Germany manager Joachim Low believes England have improved under Roy Hodgson and are a far better side than they were during the 2010 World Cup.

The Germans thumped England during the knock out stages in South Africa and the two nations could face-off again in the semi finals this week, if the Three Lions can overcome Italy in Kiev tonight.

Low feels England are much tougher nut to crack now and would fully expect a far tougher game:

“Roy in a short time, and he is known for this, has really built a good, compact team and got them ready. They are not so open any more, they are not as divided as they were in 2010 and they really play well as a team. Roy has managed to organise this team very well and they are tactically better than in 2010.”

Italy stand in England’s way tonight in what promises to be the most cagey game in Euro 2012 so far.

Elsewhere in the news today Glen Johnson hails the decision of Roy Hodgson to appoint Steven Gerrard as captain; Andre Villas-Boas distances himself from England job, while Ferdinand talks about the previous divisions within the national setup.

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Headlines

Rio Ferdinand has hailed the collective spirit of the England squad and suggests it was a far cry from the divisions that used to exist – [Daily Mail]

Andre Villas-Boas has distanced himself from the Tottenham and claims talk of him taking the job is simply ‘lies’ – [Sky Sports]

Glen Johnson has hailed the appointment of Steven Gerrard as England captain and believes it has improved him as a player – [Guardian]

Glasgow Rangers new owner has told the players they will face legal action if they try and force a move from the club – [Guardian]

Gary Neville has warned the England players not to provoke Mario Balotelli, ahead of tonight’s quarter final against Italy – [Guardian]

Porto have revealed talk of Hulk leaving are just rumours and no formal bids have been made – [Independent]

Fabio Capello is furious at the suggestion that he has been on a spying mission and is passing on his knowledge of the England squad to the Italian coaches – [Daily Mail]

Gareth Bale is set to pledge his future to Tottenham, despite the club’s failure to secure Champions League football last season – [Mirror]

Nani has been assured that talks over a new contract at Manchester United will resume after the Euros – [Mirror]

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Olivier Giroud will have an Arsenal medical in the next 48hrs ahead of signing a five-year Arsenal deal this week – [Sun]

Spurs have made a shock move to sign Liverpool midfield target Gylfi Sigurdsson – [Daily Express]

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PLEASE NOTE – click on the sources to unveil the original articles

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After months of undying speculation, it appears as if the Nottingham Forest takeover saga, may be coming to an end.

Fawaz Al-Hasawi, Abdulazis and Omar Al-Hasawi are the individuals ready to take full control of the club. Varying dates have been set for the final completion, from many differing reports.

So many questions, so little time. How wealthy are they? Why choose Forest? What are their plans?

If Fawaz Al-Hasawi thinks he’s being bombarded with tweets at the moment, he’s got a shock ahead.

One of the main questions being asked now, is whether Steve Cotterill will remain as manager, with bundles of money allegedly available. With a reputation of carrying clubs when they’re at their worst, this current season could prove a vital one, if he were to remain in charge, to prove whether he can handle pressure when supporters are looking to be in the top half.

He’s accustomed to talking about winning at all costs, regardless of how. If hoofball was even a small option, it should be explored.

Can the man known as a Firefighter become the Cruise Line entertainer? But this time, he’d be on a perfectly stable ship, with the impetus on playing good football, and winning in style.

Currently many fans have him down as the clown at the circus – something he would have to amend, and fast. Money brings expectation, and after the poor start of last season, the Forest contingent are aware of the impact a stuttering start can have. If he didn’t start well, pressure would mount, and it could lead to an early chop.

The majority of the Forest faithful, it seems, believe with a new owner, must come a new manager, and who could blame them?

Whatever new owners may state, Steve Cotterill is not their man. This factor will always be rumbling on, in the background, as much as it would probably be denied. Cotterill would have money available, allowing him to build his own squad,  costing millions if Forest got off to a terrible start.

Another manager would have to arrive, wanting to build his own squad. Millions wasted, and Forest already making themselves a laughing stock.

Exciting times seem to be upon us at the City Ground, but with many fans remaining stubborn, and reluctant to purchase a season ticket with Cotterill in charge, it may be a wise decision, for the financial benefits, and additionally, the footballing benefits, if the current Forest manager were to be relieved of his duties.

Nottingham Forest don’t have time to be handing managers opportunities because they would feel sorry for him otherwise. Ruthlessness is the name of the game, and the new owners need to show it immediately.

Going to the City Ground last season, to some, became a chore. Uninspiring football, and patience-testing excuses, from Steve Cotterill. A fresh change would give these customers a new lease of life, and gradually, week by week, the love being pumped back into Forest by the fans, would become visible.

The younger generation of fans have never seen Forest achieve. Watching them week after week, year after year, either losing out in the playoffs, or escaping relegation, they’ve been on a rollercoaster ride that fans of other clubs could only dream about.

The older generation have had that taste of success, and they want it again.

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They’ve been waiting a long time for the giant they once knew, to awake from their coma.

Now could be that time. Strap yourselves in, because it’s sure to be a very bumpy ride.

@will_forest to get in touch via Twitter

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Manchester United defender Nemanja Vidic has spoken of his delight at being back playing after featuring for the Old Trafford club against Valerenga in Norway.

The Serbian centre-half missed the bulk of last season after rupturing his cruciate ligaments, but played in the side’s goalless draw on Sunday.

Vidic admitted that he will need to work on his fitness but is glad to be back to action.

“I felt well,” he told MUTV.

“After eight months without a game it’s obvious that you have to get used to your positioning, and still fitness-wise it’s not as hopefully it will be in a few weeks, but I’m pleased. My knee felt well, I felt well and hopefully the next game will be better.

“It was frustrating, but obviously I knew I would be out for six months. I tried to make the best of it, to work hard and when I come back to be the same as I was before the injury.

“This was my target and we’ll see how good a job I did in that six months. It’s hard, but it’s part of the football career.

“Any sportsman has the risk of injuries and hopefully this is the past and better days are coming for me,” he concluded.

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By Gareth McKnight

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Everton scored twice in stoppage time help Everton to a dramatic victory over Tottenham at Goodison Park to snatch fourth place in the Premier League.

The Toffees had stuttered of late, drawing three games on the trot after losing at Reading last month, but returned to winning ways on home turf to keep their Champions League dreams alive.

David Moyes was tipped as the favourite to take over at Spurs in the summer before Andre Villas-Boas stepped in and the Portuguese coach will be left cursing his luck after his side threw away their slender lead so late in the game.

Leon Osman saw a shot blocked early on as the hosts started with a vim and vigour missing from their recent performances and only some last ditch defending and excellent goalkeeping from Hugo Lloris stopped them from taking the lead.

The French shot stopper did well to thwart Nikicia Jelavic in the penalty area before Seamus Coleman flashed an effort wide as the first half somehow ended without either defence being breached.

Steven Naismith came on at the break for Everton and almost broke the deadlock straight away, side footing wide after Leighton Baines’ free kick rebounded off the wall.

Their profligacy in front of goal was eventually punished 15 minutes from time when Clint Dempsey’s long range strike clipped off Sylvain Distin and beat Tim Howard.

Substitute Gylfi Sigurdsson then went close to sealing all three points for the visitors only to see his fierce strike come back off the crossbar and from that the home side dug deep to force the equaliser their performance deserved.

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It was Steven Pienaar, a former Spurs player, who did the damage thundering a header past Lloris in the 90th minute from Seamus Coleman’s cross.

And just over a minute late the turnaround was complete as Jelavic swept home the winner after Apostolos Vellios’ overhead kick fell into his path eight yards out to bring Moyes roaring out of the dugout in celebration.

James Collins is ready to make a big impact at West Ham, after joining from Aston Villa for his second spell at the club.

Collins made his debut against his former employers in the 1-0 victory at Upton Park and was delighted with his own performance, nullifying the threat of Darren Bent.

Kevin Nolan scored the decisive goal five minutes before half-time to give the Hammers a perfect start to life back in the top-flight, but confusion unfolded as the linesman raised his flag, only for referee Mike Dean to overrule the decision as the resulting flick- on came from Villa’s Ciaran Clark.

Collins told the London Evening Standard: “It did help knowing Darren so well and the way he plays. I knew that he wouldn’t take the ball much in front but that he is such a threat over the top so we tried to stop that happening and seeing he had only one shot on goal, I suppose it worked.”

The Welsh international faces stiff competition in the centre-back position, with James Tomkins eager to re-claim his place in the side after being ousted by Collins.

Collins added: “I watched Winston (Reid) and James Tomkins last season and saw how well they played in the Championship. Obviously James was disappointed not to be in the starting line-up against Villa but the three points are all-important.”

Collins re-joined the Hammers for a fee of £2.5 million last month- a shrewd piece of business by Sam Allardyce at a club whose spending is restricted by the £10 million still owed to Sheffield United over the Carlos Tevez saga.

Bu the East Londoners’ business in the transfer market appears to be far from over, as Razak Boukari is on the verge of a move to Upton Park from French side, Rennes.

The Hammers’ interest in the Togolese international means a move for Wolves’ midfielder, Matthew Jarvis appears to be unlikely.

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The Championship side are reportedly holding out for £10 million, while West Ham are only prepared to bid as high as £9 million.

Rickie Lambert hopes if he continues to score goals he will get opportunities to play for his country.

At times in Southampton’s 3-2 loss to Manchester United Lambert bullied Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic. The 30 year old has also scored against the two top Premier League clubs already this season.

The frontman who has served a long apprenticeship in the Football League before grasping the opportunity to play in England’s top division, is refusing to be disheartened by England’s decision not to replace injured striker Andy Carroll.

Last season’s Championship top-scorer discussed his chances with The Daily Mail, “Maybe not right now but hopefully in the future.

“That’s my dream. That’s everyone’s dream. It’s a serious ambition. I just want to improve every single day at this club.”

The target-man in a similar fashion to former strike-partner at Rochdale, Grant Holt has worked his way to this opportunity establishing himself at Macclesfield, Rochdale, Stockport County and Rochdale, before Southampton gave him the launching to play at the top level.

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Lambert added, “I’ve always believed in myself it’s not a different game. You still try and score in the same goals and you still play with a round ball it’s not too much different.”

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Leighton Baines has admitted to being surprised at the lack of interest Manchester United showed in signing him.

Early in the transfer window lots of speculation linked the 27 year old with a move to Old Trafford but Sir Alex Ferguson opted for Alexander Buttner instead.

Buttner signed from Vitesse and appears to have been signed as back up to Patrice Evra, who will remain United’s first choice at left back, despite a sloppy start to this season, and sub-par performance last year.

Baines told The Metro, “People were asking me and yet I didn’t know anything. It was getting mentioned that often that I was getting puzzled by it and yet I heard nothing.”

The England international stated he is content at Everton, but wants to play Champions League football and would be unlikely to turn down a move to United.

“I’ve never been one to rock the boat. I appreciate the position I’m in life and I love what I do. At the same time you do have to have ambition because it doesn’t last long and before you know it’s over.

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“The main thing in football at club level is the Champions League which is always going to be an aim and if you can do that it strengthens your chances at International level as well.”

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Martin O’Neill may allow first team members to represent Sunderland Under 21s in their derby clash at the Sports Direct Arena.

David Vaughan has already represented Kevin Ball’s side in his quest to re-find fitness following a hernia problem, while Connor Wickham and Ji Dong Won may also be made available by the Ulsterman. Both strikers have dropped down the pecking order at the Stadium of Light, with the arrivals of Steven Fletcher and Louis Saha, meaning neither have seen first team action, yet.

Vaughan is eligible for the team as one of three overage players while Wickham and Dong Won are still young enough to play. O’Neill told The Sunderland Echo, “I was pleased to see David get 45 minutes under his belt for his country – for the moment he needs as many minutes on the pitch as he can get.

“He’ll come into contention for the reserves games but were continuing to monitor him and make a decision on the day.”

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Sunderland triumphed over their bitter rivals at under 18 level this weekend and would welcome the increase in quality to their under 21 side.

Tottenham have the opportunity to extend their 8-game unbeaten run when stuttering Aston Villa travel to White Hart Lane on Sunday.

Andre Villas-Boas has been doing his utmost to silence his critics, and last weekend enjoyed arguably his finest moment in English football so far, as his side picked up a win over Manchester United at Old Trafford – the club’s first since 1989.

AVB fielded a strong team for the midweek draw with Panathanikos, but changes are set to be made for Sunday’s clash.

Villa have been the model of inconsistency this season, drawing 1-1 with West Brom last time out having beaten Manchester City 4-2 at the Etihad the game before.

Emmanuel Adebayor has recovered from a hamstring problem and will challenge the in form Jermain Defoe for the lone striker role.

Brad Friedel is expected to start in goal once again, despite France captain Hugo Lloris producing another good performance in Europe on Thursday.

Benoit Assou-Ekotto, Younes Kaboul, Jake Livermore, Kyle Naughton and Scott Parker are all out injured.

Aston Villa remain without Stephen Ireland and Richard Dunne through injury, but Lambert’s biggest decision will come in attack.

The Scot must decide whether to start Darren Bent against his former club, after the striker came off the bench to rescue a point against West Brom last time out.

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He was reportedly unhappy at being left out of the starting line up, and is desperate to feature against his former employers.

Prediction: Tottenham 3-1 Aston Villa

The world of football transfers can be fascinating. For an extended period of the year, fans dedicate multiple hours each day trawling the internet or waiting for that yellow banner on Sky Sports News, in an attempt to discover just who their club are in negotiations to sign.

Many moves down the years have collapsed, frustrating managers, supporters and players, and while some of these issues ultimately benefit all those involved, there are a fair few cases of the ‘one that got away’. Whether it be wage demands, stubborn chairmen or a sudden sense of realisation, a number of promising moves have broken down, which would surely have changed the landscape of British football as we know it

This list looks at 15 transfers that never quite came to fruition for various reasons.

Click on Kaka below to get the ball rolling

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