EURO 2012

…mark.
The Everton midfielder said: “I know what Gary will do for the squad. I think it was a masterstroke from Roy Hodgson.
“He is well respected. His biggest strength will be his honesty. Whatever he says on TV he would be prepared to say to a player‘s face in the changing room.”
England have been drawn in Group D for the finals, where they will face France, Sweden and co-hosts Ukraine, while their path to the latter stages appears to be tough.
In the last eight, if they qualify, they will …

….
This has left the experienced boss to stick with tried and tested players, even though many of them have failed to deliver at previous international competitions.
“It has been interesting taking over a squad of players that has qualified for the tournament and done extremely well to qualify … which I think is capable of doing well in the tournament.
“And giving players also a chance perhaps to show that they are as good a player as we believe they were in the previous tournaments.”

… make sure that much-fancied Barca were sent packing.
Di Matteo said afterwards: “It’s an incredible achievement by this group of players. A lot of people had written us off and we showed again what kind of character these players have.
“They (Barcelona) are a great team, with some fantastic players. We just showed what we’re made of.”
Chelsea will face the winners of the second semi-final between Bayern Munich and Real…

… is only 21. The potential is incredible. From technical and tactical aspects he’s improved a lot. But there is still a long way to go.
“His potential is so huge, he can go as high as he wants to. You can’t stop players from moving as long as the club gets a fair price. It would be unrealistic for us to think we’re not going to lose players.”

… his best.
“He won’t be sitting around feeling sorry for himself. He knows the job in hand and it’ll be up to him.
“The manager can only pick who is available and we’ve probably had about 11 senior players because the injury list has grown and grown. He’s not been able to get the players he wants on the field at the one time.”

Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini is looking to strengthen his title-winning squad by capturing Belgian winger Eden Hazard in a £30million deal.

Manchester United, 15/8 with bet365 to win next season’s Premier League title, are also keen to sign the Lille player but City, 6/4 to retain their crown in 2012-13, appear to be in the driving seat.
Mancini does not want to rest on his laurels after City’s sensational last-gasp win against Queens Park Rangers on Sunday, which secured the club’…

Wigan Athletic boss Roberto Martinez has told his players to stay focused after a shock 2-1 win at Arsenal moved the Latics five points clear of the relegation zone.

Martinez’s men, now 6/1 with bet365 to go down, have hit form at just the right time, winning four of their last five Premier League games, a feat made all the more impressive as three of the victories have come against Liverpool, Manchester United and the Gunners.
However, a cautious Martinez warned: “We can’t really enjoy it, …

… Premier League games and McLeish is aware that the relegation trap door is just starting to creak open for the Midlanders.
He told the Daily Mirror: “We have to look to get to at least 40 points. That is the target I’d be giving to the players and get to that target as quickly as possible.
“I am concentrating on winning enough games to make sure Villa are okay.”
Villa’s next fixture sees them head to Anfield to take on an out-of-form Liverpool side on Saturday, with the Midlanders aiming for…

… career at Stamford Bridge for many years to come.
He said: “I have been playing at the top level for 11 years now – eight years with one of the best clubs in the world, which Chelsea is and has been.
“In your life, you can only be a professional player at the highest level only once and that means, as long as I can play at that level, I will carry on. I hope I have another six or seven years to play.”
bet365 have a special free In-Play bet on the Chelsea v Napoli game on Wednesday – check …

…’ by keeper Pepe Reina following his hat-trick against Everton.

The Reds secured a 3-0 win in the Merseyside derby at Anfield on Tuesday night, with Gerrard grabbing all three goals, and Reina was full of praise for the midfielder.
“Stevie is always a key player for us,” he told the club’s official website.
“He is an inspiration, on and off the pitch. He showed in the game he is fully fit now and he is coming back strong.
“We all love playing against Everton because they are special games. …