MANCHESTER, England -- Ashley Cole was left out of the England World Cup squad on Sunday, prompting the veteran Chelsea defender to announce his retirement from international duty. England coach Roy Hodgson said omitting the 33-year-old Cole was part of his plan to "look to the future," making it likely Luke Shaw will be the backup to Leighton Baines at left back in Brazil despite only making his international debut in March. Ahead of Mondays public squad announcement, Hodgson rang the players who were not among the 23 players being taken to Brazil. "I got the call from Roy and agree England team should be about the young players," Cole wrote on his Twitter account. "I think it best I retire from England team now ... like me or not, trust me its hurt me to stop playing for my country." After making his England debt in 2001, Cole went on to win 107 caps, the last coming in the 1-0 friendly win over Denmark in March. "Among many difficult decisions Ive had to make for my squad, not selecting Ashley was one of the hardest," Hodgson said. "Hes been an incredible competitor for England, to amass over a century of caps is a truly staggering achievement and he deserves enormous credit for the desire and brilliance which has shone through over the years he has represented his country. "There are few players who can be considered among the very best in the world, but Ashley in his prime was the best left back without question." Cole, who fell out of contention for England after losing his starting spot at Chelsea this season, endorsed Baines of Everton and Southampton teenager Shaw. "Baines and Shaw are great players, proved this season, and are the future of this country, it was a pleasure to get 107 caps," Cole tweeted. Before England opens the World Cup against Italy on June 14, Hodgsons side has friendlies against Peru at Wembley Stadium, and Ecuador and Honduras in Miami. "We have a great manager and team and I wish them only success," Cole said. "I will be supporting them like a true fan." Hodgsons intention to take younger players in Brazil could see Chelsea teammate Frank Lampard also miss out on the World Cup despite 103 international appearances. The 20-year-old Everton midfielder Ross Barkley is being tipped as another youngster to make the squad as Hodgson blends a dynamic team to make an impact in Brazil. There was encouraging news for Hodgson on Sunday over midfielder Jack Wilshere, who returned to action for Arsenal after spending two months on the sidelines since fracturing his left foot in Englands friendly win over Denmark in March. "He can play now, so it shows you that there is no problem for him to be available for England," Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger said after Sundays 2-0 win at Norwich. Another Arsenal midfielder, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, should also be fit for the World Cup despite being out for three weeks with a groin injury, according to Wenger. "He should reintegrate into the squad on Wednesday in normal training," said Wenger, whose side plays Hull in the FA Cup final on Saturday. "He will be available for Roy to pick him. I wouldnt be surprised if he was picked." .com) - Seattle Seahawks coach Pete Carroll knows about life in the NFL from other stints around the league. . The victory strengthened Liverpools position in the top four after Tottenham lost 1-0 at Norwich in the days late kickoff, cutting the north London club six points adrift of fourth place and the final Champions League slot for next season.
http://www.officialflyersfanstore.com/a ... rs-jersey/. Both sides of the deal have formally announced acquisitions: TFC introduced Jozy Altidore as a designated player on Friday, while their counterparts announced a three-and-a-half-year deal with Jermain Defoe. .Y. -- As if the worst start in franchise history isnt bad enough, Buffalo Sabres President Ted Black braced his teams win-starved fans for potentially more tough times. . -- The Chiefs have signed seven players to reserve/future contracts, including running back Joe McKnight, a former fourth-round pick of the New York Jets. ANAHEIM, Calif. -- Trent Yawney has been hired as an assistant coach by the Anaheim Ducks. The team announced the move Monday. Yawney was the Chicago Blackhawks head coach during the 2005-06 season. The longtime NHL defenceman later was an assistant coach with the San Jose Sharks. He was the head coach of the Ducks AHL affiliate in Norfolk last season, leading the Admirals to a first-round upset of top-seeded Manchester in the playoffs.dddddddddddd Yawney replaces Bob Woods on coach Bruce Boudreaus staff. Woods became head coach and general manager of the WHLs Saskatoon Blades earlier this month. The Ducks also promoted Dave Baseggio to assistant to the general manager and extended the contracts of senior vice-president of hockey operations David McNab and director of player personnel Rick Paterson. ' ' '
