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Crouch to lead the line

England look set to start with Peter Crouch up front in Wednesdays World Cup qualifier with Ukraine.

A number of England players including Emile Heskey picked up knocks in the friendly against Slovakia which meant that Capello had to call up replacemensts to the squad. Darren Bent was called up only for him also to suffer a knee injury in training which led to Gabriel Agbonlahor getting a call.

Wayne Rooney and Steven Gerrard look set to play behind Crouch as a lone striker.

The Italian said: “I am sure that Crouch is the best forward I can put into the first XI.”

Crouch has recovered from the dead leg he suffered in Saturday’s 4-0 victory over Slovakia, while Rio Ferdinand is fit to partner John Terry in defence.

Rooney goes into the game on the back of winning the England player of the year fans’ award for 2008 and will collect his 50th cap against Ukraine.

Capello explained his decision to include Agbonlahor.

“I spoke with the assistant manager of Aston Villa and was told Agbonlahor had been training very well during the last two or three days,” added the Italian.

He then revealed why he opted not to bring England’s fourth highest goalscorer, Michael Owen, back into the squad.

“In every interview I said the door, for all the players, is open,” he insisted.

“I chose Agbonlahor because he has played a lot of games. I respect Owen but I am focused on the game of football.”

Ukraine, who are unbeaten in their three Group Six qualifiers to date, are expected to include former Chelsea striker Andriy Shevchenko in attack.

Shevchenko, 32, has only started two Serie A matches for AC Milan this season but is determined to make a mark in his first Wembley appearance.

“This is a big game for us and I dream of scoring at Wembley because it would be my 40th goal with the national team,” he said.

“The national team gives me an opportunity to do what I love doing, which is to play football. But for the national team coach it is not easy to put a player on the pitch who isn’t playing.”

McManus and Hutton set to face Iceland

Stephen McManus missed the 3-0 defeat at the hands of the Dutch due to injury but looks like being fit in time to face Iceland at Hampden on Wednesday. Alan Hutton also looks like starting the game after coming on as a late sub against the Dutch.

However, Derby winger Kris Commons has not recovered from a calf injury.

“Stephen McManus is back with us and very keen to play,” confirmed Scotland assistant manager Terry Butcher.

“We are very optimistic he will take part in training, so that’s a big plus as well.

“He shows the great spirit we have here. We are all determined to get the three points on Wednesday.”

On Hutton, Inverness boss Butcher said: “It was great seeing him back on Saturday.

“He felt the effects of the 30 minutes of the game he played. It was a very fast tempo against a very good Dutch side, but he thoroughly enjoyed it.

“The work done on Saturday and the work done since then puts him in the frame for a starting place against Iceland.”

Christophe Berra looks set to give way in the team for McManus to rejoin his club partner Caldwell in defence while Graham Alexander looks like giving way for Hutton to return.

“I got on the other night against Holland and felt sharp so, if called upon, I don’t see why I wouldn’t be able to do my best,” said Hutton.

“Back at Spurs I’ve been working very hard over the last few weeks - a lot harder than I did the last time I was injured - because I knew these massive games were coming up.

“I’ve been desperate to be involved and when I got the call I could have run up here.”

There were no new injuries to report after the defeat in Amsterdam but manager George Burley cannot call on the services of prior casualties; James McFadden, Shaun Maloney, Barry Robson, Paul Hartley, David Weir, Kirk Broadfoot and Kevin Thomson.

With the Dutch running away with Group 9, Scotland are vying with Iceland, Norway and Macedonia for second place and a possible play-off spot.

Holland vs Scotland Preview

As Scotland take to the pitch in the Amsterdam Arena tomorrow night, the mood will be one of excitement, anticipation and perhaps a little dread. Indeed, not since the days of Berti Vogts has a Scotland match been met with such rampant pessimism as the upcoming Group Nine encounter and, though this will no doubt give way, by virtue of a few pints, to a brash kilt-flaunting confidence by the time kick off arrives, it is easy to understand why some of the Tartan Army have reservations about the nation’s chances.

After a stuttering start to the campaign which leaves the Scots on four points from their first three games, the trip to face a Holland side sporting a 100% record has been rocked by a series of injuries which have left an already threadbare squad in tatters. Paul Hartley, Stephen McManus, Alan Hutton, David Weir, James McFadden and Barry Ferguson are all either doubts or certainties to miss the game and this is merely the tip of the iceberg. That all six took part in our one ray of hope—the 1-0 victory over France at the Parc des Princes in September 2007—just adds weight to the uneasy rumblings emanating from all corners of the country. The memory, too, of the 6-0 drubbing which befell us on our last visit to face the Dutch in 2003, looms large in the Scottish psyche and ensures that anything better than a point is deemed a result as outlandish as Darren Mackie winning the next Golden Shoe.

Yet, the Scottish star has not fallen as far as some would have us believe. The loss to Macedonia, disappointing though it may be, was firmly in keeping with losses to Georgia and Belarus in other, more positive, campaigns. These are the results for which the expression “we never do things the easy way” was invented and the 2-1 win in Iceland, which followed, has proven a better result than originally anticipated with the island nation now sitting, surprisingly, in joint-second place in the group. It is worth reiterating that second place, barring a piece of extreme misfortune, will be enough to secure the play-off place which was, realistically, our goal all along and, though a sizeable percentage of the country appeared to throw in the towel after the 0-0 draw with Norway at Hampden in October, Scotland’s start has arguably been better than each of our three closest challengers.

Some solace may also be found in the history of our opponents. The story of Dutch football has been littered with whirlwind starts, featuring truly scintillating football, which have ran out of steam and met decidedly anticlimactic conclusions. Such was the case in Euro 2008, where the same Holland side that appeared invincible in the group stages were comprehensively outplayed by Guus Hiddink’s Russia and deservedly dumped out of the competition at the quarter-final stage. A nation which has veered so often from greatness to incompetence must, at some stage, suffer the dip in form needed for Scotland’s makeshift side to accomplish a positive result. That the Dutch made hard-work of stuffy and well organised defensive performances by Romania, Albania and even Luxembourg in the last campaign, provides some hope that a heroic backs to the wall effort may prove enough to take home an invaluable point or, perhaps, something more.

So whilst, in the absence of Robin van Persie, Arjen Robben and Klaas Jan Huntelaar, we may have to make do with Kenny Miller, Graham Alexander and Gary Teale, it is worth remembering the many occasions where a seemingly unbeatable Dutch side has been humbled by an un-fancied team willing to go that extra mile for the cause. Here’s hoping history repeats itself on Saturday night.

Stuart Brown

Beckham wants to concentrate on World Cup

David Beckham looks set to play in England’s friendly with Slovakia tomorrow and get even closer to the England caps record, infact becoming the most capped outfield player in England history. However Beckham is playing this down saying that he wants to concentrate on just getting England to the World Cup.

“It would be special but I would rather get the team to the World Cup than anything else.

“When I was on 94 caps I never expected to make 100.”

“I didn’t believe I would play for England once I was taken out of the team.

“When I was left out of the squad by [former coach] Steve McClaren I just allowed myself to be proud of the number of caps I had.

“As a young boy all I dreamed of was playing at Wembley and playing for my country, even if it was just the once.

“It was only when I got to 50 that I thought about reaching 100. But I definitely felt I would end up on 94.”

Beckham has been rejuvenated since his loan move to AC Milan which has seen him back to playing some of his best football.

“Once we’ve qualified I need to stay fit and get in the squad,” he said. “If that happens we will wait and see where I am on the caps front.

“If I break Shilton’s record then great. If not we will have to see what the future holds.”

Capello wants Rooney to calm down

Wayne Rooney apparently got singled out by Fabio Capello at the England training ground for his reaction at being sent off against Fulham.

“What were you doing punching the corner flag? You’re a crazy man, a crazy man,” he reportedly told Rooney.

Rooney received his second yellow and then the red for throwing the ball in the direction of the referee, though he claims it was to his team so they could take the free kick quickly.

The disciplinary record for Rooney has got better this term with him not receiving a caution in his last 5 England internationals and only having received 6 bookings all season. Rooney will however now miss United’s match with Aston Villa on the 5th of April.

It is thought that Capello has been concerned by a number of incidents involving members of his squad since the last time they met up.

Ashley Cole was arrested earlier this month for being drunk and disorderly while Steven Gerrard faces affray charges over a disturbance at a Southport bar in December.

The Italian disciplinarian hopes a gentle warning will be enough to remind Rooney and others of the need for discipline as they look to make it five wins from five at the top of their World Cup qualifying group against Ukraine on Wednesday.

Croatia aim to get 2010 goal back on track

The Croatia national football team has met in Rovinj in Istria this week to prepare for their match with Andorra for the World Cup qualifiers on Wednesday, April 1st. Coach Slaven Bilic has come up rather short-handed with his strikers. He announced his lineup last week, and since, Ivica Olic has become ill over the weekend and Mario Mandzukic has picked up an injury. Before, Mladen Petric was ruled out with an injury while Eduardo Da Silva and Ivan Klasnic were hoping to be fit enough.

Bilic reported, “Mandzukic and Klasnic will have to have additional examinations, but Eduardo is in a worse position. But, what calms me about Eduardo is that he was on the bench during Saturday’s game with Newcastle, and I know Arsenal coach Arsene Wenger would not have let him play if he was not assured that he was recovered.”
 
Arrangements have been made for Olic to stay in Hamburg, Germany and get well as soon as possible. They are hoping he will be well enough to join the rest of the squad in a few days. So, as it stands, Nikola Kalinic will be their striker for sure and Ivan Klasnic will likely join him.
 
Originally, Bilic’s plans were to defeat Andorra with serious and professional play. Despite the changes in his lineup, he still has a midfield full of players who like to get forward. Modric, Kranjcar, Srna, Rakitic, and Drpic all love to attack goal, and from defense, Corluka and Krizanac like to take their chances.
 
Bilic finished his team report by saying, “We should not forget that, after Andorra, Ukraine comes to Zagreb, and we then have away games with Belarus and England, which will be the games that will determine our fate.”

Jill Guthrie            

McGregor to get the No1 jersey for Scotland

Craig Gordon is George Burleys usual no.1 however, with Gordon struggling to hold down a starting spot at Sunderland Burley has opted for Rangers goalkeeper Alan McGregor to start against Holland. McGregor has regained some of the fine form he showed on route to last year’s Uefa Cup final.

Burley said: “Allan McGregor will play because Craig has not been playing first-team football.

“Allan deserves a chance and he will start in Holland.”

The Scotland manager explained his decision to award McGregor his fourth cap, almost two years after the keeper made his international debut in a 1-0 win in Austria.

He said: “There has been a lot of talk, a lot of speculation, people talking about the pros and cons of who to play.

“I had a chat with both goalkeepers yesterday and both were pushing for the number one spot.

“Craig is a magnificent goalkeeper but Allan did well against Argentina and he has been playing well for Rangers. Allan is excited at the prospect.

“It was important to make this decision now and not later.”

Gordon moved to Sunderland in 2007 for an initial £7million has struggled to regain his spot from Martin Fulop and the goalkeeper will only be too well aware of the need for you to play regularly at club level after the fall out between Burley and Kris Boyd.

Alan Hutton will not play in the match against Holland as it looks like coming just too early for the Spurs defender.

“Alan played 72 minutes at West Brom on Monday and did very well. He had no problems and looked lively and bright,” said Burley.

“But I spoke to him yesterday and I am not planning to play him in Holland although he will be considered for the Iceland game.”

Scotland squad to face the Netherlands:

Goalkeepers: Craig Gordon (Sunderland), Allan McGregor (Rangers), David Marshall (Norwich City).

Defenders: Graham Alexander (Burnley), Darren Barr (Falkirk), Christophe Berra (Wolverhampton Wanderers), Gary Caldwell (Celtic), Alan Hutton (Tottenham Hotspur), Jamie McAllister (Bristol City), Stephen McManus (Celtic), Gary Naysmith (Sheffield United), Steven Whittaker (Rangers).

Midfield: Scott Brown (Celtic), Barry Ferguson (Rangers), Darren Fletcher (Manchester United), James Morrison (West Bromwich Albion), Gavin Rae (Cardiff City), Gary Teale (Derby County).

Forwards: David Clarkson (Motherwell), Steven Fletcher (Hibernian), Chris Iwelumo (Wolverhampton Wanderers), Ross McCormack (Cardiff City), Kenny Miller (Rangers).

Tottenham’s King leaves England camp

Spurs defender Ledley King has left England’s training camp and will not take part in the matches against Slovakia or Ukraine and his departure could infact signal the end of his international career all together.

King was called up even though he has a chronic knee injury which restricts the amount of games he can play and the intensity he is able to train at but Capello wanted the English medics to assess the defender after he was impressed by the defenders performances in the league.

The Spurs club captain arrived with Fabio Capello’s party at Arsenal’s London Colney training facility on Tuesday but did not train and returned to the England hotel and then to his club.

An FA statement said: “Both parties agreed the best interests of the player are served by continuing his individual training programme at the club.

“Ledley King has returned to Spurs Lodge to continue his rehabilitation over the course of the international break, following discussions and assessments overnight by the medical staff of both the club and the England national team.”

The FA defended the decision to bring King into the squad: “The England management will take no risks,” a spokesman said.

“They fully understand Ledley’s injury situation but they want to have a close look at him.”

Capello has already pledged to use his maximum six substitutes against Slovakia as he attempts to keep his players as fresh as possible for the match against Ukraine.

“The Ukraine game is very important to us,” said the Italian. “Their league only started at the beginning of March so their players will be very fresh.

“Ours are a little bit tired but I think the fans will help us this time. We will have 12 players on the pitch.”

Peter Crouch was forced to miss training on Tuesday, with a calf injury, along with Manchester City winger Shaun Wright-Phillips who sat out with a sore back, although it is not thought to be serious.

Baines proud of England call up

Leighton Baines has been called up to the England squad for the friendlies against Slovakia on the 28th of March and Ukraine on the 1st of April.

The Everton left back is hoping to take advantage of the situation and impress Fabio Capello.

“This is the proudest moment of my career,” said Baines.

“I never really expected to get the call but it is a terrific opportunity and I will give it my best shot.”

Baines has been rewarded for his impressive form in Everton’s defence and joins his club team-mates Joleon Lescott and Phil Jagielka in the England set-up.

It is the first time since the 1980s that the Goodison Park outfit have had three players in the England squad.

“To get recognition at this level is something everyone aspires to, I am delighted and honoured to have been called up,” added Baines.

“Everything has happened so quickly. I was only thinking the other day that at Christmas I felt I would be lucky to get a run of two or three games in our team.

“But I am feeling a lot more confident now. Things had been stop-start since I came here but I always felt that if I could get a run of 12 or 15 games I would be much better.

“Thankfully that has happened and I am so pleased with the way things have gone recently.”

Bilic Announces Croatia Lineup for Andorra Clash

On Wednesday the 18th, Croatia coach Slaven Bilic announced the team lineup for their upcoming World Cup 2010 qualifier against Andorra to be played on Wednesday, April 1st. There is no surprise that Niko Kovac shall not appear in the squad, as he is retired, and Robert Kovac is still suspended with a red card. However, striker Mladen Petric will not feature because of a torn thigh muscle picked up in Hamburg SV’s 2-0 win over Energie Cottbus in the German Bundesliga. On the other hand, Hajduk Split player, Drago Gabric, will be looking to establish a place in the first national team.

Slaven Bilic said when he announced the lineup, “It will be our first qualifying game in 5 months. We will have to deal with a long trip and a bad field, but the only thing that matters is a win.” The squad will meet and prepare for the game at Rovinj in Istria rather than their usual place in Catez, Slovenia. This, being their second match with Andorra in their qualifying campaign, should be a rather easy match as they previously won over Andorra 4-0. The goals game from Olic, Modric, and two from Rakitic to secure their victory. They need another 3 points from this match in order to pass England and stay at the top of their group table.

The Lineup:

Stipe Pletikosa, Vedran Runje, Danijel Subasic, Vedran Corluka, Ivica Krizanac, Hrvoje Vejic, Dario Knezevic, Dino Drpic, Danijel Pranjic, Hrvoje Cale, Ivan Juric, Nikola Pokrivac, Ognjen Vukojevic, Jerko Leko, Luka Modric, Niko Kranjcar, Darijo Srna, Ivan Rakitic, Drago Gabric, Eduardo Da Silva, Ivica Olic, Ivan Klasnic, Mario Mandzukic, Nikola Kalinic, Josip Simunic

Jill Guthrie

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