England World Cup Blog 2010

When and at what times do England kick off in the World Cup

England World Cup Blog

Written by Dave Allan Friday, 21 May 2010 20:55

Here is a complete list of the times and dates of when and at what time England play during the World Cup.

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What would be a good World Cup for England?

England World Cup Blog

Written by James Beckett Friday, 21 May 2010 18:19

 With just three weeks to go before the attention of the world turns to South Africa, and the greatest football show on the planet, excitement amongst England fans is beginning to pick up. But just how far can England go this summer, and more importantly can we really win the World Cup?

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Portugal World Cup Squad Preview

World Cup Squad Previews

Written by Tony Concannon Friday, 21 May 2010 12:11

It seems obvious to say, but Portugal's World Cup hopes will rest on the considerable shoulders of 2008  Fifa World Player of the Year Cristiano Ronaldo. Their squad surely lacks the depth to make a serious challenge in South Africa, and big questions remain about coach Carlos Quieroz.

At one stage in qualifying it looked like Portugal would not even make it to South Africa, but a late surge saw them edge out Sweden and Hungary to finish second behind Denmark, and earn a play-off against Bosnia-Hercegovina. Without Ronaldo, they scraped through both games 1-0. The play-off win shows they have some fighting spirit (or luck judging by the highlights) and any team with Ronaldo in is always dangerous.

Scoring goals has been the main problem of late, and the Portugese have turned to  Liedson of Sporting Lisbon. Similar to Deco and Pepe, Liedson was born in Brazil but has become a naturalized Portugese citizen. There is also a recall for Danny of Zenit St. Petersburg.

Read more: Portugal World Cup Squad Preview

The man in demand

England World Cup Blog

Written by James Beckett Thursday, 20 May 2010 12:58

 Manchester City have once again flexed their mighty financial muscles with a £20 million bid for England midfielder James Milner. The Aston Villa man has been in superb form for club and country this season, and could just be a star man for England this summer.

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Three Lions 2010 - It's freaking awful

England World Cup Blog

Written by Dave Allan Thursday, 20 May 2010 11:26

Are you excited about the 2010 version of the classic Three Lions with Robbie Williams and the unfunny fella? Well, calm down. The result of the remix of the classic 1996 version of Three Lions is more an embarrassment than an abomination.

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Carragher doesn't care, so why should we?

England World Cup Blog

Written by Kris Mole Thursday, 20 May 2010 00:35

Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher has revealed that his spell out of international retirement will only last the duration of the World Cup and that he is only going to the competition because his country needs him.

Carragher turned his back on his country three years ago as he sulked due to not being good enough to be an England regular, believing he was too good to be a substitute for the national team, but then agreed recently to be called up to the squad for this summer as Fabio Capello looked for cover at the back.

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Odds on an African team winning the World Cup

How to Bet on the World Cup

Written by Marcus Bateman Wednesday, 19 May 2010 19:15

It was not long ago that no one would have taken many African players seriously – let alone African teams, but in the modern era this has all changed. Not only do African players now rank amongst some of the best in the world, but we have one team in the top ten betting favourites for the World Cup win (Ivory Coast), and the tournament is being held in an African nation.

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Spain World Cup Squad Preview

World Cup Squad Previews

Written by Tony Concannon Wednesday, 19 May 2010 18:24

The Spain squad are the number one team in the world according to the world rankings, and few would argue with that. Not many teams will be able to cope with their one-touch, fast, fluid style of football in South Africa. It's pure quality. And it's a quality that makes them favourites to lift the World Cup this summer. Of course a lot depends on injury, as the 2008 European Champions will be eagerly awaiting the return to fitness of striker Fernando Torres, and midfield duo Cesc Fabregas and Andres Iniesta. The key trio would almost certainly come in the top ten of best players in the world, so their full participation is vital for the Spanish crusade.

Read more: Spain World Cup Squad Preview

Little old lady not allowed to support England

England World Cup Blog

Written by Kris Wednesday, 19 May 2010 17:09

A little old lady was reduced to tears earlier this month by council officials who took down St George flags she had put on lampposts outside her home in Nottingham.

Doreen Carnelley, 74, a Nottingham Forest season ticket holder said she had draped flags on lampposts during previous World Cups and European Championships without any problems, so was surprised to find that the council had been round and dumped the set of 27 flags in a hedge in her garden.

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1966 legend fancies David James

England World Cup Blog

Written by Kris Mole Wednesday, 19 May 2010 16:53

World Cup winning England legend Gordon Banks believes England's 1st choice keeper this summer should be David James, even though he's not been the most consistent performer between the sticks.

Banks admitted that Joe Hart's season has been impressive, more so than James', but that experience would be the vital asset in South Africa.

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Should England have taken another right back?

England World Cup Blog

Written by James Beckett Tuesday, 18 May 2010 21:15

 Gary Neville has today questioned Fabio Capello's decision to only include one right back in the World Cup squad. But is this just Neville been slightly bitter that he was overlooked, or has Capello really took a huge risk by taking only one right back to South Africa?

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South Africa World Cup Squad Preview

World Cup Squad Previews

Written by Tony Concannon Monday, 17 May 2010 15:38

South Africa's World Cup should last all of three games, but their fans and players will enjoy the experience all the same. The fact that they are hosting the tournament is cause for celebration in itself, and local fans will be sure to enjoy the month of mouthwatering matches.
 

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World Cup Betting - Argentina and Ghana

England World Cup Blog

Written by James Beckett Monday, 17 May 2010 12:41

It's time for another two bets that might make this World Cup a bit more pleasurable, even if England disappoint once again.

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Bryan Robson warns World Cup managers

England World Cup Blog

Written by Kris Mole Sunday, 16 May 2010 22:56

Ex-England captain Bryan Robson has told managers heading to the World Cup that they'll have to come up with new ways of communicating messages to players on the pitch during matches due to the loud roar of the plastic trumpet used South African fans.

The trumpet, called locally the 'vuvuzuela' caused controversy last year at the Confederations Cup after complaints were lodged from all corners, although all fell on deaf ears at FIFA, who are keen to preserve the local flavour of the tournament. Coaches and players alike weren't happy with the constant blowing of the metre-long instruments, as hearing and conveying instructions became near impossible.

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Another potential spanner in the works for England

England World Cup Blog

Written by Kris Mole Sunday, 16 May 2010 22:35

The England team's plans to fly out tomorrow to Austria for the high-altitide training camp have been put in jeopardy as a new cloud of volcanic ash from Iceland threatens to cause havoc once again. Earlier today, executives from the FA were liasing with both airlines and Met Office about the possibilities.

Yesterday, airports in northern England, Scotland, Ireland and Northern Ireland were closed, and now the England players are waiting to find out if closures will also affect London's airports.

Read more: Another potential spanner in the works for England