Former England striker Michael Owen has no intention of retiring following his release by Manchester United.

England manager Roy Hodgson insists he has no concerns about the commitment and ability of Andy Carroll after naming the controversial Liverpool striker in his Euro 2012 squad.

Robbie Keane says his status as one of the veterans of the Irish team means he’s relishing playing in the European Championship finals all the more.

Shay Given has brushed aside Roy Keane’s criticisms of the Republic of Ireland following their defeat to Spain, including the former midfielder’s assertion that players and fans should not be content “just to go along for the sing-song every now and again”.

The man behind the Ross O’Carroll-Kelly phenomenon Paul Howard has gone back to his roots to finally give his obsession with the force of nature that is Roy Keane a voice — through the man’s loyal sidekick Triggs.

Alex Ferguson has been handed some good news after it was confirmed new signing Shinji Kagawa would not be called up for Olympic duty by Japan.

Just two minutes into last night’s match, Andres Iniesta was given ample space and time to turn on the ball without any pressure and then pick a through pass for Xavi, who was just yards from the Irish box.

At 35, Andriy Shevchenko is no spring chicken but Kiev’s favourite son is still the man the French fear most, according to his friend and foe Laurent Blanc.

Sebastien Larsson symbolises the differences between England and Sweden perhaps better than any other player in the two sides.

“He’s got a talent as good as anyone in the game. He’s confident, intelligent and he’s certainly got the technical skills. He has a great belief in himself.”

Wojciech Szczesny is an irrepressible character even at the worst of times — and we’re talking even after an 8-2 defeat at Manchester United — so it should be quite an experience to watch him at Poland’s training camp in Warsaw over the next few days as he attempts to force his way back into the team in time for a crucial final group game against the Czech Republic on Saturday.

England’s players have been getting their hair cut in time for a reunion with the WAGs — although striker Danny Welbeck could not resist a dig at an FA official for not joining the throng.

David Moyes is the odds-on favourite to become the next Tottenham manager following reports last night that Harry Redknapp was set to leave the club.

Manchester United, the world’s best supported soccer club, has ditched its plans for an Asian stock market flotation and is preparing to list in the US, according to sources with knowledge of the deal.

France

French Football Federation president Noel le Graet has labelled Samir Nasri’s behaviour “intolerable” after the midfielder’s alleged foul-mouthed rant at a journalist following Les Bleus’ Euro 2012 exit.

Are France the new Netherlands?

No side has ever won three major titles in-a-row.

England may find themselves in the semi-finals of Euro 2012 tomorrow night or they may be boarding a plane back to London; but whatever the result against Italy in Kiev it appears Roy Hodgson’s side may finally have learned the lesson the world has been waiting for them to grasp for so long; the art of humility.

Cristiano Ronaldo warned Portugal will be “ready for the fight” when they line up for next week’s European Championship semi-final after his header beat the Czech Republic in Warsaw.