Fergie wants Barca rematch

Sir Alex Ferguson has revealed he would relish another chance to take on Barcelona in the Champions League final.

After Manchester United lost to Barca in Rome, Ferguson went back to the drawing board. The Red Devils boss now wants to see if his changes have improved the team as a whole.

The Champions League group stages start in midweek and Ferguson would love nothing more than another bout with La Blaugrana at the Santiago Bernabeu next year.

"I would love the chance to redress the situation with Barcelona. Absolutely. I would love another final with them," was quoted as saying by the Daily Star.

"You look at that defeat and you can look at reasons and excuses. But it's always better to look at the reasons."

"We're now quite clear about where it went wrong and that's always helpful."

"There were valid reasons and so we were able to move on. I wouldn't go into the reasons for the defeat but I did take the DVDs with me on holiday and watched the game again."

"We went through everything too, with my backroom staff. The whole build-up. Everything. Was it the right hotel, was the training right? So we are quite clear about where we are now with that defeat."

"I quite like these games. It's not a problem. What went wrong against Barcelona can be put right. Certainly it will all be put right."

"I didn't kick myself over the summer. I have been long enough in the game to know that you can't win them all."

"Sometimes you just have to accept that bad days come along and you move on from there. It was disappointing, though."

"You don't like losing finals of European games. It was the first one I have lost so it was really disappointing for everyone."

Lineker: Ron should have stayed

Gary Lineker believes Cristiano Ronaldo should have stayed at Man United if he wanted to win another Champions League title.

Lineker claims that he cannot see how Real Madrid's new Galacticos can gel quick enough to win it all in Europe.

The former Barcelona forward insists that Ronaldo has made a mistake in joining Real Madrid, especially if he wants to lift the Champions League trophy again, after watching Los Merengues play in the Primera Liga's opening weekend.

"I had no problem with Cristiano Ronaldo joining Real Madrid this summer. Players want to move clubs for lots of different reasons. Sometimes they just fancy a fresh challenge," he wrote in his Mail on 'Sunday Column'.

"I understand that, I did it myself. But for this season at least, I think Ronaldo would have had a better chance of winning the Champions League if he had stayed at Old Trafford."

"[Madrid president] Florentino Perez tried it before, of course, but it did not work then, with Zidane, Beckham, Figo and the Brazilian Ronaldo because the balance of the team was not right. Great going forward - but always likely to concede goals."

"I can see the same problem for Real this season. I watched their first La Liga game, against Deportivo."

"They won 3-2 but it could have been 12-10. Real defended awfully and the top sides in Europe will fancy their chances, even though Ronaldo threatens danger at the other end."

"Manchester United will miss him. I do not buy the theory that losing Ronaldo has its upside because it frees up other players like Wayne Rooney. But what United have that Real lack is a balance in the team and a very strong defence."

"People talk about match-winners in the Champions League but if you defend well and do not concede goals, you are always likely to do well. It is what Liverpool's European success has been built on."

"I still make Barcelona favourites. Their forward line of Messi, Ibrahimovic and Henry, backed up by Iniesta and Xavi, is as good as Real Madrid's and their defence is better."

"But United and Chelsea will be major threats. Just ask John Terry, with time running out on him to make amends for that penalty miss in the 2008 final in Moscow."

"I will be hosting coverage for the television station Al Jazeera. It is going to be fascinating and exciting to see if Ronaldo and Real Madrid can prove me wrong."

Robinho out for four weeks

Manchester City are set to be without Brazilian forward Robinho for at least four weeks due to an ankle injury.

The former Santos prodigy picked up the injury while on international duty and skysports.com is reporting that the striker has been diagnosed with a stress fracture of the ankle.

The injury sidelined the 25-year-old in Man City's 4-2 win over Arsenal but he is now scheduled to spend more time with the physios for at least a month.

This means that Robinho will miss the Manchester derby and is also set to miss games against Fulham, Aston Villa and West Ham.

However, after winning four-out-of-four games in the current campaign so far, the mood at Eastlands is a fairly confident one, so much so that Man City feel that they can go on winning without their record signing.

Mark Hughes and his Sky Blues are third in the table and having bagged four goals against the Gunners on Saturday, certainly do not appear to be lacking in firepower.

Barca in for Fab and Masch again

Txiki Begiristain has hinted that Barcelona are set to pursue midfielders Javier Mascherano and Cesc Fabregas again.

The Barca director of football was quoted by Spanish daily Sport as saying that La Blaugrana's alleged bids for both players is "something the club has left for later".

Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez dismissed a move to the Argentine international in the last offseason, having left Xabi Alonso depart for Real Madrid. However, Barca are set to renew their effort to land the midfield destroyer.

Meanwhile, Arsenal skipper Fabregas has been the centre of many rumours linking him to a return to Barcelona. Fabregas his rubbished the rumours, saying that he is focused on the Gunners, but Begiristain says that him and Mascherano can be signed if their valuations can be met.

Begiristain slammed the mega-money buys of bitter rivals Real Madrid as the reason why both players are ridiculously expensive.

"Mascherano and Cesc did not come because of financial difficulties. It was impossible to pay the kind of money asked for after the spending of Real Madrid," he said.

Yossi proves worth to Rafa

Rafael Benitez hailed the contribution of hat-trick hero Yossi Benayoun after Liverpool's 4-0 demolition of Burnley.

Benayoun was at the heart of a dominant Reds display, scoring in the first half and then having an effort palmed out by Brian Jensen for Dirk Kuyt to add the second.

The Israel skipper then took advantage of great passes by first Steven Gerrard and then Andriy Voronin to grab two more goals after the break to cap a virtuoso display.

Liverpool boss Benitez said: "Yossi had been away on international duty in midweek and done a lot of travelling, but he wanted to play. It is important to him to show his quality in every training session and every match.

"Over the seasons he has shown his value coming off the bench, but now he is showing how important he can be with movement and passing ability from the start."

Benitez also revealed midfielder Javier Mascherano has yet to return from international duty with Argentina having picked up a pelvic injury in midweek.

It was initially believed he had just returned late, but Benitez said: "He has still not returned. He picked up an injury and it was decided that he needed to have tests.

"Our doctor was in contact with the Argentina medical team and it was decided it was best that he stay there for the tests, and he will be back in England next week before the Champions League game [against Debrecen].

"The problem was a minor one, but we needed to have the checks made straight away."

Burnley boss Owen Coyle admitted his side must learn not to give away soft goals to quality opposition.

He said: "We started really well, and looked comfortable. But if you switch off against players like these, you will be punished.

"I can't argue with the result, we were playing against world-class players. But I was annoyed with the first goal we conceded, we backed off into the box and allowed Benayoun to get his shot in.

"Their second looked offside, Dirk Kuyt seemed a yard offside, and that put them in the box seat.

"We have now lost at Chelsea and Liverpool in succession, but these are not the teams we will be competing with for league positions, we are not in their group.

"But as long as my lads keep giving that effort, we will be able to take points off lesser teams. We will take our medicine and go home and prepare for the next one.

"We have played four of last season's top five now, and won twice. We have shown that if we are on top of our game we can give the best a real battle."

FA unimpressed with Ade's actions

Ian Watmore has confirmed the FA will take a "good close look" at two incidents involving Emmanuel Adebayor against Arsenal.

Adebayor was involved in a few incidents during Manchester City's 4-2 home win over Arsenal on Saturday.

The former Gunners forward courted controversy by running the length of the pitch to taunt the Arsenal fans after scoring City's third goal, having earlier appeared to stamp on former team-mate Robin van Persie, leaving the Dutchman with a gashed face.

Referee Mark Clattenburg booked the Togo striker for his celebrations, which provoked fury among many Arsenal fans who had to be restrained by pitchside stewards, one of whom needed hospital treatment after being hit by a flying object in the melee.

Speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live's Sportsweek programme, Watmore confirmed Adebayor's actions would come under scrutiny in the coming days.

He said: "I was pretty unimpressed really because the problems between the Arsenal fans and Adebayor are well documented, and he ran the whole length of the field to celebrate, so I think we're going to have a good close look at that one on Monday when we see it properly in the cold light of day.

"I thought the stewards did a great job of calming the situation down and it was to Manchester City's credit nothing worse happened.

"Our governance team will take a good look at both of the incidents that have been highlighted and will come to the media with the answers early next week."

Watmore refused to be drawn on the possible extent of any punishment which could be meted out to Adebayor, saying: "The punishments are the decision of the individual commission, if we get that far."

Ancelotti delighted by late show

Chelsea coach Carlo Ancelotti insisted that his side were good value for their last-gasp victory at Stoke.

It needed a goal from Florent Malouda in stoppage time to extend the club's 100% record under the Italian to five matches.

Malouda's effort from inside the box following a cutback from Nicolas Anelka came after a spell of sustained pressure in the second half.

Stoke had taken the lead through skipper Abdoulaye Faye in the 32nd minute with a towering header after Glenn Whelan had delivered the cross.

Didier Drogba equalised in first half injury time with his fourth goal of the season after shrugging off Faye following a superb through ball from Frank Lampard.

It was then all hands to the pump for Stoke until Malouda struck late on to cement Chelsea's place at the top of the table.

Ancelotti said: "We got what we deserved because we tried to attack all the time. I am very happy because it was a difficult game.

"We maintained good control throughout the match and that was important. We applied a lot of pressure and were rewarded for our play.

"We know all about Stoke and were not surprised by the way they play. We were ready for a physical match and knew how to deal with the long ball.

"A victory is always welcome and this is a very important period for us as we now have the Champions League ahead.

"To be top of the league is very important. We have good confidence in our play and a very good atmosphere in the dressing room.

"We are doing very well and want to continue in this good position for as long as we can. We have a very good squad."

Ancelotti could have Deco back for the visit of Porto in the Champions League on Tuesday after the Portugal playmaker was sidelined with a calf injury sustained playing for his country in midweek.

"We have to look at him as he has an injury," said the Chelsea coach. "We hope he can be ready against Porto."

Stoke manager Tony Pulis was left dejected not just by the manner of the defeat but also because they lost two players to injury in the first half.

Striker James Beattie was injured when he scuffed a shot wide in the ninth minute when clear on goal.

Then Thomas Sorensen limped off with after apparently pulling a muscle. Both will be assessed over the weekend.

Pulis said: "The result is disappointing for us because we battled really hard and defended well.

"They had a lot of possession second half and got a lot of bodies forward. We have given them a game and made them work hard.

"We haven't got the quality Chelsea have. I hold my hands up to that. They are a very good side. But our attitude and commitment and everyone's willingness to work will take us a long way."

Meanwhile Ancelotti refused to comment on FIFA's ruling that the transfer embargo means they will not be allowed to recall players on a season-long loan deal.

He said: "We are appealing to FIFA, so we have to wait. All I am thinking about is the next game against Porto, that's all."

Arshavin blow for Arsenal

Andrey Arshavin has been ruled out of Arsenal's games against Manchester City, Standard Liege and Wigan with a groin injury.

The Gunners midfielder has been troubled by the problem for a while, and was forced to sit out Russia's World Cup qualifier against Liechtenstein on Saturday as a result.

He did, however, play the full 90 minutes for his country against Wales on Wednesday, helping Guus Hiddink's side to a 3-1 victory in Cardiff.

That outing has come at a price, though, with Arshavin inflaming his previous injury.

He will now be forced to miss Arsenal's next three fixtures, and his presence will be greatly missed by the Gunners.

They face a tough clash against unbeaten City at Eastlands on Saturday, before starting their Champions League group campaign in Liege on Wednesday and a home clash against Wigan the following weekend.

"He will be out for Saturday, for Wednesday and certainly as well for Wigan," Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger confirmed on Thursday.

"I took him out at Manchester United because of a groin problem.

"He did not play in Russia's first game, but played last night against Wales. He should not have played and is injured.

"You can say a lot about it, but it does not do a lot."

Hughes: We don't fear Gunners

Manchester City boss Mark Hughes insists his side do not fear Arsenal ahead of their crunch Premier League meeting.

City welcome the Gunners to Eastlands with sights set on breaking the stranglehold of the Big Four, which also includes Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester United.

And after beating Arsenal in Manchester last season, the Welshman is adamant that his side know they can compete against Arsene Wenger's team.

He said in the Daily Mirror: "Arsenal are an outstanding side and if you allow them to dictate play and get their tails up they have the ability to hurt you.

"They have outstanding individual talents within a way of playing that allows them to create chances, and if they get it right on the day they can really hurt you.

"Ourselves, United and Chelsea are the only British teams to have beaten Arsenal in the past 10 months, which shows the consistency of results they are able to achieve.

"That's what we're aiming to do. We have great respect for what they can do when they're in full flow.

"But they know we will be a test, certainly at home, where we were outstanding against them last season when we won 3-0.

"We were very good value for that win, so we go into this game with no apprehension, because we know we can compete against them."

Hughes has benefited from the considerable riches of club owner Sheikh Mansour when transforming City into a genuine top-flight force.

But he concedes that it may take more time for City to be able to challenge consistently throughout the course of a season.

"We're talking about a short period of time in terms of what we've done," said Hughes.

"So we've done really well in changing people's perceptions to the point where some see us as a real threat to the so-called Big Four.

"We're comfortable with that, but those teams have been playing high-profile games for years and years at a high level, week-in, week-out."

BPL Weekend Preview

Sir Alex Ferguson has confirmed that Rio Ferdinand is in contention for their BPL clash with Tottenham at White Hart Lane.

However, full-back John O'Shea is set to be missing after suffering a calf injury on duty with the Republic of Ireland.

"Rio has been in training this week and has a got a chance for Saturday, I'm not sure how big a chance but he has got a chance," said Ferguson.

Ireland's coach Giovanni Trapattoni had warned that O'Shea could be ruled out for a couple of months if he is rushed back into action too soon.

Ferguson said: "O'Shea has not trained - he came back with a calf injury from Ireland's game in Cyprus and is doubtful for Saturday so we will see what he's like."

Arsenal head to Manchester City on Saturday without playmaker Andrey Arshavin, who aggravated a groin problem while on international duty with Russia.

Boss Arsene Wenger confirmed: "We lost Arshavin, who played with Russia and should not have played.

"He will be out for Saturday, for Wednesday and certainly as well for Wigan. I took him out at Manchester United because of a groin problem.

"He did not play in Russia's first game, but played last night against Wales. He should not have played and is injured."

With leaders Chelsea travelling to Stoke, Blues manager Carlo Ancelotti revealed his love for the English game, which he sees as more exciting than back home in his native Italy.

"People go to the stadium to see a spectacle," said Ancelotti. "In Italy unfortunately it isn't like that. People there don't have this sense for spectacle.

"In Italy we still have violence, so I hope that in Italy it will change soon, and that people go to the stadium to see an exciting match, like in England, and to support their team - not using violence and racist taunts towards the players."

Stoke manager Tony Pulis rates Chelsea as the best team in the Premier League and has been highly impressed by their "irresistible" start to the campaign.

He added: "We've looked at videos of the games they've played this year and they have been fantastic.

"Everyone will admire what their players can do with the ball, but their work-rate off the ball is phenomenal.

"They have hit the ground running and, with Manchester United losing (Cristiano) Ronaldo and (Carlos) Tevez and Arsenal losing a couple of players, I think they are the best.

"Chelsea haven't lost anybody and when you look at the players they have it is frightening."

In the top flight's other Saturday games, Liverpool entertain Burnley and Wolves travel to struggling Blackburn. Sunderland take on Hull, Wigan are at home to West Ham and Portsmouth face Bolton at Fratton Park.

The big game on Sunday is the West Midlands derby between Birmingham and Aston Villa at St Andrews.

Defender Franck Queudrue insists Birmingham's players have the passion needed to come out on top.

Queudrue said: "We all know exactly how the fans feel about this. They are on at us all the time about beating Villa.

"It is certainly our biggest game of the season. You can talk about Manchester United, Arsenal, Liverpool coming to St Andrew's but, no, this game is more important."

Sunday's remaining fixture sees Fulham take on Everton at Craven Cottage.

Capello hails England success

Fabio Capello insisted England could rule the world after their dominant 5-1 victory against Croatia at Wembley.

Two goals from Frank Lampard, one from the penalty spot, two from Steven Gerrard and one from Wayne Rooney sent England's fans home in jubilant mood.

It was sweet revenge for the 3-2 Wembley defeat against Slaven Bilic's side which deprived England of a place at the European Championships at Wembley less than two years ago.

And when asked whether England could now compete with the best at the World Cup, Capello said: "Yes, why not? All the players in the squad are really good."

The victory meant England won Group Six with two matches to spare, having won all eight of their qualifiers, scoring 31 goals in the process with just five goals conceded.

Unsurprisingly Capello was delighted, insisting England had produced the best football during his 21-month reign.

Capello said: "I'm very happy. We played very well. The face of the players was different in training yesterday to when we played Slovenia. We played the best 20 minutes of the qualifying period. We were fantastic. We passed the ball quickly and the quality of the passing was very, very good.

"The spirit of the group. The concentration for every moment. The movement with the ball. I was happy with everything."

Capello singled out Aaron Lennon for special praise after the Tottenham star had won the penalty with a darting run and tormented the Croatian defence with his searing pace.

Capello said: "I was sure he would be in the first 11 against Croatia when I saw him play against Birmingham. He was fantastic. We need a player like him. One to one it is not easy to stop him."

Croatia's defeat left them in a battle with Ukraine for the runner-up spot in Group Six, which would give them a chance of going to South Africa via the play-offs.

And while Arsenal's Eduardo managed a lone consolation for Croatia with a second-half header the expectations among the Wembley faithful are bound to soar after a performance which only cemented England's improvement under Capello.

"There is always the same expectation with the England team," said Capello. "It is very high. We have to play to win because we are England. We have one of the best teams in the world. We always have to play with the spirit we did this evening.

"The first target is OK, we have achieved it, we are going to South Africa. We have time now to prepare for the World Cup.

"I know the problems of playing in the World Cup. We have eight months and it is important no players are injured."

Bilic: England can win World Cup

Croatia coach Slaven Bilic believes England can win the World Cup after his side had been humiliated 5-1 against England at Wembley.

The victory made it eight wins from eight qualifying matches for Fabio Capello's England side, who booked their ticket to South Africa next summer.

Two goals from Frank Lampard, two from Steven Gerrard and one from Wayne Rooney made it 31 goals for England's rampant side as they headed Group Six with two matches to spare.

A shellshocked Bilic, who had accused Capello of taking the Englishness out of the England side, said: "We didn't expect this in our worst nightmares. They were fantastic from the start.

"They didn't surprise us. They played their own game and they looked the sharper, more aggressive side even before the first goal.

"We were very happy at half-time that it was only 2-0. It could have been five. Our goalkeeper was fantastic.

"When we conceded a third goal we could not come back. I would like to congratulate them for a fantastic performance."

And on the chances of England captain John Terry holding aloft the World Cup next summer, Bilic said: "Based on tonight definitely. But it is not easy to play every game like tonight.

"They missed their first pass after half an hour. It was one-two, one-two. It was perfect. If they manage to play like this then of course they can win it."

The defeat means Croatia are locked in a battle with Ukraine for the runner-up spot in Group Six and a place in the play-offs, which could yet be a route to South Africa.

But it will take all Bilic's powers of motivation to lift the spirits of his side, who were missing key players, including Tottenham's Luka Modric. Arsenal's Eduardo did manage a consolation headed goal in the second half - but it was scant consolation.

Bilic admitted: "We were totally down in the dressing room and we will be down for days. I can't find anything to hold on to. But luckily our next game is not in three or four days." In fact they play Kazakhstan in their last match in Astana on October 14.

Bilic added: "We knew without four key players we are not near the same team, but we didn't expect the difference to be so big.

"But we have character. We are going to come back for our game against Kazakhstan."

Warm welcome promised for England

World Cup chief Danny Jordaan has promised a warm welcome in South Africa for the England team and their fans.

Fabio Capello's men thrashed Croatia 5-1 at Wembley to become the second European team after Holland to secure their place at the tournament.

It was an eighth straight win for the Three Lions in Group Six and they now join hosts South Africa, Japan, Australia, South Korea, the Dutch, North Korea, Brazil, Ghana, Spain and Paraguay as the 11 qualifiers so far.

Jordaan, the chief executive officer of the 2010 organising committee, is confident that the presence of England would add significantly to the competition, both on and off the pitch.

He said: "Fabio Capello's side have powered their way to South Africa 2010 and will certainly be a force to be reckoned with next year.

"They are playing very good football and the team and will certainly come to South Africa as one of the tournament's favourites.

"The English Premier League is one of the best leagues in the world and arguably the most followed globally.

"All the England players are extremely popular in South Africa and a number of them have visited the country with their club teams and with the national team in recent years."

Jordaan is also excited by the atmopshere that English supporters will bring to the first ever World Cup on the African continent.

As of September 1, more than 45,000 tickets had been sold to residents from the United Kingdom, putting the region third in the overall list of tickets sold behind host country, South Africa, and the United States.

He added: "The English fans, who are among the most passionate and knowledgeable in the world, are no strangers to our shores, regularly travelling to England cricket, rugby and football matches in South Africa.

"We are sure the English team and their fans will enjoy their time in our country and contribute tremendously to what is sure to be a carnival atmosphere at Africa's first FIFA World Cup.

"We wish England well in next year's tournament."

England 5-1 Croatia

England booked their ticket to the World Cup finals with a dominant performance at Wembley as Croatia were hammered 5-1.

There was no wally with a brolly, just a man with a plan at Wembley tonight as England booked their ticket to the World Cup finals with a five-star performance.

Two years after Croatia triumphed in the Wembley rain to sweep England out of Euro 2008 and Steve McClaren out of a job, Fabio Capello showed how it should be done.

Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard scored two goals each to exact their own personal revenge for that horrible night, with Wayne Rooney adding another near the end.

Capello was the master technician though as England completed an eighth straight qualifying win to secure a trip to South Africa next summer with two games to spare.

Capello preferred Aaron Lennon to Shaun Wright-Phillips and was rewarded with a blistering man-of-the-match performance from the fleet-footed Tottenham star, who created two goals, plus a chance for Emile Heskey and one he wasted himself. And that was before half-time.

To say Lennon ran Croatia ragged in front of the world's fastest man would be a supreme understatement.

Even Usain Bolt must have been impressed at Lennon's electric turn of pace. If he had still been careering round Wembley in front of England's delirious fans when his team-mates had disappeared for their break, it would have been no surprise.

He was certainly too fast for Josip Simunic as he sped into the box on a fateful seventh minute charge. Simunic might have been complaining. Goodness only knows why. A clearer penalty you could not wish to see.

Lampard kept his nerve and drove home from the spot.

Eleven minutes later, Lennon was at it again. Hugging the right touchline, then delivering a perfect far-post cross for Gerrard, who headed it straight back where it had come from, right into the far corner.

As things tend to happen in threes and Belarus had already done the Three Lions a favour by holding Ukraine to a draw in Minsk, meaning only a point was required to qualify, the action might have been over. Few would have complained.

But, their lead coming from Lennon, England's offensive continued.

Smug and triumphant on his last visit, Slaven Bilic looked beaten and broken this time around as he tried to work out how to stop the onslaught.

Gareth Barry and Lampard forced Vedran Runje into flying stops, Lennon attacked the Croatia defence, then raced clear onto Rooney's return pass, only to fluff his shot.

Then Lennon sent Emile Heskey clear. The Aston Villa man had been preferred to the free-scoring Jermain Defoe, his ability to bring others into play not in doubt.

Finding the net remains a problem. Heskey has only done it seven times for his country. Runje prevented him making it eight.

In stoppage-time, Heskey latched on to a defence-splitting Lampard pass. This time he got the ball stuck under his feet. Even this night of glory provided Capello with a reminder of the flaws in his team.

Equally, the England coach could not have been too happy at the way his defence completely fell asleep at Darijo Srna's corner after the restart, allowing Mario Mandzukic a free shot at goal which he wasted.

Moments later, Glen Johnson got away with a penalty box foul on Eduardo. On such moments can entire campaigns turn, as both McClaren and the watching Sven-Goran Eriksson testify.

Under Capello, England know exactly where they are going.

Before Defoe could replace Heskey, they had scored again, Johnson providing the cross for Lampard to steer into the corner.

Not that they were in the mood to ease off. For Lampard, Gerrard and Barry in particular, as survivors from the last day of McClaren's reign, the pain will never quite go away.

So it must have been very gratifying for Gerrard to see his header loop home midway through the second half.

Eduardo tucked home a consolation for Croatia, who must now overhaul Ukraine in the battle to be runners-up. England will play a part in the outcome as they visit the Ukraine next month.

For the Three Lions, that trip to Dnipropetrovsk on October 10 now represents the start of a six match build-up to the World Cup.

They can begin the journey with confidence, Rooney tapping home after a howler from Runje to increase England's tally to nine in two matches against a Croatian team they were not expected to finish above when the draw was made in January last year.

England have found a plan since then. It looks pretty useful.

City have Henry in their sights

Thierry Henry has emerged as the latest superstar being lined up by Manchester City.

According to The News of the World, the Barcelona and France forward is on City's shopping list and will head to Eastlands in a swap deal if the Blues' unsettled Brazilian Robinho makes his way to Barca during the January transfer window.

Robinho, a firm favourite of Barca boss Pep Guardiola, is reportedly keen to make a return to Spain after failing to consistently shine in Manchester, a lack of form that saw him being rested for City's last Premier League match away at Portsmouth.

Barca made an approach for Robinho during the last transfer merry-go-round, and will renew their interest in the former Real Madrid star early next year.

City will, however want to recoup most of the £30million they paid for the 25-year-old in 2008.

Henry rejected a move to City last year, going on to win both the Primera Liga, Champions League and Copa del Rey crowns with the Catalan giants.

Despite City's interest Henry has already decreed he is loving life so much at Barca that he can't envisage concluding his career anywhere else other than Camp Nou.

The Frenchman's first season at Barca was one of acute disappointment, as he struggled to adapt to his new surrounds following a move from Arsenal.

A trophyless campaign led to speculation of a return to England but the arrival of Guardiola as Barca's new coach coincided with a return to form for Henry and an unprecedented treble for the club.

Henry believes the relationship he shares with an initially sceptical Barca faithful is such that the idea of leaving no longer seems an option.

"I had a difficult first season, it has to be said, but when we won the treble we had a special event on the pitch," he said.

"I took the microphone and said some things that really came from my heart.

"I said to the Barcelona fans that finally I was a fan of the club. That was the first time I felt I could say that. In the first season I didn't deliver, although I don't feel I cheated anyone.

"It would be impossible to walk out after that. And I also had a great discussion with the boss, who reassured me he wanted me to stay.

"I still miss London, don't get me wrong, but Barcelona is an amazing town and finally I feel I am part of the team at this club."

Fabregas: We will not be bullied

Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas has warned the rest of the Premier League his side "will not be bullied by anybody" this season.

The Gunners skipper is recovering from a hamstring problem during the international break, an injury which forced him out of both the Champions League qualifier second leg against Celtic and the last domestic game at Manchester United where Arsene Wenger's team lost 2-1 despite dominating most of the match.

Despite not being directly involved himself, Fabregas feels the manner of the defeat - by way of a second-half penalty and an own-goal from Abou Diaby having led 1-0 - will only serve to make Arsenal stronger for the challenges ahead.

"It hurts to lose in that way, but we were denied many opportunities and it was a very physical game - maybe too physical - but we showed that we will not be bullied by anybody," said Fabregas, speaking to the Goal.com UK website.

"Clubs try not to let us play our style of football and some use questionable tactics, but we will not be intimidated by anyone."

Fabregas, 22, spent another summer reading headlines of just where he would be playing his football this season away from Emirates Stadium.

However, the former Barcelona trainee continues to feel "comfortable" at the north London club.

"I know all about the speculation about Barcelona, but you have to understand I am a professional and I am an Arsenal player," he stressed.

"We have made a good start and we can go on to do good things this season.

"You can never know what will happen in football, and it is always an honour to be linked with a prestigious club like Barcelona, who I know all about - but let's see how Arsenal does this season.

"I am sure we will win something soon."

Fabregas continued: "I am comfortable here and Arsene Wenger has helped me a lot and for that I will always respect him.

"I would like to win a major trophy again, but we will see."

Wenger did not complete any more business before the September 1 transfer deadline, as a deal to bring former captain Patrick Vieira back to the club failed to materialise.

With no agreement reached to take centre-half Philippe Senderos - who spent last season on loan at AC Milan - to Everton, the Swiss international will now find himself as cover for William Gallas and Thomas Vermaelen following the news compatriot Johan Djourou faces up to six months on the sidelines after knee surgery.

Off the field, speculation grows Alisher Usmanov is close to upping his stake in Arsenal's parent holding company with the purchase of Lady Nina Bracewell-Smith's 15.9% share.

Should the Uzbek oil magnate, whose Red & White Holdings own just over a quarter of the total shares, complete any such deal with the former director, who left the board in December 2008, it would pass the 30% threshold which, under the City's financial regulations, then automatically triggers a formal takeover bid.

Currently, American entrepreneur Stan Kroenke is Arsenal's biggest single shareholder, with 28.58%.

Lampard happy with striking options

Frank Lampard believes England coach Fabio Capello has "two great options" at his disposal.

He feels England are fortunate to be able to select Jermain Defoe or Emile Heskey for Wednesday's World Cup qualifier with Croatia at Wembley.

Defoe has begun the current campaign in stunning form with Tottenham and he took his England goal tally to five in the last three internationals by netting against Slovenia on Saturday.

All of those appearances were as a second half substitute and Capello admits the former West Ham player is giving him food for thought.

But Heskey's physical presence may prove invaluable against Croatia despite his shortage of goals and he was a key figure in the 4-1 win in Zagreb last September.

Lampard, who played alongside Defoe during his West Ham days, said: "The manager has to make the decision and we've got faith in him because he has shown he makes right decisions.

"Both players have made great cases to play on Wednesday. Jermain has hit the headlines recently because of his goal scoring.

"I've known him since he was 16 and believed he would eventually go to the top because he is a natural goal scorer.

"But Emile is also making a great case because of the way he has constantly played for England for a very long time.

"The manager has great options there, two different styles of player and it's down to him which way he goes."

Lampard is also backing another ex-club team mate in Glen Johnson after he came in for criticism for being partly at fault for the solitary Slovenian goal in their 2-1 defeat at Wembley.

Lampard said: "Jonno is a fantastic right-back. Everyone at some stage who is an England player comes under scrutiny and no one can have perfect games all the time.

"His form at club level has been fantastic for the last 18 months and has got him a well deserved move to Liverpool.

"His England form has also been good and he has given us an extra dimension down the right.

"We have always had left backs who have been good at getting forward in Ashley Cole and Wayne Bridge. Now Jonno is giving us that on the right."

Lampard is determined to make-up for the misery of England failing to qualify for the 2008 European Championships after being beaten 3-2 by Croatia at Wembley.

He said: "That will only play on our minds in a positive way because it was a low point for all of us and the nation and we won't forget that.

"We hope we can put that right on Wednesday and qualify for the World Cup finals with a couple of games to spare.

"It will be nice to go into that game having a lot of confidence and also not a depleted squad which was the case two years ago.

"People go on about the past matches between the countries but all we have to concentrate on really is the game coming up on Wednesday."

Beckham Ready to return BPL

David Beckham has opened the door for a return to the Premier League.

Beckham will win his 114th England cap tomorrow night if introduced during the World Cup qualifier with Croatia at Wembley.

But if he is to remain at the forefront of Fabio Capello's plans for South Africa 2010, the 34-year-old knows he must return to Europe.

A short-term deal is already in place for Beckham to join AC Milan once more.

However, there are alternatives beyond that, which include Premier League offers, even if Beckham remains committed to Los Angeles Galaxy.

"I have got plans," said Beckham.

"I will finish the MLS season. After that, everybody knows that I'll be coming back to play somewhere.

"LA Galaxy know that. If it upsets a few people, I can't do anything about it.

"I keep saying how much I enjoy playing over there and how committed I am to the Galaxy, I think I will be back there after the World Cup.

"But there is a possibility that the contract might break in the autumn and I do have options.

"Milan have made me aware that they want me to go back there and I'm more than happy with that.

"But I have also had another three or four offers, so when the time is right, I will decide."

The prospect of Beckham being back in the Premier League, even if he will have turned 35 by that point, is an appealing one, especially as for all his platitudes for LA Galaxy, a section of the club's support have turned against him.

By then he could have become the first England player to have appeared at four World Cup finals.

Although he remained rooted to the bench during an international for the first time in 11 years on Saturday as England overcame Slovenia, evidence provided by the past 12 months suggests Beckham's name is already pencilled in for one of the 23 spaces Capello will have available, providing England get the win they need from their final three matches.

Theo Walcott, Shaun Wright-Phillips and Aaron Lennon might all be able to provide blinding speed and the ability to beat a man but none can match Beckham's experience or accuracy from set-piece situations.

That priceless attribute could allow Beckham to achieve a personal milestone at the expense of someone who have never been to one. Not that the former Three Lions skipper would feel bad.

"I wouldn't have any reason to feel guilty," said Beckham.

"The manager will pick a squad he thinks he needs for games. If I'm in it, then great. If I can come on with the experience I have and help the team, I will.

"If I'm not, it's good for the other players."