Two In, One Out For Portugal

Ricardo Carvalho and Deco both played for Portugal as they beat Mozambique 3-0 in their final pre-World Cup friendly on Tuesday.

Paulo Ferreira was an unused sub and Deco was withdrawn on the hour as the Selecao laboured to victory in Johannesburg, despite having the better of the play.

They had to wait until the second half to break the deadlock, when seven minutes in Deco supplied a delicate pass for Danny to run through and finish.

Those same two players had linked up well in the first half to create a chance for Simao, who was denied by Mozambique goalkeeper Otshudia Lama.

The goalscorer turned provider fifteen minutes from time when he squared for Hugo Almeida, and Almeida grabbed a second close to the end when Cristiano Ronaldo's shot was only parried by Lama.

For Carvalho then, it is two full matches completed in a week, with a 45 minutes against Cape Verde to boot. Deco too earned much-needed minutes with his club season ending early, his hour today added to a full game against Cameroon and another 60 against Cape Verde.

Ferreira will probably now be questioning whether he will be a starter when Portugal kick off their World Cup campaign against Ivory Coast on June 15. The full-back played only 45 minutes against Cameroon, and 68 against Cape Verde.

Summary Of A Season: Michael Ballack

The Germany captain's season ended as it had begun nine months earlier, with injury. Kevin-Prince Boateng's late challenge in the FA Cup Final did not prevent the Chelsea man from joining in the Double-winning celebrations on the Wembley pitch, but it did force him out of a World Cup he had been desperately looking forward to.

A pre-season toe injury limited Michael's preparations, but after flying home from the tour in Seattle, he was ready for the Community Shield at Wembley, converting a penalty from the bench as we wrapped up our first silverware of the season.

It was as a sub that he started the Premier League campaign against Hull, but he was recalled to start at Sunderland, and it was he who kick-started the comeback, poking home from close range to tee up a 3-1 win.

He added his second and third against Burnley and Spurs as we won our first six league games, but then had to sit out defeat at Wigan and victory in Cyprus with a calf problem. Indeed it wasn't until December 5 that Ballack featured in a Chelsea defeat, though three days earlier he had uncharacteristically missed a penalty as we were eliminated from the Carling Cup at Blackburn.

The midfielder's best game of the season was probably at home to Blackburn in October, where he pulled the strings from the right of midfield, laying on chance after chance for his team-mates.

With Didier Drogba so deadly from just about anywhere on the pitch, it was unusual for Ballack to get a look in at free-kicks, where he had proved deadly before - when he did, late on against Everton in December, he found visiting goalkeeper Tim Howard in fine form, and we had to settle for a 3-3 draw.

He called on Chelsea's senior players to deliver in the absence of the Africans at the Nations Cup, and they duly delivered, the 33-year-old chipping in with another goal against Sunderland himself, and supplying one of the passes of the season to play in Nicolas Anelka, a delicate touch between two defenders that left the Frenchman one-on-one.

Having completed his season's scoring against Cardiff in the FA Cup, Ballack saw red against City at the end of February. Already booked for dissent, he executed a needlessly reckless challenge on Carlos Tevez that belied his experience and sent us down to nine men after Juliano Belletti had already been dismissed.

Out of Europe after an impotent showing against Inter, we regained focus in the Premier League and FA Cup, yet in the big games Ballack was dropped to the bench as we retook the lead in the title race.

Injury to John Mikel Obi at Tottenham gave him a way back in, and he responded well, offering more in attack than the Nigerian as Stoke, Liverpool and Wigan were brushed aside to seal a first English league title for the well-medalled German.

It was then no surprise when he was given the nod to start the Cup Final, but his day at Wembley was to last just 43 minutes, having tried to limp on after Boateng's late challenge on 35.

Joining in with the after-match party, he must have known the news that was to come - that the summer will be spent recovering at Cobham, rather than in South Africa.

Chelsea Join Race To Sign Hearts Star Driver

Chelsea are one of five clubs to inquire about Hearts winger Andy Driver in recent weeks following discussions between Roman Abramovich and Vladimir Romanov over a potential £5million transfer.

The Chelsea owner and Hearts' majority shareholder have been in talks regarding an initial loan agreement for Driver, which would include the option of a subsequent £5m move. The player's contract runs until 2013 and he may be reluctant to move to England's double winners where competition for first-team football is intense, but the approach from one of the world's most illustrious clubs says much for his reputation south of the Border.

Wigan Athletic, Burnley, Middlesbrough and Holland's FC Twente have also been in contact with Hearts as they monitor the 22-year-old closely. Officials at Tynecastle have confirmed interest from two English Premier League clubs, two Championship clubs and a European-based club. To date, only Chelsea's valuation of Driver has matched that of Romanov's.

Burnley have submitted a £1.5m bid but have been informed that offer must double for any business to be done. Chelsea, the English double winners, are keen to increase their quota of home-grown players in line with UEFA regulations. Abramovich and Romanov both believe Driver could thrive in England and a proposed loan agreement with the option of a £5million deal thereafter appeals to Romanov.

The player's fitness is steadily improving following a persistent thigh complaint which restricted him to just 14 appearances last season. He is expected to begin pre-season training on 7 July, although club medics are considering sending him to Sweden for additional treatment.

Hearts were preparing to parade pre-contract signing Darren Barr at Tynecastle, with assistant manager Billy Brown promising that the club are working diligently to add to the captures of Barr and striker Kevin Kyle.

"We are trying but getting good players – and the right types of players in – isn't easy," he explained. "We know what our aims are, whether we can get them or not we don't know."

Brown believes Kyle harbours the potential to revive his Scotland career if he proves himself with Hearts.

"If he can get back to the form he showed at that time (at Kilmarnock] I think Craig (Levein] will be looking at him."

John Terry Happy With Fabio Capello's Experiments

England's John Terry said he was happy with Fabio Capello's late experiments in defence as the manager sought a solution to the absence of injured captain Rio Ferdinand.

"I don't think we have anything to worry about with that -- it's the way the manager does things," the former England captain told reporters.

"He chops and changes people week in and week out and on a daily basis as well, so we all get used to different people."

Terry, who has won 60 England caps, played alongside Ledley King in Monday's World Cup warm-up game against South African premier league team Platinum Stars.

King and Terry were replaced by the uncapped Michael Dawson, who flew out to replace Ferdinand, and Matthew Upson, in the second half of England's 3-0 win, when Robert Green went into goal in place of Joe Hart.

"I think we all know each other well enough now, and how we all play, for it to be no problem," Terry said about Capello's changes.

"It's not a time now for getting used to players, but for creating a unity and a feeling that we are all sticking together and that's the most important thing now."

Ferdinand was ruled out of the World Cup finals after injuring his knee in the squad's first training session in South Africa last Friday. Capello has appointed Steve Gerrard as captain in his place.

England open their World Cup campaign with a Group C match against the USA in Rustenburg.

The 39-year-old David James had been expected to be the first-choice goalkeeper but he did not make an appearance against Platinum Stars.

Terry, who was stripped of the England captaincy in February after newspaper revelations about his private life, said he had no opinion to offer on who should be the first-choice goalkeeper.

"I don't want to get drawn into that. It's a decision for the manager and it is a big decision, but that is what he's paid for. I just think we have three great players here and they are all here for the right decisions after doing what they did in the league last season.

"But it is typical of the manager. You know you can never read him and know what he is thinking and I think that's what people like about him."

Harry Redknapp Wants Joe Cole At Tottenham Hotspur

Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp has admitted he is interested in taking Joe Cole to White Hart Lane.

Cole, who scored in England's 3-0 World Cup warm-up victory against Platinum Stars on Monday, is out of contract at Chelsea this summer and has been linked with a number of clubs, notably Spurs, Arsenal and Manchester United.

"Yes, I am prepared to declare my interest in Joe Cole," the Spurs boss told the Daily Express.

"Why not? He is a great player, his contract is up and he is on a free transfer.

"When he returns I would love to talk to him about coming to Spurs."

Redknapp's statement contradicts his comments last week when he claimed he believed the 28-year-old would leave Stamford Bridge this summer but his destination would be somewhere other than Tottenham.

"It looks to me someone's going to make a great free transfer, if he doesn't stay at Chelsea,'' Redknapp had told BBC Radio 5 Live.

"I genuinely don't know who that is. I don't think it's going to be Tottenham. I've got a feeling, I may be wrong, that he's already agreed a deal with someone, and it's not Tottenham.

"I'm not saying if he hadn't agreed a deal with someone and he was available and didn't stay at Chelsea that we wouldn't be interested.

"I'm a big fan of Joe's, but the feedback we've had is that he might well have already done something.''

Michael Ballack Could Follow Fabio Cannavaro To The Middle East

Chelsea midfielder Michael Ballack could be the next superstar to swap Europe for the Middle East, according to The Guardian.

Ballack, 33, has emerged as a target for several teams in Dubai - including Al Wasl and Al Shabab - as his current contract with the Blues expires this summer. If he moved to the Gulf, he would follow in the footsteps of Italy captain Fabio Cannavaro, who signed for Al Ahli last week as they gear up for an assault on the Asian Champions League.

A source from the UAE Pro League said: "The clubs here know there are some top names from the Premier League who have reached the end of their time there and are looking for a final move. They are ambitious.

"Michael Ballack has been approached and he is now the No. 1 target for clubs. In Italy the chance of bringing [Gennaro] Gattuso here from Milan is being looked at and Cannavaro coming will help that.

"Inquiries have also been made about Guti at Real Madrid."

Ancelotti Sets Sights On Dutch Master Huntelaar

Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti is reportedly interested in making a summer move for AC Milan striker Klaas Jan Huntelaar. The former Real Madrid man has had a stuttering first season at the San Siro where injury and poor form have restricted the 26 year old’s first team opportunities.

With Leonardo’s exit from the Serie A side it seems that the Dutch international may face an even tougher task to push his way into the starting line up and the uncertainty at AC Milan may play into Ancelotti’s hands as he looks to bring in further attacking options.

The Premier League champions have been indebted to the striking services of Nicolas Anelka and Didier Drogba but both strikers are over 30 and with Daniel Sturridge still very raw a move for an established goalscorer makes a great deal of sense.

Huntelaar has seen the last two seasons potter along as he had to convince successive managers of his worth whilst failing to get a real good run in the first team. That being said he has still managed 15 goals in 41 matches for Real Madrid and AC Milan and its worth remembering that at Ajax the well built forward was a veritable goal machine scoring 76 goals in 92 Eredivisie starts and has the physical presence that could well suit a move to the Premier League.

Andy Carroll Won’t Be Leaving Newcastle - Hughton

Chris Hughton has revealed he has “no intention” of allowing Andy Carroll to leave Newcastle United.

The Geordie striker has been linked with Premier League champions Chelsea, with reports in the capital suggesting that the 21-year-old is the subject of a potential £7m bid from the Stamford Bridge side.

But while the Blues can offer Carroll both Champions League football and the chance to enhance his international ambitions further with England under Carlo Ancelotti, Hughton firmly believes that the Gateshead-born starlet can realise his full potential at St James’ Park.

Carroll – who has been re-bailed in October after an assault charge – is understood to want to extend his stay at United, despite having three years left on his current deal.

However, that has not stopped his performances from last season catching the eye of some of Newcastle’s Premier League counterparts, with Stoke and Birmingham last week also linked with Carroll.

Hughton told the Chronicle today: “I can say 100% that I have not heard anything from Chelsea, to me that is just speculation.

“We’ve got no intention of seeing Andy Carroll leave Newcastle United.

“The reasons for that are he has the right profile, he’s a young player and he’s got a big future here with us.”

Hughton is back behind his desk after his summer holiday and, with less than a month to go until pre-season training, is on course at least to have the basis of the squad that won the Championship with him on July 5.

Toon fans are anxious to see new additions to what many of them believe is a squad that lacks depth for the top-flight challenge ahead next season.

And Hughton today offered them reassurance that new signings would be added to bolster the current roster.

He said: “It’s the time of year when work behind the scenes is being done each day.

“By the time next season begins I am confident there will be new players at the club.”

Talk in Glasgow is that Rangers star Kris Boyd is set to be Newcastle’s first summer signing, with the player actively seeking a new club.

Boyd is an boyhood fan of the Magpies, and the fact he is available on a Bosman means he fits the bill for United.

Hughton says: “Kris Boyd is a good player, but I can categorically say that there have been no talks at this stage.

“There has been no correspondence and no communication.

“You never want to say 100% no, but it’s a non-starter at this moment.”

Joe Cole Nets In England Warm-Up

Joe Cole played the full 90 minutes, while his three Chelsea team-mates played one half of England's 3-0 win over South African club side Platinum Stars on Monday afternoon.

The game, an unofficial friendly, which will not count towards players' cap counts or goals records, was used as a final warm-up game before the World Cup kicks off on Friday, with England's involvement beginning on Saturday when they meet USA.

Cole netted England's second goal, which came after John Terry, Frank Lampard and Ashley Cole had been substituted, the Chelsea number 10 the only man to play on after half-time with manager Fabio Capello making 10 changes. Terry, Lampard and Ashley Cole were all withdrawn having made low key appearances.

Spurs forward Jermain Defoe converted captain Steven Gerrard's pull-back three minutes in to open the scoring, after former Chelsea man Shaun Wright-Phillips had put the Liverpool man through, before ex-Blue Glen Johnson gave away a penalty, missed by the Platinum forward.

Joe's extended spell on the pitch paid off midway through the second half, as he converted England's second following a fast England breakaway, Wayne Rooney laying the goal on.

The Manchester United man added a third himself with a sharp volley after James Milner had crossed.

Summary Of A Season: Paulo Ferreira

Like Joe Cole, Paulo began the season working his way back from cruciate ligament damage, suffered during training in early March last year.

To return in a little over six months, as he did when he played 90 minutes against QPR in September, showed tremendous commitment to a professional career that had slowed in recent times.

The signing of Ferreira's compatriot, Jose Bosingwa, in the summer of 2008 and the emergence of Branislav Ivanovic and even Michael Essien as viable right-back alternatives meant the 31-year-old's first-team opportunities would be most likely on the left, where he has played regularly over the last couple of years for Portugal.

Then came the arrival of Yury Zhirkov, also capable of playing in the back four, and suddenly Ferreira's chances of a game looked slim.

Juliano Belletti was preferred to start against Blackburn in October, though Ferreira did come off the bench for the final half-hour, starting the next two games with Ashley Cole out injured.

The quiet defender continued to figure in the League Cup, and even found the net from close range at Blackburn, only his second goal in a Chelsea shirt (his first being against Colchester United in 2005/06) and the third of his career.

Limited appearances followed between Christmas and February, including a fine game against Cardiff in the FA Cup, culminating in a pinpoint cross for Salomon Kalou to nod home the fourth goal.

Had he been registered for the Champions League, where the squad is limited to 25, and must include a quota of home-grown players, Paulo would surely have seen further action in the San Siro, where Florent Malouda played at left-back in a 2-1 defeat to Inter.

It was at this point that both Cole and Zhirkov were absent through injury, and Ferreira could make a significant contribution after waiting so patiently. Injury to Ivanovic at Blackburn however meant it would be on his favoured right side where he made the most impact.

Despite being beaten in the air for an important looking equalizer at Ewood Park, he continued to plug the gap in big wins over Portsmouth and Aston Villa, and then played a crucially disciplined defensive role in the win at Old Trafford.

Ten straight starts in domestic games had seen him let nobody down, and although he played no part after the 7-0 thrashing of Stoke in late April, he had done enough to more than earn his two winners' medals, and goes into the World Cup as one of Portugal's few form players.

Lampard Aims To Have Shoot-On-Sight Policy

Frank Lampard believes he can take full advantage of the new and lighter World Cup ball to help England’s quest for glory in South Africa.

The Chelsea midfielder has already been practicing shooting from long range with the Jabulani ball during England’s training camp in Austria, and Lampard is confident in it being possible to score from almost any distance given the way the ball swerves and moves in the air.

Lampard said: “The ball we will be using does move. I worked on it in Austria.

Mikel - I Couldn't Risk Knee

John Obi Mikel admits he did not want to risk his knee injury after being ruled out of Nigeria's World Cup campaign.

The Chelsea midfielder was scratched from Lars Lagerback's 23-man squad for the tournament in South Africa on Saturday after failing to recover fully from a recent knee operation.

He missed the end of Chelsea's successful season after undergoing surgery, but was hoping to be fit to take his place in Nigeria's World Cup squad.

However, despite training fully with his team-mates on Friday, Mikel has confirmed he is not in a position to play in the World Cup finals.

Mikel told www.kickoff.com: "It is the same knee and I did not want to risk any further damage, also I think it is in the best interest of the team for me to withdraw rather than waste a slot.

"I wish the team good luck and I know that they will surprise people."

Nigeria coach Lagerback has acted immediately to replace Mikel by drafting uncapped Sochaux midfielder Brown Ideye into his squad.

The 21-year-old was one of the unlucky seven players to be dropped from the squad earlier this week when the Swede trimmed his list to 23.

The Nigerians wrap up their preparations for the finals with a friendly against North Korea in Johannesburg on Sunday.

After their opening Group B match against Argentina next Saturday in Johannesburg, Lagerback's team face Greece in Bloemfontein on 17th June before wrapping up their group matches with a match against South Korea in Durban five days later.

Arsenal Will Only Sign Joe Cole If The Chelsea Midfielder Drops Wage Demands By 50%

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger will only sanction a move for Joe Cole if the England star drops his £120,000-a-week wage demands, and prove his long-term fitness.

Arsenal have jumped to the head of the queue of clubs lining up to secure Cole’s signature, but the club are unwilling to shatter their salary structure to tie up a deal for a player with a chequered recent fitness record.

Manchester United have also asked to be kept informed of developments and it is understood that Old Trafford would be Cole’s first choice of destination.

But United would be unwilling to give Cole the four-year contract that he is looking for, even though the 28-year-old is available on a free transfer.

The midfielder has already informed Chelsea that he intends to exercise his right to leave under freedom of contract.

Wenger is a big admirer of the player and exploratory talks have been held with Cole’s advisers but the Arsenal manager does not view the player in the same bracket as top earner Cesc Fabregas, who is on £110,000-a-week.

Although the Frenchman has a £45 million transfer kitty this summer, the figure is believed to cover first-year salaries as well as transfer fees.

If Fabregas moved to Barcelona it would remove the club’s highest earner from the wage bill, but Wenger is believed to be willing to sanction a deal that would provide Cole a basic £80,000-a-week with performance and appearance-related bonuses.

There is also concern at the Emirates Stadium regarding Cole’s fitness. The midfielder missed the second half of the 2008-09 season with knee ligament damage and, after missing the build-up to the current campaign, has suffered from a string of minor ailments and struggled to cement a place in Chelsea’s team.

Arsenal rejected the chance to sign Patrick Vieira on a free transfer last season because they were led to believe he would not pass a medical.

Cole has said that he will wait until after the World Cup to sort out his future but it is likely that the deal will be done before that time.

Chelsea Interested In Real Madrid Defender Sergio Ramos

Chelsea are hot on the heels of Real Madrid defender Sergio Ramos, according to Sport.

The 24-year-old defender had been expected to be utilized by new Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho as a centre-back as he aims to bring in Maicon from Inter Milan for the right side of the defence.

However, reports in Spain claim that Chelsea are willing to lodge a €30 million offer to snare Ramos, who is part of La Furia Roja's squad for the World Cup in South Africa.

It is believed that Mourinho is reluctant to part with Ramos, but the Spaniard's sale could pave the way for the signing of Juventus' Giorgio Chiellini, a top target for the Special One, according to recent speculation.

Ramos has been with the Merengues since 2005, when he completed a €28m move from Sevilla.

Didier Drogba To Return To Ivory Coast Squad

Didier Drogba will rejoin the Ivory Coast's World Cup squad today after weekend surgery on a fractured arm.

However, it is still not clear whether the African Footballer of the Year will be fit to play in the Group G match against Portugal in Port Elizabeth next week.

Drogba fractured the ulna, or inner bone, of his right forearm in a warm-up match against Japan in Switzerland on Friday. The striker had surgery in Berne on Saturday, an operation doctors described as successful.

"His recovery has been extremely encouraging. It is suggested that, at this stage, all the signs are good and there is great hope the captain of the Elephants will be in action with his team-mates as soon as possible," a spokesman for the Ivorian Football Federation said.

The Ivorians depart for South Africa on Wednesday. They conclude their preparations in Switzerland with a friendly against Lausanne Sports in Nyon tomorrow.

Benayoun Considering Options After Benitez Departure

Yossi Benayoun has made it clear that he wants to sign for Chelsea, and the two clubs are continuing a dialogue over his transfer.

A source close to Benayoun's proposed move to Stamford Bridge told Soccernet: "Talks are ongoing, and Yossi has made it clear that he would like to sign for Chelsea.

"However, who knows how the departure of Rafael Benitez will affect the move from Liverpool to Chelsea.

"The problem though, is that Yossi didn't play all the games at Anfield, and won't play all the time at Chelsea!"

"It is no secret that the player did not get on with the manager, and there was nothing more to it than the fact that Yossi thought he was playing well enough to have been in the starting line up far more often than he was.

"For that reason he wanted to quit Liverpool for Chelsea, but now that Benitez has gone, who knows, he might change his mind?"

It appears that Chelsea have intimated that they would make an initial offer of around £4 million while Liverpool are holding out for £6 million, so with the two clubs apparently close in valuation a deal is likely.

Benayoun is viewed as a replacement for Joe Cole, who cannot agree a new contract at Stamford Bridge.

Cole asked for £120,000 a week in wages but will now be available on a free transfer, with a number of Premier League clubs chasing his signature.

Having said no to Arsenal, Manchester United and West Ham, it leaves clubs like Spurs and Manchester City still in the frame to sign Cole once the World Cup finals are over.

Benayoun has three years left on his £75,000-a-week deal at Anfield, and would be a much cheaper option than re-signing Cole.

The Israel international is due back from a holiday to finalize personal terms with Chelsea next week, along as the Blues meet the £6 million asking price.

Cole Conundrum Continues As Wenger And Ferguson Pull The Plug

According to ESPN, Arsenal FC and Manchester United are no longer in the running for Chelsea FC midfielder Joe Cole. Sir Alex Ferguson and his Premier League counterpart Arsene Wenger have been strongly linked with the 28-year-old Stamford Bridge star, and although there is also interest from Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur, early reports suggested the Gunners and Red Devils were the frontrunners.

Reports over the weekend now suggest Manchester United and Arsenal FC have pulled out of the running due to their reluctance to match the Chelsea FC star’s lofty wage demands. Cole is believed to have encountered similar problems while trying to negotiate an extension at Stamford Bridge, but Carlo Ancelotti, like Wenger and Ferguson, has been reluctant to match his alleged £120,000 a week demands. The news will boost Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur’s purported efforts to lure Cole to the City of Manchester Stadium and White Hart Lane respectively, as Roberto Mancini and Harry Redknapp remain intent of signing Cole.

Cole remains resigned to leaving Chelsea FC due in part to the club’s reluctance to match his demands but in the main, the 28-year-old is concerned by his peripheral role under Carlo Ancelotti. With Manchester United’s Sir Alex Ferguson and Arsenal FC’s Arsene Wenger no longer in the running, Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur look set for a straight shootout for his coveted signature.

A source close to the player told Soccernet: “My information is that Joe Cole will not be going to Arsenal or to Manchester United, despite being linked with both of these clubs.”

“Joe Cole has a few options, and has not made up his mind, and will do so when he returns from South Africa. It is still possible that he could decide to stay at Chelsea but that is only a small chance.”

Malouda - France Have Problems

Florent Malouda admits France have 'a lot of problems to fix' and believes leaders need to step up.

Les Bleus have enjoyed considerable success at recent World Cups, taking the title on home soil in 1998 and reaching the final in Germany four years ago.

They also tasted European Championship glory in 2000, with their golden generation sweeping all before them.

Serious cracks have started to appear, though, with a dismal showing at Euro 2008 suggesting they are no longer a force to be reckoned.

Success brings with it great expectation and France have failed to live up to their billing over recent years.

Chelsea winger Malouda accepts as much as he readies himself for this summer's World Cup in South Africa, but he is confident Raymond Domenech has enough quality at his disposal to make amends over the coming weeks.

"The problem is, after what we did in 2006 - and of course there was a great generation in 1998 and 2000 - expectations are very high," Malouda told The Guardian.

"And the Euro in 2008 was a disaster. So when you are in a bad situation everything is coming out and people are pointing the finger.

"The World Cup is really close and honestly we have a lot of problems to fix. When there is tension, when there are high-pressure games, you need characters. You need people to come out and say 'I will take responsibility'."

He added: "Honestly we have a lot of problems. We have to talk about a lot of things. But for that you need someone to take the first step. Guys like (Patrick) Vieira and (Claude) Makelele who can take the lead. If they are not there, somebody has to do it."

France will be looking to Malouda to provide an attacking spark this summer, with his domestic form at Chelsea over the second half of the season suggesting he could make a real impact in South Africa.

The former Lyon man believes he is ready to leave his mark on a major tournament, admitting that he finally feels settled at Stamford Bridge after three years in England.

"People had to get to know me and get used to the way I am. And I needed time to show what I can do." said Malouda.

"I came into a squad that had won a lot of titles with Jose Mourinho. To arrive in a team that has had great success but was on a down period, people expect a lot from you. I had to be patient.

"You know, I had five managers here and each time at the beginning they were trying things before I had their full confidence. I am really happy it is happening now and people can show me that love and affection the same as my team-mates."

Chelsea FC Turn Attention To Germany With Sportfive

Chelsea Football Club, winners of the Premier League and FA Cup, have announced two further European pre-season fixtures. The Double winners, who include the likes of England internationals John Terry and Frank Lampard, will play against Eintracht Frankfurt on 1st August and Hamburger SV on 4th August.

The Sports Promoters (TSP), a wholly owned subsidiary of the international sports agency Sportfive, will promote and organize the two German friendly matches. This will also include a mini training camp for Carlo Ancelotti's squad between games in Frankfurt.

Ron Gourlay, chief executive of Chelsea FC, said: "We are delighted to announce our agreement with Sportfive who will be arranging a major part of our pre-season activity. Following the World Cup, it is important for our players to prepare in the best possible environment and playing matches against opponents like Eintracht Frankfurt and Hamburger SV will ensure the team hits the ground running ahead of the start of the new season."

Vincent Tong-Cuong, chief operating officer of Sportfive International, said: "We are very pleased about having signed this agreement with Chelsea FC. They have played an outstanding season and the two friendlies will provide German football fans with another international highlight in this year's football calendar."

Philipp Hasenbein, chief executive, Sportfive Germany, added: "Thanks to our close partnership with the majority of Germany's top clubs we can bring them together with a renowned international opponent like Chelsea and make great events like these friendlies happen. Our subsidiary TSP specializes in the development, execution and organization of sporting events and will be organizing the visit to Germany."

The three European fixtures, including a game against Ajax in Amsterdam on the 23 July, will follow Chelsea's first pre-season match against local London side Crystal Palace on 17 July at the Eagle’s home ground, Selhurst Park.

Summary Of A Season: Joe Cole

The 28-year-old will probably admit it was a frustrating season for him as he struggled to cement a place in the starting 11, but he popped up at important times with some vital contributions, not least his opening goal at Old Trafford in April.

The 2009/10 campaign began with promise, as Joe returned to pre-season training with the rest of the squad in positive mood having recovered well from cruciate ligament damage in January 2009.

A setback was to follow though, and he missed the tour of America, not returning to first-team duty until late September, when he produced a sparkling captain's display against QPR in the Carling Cup, offering 'that bit of fantasy' Ray Wilkins had said he would.

His next three appearances were off the bench before starts against Blackburn and Bolton, both of which were impressively creative.

A first goal arrived in late November as Wolves were pulled apart, and a run of four successive league starts in December and January produced five assists, a goal of his own disallowed at Burnley for offside.

Constant speculation regarding Joe's future perhaps began to take its toll though, and from February onwards he was used more regularly as an impact substitute, his play creating further goals against Man City and Portsmouth before the season's highlight - that delicate, cheeky back-flick that gave us the lead at Old Trafford, before Didier Drogba smashed home to secure three huge points in the title race.

Three late sub appearances in the Premier League, and an FA Cup Final cameo against Portsmouth at Wembley allowed further contribution to a record-breaking Chelsea season, and a late inclusion in Fabio Capello's World Cup squad will have been a huge boost after almost two years out of the national setup.