Liverpool F.C.: 06/01/2006

World Cup 2006 |
England v Portugal Injury Report

Ronaldo's chances of playing against England in Saturday's World Cup last-eight game appear slim after he missed a training session on today.

The Portugal winger has been receiving treatment on a thigh injury he suffered against Holland. Frank Lampard will train with the England squad on Friday after recovering from a twisted ankle. Gary Neville is also expected to be back in the side.

The quarter-final tie will be played under a closed roof at the AufShchalke Arena in Gelsenkirchen.

World Cup 2006 |
Sven Snaps (Briefly)

Sven-Goran Eriksson has finally snapped with journalists who question him and his tactics despite England's progress to the World Cup quarter-finals.

The Swede indulged in a brief burst of anger after being prodded by reporters who suggested that he had no clear idea of his best team or tactics.

It culminated in the Swede snapping: 'Don't tell me I don't know what to do - I know exactly what to do.'

Cisse aiming for September return

Djibril Cisse is aiming to return to competitive action by September as he continues his recovery from a broken leg.

Cisse's World Cup dreams were ruined when he sustained the injury during his country's final warm-up match against China, but the Liverpool striker insists he's remained in good spirits as he battles to regain full fitness as soon as possible.

Cisse's future has been the subject of much speculation in recent weeks, with Marseille reportedly still interested in signing him on loan.

But for now he is just concentrating on getting back to full fitness.

Italian football trial adjourned

The trial of four leading Italian football clubs on match-fixing charges has been opened and adjourned.

Champions Juventus, plus AC Milan, Fiorentina and Lazio could be relegated from Serie A and forced out of European competition if found guilty.

A six-strong panel of judges convened at the Olympic Stadium to try the clubs, plus 26 senior officials, referees and linesmen. After legal submissions, the tribunal was postponed until Monday.

Lawyers representing five Serie B teams, who hope to be promoted if the accused squads are relegated, want to give evidence.

World Cup 2006 |
Ref Poll sent home from World Cup

They are emerging as the most powerful side in the tournament - we are of course refering to the FIFA referees.

Today Graham Poll has been named as one of 14 referees who have been sent home from the World Cup. The English referee has paid the price for his yellow-card blunder in the Australia versus Croatia game when he booked Josip Simunic three times.

Russian Valentin Ivanov, who issued a World Cup record 16 yellow and four red cards in Portugal's fiery game against Holland, is also on his way home.

World Cup 2006 |
Eriksson pledges Portugal revenge

Sven-Goran Eriksson has insisted England are in great shape to beat their Euro 2004 conquerors Portugal in Saturday's World Cup quarter-final.

The England coach said his side can avenge their penalty shoot-out defeat by the Portuguese and progress to a semi-final against Brazil or France.

'I strongly believe we will win,' said the Swede.

Of course it can't hurt that Deco and Costinha are out for the match after the shambolic Netherlands match. Let's hope that the Portuguese side doesn't repeat their past match antics and try to get under Rooney's skin.

World Cup 2006 |
Fowler on Saturday's Match

Robbie Fowler is hoping Sven Goran Eriksson is brave enough to make the big decisions during England's quarter final clash with Portugal on Saturday.

'One of the most frustrating moments of my career came during a World Cup quarter-final and I just hope the lads out in Germany don't end up feeling the way I did four years ago after they face Portugal in Gelsenkirchen.

Had England beaten Brazil in the last eight in Shizuoka, there was a great chance of going on to win the World Cup.' [ more ]

Unfortunately, as we all know, things didn't go according to plan and it was with a whimper rather than a bang that we went out.

Word Cup 2006 |
Spain loses to France

After their first game they looked like genuine contenders, but the Spanish have once again failed to deliver when it comes to the knockout stages. They took the lead, but goals from Ribery, Vieira and Zinedine Zidane (of course) mean they're going home early. Again.

World Cup 2006 |
Portugal fail in Deco appeal bid

Midfielder Deco willmiss Portugal's quarter-final with England after Fifa dashed any hopes of appealing against his dismissal in the game with Holland.

Coach Luiz Felipe Scolari asked Portugal's Football Federation to appeal against Deco's first caution. But Fifa communications director Markus Siegler said: 'There was a phone call, they were clearly told 'forget it'.'

World Cup 2006 |
Beckham score boosts UK economy

Analysts claim that David Beckham's winning goal against Ecuador will boost the British economy by up to £124million over the next week.

With the 1-0 victory booking a quarter-final date next Saturday, retailers are set to enjoy a week-long windfall from the World Cup feel-good factor.

'According to analysts, such as the Centre for Economic and Business Research, at least an extra £100m will be spent in the UK in the six days before the quarter-finals on Saturday, when England will play Portugal,' reports The Independent.

World Cup 2006 |
England 1 Ecuador 0

Sven-Goran Eriksson lives to fight another day but his England team do not look likely World Cup winners.

David Beckham produced a long-overdue piece of free-kick magic to sink Ecuador and book his team into the last eight.

The South Americans could have gone in front early on, Carlos Tenorio's shot deflecting off Ashley Cole and on to the bar after John Terry's mistake.

Frank Lampard missed two fine chances but England had done enough to win.

The side will now play Portugal - after their stormy 1-0 win against Holland - on Saturday 1 July at 1600 BST in Gelsenkirchen.

World Cup 2006 |
Portugal 1-0 Holland

Portugal booked their place in the last eight of the World Cup and a meeting with England on Saturday after beating Holland in a stormy encounter.

Both teams finished the game with nine men after a game which equalled the World Cup record for bookings - 16 - and broke the record for red cards.

Deco and Costinha were dismissed for Portugal, while Khalid Boulahrouz and Gio van Bronkhorst saw red for Holland.

Fifa president Sepp Blatter has hit out at referee Valentin Ivanov's handling of Portugal's match against Holland.

Maniche scored the only goal, firing into the top corner after 23 minutes.

World Cup 2006 |
Figo cleared for England showdown

Luis Figo can play in Saturday's World Cup quarter-final against England after Fifa ruled out further action for a headbutt on Holland's Mark van Bommel.

The Portuguese skipper was booked and because referee Valentin Ivanov took action, Fifa will not intervene.
Fifa communications director Markus Siegler said: 'He was sanctioned immediately by the referee at the time.

'The referee's report is being analysed but it is very unlikely anything will happen as he has been sanctioned.'

However, Portugal coach Luiz Felipe Scolari defended Figo. Jesus said we should turn the other cheek, unfortunately, Figo is not Jesus Christ."

World Cup 2006 |
Crouch frustrated by charge

Peter Crouch has revealed his frustration at England being labelled a long ball team simply because of his presence in the team.

The 6ft 7in Liverpool striker is set to play a more significant role in the tournament after the return home of Michael Owen following his knee ligament injury. But Crouch bristles at suggestions humping the ball in the air is the only tactic England are able to employ when he is in the side and insists he is more comfortable with the ball played into his feet.

World Cup 2006 |
Referee's exit little help for Croatia

Referee Graham Poll may have officiated his last World Cup match after a series of high-profile errors during Croatia's turbulent game against Australia.

The English official booked Croatia's Josip Simunic three times before sending him off and also twice waved away strong Australian penalty claims.
Fifa says Poll's performance will be analysed by the referees' committee.

But President Sepp Blatter said: 'We had four officials and what is not understandable is nobody intervened.'

Gerrard on Bellamy Signing

Steven Gerrard today reacted to the news of Craig Bellamy's arrival at Anfield and insisted: 'He's a great signing for the club.'

The Liverpool skipper admits he is excited by the capture of the Welsh international and can't wait to welcome him into the Melwood dressing room when pre-season gets underway next month.

'When all the Liverpool lads out here in Germany heard the deal had gone through, all of us were really happy.

'With Djibril Cisse suffering that bad injury, everyone can see we're a bit short up front. To bring in a player of Craig's strength and pace, with a good goalscoring record, is great news.

'I was made up when we were first linked with Craig Bellamy, because I've always thought he was a top quality player.

'I've never met him other than during a match, but I've had a few arguments with him on the pitch a few times.

'But that's something I like about him. It doesn't do anyone any harm to have what you might call a bit of a nasty streak, in a good way.

World Cup 2006 |
Kewell sends Aussies through

Harry Kewell earned Australia a 2-2 draw against Croatia which sends them through to the last 16 for the first time.

Darijo Srna's precise free-kick gave Croatia an early lead.

Australia were level through Craig Moore's penalty after Stjepan Tomas handled a cross, but Croatia hit back through Nico Kovac's bobbling drive.

Kewell was on hand to fire home from close range to send the Socceroos through while Dario Simic and Brett Emerton saw red in the dying minutes.

Bellamy joins Liverpool

Craig Bellamy today agreed a four-year contract with Liverpool and immediately stressed that while joining the club is a dream come true, the real hard work starts now.

The Welsh international cut short a family holiday in Greece to fly back for talks with Reds boss Rafael Benitez on Wednesday and after completing a routine medical on Wednesday night, he will officially become a Liverpool player on July 1st.

Benitez is keen to find more firepower for his side as he tries to make them to genuine Premiership title challengers and Bellamy certainly fits the bill after an impressive season with Rovers in which he scored 17 times. [ More Detail ]

World Cup 2006 |
Sven 's new Tactics?

Sven-Goran Eriksson believes Wayne Rooney can play as a lone striker at the World Cup - but the England boss refused to be drawn on whether he will change his formation following the injury to Michael Owen.

Owen's injury has left Eriksson with just three strikers in his squad.

This in turn has led to suggestions the Swede could keep holding midfielder Owen Hargreaves in the side against Ecuador for the second round clash in Stuttgart on Sunday, with Rooney or Peter Crouch leading the attack on their own.

Liverpool 2006-2007 Fixture List

Official announcement by Liverpool Football Club:

August

19 Sheffield United (A)
23 Newcastle United (H) (pp)
26 West Ham United (H)

September

9 Everton (A)
16 Chelsea (A)
23 Tottenham Hotspur (H)
30 Bolton Wanderers (A)

October

14 Blackburn Rovers (H)
21 Manchester United (A)
28 Aston Villa (H)

November

4 Reading (H)
11 Arsenal (A)
18 Middlesbrough (A)
25 Manchester City (H)
29 Portsmouth (H)

December

2 Wigan Athletic (A)
9 Fulham (H)
16 Charlton Athletic (A)
23 Watford (H)
26 Blackburn Rovers (A)
30 Tottenham Hotspur (A)

January

1 Bolton Wanderers (H)
13 Watford (A)
20 Chelsea (H)
31 West Ham United (A)

February

3 Everton (H)
10 Newcastle United (A)
24 Sheffield United (H)

March

3 Manchester United (H)
17 Aston Villa (A)
31 Arsenal (H)

April

7 Reading (A)
9 Middlesbrough (H)
14 Manchester City (A)
21 Wigan Athletic (H)
28 Portsmouth (A)

May

5 Fulham (A)
13 Charlton Athletic (H)

Please note our home game with Newcastle, scheduled for August 23, has been postponed because of Liverpool's participation in the qualifying round of the Champions League.

All of these fixtures and dates are provisional and subject to change for live TV.

World Cup 2006 |
Gerrard on Sweden, Next Round

Steven Gerrard has admitted England have plenty to work on if they are to make significant progress in the World Cup, despite topping their group after a 2-2 draw with Sweden.

England were again guilty of a second-half fade-out and were also vulnerable at set-pieces which allowed Marcus Allback and Henrik Larsson to cancel out goals from man of the match Joe Cole and substitute Steven Gerrard.

Gerrard: 'I thought our play was a bit better against Sweden but we looked vulnerable on set-pieces, which is unusual for us, and we need to get those sorted on the training ground.

'In the second half we also stopped passing and moving. We have been working in training on trying to keep the same tempo in the second half as we have shown in the first 45 minutes of games.

'The manager wanted me to come on and provide a bit of energy in midfield but it was difficult because Sweden were really pushing for a goal.'

World Cup 2006 |
Owen out

Michael Owen is out of the World Cup and flying back to England after rupturing his anterior cruciate knee ligament in the 2-2 draw with Sweden.

A scan on Wednesday confirmed the worst fears about Owen's injury following his dramatic collapse early in the match.

'Obviously it's a massive blow. As soon as it happened I knew I was in trouble,' said the 26-year-old striker.

Coach Sven-Goran Eriksson said: 'I'm sorry for him. But we have many players who can take that second striker role.' Let's hope so Sven.

World Cup 2006 |
England 2-2 Sweden

England will play Ecuador in the last 16 of the World Cup after securing a draw with Sweden to top Group B.

England went in front when Joe Cole hit a sensational lob from 35 yards, only for Marcus Allback to equalise when he headed home from a right-wing corner. Steven Gerrard headed in Joe Cole's 85th-minute cross, but Henrik Larsson levelled for Sweden in injury time.

It was a hard-earned point. There were positives for England, particularly with their first-half display. But a worrying injury to Michael Owen, and some horribly inept second-half defending means the question marks remain.

World Cup 2006 |
Rooney in, Crouch Out

Coach Sven-Goran Eriksson has revealed he publicly announced Wayne Rooney's return to the England side to strike fear into Sweden before their meeting.

Eriksson broke with tradition to reveal Rooney would return in place of Peter Crouch in the Group B tie in Cologne.

He said: 'The opponents don't want to hear that Rooney is starting. He's on fire in training, tackling all over.

'His desire to do well in the World Cup is enormous. It's important for England he plays - for the squad and fans.'

Kewell cleared to Play

Harry Kewell has been cleared to play in Australia's final group match after FIFA dropped a charge that he had insulted referee Markus Merk following the 2-0 defeat by Brazil.

FIFA said the report by Merk that the Liverpool winger had insulted him after the final whistle was 'inconsistent' and the case has been dropped.

Kewell is now eligible to play in Australia's last game of Group F against Croatia in Stuttgart on Thursday, where victory would see the Socceroos qualify for the first knockout stage.

World Cup 2006 |
Kewell charged for insulting ref

Harry Kewell could miss Australia's crucial Group F game against Croatia after being charged by Fifa with insulting referee Markus Merk. The Liverpool winger was reported for swearing at the German official after the Socceroos' 2-0 defeat by Brazil.

Kewell has until Tuesday to respond and the verdict will be announced before the final group game on Thursday. Australia need to beat Croatia to be certain of qualifying for the knock-out stages for the first time.

Frankly, I'm encouraged that he's showing some passion for the game.

World Cup 2006 |
Club lied to keep Rooney out?

Rooney's Premiership side have been accused of deliberately lying in an attempt to prevent Wayne Rooney from playing at the World Cup.

A statement released, at the behest of the FA and Rooney, on Friday evening by the two independent medical experts who treated his broken foot flatly contradicted previous Old Trafford claims about the striker's injury.

According to Professors Angus Wallace and Chris Moran, Rooney was able to recover from his broken foot in just seven weeks because the injury was unusual.

"We were able to confirm that this fracture was quite different from the typical metatarsal shaft fracture, but was a fracture involving the spongy bone at the base of the metatarsal," the statement read. "This bone heals approximately three times more quickly than the hard bone of the metatarsal shaft. Wayne had discomfort in his foot for only five days and has now been pain-free for six weeks."

As noted by The Guardian, 'The statement exposes United's misleading and inaccurate public declaration on May 29 that it was a double fracture, making it "an injury which takes longer to heal".'

A Reds Must Have?
The Peter Crouch Mask

Get Your World Cup Players Masks today! Terrify all your friends!

Rooney to Start, Hopefully Start Something

Sven-Goran Eriksson is ready to play Wayne Rooney from the start of England's match with Sweden next week in a desperate bid to revitalise the Three Lions' flagging World Cup campaign.

The England striker was passed fit by the independent medical experts on Thursday afternoon ahead of England's clash with Trinidad and Tobago. While Rooney did not boast an instrumental role in either of England's goals in their limp win, his mere presence appeared sufficient to revive the team after a torpid opening hour.

'Wayne did very well when he came on. He can't come out and be the best man on the pitch when he has not played for a long time,' said Sven Goran Eriksson.'

England striker Michael Owen accepts he could be left out of the starting line-up for the final World Cup group game.

World Cup 2006 |
England 2-0 Trinidad & Tobago

Reds Peter Crouch and Steven Gerrard spared England's blushes with late goals against Trinidad & Tobago to book their place in the last 16 of the World Cup.

Crouch, who had missed several chances, met David Beckham's right-wing cross to power a header past Shaka Hislop.

Gerrard wrapped it up in stoppage time with a stunning left-foot drive after England made hard work of the contest.

World Cup 2006 |
Rooney fit to Play

Wayne Rooney has been passed fit to play for England against Trinidad and Tobago this evening by independent medical advisors.

The England striker was today examined by Angus Wallace and Chris Moran, from the Queen's Medical Centre in Nottingham, ahead of the World Cup Group B in Nuremberg.

England coach Sven-Goran Eriksson had already claimed yesterday that Rooney is 'match-fit' and ready to return to action after six-and-a-half weeks out with a broken metatarsal.

Xabi leads Spain in Victory

Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso helped ensure Spain's World Cup campaign got off to the best possible start with his country's opening goal in today's 4-0 thrashing of Ukraine in Leipzig.

The Spanish side strolled to an easy opening day victory which sets them up nicely to qualify from Group H and take their place in the second round of the competition with easier looking games against Saudia Arabia and Tunisia still to come.

Fowler Talks of England's Chances

Robbie Fowler believes that England have the players to win the World Cup, but he feels that if they reign in Germany on July 9 it will be in spite of Sven-Goran Eriksson rather than because of him.

Hamann considering Bolton move

Liverpool midfielder Dietmar Hamann says he will decide this week about a possible move to Bolton Wanderers.

Liverpool said on their website that they had given English Premier League rivals Bolton permission to discuss personal terms with the 32-year-old German.

"The decision to sell me has not entirely come as a shock to me, but deciding whether to go or not is very hard for me".

That's "Mr." Robot to you.

Peter Crouch has decided to cancel his robotic dance routine in a bid to be to taken more seriously.

Crouch has become a cult figure since marking his goals against Hungary and Jamaica with the 'dance'. He even regaled the future King with a version of the move when Prince William visited the England team in

Gerrard out to fill Trophy Cabinet

When Steven Gerrard turns on the lights of the ostentatious trophy cabinet he has had constructed inside his Merseyside mansion, it is not the European Cup, the Uefa Cup, the two FA Cup and the two League Cup medals that serve as an inspiration but the two empty places that remind him that his collection, and therefore his career, is incomplete. They are spaces only a Premiership champion and World Cup winner could fill.

'I've left space in the cabinet for those two,' said the Professional Footballers' Association Player of the Year who, barring a late reaction to his back injury this morning, will line up for England against Paraguay today. 'What a career I will have had if I get those medals. That's the aim.'

World Cup 2006|
On Sven's Match Substitutions

The Guardian says that Sven 'took his players by surprise, having reconfigured the side in a way that had not been spoken about or worked on during what was an extensive period of experimentation in the games leading up to the tournament.'

The Daily Mirror has reported that 'Michael Owen furiously demanded showdown talks with Eriksson after being substituted in England's World Cup opener.'

Owen was hauled off after just 55 minutes of the Three Lions' win over Paraguay. An 'angry and frustrated Owen' then 'watched the rest of the game in a sulk and was later furious in the dressing room.'

Sven is said to have placated the striker and publicly continues to insist that the striker remains central to his World Cup plans. However thoughts are that Owen was badly off the pace against Paraguay in Frankfurt and this may ve the reason for the surprise return of Wayne Rooney.

World Cup 2006 |
Rooney may play against Trinidad

Striker Wayne Rooney may make a shock World Cup debut for England against Trinidad and Tobago on Thursday.

England coach Sven-Goran Eriksson has not ruled out the possibility of Rooney making a return to action in the match.

'I'm very optimistic, always. I'm born like that. We have to decide that day by day, to be honest,' he said.

Sir Alex Ferguson will be furious if his striker does make his World Cup debut in Nuremberg. Ferguson wanted Eriksson to keep Rooney safely on the sidelines until the knock-out stages of the World Cup but the pair did not agree.

England wins; Sweden Ties in First Group B Matches

England won their Group B opener in Frankfurt thanks to a third-minute Paraguay own goal during a half which England dominated. It was a different story in the second half as Paraguay threatened more as a cautious England put themselves under unnecessary pressure.

And although England supporters might have been cautiously pleased with the win, Trinidad and Tobago's draw with Sweden was certainly well received. T&T held the Swedes scoreless, despite playing the second half with ten men.

England staff have asked FIFA to ensure players get greater access to fluids during games after they suffered in the Frankfurt heat against Paraguay - having consumed 70 liters in Germany's heat as opposed to a norm of 20
liters.

FIFA calls for 18 Club Premiership

The Premiership is poised for a showdown with FIFA after football's governing body voted for all leagues to have no more than 18 clubs per elite division.

The Premier League will oppose any attempt to throw two clubs out of the most watched league in the world.

But FIFA president Sepp Blatter believes an 18-club ceiling will free up more dates for national games and reduce fixture congestion.

He is hoping the format - which would also hit leagues in France, Spain and Italy - will be implemented by the start of the 2007-08 season.

Farewell to Paco Herrara

Rafael Benitez today thanked Paco Herrera for all his hard work at Liverpool as the Spaniard finally left Melwood to take up the role of Technical Director at Espanyol.

Herrera joined Liverpool in 2004 as part of Rafa's new coaching contingent and served as the club's Head Scout and coach of the reserve team. He leaves the club to return to Spain to be closer to his family.

It is reported that Valencia coach Eduardo Macia is set to replace Paco Herrera on Rafael Benitez's back room staff. Rafa Benitez admits Eduardo Macia, who he worked with at Valencia is an option.

"We have a number of options and he is one. But Paco is working with us until July 1 and we won't be making an appointment until after this. It's too early to say who'll be replacing him," said Benitez.

Macia last week rejected a new contract to stay at Valencia.

Gerrard 50-50 Fit for Paraguay

Steven Gerrard has given England a fitness scare ahead of the World Cup opener with Paraguay in Frankfurt on Saturday and rates his chances of playing as "50-50".

The Liverpool midfielder is battling to overcome a knock on his hip which caused him to go into back spasms during training earlier in the week.

Gerrard took some part in Thursday's session in Germany but is hedging his bets as to whether he will available to play in 48 hours' time.

He said: "It is not a back problem. I got a knock on my hip which made my back go into spasms.

"The good thing is it is improving all the time. I have got a good chance of playing on Saturday but I need to keep working on it from now until Saturday.

"What is a good chance? As we speak now, I am probably 50-50 to play - but if it keeps improving as it has done over the last 24 hours, then I'll be there."

Rafa: Injury affects Summer Spending

Rafael Benitez has spoken of his concern for Djibril Cisse after the
striker broke his leg playing for France on Wednesday night but admitted the injury has affected his summer spending

"There are two issues here," revealed Benitez in tonight's Liverpool Echo. "Firstly, from the players point of view I'm really sorry for Djibril. That's important. It's really unfortunate for him but it's true it's now impossible for him to be sold.

"We were expecting to sell him to Marseille or Lyon and planned using
the money for other players. We were talking to both clubs. Now we won't
have this money. We won't expect him to play again until November or
December."

Rooney 'Injury free' - ERIKSSON

Sven-Goran Eriksson today insisted Wayne Rooney is 'injury free' and now just needs to obtain match fitness before he plays in the World Cup.

And the England coach declared the final decision on when the England striker can play in Germany will be 'Rooney's and mine'.

Rooney's club had stated last night that independent medical opinion pointed to him not being ready to play until after the group stage following a scan yesterday in Manchester on his broken metatarsal.

His club has said the 20-year-old 'will require very careful assessment in order to address his suitability' to play.

However, Eriksson, following Rooney's return to training with the rest of the squad, today said: 'The good news from yesterday evening and today is Rooney has no more injury.

'He is injury free and it is up to us now to get him match-fit and when we think he is match-fit I am prepared to take him to any specialist we or Manchester United want to take him to.'

Cisse Breaks Leg!

Liverpool striker Djibril Cisse will miss the World Cup after being carried off with a broken leg in France's friendly against China.

The 24-year-old was chasing the ball down the right flank 10 minutes into the game and was knocked off balance by an opposing defender.As he fell, his right leg twisted under him and buckled above the ankle, as Reds will know Cisse broke his left leg while playing for the club in October 2004.

World Cup Party - Sat. Jun. 10th

To all Toronto LFC supporters and Friends - Jason Smith will be having an all day World Cup Party on Saturday, June 10th hosted at 19 Barberry Place [Bayview/Sheppard - opposite Bayview Village].

There will be a charge of $5 to cover the food and bring your own beverages 0there is an lcbo in the Bayview Village Mall] Start 8.30 - Finish late.

RSVP required. Please stay tuned for contact info!

Gerrard Training Exit a Precaution

England are confident Steven Gerrard will be fit for their World Cup opener against Paraguay on Saturday.

The Liverpool midfielder missed Wednesday's training session in Germany with a stiff back which had caused him to pull out of the closing stages of the previous day's session.

Coach Sven-Goran Eriksson views his absence as merely a precaution and expects Gerrard to be firing on all cylinders by the time England launch their bid for glory this summer.

World Cup 2006 | Gerrard withdraws from training

Star England midfielder Steven Gerrard had to pull out of training with a stiff back, but coach Sven-Goran Eriksson said the the problem is not serious.

Eriksson said: 'He has a stiff back and left training for the last five minutes but it shouldn't be a problem.

'Everything is so far absolutely perfect, there are no big problems and I can't see any problems for Saturday - fingers crossed.' "

Benitez Plans Title Assault

Rafa Benitez will concentrate on ensuring Liverpool become genuine title contenders after committing his future to the club until 2010. It will end any hopes Real Madrid or any other interested parties had of luring Benitez away from Liverpool

Benitez claimed at the club's AGM earlier this year that he was confident he could build a squad capable of ending Liverpool's championship drought, which goes back to 1990.

Daniel Alves remains his main transfer target for the summer, although Benitez will not be held to ransom over the Brazilian. Sevilla have placed a £12.3m price tag on the 23-year-old, but Liverpool are willing to bide their time for that to fall with the player having previously stated his desire for a move to Anfield.

Benitez will also strengthen his striking department with two arrivals with Jermain Defoe, Craig Bellamy, Dirk Kuyt and Darren Bent all being assessed.

Should he be dancing?

Who cares! Now you too can Do the Peter Crouch.

Rooney steps up comeback attempt

England Striker Wayne Rooney has stepped up his battle to be fit for the World Cup by taking part in running and ball work at England's training camp in Carrington.

The 20-year-old has been recovering well from his metatarsal injury and will undergo a scan on 7 June.
Assistant coach Steve McClaren is encouraged by the latest developments.

'He's stepping things up, having the relevant scans and progressing well.'

Benitez signs new four-year deal

Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez has signed a new four-year deal which will see him remain at Anfield until 2010.

The 46-year-old Spaniard has achieved great success since joining the club from Valencia in June 2004.

After leading them to Champions League triumph in 2005, Benitez guided the Reds to FA Cup glory last season.

He told the club's website: 'There was never going to be a problem once we reached an agreement. All the documents have been signed and sent to the club.'

Benitez added: 'I'm very happy at Liverpool and hope we can enjoy more success in the seasons to come.'

Crouch does the Robot
for Crown and Country

Prince William has made a surprise visit to the England camp to see the England players put through their paces.

While there the Prince asked Liverpool striker Peter Crouch to do his robotic dance which is the talk of the nation and Crouch's team-mates soon pressured him into repeating it.

The Prince - an Aston Villa fan - watched in awe before bursting out laughing. He then shook the striker's hand and walked off grinning like a Chesire cat.

Anfield rumours - Bent coming, Cisse going

Darren Bent may be coming to Liverpool with the Reds set to launch a £9.5m bid.

Bent, who hit 22 goals last season after a £2.5m move from Ipswich, believes he will have to move on to boost his international ambitions. Newcastle were apparently hopeful of signing Bent for £6m, but Andy Johnson's £8.6m valuation has bumped up the price, as Charlton realise that people will pay over the odds.

Claims are that Anfield chief Benitez is clearing the decks by preparing to sell Djibril Cisse.

Friday, June 30, 2006

World Cup 2006 |England v Portugal Injury Report

Thursday, June 29, 2006

World Cup 2006 | Sven Snaps (Briefly)

Cisse aiming for September return

Italian football trial adjourned

Wednesday, June 28, 2006

World Cup 2006 |Ref Poll sent home from World Cup

World Cup 2006 | Eriksson pledges Portugal revenge

World Cup 2006 | Fowler on Saturday's Match

Tuesday, June 27, 2006

Word Cup 2006 |Spain loses to France

World Cup 2006 | Portugal fail in Deco appeal bid

Monday, June 26, 2006

World Cup 2006 |Beckham score boosts UK economy

World Cup 2006 |England 1 Ecuador 0

World Cup 2006 |Portugal 1-0 Holland

World Cup 2006 |Figo cleared for England showdown

Friday, June 23, 2006

World Cup 2006 |Crouch frustrated by charge

World Cup 2006 |Referee's exit little help for Croatia

Gerrard on Bellamy Signing

Thursday, June 22, 2006

World Cup 2006 | Kewell sends Aussies through

Bellamy joins Liverpool

World Cup 2006 | Sven 's new Tactics?

Liverpool 2006-2007 Fixture List

Wednesday, June 21, 2006

World Cup 2006 |Gerrard on Sweden, Next Round

World Cup 2006 |Owen out

Tuesday, June 20, 2006

World Cup 2006 |England 2-2 Sweden

World Cup 2006 |Rooney in, Crouch Out

Kewell cleared to Play

Monday, June 19, 2006

World Cup 2006 |Kewell charged for insulting ref

Saturday, June 17, 2006

World Cup 2006 |Club lied to keep Rooney out?

Friday, June 16, 2006

A Reds Must Have?The Peter Crouch Mask

Rooney to Start, Hopefully Start Something

Thursday, June 15, 2006

World Cup 2006 | England 2-0 Trinidad & Tobago

World Cup 2006 |Rooney fit to Play

Wednesday, June 14, 2006