Defender Matthew Upson has shrugged off the criticism of England's style of play made by Germany legend Franz Beckenbauer.
Beckenbauer claimed the Three Lions had gone backwards under manager Fabio Capello after reverting to a "kick and rush" style.
The 64-year-old, who captained West Germany to World Cup success in 1974, was unimpressed with England in their opening World Cup game in South Africa, in sharp contrast to his own country's 4-0 demolition of Australia just 24 hours later.
England were held to a 1-1 draw by the United States in Rustenberg on Saturday.
However, Upson claims the England players will ignore Beckenbauer's barbed comments as they prepare to take on Algeria in a vital Group C game on Friday evening.
"We want to win matches, so we will play according to that. We will play the football that suits us best," claimed the West Ham defender, who could start against Algeria following the groin injury suffered by Ledley King.
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
"If we are accused of kick and rush but win something, I don't think many people would complain."
"Whatever he thinks about our style of play is his opinion."Subscribe to Football FanCast News Headlines by Email
The 2010 World Cup was a historic one for all of football as Africa hosted their first ever World Cup. Not only did the host nation South Africa embrace the tournament but so did the whole continent and it was truly a remarkable day for football when the first game kicked off between the hosts South Africa and Mexico. Although nobody realistically thought the Bafana Bafana or indeed any African nation would win the World Cup it would be have been truly stunning had it been achieved.
It does however make you think will an African nation ever be able to win one and what will it take for it to happen? The great Pele incorrectly predicted that an African team would win the World Cup by the end of the 20th Century, despite his incorrect prediction; the African teams have all greatly improved in recent years. Many of them have produced some world class players, but unfortunately they haven’t all been for one team. As a result most African teams seem to have one or two world class players and then the rest are either good or average. If only Africa could play as a continent then they would have a great team that might even possibly be able to win a World Cup.
Here is what a current Africa XI could look like:
Goalkeeper: Vincent Enyeama (Nigeria)
The Nigerian goalkeeper really came to prominence in the World Cup despite the Super Eagles poor showing, he was named as man of the match two of their three games. Enyeama’s form has seen him linked with a move to the Premiership this season and it is hardly surprising, he has been overlooked for some time and perhaps now will get some deserved recognition.
Right Back: Madjid Bougherra (Algeria)
Rangers player Bougherra is very much a ‘footballing defender’, he is very comfortable with the ball at his feet, so much so that he won the award for the Scottish Premier League goal of the season last year. The former Charlton player has been linked with a move to Barcelona following his impressive form in Glasgow for the past two years.
Centre-Back: Kolo Toure (Ivory Coast)
Experienced defender Toure is one of the lynch pins of the Ivory Coast, although he may be inconsistent at time for Manchester City he is a reliable presence for his country. Although he has yet to recapture his Arsenal form at club level remains a top player.
Centre-Back: John Mensah (Ghana)
Former Sunderland loanee Mensah was a rock in defence for Ghana at the World Cup; he was definitely one of the main reasons why the Black Stars reached the quarter-finals. Interestingly statistics show that Sunderland were better in games last season with Mensah in the side than without.
Left Back: Taye Taiwo (Nigeria)
The marauding left back has long been considered the ‘Nigerian Roberto Carlos’, his game is very much based on the legendary Brazilians and also has a powerful left foot; Taiwo has long been admired for his efforts with his club Marseille.
Right Midfield: Mohamed Sissoko (Mali)
Juventus midfielder Sissoko is a tough tackling player who always gives his all, although he may not have had the best of times at Liverpool he has really flourished in Turin and is a firm fans favourite at the club.
Centre Midfield: Michael Essien (Ghana)
Arguably the best African player in the world right now, Essien is the perfect midfielder. He can tackle, shoot and pass all with great ability; it’s no wonder why he is currently the most expensive African player of all time. Unfortunately Essien didn’t get a chance to show off skills in South Africa as he picked up an injury in the African Cup of Nations which ruled him out.
Centre Midfield: Yaya Toure (Ivory Coast)
The new Manchester City signing has been a great player for Barcelona in the last few years and can consider himself unlucky to have been deemed not part of Pep Guardiola’s plans for next season.
Left Midfield: Seydou Keita (Mali)
A regular in the midfield for Barcelona, a lot of Keita’s work goes un-noticed but he has shown to be a key player for the side at times. The Malian always works tirelessly for the team and covers a lot of distance whenever he plays.
Centre Forward: Didier Drogba (Ivory Coast)
Drogba has shown himself to be one of the most lethal strikers in Europe at Chelsea, the front man is big and powerful and a constant threat for defenders, who have to be at the top of their game to handle him. It’s fair to say he isn’t everybody’s favourite player but love him or hate him, the man is a class act.
Centre Forward: Samuel Eto’o (Cameroon)
Eto’o has also proved to be one of the best strikers in the world, his blistering pace and fantastic finishing ability have gotten on him so many goals in recent years, a truly fantastic striker.
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
Do you think that team would be good enough to win the World Cup?
Message me on Twitter with your thoughts
*
Click on image to see a gallery of the BEST BABES at the World Cup this summer
Stoke City manager Tony Pulis has not ruled out the possibility of both James Beattie and Dave Kitson playing for the first team this season.
Both players have been frozen out of the Potters' pre-season programme, the latest match of which ended in a 2-1 win against Burnley.
However, Pulis said:"Beattie trained with the other players who never came, because I wanted to give Mama Sidibe, Ricardo Fuller and Tuncay time in the middle.
"James would have just sat it out, so he had a training session back at the ground instead and I'm told he worked his socks off.
"Beattie and Kitson are both Stoke City players. At the moment they are working hard to keep fit and, if we need them, we need them."
Beattie has been linked with a £1.5million switch to West Brom while Pulis has denied that he is ready to launch a £9million bid for West Ham United striker Carlton Cole.
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
When asked if there was any truth in the Cole rumours, he said:"None whatsoever.
"However, we aren't just after a striker, but three or four players if we can. We have money to spend, but it's got to be the right players at the right prices."Subscribe to Football FanCast News Headlines by Email
Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti has quashed speculation linking him with a move for Benfica left-back Fabio Coentrao.
Rumours continue to circulate about a possible transfer to Real Madrid for Ashley Cole but Ancelotti has reiterated his desire to keep the former Arsenal star at Stamford Bridge.
When asked about the Coentrao rumours, Ancelotti said: "It is not true, totally rubbish."
However, the Blues boss has confirmed that he expects the £18million capture of Benfica's Brazil international Ramires to be sealed shortly, adding:"Ramires is, until now, a Benfica player. When he is here, I can speak about him, not now.
"I don't want to speak about Ramires. When Ramires signs a contract for Chelsea, he will sign. This is the same for other players. I read a lot of names in the newspapers."
Michael Ballack, Joe Cole and Juliano Belletti have all left Chelsea since the end of last season, while the only high-profile arrival has been Yossi Benayoun, and Ancelotti admitted:"For us, after a fantastic season, it was very difficult to change this squad.
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
"We were totally agreed to maintain this squad. To put some young players in this squad from our academy, this was our aim. After a fantastic season, we could repeat the same season this year with these players.
"I think that the teams that can win the title will be the same as last year, including, obviously, Man City, because they've bought fantastic players."Subscribe to Football FanCast News Headlines by Email
Summer signing Stephen Hunt is hopeful of finally making his Wolves debut around the end of October, as he continues his recovery from a serious foot injury.
The 29-year-old Republic of Ireland midfielder moved to Molineux from Hull City earlier this summer, but has been forced to watch the start of the new Premier League season.
However, he is making progress in his recovery, telling the Express & Star:"I've been out on the pitch jogging for the first time since being here.
"It was the first time I'd set foot on the green grass and it was only a slow pace, but it all helps.
"When I'm back in full training, hopefully I can get a full two weeks then and see where I am after that. The next step will be to get a pre-season under my belt.
"Then there's another international break in October and hopefully by the time those games come around, I shouldn't be too far away.
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
"Hopefully I'll be ready to play in the first team somewhere around then.
"If it has to be after the international games in October, then so be it, because when I come back, I want to be fit for the whole season."Subscribe to Football FanCast News Headlines by Email
David Moyes has promised a more hard-line approach as he looks to kick-start Everton's disappointing season into life.
Moyes was furious with his players after Saturday's 1-0 defeat at home to Newcastle United left the Toffees without a win from their first five games of the new Premier League season.
The Goodison Park outfit have picked up just two points from the first 15 on offer and Moyes has vowed to turn up the heat on his squad in a bid to improve results.
He said:"Maybe I need to get tougher with them. Maybe I need to go back to some of the old ways. We'll soon see what they're like then.
"I've been telling them for a long time that they are good players and a good team. Maybe I need to change what I am telling them.
"They have to earn the right to play for this team. Newcastle went about their job in a way we didn't.
"This was certainly our poorest performance since last year and that has been the biggest shock for me. So now is the time when I have to do something about it.
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
"We're capable of so much more and it's in times like this that the lead comes from the manager.
"So I have to be the one who has to change my outlook in what I expect from them from now on."Subscribe to Football FanCast News Headlines by Email
Blackpool manager Ian Holloway believes that Fulham midfielder Danny Murphy was wrong to accuse fellow Premier League teams of an over-physical approach to the game.
Murphy named Stoke City, Blackburn Rovers and Wolves as possible offenders and Holloway thinks that that was the wrong course of action.
He told The Independent on Sunday:"Danny Murphy owes a few apologies. I was shocked to read his comments about Blackburn, Stoke and Wolves being too physical and playing the game the wrong way.
"He said those teams are over-zealous in their tackling and have a win-at-all-costs attitude which should be looked at.
"Danny, you are totally wrong and a bit out of order. Teams play in different ways, that is football.
"I think you have to be really careful when you are someone like Danny Murphy, who is still playing and who has never been a manager, to talk about what managers do.
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
"If I was one of the managers he was talking about, I wouldn't be very happy."Subscribe to Football FanCast News Headlines by Email
Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney will remember one autumnal week in 2010 for many years to come. It started with the England international stating that he needed to leave Man United and ended with an extraordinary u-turn in the form of the signature of a new multi-million five year contract. What happened in between may well be long gone but it definitely hasn’t been forgotten and as a result Wayne Rooney still has plenty of bridges to build at Manchester United.
We all know that football fans are incredibly fickle, but you can’t just flick a switch and pretend that something didn’t happen. A small number of Manchester United fans showed their feelings by protesting outside Rooney’s house in that extraordinary week, but will they be singing Rooney’s name when the striker next takes to the field at Old Trafford? I’ve no doubt that the majority of the Man United fans will get right behind Rooney, but so far it’s what hasn’t been said rather than what has that we should stand up and take notice of.
At the Britannia Stadium on Sunday as Manchester United battled past Stoke in an enthralling Premier League encounter, and it was silence from the United fans as far as the name of Wayne Rooney is concerned. Rooney never left the lips of the away fans, who are renowned as being die-hard followers of United, that day. I don’t think too much should be taken from this, the fans didn’t show their dislike for him but neither did they support him; it could be read as a silent protest if you like against Wayne Rooney’s actions.
As far as Rooney’s Manchester United teammates are concerned, they have unsurprisingly got behind the striker. Gary Neville told BBC Sport that “It will take time to settle down but once it settles down and time heals he will go on to have a great career and win trophies here.” While Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson won’t have enjoyed playing second fiddle to Rooney, Roo was quick to show his appreciation for Fergie by calling him a “genius” and the Scot will be happy to have the United number 10 for the rest of his Old Trafford tenure.
So Rooney’s United teammates are right behind him, and I’m sure the Red Devils’ fans will take a similar stance in the near future if they haven’t already, but what about the rest of the footballing world? As PR expert Max Clifford rightly stated, “if Wayne Rooney cares about what people think, he has got a lot to do over the next two or three years.” Many football fans already think that the lack of loyalty of footballers these days is disgusting and while Rooney said he wanted to leave Old Trafford due to a lack of ambition, when United Chief David Gill offered him significantly more money he didn’t turn it down, did he?
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
Wayne Rooney has said that he always wanted to stay at Manchester United and we’ll never know whether it was purely his agent Paul Stretford who was hankering over more money or not. One thing you can rest assured will happen is that as soon as Rooney hits some form fantasy football players up and down the country will be transferring him into their team. And what about United fans? Well, if Rooney nets the winner at the City of Manchester Stadium on Wednesday the 10th November you can guarantee that all will be forgotten.
Liverpool manager Roy Hodgson has admitted that he is looking to make several major signings in the January transfer window.
Hodgson's side have made a slow start to the new campaign and the former Fulham boss is keen to strengthen his squad, having been promised funds by New England Sports Ventures following their Anfield takeover.
He told the club's official website:"If we want the right quality, we have got to be prepared to pay the right price.
"The owners know that perfectly well. We have got to make certain that if we go out and spend £20million, we are getting a £20million player.
"We want to be attracting the players that Barcelona, Real Madrid and Inter are chasing. It would be nice to think that we can shop at a high level.
"I'm like all managers in that I'm wary of the January transfer window. I think it can be dangerous as clubs try to correct mistakes.
"But, having said that, we are going to very interested in trying to improve our squad in January. There is no question about that. I am sure we will sign players.
"What I would hope to do is get this group of players playing well enough so we don't need to panic.
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
"Then I can say to the owners 'if we are going to spend a lot of money, let's get the right man'.
"I don't want to spend half the money that might be available on someone for the sake of buying, when the player we actually want might not be available until the summer."Subscribe to Football FanCast News Headlines by Email
West Bromwich Albion manager Roberto Di Matteo was left purring after watching his Midlands side smash Everton 4-1 at Goodison Park on Saturday.
After picking up just one point from a possible 15 in November before the Merseyside clash, the Baggies turned the tide in emphatic fashion.
Goals from Paul Scharner and Chris Brunt shocked the hosts and, although Tim Cahill offered hope before the break, Somen Tchoyi and Sylvain Distin's own goal late in the day secured the victory.
Mikel Arteta saw red for a stamp on Gonzalo Jara as the game turned sour and Youssouf Mulumbu was also dismissed for two bookings, a decision that irked di Matteo.
"We played fantastic football today, got some great goals and it was a very entertaining game too," he said.
"The second one was an absolute world-class goal in my opinion from Chris Brunt and we played well. We deserved to go ahead. We were always very good going forward.
"We picked the players up at half-time. It's a difficult ground to come, we hadn't won here for 31 years so we knew it wasn't going to be easy.
"In the second half we just kept going and we stuck to our gameplan, fortunately we scored the third goal too. The third goal was a very good goal, the fourth goal ended the game really.
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
"I think everybody saw he (Arteta) stepped on our player. In terms of the second yellow card for our player I think it was a very innocuous challenge.
"If you give yellow cards for those ones then you are probably going to get 20 yellow cards in a game."Subscribe to Football FanCast News Headlines by Email