Tag Archives: rapid

Chelsea"s Eden Hazard wants to be new No 1 after wearing Petr Cech"s hat

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Hazard warning! Belgian star fancies himself as Chelsea new No 1 after trying Cech's hat out for size

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UPDATED:

15:14 GMT, 12 December 2012

Chelsea fans may be used to their club making rapid decisions over the last few years – but don't worry, this is not the new goalkeeper at Stamford Bridge.

Belgian star Eden Hazard posted a picture on his twitter account of him sporting the rugby style head guard which has been worn by Cech since suffering a career-threatening head injury at Reading in October 2006.

On his account, @hazardeden10, Hazard showed his followers the picture and wrote: ‘New Petr Cech hahaha good night twitter. #CFCJapan’

Swapping places Eden Hazard wears goalkeeper Petr Cech's protective hat

Swapping places Eden Hazard wears goalkeeper Petr Cech's protective hat

Hazard is currently in Japan with the Chelsea squad ahead of their Club World Championship semi-final against Monterrey which kicks off at 10.30am on Thursday morning.

Chelsea will be playing for the opportunity to face Corinthians in the final after the Brazilian side secured their place in the final by defeating Al Ahly 1-0 in Toyota today.

Joker in the pack: Hazard makes his team-mates including Fernando Torres and Ashley Cole laugh during training

Joker in the pack: Hazard makes his team-mates including Fernando Torres and Ashley Cole laugh during training

The only goal of the game was scored by Paolo Guerrero on the 30 minute mark. Both Danilo and Fabio Santos had already missed good opportunities for Corinthians before Guerrero planted a header past Al Ahly goalkeeper Sherif Ekramy to give the Copa Libertadores winners a deserved lead.

Corinthians, however, struggled to press home their advantage, and a spirited response from Al Ahly saw the side create a series of good chances, with Fathi hitting the side netting before Rabia fired narrowly over late on.

Put your hands up: Chelsea keeper Petr Cech prepares for the Club World Cup semi-final

Put your hands up: Chelsea keeper Petr Cech prepares for the Club World Cup semi-final

Corinthians will now take part in the final of the Club World Cup for the first time since 2000, which takes place on Sunday morning at 10.30am.

Sir Alex Ferguson hails Sam Allardyce before Manchester United v West Ham

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'Tell me someone else who could have done that': Fergie hails Allardyce for remarkable West Ham turnaround ahead of Old Trafford clash

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UPDATED:

10:30 GMT, 27 November 2012

Sir Alex Ferguson has hailed 'underrated' West Ham manager Sam Allardyce before his Manchester United side welcome them to Old Trafford on Wednesday.

The Red Devils boss also blasted the Hammers man's critics, saying he was the only man who could have brought the side back to the Barclays Premier League so quickly after relegation.

Allardyce took over at the start of the 2011-12 season and drove the team to promotion from the Championship, via the play-offs.

Good job: Sir Alex Ferguson praised his old friend Sam Allardyce for his performance at West Ham

Good job: Sir Alex Ferguson praised his old friend Sam Allardyce for his performance at West Ham

West Ham sit eighth in the table with an impressive 19 points from 13 games but are in the middle of a tough run of games now.

'Big Sam went to Upton Park a year and a bit ago and the cynics said he’s not a West Ham manager as he doesn’t play football,' said Ferguson.

'What was his mandate To get them up into the Premier League as quickly as possible and he got them up within a year. Tell me someone else who could’ve done that

'He’s also had to rebuild the team and get two or three players out because of their salaries. He’s very underrated, it’s as simple as that. There’s a sort of impression about him being a certain type of manager.

'It’s not really fair and I’m pleased he’s back in the Premier League.'

Although Allardyce did well at Bolton his next two appointments were not as successful, at Newcastle and Blackburn.

However after the Lancashire side sacked Allardyce they took a rapid decline under Steve Kean and ended up getting relegated.

'The Blackburn situation was one of the craziest things I’ve ever seen but I think Sam was more disappointed with what happened at Newcastle.

Solid: Allardyce (left) got West Ham promoted and is doing a good job in the top flight

Solid: Allardyce (left) got West Ham promoted and is doing a good job in the top flight

'He was unlucky that a new owner came in and wanted a certain type of manager. He didn’t get a chance in his first really big job with the expectation and fan base up there – he didn’t get a chance to do the job right.'

Although West Ham went down 3-1 away at Tottenham on Sunday there was a positive in that big target man Andy Carroll struck his first goal in a claret and blue shirt since joining on loan from Liverpool in the summer.

Much derided striker Carroll cost the Reds 35million in a deal scoffed at because of his failure to live up to the price tag.

Open for business: Andy Carroll scored his first West Ham goal on Sunday

Open for business: Andy Carroll scored his first West Ham goal on Sunday

'I think it’s up to the boy to improve himself,' said Ferguson. 'I think he only played something like a dozen games for Newcastle and then he had to deal with a 35m transfer to a club like Liverpool when he’s young. It’s quite a big jump for him you know.

'I’d certainly not sign that kind of player for that kind of money. We’ve gambled on young players in the past, maybe a couple of million or whatever, but when you get that level – 35m – you really have to do a bit more homework and see how he is in his second season maybe.

'It’s not a lot of games that he’s had. He’s a big lad, a great header of the ball, aggressive and is a big bugger. You know he’ll be a handful for defenders for us on Wednesday.'

Scotland heads bid to lure the Tour de France

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Scotland heads bid to lure the Tour de France

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UPDATED:

21:31 GMT, 17 November 2012

Britain looks certain to welcome back the Tour de France in the next three years, with a decision on a proposed Grand Depart in 2014 or 2015 expected within weeks.

The impetus for a rapid return to British roads, after its last visit in 2007, has come from Bradley Wiggins' victory this year.

'With Bradley's success, the organiser ASO want to capitalise on that as quickly as possible,' said Jonny Clay, British Cycling's cycle sport and membership director, 'and they want to come as soon as possible, in 2014 or 2015'.

Inspiring: Bradley Wiggins in the Tour de France yellow jersey

Inspiring: Bradley Wiggins in the Tour de France yellow jersey

The only question seems to be whether
the Tour starts in Edinburgh or Yorkshire, with two rival bids going
head-to-head and both understood to have received glowing reports from
ASO.

A 10million Scottish-led bid appears to be in pole position, having received the backing of British Cycling and UK Sport.

Clay said that Yorkshire had ignored
an appeal by UK Sport to get behind a single British bid and had refused
to engage with British Cycling.

'We're not anti-Yorkshire,' said
Clay, 'but we want the Tour in this country for as many days as possible
and to reach as many people as possible.'

Paul Bush, the chief operating
officer at EventScotland, said: 'The sad thing for us is that the UK has
the most exciting proposition ever for the Tour yet Yorkshire won't
talk to us.'

The Scottish-led bid would see the
Tour begin with a stage starting in Edinburgh and finishing in the south
of Scotland, or north of England – Dumfries and Newcastle are
understood to be in the frame to host the finish.

The race would then wind south via
Manchester, into Wales, and end up near the south coast of England, from
where the riders and their entourage – around 4,000 people in total –
would transfer back to France.

England coach Steve McNamara warns Australia and New Zealand

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We're coming to get you! England coach McNamara warns rivals after Wales win

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UPDATED:

22:30 GMT, 28 October 2012

Steve McNamara warned Australia and New Zealand that England are making rapid progress after Saturday’s 80-12 win over Wales.

England scored 14 tries, including four for debut winger Josh Charnley, to leave McNamara pleased with his side’s three-quarters.

Easy does it: Gareth Ellis of England goes over for a try against Wales

Easy does it: Gareth Ellis of England goes over for a try against Wales

McNamara said: 'We’ve got some ammunition now. We’ve always been strong in other areas but we’re now starting to get some depth. We’ve also got a lot more to come.'

Wales’ defeat ended their tournament, with England now due to face France on Saturday and again in the final.

I"m so happy Kevin Pietersen is back for England, says Alastair Cook

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I'm so happy Pietersen is back in England fold, says Cook ahead of departure

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UPDATED:

20:11 GMT, 24 October 2012

England set off for Dubai determined to show they are in total harmony with the only member of the squad who will be missing from the plane taking them to their pre-India tour training camp.

Kevin Pietersen has been a man apart for two months and it is not without irony that he should be competing for Champions League riches with Delhi Daredevils while the England team he has rejoined take the first steps on one of the toughest assignments in world cricket.

It will be the success or otherwise of Pietersen’s quest to prove to Alastair Cook and Andy Flower that England really do still mean more to him than the Indian Premier League when he eventually joins them either on Friday or in Mumbai on Monday that will decide whether his ‘reintegration’ is complete.

New start: Kevin Pietersen, in action this week for the Delhi Daredevils, has been welcomed back by Alastair Cook

New start: Kevin Pietersen, in action this week for the Delhi Daredevils, has been welcomed back by Alastair Cook

Four key areas for England
Alastair Cook must ensure the whole team put the KP saga behind them and unite.Decide quickly who will open with Cook. Jonathan Trott wants to remain at three, leaving Nick Compton and Joe Root to battle it out in the three warm-up games.Use the training camp and warm-ups to work out how to combat the sub-continental problems with spin. England must find balance, probably with Samit Patel as a fifth bowler.

Pietersen’s rapid return after the crisis that ripped the team apart is a calculated gamble by England but it is one the new Test captain has been integral to. If Cook has a mighty difficult task in stepping into Andrew Strauss’s shoes for this four-Test series then at least he wants his best players with him.

‘For me as captain this is the best possible outcome because we have a world-class player back in our team,’ said Cook at Lord’s. ‘It’s been a difficult two months for Kevin but he’s contrite and he’s determined to get back to what he does best, scoring runs for England. As a captain that’s all I want.’

Cook would not say whether he felt Pietersen would have been added to England’s squad if Strauss, the subject of his ‘provocative’ texts, had still been in charge but clearly it would have been more difficult to welcome him back.

Tough tst: Cook is bidding to become the first England captain to win in India in 27 years

Tough tst: Cook is bidding to become the first England captain to win in India in 27 years

As it is there is the feel of a marriage of convenience about Pietersen’s return, with Cook needing as many potent weapons in his armoury as possible as he attempts to become the first England captain to win a Test series in India since David Gower almost 30 years ago. Pragmatism has won the day.

‘We are confident he can fit in again otherwise we would not have put him in the squad,’ said Cook.

‘Now Kevin is back we do have to draw a line under what’s happened.

‘Andy Flower and I have worked closely on this issue and I’m just delighted we have ended up where we are.’

Shake on it: Cook (right) is glad to have Pietersen back in the England side

Shake on it: Cook (right) is glad to have Pietersen back in the England side

But would it not have been better had Pietersen been with England at Heathrow today rather than in South Africa playing for Delhi in their Champions League semi-final against the Lions

England Test schedule

Oct 26-28: Training in Dubai at the ICC Global Cricket Academy
Oct 29: Arrive in Mumbai
Oct 30-Nov 1: Tour match, Mumbai, CCI
Nov 3-5: Tour match, Mumbai, BKC
Nov 8-11: Tour match, Ahmedabad, Motera ‘B’ Ground
Nov 15-19: 1st Test, Ahmedabad, Motera
Nov 23-27: 2nd Test, Mumbai, Wankhede Stadium
Dec 5-9: 3rd Test, Kolkata, Eden Gardens
Dec 13-17: 4th Test, Nagpur, Jamtha VCA Stadium

‘In an ideal world it would but we knew about the Champions League before we settled this,’ said Cook. ‘It would have been the same for Joe Root had Yorkshire got through to the semi-finals. Kevin will come back with a clean slate.’

This is an intriguing first challenge for Cook as he looks not only to reintegrate Pietersen but also arrest a decline in England’s results during a miserable 2012 after the high of becoming the best in the world last year.

It will be far from easy but a man who appears to share many of Strauss’s qualities is determined to do the job his way. ‘I will be a different captain because we’re different people,’ said Cook, who would not confirm that Stuart Broad will be his vice-captain.

‘Clearly we are similar in a couple of ways but I just have to be true to myself. Yes he was a fantastic leader but it’s a different side now. I believe we can do something special.’

Andy Murray fans snap up tickets for ATP Finals in London

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Murray mania boosts London finals as fans snap up tickets for homecoming

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UPDATED:

11:52 GMT, 11 September 2012

Andy Murray's maiden Grand Slam
victory has sparked a ticket surge from fans hoping to catch a glimpse
of him at the season-ending ATP Finals in London.

The World No 3 can look forward to a
heroes' homecoming reception at the O2 Arena in November on the back of
his Olympic gold medal and US Open triumph over Novak Djokovic.

Happy couple: Andy Murray and girlfriend Kim Sears

Happy couple: Andy Murray and girlfriend Kim Sears with US Open trophy

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There was a rapid rise in ticket sales overnight on the back of his stunning five-set success at Flushing Meadows with ticketing marketplace site Viagogo reporting 107 per cent increase in demand.

'Following his gold medal performance at the Olympics, Murray Mania has never been so strong and this victory is the icing on the cake,' said Viagogo spokesman Edward Parkinson.

'Fans really believe he is going to
continue this sensational form and are already eager to see Andy playing
to the home crowd again in November.'

Murray will take on the likes of Djokovic and Roger Federer in the
capital looking to complete his fairytale year with a fitting victory in
front of British fans.

Home boy: Murray can look forward to a heroes' reception at the O2 Arena

Home boy: Murray can look forward to a heroes' reception at the O2 Arena

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His win over Djokovic, meanwhile, attracted 1.5million peak viewers on Sky Sports.

And Murray mania resulted in 63 million being traded on the US Open final between Murray and Djokovic, making it the biggest ever market in Betfair’s 12-year history.

Murray traded at a high of 16-5 on the exchange to win the match this morning, while Djokovic was backed at 1-3.

Stuart Pearce wants Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain back in U21 squad

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Pearce set to ask Hodgson about reclaiming Oxlade-Chamberlain for U21 duty

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UPDATED:

21:30 GMT, 9 September 2012

Stuart Pearce will ask Roy Hodgson if he will consider releasing Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain to give England’s Under-21s quest to reach Euro 2013 maximum assistance.

The Young Lions secured a place in next month’s play-offs by beating Azerbaijan 2-0 in Baku last week but they need a draw from Monday night's final game against Norway in Chesterfield to finish top of Group 8.

Should they clinch that point, England will not be paired with heavyweight nations France, Germany, Spain and Holland when the draw is made in Switzerland on Friday but, even still, there is potential for them to receive an awkward assignment against nations such as Serbia or Russia.

Wanted: Stuart Pearce would love Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain back

Wanted: Stuart Pearce would love Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain back

With that in mind, Pearce will hold discussions with Hodgson about who he will be able to include when naming his squad, as full internationals like Oxlade-Chamberlain, Kyle Walker, Phil Jones and Danny Welbeck are eligible for selection.

ENGLAND v Norway

Predicted (4-2-3-1): Steele; Kelly, Bennett, Caulker, Rose; Henderson, Lowe; Zaha, Shelvey, Ince; Sordell

Arsenal’s Oxlade-Chamberlain played a key role helping the Under-21s get this qualification campaign off to an impressive start but he has made rapid strides since then and starred in the 5-0 win over Moldova on Friday.

Given England face World Cup qualifiers against San Marino and Poland on the same dates as the Under-21 play-offs, his services could be required elsewhere.

‘That call comes from Roy,’ said Pearce. ‘If somewhere down the line the England manager says he isn’t going to use this player or that player, and he could be of use to you, my conversation and relationship with Roy is going to be paramount.

‘Oxlade-Chamberlain is with the seniors, so too is (Jack) Butland. Kyle Walker can still play, so can Phil Jones and Danny Welbeck. When you go through the pool, you will see it is pretty good.

Hopes: Pearce (left) wants to steer England to the 2013 U21 Euros

Hopes: Pearce (left) wants to steer England to the 2013 U21 Euros

‘But Roy giving the chance to Chamberlain to go and play, along with Welbeck and the others. If they play well, they stay in the seniors. That is how it works.’

Pearce has been without Butland for these games but that decision came after Pearce and Hodgson spoke about what would be more beneficial for the highly-rated Birmingham to gain an understanding of the senior set up.

‘We have spoken about Butland, his future and where we see him,’ said Pearce, who has described his fledgling relationship with Hodgson as being “very good”.

‘The closer I can work with Roy is going to be vital. It will not only be of benefit to the team, but also to the players.

Discussions: Jack Butland's (right) future has been talked about by Pearce and Roy Hodgson

Discussions: Jack Butland's (right) future has been talked about by Pearce and Roy Hodgson

‘Butland is a case in point. He has played a lot of football at international level but not much club football. I spoke to Roy about that a week ago. I told him I wanted to start Jason Steele against Azerbaijan. I had no intention of playing Jack in that game.

‘Between us we decided that he stayed with the seniors where his experience would be better suited. October might be completely different. The players here should have an expectation of getting into the senior squad.’

First, however, the squad’s expectations are to win Group 8. England have been almost foot perfect in qualifying, with six victories – including a 2-1 verdict over Norway in Drammen last October – from seven matches. The only defeat came in Mons against Belgium in November.

‘It’s vital that we top the group,’ said Pearce. ‘If that’s not the case, then we’ll assess the situation again. The powerhouses of Europe are looking as though they are going to finish top of their groups. So if you are going to be involved Pot B, you are going to have a tough game on your hands.

‘We had a great win in Norway. We need another one now.’

Riots break out ahead of PAOK"s Europa League win over Rapid Vienna

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Fans clash in Greece as riots break out ahead of PAOK's victory over Rapid Vienna

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UPDATED:

17:31 GMT, 24 August 2012

PAOK's Europa League victory over Rapid Vienna was marred by violence after fighting broken out between rival fans.

Two sets of flares were fired before kick-off which led to police responding with tear gas.

The home fans then descended on to the pitch and threw missiles into the strands, delaying the start of the match.

When it finally got underway, goals from Stefanos Athanasiadis and Giorgos Katsikas earned the hosts a 2-1 first-leg win.

Scroll down to watch the video

Violence: Fans of Rapid Wien are repelled by riot police after clashes with supporters of PAOK

Violence: Fans of Rapid Wien are repelled by riot police after clashes with supporters of PAOK


Fighting back: Greek riot police fire tear gas at PAOK and Rapid Vienna fans

Fighting back: Greek riot police fire tear gas at PAOK and Rapid Vienna fans

Delay: The home fans spilled on to the pitch, forcing kick-off to be put back

Delay: The home fans spilled on to the pitch, forcing kick-off to be put back

Delay: The home fans spilled on to the pitch, forcing kick-off to be put back

Supporters of PAOK FC enter the playing field before the UEFA Europa League play-off first leg soccer match between PAOK FC and SK Rapid Vienna

Manchester United offered Kaka on loan

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United offered shock Kaka loan deal as Madrid await Modric arrival

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UPDATED:

21:52 GMT, 19 August 2012

Kaka has been offered to Manchester United on a season-long loan as Real Madrid prepare for the arrival of Luka Modric.

Galatasaray and Kaka’s former club AC Milan have also registered their interest in the 2007 World Player of the Year, but United are the biggest draw for the Brazilian.

Sir Alex Ferguson is giving the 30-year-old serious consideration but has fears about his form and fitness after so many injuries.

Benched: Kaka has struggled to impress at Real Madrid

Benched: Kaka has struggled to impress at Real Madrid

United, who could have Robin van Persie on the bench at Everton on Monday, have signed left back Alexander Buttner, 23, for 3.9million from Vitesse Arnhem. They go to Goodison Park without Rio Ferdinand, who has a groin injury.

Ferguson is considering selling Dimitar Berbatov to Sunderland but has decided not to offload anyone else.

Kaka was an unused substitute on Sunday night as Real were held 1-1 by Valencia in their opening game. He has also lost his place in the Brazil squad.

Xabi Alonso, Lassana Diarra, Angel de Maria and Mesut Ozil all started. Germany midfielder Sami Khedira, who was also on the bench, is further competition and the 30m arrival of Modric from Spurs will push Kaka even further down the queue.

England bound Kaka (left) could be set to join Manchester United

England bound Kaka (left) could be set to join Manchester United

The Brazilian’s salary is close to the 250,000 a week earned by Van Persie and Wayne Rooney and, although Real are reluctant to let Kaka join a Champions League rival, his wages are a burden considering he will spend most of the season on the bench at the Bernabeu.

Kaka has struggled with injury since he joined Real for a then world record 60m in 2009 after six successful years with AC Milan. But he still managed to make 27 appearances in last season’s La Liga triumph.

Buttner was thrilled to have completed a rapid move to Old Trafford — Kaka or not. He said: ‘If you had told me one week ago that I would be training with and playing for the same team as Robin van Persie, I would have sent you to a mental home!

Done deal: Alexander Buttner has joined United from Vitesse

Done deal: Alexander Buttner has joined United from Vitesse

'This is crazy stuff, beyond all my dreams. I am looking forward to this challenge so much. I am so proud and so glad that it has worked out like this.

‘I’m so glad that it has happened and everything has turned out like this. This is really a dream come true.’

Meanwhile, Darren Fletcher played 90 minutes as an overaged player for United’s Under 21 squad against Stoke on Saturday.

Jack Butland is after Joe Hart"s England No 1 jersey

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Mine for keeps! Birmingham stopper Butland is after Hart's No 1 jersey

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UPDATED:

21:30 GMT, 13 August 2012

This is the rise of Jack Butland: Cheltenham to Euro 2012 and the Olympic Games, to the brink of an England debut which would smash a 124-year-old record.

Yet this is a teenager who has not played competitive football higher than League Two. Headlong into the hype we go, except many sober judges of goalkeeping talent are giddy at the rapid progress of this 19-year-old from Birmingham City, who boasts a grown-up attitude, perfectly in proportion to his powerful physique.

'It has come so quick,' said Butland. 'But hopefully I've shown people I'm more mature than my age. That's important as a keeper, you have to be mature. You need experience under your belt but age is just a number.

Young lions: Ruddy (left) and Butland are set for their England debuts against Italy on Wednesday

Young lions: Ruddy (left) and Butland
are set for their England debuts against Italy on Wednesday

Record breaker

If Jack Butland plays on Wednesday he would be England’s youngest ever goalkeeper at 19 years 158 days, 64 days younger than Billy Moon, who kept goal against Wales in 1888.

'It's been a whirlwind year really. It started with the Under 20 World Cup in Colombia and then going out on loan to Cheltenham, which was something I needed to do.

'That helped me with the Under 21s and eventually put me forward for the Euros and Olympics.'

Butland was on holiday with his girlfriend in Mexico when his summer exploded and he was called into England's Euro 2012 squad after John Ruddy was injured.

Whirlwind year: Rutland was called up to England's Euro 2012 squad before competing for Team GB at the Olympics

Whirlwind year: Rutland was called up to England's Euro 2012 squad before competing for Team GB

'I turned my phone on when I got in the airport and it went mad with messages,' said Butland. 'I just said, “We have to go home”.'

He cut short his trip, but as third choice did not play. However, Roy Hodgson could hand him a first senior international cap against Italy in Switzerland tomorrow.

Eyes on the prize: Butland is after Hart's No 1 jersey

Eyes on the prize: Butland is after Hart's No 1 jersey

'Luckily I have the family around me to make sure I don't get ahead of myself, which is something I hate to see in players,' said Butland.

Butland has developed within the England youth system and featured in the Under 17 team which won the European Championship in 2010.

He was born into a rugby-loving family in Bristol and was a decent centre and No 8 before devoting his time to football at Birmingham.

'It was a two-and-a-half-hour journey on the train,' said Butland. 'I'd go to school on Monday and then jump on a train to Birmingham.

'I'd stay Monday night and train all day Tuesday, then come home, go to school on Wednesday, back up to training in the afternoon after school and train all day Thursday.

'I'd come home on Thursday and then get the train back up to Birmingham on Friday night to play for the academy sides on a Saturday.

'I'd do my schoolwork on the train and have one-on-one lessons with one of my geography teachers on Friday lunchtime to catch up on the work I missed.

'It was something I needed to do and I passed my GCSE exams with two As, six Bs and a C.'

Last Saturday, Butland played his first game at St Andrew's in a pre-season friendly and has told manager Lee Clark he wants to establish himself as Birmingham's No 1 and play '40-plus' games in the Championship this season rather than warm the bench at a top-flight club. From there, he hopes to challenge Joe Hart for his place in the England team.

Why Berne

England play Italy in Switzerland for a
‘home’ fixture because of Olympic regulations, designed to deter major
sporting events from taking place in the host city around the time of the Games.

'He's not the only goalkeeper in England and for me it's the target to test him and eventually try and take his place,' he said.

'I'm good friends with Joe, but when it comes down to it only one person can wear the shirt and hopefully I'll get that chance.'

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain became the third player to withdraw from Hodgson's squad yesterday when he reported with an ankle injury which could rule him out of Arsenal's first game of the season against Sunderland on Saturday.

Daniel Sturridge (toe) and Hart (back) have also pulled out. Joleon Lescott has been called up. Italy have also named a young squad featuring 12 uncapped players. Mario Balotelli was ruled out because of conjunctivitis.