Tuesday 31 May 2005
5 minutes but it all counts
Cap number 2, lets hope that's not the end of Luke's England career. I guess a lot of what he did in training and his presence within the tour squad will go a long way to whether Sven will call him into the squad again other than what we saw in his time on the pitch. I personally think he's certainly a viable alternative to Phil Neville and Glen Johnson as a back up to first choice right-back Gary Neville.
This much criticised tour has been an overwhelming success. Today's game in which Michael Owen proved he is still England's number one striker was very competitive with a more intense atmosphere, whilst Saturday's game went a long way to increasing popularity of the beautiful game in this country.
Players such as Kieran Richardson and Zat Knight staked claims for their further inclusion and Joe Cole was impressive in both games. The English fans in Chicago and New Jersey were also a credit to football and their country.
Meanwhile, the transfer jungle drums had a bit of the Red Red Robin about them today. European Champions League hero Vladimir Smicer has stated our interest in him and Danny Murphy may have a lot of influence in any move. The icLiverpool website says that the Valley "appears to be his preferred option." (more).
Sunderland appear to have agreed a fee with Blackburn Rovers for 22-year old striker Jon Stead but rumours suggest that we could be ready to fight for his signature.
The vultures are flying over Portman Road. Local papers in Ipswich say that Sunderland also plan talks with Darren Bent but we are in the front of the queue, however wages are a stumbling block for Francis Jeffers moving in the opposite direction. (more)
Sunderland's PR machine has been busy today with stories that Jason Euell is heading to the Stadium of Light.
The Dean Kiely to Old Trafford reserves rumour is gathering legs but surely the Sky's Scott Parker chestnut is sat on the side of the road. ¶ 22:21
Cap number 2, lets hope that's not the end of Luke's England career. I guess a lot of what he did in training and his presence within the tour squad will go a long way to whether Sven will call him into the squad again other than what we saw in his time on the pitch. I personally think he's certainly a viable alternative to Phil Neville and Glen Johnson as a back up to first choice right-back Gary Neville.
This much criticised tour has been an overwhelming success. Today's game in which Michael Owen proved he is still England's number one striker was very competitive with a more intense atmosphere, whilst Saturday's game went a long way to increasing popularity of the beautiful game in this country.
Players such as Kieran Richardson and Zat Knight staked claims for their further inclusion and Joe Cole was impressive in both games. The English fans in Chicago and New Jersey were also a credit to football and their country.
Meanwhile, the transfer jungle drums had a bit of the Red Red Robin about them today. European Champions League hero Vladimir Smicer has stated our interest in him and Danny Murphy may have a lot of influence in any move. The icLiverpool website says that the Valley "appears to be his preferred option." (more).
Sunderland appear to have agreed a fee with Blackburn Rovers for 22-year old striker Jon Stead but rumours suggest that we could be ready to fight for his signature.
The vultures are flying over Portman Road. Local papers in Ipswich say that Sunderland also plan talks with Darren Bent but we are in the front of the queue, however wages are a stumbling block for Francis Jeffers moving in the opposite direction. (more)
Sunderland's PR machine has been busy today with stories that Jason Euell is heading to the Stadium of Light.
The Dean Kiely to Old Trafford reserves rumour is gathering legs but surely the Sky's Scott Parker chestnut is sat on the side of the road. ¶ 22:21
