da luck： Germany manager Joachim Low believes England have improved under Roy Hodgson and are a far better side than they were during the 2010 World Cup.
da doce： The Germans thumped England during the knock out stages in South Africa and the two nations could face-off again in the semi finals this week, if the Three Lions can overcome Italy in Kiev tonight.
Low feels England are much tougher nut to crack now and would fully expect a far tougher game:
“Roy in a short time, and he is known for this, has really built a good, compact team and got them ready. They are not so open any more, they are not as divided as they were in 2010 and they really play well as a team. Roy has managed to organise this team very well and they are tactically better than in 2010.”
Italy stand in England’s way tonight in what promises to be the most cagey game in Euro 2012 so far.
Elsewhere in the news today Glen Johnson hails the decision of Roy Hodgson to appoint Steven Gerrard as captain; Andre Villas-Boas distances himself from England job, while Ferdinand talks about the previous divisions within the national setup.
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Headlines
Rio Ferdinand has hailed the collective spirit of the England squad and suggests it was a far cry from the divisions that used to exist – [Daily Mail]
Andre Villas-Boas has distanced himself from the Tottenham and claims talk of him taking the job is simply ‘lies’ – [Sky Sports]
Glen Johnson has hailed the appointment of Steven Gerrard as England captain and believes it has improved him as a player – [Guardian]
Glasgow Rangers new owner has told the players they will face legal action if they try and force a move from the club – [Guardian]
Gary Neville has warned the England players not to provoke Mario Balotelli, ahead of tonight’s quarter final against Italy – [Guardian]
Porto have revealed talk of Hulk leaving are just rumours and no formal bids have been made – [Independent]
Fabio Capello is furious at the suggestion that he has been on a spying mission and is passing on his knowledge of the England squad to the Italian coaches – [Daily Mail]
Gareth Bale is set to pledge his future to Tottenham, despite the club’s failure to secure Champions League football last season – [Mirror]
Nani has been assured that talks over a new contract at Manchester United will resume after the Euros – [Mirror]
Olivier Giroud will have an Arsenal medical in the next 48hrs ahead of signing a five-year Arsenal deal this week – [Sun]
Spurs have made a shock move to sign Liverpool midfield target Gylfi Sigurdsson – [Daily Express]
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