The Sports Matrix: Friday 28 January 2011

Wilshere to make first England start

Fabio Capello will select Jack Wilshere in next month's friendly against Denmark. "It will be important for Wilshere to understand that he will be the future", said Capello of the 19-year-old who has broken into Arsenal's side this season. MORE

Liverpool deal for Warnock falters

Liverpool have been frustrated in their attempts to sign Stephen Warnock from Aston Villa, so the plan to send Paul Konchesky back to Fulham on loan is in jeopardy. Blackpool, meanwhile, have received no new offer from Liverpool for Charlie Adam. MORE

United to buy as Van der Sar quits

Manchester United need to buy to replace Edwin van der Sar after he announced his retirement. Goalkeeping coach Eric Steele has three targets in mind: Manuel Neuer, Maarten Stekelenburg and David de Gea. MORE

Capello: I should have taken Walcott

Fabio Capello has admitted he erred in omitting Theo Walcott from last year's World Cup. "I made a mistake," he said. "He's one of the players who can make the difference. I should have taken him." Capello praised Walcott's recent form. MORE

Commons leaves Derby for Celtic

Kris Commons has agreed a three-and-a-half-year deal at Celtic after Derby County accepted a £300,000 bid. Commons, a Scotland international will go from playing in front of Championship crowds to over 50,000 fans at Celtic Park.

Chelsea face row over fee for Luiz

Chelsea were yet to agree a fee for David Luiz last night, with Benfica reportedly now asking for as much as £30m for the Brazilian defender. Chelsea have already secured a work permit for Luiz but Benfica have disputed the size and the structure of the fee. MORE

Youngest Tuilagi to take on Azzurri

Joe Marler and Alex Corbisiero will play for England Saxons against Italy tomorrow, with strong performances from either likely to push their World Cup case. Leicester's 19-year-old Manu Tuilagi, youngest of six rugby-playing brothers, also plays. MORE

Key venue deemed unfit for World Cup

Eden Gardens in Kolkata will not be ready for the World Cup match between England and India next month, so a new venue will need to be found. ICC chief executive Haroon Lorgat described the decision as "most unfortunate" but "absolutely necessary". MORE

James Lawton

There is no question as to the most important player in keeping Manchester United a long nose at least in front of the pack: it is Dimitar Berbatov, at last providing the steady light of an outstanding striker. MORE

Li prepares for first Grand Slam final

Li Na will play in her first Grand Slam final tomorrow morning after beating world No 1 Caroline Wozniacki 3-6, 7-5, 6-3 in the Australian Open. She will face the favourite, Kim Clijsters, hoping to repeat her victory over the Belgian in Sydney from two weeks ago. MORE

England aim to keep series alive

England play their fifth one-day game against Australia on Sunday in Brisbane needing to win again to keep the series alive. They will be keen to see an improved performance from Paul Collingwood, who has struggled on tour despite England's Ashes heroics. MORE