Sports News

United's Ozil Conundrum

2010-08-10T16:44:00.010+01:00

The afternoon before United's Community Shield victory over Chelsea this weekend, Sir Alex Ferguson was at Craven Cottage to watch Fulham take on Werder Bremen. The official line was, of course, to look at a team who United face in their second league fixture. The real reason was for the boss to spy on Werder's German international midfielder, Mesut Ozil.

If Sir Alex had wanted to see Fulham, why not see them next Saturday in a competitive game, just 15 minutes down the road at Bolton? His only real chance to get a first hand view at Ozil was Saturday. Old Trafford also hosted an Open Training session on Saturday, an event which Ferguson usually attends. Despite often being absent from carrington sessions, why would he miss that session to scout Fulham? A job which he has his scouts perform throughout the season. He went to Fulham to watch Ozil, the question is did he like what he saw?

Ozil would be a fantastic capture for United, one of the most talented midfielders in Europe, he is the creative presence in midfield United gasped for last season. He had more assists last season that Xavi, and created more goalscoring oppourtunities than any United player. He is young, available at a cut down price as his contract expires next summer and offers the good "sell-on" value United crave. He is the best value Ferguson will find in the transfer market this summer. A precocious talent Ozil also has international experience and is desperate to play in the Champions League. He would be a perfect signing for Ferguson, but United's boss has to move now, as next summer, Europe's heavyweights will all be in for the prestigious talent.

The majority of the fans are desperate for the Reds to capture Ozil. They see United's two most creative midfielders knocking on the door of retirement and Ozil as a bargain replacement for two of the clubs great servants, Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes, but what is holding Sir Alex back?

Ferguson's worries about Ozil stem around his ability to fit into United's side. Can Ozil play in a 4-4-2 formation or only in a 4-5-1? If United did sign Ozil to use in a 4-2-3-1 or 4-5-1 formation, in which United would see the best of him, where does it leave the five strikers at Old Trafford? Moreover, Ferguson only last week confirmed Tom Cleverly would stay at United this season rather than going out on loan, but where would the aquisition of Ozil leave the talented young Englishman?

United must move for Ozil by next Wednesday, or risk Werder playing him in their Champions League qualifier, thus ruling him out of the competition this season, if he moved clubs. He is a must for United though. United need to replace Scholes and Giggs before it is too late. Cleverly and Ozil would provide that. In answer to the questions already posed, Ozil could play in a 4-4-2 against the so-called weaker sides at Old Trafford, he would also be perfect for the 4-5-1/4-2-3-1 formation Sir Alex will inevitably use in the knock-out stages of the Champions League and in the tough league fixtures, especially away from home, with Ozil providing the perfect foil for Rooney. He could play as a central or left sided player in a 4-4-2 formation, and as an attacking central midfielder in a 4-5-1/4-2-3-1 formation. As for the development of Cleverly, Ozil can only help him advance as a player. Cleverly could still go out on loan this season to get valuable Premier League experience, or stay at the club. Clerverly can play in any midfield position and would not necessarily be competing with Ozil for a starting birth. Cleverly will provide more of a replacement for the role Ryan Giggs has filled in recent seasons, while Ozil would more naturally replace Paul Scholes, when Scholes hangs up his boots.

Anyone who thinks United have taken a shine to Ozil after his fantastic World Cup is mistaken. A long-term target, Sir Alex has tracked Ozil for years, and nearly bid for him before his move to Werder. Although Scholes and Giggs are still going strong, United need to move on Ozil now, or lose the chance of getting one of Europe's most talented players forever, and most likely see him ending up at one of their rivals.

Greatest Ever Manchester United X1

2010-07-08T13:45:00.027+01:00

Following watching George Best on Football's Greatest on Sky Sports 1, I decided to do a blog of the greatest ever Manchester United X1, in my opinion of course. I have used the expertise of my Dad who saw his first match on TV in 1957, the Manchester United v Aston Villa FA Cup Final, to get knowledge on the players who played before I was born or old enough to remember them.

Director of Football: Sir Matt Busby: Probably the only man who Sir Alex Ferguson would take orders from, Sir Matt Busby is the father of the United philosophy. I decided to put him in as I couldn't choose between him and Sir Alex for the position of manager. He pioneered the participation of English clubs in European competitions, he won numerous titles, FA Cups and the 1968 European Cup with United. His reputation for nurturing young talent and producing attacking, exciting football precedes him. Perhaps Busby's greatest acheivement was that he built two all conquering sides when, following the tragedy at Munich, he built the team that won the 1968 European Cup virtually from scratch.

Manager: Sir Alex Ferguson: The greatest manager of all time, without a doubt. What Ferguson has done for Manchester United will never be repeated by any other manager at any other club. He has won every trophy he has ever competed for at Old Trafford, and most several times over, but he is still hungry for more despite being 68. Sir Alex is the ultimate man manager who has perfectly continued Sir Matt Busby's philosophy at United, nurturing young players and playing attacking attractive football. Manager at United for almost 25 years, he is respected throughout the game and will be an unimaginable loss when he finally retires as manager.

I decided my team should play in a 4-4-2 formation, as in my opinion it is the formation most synonymous with the club.

Goalkeeper:

Peter Schmeichel: A magnificent goalkeeper, perhaps the finest of all time, not just in a United shirt. Schmeichel was comfortable with crosses into the box and had a magnificent kick on him, as well as being a fine shot stopper, demonstrated by his fine save against Rapid Vienna in 1996. In my opinion though, he had three qualities which set him above most goalkeepers, his commanding presence, his long throw outs, and his ability in one on one situations. Schmeichel was a great organiser at the back, marshaling his defenders expertly and was a goalkeeper that his defense felt comfortable playing in front of, a hugely important quality. Schmeichel's long throw's also set the tone for United's blistering counter attacking in the mid 1990s, but perhaps his stand out quality was his ability to pull off a save in one-on-one situations, even against the finest strikers. His performance at St James Park in March 1996 was the best goalkeeping display I have ever seen, Newcastle could have played all night and had 3 or 4 penalties and still not scored past the Great Dane that night. Schmeichel was not only a true great at United, but a true great of the game.

Defenders:

Right Back:

Gary Neville: Steady, dependable, good getting forward, everything you would want in a right back, but perhaps Neville's greatest quality for Manchester United fans is his loyalty and devotion towards the club. Gary has been a superb player for almost two decades at United, club captain, and dependable source at right-back. Whilst he may not be a regular goal-scorer, Neville is as reliable a right-back as England has ever produced.

Left Back:

Dennis Irwin: If Neville is considered dependable then "dependable" Dennis is perhaps a level above. Sir Alex Ferguson once said of Dennis that you can count the number of bad games he had at United on one hand. As well as being a supreme defender, who rarely if ever made any mistakes, he also got forward, and was a nerveless penalty and free-kick taker. A calm, collected and reliable player like Irwin is a necessity in any team.

Centre Halves:

Duncan Edwards: Duncan Edwards is considered the finest player of his generation. Edwards was build like a tank, and as strong as an ox, as well as being a majestic player who could do anything with the ball, he was an England and United regular in his teens. Rated by most who have seen him including Sir Bobby Charlton as the greatest player they have ever seen, his life was tragicaly cut short by the Munich Air Crash at just 22. He would most likely have been Englands captain in 1966. Sir Bobby Charlton said of him "the only player that made me feel inferior" and said his death was "the biggest single tragedy ever to happen to Manchester United and English football." Tommy Docherty rated him higher than both Pele and Maradona "George Best was something special, as was Pelé and Maradona, but in my mind Duncan was much better."

Nemanja Vidic: Nemanja Vidic is probably the toughest centre half I have ever seen. He is as hard as nails, useful with the ball, and would complement Edwards brilliantly in my teams defense. Heading is like eating for Vidic, who uses his strength and spring to command nearly every ball that gets played into the penalty area. A threat from corners, Vidic is also comfortable with the ball at his feet, and was an integral part in United's record run of clean sheets in the 2008/9 Premier League season, when he was unlucky not to be named PFA or FWA player of the year, which would have been some feat for a defender.

Midfielders:

Right Midfield:

George Best: George Best is the reason many people follow Manchester United. A mercurial talent who could do anything with a football at his feet. He was the first real superstar of the British game. Rated as the best player ever to come out of the British Isles by nearly all who have seen him, Best was an integral part of United's dominant side in the 1960s, and even has a statue to adorn him, Charlton and Law, the United Trinity, at Old Trafford. It is said that Best put 10,000 on the gate at Old Trafford every week, as people did not want to miss him produce the moment of magic that he so often did. Whatever went on in his life off the field, no United line up would be complete without Best in it.

Left Midfield:

Cristiano Ronaldo: The best United player I have seen in my lifetime. A destroyer of the lesser teams, and more than a match for any opposition, Ronaldo was a winger who had pace, strength, finishing ability and skill in abundance. Ronaldo is also very adept in the air, and has a repertoire of tricks above any other in the world game. His performances between 2006-8 were probably the best two season spell by any player United have ever had, he was the lynchpin of United 2008 European Cup victory. Able to score a goal from anywhere and at anytime, Ronaldo was a lethal free-kick taker and dependable from the penalty spot as well. Additionally, he is currently the most expensive player in the history of the game.

Centre Midfield:

Sir Bobby Charlton (Captain): The greatest English player of all time, Charlton was United's European Cup winning captain in 1968. He was also the driving force behind Englands World Cup winning midfield in 1966, he had a blistering shot, could tackle and pick a pass. Charlton is still England and United's record goal-scorer, an incredible achievement for a midfielder. He also held the record for most appearances at United until Ryan Giggs surpassed him in Moscow. Charlton is the heart-beat of United's philosophy, a true great of the game, who played in the perfect spirit and is still involved with the club to this day. He is the face of United and we are never likely to see his likes grace the field at Old Trafford again.

Roy Keane: Keane was United's talismanic captain from 1998-2005, an immense leader Keane was the rock in United's midfield for more than a decade. Originally a box to box midfielder Keane redefined his game to become a controlling influence sitting in the middle of the park. In my opinion the best midfielder in Europe between 1999 and 2002, he had an eye for a tackle as well as decent finishing skills, and he was a perfect compliment to Paul Scholes in United's midfield for many years. Keane drove his team-mates forward with his unerring desire to win, and had supreme footballing talent to boot.

Strikers:

Wayne Rooney: Wayne Rooney is perhaps the most talented striker United have ever had. His ability and goal-scoring are second to none in the English game at the minute. A precocious talent from a young age Rooney has unbelievable strength as well as decent pace and has excellent heading ability. He can score any type of goal, whether it be a tap in or a long range volley and will be the heartbeat of United's side for many years to come. His 34 goals last season are a testament to his talent and improvement, in becoming the best English player of his generation. His ability to receive the ball at his feet and turn in one movement is a skill unrivaled by any player in the history of the game.

Eric Cantona: Voted as the best player ever to play for the club by the fans, the mercurial Frenchman affectionately known as Le Dieu amongst the United faithful, was central to United's return to the pinnacle of English and European football in the early 1990s and a shoe-in for this team. Cantona was purchased when United were struggling in November 1992, and quickly propelled United to the title before winning the double the next season. A player with immense vision Cantona virtually single handedly won United a second double in 1996. Cantona had an eye for a pass, was a deadly finisher and he possessed the rare ability to produce a moment of magic to change a game.

Subs:

GK: Edwin Van Der Sar: An extremly talented goalkeeper who will be tough to replace when he retires. Van Der Sar is a great shot-stopper as well as an excellent marshal of the defense, and has two very good feet for a goalkeeper.

DF: Rio Ferdinand: A fantastic ball-playing defender, Rio is quick and an excellent reader of the game, which means unlike other defenders Rio very rarely has to make a last-ditch tackle, but he can produce one if needed. United's Captain in the 2008 Champions League final, his performances would have won him player of the season in any other campaign.

DF: Jaap Stam: Another brute of a cente-half, Jaap was as strong as he was quick, and he feared no opponent. He had an eye for a tackle and was an excellent marker who was essential in United's 1999 Champions League triumph.

MF: Bryan Robson: Captain marvel, Robson was United's best player in the 1980s. A supreme box to box midfielder he was as brave as a lion and was unlucky to retire just as United made their ascendancy back to the top of the English game. He was very close to gaining a position in my team at the expense of Keane.

MF: Ryan Giggs: United's record appearance maker, Giggs is also the most successful footballer in the history of the English game. A flying winger in his early years, Giggs has now redeveloped himself as a cultured wide midfielder with an excellent eye for a pass.

MF: Paul Scholes: Scholes is the most naturally gifted player I have seen. He has unbelievable control and his passing is exceptional. A scorer of great goals, he was formerly a striker, who was dropped back to midfielder and became the best English central midfielder of his generation. The majority of his peers consider him to be the best player they have ever played alongside.

ST: Dennis Law: The first "King" of the Stretford End, which was no mean feat when playing in a team including Bobby Charlton and George Best. Law was an unbelievable goal-scorer who once scored 7 hat-tricks in one season. As well as the Best, Law, Charlton Trinity statue, there is also a statue of Law inside the Stretford End to hail the King.

Honourable mentions:

Ruud Van Nistelrooy: A ruthless striker with a goal-record unrivaled in modern times.

David Beckham: Beckham's talent as a footballer is often overlooked, not only a deadly set-piece specialist he could pick a pass, had a fantastic engine and was adept in his defensive duties.

Patrice Evra: A pacey left-back, Evra has become one of United's most dependable players in recent seasons, he also has an eye to join an attack at every opportunity.

Tommy Taylor: A lethal striker, the top scorer in qualification for the 1958 World Cup, who was sadly killed at Munich. He certainly would have been a household name had he been able to finish his career.

Alex Stepney: United's first European Cup winning goalkeeper who made a memorable save from the great Eusebio in the final.

Arthur Albiston: Another dependable left-back in the Dennis Irwin mould, Albiston was an FA Cup winning United stalwart in the 1980s.

Bill Foulkes: A survivor of the crash at Munich, he was a dependable defender, and only Sir Bobby Charlton and Ryan Giggs have played more games for United. He won the European Cup with United in 1968.

Andy Cole: Quick as lightning and strong as well, Cole is just the sort of goal-scorer that the current United team is crying out for.

Live Text Commentary: UEFA Champions League Manchester United v AC Milan

2010-03-10T18:56:00.048Z

Get involved on twitter or comment below to post your opinion. Don't forget to keep MANUALLY refreshing this page to keep updated. By James Chandler

2150: What a night for United, they hammered Milan without really getting out of second gear. A great night for Lyon too, as the French side dump final hosts Real Madrid out at the Bernabeu. Elsewhere Stoke City and Burnley share the points at Turfmoor, and Reading hammer Derby 4-1 in the Championship. Anyway, good night from me, see you on Sunday for live text of Man Utd v Fulham from 1300 GMT.

2140: David Beckham has just put a Green and Gold scarf on before going down the tunnel. The man is a United legend, fair play to him and to ITV for giving it a decent amount of publicity. The PR machine never stops working for Beckham.

Real crash out at the last 16 stage for the 6th season running, and this could prove fatal for coach Manuel Pelligrini. The Spaniards completely lost their discipline after Pjanic's equaliser, and Lyon missed a host of chances, it could have been four or five for the French side.
2137: FULLTIME Real Madrid 1-1 Lyon (1-2 agg) Madrid are out

United breazed past MIlan and were simply brilliant against the Serie A side. Wayne Rooney started the rout, before the tireless Ji-Sung Park and Darren Fletcher added to the lead. A fantastic performance by last years runners up confirms their place alongside Arsenal, Bayern Munich, and surely Lyon too.
2134: FULLTIME Man Utd 4-0 AC Milan (agg 7-2)

2133: Into two minutes of stoppage time at Old Trafford.

Real Madrid are surely out of the Champions League now, as Lyon break and Miralem Pjanic smashes in an equalising goal which surely ends their hopes of making the final in their own stadium.
2132: GOALFLASH Real Madrid 1-1 Lyon (agg1-2) (Pjanic)

United are playing the game out nicely, but the ball breaks for Rafael who floats a beautiful cross straight over Abbiati and on to Darren Fletcher's head for a simple tap in.
2130: GOALFLASH Man Utd 4-0 AC Milan (Fletcher) (7-2 agg)

2116: The ball loops up on the edge of the United area nicely for David Beckham who strikes a brilliant volley which Van Der Sar is forced to turn over the bar. Unlucky for the ex-United man, he nearly got his dream goal.

2113: United on the attack as Nani robs Tiago Silva, but the Brazilian does well to get back and force the ball behind. From the corner, United work it short, and it gets to Antonio Valencia whose shot from the edge of the area is blocked. Darron Gibson comes on for Paul Scholes for United.

2110: Philipo Inzaghi is coming on for Marco Boriello, as Milan make their final switch, United are just playing out time now.

2107: Another standing ovation, this time for Wayne Rooney as he is replaced by Dimitar Berbatov, while Gary Neville is replaced by Rafael Da Silva. Elsewhere, David Nugent has equalised for Burnley against Stoke, that could be a priceless equaliser.

2105: Standing ovation as Ignazio Abate is replaced by David Beckham.

2104: United have a corner, but David Beckham is warmed up and ready to come one.

Antonio Valencia is away down the right, but the checks back and lays it off to Paul Scholes. Scholes picks out an eye of the needle pass for Ji-Sung Park, who controls and places a smart right foot finish across the 'keeper into the far corner.
2101: GOALFLASH Man Utd 3-0 Milan (agg6-2) (Ji-Sung Park)

2059: United are playing well now, and Nani breaks down the left hand side, he beats Abate with a clever piece of skill and crosses towards Antonio Valencia at the back stick, but just as the Ecuadorian is going to nod it in, Abbiati palms the ball away.

2056: Andrea Pirlo releases Ignazio Abate down the right hand side, and the Italians cross lands straight on the head of Klaas Jan Huntelar who heads over from 5 yards out, a bad miss in truth.

2052: Fair play to ITV who have just shown a clear shot of the Green and Gold scarfs being waved by the United fans, and the commentators have their say about it.

The ball finds its way to Nani on the right, who in truth isn't having the best of games, but this was magical. Despite Rooney's shouts he elects to dribble past Tiago Silva rather than play the England man in straight away. However the Portuguese winger plays a brilliant through ball, and Rooney slots the ball past the onrushing Abbiati.
2048: GOALFLASH Man Utd 2-0 Milan (5-2 agg) (Rooney)

2047: An interesting change for Milan, the mercurial Clarence Seedorf has come on for central defender Danielle Bonera at half time. We are back underway with United attacking the Stretford End.

2039: HALFTIME: Burnley 0-1 Stoke

2034: HALFTIME Real Madrid 1-0 Lyon (1-1 agg)

United are well on top of the tie at the moment, and the early threat from Milan has somewhat subsided. United look strong favourites to progress at the moment, but an early goal in the second half could change all that.
2031: HALFTIME Man Utd 1-0 Milan (4-2 agg)

2030: Nani has the ball on the left and he plays a cute pass to Darren Fletcher who fires in an effort from 25 yards just wide of Abbiati's right hand upright.

2027: Milan put United under a bit pressure, they win a corner following a brilliant ball by Pirlo out to Borriello who plays the ball of Nani and behind. The corner is cleared and they win a free-kick from which United fall asleep and Andrea Pirlo nearly gets in at the back post, but he is crowded out.

2020: I know I have praised him in the past (see Sat 2234) but Gonzalo Higuain has just missed an absolute sitter at the bernabeu where Real are calling the shots and really should be ahead. United are still in control against Milan, where the game is being played almost exclusively in the middle third.

2016: Tuncay has given Stoke City a 0-1 lead at Turfmoor where things are looking pretty dicey for Burnley, they desperately need to get something from tonight's game. Oh and incase you are wondering, yes it did come from a long throw from Rory Delap.

2014: It's time for a Scholesy special. Unfortunately its not a rocket from outside the area but a woefully timed sliding tackle. Scholes steams in on Flamini who fortunately sees him coming and evades the challenge, also avoiding Scholes a yellow card in the process.

2010: 25 minutes gone at Old Trafford and the game is settling down, whilst Milan look dangerous United are well on top at the minute. Elsewhere it's still Real Madrid 1-0 Lyon and Burnley 0-0 Stoke.

2003: Milan are trying to regroup at Old Trafford, and they need to do so quickly as the Italians now need three goals to go through. They do look dangerous coming forward though, and Andrea Pirlo has an effort from the edge of the box spilled by Edwin Van Der Sar who gathers at the second attempt. That brought back memories of Crespo's goal past Roy Carrol at Old Trafford in 2005.

They're both at it! Moments after Cristiano Ronaldo puts Real Madrid in the lead at the Bernabeu Wayne Rooney follows suit at Old Trafford. The ball found its way out to Gary Neville on the right wing, who fed in a brilliant cross, right onto Rooney's head, for the England striker to guide the ball into the Milan net. His third headed goal of the tie.
1958: GOALFLASH Man Utd 1-0 AC Milan (4-2 agg) (Rooney)

1957: GOALFLASH Real Madrid 1-0 Lyon (agg 1-1) (Ronaldo)

1956: Wayne Rooney lays the ball wide for Nani who cuts in and shoots. The shot is turned behind for a corner by Abbiati. Nani plays in the corner and Nemanja Vidic wins the header but it drifts over the bar.

1953: Another chance for Milan. It's a thrill a minute at the moment, Tiago Silva lofts a ball over the top for Klaas Jan Huntelaar this time, but the Dutchman's control lets him down when he was clean through. A let off for United there.

1953: Ronaldinho has Milan's first chance and he nearly puts them level on aggregate. Pirlo floats a free-kick into the United area which Nani can only flick onto the Brazilian's head, and the former World player of the year's effort drops just wide.

1951: United are well on top at the miniute, and Jankulovski looses possession to Fletcher. Rooney picks up the ball and lays it to Gary Neville who drives at the Milan defense, he cuts inside and unleashes a left-foot shot, which goes just over Abbiati's crossbar. Decent effort, and yes I did get it right, it was Gary Neville.

1948: First effort on goal from United by Wayne Rooney. Antonio Valencia does well to win the ball, which Rooney lays back into his path. Valencia attacks Tiago Silva and plays the ball back to Rooney who shoots left-footed on the turn just wide of Abbiati's right upright.

1944: The teams are out on the pitch waiting to kick off, there's intense media focus on one of the Milan substitutes, nor prizes for guessing who. It's United who kick off attacking K Stand in the first half.

1941: The teams are in the tunnel at Old Trafford, fronted by the captains, Massimo Ambrossini and Gary Neville, they are now making their way out onto the pitch. Apologies for the delay, slight technical issues. We have team news from the nights other tie: Real Madrid v Lyon
Real Madrid: Casillas; Sergio Ramos, Albiol, Garay, Arbeloa; Lassana Diarra, Guti, Granero; Kaka; Ronaldo, Higuain. Subs: Dudek, Gago, Mahamadou Diarra, Raul, Metzelder, Van der Vaart, Mosquera.
Lyon: Lloris; Reveillere, Cris, Boumsong, Cissokho; Toulalan, Govou, Makoun, Pjanic, Delgado; Lopez. Subs: Vercoutre, Bodmer, Kallstrom, Ederson, Gomis, Tafer, Gonalons.

1903: AC Milan team: Abbiati; Bonera, Silva, Jankulovski, Abate; Flamini, Ambrosini, Pirlo; Borriello, Ronaldinho, Huntelaar. The major stroies in the Milan camp are that local favourite David Beckham is only a substitute on his return, whilst Alexandre Pato and Alessandro Nesta miss out althogether, with Danielle Bonera covering at centre back.

1901: Team News: Manchester United line up: Van der Sar; Neville, Rio, Vidic, Evra; Valencia, Fletcher, Park, Scholes, Nani; Rooney. The big news for United is that Wayne Rooney is fit to start in attack, and Gary Neville come in for Wes Brown at the back. Ji-Sung Park will replace the suspended Michael Carrick, whilst Nani and Antonio Valencia start on the wings.

1900: Welcome to live text commentary of Manchester United v AC Milan from Old Trafford. Kick off is at 19:45, but before then we will update you with team news as we get it, and we will keep you updated on the events in Madrid, between Real and Lyon, as well as Burnley v Stoke City in the Barcalys Premier League. You will have to MANUALLY refresh this page in order to keep updated as events unfold this afternoon. You can get involved via twitter, you can tweet me at http://twitter.com/jdchandlerblog offering your views and opinions on the football and the coverage or post your comments below.

Preview: Manchester United v AC Milan

2010-03-10T13:03:00.003Z

From Electric Stapler at Red News:

[You can follow the game with live text commentary supplied by Red News VIP member JChandler through his blog - http://fullsportsnews.blogspot.com/. Coverage starts about 30 minutes before kick off]

When United have faced opposition over 2 legs....

25 times faced opposition involving first and second leg. ( 50 games )
7 times lost the first leg ( 3 times went onto lose second leg, 1 times drew second leg, 3 times won the second leg)
8 times drew the first leg ( 1 time lost second leg, 2 times drew, 5 times won)
10 times won the first leg ( 1 time lost second leg, 3 times drew, 6 times won)

16 out of the 25 times we got through to the next round
2 times lost the first leg (2 times won the second leg)
5 times drew the first leg (5 times won the second leg)
9 times won the first leg (3 times drew second leg, 6 times won the second leg)

[so the stats suggests its most likely we will see a winning second leg against Milan]

9 out of the 25 time we failed to get through to the next round
5 times lost the first leg ( 3 times went onto lose second leg, 1 times drew second leg 1 times won the second leg)
3 times drew the first leg ( 1 time lost second leg, 2 times drew )
1 times won the first leg ( 1 time lost second leg,)

And when we've won the first leg away from home (just like we did in Milan) how have we faired in the second leg?....

well you'll have to come back on Wednesday to find out! All will be revealed...

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Live Text Commentary: UEFA Champions League Arsenal V FC Porto

2010-03-09T19:09:00.062Z

Get involved on twitter or comment below to post your opinion. Don't forget to keep MANUALLY refreshing this page to keep updated.
By James Chandler

2143: Right thats it from me, plenty of goals tonight, but the big news has to be Arsenals brilliant display in winning 5-0 against Porto. FC Bayern did just enough to qualify against Fiorentina in the other tie, whislt Sunderland gained a priceless win at the bottom of the Premier League and Portsmouth adrift at the bottom were beaten by Birmingham. Good night and we'll hopefully see you all from 19:15 tomorrow for live text coverage of Manchester United v AC Milan with updates from Real Madrid v Lyon and Burnley v Stoke City.

2142: FULLTIMES: Portsmouth 1-2 Birmingham & Sunderland 4-0 Bolton

Darren Bent becomes the first Mackems player to score a hat-trick since Kevin Phillips against Bolton at the Stadium of Light, whilst Jamie O'Hara scores merely a consolation for Pompey against Birmingham.
2141: GOALFLASHES: Portsmouth 1-2 Birmingham (O'Hara) Sunderland 4-0 Bolton (Bent hat-trick)

Arjen Robben fires Bayern into the last 8 for the second season running, however Fiorentina may feel aggrieved to loose to two such high quality strikes and after the shocking refereeing in the first leg
2137: FULLTIME Fiorentina 3-2 FC Bayern (4-4 on agg) FC Bayern go through on away goals
Arsenal trounced Porto and deservedly qualify for the last 8, and what a turn around for Nicklas Bendtner, missed 7 guilt edged chances on Saturday and failed to score, but tucked away a hat-trick tonight. Porto looked a poor team in truth, but Arsenal did an extremly good job without their best player tonight.
2137: FULLTIME: Arsenal 5-0 Porto

Nicklas Bentner slots home from the spot past the despairing dive of Helton to grab his first senior hat-trick and he is the first Arsenal player to score a hat-trick at home in Europe since Alan Smith in 1991.
2135: Arsenal 5-0 Porto (Bendtner Hat-trick)

2134: PENALTY TO ARSENAL

2133: We are into three minutes of stoppage time in Florence, where Bayern still lead on away goals, it's 4-4 on agggregate. In the meantime at the Emirates Arsenal are still well in control and are playing out time.

2127: Only 5 minutes to go in Florence, and it is a good game. Both sides are attacking, Fiorentina's best recent moment came when Jovetic slipped in Pasquale in the area, but the full backs cut back evaded every purple shirt. While at the other end Arjen Robben is looving very dangerous. The Dutchman hit two shots wide before his thrid effort in three minutes almost deflects into the path of Miroslav Klose for the German striker to tap in but it just evades him and runs out for a corner.

2121: Sunderland are now 3-0 up over ten man Bolton, Darren Bent has got his second goal, this time from the penalty spot.

2118: Given that this tie is over, and both teams are conserving energy, coverage will change to the other Champions League game between Fiorentina and FC Bayern which is currently 3-2 to Fiorentina on the night, but 4-4 on aggregate, which would mean the Germans progress on away goals. Of course you will be kept updated with all the goals and major incidents at the Emirates where Theo Walcott has come on for the majestic Andrei Arshavin.

2117: Arsenal are still pouring forward at the Emirates, and Bacary Sagna launches a shot over the bar from just inside the Porto box.

At the same time Arsenal are scoring two goals in two minutes the other matches go goal crazy. Stevan Jovetic puts Fiorentina into the lead on aggregate over Bayern, only for Arjen Robben to put the Germans ahead on away goals seconds later. Whilst in the North East Sunderland look set for their first win in 15 league games, after Darren Bent puts them 2-0 up over Bolton.
2113: GOALFLASHES!!!! Fiorentina 3-1 Bayern (Jovetic) Fiorentina 3-2 Bayern (Robben) Sunderland 2-0 Bolton (Bent)

Once more dreadful defending from Porto, great attacking play from Arsenal. The Portuguese have a corner, the ball breaks out and Fucile is beaten far too easily to the 50-50 ball by Arshavin who takes the ball forward and lays the ball in behind the defense for Emmanuel Eboue. The Ivorian still has a bit to do, but he easily rounds Helton and places the ball into the net.
2110: GOALFLASH Arsenal 4-0 Porto (Eboue)

Game over, brilliant from Samir Nasri. The frenchman picks the ball up on the right hand side and beats three players, before beating Helton from a narrow angle, fantastic goal.
2107: GOALFLASH Arsenal 3-0 Porto (Nasri)

Mark Van Bommel has scored for the German's to make the tie all square on aggregate and on away goals, could be a long night in Florence.
2107: GOALFLASH Fiorentina 2-1 FC Bayern Munich (agg 3-3) (Van Bommel)

2104: This is looking a bit precarious now, Christian Rodriguez who looks very dangerous meets a corner from the right and his header is cleared off the line by Samir Nasri and into Almunia's arms.

2103: Emmanuel Eboue is on in place of Tomas Rosicky, his first involvement is to win the ball and back into Hulk, Eboue falls over under no challenge but guess what ....... yes, freekick to the Gunners.

The Italians now lead on aggregate, and it's the little Serbian Stevan Jovetic, destroyer of Liverpool in Florence who has scored.
2101: GOALFASH Fiorentina 2-0 Bayern Munich (Jovetic)

2058: Chance for Porto, their best so far, Rodriguez is looking dangerous, and Hulk lays him in down the left. Rodriguez pulls it back to Falcao who shoots straight at Almunia from the edge of the box, but the Spaniard spills the shot but recovers the reebound, if that shot had been directed a bit better Porto would have been level in the tie.

2055: The good news for Arsenal is the referee is a homer and his assistants are as well. Everytime an Arsenal player goes down the whistle blows, this time Vermaelen goes down under little challenge and wins the free-kick.

2053: FC Porto have changed their shape, with the newcomer Rodriguez playing on the left, and Varela going to the right, with Hulk partnering Falcao upfront, and they have started the second period brightly.

2048: Back under way in Florence where Fiorentina lead Bayern 1-0. Whist at the Emirates, Christian Rodriguez had come on for the rather ineffective Nuno Coelho, and we are back underway.

2045: It will take one huge self-implosion for the Gunners to lose this from here, Porto can not defend, however, you can see them scoring a goal in this game, but Arsenal still should rack up at least 4 goals by the end of this game judging by the first half.

2035: HALFTIME Fiorentina 1-0 FC Bayern Munich, Sunderland 1-0 Bolton & Portsmouth 0-2 Birmingham City

2034: HALFTIME: Arsenal 2-0 Porto

2033: Arsenal are trying to finish this game before half time, Samir Nasri has a great effort tipped around the post by Helton who is keeping Porto in this game. Arsenal can't loose this game, Porto look like a very weak side.

2032: It is now Portsmouth 0-2 Birmingham, Cameron Jerome has his second to double the midland clubs advantage.

2028: Helton produces a couple of saves to keep Porto in this game, the first is to turn a Nicklas Bendtner shot wide of his post for a corner, the second is magnificent. From the corner Abou Diaby gets a head in on goal, and it looks to have beaten the keeper at the near post only for him to pluck it off the line with his left hand. We are now into two minutes of added time.

2023: The frailties of Arsenal mean this tie isn't over, Porto hoof a long ball over to the right hand side, Gael Clichy makes a mess of it, he gets underneath it, and Hulk has a clear run into the area. Fortunately the Brazilian chooses the wrong option when he tries to pick out Falcao who is marked by tree players instead of laying it to Micael who is completely unmarked on the edge of the box.

2018: Glorious chance for Arshavin and Arsenal, brilliant play between Diaby and Samir Nasri, sends Nasri clear down the right, he pulls the ball back to the little Russian who has the whole goal to aim at but lifts his shot over the bar.

2017: Porto are on the ropes against Arsenal, they need halftime badly, remember one goal will take that tie to extra time. Elsewhere Birmingham have the lead against Portsmouth through Cameron Jerome.

Fiorentina have the lead in florence, and it's their Chilean winger Juan Vargas who has scored. Alberto Gilardino has a tame effort, straight at Hans-Jorg Butt, but the German goalkeeper spills the ball straight to Vargas who cleverly applies the finish from a tight angle. The Italians lead on away goals.
2013: GOALFLASH Fiorentina 1-0 FC Bayern (Vargas)

How things change, the man who couldn't hit a barn door at the weekend, has two goals. Nicklas Bendtner taps in from close range from another moment of Arshavin trickery. Fucile gave the ball away to Arshavin too easily there. Suspicions of offside again.
2010: GOALFLASH Arsenal 2-0 Porto (Bendtner)

2007: Brilliant play from Andrei Arshavin, who is having a mixed evening tonight, this time, he is layed in by Abou Diaby, the Russian beats his man and plays in a glorious cross, right across the 6 yard line, just asking to be tapped in, but there is no Arsenal player on hand to oblige.

2004: Arsenal do look nervy at the back, Falcao gets the better of Sol Campbell, but sees his effort blocked, the ball lands at Raul Meireles's feet. The Portuguese international lofts the ball over to Varela, who wins a corner, and it is once again pinball in the Arsenal box, but Almunia gets in to punch the ball clear.

2002: End to end stuff at the Emirates, Porto break, and Hulk manages to win a corner, which is flicked on at the near post, and narrowly evades the onrushing Porto attackers. At the other end, Arsenal have a corner, which Arshavin plays in to Abou Diaby, but the Frenchman volleys narrowly over from ten yards. Helton probably had it covered though.

Tomas Rosicky lays the ball perfectly through the middle of the Porto defense for Andrei Arshavin, the little Russia is tackled by some last ditch defending from Fucile, but Helton had come out to meet him. The ball deflected into the path of Nicklas Bentner, who stretches to put the ball into the empty net. Arsenal are now ahead on away goals, but it is clear that Andrei Arshavin was offside in the build up.
1954: GOALFLASH Arsenal 1-0 Porto ( Bendtner)

1952: Sunderland have taken the lead 1-0 against Bolton inside a minute through Frazier Campbell. Meanwhile at the Emirates, Bacary Sagna swings over a cross and finds Andrei Arshavin unmarked at the back post, but he sees his header well saved by Helton.

1948: It's all Arsenal in the early stages at the Emirates, with Gael Clichy and Tomas Rosicky putting in crosses early on, and Andrei Arshavin floating over a free-kick from the right which Helton does well to punch away. In Florence it is blowing a gale, where things are very much even early on.

1945: Arsenal get us underway at the Emirates, kicking from right to left, and Porto are straight onto the front foot.

1941: The teams are in the tunnel at the Emirates, they are now coming out onto the field, being led by Bruno Alves and Manuel Almunia, and we're into the famous Champions League anthem, Arsenal look up for this. The teams are also out in Florence.

1932: Just to remind ourselves of tonight's permutations Arsenal trail FC Porto 2-1 from the first leg, and Fiorentina trail FC Bayern by the same score-line. Interestingly both sides at the Emirates sit third in their domestic leagues, although Arsenal are only two points behind leaders Manchester United, where as Porto are 11 points behind Lisbon based rivals Benfica.

1927: Kick off is just over 15 minutes away in both Champions League games, and in tonight's Premier League matches. The build up to Arsenal v FC Porto has been dominated by Cesc Fabregas's injury against Burnley at the weekend, but Arsenal should still be strong enough even without their talismanic skipper to defeat the Portuguese Champions, who have not won in their last 13 visits to England. However, the Portuguese did earn a credible 2-2 in last seasons quarter final against Manchester United at Old Trafford despite going down 0-1 in the return leg, and 2-2 would be good enough to see them advance tonight.

1923: I'm going to stick my neck out now, prediction's for toinght:
Arsenal 3-0 FC Porto
Fiorentina 1-0 FC Bayern Munich
Portsmouth 1-2 Birmingham City
Sunderland 1-0 Bolton Wanderers
If you want to get involved you can either tweet me your predictions or post them below

1921: Last but not least Sunderland v Bolton Wanderers:
Sunderland: Gordon; Ferdinand, Turner, Mensah, Hutton; Malbranque, Cana, Cattermole; Campbell, Jones, Bent. Subs: Carson, Bardsley, McCartney, Zenden, Da Silva, Kilgallon, Mwaruwari.
Bolton: Jaaskelainen; Robinson, Ricketts, Knight, Steinsson; Gardner, Wilshere, Muamba, Lee; Kevin Davies, Elmander. Subs: Al Habsi, Samuel, Taylor, Riga, Klasnic, Andrew O'Brien, Weiss.
Referee: Steve Bennett (Kent)

1919: The team news is flooding in now, the latest is for Portsmouth v Birmingham City:
Portsmouth: James; Finnan, Ben-Haim, Hreidarsson, Belhadj; Brown, Wilson, O'Hara; Webber, Piquionne, Dindane. Subs: Ashdown, Mokoena, Mullins, Diop, Owusu-Abeyie, Kanu, Basinas.
Birmingham: Hart; Parnaby, Johnson, Dann, Ridgewell; Gardner, Ferguson, Michel, Fahey; Jerome, Benitez. Subs: Taylor, Murphy, Larsson, McFadden, Queudrue, Tainio, Jervis.
Referee: Michael Jones (Cheshire)

1918: Line Up's Fiorentina v Bayern Munich:
Fiorentina: Frey; Felipe, Kroldrup, Natali, De Silvestri; Zanetti, Montolivo, Vargas, Marchionni; Jovetic, Gilardino. Subs: Avramov, Donadel, Pasqual, Santana, Comotto, Bolatti, Keirrison.
Bayern Munich: Butt; Alaba, Badstuber, Van Buyten, Lahm; Schweinsteiger, Van Bommel, Ribery, Robben; Gomez, Muller. Subs: Rensing, Altintop, Olic, Gorlitz, Klose, Pranjic, Tymoschuk.
Referee: Alberto Undiano Mallenco (Spain)

1915: Five changes for Arsenal from the weekend victory over Burley, Theo Walcott drops to the bench in place of fit again Andrei Arshavin, Bacary Sagna and Sol Campbell return at the back, whilst Abou Diaby and Alex Song return in midfield in place of Denilson who is a sub, and Cesc Fabregas whose injury has dominated the headlines in the build up to this game. For Porto, Fernando is unavailable to play in midfield, so Coelho, who is a centre back by trade takes his place in the centre of the park, defensive from the outset for the Portuguese.

1913: Team News: Arsenal v FC Porto:
Arsenal: Almunia; Sagna, Campbell, Vermaelen, Clichy; Nasri, Song, Diaby; Rosicky, Bendtner, Arshavin. Subs: Fabianski, Eduardo, Walcott, Denilson, Silvestre, Eboue, Traore.
FC Porto: Helton; Fucile, Rolando, Bruno Alves, Pereira; Ruben Micael, Coelho, Raul Meireles; Varela, Falcao, Hulk. Subs: Nuno, Guarin, Belluschi, Rodriguez, Gonzalez, Maicon, Miguel Lopes.
Referee: Frank De Bleeckere (Belgium)

1910: Welcome to live text commentary of Arsenal v FC Porto from the Emirates Stadium. Kick off is at 19:45, but before then we will update you with team news as we get it, and we will keep you updated on the events in Florence, between Fiorentina and FC Bayern Munich throughout proceedings, as well as Portsmouth v Birmingham and Sunderland v Bolton in the Barcalys Premier League. You will have to MANUALLY refresh this page in order to keep updated as events unfold this afternoon. You can get involved via twitter, you can tweet me at http://twitter.com/jdchandlerblog offering your views and opinions on the football and the coverage or post your comments below.

Live Text Commentary: Chelsea v Stoke City

2010-03-07T15:47:00.054Z

Don't forget to MANUALLY refresh this page to keep updated, all times are GMT.
You can get involved, either tweet me, or post your comments below.
By James Chandler

1810: That's it from me, good wins this afternoon for Chelsea and Everton. However Chelsea have a tough draw in the semi-final against Aston Villa. Fulham/Spurs have the draw that everybody would have wanted against Portsmouth. Goodbye and I hope you will be back on Tuesday evening for live text commentary of Arsenal v FC Porto from the Emirates with updates of Fiorentina v Bayern Munich in Florence.

1809: The ties will be played over the weekend of the 10th/11th of April at Wembley Stadium with kick off times to be confirmed.

1808: The draw is:
Aston Villa v Chelsea
Fulham/Tottenham v Portsmouth

1805: Jason Cundy will draw the "home" teams as it were and Ginola will draw the teams who will have the away dressing room at Wembley. Here are the numbers for the Semi Final Draw:
1) Chelsea
2) Fulham/Tottenham Hotspur
3) Aston Villa
4) Portsmouth

1803: The FA Cup draw is coming up in a matter of minutes at 1805 GMT, so stay tuned for that. At Stamford Bridge Chelsea's Alex has just been named Man Of The Match by the television pundits for his maverick display at the back this afternoon, well deserved.

Everton destroyed Hull at Goodison, Hull scored a great goal through Tom Cairney, but thats all they had to shout about after being severly outplayed. The brilliant Mikel Arteta was at the centre of everything for the Toffee's and looked back to his best.
1755: FULLTIME Everton 5-1 Hull

Chelsea book their place in the semi-finals of the FA Cup where they join Aston Villa, Portsmouth and the winner of Spurs v Fulham after a convincing win over Stoke. Chelsea were the better team from start to finish, and they could have won by more. Stoke threatened only from set pieces and mainly in the first half, the Potter's severly ran out of steam in the second half, but their effort can't be faulted.
1752: FULLTIME Chelsea 2-0 Stoke

1752: Jack Rodwell has rounded off a fine Everton performance at Goodison Park with a fifth goal for Everton, who lead Hull 5-1.

1750: Last chance for Stoke, Dave Kitson plays the ball to Ricardo Fuller who turns Alex inside out before shooting against the legs of Hilario from 8 yards, we're into two minutes of stoppage time at Stamford Bridge.

1749: Nicolas Anelka is creating a catalogue of misses this afternoon, he is once again through on Sorensen, but he scews his left foot shot wide again.

1745: John Terry is booked for a foul on Ricardo Fuller, which is greeted by huge cheers from the Stoke faithful, whilst at Goodison Park, Landon Donovan has signed off in style in his last game at the famous old ground before returning to LA Galaxy next week with a goal which makes it Everton 4-1 Hull

1744: Great chance for Chelsea to win it, Alex lofts the ball over the top to Salomon Kalou who is through on goal, but his touch lets him down and that allows Thomas Sorensen to smother hs shot.

1739: Chelsea break on Stoke and are three on two, with Anelka and Drogba haring up alongside him Frank Lampard can only place his cross right into the arms of Sorensen, let off for Stoke.

1736: Chelsea are just playing out time now, all of Stoke's earlier fight has gone, Chelsea could have more if they want them, but I think they'll be conserving energy for future tasks now. Everton still lead Hull 3-1 at Goodison.

Chelsea are home and dry now. From the Anelka chance, Chelsea's corner is met by Alex and deflected wide again for another corner. This time the corner comes across and is met flush on the head by John Terry whose header deflects of Andy Wilkinson and past Thomas Sorensen into the net.
1727: GOALFLASH Chelsea 2-0 Stoke (Terry)

1726: Great chance for Nicolas Anelka. The ball is laid in for Didier Drogba, who holds it up expertly, turning his marker inside out before supplying a cross right onto the head of Nicolas Anelka, but his header is deflected behind by Andy Wilkinson.

1724: Rory Delaps long throw is turned behind by Didier Drogba. Liam Lawrence's first involvement is to curl the corner in from the right, but Rob Huth can't get a good enough connection under challenge from John Terry.

1722: Tuncay and Sidibie come off for Stoke, to be replaced by Dave Kitson and Liam Lawrence. Stoke will change to a 4-4-2 system with Lawrence wide on the right, Danny Pugh moving from the centre to the left of midfield and Kitson joining Fuller in attack as Stoke push for an equaliser.

1716: Chelsea are still pressing at Stamford Bridge, and it's a similar story for Everton at Goodison Park, who have just taken a 3-1 lead against Hull, via a Richard Garcia own goal.

1708: Oh the Irony!! Chelsea win a throw level with the edge of Stoke's box on the right, and Branislav Ivanovic hurls it in. The ball is headed out but breaks to Frank Lampard in the box but he thrashes a shot over the bar from a couple of yards closer in than from where he scored in the first half.

1705: We're back underway at Stamford Bridge, with Stoke pressing forward at the start of the second half.

Chelsea deservedly lead Stoke at the break, but this game isn't over yet, as the away side have looked dangerous from set-pieces, especially their customary long throws. It should be a cracking second half in London, whilst in Liverpool, Everton are also well on top and have a merited lead over Hull City.
1650: HALFTIME Chelsea 1-0 Stoke & Everton 2-1 Hull

1649: We're well into three minutes of stoppage time at Stamford Bridge where Joe Cole is warming up, but there is still time for Chelsea to nearly double their lead. Malouda sets Ferreira away down the left, and the Portuguese plays in a delicate cross which Didier Drogba volleys cleverly at goal, but Thomas Sorensen gets down well to push it around the post.

1645: Everton have retaken the lead against Hull, and it's that man Mikel Arteta again, 2-1 at Goodison Park.

1643: A mistifying decision from Martin Atkinson awards Stoke a free-kick on the edge of the Chelsea penalty area, but Tuncay blasts it wastefully over the bar. It looks as if Danny Pugh, will replace the injured Glen Whelan for Stoke.

1638: Hull City have grabbed an equaliser at Everton, and young Tom Cairney has got it. It's all square, Everton 1-1 Hull.

Chelsea have a corner which Florent Malouda swings over from the left, the ball breaks to the back post to John Terry. The England captain lays the ball back for Frank Lampard who charges onto it and smashes a shot from the edge of the area which deflects of Abdoulaye Faye and past Sorensen, fantastic hit by Lampard.
1635: GOALFLASH Chelsea 1-0 Stoke (Lampard)

1632: Stoke win the ball for Tuncay Sanli, who is bearing down on goal, but the forwards touch is too heavy and Alex gets back for Chelsea to make a goal saving tackle as the Turk is about to pull the trigger.

1631: Still 1-0 to Everton at Goodison Park, where Yakubu has just missed a penalty for Everton.

1630: Fantastic chance for Chelsea, Rob Huth clears Paolo Ferreira's cross to Dean Whitehead, who is robbed by Nicolas Anelka. Anelka is one on one with Sorensen but can only drag his left footed shot a yard wide from ten yards, should have done better. Anelka looks dangerous so far.

1628: Chelsea are on top now, Nicolas Anelka releases Florent Malouda down the left, and the Frenchman's low cross is smuggled away, but only as far as Branislav Ivanovic, who lashes a shot towards goal from the edge of the penalty area, but it deflects over for a Chelsea corner, which is juggled by Thomas Sorensen before he falls on the ball.

1622: Everton have taken the lead against Hull City through Spanish midfielder Mikel Arteta.

1619: Almost as surprising as Stoke trying to win long throws, Didier Drogba is down for the second time this afternoon, the physio comes on and he's fine. What a turn up for the books.

1616: Another long throw for Stoke, Delap hurls it in and Hilario punches away only as far as Dean Whitehead whose shot beats the keeper only for John Obi Mikel to hack off the line, so unlucky for Stoke.

1614: The game has settled now at Stamford Bridge, with Stoke looking for their outlets in Fuller and Sidibie at all times. Chelsea are looking to play to feet, and Salomon Kalou and Didier Drogba link up nicely on the edge of the Stoke box, but Roberth Huth gets in well to snuff the attack out.

1606: First chance for Stoke, Andy Wilkinson attacks Paolo Ferreira and gets what he wants ..... a throw in level with the Chelsea penalty area. Rory Delap hurls it in right onto the head of Robert Huth who flicks the ball on to Mamade Sidibie who gets up in front of Hilario, but can only direct his header inches wide. At the other end Nicolas Anleka shoots and Thomas Sorensen makes the save low to his left.

1603: It's all Chelsea in the opening stages and the home side win a flurry of corners early on here, but Florent Malouda drags a left footed volley wide from outside the area to give Stoke a restbite. Stoke now have the chance to mount some pressure on Chelsea who have lost their last two matches.

1601: We're under way at Stamford Bridge where John Terry is being roundly booed by the Stoke fans and cheered by the Chelsea faithful. Don't forget that Everton are taking on Hull this afternoon at Goodison Park in the Premier League and they have also just got underway.

1557: The teams emerge from the tunnel into glorious late afternoon sunshine at Stamford Bridge, lead out by Chelsea skipper John Terry and ex-Chelsea defender Robert Huth, captain of Stoke City this afternoon.

1555: If you haven't heard you missed a classic in the FA Cup earlier between Reading and Aston Villa, the home team were 2-0 up at half time, before Villa stormed back with four second half goals, with Big John Carew grabbing a hat-trick, to make it Reading 2-4 Aston Villa at Full Time.

1552: Here's the team news: Chelsea: Hilario; Ivanovic, Alex, Terry, Paulo Ferreira; Malouda, Mikel, Lampard; Anelka, Drogba, Kalou. Subs: Turnbull, Joe Cole, Deco, Sturridge, Matic, Kakuta, Van Aanholt. Stoke: Sorensen; Wilkinson, Abdoulaye Faye, Huth, Collins; Whitehead, Whelan, Delap, Sanli, Sidibe; Fuller. Subs: Simonsen, Lawrence, Kitson, Pugh, Amdy Faye, Davies, Moult.

1548: Welcome to live text commentary of Chelsea v Stoke City from Stamford Bridge. Kick off is at 16.00, but before then we will update you with team news as we get it. You will have to MANUALLY refresh this page in order to keep updated as events unfold this afternoon. You can get involved via twitter, you can tweet me at http://twitter.com/jdchandlerblog offering your views and opinions on the football and the coverage or post your comments below.

Latest News

2010-03-06T23:07:00.000Z

Right click on the links to open them in a new tab.

Football:
Man Utd beat Wolves to go top

Arsenal stroll past Burnley

Pompey defeat Birmingham to make it to Wembley

Owen out for the season, but Hargreaves set for return

4th Place Playoffs Scrapped By Premier League
Crouch Seals England Win
Scotland edge past Czechs
Wales slump to defeat at home to Sweden
Albania 1-0 Northern Ireland
Wednesday Internationals As They Happened
Gerrard to captain England against Egypt

Ireland 0-2 Brazil

United win the Carling Cup

Gill Backs Glazers After Takeover Talks

Arsenal Suffer Ramsey Injury

Chelsea lose ground in the title race

Pompey Available for £30 million

Saturday's European Football as it happened

Rugby:

Tigers defeat Irish to extend their lead at the t op

Dragons earn shock victory over Munster

Moody trades Leicester for Bath

Haskell at the centre of club v country row

Flannery Unsuccessful In Appeal

England 16-20 Ireland

Italy 16-12 Scotland

Wales 20-26 France

Cricket:

West Indies and Zimbabwe level at 1-1 in ODI series

Windies beaten by Zimbabwe

Brillian Keiswetter seals series whitewash

England Suffer Broad and Sidebottom injuries

Morgan drags England to tense victory

Pietersen to be given paternity leave

Motor Racing:

Ferrari the team to beat - Hamilton

Rugby League:

Bulls comeback to stun Wigan

Tennis:
Britain lead Lithuania 2-1 in Davis Cup after the doubles

Djokovic wins in Dubai

Golf:

Ballesteros set to make Open return

Hockey:

India 2-3 England

England overcome Pakistan comeback to win 5-2

England maintain 100% record against South Africa

England start World Cup with shock Aussie win

Winter Sports:

Vancouver games come to a close

Live Text Commentary: European Football

2010-03-06T20:46:00.061Z

Remember you will have to keep MANUALLY refreshing the page to keep updated.
Get involved either tweet me at http://twitter.com/jdchandlerblog or post your comments below.
By James Chandler

2300: Blimey, I'm still getting over that finish at the Santiago Bernabeu. What a terrific game of football, Real looked awesome in attack, but yet again vulnerable at the back. Anyway, I'm off, but join me tomorrow for live text of Stoke City v Chelsea in the FA Cup from 15.30 GMT. Thanks for your company this evening, I hope you enjoyed it as much as I did!!

2255: Although Real go top of La Liga on goal difference tonight, it is worth remembering that if two teams finish level on points they will be seperated by their head to head results, not goal difference. However, as Barca and Madrid have only played each other once in El Classico this season, they are separated by goal difference at the moment, which is lucky for Madrid, as they'd be second otherwise having lost to Barca in December at the Nou Camp.

What a fantastic game of football, Manuel Pellegrini is pumping his fists as Real Madrid are back on top of the table on goal difference. This was a true advert for La Liga after the poor show between Roma and Milan in Serie A earlier. It was a performance of champions from Real Madrid, who came down from two behind, and hit the woodwork three times in the last half an hour. Real were all over Sevilla in the second half in what must be one of the best games the Bernabeu has seen in recent seasons, a fantastic spectacle which you just knew would have a sting in the tail.
2251: FULLTIME Real Madrid 3-2 Sevilla

Nobody can say they don't deserve this. Sergio Ramos picks up the ball on the right hand side and plays a brilliant cross into the box. Gonzalo Higuain heads towards goal, but once again Andres Palop denies the Argentinian with yet another magnificent save down low to his right hand side, but the rebound falls for Rafael Van Der Vaart who bundles the ball home from close range. Incredible finish in Mardid.
2249: GOALFLASH Real Madrid 3-2 Sevilla (Van Der Vaart)

2248: Amazing, Xabi Alonso plays the ball out to Marcelo who breaks into the area, and hits a left foot shot which is saved by Palop, but the follow up goes straight to Cristiano Ronaldo, but somehow Palop makes the save with the goal at the £80 million man's mercy, incredible goal keeping.

2247: Real are still pushing hard for a winner, but Sevilla are still holding firm at the back, the ninety minutes are now up and we are into 4 minutes of stoppage time.

2242: Time to let me remind you I will be doing a live text commentary tomorrow of Chelsea v Stoke City in the FA Cup from Stamford Bridge, starting at around 3.30 pm GMT on this website. In Madrid there are four minutes left and Real are still piling forward.

2237: Ahhhh, a quiet moment, but there are still ten minutes left, so ample time for either side to snatch a winner, still 2-2 in the Berbabeu.

2234: It's a one man show for Real Madrid at the moment, and it's not who you may expect. Xabi Alonso wins the ball in midfield and plays it forward to Gonzalo Higuain, who beats two men before firing a fizzing shot inches wide from the edge of the penalty area. He looks some player on this evidence, Gonazalo Higuain.

2230: Real Madrid hit the woodwork for the third time in 10 minutes. Guti plays a wonderful slide rule pass into Higuain again, who turns his man inside out before slashing a right foot shot onto the top of the crossbar when he was through on goal. Alvaro Negredo makes way for Aldo Duscher, whilst Raul comes on in place of Kaka.

2226: It's all one way traffic at the moment, Gonzalo Higuain breaks away down the left. The Argentine cuts in and curls a beautiful effort from the corner of the 18 yard box which beats Palop but comes back out of the post, so unlucky. At the other end Dragutinovic puts in another dangerous free-kick which is smuggled behind by Real Madrid after a quick pinball session, for a Sevilla corner, which is then cleared.

2224: Real have another corner, which is only partially cleared, and Guti picks up the ball. The Spanish midfielder plays a delightful reverse pass for Cristiano Ronaldo on the right, he feeds a brilliant ball across the area which is missed by both Gonzalo Higuain and Sergio Ramos sliding in with the open goal gaping in front of them. We have a real game on our hands.

Real attack down the right and the ball breaks to Guti who unleashes an absolute piledriver which slams off the crossbar, and is cleared to seeming safety for a corner. However Rafael Van Der Vaart, a replacement for Alvaro Arbeloa, swings the corner in from the left straight onto the head of Sergio Ramos who beats the helpless Palop from inside the 6 yard box.
2220: GOALFLASH Real Madrid 2-2 Sevilla (Sergio Ramos)

Gonzalo Higuain is robbed on the Real left, but he works hard to win it back and feeds Marcelo. The Brazilian plays the ball in towards Kaka, but it takes a wicked deflection for Sevilla, straight to Cristiano Ronaldo who lashes a left foot shot past Palop and into the net from 8 yards.
2216: GOALFLASH Real Madrid 1-2 Sevilla (Ronaldo)

2214: Kaka breaks into the area down the left hand side, but he hits a tame left foot shot straight at Palop with the goal at his mercy.

Sevilla have a freekick some 40 yards from goal, it is swung by Ivica Dragutinovic at no great pace meant as a cross. However Real Madrid allow it to bounce, Iker Casillas is flat footed and the ball bounces past his diving right hand into the far corner. A farcical goal to concede. Lassana Diarra is replaced by Guti.
2209: GOALFLASH Real Madrid 0-2 Sevilla (Dragutinovic)

2202: We're back underway in Madrid, where Diego Capel has made way for ex-Tottenham and West Ham striker Freddie Kanoute. It will mean a change of tactics for Sevilla with Kanoute partnering Negredo up top, and Perotti switching from centre midfield to the left.

It's Real's 108th birthday today, so they will be desperate to turn the halftime score around. If the evidence of the closing moments of the first half is anything to go by, they look like they will have a pretty good chance of doing so.
2147: HALFTIME Real Madrid 0-1 Sevilla

2142: Real are dominating now, and it's that man Cristiano Ronaldo who is at the centre of everything. This time he picks up the ball 30 yards from goal and drives towards the Sevilla penalty area before unleashing a ferocious shot which Andres Palop once again blocks with his legs, the stopper is keeping Sevilla in the game at the minute.

2139: It's quite a game in Madrid though, at one end Cristiano Ronaldo's low drive is saved well by Palop, who also saves from Serio Ramos with his legs. Meanwhile for Sevilla, Jesus Navas breaks down the right, only to see his cross cleared in the nick of time by Eziquiel Garay.

2135: FULLTIME AS Roma 0-0 AC Milan
Both sides were full of effort, but while they huffed and puffed, it wasn't a great advert for Serie A. It would be fair to say Milan were the more interested in winning the game, but they just couldn't break down a resolute Roma rearguard, and when they did poor finishing cost them the chance of taking all the points back to Milan with them.

2134: John Arne Riise gets forward and thunders in a trade mark left footed effort, which Abbiati does well to parry over, from the resulting corner Juan heads Roma's last chance over the top.

2131: What a chance for Milan. Andrea Pirlo wins the ball on the edge of the penalty area and swings over a beautiful cross for Klaas Jan Huntelaar. The Dutchman has the simple task of heading it into the net from four yards but inexplicably heads over the top. Golden chance to win it for Milan. We are now into three added minutes at the end of the game.

2126: Roma's Rodrigo Taddei picks up a booking for a foul on Ronaldinho and Milan have a freekick on the left hand side on the penalty area a yard out from the by-line, but Ronaldinho smashes it at least 10 feet over the bar, poor effort.

2123: Ronaldo throws everyone a dummy including his own team mates as instead of shooting he clips over a cross straight onto the head of Kaka. The Brazilian has a glorious oppourtunity 6 yards out under no challenge, but is caught on the back foot and can only head tamely wide.

2021: Xabi Alonso whips a 25 yard effort straight into the hands of Andres Palop, seconds after Kaka seemed to be fouled right on the edge of the penalty area, but no free-kick was given, however Senior Gonzalez has awarded Real a free-kick on the edge of the box now for a foul on Gonzalo Higuain. Cristiano Ronaldo stands over it .........

2119: Roma's best player on the night David Pizzaro flashes a shot wide from 25 yards, whilst Phillipo Inzaghi comes into the action in place of the ineffective Marco Boriello, just over ten minutes to go in Rome, plenty of time for one of these sides to grab a winner.

2117: Sevilla are still on the attack in Madrid, it is worth reminding ourselves that Real Madrid can't afford a start like this on Wednesday night in the Champions League against Olympique Lyonnais, or they will have to score 3 goals to qualify.

2113: It's all quiet over in Rome, still 0-0 between Roma and Milan where David Beckham has just come on for Milan, just under 20 minutes to go in the Italian capital where Mirko Vucinic has just headed a John Arne Riise cross a yard wide.

Jesus Navas is sent clear down the right, he sends over a first time cross which missed everyone and ends up with Diego Capel at the back stick, the Spanish under 21 international puts a wonderful first time ball back across the penalty area, which Xabi Alonso who is tracking back can only thrash into the bottom corner of his own net under challenge from Negredo.
2109: GOALFLASH Real Madrid 0-1 Sevilla (Own Goal Alonso)

2107: FULL TIME Almeria 2-2 Barcelona
Barcelona drop two points in the battle for La Liga, they did well to come back from 2-1 down after Carles Puyol put through his own net, Zlatan Ibrahimovic was sent off before Lionel Messi equalized for the champions.

2103: A little late I know, but some team news for the Real Madrid Sevilla game, Real Madrid: Casillas; Sergio Ramos, Albiol, Garay, Arbeloa; Lassana Diarra, Xabi Alonso, Marcelo, Kaká; Higuaín, Cristiano Ronaldo. Sevilla: Palop; Navarro, Dragutinovic, Stankevicius, Konko; Zokora, Fazio, Perotti, Capel, Jesús Navas; Negredo. One change from their last outing for Real Madrid, Arbeloa replaces Granero, with Marcelo pushing into midfield, while Sevilla play Alvaro Negredo up front on his own, as they are still without top scorer Luis Fabiano.

2102: We're underway in the Bernabeu as Real Madrid kick off against Sevilla, and it's still 2-2 between Almeria and Barcelona with a minute of injury time left to play.

2101: In the Barclays Premier League today, Manchester United returned to the top of the table as they earned a hard-fought 0-1 victory at Wolves, Arsenal defeated Burnley 3-1 at the Emirates, and West Ham slumped to a 1-2 defeat at home to Bolton. In the FA Cup, Fulham and Spurs will have to replay after a goalless draw at Craven Cottage, and Pompey are through to the Semi-finals as the South Coast club defeated Birmingham City 2-0.

2056: Earlier on in Serie A, Juventus defeated Fiorentina 1-2 in Florence, while in Spain, Deportivo La Coruna kept their Champions League hopes alive with a 3-1 victory over Tenerife at the Riazor.

2052: It's all Milan at the start of the second half in Rome, but no clear cut chances this half as yet. Meanwhile over in Spain, Barcelona are pushing for a winner at Almeria, however they do look susceptible on the counter, Almeria have just blazed an excellent chance over the crossbar.

2049: If you want to get involved or comment, you can tweet me, or post comments on this page, feel free to have your say on the football or the coverage.

2046: Hello and welcome to live text commentary from Serie A and La Liga. Tonight we will be following the fortunes of Real Madrid and Sevilla, as they clash at the Santiago Bernabeu, whilst keeping an eye on the second half on AS Roma v AC Milan from the Stadio Olimpico, who are currently drawing 0-0 at half time. Also in action tonight, are FC Barcelona, who are currently being held 2-2 at Almeria with just over 10 minutes remaining. Remember you will have to keep MANUALLY refreshing the page to keep updated.

England 3-1 Egypt

2010-03-03T22:24:00.008Z

England hit three second half goals to overturn a half time deficit to defeat Egypt at Wembley. Two goals from Peter Crouch and one from Shaun Wright Phillips, ensured England deservedly beat the African Champions by three goals to one.

England started the brighter and should have had the lead inside five minutes when Theo Walcott crossed for Frank Lampard only for the Chelsea man to hit a tame left foot shot against the legs of the Egyptian goalkeeper Essam El-Hadary.

England continued to press with a Wayne Rooney effort stinging the palms of El-Hadary, before Jermain Defoe was thwarted by a last ditch Egyptian challenge with the goal at his mercy. However, Egypt were slowly coming into the game and Mohammed Zidan fired just over from an angle, giving England a warning of things to come.

And it was Zidan who gave Egypt the lead after twenty three minutes. After a ball was lofted over the England back four, Matthew Upson slipped allowing Zidan to expertly control straight onto his right foot, before placing a measured finish past Rob Green's outstretched arms in the England goal. Egypt controlled the game up until half-time, and despite a couple of Jermain Defoe efforts just before the break were comfortable enough.

It was at the break when the key moment of the game occured, Fabio Capello replaced Defoe and the ineffective Lampard with Peter Crouch and Michael Carrick. Within 15 minutes Crouch had restored parity. It was a brilliant England move, as one touch passing from Steven Gerrard and Gareth Barry gave Crouch the chance to score which he gleefully accepted. It was a fantastic finish from Crouch who stroked the ball in past El-Hadary at his near post.

In front of a crowd of just over 80,000, England had the bit between their teeth and after 75 minutes they took the lead. Leighton Baines set up substitute James Milner whose left foot shot was palmed away by El-Hadary, but he could only push the ball for Shaun Wright-Phillips who turned the ball back towards goal and into the net. In truth El-Hadary should have done better with Wright-Phillips' effort which was straight at him, but he could only push the ball into his own net.

It was a night for the substitutes as Wright-Phillips was involved again five minutes later as he was played in down the right flank by Wes Brown, squaring the ball for Peter Crouch to stroke it past El-Hadary and into the net for his second. Crouch looked suspiciously offside but the decision wasn't given and England had sealed a hard earned victory with ten minutes still remaining.

It was England's 500th international victory and one which will be remembered for Peter Crouch scoring his 19th and 20th goals in just 37 international games following his two goals against Belarus in October. Crouch, Wright-Phillips and Carrick must now be certainties for Capello's World Cup squad following their performances after coming off the bench. While Egypt don't play in the same style as Algeria, England's second World Cup opponents this summer, England will no doubt take a lot of positives after coming from behind to beat the recently crowned African Champions.

England:Robert Green; Wes Brown, John Terr,y Matthew Upson, Leighton Baines; Theo Walcott, Frank Lampard, Gareth Barry, Steven Gerrard(c); Jermain Defoe, Wayne Rooney

Subs: David James, Joe Hart, James Milner, Joleon Lescott, Ryan Shawcross, Stephen Warnock, David Beckham, Michael Carrick, Shaun Wright-Phillips, Stewart Downing, Emile Heskey, Peter Crouch, Carlton Cole

Live Text Commentary: England v Egypt

2010-03-03T22:20:00.005Z

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By James Chandler

2219: Apologies for the lack of comments, we have had a slight technical problem and apparently they are not getting through. Thanks for posting them anyway.

2200: Thats it from me, a good performance and an excellent result for England tonight. Good night, and don't forget to check out my twitter at http://twitter.com/jdchandlerblog as well as tonight's match report.

2157: Scotland beat the Czech Republic 1-0 at Hampden Park to give them their first victory at Hampden in a friendly since 1996. Elsewhere, Spain beat France 0-2 and Germany lost 0-1 at home to Argentina.

This is England's 500th win, and it was a much improved second half performance that bought it about. It would be fair to say that overall England were the far superior team, but Fabio Capello will have some food for thought after the excellent second half performances from Peter Crouch, Michael Carrick and Shaun Wirght-Phillips. Egypt look like a decent team, they came to attack England and made this an enjoyable, if not difficult friendly at Wembley.
2153: FULL TIME: ENGLAND 3-1 EGYPT

2150: We are now into three minutes of added time. The game is being played out at a slow pace, mainly in the England half, but the Egyptians don't look particularly threatening.

21:45 Gareth Barry will captain England for the last 5 minutes as Wayne Rooney comes off to be replaced by Carlton Cole, no goals for Rooney, but a good performance nonetheless. Peter Crouch meanwhile has been named man of the match.

2140: GOALFLASH ENGLAND 3-1 EGYPT CROUCH
Wes Brown plays in Shaun Wright-Phillips down the right hand side of the area, the Man City man plays the ball in right-footed towards Peter Crouch who clips in the simplest of finishes at the near post, Crouch was at least a yard offside however, but England lead 3-1 and surely the game is over.

2139: The other home nations are not fairing as well as England, Northern Ireland have gone down 1-0 in Albania and Wales have lost 0-1 at home to Sweden.

2134:GOALFLASH ENGLAND 2-1 EGYPT WRIGHT-PHILLIPS
Leighton Baines plays the ball into James Milner who hits a decent effort towards the Egyptian goal and El Hadari can only parry the ball away to Shaun Wright-Phillips. Wright-Phillips aims a volley back towards goal straight towards the goalkeeper, but El Hadari can only parry the ball into his own net. Very poor goalkeeping, he could have caught the Milner shot, and at least saved the Wright-Phillips effort, but England aren't complaining.

2133: The ball is played in behind John Terry and Amir Zaki is chasing after it, he beats Terry to the ball, takes the Chelsea man on but can only dribble a shot accross the face of goal. Tonights attendance is over 80,000, decent for a friendly.

2132: James Milner does come on for England, taking the place of Captain for the night Steven Gerrard who duly hands the armband over to Wayne Rooney.

2130: 20 minutes to go still England 1-1 Egypt. James Milner looks ready to come on, on the sidelines.

2127: Scott Brown has put Scotland 1-0 up at home to the Czech Republic

2125: Gareth Barry lofts the ball over the top of the Egyptian defence for Wayne Rooney to run on to only for the United Striker to see his left footed shot beat the goalkeeper and the far post.

2124: Gedo comes on for Egypt. He is as dangerous a substitute as you are likely to face. 6 international goals in 8 appearances, all as sub. He was leading scorer at the African Cup of Nations with 5 goals, including scoring the winning goal in the final, and he didn't start a game.

2118: Before that goal I was just about to tell you that Spain are now 0-2 up in France, Sergio Ramos has scored the goal for the Spaniards, who must be considered strong favourites for this summers World Cup. Argentina are 0-1 up in Germany, Real Madrid striker Gonzalo Higuain has scored for Diego Maradona's side.

2116: GOALFLASH ENGLAND 1-1 EGYPT CROUCH
Great passing move from England. Steven Gerrard lays the ball into Gareth Barry whose one touch pass finds Peter Crouch who clips a first time right-footed shot past El Hadari at his near post from fifteen yards, fantastic finish by Peter Crouch. Wrigh-Phillips is now on in place of Walcott.

2114: England look very tired at the moment, especially Steven Gerrard and Wayne Rooney. Theo Walcott will be replaced by Shaun Wright-Phillips when the ball next leaves the field of play.

2108: Good play by Wayne Rooney, he takes the ball on the turn past his marker, then turns back inside and unleashes a shot towards the far post, but it is comfortably saved by the 'keeper.

2105: We are back underway at Wembley, where Peter Crouch has replaced Jermain Defoe, continituing the laters run with England of being subbed at half-time in his last three internationals, and Michael Carrick comes on for the ineffective Frank Lampard. England need to change this game, and they need to see some of their squad players play before the Worlc Cup finals, so expect more changes in the second half.

2049: HALFTIME ENGLAND 0-1 EGYPT
England have been disappointing so far, but have had the chances to be at least level. The Egyptains have played the ball around well and kept possession nicely without looking too dangerous except for their goal from the slip by Matthew Upson, certainly all to play for in the second half for England.

2048: Into added time at Wembley of which we will have one minute and England have a free-kick on the right hand side a yard out from the by-line, five in from the touch line. Baines to take it, it's headed clear and the halftime whistle blows.

2042: Two efforts from Jermain Defoe get the England fans on their feet, first Wes Brown swings in a cross and Defoe glances a header just over the Egyptian crossbar. Following that passage of play, Defoe gets in behind the Egyptian defence, but his left foot shot is well saved by El Hadari. From the resulting corner John Terry stabs an effort straight at the goal-keeper. This is better from England as we approach half time.

2039: England have a free-kick on the left of the penalty area about 10 yards from the byline, but Steven Gerrard plays it straight into El Hadari's arms.

2035: Wayne Rooney is screaming at his team mates for more effort at Wembley. England have been dissapointing so far but have a corner as Gerrard tries to play in Rooney, but the pass is cut out and put behind. From Baines's corner the ball finds its was to Frank Lampard at the back post who volleys into the ground and over the bar from 8 yards. Another good chance for the Chelsea man.

2032: Wayne Rooney loops a header wide at Wembley, but you'd have to say Egypt are on top and looking comfortable at the moment.

2029: Elsewhere Spain have taken a 0-1 lead in France through David Villa, Holland lead the USA 1-0 through Durk Kuyt and Wales are 0-1 down at home to Sweden.

The Wembley pitch may be coming under criticism again. The Egyptians loft the ball over the top of Matthew Upson who slips at the vital moment presenting an opportunity to Mohammed Zidan. Zidan still has a lot to do, but he expertly brings the ball out of the air and places a right footed shot to the left of Rob Green.
2025: GOALFLASH ENGLAND 0-1 EGYPT ZIDAN

2021: A couple of promising moments for Egypt, first Mohammed Zidan blasts narrowly over from 20 yards, then a cross from the left is nicked off the Egyptain strikers head at the back post by Baines.

2016: Another chance for England, this time it falls to Jermain Defoe. Gareth Barry plays the ball to Wayne Rooney, who expertly beats his man 25 yards out and sets in Defoe, who is dispossessed just as he is about to pull the trigger. Fantastic play from Wayne Rooney, everything is going through him so far for England.

2011: It's a good game so far at Wembley, end to end stuff. From the resulting corner Egypt have an effort cleared of the line. The ball is swung over to the back post, just over the England heads, and Egypt get a volley on goal, however it isn't well timed and Defoe hacks it away off the line.

2010: First effort of the night from man of the moment Wayne Rooney, a 20 yard shot stings the palms of El Hadari in the Egyptian goal. Down the other end Egypt have a corner rather cheaply conceded by Leighton Baines.

2007: First chance for England and what a chance. Walcott bursts away down the right, and lays the ball inside to Frank Lampard who is all alone in front of goal six yards out, but his left foot shot is blocked by the Egyptian keeper. The resulting corners are smuggled away by the Egyptians. Great chance for Lampard there.

2005: Decent atmosphere at Wembley by the sounds of it. On the pitch both teams are trading spells of possession, but it has been a lively start. Wes Brown sets Theo Walcott away down the right with a measured pass, but the Egyptians snuff out the attack. England Under 21s have lost 2-1 to Greece in Doncaster. Our referee tonight is from South America, as England are likely to face South American officials at the World Cup Finals.

2002: We're under way at Wembley.

1957: The teams emerge at Wembley, with England lead out by tonights captain Steven Gerrard, it is now time for the customary handshakes and the national anthems.

1955: Man Utds Zoran Tosic who is currently on loan at Colgone has just put Serbia 3-0 away to Algeria. It is worth reminding ourselves Egypt were only one goal in qualification away from playing England in the summer at the expense of Algeria.

1952: England: Green; Brown, Upson, Terry, Baines; Walcott, Lampard, Barry, Gerrard; Rooney Defoe. Subs: James, Milner, Warnock, Carrick, Lescott, Shawcross, Beckham, Wright-Phillips, Crouch, Heskey, Cole, Downing, Hart.
Egypt: El Hadari, Al-Muhammadi, Said, Fathi, Gomaa, Ghaly, Moawad, Hassan, Abd Rabou, Zidan, Ebdelmaby. Subs: El Sayed, Fathallah, Aboutreika, Zaki, Raouf.

1947: England will play in their new Red away shirts, while Egypt will play in all white. If you also want to follow the USA tonight, Englands world cup group opponents who face Holland, you can by clicking here.

1941: England Under 21s have pulled a goal back against Greece, but they still trail the Mediterraneans 1-2 at the Keepmoat Stadium. Algeria are now 0-2 down to Serbia.

1939: Enlands group opponents for the World Cup Algeria are 1-0 down at home to Serbia. Elsewhere Solvenia will kick off against Qatar at 1945 and Holland will play the USA at the same time.

1936: Team News as announced earlier, England: Green; Brown, Upson, Terry, Baines; Walcott, Lampard, Barry, Gerrard; Rooney, Defoe. Still awaiting the Egypt team news.

1857: Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland are also in action tonight. Wales host Sweden, Northern Ireland travel to Albania and Scotland play the Czech Republic at Hampden Park. The Republic or Ireland played last night, losing 2-0 to Brazil at the Emirates Stadium.

1855: Halftime in the Under 21s. Still England 0-1 Greece in Doncaster.

1852: The Egypt team have arrived at Wembley Stadium. We are still awaiting confirmation of the team news, although Stan Collymore is having a field day on his twitter about getting the team right. See 1820.

1840: Just over an hour and fifteen minutes to kick off. The main chit chat around the ground is about whether John Terry will be booed by his own supporters or not. Its the last thing Terry needs really, following handshakegate on Saturday, his poor run of form and the route of all his problems, his misdemeanors outside of football.

1835: England Under 21s have already kicked off and they trail Greece 0-1 at the Keepmoat Stadium in Doncaster.

1832: Both England's senior team and under 21 players will be wearing black armbands tonight in respect for Keith Alexander the Macclesfield Town manager who passed away last night. Our best wishes go out to Keith's family.

1828: If Stan Collymore is correct in his England line up, there is a good diversity to England's line up, with players from no fewer than 8 different Premier League clubs in the starting line up. The team includes players representing each of the Premiership's current top six.

1824: Results already in from tonights Internationals include Ivory Coast 0-2 South Korea, both of those sides will play at the World Cup in South Africa. England's group opponents Algeria are curently being held 0-0 by fellow World Cup qualifiers Serbia.

1820: Early England Team News: On his twitter page Stan Collymore reckons Englands team tonight is: Green; Brown, Terry, Upson, Baines; Walcott, Lampard, Barry, Gerrard; Rooney, Defoe.

1817: Welcome to live text commentary of England v Egypt from Wembley Stadium. Kick off is at 20.00, but before then we will update you with team news as we get it. You will have to MANUALLY refresh this page in order to keep updated as events unfold this evening. You can get involved via twitter, you can tweet me at http://twitter.com/jdchandlerblog offering your views and opinions on the football and the coverage.