Scouting report: How United and Liverpool's new signings fared on U21 duty

Martin Keown runs the rule over Manchester United's potential new signings and Liverpool's latest acquisition as England's Under 21 side scrambled a draw against Spain.

PHIL JONES

I was impressed by just how good a passer he is. He looked calm, composed and confident and in that sense he is similar to John Terry. He might have to curb his tendency to hit too many long balls playing for Manchester United but overall he looks very good.

Top marks: Phil Jones (centre) looked the part against Spain

JORDAN HENDERSON

He looks like a typically English box-to-box athlete with a great engine. He looks happiest arriving late in the box, although sometimes his runs were a bit predictable. He might find it tough at international level, when teams like Spain can just pass around you.

Engine room: Jordan Henderson (left) showed plenty of energy in midfield

DAVID DE GEA

United will like the fact he wants to pass the ball out from the back. And he did little wrong. He clearly has the necessary skills but until he fills out, he will not have the same physical presence as Edwin van der Sar. For that reason, signing him could be deemed a slight risk.

Keeping it simple: David de Gea was largely untested but showed promise

Rodwell on radar for London rivals Chelsea and Tottenham as United and City also lurk

Chelsea are ready to rival Tottenham in their interest in Everton midfielder Jack Rodwell.

Manchester City and Manchester United are also fans of the 20-year-old England Under 21 star, but are unsure about making an offer in this window.

London calling: Both Chelsea and Tottenham are interested in Jack Rodwell

Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich wants to bring in exciting young talent alongside experienced targets such as Luka Modric.

Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp wants a defender who can play in midfield and Rodwell, who started at centre half, fits the bill.

Everton need money if they are to give David Moyes any semblance of a chance of breaking into the top five again next season and selling Rodwell, who is valued at £25million, represents their best chance.

Hot property: Rodwell is currently playing for England Under 21s in Denmark

Valencia have been linked with Mikel Arteta and Arsenal like Leighton Baines and Phil Jagielka but Everton would want close to £20m each for their England defenders - making a deal unlikely.

Chelsea have targeted other youngsters such as Anderlecht's Romelu Lukaku, Ajax's Christian Eriksen and Kevin de Bruyne of Genk.

Spurs also still want Scott Parker and Brazilian starlet Damiao of Internacional.

McLeish quits Blues by email

Alex McLeish has emerged as favourite to take charge of Aston Villa after quitting as Birmingham City boss by email on Sunday.

The former Rangers and Scotland boss confirmed his resignation in a note sent to acting chairman Peter Pannu.

McLeish: In line for Villa role after quitting Blues

Birmingham announced in a statement on their website: "Birmingham City Football Club can confirm that Alex McLeish has resigned as manager.

"Acting chairman Peter Pannu received an e-mail resignation from McLeish earlier today while away on business in Amsterdam.

"No further comment will be made at this moment in time and updates will be released in due course."

McLeish's departure came as the 52-year-old appeared to be rebuilding the squad at St Andrew's for next season's campaign in the Championship.

In the past week he had added winger Chris Burke and striker Marlon King to the Blues squad, and after receiving the backing of the club's board following Birmingham's relegation he looked set to stay and lead the pursuit of promotion.

McLeish led Birmingham to Carling Cup final glory last season but their form in the Premier League dipped after their Wembley success, culminating in relegation on a dramatic final day of the campaign.

If the timing of McLeish's resignation came as a surprise, it would be a stunning turn of events if he was handed the top job at Villa.

Bookmakers were moved to declare McLeish their favourite for the Villa job, but several managers have been in that position since Gerard Houllier's departure was announced on June 1 and it remained to be seen tonight whether there was any correlation between his resignation and the nearby job vacancy.

McLeish was appointed by Birmingham in late 2007, after achieving some eye-catching results with Scotland, but was unable to save the club from relegation at the end of the season.

His team made a swift return to the Premier League and enjoyed a 12-game unbeaten run during the 2009/10 season, a club record in the top division.

McLeish described the 2-1 cup win over Arsenal at Wembley in February of this year as his "greatest achievement".

But he said relegation was "probably the worst moment of my career" after a 2-1 defeat at Tottenham on May 21 condemned Birmingham to the drop.

If Villa do take on McLeish, it would finally bring an end to their search for a new boss.

Mark Hughes was strongly fancied for the job when he left Fulham, but the move has yet to materialise, while Rafael Benitez, Steve McClaren, Owen Coyle and Carlo Ancelotti have also been touted as possible appointments.

Roberto Martinez, whose Wigan side survived on the final day of the season, turned down the chance to hold talks with Villa in favour of signing a new deal at the DW Stadium.

Super Dan frustrates Spaniards

Danny Welbeck's late equaliser earned England Under-21s a 1-1 draw with Spain in their European Under-21 Championship Group B opener on Sunday.

Completely outplayed almost from the first whistle, Stuart Pearce's Young Lions fell behind to Ander Herrera's 14th-minute goal, which he netted with his hand from point-blank range.

But Welbeck popped up two minutes from time - looking narrowly offside - to slot home and snatch a priceless point in Herning.

Sturridge: Breaks clear for England

Pearce had betrayed his concern about the game by trying to keep his team a closely-guarded secret and he certainly sprung a surprise by omitting both Jack Rodwell and Fabrice Muamba, with captain Michael Mancienne deployed in midfield.

But his tactical masterplan failed to prevent England's opponents dominating possession in a way in which has become the hallmark of Spanish sides.

Watching senior boss Fabio Capello would also have recognised the inadequacies of England's own ball-retention skills, which were exposed straight from kick-off when they immediately surrendered the ball and were made to get it back.

But the manner in which they fell behind was as surprising as it was controversial, considering their perceived superiority at set-pieces.

Mancienne may have been blocked off as Spain captain Javi Martinez rose unchallenged to power a header goalward, which Herrera turned in from a yard out.

Television replays appeared to suggest a hand was involved but no England player had appealed the finish.

Spain continued to starve their opponents of possession, content to probe for openings, and two nearly arrived in quick succession when Thiago Alcantara sidestepped Mancienne and ballooned over before Chris Smalling cut out Juan Mata's ball to Adrian.

But England did end the first half on top, Danny Rose almost making the most of the minimum of ball when his wicked cross was just too far in front of Daniel Sturridge.

Then, in stoppage time, Sturridge fired a weak shot too close to David De Gea, who immediately proved why Manchester United want him as Edwin van der Sar's replacement when he tipped wide an unintentional flick from one of his own defenders from Kyle Walker's low cross.

England showed marginally more intent at the start of the second half but Spain soon settled back into their rhythm.

Herrera almost doubled their lead in the 58th minute when his drive took a wicked deflection off Smalling, bringing out an outstanding stop from Frankie Fielding.

Herrera then hesitated at the end of a fine Spain move, allowing Smalling and Phil Jones to throw their bodies in front of his finish.

With a quarter of the game remaining, Pearce had seen enough, withdrawing captain Mancienne and Rose for Rodwell and Henri Lansbury before Herrera earned a booking for a late challenge on Welbeck.

Spain were a little guilty of trying to walk the ball in when Martin Montoya fired into the sidenetting before they introduced Daniel Parejo for Adrian.

There were some party pieces for the 8,000 crowd to enjoy as England continued to chase shadows, although Sturridge was close to getting in behind the Spanish defence at one point.

Bojan replaced Jeffren for the final 10 minutes, while Scott Sinclair came on for the ineffective Cleverley.

Goalscorer Herrera was replaced by Diego Capel shortly after Mata shot too close to Fielding.

The game seemed to be drifting towards an inevitable conclusion until England equalised out of nothing two minutes from time.

Spain's defence went to sleep as their opponents committed more men forward than they had all game and Walker's ball found its way to Welbeck, who slotted home with ease as the flag stayed down.

Mata's finish deflected through to Fielding and Lansbury curled narrowly over in stoppage-time as both sides pushed for a winner.

Club v Player – where does the true loyalty with transfers lie?

Written by Chudi Onwuazor

Transfer windows are always interesting points in a season. Invariably we are inundated with transfer stories true and false but regardless it can be exciting to see the transfer merry go round spin.

Players are always on the move; we as United fans been blessed with some of the finest one team men in the game but they are a rarity as the prospect of more money or more success can lead a man that was kissing his badge and declaring his love for the fans to jump ship to his previous team’s rivals.

The term ‘mercenary’ has become prevalent in the modern game. The sport has grown so has revenue and an influx of sugar daddies means clubs can afford to pay a player enough to wipe out a small country’s national debt.

As fans, when a player jumps ship it makes us feel better to brand a player ‘money hungry’, ‘greedy’ and such things but what is the protocol when a player wants to jump ship because he feels it is in the better interest of his career?

There are always claims that a player has stayed at a team too long, astonishingly I was told Scholes was not that great because he did not test himself elsewhere. But Scholes, Giggs, Neville etc are an exception to the case how do you go upwards upon leaving Manchester United?

It’s a question many have asked but it begs we look at another angle, personal development.

It’s all good and well being a star and trying to leave a club for another big club and testing the waters but what about the little man, the guy whose path into the team is blocked by those he is unlikely to supplant? In January Corry Evans, brother of Jonny, remarked,

“I supported Man United as a child but if the day comes I won’t be afraid to move on. It’s my career and I’m not going to sit about in the reserves for the rest of my life.

“If first-team opportunities don’t come there I know I’ll have to look somewhere else.”

Evans eventually moved on to Hull and rightfully so, if he wasn’t going to get games here he had every right to seek first team football elsewhere. It was refreshing to see as well, we all remember Winston Bogarde who was all too happy to grow roots sitting on the bench and in the reserves of Chelsea whilst collecting a fat pay check or even Carlo Cudicini who spent years sitting on the bench at Chelsea behind Petr Cech when he was clearly good enough to go to another team, a big team, and be first choice.

Earlier in the week, Sunderland launched a bid to sign United stars Wes Brown, John O’Shea and Darron Gibson . It was reported that the club had accepted the bid for all 3 and whilst I was mildly shocked we accepted the offer for O’Shea, there was no surprise that we had for Brown and Gibson.

Brown had been out of favour all season not even making enough performances to earn a Premier League medal whilst Gibson was always on the periphery of the first team, making appearances but never for a sustained period. There were players ahead of him and whilst his place in the squad was questioned frequently, I for one was always of the thought that given a sustained run, the kind he was unlikely to get at Old Trafford, he could do a decent job.

We had all seen flashes of his ability and game time would only bring talent to the surface so the fact he appears so open to a move to the Stadium of Light didn’t come as a surprise to me.

Quotes attributed to Gibson were released today where the Irish midfielder stated,

“It wouldn’t faze me one bit to leave Manchester United. All I want is what’s best for me.

“So, if the best thing for me is to leave and go somewhere that I’ll play every week, then so be it.

“If it comes down to it, I just want to go somewhere where it’s right for me.

“I haven’t sat down with Sir Alex to talk about it, but, obviously, if it comes to me not playing as much as I would like next season then I’ll have to move on.”

Gauging the response from fans after the quotes were released, I noticed an outpouring of anger against Gibson. But is he wrong to want to put his needs and the betterment of his career first?

As stated previously, his path into the first team isn’t exactly clear. There are already players ahead of him and competition is likely to get more fierce with players returning from loan and United being linked with players daily. At 23 and his best years ahead of him was he expected to sit on the bench and be used in an auxiliary capacity?

There is nothing in his quotes that suggest that it is a decision that he is happy with and I’m willing to hazard a guess that he would happily remain at United if game time was forthcoming. Nobody in their right mind would be happy to leave the Champions of England and drop out of the Champions League unless it was necessary. It’s a big step and as seen with Bogarde not one every one would be willing to take.

Another player linked with United that has come under scrutiny is Arsenal’s Samir Nasri .

Having looked at him earlier in the week I briefly touched on his case but here we can look at it in more depth. Quotes attributed to him appeared to suggest the young French man was open to offers from Manchester United. Arsenal fans immediately turned on him denouncing him as a traitor and that he was seeking to extort more money from Arsenal as he negotiated a new deal.

Personally I don’t think he will be coming to Manchester United but if he did want to move to United would he be so wrong? Arsenal fans claim he is disloyal but have Arsenal been loyal to him?

Presumably he joined Arsenal with the view to develop as a player and win silverware. Whilst he may have improved, Arsenal have done nothing to suggest that they want to win trophies. It is often repeated that everyone can see Arsenal’s problem that is everyone except Arsene Wenger.

Wenger’s philosophy is to be admired but it isn’t currently working and the fact he persists with his current formula which has resulted in zero trophies in the past 6 years rather than making the necessary additions to his team, borders on pig headedness.

Arsenal have good players and good player want to see the fruits of their labour. For Cesc’s ability all he has to show for his time at Arsenal is a solitary FA Cup whilst Nasri has no silverware to boast of.

Nasri further stated that he didn’t want to negotiate a deal until he saw Arsenal’s activity in the transfer market this summer. He need reassurances from the club that they would remain competitive having just finished 4th in the league and with next season looking to be even more competitive with Liverpool looking to have a say in the title race you can’t blame him.

If he feels that Arsenal isn’t going to be able to compete is he wrong to want to move to a team that will be able to reward his ability and performances with trophies?

The argument of a player’s loyalty to himself and his club is one that will continue to rage. Every case is different and should be judged on its individual merits and some fickle fans would do better to realise this rather than just slating a player who has alluded that leaving maybe the ultimate solution.

Too early for Newcastle to discard youngster?

Written by Tom Jones

There is no secret that Alan Pardew is looking to bolster Newcastle’s attacking options in the summer. However, there is still a role for the forwards currently at the club to play. Leon Best, Shola Ameobi and Peter Lovenkrands should all provide healthy competition for starting places. The latter has already fired a warning to any potential new arrivals that he won’t just forfeit his place in the team, but for Nile Ranger it looks like that decision might be taken out of his hands. According to the Sunday Sun, he is not in Pardew’s plans, but is it too early to discard a player with so much talent?

Despite his initial promise, it all seems to be going wrong for Nile Ranger. From being handed a five-year deal just last year, now it looks like Ranger’s days at St James’ Park are numbered. He has the attributes, pace and power, but he obviously hasn’t progressed as much as the Newcastle staff would have liked. He has had discipline problems, turning up late for training and pictured holding a replica gun, so there are questions over his attitude. But perhaps more worrying is his profligacy in front of goal, with one glaring miss against West Ham still bound to be haunting him.

There are clearly deficiencies in Ranger’s game, as there are with any youngster, but are these not things that can be worked on and improved? The 20 year old is raw, a rough diamond if you like, but there is some talent there. With a bit more composure in front of goal he would be a decent weapon. However, it is very hard to teach someone to be a goal scorer, it usually comes naturally; you either have it or you don’t. Perhaps this is the thinking behind Pardew’s decision.

One thing I don’t understand is why Newcastle aren’t considering sending him out on loan; it’s reportedly a permanent move or no move at all. This is surprising, as loan moves can be greatly beneficial to young players; just ask Daniel Sturridge, Especially seeing as possible fees being mentioned are a couple of million at most, so Newcastle don’t stand to gain much from letting him go. Whereas if they could mould him into a more rounded player he could have much to offer, and of course he has time on his side.

To some extent, you have to commend the Newcastle staff for being so ruthless. They’ve obviously decided that Ranger will never be a top class player, so instead of investing time in him, they will look elsewhere to find a top notch striker. However, I think this is a bit harsh on the youngster, who, if he netted once, the goals might just start to flow. I think it’s too early to be giving up on Nile Ranger, but there’s a bargain to be had and apparently Bolton and QPR are ready to pounce.

MODRIC WON'T BE LEAVING - REDKNAPP

Harry Redknapp says Luka Modric won't be leaving Tottenham this summer, but admits it is impossible to prevent his head from being turned by other clubs.

Modric - linked with a move.

Both Manchester United and Chelsea are believed to be more than keen on taking the Croatian playmaker, who has refused to rule out a possible departure.

Redknapp, though, maintains Spurs cannot afford to let Modric move on this summer.

"If clubs the size of Manchester United and Chelsea are prepared to offer him Champions League football and massive wages, you would have to be very naive to think it wouldn't turn Luka's head," he told the Sunday Mirror.

"But I have been assured by the chairman that he is not prepared to sell him under any circumstances.

"And it's fair to say he's not happy about the unwanted attention and continuing speculation surrounding Luka.

"I have said on many occasions he is irreplaceable and it would be a massive disaster for the club if he was allowed to leave.

"We need to be strengthening the squad not depleting it. In an ideal world I would hope to bring in at least three more players to give us a realistic chance of competing for a top-four place in the Premier League next season.

"United, Liverpool, Manchester City, Arsenal and Chelsea, who all finished above us, are going to strengthen their squads so we have to be realistic.

"If we want to compete with them we have to be active in the transfer market, but I'm not suggesting it's going to be easy. Quality players at the right price are not easy to acquire.

"We also need to trim the squad and sell a few players."

Vidic rules out United exit

Manchester United centre-back Nemanja Vidic has rejected suggestions that he could be ready to leave Old Trafford this summer.

Vidic captained the Red Devils to a record 19th title last season, while helping them reach the Champions League final and is the mainstay of Sir Alex Ferguson's defence.

Vidic: Vows to stay at Old Trafford

But rumours continue that the Serbia international may be looking to leave England, with Juventus the latest side to be linked with his services.

The uncompromising former Spartak Moscow players has now told his Italian agent Silvano Martina that he is more than happy at Old Trafford as he looks to quell the speculation.

Martina told Radio Sportiva: "Vidic is a player that everyone wants.

"I talked to him about a hypothetical transfer and he said 'I am the captain of Manchester United, I've won almost everything.

"'Why should I go to Italy right now that Italian football is going through such a turbulent moment?'.

"This response removes any doubt about his future - he stays where he is."

Usmanov blasts Gunners board

Uzbek billionaire Alisher Usmanov has blamed Arsenal's failure to win any trophies in the last six seasons at the door of the club's board.

The 57-year-old, who is not an Arsenal director, even though he owns almost 30% of Arsenal Holdings, believes self-interest among the board members is stymieing the Gunners' chances of on-field success.

Usmanov: Won't take failure on the chins

Usmanov also claimed there would need to be a switch in emphasis if he were to end up on the board.

He told the News of the World: "If the role of a board member is to oversee a trophyless period, while making significant personal profits and asking fans to pay inflation-busting ticket price increases then, no, I would not want to be on the board.

"If instead it is to try to deliver sustained success, to increase your personal investment in the club, to help develop the commercial position and to ensure the fans have a say in the running of the club then, yes, I think I certainly have something to contribute.

"In terms of doing things differently, let me give you a very clear example. Arsenal has all of its major commercial contracts coming up for renewal in the next couple of years.

"It's no secret that to maximise the value of those you want to have success on the field and be winning trophies. To do that you need to invest now in building a winning team. This is simple commercial logic. Whether it comes to pass, we shall see."

Arsenal's season collapsed in spectacular fashion following their Carling Cup final defeat to Birmingham in February, with their challenges in the Champions League, FA Cup and Premier League all crumbling in the wake of that Wembley reverse.

And Usmanov is of the opinion that manager Arsene Wenger needs to be given the financial backing to bring in experienced players to complement the crop of talented youngsters the club have at their disposal.

"There is a widely-held view among most commentators - and one that I agree with - that the club needs to stiffen the defensive spine of the team, with a dominant keeper, strong centre-halves and a powerful defensive midfielder in the mould of Claude Makelele," he said.

"The Premier League is one of the most competitive in the world and whilst we have consistently challenged for honours, the club needs to develop talent and buy top-class players to win the trophies we all crave. This requires greater investment which, I believe, has been lacking thus far.

"What however is not clear is whether the board shares this view. For too long they have seemed happy to sanction second, third and fourth as being acceptable, whilst at the same time they are planning to sell their shares."

Under twenty-one side makes England’s problem clear

The future of any international football team should be fairly clear from it’s under twenty-one team. The Germany team that did so well and impressed everyone at last year’s World Cup contained over half of their under twenty-one team that had won the previous year’s European Championships. All of those players were first team regulars at their clubs and were proud to be playing for their country at the younger age group and at full international level.

Would be great if they were involved

European

A look at England’s under twenty-one team at the current European Championships shows that we are still a long way away from getting it right. There are some damn good players in the squad, but we are light years away from where the Germans were last time out.

Jack Wilshire, Kieran Gibbs, Andy Carroll and Micah Richards are all too tired or injured to take part in the tournament. I wonder if that would be the case if it was a club tournament or the full international team?

Transferred

Then we have two players, Phil Jones and Jordan Henderson, who were transferred for a combined total of over £35 million in the past week. They were first team regulars at Blackburn and Sunderland, but will they be at Manchester United and Liverpool? FA director of development Sir Trevor Brooking is not so sure. He told the BBC,

“There is going to be competition for places. With anything like that will they get regular first-team football? Let’s wait and see and we wish them well. Phil is one we think could be challenging to get into the seniors like Jordan has already done. The fees put a bit of pressure on them but of course, like any young English player, we would like them to get regular first-team football so we hope they are going to play regularly. At Blackburn and Sunderland they were playing every week when they were fit and that’s really important for their development. It is a challenge. You look at Manchester United and you have Phil Jones going there, you’ve also got Chris Smalling who is trying to battle away to try and get in the side. He’s had a couple of games at right-back but again our two England Under-21 central defenders will now be at Manchester United.”

Problem

A look through the rest of the squad will explain the problem that English international football has once and for all.

The three goalkeepers are all from Championship clubs and are not all first team regulars anyway. The six defenders are all with Premier League clubs but of them, James Tompkins is the only one, apart from Phil Jones, who plays regularly and his team were relegated.

There are nine midfielders and of those seven are with Premier League clubs but only Muamba of Bolton and Henderson play every week. The four strikers include three from the top division. Two of them were regulars this season but on clubs with whom they were on loan.

Regulars

In other words, of the twenty-two players in the squad, assuming that Jones and Henderson will not be regulars next season, it is likely that only two will be automatic choices in the country’s top division.

That will not be the case for any other team at the tournament.

Julio Cesar sticks by Inter

By ESPNsoccernet staff

Inter Milan goalkeeper Julio Cesar has quashed rumours regarding his future at the club, insisting he will not move to Manchester United this summer.

GettyImagesJulio Cesar has laughed off transfer speculation linking him to Roma and Man Utd

The Brazilian has also been linked with a move to Roma during the current transfer window, but the shot-stopper has moved to quell any further speculation, suggesting that he will not be the one to replace Edwin van der Sar at Old Trafford.

"Roma have tested the waters with me, they were really interested," he told La Gazzetta dello Sport. "But I decided to stay at Inter until 2014, which is when my contract expires. So, the story is closed. I'd like my name to disappear from the pages of transfers. No Roma, no Manchester United, no nothing. Now I want to beat AC Milan and win back the Scudetto. Also, I'd like to win the Champions League again."

Inter have reportedly been on the hunt for Bologna's Emiliano Viviano, bringing Cesar's future at the club into question. But it appears the 31-year-old is content for Atletico Madrid's David de Gea to continue to be the frontrunner for van der Sar's vacated post.

Cesar also insisted that team-mate Wesley Sneijder will not depart the Serie A for the Premier League, despite being heavily linked with a switch to Stamford Bridge.

"Sneijder to Chelsea? Don't worry, he stays here," Cesar said.

Euro U21 - Euroscout: Xherdan Shaqiri

Two of Europe's finest teenage playmakers donned the number ten shirts as Switzerland took on Denmark in the European Under-21 Championship on Saturday night, but it was Xherdan Shaqiri rather than Christian Eriksen who dazzled in Denmark.

While no football match can be reduced entirely to a single individual contest, the fixture in Aalborg was depicted as a battle between the two playmakers, both of whom travelled to the World Cup finals last summer with their respective countries.

It was a battle that Shaqiri won comfortably. Born in Kosovo but representing Switzerland having moved to Basel as a child, the 19-year-old enhanced his already impressive reputation with a performance of real class in a 1-0 victory for his side.

His winning goal after 48 minutes was a work of art. Shaqiri channelled Lionel Messi as he collected the ball in the centre of the pitch some 40 yards from goal, drove past a succession of red shirts and picked his spot in the far corner. It set a daunting aesthetic standard for the goal of the tournament competition.

The FC Basel star has already been likened to Romanian great Gheorghe Hagi, and though it is an intimidating comparison, it is justified. Like the man nicknamed the Maradona of the Carpathians, Shaqiri has a stocky build and a left foot that veers between paintbrush and scalpel.

Never afraid to take on a shot from long range, though on Saturday's evidence his finishing needs some work in that regard, Shaqiri also possesses a capability for the unexpected: a back-heeled pass here, a drag-back and flick there.

Though his passing can be refined and he remains somewhat selfish in possession, Saturday's display only confirmed we are witnessing the evolution of a major European talent.

Key moments

3' Shaqiri collects possession and dinks a wonderful pass over the top of the Denmark defence for Innocent Emeghara, who sees his shot saved.

31' The playmaker receives a square pass and his excellent first touch sees him spin into space before he drags a shot wide of the post from 20 yards.

45' He shows his intent once again from range when making space 20 yards from goal and curling a fine effort wide of the upright.

48' Shaqiri scores a wonder goal when slipping away from numerous Denmark players and driving into the box before firing back across Mikkel Andersen and in.

79' The teenager succeeds where opposite number Eriksen failed as he produces a Zidane turn to sneak away from his marker.

Player ratings

Creativity: 8/10

Passing: 8/10

Shooting: 7/10

Technique: 9/10

Vision: 8/10

Approximate value: £10 million.

Tom Adams - Follow me on Twitter @tomEurosport / Eurosport

World Football - US humbled by Panama

The United States suffered a shock 2-1 defeat by Panama on Saturday in the biggest surprise of the CONCACAF Gold Cup so far.

Panama, who reach the quarter-finals with the victory, had been winless against the United States, while the Americans had never lost in a group game at the 12-nation Gold Cup.

But while the result was against the odds, it was fully deserved.

"Panamanians don't need much of an excuse to celebrate but they will certainly be partying back home tonight," coach Julio Dely Valdes told reporters as Latin music blasted out of his team's locker-room.

"We worked very hard for that win and we made history today".

Panama have never qualified for a World Cup finals nor won a Gold Cup but the nation of 3.4 million, once considered mainly a baseball country, has been emerging as a force within Central American soccer and won the region's UNCAF tournament in 2009.

In the Floridian heat, Panama took the lead in the 19th minute when Gabriel Gomez floated a long ball into the box and Luis Tejada scrambled to put a loose ball home after US keeper Tim Howard parried out an Armando Cooper header.

The Americans responded positively with Clint Dempsey's header forcing a good save from Jaime Penedo before Clarence Goodson flashed a header just wide from a Landon Donovan free-kick.

But the decisive moment came when defender Tim Ream lost his cool in the 36th minute, making an unnecessarily rash challenge on Blas Perez and Gomez converted the penalty to stun the home crowd of 28,000.

The influential Gomez saw a free-kick flash just over the bar after the break and there were signs that the US were losing their cool with some wild challenges and rushed passing.

But the determined efforts of Michael Bradley and Dempsey in particular started to grind down Panama's midfield and a goal seemed inevitable.

It finally came in the 67th minute when Steve Cherundolo won a rather generously awarded free-kick on the right flank.

Donovan curled in the cross which Bradley met with a firm header and Goodson dived in to nod home.

The crowd sensed a comeback was on the cards and the US piled the pressure on but the chances went begging.

Substitute Chris Wondolowski missed a great chance to equalise, blasting over the bar from three yards out, and then Dempsey headed wide.

Bradley burst into the box but fired his shot off target and Landon Donovan made a mess of his chance near the end, albeit from a tight angle.

"On the night we were not good enough, we were not sharp enough in the areas that matter," said a clearly dejected U.S. coach Bob Bradley.

The US must now win against Guadeloupe in Kansas City on Tuesday to be certain to make the last eight while Panama can enjoy their final group game against Canada, knowing they are already in the quarter-finals.

Reuters

Messi: This Barca team is special

Lionel Messi believes that the Barcelona team he is in should be remembered for their quality.

The La Liga giants won both their domestic league and the Champions League last season, and have won ten trophies since the reign of manager Pep Guardiola in 2008.

Messi himself scored 53 goals for the Catalans last season, and believes that this Barcelona side deserve to be in the annals of history as one of football's greatest teams, though he was wary in saying they were the best ever

"I cannot say this because there have been other great teams in certain eras, but we have shown this [team] deserves to be remembered," he said, according to Il Mattino newspaper.

"The season was excellent, but there are no secrets. At Barcelona there is work and trust in our own possibilities."

The 23-year-old also gave an insight towards what it would take to succeed with Argentina in their upcoming Copa America campaign.

"I have the work culture. All I know is this. I try to stay calm in the good and bad moments. Now I want to win something with Argentina," he concluded.

The Copa America will take place on 1-24 July.

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MORE TO ARRIVE AT ANFIELD - COMOLLI

Liverpool director of football Damien Comolli has promised the club's fans there will be more transfer activity this summer after securing number one target Jordan Henderson.

The Reds signed once-capped England midfielder Henderson from Sunderland this week in a deal reportedly worth up to £20million.

The 20-year-old is the third major signing since Kenny Dalglish's return as manager, with Andy Carroll and Luis Suarez joining in January.

Now Comolli has said there is more to come.

"We wanted to make a signing early. The earlier the better because we can then re-adjust our strategy or decide we aren't going to do any more - which won't be the case now!" Comolli told the club's website.

"I'm very pleased, because Jordan was one of the big targets we had. When you get your first target it's always a good sign because you think the others will come through as well."

Liverpool look set to miss out on both Phil Jones and Ashley Young to Manchester United, but with the likes of Ipswich's Connor Wickham and Blackpool captain Charlie Adam also on their radar, it is clear they are prioritising homegrown talent.

"If a player is English, or British or has played in the Premier League, we'll look at that over someone abroad," confirmed Comolli.

"We go for a player because he ticks all the boxes. It's what we need at this time in this window, and we have seen that with Henderson."

Hiddink - No Sneijder contact

Guus Hiddink insists he has not instructed Chelsea to pursue Dutch star Wesley Sneijder.

Hiddink remains odds-on to take charge at Stamford Bridge, following Carlo Ancelotti'ssacking earlier this summer.

Hiddink is currently in charge of Turkey, who he is trying to lead to Euro 2012, and their FA president has insisted they will take action if he breaks his contract to move to Stamford Bridge.

Hiddink: Possible new Blues boss denies telling Chelsea to sign Sneijder

Despite constant refusals to confirm talks or contact with Chelsea, who he previously took charge of in 2009, reports have suggested that targets have already been drawn up, with one of those being Inter Milan midfielder Sneijder.

"I have to make it clear there has been no contact between the club and me in the last couple of weeks."
Guus Hiddink

Sneijder has been strongly linked with Chelsea and Manchester United, but he has insisted he is more than happy with Inter.

And now Hiddink has stressed that he has not made contact with Chelsea about a proposed deal for his compatriot.

Gerrard: Top four our main aim

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard has admitted that their only focus for next season must be finishing in the top four of the Premier League.

The return of Kenny Dalglish to Anfield as manager, coupled with some big-spending in the transfer window, has seen sections of Reds fans predicting a challenge for the Premier League title.

But having seen the Merseyside giants finish sixth in the table last season and seventh in the prior campaign, Gerrard believes that focusing on a return to Champions League action needs to be their primary target.

The England midfielder believes that with the addition of more new faces following the signing of Jordan Henderson and with greater consistency in their performances they can push to return to the top table of European football.

"I'd love nothing better than to lead the lads to some silverware next year but I don't want to raise expectation by saying that will definitely happen," Gerrard told the club's official website.

"It would be stupid of me to raise expectations any more than they are already. At the beginning of every season at Liverpool expectations rise, and now that Kenny is staying and with a few signings I'm sure it'll go through the roof.

"Getting in the Champions League will be the main aim. I think it is for all the clubs in the Premier League. For financial reasons it's so important but it's also the biggest competition for players individually at club level.

"Everyone wants to be involved in it, we've had some fantastic nights at Anfield over the years in the competition and we all want to see those nights return.

"We just need to continue what we've been doing during the last six months. Hopefully we'll add some more players to strengthen the squad and then we need to compete. We are good enough to beat anyone on our day, we just need to find the consistency to challenge for honours."

And Gerrard has insisted that he will be fully fit for the new season with a complete pre-season under his belt having gone under the knife for groin surgery to bring his season to a premature after the victory over Manchester United on 6 March.

"I've had it sorted with surgery and hopefully next year I'll be fit and available after a good rest, with a brand new groin and ready to push on under Kenny," said the 30-year-old.

"I'm due to come back after 12 weeks, so it'll be around when the lads return on 4/5 July. Then I've got six weeks of pre-season to get match fit, so by the time the league starts I'm hoping to be in good shape."