James Tomkins and Freddie Sears both played 90 minutes against the Czech
Republic.
14.07.2008
Czech Republic 2-0 England
James Tomkins and Freddie Sears put in gutsy performances but were unable to
stop England going down 2-0 to the Czech Republic in the European Under-19's
Championship.
The first half of the opening game of the tournament saw England defending
strongly against a Czech side who grew in confidence as the match went on in
Liberec. Tomkins did well to lead the line at the back for Brian Eastick's
Young Lions while Sears was always a menace up front. However, the host
nation ultimately proved too strong and second-half goals from Tomas Necid
did the damage.
Sears looked lively after just four minutes when he chased a through-ball
from Daniel Rose of Tottenham Hotspur, but saw his route to goal blocked by
good defensive play from the Czechs. At the other end, his club-mate Tomkins
was making sure the hosts were not getting near goal, as he headed clear the
danger posed by a good move from the Czechs.
Daniel Sturridge tried his luck from outside the box and Chelsea's Scott
Sinclair was making good runs down the wing, before Sears moved quickly to
latch on to another ball, but was again blocked. A Tomkins header clear
resulted in a corner for the host nation after the quarter-hour mark and
England continued their organised stance at the back, thwarting a number of
Czech attacks.
On the half-hour mark, England goalkeeper David Button - who plays his club
football at Tottenham Hotspur, made an outstanding one-handed save to
prevent the Czech Republic taking the lead. Roman Brunclik was then booked
for a late tackle on Sears - who minutes later sent a precise pass which
Chelsea's Ryan Bertrand collected but he was not able to get enough on the
final ball.
Both teams ended the first half strongly, with England just shading it with
a well organised display. The second half saw a similar start to the first,
with England dominating. Yet it was the Czechs who took the lead on 53
minutes, with a rare mistake from goalkeeper Button. He came out to block a
ball, saw it bounce awkwardly in front of him and the young keeper was
powerless to prevent Necid getting past him to score.
England rallied immediately and raced straight up the other end, with
Sturridge and Sinclair trying to find a way through. It was more woe for the
Young Lions on 57 minutes though, as the Czechs made it 2-0. Necid got on
the end of a strong corner kick and headed past Button for his second of the
day.
While the two goals knocked England for a while, they soon recovered and
looked for a way back into the match. Tomkins intercepted another Czech
attack by calmly heading back to his keeper, before stepping up to clear
from another good move by the hosts. The young West Ham United defender also
went forward when he could to add his support from attacking corners.
On 72 minutes, the Czechs went down to ten men when Jakub Heidenreich's
challenge on Rose earned him an early bath. England then went close with the
resulting free-kick, which saw Sturridge's shot go over the wall but
straight into the Czech keeper's hands. Sears then turned well in the box
making good space for himself, but saw his final ball blocked. The West Ham
United forward followed that with a great run and rounded the keeper, but
was not able to keep the ball in play.
The Czechs were further depleted in numbers, going down to nine men, when
Brunclik kicked the ball away in anger and was given his second yellow card.
Chelsea's Jack Cork had a chance on 84 minutes, but the keeper managed to
hold him off to save. It was the final action of any note and England will
have to hope for better against Italy on Thursday.
England: David Button, Jack Cork (c), Danny Gosling (Jamie Chandler, 78)
James Tomkins, Krystian Pearce, Scott Sinclair (Tope Obadeyi, 64) Kieran
Gibbs, Daniel Sturridge, Freddie Sears, Danny Rose, Ryan Bertrand.
Subs not used: Jason Steele, Victor Moses, Fabian Delph, Ben Mee.
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Spurs keeper blunder costs England dear - again - KUMB
Filed: Monday, 14th July 2008
By: Staff Writer
England's under 19s - featuring West Ham United's Freddie Sears and James
Tomkins - have lost their opening game of the European Championships thanks
to an horrendous blunder by Tottenham goalkeeper David Button.
The Young Lions were always up against it from the moment Button raced out
of his area to intercept a ball that was never his to challenge for ten
minutes into the second half, allowing Prague striker Tomas Necid to put the
Czech's ahead - a faux pas on terms with that by team mate Paul Robinson
against Croatia that cost the senior side vital points against Croatia last
year.
Necid then added a second three minutes later to condemn Brian Eastick's
side to a 2-0 defeat against the hosts in the Chance Arena, Jablonec -
meaning that England cannot afford to lose either of their remaining games
against Italy or Greece if they are to proceed to the knockout phase of the
tournament next week.
Sears and Tomkins played a full 90 minutes but neither will be greatly
satisfied with their performances - Tomkins especially after an error
similar to that which gave Yakubu the opportunity to score for Everton
against West Ham last season allowed Necid in for his second of the game.
Up front Sears was to suffer a frustrating afternoon with his best effort
coming late on; the Czech keeper managing to block his effort fifteen
minutes from time - whilst even two late dismissals for the host nation,
reducing them to nine men failed to provide the necessary spark to allow
England back into the game.
Next up for the Young Lions is the clash against Italy on Thursday
afternoon, a game which is also being broadcast live on Eurosport. Although
a draw will keep England's hopes alive anything less than a win would leave
Eastick's relying on results elsewhere to keep them in the competition.
England: Button, Cork (capt), Gosling (Chandler 78) Tomkins, Pearce,
Sinclair (Obadeyi 64) Gibbs, Sturridge, Sears, Rose, Bertrand.
Subs not used: Steele, Moses, Delph, Mee.
Czech Republic: Vaclik, Polak (capt), Zeman (Stepánek 86), Hable (Marecek
46) Brunclik, Vosahlik (Lecjaks 76) Moravek, Necid, Reinberk, Reznik,
Heidenreich.
Subs not used: Nuc, Kozak, Barta, Wojnar.
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Neill linked with North West return - KUMB
Filed: Tuesday, 15th July 2008
By: Staff Writer
Lucas Neill is yet again being linked with a move to pastures new. The West
Ham United and Australia captain was previously linked with Turkish outfit
Galatasary, but according to the Daily Mail today Manchester City are the
latest club to show an interest in the 30-year-old right-back. Neill
previously worked under new City boss Mark Hughes at Blackburn, the club he
left under something of a cloud 18 months ago when moving to London. The
Welsh manager refused to criticise Neill at the time of his departure from
Ewood Park despite an abundance of criticism from the club's supporters, and
their relationship is believed to have remained cordial. However Neill's
agent, Paddy Dominguez, said last week that his client had no intention of
leaving the club - despite a string of stories since the end of last season
linking him with a move. "It doesn't make sense that a manager who brought
Lucas to the club and has installed him as captain would look to sell him,"
he said. "It would be very strange. Lucas' relationship with Alan Curbishley
is good and he is relishing the role of captain."
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Hughes Eyes Lucas & Bell - The Sun
By PAT SHEEHAN
MARK HUGHES is ready to make an audacious bid to sign West Ham stars Lucas
Neill and Craig Bellamy. Manchester City boss Sparky had both under his wing
at Blackburn. Hughes sold them reluctantly — striker Bellamy left for
Liverpool in a £6million switch while defender Neill joined the Hammers for
£1.5m. Alan Curbishley is under pressure to reduce the massive wage bill at
Upton Park and new City chief Hughes could make a move for the duo.
Bellamy and Neill are believed to earn £75,000- a-week combined. Neill's
salary forced Turkish club Galatasaray to think again about signing the
Aussie star, 30. Bellamy, 29 last Sunday, scored 17 goals in 32 games while
playing for Hughes at Blackburn. Hughes also managed Bellamy during his time
as Wales chief. City owner Thaksin Shinawatra wants to sign a big-name star
and has targeted Barcelona ace Ronaldinho. But Hughes is keen to bring in
players who know what the Premier League is all about.
Hammers striker BOBBY ZAMORA has agreed personal terms with Fulham and is
poised to seal a £7m switch.
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Nothing Is New Under The Sun - Just Like My Dreams
So, Bobby Zamora still hasn't passed his medical. John Pantsil still hasn't
made his mind up. We've signed another young foreign prospect; or we
haven't. The Valon Behrami transfer took another twist; or it didn't. We
thought about flogging our reserve goalkeeper, but couldn't. Then considered
replacing him with a Scottish goalkeeper, so probably shouldn't. Finally, we
got snubbed by an Italian who we were interested in, then got snubbed again
by another that we probably weren't. As Alphonse Karr ruefully observed...
the more things change, the more they stay the same.
Bobby Zamora's protracted move across London still hasn't reached a
conclusion despite strong rumours that the Cottagers agreed a fee with West
Ham United as early as last week. The Telegraph say sources have it in good
faith that Zamora will sign for around £6.25 million soon, but reports of
the player's medical today still failed to rubber stamp the deal. We can
only hope the striker hasn't seen the recent poll of Fulham fans that saw a
massive 80% say they would prefer Everton's Andy Johnson. One reason for the
delay could be John Pantsil's reticence to be a make-weight in any deal that
might see him swap one substitutes bench for an even less salubrious one.
Elsewhere, United are reported to be close to sealing a deal for 15-year-old
Pole Filip Modelski, according to the website of his former club, Arka
Gdynia. The young defender, who will be 16 later this year, was said to be a
target for Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool but has opted to join the Hammers
after spending a week on trial in London at the start of July. Although no
details of the deal are known, Arka insist it will be one of the most
lucrative sales in their history. Modelski, if confirmed, will be the third
foreign youngster to join the Hammers since the end of last season,
following on from the capture of Holmar Orn Eyjolfsson and Balint Bajner.
Jim Magilton has warned West Ham that he will look elsewhere if they do not
make a decision on the future of Richard Wright by the end of this week.
Ipswich are keen to bring the former England international back to Portman
Road, but The Hammers have been accused of dragging their heels. Wright
would appear to be Magilton's first choice, but he has other options and is
desperate to have his squad in place ahead of the new season.
"We are not prepared to wait too much longer," Magilton told the East
Anglian Daily Times. "We would like to get something tied up by the end of
the week at the latest. I will give it a few more days and see how the land
lies and I hope a deal can be concluded, if not we will look elsewhere. We
have to have other irons in the fire and we are constantly on the lookout
for the right sort. If it is not Richard it will be someone else. There is
another goalkeeper we are in talks with. Richard Wright coming back ticks
all our boxes. We are a club he knows well and I would like to take him
back, but it is not ticking West Ham's boxes at the moment, because if they
lose a keeper they need a replacement and until they get a replacement,
Richard is not going anywhere. But if they can get someone in and it frees
up Richard, then we are in a position to take him."
That replacement could be Rangers keeper Neil Alexander. He is reported to
be on Alan Curbishley's radar following a series of impressive displays last
season when deputising for Allan McGregor. With the Rangers number one
nearing full-fitness for the start of the new season Alexander will be back
as second choice at Ibrox and therefore may be tempted to return south for a
fee of around £1 million. The Scottish giants also have former Kilmarnock
keeper Graeme Smith on their books as their third pick.
Reports from Italy suggest Marco Zambelli has spurned advances from West
Ham, despite a 'princely offer'. The Brescia defender has apparently
declined a lot of money to stay at the Serie B side, and has apologised for
not letting the club cash in on his fame. "I am sorry for the coffers of
Brescia," he declared. "For this we do not talk. For the future, we will
see. But my intention is clear. I have always said I want to become the
master of Brescia. My desire is winning the league with these colours. I
have not changed my mind." Another rumour emanating Italy, this time
courtesy of Sportal, has linked the club to winger Stefano Guberti.
Described as "one of the hottest names in the market", the Ascoli player
looks set to leave the Serie B side in order to advance his career but it's
thought the Premier League would not be his destination of choice.
Finally, some well respected 'ITK' sources are claiming Valon Behrami has
actually signed a pre-contract agreement with the club. This flies so
intractably in the face of every word uttered by the player and his agent
over the last week that caution should be advised. It is also suggested that
we are still negotiating with Eidur Gudjohnsen, where excessive personal
demands are causing a problem; while Ugandan trialist David Obua really
impressed United staff and could be offered playing time in an upcoming
friendly and then a deal if all goes well.
Posted by Trilby at 20:37
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Hughes Eyes Hammers Duo - Goal.com
According to The Sun, Hughes is intent on bringing both Craig Bellamy and
Lucas Neill back to the North West this summer, having coached the pair
during his tenure at Blackburn Rovers. Neill has been regularly linked with
a move away from West Ham over the past few weeks as the club have so far
refused to meet his contract demands. Galatasaray have already made an
unsuccessful approach for the Australian defender. Bellamy arrived at Upton
Park only last summer after an ill-fated stint at Liverpool, for whom he
scored just seven goals. The Welsh striker has made even less of an impact
with the Hammers, featuring just eight times thus far due to injury.
Hughes, who also coached Bellamy with Wales, is keen to draft in proven
Premier League performers to compliment the exciting new talent arriving at
Eastlands, such as Brazilian youngster Jo. West Ham will be reluctant
sellers, however, as they are keen to see Bellamy and Dean Ashton form a
partnership next season, while Neill has become an invaluable leader at the
back.
Mike Maguire
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Neill on move: Hughes in bid to bring Hammers defender to City - Daily Mail
By John Edwards
Lucas Neill is on the verge of linking up again with his old Blackburn boss
Mark Hughes at Manchester City as their busy summer of transfer activity
continues. Hughes, who sold Neill to West Ham a year ago, wants the
Australia captain to play a part in a taxing season that will include UEFA
Cup matches on Thursdays followed by Barclays Premier League games on
Sunday. West Ham skipper Neill had been offered to Galatasaray and
Portsmouth but he is tempted by City's big plans for an assault on the top
six and regards Hughes as one of the best managers in the game. Such is West
Ham's financial plight that they are ready to accept a cut-price offer,
believed to be less than £750,000, to allow Neill to move to Eastlands. The
30-year old's wages of around £60,000 a week are the only potential
stumbling block and West Ham may have to pay off some of his contract to
force through the move. Sources close to the club are becoming increasingly
concerned that mounting financial problems in Iceland have forced owner
Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson to tighten his belt and explore ways of reducing the
club's overheads. The drive to bring in funds and lower the wage bill began
yesterday with a £6million move to Fulham for Bobby Zamora and John Pantsil,
as exclusively predicted in Sportsmail last week. West Ham's board are
desperate to find takers for top earner Freddie Ljungberg but are fighting
to keep versatile Northern Ireland defender George McCartney. Central
defender Anton Ferdinand can leave for the right offer. Newcastle, Aston
Villa and Tottenham like the look of Ferdinand, but West Ham are asking for
£10million.Goalkeeper Robert Green is also attracting interest. Hughes
always admired Neill's combative approach and is about to add his steel to a
defence that already boasts Richard Dunne and Micah Richards. With Elano at
the top of City's pay league, on £55,000 a week, and Dunne's new deal
yielding around £50,000 a week, the Eastlands board are reluctant to match
Neill's current wages, however. Signing Ronaldinho, as the club are trying
to do, would be a one-off change in the wage structure and the versatile
Australia defender is ready to accept a drop in earnings after West Ham
signalled they will hand him a final pay-off to cover the two years left on
his contract. Though Ferdinand and Green may yet remain at Upton Park, the
one-way nature of recent transfer activity is bound to cause concern. West
Ham, however, are eager to show they are simply making room for the next
wave of their home grown talent. Manager Alan Curbishley wants to find
regular squad places for Freddie Sears and James Tomkins. Seeing talented
products of the West Ham nursery, such as Rio Ferdinand, Frank Lampard,
Michael Carrick and Joe Cole, lured away was at least offset by the sort of
fees that should have set the club up for years to come. Instead, a dramatic
downturn in the Icelandic economy has hit the owners hard and left the club
in disarray, with several senior players either sold or available and doubts
growing over Curbishley's future. Gudmundsson has looked on with increasing
anxiety at the way his country's financial troubles have multiplied since
the start of the year, when investors first began voicing misgivings over
whether the banks were at risk of defaulting on huge foreign loans. It has
developed into a crisis of confidence in the banking sector, with reports
from Reykjavik referring to a collapsing currency, rising inflation and
predictions of an imminent recession.
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Hammerino-Tastico - Zambelli says no to West Ham By Steve Turner -
UptonSparks.com
Posted on Monday 14 Jul 2008 17:34:00
Dear God, we're bored of chatting about Behrami. He's going here, he's going
there...blah blah blah.
Who cares? It was interesting when the news first came out West Ham were in
for winger, as he could add some much needed width the side.
But then the news emanated from his camp he was only interested in moves
elsewhere, as England was just 'too cold'. OK, so he's not coming. Fair
enough, and off he pops to Werder Bremen, where there's fun and sunshine for
everyone and all the drinks are free. But no. Now Viola News in Italy is
reporting West Ham are still in the chase, and "has surpassed Werder Bremen
for Behrami" according to the dodgy translation. So he may be coming, he may
not. But let's celebrate the Italian press with a story about it!
Zambelli's a no-no
Word from the wise over in Italia as well is Marco Zambelli has said no-no
to West Ham, despite a 'princely offer'. The defender has declined a lot of
money to stay at the Serie B side, and has apologised for not letting the
club cash in on his fame. "I am sorry for the coffers of Brescia," he
smiles. "For this we do not talk. For the future, we will see. But my
intention is clear. I have always said I want to become the master of
Brescia. My desire is winning the league with these colours. I have not
changed my mind." Let's all rejoice at the marvel of translation software,
and all pledge to become 'masters' of something. There's not been much info
about this player, especially in terms of him signing for West Ham. But he's
not coming anyway, even though a big bid has gone in for him. Shame.
Guberti - coming to the Hammers?
And another rumour from Italy, this time coming courtesy of Sportal.it,
outside offensive player (winger to you and me) Stefano Guberti has been
linked with the Hammers. 'One of the hottest names in the market', the
Ascoli player looks set to leave the Serie B side in order to get some more
money and fame, and where better to go than the Premier League? He has
scored three times from 39 games this season, having joined in 2006. He got
relegated with the team, but his loyalty won through and he has now shown
off what he is capable of.
Come back tomorrow for the English look at things again tomorrow.
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