Mirror Football

Liverpool were second best by a distance... they are not even fifth in a four-horse race

Sun, 21 Mar 2010 22:45:44 GMT

There is a party going on in the Premier League but Liverpool are not invited.Three of the big four are locked in the most gripping battle for the title in years.Arsenal went top on Saturday, Manchester United went top yesterday afternoon, Chelsea dropped two points last night.Liverpool aren’t involved. They’re not even fifth in a four-horse race any more.Their 2-1 defeat to United and Manchester City’s win at Fulham dropped Liverpool to sixth. Their hopes of qualifying for the Champions Leag...

Allardyce aiming to have his say in the title race

Sun, 21 Mar 2010 22:00:53 GMT

Sam Allardyce would appear to have little in common with Lib Dems leader Nick Clegg.But both hope to play a big part in how things pan out at national level in the next seven weeks.Clegg believes he could have a say in the make-up of the next government if there is a hung Parliament, while Big Sam feels his Blackburn could hold the key to the title race.Chelsea were the first of the three challengers to come to fortress Ewood Park over the run-in, where Allardyce has lost just three league ga...

What the hell is wrong with Fernando Torres?

Sun, 21 Mar 2010 17:38:03 GMT

Fernando Torres may have scored five goals in the past week, but he's still giving the impression of a toddler who's had his favourite toy confiscated.The Liverpool star stropped and sulked his way through 90 minutes at Old Trafford on Sunday afternoon, seemingly more intent on trying to wind up his opponents and the referee than on putting the ball in the Man United net.He made the perfect start with a goal after five minutes but, from then on he was petulant and prickly and, frankly, made i...

Rooney v Torres clockwatch: Who came out on top in the battle of the strike stars?

Sun, 21 Mar 2010 15:52:05 GMT

All eyes were on Wayne Rooney and Fernando Torres at Old Trafford as two of the world's leading front men went head-to-head. But who got the upper hand...?5 minutes: Fernando Torres hustles Michael Carrick off the ball in the centre circle and backheels to Steven Gerrard who puts Dirk Kuyt through on the right and when the Dutchman crosses Torres heads home unmarked on the edge of the six-yard area.8: Wayne Rooney's first sight of goal sees him shoot wide from 20 yards.11: Torres kicks a huge...

Manchester United v Liverpool: The minutes that mattered

Sun, 21 Mar 2010 15:45:36 GMT

It was a tense affair at Old Trafford, with few chances but plenty of incident. And these were the key moments that decided the outcome...5 minutes: Fernando Torres hustles Michael Carrick off the ball in the centre circle and backheels to Steven Gerrard who puts Dirk Kuyt through on the right and when the Dutchman crosses Torres heads home unmarked on the edge of the six-yard area.10: Liverpool midfielder Javier Mascherano concedes a penalty for holding back Antonio Valencia, despite contact...

10 things we learned from watching Man United v Liverpool

Sun, 21 Mar 2010 15:29:26 GMT

1) Alan Green was firmly on his high horse prior to kick-off, berating a small boy in the crowd for a one fingered salute as the teams emerged from the tunnel. Green declined to identify which team the lad supported, but maybe the gesture wasn't aimed at either side. Perhaps the little fella was simply listening to Green's pre-match intro?2) Chris Waddle was right on the money as the teams prepared to get underway, saying of referee Howard Webb, "he needs to get his decisions right". How's th...

Why Beckham has to be the global face of English football

Sat, 20 Mar 2010 23:00:34 GMT

England fans recognise patriotism. That’s why no one can ever question David Beckham’s dedication to his country on the field – or off it.The 34-year-old England star may have his critics who are uncomfortable with his pop star status.But like it or not, Beckham is a world football icon – and has also proved to be a diplomat of some standing when he has represented his country.That’s why handing him a long-term formal role makes sense to senior FA officials.Of course, they know David will tu...

Exclusive Lucas interview: Liverpool would be mad to get rid of Rafa Benitez

Sat, 20 Mar 2010 22:45:42 GMT

Lucas Leiva doesn’t play the blame game.Liverpool’s Brazilian midfielder is honest enough to admit this season will still be a major disappointment for the Merseysiders even if Rafa Benitez manages to secure a top-four place.He knows when the campaign is analysed by fans and owners alike they will be looking for scapegoats.For some, the emphasis will fall on Benitez and his failure to build on the promise of last season’s record points haul. Others will point to the lack of funds placed at th...

Harry Redknapp: The FA Cup means everything to me

Sat, 20 Mar 2010 22:30:36 GMT

Harry Redknapp has left no one in any doubt what the oldest cup competition in the world means to him as he looked forward to the FA Cup quarter-final replay with Fulham this week.“Anyone who has any understanding of the history of football knows what it means,” said the Tottenham manager. “It grabs you.“People who know about football in this country realise that it is still a massive competition.”In the recent years, the importance of the FA Cup has been diminished in some quarters. The batt...

Pictures of the Week, March 14-20, 2010

Sat, 20 Mar 2010 13:23:40 GMT

Welcome to our new Pictures of the Week gallery, your pictorial guide to the past seven days in football.

And what a week it's been: Euro glory - and despair; managerial sackings - and appointments; and, of course, that injury to David Beckham.

Come back next - and every - Saturday for more amazing football pictures from the week that was,

What do you think will happen in today's games?

Sat, 20 Mar 2010 12:02:49 GMT

It's shaping up to be a great weekend for football, with the best of the action likely to happen at Old Trafford tomorrow, when Liverpool face Manchester United.There's still plenty of great games to get your teeth into today, however.In the Premier League, Arsenal can do their title ambitions a world of good by beating troubled West Ham, while the race for fourth place sees Spurs travel to Stoke, Villa host rivals Wolves and Everton take on Bolton. And at the bottom, Iain Dowie will manage H...

Bayern, eh? Bloody hell!

Fri, 19 Mar 2010 22:50:07 GMT

David McDonnellSir Alex Ferguson will relive his finest hour after Manchester United were drawn against Bayern Munich in the Champions League quarter-finals.The two clubs have been thrown together in a repeat of the historic 1999 final when Fergie’s men sealed a stunning win with two late goals in the Nou Camp.Relive Manchester United's victory over Bayern Munich in the 1999 Champions League final with classic pictures and Daily Mirror match reports from the timeTeddy Sheringham and Ole Gunna...

Get in the mood for United v Liverpool with these amazing unseen pictures from our archive

Fri, 19 Mar 2010 18:17:45 GMT

Liverpool travel to Old Trafford on Sunday for what could well be a season-defining encounter for both teams.You can, of course, follow the game live via our brilliant Match Centre.But between now and kick-off, here's a couple of features from our extensive archive to get you in the mood.Click the links below to see amazing unseen pictures and original Daily Mirror match reports and articles from the time from these classic United v Liverpool encounters: The 1983 Milk Cup Final: Liverpool 2-...

'This is where it starts to matter, where every game counts' - Martin Lipton previews a crucial weekend in the title race

Fri, 19 Mar 2010 11:56:54 GMT

A week off for United and Arsenal. A week of woe for Chelsea.And with a potentially titanic and pivotal weekend to come, the shape of the title race could take a dramatic and decisive shift.Arsene Wenger and his players know this is their opportunity to really turn up the heat.Beat West Ham at The Emirates - something they should accomplish with the minimum of fuss - and the pressure will really be turned up on their rivals.The three-point haul that is within the Gunners' grasp would take Ars...

Listen to the new MirrorFootball podcast - March 19, 2010

Fri, 19 Mar 2010 11:19:24 GMT

Welcome to the new MirrorFootball podcast - available to download from MirrorFootball.co.uk every Friday, and also via subscription on iTunes.This week: Daily Mirror assistant sports editor Alan McKinlay, 3PM columnist Steve Anglesey and Daily Mirror reporter Darren Lewis look ahead to a massive weekend of Premier League action.Can Liverpool upset Manchester United at Old Trafford? Will Chelsea recover from their Champions League exit to stay on course for the Premier League title? Can West H...

Follow the Europa League draw LIVE

Fri, 19 Mar 2010 10:14:45 GMT

Now that England's Champions League representatives know who they will be facing, it's almost time for the Europa League teams to discover their fate. Arsenal drawn against Barcelona, Manchester United get Bayern Munich Champions League special - Martin Lipton rates the remaining eight runners and riders gunning for the European Cup Liverpool and Fulham both overturned first-leg deficits last night to book their place in the quarter-finals, and at midday they will find out who they will be f...

Should Zamora be in England's World Cup squad?

Fri, 19 Mar 2010 09:49:23 GMT

Bobby Zamora had another great game for Fulham last night as the Cottagers knocked Italian giants Juventus out of the Europa League.Zamora grabbed the opening goal in the match to set Fulham on their way to a famous comeback. Fulham 4-1 Juventus: The Daily Mirror match report It was his 16th strike of the season and he looks now to have added goals to his otherwise impressive game.By contrast, Emile Heskey - Fabio Capello's preferred partner for Wayne Rooney - has scored just five times this ...

Exclusive Carlton Cole interview: Injuries, West Ham's relegation battle and the World Cup

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 23:00:56 GMT

Carlton Cole claims he is winning the battle against his wounded knee after support from fellow patient Fabio Capello. The West Ham striker missed two months of action after snapping his posterior cruciate ligaments back in November. But as he faces a crucial two months for club and country, he revealed he has been boosted on his road to recovery by the England boss who underwent his own knee replacement op in January. "He spoke to me when I was out injured," revealed Cole. "He had a knee ope...

Whatever happened to the Crazy Gang?

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 23:00:26 GMT

Dean Holdsworth is carving a new career for himself in management at non-league Newport County. What happened to the rest of his Crazy Gang pals, though? MirrorFootball investigates...Dave BeasantFirst goalkeeper to save a penalty in an FA Cup Final when he saved John Aldridge’s kick in 1988. Went on to play for Chelsea, Southampton and Nottingham Forest and has been a senior coach at the Glenn Hoddle Academy since 2008.Clive GoodyearHelped Luton to the Second Division title in 1982 before mo...

How the Wally with the Brolly is making the biggest comeback since Sinatra in Holland

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 23:00:24 GMT

Steve McClaren is happy to follow Sir Bobby Robson's route redemption. Like Robson, McClaren headed to Holland when he flopped as England boss. And like Robson, he is in no hurry to return home to these shores. Robson's exile lasted nine years and he had successful spells at PSV Eindhoven, Sporting Lisbon, Porto and Barcelona before returning as the prodigal son to a hero's welcome at St James' Park in 1999. McClaren, 48, is approaching the second anniversary of his self-banishment in June an...

How Dean Holdsworth went from Crazy Gang goon to non-league managerial hotshot

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 23:00:04 GMT

Having once been a fully paid-up member of Wimbledon’s ‘Crazy Gang’, it’s no surprise Dean Holdsworth is now making a noise in the non-league game.Holdsworth is carving out his own managerial career in the lower leagues after masterminding Welsh minnows Newport County’s romp to the Conference South title in record-breaking fashion.But the ex-Premier League striker claims there was no wild parties, no suits cut up and no all-night benders following their promotion to English football’s fifth t...

10 things you need to know about Jack Rodwell

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 17:31:37 GMT

By Mehreen KhanAs Chelsea look to freshen up their ageing squad, one man they've been linked with is Everton starlet Jack Rodwell.Chelsea transfer special: who will join in the summer - and who will leave? The England Under-21 star is one of the most coveted players in the Premier League, but you might not know that much about him. Well, not yet anyway...1) Born on March 11, 1991 in Southport, Jack Christian Rodwell joined his boyhood club Everton as a youth player and signed his first profes...

Bastian Schweinsteiger: 10 things you need to know about the Chelsea target, plus video of him in action

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 15:15:21 GMT

By Mehreen KhanAs Chelsea seek to ease their Champions League exit pain with some retail therapy, names galore are being touted to arrive at Stamford Bridge in the summer.Chelsea transfer special: who will join in the summer - and who will leave? One of those names belongs to Bastian Schweinsteiger, but what do we actually know about the extremely German sounding German midfield target?Well, here's what...1) Born in 1984 in Bavaria's Alpine town of Oberaudorf, Schweinsteiger's parents owned a...

Will Torres jump ship and join Chelsea?

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 14:43:59 GMT

Smarting from Chelsea's latest Champions League exit, owner Roman Abramovich is said to be readying a massive summer bid for Liverpool striker Fernando Torres. Chelsea planning dream team pairing of Drogba and Torres This comes hot on the heals of the Spain star's warning that he will leave Anfield unless more top players are brought in to help the club compete for honours.Torres warns Liverpool: Buy top-class players or I am off Torres has become a Kop favourite since he moved to the club th...

Champions League special - Martin Lipton rates the remaining eight runners and riders gunning for the European Cup

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 12:01:13 GMT

So now it's down to eight, a rather different-looking elite to the one we had all expected.There is no Chelsea and no Real Madrid but there are some mouth-watering ties nonetheless. Arsenal vs Barcelona is the kind of match-up that will be so eagerly anticipated that it will struggle to live up to it's immense billing.Bayern Munich vs Manchester United is another clash of European titans who will both have fancied their chances of making it to Madrid on May 22.But which team is looking most l...

10 things we learned from watching Barcelona vs Stuttgart

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 11:56:09 GMT

Barcelona turned in a masterclass of football last night as they eased into the Champions League quarter-finals and reaffirmed their position as tournament favourites. Messi brace puts Barca through The Catalans would like nothing more than to be the first team to retain the trophy for 20 years, especially since the Final is being played at the Bernabeau - Real Madrid’s backyard.There is simply no better team to watch in world football. MirrorFootball’s Richard Arrowsmith picks out ten points...

Reds alert: 10 things Liverpool need to get right to beat Lille

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 11:31:08 GMT

Liverpool are facing a make-or-break Euro clash tonight (isn't every one of their games make-or-break these days? - Ed) when they take on Lille at Anfield.Trailing 1-0 to the French outfit from the first leg last week, the Reds are fighting for their European lives.After Monday night's morale-boosting thrashing of Portsmouth, confidence should be high among Rafa's troops. And there are goods reasons for their fans to be optimistic, as the Mirror's man on Merseyside, David Maddock, outlines be...

Liverpool archive special: See amazing unseen pictures of the 1984 and 2005 European Cup triumphs

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 10:13:37 GMT

And so, dear Liverpool fans, it is once more into the European breach. The Europa League might be something of a consolation prize to a club so steeped in European heritage, but it is a trophy nonetheless, and one that will only be heading to Anfield if Rafa's charges can overturn the 1-0 deficit from the first leg.But if the prospect of watching Stevie G and the lads huff and puff against a team who will surely come to Anfield and shut up shop doesn't fill you with delight, we have just the ...

Fulham on the way out of Europe? Juve got to be joking!

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 09:00:13 GMT

Fulham will take on Juventus at Craven Cottage faced with the ominous task of trying to overturn a 3-1 deficit from the first leg of their Europa Cup tie.There's no doubt the Londoners will begin the evening as second favourites, but that doesn't mean they should be written off altogether. Far from it.In fact, MirrorFootball has unearthed five very good reasons for Cottagers to keep the faith...1) Fulham have never lost a European match at Craven Cottage. What an amazing stat, eh? OK, further...

St Patrick's Day special: See amazing unseen pictures of Irish football legends

Wed, 17 Mar 2010 14:25:28 GMT

It's St Patrick's Day! And what better way to celebrate than by re-living the careers of five of the finest footballers ever to have emerged from the Emerald Isle?Ok, so a better way might be to drink your own bodyweight in Guinness while wearing an outsized leprechaun hat.And, frankly, that's what we plan to do as soon as we can get out of the office and into the pubs.But in the meantime, follow these links for amazing pictures and original Daily Mirror match reports and articles on these Ir...

Inter's win proved Chelsea have still not banished the ghost of Mourinho

Wed, 17 Mar 2010 10:06:18 GMT

It was not quite David Beckham’s return to Old Trafford.But then Jose Mourinho’s homecoming at Stamford Bridge was always going to be too dangerous to celebrate.When Beckham went back to Manchester United last week, it was as part of an AC Milan side that was already beaten.Last night was very different to that. Last night was loaded with all sorts of significance and awkward questions.Could Chelsea disprove the idea that they have never been the same since Mourinho left?Could Carlo Ancelotti...

Why Jose Mourinho was the difference between Inter Milan and Chelsea

Tue, 16 Mar 2010 23:03:49 GMT

And so the ghost still haunts Chelsea, still wakes them from their slumbers, cold and clammy.Oh, they have tried to banish The Special One many times with many different new managers but none of it has worked.Jose Mourinho will not go away. He refuses to. He has always been the cussed type and he will not leave them in peace.After the triumph for Inter that Mourinho masterminded last night, the shadow he casts over Stamford Bridge has grown even longer.“Maybe I am no longer so special for the...

What's wrong with Steven Gerrard? And could he be about to leave Liverpool?

Tue, 16 Mar 2010 23:00:03 GMT

As he trudged off the pitch on Monday, Steven Gerrard did not look like someone who had just helped Liverpool to their biggest win since September to rekindle their Champions League hopes.He returned the applause from the Liverpool fans, accepted a perfunctory handshake from Rafa Benitez and then slid into his seat behind the dug-out.Earlier, when he forced Portsmouth goalkeeper Jamie Ashdown into making the mistake for Liverpool's opening goal, there was little joy in his celebration.His elb...

10 things we learned from watching Chelsea v Inter Milan

Tue, 16 Mar 2010 22:44:54 GMT

Chelsea crashed out of the Champions League after losing 1-0 at home to former boss Jose Mourinho's Inter Milan side. But what did we learn from the game, asks Richard Arrowsmith?1) Jose Mourinho can do understated after allAll talk before the game was of The Special One's return to Stamford Bridge but his entrance was surprisingly subdued and not met the rousing reception that many expected. Becks he ain't. Mourinho's exit was even more low profile - he left the pitch just before the final w...

What do Chelsea need to do to win the Champions League?

Tue, 16 Mar 2010 21:27:31 GMT

Claudio Ranieri failed to do it. Jose Mourinho failed to do it. Avram Grant failed to do it. Guss Hiddink failed to do it. And now Carlo Ancelotti has failed to do it.Just what is the missing ingredient when it comes to Chelsea and the Champions League?They've spent millions of pounds to assemble one of Europe's best squads, but still they can't find the winning formula in Europe's premier competition.Are they destined always to be the bridesmaids and never the brides? Or is it only a matter ...

David Beckham by the Poet Laureate and the ten best football poems

Tue, 16 Mar 2010 15:15:35 GMT

Poet Laureate Carol Ann Duffy has put pen to paper for crocked David Beckham. Here's her poem Achilles, followed by our pick of the 10 best poems about football:Achilles (for David Beckham)Myth's river- where his mother dipped him, fished him, a slippery golden boyflowed on, his name on its lips. Without him, it was prophesised, they would not take Troy.Women hid him, concealed him in girls' sarongs; days of sweetmeats, spices, silver songs... but when Odysseus came, with an athlete's build, ...

Beckham blow opens the door for England's left-sided trio

Mon, 15 Mar 2010 17:50:18 GMT

As the World Cup door slammed shut on David Beckham, opportunity knocked for others.And while Fabio Capello admitted his sadness at losing one of the key components of his plans for South Africa, the England boss will expect those who have their chance to benefit from Beckham’s heartbreak to show they are ready to step through the open portal.For four players in particular, Beckham’s anguish represents their chances, either to confirm their status in Capello’s eyes, or make him blink and take...

Beckham could still be England's World Cup winner

Mon, 15 Mar 2010 15:17:37 GMT

By Oliver HoltFabio Capello should still take David Beckham to the World Cup in South Africa.When the plane takes off for Johannesburg on June 2, Beckham should be sitting on it with the rest of the squad.Not as one of the 23 because it will be beyond even him to recover in time from the sickening Achilles tendon injury he sustained in the San Siro on Sunday night.But he should be there, nonetheless, as a member of Capello's staff, a link between manager and players. If Capello doesn't take h...

Publicity hungry Phil Brown has been a dead man walking ever since Adam Pearson came back to Hull

Mon, 15 Mar 2010 13:06:45 GMT

By David Anderson When Adam Pearson succeeded Paul Duffen as Hull chairman five months ago, Phil Brown became a dead man walking. And today his final appeal was rejected as Pearson wielded the axe on the most successful manager in Tigers' history. Phil Brown sacked by Hull - exclusive Brown knew this day would come the moment Duffen, his staunchest ally, left the KC Stadium and he had been on borrowed time ever since. He has paid the price for being unable to lift Hull out of the relegation ...

How big a loss is Beckham for England?

Mon, 15 Mar 2010 11:21:55 GMT

Devastated David Beckham was left looking at the end of his career last night after his World Cup dream was shattered by a torn achilles tendon.Beckham collapsed in agony when he went down under no challenge and clutching his left foot in the final minutes of AC Milan's 1-0 win over Chievo.And today it has been confirmed that he will fly to Helsinki to have transplant surgery to replace the injured achilles tendon.It means he will be in plaster for the next three months, and unable to kick a ...

Ask John Cross your football questions in our live webchat on Monday lunchtime

Mon, 15 Mar 2010 11:00:52 GMT

Want to talk about the weekend's football? Want to get something off your chest? Want to ask something about your club? Want to know about life as a leading football journalist?Then join Daily Mirror football writer John Cross, our king of the back page exclusives, online on Monday from 12.30pm-1.30pm in our Monday Mouth-Off series - the new place for you to chat with Daily Mirror reporters about everything that happened on another wild weekend in the Premier and Coca-Cola Leagues.To ask a qu...

Tactical genius, karaoke singing and top fashion tips: The madness of Phil Brown

Mon, 15 Mar 2010 10:57:32 GMT

So the axe has finally come for Phil Brown. The perma-tanned, headset wearing, karaoke enthusiast has been shown the door by Hull City, and then told to get the hell out of it. Phil Brown sacked by Hull - exclusive So long Phil, it's been a blast - largely because of your often baffling, sometimes bizarre and always entertaining antics.In true Big Brother style, MirrorFootball presents Phil Brown's best bits...10) Phil Brown tactical geniusAfter Hull were battered 6-1 by Liverpool at Anfield ...

David Beckham's England milestones: Moldova to Slovakia via Argentina and Greece

Mon, 15 Mar 2010 10:21:16 GMT

David Beckham's World Cup dream was in tatters last night after he suffered an achilles tear during AC Milan's 1-0 win over Chievo.Beckham's World Cup dream ended by torn Achilles tendon The former England captain's career now hangs in the balance as he flies to Helsinki today for achilles tendon transplant surgery - his injury is too severe for repair.Here, MirrorFootball charts the key moments in Goldenballs' international career.Moldova 0-3 England, September 1, 1996 - Glenn Hoddle gives B...

Should Fernando Torres quit Liverpool?

Sun, 14 Mar 2010 18:57:40 GMT

Liverpool star Fernando Torres is considering his future at Anfield as he grows increasingly frustrated with the Reds' poor form. Torres warns Liverpool: Buy top-class players or I am off The Spanish ace is losing patience as he faces up to a third successive season without a trophy and now wants the club to prove their ambition.The reports of new finance coming in will clearly help matters, but it might be too late to convince the former Atletico Madrid star to stay on Merseyside. Liverpool ...

Never mind Man United defeat, Fulham fans have never had it so good

Sun, 14 Mar 2010 18:08:09 GMT

The original Supermac - Harold Macmillan, not Malcolm Macdonald - once told the British public: "You've never had it so good." Fifty-three years on from his famous Bedford speech, Roy Hodgson could empathise with those sentiments as he reflects on the golden age he has ushered in at Craven Cottage. What with their Premier League status secured long ago, a Europa League tie with Juventus looming on Thursday and an FA Cup quarter-final replay with Spurs, Fulham fans have never had it so good. N...

Watch Hertha Berlin fans riot after Bundesliga defeat to Nuernberg - Video and pictures

Sun, 14 Mar 2010 14:06:09 GMT

Furious Hertha Berlin fans went on the rampage on Saturday following their home defeat to Nuernberg.

Hertha's 2-1 loss was their 12th home game without a win and left them rooted to the bottom of the Bundesliga.

And around 100 angry supporters decided enough was enough as they stormed the pitch at the end of the game, trashing the dug-outs as they attempted to attack the club's players and coaching staff, before police intervened to restore order.

Sheringham exclusive: I'd ditch JT from England team - King and Rio are the best pair

Sat, 13 Mar 2010 22:30:41 GMT

Teddy Sheringham looked longingly at the World Cup, and decided John Terry is ill-equipped to help England win it.The former England striker believes Fabio Capello must pair Ledley King with Rio Ferdinand in the opening Group C match against the USA in Rustenberg on June 12.He’s making no moral judgement on Wayne Bridge’s decision to retire from international football.He’s merely convinced that King, rather than Terry, will stabilise a defence which should feature Gary Neville and a fully fi...

Jermain Defoe: Death of my nan and brother Spurs me on

Fri, 12 Mar 2010 23:00:17 GMT

In an age of the money grabbing, bad boy footballer Jermain Defoe is a refreshing antidote.Time and again the Tottenham Hotspur striker has been hit by the kind of adversity which would leave many a young man feeling sorry for himself.Yet time and again Defoe has risen above his setbacks to prove just why he remains a role model for millions of youngsters up and down the country.In the last few years alone the east London-born marksman has been:* Rejected by the former England coach Sven Gora...

Big Interview: Alessandro Diamanti - 'I want to be a West Ham legend like Paolo Di Canio'

Fri, 12 Mar 2010 22:45:02 GMT

By Neil McLemanAlessandro Diamanti wants to save West Ham like Carlos Tevez and be loved like Paolo Di Canio.But the the Italian gem, who has shone in his first season in English football, admits he still has to prove his mettle to join the list of Irons legends. Scoring the spectacular winner at Stamford Bridge with his left foot tomorrow - as Di Canio did in 2002 - would definitely help.The 26-year-old's stunning individual goal against Bolton last weekend was certainly reminiscent of Upton...

Mother's Day special: Football's top 10 most important mothers

Fri, 12 Mar 2010 13:11:52 GMT

1) George Best's mum Anne

Shy and softly-spoken, the mother of Manchester United's 1960s superstar stayed far from the limelight he craved. But Anne and her son shared a drink dependency which would kill them both, Anne first of heart problems related to alcoholism in 1978.

They are buried side-by-side in Belfast's Roselawn Cemetery, and their relationship formed the basis of a BBC film last year.