The Lions Roar- An England Story!

The Lion's Roar

Capello sacked! A new manager named!

With less than 3 hours since Fabio Capello was relieved of his managerial duties. The English Football Association have announced his replacement. Conor, former Bradford City and Manchester United manager has been named as England's head coach. Conor spent 5 seasons with Bradford City leading them from the bottom of League Two to The Premiership, winning no less than 7 cup titles on the way. He was then named Alex Ferguson's successor leading them to one Premier League title, one FA Cup, one League Cup and one Champions League title in the only season he spent there before being named England manager. Conor has said that he wants his players to have a right go at it and battle to qualify for the European Championships in Ukraine/Poland next year.

Squad Named for Montenegro, Switzerland and Bulgaria matches!

New England manager, Conor has today announced his 26-man squad to face Montenegro, Switzerland and Bulgaria. Conor named regulars Joe Hart, Ashley Cole, John Terry, Rio Ferdinand, James Milner, Wayne Rooney and Jermaine Defoe etc. in his first squad in charge. Along with the experienced members of the squad, Conor also named Andy Carrol, Jack Wilshere, Kieran Gibbs, Micah Richards, Fraser Forster and the most suprising inclusion Jonny Howson, in the squad. As he looks to see what the future England stars hold.

Full Squad;

Ben Foster, Joe Hart, Fraser Forster, Kieran Gibbs, Ashley Cole, Rio Ferdinand, John Terry, Michael Dawson, Phil Jagielka, Glen Johnson, James Milner, Jonny Howson, Steven Gerrard, Gareth Barry, Frank Lampard, Scott Parker, Andy Carrol, Jermaine Defoe, Peter Crouch, Ashley Young, Aaron Lennon, Wayne Rooney, Jack Wilshere, Micah Richards, Theo Walcott and Adam Johnson.

England 3-0 Montenegro

A fantastic result for Conor's first game in charge of the Three Lions. Conor handed youngsters Jack Wilshere, Andy Carrol and Kieran Gibbs their first England cap. Carrol and Whilshire marked the day with a goal each. Whilshire opened the score-sheet with a neat 25 yard strike with an assist from Steven Gerrard. Carrol then scored England's second of the game colliding with Aaron Lennon's cross with a bullet header. Substitute Jermaine Defoe sealed England's victory with a close range poachers finish following a through ball from Scott Parker. Conor has expressed his delight with the win and hopes for more of the same.

Switzerland 0-1 England

England got off to a great start against the Swiss army as Theo Walcott took the ball into the area passing 3 defenders on the way and calmly slotted the ball past the Swiss keeper. The game was very dull following the goal with barely any chances to be made. England however, seemed the stronger side, especially in midfield with Jack Wilshere dominating England's offensive approach. Leeds United's Jonny Howson gained his first England cap and looked very confident and strong. Switzerland thought they had secured a point on the 93rd minute when Erin Derdiyok broke away from Rio Ferdinand and John Terry and lobbed England goalkeeper Joe Hart. However, England were relieved to find that Derdiyok was deemed off-side by the Linesman. Post Match Conor gave his views on the match "We may have won the game but the 93rd minute goal was deffinately not off-side and England were very lucky the linesman had deemed Derdiyok off-side. We were the stronger side and there is no doubt about that. However we were not strong enough, we looked shaky in the second half. But overall it was a poor game. I was pleased that Bradford-born Jonny Howson gained his first cap in an England shirt."

Bulgaria 1-1 England

Bulgaria opened the scoring in Conor's second game in charge when Dimitar Berbatov connected with Stylian Petrov to put the ball past England goalkeeper Joe Hart. England found it hard to pick them selves up after the goal until the 73rd minute when Ashley Young was gifted with a wonder through ball from Jack Wilshere, as Young went one on one with the Bulgarian keeper he calmly slotted the ball in the goal for England. Conor had this to say after the match "This was one of the worst performances I have seen from any English side. We looked very shaky in all areas of the field and our strikers were not provided with the crosses they needed. However, Jack Wilshere, Ashley Young and Jermaine Defoe had a good game."

More career news coming soon. Comment please

This is kind of a follow on from my Bradford career. (Done on iPod Touch)

Nice, looks good so far! (It's Wilshere though, not Whilshere ) Look forward to more...

Montenegro 0-3 England

With Owen Hargreaves being brought back into the England side, Hargreaves was keen to impress the new manager. And did so after coming off the bench on the 64th minute and scoring a wonder free kick from out side the area. Wayne Rooney was back on the scoresheet also, grabbing himselg 2 goals and adding his overall England tally to 27. Something Rooney is keen on improving in the near future. Conor has expressed his delight at the fantastic showing by his 'troops' and is very happy that Rooney found his England shooting boots.

Young Squad Named for first Ivory Coast friendly

England manager Conor has named a young 26-man squad that will travel to London to play the Ivory Coast in a friendly match. The manager insisted that he wants to look to the future and find out which young stars will work well in an England shirt. Aswell as the young-guns, Conor also named a few players that have had previous experience for England.

Full Squad:

Fraser Forster, Joe Hart, Ben Foster, Micah Richards, Chris Smalling, Steven Taylor, Kieran Gibbs, Leighton Baines, Phil Jagielka, Michael Dawson, Tom Cleverley, Jack Cork, Mark Noble, Jack Wilshere, Adam Johnson, Owen Hargreaves, Andy Carrol, Jermaine Defoe, Danny Welbeck, Darren Bent, Gareth Barry, Stewart Downing, Jonny Howson, Joleon Lescott, Ashley Young and Aaron Lennon.

England 1-0 Ivory Coast

England won the match and confidence is high. Especially with the goalscorer Andy Carrol who bagged his 2nd England goal in 4 games. Conor also increased the confidence of 5 players by handing Forster, Noble, Cleverley, Dawson and Welbeck their first England cap.

Un-expected call-ups for young stars!

Once again the England manager has suprised the nation by calling up the stars of the next era. Norwich 18 year old Goalkeeper Jed Steer, Liverpool Right-back Martin Kelly, Man City full back James Tomkins, Blackburn's central defender Phil Jones, Aston Villa's Marc Albrighton, Everton's Jack Rodwell, Newcastle's Nile Ranger and Connor Wickham of Ipswich Town have been named in Conor's next 26-man squad to face Ivory Coast in a friendly.

17 Year Old 'strikes' to fame!

Just days after his first England call-up, 17 year old Ipswich Town striker makes his debut to remember by scoring in England's 1-0 away win over Ivory Coast. Wickham made his debut by starting against the Ivory Coast and look confident when on the attack. England manager, Conor, gave his thoughts on the game "I am delighted to have given Connor the chance as I feel he has an excellent future ahead of him and he could go very far by playing for England. However, I am slightly disappointed by Connor's lack of loyalty for his club. After he stated that he wants to join a bigger club. I hope he will not get too distracted by this and he remains focussed on his club and country career." Jack Rodwell, Marc Albrighton, James Tomkins and Phil Jones also made their England debuts.

Wales 0-1 England

England were back in competitive action and visited the Millennium Stadium with high hopes. England looked shaky in the first half of the match will very few chances on goal. Wayne Rooney almost put the four lions ahead by striking the post after 56 minutes. Jack Rodwell then capitalised on a Sam Ricketts mistake and scored the only goal of the game from 20 yards out. "We looked poor out there today and we must get it together and give the next match 110% in order to perform well" Conor expressed after the match.

England Legend to come out of Retirement?!?

England manager Conor is considering asking England legend David Beckham to come out of retirement and add some experience to his young squad. Conor decided that following the Wales victory there were still weak links in the team and this has been shown by the youngsters in the squad, so adding a versatile veteran such as David would benefit the team as a whole. "Becksy (David Beckham) would add that vital bit of experience this team lacks and would be a huge morale boost to the likes of Jack Wilshere and Marc Albrighton, who look up to Beckham respectively." Conor clearly has shocked most of the England fans and when Fabio Capello dropped Beckham out of the England squad before the 2010 World Cup, many fans were left shocked. Conor hopes that with David Beckham back in the team it will have a huge benefit on the team both on and off the pitch. The question is, will Beckham answer the call?

Lampard left out in the cold, again!

England manager Conor named his next 26-man squad today and with the notable absence of Frank Lampard. Lampard has been out of the squad since the Montenegro Euro 2012 qualifier at Wembley back in August. Conor has said that he holds Lampard as one of the best English midfielders to put the four lions shirt on but does not see him in his plans for the future. Conor had spoken to Frank on numerous occasions telling him that when the time is right, he'll know where to go. But for now its all about youth. "Frank has been very professional with my decisions and agrees that for England to succeed it is time for the youth to step up." Conor explained. However, Ashley Cole and Owen Hargreaves have also been left out in the cold. Whilst David Beckham has been recruited as captain whereas Frank Fielding and Michael Johnson gets their first call-ups.

Full Squad to face Ireland (friendly):

Joe Hart, Fraser Forster, Frank Fielding, Micah Richards, Steven Taylor, Rio Ferdinand, Chris Smalling, John Terry, James Tomkins, Leighton Baines, Jack Rodwell, Kierran Gibbs, Gareth Barry, David Beckham, Michael Johnson, James Milner, Jack Wilshere, Steven Gerrard, Scott Parker, Andy Carrol, Jermaine Defoe, Wayne Rooney and Connor Wickham.

Yet another update to the story arc.

England Player Of The Season named!

The English FA, the England team manager Conor and the England fans have all voted for their player of the season (Jul 2010-May 2011) and have named one player that stood out from the rest. Joe Hart came in second place and Scott Parker came third. Followed by Andy Carrol and Kierran Gibbs respectively. But the main man for this season has to be- (see spoiler below)

Jack Wilshere, aged at just 19 years old wins the accolade for this season. Manager Conor has expressed his delight in Wilshere's performances and has said that he has been the heart and soul of the English midfield. Wilshere started his England career after being called up by Conor in July last year. He had recently appeared regularly in the U21's and Conor deemed Wilshere ready for the first team after he took over. The Arsenal midfielder has been in exceptional form for his country and hopes to transfer his international form to club level.

Get Alex Smithies in there, with some TLC he becomes a machine later in the game

Had him before in another game. Was nothing special, stats barely increased.

Ireland 0-2 England

With the much hyped David Beckham return, it turned to disappointment as Beckham was injured during the match warm-up. Aaron Lennon then took his place as right midfielder. During the game England were dominating the midfield but could not break the Irish defence until a Steven Gerrard corner met the head of Rio Ferdinand on the 70th minute and was sent flying into the back of the net past Keiren Westwood. James Milner then sealed the victory for England in stoppage time with a neat close range effort. "A decent win against a decent team. Disappointed that David couldn't play, but hey, that's football for you" Manager Conor after the match.

Beckham retires due to Injury!

England legend and former Manchester United player David Beckham has announced his retirement from professional football due to a severe hamstring injury inflicted during the warm-up of England's 2-0 friendly win against Ireland. The injury would have kept Beckham out for at least 8 months but David decided to call it a day on football altogether after a season of injury. Manager Conor has expressed his delight at what Beckham had achieved during his career and hopes that David will become a key role model for England and English players.

England 1-0 Switzerland

England didn't get off to a good start in this candidate for dullest game of the year. There were very few chances for both teams but the closet chance in the first half saw Erin Derdyiok hit the cross bar from the edge of the six yard box. Both teams looked un-fit and in need of a rest. England's Jack Wilshere salvaged England the victory in the closing moments of the game with a nicely placed strike from in side the box. England manager Conor, admitted that this was a poor performance from his English 'troops' but has said that 'With poor performances comes greater things' meaning he believes poor performances will only make players more determined to do better and achieve more.

David Robert Joseph Beckham is a retired English professional footballer who played in the midfield position for a number of clubs including Manchester United, Real Madrid, Preston North End, AC Milan and most recently LA Galaxy. Beckham began his youth career at Tottenham Hotspur’s school of excellence in 1987 up until 1991 when he signed his first professional contract with Manchester United. Beckham was part of a group of young players at the club who guided the club to win the FA Youth Cup in May 1992, with Beckham scoring in the second leg of the final against Crystal Palace. Beckham made his Manchester United senior debut in 1992 as a substitute in a League Cup match against Brighton & Hove Albion. He made his first Champions League appearance for United in 1994 scoring in a 4-0 win against Galatasaray. Over the next 12 years Beckham went on to make over 250 league appearances for the Red Devils and scoring over 50 league goals. Beckham made his first appearance for the England national football team on 1 September 1996, in a World Cup 1998 qualifying match against Moldova. After England qualified for the 1998 World Cup Beckham was shown the red card in England’s round of 16 match against Argentina for kicking Diego Simeone whilsy on the floor. Beckham scored the infamous free-kick against Greece that would put England through to the World Cup 2002 and very few players could ‘Bend it like Beckham’ as shown on the day. Beckham then signed for Spanish giants Real Madrid in a deal worth £25m, where he chose to wear the number 23 shirt. Beckham spent as little as 4 years at the Bernabeu making 116 league appearances and scoring 16 league goals. Beckham gave up the England captaincy after the 2006 World Cup and the arm-band was given to defender John Terry. He went on to sign for American side Los Angeles Galaxy in 2007 on a 5 year deal worth in excess of $6.5m per year. Beckham was greeted widely by LA Galaxy fans across America and LA Galaxy went on to sell an increase of 11000 season tickets with Beckhams arrival at the club. Beckham was then loaned to Italian side AC Milan in a bid to retain his fitness ahead of England’s world cup qualifiers in 2009 in an attempt to seal his place in Fabio Capello’s squad. At Milan, he chose the number 32 shirt previously worn by Christian Vieri, as both the number 7 and 23 shirts were already used by Alexandre Pato and club captain Massimo Ambrosini, respectively. After his physical, Beckham was reportedly told by a club doctor that he believed he can continue playing football for another five years, when he will be 38. Beckham made his Serie A debut for Milan against Roma on 11 January 2009 and played 89 minutes of the 2–2 draw. He scored his first goal in Serie A for Milan in a 4–1 victory over Bologna on 25 January, his third appearance for the club. Though Beckham was expected to return to L.A. in March. Throughout the 2009/10 season Beckham spent time with AC Milan and LA Galaxy whilst preparing himself for the World Cup in June 2010. However, during a match for Milan Beckham suffered an Achilles tendon injury which ruled him out of the 2010 World Cup squad selection. Beckham still went to the tournament as part of Capello’s backroom staff. Beckham was then recalled to the England squad by new manager Conor for the friendly match against Ireland and the 2012 Euro qualifier against Switzerland. However he was then given more bad luck when he suffered an hamstring injury during the warm-up to England’s match against Ireland which would rule him out for at least 8 months. Beckham decided that it was time to call a halt on his career and retired from football on 5th June 2011. Beckham made a total of 115 appearances for England and scoring 17 goals. Is this the last we’ll see of David Beckham? Only time will tell.

One can hope Beckham will return some day!

Yes, some was copied from Wikipedia.

Dismal England hold out for a point!

The England vs Wales match at Wembley was being hyped as a big local derby and a match to remember. But fans were in for a shock with the most dismal perfmormance from the Four Lions since current manager Conor was appointed last July. Players such as Steven Gerrard, Aaron Lennon and James Milner have been singled out as the main under-performers in a dreadful team display. The match got off to a good start for the Welsh team when Craig Bellamy ran onto a through ball from Gareth Bale and put it inches wide of the post. Wales dominated the first half with a Gareth Bale free-kick colliding off the cross-bar. England's Jack Wilshere almost put England ahead in their best chance of the match after 67 minutes with a neatly placed shot pounding off the Welsh keepers' gloves. Wales' Craig Bellamy was awarded a penalty on 89 minutes after Steven Gerrard committed a dangerous foul inside the area and was shown a yellow card. However, Bellamy couldn't salvage the game for Wales after striking it well over the bar. The Wales fans will undoubtedly be the happier set of fans as they make their way home.

England 4-0 Bulgaria

England manager Conor has already gained qualification to the European Champions in 2012 and looked to adopt to a new formation of 4-4-2, since the recent 4-4-1-1 formation adopted for the past 6 games had poor results from. The tactical change seemed to work for Conor's lions as England found themselves ahead after 12 minutes when Aaron Lennon collided with Jack Wilshere's corner. Wilshere who was asked to play the left midfielder role because of Frank Lampard's call-up, got another assist when he set up John Terry from another corner just 25 minutes in. Wayne Rooney was then gifted a wonder ball from Steven Gerrard when he took the ball neatly round the keeper and slotted away England's third of the match on 44 minutes. England hung back for most of the second half but looked more confident that ever, under Conor. Andy Carrol then got his third goal for England from an header inside the 12 yard box from an Aaron Lennon cross. "A fantastic performance by a fantastic team" Conor said "We looked stronger than ever out there today and I hope for more of the same."

Match Ratings *NEW*

- Joe Hart - 7 Not much to do today but when he was needed, he was solid.

- Micah Richards - 7 Cool and calm performance from Richards today and didn't have a lot to do.

- Kierren Gibbs - 8 It is clear Gibbs is settling in well in the England camp with another solid performance.

- Rio Ferdinand - 7 Was pretty solid when called upon.

- John Terry - 8 The heart of the defence, very solid and capped the performance with a goal.

- Aaron Lennon - 8 The speedy winger has certainly come along well for England and gained his first goal.

- Jack Wilshere - 10 Adjusted well to the left side of midfield and it is clear the young lad is coming along well with every solid performance.

- Frank Lampard - 7 Came back into the England squad to provide experience and did just that. Was quality when called upon.

- Steven Gerrard - 7 Had a good game and capped the performance with an assist.

- Wayne Rooney - 9 Looked determined up front and he will only thrive on the goal and perform better in future matches.

- Andy Carrol - 7 Fitting in well with the England squad and gained his 3rd goal in 7 games for England.

Man Of The Match- Jack Wilshere- *10*

Decided not to do reports on friendlies!

Euro 2012 Groups Announced!

In the aftermath of England's 4-0 thrashing of Liechtenstein, the Euro 2012 group stages were announced. England gained a what seemed to be on of the easiest group of the tournament with the four lions facing the likes of Poland, Switzerland and Scotland in the first round of the tournament. Fellow Brit's Northern Ireland were drawn in a group consisting of Croatia, Portugal and Spain. The only British nation not to qualify was Wales after a disappointing finish to their qualifying campaign. Full groups details below:

Group A

Croatia

Northern Ireland

Portugal

Spain

Group B

France

Germany

Holland

Romania

Group C

Russia

Serbia

Turkey

Ukraine

Group D

England

Poland

Scotland

Switzerland

England Assistant Manager to be named!

Following the exodus that left the England national team without a permanent assistant manager. England manager Conor appointed Stuart Pearce as his temporary right hand man until the Euro 2012 finals in June 2012. Now it is time Conor decided on an assistant to replace Pearce for the upcoming tournament. Conor had released a press statement saying he has a "Shortlist of 5" that he would love to be his wing man. The bookmakers have former Manchester United midfielder Paul Scholes as one of the favourites to succeed Pearce and former Bradford City captain Stuart McCall as the underdog. The full list of those in line for the job is below with their odds on gaining the role;

Who do you think will get the job?

Trinidad 0-1 England

England lined up for another warm-up friendly leading up to the Euro 2012 championships. With Wayne Rooney scoring the only goal in another England win, which keeps Conor's England managerial career still without a loss.

Hargreaves in retirement shock!

After having a decent half season for Manchester United it was reported that Owen Hargreaves was in line for an England call-up however Hargreaves picked up a shock injury that would see him out of the 2012 championships so has therefore decided to hang up his boots on International Football. Everyone at the England camp would like to wish Owen the best for his future and hopes he will one day make a top coach when he fully retires.

Gibbs out of Euro 2012?

Arsenal and England left-back Keiran Gibbs picked up a devastating hamstring injury in training today which could keep him out of the Euro 2012 championships, this will surely come has a huge blow for England manager Conor who had hinted Gibbs as a future star. Gibbs may be in line for the Euro 2012 tournament if his fitness picks up by May.

Beckham is No. 2!

After due consideration between The FA and England manager Conor, David Beckham has been singled out to lead The Four Lions alongisde Conor. Beckham has been given a 2 year contract which will run up until after the World Cup 2014. Fans Favorite Beckham has wowed fans over the last 15 years with his midfield magic, earning the nickname 'Golden Balls' used by many England fans across the nation. "Becks has been brought in because he is a great ambassador for the team and will provide the extra motivation the lads need before stepping out onto the field of play." Conor said. England captain Steven Gerrard spoke of his delight that Beckham had returned to the England camp and will enjoy working along side him.

Shock for McCall and Kamara!

Former Bradford City and Rangers player Stuart McCall has been appointed as an England coach in preparation to the Euro 2012 championships. The appointment comes as a shock for most fans around the country as well as Stuart himself. The Bradford City legend has expressed his delight to coach the English national team, following spells with Bradford City and Motherwell. Plus, former Bradford City manager and Sky Sports pundit Chris Kamara has been appointed as England's U21 manager as well as a senior team coach. Kamara, who wasn't initialy in the run in to be appointed came back to football coaching, following a call from England manager Conor. Kamara has said he jumped at the chance at coaching the England team and couldn't answer 'yes' quick enough. Both have been given contracts which run up until the end of the Euro 2012 championships.

Kamara after getting the job!

Kammy will want the under 21's fighting like beavers!

Good story so far

Kammy will want the under 21's fighting like beavers!

I laughed so loud at that!

Euro 2012 Squad Announced!

With just three weeks until the European Championships in Ukraine/Poland, England manager, Conor, announced his 23-man squad he would be taking to the finals. Regular call ups for Joe Hart, Wayne Rooney, Jack Wilshere and Steven Gerrard were included as expected. Tom Huddlestone gained his first call-up to the England squad under Conor, replacing the injured Scott Parker. Kieran Gibbs, who was struggling with an injury leading up to the tournament has been deemed fit to play. The most notable absence would be that off Rio Ferdinand who missed the last 2 games for England. It looks as though Ferdinand has played his last game for England. The full squad is noted below;

Goalkeepers

1. Joe Hart

13. Fraser Forster

22. Frank Fielding

Defenders

2. Micah Richards

3. Ashley Cole

5. Gary Cahill

6. John Terry

12. Jack Rodwell

18. Phil Jones

19. Kieran Gibbs

23. Steven Taylor

Midfielders

4. Steven Gerrard

7. Aaron Lennon

8. Mark Noble

11. Adam Johnson

14. Jack Wilshere

15. Tom Huddlestone

16. Jonjo Shelvey

17. James Milner

Attackers

9. Andy Carrol

10. Wayne Rooney

20. Jermaine Defoe

21. Connor Wickham

Italy 0-3 England

In the last warm-up match before the Euro 2012 finals, England looked better than ever when they faced one of their hardest challenges to date, in Conor's England managerial career. Italy who failed to qualify for the tournament were left shocked after the match with a 3-0 defeat to the four lions. With goals from Ashley Cole, James Milner and Jermaine Defoe.

Man Of The Match: James Milner

Poland 0-2 England

The European Championships kicked off with a great start for England with a 2-0 win over the tournament hosts, Poland. James Milner gave fantastic service to open the scoring for England, with a neatly placed cross into the path of Jermaine Defoe on the 31st minute. England had to wait 5 minutes until after half time for their second. Wayne Rooney took the ball into the Polish area and slotted the ball past Wojciech Szczęsny. The entertainment didn't stop there though. England defender John Terry saw red on the 66th minute after a professional foul on Tomasz Cywka.

Match Ratings;

Joe Hart- 7 - Did everything well when needed, faultless today.

Micah Richards- 7 - Solid at the right back position and is developing really well for England.

Ashley Cole- 8 - Another solid performance from Cole on his return back to the England team.

John Terry- 7 - Despite the sending off, he was a brick at the back.

Gary Cahil- 7 - Really filling Rio Ferdinand's boots and is adapting well for England.

James Milner- 8 - Fantastic game from Milner and capped the performance with an assist.

Aaron Lennon- 6 - Very quiet today.

Jack Wilshere- 8 - Solid again from one of England's key men.

Steven Gerrard- 7 - Provided some great chances today.

Wayne Rooney- 9 - One of his better games in an England shirt. Capped the performance with a great goal.

Jermaine Defoe- 9 - One of the best on the pitch, unlucky to only get 1 goal.

Man Of The Match- Jermaine Defoe - 9 -

England 2-1 Switzerland

England gained their second win of the tournament today over Switzerland with a 2-1 victory. Switzerland were being tipped as one of the hardest teams for England to come against, but Conor's Lions were out in force to overcome the Swiss. Jack Wilshere stepped up to take a corner which would prove to be the defining moment of the game when Jermaine Defoe headed away his 2nd of the tournament on the 10th minute. Wayne Rooney picked up a yellow cards following a foul on Valon Behrami, which would keep him out of the next match. Jermaine Defoe then doubled England's lead on the 58th minute with a finely placed strike following a through ball from Jack Rodwell. Switzerland then gained one back after Valon Behrami's cross collided with the head of Erin Derdiyok. The suspended John Terry was replaced by Phil Jones.

Match Ratings

Joe Hart- 7 -

Micah Richards- 8 -

Ashley Cole- 8 -

Phil Jones- 7 -

Gary Cahil- 7 -

James Milner- 7 -

Aaron Lennon- 7 -

Jack Wilshere- 8 -

Steven Gerrard- 8 -

Wayne Rooney- 8 -

Jermaine Defoe- 9 -

Man Of The Match- Jermaine Defoe - 9 -

Up Next for England....... Scotland

Sorry for the delay guys. Here are the rest of the match reports!

England 2-0 Scotland

England lined-up with a relatively weakened side against Scotland ahead of their last group game of the tournament with Andy Carrol and Tom Huddlestone making their way into the team. England got off to a great start when a lobbed effort from Jack Wilshere was tipped onto the crossbar by Alan McGregor and Jermaine Defoe was lucky enough to receive the ball to his feet as it bounced off down from the bar, slotting it home nice and calmly. England had to wait until the 81st minute for their second though when Andy Carroll broke away from 2 Scottish defenders and placed the ball neatly passed McGregor.

Russia 2-3(aet) England

It's Quater Final time and England set out to claim their ticket to the Semi-Final in an attempt to defeat Russia. The game started off well for the Russians and exciting when an Alan Dzagoev corner caused England's defence havoc in the middle when the ball finally dropped to the feet of Roman Pavlyuchenko, which he slotted calmly past Joe Hart. Russia's celebrations didn't last long when Wayne Rooney leaped to a cross from James Milner and headed the ball past Igor Akinfeev just 2 minutes after the Russian goal. Jermaine Defoe was the man of the moment when he attempted to beat the keeper one on one, slotting away England's second just half an hour into the match. England looked on top for most of the game since then but were caught napping by Roman Pavlyuchenko on the 69th minute as he powered a wonder shot from 25 yards out into the top corner. The 90 minutes were up and the four lions have to up their game to come out with something tonight. Conor's team talk seemed to work as a string of passes led to Jermaine Defoe grabbing his second of the game striking a 35 yard shot past the Russian keeper. England had gained their semi-final place and Conor showed only delight in the press the following day.

England draw Portugal in semi-final!

England have been drawn against rivals Portugal in their Semi-Final match in the Euro 2012 championships.

Portugal 1-2 England

England go into this match without a loss in 2 years whereas Portugal go in with 3 wins in 6. Steven Gerrard led an unchanged four lions team out onto the pitch in what seems to be the most anticipated match of the tournament. Jermaine Defoe was on the scoresheet again for England and took 33 minutes to get the goal. Defoe took the ball past 2 defenders and placed the ball calmly past the Portuguese keeper. John Terry was on the end of an Aaron Lennon corner and grabbed what seemed to be the winning goal an hour into the match. Portugal's Orlando Sa pulled one back for Paulo Bento's team but it was too little too late. England go into the Euro 2012 final to play a Serbian team which managed to beat France 2-0 in their semi-final clash.

England 3-0 Serbia

England have done it! They have reached the final of the 2012 championships under new manager, Conor. But ahead of them is a strong Serbian team willing to end England's run of good form. But Conor's troops seemed to be too much for Serbia with a 3-0 thrashing in the final. James Milner got England one step closer when he placed the ball past the Serbian keeper 49 minutes in. Milner was on the scoresheet again just 10 minutes later after striking the ball low and hard into the bottom corner. Jermaine Defoe was again the man of the moment as he gained yet another goal from an header after an Aaron Lennon cross. England paraded the European trophy around the stadium after the final whistle and a special speech from the manager, Conor, got fans on the edge of their seets;

"I just want to say, congratulations to the boys that have made history today. They really are the knights of England. Wilshere, Defoe and Milner I am extremely pleased for you guys and I can see that you al are great footballers, and same with your team mates. I am pleased the FA gave me the chance to manage England, however, I feel my work here is done. I wouldn't want to leave England without any success and when I came in I said to the FA that I am here to develop the team and my main aim is to win the Euro 2012 trophy and guess what? I, we did! My next goal, is to further my skills in English club football. To the future!