Soccer Globe

Real Madrid are launching a bid for Everton midfield star Mikel Arteta. Sources claim that Real are discussing a swap deal which would see Rafael van der Vaart move in the opposite direction. Spanish Mikel Arteta has often voiced his displeasure over being neglected in the Spanish Squad, but a move to Real Madrid might just be what he needs. Although Arteta might be eligible for an English Passport which may allow him to play for England, the Young midfielder has claimed he has ... Read More

Alan Shearer has stated that he believes Michael Owen's international career can be revived, even though the striker is out of favour with the England boss Fabio Capello. Owen's last appearance was as a second-half substitute in their 1-0 defeat against France, but since then has been plagued by injuries. However, the 28 year old was left out of the squad for their friendly against Germany and, as a result, is rumoured to have been left out of the manager's plans. As only ... Read More

England manager Fabio Capello has insisted that there is still a place in the England squad for 28 year old Michael Owen, once he is fully fit. Despite the comment, Owen has only played in one of the ten games Capello has been coach for, and this was a second-half substitute. The debate over Owen's international future was re-ignited by comments made by Newcastle's interim boss Joe Kinnear. Capello said on the issue: "The door is open for every player," "At this moment I am selecting ... Read More

Oliver Bierhoff has spoken out, ahead of tonight's friendly match, claiming that the number of foreign players within the Premier League is having a negative effect on the England national side's performance. Former German star Bierhoff has stated that the English game needs to focus more on developing its home-grown talent as opposed to the current multinational nature of the League: 'I think the English league is the biggest in the world but the big clubs are playing a lot of foreign players. You can ... Read More

England and Arsenal winger Theo Walcott has more injury problems after dislocating his right shoulder during training, which will mean he misses tonight's match against Germany in addition to rumours that he will be out of commission for a few Premiership games. After dislocating his shoulder, Walcott was taken to hospital and is due to return to England once England medical staff decide he will be in a suitable position to do so. The Arsenal winger had only recently returned to action after aggravating ... Read More

28 year old Liverpool skipper Steven Gerrard has spoken about Liverpool's chances of winning their first Premiership title since 1990. The club is currently second in the table, level on points with Chelsea. Gerrard, who is to miss England's friendly against Germany due to a leg injury, has said that despite Liverpool's promising start they must stay humble and not be complacent. Speaking to Champions magazine he said: "It's nice but it raises expectations," "It's important to stay humble. We know we're a good team, ... Read More

The FA are struggling to control rumours of a growing rift between England manager Fabio Capello and Premiership clubs. Ahead of Wednesday night's friendly between England and Germany, Capello has been left unable to call on many of his first choices due to injuries sustained by players. Despite Steven Gerrard's groin injury which has left him unable to perform for Premiership side Liverpool, Capello asked for the star to have his injury assessed by the England national side's physiotherapist Gary Lewin. FA director of ... Read More

Steven Gerrard's injury following Liverpool's 2-0 victory over Bolton Wanderers has meant the Liverpool Captain can no longer play in Wednesday night's international friendly against Germany, despite having been picked for the side by Capello. Liverpool Spokesman Ian Cotton said on the club's official website: "Steven picked up an injury in yesterday's game at Bolton," "A scan this morning has confirmed a tear in the adductor magnus muscle in his right leg, and he is expected to be out between seven to 10 days." In addition ... Read More

Fabio Capello has shocked people with his decisions for the England squad, after calling on Bent, Young and Richards whilst finding no place for England veterans Beckham and Owen. Chelsea defender Michael Mancienne has been called upon after several impressive performances for the Under 21s. Following Harry Redknapp's arrival at Spurs, the decision to call upon Bent for this friendly game is hardly surprising, but will give the player a chance to demonstrate his skill and attempt to secure a national position for the future. Wayne Rooney ... Read More

AC Milan have changed their plans for David Beckham to hold a press conference on Thursday, instead preferring for him to meet the squad at their training ground first. This change in schedule means that Beckham may not be playing for England in their friendly against Germany next Wednesday. Speaking about the game, England coach Fabio Capello said he will name his squad on Saturday, but did suggest that Beckham's inclusion in the future would depend upon his level of physical fitness: "For the next ... Read More

England coach Fabio Capello has told players for the national side that they must stay away from "ketchup and chips" and instead follow a more healthy Mediterranean diet. Capello has summed up his first year in the current role as "very positive" and hopes to coach a Great Britain team at the London 2012 Olympics. Although happy with the team's performance in general, he told FIFA magazine he did have concerns: "I have also put some rules of conduct in place for when the ... Read More

Former Manchester United, Newcastle United and England striker Andy Cole has announced his retirement. This follows the cancellation of the 37 year old's contract with team Nottingham Forest. Speaking to The Times newspaper, Cole said: "I wouldn't change a thing. I've lived the dream." "It's not the ideal ending," he continued. "It just wasn't working out. I told them from the outset that I didn't want to go there to sit on the bench, because I didn't want to be perceived as sitting back and ... Read More