Sepp Blatter calls on Franz Beckenbauer and his panel of soccer experts for an alternative to penalty shootouts

Heartbreak: Bayern Munich players gutted after losing Champions League final on penalties Photo: AFP

Fifa president Sepp Blatter has called on Germany's World Cup winner Franz Beckenbauer and his panel of soccer experts to try to come up with an alternative to penalty shootouts to settle drawn matches. 

Blatter was speaking to delegates at the Fifa Congress on Friday less than a week after Chelsea beat Bayern Munich on penalties to win the Champions League final.

"Football can be a tragedy when you go to penalty kicks. Football is a team game, when it goes to one against one football loses its essence," Blatter said.

"Perhaps Franz Beckenbauer, with his Football 2014 group, can show us a solution, perhaps not today but in the future."

Beckenbauer, who won the World Cup with Germany as both a player and manager was among the delegates at the congress, was not immediately available for comment but his views are well known on the matter.

The German has said he would rather have penalties than either a golden or silver goal which were used briefly to determine matches.

Tinkerman: Sepp Blatter wants to see an end to the dreaded penalty shootout as a means of deciding a drawn game  Photo: GETTY IMAGES

Blatter has been calling for reforms to the game for a while and this is not the first time he has said he wanted to see penalty shootouts replaced.

But the fact he made the comment in his speech to delegates underlines his desire for the Football Committee to take some action on the issue.

Dozens of high profile finals, including the 1994 and 2006 World Cup finals, European Championships and Champions League finals have all been decided on penalties since they were introduced in their modern format in 1970.

The Congress was also told the British privileges which guarantees the four home nations their own Fifa vice-president were outdated, and that a decision on this will be made at next year's Congress.

Theo Zwanziger, the German in charge of revising Fifa's statutes, said: "I have a lot of respect for what the British have done for more than 100 years, but football has moved on and it is our duty and obligation to decide if the privileges are still justified in our time and age.

"This question has been raised in relation to the British vice-presidency."

He also said the composition of the International FA Board, the law-making body made up of the four British home nations - who have one vote each - and Fifa, who have four votes, should be changed.

Zwanziger added: "We believe that IFAB should renew itself from within, but perhaps the composition should change.

"It should be more modern and more democratic, more transparent and not allow for blocking other views. We should know clearly and publicly why something has been rejected."

Fifa also confirmed they will put aside 75million US dollars (£48m) to cover the cost of insuring players on international duty.

The insurance for injured players will cover the salary for the second to 12th month of his absence, with a maximum pay-out of 9.75m US dollars (£6.2m)

John Ruddy ruled out of Euro 2012 with broken finger as Jack Butland replaces goalkeeper in England squad

Sidelined: John Ruddy is out of England's squad for Euro 2012 with a broken finger

Norwich goalkeeper John Ruddy has been ruled out of the European Championships after breaking a finger in training on Thursday. 

Birmingham's Jack Butland, who was one of four replacements named in England coach Roy Hodgson's original squad, has been called up to replace him. Butland has spent most of the season on loan at Cheltenham.

Ruddy, 25, had been one of two uncapped players included in Hodgson's 23-man squad, alongside Arsenal's Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.

"The FA can confirm that Norwich City goalkeeper John Ruddy broke his finger in training on Thursday and has been ruled out of Uefa Euro 2012," a statement said.

"Ruddy was assessed by the England medical staff and will not be able to be part of the tournament. He will travel with the squad to Norway on Friday and watch the game on Saturday evening, but return to his club after arriving back in England."

The Norwich goalkeeper had initially been given special dispensation to miss England's final warm-up against Belgium at Wembley next weekend to get married.

The news comes as a huge setback to a player who was hoping to stake his place as a regular in the England squad.

“As long as I continue to develop in the same manner I have for the last two seasons, this is a step I want to stay on,” he said earlier this week. “I want to continue to be involved in England squads. It’s up to me to continue to play as I have this season and keep my foot in the door.

“There are the European Championships now and the World Cup qualifying coming up, so it’s an aim of mine to maintain this level. You saw it with Joe Hart, once he got the opportunity, he took it with both hands and I’m hoping to do the same and make sure I can stay at the top level of the game.

“I think Joe Hart is the best goalkeeper in the world at the moment, Robert Green is world-class. I know a lot was made of the last time he played for England but he still has so much to give and he’s still a world-class goalkeeper, so to be able to have the opportunity to work with those, along with Ray Clemence and Dave Watson, is an opportunity I’m relishing."

Liverpool striker Andy Carroll emerges as the man most likely to lead England's attack against France

Key figure: Andy Carroll, right, moves away from Scott Parker during England training and is now the man most likely to lead the attack at Euro 2012

Andy Carroll is the leading candidate to spearhead England’s attack at Euro 2012 after Danny Welbeck limped out of training at the Etihad Stadium on Thursday. 

Welbeck has been struggling with an ankle problem and was unable to join in a practice match dominated by Carroll.

Wayne Rooney returns from suspension for England's third game of the tournament, against Ukraine, but Roy Hodgson must find the right centre forward against France and Sweden.

Carroll’s strong end to the season, particularly his bullying of John Terry at Wembley and Anfield, has been noted by Hodgson.

Carroll’s stellar performance in training at the Etihad on Thursday was unmissable for England’s coaching staff as Gary Neville, filling in as an emergency centre-back, was trying to mark him.

Carroll’s strengths are well known to Hodgson’s captain, Steven Gerrard, who is expected to operate in an advanced midfield position during the Euros.

Carroll bulldozed through Joleon Lescott in reaching a cross from Ashley Young. “Andy Carroll is a threat in any game,’’ said Lescott. “It’s nice to see him getting the media coverage and the high praise he deserves over the last few weeks of the season.

"I’m sure his confidence is high going into the tournament. Andy’s always a handful to play against but when his confidence is high it’s even worse.

“He has great ability, it’s not just in the air. International football is not just about that aerial threat but not many teams have that presence in the air and he brings that to the squad.

"He’s had a good finish, been called into the squad for a major tournament so if his confidence is not high for something like this, there’s not a lot it will be high for. So you’d like to think after his last couple of games and getting called up, this is the best he’s felt about himself.”

Welbeck started training but soon moved to the sidelines for a low-key workout and then headed down the tunnel.

“Obviously Danny hurt his ankle and did it against us,’’ added Lescott of the Manchester United striker’s injury in the derby match.

“I am not sure how far he is away from playing or training. If he picks Andy, Jermain [Defoe], obviously they are all international players, they are in the squad for a reason and they can cause a different threat.”

If Welbeck’s ankle fails to improve, Hodgson has until Tuesday to replace him, most probably with Daniel Sturridge, who is on the standby list. Three other members of the standby list, Phil Jagielka, Martin Kelly and Jordan Henderson, were involved in training onb Thursday.

Henderson has been drafted in as fears remain over Scott Parker’s Achilles. The Spurs man trained on Thursday but if he struggles against Norway on Saturday, then Henderson may travel to the Euros unless Hodgson decides on making another call to Michael Carrick.

Jagielka’s presence at centre-half alongside Lescott was explained by the absence of Chelsea’s John Terry and Gary Cahill, who have been given a break after the Champions League.

Jagielka may even start in Oslo in a team that could line up: Hart or Green; Jones, Jagielka, Lescott, Baines; Parker, Barry; Young, Gerrard, Walcott; Carroll. Hodgson can make six substitutes.

Glen Johnson’s infected toe continues to be a concern for Hodgson and his medical staff, meaning Phil Jones’s deployment at right-back and Kelly’s call as cover. City’s Micah Richards must wonder what he has done wrong.

“I am very close to him and he was disappointed but all decisions are tough to make,’’ added Lescott. “Micah is very professional and you can see from his performances with City that even if he is not playing one game the next game he is giving 100 per cent.”

England return from Norway after Saturday’s game with the players given a break until Tuesday. They gather at the Grove for training at Colney and Wembley before the June 2 friendly with Belgium at Wembley when goal-line technology will be tested.

If there are any close calls only the experts monitoring the Hawk-Eye system will know the results.

The referee will not be informed. Another system, called GoalRef, is being tested in the Danish Super League. If the tests are successful, the go-ahead for technology is expected to be given by Fifa on July 2.

I always expect England to win one of the major tournaments

RON IN A MILLION ... Madrid's superstar Cristiano Ronaldo shows off his skills in the Castrol challenge

CRISTIANO RONALDO watched a ball drop from a giant silver tube suspended high above his head. 

He controlled it on his chest before swivelling and smashing it into the centre of an illuminated target 20 yards behind him. 

That signalled the end of another successful challenge for the man regarded by many as the best player on the planet. 

This time against a chosen few of his 44million Facebook fans and 10million Twitter followers — and beamed live on the internet. 

His next challenge — after scoring a career-best 46 Spanish league goals this season and helping Real Madrid dethrone Barcelona to land an historic La Liga title — is to lead Portugal to glory in the European Championship finals. 

A task he is relishing, despite his country being drawn in the Group of Death alongside Holland, Germany and Denmark. 

Like Portugal, England have never won the trophy. The nation has now suffered 46 years of hurt since Sir Alf Ramsey’s Wembley World Cup winners. 

And that baffles Real’s £80million man, who spent six seasons winning everything at Manchester United. 

“I always expect England to win a big tournament,” said Ronaldo. 

“England have some of the best players in the world and are always tough opponents for any team. 

“I hope England do well in the Euros because I have a lot of friends there. It is a country I like a lot. 

“I expect big things for England, the new coach and the country.” 

The new Roy Hodgson era begins with Saturday’s Euro 2012 warm-up friendly against Norway. 

But is the former West Brom boss a good appointment? 

“I don’t know,” added Ronaldo. “I don’t know him very well but to be coach of a national team you have to be good. 

"Let’s see what England do in the Euros. Their chances of winning are still the same. England have fantastic players but now, with a new coach, it would be amazing.” 

However, Ronaldo believes there are better teams than Hodgson’s in this summer’s finals in Poland and the Ukraine. 

“Italy have a good chance,” he said. “And Portugal, too. Why not? But the three teams with the biggest chances are Spain, Germany and Holland.” 

A Portuguese victory would surely guarantee that Ronaldo regains the title of World Player of the Year. His Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho has no doubts it is Ronaldo — and not Barcelona’s Lionel Messi — who should lift the prestigious Ballon d’Or this year. 

“Of course I agree with Mourinho,” laughed Ronaldo. “But I’m not the judge to say whether I deserve it or not. 

“I think I played a fantastic season and won trophies, which is very important. La Liga is the most complicated league in the world, so to win it with a record-breaking 100 points was phenomenal. 

“I know playing well in the Euros will help me get nominated for the Ballon d’Or.” 

The accolades for Real’s £80m world-record signing are coming thick and fast these days. 

Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson reckons Real got a bargain and the 27-year-old striker is now worth a phenomenal £800m.

ON THE BALL ... Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo

Portuguese team-mate Nuno Gomez believes Ronaldo is the perfect player, capable of scoring 60 league goals in a season. 

“He’s right. I have to agree with him,” said Ronaldo. “No, I’m joking. These are just opinions. 

“But I have to say thank you because when people say nice things about you it always motivates you. 

“When I arrived at Manchester United I was 18 years old and Sir Alex Ferguson was like a father to me. He taught me many things. I worked with him for six years and he is a great human, a great coach. 

“Sir Alex and Jose Mourinho are the two best coaches in the world. 

“My cycle with Sir Alex has ended, so it is great to work with Jose Mourinho because, at the moment, he is No 1.” 

He also enjoys working with his football choreographer (yes, he has one of those) Andy Ansah.

RIO FAN ... Cristiano Ronaldo

The former Southend United player put Ronaldo through his drills in Madrid as part of his latest Castrol EDGE Challenge before internet users across the globe tried to out-think the Portuguese superstar in a unique skills test. 

The Sun was the only UK newspaper invited to the event and as the last ball was expertly volleyed into its target, the Castrol studio filled with chants of: “They think it’s oil over . . . it is now!”

However, the endless comparisons with Messi continue. 

Ronaldo scored a whopping 60 goals in all club competitions this season — the little Argentinian bagged a staggering 72. Ronaldo said: “This is not a challenge between me and Messi. I just want to be better, to be the best. 

“I know people compare me and Messi all the time. 

“Some say that I am better than him, other people say it’s him, but you cannot compare us. Like you cannot compare Ferrari with Porsche. 

“It is not fair. We are different players. I play in Madrid, he in Barcelona. We play for different countries. 

“But we always fight each other to see who can score more goals, who can win more titles. 

“This is how life is. 

“At the end of the day they are going to decide who is the best player at the moment, which I think is me!” 

And with that, the man who crashed his £200,000 Ferrari drove off . . . in a Porsche.

Kop Van chase

NO 1 CHOICE ... ex-Holland chief Louis van Gaal

LIVERPOOL last night made former Holland manager Louis van Gaal their shock No 1 choice as new boss. 

Sources close to the Dutchman, 60, say he has been approached by Kop managing director Ian Ayre to replace axed Kenny Dalglish. 

Van Gaal has vast experience with big clubs having managed Ajax, Barcelona and Bayern Munich — and is out of work. 

He was being considered for the newly-created role of sporting director but had revealed his interest in the managerial hotseat. 

The club’s American owners hinted they wanted a young manager.

But chief John W Henry is said to be impressed with Van Gaal’s reputation for rebuilding teams and guiding them to success.

Paul Lambert angry over Norwich City future rumours

Norwich City boss Paul Lambert has said speculation he could leave Carrow Road is "absolute nonsense". 

The Scot, who led Norwich from League One to the Premier League, has been linked with the Aston Villa vacancy.

"I never said I'm leaving. I've said I never know what's going to happen tomorrow. I absolutely love it here. I've loved my time here," he said. 

"Because I don't say much, people want to go on message boards, fuel things and make up absolute nonsense." 

The former Celtic midfielder stopped short of committing his future to the Canaries after last week's 2-0 win over Villa on the final day of the Premier League season.

But, following Tuesday's testimonial for defender Adam Drury, he was more bullish on the likelihood of remaining at Carrow Road. 

"I don't know why people get worked up about it," he told BBC Norfolk. 

Lambert has also had to dismiss reports of a dispute between him and top scorer Grant Holt.

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"I've never had a fall out with Grant in one iota. I've never said I want to leave the football club. 

"People should stop speculating and causing trouble." 

Striker Holt featured in team-mate Drury's testimonial - a 2-0 win over Celtic  - four days after he handed in a transfer request, which was rejected by the club.

He held talks with chief executive David McNally on Monday afternoon and Lambert is hopeful the situation can be rectified. 

"I think enough's been said over what's happened and hopefully that will get resolved. I'm pretty sure it will," he said. 

"I think it's a private matter and I think it should remain that way."

I won’t Bale out on Spurs

LOVE MATCH ... Gareth Bale is happy at Spurs

GARETH BALE has told Tottenham he will NOT be pushing for a move away from White Hart Lane.

Despite finishing fourth in the Prem, Spurs missed out on Champions League football after Chelsea lifted the European Cup on Saturday.

But winger Bale, 22, has made it clear to manager Harry Redknapp he is not looking to get away.

Tottenham are aware of the huge interest in the Wales international from all of Europe’s top clubs including Real Madrid, Barcelona, Chelsea, Manchester City and Manchester United.

But a Spurs insider said: “Gareth wants to stay for next season.

“To say he is happy at the club right now is a bit of an understatement.”

Bale sees no point in leaving unless Tottenham want to cash-in on the £40million-rated speedster.

He thinks he can maintain his path to being recognised as one of the world’s elite players with his current club.

And Bale has little desire to move abroad at the moment, preferring to drive back home to his parents’ house in Wales when he has time off.

His commitment to Tottenham is just the boost the North Londoners need after being forced to compete in the Europa League.

And Tom Huddlestone looks on course to be fit for the start of next season.

The midfielder, 25, made just four outings last term after suffering ankle ligament damage and had surgery in February.

But he came through a full session at the club’s training ground yesterday along with fellow crocks Jermaine Jenas and Michael Dawson.

Cesc Fabregas urges Robin van Persie to stay at Arsenal

Wanted man: Robin van Persie is a target for some of Europe's biggest clubs

Former Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas has told Robin van Persie to stay at the club - just one year after he quit the Emirates to join Barcelona. 

Arsenal have reportedly offered Van Persie a new deal worth £130,000-a-week, plus a £5 million re-signing bonus, and may even hold him to the final year of his contract amid interest from Barca, Real Madrid, Juventus and Manchester City.

Arsene Wenger faces a battle to keep the Holland international in London and there are fears Van Persie has already been swayed, although Arsenal maintain there is plenty of time for the Dutchman to reflect and commit his remaining peak years to them.

And Fabregas believes staying put would be the best option for both parties: He said: "As an Arsenal fan I would be happy if he stayed in London to help Arsenal win titles."

Gunners fans may be slightly bemused by the comments from Fabregas, as the midfielder was involved in several summer-long transfer sagas, but the midfielder says he remains an Arsenal fan.

Patrick Vieira, a former Gunners player and now Man City's football development executive, confirmed his club's interest in Van Persie, but expects the Dutchman to have plenty of suitors given the uncertainty surrounding his contract.

"I don't think it will only be City who would like these kind of players," he said. "I don't think you have so many good talents like Van Persie who have just one year left on his contract. There will be a lot of teams who will want a player like Van Persie."

Holland players blast 'scandalous' treatment of Arjen Robben by Bayern Munich fans after penalty miss

Feeling blue: Arjen Robben looks miserable after Bayern are beaten by Chelsea

Holland coach Bert van Marwijk has described the vitriol directed at Arjen Robben by a section of Bayern Munich fans as "scandalous". 

Robben, who missed an extra-time penalty in the Champions League final against Chelsea, with the score 1-1, was repeatedly booed by a section of the 33,000 fans who came to see a friendly match between Bayern and the Netherlands.

Robben played for the Oranje throughout the game, and Van Marwijk said: "It's scandalous the way in which Arjen was treated on Tuesday in Munich. Arjen was really down about it but I hope that he will emerge stronger from the experience."

Robben's Dutch team-mates, including former Bayern star Mark van Bommel, agreed that the winger was unfairly treated.

"It's shocking what happened to Arjen. And no club officials seemed to want to do anything about it. If I were him, I be asking myself whether I still want to play for the club," said Van Bommel.

Robben, who earlier this month extended his Bayern contract by two years to 2015, has had an uneasy relationship this season with the club's fans - some accusing the Dutchman of being too selfish on the pitch.

He was briefly benched earlier this year by coach Jupp Heynckes and a penalty miss against Bundesliga champions Borussia Dortmund, in a key league game in April, did little to appease Bayern fans.

In the wake of Dutch fury, Bayern have since jumped to Robben's defence.

"Just like the other players, fans and friends of Bayern, Arjen Robben is deeply disappointed and affected by the undeserved defeat on penalties against Chelsea," said Bayern CEO Karl-Heinz Rummenigge in a statement.

"But it is the style of Bayern and their fans to give the one who has fallen down the hand and help him. We have received a lot of reactions from Bayern fans who apologise on behalf of those who whistled.

"Bayern wish Arjen Robben a good and successful Euro championship and look forward to having him back in the Bayern group in July."

Mourinho pens new Real deal

STAYING PUT ... Jose Mourinho

JOSE MOURINHO has signed a new contract at Real Madrid that runs to 2016. 

The Special One, who had been linked with a summer return to Chelsea, penned an initial four-year deal when he took over at Madrid in May 2010.

But the 49-year-old has agreed fresh terms with a two-year extension.

Mourinho led Madrid to the Copa del Rey crown in his first season in charge and has just guided the club to their first La Liga title since 2008.

The Portugese coach is also one of only three men to have won the Champions League with separate teams having led Porto to the crown in 2004 and Inter in 2010.

England are pants! Players to be given undies - wonder if they're Roy fronts?

ROY FRONTS ... what Hodgson's men might be wearing this summer

ENGLAND’S football stars will be heading to Euro 2012 without UNDERWEAR. 

That is because the FA will supply all of Roy Hodgson’s squad with everything from pants to branded clothing.

Norwich No 1 John Ruddy, called up by Hodgson, said: “I’ve been told to take boots, gloves, trainers, a few casual clothes and toiletries. I’m under the impression everything else will be provided for me.

“We’ve got suits and they’re providing underwear for us. It’s surreal but that’s what being in the England squad is all about. The way you get looked after is second to none.”

The clothing will be supplied by M&S, while England will be based at a city centre hotel in Krakow, Poland.

That is near the World War II Nazi concentration camp at Auschwitz and the FA are planning a visit with the players.

Ruddy, 25, added: “To be able to visit and see what circumstances were like for people will put things into perspective and make you grateful for what you have in life. I won’t know how I feel until I get there.”

Joe for it! Cole: Liverpool should play me in the middle

OOH LA LA ... Joe Cole is mobbed after scoring against St Etienne

JOE COLE wants to be the middle-man for Liverpool’s new boss.

Cole admits his future is up in the air following Kenny Dalglish’s sacking and the end of his season-long loan at Lille.

But he refuses to give up on his dream of making it at Anfield and insists he is a more mature player and person after 10 months in France.

Cole, 30, said: “I haven’t had any conversations with Liverpool, but as it stands I’m back there for pre-season.

“When you don’t know who the manager is going to be you cannot do much else really. I’m hoping to make it at Liverpool.

“My time at Lille has been extremely positive. I’ve moved back from the wing into a more central midfield role and I have thrived there.

“It’s my best position, I was doing it at 19 for West Ham.

“The days of me running down the wing are over, I see my future in the middle now. It’s where I can get my foot on the ball and get the best out of myself.

“Once a new manager is appointed then we’ll see how it goes with him.”

Cole’s old club West Ham are already linked with a move for their once-cherished playmaker following promotion back to the Premier League.

Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp is also a long-time admirer of Cole’s skills and Liverpool would probably allow him to go on a free to return to London.

Cole scored nine goals for Lille boss Rudi Garcia to help the club back into the Champions League and embraced a new way of life and football style.

He added: “It’s an unbelievable achievement for us.
“We lost loads of good players last summer and to help the club finish third is something to be proud of.

“It’s been a whole new team and I have learnt so much from my time here.

“If I ever go into management this experience will have helped me enormously. I’ve gained so much.”

Cole was left out of Roy Hodgson’s Euro 2012 squad but he also refuses to give up on his England dreams.

He said: “England has gone in a different direction and there’s nothing I can do about that. But I still believe I could play in two years’ time at the World Cup in Brazil.

“I won’t give up. I’m going away for a couple of weeks but then I’ll start training by myself to keep ticking over in case I’m in the Olympic squad. That would be brilliant.

“It’s been an incredible season. I’m really pleased for my old mates at Chelsea — but I wouldn’t be human if I didn’t feel a tinge of envy.

“I’m also really chuffed that West Ham have come up.

“I got tickets for a mate who has never seen them win anything and he got a seat right by where the players went up to lift the trophy. He was beside himself with joy.”

Milan: Hands off our stars

NOT FOR SALE ... AC Milan star Zlatan Ibrahimovic

AC MILAN boss Massimiliano Allegri has told Manchester City: Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Thiago Silva are NOT for sale. 

Sweden hitman Ibrahimovic and Brazilian centre-back Silva have both been linked with summer switches to the Etihad.

City boss Roberto Mancini signed Ibrahimovic from Juventus when he was manager of Inter Milan in 2006.

And he is also believed to have held talks with Milan this over signing Silva — rated as one of the best defenders in the world.

But Allegri is confident the pair will still be at the San Siro next season.
He said: "Ibrahimovic and Thiago will remain here.

"The club and the president are keen to maintain AC Milan at a high level.

"Thiago is young and Ibrahimovic can also give a lot.

"They are two champions on which Milan can build its basis for the future.

"The club is only working on replacing those players that have left."

Emmanuel Adebayor keen for Tottenham to extend his loan move from Manchester City

Goal hungry: Emmanuel Adebayor has increased Spurs' attacking threat

Emmanuel Adebayor, the on-loan Manchester City striker, wants to play for Tottenham again next season despite the club's failure to qualify for the Champions League.

The Togo international was a big success last season at Tottenham, where he scored 18 times during a season-long loan from Barclays Premier League champions Manchester City.

Chelsea's victory over Bayern Munich means Tottenham cannot offer Adebayor Champions League football next term, but he still appears determined to stay at White Hart Lane.

Adebayor wrote on Twitter: "Loved my spell at Tottenham. We are working hard with the chairman to make it permanent. Will keep you informed!!"

Manager Harry Redknapp has stressed his wish for the striker to stay on a permanent basis, but has accepted finances may be a problem.

Adebayor’s reported wage packet of £175,000 a week is way above what Spurs pay their top earners and City have warned there are plenty of other clubs interested in signing the striker.

The news that Adebayor is willing to stay at Spurs despite their failure to qualify for the Champions League is a boost to the club.

Winger Gareth Bale hinted before Chelsea became European champions last weekend that he would consider leaving if Tottenham were not playing in the Champions League next season while Luka Modric has refused to commit himself to Spurs beyond the summer.

Chairman Daniel Levy, who fought off interest from Chelsea in Modric last summer, has vowed to keep the club's top players and Redknapp is determined to add to his playing squad.

The Spurs boss has been strongly linked with moves for Marseille striker Loic Remy and Ajax defender Jan Vertonghen.

Now anything is possible

ENGLAND EXPECTS ... Gareth Barry, Joe Hart and Joleon Lescott will be on the plane to Euro 2012

WHAT an incredible end to the Premier League and Champions League — now what price a fairytale at the European Championships?

I believe what Manchester City and Chelsea have achieved this season could have a real knock-on effect for England.

Goalkeeper Joe Hart will go into those Championships feeling 10 feet tall as will Joleon Lescott, Gareth Barry and James Milner.

Now, we have the heroics of Ashley Cole, Gary Cahill and, not least, Frank Lampard to throw into the mix.

John Terry will still get a boost from lifting the trophy even if he didn’t play.

Hart, Cole, Cahill and Terry will make up most of England’s the back four.

Lampard will be at the centre of midfield and I’m convinced Barry and Milner will also play a big part.

They will all go into the tournament believing that with belief and determination anything is possible.

City’s players showed that in the closing moments of a season that will never be forgotten and Chelsea’s after the most spirited Champions League triumph by an English team ever.

What they did in coming back against Napoli, beating Barcelona and winning on penalties against Bayern, on the German side’s own turf, has been truly remarkable.

I know Cole was at fault for their goal but otherwise he was fantastic. What a penalty in the shootout too. If every Englishman could have hit one like that over the years what could we have done?

Centre-back Cahill was immense from the word go. To think he was struggling with a hamstring problem.

While Lampard — a player former boss Andre Villas-Boas felt they could do without — showed in Munich that on the biggest stage he has a presence that can inspire.

The longer the game went on, the weaker Bayern became and the more Lampard hauled Chelsea back into it.

Now what of the manager Roberto Di Matteo, who accepted his team’s limitations and played to its strengths?

One big call was putting Ryan Bertrand ahead of Cole in an effort to nullify the forward runs of Philip Lahm from full-back — and it worked.

At the end of it all Terry stepped up and lifted the trophy with Lampard — a move that has split opinion.

I don’t have a problem with it because Terry had served his punishment.

Despite being involved in the celebrations he will always know that he did not take part on the big night because of his own stupidity against Barcelona.

Didier Drogba took his chance at redemption in style but Terry never had the chance and no pictures with the trophy will replace that.

He was not the only one left with huge regrets on the night. No player will be feeling the pain more than Bayern’s Arjen Robben.

I have no problem with a player missing a penalty, as he did in extra-time.

But to then not put himself forward to take one in the shootout is quite something else — something he has to live with.

Chelsea win Champions League final against Bayern Munich - in pictures

Stage is set: Bayern Munich had the advantage of a 'home' tie for the Champions League final but Chelsea's fans made their presence felt tooPicture: GETTY IMAGES

Red alert: Bayern had the best of the opening exchanges as Chelsea looked to contain and counterPicture: PA

Safe hands: Petr Cech was the busier of the two goalkeepers but answered every question asked of himPicture: AP

Getting ahead: with time runnign out, Thomas Muller stooped to head Bayern in frontPicture: ACTION IMAGES

False dawn: Bayern celebrated as if they had won a fifth European titlePicture: GETTY IMAGES

Lighting up: ...as did their fans inside the stadiumPicture: REUTERS

All square: with two minutes left Didier Drogba (not pictured) headed home a corner to take the game to extra timePicture: ACTION IMAGES

Blue is the colour: it was Chelsea's turn to start the celebrationsPicture: GETTY IMAGES

Saving the day: former Chelsea winger Arjen Robben stepped up to take it but Cech saved with his feetPicture: GETTY IMAGES

Chance gone: Robben's face told the story of another wasted opportunity by the German sidePicture: GETTY IMAGES

Spot on: Ashley Cole, excellent all night, scored one of Chelsea's shoot-out penalties with the style of a strikerPicture: GETTY IMAGES

Net gains: Frank Lampard, too, found the spotPicture: GETTY IMAGES

Thin blue line: Cech was Chelsea's hero again in the shoot-out in front of hostile Bayern fansPicture: GETTY IMAGES

No hidding place: Bestain Schwinstiger missed the crucial effort for Bayern allowing Drogba to win the shoot-out for ChelseaPicture: GETTY IMAGES

Down and out: the pain of losing in their own ground was too much for some Bayern playersPicture: GETTY IMAGES

The one he wanted: Roman Abramovich finally got his hands on the prize he values above all othersPicture: GETTY IMAGES

To the winners the spoils: Chelsea collected the trophy as the party beganPicture: GETTY IMAGES

Captain fantastic: Lampard shared the honour of taking the cup with John Terry, suspended on the night due to a red card in the semi-final in BarcelonaPicture: GETTY IMAGES

Hold on tight: Cech more than many deserved his medal after making three penalty saves across the gamePicture: ACTION IMAGES

One for the cameras: Terry led the celebrations on the munich pitchPicture: GETTY IMAGES

Leg up: Fernando Torres and David Luiz, too, were determined to enjoy themselvesPicture: AP

Like watching Brazil: Luiz and the travelling Chelsea fans joined in a spot of flag wavingPicture: AP

Sealed with a kiss: Cech greeted the cup with the big ears in tradditional fashionPicture: REUTERS

Centre of attention: Terry, though, was determined to enjoy the spotlightPicture: GETTY IMAGES

Cheer up: one man not enjoying himself was Robben, a picture of sullen discontent at the after match dinnerPicture: PA

Bayern Munich 1 Chelsea 1 aet; (Chelsea win 4-3 on pens): match report

Read a full match report of the Champions League final between Bayern Munich and Chelsea at the Allianz Arena on Saturday May 19 2012. 

Victory in Europe: Chelsea claim their first ever Champions League title after a penalty shoot-out win over Bayern in Munich Photo: GETTY IMAGES

It came down to this: Didier Drogba standing alone, facing the vast banks of the whistling Bayern Munich fans. This was his moment to make history. 

In goal Manuel Neuer stood imposingly tall, stretching up to rattle the bar. Into that wall of noise, Drogba strode forward and struck the ball low and to his left. With what could prove his last kick of a ball in a Chelsea shirt, Drogba won the European Cup.

Frank Lampard and John Terry hoisted the trophy together as those Bayern players and supporters who could stomach it, watched on in disbelief. This was the fitting finale to European campaign that has stretched credibility.

Chelsea were written off in Naples, were given the longest of odds with 10 men in Barcelona and were a minute away from defeat here in the Allianz Arena, having been thoroughly outplayed by a classy Bayern side.

Yet the German club had wasted chance after chance before finally going a goal up with eight minutes to go thanks to Thomas Müller.

Chelsea had little more than faith to cling to. But it was enough. Drogba rose to smash in a header from Juan Mata’s corner with 89 minutes played to send the game into extra time.

For the Bayern fans there were ominous echoes of their dramatic capitulation to Manchester United in 1999.

Arjen Robben then missed a penalty for Bayern, recklessly conceded by Drogba, and Bayern continued to miss chance after chance as Chelsea crept closer to the shoot out.

It was a triumph of bloody-minded refusal to capitulate, and with it Chelsea have taken their place among the European aristocracy, become the 22nd club to win the European Cup.

In a season when the likes of Lampard, Drogba and Ashley Cole were told they were finished, past it, they produced their greatest victory of all.

Surely now Roberto di Matteo must be given the job of leading this Chelsea team into next season, his players gave everything for him, fighting through cramp and exhaustion to defy Bayern in their own stadium.

Roman Abramovich, who was seen clapping and signing along with the fans as they celebrated as secured his treasured ambition and the man that delivered it will surely be rewarded.

Even in the shoot out, Chelsea had to come from behind. Philipp Lahm had already converted Bayern’s first penalty when Juan Mata saw his effort saved by Manuel Neuer.

Both sides kept scoring until Bayern’s fourth effort, when Petr Cech plunged to his left to claw away Ivica Olic’s effort.

Ashley Cole whipped his effort past Neuer and then Cech pulled off his second heroic save, pushing Bastian Schweinsteiger’s effort against the foot of the post.

Some of the Chelsea players thought that was it, the tension clearly getting to them as they ran onto the pitch in premature celebration. The calmer heads called them back. Drogba still had to apply the coup de grace.

As his team-mates celebrated wildly in front of their own fans, Drogba sought out Arjen Robben and Bastian Schweinsteiger, seeking to console his vanquished rivals.

The Bayern pair had been superb all game, as Bayern dominated Chelsea but Robben missed a penalty in extra time and Schweinsteiger missed the decisive penalty in the shoot out.

It was a moment of dignified sportsmanship amid the turbulent emotion and recognition of what Bayern had given to this game.

Bayern had begun with an imposing declaration of intent. As the kick off approached, the Bayern end unveiled a huge flag in the shape of the European Cup.

The message on the accompanying banners made it clear: our city, our stadium, our trophy. An act of hubris? For much of the game it appeared a simple statement of fact.

With Robben and Franck Ribery flying, Bayern threatened to overrun a Chelsea team that dropped deeper and deeper. Just as they had in the Nou Camp, though, Chelsea’s defenders hurled themselves in to tackles and blocks.

Gary Cahill, David Luiz and Ashley Cole were superb, slamming the door every time Bayern seemed to push it open.

Luck played its part too. When Cech could only get a boot on to Robben’s low shot in the first half, it squirted up and hit the top of the post. Such are the fine margins between success and failure.

For most of the game Toni Kroos and Schweinsteiger kept weaving the ball around the pitch, keeping Chelsea claustrophobically trapped in their own penalty area, trying to slowly suffocate the fatigued men in blue.

Chelsea’s attacks were sporadic, Drogba getting only fleeting sight of the ball. It took them over half an hour to register their first effort towards goal.

Bayern just kept missing. Mario Gomez could not get the bounce of the ball and Robben’s shooting was all over the place. As the game drew to a close it was the energetic Müller carrying the threat.

Cole was booked for bringing him down on the right after a neat run and then he had a far post header saved by Cech.

You could not say that Chelsea had not been warned. It lent his goal a sense of inevitability. Kroos flighted an in-swinging cross from the corner of the penalty area on the Bayern left.

Müller did not have much of an angle to work with but he deceived Cech by heading directly down into the turf, the ball bouncing up and past the Chelsea goalkeeper. The game was surely up.

This Chelsea team do not know when they are beaten, though. With a minute left, and the Bayern fans celebrating, Chelsea won a corner on the right-hand side and Mata sent a crisp delivery into the near post.

Drogba, soaring through the air, whipped his head through the ball, sending it hurtling in at the near post. The drama was only just beginning.

Gallery

Champions: Frank Lampard and John Terry lift the greatest prize in club football Photo: GETTY IMAGES

Didier Drogba and Petr Cech are mobbed by their team-mates after the Ivorian scores the winning goal Photo: GETTY IMAGES

Drogba's last act as a Chelsea player was a legendary one Photo: GETTY IMAGES

Mario Gomez: having a shocker Photo: GETTY IMAGES

Key clash: Lampard challenges Schweinsteiger Photo: GETTY IMAGES

Head boy: David Luiz clears in the early stages Photo: GETTY IMAGES