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
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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