DIRK KUYT believes Holland are finally ready to shake off their tag as under-achievers and challenge for World Cup glory in South Africa.
The Liverpool frontman was on target last night as Bert van Marwijk’s men hammered Ghana 4-1 in their penultimate warm-up match in Rotterdam.
The Dutch bowed out to Portugal in the last 16 in Germany four years ago and were then defeated by Russia in the quarter-finals of Euro 2008.
However, Kuyt insists they are now a different proposition and after a perfect record in qualifying confidence is high ahead of their opening game against Daniel Agger’s Denmark on June 14.
"In the last few tournaments Holland have always played very well only be beaten by one off day such as against Russia," Kuyt said.
"The main feeling now is that we want to push a little bit harder to be ready for the moment when we are not at our best level but can still go to the next round. I think we have lots of quality in the team. Many players have been playing for a long period with each other in the Dutch team now so it’s time to use that experience and do something more than we’ve shown in the last couple of tournaments. We’re going to try to push as hard as possible.
"We won every game in qualification which is very positive and we’re unbeaten since Van Marwijk came into the job."
Kuyt believes Van Marwijk, who took over from Marco van Basten after Euro 2008, has managed to get the best out of a squad which boasts the likes of Mark van Bommel, Wesley Sneijder, Klaas-Jan Huntelaar, Robin van Persie and Arjen Robben.
The Reds star admits he owes a huge debt of gratitude to his former Feyenoord boss, who signed him from FC Utrecht in 2003.
"Van Marwijk has been important in my career because he gave me the chance to go to a top club in Holland," Kuyt added.
"That was something that meant a lot for me because as a Dutch player you always want to play for one of the best teams in the highest league.
"He gave me that opportunity so he is definitely a special manager for me. He has signed a new contract until the end of the European Championships in 2012 and he’s doing very well at the moment."
Holland complete their preparations with a final friendly against Hungary in Amsterdam on Saturday.
Liverpool defender Agger played 90 minutes for Denmark in their 1-0 defeat to Australia yesterday.
Reds trio Jamie Carragher, Steven Gerrard and Glen Johnson fly off to South Africa today after being confirmed in England’s 23-man squad.
Meanwhile, Liverpool goalkeeping coach Xavi Valero has hailed Pepe Reina as one of the top five keepers in the world.
Reina, who recently signed a new six-year contract, is only second choice for Spain but fellow countryman Valero has no doubts about his quality.
"All of the top sides in Europe have a top goalkeeper who they can build a side around," he said.
"At the moment there are only four or five world class keepers in the game and we have one of them in Pepe. His new contract gives us stability for the immediate and long-term future."
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
No bids received yet as Yossi Benayoun eyes move away from Liverpool FC
LIVERPOOL insist they have received no approach for Yossi Benayoun – but the midfielder looks set to leave Anfield this summer.
Reports claiming the Reds have rejected a £4million bid for the Israeli from Chelsea are wide of the mark.
However, the Premier League champions are interested in the 30-year-old and Benayoun has made no secret of his desire to move to Stamford Bridge.
Benayoun, who signed a new four-year deal last summer, was mysteriously left out of Liverpool’s squad for the final game of the season at Hull City.
A switch to Russia initially looked on the cards with CSKA and Spartak Moscow vying for his services, while his agent recently revealed he could be tempted by a move to Roma.
However, Chelsea are now the favourites to secure his signature and manager Carlo Ancelotti is hoping a deal can be completed before the World Cup finals begin.
“There has been no approach from any club for Yossi Benayoun,” a Liverpool spokesman insisted today.
Benayoun, who cost £5million from West Ham three years ago, grew increasingly frustrated at Anfield last season.
He started 29 games but much to his displeasure he was substituted by manager Rafa Benitez on 22 occasions.
The former West Ham star believes Liverpool will let him go if Chelsea offer £6million.
“Ancelotti wants me for next season and now everything depends on Liverpool,” Benayoun said while on international duty with Israel.
“Chelsea will have to pay some £6m, but I believe that, in the end, I’ll be moving there.”
Meanwhile, Liverpool have reiterated that Fernando Torres is not for sale at any price this summer.
Chairman Martin Broughton is reported to have said that it might be better for Torres to leave because it could take up to three years to transform the club’s fortunes.
His comments were allegedly made to Sky Sports News presenter Charlotte Jackson, who disclosed details of a conversation she had with Broughton.
“I saw Martin Broughton at Chelsea’s Player of the Year dinner and he refused to tell me that we weren’t going to sell Torres,” Jackson said.
“He said, ‘At the moment, he’s still on board, but it’s going to take three years to turn the club around, and at his age . . .’ ”
The club insist, however, that Broughton has already publicly made it clear that Torres will not be sold.
Managing director Christian Purslow and co-owner Tom Hicks have also attempted to reassure supporters.
They have promised that bids for the Spaniard won’t be entertained.
Reports claiming the Reds have rejected a £4million bid for the Israeli from Chelsea are wide of the mark.
However, the Premier League champions are interested in the 30-year-old and Benayoun has made no secret of his desire to move to Stamford Bridge.
Benayoun, who signed a new four-year deal last summer, was mysteriously left out of Liverpool’s squad for the final game of the season at Hull City.
A switch to Russia initially looked on the cards with CSKA and Spartak Moscow vying for his services, while his agent recently revealed he could be tempted by a move to Roma.
However, Chelsea are now the favourites to secure his signature and manager Carlo Ancelotti is hoping a deal can be completed before the World Cup finals begin.
“There has been no approach from any club for Yossi Benayoun,” a Liverpool spokesman insisted today.
Benayoun, who cost £5million from West Ham three years ago, grew increasingly frustrated at Anfield last season.
He started 29 games but much to his displeasure he was substituted by manager Rafa Benitez on 22 occasions.
The former West Ham star believes Liverpool will let him go if Chelsea offer £6million.
“Ancelotti wants me for next season and now everything depends on Liverpool,” Benayoun said while on international duty with Israel.
“Chelsea will have to pay some £6m, but I believe that, in the end, I’ll be moving there.”
Meanwhile, Liverpool have reiterated that Fernando Torres is not for sale at any price this summer.
Chairman Martin Broughton is reported to have said that it might be better for Torres to leave because it could take up to three years to transform the club’s fortunes.
His comments were allegedly made to Sky Sports News presenter Charlotte Jackson, who disclosed details of a conversation she had with Broughton.
“I saw Martin Broughton at Chelsea’s Player of the Year dinner and he refused to tell me that we weren’t going to sell Torres,” Jackson said.
“He said, ‘At the moment, he’s still on board, but it’s going to take three years to turn the club around, and at his age . . .’ ”
The club insist, however, that Broughton has already publicly made it clear that Torres will not be sold.
Managing director Christian Purslow and co-owner Tom Hicks have also attempted to reassure supporters.
They have promised that bids for the Spaniard won’t be entertained.
Liverpool FC legends urge Tom Hicks and George Gillett to sell up and leave Anfield
A HOST of Liverpool FC legends today slammed the Anfield reign of co-owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett and urged the Americans to sell the club.
The former players, including ex-captains Phil Thompson and Tommy Smith, admitted they are devastated by what has happened to the Reds since Hicks and Gillett took over in 2007.
They fear for Liverpool’s future unless the club is sold quickly.
Hicks and Gillett plunged the club into £351m of debt, with annual interest repayments of £40m.
Broken promises included their vow to build a new stadium in Stanley Park and invest heavily in the playing squad.
Previous owner David Moores admitted last week he “hugely regrets” selling to them and pleaded with Hicks and Gillett to stop “punishing” supporters.
Hicks’ response infuriated fans because he claimed the club is in better shape than three years ago.
Liverpool went up for sale last month but Hicks has admitted it could be more than a year before a deal is complete.
Potential investors were put off by the sky-high asking price of £600m-£800m, three times what they paid to take control in February 2007.
The Americans have ignored calls from the ECHO, previous owner Mr Moores and fans’ groups like Spirit Of Shankly to bring their disastrous Anfield tenure to a swift conclusion.
But supporters hope they might listen to some of the greatest names in the club's illustrious history.
PHIL THOMPSON made 477 appearances for Liverpool between 1972 and 1983.
He captained the club to European Cup glory in 1981 and later served the club as assistant manager.
He said: “I am an ex-player and an ex-assistant manager but overall I am a fan and I hate seeing the club in the mess it is in at the moment.
“As a club, we always did things well in the past but the way things have gone under the current ownership is shameful.
“A top-level club needs strong leadership but it is not there. Our owners handle the club from far away and only seem to agree to disagree.
“Until the club is sold, we are going nowhere. I heard they want between £600m and £800m and it could take over a year to happen.
“It is like a dagger through the heart reading that because we want them gone.
“Chairman Martin Broughton has to tell the owners what is a proper price for the club and convince them to get the deal done quickly.
“These are worrying times and I am dreading a transfer window where we have to settle for free transfers and cheap buys. We need owners who are going to invest.”
TOMMY SMITH is sixth in Liverpool’s all-time appearance list. The “Anfield Iron” played 638 games between 1963 and 1978.
He said: “Hicks and Gillett have picked on the wrong people in Liverpool fans. We will not stop until they have gone and the quicker they go, the better.
“The amount of money they are asking for is ridiculous. They should be glad to just get their money back.
“If it is not sorted out before the start of next season, we are going to be right in the mire. The squad is not good enough and we desperately need money for new players.
“I am afraid the likes of Steven Gerrard, Fernando Torres and Javier Mascherano might decide they have had enough and leave.
“Over the past three years, Liverpool have gone from being one of the best-run clubs in the world to one of the worst. We have not won anything under their ownership.
“We need owners who will not only invest money but provide leadership. We cannot go forward with these two in charge.”
JIMMY CASE won three European Cups and four league titles during a stunning career with the Reds. He played 269 games between 1975 and 1981.
He said: “The Americans made promises about what they were going to do in terms of investment in players and building the new stadium but not kept them.
“The two of them do not even get on with each other so it was never going to work.
“We finished seventh this season so it is obvious something needs to happen.
“The problem is they are businessmen rather than football people.
“Players and managers come and go, but the club is always there.”
ALAN KENNEDY scored the winning goal in the 1981 European Cup final and netted the deciding penalty in the final three years later. He made 359 appearances for the club between 1978 and 1985.
He said: “I am saddened by what has happened at the club over the past three years.
“I have no doubt Rick Parry and David Moores honestly believed the offer from the Americans would be best for the club.
“George Gillett addressed the former players association a few years back to outline their plans.
“It all sounded so positive but it just has not happened.
“Now we are all worried about the future. What happens now? Is there a billionaire out there?
“At the moment there is so much instability and it was the worst 12 months for the club for a long time.
“As ex-players, we want to see the club moving in the right direction. We are not happy and I am sure the manager and the players are not happy either.
“We need new owners to make a new start with some new players to get us back up there.”
JOHN ALDRIDGE was a boyhood Liverpool fan who signed for the club in 1987. During his two and a half years at Anfield, he scored an impressive 63 goals in 104 games.
He said: “It is ridiculous for Hicks to say we are in a good situation – we are in a massive mess.
“They must realise Liverpool has bottomed out during their ownership. They should be prepared to accept whatever the realistic figure for the club is and leave.
“The only way the club can move forward is if the current owners sell up. They have to go for the good of the club. You just hope there is someone out there who is prepared to come in and bail us out.
“It can be turned around but we want somebody with our long-term interests at heart.”
IAN ST JOHN was one of the most significant signings in Liverpool history. Bought by boss Bill Shankly for a club record £37,500 from Motherwell in 1961, “The Saint” stayed for a decade and scored 118 goals in 425 games.
He said: “I do not understand finance and I do not understand how we ended up in so much debt.
“How can a successful club like Liverpool, who fill their ground week in, week out, get into the trouble they are in now? I am baffled by it.
“There was one disappointment after another in the last few years. We were promised a new stadium but it has not happened. It is easy to pass the buck and say it is all the Americans’ fault. We cannot blame them for all the problems on the pitch. After all, we have had some good players leave and new players come in who are not good enough.
“But the fact is that for the first time in 50 years the club is in turmoil.
“Everyone had respect for Liverpool because we did things in the right way. We kept our house in order, but now our house is in disarray.
“The club was a model for how things should be done but we have certainly lost that image now.”
TERRY McDERMOTT played in three European Cup winning sides for Liverpool. The Kirkby-born midfielder made 329 appearances from 1974-1982.
He said: “The situation with the owners needs sorting as soon as possible.
“It cannot be allowed to fester because things can only get worse if that happens.
“Liverpool cannot afford another season like the one they have just had. They need to decide the big issues one way or another now.
“It is not for me to say whether Rafa Benitez has done a good job or not, but they have to either back the manager or not. They cannot leave things undecided like they have.
“As an ex-player, and someone who remains a fan, it is heartbreaking to see the way the club has gone over the past few years. It really is.
“Hicks and Gillett have said they are going to sell, which is good. But they have got to try and make it as easy as possible for anyone coming in, and make sure the deal is done.
“If they have proper hearts, as they say they do, they must make it a quick and painless sale, so Liverpool can get back to where they belong – at the top.”
The former players, including ex-captains Phil Thompson and Tommy Smith, admitted they are devastated by what has happened to the Reds since Hicks and Gillett took over in 2007.
They fear for Liverpool’s future unless the club is sold quickly.
Hicks and Gillett plunged the club into £351m of debt, with annual interest repayments of £40m.
Broken promises included their vow to build a new stadium in Stanley Park and invest heavily in the playing squad.
Previous owner David Moores admitted last week he “hugely regrets” selling to them and pleaded with Hicks and Gillett to stop “punishing” supporters.
Hicks’ response infuriated fans because he claimed the club is in better shape than three years ago.
Liverpool went up for sale last month but Hicks has admitted it could be more than a year before a deal is complete.
Potential investors were put off by the sky-high asking price of £600m-£800m, three times what they paid to take control in February 2007.
The Americans have ignored calls from the ECHO, previous owner Mr Moores and fans’ groups like Spirit Of Shankly to bring their disastrous Anfield tenure to a swift conclusion.
But supporters hope they might listen to some of the greatest names in the club's illustrious history.
PHIL THOMPSON made 477 appearances for Liverpool between 1972 and 1983.
He captained the club to European Cup glory in 1981 and later served the club as assistant manager.
He said: “I am an ex-player and an ex-assistant manager but overall I am a fan and I hate seeing the club in the mess it is in at the moment.
“As a club, we always did things well in the past but the way things have gone under the current ownership is shameful.
“A top-level club needs strong leadership but it is not there. Our owners handle the club from far away and only seem to agree to disagree.
“Until the club is sold, we are going nowhere. I heard they want between £600m and £800m and it could take over a year to happen.
“It is like a dagger through the heart reading that because we want them gone.
“Chairman Martin Broughton has to tell the owners what is a proper price for the club and convince them to get the deal done quickly.
“These are worrying times and I am dreading a transfer window where we have to settle for free transfers and cheap buys. We need owners who are going to invest.”
TOMMY SMITH is sixth in Liverpool’s all-time appearance list. The “Anfield Iron” played 638 games between 1963 and 1978.
He said: “Hicks and Gillett have picked on the wrong people in Liverpool fans. We will not stop until they have gone and the quicker they go, the better.
“The amount of money they are asking for is ridiculous. They should be glad to just get their money back.
“If it is not sorted out before the start of next season, we are going to be right in the mire. The squad is not good enough and we desperately need money for new players.
“I am afraid the likes of Steven Gerrard, Fernando Torres and Javier Mascherano might decide they have had enough and leave.
“Over the past three years, Liverpool have gone from being one of the best-run clubs in the world to one of the worst. We have not won anything under their ownership.
“We need owners who will not only invest money but provide leadership. We cannot go forward with these two in charge.”
JIMMY CASE won three European Cups and four league titles during a stunning career with the Reds. He played 269 games between 1975 and 1981.
He said: “The Americans made promises about what they were going to do in terms of investment in players and building the new stadium but not kept them.
“The two of them do not even get on with each other so it was never going to work.
“We finished seventh this season so it is obvious something needs to happen.
“The problem is they are businessmen rather than football people.
“Players and managers come and go, but the club is always there.”
ALAN KENNEDY scored the winning goal in the 1981 European Cup final and netted the deciding penalty in the final three years later. He made 359 appearances for the club between 1978 and 1985.
He said: “I am saddened by what has happened at the club over the past three years.
“I have no doubt Rick Parry and David Moores honestly believed the offer from the Americans would be best for the club.
“George Gillett addressed the former players association a few years back to outline their plans.
“It all sounded so positive but it just has not happened.
“Now we are all worried about the future. What happens now? Is there a billionaire out there?
“At the moment there is so much instability and it was the worst 12 months for the club for a long time.
“As ex-players, we want to see the club moving in the right direction. We are not happy and I am sure the manager and the players are not happy either.
“We need new owners to make a new start with some new players to get us back up there.”
JOHN ALDRIDGE was a boyhood Liverpool fan who signed for the club in 1987. During his two and a half years at Anfield, he scored an impressive 63 goals in 104 games.
He said: “It is ridiculous for Hicks to say we are in a good situation – we are in a massive mess.
“They must realise Liverpool has bottomed out during their ownership. They should be prepared to accept whatever the realistic figure for the club is and leave.
“The only way the club can move forward is if the current owners sell up. They have to go for the good of the club. You just hope there is someone out there who is prepared to come in and bail us out.
“It can be turned around but we want somebody with our long-term interests at heart.”
IAN ST JOHN was one of the most significant signings in Liverpool history. Bought by boss Bill Shankly for a club record £37,500 from Motherwell in 1961, “The Saint” stayed for a decade and scored 118 goals in 425 games.
He said: “I do not understand finance and I do not understand how we ended up in so much debt.
“How can a successful club like Liverpool, who fill their ground week in, week out, get into the trouble they are in now? I am baffled by it.
“There was one disappointment after another in the last few years. We were promised a new stadium but it has not happened. It is easy to pass the buck and say it is all the Americans’ fault. We cannot blame them for all the problems on the pitch. After all, we have had some good players leave and new players come in who are not good enough.
“But the fact is that for the first time in 50 years the club is in turmoil.
“Everyone had respect for Liverpool because we did things in the right way. We kept our house in order, but now our house is in disarray.
“The club was a model for how things should be done but we have certainly lost that image now.”
TERRY McDERMOTT played in three European Cup winning sides for Liverpool. The Kirkby-born midfielder made 329 appearances from 1974-1982.
He said: “The situation with the owners needs sorting as soon as possible.
“It cannot be allowed to fester because things can only get worse if that happens.
“Liverpool cannot afford another season like the one they have just had. They need to decide the big issues one way or another now.
“It is not for me to say whether Rafa Benitez has done a good job or not, but they have to either back the manager or not. They cannot leave things undecided like they have.
“As an ex-player, and someone who remains a fan, it is heartbreaking to see the way the club has gone over the past few years. It really is.
“Hicks and Gillett have said they are going to sell, which is good. But they have got to try and make it as easy as possible for anyone coming in, and make sure the deal is done.
“If they have proper hearts, as they say they do, they must make it a quick and painless sale, so Liverpool can get back to where they belong – at the top.”
Liverpool FC only need two or three new faces says Alan Hansen
ALAN HANSEN insists Liverpool only need “two or three” new signings to turn them into Premier League title contenders.
The Reds endured a miserable campaign as they slumped to seventh place – their worst league finish for 11 years.
Rafa Benitez’s men were 23 points adrift of champions Chelsea but Reds legend Hansen believes just a few additions are needed this summer to close the gap.
“Liverpool have got to forget what’s gone before and concentrate on what’s ahead of them,” he said.
“It’s going to be difficult but I’d look at 1986-87 when Everton won the league and we came second.
“I knew we were a long way short. Kenny Dalglish knew that too and he brought in Barnes, Beardsley, Aldridge, Spackman and Houghton.
“That turned it around like you’d never believe. We went from not being nearly good enough to being a great side.
“Hopefully that can happen to this Liverpool side because they’ve got some great players.
“If they can just get two or three more in who can do a job.”
The former centre-back, who skippered the double-winning side of 1986, insists Liverpool won’t struggle to attract top stars – despite the fact they can’t offer Champions League football next season. “Liverpool are still Liverpool – they’re still massive and they still have the greatest support in the world,” he added.
“Next season we’ve got to do better – there’s no doubt about it. Every summer is important but if you look around, Chelsea and Manchester United also need revamping and Arsenal also need players.”
The Reds endured a miserable campaign as they slumped to seventh place – their worst league finish for 11 years.
Rafa Benitez’s men were 23 points adrift of champions Chelsea but Reds legend Hansen believes just a few additions are needed this summer to close the gap.
“Liverpool have got to forget what’s gone before and concentrate on what’s ahead of them,” he said.
“It’s going to be difficult but I’d look at 1986-87 when Everton won the league and we came second.
“I knew we were a long way short. Kenny Dalglish knew that too and he brought in Barnes, Beardsley, Aldridge, Spackman and Houghton.
“That turned it around like you’d never believe. We went from not being nearly good enough to being a great side.
“Hopefully that can happen to this Liverpool side because they’ve got some great players.
“If they can just get two or three more in who can do a job.”
The former centre-back, who skippered the double-winning side of 1986, insists Liverpool won’t struggle to attract top stars – despite the fact they can’t offer Champions League football next season. “Liverpool are still Liverpool – they’re still massive and they still have the greatest support in the world,” he added.
“Next season we’ve got to do better – there’s no doubt about it. Every summer is important but if you look around, Chelsea and Manchester United also need revamping and Arsenal also need players.”
Liverpool FC youngster Conor Coady in dreamland after captaining England to European Championship glory
LIVERPOOL starlet Conor Coady has revealed his delight at skippering England under-17s to European Championship glory.
The 17-year-old midfielder was one of four Merseyside youngsters who played in Sunday’s impressive 2-1 final victory over favourites Spain in Liechtenstein.
Coady was joined by Reds clubmate Andre Wisdom and Everton duo Ross Barkley and Luke Garbutt.
It was the first time an England men’s team have landed a major trophy for 17 years.
The last success was at the European Under-18 Championships in 1993 when the side included Robbie Fowler, Paul Scholes, Sol Campbell and Gary Neville.
Liverpool-born Coady said: “I’m just delighted with everything that’s happened.
“At the end I ran over to the dugout and slid on my knees and then I just got piled on and I couldn’t breathe.
“It’s just unbelievable. I can’t believe we’ve done it. Lifting that trophy was just unreal. It’s everything I’ve dreamt about and I’m so proud to have done it.
“I went up and I was shaking people’s hands and the fella gave me the trophy and I just thought ‘let’s get it up there!’ so I gave it a kiss and then just put it straight in the air.
“I’ve loved every minute of this tournament and to captain the side as well, I’m just totally made up.
“It’s been a great experience for us all and I think it will help us as players a few years down the line.”
Wisdom enjoyed an eventful day as it was his own goal which put Spain ahead midway through the first half.
However, the Leeds-born defender atoned eight minutes later when he headed in Josh McEachran’s corner.
Highly-rated Ipswich striker Connor Wickham got the winner just after the break.
Wisdom said: “Spain have got a very attacking team with some of the greatest players in the world at our age and playing against them was a great experience.
“Their goal took a little deflection off me but I forgot about it as soon as it happened because that’s what you’ve got to do as a defender.
“Then, when the ball came in from Josh’s corner I thought ‘right, I’m getting my head on this’ and I’m just happy for the team.
“I don’t score many goals but I just scored in the biggest game of my life so I think I went a bit crazy.
“Winning this trophy is my biggest achievement in the game. We’ve been away for three weeks, training hard and playing well and this is what we’ve achieved. It’s unreal.”
Left-back Garbutt, who joined Everton from Leeds last summer, added: “I’m buzzing. All the lads are really happy.
“I’d been booked towards the end of the game and I was just concentrating on their winger, not diving in and just showing him down the line so I didn’t know it was the end of the game.
“But then I saw everyone rush towards the bench and then I think we all just went mental. It’s incredible.”
It was also a special day for fellow Blue Barkley. The young midfielder played a crucial role in the winning goal.
“I’m made up,” Barkley said.
“We knew we had to settle it down towards the end. We had to stop their counter attacks and when we couldn’t, we just had to defend for our lives.
“I was so relieved when the game ended. This could benefit our careers loads.”
Manager John Peacock paid tribute to his Merseyside quartet.
Peacock said: “I’m absolutely delighted for the players because they’ve worked so hard and the spirit has been first class.
“It means a lot to the English game. We’ve got our critics – that we’re not producing players. I think we have produced many good players in this tournament.
“What was missing was a trophy that we can put our name to. We’ve done that now. Hopefully, we won’t have to wait another 17 years for another one.”
The 17-year-old midfielder was one of four Merseyside youngsters who played in Sunday’s impressive 2-1 final victory over favourites Spain in Liechtenstein.
Coady was joined by Reds clubmate Andre Wisdom and Everton duo Ross Barkley and Luke Garbutt.
It was the first time an England men’s team have landed a major trophy for 17 years.
The last success was at the European Under-18 Championships in 1993 when the side included Robbie Fowler, Paul Scholes, Sol Campbell and Gary Neville.
Liverpool-born Coady said: “I’m just delighted with everything that’s happened.
“At the end I ran over to the dugout and slid on my knees and then I just got piled on and I couldn’t breathe.
“It’s just unbelievable. I can’t believe we’ve done it. Lifting that trophy was just unreal. It’s everything I’ve dreamt about and I’m so proud to have done it.
“I went up and I was shaking people’s hands and the fella gave me the trophy and I just thought ‘let’s get it up there!’ so I gave it a kiss and then just put it straight in the air.
“I’ve loved every minute of this tournament and to captain the side as well, I’m just totally made up.
“It’s been a great experience for us all and I think it will help us as players a few years down the line.”
Wisdom enjoyed an eventful day as it was his own goal which put Spain ahead midway through the first half.
However, the Leeds-born defender atoned eight minutes later when he headed in Josh McEachran’s corner.
Highly-rated Ipswich striker Connor Wickham got the winner just after the break.
Wisdom said: “Spain have got a very attacking team with some of the greatest players in the world at our age and playing against them was a great experience.
“Their goal took a little deflection off me but I forgot about it as soon as it happened because that’s what you’ve got to do as a defender.
“Then, when the ball came in from Josh’s corner I thought ‘right, I’m getting my head on this’ and I’m just happy for the team.
“I don’t score many goals but I just scored in the biggest game of my life so I think I went a bit crazy.
“Winning this trophy is my biggest achievement in the game. We’ve been away for three weeks, training hard and playing well and this is what we’ve achieved. It’s unreal.”
Left-back Garbutt, who joined Everton from Leeds last summer, added: “I’m buzzing. All the lads are really happy.
“I’d been booked towards the end of the game and I was just concentrating on their winger, not diving in and just showing him down the line so I didn’t know it was the end of the game.
“But then I saw everyone rush towards the bench and then I think we all just went mental. It’s incredible.”
It was also a special day for fellow Blue Barkley. The young midfielder played a crucial role in the winning goal.
“I’m made up,” Barkley said.
“We knew we had to settle it down towards the end. We had to stop their counter attacks and when we couldn’t, we just had to defend for our lives.
“I was so relieved when the game ended. This could benefit our careers loads.”
Manager John Peacock paid tribute to his Merseyside quartet.
Peacock said: “I’m absolutely delighted for the players because they’ve worked so hard and the spirit has been first class.
“It means a lot to the English game. We’ve got our critics – that we’re not producing players. I think we have produced many good players in this tournament.
“What was missing was a trophy that we can put our name to. We’ve done that now. Hopefully, we won’t have to wait another 17 years for another one.”
Liverpool FC rumour mill: Chairman in Torres-to-Chelsea talk, Anfield legend warns Mourinho over Gerrard, Benayoun eyeing Stamford Bridge move?
Martin Broughton, the Liverpool chairman, is reported to have said that it might be better for Fernando Torres to leave because it could take up to three years to sort the club out
Source: The Times
Former Liverpool captain Phil Thompson has warned new Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho he will have a difficult task prising Steven Gerrard away from Anfield
Source: The Telegraph
Benayoun: Ancelotti wants me at Chelsea
Source: The Guardian
Barcelona to renew interest in Liverpool midfielder Javier Mascherano
Source: Goal.com
Man City to outbid Liverpool for Athletic Bilbao midfielder Javi Martinez
Source: Tribal Football
Source: The Times
Former Liverpool captain Phil Thompson has warned new Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho he will have a difficult task prising Steven Gerrard away from Anfield
Source: The Telegraph
Benayoun: Ancelotti wants me at Chelsea
Source: The Guardian
Barcelona to renew interest in Liverpool midfielder Javier Mascherano
Source: Goal.com
Man City to outbid Liverpool for Athletic Bilbao midfielder Javi Martinez
Source: Tribal Football
Rangers reject Liverpool FC's £2m bid for teenage defender Danny Wilson
LIVERPOOL are considering their options after having a £2million bid rejected by Rangers for talented young defender Danny Wilson.
Manager Rafa Benitez is a big fan of the 18-year-old centre-back and is hoping to bring him to Anfield this summer.
However, the Reds insist they won’t be held to ransom over Wilson, who only has 12 months remaining on his current deal and has turned down Rangers’ offer of a new contract.
Liverpool must now decide whether to up their bid or focus their attention on other targets.
Rangers manager Walter Smith said: “We are currently waiting to hear back from Liverpool after we rejected their original £2million offer.”
The Reds are aware that if Scotland’s PFA Young Player of the Year stays at Ibrox and sees out the remaining year of his contract they would only have to pay Rangers around £650,000 in compensation next summer.
Livingston-born Wilson, who came through the youth ranks at Rangers, made his first team debut last October and went on to make 25 first-team appearances.
Tottenham are also interested in Wilson and Rangers chief executive Martin Bain admitted they rejected approaches from two English Premier League clubs back in January.
Meanwhile, Wilson’s Rangers team-mate Madjid Bougherra insists he’s now happy to stay at Ibrox after boss Smith signed a new one-year deal.
The Algerian defender had previously claimed he was keen to return to England this summer and made it clear Liverpool was his preferred destination.
The former Charlton star said: “Walter signing his contract is better for me. He knows my style, he knows my game and he’s been great with me.
“I am happy to stay and I will give Rangers 200%. I have two years left on my contract and I have not asked to negotiate.
“I have never asked for a contract and I plan to be back for pre-season training after the World Cup.
“I would prefer to stay and win trophies and play in the Champions League with Rangers than go to a club which can’t give me these things.”
Reds trio Glen Johnson, Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher all came through England’s unconvincing 2-1 friendly victory over Japan in Austria yesterday unscathed.
Johnson was handed a starting berth before being substituted at half-time in the final warm-up game ahead of the World Cup finals. Gerrard and Carragher both played the second half.
Liverpool defender Martin Skrtel handed Slovakia a major boost ahead of the World Cup finals after completing 90 minutes in their 1-1 draw with Cameroon.
The Reds centre-back only returned to full training earlier this month after suffering a broken metatarsal against Unirea in February.
Fernando Torres and Pepe Reina both sat out Spain’s 3-2 win over Saudi Arabia.
Krisztian Nemeth came on for Hungary in their 3-0 defeat to Germany.
Manager Rafa Benitez is a big fan of the 18-year-old centre-back and is hoping to bring him to Anfield this summer.
However, the Reds insist they won’t be held to ransom over Wilson, who only has 12 months remaining on his current deal and has turned down Rangers’ offer of a new contract.
Liverpool must now decide whether to up their bid or focus their attention on other targets.
Rangers manager Walter Smith said: “We are currently waiting to hear back from Liverpool after we rejected their original £2million offer.”
The Reds are aware that if Scotland’s PFA Young Player of the Year stays at Ibrox and sees out the remaining year of his contract they would only have to pay Rangers around £650,000 in compensation next summer.
Livingston-born Wilson, who came through the youth ranks at Rangers, made his first team debut last October and went on to make 25 first-team appearances.
Tottenham are also interested in Wilson and Rangers chief executive Martin Bain admitted they rejected approaches from two English Premier League clubs back in January.
Meanwhile, Wilson’s Rangers team-mate Madjid Bougherra insists he’s now happy to stay at Ibrox after boss Smith signed a new one-year deal.
The Algerian defender had previously claimed he was keen to return to England this summer and made it clear Liverpool was his preferred destination.
The former Charlton star said: “Walter signing his contract is better for me. He knows my style, he knows my game and he’s been great with me.
“I am happy to stay and I will give Rangers 200%. I have two years left on my contract and I have not asked to negotiate.
“I have never asked for a contract and I plan to be back for pre-season training after the World Cup.
“I would prefer to stay and win trophies and play in the Champions League with Rangers than go to a club which can’t give me these things.”
Reds trio Glen Johnson, Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher all came through England’s unconvincing 2-1 friendly victory over Japan in Austria yesterday unscathed.
Johnson was handed a starting berth before being substituted at half-time in the final warm-up game ahead of the World Cup finals. Gerrard and Carragher both played the second half.
Liverpool defender Martin Skrtel handed Slovakia a major boost ahead of the World Cup finals after completing 90 minutes in their 1-1 draw with Cameroon.
The Reds centre-back only returned to full training earlier this month after suffering a broken metatarsal against Unirea in February.
Fernando Torres and Pepe Reina both sat out Spain’s 3-2 win over Saudi Arabia.
Krisztian Nemeth came on for Hungary in their 3-0 defeat to Germany.
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