WHUFC.com
Elliot Lee is targeting a fourth consecutive hat-trick for the U18s this
weekend
02.09.2011
Hat-trick hero Elliot Lee is in the form of his young life. The 16-year-old
Academy striker has netted a treble in each of his previous three FA Premier
Academy League appearances against Chelsea, Sheffield United and Sunderland.
Lee's amazing goal-scoring feats have helped the Hammers to begin the
2011/12 season in perfect fashion, defeating the Blades 4-1 at Little Heath
and the Black Cats 3-2 at the Academy of Light. With a trip to Tottenham
Hotspur to look forward to on Saturday, the teenager is planning to take the
match ball home with him for a fourth consecutive match. "It's been really
good to get three hat-tricks against Chelsea, Sheffield United and
Sunderland," Lee told West Ham TV. "I'm just enjoying playing my football at
the minute and I just think this form comes with it. "I don't know what the
secret has been. I just get myself in the box and I always want to score in
every game. I just want to enjoy my football and I think the goals have come
along with that."
It does not take a genius to work out that Lee possesses a deadly eye for
goal, but there is much more to his game than that. Strength, movement, fine
close control and a decent turn of pace all mean that the West Ham youngster
is a player to be feared. All that said, Lee's famous father Rob - the
former England midfielder - Academy Director Tony Carr and Under-18s coach
Nick Haycock will insist that the striker does not get carried away by his
recent success. "I think I've got naturally good movement, I work hard in
every game and my eagerness to score goals are my strengths. Like I said, I
want to score in every game. "I'm definitely not going to get carried away.
I always want to keep my feet on the ground. I just want to enjoy my
football and if I can keep working hard and scoring goals, I can push myself
into the development squad and who knows after that, really. "My Dad just
tells me to keep enjoying my football and everything will come if I just
keep playing and scoring goals. I always listen to my Dad because his advice
is great. He's been there and done it, so I'd be an idiot not to listen to
him."
While Lee is stealing the headlines, he is merely one of a host of
highly-promising scholars within the club's Academy at present. Second-years
Matthias Fanimo, Blair Turgott and Danny Potts have all started the season
superbly, while first-years Leo Chambers and Kieran Sadlier have both been
tipped for great things should they continue to develop. "We've got a really
solid side and I think we'll go really far this season with the likes of Leo
and Danny at the back and Kieran, Matthias and Blair creating goals. "My
football is really good at the moment because I get chances in every game
with Matthias, Blair and Kieran creating them."
While his club football is going swimmingly, one accolade that has so far
eluded Lee is an international call-up - an honour achieved by all his
aforementioned team-mates. "It would be great if I could get a chance with
the England national team, but if I keep scoring my goals then hopefully a
call-up will come." "We've got a really solid side and I think we'll go
really far this season with the likes of Leo Chambers and Danny Potts at the
back and Kieran Sadlier, Matthias Fanimo and Blair Turgott creating goals.
"My football is really good at the moment because I get chances in every
game with Matthias, Blair and Kieran creating them."
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Carr targets Tottenham
WHUFC.com
The Academy Director is looking to the team to make it three wins out of
three this weekend
02.09.2011
Tony Carr is relishing the prospect of a weekend derby away to Tottenham
Hotspur after the Under-18s won a five-goal thriller at Sunderland. The
weekend win - achieved in no small measure thanks to Elliot Lee's third
successive league hat-trick - made it two victories from two matches in the
2011/12 FA Premier Academy League. "It was a happy coach coming back from
Sunderland," he told whufc.com. "We went over up overnight and had a
six-and-a-half hour journey. We stayed overnight at Seaburn and then it was
just a five minute journey to their training ground. Things went very well
for us and it was a terrific team performance."
The Academy Director was particularly pleased to see the way the young
Hammers battled back, having seen a two-goal advantage squandered in the
second half. "We have all been there before, when you are two-up and the
other team come back. Fortunately we had enough in the tank to break away
and get the winner."
"Myself and [coach] Nick Haycock are very pleased with the whole squad. We
used 14 players and they all did what we needed. Elliot will take the
attention and he is showing good form. He has nine goals in three games and
can't stop scoring. There is a long way to go for him but he should be
pleased."
Sunderland posed a stern test at times with Carr admitting "there were one
or two scares". He added: "They were disappointed to lose as they had a lot
of the game and a lot of possession. We created as many chance as them but
had to work hard to stay on top. It was a very good win and double pleasing
as the Under-16s also won 3-0."
Carr added that the Tottenham trip this Saturday would be boosted by the
return of Leo Chambers, who has been away captaining the England U17 side.
Chambers is just one of several internationals in the team, with centre-back
partner Danny Potts capped by the United States, Kieran Sadlier, an Irish
regular and Blair Turgott and Matthias Fanimo are also regulars for England
at youth level.
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Henri happy with starring role
WHUFC.com
West Ham United fans will have been impressed by Henri Lansbury's
performance for England U21s
01.09.2011
Henri Lansbury toasted his move to West Ham United with a dream display for
England Under-21s on Thursday. The Hammers midfielder joined on loan from
Arsenal on transfer deadline day and then lined up for the Young Lions for
the start of UEFA European U21 Championship qualifying. Lansbury was the
star man, scoring twice and making the first and last goals in a 6-0 victory
against Azerbaijan at Watford. His first goal was the pick of the bunch, a
superbly-executed overhead kick on 21 minutes. England were already one-up
at that point with Lansbury's corner picking out Craig Dawson to head in.
Jordan Henderson made it three on the stroke of half-time before Lansbury
added the fourth on 73 minutes with a powerful finish. The scoring continued
through Martyn Waghorn as the game entered its closing stages but it was
Lansbury who was announced to the Vicarage Road crowd as man of the match
before making a second for Dawson in identical fashion to the first on 90
minutes.
Lansbury said: "It is a great start, we have had a great few days training
with the lads. I didn't think [the overhead kick] was going in at first but
I'll take it!
"There is a lot of talent here. We showed that in the qualifiers last time
as well but hopefully we can do better. It is not an easy group, every
international is hard so we have to go into each game and give our all."
Speaking for the first time about his move to the Boleyn, he added: "I am
looking forward to it. I met Big Sam yesterday and hopefully I can carry on
what I've shown tonight."
ESPN analyst Martin Keown was among those heaping praise on the Hammers' new
No22. "What has impressed me his is footballing intelligence," he said. "
Lansbury is able to identify what's on at will. He has been very impressive
and is the glue in this England team holding it all together ... Sam
Allardyce has done a good bit of business."
Still only 20, Lansbury could figure for England again on Monday night when
they welcome 2013 EURO hosts Israel to Barnsley's Oakwell. He is then due to
report to Chadwell Heath on Tuesday to meet his new West Ham United
team-mates for the first time.
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Bentley eyes 'perfect relationship'
WHUFC.com
England midfielder David Bentley is going to give his all for West Ham
United
01.09.2011
David Bentley believes he and West Ham United could have 'the perfect
relationship' after joining the club on a season-long loan from Tottenham
Hotspur. The England midfielder, who turned 27 last Saturday, is hoping to
kick-start his career after three frustrating seasons at White Hart Lane.
Still in the prime of his career, Bentley told West Ham TV that he sees the
Boleyn Ground as the perfect place to regain the form that made him one of
the country's most coveted footballers.
"West Ham is a good club and is a club where the manager wanted me," said
the club's new No8. "We have good players and it is in London which will
keep my family happy. Hopefully I can come here and do well. "I knew about
the move over quite a period of time and when my agent told me that West Ham
were interested, it was a move that was definitely of interest to me. "I
spoke to Sam - I won't say what he said but it was a good conversation.
Hopefully I can come here and be positive and do well."
Like fellow summer signings Kevin Nolan, Matt Taylor, John Carew and Joey
O'Brien, Bentley said he had no hesitation in dropping into the npower
Championship to play his football. The Peterborough-born player, who will be
fit for selection in West Ham's next npower Championship fixture at home to
Portsmouth on 10 September, is determined to make up for lost time by
shining in a claret and blue shirt. "Every player wants to play in the
Premier League but sometimes you have to make that step and hopefully it'll
be the right step for my career. "I've had a few low points over the last
few years and hopefully I can rebuild as West Ham are trying do to -
hopefully it can be the perfect relationship. "I'm trying to rebuild my
career like West Ham are trying to rebuild themselves as a football club, so
hopefully we can go hand-in-hand."
Should he do well, Bentley said he would have no qualms about turning his
season-long loan into a permanent move to east London. "Of course I would
definitely consider staying here. If they consider keeping me, then I'd
definitely consider it. "We'll have to see how my time here is going to pan
out, but the main priority is to get promoted and that's what I've come here
to do and help the club to do. "After that, we'll see, but I'd definitely
consider it."
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Squad numbers confirmed
WHUFC.com
The new Hammers have all been given their squad numbers for the season ahead
01.09.2011
West Ham United can confirm the final squad numbers for the 2011/12 season.
With the transfer window closed, the coaching staff confirmed the new squad
numbers on Thursday morning. David Bentley has been allocated No8, Guy Demel
has No20, Papa Bouba Diop will be No21, Henri Lansbury was given No22 and
Brian Montenegro was handed No26.
West Ham United squad numbers
1 Robert Green
2 Winston Reid
3 George McCartney
4 Kevin Nolan
5 James Tomkins
7 Sam Baldock
8 David Bentley
9 Carlton Cole
10 Jack Collison
11 John Carew
14 Matt Taylor
15 Abdoulaye Faye
16 Mark Noble
17 Joey O'Brien
18 Julien Faubert
19 Freddie Sears
20 Guy Demel
21 Papa Bouba Diop
22 Henri Lansbury
23 Herita Ilunga
24 Frank Nouble
26 Brian Montenegro
27 Jordan Spence
28 Peter Kurucz
29 Marek Stech
30 Frederic Piquionne
31 Ruud Boffin
32 Gary O'Neil
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Big Sam hails deadline's passing
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 1st September 2011
By: Staff Writer
Sam Allardyce says he can relax once again now the summer transfer window
deadline has passed. Speaking to the Daily Mail today, West Ham United's
manager admitted that he feared late 'too-good-to-turn-down' offers for some
of his players prior to last night's 11pm deadline - but confessed to being
delighted that those fears failed to materialise and he managed to retain
the remainder of his squad. "Managers in my position dread the final few
days of the transfer window. In the end, this deadline day went well for us
at West Ham United," he said. "We managed to bring in three good players; an
experienced performer in Papa Bouba Diop, someone involved in Norwich City's
promotion last season in Henri Lansbury and David Bentley. If we can get
Bentley back to the level he has reached in the past, he will be an exciting
signing."
On Scott Parker - who the club have been actively seeking to sell since West
Ham were relegated at the end of last season and has been as good as gone
for some time - he added: "We've obviously known for some time that he could
be moving on. He's 30 years old and he feared he could lose his England
place if he did not play in the Barclays Premier League this season."
A fierce critic of the current transfer system, Allardyce continues to call
for change in the current arrangement - but admits that most, if not all
systems have their negative aspects. "For other managers I'm sure it was
frustrating," he argued. "They might now be staring at gaping holes in their
squad, forcing them into a major rethink after months of hard work. "This
is the problem with the transfer window. It is hugely disruptive and a
massive distraction. But I can't see a solution. Bringing the transfer
window forward and closing it a month earlier would create new problems."
The dirty dozen: Sam's summer signings
14th June
Abdoulaye Faye: free transfer
16th June
Kevin Nolan: Newcastle Utd, £4m
23rd July
Matthew Taylor: Bolton, £2.2m
30th July
Joey O'Brien: free transfer
6th August
John Carew: free transfer
10th August
George McCartney: Sunderland, season-long loan
26th August
Sam Baldock: MK Dons, £2m + £750,000 add-ons
29th August
Brian Montenegro: Club , season-long loan
30th August
Papa Bouba Diop: free transfer
31st August
David Bentley: Tottenham, season-long loan
Henri Lansbury: Arsenal, season-long loan
Gyu Demel: SV Hamburg, undisclosed fee
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Over-chuffed!
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 1st September 2011
By: Lee Byron
First of all, let me take my metaphorical hat off to Carlton Cole and Robert
Green. Two players who could have understandably put in transfer requests
before the month of May had finished, but didn't - and Carlton stayed true
to his words that he wanted to stay with us, even in the Championship.
He seems to be loving it here, and any doubters can just watch the way he
celebrates others' goals as well as his. It was a delight to watch his arms
pumping the air after we got our second against Watford.
Rob Green, although not publicly coming out and echoing Carlton's words of
staying, has been very professional and kept himself low-key, and has made
no overtures about playing in the premier league and his England chances.
Thanks lads, I am sure we all really appreciate it; I know I do.
On the same subject, Mark Noble, James Tomkins and Jack Collison could have
all easily jumped ship, trading their roots and Championship football for a
below-average Premier League outfit, but they didn't. They all stayed.
And while I'm at it, I'd like to thank Julian Faubert whose move to West Ham
hasn't exactly been good for his career, but he always gives it 100 per cent
and doesn't spit a dummy when he was played out of position. He's an
attacking midfielder (and very handy at that), not a full back.
I'm also pleased for Winston Reid, who must have been cursing the day West
Ham got in touch with him about this time last year. He seems to be
fulfilling his potential. Let's hope Barrera comes back and does the same.
So we have a core of players who were with us last season, and we have shed
the players who were for one reason or another, just not cutting it at our
club, although I don't agree with the moving on of Hines and Stanislas. Both
have bags of potential, so let's hope those decisions won't come back to
bite us.
I would like to say thank you to Scott Parker for his service, but he
blatantly doesn't really care about our club much. He'd rather spin the
nonsense about his England place, which was never under threat had he wanted
to stay with us. Capello had not only stated on Sky that he would still pick
players from the Championship, and backed that up by picking him and Green
for England's upcoming qualifiers.
So what of our new look squad? It could be said that we are still a bit
light on the strength-in-depth - but not in the strength.
Let's be honest, we have signed some real beasts: guys who wouldn't be
bottling the challenges some of our lot did last season; guys who will not
think twice about flattening the opposition (fairly hopefully) for
possession; guys who will hopefully strike the fear of God into the
opposition when they see a team more resembling a Rugby side than a West Ham
side; guys who will fight for their manager, himself not short of a few
kilos.
Basically we have now got a squad to match the manager. And this is good
news for us supporters, I think.
I think this because after watching the 2005–06 season review, Alan Pardew
said of the FA Cup game verses Sam's Bolton team that it was the hardest,
most physical game he'd been involved in and that our players were on their
knees by the end. It means now we can watch our team give it their all,
fight for every ball, and hopefully with the more skillful players, also
mesmerize the other teams.
I'm looking forward to seeing Baldock link up with Carlton, and watching us
compete as the games mount up, which will give some of the other lads a
chance to really make an impact. I think defensively we'll be strong, and
they will have a solid midfield in front of them.
And let's see plenty of goals flying in the other end (quick point to Sam. I
know you wanted to see the game out against forest, but with 85 minutes on
the clock, and being 1 – 4 up, surely we could have stopped trying to take
the ball into the corners and tried for a fifth or sixth in the same manner
Man Utd did against Arsenal).
All in all I am feeling very good about our new manger, our new look team,
and our league position. I am fully behind Big Sam, the team as always, and
for once the board has kept quiet and let him their manager get on with his
job. Onwards and upwards!
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The new Bentley brigade
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 1st September 2011
By: Staff Writer
New signing David Bentley says his move to West Ham could be the kick-start
his career needs. The 27-year-old - who will wear the number eight shirt
vacated by Scott Parker - signed on loan from Tottenham yesterday, one of
three deadline day signings made by Sam Allardyce as he sought to enhance
his squad ahead of last night's 11pm deadline. As well as the former England
winger, Allardyce managed to land Henri Lansbury from Arsenal and Guy Demel
from Hamburg during the day - completing what many Hammers fans are hailing
as the club's best ever transfer window, despite the loss of Parker. It
could also prove to be the best transfer window ever for Bentley, who has
suffered a torrid time at White Hart Lane. Having convinced himself that he
had no chance of forcing his way back into Harry Redknapp's plans - few do
once having fallen out of favour - he jumped at the chance to move from
north to east London. And should the 2011/12 campaign prove a successful one
for both West Ham and Bentley, he sees no reason why he can't prolong his
stay at the club. "Of course I would definitely consider staying here. If
they consider keeping me, then I'd definitely consider it," he told
whufc.com this morning. We'll have to see how my time here is going to pan
out, but the main priority is to get promoted and that's what I've come here
to do and help the club to do. "After that, we'll see, but I'd definitely
consider it. West Ham is a good club and a club where the manager wanted me.
Hopefully I can come here and do well."
Big shoes to fill: West Ham's most recent number eights
David Connolly 2003-2004: Pld 39 Gls 10
Teddy Sheringham 2004-2007: Pld 76 Gls 28
Scott Parker 2007-2011: Pld 123 Gls 12
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Junior: I just want to play football
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 1st September 2011
By: Staff Writer
Junior Stanislas has revelaed why he decided to join former team mate Zavon
Hines at Championship rivals Burnley. The 21-year-old London-born youngster
finally waved goodbye to the Boleyn Ground yesterday having been with the
club for 11 years, since he was aged just ten. Despite having no inclination
to move away from his childhood club, it was made clear by the steady stream
of new arrivals that summer that he was considered surplus to requirements
by Sam Allardyce. As a result, Stanislas signed a three year deal with the
Clarets yesterday, hours ahead of the transfere deadline. Despite admitting
that he will miss east London, the winger admits that he will be pleased to
team up with pal Hines once again. "I'm delighted to be here. It's a big
decision, but at the same time it's all about playing football," he told the
Lancashire Telegraph. "I just want to play week in and week out and
unfortunately that wasn't happening back in London. "If you are not doing
that at one club, then you have to look elsewhere. That's football, so
hopefully I can come here and make an impression. Burnley seems like a good
family club with good people, so I'm glad it's all gone through and I'm just
eager to get playing again. "Zavon and I have spoken a few times and he has
been telling me how friendly the people, the manager and staff are so I'm
really looking forward to it. A lot of the boys here are hungry and
determined to get back in the Premier League, so it's sounding good for us."
KUMB.com would like to wish Junior the very best of luck with his new club.
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Stanislas - I had to move
Winger explains reasons for Hammers exit
By Pete O'Rourke - Follow me: @skysportspeteo. Last Updated:
September 1, 2011 1:25pm
SSN
Burnley new boy Junior Stanislas admits he had to leave West Ham for the
sake of his career. The 21-year-old winger found his opportunities limited
under Sam Allardyce at Upton Park and made a switch to Turf Moor on transfer
deadline day in a bid to get more first-team action. "It's a big decision
but at the same time it's all about playing football," Stanislas told
Burnley's official website. "I just want to play week in, week out and
unfortunately that wasn't happening back in London. "If you are not doing
that at one club then you have to look elsewhere. That's football, so
hopefully I can make an impression here. "Burnley seem like a good, family
club with good people so I'm glad it's all gone through and I'm just eager
to get playing again."
Delighted
Burnley boss Eddie Howe was delighted to lure Stanislas to Turf Moor. The
England Under-21 international became the Clarets' seventh summer signing
after arriving on a three-year deal ahead of Wednesday night's transfer
deadline. "I was pleased to bring Junior in. I think he's going to be an
excellent signing for us," said Howe.
"I am very pleased with the attacking options we have. I think we are going
to be a real threat going forward this season, as we have proved already at
times."
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Bentley ready for fresh start
Spurs flop ready to revive career with Hammers
Last Updated: September 1, 2011 9:16pm
SSN
New West Ham winger David Bentley is keen to rebuild his career after
arriving at Upton Park from Tottenham on a season-long loan deal. The former
England international, 27, has dropped down to the Championship after being
frozen out at White Hart Lane. "I've had a few low points over the last few
years and hopefully I can rebuild as West Ham are trying to do, hopefully it
can be the perfect relationship," Bentley told West Ham TV. "I'm trying to
rebuild my career like West Ham are trying to rebuild themselves as a
football club, so hopefully we can go hand-in-hand." Bentley revealed he
could make a permanent switch to Upton Park if his loan spell is a success.
"Of course I would definitely consider staying here," he added. "If they
consider keeping me then I would definitely consider it."
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David Bentley hopes to kickstart his career at West Ham
Published: Today
The Sun
DAVID BENTLEY wants to kickstart his career at rebuilding West Ham. The
Spurs winger joined the Hammers on a season-long loan on Wednesday. Bentley,
27, said: "I'm trying to rebuild my career like West Ham are trying to
rebuild themselves. "Everyone wants to play in the Premier League but
sometimes you have to make that step and, hopefully, it'll be the right step
for my career. "It's a good club and the manager wanted me."
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West Ham keeper given injury hope
London 24
Nathaniel John, West Ham correspondent
Thursday, September 1, 2011
4:23 PM
West Ham keeper Rob Green is expected to recover from his finger injury for
the Hammers' next game in a week's time. Green had to pull out of Fabio
Capello's England squad at the beginning of the week with the injury, but
scans have since revealed that the keeper's finger is not broken. It is also
understood that Green will play against Portsmouth next Saturday, even
though the injury may not have fully healed.
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David Bentley: I would 'definitely consider' permanent transfer from
Tottenham to West Ham
1 Sep 2011 22:45:00
By Richard Parry
Goal.com
The former Blackburn and Arsenal winger has endured a difficult time at
White Hart Lane following his mega-money switch from Ewood Park, failing to
cement himself in manager Harry Redknapp's plans. After being loaned to
Birmingham City for the second half of the 2010-11 season, Bentley has now
been sent to West Ham, and the one-time England international is keen to get
his career back on track. "I've had a few low points over the last few years
and hopefully I can rebuild as West Ham are trying to do, hopefully it can
be the perfect relationship," Bentley told West Ham TV. "I'm trying to
rebuild my career like West Ham are trying to rebuild themselves as a
football club, so hopefully we can go hand-in-hand." "Of course I would
definitely consider staying here," he added. "If they consider keeping me
then I would definitely consider it."
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Portsmouth don't dilly Dailly as veteran defender released after just two
games
By SPORTSMAIL REPORTER
Last updated at 10:14 PM on 1st September 2011
Daily Mail
Former Scotland defender Christian Dailly has been axed by Portsmouth after
playing just two games. Ex-West Ham star Dailly, 37, only joined Pompey last
month after leaving Charlton at the end of last season.
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Henri Lansbury scores cracking overhead kick for England U21s
Friday, September 2nd, 2011
It has been an eventful week for Henri Lansbury, who was a late sub for
Arsenal in their mauling at Manchester United on Sunday, moved on loan to
West Ham on transfer deadline day and then scored a brace for England
Under-21 against Azerbaijan on Thursday evening. Time could well be running
out for Lansbury at Arsenal who has been sent on another loan spell to join
Sam Allardyce at West Ham, following previous lower league outings with
Scunthorpe, Norwich and Watford. Arsene Wenger's signings of Yossi Benayoun
and Mikel Arteta suggest Lansbury could well have to pull out some special
performance at Upton Park to get the attention of the Arsenal manager.
Lansbury starred for England Under-21s as they hit Azerbaijan for six on
Thursday night, scoring twice but his first was a special goal – an overhead
kick from that nestled in the far corner. Fellow Arsenal youngster Alex
Oxlade-Chamberlain was the provider with a fine run and cross down the
right, with Lansbury producing a beauty.
http://www.101greatgoals.com/videodisplay/golazo!-henri-lansbury-england-u21
-azerbaijan-15354647/
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