thanks to everyone for everything. Baines and Shaw are great players, [as] proved this season, and are the future of this country. It was a pleasure to get 107 caps."

Hodgson described Cole as "an incredible competitor for England" and will fully explain his decision when the squad is announced at 2pm on Monday.

"Among many difficult decisions I've had to make for my squad, not selecting Ashley was one of the hardest," Hodgson said. "To amass over a century of caps is a truly staggering achievement and he deserves enormous credit for the desire and brilliance which has shone through over the years he has represented his country. There are few players who can be considered among the very best in the world, but Ashley in his prime was the best left-back without question."

Hodgson added: "The most important factor was speaking to Ashley prior to the announcement. He deserved to hear it directly from me and he took the news with huge grace. In two years working with him he has shown nothing but relentless professionalism, and a great hunger to play for England. He is someone I have the utmost respect for and I wished him all the best. He, in turn, wished the team well this summer. Of course I must respect his decision to retire, he has been one of England's finest players, but I want to look to the future. It has been one of the hardest decisions of my career."

Hodgson was prepared for Cole to decline his place on the standby list and is expected to bring in Jon Flanagan, rather than Kieran Gibbs, to fill the void, on the basis that he can operate on either flank. Flanagan would become the sixth Liverpool player after Steven Gerrard, Raheem Sterling, Daniel Sturridge, Jordan Henderson and Glen Johnson among the 30.

Hodgson was at Southampton to watch the 1-1 draw with Manchester United and Shaw excelled again. However, it is also apparent Hodgson's mind was made up a few months ago, as Cole was increasingly marginalised at Chelsea. Shaw will be joined by Adam Lallana and Rickie Lambert among Southampton's contingent.

Jack Wilshere will also be included after returning from a nine-week lay-off in Arsenal's 2-0 win at Norwich on Sunday. Wilshere came through his comeback from a broken foot with no problems and Arsène Wenger said: "The World Cup is one month away, that's plenty of time. It just shows you he has no problem to be available."

The Arsenal manager also reported that Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is close to returning to full training and in contention for Saturday's FA Cup final against Hull City. "The news is good. He should re-integrate into our squad for normal training. He is available to Roy and I wouldn't be surprised if he is picked."

Hodgson's ring-around to his various players also included trying to get hold of Andy Carroll only to find the West Ham striker had already left for an end-of-season holiday. Carroll, nonetheless, is expected to be on the standby list and John Stones has also emerged as a contender after his performances for Everton over the second half of the season.

http://www.theguardian.com/football/2014/may/12/ashley-cole-england-world-cup-squad-roy-hodgson

England squad:

Goalkeepers: Fraser Forster (Celtic), Ben Foster (West Bromwich Albion), Joe Hart (Manchester City).

Defenders: Leighton Baines (Everton), Gary Cahill (Chelsea), Phil Jagielka (Everton), Glen Johnson (Liverpool), Phil Jones (Manchester United), Luke Shaw (Southampton), Chris Smalling (Manchester United).

Midfielders: Ross Barkley (Everton), Steven Gerrard (Liverpool), Jordan Henderson (Liverpool), Adam Lallana (Southampton), Frank Lampard (Chelsea), James Milner (Manchester City), Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (Arsenal), Raheem Sterling (Liverpool), Jack Wilshere (Arsenal).

Attackers: Rickie Lambert (Southampton), Wayne Rooney (Manchester United), Daniel Sturridge (Liverpool), Danny Welbeck (Manchester United).

Standby: John Ruddy (Norwich City), Jon Flanagan (Liverpool), John Stones (Everton), Michael Carrick (Manchester United), Tom Cleverley (Manchester United), Andy Carroll (West Ham United), Jermain Defoe (Toronto FC).

We've said it before after Squad annoucements in the past but this has to be one of the better looking English squads in a while imo, backline centre pairing not sure will handle the class/guile they're facing in the group but their mids and frontmen sure will test their opponents as long as the service gets there.

I'm really looking forward to the matches in this group. All four teams play an attacking style and come in with little expectation of going far in the tournament.

I'm tipping England and Uruguay to get through.

who do Uruguay have that play in the big European leagues apart from Suarez?

theres Cavani of PSG for one

Group D Winner

Italy 2.75
Uruguay 2.80
England 3.20
Costa Rica 34.00

http://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/soccer/international-soccer/world-cup-2014/outrights

Last chance saloon for Gerrard and the ‘Golden Generation’

May 20, 2014 by jamessavundra


By Mike Whitehead.

Steven Gerrard, one of the most highly decorated footballers of his generation and winner of every major club honour, barring the Premier League, will lead England into the World Cup knowing his international career is tinged with unfulfilled promise, writes Mike Whitehead.

What perhaps works in favour of the England squad bound for Brazil is the low sense of expectation from both the fans and the media. Thoughts of the Liverpool legend lifting the trophy in July are non-existent. Anything north of a quarter-final berth would be seen as a job well done.

You would have to go back to 2006 for the last time England entered a major international tournament with genuine belief that winning it was a target rather than a dream. Former FA Chairman, Adam Crozier, coined the phrase ‘golden generation’ in 2001 when referring totalent available to newly appointed England manager, Sven-Goran Eriksson. It has hung like a ball and chain around the necks of those group of players ever since.

Germany 06 was also the last time where the England team pretty much picked itself, fitness permitting. Robinson, A Cole, Neville, Ferdinand, Terry, Gerrard, Beckham, Lampard, J Cole, Rooney, Owen. These were the men tasked with ending forty years of hurt and bringing home the bacon.

Opportunity had knocked at the previous two tournaments only for England to fall short on both occasions. In 2002 they wilted against the humidity of Shizuoka and the brilliance of Brazil. It’s not far fetched to say whichever team emerged victorious from that game would be favourite for the title – as Brazil proved. Too soon, everyone said.

In 2004 their old nemesis, penalties, would continue to haunt them as they fell at the quarter final stage of Euro 2004, in a wonderful match, against the host nation, Portugal. The hosts progressed to the final and a lifetime of kicking themselves as they succumb to massive underdogs, Greece. Surely England would have finished the job had they progressed?

Germany 06 was the tournament where everyone felt our time had come. The strongest England squad since 1970 and an easy group from which passage to the semi-finals at least seemed a formality. History now tells us we should look back and cringe at this edition of the FIFA jamboree as it descended into a circus of ego and infamous acronym.

The birth of the WAG and their exploits around Baden-Baden will forever be synonymous with England’s failure as they limped out of the tournament at the quarter-final stage – again, versus Portugal – again, on penalties – AGAIN!!

Some players never recovered from their German experience. David Beckham fell on his sword, along with Eriksson and the seeds of Rooney’s decent into villain of the peace territory were sowed.

As previously suggested, perhaps the universal pessimism about England’s chances next month could be just the motivation needed for them to shock the world in Brazil. A very difficult group, searing heat and a squad lacking big tournament experience. On the plus side though we have a captain who has taken the brave decision to request his wife stays at home for this one, a manager who can keep his hands to himself and a nucleus of young players looking to put their name on the map via the biggest stage available.

You never know……

England World Cup 2014 Squad: Hart, Foster, Forster, Baines, Shaw, Cahill, Jagielka, Johnson, Jones, Smalling, Barkley, Gerrard, Henderson, Lallana, Lampard, Milner, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Sterling, Wilshire, Lambert, Rooney, Welbeck, Sturridge
http://offsiderulepodcast.com/2014/05/20/brazil-2014-last-chance-saloon-for-gerrard-and-the-golden-generation/

Luis Suarez apparently to have surgery on a torn meniscus tomorrow.

2014 World Cup: England preparing for Brazilian heat


The England national football squad, which are training for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, have conducted an unusual training session.

Manager Roy Hodgson has England preparing for the heat of Brazil by training in three layers of clothing to simulate steamy climate in Manaus, The Mirror reported.

And Hodgson has even called in fitness experts from a British university to analyze his players’ sweat after training.

In the group stage of the World Cup, England will face Uruguay, Italy, and Costa Rica in Group D.

http://sport.news.am/eng/news/41044/2014-world-cup-england-preparing-for-brazilian-heat.html

Scholes suggests Rooney may have peaked and aims blast at Woodward

Jamie Jackson   


theguardian.com, Thursday 22 May 2014 19.07 AEST   

Paul Scholes has suggested Wayne Rooney may have peaked too early and questioned whether the England manager Roy Hodgson would have the “balls” to drop the striker if he failed to sparkle at the World Cup.

The former Manchester United midfielder also believes he will not be asked to stay the club next season under Louis van Gaal’s management and took a parting shot at Ed Woodward, claiming the executive-vice chairman, “has an awful lot to prove” in this summer’s transfer market.

Scholes suggested that his former team-mate Rooney must prove he is world class at next month’s World Cup and questioned if Hodgson would be brave enough to drop him if required. He said: “I’m not saying Wayne needs to be dropped but if form doesn’t get up to scratch in the warm-ups, or in the first game of the World Cup, it’ll be interesting to see if the England management team has the balls to make that decision. We have quality forwards in the squad this time. That should give Wayne the competition he needs to spur him on a little more.”


Scholes believes the striker must row back on his all-action game. “Wayne wants all the responsibility to score,” he said. “He’ll try to play left-back, right-back. Sometimes he does that too much instead of saving himself and his energy for what his teams need – the ball in the net. He needs to use his energy more effectively now as he’s a player who likes to be up front on his own and I don’t think he’s great with partnerships. To get the very best from Wayne in Rio, the manager [Roy Hodgson] needs to tell him: ‘Don’t bother running back. Stay up top. Stay centre-forward. Score goals. That’s your job in my team.’”


Scholes went on: “There’s a chance he’s worn out. Wayne’s peak may have been a lot younger than what we’d expect of footballers traditionally. Age 28 or 29 has been the normal ‘peak’. With Wayne, it could have been when he scored 27 league goals in 2011-12 when he was 26.”

Scholes was brought back to United as a coach under the interim manager, Ryan Giggs, for the last four matches of the season. But with Van Gaal now the permanent manager and Giggs his No2, Scholes, along with Phil Neville and Nicky Butt, who had each also assisted the Welshman, have yet to have any official clarification regarding their future.


Scholes, though, who won 11 titles with United, is convinced he will not be asked to continue at the club. “I’ve not spoken to Edward Woodward. I came back for Ryan Giggs for the last few games of last season to try to help out but I’m not waiting for a phone call and don’t expect to be at United next season.”


The 39-year-old then offered the first public criticism of Woodward, who oversaw United’s disastrous summer in the transfer market. “David Moyes took a lot of stick, but I believe he’s a top manager. I’d question if 10 months was enough time [before he was sacked],” Scholes told Paddy Power Blog. “Edward Woodward has an awful lot to prove this time that he’s good enough at his job. He has to bring the players in that the new manager wants. It’s obvious that last year he didn’t manage to do that. If he doesn’t we are not going to get anywhere near the top.”

http://www.theguardian.com/football/2014/may/22/paul-scholes-criticises-manchester-united-wayne-rooney

Scholesy is a wise man but the notion of Rooney not being suited to partnerships is something I can't agree with, he worked very well with Ruud, Saha, Hernandez, Welbeck and even covered Ronaldo's arse over time, plus his partnership with Tevez was almost telepathic at times. I do agree with Scholes in saying that he tries to do too much though, his work rate is a strong feature of his game but he roams the field far too freely at times which can be infuriating to watch.

bigmouth scholes again, never shuts up

Edited by spfc: 23/5/2014 12:16:32 PM

Was Scholes high? Rooney's better with a partner he can drop in behind. His work rate and willingness to come deep means the team can lose shape all too easily (especially at international level) when he's out of position.

This is probably the best England squad we can send at this point in time. Johnson is definitely the weak point though.

Dunno, I'm remaining quietly optimistic.

World Cup 2014 Team-by-Team Guide: Costa Rica

Jorge Luis Pinto’s side have plenty of experience and can punish complacent opposition

Past Tournaments: 1990, 2002, 2006

How they got here: After trying their best to mess up the first phase of qualifying, losing twice to main rivals Mexico, they eventually sealed a fourth round spot where they turned on the style and the tables over Mexico, beating them along with fellow main draw qualifiers USA and Honduras as well as securing vital wins over Jamaica and Panama to seal their place in the finals for the fourth time in their history.

Star man: Bryan Ruiz (Fulham, on loan at PSV)

Ruiz will undoubtedly be key if Costa Rica are going to be able to match their best performance when reaching the round-of-16 at Italia 1990. After scoring 35 goals in 65 appearances for Twente, Fulham broke the bank to the tune of £10.6m for the striker and although things didn’t work out at Craven Cottage the 28-year-old has roared back into form after joining PSV on loan in January and will arrive in Brazil full of confidence. Ruiz also wears the captain’s armband so it will be crucial for their leader to play well.

RuizSticker

Under the radar: Joel Campbell (Arsenal, on loan at Olympiacos)

Despite being signed up the FA Cup champions, Campbell only crept into the consciousness of British football fans when scoring for Olympiacos in their 2-0 win over Man United in the Champions League. However, the 21-year-old has been impressing abroad for some time with loan spells at Lorient and Real Betis catching admiring glances from a host of clubs. If he excels this summer Arsene Wenger may have to think twice about not bringing him back to north London sooner.

Team nutcase: Keylor Navas (Levante)

There are no shortage of characters in the line-up but one man who certainly won’t be shunning the limelight is their goalkeeper Keylor Navas. The 27-year-old has racked up 51 appearances since making his debut in 2008 and is a favourite with the fans at his club Levante. Aside from being able to save footballs he is also a dab hand at keeping out the smaller variety as shown below.



How will they get on?

Whatever group Los Ticos were put in it was going to be struggle and they are already being touted as whipping boys in Group D. Their participation in the qualification conversation has only been secured because pundits believe the amount of goals they concede against the other three teams could decide who reaches the last-16. That was the stage they reached in Italy 24 years ago and as the outsiders of all 32 teams it would be a huge achievement at 9/1 if they would to repeat the feat. Although they could have a significant influence on who does make it through it would still be a massive leap of faith to think they could get enough points to give themselves a chance, however, if the likes of England and Italy take them lightly they have the quality to punish such complacency.

To win the World Cup: 3000/1

Best World Cup Bet: Costa Rica or the Draw vs England @ 7/4

Watch one of Costa Rica’s finest moments as they defeat Sweden 2-1 to reach the round-of-16 at Italia 1990

http://news.ladbrokes.com/en-gb/football/world-cup/world-cup-2014-team-by-team-guide-costa-rica-frustrate_197433.html

World Cup 2014: Phil Jones provides England with fitness boost

The Manchester United defender has been struggling with a shoulder injury

Simon Peach

Tuesday 27 May 2014

Phil Jones trained with the England squad at St George's Park on Tuesday as he steps up his return from a shoulder injury.

Three Lions boss Roy Hodgson named the Manchester United defender in his 23-man World Cup squad, although has admitted concerns over the knock he sustained towards the end of the Premier League season.

Jones was restricted to light sessions at last week's training camp in the Algarve and, while not yet involved in full-contact training, was doing ball work with his England team-mates at St George's Park.

The players trained in front of more than 300 people on Tuesday, with members of the media joined by staff and competition winners from Vauxhall, the England team sponsor, at the partly-open session.

Like in Portugal, England's players wore extra layers for training to up their body temperatures and sweat rates ahead of the Group D opener against Italy in Manaus, deep in the heart of the Amazon.

Only two players were missing from the 25 players brought to Burton-upon-Trent, comprised of the 23-man World Cup squad as well as standby players John Stones and Jon Flanagan.

Manchester City's James Milner did not train due to a cold, while Leighton Baines was absent from the session due to a family commitment. The Everton left-back is expected to link-up with the squad again on Tuesday evening.

http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/international/world-cup-2014-phil-jones-provides-england-with-fitness-boost-9439691.html

Food confiscated at Italy hotel

By Football Italia staff

Italy and England have seen their hotels booked in Brazil for the World Cup raided and fined for expired food.

Reuters report that the hotel chosen by the Azzurri for their training base at the Portobello Resort & Safari in Mangaratiba, Rio de Janeiro and the Hotel Royal Tulip, booked by Group D opponents England and also in Rio de Janeiro, have been raided by Brazilian health and safety officials.

It is understood that the hotels have been fined after an inspection carried out discovered expired food at both locations.

The raids were part of a wider campaign that also included inspection visits at 13 restaurants, supermarkets, bakeries, shops and hotels.

Italy’s prospective hotel was one of the biggest raids carried out and saw 25kg of seafood and margarine confiscated for being past its sell-by date and a further 24kg of meat, sauces, cheese and sugar removed for having no visible sell-by date. including shrimp, beef, salmon and butter confiscated, having been discovered as past their sell-by date, or without a sell-by date indicated.

Meanwhile, England’s hotel saw 2.6kg of salmon, parma ham and butter similarly removed from the premises.

Reuters also report that both hotels were ‘warned for not providing condoms to guests, as is required under Brazilian law’.

Netherlands’ team hotel, the Hotel Caesar Park, was also visited, but no irregularities were discovered there.

Many of the 32 competing nations at this summer’s World Cup are expected to bring their own food and chefs to Brazil.

http://www.football-italia.net/49707/food-confiscated-italy-hotel

Luis Suarez warns England's Liverpool contingent he'll be fit for World Cup clash

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/worldcup2014/article-2641007/Luis-Suarez-warns-Englands-Liverpool-contingent-hell-fit-World-Cup-clash.html

He won't be ready for the group matches. If Uruguay do make it through maybe he'll be available but I doubt it. Meniscus surgery usually take up to 6 weeks for full recovery. Huge loss for Uruguay. Without Suarez they won't have the same chances of success..

England's young Lions can make themselves stars, says Frank Lampard

Jun 04, 2014 12:00
By Martin Lipton


The experienced midfielder will skipper a youthful side in tonight's friendly against fellow qualifiers Ecuador in Miami

Frank Lampard leads England's young guns into action tonight – believing one or two of them can make themselves World Cup stars.

Two days after confirming he is leaving Chelsea, Lampard will skipper the Three Lions for the seventh time as they meet Ecuador in Miami's Sun Life Arena.

Roy Hodgson's decision to play Wayne Rooney in what is effectively a shadow side, with the Manchester United man asked to operate on the left of the line of three behind Rickie Lambert, captured all the attention.

But for the likes of Jack Wilshere, Ross Barkley and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, it is a game which Lampard is convinced can be a springboard to making a serious impression in Brazil.

Lampard recalled how he was named in Sven Goran Eriksson's Euro 204 squad expected to be a bench option.

Instead, his training ground and warm-up appearances saw him overtake Nicky Butt in the pecking order with Lampard handed the starting shirt against France in Lisbon.

The former Chelsea midfielder scored against the defending champions, Croatia and Portugal in what remains his best tournament and Lampard feels his history could repeat itself for some of Hodgson's rookies.

Lampard said: ''I know from what happened with me how quickly it can change.

''I made my debut in 1999 but then missed a lot of games and came into Sven's squad pre-2004 hardly playing.

''People didn't expect me to play but I found myself in the team and probably had my best tournament.

In the mix: Lampard celebrates after scoring against France in Euro 2004 opener

''So that was out of the blue. I didn't really have much time to think, I was just in there. People can make it like that and sometimes a late run can be the perfect one.

''My message to the younger players will be to enjoy the game, to play without fear and listen to the manager and what he wants to do because we have done a lot of preparation.

''When we were playing against Peru a few days ago, we were thinking about Italy, we were thinking about Brazil and what we are going to do out there.

''So they have to take that on board. But more than that, enjoy it and play the way they have played to get themselves in the squad. We have all watched them play, we have all been excited by them so carry on doing that.''

Hodgson has confirmed James Milner will play at right-back, allowing Phil Jones and Chris Smalling to be paired in the centre of the England defence.

And despite injuries having hampered both Wilshere and Oxlade-Chamberlain, the England boss insisted he has no concerns at asking them to get an hour or so under their belts.

Hodgson said: ''I was convinced when I selected them they were fit to come with us. I had no doubts.

''I know there were suggestions and rumours but I was convinced they'd be fit to take part in the first session and they did. Both of them are fully fit to take part.

''Now we've given them a further couple of weeks and they're knocking on the door for these games. Jack came on and played well against Peru so we don't have any fears about them.''

Rooney's selection means no place for Raheem Sterling but Hodgson went out of his way to praise the Liverpool winger, hinting that he might have nudged ahead of the fifth-highest scorer in England history.

Hodgson added: ''Sterling's a fine player. We like what he's doing very much. I've got to be aware that I'm here, I'm working with the players every day, I really do appreciate their qualities.

''If I concentrate totally on where the clamour is, I'd be changing my team every minute. The clamour does change.

''But you don't have to have any doubts about how we feel about Raheem. We feel he's an exceptional player and a very useful cog in our wheel at this World Cup.

''He's ready for that. He feels he can be a useful cog. Let's hope the clamour doesn't reach proportions that affect his game.

''I'd like to think we can keep the players on an even keel, keep their feet on the ground and feeling the level of expectation that we have in them can be matched.

''Whether they can always match those from outside is a different matter but it's something they have to learn to live with. This experience will be great for them all, whatever happens at the World Cup.''


http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/world-cup-2014/world-cup-2014-englands-young-3643094#ixzz33falX2WZ
Follow us: @DailyMirror on Twitter | DailyMirror on Facebook

England losing 2kg per training session

Ben Foster has revealed England's players have been losing up to two kilograms per training session ahead of the World Cup in Brazil.

Roy Hodgson's squad flew to Miami this week as they try to adjust to the high temperatures and intense humidity of Manaus, the venue for their opening match against Italy on June 14.

The squad have already finished a hard regime in Portugal, where they trained in thermal layers, hats and gloves before returning to England to work in heat chambers at their St George's Park base.

"We've been really busy," said goalkeeper Ben Foster. "At St George's Park last week we were doing double sessions. We trained in the morning, had lunch and then everybody would literally have to go and have a bit of a sleep.

"It's been kind of like pre-season and then at night we were doing bike sessions and heat chambers, where basically, you're in a sauna on a bike. We've been doing half-hour sessions in there and it's brutal, really hard work. No one's grumbled or moaned about it, just got on with it.

"When we were in Portugal we wore under-armour, t-shirts, zip-up tops with wet tops over that. So it's a lot of layers. When it was 22 degrees, the lads were losing two kilos in sweat in every training session.

"It's what goes with it. It's trying to replicate the heat and humidity out here. So we'd be weighed before and after training, so you'd know how much fluid you've got to replace."

The temperature at Miami's Sun Life Stadium is expected to reach 28 degrees Celsius this afternoon with humidity of around 62% when England take on Ecuador in their penultimate warm up game.

On Tuesday temperatures in Manaus topped 30C with humidity ratings climbing as high as 72%. But those figures are likely to be a lot lower by kick-off time a week on Saturday when England start their World Cup campaign against the Italians.

Both sides have already agreed to take a drinks break in both halves of the match in Manaus, something FIFA will allow during the tournament.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd

Read more at http://www.espn.co.uk/football/sport/story/312679.html#LCFKYhjcDOK0eKKY.99

Italy draw with Luxembourg

Big call, can't remember last time they failed to advance from the group. Still, they've been crap as always, so it wouldn't be a major shock.

I call they beat CR, draw with Italy and lose to Uruguay. Italy to beat CR and Uruguay convincingly and England to scrape in on goal difference as Uruguay get held to a draw by CR. England to get knocked out in the second round.

Edited by thupercoach: 6/6/2014 09:04:16 PM

England draw 0-0 with 10 man Honduras

Roy Hodgson is sure England can handle whatever is thrown at them in Brazil

Published: 09 June 2014

Roy Hodgson believes he has the strength in depth for England to make a challenge at the World Cup.

England arrived at their base in Rio de Janeiro yesterday after completing their warm‑up matches with a goalless draw against a fiery Honduras side.

All of the 23-man squad have got some game time in the three pre‑tournament friendlies and Hodgson is impressed by the group’s versatility.

“It is not an obvious 11 with 11 covering players — there are options,” said the England manager. “One can change things around. There are players who can quite happily go in and do a similar job to a player that has been selected. It is a responsibility [as a a manager] so all you can do is take that responsibility and hope the players you show your confidence in, and give a chance to, step up and perform.”

Hodgson pointed to Liverpool midfielder Jordan Henderson as an example of the flexibility in his squad.

“The idea of choosing a squad is not to choose 23 very similar players, you want people who can give you something different and Jordan’s energy, his desire to get around the field, to get up to the ball and get tackles in is something we will find a lot of use for,” said Hodgson. “But on the other hand, hopefully, we’ll find a lot of use for players such as Ross Barkley, Adam Lallana and Raheem Sterling who do something different as well.”

England created plenty of chances against Honduras in Miami thanks to surging runs from Barkley, Danny Welbeck and Daniel Sturridge.

However, none was converted with Sturridge the most guilty party, wasting two excellent opportunities in the second half.

England will need to be more clinical in their World Cup opener against Italy in Manaus on Saturday and Hodgson believes his team will deliver.
“We didn’t score against Honduras but we scored five goals in the games against Peru and Ecuador, so I think it would be very harsh to start casting aspersions,” he said.

“Daniel Sturridge is an absolute out-and-out goalscorer and we think Rickie Lambert is too. Of course, we have got the Rooneys, Welbecks and Gerrards and Lampards, so I don’t think we’re short of firepower.”

The squad underwent light training by the hotel pool hotel yesterday and were due to have their first session at their training base today.

http://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/roy-hodgson-is-sure-england-can-handle-whatever-is-thrown-at-them-in-brazil-9513050.html

Uruguay and Italy to go through, or at least that's my wish.

This is probably the 2nd hardest group of the Cup, one which I'll be watching with much interest

Hoddle: England's subs will be key

11 Jun 2014
FIFA.com

When it comes to being able to get inside the heads of FIFA World Cup™ participants, not many are better placed to explain what they may be thinking than former England star Glenn Hoddle.

A veteran of three global finals, Hoddle crossed the white line with his team-mates in 1982 and '86, before returning as a coach at France 1998. Now overseeing the games as a pundit, the ex-Tottenham Hotspur and Monaco midfielder has garnered an insight into the challenges faced by those with the ball at their feet and the men calling the shots.

Now featuring in the book titled The Manager – Inside the Minds of Football’s Leaders, which was produced by the League Managers Association, Hoddle took time out to talk with FIFA.com about his predictions for Brazil 2014, the difference in pressure for players and coaches, and how they will be feeling so close to the big kick-off.

FIFA.com: Glenn, England have been in Miami trying to acclimatise ahead of the opening game. Do you think the conditions are going to be one of the major factors deciding how they do?
Glenn Hoddle: This is the right place to come to try to acclimatise to Manaus, but unless you go to a jungle, you are never going to get perfect conditions that are going to be parallel. It's pretty evident to me that the Italy game will be decided in the last 20-25 minutes. You saw Ecuador's substitutes inject some pace and liveliness into that game and did very well when they came on – and our subs are going to have to have a massive impact.

You have experience of playing in unfamiliar conditions yourself at Mexico 1986. How did you find it?
That was over 100 degrees (Fahrenheit) but it was at altitude as well, so that was immense. We were losing 14-15lbs in weight per game, it was amazing. In Monterrey it was like an oven door when you walked out – it was stifling. It was hard to catch your breath with the altitude and the thin air. I don't think these conditions are going to be as bad as we had in Mexico in 1986, though it will be tough in Manaus. The rest of the tournament shouldn't be too bad.
“

It was a fabulous thing to have and a proud moment to walk out as a player and a manager. You can't beat that for the sense of achievement.

Glenn Hoddle on his three FIFA World Cup appearances

Who do you think will impress in Brazil, and do you think there are any sides that may spring a surprise?
I think this is a really open tournament. I really don't fancy Brazil to win it – I think their frailties are defensively. I would go for Argentina, but then again they are under pressure every year. The Germans have found it hard to get over the line. When have you ever had a German coach who has had over 100 games and not won a tournament? For the Spanish to win it back-to-back is going to be extremely difficult, although they've got a very strong squad still. You wouldn't want to play Belgium, but whether they believe they can go and win is another thing. I think it's down to their mental belief, but they've certainly got the talent and the squad. Even teams like Colombia and Japan will surprise people with the talent that they've got. It's a very, very open race, but I'll stick my neck out and go for Argentina.

What will be going through Roy Hodgson's and the other coaches' minds in the final preparation stages?
The one thing that Roy didn't want, he got with [Alex] Oxlade-Chamberlain. When you get to this stage you just don't need the headache of losing a player. I think the way he was playing [against Ecuador] he might have been playing himself into the team. Now's the time you just want to get over the [start] line. You are thinking, 'We just want to get there, get the real thing started and get a week's planning for that game'.

And what were your feelings leading into your two tournaments as a player?
Excitement, really. You just can't wait. You are almost imagining games in your head, you want to train well but you also don't want to injure yourself, so it's a bit of a nervous time as well but you just have to get on and do it. There's a real buzz about the camp, and the next thing you'll be wanting to know who's playing and what are your chances of getting in. If you know you're playing you'll be enjoying it even more.

How did the pressure compare between going as a player and as a coach? Was there a noticeable difference?
Oh, yeah, they're chalk and cheese. As a player you just have got yourself to prepare, mentally and physically. You've got your duties as a player individually, and the pressure's on there, but you are looking after one person really. As a coach you are looking after the whole group of people – every player, the staff, your backroom staff, you've even got the pressure of your country building up. But it's excitement, it was a fabulous thing to have and a proud moment to walk out as a player and a manager. You can't beat that for the sense of achievement, it's a wonderful feeling.
“

It was wonderful to see him emerge and his goal against Argentina was sensational for a young man.

Hoddle on Michael Owen's performances at France 1998

You famously gave Michael Owen his breakthrough on the global stage in 1998 as well.
We knew what we had, but against Tunisia we didn't start [Owen], but we knew we were going to unleash him. He was very much going to play against Colombia – which is the good thing about the opening three games, as you know who you're going to play against – as they were so square, played high up and lacked a bit of pace. He came off the bench in the second game and scored, and then played against Colombia. We knew what we had with his pace, but no-one else did and it was wonderful to see him emerge and his goal against Argentina was sensational for a young man. When you look at the way he went past [Roberto] Ayala, the last man, he didn't know who he was, and if he had he would have respected the fact he was quick and respected the fact he was right-footed. Even now I can picture it, when he came to the ball I knew Michael was going past him as [Ayala] came square-on. I thought, 'No, he doesn't understand how quick this kid is', and bang, the ball was in the net.

You mention in the book that one of the key things you tried to do in France was keeping up the spirits of the players that weren't getting picked. Do you think that overall harmony is an important factor?
I think it is. Subs are going to be so vital. When you look at the Manaus game for instance, it is probably the team that finishes that's going to be more important in how we get a result. I wasn't in the starting line-up at the beginning of the '82 World Cup, so I've been in it myself. I played the next two, but didn't start the first so I knew where I was coming from.

The book contains a lot of managers' secrets. Do you think passing on these sorts of insights is one of the best ways to develop young managers?
Yes, of course. Everyone picks up ideas and that's the beauty of football – no-one person has all the answers. The answers are always unfolding, whether you're the best footballer in the world or the best manager in the world. There are opinions, there's little tips that you can take from each person, and that's the kind of thing the book achieves, and that's why I think it will be a fantastic read for anyone interested in football, but if they are coaching at any level it will be of interest to them.

http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/news/y=2014/m=6/news=hoddle-england-s-subs-will-be-key-2359955.html

NATE Silver’s powers of prediction are unparalleled.

As the brain behind statistical analysis blog FiveThirtyEight, Silver has been forecasting results in political elections and sporting contests for years. During the last US presidential election, he correctly predicted the winner in all 50 states.

Now, Silver has turned his attention to the World Cup.

He has developed a predictive model called the Soccer Power Index (SPI), which harnesses reams of data to rate every team’s chances on a match-by-match basis.

“Technically speaking, SPI is two ratings systems rolled into one,” Silver says. “One based solely on a national team’s play, and one that reflects a composite of player ratings for what SPI projects to be a team’s top line-up.”

If you want to know how the index works in excruciating detail, you can read more about it here. Otherwise, you can see its predictions for every World Cup group below.


GROUP D: Costa Rica, England, Italy, Uruguay

Uruguay, led by striker Luis Suarez, is the most likely to progress (64.1 per cent). The SPI also expects England to make it through, leaving 2006 world champion Italy languishing in third with a 53.4 per cent chance of getting knocked out.

“England, Italy and Uruguay are the sort of teams that might be able to entertain championship dreams in a World Cup with more parity, but not in one where they would have to overcome Brazil, Argentina, Germany or Spain at some point,” Silver says.

SO, WHO WILL WIN THE WORLD CUP?

“Argentina, Germany and Spain, like Brazil, are wonderful soccer teams. You could perhaps debate which of the four would be favoured if the World Cup were played on a hastily constructed soccer pitch somewhere in the middle of the desert,” Silver writes.

“But this World Cup is being played in Brazil. No country has beaten Brazil on its home turf in almost 12 years.”

That loss, in a friendly against Paraguay back in 2002, barely counts. Brazil didn’t take the game seriously, and substituted most of its star players well before full-time. According to Silver, Brazil’s last home defeat in a match that actually mattered was in 1975.

With home ground advantage factored in, alongside all the other data, Silver’s Soccer Power Index gives Brazil a 45.2 per cent chance of winning the World Cup, ahead of Argentina (12.8 per cent), Germany (10.9 per cent), Spain (7.6 per cent) and Chile (4.2 per cent).

http://www.news.com.au/sport/football/fifa-world-cup-2014-superstar-statistician-nate-silver-has-bad-news-for-australia/story-fnkjl6g2-1226950736040

Edited by Joffa: 11/6/2014 09:59:15 PM

Team Pld W D L GF GA GD Pts

Costa Rica 1 1 0 0 3 1 +2 3
Italy 1 1 0 0 2 1 +1 3
England 1 0 0 1 1 2 −1 0
Uruguay 1 0 0 1 1 3 −2 0

The Uruguay Costa Rica match was played at quite a pace for the condition, Costa Rica are a tropical country.
Italy and England looked like they both struggled to run.
I think Italy will need all their smarts to hold off Costa Rica in the next match which is also in the North, could be another upset.
England are lucky in their next two matches are in the south otherwise they would be finished.

this is the real group of death

Every NT has to play at 110% - sure the humidity tax the british and the azzuri but < their defense was superb vsing the poms can't see costa rica beating them imo.

costa rica will not get another point, but they have done aussie fans like me a favour by ensuring uruguay will not get out of the group. i still dislike some of the antics and the arrogant interviews of the players over those 2 home and away playoffs.

I think Australia's is harder.

Spain, Holland and Chile are are currently better than Italy, England and Uruguay.

anyone take a punt?

I would be very very very worried if i was Italy right now.

Uruguay to do em.

-PB

HOW THE FUCK IS THAT A RED?! HOW IS THE COMMENTATOR AGREEING?

hard to see uruguay scoring even with one man advantage

Worst game so far you think both teams just need a draw to progress not just Italy

both games 0-0

#groupofsleep

Suare is a fucking animal, ban him for the tournament.

Godin 1-0

They're all grubs except for Pirlo and Buffon. Now they're arguing on the side line.

Just need England to win 1:0 and Italy will be bottom on goals scored I think.

Pathetic Uruguayans running with their watches. You waste 40 seconds, the 40 seconds get put on top! Uruguay through and Italy out. Thankfully Colombia will rip Uruguay apart. Costa Rica win the group and will probably face Ivory Coast.

Disgraceful refereeing, Suarez should receive a ban longer than his last one. Prandelli can not make a sub to save his life. Cassano can neck one.

Suarez is such a douche. Why would you bite someone? Will probably now miss the Rnd of 16 clash and for what?

So that's Uruguay out of the tournament then.

Genuinely should be banned for a couple of months, vile human being.

Dunno if there's a tribunal at the World Cup but if he was Australian I think there'd be a lot of public pressure to ensure he didn't play again in the tournament (i.e. Ange not pick him).

Uruguay are amongst the dirtiest teams in world football IMO so I doubt anything will happen.

There is a disciplinary committee at the WC and it will mot likely be done before the knockout stage.

Honestly, I'd be banning him for 6 or so months. Enough is enough.

Leckie would've whacked Suarez had he bitten him.

Prandelli announces he will be resigning as Italy manager.

Suarez should be banned for life.

Institutionalise the fucker.

I'm not joking, he needs serious psychiatric treatment before being allowed to step on to a football pitch again.

Would have definitely displaced most of his front teeth :lol:

That'd learn him!

-PB

Im glad I slept through England v Costa Rica

However the other match looked like a firey affair, between two arch villains of world sport, Uruguay and Italy

The only difference is Team Italia is filled with a bunch of pretty boys

A year or more IMO. If he didn't learn his lesson from a 7 match ban, and then a 10 match ban, what will he learn from something less than a solid year? And surely after a 10 match ban for biting, and that whole racism thing, that he would be on some form of probation for a year or two, and this would be inside that period? Surely he's gone for a long while.

The scary thing too is he's only 26-27 years old. He potentially has 8 years or more left in pro football. That's a LOT of time to bring the game into disrepute, like he has done on countless occasions already.

Italy kind of remind me of Australia relying on 2 older players for some class, Pirlo & Buffon and then not much more after them. Although their second tier players would be at a higher level than most of the Australian players there does not seem to be future world class player(s) coming through.

Did he have breakfast on the day, or did he miss it? :lol: :lol:

Get him out for 6 months

Teehee England win :lol:

-PB

It's gone way beyond the point of him being given a month or two off to 'learn' from his mistakes. He clearly needs some kind of outside intervention in the form of psychiatric treatment if he's ever going to 'learn'.