Ched Evans: Sheffield United allow training return at PFA request

Sheffield United say they allowed convicted rapist Ched Evans to train with them following a request from the Professional Footballers' Association.

Evans, 25, was freed last month after serving two-and-a-half years for rape.

A Blades statement  said: "After due consideration, the board has decided to respond favourably to the PFA's request to allow Evans to train at the club."

However, they are "not prepared at this time" to decide whether to re-sign the Wales international striker.

Ched Evans's career
Club	Games	Goals
Manchester City	16	1
Norwich City (loan)	28	10
Sheffield United	113	48
Wales	13	1

The League One club's statement continued: "The club acknowledges receipt of a request from the PFA to the effect that the club consider allowing Mr Evans, who is a PFA member, to train at the club's facilities.

"According to the request, this training would be with a view to enabling Mr Evans to get back to a level of fitness, which might enable him to find employment in his chosen trade.

"This request has come to the club, because it is the last club at which Mr Evans was registered before his conviction.

"The club agrees with the recent statements of the PFA, to the effect that professional footballers should be treated as equals before the law, including in circumstances where they seek to return to work following periods of incarceration.

"There can be no place for 'mob justice'."

Sheffield United's statement was released at 18:00 GMT, eight hours after the news of Evans training with the club was broken by BBC Sport.

Play media

Jump media player

Media player help

Out of media player. Press enter to return or tab to continue.

Evans released a video statement on his website in which he said he wanted to play again

The Football League said that "while we fully understand the gravity of the offence", if a request was received from any of its member clubs to register Evans, they would "have no option but to accept it".

Evans, who maintains his innocence, has scored 59 goals in 167 appearances during spells with Manchester City, Norwich City and Sheffield United.

He was sentenced to five years in April 2012 for raping a 19-year-old woman in a hotel room in May 2011, having been found guilty by a jury at Caernarfon Crown Court. At his trial, he admitted to having sex with the woman but denied rape.

Evans was released from prison in October after serving half of his sentence. He has not offered any apology to his victim.

He has so far declined any request to be interviewed by the BBC, but released a video statement on his personal website, in which he said he wanted to play again.

An inquiry into his conviction is to be fast-tracked by the Criminal Cases Review Commission, the body which examines potential miscarriages of justice.

Almost 157,000 people have signed a petition urging Sheffield United not to take the player back after the club chose not to renew his contract following his conviction. His deal expired during his incarceration.

Campaign groups have criticised the decision to allow him to train with his former club.

Rape Crisis England & Wales spokeswoman Katie Russell said: "Sheffield United has given no indication that they feel they have any responsibility towards the huge numbers of sexual violence survivors who follow their club or attend its matches.

"It has become clear that many people still consider rape in some contexts and circumstances more 'real', more harmful than others, and believe some rape survivors are therefore more 'worthy' of empathy than others."

End Violence Against Women Coalition spokeswoman Sarah Green said: "We are appalled that top football club Sheffield United are taking the first step to allowing an unrepentant convicted rapist back into their team this week.

"Footballers are critical role models for young men and women in particular, and the player concerned is now set to return to top-flight football when he has shown no remorse for his crime."

Sources maintain that Blades manager Nigel Clough is still to decide whether he wants the striker in his squad, and insist that allowing Evans to train with them does not necessarily mean he will be offered a fresh contract.

However, Clough has said that any decision on the convicted rapist is one for United's co-owners, Prince Abdullah Bin Musa'ad Bin Abdul Aziz of Saudi Arabia, and Kevin McCabe

Read More

Africa Cup of Nations: Morocco will not host finals over Ebola fears

• print

Morocco will not host the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations because of its fears over the Ebola outbreak elsewhere on the continent, the Confederation of African Football (Caf) has confirmed.

Caf expelled Morocco,  who would have qualified as hosts, from the finals.

It did not announce a new venue for the tournament, due to take place from 17 January to 8 February.

But BBC Sport understands three nations have expressed an interest and the new host will be confirmed on Wednesday.

Morocco had been given until Saturday to make a final decision on whether or not it would host the tournament.

It had asked to postpone the competition until 2016.

Egypt has stated it will not host the tournament for "economic and political reasons", while 2013 and 2008 hosts South Africa and Ghana have also ruled themselves out of contention.

Who will step in as host? - Nick Cavell, BBC Sport

Gabon, who co-hosted in 2012 with Equatorial Guinea, has been mentioned, but they only have two stadiums available. Angola hosted in 2010 and have the stadia and the financial ability to host at short notice. Tunisia hosted in 2004 and has the venues, but recent political turmoil and violence at football matches might count them out. Algeria is one of seven nations who have said they want to host the 2017 tournament and are the only ones who might be in a position to host earlier. Nigeria has the stadia after hosting the under-17 World Cup in 2009 and a brand new facility in Akwa-Ibom state. But presidential elections are set for a week after the tournament.

Qualification matches for the tournament will continue as planned on 14 and 15 November to decide which 15 teams will join the new host country for the finals.

Up to 4 November, at least 4,960 people had been reported as having died from Ebola, mainly in the West African countries of Sierra Leone, Liberia and Guinea

Read More

Rory McIlroy misses out on early BMW Championship lead

BMW Championship, first round (US unless stated)
-3 McIlroy (NI), Spieth, Woodland -2 Horschel, Henley, Kaymer (Ger), Hadley, Chappell, Every, DeLaet (Can), Garcia (Spa)

Rory McIlroy shares a three-way lead in the opening round of the BMW Championship in Denver.

Bogeys on the Northern Irishman's 15th and 16th holes saw him surrender a two-shot advantage to stay at three under par with US Ryder Cup player Jordan Spieth and compatriot Gary Woodland.
But poor weather saw play suspended with nine players still to finish.
McIlroy, 25, is bidding to reclaim the lead in the PGA Tour's FedEx Cup ahead of next week's finale.
The leaders are in front of eight players on two under par, including European Ryder Cup team member Martin Kaymer.
Sweden's Henrik Stenson is also on two under but is among those still to complete his first round.

FedEx Cup top five after two of four play-off events
1. Chris Kirk (US)	4,154 points
2. Rory McIlroy (NI)	3,335
3. Hunter Mahan (US)	3,311
4. Jimmy Walker (US)	2,823
5. Matt Kuchar (US)	2,618

England's Justin Rose shot a one-under-par 69 with US Ryder Cup players Phil Mickelson and Jim Furyk finishing even par.
McIlroy blamed "sloppy" bogeys for preventing him from taking the outright lead.
He added: "I'm a little frustrated coming off the course, because I feel like it should have been better than what I finished."
The top 70 players on the FedEx Cup points list  after the Deutsche Bank Championship qualified for this week's event at Cherry Hills Country Club in Denver.
Only the top 30 players will advance to the Tour Championship finale in Atlanta, which begins on 11 September.
American Chris Kirk - who holds the overall lead after two of the four FedEx Cup play-off events - hit a one-over-par opening round of 71.

Read More

Aviva Premiership: Jeremy Guscott on the new rugby union season

 

This season promises to be even more exciting than normal because it leads into the 2015 World Cup in England. 

There will be constant references to it being "X" days away, and all paths lead to Twickenham for the next 12 months.
Every match this season will be viewed in that sort of context - every good bit of play and every bad bit of play will be scrutinised with the World Cup in mind.

How the next year pans out
What?	When?
Premiership and Pro12 seasons get under way	Friday, 5 September
European Rugby Champions Cup kicks off	Friday, 17 October
Autumn Tests begin	Saturday, 8 November
Six Nations	6 February to 21 March 2015
European Champions Cup final	Saturday, 2 May 2015
Premiership final	Saturday, 30 May 2015
Pro12 final	Weekend of 29-31 May 2015
Rugby World Cup in England	18 September to 31 October 2015

The Premiership seems to gain momentum every year, the Pro12 will be more competitive this season as teams strive to secure a European place and the new European Rugby Champions Cup looks like being a really tight, tense and emotional affair - there are no easy games now it's been trimmed to 20 teams.
You used to look at certain pools and think the top two will go through for certain, because the other teams were quite weak, but not any longer.
It's going to be full metal jacket in the European competition - there's no hiding place now.

Slammin' Sam's on his way...

I think we're all holding our breath waiting for the arrival of Sam Burgess at Bath in October after the end of the Australia NRL season.
Regardless of me being a Bath person, I think all rugby fans have an interest in how this rugby league superstar is going to transfer his undoubted skillset to union and how he goes about becoming a top-class player in the 15-man code.

Burgess starred for England at the 2013 Rugby League World Cup

That is the biggest question - how is the 25-year-old going to apply his skills in a foreign environment, and how quickly will he do it?
Will he make the England World Cup squad? And if so will he do it at inside centre, where he is expected to start his career at Bath?
His size and power alone will not guarantee success, it will be his skills and reading of the game that will determine that.
The success of New Zealand cross-code star Sonny Bill Williams suggests his running and off-loading game will make an impression because that is transferrable.
But what we don't know yet is what his game understanding will be like because tactically and technically it's very different.
He will carry the ball fewer times than he does in rugby league but then they don't go through 15 phases in league, plus there are the technical skills to pick up at the breakdown.
Burgess needs to be reconditioned physically for the different requirements of union and pick up the complexities of the game - but on the most basic level his skillset should be transferrable.

Any other exciting arrivals in the Premiership?

Thorn was part of the New Zealand side that won the 2011 World Cup on home soil

Speaking of league greats who have made a big impression in union, Leicester have signed former All Blacks second row Brad Thorn - talk about transferrable skills and experience.
He may be 39 but he has literally won it all, and in both codes too.
In addition to his physical attributes he brings so much experience to an already great organisation.

Brad Thorn - cross-code great
Rugby league	Rugby union
Brisbane Broncos: 200 games; Australian Super League title 1997; NRL title 1998, 2000, 2006	Canterbury: NPC titles 2001, 2004
Queensland: 14 appearances; State of Origin wins 1998 and 1999	Crusaders: Super Rugby title 2008 Leinster: Heineken Cup title 2012
Australia: Eight Kangaroo caps	New Zealand: 59 All Black caps; 2011 World Cup winner; Tri-Nations titles 2003, 2008, 2010

He's not the only ex-All Black arriving over here, with Piri Weepu joining newly promoted London Welsh in the Premiership and Mils Muliaina - one of only five players to win 100 caps for New Zealand - joining Irish province Connacht in the Pro12.
I'm really looking forward to seeing Wales back James Hook in the Premiership for the first time.
Hook has joined Gloucester from French side Perpignan and he is a superb player. Most of us can't work out why he hasn't started more often for Wales - 27 of his 76 caps have come off the bench.
Gloucester have strengthened their tight five this season, bringing in players of the quality of former Wales hooker Richard Hibbard and ex-New Zealand prop John Afoa.
The big question is, can Hook deliver the finishing touches and enable the Cherry and Whites to bounce back from their poor season last year?

The North star and Billy the Kid

We're fortunate in British and Irish rugby because we have some wonderful young talent in our game, none more so than Wales and Northampton winger George North.
He is still so young - only 22 - but this kid's a real superstar and it is not just because of his pace, power and size, but because he delivers on that promise so consistently, and it is great to see a truly world class player playing in the Premiership.
Another youngster I'm looking forwards to seeing make a real impression this season is Saracens and England number eight Billy Vunipola.
We all like to see big tries, big carries and big hits, and Vunipola brings that explosiveness and unpredictability in large amounts - he definitely has the X factor.
One big absence this year will be Ireland's Brian O'Driscoll. He's one of those once-in-a-lifetime players and the Irish will need Johnny Sexton to be the best he can be and be the senior pro.

Do Grand Slams lead to World Cups?

We'll all be looking for pointers to the World Cup in this season's Six Nations.
In 1991 we won the Grand Slam and got to the final and the England team that won the 2003 World Cup won the Grand Slam that year as well.

Jerry's predictions
Premiership	Northampton to retain their title
Pro12	Leinster to do likewise
Six Nations	England to take the crown

Winning the tournament is no guarantee of success - France won in 2007 for instance and England were champions in 2011 but had a dismal World Cup.
But if you can secure a Grand Slam - winning all five of your matches - then there's no doubt it gives you momentum, and that's so important in sport.
England have three home games, which is always an advantage, plus a tricky one against Ireland in Dublin and a difficult match away to Wales first up.
Wales are too inconsistent for me so if England can win that game then they can go on to earn a Grand Slam and set themselves up perfectly for the World Cup on home soil.

Read More

Lewis Hamilton tops Italian GP practice, with Jenson Button second

 

Lewis Hamilton set a searing pace in first practice at the Italian Grand Prix amid continuing fall-out from his clash with Nico Rosberg.

Hamilton beat McLaren's Jenson Button by 0.623 seconds, as Rosberg could manage only third, 0.808secs adrift of his Mercedes team-mate and title rival.
Ferrari's Fernando Alonso was fourth ahead of McLaren's Kevin Magnussen.
The track action came 24 hours after Mercedes F1 boss Toto Wolff warned his drivers to behave or risk being sacked.

Play media

The magic of Monza: Italian GP preview

The ultimatum came in the aftermath of the drivers' collision at the Belgian Grand Prix two weeks ago. A failed overtaking move by Rosberg led to the two colliding, effectively ending Hamilton's race while Rosberg went on to finish second and open a 29-point championship lead.
Wolff told BBC Sport on Thursday: "If we are not able to manage the two of them following the Mercedes-Benz spirit then we need to admit that."
"We would have to take decisions and take the consequences of having a different line-up, probably."
Mercedes have taken disciplinary action against Rosberg, who has taken responsibility for the incident and apologised.
Hamilton has arrived at Monza in a positive, almost buoyant mood, determined to close the gap to Rosberg after falling more than a win's worth of points behind for the third time this season.

Hamilton has been fastest in 20 of the 37 practice sessions this season, but has not started from pole in the last seven races

Hamilton looked imperious on the track, comfortably clear of his rivals, although he was one of many drivers who had edgy moments, running wide as they came to terms with the tricky demands of heavy braking from more than 200mph for Monza's chicanes while running with the low-downforce set-up required at this high-speed track.
The famous old autodrome just outside Milan is F1's oldest venue, and a strong favourite with all participants for its unique demands, character and atmosphere.
But the track will not be as packed with the boisterous Italian Ferrari fans - known as the tifosi - as normal, with organisers reporting that ticket sales are down.
This is the consequence of a difficult year for Ferrari, who are having their least competitive season for 20 years.

Play media

Hamilton 'can't wait to go'

Alonso's fourth place is unlikely to reflect the team's true competitive position - Ferrari have tended to look fast on Fridays this year only to fade back as the weekend goes on.
Red Bull's Sebastian Vettel was sixth fastest, ahead of the second Ferrari of Kimi Raikkonen.
But the Williams cars, which are expected to be Mercedes' closest challengers this weekend, had an understated session, Valtteri Bottas and Felipe Massa ending up 12th and 13th.
Williams tend to run their cars heavier on fuel on Fridays as they focus on the race, and then become more competitive on Saturday and Sunday.

Read More

European Qualifiers: Scotland's James McArthur ready for Germany after joining Crystal Palace

James McArthur: Became Palace's record signing

James McArthur is looking forward to concentrating on Scotland's clash with Germany following a "stressful time" at the end of the transfer window.

The midfielder became Crystal Palace's record signing on Monday, joining from Wigan in a deal reported to be worth £7million.
Wigan had initially insisted McArthur was not for sale at any price, but he then looked set to join Premier League newcomers Leicester only for the proposed move to fall through.
But McArthur then completed a deadline-day switch to Palace, and he is now back in Dortmund preparing for the European Championship qualifier against the world champions.

New Crystal Palace signing James McArthur says anything more than survival will be a bonus this season

"It was a stressful time for me over the last five or six days but thankfully it's over now," the 26-year-old said.
"I wouldn't say it's enjoyable until you get that signed and know what your next stage is. But it's over now and I'm thankful to be a Crystal Palace player.
"It's massive to be back in the Premier League. That's where every top player wants to play and I'm the same. I want to test myself against the best players."

v

Live Euro 2016 Qualifiers

Germany vs Scotland

September 7, 2014, 7:15pm

Sky Sports 5 HD

McArthur insisted he was not unduly concerned when his move to Leicester collapsed, adding: "That's what football is all about, highs and lows, but you need to make sure the lows ain't too low and the highs ain't too high.
"Whatever happened, happened. I wasn't really trying to think about it too much. If I stayed I was staying at a great club, if I moved I'm back in the Premier League. It was a win-win really."
McArthur's move to Palace was also further good news for his former club Hamilton, who currently lie second in the Scottish Premiership and will bank £600,000 as a sell-on fee
"For a club like Hamilton to get the money, it's great for their youth system," McArthur said. "I would always recommend players to go to a club like that where the manager gives youth players a chance.
"Young players playing Under-21s don't get as much experience as playing in first-team games. It's great for Hamilton and the young players there.
"They've had a great start but they have a great manager, good young players and a bit of experience. They've got the whole package and I hope they keep it up."

Read More

Sky Bet Championship: Ian Culverhouse applies for Leeds United job

 

 

Ian Culverhouse: Keen on Leeds job

Sky Sports understands former Aston Villa assistant boss Ian Culverhouse is a contender for the vacant manager's job at Leeds United.

The Sky Bet Championship club are searching for a new manager following the sacking of Dave Hockaday, and former Villa number two Culverhouse has applied for the position.
Culverhouse worked as assistant manager to Paul Lambert at Colchester, Norwich and Villa.
He is now actively looking to go into management in his own right.
The 49-year-old left Villa at the back end of last season after a two-year spell with the Premier League club.

Read More

Premier League: West Brom chairman wants transfer window to end before season starts

 

 

Jeremy Peace: Feels window is disruptive to players

West Brom chairman Jeremy Peace has called for the transfer window to be moved.

The Baggies chief believes it would be beneficial to clubs if the window closed before the start of the season.
But Peace knows a change is unlikely to happen with the Premier League reluctant to make the switch.
"If you spoke to the other clubs in the Premier League, they would all say it's not ideal," he told the Express & Star.
"We are all the same in our little league.
"My ideal would be that you get your squad done and start playing and the window shuts, then you all know where you stand.

West Brom: One Premier League point thus far this season

"No player thinks that they might be moving and thinking they'd better not get injured.
"And players would not be coming to you saying they're not in the right frame of mind.
"We have raised it with the Premier League and said 'close the transfer window at the start of the season'.
"But they mention the League Cup, the FA Cup, no winter break, the fact that World Cups and European Championships eat into the window.
"All of these things mean we can't do it so we're stuck with it as it is and everybody has got the same set of problems.
"If we could do it, I would certainly be in favour because it would remove a whole load of uncertainty during the season.

Brown Ideye: West Brom's record signing at £10m

"You try to get things done as early as possible but you can't. People talk about not doing anything until after the World Cup."
Albion brought in 11 new players, including record £10million striker Brown Ideye, as head coach Alan Irvine rebuilt the squad after they narrowly escaped the drop under Pepe Mel last season.
And Peace insists he is happy with the Baggies' business since during the summer.
He added: "In a way, we have had a major sea-change in the last three months because we wanted to draw a line under what had gone on last season and almost reboot it, start all over again.
"We have tried to get the right type of player in terms of not only the way they play but also the type of characters involved to take us forward."

Read More

Alex McCarthy: I chose QPR above Liverpool to play games and earn England call

 

 

New QPR signing Alex McCarthy says he has moved to the club to push Rob Green for the number one spot

Alex McCarthy: Rejected a move to Liverpool

Alex McCarthy is hopeful his decision to snub Liverpool for QPR will help fulfil his England ambitions.

The goalkeeper left Reading for Loftus Road before the transfer deadline and will challenge former England international Rob Green for Rangers' No 1 role.
Liverpool also showed an interest in the 24-year-old, who won a call-up to the England squad in the summer of 2013 but remains uncapped.

v

Live Ford Super Sunday

Man Utd vs QPR

September 14, 2014, 3:30pm

Sky Sports 1 HD

He told Sky Sports News HQ: "At this moment in time, I think I made the right decsion.
"Obviously Liverpool historically are a massive club, but I wanted to go with QPR. I feel like I'm going to play more here and that was the reason.
"The first thing is to get back playing again and put myself in the position to get put forward for England.
"I want to be at the top for as many years as can, like Rob Green. He's had an unbelievable career and is still playing now. He's in great shape. I want to follow in those footsteps."

Read More

League One: Coventry's Ricoh homecoming has manager Steven Pressley thinking big

 

 

The city of Coventry is full of excitement ahead of the team's return to the Ricoh Arena against Gillingham on Friday evening

Steven Pressley: Coventry City manager

Steven Pressley believes Coventry's emotional return to the Ricoh Arena will unlock the club's potential.

A 16-month exile in Northampton will come to an end in front of the Sky Sports cameras on Friday night when City - a Premier League club as recently as 2001 - host Gillingham in League One.

v

FL72 Live

Coventry vs Gillingham

September 5, 2014, 7:30pm

Sky Sports 2 HD

 

A solution has been found to the long-running rent dispute between the club's owners and the company which runs the Ricoh, and the supporters who stayed away last season have responded in big numbers.
Coventry announced late on Thursday that all home tickets had been sold for the game - a far cry from the average 2,348 fans who showed up at Sixfields last season.
Manager Pressley told Sky Sports News HQ: "I think it's been very apparent that every single person in the city has been affected in one way or another by the club leaving for that period of time. To come home to a full house is going to be a truly wonderful occasion.
"We had 2-3,000 supporters camped outside the club shop to get tickets for the game, which just shows how big a potential this club has. As a manager I just hope we can start fulfilling that potential."

Read More

UEFA U21 Championships: Scotland's qualification hopes ended after Slovakia draw

Billy Stark: Scotland U21s denied by late goal

Scotland suffered last gasp-heartache as Slovakia produced a final fatal blow to their hopes of reaching the UEFA Under-21 Championships by claiming a 1-1 draw in Senec.

Billy Stark's youngsters had taken a shock lead midway through the second-half at the Slovakian National Training Centre with Ryan Fraser's 67th-minute goal.
But Ondrej Duda beat Jordan Archer with just 30 seconds left of normal time to deny the Scots the win which would have kept their faint qualification hopes alive.
Slovakia had dominated the match but were stunned when a swift counter attack saw Rangers midfielder Lewis Macleod put Fraser in behind their defence.
The former Aberdeen forward kept his head as he rounded goalkeeper Dobrivoj Rusov before sliding the ball into the net.
With three games to play, Scotland remain slumped second from bottom in Group Three with no chance of reaching next year's finals in the Czech Republic.

Ryan Gauld: Involved for young Scots

Stark handed new Sporting Lisbon signing Ryan Gauld his first call-up since his £3million move to Portugal.
But it was Macleod who produced the young Scots first attempt on goal after four minutes with a 20-yard strike but Slovakian goalkeeper Dobrivoj Rusov collected comfortably.
New Sheffield Wednesday frontman Stevie May was then disappointed to see a penalty claim turned down after he was tripped in the box by Dionatan Teixeira.
Jordan Archer then had to produce a diving save to keep out Patrik Hrosovsky.
St Mirren youngster John McGinn had felled Adam Zrelak outside the box but Viktoria Plzen midfielder Hrosovsky could not beat the visitor's goalkeeper.
Gauld's first effort on goal was deflected wide after Fraser had darted half the length of the pitch to tee up the former Dundee United playmaker.
But the Scots were soon hit with a blow when Aberdeen defender Clark Robertson - playing just his second game since October following knee surgery - limped off again to be replaced by Stephen Hendrie.
Duda had Archer scrambling again just after the half-hour mark with a curling effort but the Tottenham keeper came up with another important save.
The officiating team were next to be forced into a change as fourth official Sergii Lysenchuk replaced injured Ukrainian referee Antonlii Zhanchenko 10 minutes before the break.
But Scotland continued to live dangerously as Slovakia were allowed space to threaten.
Right-back Branislav Ninaj went unmarked at a corner but could not beat Archer with his header.
Shortly after the break, the hosts missed another pair of decent efforts when Zrelak and Ivan Schranz both fired wide.
Hrosovsky then curled high and wide of the target on 63 minutes but Slovakia would soon regret their sloppiness in front of goal as Fraser rounded Rusov before knocking in the opener.
The Scots were given another scare though straight from the restart when Zrelak passed up his latest chance as he fired just wide.
Archer then did brilliantly to halt Duda's effort before Richard Lasik fired over from the rebound.
May was close to extending the Dark Blues' lead nine minutes from time when he stung the hands of the Slovakian goalkeeper with a low shot, while the loose ball spun just clear of the on-rushing Gauld.
But Slovakia finally found the net when Duda fired his late equaliser into the corner of the net to rob Scotland of their victory.

Read More

International friendly: Antonio Conte makes winning start as Italy beat 10-man Holland 2-0

Daniele De Rossi: Celebrates penalty

Antonio Conte made a winning start to life as Italy coach as the Azzurri beat 10-man Holland 2-0 in an international friendly meeting in Bari.

An early goal from Ciro Immobile and the Daniele De Rossi penalty that swiftly followed Bruno Martins Indi's dismissal ushered in a new era for Italy under former Juventus boss Conte.

Van Persie: Chased by Bonucci

Meanwhile Holland, who were welcoming Guus Hiddink back as coach, looked a shadow of the side that finished third under Louis van Gaal at the World Cup finals in Brazil.
The Dutch were without six key players through injury and only produced one shot on goal, a long-range effort from Wesley Sneijder early in the second half which Salvatore Sirigu saved.
Italy showed touches of class in their first match since their humiliating first-round elimination from the World Cup, with Borussia Dortmund forward Immobile and Sassuolo striker Simone Zaza at the centre of much of the team's best work.

Immobile: Netted Italy's opener

Conte, who replaced Cesare Prandelli this summer, returned to Bari, where he had coached earlier in his career, looking to become the first Italy manager in 16 years to win on his debut.
The Azzurri looked confident from the start and went ahead when Leonardo Bonucci set up Immobile in the box, his left-footed strike towards the far post beating Holland goalkeeper Jasper Cillessen.
It got worse for the visitors as Martins Indi was shown the red card after bringing Zaza down in the penalty area.
Rossi stepped up to the spot and struck the ball out of Cillessen's reach and into the net.
Hiddink made his first substitution shortly after, with defender Joel Veltman replacing forward Jeremain Lens.

Conte: First match in charge

Italy almost made it 3-0 in the 20th minute when Immobile fed Zaza in the box, but his 10-yard effort was saved by Cillessen.
On the half-hour mark, Zaza found Immobile in the heart of the area yet his volley went wide.
Italy continued to press forward and shortly before half-time, Cillesen kept out Mattia De Sciglio's sharp strike from 30 yards out.

The Dutch should have reduced the deficit early in the second half but Robin van Persie sent his effort wide from close range with only Sirigu left to beat.
Sneijder came closest shortly after, his hard drive forcing Sirigu to make his only save of the evening.
On the hour, Zaza warmed the hands of Cillessen with a stinging drive and, with 10 minutes remaining, substitute Mattia Destro's close-range header from Manuel Pasqual's cross went over.
After the final whistle, Conte and his victorious players received a rapturous ovation from the 45,000-strong crowd in the Stadio San Nicola.

Read More

International news: Belgium and Sweden both claim 2-0 wins

 

0

Axel Witsel: Celebrates his goal

Belgium beat Australia 2-0 in Thursday's friendly in Liege, while Sweden saw off Estonia by the same scoreline.

Goals in each half for Dries Mertens and Axel Witsel gave Belgium a comfortable win over the Socceroos at the Stade de Sclessin.
It took 18 minutes for the home side to open the scoring as Mertens converted after Kevin De Bruyne's shot came back off the woodwork before Witsel's driven shot made sure of the win in the second half.
Sweden beat Estonia 2-0 in Solna as Zlatan Ibrahimovic scored twice to break the country's all-time goals record.

Ibrahimovic: Mobbed after goal

Ibrahimovic found the net twice within 24 minutes to take his international tally to 50 goals, breaking Sven Rydell's record which has stood since 1932.
Mario Mandzukic also scored twice as Croatia beat Cyprus 2-0 and there was a brace too for Vedad Ibisevic as Bosnia overcame Liechtenstein 3-0.
Manchester City striker Edin Dzeko was also on the target for Bosnia.
Slovakia edged past Malta 1-0 thanks to Adam Nemec's goal just before half-time.
Elsewhere on Thursday, Spain's revival after their awful World Cup campaign remains a work in progress after Vicente Del Bosque's side were beaten 1-0 by France in Paris. Loic Remy scored the only goal of the game after 73 minutes.
Italy were another team searching for signs of rejuvenation following a disappointing World Cup and new boss Antonio Conte enjoyed the perfect start after a 2-0 victory over 10-man Holland in Bari.

Read More

England manager Roy Hodgson stands by Norway outburst and says: Be fair to emerging players

 

0

Roy Hodgson: Has defended his players

Roy Hodgson has mounted a fierce defence of his England squad and says he was right to lose his temper after Wednesday's victory over Norway.

Hodgson became irritated in his post-match press conference when it was put to him that England had only managed two shots on target during a 1-0 win at a half-full Wembley.
And the England manager, who now takes his side to Switzerland for Monday's opening European qualifier, was in no mood to back down when asked about his response at a later press briefing.

England: Laboured to 1-0 win over Norway

He said: "I am entitled to be unhappy when I get questions about only having two shots on target.
"There was a lot of euphoria before the World Cup. We were getting 75,000 people to see us play Peru, who, with respect, were nowhere near as difficult an opponent as Norway. And now we have 40,000.
"I can't put that right because I can't turn the clock back, but what I can do is analyse what I have seen and judge that through my eyes, and not judge it because someone is going to tell me: 'Well, you only had two shots at goal'."

Euro 2016 Qualifiers

Switzerland v England

September 8, 2014, 10:00pm

Sky Sports 5 HD

 

Hodgson went on to describe that verdict in blunt - and unprintable - terms before backing his young players to emerge as established internationals in time.
He said: "Some of these players are top-class players in the making, but the players are in the making: you can't play five or six games for England and be a regular at Liverpool for six or seven months and then be David Beckham.
"You can't be Phil Jones with all the injuries he has had and nail down a place in the Manchester United first team and then become John Terry.
"You can't be Jack Wilshere, who has lost all that football through injury and then all of a sudden be Bryan Robson. Let's be fair on all of these things. That's all I am asking.
"Allow me to be excited about what they can do and allow me to stand up and say I think my team played well at a press conference when I think they have.

Read More

International friendly: France beat Spain 1-0 in Paris courtesy of a Loic Remy goal

Loic Remy: Celebrates scoring against Spain

Chelsea new-boy Loic Remy struck deep into the second half to give France a 1-0 friendly win over Spain in Paris.

Remy, who signed for the Blues for £10.5million from QPR last weekend, came off the bench in the 58th minute of Thursday's encounter between the Euro 2016 hosts and the reigning European champions at the Stade de France and was on target a quarter of an hour later.
The 27-year-old blasted home a left-footed shot from inside the area past David De Gea after excellent build-up play involving Mathieu Valbuena, Moussa Sissoko and Karim Benzema.

Loic Remy scored the winner as France beat Spain 1-0 in a friendly

Earlier in the second half, Benzema thought he had opened the scoring from Sissoko's pass but was frustrated to see the assistant referee had raised his flag for offside.
Remy's new club team-mates Diego Costa and Cesc Fabregas endured a frustrating evening and were withdrawn midway through the second half.
Ten minutes after Remy's goal, substitute David Silva slid a shot just wide of Hugo Lloris' far post but that was as close as the visitors came to an equaliser.
Spain open their European qualifying Group C campaign against Macedonia in Valencia on Monday night, while France are back in friendly action on Sunday when they take on Serbia in Belgrade.

Benzema: Gets up for a header

The match heralded something of a new dawn for Vicente del Bosque's side, who crashed out in the group stages at the World Cup in the summer following defeats to Holland and Chile.
Some changes were enforced - David Villa, Xavi Hernandez and Xabi Alonso have all retired from international football, while Gerard Pique and Andres Iniesta were unavailable due to injury.
There was also a conscious effort to introduce fresh blood as De Gea started in goal, Daniel Carvajal and Mikel San Jose came into the defence and Koke was handed a start in midfield.
It was France, however, who dominated the opening exchanges and Benzema was close to giving the hosts the lead when he found space inside the area but the striker's low shot was denied by De Gea.
Spain's renowned ability to keep possession was failing them too often, as the visitors struggled to handle their opponents' aggressive pressing.

Costa: Chased by Matuidi

Despite their strong start, however, France were unable to find the goal they deserved as Benzema was again guilty of wastefulness, this time failing to connect with Paul Pogba's chipped ball into the area.
Spain's evolution from a possession-based style of play seems centred on a willingness to pass forwards earlier but Costa was too often isolated up front.
Benzema unleashed a bending shot from the edge of the area in the 38th minute but his effort flew straight into the hands of De Gea.
The visitors enjoyed their best spell towards the end of the first period but Lloris remained untested in a goalless first half.
France thought they had broken the deadlock when Benzema steered in Sissoko's cross shortly after the restart.

The goal, however, was ruled out after the linesman flagged for offside, despite Benzema appearing to be behind Sissoko when the ball was played.
Both sides made changes as the second period went on and some of the contest's momentum was subsequently lost.
France continued to look the more threatening, however, and in the 73rd minute, the home side finally found the net as Sissoko's neat flick put through Valbuena, whose cut-back was swept home by substitute Remy.
The visitors pressed and probed in the latter stages, with Silva particularly influential off the bench.
Isco was brought down in the area in the the dying moments but the referee waved away Spain's penalty appeals to ensure France held on for a morale-boosting win.

Read More