Tag Archives: choices

Neymar misses penalty for Brazil, then says he"s open to Europe move

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Still want him Neymar admits Europe interest… but everyone's talking about his penalty miss

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UPDATED:

11:32 GMT, 15 November 2012

Brazilian superstar Neymar has thrown the door open to a move to Europe… but maybe no-one's listening after proving on Wednesday night that be might just be human after all.

The Santos forward, often touted as the planet's best young player, was on penalty duty for his national team in their friendly with Colombia, and was handed the opportunity from the spot with a little over 10 minutes remaining, and the scores level.

Scroll down to see video of Neymar's astonishing miss

Sky high: Neymar's penalty in Brazil's draw with Colombia went miles over

Sky high: Neymar's penalty in Brazil's draw with Colombia went miles over

However, in what has to be one of the
worst misses in recent memory, Neymar skied his effort in spectacular
style, with those in the back row of New Jersey's MetLife Stadium top
tier at risk of being hit.

The game, Brazil's 1,000th, ended 1-1
after the 20-year-old had notched his 17th goal in 26 appearances for
his country, cancelling out Juan-Guillermo Cuadrado's opener.

Neymar has been heavily linked with a
host of Europe's top clubs, namely Barcelona and Manchester City, as
well as others in Serie A.

Still got it: Earlier, though, Neymar, showed his skills with the equaliser

Still got it: Earlier, though, Neymar, showed his skills with the equaliser

Still got it: Earlier, though, Neymar, showed his skills with the equaliser

And when asked if a move to England or Italy appealed, he said: 'They are both big countries with great teams and great national teams. I don't have any [specific] choices right now.

'I do dream about playing in Europe, but there's nothing concrete at this time. Maybe in the future.'

Maybe he'll be left off spot kick duty, though.

Martin Samuel: John Terry, don"t fall into Luis Suarez trap… just say sorry

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John, don't fall into Suarez trap… just say sorry

By
Martin Samuel

PUBLISHED:

22:35 GMT, 27 September 2012

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UPDATED:

22:35 GMT, 27 September 2012

So, as expected, John Terry did not successfully call heads eight times in a row and has been found guilty of using racially aggravated language by the Football Association.

He now has two choices. He can say sorry, try to move on and hope that others will let him; or he pick at this like a festering sore until it risks poisoning his entire system. This is known as the Luis Suarez option.

John Terry drives out of Wembley Stadium

Decision time: John Terry made a terrible misjudgement

Correctly calling heads eight times straight carries the same probability as getting off an FA charge, and Terry may well go to his grave protesting his innocence in this matter.

He may believe, falsely, that he is the only victim here and that the body bringing the action against him is hopelessly compromised on a variety of levels. He will consider the not guilty judgement of the Chief Magistrate of Westminster to supersede any FA verdict. None of that matters now.

Throughout, Terry has made his point. What matters from here is that he admits that the events on October 23, 2011, should be nobody's idea of an acceptable exchange in civilised modern society, and apologises. Whatever his explanation, to end up shouting those three words down a football pitch at another human being is a terrible misjudgement.

By at least admitting as much, by acknowledging he was wrong and would not make the same mistake again, the first step to rehabilitation takes place. Liverpool learned this the hard way over Suarez. There is no textbook governing what Terry should do next; but there is certainly one that teaches what he shouldn't do.

Liverpool's Luis Suarez (left)

Toxic: Liverpool handled Luis Suarez controversy badly

On January 3 this year, Liverpool
announced they would not appeal against Suarez's eight-match FA ban for
racially abusing Patrice Evra of Manchester United, yet did so in such
an aggressive and clumsy way that it made their position 10 times worse.

'I will carry out the suspension with the resignation of someone who hasn't done anything wrong,' said Suarez, in the most toxically memorable passage. The rest of the statement attacked the FA, its process and Evra, the wronged party. There was no contrition.

By then, the story had already made the newspapers on John Henry's side of the Atlantic. Unsurprisingly, the controversy merely grew from there with Liverpool's reputation suffering considerable further damage. So that statement becomes the template: of everything Terry must not do.

He wishes to see the full statement explaining the FA panel's decision, before deciding whether to appeal, and this is his right. Clearly, there will be passages that can be picked apart with legal argument, just as there were in the Suarez judgement.

Terry could appeal on the grounds that article 6.8 of the FA Rules and Regulations suggests his case should not even have been brought, once he was found not guilty in Westminster Magistrates Court. That was his strongest argument legally, and it was ignored. Terry may now be advised that a higher court, perhaps the Court of Arbitration for Sport in Lausanne, would take a more sympathetic view.

Yet what if it did What would then be proved Terry's detractors will continue to believe he got off on a technicality and was fortunate, his supporters – the vast number at Stamford Bridge, certainly – that he has been the subject of an FA power play. The battle lines have been drawn for some while now. Nothing that happens in any court from here will change those perceptions.

Terry is a man who divides opinion and this verdict will not alter that. There will be those who feel he has been unfairly pursued, others who think he has been treated lightly in comparison to Suarez (the size of his fine seems to be a reflection of his weekly salary, rather than a technical judgement).

The fans who regard him as leader and legend will be unmoved by the full verdict, however damning, those who despise him will not soften even if he were to be vindicated in a remote appeal court in six months' time. He will be called names and taunted by opposition fans, but he has lived with that for most of his career anyway.

Nothing much has changed. Any healing process will not be served by a fresh round of legal argument.

It would help if the FA tied such punishments to some form of re-education, rather than turning every offence into a financial bonanza. That way Terry might understand why using the words 'f****** black ****' in any context is unacceptable, rather than just writing a cheque to absolve his sins. Donating the 220,000 fine to a charity of Anton Ferdinand's choice might be a start, also.

Yet the most significant move from here is Terry's. He has paid enough lawyers, agents and image consultants to be steered in the right direction, beginning with a simple and sincere statement of regret.

He may, as his brief reaction quote makes clear in rather restrained fashion, be full of disappointment at the verdict, but he must know it could be worse. And it could most certainly get worse if he fails to heed lessons learned the hard way at Anfield.

Djibril Cisse says QPR"s game with Stoke is a must win

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Do or die: Cisse says QPR must beat Stoke if they want to avoid the drop

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UPDATED:

14:22 GMT, 1 May 2012

Djibril Cisse says QPR’s final home game of the season against Stoke is a must win game if they are to win their fight to avoid relegation.

The striker made his first start for the R’s since his sending off against Sunderland in the 6-1 thrashing to Chelsea on Sunday.

Cisse said: ‘There is not much point to talk about this now. What we have to do is forget about it, recharge our batteries and make sure we are ready for Stoke.

Win or bust: Djibril Cisse says QPR must win against Stoke to avoid relegation

Win or bust: Djibril Cisse says QPR must win against Stoke to avoid relegation

‘It is very hard but we must turn the page now and focus on Sunday’s game.

‘We must win this game, there is no other choice.'

QPR know victory will give their survival hopes a real boost as they have to travel to title chasing Manchester City on the final day, and Cisse added: 'The plan now is to lift one another this week.

'We will all try to help each other to be ready for Sunday because it is a big, big game.

Time to fight: Cisse says all the QPR players have to stick together to maintain their Premier League status

Time to fight: Cisse says all the QPR players have to stick together to maintain their Premier League status

'It is a final for us. If we can win this game it will be a big step for us.

'We have all week to prepare ourselves and what is encouraging is that our home form is really good. That is what we need to concentrate on and work on.'

Rangers have picked up 13 points from their last five fixtures at Loftus Road, including four consecutive wins, and Cisse welcomes the intensity of our next game.

'I like it when there is pressure,’ he said. ‘The Manager will have to make his choices about who plays but whether you are on the pitch or on the bench you must be ready.

'Everybody in our dressing room must show what we are made of. We have a lot of characters and we must all do our bit.'

Who Chelsea will pick for the Champions League final

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No Terry, No Ivanovic, so who will Chelsea pick for the Champions League final

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UPDATED:

18:22 GMT, 25 April 2012

As the dust settles on Chelsea’s remarkable win over European champions Barcelona, caretaker manager Roberto Di Matteo will have some tough choices to make before the final in little more than three weeks time.

The Italian will definitely be without captain John Terry, banned after being sent-off for a knee in the back of Alexis Sanchez, and fellow defender Branislav Ivanovic for picking up too many bookings. Form midfielder and Nou Camp goalscorer Ramires is similarly suspended, as it Portuguese anchorman Raul Meireles.

All roads lead to Munich: Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard celebrates after Fernando Torres secures the passage through to the final, and manager Roberto Di Matteo celebrates (below)

All roads lead to Munich: Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard celebrates after Fernando Torres secures the passage through to the final, and manager Roberto Di Matteo celebrates (below)

Final bound: Roberto Di Matteo

But Di Matteo still has options for Germany with a spine of Cech, Cole, Lampard and Drogba more than capable of leading Chelsea to Champions League glory for the first time in their history.

Sportsmail looks at Di Matteo’s options ahead of the final in Munich on May 19, after the epic double-header with Barcelona has left the Blues missing some big names.

Possible Starting XI

Goalkeeper- Peter Cech, 29, Champions’ League appearances 12 (goals 0)
Chelsea’s rock in goal. Superb in both legs against Barcelona, making vital saves from Adriano, Cuenca and Messi. The Blues will need all his experience in Munich.

Right Back- Jose Bosingwa, 29, 10 (0)
Should start at right-back in the absence of Ivanovic, and showed his versatility when covering at centre-half after Terry was sent-off in the Nou Camp. Not quite the marauder he used to be going forward.

Left Back- Ashley Cole, 31, 11 (0)
Arguably Chelsea’s best performer across both legs of the semi-final, Cole has shrugged off mediocre early season form to emerge as probably the world’s best left-back again.

Third time lucky: Ashley Cole has a record of played two lost two in Champions League finals to date

Third time lucky: Ashley Cole has a record of played two lost two in Champions League finals to date

Centre Back – David Luiz, 25, 10 (1)
Chelsea will pray Luiz is fit in the absence of Terry, after the Brazilian pulled-up with a hamstring injury in the FA Cup semi-final win over Tottenham.

Centre Back- Gary Cahill, 26, 4 (0)
Another fitness doubt after hobbling off just 12 minutes into the second leg against Barca. Has grown in confidence since signing from Bolton and Chelsea would love to have him in Munich.

HOW THEY WILL LINE UP

Cech
Bosingwa, Cahill, Luiz, Cole
Lampard (c), Mikel
Sturridge, Mata, Kalou
Drogba

Defensive Midfielder – John Mikel Obi, 25, 8 (0)
Back in favour again with some assured, unfussy displays protecting the back four. Booked in Barcelona but still available for the final.

Defensive Midfielder- Frank Lampard (c), 33, 11 (3)
Set to lead Chelsea out in Munich and undoubtedly deserves the honour. A force again since Andre Villas Boas’ departure, he twice sprung Ramires with brilliant passes to help create goals in the semi-final.

Attacking Midfielder – Juan Mata, 24, 11 (2)
Not his night chasing around without the ball against Barca, but has had a fine season since moving from Valencia. Creative, technically brilliant and a goal threat.

Juan-derful: Mata has made the Champions League final in his first season at Stamford Bridge

Juan-derful: Mata has made the Champions League final in his first season at Stamford Bridge

Attacking Midfielder – Salomon Kalou, 26, 6 (2)
Another rejuvenated under Roberto Di Matteo, Kalou may still leave Stamford Bridge in the summer but could play on the left in Munich as he’s been doing in the Premier League.

Forward – Daniel Sturridge, 22, 7 (0)
May start in attacking midfield in the absence of Ramires, but hasn’t scored in seven Champions’ League appearances this season.

Forward – Didier Drogba, 34, 7 (5)
Has to start after leading the line so heroically against Barca. If he stays on his feet, expect him to run himself ragged and do the old guard proud again. So hard to play against.

Final game Will the Champions League final be Didier Drogba's last game for Chelsea

Final game Will the Champions League final be Didier Drogba's last game for Chelsea

Bench

Goalkeeper- Ross Turnbull, 27, 0 (0)
Cech’s regular understudy hasn’t played in the Champions’ League this season but will be there in Munich.

Defender – Paulo Ferreira, 33, 2 (0)
Has barely featured this campaign but should be on the bench with Ivanovic and Terry out.

Defender – Ryan Bertrand, 22, 0 (0)
Another without a European appearance this season, Chelsea will be hoping Luiz and Cahill are fit so there’s no chance he’ll have to break that duck in the final.

Midfielder – Michael Essien, 29, 2 (0)
Didn’t get on in Barcelona and has played just twice in the Champions’ League, struggling for form and fitness. Not the titan of old.

Back up players: Florent Malouda Michael Essien and Ryan Bertrand train ahead of the semi-final

Back up players: Florent Malouda Michael Essien and Ryan Bertrand train ahead of the semi-final

Midfielder – Oriol Romeu, 20, 3 (0)
Hasn’t featured much recently and was never in the frame to play against his former club in the semi-final. Neat player, if nothing special, and could do a job if called upon.

Attacking Midfielder – Florent Malouda, 31, 8 (0)
Will compete with Sturridge to start. Not always a fans’ favourite, the Frenchman can be a threat from wide areas when on his game.

Forward – Fernando Torres, 28, 9 (3)
Found redemption with the late equaliser in the Nou Camp, taken with all the aplomb of his Liverpool days. Unlikely to displace Drogba, but look out for another another cameo in the final.

Finishing touch: Fernando Torres scored in the final minute

Finishing touch: Fernando Torres scored in the final minute

Missing men

Centre Back – John Terry, 31, 8 (1)
Chelsea’s captain admitted letting everyone down after his moment of madness against Barca. So often Chelsea’s talisman, he’ll be a huge miss.

Defender – Branislav Ivanovic, 28, 10 (2)
Didn’t know he’d be missing the final, thanks to another booking, until he was told by a post-match interviewer. A regular and a strong performer at the back who won’t be easy to replace.

Missing men: Chelsea captain John Terry was sent off as Branislav Ivanovic picked up his third yellow card and they will both miss the final

Missing men: Chelsea captain John Terry was sent off as Branislav Ivanovic picked up his third yellow card and they will both miss the final

Midfielder – Raul Meireles, 29, 11 (2)
Carded for a desperate lunge on Mascherano in the Nou Camp, Meireles’ unselfish shift-work in midfield will have to be done by someone else.

Midfielder – Ramires, 25, 10 (3)
Magnificent against Barcelona, his absence will arguably be felt more than Terry’s. Incredibly fit and strong, his delightful chip over Valdes showed great technique too.

Lewis Hamilton: McLaren will take F1 championship fight to Red Bull

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McLaren will take F1 championship fight to Red Bull, insists Hamilton

Lewis Hamilton insists McLaren will be ready to take the fight to Red Bull at the Formula One season opener in Melbourne after expressing his delight at the true pace of his new car.

Hamilton finished a seemingly lowly ninth in testing at Barcelona yesterday and has just one more opportunity behind the wheel of the MP4-27 before taking to the track in anger in a fortnight.

But wearing an expression of quiet confidence, Hamilton claimed that the rest of the grid could be in for a nasty shock when he is allowed to unleash the true potential of his McLaren in Australia.

Bullish: Hamilton expects McLaren to challenge for the top honours this season

Bullish: Hamilton expects McLaren to challenge for the top honours this season

He said: 'The car is strong, stronger than it was last year and with the fuel loads we have been running we are relatively strong compared to the others.

'We have focused on our programme and I think we are competitive when you do the calculations. We won't take the fuel out until we get to Melbourne.'

Hamilton appears fully recuperated from a tumultuous 2011 season on and off the track and is adamant he is prepared for the season ahead both physically and mentally.

Eyes wide open: Hamilton expects big things from his team's new car

Eyes wide open: Hamilton expects big things from his team's new car

Eyes wide open: Hamilton expects big things from his team's new car

He added: 'I have come a long way in six years and I am still learning today. But I am applying the things I have learned over those six years in a better way than I have in previously.

'I am in a good place and I am making right choices. My mind is in the right place for the season. We're coming to the end of my testing now and I feel fit and I feel ready.'

'I am in a good place and I am making right choices. My mind is in the right place for the season. We're coming to the end of my testing now and I feel fit and I feel ready.'

Chasing pack: Can anyone catch the German champion Vettel

Chasing pack: Can anyone catch the German champion Vettel

Louis Saha worried about Tottenham if Harry Redknapp takes England job

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Saha fears for Spurs' future if Redknapp jumps ship to England job

Louis Saha says he is worried about Tottenham's future if boss Harry Redknapp leaves the club to be appointed manager of England.

Redknapp is favourite to take over after Fabio Capello resigned early in February, with many praising the way he has transformed his Tottenham side into title contenders.

He brought Saha to the club on transfer deadline day in a surprise move, but it already appears to be paying dividends with the French striker finding the net twice already since his move from Everton.

Worried: Louis Saha thinks it is important that Harry Redknapp stays at Tottenham

Worried: Louis Saha thinks it is important that Harry Redknapp stays at Tottenham

'I have great reservations about the possible departure of Redknapp,' he told The Times.

'He is a great coach and would bring something to the England team, but the championship is quite open and it would be damaging to see him go now.'

Saha has recently been recalled to the French national team squad, for their friendly against Germany, and is delighted with the news.

Choices: Redknapp may be left with a tough decision

Choices: Redknapp may be left with a tough decision

'I am delighted to be called into the national team,' he said.

'I am delighted to be injury free for a while, fingers crossed.'

France manager Laurent Blanc also welcomed the return of Saha.

'I love Saha, he is a fantastic player and deserves to be called,' explained Blanc.

'He has missed a great career with Les Bleus because of injuries. I am happy he is injury free.'

Andre Villas-Boas is doing a Brian Clough: Will it end the same?

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AVB's doing a Clough! But will it end the same for under-fire Chelsea boss

Andre Villas-Boas has managed to last longer than 44 days but there are echoes of Brian Clough's brief, tempestuous reign at Leeds United at Stamford Bridge right now.

Like Leeds, Chelsea are a club divided and, like Leeds, the division is between a strong, successful dressing room and a young manager who might have acted with a touch more diplomacy when it came to handling senior players.

Showing the strain: AVB watched City beat Porto on Wednesday evening

Showing the strain: AVB watched City beat Porto on Wednesday evening

Villas-Boas did not march into Cobham in July and tell them to throw their medals in the bin because they had not been acquired fairly. It would have been a bit rich given the role the 34-year-old Portuguese played in the success they enjoyed under Jose Mourinho. It also would have been unfair.

But we now have the uncomfortable situation of Frank Lampard, Ashley Cole and, to an extent, John Terry being cast as the Bremner, Giles and Hunter of the Chelsea dressing room.

Under siege: Chelsea were soundly beaten by Napoli in their Euro clash

Under siege: Chelsea were soundly beaten by Napoli in their Euro clash

Like Clough, Villas-Boas has chosen to take them on. Unlike Clough, he has gone a stage further by dropping those who have dared challenge his authority for a Champions League tie and most important match of their season.

They lost 3-1 to Napoli thanks in no small part to the selection choices he made. The problem, it seems, is how Villas-Boas has gone about managing the situation.

Lampard is 33 and would probably admit the legs do not get him up and down the pitch as effectively as they did but he still has enormous value and the manner in which he has been left out has clearly left a bitter taste.

Fall-out: Villas-Boas has chosen to take on Lampard and co

Fall-out: Villas-Boas has chosen to take on Lampard and co

Villas-Boas is considered arrogant and aloof, his apparent failure to acknowledge the contribution of certain players leaving the likes of Lampard deeply offended.

Lampard has complained publicly of a lack of communication and what would seem a lack of courtesy.

It came to a head in that training ground meeting 11 days ago, when players openly expressed their frustration, and again in Naples when Lampard and Cole learned of their exclusion.

Warming the bench: Cole and Lampard were missing from the starting line-up on Tuesday night

Warming the bench: Cole and Lampard were missing from the starting line-up on Tuesday night

These players may not be helping the situation if they are playing any part in these incidents becoming public knowledge. The spat with Cole and Lampard, something Villas-Boas all but confirmed after the match, was known hours before Tuesday's game.

But in this atmosphere something needs to give and there can only be one winner. Roman Abramovich will determine that. He will decide if Villas-Boas is allowed to oversee an overhaul of the playing staff by driving these rebels away or a sixth manager is sacked in eight years.

But it cannot continue much longer when Chelsea could not only go out of the Champions League but fail to qualify for the competition next season.

The problem Abramovich has sacked managers at will in recent times

The problem Abramovich has sacked managers at will in recent times

There appears no way back for Villas-Boas with the senior players but yesterday there was a sense he had lost all the squad.

Clough actually commanded a fair bit of respect among players like Giles. They knew the 39-year-old was a terrific young manager after encountering his championship winning Derby side. Clough just hacked them off, and in the end his brashness cost him his job. The players stopped playing for him, the board sided with the players and he was gone.

In 44 days. Villas-Boas has been less confrontational but he does not command the same respect despite his success at Porto. Longer-serving players still see him as the opposition DVD guy when he returned as manager. At 34, he is also around the same age as Lampard and Didier Drogba.

Abramovich failed to recognise the potential problem when he decided Villas-Boas could do a better job than an Italian who secured a domestic double in his first season and finished second to Manchester United in his second having already guided AC Milan to two European Cups.

Ultimately, this is a mess of Abramovich's making; the product of awful decisions, like getting rid of Mourinho as well as Carlo Ancelotti.

Abramovich has also been far too influential in Chelsea's transfer policy. It's his money but until he watched Real Madrid play at Manchester United 10 years ago he had no interest in football.

He has not invested wisely, with 90million blown on Fernando Torres, David Luiz and Ramires. Now, he has to decide if he steps back and allows Villas-Boas to sort it out or start all over again, again.

Yesterday Villas-Boas gave the players the day off while the Chelsea hierarchy went into crisis mode to discuss what happens next. Like the Leeds board, Abramovich has to pick his side.

Vitali Klitschko: I would have rather died than lose to Dereck Chisora

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Klitschko: I would have rather died than lose to this creep

By
Ashley Gray

Last updated at 11:49 AM on 21st February 2012

Vitali Klitschko has revealed he may have thrown in the towel against Dereck Chisora if it hadn't been for the Briton's antics.

The Ukrainian tore ligaments in his left shoulder early in the fight and contemplated handing his opponent victory, just as he did when suffering a similar injury against Chris Byrd in 2000.

Take that: Klitschko tore his shoulder ligaments during the title bout

Take that: Klitschko tore his shoulder ligaments during the title bout

But Klitschko could not face gifting his WBA world heavyweight belt to an opponent who had slapped him at the weigh-in and spat at his brother Wladimir moments before the fight.

After winning a unanimous points decision in Munich despite barely using his left arm for more than half of the contest, Klitschko told German newspaper Bild: 'The ligaments were only lightly torn, but a nerve was affected.

Water disgrace: Chisora spat in the face of Vitali's brother Wladimir

Water disgrace: Chisora spat in the face of Vitali's brother Wladimir

'That's why I couldn't lift my arm – it wasn't listening to me. 'I had two choices: give up like I did 12 years ago against Chris Byrd – because the tendon was torn, the pain unbearable.

'In Munich I took the second option: grit your teeth and pull through.

'I would have rather died than lose my title to this creep.

'It's a good thing my brother remained calm (when Chisora spat at him).

On the ropes: Chisora unexpectedly took Klitschko the distance

On the ropes: Chisora unexpectedly took Klitschko the distance

'He made a fist (only) in his pocket, otherwise there would have been chaos in the ring.'

The defeat by Byrd was the first of Klitschko's career and led to a lay-off of more than seven months.

A similar recovery period is feared this time around, jeopardising a fight planned for May, and the 40-year-old has questioned if former champion David Haye wants to get in the ring with him. 'I don't know if he really wants to fight,' he said. 'He rejected our good offer.'

SIX NATIONS 2012: Stuart Lancaster impressed by Manu Tuilagi

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Tuilagi in line for England recall after impressing Lancaster in Tigers game

England interim head coach Stuart Lancaster was encouraged with Manu Tuilagi's performance for Leicester on Sunday and is considering whether to give the controversial centre a starting place in this weekend's RBS 6 Nations clash against Wales.

Tuilagi was one of the few players who performed to their best in a disastrous World Cup campaign for England last autumn, but he returned home as one of many players shamed over his disciplinary problems.

The centre was fined on two occasions in New Zealand – firstly for wearing a sponsored gumshield, and then for jumping off a ferry in Auckland.

Playing well: Manu Tuilagi impressed for Leicester

Playing well: Manu Tuilagi impressed for Leicester

Tuilagi is yet to play for England since the World Cup, thanks mainly to a shattered eye-socket and a hamstring injury.

He has been restricted to just five games for Leicester this season – the latest of which came in their 20-19 win over Saracens on Sunday.

The 20-year-old was recalled to the England squad last week but faces a fight to dislodge Brad Barritt from the XV after he impressed in England's opening two wins of the Six Nations.

Tuilagi may yet start on Saturday though, as his power could prove vital against a powerful Wales back line, and Lancaster was pleased with his performance in yesterday's narrow win at Vicarage Road.

Choices to make: Stuart Lancaster has to pick his side for the game against Wales

Choices to make: Stuart Lancaster has to pick his side for the game against Wales

'Manu has had such limited game time since the World Cup so it was a good chance for him to get another 80 minutes under his belt,' Lancaster said.

'At that level, in that quality of a game, it was just a great opportunity for him to play another game. We were pleased for him and how he played. He did a lot of things well. I am pleased with the way that it went.'

Tuilagi will begin full training with England tomorrow after being the day off to recover from yesterday's game, which saw Leicester clinch victory with a last-minute drop goal.

He will have two days to impress Lancaster and prove that he is sharp enough to be considered ahead of Barritt for a game that could make or break England's hopes of winning the tournament, and Lancaster's own chances of landing his current job on a permanent basis.

World Cup woe: Tuilagi has not played since the World Cup for England

World Cup woe: Tuilagi has not played since the World Cup for England

As well as the return of Tuilagi, Lancaster also has Courtney Lawes and Toby Flood available after they also missed the opening two games of the competition.

England's interim boss would not confirm whether Tuilagi would start, but he did admit having the trio available has breathed new life in to his squad.

He said: 'Having that group of players back has given me something to think about.

'From our point of view it's a great position to be in to have competition for places.

'We go in to this match on the back of two wins and we have had a lot of competition in training.'

Thumbs up: Chris Robshaw has lead England to two successive wins

Thumbs up: Chris Robshaw has lead England to two successive wins

Despite winning their first two games against Scotland and Italy, the Red Rose will have to up their game considerably to top the World Cup finalists in London this weekend.

A lot has been made of Wales' superior brawn in the backs, but Lancaster insists his sole focus remains putting out a team strong enough to deny the visitors what would be only their second win at Twickenham since 1988.

'From my point of view it's about us first. What Wales can bring will be something in the back of mind,” Lancaster added.

'It's a big week. We are certainly pleased with how last week went in terms of the quality and the quantity of what we have managed to do in training.

'That sets us up well for a big game.'

Third-choice hooker Lee Mears is having a scan on his bicep today and could miss the game on Saturday while wing Charlie Sharples is also a doubt after suffering a leg injury.

Harlequins' Chris Brooker has been called up as cover for Mears.

Arsene Wenger must make wholesale changes at Arsenal to stop the rot: Matt Barlow

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A year after beating Barcelona, Wenger must make wholesale changes to stop the rot

Matt Barlow says Arsenal are at a crossroads and have tough choices to make after imploding in Milan.

Arsene Wenger’s young team seemed to be maturing nicely this time last year when they beat Barcelona at the Emirates.

No-one pretended Arsenal were the world’s best but they had taken on the world’s best and beaten them squarely over a stirring 90 minutes.

There was a Carling Cup final ahead, one of four competitions to contest, and this would surely be the year when Wenger ended his wait for a trophy.

Now, the same team are in tatters after their heaviest defeat in Europe. The speed with which it all unravelled has been alarming but there have been plenty of warnings along the way from former stars: after the anguish of Wembley against Birmingham, a summer of poor trading in the transfer market, an 8-2 defeat at Old Trafford and this week’s humiliation.

Tumultuous year: Robin van Persie opens the scoring against Barcelona 12 months ago

Tumultuous year: Robin van Persie opens the scoring against Barcelona 12 months ago

Leadership

Patrick Vieira was the first to tweet after the debacle against AC Milan.

‘There was a lack of leadership,’ he complained, echoing the concern by Martin Keown in these pages and by Dennis Bergkamp in an interview on the morning of the game.

‘You need a few strong characters who can get the team going,’ said Bergkamp.

‘You also need a few players who can make a difference in terms of scoring goals. I don’t feel there are enough of them.’

Arsenal looked lost in the San Siro. Robin van Persie tried to conjure some magic in search of an away goal but no-one grabbed the game by the scruff of the neck.

Centre halves did not stand up to Zlatan Ibrahimovic and midfielders did not quell the movement of Kevin-Prince Boateng, Urby Emanuelson and Antonio Nocerino.

Bullied: Johan Djourou bringsdown Zlatan Ibrahimovic, giving away a penalty to AC Milan

Bullied: Johan Djourou bringsdown Zlatan Ibrahimovic, giving away a penalty to AC Milan

Thierry Henry has made a positive impact but he is not the game-changing force he was. Van Persie is, but this was not his night. Jack Wilshere was at times last season and he has been missed.

Afterwards, there was no-one willing
to stand up and take responsibility. There was no defiant message from
Van Persie, promising a response as was often heard when Vieira was
skipper.

It was
different from the Champions League exit in Barcelona last season, when
everyone wanted to blame the referee for sending off Van Persie. In
Milan, there was no-one else to blame, not even the pitch.

Exodus

After
such an epic capitulation it is impossible to see Van Persie extending a
contract which expires next year. Theo Walcott and Alex Song are also
about to enter the final year of their deals.

Arsenal
can pray they win the FA Cup and finish in the top four and claim this
represents progress but in the real world they are further from the top
than they have ever been under Wenger.

Down and out: It's all over for Van Persie (left) and Thierry Henry

Down and out: It's all over for Van Persie (left) and Thierry Henry

Lose at Sunderland in the FA Cup fifth round — an awkward draw even before morale was demolished in Italy — and the wait for silverware will last at least another year. With better teams, bigger salaries and less loyalty around in the football world, it is hard keeping predators away from a diminishing pool of young talent at Arsenal.

With few exceptions, in the past players would leave only when Wenger was ready but those days are long gone, as the loss of Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri proved.

‘We shouldn’t hesitate to talk about
the end of a cycle,’ said Emmanuel Petit. ‘You have to say to Andrey
Arshavin and Tomas Rosicky, “Gentlemen, thank you but goodbye”.

And
soon. What’s needed are five or six players of real stature, great
experience. Players who are 27 to 30 years old at most; players with
technical qualities but also strong character; a group of guys who
refuse to accept defeat.’

Held back: Tomas Rosicky has failed to flourish in an Arsenal shirt

Held back: Tomas Rosicky has failed to flourish in an Arsenal shirt

End-game

Wenger has brought in some exceptional players during his 15-odd years and perhaps the team which sparkled briefly was, in the purest sense, the most gifted of all.

What they missed was maturity and guts at times and now the most talented of them have gone and Van Persie may follow.

Could Arsenal resist a determined approach for Wilshere if it came from Manchester City

Wenger is increasingly powerless to keep those he wants or get rid of those he wants out and finds it harder to compete in the market for players wanted by richer rivals.

After a late August flurry of spending on seasoned players of questionable quality, it was a surprise that nothing was done to improve the squad in January, beyond adding Henry on loan.

At the root of it all is Wenger’s belief that a team is best grown and nurtured rather than thrown together in a cheque-book frenzy.

Taking a long hard look: Arsene Wenger did not like what he saw in Milan

Taking a long hard look: Arsene Wenger did not like what he saw in Milan

It is a noble philosophy but can it survive at the very top of the modern game If the Barcelona model was so easy to replicate, wouldn’t everyone do it

Arsenal can stick by these principles and alter their expectations in the short term, or they can invoke a drastic change of plan towards player recruitment, which will repel the greatest manager they have had.

New players New manager New board Whichever it proves to be, there will certainly be aftershocks to AC Milan 4 Arsenal 0.