Beckham calls time on career

David Beckham has announced he will retire from football at the end of the season.



The former England captain, who turned 38 earlier this month, will quit at the top days after helping Paris St Germain to their first French championship in 19 years.

That made him the first Englishman to win titles in four different countries, and PSG were keen to hold on to the midfielder beyond the end of his short-term contract.

But Beckham has instead opted to follow his old mentor Sir Alex Ferguson into retirement, calling a halt to a senior career which began with a Manchester United debut in a League Cup tie at Brighton on September 23 1992.

His final appearance is likely to come for PSG away at Lorient on May 26.

He said: "I'm thankful to PSG for giving me the opportunity to continue but I feel now is the right time to finish my career, playing at the highest level.

"If you had told me as a young boy I would have played for and won trophies with my boyhood club Manchester United, proudly captained and played for my country over one hundred times and lined up for some of the biggest clubs in the world, I would have told you it was a fantasy. I'm fortunate to have realised those dreams."

Beckham won six Premier League titles, two FA Cups and a Champions League with United, where he was voted PFA Young Player of the Year in 1997.

Glenn Hoddle gave him an England debut in September 1996, and he survived the fall-out from an infamous red card at the 1998 World Cup to become his country's most-capped outfield player, 59 of 115 appearances coming as skipper.

Beckham left Old Trafford for Real Madrid in the summer of 2003 and won the Liga title in the last of his four seasons in Spain before signing for LA Galaxy, where he was twice an MLS Cup winner.

He spent two loan spells in Italy with Milan and made a final move to Paris in January this year.

Beckham joined Sky as an ambassador for sport earlier this year and has also spent time promoting football in China.

He said: "Nothing will ever completely replace playing the game I love, however I feel like I'm starting a new adventure and I'm genuinely excited about what lies ahead.



"I'm fortunate to have been given many opportunities throughout my career and now I feel it's my time to give back."



BECKHAM'S CAREER BY NUMBERS

Manchester United - 394 games, 85 goals

Preston North End (loan) - 5 games 2 goals

Real Madrid - 115 games 20 goals

LA Galaxy - 118 games 20 goals

AC Milan - 33 games 2 goals

PSG - 11 games 0 goals



DAVID BECKHAM FACTFILE

• 1975: Born Leytonstone, May 2.


• 1991: Joins Manchester United as trainee.


• 1992: Makes debut against Brighton in the League Cup on September 23. Wins FA Youth Cup.


• 1993: Signs professional contract at Old Trafford.


• 1995: Joins Preston on loan in February and scores two goals in five games.


• 1996: Helps United to Premier League and FA Cup double.


• Scores goal of the season on opening day at Wimbledon, lobbing Neil Sullivan from the halfway line. Makes his England debut in the 3-0 win in Moldova.


• 1997: Collects another championship winners' medal, voted PFA Young Player of the Year.


• 1998: Scores first England goal, a free-kick against Colombia in Lens on June 26. Sent off in second-round penalty shoot-out defeat against Argentina.


• 1999: Helps United win the Premier League, FA Cup and European Cup after coming from behind to beat Bayern Munich with two late goals.


• Runner-up in World Player of the Year awards, behind Rivaldo.


• 2000: May - Collects fourth championship winner's medal as United win title by a record 18 points.


• November - Named England captain for the November friendly with Italy in Turin by stand-in boss Peter Taylor.


• 2001: May - Collects another Premier League title with United.


• October - Curls in a 25-yard last-minute free-kick against Greece at Old Trafford to earn England a 2-2 draw and send them into World Cup finals.


• 2002: May 11 - Signs new three-year contract reported to be worth between £90,000 and £100,000 a week.


• June 7 - Scores from the penalty spot in the World Cup group stage match against Argentina to seal a 1-0 win.


• England bow out in the quarter-finals at the hands of eventual winners Brazil.


• 2003: February - Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson accidentally kicks a boot into Beckham's face in frustration at United's FA Cup defeat to Arsenal.


• June 14 - Awarded an OBE in the Queen's Birthday Honours for services to football.


• June 17 - United announce they have accepted a £25million bid from Real Madrid for Beckham, who agrees personal terms.


• 2004: June 24 - Misses a penalty as England lose to Portugal in a shoot-out in the Euro 2004 quarter-finals in Lisbon.


• 2005: November: Captains England for 50th time in friendly against Argentina in Geneva.


• July 2 - Stands down as England captain.


• August 11 - Dropped from squad for friendly against Greece, Steve McClaren's first match as manager.


• 2007: January 11 - Beckham announces he will leave Real Madrid and join Major League Soccer club Los Angeles Galaxy on a five-year contract in August.


• January 13 - Real Madrid coach Fabio Capello says Beckham will never play for the club again.


• May 26 - McClaren hands Beckham a shock England recall for matches against Brazil and Estonia.


• June - Wins the La Liga title with Madrid, having won back his place in the team.


• August 16 - Beckham scores his first goal for Galaxy on his full debut in the SuperLiga semi-final meeting with DC United with a trademark free-kick.


• 2008: March 26 - Wins 100th cap in the friendly against France.


• October 30 - Milan announce Beckham will join them on loan on January 7, 2009.


• 2009: January 11 - Makes shock first start for Milan in 2-2 Serie A draw at Roma.


• March 9 - AC Milan announce that under a unique 'timeshare' agreement, Beckham will stay with them in Italy until the end of the season, return to the Galaxy from July to October and then rejoin the Serie A club for the rest of the 2009-10 campaign.


• March 28 - Comes on as a half-time substitute against Slovakia at Wembley to win his 109th cap and break Bobby Moore's record for an outfield player.


• July 20, 27 - Twice confronts fans who gave him a hostile reception in his first home games after returning to the Galaxy.


• 2010: March 14 - Tears his Achilles tendon in AC Milan's 1-0 win over Chievo - an injury that rules him out of the World Cup.


• June - Part of England's backroom staff for World Cup campaign which ends in second-round defeat to Germany.


• August 11 - England career appears to be at an end when Capello tells ITV: 'Probably he is a little bit old.'


• 2011: November 20 - Wins the MLS Cup as the Galaxy beat Houston Dynamo 1-0 in the final.


• December 31 - Five-year deal at the Galaxy expires.


• 2012: January 19 - Re-signs with the Galaxy.


• June 28 - Announces he has not been included in Team GB's squad for the Olympic Games.


• November 16 - Football Federation Australia claim a representative of Beckham approaches them with a view to the midfielder making a short-term move to the A-League in the MLS off-season. A Beckham spokesman says his client has 'absolutely no plans to play in Australia'.


• November 20 - Confirms he is to leave the Galaxy after MLS Cup on December 1.


• December 1 - Ends his time in MLS in style by winning a second MLS Cup with a 3-1 win over Houston Dynamo.


• 2013: January 31 - Signs a five-month contract with Paris St Germain, revealing at a press conference he will play without a salary, donating what he would have earned to a children's charity in the French capital.


• February 24 - Makes his PSG debut as a substitute against rivals Marseille.


• April 2 - Starts Champions League quarter-final first leg against Barcelona. A brief substitute appearance in the following week's second leg was his final European game.


• May 12 - PSG clinch the Ligue 1 title with a 1-0 win over Lyon. Beckham becomes the first Englishman to win league titles in four different countries.


• May 16 - Announces his retirement from football.

Beckham Carrer in Pictures:

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Rio retires from England

Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand has called time on his England career with 81 caps to his name.

The 34-year-old clinched a sixth Premier League title with the Red Devils this season and admitted after Sunday's final home game that he was keen to sign a new contract at Old Trafford.

Ferdinand, for whom United paid Leeds a colossal £34million in 2002, has been in the international wilderness since Roy Hodgson took charge last year - missing out on Euro 2012 and then pulling out of the squad when eventually recalled for the 2014 World Cup qualifiers in March.

"After a great deal of thought, I have decided the time is right for me to retire from international football," said Ferdinand, who regularly undergoes injections in his spine to keep a persistent back problem at bay.

"At the age of 34, I feel it is right for me to stand aside and let the younger players come through, which allows me to concentrate on my club career. The team looks in great shape and there is an influx of young, talented players coming through the ranks which bodes well for the future.

"I regard it as a great honour and a privilege to have represented my country at every level from U17s upwards. I have always been very proud to play for England. I would like to wish Roy and the team all the best for future tournaments.

"A big thank you to all the fans, managers, coaching staff and players that I have worked alongside - the journey has been incredible."

Ferdinand became the youngest defender to ever play for England when he made his debut against Cameroon at Wembley in 1997 having just turned 19.

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The expensive England XI

Top 10 England expensive squad who're not (in current squad)

Chris Kirkland



Bought by Gerard Houllier for £6 million, it is often forgotten that Chris Kirkland went on to play in four of six group games in Liverpool's memorable Champions League run of 2004-05. However, the fact Jerzy Dudek went down in Liverpool folklore as a hero for his wonder saves in the final tells much about Kirkland's time at Anfield. "Mr Glass" was constantly injured, he appeared to take up a starting position too far from his line, and by the time he departed he was even behind the equally over-billed Scott Carson in the pecking order.

Still, not all was lost for Kirkland, whose father had combined with a group of friends to place £100 each at 100/1 on his 11-year-old to play for England by the age of 30. Having left Liverpool, Kirkland earned his one and only international cap in 2006 against Greece.



Wayne Bridge



Purchased for a fee in the region of £7 million by Chelsea and then £10 million by Manchester City, you might expect Wayne Bridge to boast a slightly better resume. Yes he has won a Premier League title, an FA Cup and a League Cup. Yes he has 36 England caps, yielding one goal. But arguably his most defining moment on a football pitch came when he refused to shake John Terry's hand after his international team-mate had reportedly had an affair with Bridge's ex-girlfriend.

Nowadays Bridge finds himself on loan at Brighton, looking forward to his Saturdays... or one in particular.



Rio Ferdinand



"Rio hasn't become unpatriotic overnight." That was the assessment of Frank Lampard after Ferdinand rejected Hodgson's recent invite to the England fold - citing his special fitness schedule at Manchester United as the reason. Of course, Rio is the brother of Anton, who was involved in a case of racial abuse with John Terry - a charge of which the Chelsea man was eventually cleared. Rio was was left out of Euro 2012 by Hodgson for "footballing reasons", which at the time unofficially translated to: It's you or Terry.

Still the most expensive English defender in football history, Ferdinand joined Manchester United in 2002 for £29.1 million. He has 81 caps to his name as well as five league titles and one Champions League, yet still got pipped for the Euro 2012 squad by the likes of Joleon Lescott. We await official clarification on the meaning of "footballing reasons".



Jonathan Woodgate



Leeds, Newcastle, Real Madrid and Tottenham... Jonathan Woodgate's CV lists some impressive clubs. And at his peak he commanded a fee of £13.4 million when he made the switch to El Santiago Bernabeu. However, his trophy cabinet is rather less substantial, currently showcasing the odd alice band, a League Cup and - after a catalogue injuries - probably a degree in surgery.

Woodgate won eight caps for England, using his speed and reading of a game to outwit rival attackers. Currently at Middlesbrough, he is one of a select group to play on both Tyneside and Teesside, but his crowning career moment had to be his Madrid debut, when he scored a blinding own goal (with a header) before getting sent off.



Phil Jones



At right-back we have £16.5 million Phil Jones, whose brief career has fluctuated as often as his availability. Signed by Manchester United as a centre-back "in the Nemanja Vidic mould", he suddenly became dubbed "the new Bryan Robson" after a couple of barnstorming runs into opposing penalty areas. Of course, such a knee-jerk reaction overlooked the fact Jones lacks an ability to spray the ball around, and he was perhaps as exposed as anybody in United's shock 2011 Champions League exit to Basel, when he started in midfield.

At his best, Jones is a dogged defender who sticks to his task and provides lung-busting runs forward, and he showed his best side in the first leg of United's recent clash with Real Madrid, when he made a goal-saving block to deny Cristiano Ronaldo. Ruled out of the return leg by injury, he was robbed of the chance to prove he may be "the new Gary Neville".



Gareth Barry



Operating at the base of our diamond in midfield is the rich man's Xabi Alonso (according to Rafael Benitez). Yes it is well known that Benitez wanted to offload Alonso to bring Barry to Liverpool - eventually sparking the end of the Spaniard's career at Anfield. Liverpool have never been the same since.

Instead it was Manchester City who snapped up Barry for a cheeky £12 million, clearly viewing him as a preferable option to the forgettable Ousmane Dabo. To be fair to Barry he's picked up a Premier League crown, an FA Cup and 53 England caps, yet it's difficult to shift that image of him wading through treacle as Germany knocked England out of the 2010 World Cup.



David Bentley



"The next David Beckham", which would have been true had the lesser-known DB had the same talent, work ethic or underwear deal. For a while it did look like David Bentley might be an England star, boasting a lovely set-piece, a cunning cross and an eye for the spectacular. It was enough to convince Spurs to part with over £15 million for his services, which ultimately proved a waste. Bentley, now on loan at Blackburn, won only seven England caps and can count the Vodacom Challenge trophy among his biggest achievements.



Stewart Downing



A Kenny Dalglish panic buy? Stewart Downing was bought by Liverpool for between £16-£20 million and did not contribute an assist or goal in the Premier League in an entire season - as a winger. Bought from Aston Villa where, to be fair, Downing had been one of the stand-out players, he nevertheless always looked overprice compared to Chelsea's capture of Juan Mata the same summer. An impartial observer would have to say that has proved the case since, although Brendan Rodgers has at least found some semblance of form from Downing (nothing ground-breaking). Roy Hodgson's decision not to pick Downing in a squad lacking any left-footed wingers does tell its own story though.



Shaun Wright-Phillips



Completing our diamond is little Shaun Wright-Phillips, the £21 million misjudgement of Jose Mourinho. To be fair to Mourinho and Chelsea, Wright-Phillips had pace to burn, could score from range, beat players for fun and was voted Young Player of the Year four years in succession. However, when you've got stars such as Salomon Kalou in front of you it is difficult to make an impact, and such was his fall from grace that SWP missed out on the 2006 World Cup squad. In fairness, he does have a Premier League title, two FA Cups and one League Cup to his name, but the current QPR man may have expected to win more than the 36 England caps to his name.



Darren Bent



Darren Bent has won 13 caps for England and scored four goals. But given that he has commanded separate fees of £16.5 million and £24 million in his career, you might expect better. The Aston Villa man cannot currently force himself into a team that is struggling just to stay in the Premier League. Having started the season as club skipper, he has been stripped of the honour and parked on the bench. Undoubtedly a prolific goal-poacher, Bent offers little outside of the penalty area and his career appears to be on the nosedive at the age of 29.



Andy Carroll



What to say about Andy Carroll? Since making a £35 million switch to Liverpool he has scored nine league goals in over two years, and three of them weren't for the Reds. Seemingly lacking in the ball control department, it was first claimed that Liverpool didn't play to his strengths despite the fact they threw crosses into the box throughout the time he was there. Now he's on loan at West Ham (Liverpool rating him so lowly that they'd rather lend a £35m asset to another club) and he still can't score despite the Hammers piling in the high balls under Sam Allardyce. A ratio of two goals in nine England games looks unlikely to improve in the near future, and neither does the return Liverpool will get on their investment.


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Gerrard ready for tough test

Captain Steven Gerrard admits England will need to be at their best when they lock horns with Montenegro in Tuesday's World Cup qualifier.

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Montenegro hold a two-point lead over Roy Hodgson's side at the top of Group H ahead of the pivotal clash in Podgorica after both countries triumphed - against San Marino and Moldova respectively - on Friday evening.

Gerrard, who missed England's 2-2 draw in Podgorica 17 months ago through injury, said: "We believe, if we play to our level, we are more than capable of three points and that's what we have come here for.

"We know we've got to play close to our maximum to beat this good team. We know if we play anywhere near our level, we will get the result.

"We are concentrating on what the manager wants of us, to be very good defensively and play attacking football when we get the ball.

"These are the big games you want to play in. These are the atmospheres and stages you want to perform on as a player and a team. We will get a lot of credit if we get the result."

Gerrard insists he will not be making any special speeches in the dressing room before the game.

"Will I say anything before game? Not really," he added. "I just say my piece along with anyone else who wants to speak as well. The manager gives all the players the opportunity to speak.

"I don't think this is a game for talking. All the players realise how important it is and we need to do our talking on the pitch

"I've got a lot of confidence in my team-mates. They've got some wonderful technicians but I've got confidence we are a better team if we play to our ability."

Gerrard also shrugged off the comments of Montenegro coach Branko Brnovic who branded England scared long-ball merchants who think they have already qualified.

"It just shows we've got them exactly where we want them," said the Liverpool midfielder.

"They seem to be more interested in saying things and doing all the talking. But talking doesn't win you football matches.

"I'm not really too interested in what they've got to say in their press conference. Or in ours, to be honest.



"I'm more interested in how the lads play in training and when the first whistle goes."

Gerrard defends fans' right to boo Ferdinand

Steven Gerrard has defended the right of England fans to abuse Rio Ferdinand over his withdrawal from the squad last week.

Ferdinand, who turned down a place in the squad because it would disrupt his special training schedule, was persistently abused by the 2,600 travelling fans at England’s 8-0 win over San Marino.

Gerrard, the England captain, said the supporters had every right to “show their frustrations about Rio not being here”. He added: “They are entitled to their opinion. They’ve spent good money to come over here.

"We all wanted Rio here because he’s a good player and he certainly would have helped us over these two games. But he’s made his decision and we need to respect that.”

Gerrard’s comments came as England manager Roy Hodgson expressed his frustration at repeated speculation over whether players such as Ferdinand and John Terry would be recalled.

Hodgson demanded greater respect be shown to the current England squad and that the calls for the return of the likes of Ferdinand and Terry should now end.



“I think it’s wrong to consistently ask for people to come back,” the England manager stated ahead of the vital World Cup qualifier away to Group H leaders Montenegro.

Ferdinand had told Hodgson that he did not wish to travel with England – under medical orders – but still flew to Qatar to work as a television pundit on the game for Al-Jazeera.

He launched a defence of his actions on the TV station, saying he still felt he had an England future.

Supporters at the Stadio Olimpico made clear their feelings, including a stream of four-letters words in a vocal protest.

Hodgson has endured a fortnight’s circus around Ferdinand’s recall – and then refusal – and also questions as to whether he should now even ask Terry to come out of international retirement.

“Where do we stop? Do we ask for Michael Owen to come out of retirement every time we can’t score a goal? You know, let’s stick to the guys that are playing regularly every week.”

Hodgson added: “Let’s also show some respect for the young (Chris) Smalling and the not so young but well tried and tested Joleon Lescott because Joleon Lescott’s at Manchester City, the champions of England; Chris Smalling plays for Manchester United.

“I’m not exactly putting a couple of guys from non-league football out on the pitch on Tuesday night and I think we should show them a bit more respect – and not constantly compare them maybe.

"We’re talking about John (Terry) and we could maybe be talking about Roy McFarland and Colin Todd. How far back do you want to go?”

Rio Ferdinand has defended his trip to Qatar despite a
 back problem which requires delicate fitness
 management ruling him out of England duty.

Lescott and Smalling will play against Montenegro and Hodgson reiterated that it was “disrespectful” to suggest that England are suffering from a defensive crisis even though he has had to call up the inexperienced pair of the uncapped Steven Taylor and Steven Caulker, with just one cap, to his squad.

In what might be interpreted as a veiled criticism of Ferdinand, Hodgson continued his defence of his squad by declaring that he has been impressed by their commitment to the cause.



“The one thing the England fans can be really certain of is that if we fail it won’t be because they are players who don’t take it seriously or they are players who are more interested in themselves or their clubs,” Hodgson said.

“I know those accusations are bandied about but I can honestly say I’ve seen no example of that.”

Hodgson hopes to include Glen Johnson at right-back against Montenegro with the Liverpool defender having sat out the San Marino game because of a recurrence of the toe infection that hampered him during Euro 2012.

Hodgson revealed that Johnson might have to undergo “an injection” to play and added: “He could have played (v San Marino) but it would have meant an injection and I preferred to maintain his course of treatment we hope it (the toe) gets better in the next couple of says but if it doesn’t he will need an injection.”

Ashley Cole is also set to be recalled at left-back with Gerrard and midfielder James Milner also returning.

Hart: No slip-ups this time

England can take a big step towards qualifying for the World Cup finals in Brazil if they avoid slip-ups and beat Montenegro on Tuesday, says keeper Joe Hart.

Roy Hodgson's men could fall five points behind Montenegro or one point clear at the top depending on whether they win or lose in Podgorica.

England have painful memories of the stadium - 17 months ago Wayne Rooney was sent off and they blew a 2-0 lead in a Euro 2012 qualifier, the hosts forcing a 2-2 draw.

Hart, who was a virtual spectator during Friday night's 8-0 win over minnows San Marino, said: "Tuesday is big, an exciting game for us. We are getting closer to the World Cup finals.

"We've got to perform. Maybe we could be accused of taking our foot off the pedal as we let a 2-0 advantage slip away last time against them when we needed just a point.

"That is not going to be the case this time. We've got a job on our hands in an intimidating arena, but we've definitely got the capabilities.

"We go there with the intention of doing well against a good nation.

"Brazil is a long way off, and I'm not going to get carried away thinking about that, but hopefully with a few wins we can start doing that.

"I treat all games the same. Just because I might have had little to do on Friday, I'm not going to be asleep on Tuesday.

"It's the same build-up, same hype, same adrenalin, whoever you play against."

Midfielder James Milner remembers an intimidating atmosphere in Podgorica, and he says the England players will thrive on that.

He said: "These are the sort of games you enjoy playing in, with the crowd on your back, and when you are getting a lot of stick.

"We will know it well from having been there before. It will be tough. It is never easy qualifying for a major tournament.



"We know Montenegro are a good team and they showed that in their qualifying campaign. But we are thinking positively."

Johnson fit to return

England boss Roy Hodgson has confirmed Glen Johnson will be fit to face Montenegro in their World Cup Group H qualifier on Tuesday.

Johnson was rested as a precaution for the 8-0 drubbing of San Marino on Friday, with Tottenham defender Kyle Walker replacing him at right-back.

But Johnson looks likely to feature in Podgorica, even if he requires a pain-killing injection to help ease a long-standing toe problem that has flared up again.

"In the Euros he had a slight toe problem which we had to look after," said Hodgson. "All of a sudden it has occurred, although not to the same extent.

"There is no doubt he could have played (against San Marino). We could even have had him on the bench.

"But it would have meant an injection and I preferred to continue the treatment so he didn't have to put a boot on.

"We hope it will get better in the next couple of days. If it doesn't it might need an injection but there is no problem.



"It was just a precautionary measure because I felt we had enough players without taking any unnecessary risks."

Gerrard issues warning

Steven Gerrard has urged England to keep their discipline when they face Montenegro in a key World Cup Group H qualifier on Tuesday.

A victory in Podgorica would see Roy Hodgson's side leapfrog their hosts to go top of the table.

But England skipper Gerrard believes Montenegro will try to put pressure on the referee to make "rash" decisions in the hostile atmosphere in the Montenegro capital.

England had striker Wayne Rooney sent off at the same stadium 17 months ago as they surrendered a two-goal lead to draw 2-2, although that proved enough to qualify for Euro 2012, and Gerard is keen to avoid something similar happening again.

"It is important we keep 11 men on the pitch because it is going to be a very difficult game," said the Liverpool midfielder.

"It is going to be a pressure situation and we don't need to give the referee any excuse to send any of us off or any unnecessary yellow cards.

"It is important everyone takes responsibility and stays on the pitch.

"I'm sure everyone knows it before the game but I'm sure the manager (Roy Hodgson) will remind everyone. I'm sure that will be one of the points on the board.

"They will be trying to claim every decision, every foul, and they will be trying to intimidate the ref to make rash decisions.

"I'm sure we will have a good ref in charge who will make sensible decisions but it's important we keep our cool and keep everyone on the pitch."

Confidence is high in the England camp following their 8-0 victory over San Marino on Friday.

But Gerrard has warned of complacency and insists Montenegro will pose a much tougher test.

"Everyone knows you can't compare San Marino to Montenegro. It's the two ends of the scale," he added.

"We know it's going to be a much tougher test on Tuesday, the standard of players we are going to be up against are much better.

"They have got certain individuals in the world class category. We are well aware of the task in hand and know it's a much tougher game.

"I don't know whether crucial is the right word to describe this game but it is certainly a result we need.

"We need to take maximum points from this week to get into the driving seat. There are still a lot of tough and important games to play but we certainly want to make a statement.



"We want to go off in the summer and look at the group being in charge because we don't play for a long time."

Carrick quandary for Hodgson

England boss Roy Hodgson is considering using Michael Carrick as an emergency centre-back in Friday's World Cup qualifier against San Marino.

Hodgson's defensive crisis deepened when Gary Cahill was forced to pull out of the squad through injury, following the withdrawals of Michael Dawson, Phil Jagielka and Rio Ferdinand.

Chris Smalling is in line to start at the Serravalle Stadium on Friday and could be partnered by Joleon Lescott but Hodgson is mindful of Tuesday's clash with group leaders Montenegro.

Lescott was booked in September's fixture against the Ukraine and another caution against San Marino would rule him out of what could prove a pivotal game in Podgorica.

Hodgson floated the idea of Carrick deputising in defence, as he has done for Manchester United on several occasions, before October's 5-0 win over Friday's opponents.

Newcastle's Steven Taylor has been drafted into the squad but is uncapped, while Tottenham's Steven Caulker has so far made just one senior appearance, in November's 4-2 friendly defeat to Sweden.



England can reclaim top spot in Group H if they win both matches.

Sterling set for England U21s

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers insists he is happy for Raheem Sterling to take part in this summer's U21 European Championship.

Rodgers has been careful to manage the development of the 18-year-old and has played him in the club's U21 side despite Sterling breaking into the first team this season.

Sterling has already played for Roy Hodgson's senior side, making his England debut in the 4-2 friendly defeat to Sweden in November.

But he could well represent Stuart Pearce's side in this summer's U21s tournament in Israel, where England will face the host nation in the group stages, as well as Italy and Norway.

"I spoke to Stuart Pearce because we have a number of England U21 boys here and I don't think it would do Raheem any harm," Rodgers told the Daily Mail.

"He's had a good season and going to a tournament like that, if selected, will be good for his experience."

As far as Sterling's club football is concerned, Rodgers has confirmed he is considering playing the winger against Chelsea in the FA Youth Cup semi-finals.

"Micah Richards played in the Youth Cup when he was in the Manchester City side in the semi-finals so we will see," added Rodgers.



"I don't know a player around his age who is playing regularly at this level.

"We just have to ensure that as a club, we don't make any mistakes with his development."

Taylor 'unknown' to Capello

Steven Taylor has expressed his delight at earning a call-up to the England squad after revealing that former boss Fabio Capello did not know what position he played.

The Newcastle United defender was added to Roy Hodgson's group on Tuesday after Gary Cahill was ruled out of Friday's World Cup qualifier against San Marino due to injury.

Taylor now has a chance to make his international debut, having been an unused substitute the only previous time he was included in an England squad - for a friendly under Steve McClaren in 2007.

He had hoped to gain recognition last season, before discovering that his performances had made very little impression on Capello.

"Last season Fabio Capello didn't come to watch Newcastle even when we had the best defensive record up to Christmas," Taylor explained.

"The gaffer, Alan Pardew, saw Capello at an event and told him: 'You should come and see Taylor.' Capello said: 'I'm all right for midfielders'.

"That did a lot for my confidence. It was almost back to the feeling I had when we got relegated.

"It killed me when we went down. Capello said he wasn't going to pick anybody in the Championship."

Taylor is thrilled that his hard work has paid off and he is determined to seize his opportunity if given the chance to impress.

He said: "It seems like a long time ago but I was called up in 2007 for a game against Germany and although I didn't get on the pitch, it was incredible just being around the England squad.



"I would run through brick walls to play for my country. It would be the proudest moment in my career and if it comes, I would be absolutely delighted, over the moon, call it what you want. You cannot get any higher than playing for your country."

Beckham begins Beijing role

David Beckham has arrived in Beijing to begin his role as China's first global football ambassador.

The former England captain, who will combine the job with playing for Paris Saint Germain, was met by a media scrum and thousands of fans at the start of his four-day visit.

Beckham will attend league matches in China and visit schools to promote the game at grassroots level.

The 37-year-old said earlier this month that he was "excited by the prospect of promoting the world's greatest game to Chinese sports fans".

Chinese football is working to recover from a match-fixing scandal that has seen several top officials, players and referees jailed or banned.

Television viewing figures for foreign leagues far outnumber those for the tarnished domestic league, while the national side failed to qualify for next year's World Cup.

Cahill ruled out of San Marino

Chelsea defender Gary Cahill has been ruled out of England's FIFA World Cup qualifier in San Marino on Friday due to injury.

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Cahill hurt his knee in Chelsea's 2-0 victory over West Ham United on Sunday, but although he is set to miss Friday's game, he will be reassessed ahead of the important encounter with Montenegro next week.



Newcastle United centre-back Steven Taylor has been called up to take Cahill's place. Cahill's withdrawal gives England manager Roy Hodgson further problems in central defence.



Tottenham Hotspur defender Michael Dawson and Manchester United's Rio Ferdinand have already pulled out of the squad, with Manchester City's Joleon Lescott and Steven Caulker of Spurs drafted in as replacements.



Everton's Phil Jagielka is also unavailable due to injury.

Owen announces retirement

Former England striker Michael Owen has announced he will retire from football at the end of the season.

































The 33-year-old who began his career at Liverpool before spells at Real Madrid, Newcastle United, Manchester United and current club Stoke City, announced the decision on his website.

A statement on the site read: "It is with an immense amount of pride that I am announcing my intention to retire from Professional Football at the end of this season.

"Having progressed through the ranks at Liverpool to make my first team debut at 17, before embarking upon spells at Real Madrid, Newcastle United, Manchester United and Stoke City, not to mention representing my country on 89 occasions, I now feel it is the right time to bring the curtain down on my career.

"I have been very fortunate in that my career has taken me on a journey that like many young players starting out, I could only have dreamt of.

"None of this would have been possible without the tremendous support I have received from managers, coaches, fellow players, back room staff, the supporters and my own personal sponsors. I would like to thank each and every one for the huge role they have played in helping me reach the top of my profession.

"Most of all though, I would like to thank my family. To my beautiful wife Louise, for her continued love and support through the many ups and downs in my career and for affording me the most precious gift of all, our children.

"To my Mum who has always taken the brunt of my frustrations yet continues to keep our family so tight-knit, a trait that has formed the foundations of my own success. Her dedication to me and my brothers and sisters is immeasurable. I'd like to thank Terry, Andy, Karen and Lesley for being so understanding and creating the perfect environment to grow up in.

"Last but not least, my Dad. We did it my old mate! From those freezing local parks to terrorising the best defenders in the World on the biggest stages of all. I couldn't have done it without you".

Owen, whose father Terry played for Everton, joined Liverpool at the age of 12 and broke club and international scoring records throughout his youth career.

Owen score the winner in a heart-stopping 4-3 win over neighbours City in September 2009.

He continued his prolific strike rate when he broke into the first team picture at Anfield aged 17, scoring on his debut against Wimbledon in May 1997 and then winning the Premier League Golden Boot the following season after rattling in 18 goals.

The teenager burst onto the international scene at the 1998 World Cup when he slalomed through the Argentina defence to score England's second goal of a memorable quarter final defeat.

Although he began to be plagued by the hamstring injuries that would blight his career, he went on to be named the FIFA World Player of the Year in 2001 after helping Liverpool lift a unique treble of UEFA Cup, FA Cup and League Cup.

2001 was also the year of Owen's finest hour in an England shirt as his hat-trick in Munich inspired a landmark 5-1 win over Germany.

After scoring 118 goals in 216 games, Owen elected to leave Liverpool in August 2004, joining Real Madrid in an £8m move but he failed to nail down a first team place at the Bernabeu despite continuing to score whenever he was selected.

Newcastle brought Owen back to the Premier League a year later for a fee reported to be around £15m but injuries plagued his four years at St James' Park and he managed just 71 appearances, scoring 26 goals.

Old Trafford was Owen's next destination as he joined Manchester United on a free transfer and famously came off the bench to score the winner in a heart-stopping 4-3 win over neighbours City in September 2009.







Owen spent three years at United, scoring 17 goals in 52 games before moving to Stoke City at the start of the current season where to date he has scored one goal in seven appearances.

Ferdinand withdrawn from England squad

Rio Ferdinand has been forced to withdraw from England's forthcoming fixtures with San Marino and Montenegro.

Hodgson confirmed in a Football Association statement that he had a face-to-face meeting yesterday with Ferdinand in which the defender said he still wanted to continue playing for England.



Hodgson said: "I'm disappointed Rio will not be available, but due to the detailed pre-planned training and medical programme he must follow it's not possible.



"However, I was pleased that Rio called and asked to meet with me. It was important to hear from him personally about the way he must manage his body between games.



"This is not to say he cannot play back-to-back games – he can and has proven so. He's out this time due to particular pre-planned details already in place for his programme.



"I must place on record how I was impressed with his commitment to playing for England and I look forward to hopefully selecting him for squads in the future."



Ferdinand said: "It was important for me to be able to speak with Roy face to face and explain the situation, and one thing I made clear was that my passion and commitment to represent my country is as strong as ever.



"It is disappointing that I won't be able to play a part in the upcoming games but I told Roy that I want to continue to be available for England and I look forward to working with him in the future."

Ferdinand out of England squad for football training reasons.

The internationals were supposed to be Ferdinand's first games for the national side under Roy Hodgson and his first for England since June 2011.



Steven Caulker, who was originally named in Stuart Pearce's Under-21 squad, will now join the seniors.

Neville: Coaching not for me

Gary Neville has revealed he never had any plans to go into coaching with England so soon after retiring from playing.

The former Manchester United player, his country's most-capped full-back with 85 appearances, is part of manager Roy Hodgson's coaching team.

Neville, who combines his role with England with that as a Sky Sports match analyst, had a distinguished playing career after replacing Paul Parker as first-choice full-back for Manchester United and England.

He went on to win eight Premier League titles, three FA Cups, one League Cup and two Champions Leagues at club level and made his England debut against Japan in the 'Umbro Cup' at Wembley in June 1995.

Neville's 85th and final international came against Spain in February 2007 after playing in five major tournaments, only missing the 2002 World Cup through injury, and making 11 appearances in European Championship finals.

The 38-year-old holds UEFA A and B Coaching Licences and was appointed by Hodgson to the staff in May last year, signing a four-year contract with The FA.

"It was no plan of mine to go into coaching," he said in an interview with the Daily Telegraph. "I was quite comfortable that I had stepped out of football and I didn't want to rush things - while not dismissing the fact that I did want to go back in eventually."

He admitted, though, the chance to be involved with England was what persuaded him to reassess in May last year.

"It's England, I loved playing for England, I love my country," he added. "Roy is a fantastic coach and when I watch him take a session he believes wholly in the ethic of coaching.



"He takes nearly all the sessions and I'm there to help and support the manager."

Beckham: I’d love to play for England again

David Beckham road show is moving on but do not think for a minute it is winding down.



After six seasons in the States, Becks plays his final game for the LA Galaxy in the MLS Cup Final against Houston Dynamo tomorrow.

But ask him, at the ripe old age of 37, if he’s thinking of retirement the answer is an unequivocal “No”. Becks has not even called time on his England career.

Clubs in mainland Europe, China, Australia, Brazil and England would still love to sign Becks. However, he appears to rule out a return to the Premier League with QPR or West Ham.

Faded glamour team Monaco have now jumped to the head of the queue as favourites even though they are currently in the second tier of French football.

They are top of the table and backed by a Russian billionaire and you would have to say a stint on the French Riviera sounds very in-keeping with “Brand Beckham”.

It would be particularly appealing to Becks’ wife Victoria and her fashion projects.

Meanwhile, Beckham is also in talks about finalising his dream of becoming an owner of an MLS franchise.

The result of that will, he revealed, be announced ‘soon’.

Becks said: “Retirement hasn’t even come into my head yet, to be honest.

“I feel great, physically good. I’ve scored seven goals, had nine assists and played in the majority of games and physically I do feel I can play on “I’m happy I’ve played in America for six years but now is the time to go and do something different.

“Everyone knows I’ve always enjoyed a challenge in my career and done pretty well with them.

“I feel I’ve got another one in me. “I’ve been discussing a franchise with my manager for the last six months.

“I’m in talks, I can’t say who with, but it’s an exciting project.

“I’m going to enjoy being an owner, It will be announced pretty soon we are going over small details.”

Beckham made the last of his 115 England appearances against Belarus at Wembley three years ago and accepts it is unlikely he will wear the white shirt again.

But he turned down the offer of a farewell cap from then England boss Fabio Capello and refuses to write of his international career completely — despite new manager Roy Hodgson building a future with younger players.

Beckham said: “I’ve not played for my country for quite a few years now.

“Would I like to? Of course. That’s why I’ve never come out and said I’ve retired from England because if there was any chance at any point that there was hardly any players fit then of course I would love to be playing for my country. Will it happen? I doubt it but you never know.”

The MLS invested around £22million in taking Becks to the MLS and the general consensus is that it has been money well spent.

Beckham’s aim was to increase awareness of the MLS and to be successful on the field — and he believes both have been achieved.

This is his third MLS Cup Final and Galaxy are aiming to retain the trophy at their very own Home Depot Center tomorrow.

He added: “On the field has been most important because I want to win trophies and championships.

“Off the field has become important because I want to leave a lasting legacy — and a league that’s in a great position to push forward to challenge to be one of the big leagues.

“I’m happy with what I’ve done getting to three finals in six years, winning one and hopefully winning another one.

“I’ve seen six new stadiums built, there are six new teams, and attendances have been in the top three in US sports “Also Thierry Henry, Robbie Keane and Tim Cahill coming over is great for the game.

“The biggest thing is that people are talking about it in Europe now. Going back to England they talk about the Galaxy and the New York Red Bulls and Seattle.”

Beckham insists the move was not about money even if there are those who refuse to believe him.

He asked: “Do people still question my motives?” he asked.

“My career has never been about the money. Wherever I’ve gone in my career I played the sport because I love it. It was never about the money and never will be.

“I’m excited to be in another final. The emotions will come out and the realisation it’s my last game for the Galaxy.

“But to be in a final at our own stadium in front of our own fans is kind of a nice way to go out.”




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Gerrard - I am a six out of 10

Steven Gerrard has accepted his international career could have been better.

The Liverpool captain will become only the sixth Three Lion to reach 100 caps when facing Sweden on Wednesday night, following in the footsteps of Peter Shilton, David Beckham,Bobby Moore, Sir Bobby Charlton and Billy Wright.



The third and fourth names on that list stand out immediately as true icons of the English game, the man who captained their only World Cup-winning team and its best player.



So often lauded as one of the best of his own generation, it is that standard Gerrard judges himself by.



100 for Gerrard

And, in comparison, the 32-year-old does not believe his own achievements stand up to much scrutiny, as he said: "If they are a 10 I would rate myself as a six or seven.



"(Moore and Charlton) will always be heroes of mine and heroes of English football.



"In football, hero and legend status get given out far too easily. As far as playing for England goes, there are maybe 14 or 15 heroes. The rest haven't really delivered."



It is hard to escape the view that Gerrard's time has coincided with one of international disappointments.



The assessment is not one he disagrees with, particularly when he looks back to the period between his debut in 2000 and Euro 2004.



At the time, Sven Goran Eriksson seemed to have presided over a decent period, reaching three quarter-finals in a row for the first time but Gerrard knows it should have been better.



"I don't really like talking about the 'golden generation' but, front to back, that was a really strong team," he said. "I totally agree that group of players underachieved at big tournaments."



Now Gerrard's aim will be to ensure the next generation, the likes of Arsenal's Jack Wilshere and Crystal Palace's Wilfried Zaha, are given the best possible help at the start of their England careers.



"I don't want any of these young lads to fear me," he said. "I'm approachable. The first thing I do when someone is new into the group is speak to them because I know how intimidating this set-up can be, especially for Wilfried.



"He has come from the Championship and is not playing against these players every week, so doesn't get a chance to speak to them. I told him if he needs anything, I am here."

Sterling and Osman will start

Roy Hodgson will create a new landmark when he thrusts Leon Osman and Raheem Sterling into the England fray against Sweden in Stockholm on Wednesday evening.

Osman, at 31 years and 181 days and Sterling, at just 17 years and 342 will create the biggest age gap between Three Lions debutants since World War II.

With Tottenham's Steven Caulker included in Hodgson's starting XI as well, his first international appearance since being embroiled in the atrocious scenes after the U21 clash in Serbia, suddenly a late autumn trip to Sweden has taken on greater importance.

"Steven Caulker and Raheem have been playing regularly for the Under-21s and have made that transition," said Hodgson, who has taken the unusual step of naming his starting XI. "Leon Osman is the odd one out. He has been performing regularly and well for Everton but has been passed over.

"I thought it was time to give him a chance because he has been one of the unsung heroes of a very good football club and a very good football team. He is a very energetic player. And the fact he is 31 surprises me because he plays like a much younger man.

"Let's hope that continues and I won't have to worry about his birth certificate."

If Osman is getting due recognition for his selfless contribution to the Everton cause, it is the man who hails from the other side of Stanley Park who will get all the attention, as Sterling will become England's fifth youngest international.

"In some of the Liverpool games I have seen, he has pretty much been the star player," said Hodgson, who first noticed Sterling properly when he was at Anfield and blooded the youngster in a pre-season match against Borussia Monchengladbach, at which point he was only 15.

"He is extremely dangerous with his ability to run with the ball, his pace and directness. He has even scored one or two important goals. If he can do it on a regular basis for Liverpool in the Premier League I have every right to think he can do it playing for England as well."



England team to play Sweden: Hart (Manchester City), Johnson (Liverpool), Cahill (Chelsea), Caulker (Tottenham), Baines (Everton), Gerrard (Liverpool), Cleverley (Manchester United), Osman (Everton), Sterling (Liverpool), Welbeck (Manchester United), Young (Manchester United).

Jenkinson commits to England

The Football Association will apply to FIFA for clearance to pick Carl Jenkinson in the England squad for next month's friendly with Sweden.



Jenkinson trained with the Three Lions on Sunday prior to their departure for tonight's World Cup qualifier with Poland.



However, having represented Finland at Under-21 level, there is some red tape that needs sorting before Jenkinson can commit his future to England.



That is what he wants to do though, and boss Roy Hodgson is keen to see the process completed quickly.



"He made it very clear he wanted to play for England," said Hodgson.



"We are now making overtures to FIFA to try and make certain we can have him as an England player."



The 20-year-old will still have the option of playing for either nation until he plays a competitive match.



But Hodgson insists he would not select anyone just to stop him from appearing for someone else.



"I don't want to trick him into playing for England for a few minutes just to 'block' him," said Hodgson.



"But he had to make a decision because we're very interested in him even if the competition is tougher to get him into the England team rather than the Finland team."



When he is eventually introduced, Jenkinson will be part of an England squad that is slowly changing shape under Hodgson's guidance.



Of their 23-man squad for the 2010 World Cup, only nine are in the present group.



Jack Wilshere, Phil Jones and Chris Smalling to name but three will be live candidates for future squads once they are clear from injury.



It is a far healthier situation than anyone could have imagined following that depressing last-16 hammering by Germany in Bloemfontein, when the future looked so bleak.



And one of the 'new boys' is Jenkinson's Arsenal team-mate Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, who after being a surprise choice for Euro 2012, is now in the England squad on merit.



"Alex is a player with enormous potential and ability," said Hodgson.



"He came in as the joker in the pack and he's certainly cemented his position.



"Like a lot of our young players, he has to fight so hard to get into his club team but we're more than happy with him.



"He has to take every chance he gets with England because, internationally, there aren't that many games in a year."