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England thrash Estonia in qualifier

staff — Mon, 21 Sep 2015 22:01:14 +0000

England are ranked fifth in the world, Estonia 77th

By Jo Currie BBC Sport in Tallinn

Debutant Danielle Carter scored a hat-trick as England began their bid to qualify for Euro 2017 with a resounding 8-0 victory against Estonia in Tallinn.

In their first game since coming third at the World Cup, the Lionesses picked up where they left off in Canada, thrashing the Group Seven outsiders.

Arsenal forward Carter opened the scoring in the second minute, with Jo Potter doubling the lead minutes later following good work from Jess Clarke.

Fran Kirby netted twice, either side of Jill Scott’s side-footed effort and Isobel Christiansen’s impressive strike from 25 yards out.

Carter then added another two goals late on to wrap up an impressive win for England.

How have England changed since the World Cup?

With a number of players rested and others, such as Lucy Bronze and Toni Duggan, injured, this was a relatively new-look England squad, with only 11 members of the World Cup party making the trip to Estonia.

Captain Steph Houghton and Potter were the only players who started in the bronze-medal match against Germany to make the starting XI, but the new and recalled players did not disappoint.

Debuts for Carter and Christiansen paid off, with the pair scoring four goals between them against an Estonia side ranked 77th in the world – the lowest of the five teams in Group Seven.

Clarke also produced a fine display of forward play, switching between the flanks with ease and creating several goals in the process.

England finished the World Cup full of confidence and they brought plenty of that belief in to this game, which bodes well for the rest of the qualifying campaign.

Manager Mark Sampson took the chance to experiment against Estonia

Will qualifying be straightforward?

Judging by this performance, making the 2017 tournament in the Netherlands should be routine for England.

With Estonia ranked 72 places below them in the Fifa rankings, it was always unlikely that England would struggle against the Baltic country but their display of power and attacking threat showed why they are strong favourites to top a group which also features Serbia, Belgium and Bosnia-Herzegovina.

For manager Mark Sampson, the nature of his side’s dominance provides plenty of positive selection dilemmas, with so many other proven players who did not feature in Estonia available to him.

Their next qualifier is against 71st-ranked Bosnia-Herzegovina on 29 November, so England – the third-highest ranked European team in the world behind Germany and France – will expect to have a maximum six points from their two matches heading into a six-month break between competitive fixtures.

Player of the match – Danielle Carter

Danielle Carter, 22, was called up by England in 2013 but had to wait two years for her debut. It was worth the wait, though, as she scored a hat-trick on her first appearance

What they said

England manager Mark Sampson: “We produced a good performance, we were balanced and controlled and we scored some good goals.

“It’s always hard after a tournament to move away from those hangovers and we brought in some new faces to bring in some enthusiasm.

“You have to focus on the short term and getting three points, which we did, but we want to make sure that come June 2017 we’re still going to be competitive.”

Danielle Carter, scorer of a debut hat-trick: “I couldn’t have dreamt of a better ending to that game on my first cap.

“It’s just unbelievable – I can’t put into words what it felt like.

“I’m definitely going home with the match ball. I’m going to get it signed and framed.”

Pundit analysis

Former Leeds forward Lucy Ward: “This is an evolving team and new players have been introduced. That team selection has been justified. People shouldn’t be guaranteed a place in the England team and that is the case now. Estonia are 20 years behind where England are. They had structure but they just didn’t have the quality England had.”

What’s next?

England have a chance to repeat the most impressive result in their history – the extra-time win over Germany in the third-place play-off at the World Cup – when they travel to Duisburg for a friendly on 26 November. That match comes three days before that next Euro qualifier against Bosnia-Herzegovina at Ashton Gate.

BBC Sport – Football

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Rooney 'can reach 70 England goals'

staff — Thu, 10 Sep 2015 00:44:50 +0000

Wayne Rooney can score 70 England goals and his international record will last for “at least a decade”, says former striker Gary Lineker.

The 29-year-old forward netted his 50th goal in Tuesday’s 2-0 win over Switzerland to move clear of Sir Bobby Charlton’s total of 49 England goals.

“It’s going to be a long time before anyone gets close to Wayne,” ex-England captain Lineker told BBC Radio 5 live.

“He’s still going so could take it to 60 or 70 if he maintains his fitness.”

More on Rooney’s record
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50 goals against 26 opponents
Is Rooney England’s greatest striker?
Quiz: England’s great goalscorers

Match of the Day presenter Lineker, who scored 48 England goals and is third in the all-time list, added: “Wayne does not reach 30 years old until next month and there’s no-one behind him in the team with any kind of goals tally.”

Lineker, a former Leicester, Everton and Tottenham player, said he considered himself more of a “natural goalscorer” than Rooney, but added: “You have to play for a long time to score that many goals so his record will be there for at least a decade.

“It’s a wonderful achievement for Wayne and he has been pretty consistent in terms of goalscoring since he burst on the scene in spectacular fashion.

“But he’s not just a goalscorer – his all-round game is excellent, he has great spatial awareness and is a very intelligent footballer – so congratulations to him.”

Asked to compare Rooney with previous England strikers, Lineker said: “Different players, whatever era, have different strengths.

“Wayne is quite creative and has a better all-round game than me.

“Bobby Charlton was a midfielder by and large who could score great goals from 25 yards and Jimmy Greaves was a fabulous goalscorer with a phenomenal record for England.”

England’s leading scorers. Wayne Rooney has 50 in 107 caps; Sir Bobby Charlton scored 49 in 106; Gary Lineker scored 48 goals in 80 games; Jimmy Greaves scored 44 in 57; Michael Owen hit 40 in 89.

‘You have to fear for your place’

Wayne Rooney’s 50th goal for England was a penalty as his side beat Switzerland 2-0 in a Euro 2016 qualifier

Despite scoring more goals than any other England player, Rooney says he constantly worries about being dropped from the side.

“There are a lot of young lads in this team and I don’t want to give my place up,” said the Manchester United captain.

“I train every day as if my place is on the line and I have always done that throughout my career.

“I come and work harder every time and I want to make it hard for the manager to leave me out over the next couple of years. You have to fear for your place.”

‘Shaw can be the next Cole’

Luke Shaw made his England debut against Denmark on 5 March 2014

England boss Roy Hodgson believes Manchester United left-back Luke Shaw can go on to have a career like Ashley Cole, who won 107 caps.

Shaw, who has made six international appearances and never been on a losing England side, struggled for fitness last season following a £27m move from Southampton to Old Trafford in June 2014.

“I would advise Luke to study Ashley, look at what he did for England and set his sights on the same thing,” said Hodgson.

“He’s still only 20 and if he keeps going then he’s on track to be another Ashley Cole.

“It’s nice to see Luke back, playing confidently and showing the form that got him the move to Manchester United. We’ve always believed in him.”

‘Brave’ Hodgson finds a ‘stronger’ group of players

England’s Nathaniel Clyne, Ross Barkley, Jonjo Shelvey, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and John Stones are all aged 24 or under

Hodgson has been impressed by the character shown by his young players as the side recorded eight successive wins to become the first team to qualify for Euro 2016.

“We’ve certainly found a stronger group, there’s no doubt about that – I think we’ve probably been quite brave,” said Hodgson.

“We played Jonjo Shelvey and Ross Barkley for 90 minutes in the team together and it’s a fairly brave move to do those kind of things. It puts them under enormous pressure, but I think they’ll learn from it.

“I really do believe we have a pretty clear idea of what our players can do and how we can use them.”

BBC Sport – Football

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England v Switzerland

staff — Tue, 08 Sep 2015 13:49:09 +0000

England

Switzerland

KO 19:45

European Championship 2016 qualifiers

Venue: Wembley Stadium
Date: Tuesday, 8 September
Kick-off: 19:45 BST

Coverage: BBC Sport website and BBC Radio 5 live

Continue reading the main story

Lineup, Bookings (0) & Substitutions (0)

Match Stats

Possession

50 50

Shots

0 0

On target

0 0

Corners

0 0

Fouls

0 0

Wayne Rooney could become his country’s record goalscorer on Tuesday as England take on Switzerland in a Euro 2016 qualifier at Wembley.

The England captain equalled Sir Bobby Charlton’s scoring record with his 49th goal against San Marino on Saturday.

Rooney, 29, has scored nine times in his past 11 internationals.

“It would mean a lot to my family,” said Rooney. “To my wife and my parents and for my children when they have grown up to see my achievements.”

Carrick misses out

Rooney’s United team-mate Michael Carrick has withdrawn from the squad with a calf injury.

Carrick, 34, has not played for England since winning his 33rd cap in March’s draw in Italy, missing three matches.

“We don’t believe it’s that serious,” said manager Hodgson said.

United host Liverpool in the Premier League on Saturday, with Carrick now a doubt for the match.

“It’s quite strange because it came out of nowhere. It was at the start of the warm-up in San Marino. He felt something very small, very slight and just out of precaution we pulled him out,” Hodgson added.

Hodgson’s team became the first team to qualify for France next summer with Saturday’s 6-0 win over San Marino.

Will Shelvey get another chance?

Jonjo Shelvey has two England caps

Carrick’s injury may create an opportunity for Swansea City’s Jonjo Shelvey, who impressed in a holding midfield role in San Marino, although Hodgson said there were other options.

“We have Fabian Delph, who played well in the game, we have Ryan Mason, we have James Milner, who is capable of playing in other positions.”

Hodgson did say he would make changes to the team that started on Saturday.

England need a point to secure top spot in Group E, having qualified for next year’s tournament with three games to spare.

How will England prepare for Euro 2016?

The complex includes tennis courts, French, English and Anglo-Chinese-style gardens, a village, a children’s playground and maze, a ‘Petit Parc’ with a life-sized board game, a racecourse and a horse museum

England will base themselves in the French town of Chantilly, on the outskirts of Paris, for Euro 2016.

Two days after England secured qualification to the tournament, the Football Association confirmed the team will be based at the exclusive Auberge du Jeu de Paume hotel during the finals.

Hodgson’s squad will train at local amateur club US Chantilly, which only has basic facilities so it will be renovated in advance.

“The base is something we looked at for a long time,” said Hodgson. “There was criteria we wanted to fulfil – proximity to the town, airport etc. Chantilly best filled those criteria.

“Then a lot of work had to be done, not least that the pitch will be brought up to scratch. We have that guarantee now from Chantilly and Uefa. There’s still a long time until we take our place there, it will look very different.”

Hodgson also said he has lots of ideas about how to make sure England do not fail at the tournament but said he does not want them to “fall on deaf ears, warning he will need help from the FA and clubs.

They will face European champions Spain in Alicante on 13 November and then host France at Wembley on 17 November, before a trip to Berlin to play Germany on 26 March.

Switzerland ‘have moved forward

Switzerland captain Gokhan Inler sat out Saturday’s dramatic 3-2 victory over Slovenia, as Vladimir Petkovic’s side recovered from 2-0 down.

England beat Switzerland 2-0 in Zurich last September thanks to Danny Welbeck’s brace, but Inler, who is expected to return for Tuesday’s match at Wembley, said the team’s spirit is “vital for our progress”.

The Swiss are second in Group E ahead of Estonia and need four points from their final three games to qualify.

Boss Petkovic added: “We have definitely moved forward since we played England last year. The main difference is we’ve got to know each other better.”

BBC Sport – Football

The post England v Switzerland appeared first on Sports News One.

San Marino 0-6 England

staff — Sat, 05 Sep 2015 20:46:23 +0000

San Marino v England

San Marino 0

England 6

Rooney 13′ (pen) Brolli 30′ (og) Barkley 46′ Walcott 68′, 78′ Kane 77′

FT 90 +3
HT 0-2

By Phil McNulty Chief football writer in San Marino

England confirmed their place at Euro 2016 after a routine dismissal of San Marino – but captain Wayne Rooney must wait to eclipse Sir Bobby Charlton’s all-time goals tally.

Rooney scored a record-equalling 49th goal with an early penalty but was surprisingly substituted by England manager Roy Hodgson with history beckoning and the San Marino defence out on its feet. He must now try again against Switzerland at Wembley on Tuesday.

There was still plenty for England to celebrate, though, as they made it seven wins out of seven in qualifying to ensure they will be in France next summer.

England were never under threat and it was another damage limitation exercise for San Marino, especially after Cristian Brolli headed into his own net before half-time.

Ross Barkley nodded in his first England goal after the break and England romped clear with two goals from substitute Theo Walcott and Harry Kane’s clever lofted finish.

Rooney made to wait

There was general astonishment – probably shared by Rooney himself – when he was substituted after 58 minutes needing just one goal to beat Charlton’s record.

Rooney will surpass the former Manchester United player’s mark eventually and perhaps it will be more fitting should he seal it against Switzerland at Wembley on Tuesday rather than this quaint 6,600-capacity arena with many fans getting a free view from the hills that rise up at one end of the stadium.

It looked like the record was there for the taking when Rooney tucked away that early penalty but he had no further clear chances – although one would surely have come against a home defence that was exhausted in the last 25 minutes.

How the fresh faces fared

England manager Roy Hodgson gave opportunities to players in the relatively sedate surroundings of San Marino and one man in particular took his chance with relish.

Swansea City’s Jonjo Shelvey, making his first England appearance in almost three years, was positive in possession, happy to play a deeper role but also willing to get forward and show his range of passing. He capped his performance by making the fifth goal for substitute Kane.

He will have created a good impression with Hodgson through his discipline and work-rate and can feel he has worked his way back into the England fold.

Barkley also made his mark with a neatly-taken header from Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain’s cross as well as a few trademark moments of quality.

It was a tougher night for Leicester City’s Jamie Vardy, who struggled to get into the action and, for a short while in the second half, became embroiled in a running battle with San Marino defender Giovanni Bonini.

Everton’s John Stones, at the centre of so much speculation recently as Chelsea were willing to pay in excess of £30m for his services, had little to do other than handle the unique pressure of ensuring San Marino did not score their first goal of the Euro 2016 qualifiers on his watch.

Are England in shape for Euro 2016?

Well, they will definitely be there and, as the first team to qualify (hosts France apart) Hodgson has some time for experimentation in the final three qualifiers.

England will not travel to France among the favourites but there is some fine young talent in this squad in the shape of the likes of Barkley, Luke Shaw, Kane, Stones and, of course, Raheem Sterling, who was rested on Saturday.

Hodgson will hope they continue to develop rapidly over the next 12 months alongside established, experienced players such as Rooney.

This should mean England can travel with hope and optimism. But potential winners? That is a long stretch.

What they said

England striker Wayne Rooney: “It’s a proud moment to equal Sir Bobby Charlton’s record. My aim is to push on and try and help the team win on Tuesday and break the record.

“It would have been great if the record had happened tonight. Obviously the tradition of Wembley and to break the record at Wembley would be great.”

England manager Roy Hodgson: “I am more than satisfied and we won it with a good margin.

“One or two who weren’t in contention to play on Tuesday night have pushed their claims and Jonjo Shelvey deserves a mention.”

‘Hodgson will be delighted’

Former England midfielder Jermaine Jenas on BBC Radio 5 live: “There have been some decent performances from England. Ross Barkley stepped it up in the second half, Nathaniel Clyne bombed up and down the right flank and Jonjo Shelvey has hardly given the ball away.

“England manager Roy Hodgson will be delighted with his team’s discipline, energy and professionalism.”

Man of the match – Jonjo Shelvey

The Swansea man impressed on his return to the national team, winning his second cap. The midfielder staked a claim for a regular place

The stats you need to know

England have now won their last six meetings against San Marino, netting 37 goals in the process (6-0, 7-1, 5-0, 8-0, 5-0, 6-0)

A player from a London club has scored every time England have faced San Marino

Wayne Rooney has now scored five goals against San Marino, more than he has against any other side in an England shirt

Lineup, Bookings (1) & Substitutions (6)

San Marino

01 Simoncini
02 Bonini (Tosi – 72′ )
04 Brolli
05 Simoncini (Della Valle – 80′ )
06 Palazzi
03 Berardi Booked
07 Hirsch
08 Battistini
09 Chiaruzzi
11 Vitaioli
10 Selva (Rinaldi – 75′ )

Substitutes

12 Benedettini
13 Berretti
14 Della Valle
15 Della Valle
16 Golinucci
17 Mazza
18 Rinaldi
19 Stefanelli
20 Tosi
21 Valentini
22 Vitaioli
23 Muraccini

England

01 Hart
02 Clyne
05 Stones
06 Jagielka
03 Shaw
07 Milner (Delph – 58′ )
04 Shelvey
11 Oxlade-Chamberlain (Walcott – 67′ )
08 Barkley
09 Vardy
10 Rooney (Kane – 59′ )

Substitutes

12 Smalling
13 Butland
14 Walcott
15 Cahill
16 Carrick
17 Delph
18 Kane
19 Mason
20 Sterling
21 Gibbs
22 Heaton

Ref: Leontios Trattou

Att: 4,378

Match Stats

Possession

26 74

Shots

2 22

On target

1 8

Corners

1 7

Fouls

9 19

Live Text Commentary

Full time

Full Time Match ends, San Marino 0, England 6.

90:00 +2:02 Full time

Full Time Second Half ends, San Marino 0, England 6.

90:00 +0:33

Foul by Harry Kane (England).

90:00 +0:33

Alessandro Della Valle (San Marino) wins a free kick in the defensive half.