NFL Playoff Schedule 2013: David Beckham

Showing posts with label David Beckham. Show all posts

Saturday, October 12, 2013

Danny Welbeck ready to roar as England's hero

Welbeck was just seven years old when a teen-aged Owen frightened the life out of the Argentines at France 98

Dan the man: United's Danny Welbeck helped England to a 3-2 victory against Scotland last night, saying he was 'really happy' to be back on the pitch with Wayne Rooney

Danny Welbeck can still remember watching Michael Owen burst past Argentina's defence to score one of England's iconic World Cup goals.

Now the United striker wants a taste of it for himself.

Welbeck was just seven years old when a teen-aged Owen frightened the life out of the Argentines at France 98.

Owen's pace won England a penalty after 10 minutes - and six minutes later he was racing clear again to put Glenn

Hoddle's side 2-1 in a game that would also see David Beckham sent off before the Three Lions eventually lost in a shootout.

Memories like that fuel Welbeck's desire to experience World Cups with his country as England head into their final qualifiers against Montenegro and Poland.

"I've actually represented England for years now - under 16s, U17s, U18s, U19s, U21s and now the senior side, so I'm quite at home with it," said the 22-year-old. "It's a great honour though, something I dreamed of when I was growing up watching all those great England players on the TV.

"Michael Owen's goal against Argentina in the 1998 World Cup was amazing.

"We've worked incredibly hard to get where we are so we just have to complete the job.

"There's a lot of talent in the squad and the manager has us well organised now. We all know our jobs and what's expected of us. If we play as we know we can we should be okay."

Michael Owen scores Argentina

Welbeck has been one of the big plusses in Roy Hodgson's reign. Taken to last summer's

European Championships, he has an impressive return of eight goals in 18 games for his country - including two in his last appearance against Moldova.

Liverpool's Daniel Sturridge is likely to partner Wayne Rooney against Montenegro at Wembley tonight, with

Welbeck either operating in a wide role or starting on the bench. While he wants to chance to further develop his partnership with Rooney for both club and country, he says life at Old Trafford means he is used to the situation of having to fight for his place.

"I've just grown up, as a player, in and around Manchester United where you're expected to perform and give your all for the team," he said.

"The quality all around you and the new players always coming in means you can't afford to be slacking, ever.

"I guess that's what keeps pushing me onwards.

"The buzz you get playing for your country is fantastic. I don't know if I'm established yet though.

"I've got a long way to go in my career, but as long as I keep improving I'll be okay."

On Rooney, who returns to Hodgson's squad after missing the games against Moldova and Ukraine because of a gash to his forehead, Welbeck added: "It's getting so we know each other's games inside out from club level, and hopefully we can take that same understanding and make it work for England.

"He's Wayne Rooney - England is a stronger team with him in it, no doubt."Welbeck has become a regular in Hodgson's squads and is certain to head to Brazil if England qualify - but he is still fighting to establish himself under David Moyes at Old Trafford.

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Andros Townsend: A Star is Born at Wembley

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Sometimes you have to gamble in international soccer, and when a manager gambles, it raises eyebrows. Those eyebrows quickly lowered on Friday night at Wembley Stadium in London as England boss Roy Hodgson's risky selection of Andros Townsend paid off in spectacular fashion. His side beat Montenegro 4-1 in their penultimate World Cup qualifier.

The 22-year-old Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Townsend was quite simply amazing on his international debut, finding space, creating chances and looking fearless in his approach. He was instrumental in setting up England's first goal (scored by Wayne Rooney), and capped off a remarkable night by scoring England's third goal, a sensational shot that went in from 25 yards out.

Related: Colombia Clinch World Cup Berth, Ecuador And Chile Are One Point Away

Townsend replaced Arsenal's Jack Wilshere in the starting lineup and it caused shockwaves across England when the rumors of the move hit the airwaves on Friday afternoon. However, it was an inspired tactic by Hodgson, whose reaction to Townsend's goal had a "told you so" look to it as he sprung from the bench and mouthed something along the lines of "that's my boy!"

England has desperately needed a spark in recent years since the gradual retirement of superstar David Beckham. I've been watching England games since I could stand up, and watching Townsend was like witnessing a near miracle; an England player with enough passion and energy to power a small London pub. The team needed a breath of fresh air, the country needed it and most of all - Hodgson needed it.

Some might say that Townsend only made it into the team due to injuries sustained by other midfield options including Manchester United's Tom Cleverly and Manchester City's James Milner (who came on late as a sub despite a reported calf strain). Others might say that it was precipitated because Wilshere was suddenly out of favor.

However, whatever the reason, Townsend needs to start Tuesday against Poland. A win against them will secure England a berth at the World Cup in Brazil next summer.

Townsend is somewhat of a soccer journeyman. He's owned by Tottenham Hotspur, but has completed no less than nine different loan spells with other English clubs since 2009, including a stint at the end of last season at Queens Park Rangers where he impressed their manager Harry Redknapp. This season, he's been a regular player for his parent club in the Premier League and the Europa League.

England has a reputation for not playing with the same hunger for victory as its European counterparts. On Friday night in London, a new player emerged who may just change that depiction. His name is Andros Townsend. Remember it.

G.J. Cosker is a Soccer writer for RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter, "Like" him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.

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Friday, October 11, 2013

Hand over fist: Victoria Beckham's fashion empire boosts Brand Beckham ...

Word News

By Jason Chester

PUBLISHED: 01:00 EST, 11 October 2013 | UPDATED: 06:20 EST, 11 October 2013

She emerged from the shadow of the Spice Girls to become one of the world's most sought after fashion designers, and her increasing popularity has seen Victoria Beckham eclipse husband David's immense earning power.

Brand Beckham's annual earnings rose to £35.1 million in 2012 thanks, in part, to a string of endorsements, sponsorship deals and David's sizeable salary with former club Los Angeles Galaxy.

But it is Victoria's growing empire that is thought to be behind the surge in profits having made a £2m profit over the course of the year, boosting their daily earnings by £100,000.

Her catwalk shows in London, Paris and New York are amongst the most eagerly anticipated during Fashion Week, while celebrities including Gwyneth Paltrow, Julia Roberts and Beyonce lead a growing list of celebrity fans.

While David was widely regarding as the main breadwinner, Victoria is understood to have earned £50m in her own right since finding fame with The Spice Girls and is planning to open her first boutique.

Ironically, the Beckham's ability to create a wide profit margin has been bolstered by David's decision to retire from football at the end of last season.

The former England captain hung up his boots after quitting Los Angeles Galaxy for one last European hurrah with French club Paris Saint Germain.

Having walked away from the game, Beckham - sponsored by sportswear giant adidas throughout his career - will now have more time for endorsements and advertising campaigns.

The most recent of these saw him parade across a London rooftop in his briefs while he filmed an ad for his new H&M underwear range - one of a string he's filmed for the Swedish high-street chain.

Beckham has earned a comfortable £14.1 million from his image rights company, while separate ambassadorial roles with Sky and the Chinese Super League will earn him £20m and £50m respectively.

The family recently sold their sprawling Hertfordshire mansion, dubbed Beckingham Palace - a move that netted them a healthy £10m profit.

They are now thought to be looking for a home in London - with one West End property, worth £45m, already catching their eye.

Despite their immense wealth, David recently admitted it's the simple pleasures, such as spending time with children Brooklyn, Romeo, Cruz and Harper, that give him the most satisfaction.

'What I have enjoyed is being there for the kids more,' he said. 'I take the kids to school every single morning instead of every other morning.'

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Townsend took England's No 7 shirt – so did his goal mean he Bent It Like ...

Word News

By Laurie Whitwell

PUBLISHED: 16:04 EST, 11 October 2013 | UPDATED: 16:04 EST, 11 October 2013

Andros Townsend was handed a shock start by Roy Hodgson in the boldest move by an England manager in qualifying since Steve McClaren selected Scott Carson as goalkeeper for the match against Croatia that led to this country's absence from Euro 2008.

The aim this time would be to create goals rather than stop them, though, and the 22-year-old wore the No 7 shirt accordingly.

It was the position David Beckham called his own on the way to winning 115 caps. It was also the role occupied by David Bentley before his star faded after just 7 caps. Only time will tell which player Townsend will greater emulate but he made a decent start on Friday night.

7 mins - Brings it forward again and offers to overlapping fullback Kyle Walker but his pass pushes his club team-mate a little wide meaning he is unable to complete a cross.

13 mins - Has hand up on touchline as Rooney patrols midfield and is found with a precise pass. Beats Milan Jovanovic but is tackled by Vladimir Volkov.

38 mins - Fine play. Rescues what looked a lost cause by running round the blindside of Jovanovic and keeping the ball in play. It leads to a shot from Gerrard that needs to be saved.

40 mins - Predicts Rooney's clever glancing pass to the wing and races into space before cutting inside - once more - and driving a left-foot shot that takes a nick and is palmed out by goalkeeper Vukasin Poleksic only to Rooney. But he slices wide.

41 mins - Rides lunge from Volkov.

43mins - Loses ball but tracks back to gain it once more.

46 mins - Quick give and go for an assured start to the second half.

47 mins - A pass to Sturridge is intercepted by Jovanovic.

48 mins - Big moment. Sets up England breakthrough by running 50 yards down the wing, turning Jovanovic inside out, and crossing for Danny Welbeck. His shot is saved but Rooney putsin the rebound.

54 mins - Loses possession and the ball is chipped over his head to forcing Walker to foul Jovetic and get a booking.

57 mins - Exchanges passes with Walker and runs across the 18-yard looking for a shot but checks back and passes to Gerrard when no opening comes.

58 mins - Beats Volkov for what feels like the umpteenth time and gives to an overlapping Rooney.

59 mins - Looks to be getting on the end of diagonal pass from Gerrard but Jovanovic nods behind. Then makes himself available to Baines for a short corner, cuts onto left, and drills low but soft shot that is saved.

64 mins - Gets rugby tackled by Jovanovic but the referee plays advantage instead of whistling.

71 mins - Clever run to take Rooney's pass down the right flank but his cross is too far in front Welbeck in the middle.

74 mins - Shows us a few stepovers before passing to Gerrard

78 mins - The wow moment that shows Hodgson's gamble has hit the jackpot. Townsend nicks the ball in midfield and accelerates past Simon Vukcevic to get space then cracks a dipping, swerving shot that clips the inside of the post on its way in. Poleksic had no chance.

- The debut boy is replaced by Jack Wilshere to a standing ovation from the Wembley crowd.

Full-time: Townsend is named Man of the Match by the Wembley Stadium announcer

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