SSN is a digest of the day's soccer/football/futbol articles with a focus on the top European leagues and the United States National Team. Below, you’ll find links to articles and video, as well as additional features and commentary. We locate the top news of the day so you can stay updated with ease.
Yet there he was on the practice field Thursday afternoon, kicking, running, chasing, heading -- doing all the things every one of his teammates was doing -- in hopes of being ready to return to his customary spot of defensive anchor when the U.S. takes the field against England on June 12.
While the England squad has been forced to relocate to Austria for its altitude training ahead of the World Cup, the French of course have no such difficulties.
Jamie Carragher has told his unsettled team-mates that if their commitment to Liverpool is in doubt, they should not bother returning to the club for pre-season training.
The centre back is thought to have been referring to Javier Mascherano, who has expressed an interest in joining Barcelona, but his words of warning are equally pertinent to Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres, whose futures at Anfield are also uncertain.
The 28-year-old, who will lead the line for the European champions at the World Cup in South Africa, has agreed a four-year deal and will be officially unveiled after completing his medical tests.
Barcelona confirmed: "FC Barcelona and Valencia CF closed a €40m deal for Spanish striker David Villa on Wednesday morning... He will make an appearance on the Camp Nou pitch [on Friday]. The stadium doors will be opened to the public."
