World Cup Update

UPDATE 2

England

Well, unless you have been asleep for the last week you'll know that Rio Ferdinand is out and has been replaced by Dawson.

Several other players missed individual training sessions, but no big news.

Tonight England will play a 'friendly' against local side Platinum Stars in Rustenberg. The tabs are up in arms because they don't have a great disciplinary record, but the real shocker is that Capello is planing to play his 'first 11' that will start against the USA, and by implication a team that will have to last the whole tournament.

Gareth Barry is still crocked according to the BBC, and will miss the USA game.

Friendlies

Wednesday 2 June

Zimbabwe 0-3 Brazil
Greece 0-2 Paraguay
Azerbaijan 0-0 Honduras
Poland 0-0 Serbia

Thursday 3 June

Spain 1-0 South Korea
Italy 1-2 Mexico 19:15
Germany 3-1 BiH

Friday 4 June

Japan 0-2 Ivory Coast
Slovenia 3-0 New Zealand
France 0-1 China

Saturday 5 June

Netherlands 6-1 Hungary
Australia 1-3 USA
South Africa 1-0 Denmark
Ghana 1-0 Latvia
Algeria 1-0 UAE
Romania 3-0 Honduras
Slovakia 3-0 Costa Rica
Serbia 4-3 Cameroon
Switzerland 1-1 Italy

Sunday 6 June

Nigeria 3-1 North Korea

Not many shocks there, Holland looking good value, and the USA winning by two but struggling in the second half against Australia. Italy drawing with Switzerland is mildly interesting, especially after losing to Mexico. France lost to China, Brazil and Paraguay looked good with painless wins against decent opposition.

Injuries

Robben looking doubtful for Holland after injuring his hammy in the friendly against Hungary

Liverpool man Martin Skertl hurt his ankle playing for Slovakia in their win over Costa Rica

Ghana looked iffy in a 1-0 win over Latvia in sunny Milton Keynes, clearly missing Essien who is out with a knee injury.

John Obi Mickel is also out with knee and ankle injuries

Didier Drogba had surgery on a broken arm on Saturday, but still hopes to make the first game.