French midfielder's willingness to shun Arsenal way has him pushing for a start against Porto tonight

James Milner has claimed Fabio Capello's team selection for England's 1-1 draw with Ghana proves he is keeping his promise to overhaul his squad in the wake of their World Cup debacle.

England midfielder James Milner has declared it is business as usual as the team try to put the debate over John Terry's reinstatement as captain behind them.

Gerard Houllier has questioned whether Gareth Barry and James Milner may have had second thoughts about leaving Aston Villa with the benefit of hindsight.

The shock departure of Martin O'Neill and the arrival of Gerard Houllier has been followed by a dismal season thus far.

Instead of tuning in to watch Shaun Ryder eat a crocodile's unmentionable parts, the nation was last night invited to witness Andy Carroll chew up a couple of raw French defenders. Only it didn't quite work out that way.

One of the most absorbing scenes in the wonderful Blue Moon Rising film which chronicles Manchester City's journey to the brink of last season's top four captures the dressing room scenes seconds before the players ran out for that vital and decisive spring encounter with Tottenham. "This is the only game they'll remember," Craig Bellamy bellows at the players. "No one cares about the rest. It's all for nothing if we lose this."

James Milner and Roberto Mancini presented a united front last night, dismissing talk of disquiet at Manchester City.

Fabio Capello will assess Wayne Rooney today before he makes a final decision on whether his leading player, the subject of allegations about his private life, is in the right state of mind to play in the Euro 2012 qualifier against Switzerland tomorrow.