Breaking World Cup News

The news of a David Beckham injury has spread across Europe like wildfire, and there is a real level of shock in the England camp. The injury to David Beckham will almost certainly rule him out of the World Cup Finals in South Africa in 2010, which will not only be a blow for the England team, but also to the man who was planning his England farewell on the pitch in Africa.

David Beckham injury

The 34-year-old AC Milan midfielder picked up the injury in a game against Chievo in front of his home fans at the San Siro stadium in Milan. Nobody seemed to interfere with him, and there was no dangerous tackle. He merely pulled up while trying to make a pass, and within two minutes he was in tears as the Milan medical staff attempted to work on it.

As soon as he felt the injury to his ankle, Beckham made a gesture towards the trainers and physios on his bench, while mouthing the words ‘It’s broken. It’s broken’. The heartbreak and agony on his face was clear for all to see – and it is a testament to what the World Cup meant to him that thoughts in his mind immediately seemed to turn to his future.

Leonardo, the Milan coach, expressed his sorrow for Beckham: “When I think of his personal history, everything I know about him, how hard he works, I just feel so bad for him. Tonight was a very important win for us, but David’s injury definitely puts a downer on the evening.”

David Beckham will now fly to Finland for treatment on his ankle, by Dr Sakari Orava, one of the world’s foremost specialists in Achilles tendon surgery. It is thought that Beckham may be ruled out for up to 8 months – which could also theoretically end his career.

Will he make a quick return, or is this the end for one of England’s most famous footballing talents?Let us know what you think about the Beckham injury.

Didier Drogba has been named African Footballer of the year at a CAF (African Football Federation) ceremony in Accra, Ghana. Drogba earned the title of African Footballer of the Year after showing superb form throughout the season.

Didier Drogba named African Footballer of the Year

The Ivory Coast qualified for the World Cup, and during that campaign Drogba notched up five goals. He’ll be looking to add to his international tally in South Africa this summer. Didier’s domestic form for Chelsea has also been fantastic, including a goal in the FA Cup final last year.

This year he has continued in the same form, with 25 goals already for the West London club.

It was the second time that Drogba has picked up the award, having the honour in 2006 as well. Although he was unable to attend the awards ceremony, the dignitaries on hand gave Drogba a firm ovation.

Talking about his current career, Drogba remains optimistic and positive about his future. “I still have the same passion for the game,” he said. “I still feel hungry and I am still chasing medals.”

What’s your take on the award? Let us know if you think Didier Drogba deserves to be named African Footballer of the Year, or if someone else should have got the award.

The latest gossip from the England South Africa World Cup training camp is that Owen Hargreaves could find his way into the final squad this summer. Although the naming of the England squad for the South African World Cup is still weeks away, rumours are swirling that the long haired midfielder may get his spot back in the squad – and the same people who are spreading this rumour are saying that he may be the missing link in England’s central issues.

Owen Hargreaves at the South Africa World Cup?

Hargreaves actually stands little chance of playing for Manchester United again this season, but his role in the centre of midfield and the passing and defensive ability that he can bring to the team may be crucial if England are going to be a factor in the World Cup Finals this summer.

Even though England almost went through the World Cup qualification unbeaten, winning nine of a possible ten matches, many commentators still question whether they can compete with the world’s best teams. Frank Lampard and Gareth Barry, both of whom seem to be firmly in Fabio Capello’s plans for the South Africa World Cup, are not ideally suited for protecting the back four – which is something that someone will need to have firmly on their to-do list.

We’ll keep monitoring the situation, and we hope that fans do get to see Owen Hargreaves at the South Africa World Cup.

Even though John Terry has been through more in the past few weeks than most players would in their entire careers, the Chelsea captain is confident that his form has continued at the high standard that he always sets for himself.

The former England captain has had many doubters and detractors, especially in the light of his various issues and problems with former team mate Wayne Bridge and the ‘affairgate’ scandal. People have questioned not only his integrity, but his form as well.

Terry sees it differently, and is confident that his playing time has been just fine. The match against Egypt was a turning point for Terry and the England team – to see how they would react to him as a player. He said: “I played well against Egypt. It was important for me to come through with a good performance. I think I did carry on as a leader.”

Terry is hoping that the positivity that he feels inside himself will come through on the pitch and influence the small section of fans who have been booing him to stop and take a second look at their own actions. Once that is achieved, Terry feels like the team and the fans can move on to the World Cup together and have every chance to win it.