Torres to stay at Liverpool

Fernando Torres will be staying at Liverpool after speaking to new Reds boss Roy Hodgson. This has to be positive news for the financially challenged Premier League giant despite media criticism of the spanish striker during the World Cup 2010. Torres is a proven goalscorer at Premiership level so it is surprising that football journalists to forget his phenomenal goal scoring rate at Liverpool. The obvious challenge to Hodgson is achieving some balance within his front line to allow Torres to get properly fit - something we haven't seen for 2 years. Has this affected the player's chances of moving on? Perhaps, but Hodgson will recognise true class in Torres and will want him to show his devastating physicality and presence once more to get him back to aiming for in excess of 25 goals per season.

Good work Roy of the Reds!

Uruguay v Holland

Holland haven't reached the World Cup Final in 1978. That year, Holland lost in extra time 3-1 to host nation Argentina. In 2010, most bookies got it wrong when they progressed past the quarter final pushing aside Dunga's Brazil.

Tonight, the Dutch are the favourites. I think Snejder will turn it on again for them - what a player - you'd love to see him in the Premier League. Gooner Robin Van Persie is fit too, not too mention ex Chelsea left footer Robben.

For Uruguay, this is a return to their old World Cup from years back. You have to go back to 1970 for the last time that they made the semi-finals where they finished fourth. It could be said this year they've over achieved to be the only South American team in the last four, especially when they were the lasr team to qualify for South Africa 2010.

Uruguay star man Diego Forlan will relish this evening's challenge - he has had a superb World Cup and this is one player you could imagine coming back to England after a mixed spell with Manchester United.

This semi-final should be a great game - very tight. Good luck to Uruguay!

Slovenia 0 England 1 World Cup 2010 RESULT

England were runner's up in Group C with USA topping the group. Were England great in this 0-1 victory against Slovenia? Yes! Especially mid second half, England were electric. Attacking, passing waves of football.

Rooney, Lampard and Gerard were all great - our key players that can make us winning the World Cup. James Milner stroked the ball about in a way that makes you think that he could be key and the other new recruit Jermain Defoe did what he does best - putting the ball into the net to put us into the last 16.

Great form from the Chelsea defenders Cole and Terry. Ashley Cole looks like the best left back in the world and John Terry comes across as an unofficial captain as he rallyed round the players at full time. Nothing like a win to galvanise the boys.

Fabio Capello said "I re-found the team that got qualification." A sharp upturn in form - we will need to keep upping our game but isn't it great to stay in the World Cup??

ENG - GER - LAND !

Slovenia 0 England 1. Defoe and Milner have a great first half.

England are winning their group match 1-0 against Slovenia. They came close several times to a second and it should come. Good tactical decisions were displayed by Fabio Capello. Amongst the sounds of vuvuzelas in South Africa, England displayed more composure and improved passing skills. Jermaine Defoe scored from a James Milner cross early in the first half of this make or break World Cup group match. Great cross after great cross from James Milner, who will be making it hard for Aaron Lennon to get that right sided midfield slot back again. Gerard was relatively discipline in the first half for England - the formation is better but I think there is more that could be done to make us look like World Cup champions.

James Milner starts for England in Midfield. Come on England

Good luck to Jame Milner of Horsforth today - always great to see a Leeds lad in the first team of England in the World Cup!

James Milner will take the right side of midfield from Aaron Lennon (of Chapeltown, Leeds!) after a below par appearance.

10 reasons why England can win the World Cup

Beckenbauer - the kaiser of comedy. I think this will galvanise our boys - I want Robert Green to start and play out of his skin. If we show the form we did in the World Cup qualification process, then we will make the semi-final stage at least.

Here are my ten reasons why the mighty England can win the 2010 World Cup:

1. Wayne Rooney. The best in the world.
2. Steven Gerrard. If Kaka had scored that goal against USA the media would still be bleating on about it.
3. Frank Lampard. Stepping up to partner Gerard proving all critics wrong.
4. Aaron Lennon. Looking sharp and every bit a first team choice.
5. Glenn Johnson. Our best defender against the americans.
6. Ashley Cole. Best left back in the world.
7. John Terry. Calm on the ball and tough when off it.
8. Fabio Capello. Flawless tactician and organiser.
9. Emile Heskey. Not there for goals - there for the team.
10. Team spirit. Three lions boys!

World Cup 2010 Preview Blog

World Cup 2010 South Africa Preview

How exciting is the World Cup? I vividly remember '86, '90, briefly '94 (I like Graham Taylor but he was never the man for England), '98, 2002 and 2006...all fond memories.

So the South Africa vs Mexico game opens the World Cup today. Brave South Africa have put more work into the training ground and friendlies than any other team...we all hope for a respectable home team performance. It would be great to see the South Africans get through the group stage.

The big guns will have a great scrap at last 16/quarter/semi stages. I fancy Argentina to get to the final - I quite fancy England to get to the semis...and at that point - who knows I guess.

Enjoy the international football feast fellow bloggers!