Prev Page 3 of 13 1 2 3 4 5 Next » Please log in to reply 319 replies to this topic

[StevieH]

i'll still argue that he's a relic of a bygone era who ceased being a top class footballer when he went west and set up the david and victoria show in hollywood.

i don't often agree with martin samuel, but his comments here on beckham are generally spot on:

http://timesonline.t...n-samuel-r.html

[rixalex]

dave111223, on 2008-09-04 23:32:01, said:

Riding someone ass is an America phrase meaning constantly criticizing someone.

Yes thank you. I guessed that. I was speaking in jest - something some Americans seem to have trouble recognising.

dave111223, on 2008-09-04 23:32:01, said:

So i take it you never take a vacation? He's just supposed to play football for every waking minute, or else he's "got no passion".

Urm yes, i have been known to take a vacation, but it's never coincided with my country requesting that i serve it. Were i lucky enough to get that call, i can assure you it would take priority over all else.

As for him having to play football every waking minute, if you know anything about the passion that exists in true footballing professionals, you would know that playing in competitive games is what they crave and what they can't get enough of. Being out there on the pitch is what they live for, and their careers are short enough that they have to maximise every moment and oppurtunity they are given.

dave111223, on 2008-09-04 23:32:01, said:

I guess when the England fans boo him onto the field every time, so that he already feels like sh*t before he's even kicked the ball, that's "for the good of the country" too is it?

Bentley himself said that what he was doing by withdrawing was good for him but not good for the team, i.e. England. So if the players don't do what's good for the country, why do you expect the fans to?

Booing is the only effective way fans have of showing their feelings. If a player lets the team down, he has to expect a reaction from the stands.

For me personally i wouldn't boo my own player, but that's not to say i don't understand why others do, and neither is that to say that i have any sympathy for those players that do get booed. It's a man's game and if you're too sensitive to take a bit of heckling then go and find another job that pays tens of thousands of pounds a week!

[dave111223]

rixalex, on 2008-09-05 13:13:49, said:

dave111223, on 2008-09-04 23:32:01, said:

Riding someone ass is an America phrase meaning constantly criticizing someone.

Yes thank you. I guessed that. I was speaking in jest - something some Americans seem to have trouble recognising.

dave111223, on 2008-09-04 23:32:01, said:

So i take it you never take a vacation? He's just supposed to play football for every waking minute, or else he's "got no passion".

Urm yes, i have been known to take a vacation, but it's never coincided with my country requesting that i serve it. Were i lucky enough to get that call, i can assure you it would take priority over all else.

As for him having to play football every waking minute, if you know anything about the passion that exists in true footballing professionals, you would know that playing in competitive games is what they crave and what they can't get enough of. Being out there on the pitch is what they live for, and their careers are short enough that they have to maximise every moment and oppurtunity they are given.

dave111223, on 2008-09-04 23:32:01, said:

I guess when the England fans boo him onto the field every time, so that he already feels like sh*t before he's even kicked the ball, that's "for the good of the country" too is it?

Bentley himself said that what he was doing by withdrawing was good for him but not good for the team, i.e. England. So if the players don't do what's good for the country, why do you expect the fans to?

Booing is the only effective way fans have of showing their feelings. If a player lets the team down, he has to expect a reaction from the stands.

For me personally i wouldn't boo my own player, but that's not to say i don't understand why others do, and neither is that to say that i have any sympathy for those players that do get booed. It's a man's game and if you're too sensitive to take a bit of heckling then go and find another job that pays tens of thousands of pounds a week!

That kind of circular logical can also be used to support the other side of the argument.
You say "Players should put their country first, but they don't, so why should we [the fans]?"
Couldn't i just as easily say "Fans should put their country first, but we don't, so why should they [the players]?"

It's no good just saying "once the players start performing then we'll get on board".  It's time for us, the fans, to get behind the team, even when they make mistakes.
It's different from supporting a domestic team, where if your team get relegated a few divisions you can justify having a top-tier favorite club on the side.  But for international football we're stuck with England, it's not like i'm going to go out and buy a Brazil shirt, no matter how badly England do.  So i just don't see the point in tearing (especially the young players) down for something that's got nothing to do with their talent.

And to preempt your next argument of "The players are the ones getting paid";  just how much do they get paid for international duty?

[rixalex]

[quote name='dave111223' post='2195094' date='2008-09-05 17:14:06'][quote name='rixalex' post='2194490' date='2008-09-05 13:13:49'][quote name='dave111223' post='2193424' date='2008-09-04 23:32:01']Riding someone ass is an America phrase meaning constantly criticizing someone.[/quote]
Yes thank you. I guessed that. I was speaking in jest - something some Americans seem to have trouble recognising.

[quote name='dave111223' post='2193424' date='2008-09-04 23:32:01']So i take it you never take a vacation? He's just supposed to play football for every waking minute, or else he's "got no passion".[/quote]
Urm yes, i have been known to take a vacation, but it's never coincided with my country requesting that i serve it. Were i lucky enough to get that call, i can assure you it would take priority over all else.

As for him having to play football every waking minute, if you know anything about the passion that exists in true footballing professionals, you would know that playing in competitive games is what they crave and what they can't get enough of. Being out there on the pitch is what they live for, and their careers are short enough that they have to maximise every moment and oppurtunity they are given.

[quote name='dave111223' post='2193424' date='2008-09-04 23:32:01']I guess when the England fans boo him onto the field every time, so that he already feels like sh*t before he's even kicked the ball, that's "for the good of the country" too is it?[/quote]
Bentley himself said that what he was doing by withdrawing was good for him but not good for the team, i.e. England. So if the players don't do what's good for the country, why do you expect the fans to?

Booing is the only effective way fans have of showing their feelings. If a player lets the team down, he has to expect a reaction from the stands.

For me personally i wouldn't boo my own player, but that's not to say i don't understand why others do, and neither is that to say that i have any sympathy for those players that do get booed. It's a man's game and if you're too sensitive to take a bit of heckling then go and find another job that pays tens of thousands of pounds a week!
[/quote]

That kind of circular logical can also be used to support the other side of the argument.
You say "Players should put their country first, but they don't, so why should we [the fans]?"
Couldn't i just as easily say "Fans should put their country first, but we don't, so why should they [the players]?"

It's no good just saying "once the players start performing then we'll get on board". It's time for us, the fans, to get behind the team, even when they make mistakes.
It's different from supporting a domestic team, where if your team get relegated a few divisions you can justify having a top-tier favorite club on the side. But for international football we're stuck with England, it's not like i'm going to go out and buy a Brazil shirt, no matter how badly England do. So i just don't see the point in tearing (especially the young players) down for something that's got nothing to do with their talent.

And to preempt your next argument of "The players are the ones getting paid"; just how much do they get paid for international duty?
[/quote]
It's not circular. To start with fans are 100% behind the team and are fully on board, but when the players play badly or let the country down, they get disillusioned and fed up. Seems a reasonable reaction.

As for getting paid for International duty.. i think you'll find that if they did ever win the FA would pay them.

[dave111223]

rixalex, on 2008-09-05 17:47:17, said:

It's not circular. To start with fans are 100% behind the team and are fully on board, but when the players play badly or let the country down, they get disillusioned and fed up. Seems a reasonable reaction.

As for getting paid for International duty.. i think you'll find that if they did ever win the FA would pay them.

"100% behind the team" and "disillusioned and fed up" don't seem to line up.

My point is this; the fan needs to put the petty bickering behind them (about subjects such as Bentley pulling out of an under-21 match) and support the team.

So do they get paid for international duty?  You're saying they only get paid if they win (a match, a trophy?)?  How much do they get paid if they win?  I've searched around on google but have found it hard to gain any knowledge on this topic.

[LeungKen]

I shall be interested to see where this discussion goes after England can only manage a 1 - 1 draw with Andorra tomorrow night ?

[Razzler1973]

The players do get paid for international duty but it's a nominal amount especially in comparison to the salaries they get. If we did ever win anything no doubt they would have (more) riches poored onto them, knighthoods, etc not to mention bonus and book and TV deals. They also still get the old fashioned cap with a tassle on it as the official 'cap' for the appearance.

I dont see a smashing of Andorra tomorrow, maybe another 3-0 at most, hopefully stay injury free and card free so that doesnt bite us later in the campaign, Ferdinand already a doubt with a back injury. I'd take a point off the Croats right now, capable of beating them but the way we are playing the lack of any kind of 'buzz' about the side doesnt fill me with confidence.

A few players owe us decent games for the Croat game, if we can maintain concentration for 90 mins then we can be difficult to score against, Barry, or whoever is in defensive midfield has a big job, they showed alot of running between the lines when they played us before and we struggled. Beckham hasnt looked great in last few games, legs have wained a little and he has a big physical job ahead of him, that right side worries me a little tbh

[mommysboy]

Andorra proved to be a dreadful match, although I guess it always was going to be. We just can't put the ball away.

Am I the only one thinking it's time Rooney to be rested, after all he doesn't score. Likewise Defoe?

I guess one needs to play on Wednesday though.

I like both players but we have to get realistic for future squads.

[redrus]

Rio Return Likely
redissueMonday, 8th September 2008

Rio Ferdinand is expected to return to the England team for the World Cup qualifier against Croatia.
The United centre-back was forced to sit out England's 2-0 win against Andorra in Barcelona at the weekend with a back injury.

However, Ferdinand has completed a full days training today (monday) and has travelled to Zagreb for the match against the Croat's on Wednesday evening.





redrus

[mrbojangles]

From skysports:-

Crouch and SWP recalled

Fabio Capello has named his England squad for the World Cup qualifiers with Kazakhstan and Belarus, recalling Peter Crouch and Shaun Wright-Phillips.

Joe Cole was not included after he limped out of Chelsea's win over Aston Villa on Sunday.

A possible replacement in the shape of Ashley Young was not called up - whilst Tottenham duo David Bentley and Jonathan Woodgate were also left out.

As Capello suggested earlier this weekend, Michael Owen has not been handed a recall.

Scott Carson is called-up due to Paul Robinson's injury, whilst Jimmy Bullard has missed out after being included last time.

Squad in full:

James (Portsmouth), Green (West Ham), Carson (West Brom); Brown (Manchester United), Johnson (Portsmouth), Terry (Chelsea), Ferdinand (Manchester United), Lescott (Everton), Upson (West Ham), A Cole (Chelsea), Bridge (Chelsea); Beckham (Los Angeles Galaxy), Walcott (Arsenal), Barry (Aston Villa), Jenas (Tottenham), Lampard (Chelsea), Gerrard (Liverpool), Downing (Middlesbrough), Wright-Phillips (Manchester City); Heskey (Wigan), Crouch (Portsmouth), Rooney (Manchester United), Defoe (Portsmouth)

[Razzler1973]

The fact Ashley Young wasn't called in makes me wonder if Gerrard will feature on the left or we'll play a 4-2-3-1 or something like that. Heskey on a yellow so doubt he will play 90 mins on Saturday either

[Jockstar]

Becks to boost England hopes with Prem return?

By Soccernet

October 17, 2008
Comment
Email
Print

David Beckham is reportedly eyeing up a return to the Premier League in a bid to cement his place in Fabio Capello's England squad.



GettyImages

The former skipper came on for Rooney on Wednesday.


The former captain, who played a brief role as a substitute in England's 3-1 win over Belarus on Wednesday, is facing the prospect of elimination from the end-of-season play-offs with his club side L.A. Galaxy, meaning his season could be over in two weeks.

Indeed, aside from a two-match Galaxy tour to New Zealand and Australia in December, Beckham is aware that he will play no club football until next April.

Having trained with Arsenal in January, the midfielder appears keen to return to England to boost his fitness levels and The Daily Telegraph reports that his advisers are currently in talks with Arsene Wenger's side again ahead of the friendly against Germany in Berlin on Nov 19.

Beckham would equal the 108-cap outfield record of World Cup-winning captain Bobby Moore if he makes an appearance, but has been relegated to a bench-role with the emergence of Theo Walcott on the right side of midfield.

While a loan move to the Premier League is also a possibility, Beckham reiterated his desire to continue playing under the new regime of Capello which has brought England their best ever start to a World Cup qualifying campaign.

''There's a lot more seriousness around the England team - and it's paying off,'' Beckham said. ''It's not about anything but the football and at past competitions it has been about other things that have surrounded the England team.

''Now it's more about us being successful in a big competition. It's nice to be part of a team that's so confident and doing so well.

''In this England team, we've got players who are some of the best in Europe, even the world.

"Things are looking bright . . . and hopefully it continues. It's about time the country and the fans had something to look forward to.

[Jockstar]

Quote

Indeed, aside from a two-match Galaxy tour to New Zealand and Australia in December, Beckham is aware that he will play no club football until next April.

  
Its like here in Oz. The season is pretty short , with a big gap in between. The league i play in starts the beginning of April and is finished by September.(if you make the playoffs) Where as when i played in Bangkok. Our season started beginning of October and went through till May. I must add that the playoffs are a fuc_kking stupid idea too.IMHO

[mrbojangles]

Apart from 2 or 3 teams in the premiership, i think anyone of the rest of the teams would jump at the opportunity to sign him up.

[spiderman2]

mrbojangles, on 2008-10-17 16:55:40, said:

Apart from 2 or 3 teams in the premiership, i think anyone of the rest of the teams would jump at the opportunity to sign him up.

If he was a horse his owner would be debating whether to shoot him or not.

The man has zero self awareness, the inventor of WAG'S and WAG culture has now said they were a distraction throughout his entire reign as captain.

http://www.metro.co....mp;in_page_id=7

[rixalex]

spiderman2, on 2008-10-17 17:24:10, said:

mrbojangles, on 2008-10-17 16:55:40, said:

Apart from 2 or 3 teams in the premiership, i think anyone of the rest of the teams would jump at the opportunity to sign him up.

If he was a horse his owner would be debating whether to shoot him or not.

The man has zero self awareness, the inventor of WAG'S and WAG culture has now said they were a distraction throughout his entire reign as captain.

http://www.metro.co....mp;in_page_id=7

Well nobody said footballers were geniuses.

But if you take away all the anti Beckham prejudices concerning his off the field nonsense, and just look at his performance on the pitch, whilst not being as good as he once was, he is still a player that as Boj says, would make the first team of a good number of Premiership sides.

[mrbojangles]

spiderman2, on 2008-10-17 11:24:10, said:

mrbojangles, on 2008-10-17 16:55:40, said:

Apart from 2 or 3 teams in the premiership, i think anyone of the rest of the teams would jump at the opportunity to sign him up.

If he was a horse his owner would be debating whether to shoot him or not.

The man has zero self awareness,

Yeah right. That's why he's got 107 England Caps, playing for G0d knows how many different England Managers. I'm a Man City fan, so have no particular legiance to Beckham but i cannot deny his talents, no matter who he played for.

[spiderman2]

mrbojangles, on 2008-10-17 17:37:40, said:

spiderman2, on 2008-10-17 11:24:10, said:

mrbojangles, on 2008-10-17 16:55:40, said:

Apart from 2 or 3 teams in the premiership, i think anyone of the rest of the teams would jump at the opportunity to sign him up.

If he was a horse his owner would be debating whether to shoot him or not.

The man has zero self awareness,

Yeah right. That's why he's got 107 England Caps, playing for G0d knows how many different England Managers. I'm a Man City fan, so have no particular legiance to Beckham but i cannot deny his talents, no matter who he played for.

Im not doubting that he was very talented, IMO he was overated as a player by Hello magazine but under-rated by real football fans, but his legs have gone he has not got even a little pace anymore he has none whatsoever, we get American Soccer on some obscure Sky channel and he looks finished to me, he is nothing more then a one trick pony that can cross a ball.

As for the 107 caps i read an article comparing him with Moore and Charlton, these players got their 107 caps as starting players, not as a marketing gimmick to come on for the last 5 minutes of a game that is already won.

SWP and Walcott should both get a game on the right hand side before Beckham does.

[Jockstar]

    

Davies: FA targeted Ferguson for England job


October 17, 2008
Comment
Email
Print

Sir Alex Ferguson was targeted on no fewer than three occasions for the England manager's job, according to former Football Association executive director David Davies.



GettyImages

Sir Alex could have nurtured Wayne Rooney for England, as well as United.


Davies, who spent more than a decade at the FA before leaving his post two years ago, revealed the Manchester United boss was first in the frame after Terry Venables quit in 1996.

But Davies says Ferguson dismissed the approach then and also after the departures of Glenn Hoddle and Kevin Keegan in 1999 and 2000, respectively.

"After Terry Venables, I wanted Fergie," Davies told the Herald. "I was absolutely clear he was the best person for the job. I was a personal friend of Sir Roland Smith, then chairman of Manchester United, and he didn't totally kick the idea into touch. I was vaguely encouraged."

But Davies added: "I don't think he ever came near becoming the England manager.

"The idea of Alex leading England out at Hampden is somewhat far-fetched. He is a very, very proud Scot. He was, I think, tickled by the idea, though.

"When I recruited Keegan, I would have loved Ferguson to become manager. But the conversations were very brief."

Davies also claims the FA wanted former Scotland boss Andy Roxburgh to revolutionise how the game was run south of the border.

According to Davies, the UEFA technical director was headhunted from 2004 into 2005 to perform a similar role for England.

"We had a lot of enthusiasm for him," said Davies. "He was held in the highest regard by the FA and seen as a man who could improve the game here at grassroots and in terms of coaching.

"He was clearly committed to what he was doing so there was no way forward."

In further news, Ferguson has seconded Rio Ferdinand's description of England's 2006 World Cup camp entourage as "a circus".

The Scot indicated that he believed the 'WAG' culture surrounding the squad may have had a detrimental effect, commenting: "If Rio felt that was an encumbrance on the team, I am sure Fabio Capello is quite well aware of it... To succeed in football, you must have a certain discipline and make certain sacrifices."

Capello agrees with Ferguson's assessment regarding discipline and professionalism in his teams and preparation, and it is not thought likely that the Italian would tolerate a repeat performance, should England make it to South Africa in 2010.

[Jockstar]

Capello: Beckham is here to stay for England


October 18, 2008
Comment
Email
Print

Fabio Capello insists David Beckham has a key role to play for the foreseeable future with England even if he is restricted to only cameo roles for the rest of his international career.


Beckham has overtaken Sir Bobby Charlton and moved to within one appearance of the 108-cap tally achieved by World Cup-winning captain Bobby Moore.

The 33-year-old made late substitute appearances against Kazakhstan and Belarus in England's last two World Cup qualifiers.

There has been criticism in some quarters that the Los Angeles Galaxy star is picking up 'cheap' caps for his country after failing to start any of the four competitive games during the current campaign.

But Capello is adamant Beckham's inclusion in his squad is justified as much for his off-the-field influence as the contribution he makes on the pitch.

And the Italian hinted Beckham could start the friendly international against Germany in Berlin next month, although he may not select him for the possible February match with Spain as it will be the close season for Galaxy.

There was a similar scenario last February when Beckham was not included in Capello's plans for the opening game of his reign against Switzerland at Wembley.

Capello said: ``For the next game, it is possible, Beckham will play, I don't know. For the game against Spain, if he is not playing, he will not be in the squad.

``But, when I decide the squad, it is not for the few minutes that David Beckham plays. He is good for the group. This is important. In fact, this is very important - his influence.

``He knows everything. He transmits confidence in the other players. This is very important for the group.

``I have to choose the first XI and at the moment I choose Theo Walcott and Shaun Wright-Phillips who are playing well.

``Beckham might have played five minutes against Belarus but, for the next game, it is possible he might play all the game. I have to decide the best 11.''

As regards criticism over the way Beckham was adding to his caps tally, Capello is clearly unconcerned.

He said: ``I don't know how many caps he has. For me, it is not interesting to record everything. It is not in my mind. My mind is the victory, the game, the best 11. I don't think about it.

``Does Beckham deserve to be in the company of Charlton and Moore? I don't know. I don't know how many games they played.''

Capello has been pleased to work with his squad for two blocks of 10 days during the past month via back-to-back qualifiers with Andorra and Croatia and now Kazakhstan and Belarus.

But he is unsure whether England will have the same energy and superior fitness levels when they resume their qualifying campaign against the Ukraine on April 1.

He said: ``It is frustrating to now have six months without a competitive game but we knew this. We have been lucky because we have played two games twice. Some have only played three matches.

``We have to wait a lot now. At the moment we are in very good physical condition because we always play better in the second half of games because the other teams play strong and press a lot.

``In the last 20 minutes, they are competed out and we are strong. Whether we will be the same physical condition in April, I don't know.''

Despite England's flying start to their group, which has yielded a maximum 12 points and 13 goals, Capello believes there is still room for improvement.

He said: ``I am still looking for improvement. There are areas we can still improve on.

``We have good players. Now we have confidence. But we have to play every game like the final. I have said this to the players.''

[Jockstar]

MLS insist Beckham move will only be short term


October 23, 2008
Comment
Email
Print

Major League Soccer have confirmed David Beckham is in talks over a possible loan move to AC Milan but insisted any deal would only be short term.


AC Milan confirmed on Wednesday their desire to sign Beckham in January with initial speculation being that Beckham would head to Italy for six months.

However, in a statement issued late on Wednesday night, MLS said the deal would be restricted to around two to three months to allow Beckham to return to Los Angeles in time for the start of the 2009 MLS season in late March.

"Discussions have taken place between AC Milan and the Los Angeles Galaxy regarding the possibility of a short-term loan agreement that would allow David Beckham to play for AC Milan during the MLS offseason,'' MLS commissioner Don Garber said.

"Those discussions are ongoing. David remains an LA Galaxy player and will be here for the start of the 2009 MLS season.''

The Los Angeles Galaxy have so far declined to comment on any possible deal.

Beckham, 33, wants to remain match fit through the MLS off-season in order to keep alive his chances of playing for England.

Beckham was told by England boss Fabio Capello that he would not be considered for the planned friendly in Spain if he was not playing club football at the time of the match.

A move for two to three months would have obvious benefits for Beckham, who with 107 caps is 18 appearances short of equalling the England record held by Peter Shilton.

Only last week, Capello stressed Beckham has a key role to play for the foreseeable future with England, but that hinges on him playing games, the more competitive the better.

Beckham will be submitting to intense scrutiny if he moves to Milan, given he has spent more than a year in the relatively weak American league, and Capello - who had two spells as boss of the Rossoneri - would pay keen attention to his performances.

Beckham is under contract with the LA Galaxy until 2012 but their season finishes on Sunday.

AC Milan vice-president Adriano Galliani said: "We are speaking with his agent but we believe he will arrive for some months on a free loan.

"We shall register him for some months and then he will leave. Beckham has chosen Milan. Our squad is ultra-competitive and it will remain this way, but Beckham is something different and intriguing.''

Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti said: "For me it will be a pleasure, Beckham is a serious athlete, a great professional.

"If he is available for four months with us, we will be very happy.''

Former Milan and England striker Luther Blissett believes the move to Italy would pay off for Beckham.

"If he's really going to be part of this England revolution he's got to be playing regular, top-class football with top-class players,'' Blissett told Setanta Sports News.

"I think he'd make a great addition to what they have. And for Beckham to be playing alongside the likes of Kaka and (Clarence) Seedorf in midfield would be great for him as much as it would be for Milan.''

There can be no guarantee of Beckham playing every week, given Milan have Kaka, Seedorf, Gennaro Gattuso and Andrea Pirlo to select from in midfield.

But a move taking him to Milan possibly until March, allowing him to return to the United States for the start of the MLS campaign, would at least allow him to see some first-team action and remain match fit.

England have a busy start to 2009. They have a probable friendly against Spain lined up for February, plus a home friendly against Slovakia in March, and World Cup qualifiers against Ukraine in April, and Kazakhstan and Andorra in June.

Milan expect Beckham's proposed move to bring more supporters through the San Siro turnstiles.

Galliani told acmilan.com: "Beckham will most likely bring more fans rather than fewer ones to the stadium.''

And sports business expert Professor Simon Chadwick, commenting on behalf of Weber Shandwick Sport, said: "Brand Beckham is still a global phenomenon and even in these difficult economic times, his star appeal in parts of the world such as the Middle East and Asia will see AC Milan netting up to £10million, just for a short stay.

"Many of the world's finest footballers have represented the Rossoneri, but Beckham is in his own league when it comes to global impact.''

Beckham's prospective loan move has been welcomed by Serie A players as a signing that would benefit the league.

"We all know he is a great champion,'' said Udinese's Italy striker Antonio di Natale. "He will have no problem playing in our league, the league will be even better with him playing in it. We look forward to seeing him.''

[mrbojangles]

From the Daily Mail

Injured Gerrard joins Rio and Rooney on sidelines for Germany clash

Steven Gerrard is the latest England player to withdraw from Wednesday's friendly with Germany after the Liverpool midfielder was diagnosed with a torn muscle, sustained during yesterday's 2-0 victory over Bolton.

The England vice-captain has been ruled out for seven to 10 days, and could return in time for Liverpool's next game - the meeting with Fulham at Anfield next Saturday.

Liverpool spokesman Ian Cotton said: 'Steven picked up an injury in yesterday's game at Bolton.

'A scan this morning has confirmed a tear in the adductor magnus muscle in his right leg, and he is expected to be out between seven to 10 days,' he added.

Already devoid of Manchester United stars Rio Ferdinand (back) and Wayne Rooney (chest infection and a calf strain), Fabio Capello must wait on captain John Terry, who has a scan tomorrow.

The spine of Fabio Capello's injury-hit squad is further weakened by the loss of the influential Gerrard; and with the likes of Chelsea's Ashley and Joe Cole, Manchester United's Wes Brown and Emile Heskey of Wigan also on the sick list, the Italian will likely field an experimental side in Berlin's Olympic Stadium.

With four Aston Villa players among Capello's squad, boss Martin O'Neill's belief that the fixture is 'pointless' will be tested, while David Beckham, who has not played a competitive fixture since October 26, was not selected by Capello to face Joachim Low's side.

[StevieH]

the daily mail really is a rubbish newspaper.  since when was gerrard england vice-captain?

[chavy]

StevieH, on 2008-11-17 10:37:54, said:

the daily mail really is a rubbish newspaper. since when was gerrard england vice-captain?

Don't know.......but it is on the BBC website as well ??

[StevieH]

chavy, on 2008-11-17 12:13:07, said:

StevieH, on 2008-11-17 10:37:54, said:

the daily mail really is a rubbish newspaper. since when was gerrard england vice-captain?

Don't know.......but it is on the BBC website as well ??

terry's captain, ferdinand's vice-captain.  crap reporting that.