Ledley King was the only absentee at England training on Tuesday morning as Wayne Rooney and Ashley Cole, who sat out Monday's session, were both able to take part.
Manchester United star Rooney picked up an ankle knock during Saturday's 1-1 draw with the United States while left-back Ashley Cole is usually given an extra day's rest because of an ongoing ankle complaint.
There are fears that Tottenham star King, who picked up a groin injury in the opening minutes of Saturday's draw, could be out for three weeks and may play no further part in the tournament.
However, there was some good news for Fabio Capello as midfielder Gareth Barry, who missed the USA match, is available to face Algeria on Friday.
The Manchester City player, who has been recovering from the ankle problem he suffered in the Premier League defeat to Tottenham more than a month ago, said:"The ankle has been fine for probably ten days.
"Another week's training in the lead-up to the Algeria game and it should be spot on. If the manager had asked me (to play against the USA) then I'd have bitten off his hand to try and make the starting team."
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Algeria are at the foot of Group C after losing their opening game 1-0 to Slovenia on Sunday.Subscribe to Football FanCast News Headlines by Email
We are almost three games into the new season, yet the transfer window still remains open. As we draw closer to the inevitable frenetic end of the window on deadline day, transfer rumours are flying about, with clubs trying to sort out their final deals for the summer. For players and managers alike the transfer window poses a distinct threat to their sanity. As rumours continue to circulate there may be unrest or trouble in sides before all deals are done. In light of this, should the transfer window be reformed and closed before the start of the season for everyone’s sake?
The summer long transfer sagas-like the uncertainty over the future of Luka Modric at Tottenham-continue to rumble on, and have now been carried over into the new season. This is highly unsettling for both squads and individual players, as uncertainty remains about whether players will leave and who will be their team-mates for the season ahead. Harry Redknapp has said that Modric has not been in the right frame of mind to play for Spurs, and it isn’t any wonder with the uncertainty surrounding his future. A negative cloud is hanging over Spurs with the whole affair, and they would of benefited from having the saga dealt with before the season had actually started.
While the window remains open, clubs remain in flux and unfinished. Yet points won throughout this period are very real, and those points could be crucial in a title decider or relegation battle. Clubs should be forced to do their pre-season strengthening in pre-season, and start the new campaign with a squad set in stone. This way everyone knows where they are and who they are playing for, at least for the first half of the season.
One benefit of the transfer window being open after the beginning of the season is that it gives clubs the chance to see where they may need to strengthen, if at all, and it gives managers a chance to have a few weeks of league play to make their minds up about certain players and their squads. Surely it is fairer for both players and clubs, if sides are decided before the season, with all deals wrapped up before the start of the new campaign. Sure it is a bigger gamble for a manager if they don’t get to assess their squads in those first few games of the season, but it could certainly make it interesting, with managers forced to deal earlier in the summer and have to live by the consequences of the decisions they make before the start of the season.
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While the transfer window remains open, the beginning of the season is taken over by transfer rumours, which though exciting throughout the summer, can became tedious and irritating at the beginning of the new campaign, when the focus should be purely on the football. It takes attention away from the opening games of the season, as players are unable to fully concentrate on football, with off-field matters seeming to take precedence.
The stumbling block in terms of moving the transfer window is a logistical one. Due to the different starting dates of the European leagues, it would be a disadvantage to other leagues if the English window was to close earlier. It is difficult to see any solutions to this problem, and the current window is a compromise that suits the majority.
With silly season almost over for another year, questions will remain as to whether we should close the window earlier. Managers should have to have their squads ready in time for the start of the new campaign, otherwise it takes away from the new season, and is just another example of how business is taking preference over sport.
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Do you think the transfer window should be closed before the start of the season? Let me know your thoughts below or follow me on Twitter @LaurenRutter
Liverpool fans must be wondering what if Kenny had been appointed manager sooner as the Reds close in on a top five finish. Dalglish has performed absolute wonders at Anfield and you sense it is only a matter of time before he is given the job on a permanent basis.
At FFC this week we have seen a mixed bag of Liverpool blogs that includes a transfer masterstroke by Kenny; 5 to lead Anfield clearout, while don’t be fooled by Kuyt’s eager feet.
We also look at the best Liverpool articles around the web this week.
*
FIVE Liverpool young guns hit a career crossroads
Liverpool find the perfect recipient of the fabled No.7 shirt
A transfer masterstroke by Kenny Dalglish?
The 5 to lead the Liverpool clearout this summer?
King Kenny breaks the mould in more ways than one
Why Liverpool’s biggest transfer battle has already been won
Don’t be fooled by Kuyt’s eager feet
It pales in significance compared to Bob Paisley
An ideology that the likes of Wilshere and Carroll would be key to
The man who brought Liverpool FC into the modern era
Liverpool linked with a Royals swoop
Where do Liverpool and Daniel Pacheco go from here?
*Best of Web*
Dalglish and Clarke: The Formula is Complete – Tomkins Times
The French International to solidify the Liverpool midfield – Our Kop
Dalglish’s five-point plan – Daily Telegraph
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A Very Big Decision For Kenny Dalglish To Make – Live4Liverpool
Magic Maxi Books Taxi For Next Season – This Is Anfield
Barcelona manager Pep Guardiola has played down claims from the club’s president that they will beat Real Madrid 5-0 in the Copa del Rey final.Barca president Sandro Rosell made the bold prediction in the lead-up to the April 20 final after the Catalan giants thumped their rivals 5-0 in a La Liga fixture back in November.
On that occasion, a David Villa double helped Barca to a famous victory but Guardiola says it won’t happen again and thinks that Rosell should have avoided making such a rash comment.
“I would have said 60-0,” said Guardiola with a wry smile.
“But he (Rosell) could have avoided making such a comment. I would not have said that. Everyone has their opinion. He said it in an act of solidarity, and this is how it should be seen, but it could have been avoided.”
“It is impossible to win 5-0 against Real Madrid in the final.”
Guardiola added that the comments were not in the tone of the club.
“The president has much more experience than me to give opinions,” he said.
“The tone of the club all along has been to not make a show when we win and congratulate our opponents when we lose. Players are exemplary in many ways inside and outside the stadium. This is Barca.”
Barcelona lead La Liga by five points and will be hoping to keep the distance between themselves and Real Madrid by winning away at Villarreal on Saturday.
Strugglers Blackpool have been buoyed by reports that skipper Charlie Adam could play against Newcastle on Saturday.The Blackpool midfielder limped off in the first half of last Saturday’s 3-1 loss to Wigan Athletic and had his foot in plaster this week.
Reports, however, have suggested Adam is likely to be fit for the match at Bloomfield Road.
The relegation-threatened club’s survival hopes are firmly pinned on the Scotland international, who has scored 10 goals this season but his contract expires at the end of the campaign.
Ian Holloway’s men will be eager to claim the three points against Newcastle given their remaining games include Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United.
Following the defeat to Wigan, Blackpool dropped to the relegation zone for the first time this season, although they remain only a point off 17th-placed Wigan Athletic and five points behind Fulham who are 12th.
They have lost their last three games and have only won once in their last 13.
Midfielder David Vaughan is expected to return for the Tangerines having missed the last two games with a hip injury.
Newcastle took a small step towards securing their Premier League status on Tuesday as they held champions-elect Manchester United to a goalless draw at St James’ Park.
The Geordies are ninth on the table, with 40 points, and have only won one in their last six but have shown positive signs of staying in the top flight throughout the campaign.
While they are relatively safe from the drop, Alan Pardew is, too, hopeful a victory can build some momentum heading into the final month of action which includes games at Liverpool and Chelsea.
Pardew has admitted he has a selection headache on his hands, with second-string goalkeeper Tim Krul having played a pivotal role in keeping United scoreless and the return of first choice Steve Harper.
Key midfielders Joey Barton and Kevin Nolan, who were both overlooked for the Professional Footballers Association team of the season, will be spurred on by their non-selection.
Striker Shola Ameobi should be fit after starting against the Red Devils, while the on-loan Stephen Ireland, who came on as a substitute on Tuesday, will look to cement his first-team spot.
Owen Hargreaves could be handed a chance to resurrect his Premier League career after entering into talks with West Brom.The 30-year-old only managed 27 games during a four-year spell at Manchester United thanks to a litany of injuries, and was released as the end of last season.
Baggies sporting and technical director Dan Ashworth revealed his club are interested in the former England man and added that, if fit, his signing would be a “no brainer”.
“We have been in talks with Owen,” he told West Brom’s official website.
“He’s based over in the United States at the moment so we might try to get to meet him in the next week or so and see if he would consider coming to us.”
“If Owen is fit to play Premier League football, it is a no-brainer.”
“Make no mistake, Owen Hargreaves is a fantastic player. He’s shown he’s a top, top player from his England, Manchester United and Bayern Munich days.”
“Obviously, Owen has had a few medical issues over the last few years. But we would be absolutely delighted to get a fit Owen Hargreaves.”
“That would be a wonderful signing for us.”
Ashworth claimed that his club have the medical department to handle a player that has had more than his fair share of injuries.
He added that while Hargreaves does have other options – with Championship Leicester City reportedly interested – West Brom were the first to make contact.
“The three things we’ve got going for us are: one, we’re in the Premier League, which is attractive in itself; the second thing is we’ve got a fantastic medical team. We had an unbelievable hit-rate last season in terms of player availability,” Ashworth added.
“I think that’s attractive to Owen, that we’ve got a proven track record in the last couple of years of maintaining players and keeping them out on the pitch, which is the most important thing.”
“Thirdly, we were the first club to contact him. He’s told me that, and he appreciates that.”
“I’d like to think we’ve got a chance – but Owen has plenty of other options as well.”
A dour 1-0 defeat away at Bournemouth signalled the end to a very poor season for North End with the positives coming in short supply.
I’m sure the final whistle at Dean Court was music to Graham Westley’s ears as he is now able to begin to shape the squad into his own side ready for August.
The words of Mr Westley over the past few weeks have been constantly referring to a summer clear out with a rumoured 14 new faces with just as many leaving the club. The Lilywhites fans will all be offering their suggestions of signings and who they believe should go as the manager draws up his shortlist and hands it to his chairman.
In my opinion, there are only four players for certain of the current 44 professionals at the club that have truly earned the right to wear the proud Preston jersey next season. The first would have to be newly crowned player of the year, Thorsten Stuckmann. The big German has kept 10 clean sheets out of his 24 games with a poor back line attempting to protect him which cannot be scoffed at despite the words of his manager this week. Westley stating in an interview that he would be bringing in a new goalkeeper to provide competition which has been received both ways by north end fans. His words of discouragement towards Stuckmann’s player of the year of the award did also not go down too well with the former Stevenage boss stating that ‘winning player of the year in a mediocre team is not much of an achievement’. But personally he would be the first name on my team sheet but I would definitely bring in a new keeper to provide competition for Thorsten.
The second would have to be captain Paul Coutts who has stepped up to the plate this season following an anonymous season last season. The Scot has caused controversy by handing in a transfer request but after settling in to Graham Westley’s regime he has become a key figure in the North End side with some all action performances and some excellent link up play with Danny Mayor. However, Coutts has been the subject of interest from Darren Ferguson’s Peterborough which could see him leave the club should a suitable offer be placed for the midfielder.
Thirdly, despite injury harboring his campaign this year, Iain Hume would be as good as a new signing should he stay at the club. Hume’s all action displays and his deadly right foot have made him a fan’s favourite since he joined the club initially on loan in November 2010. Despite making just over 20 appearances throughout the season, Hume has clocked up 9 league goals leaving him the club’s top scorer and should he be retained in time for next season he would better that tally if he could stay injury free.
Winger Danny Mayor has also made his claim for a place in Graham Westley’s squad for next season with some mesmerising performances towards the end of the season. His undoubted skill and trickery have been apparent since he made his debut in Darren Ferguson’s first league game in charge in January 2010 but it has only been since Westley’s arrival that his good work have become noticed with him picking up a number of assists. Danny has also picked up goal of the season for his brilliant solo strike against Hartlepool back in February and I’m sure that he will certainly begin to carry on his excellent performances in to next season.
Winger cum-emergency left back Paul Parry and ex-Liverpool Striker Neil Mellor are expected to depart with full back David Gray with the three out of contract in the summer. The rest will be a mystery as Westley’s revolution will begin to take place in the coming weeks after the man himself stated that he wanted his squad ready for mid May.
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This certainly does spark excitement for fans with a significant amount of arrivals and departures taking place but it has to work for Westley as the time has come for the words to stop and the cheque book to open. Westley’s confidence in himself could prove to be the making of the club or his own downfall but one thing is for certain, there will be few if any survivors from yesterday’s poor performance at Bournemouth that will appear in the 16 man squad for the first game of next season.
Liverpool have had a £2million bid for Middlesbrough's Australian goalkeeper Brad Jones rejected by the Championship side.
Reds boss Roy Hodgson is keen to sign a new shot-stopper to provide competition for current first-choice keeper Pepe Reina.
Jones missed this summer's World Cup finals as he had to leave the Socceroos squad after his son was diagnosed with leukaemia.
Meanwhile, Boro boss Gordon Strachan has confirmed that he is actively trying to sell unwanted trio Mido, Didier Digard and Marvin Emnes.
"They won't be playing here this year," confirmed the former Celtic boss."It's up to themselves (what the do now), I don't decide peoples' futures.
"I speak to them and say, 'Listen, you've got assets and things you're good at and I'm sure there are teams out in Europe who will need those assets'.
"As far as I'm concerned – and I've told them this – the group I'm working with isn't going to include them and life's like that sometimes.
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"You have to pick a squad of 25 now and we've picked our 25 now and they're not included.
"I hope they get a club that will suit their play and personalities because I don't like to see players not playing football."Subscribe to Football FanCast News Headlines by Email
The Arsenal squad has pretty decent strength in depth. If you’re an Arsenal player and you don’t perform over a few games, chances are there’s a youngster ready and waiting to take your place. With quality young players like Aaron Ramsey, Henri Lansbury, Craig Eastmond and Jay-Emmanuel Thomas waiting in the wings, some players may have to move on if Arsenal’s youngest and brightest are to get the chance to develop as best they can within the team. Assessing this Arsenal side, there are two or three players who just don’t seem Arsenal quality. With that in mind, these are the three players I’d be happy to see the back of at the Emirates.
The first is Manuel Almunia. Good thing too considering he’s likely to be the first Arsenal player out the door during the January transfer window. Almunia isn’t a bad goalkeeper by any means – he is, for instance, a good shot stopper – but the consistency of his errors have always been a cause for worry. Wenger persisted with Almunia for quite some time but now seems content to let the Spaniard move on. It’s likely that Almunia will attempt to engineer a move to a Spanish club in January. One benefit of this is that we’ll get to see more of 20 year-old goalkeeping prodigy Wojciech Szczesny.
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Another player I’m ready to see move on is Nicklas Bendtner. I don’t like to say it, but at the moment he isn’t quite good enough for Arsenal and I’m not sure I can see him becoming a force to be reckoned with any time soon. He has a tendency to lumber around the pitch, he’s slow and he has a bad touch. He’s also not the great goal-scorer people like to make out. Robin van Persie and Marouane Chamakh have the quality necessary to compete at a club like Arsenal. Bendtner, on the other hand, I’m not so sure about.
My final choice is Carlos Vela. I realise that this might ruffle a few feathers. He’s young, talented and looks to be a genuine prospect. However, he’s really struggling to get a look in this season. Arsene already has to contend with Theo Walcott who impresses and frustrates in equal measure. They are a similar age, but it’s clear that Wenger rates Walcott higher.
On the odd occasion we’ve seen Vela this season, he has appeared to be lacking in confidence. Given that Arsenal already have bundles of talent down the wings, perhaps the best thing Vela can do for his career is move on.
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I imagine there will be a few people readying their “but so-and-so is a good squad player” defence. Yes, all these players are decent enough, but the three I’ve listed are players I don’t believe are capable of challenging for a regular first-team position at the moment. There must be competition for places at all times within the squad so that the team avoids complacency. Why settle for second-class squad players?
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Newcastle are set to increase their bid for PSV left back Erik Pieters according to the Daily Mail as they strive to replace Jose Enrique.
Magpies boss Alan Pardew want’s Pieters to replace the Spaniard who left St James’ Park to sign for Liverpool.
His interest in the defender was revealed last week and is now preparing a new bid to bring him to Tyneside.
With the North East derby against Sunderland on Sunday fast approaching Pardew is set to raise his offer for the Dutchman to £7 million.
He wants the 23-year-old in place before the game at the Stadium of Light and is set to use the £5.5 million raised from the Enrique deal to make that a reality.
Ryan Taylor deputised against Arsenal in Saturday’s Premier League opener putting in an admirable shift but Pardew wants a specialist.
PSV are struggling financially and are prepared to reluctantly sell the left back in an order to boost the coffers.
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Pieters is keen to move to the North East and is exactly the type of player Newcastle are looking for to replace Enrique.
He certainly holds more experience than the Spaniard with 10 caps for Holland and extensive Champions League experience along with his age and potential resale value fitting into the structure at St James’ Park.