Scotland v England

International Friendly

Celtic Park

18th November 2014 @ 20.00 GMT

How are the two sides form?

Scotland gave Ireland a lecture in the perfect goal during the weekends EURO 2016 qualification-group matches with a 1-0 victory. The Scotsmen are unbeaten in their last three matches 

England are unbeaten in their group after winning 3-1 against Slovenia during the weekend, and are looking secure their place in the EURO. Therefore, Roy Hodgson probably will try out some of the younger players against Scotland.

England won the last match between the two sides, 3-2.

What are the probable line ups?

Marshall

Whittaker - Martin - Hanley - Robertson

Maloney - Brown - Mulgrew - Anya

Fletcher - Naismith

________________________________________

Sterling - Rooney - Welbeck

Henderson - Wilshere - Lallana

Clyne - Cahill - Jagielka - Gibbs

Hart

Worth keeping an eye on

Scotland - Ikechi Anya: The Watford winger socred a wonder-goal against Germany and the Anya will be a handful for any defender.

England - Danny Welbeck: Hodgson has named Welbeck as his plan A and the manager has strong believes in the Arsenal striker. He scored twice against Slovenia and will be a handful for the Scotland defend.

What to expect from this match?

This match has England written all over it, but Scotland is not a bad side and a win against England will mean the world to the fans. England looks strong at the moment, and they should be clear winners against Scotland, but as we saw against Ireland, the Scots are capable of scoring some wonderful goals and create chances out of nothing. The England defend doesn't seem as strong as it could be, and this might be the Scots chance. 

What are the odds?

Scotland: 11/4 (Betfred)

Draw: 12/5 (Betfair)

England: 6/5 (Paddypower) 

Roy Hodgson is building up a new national team after the departure of experienced Frank Lampard, Steven Gerrard and Ashley Young. Now, a new squad is facing Norway in this season's first friendly.

England v Norway

International Friendly

Wembley Stadium

03-09-2014 @ 20.00 BST

How are the two sides form?

England - once again - had a terrible World Cup finals, losing against Italy and Uruguay, and only getting one point against Costa Rica. Since then, some of the England legends have stepped back and new upcoming hopes are set to take over.

Norway did not qualify for the World Cup, and had a quiet summer, before playing against the United Arab Emirates last week. The match ended in a goalless draw.

What are the probable line-ups?

It is an England squad with only a few players from the World Cup, why we can expect some new faces in the line up. 

Pedersen - Gulbrandsen

Skjelbred - Tettey - Johansen - Elyounoussi

Høgli - Forren - Reginiussen - Linnes

Jarstein

England v Denmark

International Friendly

Wembley 

05-03-2014 @ 20.00 UK

How are the the two teams form?

England have lost their last two matches at Wembley - 0-1 to Germany and 0-2 to Chile - but as on Wednesday those two matches were friendlies. As Roy Hodgson is preparing for the World Cup we might see an alternative starting line-up against Denmark, why the earlier results does't matter. 

Denmark won 3-2 by a hattrick of Martin Jørgensen last time they visited Wembley, back in 2003. Since then, Denmark and England have played twice with a win to each side. 4-1 to Denmark in 2005 and 2-0 to England in 2011. 

What are the probable line-ups?

While England is preparing for the World Cup, Morten Olsen is trying out new players for the EURO 2016 qualifications, why we might see alternative line-ups from both sides.

Hart

Shaw - Cahill - Smalling - Johnson

Carrick - Gerrard

Wilshere - Rooney - Oxlade-Chamberlain

Sturridge

_______________________________________

Bendtner

Olsen - Eriksen - Krohn-Dehli

Kvist - Zimling

Ankersen - Kjær - Agger - Jacobsen

Andersen

What to expect from this match?

The last four matches between the two nations have resulted in two wins and eight goals to each side. It is, therefore, hard to predict how this match will go, but on paper England are favorites. In fact, Denmark has not less than 11 Danish Superliga players in the squad compared to the English with only one player not playing in the Premier League. That said, Denmark has surprised against England before and will give it a go on Wembley, especially because a number of players are trying to convince Morten Olsen that they should be a part of the future Danish team. The same goes for England where every player will be battling for a place in the World Cup squad. I expect to see a lot of substitutes during the match, which might affect the flow of the match, but it should still be a very good performance. 

What are the odds?

Totesport has England as favorites with a 4/6 bet while youwin only gives a 11/2 on Denmark to win at Wembley. 

While Roy Hodgson has announced a 30 men squad for the friendly in March, the Danish manager has settled with 22. Among the 22 players, 11 may be unknown for the English fans as they normally play in the Danish Superliga. However, no need to worry; Lord Bendtner is ready for Wembley.

Former Charlton goalkeeper Stephan Andersen and Leicester keeper Kasper Schmeichel has been selected for the match along with FC Midtjylland's Jonas Lössl. 

In the defends Denmark has Andreas Bjelland, Liverpool's Daniel Agger, former Everton back Lars Jacobsen as well as Midtjylland's Jesper Juelsgaard, Esbjerg's Peter Ankersen and finally Simon Kjær of Lille.  

The biggest name on the Danish midfield is Christian Eriksen and he will be accompanied by either experienced Mainz midfielder Niki Zimling and Fulham loanee William Kvist. The other midfielders for the match are Casper Sloth and Danny Olsen, both AGF, Kasper Kusk, Aalborg BK, Thomas Delaney of FC Copenhagen, Thomas Kahlenberg, Brøndby, Emil Larsen of Odense and Martin Braithwaite of Toulouse and Michael Krohn-Dehli of Celta Vigo.

In the attack former Celtic striker Morten Duncan Rasmussen will battle with Nicklas Bendtner for a place in the starting line up. 

The match is played on the 5th of March.

Rio Ferdinand and John Terry have played their last England match, and now it seems as Ashley Cole is joining the Ex-international. Can Luke Shaw get his first World Cup?

The veterans are ruled out one by one. First Rio Ferdinand was out; then Roy Hodgson announced that John Terry was a part of the past and with Ashley Coles lack of playing time in Chelsea, he looks to be the next to be sacked by England manager. 

The 33-year old defender have not started a Premier League match since 11 January and is being linked with a move away in the summer. César Azpilicueta is the favorite for José Mourinho, and he is not ready to give Cole a chance even though it can cost the defender his World Cup place:

Cole's 106 caps for England are being challenged by Everton's Leighton Baines who has been around the squad for a couple of years now. However, two other players are also pressuring Hodgson for a place in the World Cup squad; Arsenal's Kieran Gibbs and Southampton's Luke Shaw. 

While Gibbs is battling with Nacho Monreal for a place in the Arsenal starting line up, Luke Shaw has played 23 matches for Southampton this season, and is considered as one of the greatest England talents for years. The 18-year old are a future prospect for the England side, and will sooner of later earn his spot on the team. 

Leighton Baines are in front of the two younger defenders when it comes to starting for England against Denmark on the 5th of March as well as for the World Cup. However, either Shaw or Gibbs will probably replace the 33-year old Cole in the squad, with the first most likely to be called up. The new England is beginning to take shape.

Tuesday FIFA announced the seeding pots for the World Cup 2014 in Brazil, and surprisingly decided to scrap the original plan - to use Octobers world ranking to determine which teams to join Brazil as top seeds - instead there will be a random draw of one of the nine UEFA sides.

The first team to be drawn out of the 31 nations to join Brazil, will be an UEFA side and will be put into a group headed by either Argentina, Columbia, Uruguay or the hosts.

If England are drawn out as the first team, they could then face a horror group with Brazil, Italy and USA, and even if they stay in pot 4 they are likely to face Spain, Chile and Mexico. However, the Three Lions can also be lucky to end in a group with Switzerland, Algeria and Costa Rica.

The confirmed pots looks as follows:

Pot 1: Brazil, Spain, Argentina, Germany, Colombia, Belgium, Uruguay, Switzerland

Pot 2: Algeria, Cameroon, Ghana, Nigeria, Ivory Coast, Ecuador, Chile

Pot 3: Japan, South Korea, Australia, Iran, USA, Costa Rica, Honduras, Mexico

Pot 4: England, Bosnia-Herzogovina, Italy, Holland, Russia Greece, Croatia, Portugal, France

England v Germany

International Friendly

19-11-2013 @ 20.00 UK

England won their World Cup Qualification group a single point ahead of Ukraine. After going through the group unbeaten, The Three Lions lost 2-0 against Chile on Wembley, however; it have to be said that Roy Hodgson was experimenting with the formations and players.

Meanwhile, Germany also made it through their World Cup qualification group unbeaten, winning with eight points to Sweden second. On Friday Germany met Italy in a hard played friendly which ended in a draw.

The last six matches between the two sides have ended with three wins to both teams.

What are the probable line-ups?

Joe Hart is back in the England goal, while Adam Lallana will have his second succesive match after getting his debut on Friday. Germany will be saving some of the players, why Dortmund keeper Weidenfeller will have his debut in the German goal against England.

Hart

Walker - Smalling - Jagielka - Cole

Gerrard - Cleverley

Townsend - Rooney - Lallane

Sturridge

___________________________________________

Klose

Draxler - Schurrle - Reus

Bender - Muller

Janssen - Mertesacker - Hummels - Boateng

Weidenfeller

What to expect from this match?

Despite Germany saving some of the biggest profiles, it is two quality line-ups clashing tomorrow. This match might be a friendly, but the meetings between the two sides are almost never "friendly" and I expect this one to be played hard, as well. England might be playing their best players at the moment, but England are favorites in my eyes. Their "B" squad is almost as good as their "A", and I think England will get in trouble tomorrow.

What are the odds?

All of the bookmakers have Germany as favorites with Youwin offering the best odds with 6/4. Meanwhile, PaddyPower offers a 21/10 for an England victory while a draw gives 5/2 at Bwin.

Remember when Joe Hart was as strong as Captain America and would let nothing pass him in his goal? Whether you're a Manchester City and England fan or not, you had to be impressed by his amazing form. However, since the start of 2013 Hart have been more known for his mistakes than his savings. Let's take a look on a few of them:

News is that Hart will be replaced for the Manchester City Capital One Cup Match against Newcastle United; maybe the future for the goalie? But how will that affect England? Let's face it: at the moment there is no other goalkeeper good enough to guard the goal for England, so should he really be dropped? Most England fans are crossing everything they possibly can hoping for a Hart back in form.

World Cup Qualification UEFA Group H

Wembley Stadium

15-10-2013 @ 20.00 UK

How are the two teams form?

England took an important victory on Friday against Montenegro, but still needs a win to keep their 1st in the Group. The match against Montenegro showed a determined England team that was in it to win it. Montenegro is not an a bad team, but on paper Poland is better. However, England is unbeaten in their 5 last internationals!

Poland lost against Ukraine in the last match, and is 4th in the group and can not qualify for the World Cup any longer. However, Robert Lewandowski have sworn that Poland will not lay down and let England roll over them.

The last meeting between the two nations ended in a draw; Poland have never won against England.

What are the probable line ups?

Raheem Sterling has been called up for the final match of the qualification while Ashley Cole definitely is out. Poland, on the other hand, will probably play the same starting XI as they did against Ukraine as they will play to win against England.

As Robert Lewandowski has sworn, Poland is not going to let England just walk over them. The Three Lions are sure to end at least as 2nd, but will do whatever they can to win against Poland.

Robert Lewandowski is Poland's best player at the moment, and if England manages to mark him so tight he won't get a chance in front of the goal. The two teams strenghts are the pacey wings, and Sturridge and Welbeck will have to support Rooney with some in-depth runs.

1.  Hopefully, Hart will be more awake than this guy

Frank Lampard will reach 100 caps for England when he steps into the limelight against Ukraine tonight.

The 35-year old midfielder had his England debut in 1999 in the 2-1 win against Belgium. Since then, Lampard has more or less become a star on the England team.

England manager Roy Hodgson have confirmed that Frank Lampard will start against Ukraine, and said to Skysports.com:

"I'm happy to be part of that. I don't think there will be many players who will play for England for two or three years, let alone 14 years."

The Chelsea midfielder has almost won everything possible on club level, but is still missing a trophy with England. Next year's World Cup might be his last chance for international success, and a win tonight will be important.

"By hook or by crook we have to perform, we have to work hard, we have to play well and we have to get the result," Lampard told Sky Sports News.

Frank Lampard will be the eight player to win 100 caps for England following Peter Shilton (125), David Beckham (115), Bobby Moore (108), Bobby Charlton (106), Billy Wright (105), Steven Gerrard and Ashley Cole (105). 

The trial against John Terry, charged with a racially-aggravated public order offence, started yesterday at London's Westminster Magistrates' Court. Has the Terry-case gone too far?

Racism is never okay; not even on a football pitch. But for me, the case against John Terry has gone too far. There is no doubt that the Chelsea-defender shall be punished, and The FA has already stripped the England Captaincy of him. The question is if what happens of a football pitch should be judged as a public order offence.

John Terry has always been one of Premier Leagues ‘Bad boys’ and the trial, which has been requested by the public, seems  as a revenge for the defenders past. The defender suffers under, not just his own mistakes, but also his family’s as his father has been accused of dealing drugs while his mother and sister is accused of shoplifting. At this moment, it may sound as I am a fan of the Chelsea player, but please believe me, as an Arsenal fan through many years John Terry is not a favorite player at all. I would love to see him go down, but not like this.

Terry is risking a fine of £2500, which for he will be able to pay in less than a day’s work. This seems downright ridicules to me, as well. First of all, he should not be judged by the public law but by The FA. Second of all racism should be punished much harder. Luis Suarez was banned and fined hard by the Football Association, but Ferdinand has not been punished yet. It is obviously that FA is waiting for the Westminster Magistrates' Court’s decision, but it should not be necessary. If they believe he is guilty, they should punish him just as they punished Suarez.

If Terry is found guilty, my fear is that we will see a lot of situations as this in the future. What happens on the pitch should be judged by the Football Association and not a court. Even though, some will argue me wrong, situations happening on the football pitch are different from the situations happening on the streets. Football is a contact sport and sometimes a sportsman says wrong things in frustration.  My hope is that the court will set things apart!

The trial is scheduled to end on Friday, until then we can only wait and see.

Poland - Greece 1-1

The EURO 2012 opening match was more exciting than anyone would have ever guessed. Poland started the match with a high pressure and had two major chances to Robert Lewandowski and Rafal Murawski after just four minutes play. After fifteen minutes play, Robert Lewandowski brought Poland in front with a perfect header behind Greece’s goalkeeper. A few minutes before the break, Greece defender Sokratis Papastathopoulos was shown his second yellow card and sent off.

From the start of the second half, Greece started pressuring Poland, resulting in a goal from Salpigidis, after a riposte.  With twenty minutes left Polish goalkeeper Szczesny tackled Salpigidis. Greece was given a penalty, and Szczesny a red card. This looked like the chance for Greece. However, reserve keeper Tyton wanted it different, when he saved Karagounis’ penalty kick.

No further goals were scored in hard played opening match where Poland overall was best.

Carlsberg Man of The Match Award: Robert Lewandowski, Poland

Russia - Czech Republic 4-1

Russia showed why they are favorites in group A, in their opening match against the Czech Republic. However, from the start of the match the Czech’s were dominant and had a couple of chances to bring themselves in front.  After fifteen minutes play, the situation changed and Russia took over, bringing themselves in front by Alan Dzagoev on a contra. Ten minutes later Roman Shirikov put the ball over Petr Cech’s and in to the goal. 2-0.

Shortly into the second half, the Czech Republic answered back and reduced to 1-2 by a goal from Pilar.  This was a wake-up call for Russia, and after 78 minutes, Dzagoev became a double goal scorer. The last goal was scored by Roman Pavlyuchenko who played with the Czech defense before hammering the ball in the net.

Overall Russia controlled the match and showed off some attacking football, making them the favorites of the group. 

Carlsberg Man of The Match Award: Alan Dzagoev, Russia 

Group B

 

Holland - Denmark 0-1

Denmark delivered quite a surprise in the opening match of group B. Even though Denmark and Daniel Agger had the first real chance in the match, they were under constant pressure from Holland. The Dutch and especially Robin van Persie missed one chance after the other in the first twenty minutes. However, after a couple of chances to Denmark, Michael Krohn-Dehli received the ball in Holland’s goal area and rounded a defender before putting the ball between goalkeeper Stekelenburg’s leg and into the goal. 1-0 to Denmark. Just before, the break Holland had a shot on the post after goal keeper Stephan Andersen played the ball directly in the feet of van Persie.

From the start of the second half, Denmark was put under a massive pressure once again, but they managed to keep the Dutch from scoring. Denmark had a few chances but was not close to scoring their second goal. Instead, they delivered some stabile defensive work in a match where Holland was best.

Carlsberg Man of The Match Award: Michael Krohn-Dehli, Denmark

Germany - Portugal 0-1

German coach Joachim Löw surprised when he decided to put Mario Gomez in the starting XI instead of Miroslav Klose. However, it should turn out to be an excellent decision.

Both teams started the match by showing respect for each other, and there were more defensive play than goal chances. Germany had a couple of chances, but the Portuguese defensive were controlling. Shortly before the break, Pepe had a header on the post, making the ball dance on the goal line before the Germans cleared.

From the start of the second half, Portugal was getting better and better. However, it was Germany who scored a goal. Sami Khedira found Mario Gomez in the box, and as always he was deadly with his head and scored to 1-0. With ten minutes left, Ronaldo was close to scoring, but Neuer saved three points to Germany.

Carlsberg Man of The Match Award: Mesut Özil, Germany

Group C

	Played	Win	Draw	Lost	For	Against	+/-	Points
Croatia	1	1	0	0	3	1	+2	3
Spain	1	0	1	0	1	1	0	1
Italy	1	0	1	0	1	1	0	1
Ireland	1	0	0	1	1	3	-2	0

 
Spain - Italy 1-1


Both Spain and Italy created an overflow of chances in the opening match of group C. While Spain was most in possession in the first half it was Italy who had the first dangerous shot on target. Cassano had a strike just past the post followed up by a shot directly on Iker Casillas.

Spain came into the second half with a bit more heart and especially Cesc Fabregas was playing better. However after 60 minutes it was Italy who scored the first goal. Antonio di Natale was suddenly free with the goal keeper, and the striker had no problems sending his nation in front. But before the Italians had finished celebrating, Fabregas equalized just three minutes later. David Silva found Fabregas in the box, with a magnificent pass, and the midfielder only had to touch the ball. It not looked like both teams would settle with a draw, and only a few chances were created before the final whistle.

Carlsberg Man of the Match Award: Andrés Iniesta, Spain

Republic of Ireland - Croatia 1-3

Croatia started the match with lighting and thunder, bringing themselves in front after just three minutes play. Mandžukić directed the ball into the net, by a header, after he almost had sat on the grass. However, the Irish was not so easy to shock and after 15 minutes of fight they came back in the match. A free kick was sent into the box where St Ledger came first with a header and scored to 1-1. It was Croatia who, overall, was best in the match and just minutes before the break Nikica Jelavic was given a loose chance, and scored to 2-1.

Croatia would make another chock start in the second half, as they scored the third goal just three minutes after the break. Once again Mandžukić was on the spot and headed the ball on the post, hitting the Irish goalkeeper in the back of the head and into the goal. 3-1. Ireland did not seem to be able to come back from this, while Croatia on several occasions showed some beautiful passing play and was closer on another scoring, than Ireland was.

Carlsberg Man of The Match Award: Mario Mandžukić, Croatia

Group D 

	Played	Win	Draw	Lost	For	Against	+/-	Points
Ukraine	1	1	0	0	2	1	+1	3
England	1	0	1	0	1	1	0	1
France	1	0	1	0	1	1	0	1
Sweden	1	0	0	1	1	2	-1	0

France - England 1-1

The expectations were high towards the clash between France and England. However, the match turned out to fizzle out and be boring. Both teams had their chances in the first fifteen minutes. After ten minutes, Samir Nasri, had a blow just past the post while James Milner had a huge chance, on which he should had scored. However, we had to wait thirty minutes before Gerrand send a perfect free kick into the box where Joleon Lescott headed England in front. Shortly after, France had a double chance but Joe Hart delivered an outstanding performance. Shortly before the break, Nasri sent a shot on goal from the edge of the box, sliding in to the net at the nearest post and equalized the match. 1-1 at the break.

Second half started with a pressure on England, but after a while, England managed to take over the match. At this point, both teams looked satisfied with just 1 point, and the match started to fizzle out.
 
Carlsberg Man of The Match Award: Samir Nasri, France

Ukraine - Sweden 2-1

Ukraine and Sweden met in the last match of round one. The first twenty minutes were hard played and low on chances, but then things changed as veteran striker Shevchenko started moving. However, it was Sweden and Zlatan Ibrahimovic who were nearest the first goal. After a perfect cross, Zlatan headed on the post.

Sweden was better from the start of the second half and came in front after fifty-two minutes when Ibrahimovic scored the first goal. However, only two minutes later Shevchenko had equalized. The old hunter headed the ball past Isaksson on a perfect cross. This started a massive Ukrainian offensive, and while Sweden seemed shaken, Shevchenko scored again to a surprising 2-1 lead. Sweden tried to comeback in the math, but Ukraine was able to keep them away from goal and bring themselves in front of group D.

Carlsberg Man of The Match Award: Andriy Shevchenko, Ukraine

Top scorer list

Rank	Goals
1	2	Andriy Shevchenko, Ukraine
-	2	Alan Dzagoev, Russia
-	2	Mario Mandžukić, Croatia
2	1	Roman Pavlyuchenko, Russia
-	1	Antonio Di Natale, Italy
-	1	Dimitris Salpingidis, Greece
-	1	Nikica Jelavić, Croatia
-	1	Cesc Fàbregas, Spain
-	1	Mario Gomez, Germany
-	1	Zlatan Ibrahimović, Sweden