Parker plays in England draw (WHUFC)
Scott Parker won his sixth cap for England in a disappointing 2-2 draw with
Switzerland on Saturday
Scott Parker made his Wembley bow on Saturday as England drew 2-2 with
Switzerland in a UEFA EURO 2012 qualifier at Wembley.
The West Ham United midfielder won his sixth cap but first at the national
stadium as Fabio Capello's men had to come from two-goals down to draw the
Group G fixture. Tranquillo Barnetta's two free-kicks in three first-half
minutes put the Swiss in command before Frank Lampard pulled one back from
the penalty spot as the interval approached when Jack Wilshere was fouled.
Half-time replacement Ashley Young levelled matters with a neat finish on 51
minutes but there was to be no winning goal against a Swiss side featuring
former Hammers player Valon Behrami. The closest the Three Lions came was
when Darren Bent was left with the goal gaping after a Young effort was
saved, only to scoop the ball over the crossbar, but Admir Mehmedi also had
a good chance for the visitors at the death.
Hammers goalkeeper Robert Green was an unused substitute.
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Tottenham's Harry Redknapp: Scott Parker cannot fulfil England ambitions in
the Championship (Goal.com)
Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp believes Scott Parker must leave West Ham
if he is to fulfil his international ambitions.
Parker has just had his best ever season, and was rewarded with the Football
Writer's Player of the Year award, though Redknapp believes if he is to
continue to play for England he must be playing in the Premier League.
"I think Parker's a great asset for England and worth considering for the
next year or two at least," Redknapp said in his column in The Sun.
"It will be difficult for him of course if he is stuck in the Championship."
"Sadly, it's the way of the world that England players rarely come from out
of the top flight. Even more so these days. But if he can get to a good
Premier League club who knows what can happen?"
"And West Ham fans will tell you no one was more committed to their team
last season," he added.
Now aged 30, Parker has only this season established himself in the national
side though Redknapp has dismissed any suggestion that England should be
playing a younger player ahead of the West Ham star.
Redknapp also backed England's chances to win a major trophy next summer at
Euro 2012.
"I still feel this England squad has a trophy in it and Euro 2012 is a great
opportunity," he said.
"England should have too much about them to be worried by Switzerland today
and Parker shouldn't be worried about anything - he's playing the best
football of his career.
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DIOUF UP FOR UPTON PARK SWITCH (Football 365)
Blackburn Rovers outcast El Hadji Diouf insists he would welcome the
opportunity to link up with Sam Allardyce at West Ham United.
Diouf has been linked with the East London club, who have installed
Allardyce as new manager after their relegation to the Championship.
Rovers boss Steve Kean has informed Diouf he is not part of his plans as he
looks to rebuild the Ewood Park squad.
Diouf was on loan at Glasgow Rangers for the second half of the season, but
appears to have ruled out a permanent switch to Ibrox Park.
However, the Senegal international has not ruled out linking up with his
former Bolton Wanderers and Blackburn boss at Upton Park.
And Diouf, who was on loan at Glasgow Rangers for the second half of the
season, has not ruled out linking up with his former Bolton Wanderers and
Blackburn boss at Upton Park.
"I have finished my loan so I am expecting to return to England with
Blackburn," Diouf said to skysports.com. "I am 30 years old, I want to play
week in, week out these days.
"Working with Sam? That would be a fantastic thing to do. Sam is a fantastic
manager and very good man. I would be delighted to work under him again."
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