Tottenham manager, Harry Redknapp, says that Gareth Bale has the potential to become the best left back in the entire Premier League.

Bale has managed to hold down a regular first team place in the Spurs side and has managed to create a significant impact. He is now part of the Spurs side and the manager does not see him being dropped for a long time.

Bale is also a regular international for the Wales senior side and is growing in experience and stature all the time. It could mark the start of a realising in potential that everyone has said he has for a long time.

Redknapp said: “Gareth is playing superbly, he’s been in great form. I didn’t want to shift him from the left-back position because he’s been outstanding there but we didn’t have many spare bodies at Fulham.”

“He can play wide left or left-back anyway, he can do both jobs and he was a real threat. He’s in great form and is full of confidence.”

“He’s got bigger and stronger and people forget he’s still only a young lad. He’s toughened up a lot, his attitude is stronger, he’s physically stronger, mentally stronger and he has terrific ability, pace, a great left foot – he’s got everything.”

“I think he will go on to be one of the best left-backs or left-sided players in the modern game.”

Spurs are still fighting on a number of fronts but the thing they will want more than any thing by the end of the season is to hang onto fourth place and break into the Champions League for the first time.

This will be difficult though because there are many teams who are currently trying to achieve this. Bale will play a big role in the run in if Spurs are going to get into fourth place and hold the fort.

What Bale does so well is defend from the first part of the game to the last. He then looks to try and get forward to provide another attacking outlet whenever he can. His form has started to mirror Chelsea’s Ashley Cole when he plays at his best.

Bale also has a deadly left foot, which Spurs have been using to deliver balls from free kicks and set plays. Bale would probably be the first to admit that he does not score enough goals but that will come with time and patience.

Since he made the move from Southampton, a former club of Redknapp, he has grown slowly. It is only recently that he has managed to burst into the side and make big contributions.

Whether or not he can hold this down and continue it over a longer period of time remains to be seen.

He has become a crowd favourite at White Hart Lane and there do not seem to be any signs of Bale’s form stopping just yet. Provided he stays injury free, the future is bright.

England manager, Fabio Capello, has praised former captain, John Terry, after England’s 3-1 victory over Egypt at Wembley.

Terry led by example for the entire match and came up with a performance, which showed everyone why he was named as captain in the first place. His performance was met by constant cheers from the home crowd.

It was unknown how Terry would play after the recent media attention, which has been attributed to him. Hopefully the example can inspire the team towards further victories as England prepare for the World Cup this summer.

Terry said: “I’m really happy, and thank you to the crowd because they supported the team and John Terry. This was one of the most important games for him after the history of what happened off the pitch. He played a fantastic game, like I know he plays always at this level. When I chose him as captain I knew the value of this player because he’s really important on the pitch.”

“Crouch is one of the most important players. I’ve selected him a lot, he’s played a lot of games for me and he’s in very good form. But you have to understand that, when I select the squad, I always say that all the players can play.”

“Today I wanted to understand what happens with Defoe and Rooney in the first half. I know what happens when Rooney plays with Crouch, with Carlton Cole or Emile Heskey. I know that. For that reason today it was better to start with Defoe in preparation for the World Cup. To know whether these two can play together.”

England took a long time to get going in the match last night before their play exploded in the second half. It is clear that Terry will need to be strong at the back of the team and this will have to run right through the side.

Terry and Rooney were both exceptional when it came to trying to lift the team during low points in the first 45 minutes. Two goals from Peter Crouch went onto ensure that the victory was a certainty.

The Spurs striker added: “Anyone who plays for England is going to feel under pressure, certainly in a World Cup year. You can only try to do your best and I did. It’s up to the manager. All you’ve got to do when given your chance is try and take it, and I’ve given the manager something to think about.”

However, there are clear signs of weakness in the team, regardless of the impressive nature of the score line. It was clear that Leighton Baines is not up to the job at left back, which will open the door for Aston Villa’s Stephen Warnock to come in and be Ashley Cole’s number two.

All in all though it was a fairly solid night for English football. There is clear reason to be optimistic without getting carried away.

England and Manchester City defender, Wayne Bridge, has told Fabio Capello that he does not wish to be part of England’s World Cup plans this summer.

The left back does not want to be involved because of the recent scandal involving former England captain, John Terry. Many said that Terry’s former affair with Bridge’s girlfriend at the time would come back to haunt the team.

Capello had said that there was no reason why Bridge would not be in the World Cup squad as he is the second best left back in the country behind Ashley Cole. However, Bridge has taken this decision himself and it is likely to be one that many will frown at.

Bridge said in a statement: “I have thought long and hard about my position in the England football team in the light of the reporting and events over the last few weeks. It has always been an honour to play for England. However, after careful thought I believe my position in the squad is now untenable and potentially divisive. Sadly therefore I feel for the sake of the team and in order to avoid what will be inevitable distractions, I have decided not to put myself forward for selection. I have today informed the management of this decision. I wish the team all the very best in South Africa.”

Once again a football player’s actions have had huge consequences and a decent and honest player will miss out because of what Terry has done in the past.

Doubtless is the fact that Bridge will now be subjected to much criticism from all sections of the football community for taking this decision. It may be viewed as the Manchester City player turning his back on the team when he is simply making a decision based on what is right for him.

The news will also offer hope to a number of England fringe players who are good enough to snap up a squad place and will want to be Cole’s deputy by the time the team fly out to South Africa.

Among the front runners will be Blackburn’s, Stephen Warnock, and Everton’s, Leighton Baines. Whoever gets the nod is going to have a very tough task on their hands and whoever starts against Egypt next week is likely to be the favoured player by Capello.

Bridge has waved goodbye to his England career and will now be focused on winning a lot of silverware with Manchester City. City are still at the start of a very special journey and Bridge can only get better in the side.

Perhaps at some point down the line if Terry is injured or prematurely retires then Bridge can start thinking about playing for his country again.

For the time beign he should be cut some slack because it would have been a difficult decision from a troubled player in a compromised position. Bridge made the decision or his own reasons and we all need to respect that.

England manager, Fabio Capello, has stressed the importance that all of his players keep a low profile in the build up to the World Cup.

John Terry and Ashley Cole have been in the headlines lately for all of the wrong reasons and Capello wants his players to stay focused and intent on their sporting ambitions.

There is a worry that negative press in the build up to South Africa will attract unwanted attention for players who will need to be resting and free from stress. This would provide England’s opponents with something to use against the team and wind up the players during matches.

Capello said: “The players have to understand what I want if you want to stay with me. It will be very important because we need to create a group. The England shirt is very important. This will be one of the most important points we will speak about.”

“The World Cup is really important for me, for England and for the players. We have to stay together and be compact in every moment. I think this will be my most important job, to recreate this spirit. After four months we will meet the players next week and it will be a very important game for many reasons. One is also this (situation).”

“We will talk about a lot of things because four months is a long time. If you can meet the players every month it is different. We will have two days to stay together, but they are very strong days. I spoke with (Chelsea manager) Carlo Ancelotti and our doctors spoke with Chelsea’s doctors.”

“We hope he will be fit in two months, more or less, and I think he will be ready for the World Cup. Wayne Bridge? Why not? He is a left-back. Cole and Bridge are the best left-backs. He will be with us. No problems about the other things.”

One of the things that many pundits have said is missing from the current side is that England team spirit that has made teams of old so successful and respected.

England have never been the world beaters that we all want them to be but the team spirit has been something, which has helped them get to the later stages of many competitions and beat some of the best teams.

It does not matter if England are playing a rampant Spain side in the World Cup Final. If every single player on the team is fighting for each other and going out of their way to win then that is the important thing that everyone can take away from the competition.

England’s disgraced players owe big time and now is the time for them to deliver at their clubs for the rest of the season. Summer is fast approaching. Whether or not that little golden trophy is in the hands of Rio Ferdinand in July can be determined by how the players react right now.

Jose Mourinho, manager of Inter Milan, has responded to the number of jibes aimed at him by Chelsea boss, Carlo Ancelotti.

Chelsea and Inter meet this evening in a huge Champions League contest and the two managers have been locked in a war of words over the last couple of days in the build up to the match.

Mourinho has said that the only reason Chelsea are still a heavy weight of the football world is because of him while Ancelotti has focused his criticism on the inadequacies of the Inter squad and their Mourinho’s insistence on focusing on everyone but himself.

Mourinho said: “If Ancelotti says that, it’s because he knows, or because somebody told him. Or because he belongs to the clan. I just do my job. I’m here to play a game of football.”

“Ashley Cole at this moment has to take care of himself and take care of his recovery. I called him a couple of days ago because I care about him. I wished him a very, very quick recovery. Because I like him very, very much, my advice to him is to stay in England.”

“I watched Ashley Cole play until the moment he had his injury, and he played superbly. If he has problems, for sure they are not on the pitch. I think Ancelotti must give him advice, his family must give him advice and he must think for himself, but if he really wants my advice, I think he should stay in England.”

“The most beautiful thing in football for a coach is the passion and respect of his players, and the supporters of his own club. That happens with me all the time, at Porto, Chelsea and Inter. That makes me proud. What Didier keeps saying about myself makes me proud, but I know what will happen tomorrow. I know that tomorrow he will break his legs for Chelsea.”

Inter stand a very good chance of progressing into the next stage of the Champions League but it will be a lot more difficult for them. Chelsea are the strongest team in England at the moment and all of the pre-match stories will fire them up.

Mourinho is an expert in knowing how to push all of the buttons in the managers of teams his side are about to face. He did it for a long time in England and got away with it for a long time in England.

It is impossible to count the number of times he forced the likes of Sir Alex Ferguson and Arsene Wenger to come out in the media with outrageous comments in the build up to a Premier League game.

Both sides are on top form and both sides will want to win more than any thing else. What it will come down to is who is up for the game more. Mourinho may just edge the tie on tactics but Ancelotti is no mug.

Ashley Cole’s three month spell on the sidelines with injury could end up bring a blessing in disguise for the English national team.

Cole fractured his ankle during Chelsea’s 2-1 loss to Everton on Wednesday night and despite the doom and gloom of the news, it could give the full back a chance to rest up before the World Cup.

Predictions suggest that Cole will be fit again around a month before England play their first game in South Africa. Needless to say that the talk of burn out and fatigue will come up at some point in the near future.

If Cole’s rehab goes to plan then he will be back and fit at just the right time for England but not for Chelsea. If Cole trains hard when he gets back and does all of the small things correctly then there is a good chance he will be in the starting eleven on June 22 against the United States.

The only problem, even if Cole gets fit again, is the fact that the Chelsea defender would not have played in a high paced competitive match for three months and probably will not feature in many late games that Chelsea have this season.

England manager, Fabio Capello, said: “It’s very bad news. It is very important that we have a left- sided defender who is good. It’s very important to us that he is back.”

If Cole does not make a full return to fitness in time to play a part for England in South Africa, then the only other option is one, which has emerged as less than perfect.

Manchester City’s Wayne Bridge is the only other player who could do a similar job to Ashley Cole. He plays in the same attacking way as Cole and probably has the edge in terms of being a better defender.

However, Cole would not have a problem playing next to John Terry in the England defence and it has obivously emerged that Bridge playign next to Terry would not be ideal.

So already the headaches have started and even though there is still a long time before England’s first game in South Africa, people are already talking about the World Cup. There is no doubt that England have a much better chance if Cole is fit and raring to go.

In a strange sense, Cole getting injured now is a lot better than Cole getting injured in two months time. There is a glimmer of hope and while there is that glimmer of hope, we should not all do the typically English thing and strart moaning and rubbishing the national team’s chances because of one player getting injured.

Ashley Cole will probably feel a bit lucky and even though this news is obviously bad, Cole will soon feel a determination to pay back on the luck if he does get fit and can play a part in helping England to World domination in June and July.

Chelsea midfielder, Frank Lampard, has leapt to the defence of his England teammate, Joleon Lescott, after he was subjected to a booing from England fans in the recent friendly win over Slovenia.

Lescott recently moved to Manchester City in a high profile, big money move that has led a number of fans to say that Lescott effectively left Everton to go and play for bigger money, suggesting that the player does not wear his heart on his sleeve and is in effect a mercenary.

However, Lampard himself is no stranger to criticism and booing from his own Chelsea and England admirers and simply says that the criticism should make Lescott more determined and a better player.

The Chelsea star said: “Maybe people respected the fact I stepped up and took that penalty at a very difficult moment, particularly because it had been a funny period for me before then. Booing is part of modern culture. It is unfortunate but as players we have to take that as the way it is. I have had a little bit of it, Ashley has too, but the only benefit out of it is people will come out stronger. It makes you tougher.”

“I don’t know Joleon well but, from what I’ve seen, he’s tough. The timing of his move was unfortunate. He is just trying to forward his career in an upward direction but, because it was so prolonged, people make a lot of judgments. He has never shown me he is not putting in 100% effort and trying to do his best.”

The reason that a lot of fans seem to have a problem with Lescott is the fact that his former club, Everton, gave him a great opportunity to show his commitment to the side as they obviously did not want him to leave. Ashley Cole was subjected to similar booing and criticism when he joined Chelsea from London rivals Arsenal and says it is now just part of the game.

Cole added: “[Against Kazakhstan last summer] What was I thinking [at the time]? I want to go off. You just want a hole to open up and go in it.”

The players need to realise that they are at the very top of the sport they play in and the fans pay more money than ever before when they go to see a game. Therefore when they see a top player under performing or making a basic error, they feel as though they have a rigght to stand up and have a boo if it makes them feel better.

Lescott is professional enough to let it wash over him but it is something he may just have to endure for the rest of his career.

The reported departure from Arsenal of striker, Emanuel Adebayor, to AC Milan now looks a step closer as the Italian club have failed to land a number of their other targets. Adebayor was linked with a big move to Milan only a month or two ago and wouldn’t hesitate at moving because it has been clear that Arsenal are quite far behind other sides at the moment.

In some respects the deal would mirror the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo from Manchester United to Real Madrid, the Arsenal front man was heavily linked to Milan last summer but he decided to stay on for another year. However, in Ronaldo’s case this was down to the manager’s persuasion, in Adebayor’s case it may have just been down to the fact that a deal could not be officially put together in time.

He would be a good signing for Milan who have also just lost Kaka to Real Madrid. For someone so big and tall, Adebayor seems to have a brilliant touch and score beautiful goals from awkward situations and at important times. This is what has made him one of the most sought after strikers in the world when a lot of high profile stars are going between clubs for millions of pounds.

However, Milan should not try and get their hopes up too much because there are rumours flying around in England that it is only a matter of days before Chelsea make an approach for the striker. It was after all Carlo Ancelotti that wanted to take him to Milan in the first place and he clearly admires his skill and technique as a player.

Adebayor may also prefer a move to England as he would not have to settle down again in another country and learn a new language. Chelsea also need to make bigger changes to their squad and someone that could come in and compliment the likes of Didier Drogba and Nicolas Anelka would definitely be considered.

History has also shown us that loyalty is not such a brilliant thing any more in football. The whole saga of Ashley Cole moving from Arsenal to Chelsea could be copied and it has been clear ever since that move was completed that Cole has won more haters than admirers. However, Adebayor should not be too worried about this and he has to think about what is best for him and his football future.

Either of these clubs would provide him with a better opportunity of success on the European scene but the slower paced football of the Italian league could well help him develop as a player and even extend his career by one or two seasons. Chelsea would probably be the most likely move if bids were put in from both parties but this link is purely just speculation at this moment in time, where as Milan have actually tried to sign him before and if they put in another bid it could be an old link that comes good for a very under rated player.

As the saying goes, “You can’t win the lottery if you don’t buy a ticket.” Well, England are one win away from their ticket to the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, and it would be a disaster of monumental proportions to blow it now.

They almost guaranteed next summer’s trip with a 6-0 whitewashing over Andorra today (June 10th) at Wembley Stadium in London in their group six qualifier. And once again Wayne Rooney led the way by banging in two more goals. He now has 24 in 52 England matches, 10 in his last seven games for England and eight in seven World Cup qualifying matches. It looked like he could have had a hat trick in the first few minutes if the ball had bounced his way.

Manager Fabio Capello made a few changes from the squad that started last Saturday as David Beckham made played a full 90 minutes and Peter Crouch started up front for a change.

England did something unusual for them as they got off to a good start finally and the Manchester United star opened the scoring in the fourth minute with a fine downward header after being left alone just yards in front of the goal and being picked out by Glen Johnson.

Frank Lampard made it 2-0 in the 29th minute. Johnson then laid in a lovely cross for Rooney in the 39th minute and he met it beautifully and guided it into the net for a 3-0 lead. Johnson set up three goals and was the man of the match.

Capello brought on Ashley Young, and Jermain Defoe at half time for Steven Gerrard and Rooney. While Young didn’t make much of a difference, Defoe showed why he’s a lot better option up front than Heskey.

Wayne Bridge came on for Ashley Cole in the 64th minute and England put the ball in the net a minute later but it was ruled offside. Defoe was denied by an excellent save from Andorra’s keeper Alvarez in the 69th minute as the England striker met a cross just a couple of yards in front of the net.

However, Defoe made sure he got on the score sheet just five minutes later and then he doubled his output in the 76th minute as Alvarez couldn’t hang onto David Beckham‘s long-range free kick and Defoe pounced on the rebound and tucked it home. But Defoe wasn’t finished there. He made a great run into the box in the 80th minute, but mistimed his shot, however, it fell right into the path of  Crouch and he just tucked it over the line to make it 6-0. It was Crouch’s 14th goal in 17 starts for his country.

Today was England’s biggest win in a competitive game since 1999 and although they have done very well so far in the Qualifying stages, some factions of the English press are getting a little carried away already by suggesting 2010 is finally going to be the year England breaks their 44-year drought and will be crowned world champions, for the first time since 1966.

While England has just as good of a chance as anybody to win it, perhaps even a better shot actually than some teams, let’s not forget the games are won on the pitch, not on, and in the paper. They still have a lot of bad habits and sloppy play that needs to be eradicated before next summer. Assuming they make it.

Everton striker Louis Saha made English FA Cup Final history today (May 30th) at Wembley Stadium in London, England, as he scored after just 25 seconds, before most of the crowd of 89,000 had settled into their seats. It eclipsed the old mark of 30 seconds set by Aston Villa’s Bob Chatt against West Brom way back in 1895.

While it gave Everton a flying start, it was probably also the worst thing to happen for them as they tried to sit back and protect the slim margin for the next 90 minutes. Of course it didn’t work as Chelsea dominated the rest of the way and came out 2-1 winners for their second FA Cup win at the new Wembley in the last three years, and their fifth triumph in the competition overall.

It didn’t take long for Chelsea’s Didier Drogba to do what he does best, which is score in English cup finals (FA and League Cups) as he drove in a powerful header in the 21st minute to tie the score at 1-1. It was the sixth-straight cup final goal for Drogba. He also scored in this year’s semi-final and quarter-final games.

Frank Lampard sealed the victory in the 72nd minute with a fine 20-yard shot that Everton keeper Tim Howard could only parry into the net. It looked like Florent Malouda had given Chelsea a 3-1 lead about five minutes later when his venomous long-range shot from 30 yards slammed off the underside of the crossbar and came crashing down over the goal line. Referee Howard Webb let play carry on, while television replays showed that the ball had clearly crossed the line.

This brings up the topic again of video replay and why it’s needed in football today. This could have been a huge missed call if Everton had come back to tie the game. It’s about time FIFA got off its ass and implemented television replays or loaded the pitch up with extra officials and goal line judges.

Everton didn’t come back though, and with only one striker up front it’s quite evident at the moment that their manager David Moyes and the players aren’t good enough to pull off a cup win. Their loss today sets a record for FA Cup failures as they’ve now lost the final eight times. They have won it five times as well mind you, but were hurt by having a few good players out with injury, especially Arteta and Yakubu. Going with one guy up front’s not going to win you many games against Chelsea though.

It was a great send off for Chelsea’s interim manager Guus Hiddink who worked wonders with the club since taking over in February. Chelsea only lost one game out of 21 under Hiddink’s reign, and with any luck could have also possibly added the Champions League to the trophy haul this season. The Dutchman will now head back to Russia to resume his job as the country’s national coach.

Another guy who will be celebrating long into the night will be Ashley Cole, who was officially named man of the match and became the first player in over 100 years to win five FA Cup medals. He won three with Arsenal and another with Chelsea in 2007.

Chelsea may have won something much bigger than the cup today though, as they have now appeared to win the respect and admiration of many neutral football fans. While Jose Mourinho, and Luiz Felipe Scolari were in charge, the team wasn’t quite as likeable as they were perceived to be arrogant and bought their way to cup finals. However, since Hiddink took over, it’s almost been a 180 degree turnaround as his calm and friendly manner has worked wonders for the team. Whoever takes over as manager next season will have a huge set of boots to fill.

Good luck to him.