The bulk of the squad were involved with the ECB performance programme and the Lions tour of the Middle East during the winter.We have selected a strong squad for what will be a challenging series, said national selectors Geoff Miller.We will also consider using non playing members of the England one-day squad throughout the Lions series to give them match practice.
But the midfielder insists his Stamford Bridge colleague was merely giving his opinion on two of the more creative members in the squad, rather than singling the rest out for criticism, as was portrayed in many sections of the media.I think what John was saying is right, Lampard said. Wayne Rooney and Joe Cole have that special ability. People will always say Joe Cole can give you something different.John was speaking about those two players John wasnt saying that no-one else in the squad can do that, he was talking specifically about those players.
Terry revealed in Sundays candid press conference that a group of senior England players - Wayne Rooney, Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard, David James, Jamie Carragher, Glen Johnson, Aaron Lennon and Peter Crouch - discussed the sides problems over a beer after the disappointing draw with Algeria.Chelsea defender Terry admitted he planned to discuss the situation with Capello to put the ideas of the players across to the Italian.We are in a meeting with the manager, whether he starts it or finishes it, the players can say how they feel and if it upsets him then Im on the verge of just saying you know what? So what? Im here to win it for England, said Terry.
North Korea had early chances, but were undone when Meireles latched on to a clever pass by Tiago and gave Portugal its first score of the tournament. The goal seemed to deflate the Koreans, while the Portuguese finally began to show some of the Latin flair that has made them an outside favorite to win their first championship.Tactically speaking, we fell apart and we couldnt block their attacks, North Korea coach Kim Jong Hun said. It was my fault for not playing the right strategy and that is why we conceded a lot of goals.The last time the two teams met, Portugal rallied from a three-goal deficit to win 5-3 in the 1966 World Cup quarterfinals.