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Saturday Fulham Stuff (10/04/10)

Started by WhiteJC, April 10, 2010, 07:48:40 AM

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WhiteJC

http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11661_6084415,00.html
Zamora cool on England link
Fulham star unfazed by speculation linking him with a World Cup call up

In-form Fulham striker Bobby Zamora is remaining calm amid hype surrounding his chances of making England's World Cup squad.

The 29-year-old has proved his doubters wrong this season with a 19-goal haul, including eight in the Europa League during the Cottagers' march to the semi-finals.

Zamora was the goal hero again on Thursday night as Fulham earned an impressive 1-0 away win over reigning Bundesliga champions Wolfsburg to set up a last four meeting with Hamburg.

Fulham fans, who questioned the former West Ham man's ability at the start of the season, have been won over by his exploits and critics alike are now calling for his inclusion in Fabio Capello's squad for South Africa.

However, when questioned on his chances of earning a late call, the uncapped striker calmly told Sky Sports News: "I don't know, you'd have to ask Mr Capello.

"It'd be nice to play in the World Cup," he admitted, before changing the subject to a niggling injury to his ankle.

Zamora said: "It's a bit stiff but that's football, we have so many games you're bound to pick up injuries but we'll scrub up, get a bit of treatment and crack on."

Cottagers boss Roy Hodgson, meanwhile, was equally cool on his player's chances of receiving an international call up from Capello, claiming the decision will simply come down to a matter of opinion.

"Fabio knows all about him, he probably knows Bobby as well as I do - he sees him often enough," Hodgson told Sky Sports News.

"It'll just be a matter of whether he decides he's the man for him or whether he prefers someone else in that position."

Fulham travel to Anfield on Sunday to face Liverpool, who they could yet meet in the Europa League final with the Reds on the other side of the semi-final draw.

WhiteJC

http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/standard-sport/football/article-23823165-roy-hodgson-risks-premier-league-wrath-by-resting-euro-heroes.do
Roy Hodgson risks Premier League wrath by resting Euro heroes

Fulham boss Roy Hodgson is set to cause a storm of controversy by resting several first-team players for Sunday's Premier League visit to Liverpool.

Hodgson's team beat German champions Wolfsburg last night to book their place in the Europa League semi-finals and a two-legged tie against Hamburg later this month.

But with Fulham's Premier League place secure for another season, Hodgson admitted their European adventure would take priority for the rest of the campaign.

He said today: "It was our 54th game of the season so for any team that's a big ask and for a team like ours who haven't had experience of European football it's been very demanding on a small group of players.

"League survival was our priority. Now we have 41 points we've had a good season in the League and I honestly don't believe we'll be relegated now or reach the top places so the League must now take second place for the cup."

Although understandable given Fulham's run in Europe, Champions League-chasing Tottenham, Manchester City and Aston Villa will be angered if mass changes sees players such as Bobby Zamora, Danny Murphy and Damien Duff rested at Anfield.

And Hodgson's comments on Sky Sports News will not go unnoticed by West Ham given that the relegation-threatened side have already lodged an official complaint with the League after a depleted Fulham lost 2-0 at Hull last month.

If Hodgson does rest key players for their remaining domestic fixtures the decision could have a significant impact at both ends of the table with the clash at Liverpool followed by games against Wolves, Everton, West Ham and Arsenal.

Earlier this season the Premier League handed Wolves a £25,000 suspended fine for fielding a weakened team in their 3-0 defeat at Manchester United in December.

The League statement at the time said: "The team fielded was not full strength and therefore in breach of rule E20."

WhiteJC

http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2010/apr/09/squad-sheets-liverpool-fulham
Squad sheets: Liverpool v Fulham
Who would have thought, when Fulham launched their season against Vetra in July and Liverpool exited the Champions League in November, that these would be the last English teams standing in Europe and an aggregate win from meeting each other in the Europa League final? No one, obviously. The clubs remain divided, however, by the significance of their remaining Premier League fixtures. Rafael Benítez cannot allow points to be squandered in the pursuit of fourth place and will be looking to set a new record of nine consecutive Premier League home wins. Andy Hunter

Venue Anfield, Sunday 3pm

Tickets Sold out

Last season Liverpool 0 Fulham 0

Referee A Marriner

This season's matches 23 Y86, R9, 4.13 cards per game

Odds Liverpool 1-3 Fulham 12-1 Draw 4-1

Liverpool

Probable starters in bold, contenders in light. Photograph: Graphic

Subs from Cavalieri, Ngog, Benayoun, Aquilani, Kyrgiakos, Lucas, Degen, Darby, Ayala, Pacheco, El Zhar, Plessis

Doubtful Insúa (knee)

Injured Aurélio (thigh, 19 Apr), Skrtel (foot, 19 Apr), Kelly (knee, Aug)

Suspended None

Form guide DWLWLW

Disciplinary record Y53 R5

Leading scorer Torres 18

Fulham
Subs from Zuberbühler, Smalling, Baird, Konchesky, Zamora, Stoor, Teymourian, Greening, Riise, Dikgacoi, Davies, Nevland

Doubtful Davies (ribs), Elm (virus), Zamora (achilles)

Injured Paintsil (knee, 17 Apr), Dempsey (thigh, 24 Apr), A Johnson (knee, Aug)

Suspended None

Form guide WLLLDW

Disciplinary record Y38 R1

Leading scorer Zamora 8

Match pointers
• Liverpool have never lost at home to Fulham in any competition, a run of 28 matches dating back to 1934


• Fulham have failed to score in six of their eight Premier League matches at Anfield


• Liverpool have won their last eight top-flight games at Anfield, equalling their best ever run of home wins in the Premier League


• Fulham have won nine of their last 92 away games in this division


• The lowest points total after 33 games for a side eventually finishing fourth is 49, set by Liverpool in 2003-04


WhiteJC

http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/April/MurphyPride.aspx
Captain's Pride


Speaking after Fulham's magnificent victory over Wolfsburg in the Quarter-Final of the UEFA Europa League, Captain Danny Murphy was clearly proud of the Team's achievements.

"It's just a fantastic adventure that we're on at the moment and last night was another wonderful part of that journey," he told fulhamfc.com. "There have been so many great nights to think back on and that was one of them. It was a good performance and going through means everything. To actually be at this stage of the competition is above and beyond so many people's expectations.

"We saw the pleasure it brought the supporters and equally it brings the same pleasure to the players and staff because we've been fighting against the odds the whole time in this competition. To be where we are is a credit to everyone - it's been a squad effort in the Europa League this season."

Murphy, as usual, helped control the direction and pace of Fulham's play through another influential midfield performance - and he was eager to clear up any confusion which may have arose as a result of his throwing of the captain's armband.

"I've read and been told that the throwing of the armband was to do with some annoyance at myself or someone else, which is completely untrue," he explained. "The simple fact is that the armband I have to wear in Europe is ridiculously huge and I have to tape it on my arm. But the tape had come off and the armband wouldn't stay on. So instead of throwing it in the middle of the pitch, I waited until I was near one of the goals and just threw it behind.

"I take very seriously my role as captain and would never be so disrespectful to my team-mates or the supporters to be throwing the armband in disgust or anger. I certainly wouldn't want anyone thinking it was disrespectful."

With a place in the Semi-Final now secured, Murphy is looking forward to leading the players out on another historic European night.

"The semi-final is something we're really looking forward to," he said. "There was disappointment around the camp when we lost out on the opportunity to progress in the FA Cup. The Europa League is the one thing we have left and to have beaten the teams we've beaten so far is remarkable. 

"We've knocked out the holders Shakhtar Donetsk, who I thought were a terrific side, Juventus who are one of the big forces in Italy and we've just knocked out the German champions. So the fans have a lot to be proud about and that's what we aim to do when we go out on the pitch. Now that we've come this far, we truly believe that we can go on and win it."



Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/April/MurphyPride.aspx#ixzz0kgF2cYlk

WhiteJC

http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/April/NextUpLiverpool.aspx
Next Up: Liverpool


After Thursday's memorable trip to Germany, this weekend sees the first of two April trips to Merseyside.

Although we have yet to win a Premier League game at Anfield, we have managed three draws from our eight visits, including a 0-0 encounter last season. Back in October the team beat Liverpool 3-1 at Craven Cottage though, and will travel north looking to complete our first ever double over the Reds.

Expectations are usually high on the Kop and it's a sore point amongst the Anfield faithful that they have yet to win a Premier League title. Last season's second place finish marked their best League campaign since 2001-02. That said, only once in the past 10 seasons have they finished outside the top four, in 2005 when they were fifth, but had the ample consolation of winning the UEFA Champions League.

Liverpool are one of four teams currently battling it out for the coveted fourth Champions League spot, but have the disadvantage of having less games remaining than their three rivals. The Reds have though ran up some big home score lines this season, with four goals against Burnley and Portsmouth and a 6-1 home spanking of Hull.

An indifferent start, which saw two reverses in the opening three games, was followed by four straight victories, before successive defeats at Chelsea and Sunderland - a match decided by the infamous beach ball goal. These losses heralded a poor sequence of autumn results brightened only by a home win over Manchester United and a 2-0 victory at Goodison.

Defeat at Portsmouth just before Christmas raised doubts as to the likelihood of a top four finish, and came as a big blow shortly after Liverpool had exited the Champions League at the group stage. Consequently, the Reds dropped into the UEFA Europa League in which they could yet face Fulham again should both clubs reach the final in May.

GETTING THERE (Approx. 223 miles from Fulham)
Coaches
Depart Craven Cottage/Motspur Park 8am.
Price: Season Ticket Holders/Fulham Members' Club: Adults £20, Juniors £10. Non-Season Ticket Holders: Adults £25, Juniors £18

By Road
Leave London via M1 or M40/M42/M5 to join M6. Continue on M6 until junction 21A. Follow signs Liverpool to junction 4. Continue ahead onto A5080 turning right in 0.5 miles into Queen's Drive (A5058). Follow Queen's Drive for approx 3 miles before turning left into Townsend Lane. In 1 mile turn right into Walton Breck Road then 4th right into Anfield Road. Ground is ahead on the left.

Car Parking
A number of small car parks are available in local schools. Prices from £6. Almost all roads within a mile of the stadium are residents only and this is strictly enforced by local police. Keep valuables out of sight.

By Train
Travel from London Euston to Liverpool Lime Street. The station is over two miles from the ground. Buses run from Queens Square and Paradise Street to ground. Taxi from Lime Street about £6. Travellers are advised to check train details before travelling.



Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/April/NextUpLiverpool.aspx#ixzz0kgGSUx8T

WhiteJC

http://www.football365.com/story/0,17033,8652_6083748,00.html
MURPHY: FULHAM MUST KEEP ZAMORA

Danny Murphy has urged the Fulham hierarchy to do everything in their power to ensure that Bobby Zamora is not tempted to leave Craven Cottage this summer.

Zamora's well taken strike in the first minute of last night's clash with Wolfsburg was enough to see off the German champions and book the Cottagers' place in the semi-finals of the Europa League.

Zamora now has 19 goals for the season and his manager Roy Hodgson has tipped the 29-year-old to be in contention for Fabio Capello's World Cup squad.

Murphy admits that Zamora, whose contract runs out at the end of next season, could be a target for other Barclays Premier League sides this summer.

He believes Fulham must do their best to keep the striker at the club if they are to continue their remarkable progress that has seen them go from relegation candidates to European semi-finalists within a two-year period.

"He has been our best player by far this season. He's causing big problems for so called top-class defenders week in week out," said the Fulham captain of Zamora.

"The only worry for us now is whether we will be able to keep hold of him but let's hope that we can.

"I'd be surprised if there aren't clubs coming in for him this summer.

"There are financial restrictions at every club. Fulham can't compete with a club like Man City, obviously, so you have to be realistic but Bobby is an important part of the team and I think it is important that we keep all our best players at the club."

Zamora looked set to leave Craven Cottage last summer after the club accepted a bid from Hull for the striker following a dreadful first season in which he scored only four times in 41 appearances.

Murphy admits Fulham would not be able to stand in Zamora's way if a bigger club came in for the Londoner this summer though.

"We want him to stay but of course the flip side of that is if a so-called bigger or more successful club than Fulham come in for him then you can't stand in his way," said Murphy, who will face his old side Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday.

"But I think that Bobby wants to stay, he's happy. He showed great desire to stay at the club by rejecting the move to Hull and things have gone from strength to strength for him now."

Fulham face Liverpool and Wolves in the league before travelling to Hamburg for the first leg of their first ever European semi-final on April 22.

If Fulham are to progress to the final, which is also being held in Hamburg, they will have to deal with the threat posed by former Manchester United striker Ruud Van Nistelrooy.

The 33-year-old has become an instant hit with the Hamburg fans by scoring four goals in three starts since moving from Real Madrid in January.

Murphy knows the threat the Dutchman will pose but insists Fulham fear no-one having accounted for the likes of Shakhtar Donetsk, Juventus and Wolfsburg to reach the semi-finals.

"Ruud Van Nistelrooy is a top-class striker who I have played against many times and he is a great finisher but they are going to have lots of players," said the 33-year-old.

"Hamburg are a progressing club. They have a great stadium but we are at that stage now where we don't fear anybody. We have come a long way and we have beaten some good teams along the way.

"Nobody gave us a chance this season to get this far and we therefore have to go into this match with a carefree attitude and believe we can win because we can win."


WhiteJC

http://www.teamtalk.com/fulham/6083808/Murphy-urges-Fulham-to-keep-Zamora
Murphy urges Fulham to keep Zamora


Danny Murphy has urged the Fulham hierarchy to do everything in their power to ensure that Bobby Zamora is not tempted to leave Craven Cottage.

Zamora's well taken strike in the first minute of last night's clash with Wolfsburg was enough to see off the German champions and book the Cottagers' place in the semi-finals of the Europa League.

Zamora now has 19 goals for the season and his manager Roy Hodgson has tipped the 29-year-old to be in contention for Fabio Capello's World Cup squad.

Murphy admits that Zamora, whose contract runs out at the end of next season, could be a target for other Premier League sides this summer.

He believes Fulham must do their best to keep the striker at the club if they are to continue their remarkable progress that has seen them go from relegation candidates to European semi-finalists within a two-year period.

"He has been our best player by far this season. He's causing big problems for so called top-class defenders week in week out," said the Fulham captain of Zamora.

"The only worry for us now is whether we will be able to keep hold of him but let's hope that we can.

"I'd be surprised if there aren't clubs coming in for him this summer.

"There are financial restrictions at every club. Fulham can't compete with a club like Man City, obviously, so you have to be realistic but Bobby is an important part of the team and I think it is important that we keep all our best players at the club."

Zamora looked set to leave Craven Cottage last summer after the club accepted a bid from Hull for the striker following a dreadful first season in which he scored only four times in 41 appearances.

Murphy admits Fulham would not be able to stand in Zamora's way if a bigger club came in for the Londoner this summer though.

"We want him to stay but of course the flip side of that is if a so-called bigger or more successful club than Fulham come in for him then you can't stand in his way," said Murphy, who will face his old side Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday.

"But I think that Bobby wants to stay, he's happy. He showed great desire to stay at the club by rejecting the move to Hull and things have gone from strength to strength for him now."

Fulham face Liverpool and Wolves in the league before travelling to Hamburg for the first leg of their first ever European semi-final on April 22.

If Fulham are to progress to the final, which is also being held in Hamburg, they will have to deal with the threat posed by former Manchester United striker Ruud Van Nistelrooy.

The 33-year-old has become an instant hit with the Hamburg fans by scoring four goals in three starts since moving from Real Madrid in January.

Murphy knows the threat the Dutchman will pose but insists Fulham fear no-one having accounted for the likes of Shakhtar Donetsk, Juventus and Wolfsburg to reach the semi-finals.

"Ruud Van Nistelrooy is a top-class striker who I have played against many times and he is a great finisher but they are going to have lots of players," said the 33-year-old.

"Hamburg are a progressing club. They have a great stadium but we are at that stage now where we don't fear anybody. We have come a long way and we have beaten some good teams along the way.

"Nobody gave us a chance this season to get this far and we therefore have to go into this match with a carefree attitude and believe we can win because we can win."

WhiteJC

http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2010/apr/09/bobby-zamora-fulham-roy-hodgson
Bobby Zamora fears Fulham success will lead to poaching of Roy Hodgson
• Fulham players expect Roy Hodgson to be a target for others
• Bobby Zamora's England credentials are boosted again

Roy Hodgson's stock has risen this season, leading Fulham players to fear that rivals may poach the manager. Photograph: Martin Rose/Bongarts/Getty Images

Bobby Zamora has revealed that he and his team-mates are concerned Roy Hodgson's success in guiding Fulham to the Europa League semi-finals may cause the manager to be poached this summer.

Fulham beat Wolfsburg 1-0 on Thursday courtesy of Zamora's goal after 22 seconds, which took the team through 3-1 on aggregate to play Hamburg in a fortnight. Sunday's visit to Liverpool will be Fulham's 55th game of a standout season, which may yet finish with Hodgson leading his team out against Rafael Benítez's men in May's Europa League final as the Merseysiders are also in the semi-finals.

Hodgson, who lost the 1997 Uefa Cup final (the Europa League's previous incarnation) to Schalke on penalties when in charge of Internazionale, has never managed a major club on these shores. But with Benítez's future at Liverpool still unclear as the Spaniard wrestles with the club's financial problems and internal politics, Hodgson's continuing success could even make him a target for tomorrow's opponents should they require a replacement.

Zamora said: "A lot of other clubs are looking at him and rightly so. He's a great leader, everyone has seen it, [and] an excellent manager. He has done a great job. He has made us far more organised, everybody knows their jobs and we're so well drilled. You only have to look at the way we line up now on the pitch to see the impact he has had on us.

"Sometimes we are sick of it in training but he leaves us in no doubt about what he wants from us and he gets results."

Zamora's contribution to Fulham's success has been 19 goals (Thursday's winner was his eighth in Europe) plus an all-round game which includes the ability to play as a target man who can link play. His form has caused speculation that Fabio Capello may give him a first England call-up ahead of the summer's World Cup, and Zamora was again asked if there was any more he could do to impress the Italian. He said: "You will have to ask Mr Capello that."

Zamora, who will wait to see how his achilles problem reacts to playing against Wolfsburg before seeing if he can face Liverpool, may also interest clubs this summer, according to Danny Murphy, the Fulham captain.

"I'd be surprised if there aren't clubs coming in for him this summer," the midfielder said. "The way he's playing will have shown a few people his strengths and his qualities, especially in the European campaign. He's scored a hell of a lot of goals in the competition.

"Fulham can't compete with a club like Manchester City [for example] so you have to be realistic but Bobby is an important part of the team and I think it's important that we keep all our best players at the club. Of course the flip side of that is if a so-called bigger or more successful club than Fulham come in for him then you can't stand in his way but I think that Bobby wants to stay."

WhiteJC

http://www.fulhamusa.com/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article&sid=947
Fulham Wins, Atlanta Pub goes Wild

1. I post on Facebook that I will buy beer for my friends if they come to the Brewhouse to watch match. Text friends to make sure they show up...beg, cry, beg some more (need numbers to guarantee sound)

2. I bring my rosary beads that were blessed by Pope John Paul II. I reclaim my Catholicism. I mean, PJPII was a Fulham supporter, right? I brought the same beads to the Brewy for the last few games of the "Great Escape" year...needed them to work their Pope magic again.

3. I get to Brewhouse an hour early to save seats. Asked the bartender if we can have sound on game...told "no" because Liverpool is on at the same time. **Puppy dog eyes** Bartender says that she might be able to get the Liverpool fans in one room, so we can have sound in the other, but no guarantees. Jacob offers two bottles of a "yet-to-be-released" Sweetwater beer to bartender. We get sound. Score!
   
4. "New-friend-Scott" from Florida shows up...says he went to college with Clint Dempsey. As others trickle in to join us (we had six people total), he continues to be introduced as "New-friend-Scott." When I pass the rosary beads down the bar for everyone to rub, "NFS" initially refuses because he is not Catholic, until we explain the good PJPII mojo...then he concedes. I'm sure using rosary beads just for good match mojo is a venial sin...deal with it later.

5. First goal in twenty seconds...Jacob stands on chair. I scream like a banshee...lose voice. Friends who came just for beer get caught up in the excitement. Phone blows up with texts...one from my friend in Savannah, a Wolfsburg supporter. He laments.

6. Game is intense...the Liverpool fans get in on the action, as their game is a blow out. Missed opportunities and ridiculous saves (thank you, Brede Hangeland!) and watching the clock wind down...by now, I've had a cider and two Mothership Wits and can barely watch the game. Rally scarf covers my head like Lawrence of Arabia...

7. Chris, who is in Las Vegas, texts me to ask for the score. I won't give it to him because I am too afraid to "jinx." He texts back "okay fine, I'll text Jacob." Jacob texts him back "I'm sitting next to Terri..." Chris has to wait until the game is over for the score. Can't mess with a potential jinx-ing.

8. We win...go ballistic...bar buys us a round of shots...Jacob buys a round of Patron...hugs and kisses from Liverpool supporters (!) and then...I give my members' scarf to the Brewhouse. Now we are properly represented...

All in all- a brilliant day!
Bring on Hamburg!!!!
-Terri



WhiteJC

http://www.cottagersconfidential.com/2010/4/9/1412666/analysis-of-my-5-keys-to-victory
Analysis of "My 5 Keys to Victory for Fulham in the Europa League against Wolfsburg"
Fulham yesterday moved on to the semifinals of the Europa League. The Cottagers beat Wolfsburg 1 - 0 and 3 - 1 on aggregate. This is an incredible accomplishment for the club. Going into the match I was fearful of the powerful Wolfsburg strikers. I was also confident that Fulham could score a goal on the road.

Roy Hogdson's club were in top form last night.  Now it is time for me to look back and see how my "5 keys" that I posted on Wednesday were a factor in the match. Below is " my analysis of my 5 keys to victory for Fulham in the Europa League against Wolfsburg.

1. Fulham need to survive the first 20 minutes without giving up a goal.  Well, Fulham definitely succeeded in this key. They didn't give up a goal the entire match. However, in this 20 minute period Fulham were under great pressure. Wolfsburg almost got a goal. In the 12th minute Grafite was called offsides as he shot the ball into the net. The goal did not count. The defense for Fulham were fantastic. Not only did Fulham survive the first 20 minutes I think they were thriving. The Bobby Zamora goal 23 seconds in the match definitely helped with Fulham's confidence that they could get the job done.

2. Fuham need Mark Schwarzer to play an exceptional match.  Mark Schwarzer was exceptional last night. He did have a great amount of help from his defense as well. He made some great saves off of the very dangerous Edin Dzeko. He was a major key to the victory.

3.  Fulham need to be near perfect on set pieces.  Since Fulham did not give up a goal I guess you can say they were perfect. There were though some scary moments throughout the match on set pieces. To Fulham's credit they did handle them.

4.  Fulham need to take advantage of any opening Wolfsburg gives them to score.  What was so great about yesterday's match is that Fulham didn't sit back. Fulham came out and attacked when they had the chance. Fulham could have easily sat back after the Zamora goal. The team did the exact opposite. I think they were desperately looking for that second goal to really put the game in control.

5. Damien Duff needs to be dangerous tomorrow.  Damien Duff I thought was dangerous yesterday. He wasn't involved in a goal, but he was very involved in the attacking play that Fulham showed Wolfsburg. I am so glad he is on Fulham.

All these keys I think were factor in the match. Yesterday's victory for Fulham was a tremendous accomplishment. Just when I think Fulham are done surprising me they do it again with a huge victory on the road. Now it is on to the semifinals of the Europa League. Fulham fans can keep dreaming

WhiteJC

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/world-cup-2010/teams/england/7571758/World-Cup-2010-Bobby-Zamora-has-potential-nine-match-audition-to-make-Enlgand-squad.html
World Cup 2010: Bobby Zamora has potential nine-match audition to make Enlgand squad
Bobby Zamora's chances of making England's World Cup squad have received a significant boost with Fabio Capello deciding that he will have the Fulham striker watched in every game until the end of the season.

It means Zamora has potentially a nine-match audition to get to South Africa.

Whether he plays in all of Fulham's games is a moot point. Given the soreness of his Achilles, Zamora is likely to be nursed sparingly through the club's final six league fixtures so that he is ready for the finale of a Europa League campaign that is now so close to ending with an improbable final.

It is some turnaround for Zamora, who admitted only last month that he had effectively given up hope of receiving an international call-up and had even booked his holiday to Las Vegas this summer.

If he continues in his current form, which has propelled Fulham past the holders Shakhtar Donetsk, Juventus and, now Wolfsburg, and into a semi-final against Hamburg, then he may have to change his plans.

Capello will check the likelihood of Zamora playing against Liverpool on Sunday and may dispatch England general manager Franco Baldini to Anfield. After that Fulham face Wolves, Everton, West Ham, Arsenal and Stoke, plus Hamburg twice, and maybe even Liverpool again if both clubs make it through to the Europa League final.

The fact that Zamora is even being considered represents a remarkable change of fortune for a 29 year-old who has never before even been close to playing for his country despite earning six under-21 caps, without scoring.

His claim now is regarded as genuinely strong even though he has not even been put on standby by Capello in the past.

But the pragmatic England manager has now taken the attitude that Zamora has at least earned the chance to be considered and he is now regarded as a more likely candidate to be selected than Sunderland's Darren Bent, who has been chosen in the past.

With Wayne Rooney, Jermain Defoe and — it appears — Peter Crouch to be selected if fit, then Zamora's emergence presents a threat to Carlton Cole and even Emile Heskey's hopes of being included.

Cole's form has dipped dramatically at West Ham and although he is admired by Capello his continuing knee problems are also a concern while Heskey, despite playing a pivotal role in England's qualification for the tournament, is also struggling.

Although the England camp have maintained that there is little chance of a shock inclusion by Capello, and that all the likely candidates are well known, if he were to select Zamora it would be a gamble.

However the Italian has always had in mind the idea of giving one or two players a chance in the friendly against Mexico at Wembley on May 24 to keep the rest of the squad on their toes.

Another player under discussion is Adam Johnson, though it may be too early for him, while Joe Cole's re-emergence and Aaron Lennon's impending return to fitness may also count against the Manchester City winger.

With Zamora scoring 19 goals this season — more than the previous three campaigns combined — he has added a goal threat to his impressive link-up play and ability to hold up the ball.

Even after the victory over Wolfsburg Zamora talked about an England call-up being a "world away" but that is no longer the case.

Given he was regarded as surplus to requirements at Craven Cottage last summer — he was given permission to speak to Hull City, which he declined, and was also barracked by the Fulham supporters not so long ago — then Zamora's emergence is even more noteworthy.

He paid tribute to the role that manager Roy Hodgson has played in his — and Fulham's — development. "He's a great, leader everyone has seen it," Zamora said.

"He has done a great job. He has made us far more organised, everybody knows their jobs and we are so well drilled. Sometimes we are sick of it in training but he leaves us in no doubt about what he wants and he gets results. He's an excellent manager."

Zamora will now face Hamburg's Ruud Van Nistelrooy, a striker he said was "the one I look up to".

He added: "His game is all about what I've tried to do this year. Stay up there, in and around the box. Hold things up, set people up and just get shots off. He is pretty much the master of that sort of football in and around the box."

NogoodBoyo

Excellent article on Zamorengland in the last article in the Torygraph.  I can't see how he could be excluded on current form, but hey, what does an aging Welshman know about a Trinidadian's chance of being included in an Italian's England squad?
Nogood "or was he Tobagan" Boyo