In the US and many European countries, the 3-5-1 formation is favored by many coaches. In this formation the soccer positions of each player are changing all the time. For instance, several of the five midfielders would be expected to get forward when their team is in possession to help support the lone striker and even score themselves. Other players in the midfield would be expected to track back and support their defenders when the opposition is in possession.

As you can imagine, the midfielders hold the most important soccer positions because of the amount of work they do. A striker for instance rarely crosses the half way line towards his own goal except perhaps to help defend corners and free kicks. The midfielders are expected to constantly run up and down the full length of the soccer pitch, one minute defending, the other attacking.

Because of the amount of work involved for midfielders, you will often see the wide guys come inside and swap with a central midfielder. Contrary to what the commentator is saying about Beckham or whoever coming looking for the ball, they are actually coming inside for a breather. No matter how fit they are, no one can keep running the length of a soccer pitch for 90 minutes and remain effective. It’s worth noting that when Beckham, probably the most famous wide midfielder, was at his peak he was almost always clocked as covering more distance than any other England player when playing for his country, often by several miles!

The soccer positions of the defenders are obviously important as the last line of defence before the goalkeeper is the only thing between the opposition and your goal. Wide defenders are sometimes expected to go forward, often interplaying with the wide midfielders. A good defender has several qualities not least of which is their attitude. They must be confident in their belief and live up to their motto of “thou shall not pass.” Defenders must be good in the air, have a solid kick and good in the tackle.

For many soccer fans it is the players in the soccer positions up front who are the hero’s and most kids, when having a knock around want to play up front as striker. While it’s true they score most of the goals being a striker requires special skills that most don’t possess, or we’d all be strikers! A striker needs exceptional pace, the agility to receive the ball with his back to goal then turn and beat the defender.

He needs to have a good shot in his locker but most of all he needs a sixth sense of where the goal is to be a prolific goal scorer. The best strikers in the world never have to look up to see where the goal is, or spin around then stop to get their bearings. They know at all times where the goal is and can turn and shoot on target in one smooth moment giving the defenders no chance of closing them down.

Andorra can take pride from the fact that they went in at half time all square at 0-0 while the England fans who had made the trip were left wondering what was happening.

In Coppello’s defence, he left several established stars on the bench in preperation for the much tougher game on Wednesday against Croatia.

It was one of those stars, Chelsea’s Joe Cole who came on for the start of the second half to instantly make an impact with the first of his 2 goals.

David Beckham also came on later in the match and the team took on a much more balanced appearance. The England fans and media need to realize that being an Italian, Copello is only interested in the result so to him the night was a great success.

The English media, while probably not happy with the performance will hold off total attack while the results are good. Beware though Mr Copello, start losing and playing badly and they will be after your blood. The fans can take a loss as long as they are playing entertaining football but can cope with poor football if the results are good.

Something will either have to improve or give.

The statement says that Keagan was fully aware of his duties when he took the job: To pick the team, motivate it, train it and coach it. It goes on to say that The Messiah as he’s called in Newcastle, was happy to work within those constraints right up until the final day of the transfer window when he walked out of the club upset at transfer deals.

Speculation mounted today that it was not the sale of players but rather the purchase of players without his input being sought. Keegan has finally broken his silence with a statement on the League Managers’ Association website which pointedly said:

“Managers must have the right to manage and must have the final say on any incoming players.”

It is believed he his referring to the arrivals of the two Spaniard soccer players Xisco and Nacho Gonzalez who were purchased on the final day of the European transfer window by Director of football and ex Leeds United manager Dennis Wise.

At the time of writing Newcastle United fans were still protesting outside the stadium demanding the return of Kevin Keagan.

Unluckily for City and probably lucky for everyone else, they had arrived at the table a little too late although they did grab the signature of Brazilian star Robinho, by paying a British-record £32.5m transfer fee to Real Madrid. Robinho had been a summer long target of Chelsea but City’s late bid pinched him from under their nose. It’s been a long time since Chelsea owner Abramovich lost a bidding war.

Manchester City are now the richest club in the world and have stated they intend to buy the best players in the world come the January transfer window.

Speaking to arabianbusiness.com, Dr Sulaiman who heads the consortium said they intend buying Manchester United superstar Cristiano Ronaldo, Arsenal maestro Cesc Fabregas and Liverpool striker Fernando Torres, presumably by making them an offer they can’t refuse.

“Ronaldo has said he wants to play for the biggest club in the world, so we will see in January if he is serious, Real Madrid were estimating his value at $160m but for a player like that, to actually get him, will cost a lot more, I would think $240m.” said Dr. Sulaiman, who went on, “And why not? We are going to be the biggest club in the world, bigger than both Real Madrid and Manchester United.”

I’m sure Sir Alex Ferguson will have something to say about that. When Real Madrid came courting Ronaldo (who supported them as a boy) Ferguson fought them off and is confident he’ll do the same when City come calling.

Whatever happens though, there has certainly been a power shift in the world of soccer, not unlike when billionaire Abromovich purchased Chelsea on a whim after watching a game between Manchester United and Real Madrid.

If your child is showing a lot of enthusiasm for soccer, as any parent would you want to give them the best chance of possible to take their skill as far as they can.

Apart from what they learn at soccer training there are several other ways you can help your child improve as a soccer player and we’ve listed just a few here to get you started.

Soccer camps during the summer are becoming very popular and with good reason. Kids learn plenty of soccer tricks to show off to their team mates once they are home. Some soccer clinics are held for a day only but are designed to improve all skill levels. David Beckham has many of these soccer clinics and they are a big hit with the kids.

While not everyone will get the chance to meet their hero, Beckham does take an active role in his clinics and often turns up unannounced if he is traveling and one of his clinics is in the vicinity.

DVD’s from recognised soccer stars and trainers are another way to learn although I always think its a shame the child has to watch then run out to practice what they have watched. If possible, set up the DVD on a small screen in the garage so they can practice WHILE they watch.

Many soccer clubs offer day schools where youngsters from a particular school in the area are invited along to look around and get some soccer tips from the clubs players.

This has benefits for both sides as the club hope to get a fan for life while the child gets to meet professional players and get some tips and tricks fromn them.

However you help your child its important to support and encourage them at soccer. While it may not have been the game you played as a child, soccer is growing fast in America and our professional clubs are starting to see a marked improvement in the skill levels  of up and coming players.