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'The players need to know' - Pearce urges FA to appoint England manager
The caretaker boss is set to name his 23-man squad three days before the end of the Premier League campaign, meaning a change in manager could mean drastic late personnel changes
Sir Alex Ferguson full of praise for Laurent Blanc
The Manchester United boss believes his ex-defender deserves credit for the way he has got the French national side playing ahead of the upcoming European Championship tournament
France suspension hurt Evra a lot, says Sir Alex Ferguson
The 70-year-old boss was critical of the international ban incurred at the left-back following the scandal in Les Bleus' camp in South Africa two years ago
Italy job prevents Prandelli from taking over at Inter
The Nerazzurri have set their sights on the former Fiorentina and Parma trainer, but his obligations with the national team may prove to be a stumbling block
Del Bosque to meet with Villa to discuss Euro 2012 availability
The 30-year-old attacker has been out of action for the past few months due to injury, but the trainer is hopeful that the player will be fit for this summer's tournament
Holt: I would love to play for England at Euro 2012 The Canaries captain claims he was always confident of scoring goals at the highest level, and is keen to test himself on the international stage this summer at Euro 2012
Matthaus: Germany clear frontrunners for Euro 2012 The 1990 World Cup winner feels that the German national side have what it takes to dethrone reigning champions Spain at this summer's tournament in Poland and Ukraine
England leave fans 'frustrated', Spain are glory hunters & Germany expect success - The Euro 2012 lowdown from Sharp FanLabs Supporters from all 16 nations participating in the summer's showpiece event in Poland and Ukraine have been detailing their attitudes, hopes and fears - Goal.com has the lowdown
Low has the best Germany squad of all time, claims Beckenbauer
'Der Kaiser' won the World Cup as both a player and a manager but he believes that his country now has more top-class players at its disposal than in any other era
Ferguson blasts Team GB shortlist and brands the selection process 'utter chaos'
The Manchester United boss is fuming after hearing Stuart Pearce has named 10 of his players, including Wayne Rooney, in his provisional squad for the Olympics football tournament
Prandelli confirms Balotelli will be recalled for Euro 2012
The Manchester City striker, having already been dropped from the squad to face USA, appeared in real danger of missing out after his recent red card against Arsenal
Re: Loew backs Ballack to return to Germany colours
Back for Milan & ready for Italy: Cassano has already hit the ground running ahead of Euro 2012
The striker had an ischemic stroke in October and looked set to be out until July, but just a few weeks after returning early he looks set to lead the Azzurri line at the Euros
'I have a duty to the Irish people' - Giovanni Trapattoni takes part in Croagh Patrick charity climb with An Taoiseach Enda Kenny Ireland's holy mountain, where St Patrick reputedly spent 40 days and nights, was the scene for a charity climb involving the Irish Premier and the veteran Italian coach
'Walcott is definitely available for Euro 2012' - Wenger England winger has missed the last few weeks with a hamstring injury but may feature in the Gunners' last game of the season and is fit enough to travel to Ukraine and Poland
Arshavin: Russia's team chemistry will take us to great heights at Euro 2012 The Zenit St Petersburg playmaker believes the depth of experience in the eastern European side means they can improve on their third-place finish four years ago
Del Bosque: I understand Guardiola's decision to leave Barcelona The World Cup-winning coach did not wish to question his compatriot's decision, while admitting that he will evaluate Fernando Torres' place in the national team
Bomb blasts rock Ukraine as country prepares for Euro 2012 Several people have been injured in a series of explosions 250 miles from Kiev, where England are set to play, with the tournament just weeks away from kicking off
Del Bosque asks RFEF to rearrange Copa del Rey final to aid Euro 2012 preparations - report The clash between Athletic Bilbao and Barcelona is currently scheduled for May 25, just over two weeks before Spain's first game of the European Championship
Prandelli buoyed by Cassano's condition after Milanello visit
The 29-year-old attacker had been considered a major doubt for the European Championship after being forced to undergo heart surgery last November, but he is now playing again
Redknapp ready to say 'yes' to England as Tottenham line up Rodgers
The Spurs boss is set to take assistants Joe Jordan and Kevin Bond with him as White Hart Lane chiefs begin laying groundwork for a new management team
Denmark players banned from using Twitter during Euro 2012
Morten Olsen's men will be barred from using the site to curtail the media's access to the team during the summer tournament in Poland and Ukraine
Low: Reus and Gotze are more than substitutes for Germany
The young attackers have had limited chances to prove themselves for their country thus far, but according to the trainer, they might soon have their roles increased
Lampard: England manager hunt will not affect Euro 2012 chances
The Chelsea midfielder believes the squad has the quality to cope regardless of who is appointed and has hailed the recent influx of young talent to the national team
Re: Loew backs Ballack to return to Germany colours
Bomb blasts rock Ukraine as country prepares for Euro 2012
Several people have been injured in a series of explosions 250 miles from Kiev, where England are set to play, with the tournament just weeks away from kicking off
Apr 27, 2012 1:45:00 PM
By Tom McKeown
At least 14 people have been injured after several bomb blasts rocked the Ukranian city of Dnipropetrovsk, raising concerns over security for Euro 2012.
The city, approximately 250 miles southeast of Kiev, was brought to a standstill after four bombs were planted in rubbish bins, exploding at short intervals.
England face Sweden in Kiev on 15 June and first play France on 11 June at Shakhtar Donetsk’s Donbass Arena, which is a similar distance away.
Viktor Yanukovich, the Ukrainian president, has spoken out over the blasts and has called for unity amongst the people.
"We... understand that this is another challenge to us, to the whole country," he told reporters.
"We will think how to respond accordingly."
The tournament kicks off on 7 June in Warsaw when Ukraine's co-hosts Poland play Greece.
West Brom boss prepared to play hardball as formal negotiations with four-man FA committee begin just a week after he thought his chances of replacing Fabio Capello had gone
Apr 30, 2012 8:43:00 AM
By Wayne Veysey | Chief Correspondent
Roy Hodgson is preparing for tough negotiations with the Football Association on Monday as he begins talks about becoming the new England manager following the governing body’s snub to Harry Redknapp.
Hodgson has told friends that he was surprised to have jumped to the top of the FA’s shortlist, with West Brom receiving an approach following their goalless home draw against Aston Villa on Saturday.
“As late as last week he thought his chance to manage England had gone,” a source told Goalcom. “He was quite shocked. He thought Harry would get the job.”
Hodgson briefly spoke to FA chairman David Bernstein at the Hawthorns and a formal discussion will take place at a secret location on Monday with Bernstein, FA director of football development Sir Trevor Brooking, Alex Horne, the FA general secretary, and Adrian Bevington, Club England's managing director.
Talks will focus on the length and terms of the deal, with the FA keen to make a long-term appointment with the 2014 World Cup in Brazil and even the 2016 European Championships in France in mind.
Hodgson is expected to be offered around half of the £6 million-a-year deal received by Fabio Capello, who resigned from the post in early February.
The 64-year-old would complete the season at the Hawthorns before turning his attention to England ahead of Euro 2012.
The FA contacted West Brom chairman Jeremy Peace, who granted permission for them to formally interview Hodgson. The governing body are insistent that they have not approached any other manager.
The FA’s snub to long-time favourite Redknapp has come as a surprise not only to the former Liverpool boss and most of the football-supporting English public but to the man himself and his employers, Tottenham.
HODGSON'S MANAGERIAL CAREER
Halmstad
Bristol City
Oddevold
Orebro
Malmo
Neuchatel Xamax
Switzerland
Inter
Blackburn
Inter
Grasshoppers
Copenhagen
Udinese
UAE
Viking
Finland
Fulham
Liverpool
West Brom
Redknapp is now fighting for his Spurs future following a calamitous run of results that, coupled with the availability of the England job, had led chairman Daniel Levy to abandon talks over a new contract and begin preparations to find a new manager.
Redknapp was quoted on Monday as saying: “Good luck to Roy. I can see my future at Tottenham and I would like to stay. But that is down to the chairman.”
Although Hodgson has made no secret of the fact that he wanted to succeed Capello, it is understood that Hodgson will not immediately jump into the FA’s arms.
A key factor in the West Brom manager’s thinking could be whether he faces a public — and media — backlash over the approach especially as Redknapp had assumed the mantle of the ‘people’s choice’. The FA are prepared for a hostile response from some quarters.
The FA will want Hodgson in place immediately after West Brom’s final league game of the season at home to Arsenal on May 13 so he can name and prepare a 23-man squad for two forthcoming friendlies against Norway and Belgium, plus the Euro 2012 finals in which England face Sweden, France and Ukraine in Group D.
Hodgson does not usually demand an extensive back-room staff and will probably be expected to work with the current caretaker Stuart Pearce.
Last night Bernstein said, in a statement: “Roy is the only manager we have approached and we remain on course to make an appointment within the timescale we set out. Further conversations will now take place with Roy.”
Selecting Hodgson - whose current contract at West Brom ends on June 30 - would be a far cheaper option than hiring Redknapp, with his contract at Spurs containing complicated compensation clauses that could rise to £10m should they take him from White Hart Lane.
Peace said on Sunday night he hoped that Hodgson would remain at the Hawthorns: “Roy has done a fantastic job over the past 15 months and the fact that the FA wants to discuss the England role with him is testament to that. Roy is a proud Englishman and we can understand why he wants to speak to the FA about the highly prestigious managerial position.
“However, we have emphasised to Roy how much we would like him to remain as our head coach and continue his major contribution to our project at the Hawthorns as we look to establish ourselves as a Premier League club.
"Everyone here has an excellent working relationship with him and he is immensely popular with our supporters.”
Roy Hodgson signs four-year deal as England boss
The 64-year-old will step down from his role with West Brom following the Baggies' final two games of the season to begin his preparations for the Three Lions' Euro 2012 campaign
Sammer: I have no interest in coaching Germany
The former Borussia Dortmund player has revealed he is not looking to return as a trainer, whether it be for Germany or for a Bundesliga club, despite the Bayern rumours
Mario Gotze: I will repay Joachim Low's faith at Euro 2012
The 19-year-old playmaker is eager to show the world that the DFB trainer made the right decision by integrating him into the national team squad at such a young age
Saha: Redknapp's England snub is good for Tottenham
Spurs have won just three league games since the 65-year-old was made favourite for the Three Lions position, but the Frenchman assured it did not affect the squad
Coyle: Redknapp missed out on England due to money
The Bolton boss believes potentially hefty compensation costs may have deterred the FA from moving for the Tottenham boss, with Roy Hodgson instead set to land the role
Redknapp: England speculation may have distracted Tottenham
Spurs boss acknowledges that talk about the national team could have affected his side after their form took a turn for the worse while he was touted as Fabio Capello's successor
Hodgson must win over public to succeed as England boss, says Curbishley
The 64-year-old has been rebuilding his reputation at the Hawthorns, but the former West Ham boss thinks his ill-fated stay at Anfield is all the public will focus on
Inter legend Mazzola backs Hodgson for England
The Italian great believes that the Englishman has proved himself to be more than adept on the international stage and that he will prove well-suited to being the national boss
Prandelli: If Cassano is ready for AC Milan then he is ready for Italy
The 54-year-old has confirmed that the Rossoneri forward is virtually assured of his place at Euro 2012 after a scintillating performance against Siena on Sunday
Advocaat to quit Russia after Euro 2012
The much-travelled 64-year-old has claimed he will leave the national team after the tournament in Poland and Ukraine
Hodgson the right man to get England roaring again, insists Gallacher
Former Scotland striker played under Hodgson at Blackburn and believes the West Brom boss has what it takes to be a success at international level despite failing at Liverpool
Germany stronger now than in 2010, claims Bierhoff
The former striker believes that Joachim Low's young charges have developed and improved over the past two years and are more than capable of challenging for Euro 2012 success
Ireland to play friendly match to raise funds for family of tragic Piermario Morosini
Giovanni Trapattoni revealed that his Ireland squad are keen for the game to happen which will benefit the loved ones of the late midfielder
The 64-year-old will step down from his role with West Brom following the Baggies' final two games of the season to begin his preparations for the Three Lions' Euro 2012 campaign
May 1, 2012 3:00:00 PM
By Wayne Veysey | Chief Correspondent at Wembley
Roy Hodgson has been appointed the new England manager, the Football Association revealed in a statement on Tuesday afternoon.
Hodgson has agreed a four-year contract with the FA that runs until 2016. He will be in charge for this summer’s European Championships in Poland and Ukraine, the 2014 World Cup in Brazil and Euro 2016 in France.
West Bromwich Albion released a statement at the same time in which they said that Hodgson will take the club’s final two matches of the season, away to Bolton and home to Arsenal, before officially taking the England reins on May 14, the day after the Premier League season finishes.
The FA confirmed Hodgson as England’s 13th permanent manager after talks were concluded at Wembley on Tuesday morning.
He will take charge of England for the first time against Norway on May 26 and his first Wembley match at the helm will be against Belgium on June 2.
As revealed by Goalcom on Monday, the FA offered Hodgson a four-year contract rather than the two-year deal that many had accepted.
A statement on West Brom's official website read: “Roy will remain in his current post as head coach of West Bromwich Albion for the final two games of the season before officially taking charge of the national team on May 14, having agreed a four-year deal.
“Roy's Hawthorns contract runs out on June 30 but the club have agreed to release him after the final game of the season against Arsenal to allow him to prepare in earnest for Euro 2012.
“The club granted him permission to discuss the England role after he expressed a desire to explore the opportunity following The FA's official approach on Sunday afternoon.”
"We understand Roy's desire to take the England job and he will leave us with our best wishes"
- West Brom chairman Jeremy Peace
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Stuart Pearce had been in temporary charge of the national side while the FA made their decision, and recently stated that he was prepared to lead the team at Euro 2012, despite also being responsible for the England Under-21 side and Team GB at the Olympics.
Gerrard looking forward to working with 'good manager' Hodgson again The Liverpool captain says it is important for the new England manager, who he played under during the 64-year-old's time at Anfield, to be given a chance in the role
Hodgson: I hope landing the England job won’t affect my friendship with Redknapp The 64-year-old has revealed the Spurs boss, who was heavily linked with the role, sent him a voicemail message following his appointment as Fabio Capello’s replacement
Inter celebrate Hodgson's England appointment The Nerazzurri have sent their best wishes to the 64-year-old, who previously had two spells as coach of the Italian giants, after he was announced as Fabio Capello's successor
Shelvey backs Hodgson appointment as England boss The Liverpool midfielder has tipped the 64-year-old to be a success after he landed the chance to take charge of the Three Lions following Fabio Capello’s departure
'My first challenge to overcome is winning over any doubtful players' - England boss Hodgson The 64-year-old has admitted that he faces a tough task in his new role but is confident that he will be a hit as he looks to finally end the country’s trophy drought
Hodgson insists playing spell in apartheid-era South Africa was motivated by 'football reasons' The newly-named England boss moved to Berea Park in 1973 and has claimed that he did not give the political system much thought, only being desperate to play professionally again
New man, same old problems - England welcome Hodgson to the impossible job The 64-year-old said all the right things at his Three Lions unveiling at Wembley but old ghosts will always be lurking as the former Liverpool boss looks to win over the public
FA chairman David Berstein ‘extremely happy’ with handling of England's Hodgson appointment The 68-year-old admitted a decision had been made on the ex-Liverpool boss ‘about a month ago’ and praised West Brom chairman Jeremy Pearce for his conduct during proceedings
'Very proud' Roy Hodgson calls on England fans to back him The West Brom boss has been unveiled by the Football Association as the new national team coach, with the 64-year-old signing a four-year contract with the Three Lions
New man, same old problems - England welcome Hodgson to the impossible job
The 64-year-old said all the right things at his Three Lions unveiling at Wembley but old ghosts will always be lurking as the former Liverpool boss looks to win over the public
May 1, 2012 5:36:00 PM
COMMENT
By Wayne Veysey at Wembley
The letters on the name tag changes but the same old problems remain.
Roy Hodgson took his place in a five-man defence of his appointment, to the left of a decidedly smug-looking Football Association chairman, David Bernstein.
He said all the right things and was elusive enough in the right places to satisfy the blazered committee men alongside him.
England captain? Not decided yet. Can John Terry and Rio Ferdinand put their differences aside to play alongside one another? Will need to speak to them. Winning over players and fans? Same for every coach.
Getting the job over Harry Redknapp? He left me a voicemail message and I hope we remain friends.
It was safe, conservative and risk-free. Just like the man himself and the teams he has generally fashioned during a 36-year career to punch above their weight.
The only time Hodgson was caught on the hop was when a TV journalist from Channel 4 news quizzed him about playing football in apartheid-era South Africa.
"It's a bit unfair to talk about that after 40 years," protested Hodgson, before saying he had not given the political situation "much thought" at the time even though it was an "evil regime".
Welcome to the impossible job.
Whoever's name tag would have been on the desk (incidentally: why did Bernstein and not the new manager take centre stage in the middle chair?) there would have been some muck-raking of the past.
That is part of the problem for the nation who gave football to the world. However much they try to move on, the rewind button always seems jammed.
The old ghosts are around to haunt whoever is in place to jot 11 names on a team-sheet.
One mini-revelation from Hodgson is confirmation that he will name Rooney in his 23-man Euro 2012 squad despite his absence from the opening two matches through suspension.
The best lines came not from a football man, but an accountant.
Bernstein, who made the most of his trump card that Hodgson is the first of England's 13 permanent managers to have international experience, claimed that the four-man FA panel had settled on the West Brom manager as their No1 choice "around a month ago".
If this indeed was the case, and suspicion lies with the fact that FA board member Phil Gartside claimed three weeks ago that Harry Redknapp was an "outstanding manager" why did the panel keep it to themselves for so long?
Bernstein claims "the timing was absolutely right" because of the need "to avoid distracting West Brom".
No mention was made of Tottenham, whose season has almost been destroyed by the distraction of losing their manager to England.
Up until last weekend, senior Spurs figures were convinced that Redknapp would be patrolling the Wembley, rather than White Hart Lane dugout, next season.
The approach last weekend to West Brom came as much of a surprise to them as it did Redknapp and Hodgson.
Nevertheless, Fabio Capello's replacement deserves respect and time to make his methods work.
He is a sensible choice who ticks most boxes, enough indeed for the FA to hand him a four-year contract that runs until France 2016, when he will be 68.
Just as pertinently, Hodgson has to deal with the same old problems.
'Hodgson was probably the best man-manager I ever played for' - Schwarz
The former Sweden international, who played under the new England boss at Malmo, believes that his old coach has what it takes to make the Three Lions flourish at Euro 2012
McLeish: Bent could be fit for England's Euro 2012 squad
The Aston Villa manager has revealed that his striker is close to fitness but admitted that he is unlikely to play for the Midlands club this term even if he travels to Poland
Schelotto dreams of Euro 2012 call-up for Italy
The 22-year-old admits he is working hard to become part of Cesare Prandelli's squad for this summer's European Championship in Poland and Ukraine
Blanc to name two preliminary France squads for Euro 2012
Les Bleus boss will name two separate teams consisting of foreign and domestic-based players before finalising the 23-man party heading to Poland and Ukraine
Welbeck will be fit for the start of England's Euro 2012 campaign - report
Old Trafford youngster's participation in Poland and Ukraine has been cast into doubt following injury in Manchester derby, though reports suggest he will be fit in time
'Hodgson is a very good choice for England' - Sven-Goran Eriksson
The former Three Lions boss believes the new man has the right credentials for the job and has urged the country to support him ahead of the European Championship in June
Slaven Bilic: Spain & Italy are two of the favourites but Croatia are preparing to win Euro 2012
The 43-year-old coach has enjoyed six successful years in charge of the Croatian national side and the perennial dark horses will be looking to go far at the European championship
Euro 2012 fans risk police brutality in Ukraine, warns Amnesty International
The human rights group has called for urgent reform of law enforcement agencies and has urged caution to football supporters travelling to the country in the summer
May 2, 2012 2:37:00 PM
By Karthick Arvinth
Fans travelling to Ukraine for Euro 2012 are being jeopardised by a criminal police force, Amnesty International has alleged.
In a report released on police brutality in the country, the human rights group cited the case of two men who were beaten by police officers in the city of Lviv in April.
"The Ukrainian government must take action now to stop widespread police criminality," Amnesty director John Dalhuisen said.
“Failure to do so will encourage them to continue acting as a law unto themselves and put Euro 2012 fans in danger from a force that is out of control.”
Ihor Savchyshyn and Andrei Semenyuk were arrested in Lviv following a disagreement in a bar and were subjected to a brutal assault and robbery by six police officers on April 21.
Local prosecutors refused to open a criminal case against the officers until the victims’ lawyer gave an interview to a local television channel.
Amnesty alleged there were numerous such cases in Euro 2012 host cities in which police have tortured people in an attempt to extort money, extract a confession, or simply because of the victims’ sexuality or ethnic origin.
The report is another blow to Ukraine's image abroad, which has suffered recently due to the alleged mistreatment of jailed opposition leader Yulia Tymoshenko.
EU Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso and Justice Commissioner Viviane Reding have announced they will boycott Euro 2012 in protest.
Ukraine will host 11 matches during the tournament in the cities of Kiev, Lviv, Donetsk and Kharkiv.
Prandelli: Italy can win Euro 2012
The former Fiorentina man believes his Azzurri team can go all the way in Poland and Ukraine, despite being drawn a tough group alongside Spain, Croatia and Ireland
'Rio Ferdinand must be in England's Euro 2012 squad' - Sir Alex Ferguson
Old Trafford supremo believes the veteran's experience will be key during the tournament because youngsters Chris Smalling and Phil Jones have not played much in central defence
Sir Alex Ferguson believes the time is right for Hodgson to manage England
Old Trafford supremo thinks the West Brom boss has the experience needed to manage the Three Lions while praising the FA for not bowing to pressure from the press
Harry Redknapp has a job at Euro 2012 after all as the BBC hire him as a pundit
The Spurs boss failed to land the big one after Roy Hodgson's appointment, but will still get a first-hand view of the tournament with Gary Lineker and his merry band of men
Webb: Referees would accept goal-line technology at Euro 2012
Official says extra assistants that are to be used in Poland and Ukraine are a "big positive" while Pierluigi Collina is confident the refereeing will be of a high standard
Phil Neville and Alan Shearer among potential recruits for Hodgson's England - report
The Everton midfielder has been listed among those linked with taking up an assisting role for the newly appointed Three Lions boss ahead of this summer's Euro 2012 campaign
Klinsmann: I hope Germany win Euro 2012
The USA coach feels that Joachim Low's side have the necessary quality and unity to beat any rival, and says that he maintains a good relationship with the current trainer
Franciszek Smuda names provisional Poland squad for Euro 2012
The 63-year-old has selected a mixture of youth and experience for the European championship, and hopes some of the lesser-known names can make a breakthrough
Gullit: England & Germany can challenge Spain
The Dutchman says that Bayern Munich and Chelsea's recent Champions League triumphs over Barcelona and Real Madrid prove that Spanish dominance can be challenged
Rio Ferdinand willing to play alongside Terry for England at Euro 2012 - report
Despite the Chelsea captain's upcoming trial for racially abusing his brother, Anton, the Manchester United man will put differences aside if required by new boss Roy Hodgson
Hodgson must defend England players from pressure, says Sol Campbell
Retired defender opens up about the stress of playing on the international stage, and also blasts The Sun newspaper for their front page that lampooned the new manager
Redknapp insists he will never manage England after Hodgson appointment
Despite a wealth of media speculation, the 65-year-old boss believes he will never be in charge of the Three Lions and reiterated his desire to remain with Tottenham
Ukraine's Shovkovskiy ruled out of Euro 2012
The experienced goalkeeper will miss this summer's tournament due to injury, as he will have to go under the knife in order to shake off a shoulder problem
Blanc coy over Ben Arfa's chances of being included in Euro 2012 squad
Les Bleus boss was non-committal when quizzed by young footballers on whether the Newcastle winger would form part of his plans this summer in Poland and Ukraine
FA slams 'disrespectful' Hodgson headline
Although it has not issued a formal complaint, the football governing body has condemned newspaper The Sun for mocking the new England manager's speech impediment
Ter Stegen & Draxler in, Marin misses out as Low announces preliminary Germany squad for Euro 2012
The young starlets have been rewarded for their fine performances as both men earned senior international call-ups for the first time in their fledgling careers
Terry adamant he didn't snub Bernstein at FA Cup final
Chelsea skipper insists he didn not refuse to shake the FA chairman's hand in the Wembley pre-match build-up after being stripped of the England captaincy earlier this season
Carroll should be picked for Euro 2012 - Gerrard
Liverpool skipper believes former Newcastle man should be in Roy Hodgson's squad for the competition in the summer after an impressive run of performances
Chiellini: Italy on the right track ahead of Euro 2012
The powerful defender believes that the 2006 World Cup winners are on schedule with their preparations for this summer's European Championship
England boss Hodgson admits he will need thicker skin
The Three Lions manager has revealed he will need to develop a tougher mentality if he is to be successful as Fabio Capello's predecessor at the Euro 2012 championships
France boss Blanc open to offers from 'big' European clubs
The 46-year-old, who spent two years with Inter as a player, will be out of contract this summer and is reportedly in contention to be the Nerazzurri's next permanent coach
Tottenham's Kaboul 'delighted' with Hodgson appointment
The French defender is happy with the FA's decision not to take Harry Redknapp from White Hart Lane, and has lauded the impact the Spurs boss has had on his own performances
England boss Hodgson to call on Capello ahead of Euro 2012
The man now in charge of the Three Lions admits he'll try to consult his predecessor before the ‘biggest challenge’ of his managerial career, and is calling for squad unity
Gary Neville praises Hodgson's appointment as England manager
The former international right-back agrees with the recent appointment, citing his previous experience at Liverpool and other international set-ups as vital to settling in
Raul 'has the merits' to be part of the Spain squad for Euro 2012, admits Del Bosque
The veteran forward has impressed in the Bundesliga and in Europe for Schalke over the last two seasons, and may well be included in the World Cup winners' team
Terry backs Hodgson's England appointment
Chelsea captain claims that he would not have an issue in lining up alongside fellow centre-back Rio Ferdinand at Euro 2012 if asked to by the new Three Lions manager
Redknapp hits out at FA over England appointment
Tottenham boss believes that the governing body took too long to approach Roy Hodgson, whilst admitting that Spurs chairman Daniel Levy feels that the speculation affected his side
Wenger: Diaby is out of Euro 2012
The Gunners boss has stated that the injury-prone midfielder will not be fit enough to take part in Euro 2012 in what is sure to be a big blow for Laurent Blanc
FA confirm Ray Lewington appointment to England coaching staff
The 55-year-old had served as Roy Hodgson's number two during his successful spell with Fulham and now leaves Martin Jol's coaching staff to join the Three Lions setup
Hodgson given England backing by West Brom assistant Downing
The Baggies number two has told the media his outgoing manager has what it takes to handle the pressures involved with the national team job and refused to rule out joining him
Hodgson wants to leave West Brom with a top-10 finish, says Brunt
With the Baggies boss staying at the Hawthorns for the two remaining games, the 27-year-old midfielder knows that his departing manager wants to end on a high note in the top half
Paulo Bento agrees new Portugal deal until 2014
The former Sporting boss has inked a two-year extension to his deal and will now guide the country through the 2014 World Cup qualification campaign
Del Bosque prepared to wait 'until the last moment' for Villa
The Barcelona forward has not played since undergoing leg surgery in December but the Spain boss has reassured the striker that he will be given time to prove his fitness
Capello: Hodgson a 'very good choice' but he has little time to create a winning mentality
With the squad deadline of May 29 looming, the former England boss believes it is 'not a normal job' and doesn't envy his replacement who has to quickly settle before Euro 2012
FA chairman Bernstein makes official approach to Fulham for Lewington to be Hodgson's England No.2
The Three Lions made contact with the Premier League club on Thursday afternoon as the new manager of the national team puts together his backroom team
Van Marwijk announces provisional Netherlands squad for Euro 2012
The national team coach has revealed his provisional list of players for this summer's tournament as Oranje are aiming to win their first major competition since Euro 1988
May 7, 2012 11:55:00 AM
By Stefan Coerts
Netherlands coach Bert van Marwijk has announced his provisional 36-man squad for Euro 2012.
Feyenoord goalkeeper Erwin Mulder, AZ's Nick Viergever, Feyenoord's Stefan de Vrij and PSV's Jetro Willems have all been called up for the first time, while Jasper Cillessen, Adam Maher, Ola John and Luciano Narsingh all have yet to make their debut for the senior side as well.
Star players such as Arjen Robben, Robin van Persie, Wesley Sneijder and Klaas-Jan Huntelaar have all made Van Marwijk's provisional squad too.
Additionally, the Holland boss has included Barcelona midfielder Ibrahim Afellay in his roster for the first time since his comeback from a lengthy injury layoff.
Van Marwijk will trim his squad down to 27 players after a two-day training camp in Hoenderloo on May 14 and 15, before announcing his final selection on May 29.
Netherlands have scheduled friendly games against Bayern Munich, Bulgaria, Slovakia and Northern Ireland in the next four weeks.
Oranje will travel to their base at the Sheraton Hotel in Krakow on June 4.
The Dutch start Euro 2012 with the group match against Denmark on June 9, before taking on Germany and Portugal.
Van Marwijk unsure whether Van Persie and Huntelaar will both start at Euro 2012
The Netherlands boss admits he does not know if he will partner the prolific pair in attack for Oranje this summer, but insists they are capable of playing in the same team
Low impressed by Germany debutants Ter Stegen and Draxler
The pair of Bundesliga starlets were picked by the Germany boss ahead of more experienced alternatives, but he has explained his personnel selections ahead of Euro 2012
Ray Houghton believes Ireland squad can deal with tournament conditions at Euro 2012
Ten years without tournament football means that the squad are short on experience when it comes to prolonged periods together; Houghton thinks the Boys in Green can deal with it
Villa hopes to prove fitness to Del Bosque in Copa del Rey final - report
The country's all-time record goalscorer has been sidelined since December with a leg break but he is eyeing a return to action against Athletic Bilbao on May 25
Marco Tardelli: James McClean can be Ireland's 'Paolo Rossi' at Euro 2012
Exciting Sunderland winger capped a remarkable start to 2012 by being named in Ireland's European Championship squad
Pieters pulls out of Netherlands' provisional squad for Euro 2012
The PSV left-back has revealed that the doctor treating his foot injury told him on Monday that he has 'no chance' of being fit for the tournament, which gets under way next month
Fulham midfielder Murphy plays down England talk
Cottagers captain dismisses rumours of a return to the national set-up following reports that his former manager Roy Hodgson may be considering taking him to Euro 2012
Ireland's James McCarthy to miss Euro 2012 due to personal reasons
The Wigan Athletic midfielder has taken the decision to withdraw from contention for the summer tournament due to a family issue
James McClean makes Republic of Ireland Euro 2012 squad but James McCarthy out due to personal reasons
In-form Sunderland ace makes the cut for the Boys in Green as Giovanni Trapattoni names his 23-man squad for the tournament in Poland and Ukraine
Ter Stegen & Draxler in, Marin misses out as Low announces preliminary Germany squad for Euro 2012
The young starlets have been rewarded for their fine performances as both men earned senior international call-ups for the first time in their fledgling careers
May 7, 2012 12:33:00 PM
By Clark Whitney
Joachim Low has nominated a 27-man Germany provisional squad to compete for his final selection for Euro 2012.
With many star players set to arrive late due to club commitments, the trainer has selected an expanded team to travel to Sardinia on May 11. And given the opportunity to experiment, Low has selected Monchengladbach goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen and Schalke midfielder Julian Draxler.
Having only celebrated his 20th birthday last week, the Ter Stegen earns his first call-up, as does the 18-year-old winger Draxler. Additionally, Low has recalled Ilkay Gundogan.
However, the Germany coach opted not to recall Patrick Helmes, Mike Hanke, and Stefan Kiessling, choosing Cacau as his third striker alongside Miroslav Klose and Mario Gomez. Additionally, Marko Marin, Simon Rolfes, Christian Trasch and Dennis Aogo will miss out on the tournament.
Low will be without many of his key players as he begins preparations later this week. Sven Bender, Mario Gotze, Mats Hummels and Marcel Schmelzer will be with Dortmund through May 12th, when the DFB-Pokal final takes place. In addition, Real Madrid duo Mesut Ozil and Sami Khedira will not join the national team until after their final Liga match, on May 13.
The biggest loss Low will suffer is the absence of eight Bayern Munich players - including captain Philipp Lahm and deputy Bastian Schweinsteiger - who will be with their club until after May 22, when a friendly with the Netherlands is scheduled to be played. Accordingly, he has named an expanded squad, which will be trimmed to 23 on May 29.
The news that the FA appointed new England manager Roy Hodgson without having made any approach for tabloid favourite Harry Redknapp came as a shock to many, but the Tottenham boss has insisted he is a 'lucky man' and has no hard feelings about being overlooked.
Speaking ahead of the FA’s appointment Redknapp stated: 'I don't hold grudges, I don't feel like that. There's no problem. If Roy takes the job I wish him all the best. He's a great guy. I'm sure he'll be a big success.'
'I still think England's got some great players, I really do. I think there's some fantastic players in this country, some young players coming through, some great experienced players.'
'I'm looking forward to the European Championships, looking forward to watching it. Life couldn't be better, the sun's shining, my health is good, very lucky man.' The decision to appoint Hodgson means that Redknapp escapes any potential roasting at the hands of the media that has fell upon previous England managers when the national team inevitably fails to live up to expectations. Roy Hodgson’s tenure as England manager was barely a day old when he was greeted by a front page headline stating ‘Bwing on the Euwo’s’ in the Sun, cheerfully mocking his speech impediment and providing a taste of things to come.
Redknapp is at present the darling of the press, a position which could have come under threat if he had taken the poison chalice of becoming manager of the perpetually underachieving England team.
Prandelli: Balotelli, Cassano & Di Natale will go to Euro 2012, but Totti & Del Piero will not
The Azzurri coach has revealed that the Roma and Juventus veterans will not make his squad for the Euros, but the Milan and Manchester City stars will be included
Hodgson to pick between Rio Ferdinand and Terry for England's Euro 2012 squad - report
The two will not be risked in the same camp together for five weeks amid the ongoing race row between the ex-skipper and the United man's brother Anton Ferdinand
Phil Neville set for England backroom role at Euro 2012 - report
The 35-year-old is seen as an ideal candidate by new national team manager Roy Hodgson, with the former Manchester United player possessing a Uefa B licence coaching badge
Carles Puyol: I don't want to retire in the operating room
The defender has made it clear that featuring at the European Championship will be nearly impossible, but added that he will not say farewell to the national team just yet
Puyol thanks fans for support after injury blow
The veteran Blaugrana defender learned on Tuesday that he requires an operation on his knee which will prevent him from travelling to Poland and Ukraine
Laurent Blanc concerned about France midfield
Coach of Les Bleus still uncertain as to which midfield he will deploy at Euro 2012, despite a wide array of talents at his disposal
Taylor urges fans and media to give Hodgson time
The former England boss has given a vote of confidence to the new Three Lions manager after the 64-year-old got the job ahead of favourite Harry Redknapp
Barcelona & Puyol call press conference following defender's Euro 2012 injury KO
The 34-year-old defender, who is set to undergo knee surgery on Saturday, is to face the media amidst speculation that he could announce his retirement from international football
Thiago Alcantara: Puyol will give his all to be at Euro 2012
The 21-year-old midfielder insists that his team-mate will strive to take part in the tournament, while saying that Tito Vilanova will introduce new things in the Barcelona team
James McClean receives Twitter death threats following selection in Ireland Euro 2012 squad
The Ireland winger celebrated his call-up for Euro 2012 on Monday but was subjected to abuse on micro-blogging site Twitter
Spain's Euro 2012 plans rocked by Puyol blow and it could be the end for one of the game's great defenders
The 34-year-old is sidelined for six weeks with a knee injury and will miss the summer showpiece in Poland & Ukraine. And it could be the end of a glittering international career
Del Bosque laments loss of Puyol and expects Villa to miss Euro 2012
The 61-year-old coach is disappointed that the defender will be unable to take part in the European Championship and noted that the Barca striker is a serious doubt as well
Gourcuff 'not paying attention' to Blanc's selection statement
The pair were part of the Bordeaux side that won the Ligue 1 and Coupe de la Ligue titles in the 2008-09 season but the former Milan player was uninterested in the issue
Schalke's Draxler: I missed Low's call during class
The teenager had to find out through a voicemail from the national side trainer that he would be joining the preliminary Germany squad for the European Championship
Van Marwijk interested in La Liga or Premier League job
In the build up to Euro 2012 the 59-year-old has stated his desire to work in one of Europe's top two leagues after he ends his reign as coach of the Oranje
Low: Spain remain favourites for Euro 2012
The Germany boss has insisted that the reigning champions are still the team to beat, while adding that there are several other strong teams that could win the tournament
Puyol will miss Euro 2012 with a knee injury, Barcelona confirm
The Blaugrana have announced that their skipper will miss out on the showpiece event in Poland and Ukraine after picking up a knock serious enough to omit him from the competition
Trapattoni fends off the awkward questions in naming predictable Ireland Euro 2012 squad
Ireland's veteran manager named his 23-strong party for Euro 2012 on Monday; there was little in the way of surprise in the announcement of a man who knows his team inside out
Spain physio 'optimistic' about David Villa's chances of making Euro 2012
The Barcelona attacker has been out of action ever since fracturing his tibia at the Club World Cup, but the European champions are hopeful he will be back in time for the Euros
Oleg Blokhin names 26-man panel that will be whittled down to 23 by the end of May ahead of matches with Sweden, England and France
May 8, 2012 7:50:00 PM
By Igor Mladenovic
Ukraine coach Oleg Blokhin announced on Tuesday the 26-strong list of players to provisionally make up his squad for this summer's European Championship, a competition they co-host alongside Poland.
The 1975 Ballon d'Or winner named two uncapped goalkeepers - Oleksandr Bandura and Maksym Koval - as makeshift replacements for first-choice shot-stopper Oleksandr Rybka (serving a two-year suspension for a doping offence) and his traditional substitutes Oleksandr Shovkovskiy and Andriy Dykan, ruled out with respectively a shoulder and a facial injury.
Top scorer Andriy Shevchenko made the list despite injury concerns in the past weeks. Former Barcelona defender Dmytro Chygrynskiy conversely missed out on the squad in which almost half the players hail from Ukraine giants Dynamo Kiev, while the only western Europe representative is tenacious midfielder Anatoliy Tymoshchuk from Bayern Munich.
Price hikes & hunger strikes: Poland & Ukraine still have huge work to do with a month to go before Euro 2012
With concerns over stadia, transport, ticketing and internal politics, the tournament's joint-host nations have a number of issues to contend before the tournament begins on June 8
May 8, 2012 10:55:00 AM
SPECIAL REPORT
By Kornel Pracki
With only a month to go until Euro 2012 kicks off in Warsaw, Poland and Ukraine are readying themselves to welcome European football's elite nations, but there is still much to be done off the pitch before the action begins on it.
Concerns over stadia remain the most pressing issue. The PGE Arena in Gdansk and Miejski in Wroclaw have already been deemed safe having staged friendly matches against Germany in September and Italy last November. However, in Poznan's Stadion Miejski, the first completed stadium for the tournament, the pitch still poses a major problem, with the turf having been replaced several times at the request of Uefa.
There are also unanswered questions concerning the safety of the National Stadium in Warsaw. In February, the Super Cup final between Wisla Krakow and Legia Warsaw had to be cancelled after the police refused to give the green light for the game as fire protection requirements had not been met.
Safety tests around the stadium have been carried out for two weeks now and special security arrangements, such as additional cameras in the arena, have been made as the authorities rush to prepare for this summer's showpiece.
In Ukraine, the stadiums in Lviv, Donetsk and Kiev were built specially for Euro 2012, while the arena in Kharkov was renovated.
The final stadium in Kiev cost far more money than had been estimated at the start of construction, with the approximated final total about £411.4m, equating to £5600 per seat.
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The final stadium in Kiev cost far more money than had been estimated at the start of construction, with the approximated final total about €510 million [£411.4m], equating to approximately €7000 [£5600] per seat. In comparison, the stadium in Lviv required about €190m [£153.3m]. The Donbass Arena in Donetsk was built on time and has already celebrated several successful tests on the European stage, with local club Shakhtar having played there in the Champions League.
The transport links in the host nations are also proving a cause for concern ahead of the tournament. In Poland, only a few sections of motorway have been completed to an acceptable standard and visiting fans from across Europe will be reliant on air travel and the railways.
In the host cities, the airports have been renovated and brought to a high standard consistent with the rest of Europe. The railways, whose ticket prices are much cheaper compared to those in Germany or France (an average of around €15-20 [£12-16]), will disappoint the fans entering the country. The trains are often overloaded and uncomfortable and fans will have to deal with long journey times.
The greatest problem will likely be the trip from Poland to Ukraine. At border crossings, drivers will have to deal with long waits, which on average are likely to be between five and seven hours, though eight additional border crossings are currently being set up by the authorities as to deal with the increase in numbers expected during the tournament.
In regards to ticketing, Uefa announced that games in Poland have long been sold out. In Ukraine, however, there is still the opportunity to secure some tickets for group games via a number of football associations and their various internet portals.
This year, the ticket sales are subject to more stringent controls – they were sold after April 23 and will only be admitted to people at the stadiums whose names are actually on the tickets. Uefa also offers an official exchange market, giving fans the chance to acquire tickets at face value.
Since October of last year, any cheap accommodation has vanished. Currently, the hotel owners are trying to set astronomical prices in order to earn as much money as possible during the tournament. One night in a hotel in a Polish host city during Euro 2012 will cost about €300-€600 [£240-485].
The demand seems to be very low at present and Uefa president Michel Platini, who has criticised the high prices set by the hotels, has now assured that the end of May will see the costs reduced because the hotel owners will recognise that there are too many vacancies.
THE FINAL COUNTDOWN
Euro 2012 in numbers
8
The number of venues in the tournament, four in Poland and four in Ukraine.
18
Days spent on hunger strike by incarcerated former Ukrainian prime minister Yulia Tymoshenko.
31
Days until the opening match between Poland and Greece in Warsaw on June 8.
240
Pounds for the starting price for a hotel room in a Polish host city during the tournament.
411
Million pounds it has cost to build the Olimpiysky National Sports Complex in Kiev, which will host the final on July 1.
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As alternative options there are some Euro Fan Parks, where the fans can sleep for one night from around €20-€70 [£16-56]. In addition, supporters could spend their nights in hostels, as those establishments are not expected to drive their prices up.
Former Polish president Aleksander Kwasniewski recently criticised the passive attitude of the country's politicians towards the championships. He argues that, in advance of the tournament, too little respect has been shown for the competition and that, as a result, it is not being given the necessary attention in Poland.
In most Polish cities, there is still next to no atmosphere being generated ahead of the Euros. Uefa has announced its intention to raise the mood in both nations with a variety of different projects, as well as opening the Fan Zones earlier than previously planned.
"All of the people in both countries should feel like hosts and respect all the fans from all over Europe. I guarantee that there will be an unforgettable atmosphere at this tournament," vowed Marcin Herra, president of the PL.2012 company.
The recent terrorist attacks in Dnipropetrovsk have also understandably brought concerns ahead of the tournament in a month's time, as well as the imprisonment of former prime minister Yulia Tymoshenko causing growing unrest in Ukraine.
The heated atmosphere between government and opposition, culminating in Tymoshenko recently going on hunger strike for 10 days, has led to talk of tournament boycotts, with the competition undoubtedly becoming a political issue. However, Michel Platini has rubbished talk of a tournament withdrawal.
