Football in brief: Gosling ruled out for rest of the year with ruptured knee ligament

Everton: Midfielder Dan Gosling will be out for nine months after rupturing his cruciate knee ligament during last Saturday's goalless draw at Wolves.

The 20-year-old was left writhing in agony following a collision with Wolves goalkeeper Marcus Hahnemann. "Our worst fears have been confirmed," club physio Mick Rathbone said. The blow is the latest in a line of long-term injuries which has plagued the Everton in the last 18 months. "I'm really disappointed for Dan," manager David Moyes said. "He's been making great progress here and we look forward to having him back as soon as possible."

Ben Haim doubtful for Wembley semi-final with groin injury

Portsmouth: Israeli defender Tal Ben Haim remains a "big doubt" for next week's FA Cup semi-final against Tottenham with a groin injury. The South Coast club are already without Hermann Hreidarsson [Achilles] and Danny Webber [knee] for the 11 April match, who were both ruled out for the season after suffering injuries during the 2-0 league defeat at Spurs last Saturday. "Tal has been to see his national team doctor, [and] he will be a big doubt," first-team coach Paul Groves said. "He is looking increasingly doubtful for the semi-final." Meanwhile, Quincy Owusu-Abeyie's loan deal at Fratton Park has been terminated, with the Spartak Moscow forward due to sign for Qatar club Al Sadd today. The Ghanaian scored one goal in 11 games for Portsmouth.

Carragher stands by his England retirement

Liverpool: Defender Jamie Carragher has reiterated his desire to remain at Anfield following suggestions that he would consider leaving if he did not receive a suitable contract offer. "I don't want to leave," the 32-year-old said. "I want to stay here for the rest of my career and hopefully my decision to retire from international football will help achieve that." The centre-back opted out of England contention in 2007. "I will be watching [this summer] and of course I'd love to play at the World Cup," he added. "You think 'could I have got in the squad?'. But I made the decision not just on the spur of the moment [but] to prolong my career, and I stand by that."

England up to seventh in world rankings

FIFA: England have moved up one place to seventh in the latest Fifa rankings, following the 3-1 friendly victory over Egypt last month. Fabio Capello's side move ahead of France, while Portugal climb to fourth. European champions Spain remain ahead of Brazil and the Netherlands at the top. Craig Levein's Scotland have risen four places to 41st following a 1-0 victory over the Czech Republic in his first game in charge, although the Republic of Ireland (44th), Northern Ireland (50) and Wales (77) have all dropped.