Beckham earns England recall

England to face USA and Czech Republic

SPL hand Gretna cash advance

Fabio Capello has announced a provisional 30-man England squad ahead of the friendly with France in Paris on March 26. David Beckham has been recalled and could be inline to win his 100th cap while 19-year-old Arsenal winger Theo Walcott has been called up for the first time since the 2006 World Cup finals. Also included are Middlesbrough defender David Wheater, Portsmouth’s Jermain Defoe and Aston Villa striker Gabriel Agbonlahor are also included. The three chosen goalkeepers are Portsmouth veteran David James, Aston Villa’s Scott Carson and Wigan Athletic’s Chris Kirkland.

England will play the USA in a friendly at Wembley on May 28 while the Czech Republic will also face Fabio Capello’s men at Wembley on August 20.

UEFA has fined Lyon £2,520 after Manchester United’s Cristiano Ronaldo was targeted with a laser pen during their Champions League tie at Stade Gerland on February 20. UEFA’s Control and Disciplinary Committee imposed the fine for “incidents of an unsporting nature”. Meanwhile, Bolton Wanderers and Everton have also been fined by UEFA.  Wanderers were fined £5,000 for crowd disturbances during their UEFA Cup match against Atletico Madrid on February 21 (Atletico were fined £15,000 after fans threw missiles and fireworks during the match) while Everton were fined £2,520 after fans invaded the field and threw missiles during their UEFA Cup match at SK Brann of Norway on February 13. Bolton can appeal against the decision, but Everton’s fine is final.

The Premier League has ruled that Jermain Defoe is ineligible to play for Portsmouth against former club Tottenham Hotspur at White Hart Lane on Saturday. A Premier League spokesman said: “The rules are clear. A player taken on loan, even if that deal is made permanent, may not play against the team that loaned him.”

Barnsley have signed FA Cup goalkeeping hero Luke Steele from West Bromwich Albion on loan until the end of the season, with a permanent switch taking place in the summer. The 23-year-old’s initial loan period ended on Monday but the new deal means Steele can feature for the Tykes in their FA Cup semi-final clash with Cardiff City on April 6 at Wembley. However, if Barnsley meet West Brom in the Cup final, Steele will not be eligible.

Blackpool have signed Nottingham Forest striker Grant Holt for the remainder of the season.

The Football Association have overturned the red card shown to Colchester United defender Phil Ifil during Tuesday’s 1-3 defeat against Hull City at Layer Road.

Southampton have signed 30-year-old goalkeeper Richard Wright on a one-month loan deal from West Ham United.

In League One, Tranmere Rovers beat basement side Port Vale 2-0 at Prenton Park.

In the Blue Square Premier, Grays Athletic beat struggling Droylsden at The Recreation Ground.

The Scottish Premier League has agreed to give Gretna a six-figure advance of money due to them at the end of the current campaign. The money should allow them to fulfil their remaining fixtures and pay their players.

Nathan Davies