Former England right-back Gary Neville has signed a four year contract to join Roy Hodgson’s coaching staff ahead of England’s Euro 2012 campaign in Poland and Ukraine.

Neville, 37, who retired from playing in February 2011 was delighted to take up the opportunity when it was offered to him.

“Roy asking me to be a part of his staff and to work with the national team is not only an honour but a very special moment for me,” he said.

Although this will be Neville’s first coaching appointment he does hold Uefa A and B coaching licences and is well respected amongst both players and supporters (the latter as a result of a successful stint as a Sky Sports pundit during the 2011-12 season). It is hoped his closer connection with the players will have a positive effect, with England Euro 2012 Odds  shortening upon the news breaking.

“At my first meeting with The FA, I explained that Gary was someone I wanted as part of my staff. I think it is very important we have a younger coach who knows the dressing room and is very experienced at international level” said Hodgson.

Neville represented England at the European championships in 1996, 2000 and 2004 and is the Three Lions most capped player in the tournament with 11 appearances. In addition to this Neville also represented England at the 1998 and 2006 world cups and was capped a total of 85 times for his country.

Despite his longevity as an England regular, tournament success was never forthcoming for Neville who won a clean sweep of domestic honours as well as the European Cup during his time with Manchester United. The man from Bury should now be on the coaching staff for England’s next three major tournaments and he will be hoping that he can recreate some of his playing success as an international coach. England kick off their campaign against France on 11th June and with Neville in the dugout they will surely prove to be a tough nut for the French attack to crack.

Current world and European champions Spain are the favourites for the tournament, though with Carles Puyol joining David Villa on the sidelines  the Betfair Spain Euro 2012 Odds have lengthened slightly, with Joachim Low’s Germany now joining them as the frontrunners

Cesare Prandelli has made what could be regarded as three surprise additions to his Italy squad for Euro 2012, in Manchester City’s Mario Balotelli, AC Milan’s Antonio Cassano, and Antonio di Natale, of Serie A team, Udinese.

Much like England manager, Roy Hodgson, the Italian coach has yet to announce his completed squad list for the European Championship. The unveiling of Balotelli & Co. is, therefore, something of a ‘taster’.

Italy are currently sixth favourites in the bookmakers’ window to win Euro 2012, making the Azzurri outsiders. Bet on Euro 2012 with Bet Victor.

It is worth mentioning that the ‘surprise’ element of Prandelli’s picks has nothing to do with the trio’s abilities on the pitch; they are all quality players, as evidenced by the prowess of their respective domestic clubs.

However, it would be difficult to describe the three players as ideal candidates for the Azzurri in Poland and the Ukraine, this summer, owing to their various personal and professional foibles.

Cassano, known as ‘Antonio the Terrible’ and, more frequently, as ‘Cassanata’, a term that refers simultaneously to his footballing skills and his ferocious temper, can be difficult to control.

The striker has also struggled with a heart condition, in recent months, undergoing surgery to correct the problem in 2011.

Moving on, Balatolli, perhaps the very definition of the term ‘loose cannon’, is a gifted footballer with distinctly irrational tendencies.

The fact that Roberto Mancini, chief of his domestic club, City, recently dropped the player, owing to his behavioural problems, would have had many international managers running for the hills.

Prandelli is, apparently, a very brave man. He also plumped for di Natale, who, at 34-years-old, has been absent from the international scene for 24 months. The veteran is lethal up front, however, scoring 22 goals so far, this season.

It remains to be seen whether Prandelli’s trio of “calculated risks”, to quote Goal.com, will prove the Azzurri’s saviour in Europe, or turn the blue ranks into a living time bomb á la France 2010.

Get the best odds for Euro 2012 with www.betvictor.com.

It is going to be a big summer for the Republic of Ireland, as they head to Poland and Ukraine for Euro 2012, and a lot of eyes are going to be focused on the young Sunderland sensation, James McLean.

The 23-year-old former Derry City player was unheard of outside the Stadium of Light, six months ago, but now he has been included in Giovanni Trapattoni’s squad for Euro 2012, and is one of the leading Irish players for the future.

Ever since Martin O’Neil took over at Sunderland, McLean has been a steady figure. He was awarded the Sunderland Young Player of the Year award, as well as a new contract.

There was some doubts, initially, if Trappattoni would call on McLean for Euro 2012, as the Italian had outlined plans to stick to the players that booked their qualification for the summer’s tournament.

However, McLean made his international friendly against the Czech Republic, in February, and he was given a huge ovation when he came off the bench. He could face the likes of Spain or Italy in Poland and Ukraine.

Ireland are in Group C for Euro 2012 in defending champions Spain, Italy and Croatia, and McLean could be in line to play, but the Sunderland has admitted he is “over the moon” just to be included in the squad.

“I think I’ve done really well so far, but all I’ve been concentrating on is my form for Sunderland. I think I’ve performed consistently so far and, thankfully, I’ve been noticed”, said McLean.

“To be picked for my country for a major championship is really a dream come true, and I can’t wait to link up with the squad now.” Get the best odds for Euros at Bet Victor.

Meanwhile, Wigan midfielder, James McCarthy, has told Trappattoni he does not want to be considered for the Euro 2012 squad, as his father is battling cancer and requires on-going treatment.

The young star has stated that he still wants to play for the Republic in the future, and wishes his colleagues all the best for Euro 2012.

Bet on at www.betvictor.com!

Newcastle manager Alan Pardew has made it clear he will be looking to establish the club as a genuine Premier League force following their stunning season this year.

The Magpies have surpassed all expectations this campaign, with most pre-season Premier League betting predictions tipping a year of struggle for the north-east club

However, with the club riding high in the upper echelons of the table Newcastle fans will be hoping this year is a sign of things to come, which is certainly the view of Pardew.

“Our fans are realistic, they know we have come a long, long way this year. The task now is to stay there.”

“That’s the job in hand for me now, to make sure these players come back and put in the same dedication they have this year because they have earned big reputations now and now they need to fulfil them,” admitted Pardew.

The bookmaker odds suggest that a return to Champions League football will have to wait for another season at least, with Spurs now in the driving seat for that elusive fourth spot.

However, this current Newcastle side – plus a couple of additions this summer – definitely look capable of challenging for a top-four place next season.

As well as bringing players to the club, Pardew will be well aware that he has a job on his hands to keep his in-demand stars at the club. There will almost certainly be interest in the likes of Yohan Cabaye, Papiss Cisse and Hatem Ben Arfa when this summer’s transfer window opens and Newcastle will need to cling onto all their key players if they are going to really build on this season’s success.

Real Madrid turned on the style late on against a spirited Apoel Nicosia side to all-but secure their passage into the last four of the Champions League.

Real were dominant throughout in Cyprus but struggled to find a way past the stubborn hosts for long periods. A late double from Karim Benzema and a Kaka strike put the Spaniards well on their way to a semi-final tie with either Marseille or Bayern Munich and fans of Betfair will be expecting them to finish the job.

Apoel overcame French side Lyon on penalties in the last round but found Jose Mourinho’s side a different proposition altogether. They could not muster a single shot in the 90 minutes and spent most of the contest trying to repel the wave of Real attacks.

Apoel goalkeeper Dionisis Chiotis did well to keep out a Mezut Ozil volley before Benzema missed a glorious opportunity when it seemed easier to score just before the break.

The introduction of Marcelo and Kaka lifted the pace up a notch and the Cypriots struggled to cope with Real from thereon in. One-time World Player of the Year Kaka was particularly menacing and people looking for Betfair football tips will be wondering if he is back to his best.

The visitors finally broke the deadlock 15 minutes from time when the Brazilian crossed for Benzema to stoop and head home.

The two substitutes then combined to double Real’s lead. Marcelo did well to stay on his feet after he was caught by Paulo Jorge before cutting the ball back for Kaka to slot home.

Benzema secured a comfortable victory for Mourinho’s men in the last minute when he met Ozil’s low pass to finish past Chiotis.

The result left Real on course for a domestic and European double, and Apoel with a thankless task ahead of the second leg at the Bernabeau.

Manchester City exited the Europa League on away goals despite a late rally against Sporting Lisbon in their last-16 tie at Etihad Stadium.

City went into the clash trailing 1-0 from the first leg in Portugal and fresh from a demoralising defeat at Swansea City.

A one-goal deficit held no fears for Roberto Mancini’s side given their home record and the way they eased past Europa League holders Porto in the previous round.
However, City’s star-studded line-up struggled to get going in Manchester and were left facing an improbable task after a dire first half. Fans of the Betfair Europa League odds will not have been holding out much hope.

City picked up where they left off in south Wales – struggling for fluidity and bereft of the quality which saw them make a storming start to the season.
When Ricky van Wolfswinkel doubled Sporting’s lead on the night after Matias Fernandez’s magnificent opener, it looked as if City were heading for an embarrassing exit.

After they were booed off at the end of the opening period, the hosts came out fired up after the break and started to ask questions of Sporting.
Sergio Aguero reduced the deficit on the hour with a fine finish from inside the area before the Argentine earned a penalty when he was brought down by Renato Neto. Mario Balotelli converted from the spot and City were level on the night. betfair.com

City pressed forward with a renewed sense of belief and set up a grandstand finish when Aguero tapped home at the far post.

Sporting were hanging on as City searched for a decisive fourth goal. Goalkeeper Joe Hart came close to a sensational winner in the dying seconds, but the Portuguese outfit progressed to the last eight.

City can take heart from their second-half showing but will need to improve if they are to wrestle the title away from rivals Manchester United.

Manchester City must come from behind to keep their European dream alive after falling to a 1-0 defeat at the hands of Sporting Lisbon.

It was a disappointing evening for Roberto Mancini’s men, who struggled to match Sporting’s attitude and intensity.

Central defender Xandao scored the only goal of the game in the second half with an audacious back-heel. Crucially for Sporting, they denied City a precious away goal and fans of the Betfair Europa League will know how important this is.

All is not lost for City despite defeat in the Portuguese capital. They can take strength from their performance against Porto at the Etihad Stadium in the previous round. City romped to a 4-0 win to secure their passage to the last 16.

Mancini felt his side did enough to get a result at the Jose Alvalade Stadium and expects his side to be in the draw for the Europa League quarter-finals.
“It wasn’t a surprise because anything can happen in football, but I don’t think we deserved to lose,” said Mancini.

“We didn’t play very well. But we still have a big chance. I am not worried. We will go through in the Europa League and Sunday (at Swansea) will be a different game.”

City flattered to deceive and lacked the cutting edge which has seen them close in on a first Premier League title. Mario Balotelli gave the visitors some impetus off the bench but they rarely threatened Sporting keeper Patricio.

Indeed, Joe Hart ensured City went into the second leg with minimal damage after another strong showing. Ricardo Sa Pinto was elated with his side’s performance. Fans of Betfair should bear this in mind.

“It was the maximum performance from my players. We knew we had to be perfect to overcome Manchester City,” said the Sporting boss.
Sporting will need to reproduce that kind of performance in the return leg against a City side formidable at home.

Kenny Dalglish has insisted Liverpool’s 6-1 FA Cup thumping of Brighton won’t have any impact on his team’s Carling Cup final clash against Cardiff this weekend. The Merseysiders lay down an intimidating marker as they completely tore apart Gus Poyet’s Brighton side, which will certainly have registered with a Cardiff side struggling to find their best form.

While Brighton didn’t help themselves, scoring a record breaking three own-goals – two from midfielder Liam Bridcutt – as well as goals from Martin Skrtel, Andy Carroll and Luis Suarez. That said, Liverpool looked at times unplayable, however, producing some of the most fluid football of their season and never allowing their Championship opponents to get a foothold in the match. Fans of Betfair.com need to remember this.

Despite admitting his delight at the result, Dalglish was quick to insist the match won’t have any baring on next weekend’s trip to Wembley for their Carling Cup final.

“It gets us into the next round of the FA Cup. It does not really help us in the League Cup.”

“We will not be carried away.”

“We have got our reward for what we have done there and we have got a cup final at Wembley to look forward to.”

Dalglish will know this season’s various problems would all seem a great deal better if the club could finish the year with some silverware. With the top-four once again looking beyond Liverpool this campaign, the FA and Carling Cups will be the club’s only chance of glory. The Carling Cup betting reflects this.

While Liverpool were securing their place in the FA Cup quarter-final stage, Cardiff were going down without a whimper in a 3-0 away defeat to a struggling Ipswich side at Portman Road. The Welsh club have begin to show signs of pre-Wembley jitters, something they will need to shake off before the weekend id they are to have any chance of springing an upset against this Liverpool team.

Theo Walcott has made it clear that this season’s FA Cup could well be his best chance of finally winning a trophy as an Arsenal player. The Gunners are still yet to win any silverware since lifting the 2005 FA Cup trophy, something that has caused a host of key players to leave the club. Arsene Wenger’s men will now go into their fifth round tie of this year’s FA Cup knowing they now have a great chance of finally ending that wait. Fans of Betfair should bear this in mind.

With both Manchester clubs out of the competition, Arsenal will be one of the favourites to go on and lift the trophy. The Gunners produced the sort of form champions need to be capable of when they came back from 2-0 against Aston Villa in the last round to win the tie 3-2 and earn their place in the final-16, where they will now come up against either Sunderland or Middlesbrough.

There is still some way to go before the club can start planning their open-top bus parade through the streets of north London and Wenger will know his side have a lot to do to reach Wembley. Those looking at the FA Cup betting should remember this.

That said, however, Walcott has admitted the team are confident of finally ending their silverware drought and making up for their Carling Cup final defeat of last season by winning this year’s FA Cup. The 22-year old has made it clear he is determined to make up for the lack of trophies in his Arsenal career to date, admitting he is hopeful of putting that right in this year’s tournament.

“I would like to look back on my career at the trophies I have won. There are none yet. This is a competition that we can win.”

“A couple of big teams have gone out and, if we can come from 2-0 down, hopefully we can beat anybody now.”

It’s fair to say not many teams fancied coming up against defending champions Barcelona when the Champions League last-16 draw was announced. With the Catalan giants reprising their usual role as ‘Goliath’, it will be Bayer Leverkusen who fulfil the role of ‘David’ for this round of the tournament. The Germans will now have to somehow find a way past arguably the world’s best club side if they have hopes of reaching this year’s quarter-finals.

While there won’t be many who can envisage how Leverkusen will beat Barca over two-legs, there will be a few brave/optimistic folk out there who may fancy the Germans to spring a surprise. The club will go into the knockout stages on the back of some very encouraging European form, following three straight victories in their group campaign, including an impressive 2-1 victory against Valencia. Fans of the Betfair Champions League will be wondering if they can cause an upset.

The Barcelona game will give Leverkusen a chance to remind themselves what they are fighting for in this season’s Bundesliga. The club are currently eight points adrift from the top-four in the league, and the Champions League qualification that comes with it, something that is certainly a motivation to Leverkusen’s skipper Simon Rolfes.

The midfielder knows his team need to show more consistency in the second half of their season if they are to maintain their place at European football’s top table. Those looking at the Betfair betting website should bear this in mind.

“We know that we have got to play a very good second half of the season,” said Rolfes.

“But we want to be playing against Chelsea or Barcelona next year and not against Rosenborg or Kharkiv – the Europa League is not our goal.”

“We were too inconsistent in the first half of the season,” he said. “Playing the odd good game does not get you anywhere.”

Victory against Barcelona may seem like an impossible mission, however, every team has a bad day, even one as seemingly faultless as the Catalans, and if that is the case when the two sides meet then Leverkusen need to be ready to take advantage.