TORRES BELIEVES GERRARD IS CRUCIAL

 

Fernando Torres believes Steven Gerrard is one of a select group of players capable of dominating the World Cup. The Liverpool midfielder is currently struggling with a calf problem, raising fears over his involvement for England in South Africa.

 

The Three Lions will be desperate to have the influential midfielder available, as his experience and determination could be crucial. His Anfield team-mate Torres feels England should be praying Gerrard pulls through, as he is integral to any hope they have of securing global glory.

 

He rates the Liverpool skipper among the world's best and believes he could single-handedly lead Fabio Capello's men to glory.

 

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ARGENTINA HAS NO FEAR

 

Javier Mascherano claims Argentina will fear nobody at this summer's World Cup despite their recent troubles. Diego Maradona's side scraped through qualifying, with their passage to South Africa far from convincing.

 

They are, however, always a dangerous proposition and will be given the utmost respect by their rivals. Mascherano feels Argentina are deserving of a standing among the World Cup favourites and insists they are in confident mood heading into the tournament.

 

BOLA BOYZ     WORLD CUP

TORRES TO BE READY FOR SPAIN OPENER

 

Fernando Torres is hoping to be fully fit for Spain's World Cup opener against Switzerland next month.

 

The Liverpool striker underwent surgery in April after suffering torn cartilage in his right knee and was subsequently ruled out of the end of the Premier League season, leaving him in doubt for the finals in South Africa this summer.

 

But the 26-year-old, who also underwent a knee operation in January, insists his recovery is on track and is optimistic about his chances of playing in Spain's opening match on 16th June.

 

 

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FRIENDLY: ARGENTINA 5 - CANADA O

 

Liverpool's Maxi Rodriguez scored twice as Argentina continued their preparations for the World Cup with a 5-0 victory over Canada.

 

Diego Maradona named a strong starting XI, with only Lionel Messi missing from the team that is expected to take to the field in Argentina's World Cup opener.

 

Messi was rested after a long season with Barcelona but his absence was not felt as Argentina swept aside their limited opponents.

 

 

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FRIENDLY: ENGLAND 3 - MEXICO 1

 

England picked up a victory in their last game on home soil before the World Cup with a 3-1 triumph over Mexico at Wembley.

 

Fabio Capello continued his excellent record as Three Lions boss but despite goals from Ledley King, Peter Crouch and Glen Johnson, the Italian will want an improved overall performance against Japan in Austria on Sunday.

 

 

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OWEN FEELS STRANGE WITHOUT WORLD CUP

 

Michael Owen has admitted that it feels strange that he will not be involved in England's World Cup campaign this summer. The Manchester United striker, who announced himself to the world with a wonderful goal against Argentina in the 1998 World Cup in France, will not be a part of this summer's tournament after a hamstring injury in March ruled him out.

 

The 30-year-old, once a mainstay of the England squad before injuries blighted his career, has not been selected by manager Fabio Capello to play for England since the game against France in 2008, with many speculating his international career may be over. Owen appears not to have given up hope, and has stated that he still felt very much a part of the international set-up.

 

 

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CROUCH HAS DONE ALL HE CAN

 

England striker Peter Crouch believes he has done everything he can to make sure he is on the plane to South Africa. Boss Fabio Capello is set to trim down his preliminary 30-man World Cup squad to 23 by 1st June.

 

Crouch, currently involved in the England training camp in Austria, is one of five strikers in the squad, which some believe may be trimmed down to four for the finals. The Tottenham striker feels he has done everything possible for club and country this term to justify his selection in the final party.

 

This includes scoring the decisive goal which secured UEFA Champions League qualification for Spurs, while on the international stage the beanpole striker took his goal tally to 20 in just 37 internationals with his double against Egypt at Wembley in England's last international in March.

 

 

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BABEL'S INJURY WORRY

 

Netherlands winger Ryan Babel left training on Friday with an apparent injury to his right hamstring.

 

There was no immediate word on the severity of the Liverpool forward's injury, which was reported by Dutch media attending the training session in Austria.

 

Babel missed the 2008 European Championship after tearing ankle ligaments on the eve of that tournament.

 

 

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BENAYOUN MAY BECOME CHELSEA'S NEW TARGET

 

Chelsea are considering making a move for Liverpool midfielder Yossi Benayoun, with the Israeli international touted as a possible replacement for the out of contract Joe Cole. Cole is apparently no nearer to resolving his contract dispute with owner Roman Abramovich, and the feelers are already out to find a suitable replacement, though Benayoun could even be recruited if Cole stays. There are ample suitors for Cole, but he would like to stay at Stamford Bridge if he can come to an agreement over new terms.

 

However, a list of possible replacements has been put to manager Carlo Ancelotti and the Israeli is highly thought of by the Italian coach, who has now a much clearer picture of the players in the Premier League after his first season in charge of the club. He is also clearer about what is needed to improve the team that won the Double, but fell short in the Champions League.

CHELSEA READY TO GET TORRES

 

Fernando Torres will be the subject of a world record bid from Chelsea within days. The total package of transfer fee and salary will make Torres a staggering £130 million investment. And Soccernet has been informed that owner Roman Abramovich is personally taking control of the project to bring the Liverpool striker to Chelsea.

 

Torres has been linked with Chelsea, Manchester City, Barcelona and Real Madrid for a some time but the Blues will be first to make a concrete offer. Abramovich is ready to release the cash following a Premier League and FA Cup double this season, but he is also acutely aware he could cut an alternative deal with Liverpool in need of new players.

 

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