Ahead of TheGame: Beckham in England squad

The news in 60 seconds

BECKHAM IN ENGLAND SQUAD
The LA Galaxy midfielder has been recalled to the England squad for next week's friendly against France in Paris, putting him on track to win his 100th cap. "I always said that when David Beckham was fit he could be in the squad," Fabio Capello said. "I know a lot about him and what he can offer the team."
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/article3590241.ece

LALAS: BECKS IS READY
"I'm telling you right now, you are getting a player [Beckham] who is healthy, fit, motivated and ready to help England," LA Galaxy's president and general manager said. "He's ready to go." Hold on, that hasn't made much difference before.
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/article3591306.ece

COMMENT: BECKHAM BRAND PLAYS ON
Tom Dart says it is hard to believe that Fabio Capello, unsentimental though he is, would call Beckham across from California and not play him and that it looks likely that he will win his 100th cap in the Stade de France on Wednesday.
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/article3590693.ece

STEELE DREAM REKINDLED
The goalkeeper's FA Cup semi-final dream is back on after West Brom agreed to loan him back to Barnsley for the remainder of the season with a view to a permanent deal in the summer. The 23-year-old looked set to miss out on a Wembley appearance after talks between the two clubs broke down following his return to his parent club earlier this week. Don't you love a happy ending?
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/football_league/article3591936.ece

FIFA SEEK LONGER TAYLOR BAN
The governing body will meet with the FA in an effort to increase the ban imposed on the Birmingham defender for the challenge that broke Eduardo's leg. Fifa said today that the FA's file on the case had been "thoroughly reviewed" by their disciplinary committee. It then asked the English authority to "reconsider the sanction". Stirrers.
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/premier_league/article3590967.ece

AMBASSADOR ROBSON
The former Manchester United captain is to rejoin the club as their global ambassador. Robson, who parted company with Sheffield United last month, will initially work alongside Bobby Charlton. "Since signing for the club in 1981, it has always been special to me," Robson said. "I enjoyed the happiest and most memorable times of my career at Old Trafford and it will be great to play a role in making the club even more successful." Best he doesn't apply for the manager's job then.
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/premier_league/article3589934.ece

GARDNER WINNING FITNESS BATTLE
Aston Villa's makeshift right back should be fit to play Sunderland on Saturday - and prevent Martin O'Neill from suffering a defensive dilemma. The Villa manager has no specialist in the position after selling Aaron Hughes to Fulham and then seeing Mark Delaney forced into retirement because of his long-term knee problem. And some people wanted O'Neill to get the England job.
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/premier_league/aston_villa/article3591160.ece

LIVE MATCHTRACKER
The "big four" go at it on Easter Sunday with Chelsea hosting Arsenal and Liverpool travelling to Manchester United in a double-header that could have a huge impact on the title race. Follow events as they unfold in both games and in the other Premier League and Football League fixtures with our live scores and statistics service.
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/live_match_tracker/

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If you've got another couple of minutes

Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea the best match of the season? Last night's game certainly had all you would want from a classic. A surfeit of goals, some brilliant attacking play, occasionally hapless defending, and a tension that simmered close to boiling point throughout. That it could have a significant affect on the Premier League title race helped, too.

So, was it the standout match of 2007-8? Some might argue for Portsmouth's 7-4 defeat of Reading or Chelsea's eight-goal draw with Aston Villa, while others might say it was not even the best witnessed at White Hart Lane, where Tottenham have drawn 4-4 with Villa and beaten Reading 6-4. Have your say.
http://timesonline.typepad.com/thegame/2008/03/was-the-white-h.html

Cristiano Ronaldo produced another masterclass for Manchester United scoring both goals in a 2-0 victory over Bolton. The Portuguese winger wore the captain's armband for the first time and led by example to help United open a three-point gap at the top of the Premier League. His brace took his season's tally to 33 goals, taking him past George Best's record - 32 in 1968 - for the most scored by a winger in a season. But does this make Ronaldo a superior player to the Northern Irishman or are comparisons between the two unfair? A Nike billboard diplomatically read "Best since Best". Does that sum it up nicely for you?
http://timesonline.typepad.com/thegame/2008/03/is-it-fair-to-c.html

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31
Away league games Fulham have gone without a win - a Premier League record. Bill Edgar and Richard Neale compile the stats behind the woeful run: http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/premier_league/article3586680.ece.
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A quickie before you go, sir?

Sir Bobby Robson has always been a fan of "goals, good goals" and there are a hatful of quality finishes to enjoy in our highlights package from the Premier League and Football League. Special thanks to Spurs, Chelsea and Ronaldo for their glorious efforts.
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/premier_league/article2236741.ece

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>>>>>THE TABLOID TALES<<<<<
No 1: Abramovich was in Zimbabwe for deal - The Sun
What you need to know: 1) The Chelsea owner has been accused of striking business deals in Zimbabwe. 2) The Russian dismissed his visit to the country as an exotic safari holiday. 3) However, Fred Moyo, the managing director of the Wankie coal mining company confirmed he met the billionaire to discuss financing the part state-owned firm. 4) Kate Hoey, the Labour MP, said: "If he invests, he will be putting in money to sustain a vile empire." 5) An Abramovich spokesman denied the allegations. "It was a private visit," he said.

No 2: Kid's gloves - Daily Star
What you need to know: 1) Everton have beaten Manchester United and Liverpool to the signature of Harry Yates, a seven-year-old goalkeeper. 2) Harry's dad, Phil, said: "He is old enough to understand what a big thing this is and we have had to keep his feet on the ground. He also knows he can be dropped just as easily if the effort flags. But it will be a fantastic experience for him as he meets up with all their first team stars." 3) AOTG thought it was goalkeepers, not their fathers, who are supposed to be bonkers.
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In TheGame

David Gold, in his fortnightly blog, puts the record straight on Martin Taylor's hospital visit to see Eduardo and answers readers' comments on his support for the 39th game. "Football is a global game now and we cannot afford to stand still," he says.
http://timesonline.typepad.com/thegame/2008/03/david-gold-answ.html
Our appeal for your football smugshots is snowballing. Today's offerings include Peter Crouch risking a slipped disc to pose with the great unwashed, Denis Law being collared as he leaves a vampires' ball and Dave Bassett recruiting help to escape from Alcatraz. Keep these treasures coming, the world wants to see them. We think.
http://timesonline.typepad.com/thegame/2008/03/football-smug-s.html
In the Fanzine Fanzone, our Middlesbrough expert bangs the drum for Stewart Downing's recent form: "He has produced dazzling performances since his contract extension and it is evident he is enjoying his football at his hometown club."
http://timesonline.typepad.com/fanzine_fanzone/middlesbrough/index.html
Bill Edgar has posted his daily trivia question: which former England international is more than two and a half seasons into his spell at a Premier League club but has yet to make a single league appearance?
http://timesonline.typepad.com/thegame/2008/03/bill-edgars-t-4.html

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>>>>>THE RIVALS<<<<<
Simply the beast - The Sun
Crash. Cole sparks a tackle bust-up - Daily Mirror
Keane blunts Chelsea challenge in thriller - The Guardian
Capello sparks captaincy race - Daily Express
Chelsea lose ground in title race - The Daily Telegraph
Unbelievable - Daily Mail
Chelsea hopes fade as Grant's tactics are exposed in thriller - The Independent
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Joe Bloggs' Soapbox

"There's no doubt that Kevin Davies is a physical player, but most of the fouls that he commits are awarded by over-zealous referees when he is legitimately challenging for the ball with a centre half. I would like to see which players have the highest fouls-to-booking ratio and who have the lowest. I am guessing that it will be a fair reflection of the league table!"
Martin Parry has every right to defend the Bolton striker, who has steadfastly refused to change his game as the rest of football has - rightly or wrongly - moved on.

"It's not strictly a tantrum but the best I have seen was whilst playing for my five-a-side team in Paisley. We were comfortably up at half-time when the opposition captain gathered his troops around him, looked everyone in the eye and said 'Look, you are all p*sh!'. Two of the players walked straight off the pitch, into their cars and sped off. Needless to say his team talk was hardly inspirational and we went on to extend our lead."
Al undermines the belief that all men from the greater Glasgow area are tough as nails. 

"Beckham has been in Hong Kong recently and let's just say that the underwear adverts must have been seriously touched up. Gone is the six pack! How can he be judged fit and ready for England having only played against Shanghai, Singapore, Hong Kong and Australian teams nowhere near the class of the Premier League?"
Brian West from Hong Kong places the importance of aesthetics on England selection. I don't remember Peter Andre playing for Australia when he was in his pop prime. Beckham might not have the abs anymore, but he could do a job against most Premier League teams. AOTG doubts Frank Lampard was picked for England because he scored four goals against Derby.

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Tomorrow's news today

- Alex McLeish shocked by Sepp Blatter's pursuit of Martin Taylor
- Kevin Davies hits back at "dirtiest player" criticism

And expect...

No AOTG tomorrow or Monday. We return on Tuesday, March 25. Have a happy Easter.