International news thread

[ForeverInLoveWithJus]

bad results..

[André_ea]

he just needs some time to get used to the new situation i guess

[ForeverInLoveWithJus]

Thats what I think, try to find the best players

[ForeverInLoveWithJus]

Steve McManaman may never again play for England, according to assistant head coach Tord Grip.

McManaman continues to enjoy success at Real Madrid, and is one of a handful of English players with the ability to run at opposing defences.

But while some see him as the solution to England's left-side problems, Grip says McManaman's chances of a recall are slim.

"As far as McManaman is concerned, he has never played a really good game for England," said Grip.

"He is not being considered for selection at the moment, and with what is happening I don't see him being in any of the upcoming squads."

McManaman last played for England as a late substitute in the final World Cup qualifier against Greece in October 2001.

He has won 37 caps, but has not impressed for his country since Euro 96.

According to The Daily Mirror, Grip told Swedish television: "We know that he is at Real, who are one of the biggest teams in the world.

"But he doesn't have a first-team jersey there and he has to have that first before he can even be considered.

"We also don't see him very often, which makes it even harder for him."

But Grip has positive news for Chris Kirkland, who is currently reserve keeper at McManaman's former club Liverpool.

Kirkland is likely to be promoted ahead of Jerzy Dudek, who has made a number of recent blunders.

And Grip says he, as well as Leeds keeper Paul Robinson, has a bright future.

"I think Kirkland is probably the most talented goalkeeper in England, but of course he has not played much for Liverpool.

"Robinson is good but we don't think he has the experience yet. He needs more of it.

"He can't be England number one when he's just played so few games for Leeds."

[ForeverInLoveWithJus]

Israel could be set to play their `home` Euro 2004 qualifying matches at Watford`s Vicarage Road ground.

UEFA have told Israel they cannot play the qualifiers in their own country because of security fears.

Israeli football association chairman Gavriel Levi travelled to London today before being taken on a tour of the Division One side`s stadium.

It is expected that Israeli FA will inform UEFA in the next few days and the first game could be against defending European champions France on April 2.

Cyprus, Slovakia and Malta would also take on Israel at Vicarage Road in Group One.

Tottenham had previously turned down a request for their White hart Lane ground to be used for Israel`s games.

[ForeverInLoveWithJus]

Nicolas Anelka has been banned for two matches by the French football federation, after refusing a late call-up to international duty.

The Manchester City forward turned down the chance to join the France squad for the recent friendly against Yugoslavia.

And on Friday he was found guilty of being in breech of federation guidelines.

The ban also applies at club level in France, but will not affect his availability for his Premieship employers.

It is thought the ban will be imposed immediately if he ever makes a return to French domestic football.

The 23-year-old striker, who has not played an international since April, was asked at the last minute to replace the injured Sidney Govou for the international match.

Anelka turned down the request, saying he felt France coach Jacques Santini did not really want him in the squad.

The FFF had asked City to suspend him in line with their ruling, but the request was refused.

The FA refused also to suspend him because the call-up was made at too short notice.

And world governing body Fifa ruled that Anelka should not be punished because the summons fell short of the mandatory 15-days notice before an international.

[DrTagnian]

I thought there was a thread for the FIFA ranking, but I couldn't find it so I just post it here.

We're up 4 places...

1. Brazil
2. France
3. Spain
4. Germany
5. Argentina
6. (10) Holland
7. England...
8. Mexico
9. Turkey
10. United States

[RoM]

Originally posted by brit4ever
I thought there was a thread for the FIFA ranking, but I couldn't find it so I just post it here.

We're up 4 places...

1. Brazil
2. France
3. Spain
4. Germany
5. Argentina
6. (10) Holland
7. England...
8. Mexico
9. Turkey
10. United States

.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Israel

[ForeverInLoveWithJus]

Think Rep of Ireland are still in the top 20, didnt change postions, Wales have moved so far up now..

[DrTagnian]

Originally posted by irishbritney
Wales have moved so far up now..

I'm sure that doesn't surprise anybody. And if they keep playing this way......

Personally I'm surprised we are up 4 places. We haven't done that much, won some matches. Austria, Germany, that's all I think since the last time this list was published.