Kate brings V.F.M (That's Value For Monarchy) !

Kate ... the royal wife is 'great value for money'

KATE, the Duchess of Cambridge, has breathed new life into the Royal Family — at a bargain cost to taxpayers, senior Palace aides said last night.

Prince William’s 30-year-old wife has been hugely popular in her first year with the “family firm”.
And sources insisted she is great value for money as well.
Accounts for Prince Charles’s Clarence House office — which also pays for Wills, Kate and Prince Harry — show funding for the future king rose by 11 per cent in the past 12 months.
But this had little to do with the arrival of Kate.
One Palace source said: “The past year has been a huge success for the royals — with the wedding, major foreign tours and the build-up to the Diamond Jubilee.
“Having a new member of the Royal Family has inevitably increased costs.
“But these are minimal when you consider how much has been generated in tourism and global interest in the Duchess of Cambridge.”

Popular pair ... Kate and Prince William

The figures published yesterday reveal Charles’s income from grants-in-aid and government departments rose from £1,962,000 to £2,194,000, up by £232,000, during 2011/12.

Model beauty Kelly’s in full bloom

Eyes on stalks ... Kelly Brook in a striking floral outfit

KELLY Brook shows off her blossoms yesterday as she steps out in a floral playsuit.

The 32-year-old model unleashed her inner flower power as she left home to hunt for diamonds at an exclusive London jewellery store.
She’s the perfect English rose.

Germany 1-2 Italy: Balotelli double sets up Spain final!

Bongarts

A brilliant performance from Mario Balotelli has driven Italy into the Euro 2012 final, after a 2-1 win over Germany at the National Stadium on Thursday.

The Manchester City forward has hit the headlines for all the right reasons, opening the scoring with a powerful header before smashing home an emphatic second to clinch a date with Spain at the Olympic Stadium on July 1.

It was a deserved victory for Italy, which could have added further goals in the second half had it taken one of the numerous chances afforded to it by Germany's rushes forward to find a way back into the match.

Mesut Ozil ensured a nervy finish to the encounter with a penalty in second-half stoppage time, but there was to be no miracle for Germany, which bowed out at the semifinal stage for the second major tournament in a row.
Joachim Low restored Mario Gomez and Toni Kroos to his starting XI after the Bayern Munich pair was benched for the quarterfinal victory over Greece.
Cesare Prandelli made only one change from the side that eliminated England on penalties, with Giorgio Chiellini recovering from an injury in time to replace Ignazio Abate.
It was Germany which threatened first only six minutes in, after Mats Hummels’ scrambled shot was blocked on the line by Andrea Pirlo, allowing Gianluigi Buffon to smother.
The Azzurri skipper nearly forced an own-goal moments later after inadvertently diverting a Jerome Boateng cross into Andrea Barzagli, but the deflection rolled just wide of the post.
Despite the scares at the back during the opening exchanges, Italy was quicker to settle into the match, and began to establish a rhythm with some patient play in midfield.
Riccardo Montolivo blasted into the arms of Manuel Neuer from the edge of the box, but the Germany keeper was forced to work much harder by Antonio Cassano, whose curler towards the bottom corner was tipped away.
Italy started to get into its stride and was asking growing questions of the suspect German defense. Then, with 20 minutes gone, the Azzurri carved them completely apart.
Chiellini fed Cassano on the overlap down the left, and the Milan forward delivered a superb cross into the heart of the area, where Balotelli rose above Holger Badstuber to head Italy into the lead.

Italy was buoyed by the goal, with Germany still unable to shake off the erratic edge to its play. Montolivo’s hesitation allowed Badstuber to strip him of possession deep inside the area, but the new Milan signing would make a far more decisive contribution with 36 minutes gone.
His searching ball over the top caught the German backline out completely and released Balotelli, who stormed towards goal and smashed an unstoppable finish high into the back of the net.
The Manchester City man was booked for ripping his shirt of in a passionate celebration, but there were no such signs of desire from Germany, which was showing none of the verve from its entertaining win over Greece in the previous round.
Low was facing an uphill battle to get his side back into the match, and responded in kind, hauling off Gomez and Lukas Podolski at halftime for Marco Reus and Miroslav Klose.
Germany improved in the second half but Phillip Lahm should have done a lot better after the restart, blasting over from the edge of the box after he was teed up in space by Kroos.
Die Mannschaft continued to press forward, but a pair of fantastic challenges from Barzagli and Bonucci halted Klose and Mesut Ozil from point-blank range.
Reus was next to try his luck with a powerful free kick from 20 yards out, but Buffon was equal to it and managed to punch over the crossbar.
However, for all Germany’s increased endeavor in the second half, it still lacked a cutting edge in front of goal, and with its urgency in the Italian half, was increasingly vulnerable to the counterattack.
A sweeping break just past the hour mark saw Alessandro Diamanti slip in Claudio Marchisio behind Badstuber, but his finish was driven the wrong side of the post.
The Juventus midfielder spurned an even greater chance with a quarter of an hour to play, when Badstuber’s slip allowed him with a clear sight on goal, but he disappointingly dragged his shot wide.
Germany was simply nowhere to be found, and could not make its forward pressure pay as Italy continued to take it apart on the counter.
Substitute Antonio Di Natale wasted the pick of the chances on 82 minutes after being put one-on-one with Neuer, but with all the time in the world to pick his spot, he instead found the side netting.
Germany was handed a late lifeline after Balzaretti's handball was spotted in the box, giving Ozil the chance to bury from the spot.
However, there was nothing left from Low's side despite an even later surge forward, giving Italy a nervy, but deserved victory.

Portugal 0-0 Spain (aet, 2-4 on penalties): Fabregas puts holders into final

Getty

Spain progressed to its third consecutive major final on penalties after playing to a 0-0 draw with Portugal in the Euro 2012 semifinal at the Donbass Arena.

Despite playing at far from their best and with chances to find the net at a premium, a total of 120 minutes failed to separate the two sides. With the shootout level at 3-2 after Bruno Alves rattled the bar it was Cesc Fabregas who netted the winner.

Vicente Del Bosque sprung a real surprise before kickoff as he made one change to the side that defeated France in the previous round, electing to start with Alvaro Negredo ahead of both Cesc Fabregas and Fernando Torres.

His Portuguese counterpart Paulo Bento also made one change, his first after naming the same side for their six previous competitive fixtures. Helder Postiga was forced to begin among the substitutes with Hugo Almeida deputizing in his stead.

Portugal set about disrupting Spain's rhythm immediately by pressing its opponents high up the pitch. It worked for the opening few minutes as La Roja struggled to get their foot on the ball but they soon forged a chance for themselves.

Andres Iniesta played a give-and-go down the left flank with Jordi Alba before passing the ball into the box. Negredo could not get a shot away but managed to stab it back to the top of the box where Alvaro Arbeloa tried to caress it into the top corner but his attempt flew over the bar.

But the Spaniards were by no means dominating and Cristiano Ronaldo was proving difficult for Del Bosque's men to deal with. Two charging runs down the left however failed to result in anything to truly test Iker Casillas with a free kick and a wild volley on the spin inside the opening 25 minutes.

The Selccao continued their high-intensity pressing and Spain was unable to get the most out of Xavi when on the ball. A long ball forward resulted in an opportunity for Iniesta but he failed to hit the target but moments later Ronaldo pulled an effort wide of the goal.

Spain continued to look uncomfortable on the ball and just nine minutes after the restart Del Bosque admitted his prematch gamble had not paid off as he replaced Negredo with Fabregas.

Bento's side was getting a lot of joy from putting the Spaniards under pressure in their own half but Almeida failed to make the most of it in the 57th minute. After his side won the ball back he could have passed to Nani or Ronaldo but instead produced an ambitious shot from 35 yards that did not work Casillas.

Shortly after the hour mark Spain began to have its best spell of possession in the opposing half but there remained little to separate the two sides as the tension mounted. Xavi got the game's first shot on target with a drilled attempt that was straight at Rui Patricio, shortly followed by a Ronaldo free kick that flashed over the bar.

In the 90th minute Portugal found itself in a four-on-one but when the ball was shifted to the left Ronaldo failed to make a solid connection and blazed his well off target in what was the last opportunity of normal time.

As the Seleccao tired they were no longer forcing their opponents to play from deep, instead allowing them to control the ball in their own half during much of extra time. Del Bosque's side controlled the extra 30 minutes but Rui Patricio brilliantly thwarted both Iniesta and Jesus Navas either side of the break to ensure the game went to a penalty shootout.

Both teams got off to the worst start possible as Patricio and Casillas both saved from Alonso and Moutinho respectively. Iniesta, Pepe, Pique, Nani and Ramos all scored before Bruno Alves hit the bar to make the score 3-2 to Spain after four penalties each.

It offered Fabregas the chance to book their spot in the final and he obliged, scoring via the post and setting up a date in Kiev for the final with Germany or Italy on July 1.

WENGER`S SPENDING SPREE CONTINUES AS GIROUD FINALLY SEALS £13m ARSENAL ARRIVAL

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has hailed Olivier Giroud after unveiling the £13million striker.

Giroud, who arrives from Montpellier, has joined German striker Lukas Podolski at the Emirates Stadium in a new-look attacking line-up.

It remains to be seen whether they will play alongside Robin van Persie, who has one year left on his deal and is wanted by Manchester City.

Donna Air falls short on style !

Airy fairy ... Donna Air at the Serpentine party

Getty Images

DONNA Air has been taking style tips from the Krankies if this shorts and jacket combo is anything to go by.

The former model chose the shiny pink and orange outfit for the Serpentine Gallery’s Summer Party – but it was hardly a work of art.
She teamed the bizarre get-up with a buttoned-up white shirt and pulled back hair at the London bash.
And she added an even stranger touch with a pair of shoes decorated with a lipsticked mouth – puffing on a roll up.
Definitely not a smoking hot look, Donna.

Lip service ... smoking mouths on Donna's shoes

The 32-year-old blonde was not the only one sporting a way out style.
Nancy Dell’Olio went Egyptian with a sparkling Cleopatra-style headdress which hid her trademark thick black locks.

Carry on Cleo ... Nancy Dell'Olio

Getty Images

And she showed off her impressive legs in a short white dress and towering silver heels.
Despite the weird ensembles, the party had no fancy dress theme – and actress Mischa Barton went for the elegant look in a pale yellow floor-length gown.
But she had to hitch up her skirt ot avoid coming a cropper and falling off her stack heels.

Mellow yellow ... Mischa Barton

Getty Images

Brunette beauty Amber Le Bon gave the other party-goers a lesson in how to dress for an elegant art gallery party.
The 22-year-old daughter of pop star Simon and supermodel Yasmin showed her pedigree in a simple but stunning sheer green dress.

Elegant ... Holly Valance and Amber Le Bon

Nancy's Strictly co-star Holly Valance glittered in a gold Dolce & Gabbana gown with silver stars and nude heels.
Singer Mica was on trend with red trousers and blue blazer and TV hostess Lorraine Kelly was elegant in a simple pink dress with white shoes.

Art lovers ... Mica and Lorraine Kelly

50 Cent in hospital after car crash

Injured ... 50 Cent

Published: Today at 14:44

50 CENT has been hospitalised following a horrific car crash in New York last night.

The accident occurred on the Long Island Expressway after his SUV collided with a truck.
Medics raced to the scene and he was transferred to an ambulance on a stretcher and wearing a neck brace before being taken to a nearby hospital, according to fansite ThisIs50.com.
The rapper is reportedly undergoing tests on his neck and back, but there were no further details about his condition.
According to the website, the other driver involved in the accident is also receiving treatmen

Abuse ... Ashley Young, left, and Ashley Cole!

acist trolls target the two Ashleys

Cops called after Twitter
yobs attack Young and Cole

 

Abuse ... Ashley Young, left, and Ashley Cole

Exclusive

COPS were last night closing in on racist trolls who spewed vile abuse at England’s penalty flop players.

The Twitter yobs could face jail after attacking Ashley Young and Ashley Cole, both pictured above heading home yesterday.
They missed spot kicks in the heartbreaking shootout which saw Italy win Sunday night’s Euro 2012 quarter final.
A lout using the name @JordyEFCBoy posted: “U black ****s!” @jordanfoster97 and @johnbcfcmillman spouted similar abuse.
The racists were soon rounded upon by other Twitter users who warned they had been reported to Scotland Yard’s online hate crime monitoring website.
Cops even messaged warnings to them directly. But @Lapwnage tweeted: “Don’t even care if i get arrested, ashley young is a worthless n***** and same goes for that monkey ashley cole. They should be deported to Africa.”
He told fans who objected to his filth: “All I got to say is this was just a joke.
“Police know i was kiddin around and they won’t bother me.”

Sun ... campaign

But the smile must have vanished with the reply from the official West Midlands Police account: “Wrong. Your comments may constitute a public order offence.”
After warnings the twisted posters may have used fake identities, the force stated: “We are well aware of this but every online interaction leaves a trace which specialist investigators can identify.”
Last night FA chiefs said the Twitter attacks were “appalling and unacceptable”.
In March Swansea student Liam Stacey, 21, was jailed for 56 days for racist posts after Bolton’s Fabrice Muamba collapsed on the pitch.
The Sun has launched the Target A Troll campaign to counter cruel internet taunts.

Queen In Enniskillen Before Historic Handshake!

 The Queen will visit Enniskillen, the scene of one of the worst atrocities of The Troubles, on the eve of her historic handshake with Martin McGuinness.

Eleven people died in the IRA bombing of the war memorial on Remembrance Sunday 1987.
Their relatives have said they are relieved the controversial meeting is taking place in Belfast, and not in the border town.
Stephen Gault, who lost his father, said: "Nobody has been brought to justice for Enniskillen so it's very hard for the families to accept Mr McGuinness shaking the Queen's hand."
Rev David Cupples, the local Presbyterian minister, lost seven members of his congregation in the explosion. He said people had mixed views on what has been billed as a breakthrough.

Martin McGuinness said he was 'stretching out the hand of peace'

He said: "Until there is an apology, there'll never be closure on an emotional level but when you look to the bigger picture, people probably can see that it would be worthwhile."
Mr McGuinness, now Deputy First Minister, was the alleged commander of the IRA's northern unit. He has always denied any involvement in what became known as the 'Poppy Day Massacre'.
Liam Clarke, who has written extensively on the Northern Ireland conflict, said it was ironic Her Majesty was visiting Enniskillen on the eve of her encounter with Mr McGuinness.
"He denies being in the IRA at that stage but most historians would say that Martin McGuinness was effectively the leading figure, the OC of northern command at that time".
Peace has transformed Enniskillen, with the Protestant cathedral hosting a jubilee service and the Roman Catholic church, opposite, an informal gathering.
And no one here ever thought they would see the day when both communities welcomed the Queen.
Mr McGuinness has said of the meeting with the monarch – a scenario unthinkable until recently - that it will allow him to "symbolically" shake the hands of "hundreds of thousands of unionists".

Sherlock fell in love with Irene Adler' !

In love ... Benedict Cumberbatch says that Sherlock definitely fell for Irene Adler (Lara Pulver)

BENEDICT Cumberbatch has revealed his character Sherlock Holmes was in love with dominatrix Irene Adler.

He says the detective definitely fell for Irene, who appeared in A Scandal in Belgravia — the first episode of the second series of hit BBC1 show Sherlock.
Benedict said: "Well, he's supposedly an asexual, emotionless machine, and has cut off feelings of attraction or sensory enjoyment or interest in the female form other than to gain information.
"So it was how to get the audience to believe that you could possibly be in a position that was vulnerable - how could he possibly be feeling something for this woman?
"But the thing about (Irene) that is very obvious when you read (the 1891 short story by Sherlock's creator Sir Arthur Conan Doyle in which the character first appears) is Sherlock definitely does fall for her and he does lose his cool.
"He's no longer the logical machine. He fell for her charms.
"And so it was a balancing act, but it was so deftly written (by the show's co-creator Steven Moffat) that it was so easy to do."
Actress Lara Pulver, who played Irene, certainly made an impression on viewers after filming one scene entirely naked except for a pair of high heels.
The saucy scenes helped the episode top the BBC iPlayer charts last month.
But they also drew around 100 complaints from viewers who were offended by the pre-watershed nudity.
Irene was also shown wearing a thong and carrying a whip as she walked into a room containing a woman tied to a bed.

Alex Labidou: Thierry Henry admits MLS is a tough sell to America's young premier athletes

Getty

NEW YORK - Reflecting on his time in Major League Soccer as he sits at a table at Bagatelle in New York's chic Meat Packing district, Thierry Henry raises a question that he admits is difficult to answer.

Going down a mental list of what he gained during his time in North America, Henry mentions the league's continually improving infrastructure, boasting more soccer-specific arenas than ever before. He points out to his continual progress as a player in the league.

But there's one thing that he is determined to find an answer for.



"Now, it's how do you compete with other sports [in the United States," he asks. "It's very difficult."

Henry joined the New York Red Bulls almost two years ago, promising to "develop the game and make it progress." Individually, he's succeeded. The Red Bulls have made the playoffs the past two seasons and Henry has scored an impressive 26 goals in 45 appearances. On a league-wide national level, his impact is debatable.

A self-professed over-analyzer, the 34-year-old notices the poor attendance of Red Bulls games in their arena and the relatively low ratings on MLS's national television broadcasts. He believes that the only way Americans will be drawn into the sport is if the quality of the league is raised overall.

"I do think you can attract more people by how you play," he explains. "I remember playing for Barcelona, even at the end of the game we lost some games but people were still happy."

Considering the recent success of the Euro 2012, which has drawn triple the amount of viewers of its predecessor in 2008, and the high interest in the United States national team, Henry might have a point. Americans are developing a love towards soccer but it isn't necessarily translating into a gain for MLS.

To add to his question, I asked the former France international: What is MLS's appeal to America's young premier athletes? Considering the low salaries offered to most of the league's players, why choose soccer if you can play basketball, baseball or football at a high level?

"Because you love it," he initially responds.

After a few seconds of thought, Henry admits that MLS would have a difficult time attracting some of the country's top athletes, especially if they hail from a working-class family or an inner city area.

"You do have some people who are attracted to other stuff than just that. Therefore, you going to lose a lot of them there," he explains.

"Family pressure plays a big part, especially when a guy is the only hope of his family. I can understand where if you could have this or that, why you would choose that?"

Mumbai attacks 'planner' arrested in India !

 

 The attacks targeted luxury hotels and a railway station

Police in the Indian capital, Delhi, say they have arrested a key figure allegedly involved in the planning of the deadly Mumbai attacks of 2008.

Abu Jindal, also known as Syed Zabiuddin, has been remanded to police custody, a senior police official told the BBC.
He is being described as the "handler" of the 10 gunmen who carried out the deadly assault on targets in Mumbai.
The attacks claimed 165 lives. Nine gunmen were also killed.
The sole surviving gunman from the attacks, Mohammad Ajmal Amir Qasab, was convicted of murder and waging war on India in May 2010 and given a death sentence.
The 60-hour siege of Mumbai began on 26 November 2008, targeting luxury hotels, the main railway station and a Jewish cultural centre.
Relations between India and Pakistan hit rock bottom after India blamed the Pakistan-based militant group Lashkar-e-Taiba for the attacks.
After initial denials, Pakistan acknowledged that the assault had been partially planned on its territory and that Qasab was a Pakistani citizen.

Jessie J: I got stuck on the Throne

Feeling flush ... Jessie J at Radio 1's Hackney Weekend

JESSIE J had her door smashed in by Jay-Z’s entourage.

But the rapper’s team of heavies were doing her a favour — after she got locked in the toilet before one of the Jigga Man’s gigs.
Voice coach Jessie recalled the embarrassing moment after her top gig at Radio 1’s Hackney Weekend yesterday.
She said: “I went with Will.i.am to the first (Jay-Z and Kanye West) Watch The Throne show in London.
“I somehow managed to find myself walking into the stage with them all — Will, Kanye, Jay-Z, Kim Kardashian.
“I was like ‘Wow, what a crew’, then me and my friend got stuck in the toilet.
“We nipped in to do our make-up and my friend knew the door was broken but locked it anyway and said, ‘Babe I think I’ve broken the door’. They’d been on for one song, we could hear them and it got to about 15 minutes and Jay’s security came in and they literally kicked down the whole door.”

Boot it like a dude ... Jessie J on stage at Radio 1's Hackney Weekend

Jessie is making the most of her festival appearances this summer after performing most of her shows last year sitting down. A nasty foot injury sustained during Capital Radio’s Summertime Ball 12 months ago meant she couldn’t storm around stage in her usual manner.
Yesterday it was a different story as she kicked her right leg up into the air at every opportunity — a bit like Louie Spence after a few Babychams. She said: “My left leg won’t do nothing, the right leg does it all.
“The left is like really anti-social. I never kick usually but I stretched this morning.”
Jessie performed at the Isle of Wight Festival the previous day so her fans have seen plenty of her this weekend — just like last week when she bumped into some on a trip to Ikea.
She said: “It’s nice that girls can identify with me.
“I went to Ikea last week and was having the meatballs and they were like, ‘Are you Jessie J?’ and I was like, ‘Yeah’ and they said, ‘Why you in here?’
“I said, ‘Just like you, everyone needs a bit of Ikea in their life — and their meatballs’. I was buying 500 shoe boxes as I need to sort my shoes.”
Doubt she would have broken into a fiver.

England 0-0 Italy (aet, 2-4 on penalties): Young and Cole the villains in tense shootout!

Roy Hodgson's side were saved by the woodwork and an offside flag in two hours of football, before suffering heartbreak in another spot kick duel which saw the Azzurri prevail

Getty Images

England suffered yet more penalty heartbreak, this time at the hands of Italy as it succumbed to an agonizing 4-2  defeat on spot kicks in a goalless Euro 2012 quarterfinal in Kiev.

Italy dominated the match but wasted a host of chances in normal time thanks to some brave last-ditch Three Lions defending, and Roy Hodgson’s side managed to see out the extra 30 minutes before the inevitable shootout many predicted.

Riccardo Montolivo and Ashley Young both missed penalties before Gianluigi Buffon saved from Ashley Cole, and substitute Alessandro Diamanti scored the winning penalty to send the Azzurri into the last four.

England named an unchanged side from its win over Ukraine, with Hodgson keeping Danny Welbeck in the starting lineup, while Cesare Prandelli opted to start Mario Balotelli ahead of Antonio Di Natale for the Azzurri. Leonardo Bonucci came in for the injured Giorgio Chiellini and Thiago Motta was replaced by Riccardo Montolivo.

Both sides had glorious chances in the opening minutes. Daniele De Rossi struck the post from distance before Glen Johnson shot straight at Gianlugi Buffon from six yards.

Johnson was looking lively down the right flank, and a superb early cross found Wayne Rooney who couldn’t quite direct his header on target, but it was a positive opening 15 minutes from England.

Prandelli’s side started to enjoy more possession, however. Balotelli was denied by a superb John Terry challenge when it looked like he was through one-on-one. Montolivo then lifted a delightful ball into the path of Balotelli, who fired an improvised volley straight into the arms of Hart.

England then swept up the other end with a fine counter-attacking move, and Rooney played the ball into the path of Welbeck, but the young Manchester United striker disappointingly side-footed well over the bar.

Balotelli almost had another opening after Pirlo played a superb ball towards Cassano, who headed back across goal, and only a fantastic last-ditch tackle from Lescott denied the Manchester City striker.

Early in the second half, De Rossi volleyed wide from just yards out with the goal at his mercy after a Hart punch was headed back into the box, and Italy then had two chances in quick succession after Hart parried a long-range strike into the path of Balotelli, but the Three Lions shot-stopper saved low before Montolivo blasted high.

Ashley Young scuffed a shot wide before Rooney almost flicked a Gerrard free-kick goalward as the game entered the final 15 minutes, but it was a rare foray forward from a tiring England side.

Former West Ham striker Diamanti came off the bench and tested Hart straight away, firing a low strike towards his near post, but the England number one stopped well. Then another substitute, Antonio Nocerino, was only denied by an excellent Johnson block.

Rooney had a chance to win it in stoppage time, firing over with an acrobatic effort after Carroll headed back across goal in a positive passage of play, but the game moved inevitably into extra time.

The tension clearly started to set in as extra time got underway, with neither side wanting to make that one crucial mistake. Balotelli drove another tame effort towards Hart as England still struggled to keep possession.

A Diamanti cross evaded Hart and struck the far post before Walcott produced a dangerous run into the Italy area, but couldn’t find Carroll with his chipped cross.

Diamanti wasted another glorious opportunity, blasting wide having been found in space inside the box before Nocerino had a goal ruled out for offside after heading in a Diamanti cross, and Hodgson’s side somehow held on for the shoot-out.

Montolivo drilled his penalty wide of the left-hand post before Young blasted against the crossbar. Buffon then saved Cole’s tame effort and Diamanti hit the winning penalty to set up an Italian encounter with Germany in the last four.

Kim on, just Bey friends !

Brum thing in the air ... Beyonce and Kim Kardashian have settled their differences

JAY-Z had a bit of extra fire in his belly last night – for good reason.

Pal Kanye West finally managed to get their other halves on good terms after a peace summit in Birmingham, of all places.
Beyonce and Kim Kardashian broke (gluten-free) bread and settled their differences before sitting together to see their men at work during the final show of the European leg of their Watch The Throne tour at the LG Arena on Friday night.
A source said: “The girls have never really seen eye-to-eye.
“It’s a shame because Jay-Z and Kanye are so close.
“Beyonce has always viewed Kim as a reality TV star who’s not earned her fortune with a specific talent.
“Kanye organised a dinner in his hotel suite for the girls to clear the air.
“He’s hoping that now they’re pals, it will lead to further get-togethers away from the tour.
“Beyonce has now welcomed Kim into their clan.”
Rihanna made a surprise appearance to perform Run This Town alongside Jay-Z, bringing to a close day one of Radio 1’s Hackney Weekend.
The Jigga Man asked organisers to delay the start of his performance to ensure it was dark when he got on stage.

Scotch the moans ... Kanye performs Watch The Throne with Jay-Z

Patrick O'Leary

He’d also requested his own sofas and carpet to be placed in his dressing room.
The rapper flew by helicopter to Hackney, having stayed the night in Babington House, Somerset — which is roughly 20 minutes from Glastonbury.
He and Beyonce travelled down there straight after the gig in Birmingham. They obviously have good memories of Worthy Farm after performing at the past two festivals.
They’d both have had another late night yesterday, too, as Jay-Z booked in another party at London club DSTRKT. It’s the same location which hosted his manager Ty Ty’s 40th birthday last month.
A host of hip-hop stars were expected to join them inside.
Rihanna is closing Hackney Weekend tonight so will have plenty of time to recover if she has a heavy night. She could always have a lie down on Jay-Z’s plush carpet.

Egypt awaits presidential election results!

The BBC's Jon Leyne in Cairo: ''Both sides are very nervous about the outcome''

Egyptians are awaiting the delayed results of the presidential run-off election held earlier this month.

The results are due in the coming hours, after the election commission heard appeals by the two candidates.

Mohammed Mursi of the Muslim Brotherhood and former Prime Minister Ahmed Shafiq have both claimed victory and vowed to form unity governments.

Supporters of both men have been demonstrating in recent days amid increasing political polarisation.

On Friday, the Supreme Council of Armed Forces (Scaf) called on supporters of both candidates to accept the result.

Egypt awaits this election result, nervous about the consequences, and with opinion deeply polarised. The Muslim Brotherhood are convinced that their candidate, Mohammed Mursi, is the winner. They've produced documents they say prove it. And if the result does not confirm it, they will believe the election has been stolen from them.
The former Prime Minister, Ahmed Shafiq, also claims victory. His supporters blame international media, and even Western governments, for wanting to hand victory to the Brotherhood. They warn of the dire consequences if Islamists take control.
Whoever wins will make history as the first democratically elected leader in Egypt's history. They face a massive challenge, to unite the country and get it back to business.

Results from last weekend's run-off election were originally due out on Thursday.

The election commission has said that it will announce the official results by 15:00 local time (13:00 GMT) on Sunday.

Muslim Brotherhood supporters are maintaining a vigil in Tahrir Square where on Friday tens of thousands of protesters gathered to denounce a move last week by Egypt's ruling generals to seize sweeping powers.

The BBC's Jon Leyne in the capital, Cairo, says there are fears that in the current atmosphere, the final announcement might only make matters worse.

A pro-Ahmed Shafiq demonstration also took place on Saturday in the Nasr City neighbourhood of Cairo.

"When we decided to take to the streets, we're not just one, two or three million, we're 80 million. The only difference is that we're waiting for the military council to give its final word," one Shafiq supporter, Doaa, told the Reuters news agency.

Hundreds of supporters held up pictures of Mr Shafiq and of Field Marshal Hussein Tantawi, whilst chanting slogans in support of the army and against the Brotherhood.

Last weekend, the military dissolved parliament and claimed legislative power in a sweeping constitutional amendment.

"The military must leave its political role and go back to its basic role which is protecting the country, not continuing to ruin the country and people's affairs - this will not be accepted by the Egyptian people," Abdel Nasser Hijab, a demonstrator in Tahrir Square, told the AP news agency.

Correspondents say that there was less enthusiasm in the run-off election than there was for previous rounds of voting, and some called for a boycott or spoiled ballots.

Mr Mursi has secured the support of several leading liberal figures in Egypt, including activist Wael Ghoneim, who played a key role in the January 2011 revolution against Hosni Mubarak's rule.

Mr Shafiq came second to Mr Mursi in last month's first round, in which turnout among the 52 million eligible voters was only 46%.

But the former air force commander, who served briefly as former President Mubarak's last prime minister, said on Thursday at his first public appearance since the run-off that he was confident of victory.

Our correspondent reports that opponents of the Brotherhood are now running a concerted campaign to discredit its claim that Mr Mursi won the run-off.

Media sympathetic to Mr Shafiq and the Scaf have begun to demonise the Brotherhood, our correspondent says.

Cheryl Cole’s green day !

Green giant ... Cheryl Cole totters in towering heels in Berlin

STEPPING out in a pair of killer heels, Cheryl Cole made all the girls green with envy.

The sole singer, 28, showed off the bright emerald stilettos in Berlin as she promoted her new album A Million Lights.
She didn’t put a foot wrong all day as she teetered between three radio stations.

Spain 2 France 0

Hero Xab: We’re so Fab

SO GOOD ... Spain laud matchwinner Xabi Alonso

Published: Today at 00:49

TWO-GOAL Xabi Alonso hailed his Spain team-mates after setting up a semi-final with Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal.

The Real Madrid star said: “The team was phenomenal. To celebrate 100 caps with two goals makes me happy.
“We knew that from now on the matches are all life or death and that’s how we prepared against France.
“We have controlled the game and we will try to play the same or even better against Portugal.”
One of Spain’s back-room staff joked after the game that ‘we will need to down Cristiano with a lasso to stop him.’
Alonso added: “We know Cristiano perfectly and we are not surprised by his level.”
Spain boss Vicente del Bosque paid tribute to Alonso. He said: “Xabi and Busquets are not just defensive. They also know how to attack and are fantastic players.”
But for Les Bleus another tournament ended in controversy as Samir Nasri launched an F-word tirade against a French journalist.
Nasri said: “Always looking to write sh*t. F*** you, go f*** your mother son of a b***h.”

LUKA MODRICK ACCEPTED TO JOIN REAL MADRID!

Luka Modric has agreed to join Real Madrid from Tottenham, according to Marca, a Spanish daily with strong links to the La Liga giants.

The news broke on twitter just minutes ago after Marca published the story on their website.

The 26-year-old has been at White Hart Lane since 2008, making over 150 appearances for the north Londoners. But the club’s lack of Champions League football last summer led him to request a transfer, which Spurs denied.

It now looks as though the Croatian has been granted his wish and is set to join Spanish Champions Real for £30 million.

The longer Tottenham are without a manager the longer their players are in danger of being targeted by interested parties. Daniel Levy’s side are experiencing the hardship of failing to secure a Champions League spot and the uncertainty resulting from the axing of a manager who had in fact done a stellar job at the helm.

The White Hart Lane chairman must try his hardest to fend off interest in his star performers and if the issue is generating funds for a new manager to spend then there are probably half a dozen unneeded squad players, perhaps more, to help boost the North London club’s finances. Players such as David Bentley, Heurelho Gomes, Vedran Corluka, Giovani dos Santos, Jermaine Jenas, Sebastien Bassong and Steven Pienaar to name just seven.

Modric excelled at Euro 2012 even though Croatia failed to make it out of the group stages. The pint sized playmaker was especially excellent against Spain when for long periods he ruled the midfield despite the presence of luminaries like Xavi and Andres Iniesta.

Turkish warplane downed by Syria 'may have crossed border'

 

 

 The Turkish military lost radio contact with the F-4 Phantom while it was flying over Hatay province

Turkey's President, Abdullah Gul, has said the Turkish fighter jet shot down by Syria's air defence forces on Friday may have violated Syrian airspace.

Mr Gul said it was routine for warplanes flying at high speed to cross borders for short distances.
Syria has said it engaged the aircraft in its airspace "according to the laws that govern such situations", and that it crashed into the Mediterranean Sea.
The Turkish and Syrian navies are searching for the two crew members.
Relations between Nato-member Turkey and Syria, once close allies, have deteriorated sharply since the uprising against Syrian President Bashar al-Assad began in March 2011. More than 30,000 Syrian refugees have fled the violence across the border into Turkey.
After a cross-border shooting by Syrian security forces in April that left two refugees dead at a camp near the town of Kilis, Turkey said it would not tolerate any action that it deemed violating its security.
'Not ill-intentioned' On Saturday, President Gul said the Turkish government could not ignore the fact that Syria had shot down a Turkish aircraft.

“Start Quote

These are not ill-intentioned things but happen beyond control due to the jets' speed”

Abdullah Gul Turkish President

"It is not possible to cover over a thing like this, whatever is necessary will be done," he was quoted as saying by state news agency, Anatolia.

"It is routine for jet fighters to sometimes fly in and out over [national] borders... when you consider their speed over the sea," he added.
"These are not ill-intentioned things but happen beyond control due to the jets' speed."
Mr Gul said an investigation would look at whether the plane had been shot down in Turkish airspace, and also revealed that Ankara had been in contact with Damascus despite both countries declaring each other's diplomats unwelcome earlier this year.
"We withdrew our envoy from Syria for security reasons. This does not mean that we have no contacts," he explained.
'Unidentified target' The Turkish military said it lost radio contact with the F-4 Phantom at 11:58 (08:58 GMT) on Friday while it was flying over Hatay province, about 90 minutes after it took off from Erhac airbase in the province of Malatya, to the north-west.

Syrian state TV published a map showing the flight path of the Turkish jet

Later, the Syrian military said an "unidentified air target" had penetrated Syrian airspace from the west at 11:40 local time (08:40 GMT), travelling at very low altitude and at high speed.
It said that in line with the laws prevailing in such cases, Syrian air defences engaged the craft, and scored a direct hit about 1km (0.6 miles) from its coastline.
It burst into flames, and crashed into the sea at a point 10km (6 miles) from the village of Om al-Tuyour, off the coast of Latakia province, well within Syrian territorial waters, the statement added.
Syrian television showed a map charting the aircraft's movements, coming in from over the sea near northern Cyprus.
The military statement said that after it "became clear the target was a Turkish military plane which had entered our airspace", the naval commands of the two countries were in touch, and a joint operation was going on to find the missing crew members.

Mud mayhem at Isle of Wight pop festival

Drivers stuck in cars for 22 hours

But Noah and the Whale beat floods

Muck 'n roll ... music fan looks on the bright side

UP to 65,000 music fans were mired in chaos yesterday after torrential rain turned the Isle of Wight Festival into a mudbath.

Some were stuck in cars for 22 HOURS waiting to be towed by tractor through the only entrance into boggy car parks.
Solid seven-mile tailbacks from the site to the main docks left ferries from Southampton and Portsmouth unable to unload further drivers.
And revellers who did make it in found the campsite churned into a swamp.
Fans began arriving on Thursday — ready to see stars including Bruce Springsteen, Elbow, Example, Noah and the Whale, Pearl Jam, Tinie Tempah, Jessie J and Noel Gallagher.
But traffic soon ground to a complete halt. Stranded festival-goers had to beg locals to let them use their toilets and give them drinks of water.
Others slept in their vehicles or left them at the roadside to walk to the site.
Organisers vowed the show would go on — and some fans refused to let the mayhem dampen their spirits.

What a site ... festival fans have to pitch their tents in a sea of mud

INS

But James Collins, 24, from Leeds, said: “Everybody was really frustrated and some girls were in tears.” Rachel Hoskins, 27, said: “We came because there is no Glastonbury Festival this year. It’s a disastrous start.”
A group of friends from Romford, Essex, bedded down in their car after parking up at Newport Football Club.

’s Big Top on Thursday night but it had to be evacuated amid fears it would blow over. With later arrivals told to leave cars on the mainland, owners of small boats started charging to take fans across the Solent.

Jam session ... roads are gridlocked as tailbacks lead from the site

Solent

One yacht had to be towed to safety by a lifeboat after its engine failed in a force eight gale. Meanwhile touts and fans who bailed out were reduced to selling £190 tickets on eBay for as little as £38.
The chaos hit the island’s 140,000 residents too, bringing normal life to a standstill.

Pulling power ... van is towed

Children walked up to four miles home from school in the rain. One mum who picked up her child up at 3.15pm only completed the one-mile trip home at 8.30pm.
At least one school shut as teachers could not make it in.

Muddy ... revellers

MP Andrew Turner criticised organisers, saying: “It appears inadequate contingency plans and preparations were in place.”
But IOW Festival promoter John Giddings insisted: “We did everything within our power. I’m really very sorry — but it’s still going to be a great weekend.”

Mudbath ... wellies are a must-have

Today should be dry for fans. But there could be more heavy rain for those trying to leave on Sunday.

Nothing Min-i about Nicki’s bum

Bum's the word ... Nicki Minaj shows off her derriere

RADIO 1 had better supply a sofa for Nicki Minaj today as an armchair might be a tight squeeze.

 

The rapper showed off her incredible bottom in a shoot for New York-based magazine Urban Ink.
Nicki’s on the bill to perform at the Hackney Weekend tonight before Kasabian.
And after the show she’s off to the Roc Nation party, which headliner Jay-Z is hosting.
Rihanna, Nas and Rita Ora have also been invited to the bash in London’s West End.
The Jigga Man is getting good at hosting tear-ups in London – he put on a no-expense-spared do for his manager and friend TY-TY last month.

Is that comfortable, Nicki? ... corset is

Germany 4 Greece 2 !

LAHM SLAUGHTERS THEM ... Germany skipper Philipp Lahm fires in a superb opener

By ANTONY KASTRINAKIS

Last Updated: 23rd June 2012

PHILIPP LAHM kick-started Germany’s supershow against Greece to set up a potential semi-final with England.

Lahm’s banana kick put the Germans ahead before Sami Khedira slammed home the vital second after the Greeks had equalised.
That put an end to any hopes of another Greece upset.
Joachim Low’s men will await the winner of tomorrow’s quarter-final between England and Italy and it could be a date with destiny for the Three Lions.
A chance to wipe out memories of losing to the Germans at the same stage at Wembley in Euro ’96 and a 4-1 stuffing at the 2010 World Cup. It won’t be easy.
They will have to beat a side that set a new world record of 15 successive wins in competitive matches last night.
Lahm, Khedira, Miroslav Klose and Marco Reus turned it into a rout — though Georgios Samaras’ leveller just before the hour gave the underdogs a brief lifeline.
But it was all done and dusted before Dimitris Salpingidis scored from the spot just before the end.
Naturally, Roy Hodgson and Co should look no further than beating the Azzurri but the prospect of facing their old foes will certainly be a strong incentive.
Diego Maradona said before this match “If 300 Greeks were able to hold off 10,000 Persians at Thermopylae, then 11 Greeks will have a chance against 11 Germans.”
It is history’s most famous last stand and Maradona’s only error was the actual number of Persians ranged between 100,000 and 300,000.
The whole scene in Gdansk mirrored Thermopylae as a small pocket of Greek fans was vastly outnumbered by 35,000 Germans.
Led by King Leonidas, the Spartans lasted seven days before they were betrayed by one of their own.
Last night the Greeks lasted 39 minutes. That in itself was a miracle as the Germans delivered a dominant performance full of energy, movement and running.
This was billed as the grudge match of Gdansk given the Greek economic crisis and the austerity measures, that have left large sections impoverished, driven mainly by the German government.
Chancellor Angela Merkel’s presence here spiced things up.
Germany boss Low made a “cheeky” move by dropping big guns Mario Gomez, Lukas Podolski and Thomas Muller.
Reus and veteran Klose, 33, came in, as did Andre Schurrle.
For a man who before the match claimed Germany would have to chip away at the Greek wall of resistance, it seemed a recipe for disaster to take all of his goalscorers out of the team. But it worked a treat.
Low said: “To be cheeky is a good thing. It was the time to bring in some fresh faces and different types of players who could do a job and it worked very well.
“Khedira was great. Dynamic. A real leader. He’s always there and ready to run into the box but also always holds his position and is tough to beat in the one-on-one.
“He’s positive and good for those around him.”
Low’s men tore the Greeks apart in the first half.
The relentless running off the ball created the spaces to breach the 2004 champs. Each German ran on average 300 yards more. Germany made 344 passes to the Greeks’ 78 in the opening period.
Greece missed their talismanic skipper Giorgios Karagounis badly.
Lahm made the breakthrough with a swerving 39th-minute shot.
Samaras netted from close range 10 minutes after the break to prove the Germans can be got at.
But Khedira fired his side in front again six minutes later with a spectacular volley and when Klose headed in Ozil’s corner, a Greek collapse looked on the cards.
Reus cracked in another stunner when Klose’s shot was blocked.
Greece pulled one back with Salpingidis’ penalty after Jerome Boateng handled.
It was a brave fight but the Germans had far too much.
STAR MAN: KHEDIRA
Germany: Neuer 6, Boateng 6, Hummels 6, Badstuber 6, Lahm 8, Schweinsteiger 8, Khedira 9, Reus 8 (Gotze 6), Ozil 9, Schurrle 8 (Muller 7), Klose 8 (Gomez 6). Subs Not Used: Wiese, Gundogan, Schmelzer, Howedes, Podolski, Bender, Mertesacker, Kroos, Zieler.
Goals: Lahm 39, Khedira 61, Klose 68, Reus 74.
Greece: Sifakis 7, Torosidis 7, Papastathopoulos 6, Kyriakos Papadopoulos 5, Tzavelas 6 (Fotakis 6), Makos 6 (Liberopoulos 6), Maniatis 7, Ninis 5 (Gekas 6), Katsouranis 6, Samaras 7, Salpingidis 7. Subs Not Used: Chalkias, Malezas, Mitroglou, Fortounis, Fetfatzidis, Tzorvas.
Booked: Samaras, Papastathopoulos.
Goals: Samaras 55, Salpingidis 89 pen.
Att: 43,000
Ref: Damir Skomina (Slovenia).

Poor teens’ sex disease timebomb

Sexually transmitted infection risk three times higher for the deprived

Shock ... over 30,000 kids aged 13 to 17 were diagnosed with an STI last year

Posed by models

POOR teenagers are nearly THREE times more likely to catch a sexually transmitted infection than the most well-off, figures show.

More than 30,000 kids aged 13 to 17 were diagnosed with an STI such as chlamydia, gonorrhoea or genital warts last year.
Around 5,973 live in England’s most deprived areas — compared to 2,116 at the other end of the scale.
Overall, 78 per cent of the teens who sought treatment were girls.
The shock Government stats were revealed after an NHS survey last year found that 27 per cent of girls are having sex before the age of consent.
Shadow public health minister Diane Abbott said last night: “What we need is a sex education revolution in ordinary schools, and sustained investment in sexual health services.”

The figures also revealed the number of teens catching STIs has risen more sharply in the poorest areas since 2009.
The rate of STIs per 100,000 teens aged 13-17 in the most deprived areas went up from 881 to 903 over three years.
That compares to 310 rising to 312 in the poshest areas.
Ms Abbott, who obtained the figures, said sexual health clinics were having to reduce opening hours because of funding cuts.

Fear ... Shadow public health minister Diane Abbott

A spokeswoman for charity Brook, which runs clinics across the UK, said cuts “cost the NHS more in the long run”.
Health minister Anne Milton said the Coalition was giving councils ring-fenced budgets to raise awareness and improve sexual health.

Kagawa seals United switch!

Ferguson delighted to secure services of midfielder

Shinji Kagawa: Delighted to have joined Manchester United on a four-year deal

Manchester United have completed the signing of Japan midfielder Shinji Kagawa from Borussia Dortmund on a four-year deal.

The Red Devils announced earlier this month that they had agreed terms with the German club for Kagawa, and the transfer has now been finalised after he passed a medical on Friday.
Sir Alex Ferguson is delighted to have secured the services of the 23-year-old and expects him to enjoy a successful career at Old Trafford.
"Shinji is an exciting young midfielder with great skill, vision and a good eye for goal," said Ferguson.

"Shinji is an exciting young midfielder with great skill, vision and a good eye for goal. I believe he will make an impact upon the team very quickly as he is suited to United's style of play. "
Sir Alex Ferguson Quotes of the week

"I am delighted he has chosen to come to United.
"I believe he will make an impact upon the team very quickly as he is suited to United's style of play.
"We are all looking forward to working with him."

Exciting time

Having been ruled out of Olympic duty in London this summer, it is anticipated Kagawa will be part of United's pre-season tour to South Africa and China.
And Kagawa is relishing the prospect of linking up with his new team-mates and trying to perform well in the Premier League.
"This is a challenge I am really looking forward to," he said.
"The Premier League is the best league in the world and Manchester United is such a massive club.
"This is a really exciting time for me. I can't wait to meet the team and start playing."

Kate Upton shocker — our favourite model wants smaller boobs

Great ... Kate Upton in bikini

By VINCE SOODIN

Published: Today at 11:38

BUSTY Kate Upton left her horde of male fans in shock — when she said her one wish was to have SMALLER boobs.

The curvy model hinted her breasts — which have helped her take the modelling world by storm this year — may be too big during a beachside chat.
In a video interview with GQ magazine, who Kate has done a stunning photoshoot with, she dropped the bombshell when asked if she had one wish.
Kate paused before saying: “One wish. I would have smaller boobs.”
As fans — who have made Kate an internet sensation over the last year — took in the devastating news, cheeky Kate revealed she was only joking.
She smiled and said she was “just kidding” — triggering a sigh of relief among men all over the world.
Phew – that wasn’t funny Kate.

Covergirl ... Kate Upton in this month's GQ magazine

The stunning model recently showed US chat show host Jimmy Fallon how to perform new dance craze, the Cat Daddy.
Kate, whose bikini-clad performance of the dance was briefly banned from YouTube for being too raunchy, was more than happy to show off her moves.
But while the beauty looked gorgeous as she grooved dressed in a black-and-white polka-dot dress and heels, presenter Jimmy looked a lot less comfortable.

England’s formation against Italy? That’s easy – it’s 4-4-12! !

HEROES IN WAITING ... subs can make the difference

IF I was Roy Hodgson I’d name an unchanged starting line-up for England’s Euro 2012 quarter-final clash against Italy on Sunday.

 

Yes, I would stick with the same formation that started Tuesday’s 1-0 win over Ukraine.
But I would not be surprised if NONE of those 11 players ended up as our hero against the Italians.
That starring role could quite conceivably be filled by one of the dozen understudies on the bench.
That is because as well as an effective formation, a new-found defensive resilience, rediscovered national pride and qualifying for the last eight as group winners, one of the other major plusses about England at this tournament has been our surprising strength in depth.
Not many critics expected that when Hodgson’s 23-man party was dubbed “the weakest England squad ever to go to a major tournament.” With stars like Gary Cahill and Frank Lampard dropping like flies, and Wayne Rooney suspended for the first two matches, some reckoned the Three Lions would not have a team to compete at these finals, let alone a squad.
How wrong they were.
Or rather, how Hodgson and his players have proved them wrong. For the first time in ages, England have shown at a major competition that we not only have a starting line-up capable of mixing it with the best, we also have subs who can.
Subs like Theo Walcott, Andy Carroll and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, who have already left their mark on this tournament.
Others like Jermain Defoe, who you know can sniff a chance out of nothing. We have options like rarely before. That is why — even despite our unconvincing performance against Ukraine — I believe we should field an unchanged team and stick with the same way of playing.
Some say it is 4-4-1-1, rather than 4-4-2. I say it is more 4-4-1-1-12.
It is not about the team, it is about the squad. We don’t just have options 1-11, we have options virtually 1-23. I have heard calls for Hodgson to replace James Milner with Walcott on the right of midfield — after that substitution worked a treat for the final 30 minutes against Sweden.
I’ve also heard Carroll should be brought in for Danny Welbeck. Nothing against the players involved, but I would reject both suggestions.
Yes, we did not play well against Ukraine, but we won.
Milner may not have had his best game, but he played a part in that and the previous victories, providing the defensive stability we require down the right to counter full-back Glen Johnson’s attacking tendencies.
Similarly with Welbeck. He was not at his best against Ukraine. But neither was he so bad that he deserves to be dropped. That is unfortunate for Carroll, who was excellent against Sweden when he scored the opening goal in the 3-2 win.
I have no doubts he will feature at some point against Italy as their defenders will not fancy playing against him at all. And he is a great weapon to have on your bench.
Nobody is saying England have to wait until the last 15 minutes before making changes. If things are not going right, Roy will switch it sooner.
It is all too easy to say the manager should make changes and be more adventurous. But under Hodgson we now have a formation that is proving effective, if not entertaining.
I hardly changed my starting line-up at all during Euro 96.
The more you can keep a steady side the better. You have to keep the momentum going.
I am not saying Hodgson’s starting line-ups are setting Euro 2012 alight. But tournament football is no longer just about the first XI.
Substitutes are more important than ever. And England have some who could take us into the semis.

Jay-Z and Beyonce cause a stir in Forest Hill !

Cuppa ... Jay-Z and Beyonce

IMAGINE going into your local cafe and seeing Jay-Z and Beyonce sitting there.

 

That’s what customers of From The Forest, in Forest Hill, south east London were treated to recently.
The Jigga Man and his superstar wife popped in for a brew when they were in the area.
A source said: “It was surreal to see them sitting there. They looked like an ordinary couple, but obviously they’re not.
“They didn’t make a fuss and only had a couple of security guards with them.
“I think they were in the area for business meetings.”
Jay-Z is headlining Radio 1’s Hackney Weekend tomorrow night.
Jack White is another headliner, but on a different stage.
Hopefully Jack will be on a little earlier so punters can catch both.
You don’t want to miss him – or his all-female band.