England vs Kazakhstan World Cup 2010 Qualifying Live on BBC Radio Five Live

England is going to face 120-ranked Kazakhstan on 11 October 2008 (at 17:15 BST) in a world cup qualifying match of Group Six. This may not be a high profile clash in terms of the strength of the two teams. However, in many ways, it is a very important match for both teams. Let us first start with England team.

First of all, this is going to be England’s first home match in world cup qualifying round after last month’s two away schedules in Barcelona where England defeated Andorra 2-0 and in Zagreb where they defeated Croatia 4-1. Now, it is time to impress the home fans at Wembley stadium. England players need to show what they are capable of doing before their home fans who booed off England players after last month’s 2-2 draw against Czech Republic in a friendly match at the Wembley stadium. So, England fans are eagerly waiting to see their players continue their implacable form that demolished Croatia. On the other hand, England players are also looking forward to impress the home fans as this is going to be England’s last home match of 2008.

For Kazakhstan, it is a very hard match, because they are going to face England in England. Kazakhstan could earn only three points from three matches so far in world cup qualifying campaign. So, at least a draw in the match will be considered as a victory for Kazakhstan. The visiting team will go into the match knowing the fact that they have nothing to lose in the match, but has everything to win in the way. So, Kazakhstan might appear with spirited form against England. So, there are a number of reasons this match will attract the football fans from around the world.

All of the tickets for the match between England and Kazakhstan have been sold out and perhaps for the first time, there will be sold-out crowd at Wembley stadium. In my earlier entry, I wrote about television coverage of the match. British television channel ITV will show the match live for the British football fans. However, if you are not fortunate enough to attend the match in the stadium or manager your time to watch the live action of the match, then you can carry your little pocket radio to enjoy the live commentary of the match on BBC Radio Five Live radio channel. So, I hope you will at least enjoy the commentary of the match on BBC radio five live, if you can not manage to go to the stadium or stick to your television channel.

England vs Kazakhstan World Cup 2010 Qualifier Live on ITV Channel

England will face Kazakhstan on Saturday in a group 6 world cup qualifying match at Wembley stadium. This is going to be England’s first home match in world cup 2010 qualifying round. With six points from the opening two matches, England is now leading the point table in Group six. However, Kazakhstan has managed only three points from three matches so far. They currently stand in the second last position in the group. The match kicks off at 17:15 BST (British Standard Time).

England fans are eagerly waited for this match and it has already been reported that all of the tickets have been sold out for the match. Specially, after England’s impressive 4-1 victory at Zagreb last month, English fans are now interested to see the sparkling form of the home team. However, England’s experience in the last match played in Wembley was not so good as England players were booed by the furious English fans who were disappointed at England’s come-from-back 2-2 draw against Czech Republic in a friendly match.

This time, it is expected to be different as England indicated to come back to their prime form in the match against Croatia. Moreover, opposition Kazakhstan is not a football power in Europe. The 120-ranked Kazakhstan will definitely go into the match as underdog and anything less than an impressive victory for England would not satisfy the England fans. After England narrowly missed out on Euro 2008 finals, England fans were very much disappointed at their performance. However, the recent performance against Croatia has been impressive and English fans are now expecting England to show similar dominance over Kazakhstan.

Wembley stadium can accommodate 90,000 football fans. So, the rest of the English fans have to enjoy the match on their television sets. However, the good news is that England fans do not have to face the similar problem that they did in England’s first two qualifying matches. Irish sports channel, Setanta Sports, holds the television broadcast right of England’s away world cup qualifying matches. As Setanta Sports is a pay-per-view channel, a terrestrial channel like BBC or ITV was supposed to air the highlights of the match. This has been going on traditionally. However, this time, Setanta Sports failed to make a deal with any terrestrial channel to air the highlights of the match. Both BBC and ITV found Setanta’s demand too much to sign a deal for airing the highlights of the match. This created agitation among the fans across England. England supporters were seen chanting “We hate Setanta” during first two world cup qualifying matches. Later on, FA chairman Lord Triesman called the broadcasters in a meeting and at last, Setanta and ITV signed on a deal which is reportedly worth £500,000. So, from now, England fans will be able to watch the highlights of England’s away matches in world cup qualifying round on ITV.

However, there is no such complexity when it comes to England’s home matches like the one against Kazakhstan. England fans will be able to watch the match live on ITV television channel as ITV holds the television right of England’s home matches. ITV is an UK-based television channel which air its program for free as it is a terrestrial television channel. That means, it is a free-to-air channel. So, England fans do not need to pay to watch this match. Many England fans missed England spectacular performance against Croatia due to the problems among the television broadcasters. Now, ahead of the Kazakhstan match, English fans are ready not to miss any more action of England football team. However, now it is up to England players to ensure that their fans will not miss their impressive form once again. Anyway, if you reside in England or currently in England, then do not forget to tune on ITV on 11 October 2008.

If you want to know the program schedule of ITV, then visit the official website of ITV here.

England vs Kazakhstan World Cup 2010 Qualifying: Rio Ferdinand Asks for Realistic Expectation

You already know that England will not get their regular captain John Terry for the match against Kazakhstan as he is suffering from back injury picked up during Chelsea’s Champions league match recently. Now, his long time partner in the central midfield, Rio Ferdinand will lead the English team in the world cup 2010 qualifying match against Kazakhstan on Saturday.

Rio Ferdinand has recently talked about the match and he thinks that it might be as hard as playing a match against France, Brazil or Argentina. The Manchester United defender has also revealed that people should be realistic about their expectations from England.

Times Online reported:

“When you're playing against France, Brazil and Argentina, they are hard games, but you expect they will come at you and sometimes that can be easier because there are holes and gaps to exploit. But against the likes of Kazakhstan it can be like coming up against a brick wall and it takes a lot of beating down to get through sometimes.”

“Expectancy levels are different in this game and as a younger player you might think it will be a lot easier. Through experience of playing a lot of games for England you realise that you have to approach every game the same. Maybe that is one of the mistakes we have made in the past. We have not approached each game in the right way and results tell you that.

England started their world cup qualifying campaign well with two victories in the opening two matches against Andorra and Croatia. Against Croatia, England pulled off a 4-1 big margin victory and it is natural that people will not expect England thrash the120-ranked Kazakhstan at home. Well, it is true that people have enough reason to expect a big margin victory against Kazakhstan, but I agree with Rio Ferdinand on the fact that over-expectancy is no good for England as their past performance indicates and people should have realistic expectancy level. However, there is no doubt, England is definitely favorite against Kazakhstan.

England vs Kazakhstan World Cup 2010 Qualifier: Ferdinand Hails Walcott

In the absence of regular Captain John Terry, defender Rio Ferdinand will lead England in the upcoming world cup qualifier against Kazakhstan on Saturday. Rio Ferdinand has recently talked about England’s new star Theo Walcott who scored hat trick against Croatia last month. Ferdinand compared Walcott with England striker Michael Owen saying that both the players share the same mentality on the field.

Telegraph reported:

“Theo knows what he’s good at,” said Ferdinand. “And Michael Owen was exactly the same.”

“I was with Michael the whole time at the 1998 World Cup in France and he knew that he was a good player and what he was good at…….

“You are seeing the same with Theo now. They’re different players, but have the same mentality.”

Theo Walcott has emerged as a grown up player this season both for this club Arsenal as well as for England. Ferdinand thinks that he has gathered enough experience since his surprise selection in the England squad for 2006 world cup. The defender also thinks that Walcott has come out of himself well and he has the pace and talent in him.

England has won both of their first two qualifying matches last month. The first match against Andorra was not an easy affair, even though England pulled off a 2-0 victory. However, it was against Croatia where England players got their rhythm back thanks to the hat trick of Theo Walcott. Now, let us see if Theo Walcott can continue his excellent form against Kazakhstan.

England vs Kazakhstan World Cup 2010: England Expecting Comfortable Win

England team will face Kazakhstan in a world cup 2010 qualifying match at the Wembley stadium on Saturday. On the back of two victories in the first two qualifiers, England is confident now and they are now looking to pull off a convincing victory over Kazakhstan who has only 3 points from three outings in world cup qualifying with a victory over Andorra and two defeats against Croatia and Ukraine.

There is no doubt, England is favorite in the match and a victory for England is now much-expected. However, after England thrashed Croatia last in Zagreb last month, English fans are eagerly waiting to see a big margin victory over the visiting minnows in the match. Last time, England played at Wembley, fans jeered off the English player after their 2-2 unimpressive draw in a friendly match against Czech Republic before the start of world cup qualifying round. Now, this time, England players need to impress the fan with a big victory.

IHT reported:

"Fans react to how the players are playing," said midfielder Frank Lampard, who attracted much of the scorn during England's protracted drop in form. "With the Croatia game we showed a work ethic and a team ethic and a lot of people responded to it.

"We don't want to get carried away with ourselves but when fans see that and hopefully see it at Wembley on Saturday, you get a different response out there."

Though England was impressive against Croatia in their 4-1 victory, they had to struggle to pull off a 2-0 victory over minnows Andorra in the world cup qualifying opener. So, England fans still have fear for England team even against 120-ranked Kazakhstan in the match. England defender Rio Ferdinand wants to continue the momentum England got in the impressive victory over Croatia. However, he admitted that fans started getting agitated if England does not score within first 20 minutes.

England will miss their regular captain John Terry who is out with his back problem, while Joe Cole, who has been in excellent form, failed to make it to the squad due to his foot injury. Shaun Wright-Phillips will replace Cole in the left wing. Though Shaun Wright-Phillips generally plays in the right wing, this time he has to leave his favorite place for Theo Walcott who scored a hat trick against Croatia in the previous world cup qualifying match.

Now, one thing is clear is that England must play well against Kazakhstan and snatch an easy, impressive victory. Otherwise, England fans might again get angry and star booing off the English players. Well, I think, England fans should not boo off the team as there are some rising stars like Theo Walcott who could be England’s bright future.

England vs Kazakhstan World Cup 2010 Qualifier: Gerrard and Lampard Together?

England manager Fabio Capello will definitely face the dilemma when he has to settle England’s midfield line up for the upcoming world cup 2010 qualifier against Kazakhstan. Most importantly he has to decide if he wants to play both Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard together or pick up any one of them in the opening line up. Capello is not the first person who is facing this dilemma. In fact, since the reign of Sven Goran-Eriksson as England manager, this has been a constant debate in the English media.

Both Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard are star midfielders and have been in excellent form. Steven Gerrard is the captain of Liverpool, while Frank Lampard plays for Chelsea in premier league. So, you might be thinking that what is the problem with playing both of them together?

Well, the thing is that whenever they play together they can not show their best. No, do not think that they have personal ego or any kind of personal problem, but the fact is that they do not fit together in the English midfield. Even statistics also prove it. That is why, the issue of playing both of them together becomes headline. Yes, I also admit that their performance together was not impressive for England, but I think, Capello should play both of them in the starting line up for the home match against Kazakhstan.

To be honest, Kazakhstan is definitely underdog against England. So, England manager can hand both Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard another chance together in the match because Fabio Capello may not get an easier match than this one in the near future at home. In fact, the match against Kazakhstan will be England’s last home match this year. Moreover, both Gerrard and Lampard have been matured as a footballer and perhaps they are at the peak of their career. So, this is high time to hand them another match together so that Gerrard and Lamprad can prove the potential of their tie up for England.

Related article:

Reuters

England vs Kazakhstan World Cup 2010 Qualifier: John Terry Misses the Match

England Captain John Terry will miss England’s world cup qualifier against Kazakhstan on Saturday. Terry missed a closed-door practice match arranged for England national team yesterday as he was suffering from back problem and it is pretty sure that the star centre midfielder will not be part of England squad for the match against Kazakhstan.

John Terry picked up the back problem during Chelsea’s Champions league match against CFR Cluj. So, he did not risk himself by participating in the practice match at the London Colony training ground of Arsenal. England squad was divided into two teams and played against each other. This is not the first time that Chelsea star is suffering back problem. In fact, John Terry missed England’s two important Euro 2008 qualifier matches against Russia and Croatia and England eventually missed out on Euro 2008 final tournament.

In the absence of John Terry, England manager Fabio Capello now has to look for replacement among Joleon Lescott, Wes Brown and Matthew Upson. Joleon Lescott started England’s opening qualifier against Andorra as Capello opted to give Rio Ferdinand time for recovery before the Croatia match.

Emile Heskey also missed the practice match yesterday. However, he is expected to be back in training in time and will be available for the match against Kazakhstan. John Terry is even doubtful for next week’s world cup qualifier against Belarus.

Related article:

Independent

England vs Kazakhstan World Cup 2010 Qualifying: England Squad

England striker Michael Owen has failed to make it to the England squad once again as he has not been included in the 23-man squad declared by England manager Fabio Capello for the upcoming world cup 2010 qualifying matches against Kazakhstan and Belarus. England will face Kazakhstan at the Wembley stadium on 11 October 2008 and this will be the last home game for England this year. Last month, England started off well in their world cup qualifying campaign with victories against Andorra and then against Croatia. England’s laborious 2-0 victory against Andorra in Barcelona picked up three points but did not impress the fans, but in Croatia, England players outclassed the home side 4-1 with Theo Walcott scoring a remarkable hat trick. All the way, that was a confidence-booster performance against Croatia.

Manager Fabip Capello has brought some changes in the squad. Midfielder Steven Gerrard, who was injured during England’s opening two world cup qualifying matches, has been named in the squad, while winger Joe Cole has been ruled out with foot injury. Manchester City midfielder Shaun Wright-Phillips has got the reward for his excellent current form as he has been recalled to the England squad. Jimmy Bullard and David Bentley lost their place in the England side. Paul Robinson replaced injured Scott Carson as the third goalkeeper in the squad.

Portsmouth striker Peter Crouch is in the squad alongside Wayne Rooney, Theo Walcott and Emile Heskey etc. Both Walcott and Heskey played very well against Croatia. Michael Owen scored 5 goals from six matches so far, but manager Fabio Capello thinks that it is not enough to get a place in the squad. He said that scoring goals does not indicate good form. That means, the manager does not think that Owen is in good form now, even though the Newcastle United captain has been in scoring form. Here, I am giving the names of the members of 23-man England squad from BBC:

England squad: James (Portsmouth), Green (West Ham), Carson (West Brom); Brown (Manchester United), Johnson (Portsmouth), Terry (Chelsea), Ferdinand (Manchester United), Lescott (Everton), Upson (West Ham), A Cole (Chelsea), Bridge (Chelsea); Beckham (Los Angeles Galaxy), Walcott (Arsenal), Barry (Aston Villa), Jenas (Tottenham), Lampard (Chelsea), Gerrard (Liverpool), Downing (Middlesbrough), Wright-Phillips (Manchester City); Heskey (Wigan), Crouch (Portsmouth), Rooney (Manchester United), Defoe (Portsmouth).