Capello strips Terry of captaincy:

There have been plenty of top headlines in the past two days. However, by far the biggest news is that England national team coach Fabio Capello has stripped John Terry of his captaincy despite so many national team players throwing their support behind the beleaguered captain.

According to Harry Harris' espnsoccernet story, Capello issued the following statement: "After much thought, I have made the decision that it will be best for me to take the captaincy away from John Terry. As a captain with the team, John Terry has displayed extremely positive behaviour. However, I have to take into account other considerations and what is best for all of the England squad.


"What is best for all of the England team has inspired my choice. John Terry was notified first. When I chose John Terry as captain, I also selected a vice-captain and also named a third choice. There is no reason to change this decision.


"I would like to take this opportunity to thank The FA, particularly Lord David Triesman and Ian Watmore for allowing me to make this decision in my own time and in the best interest of the team."

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/world-cup/story/_/id/737012/ce/uk/?cc=5901&ver=us



Rio Ferdinand will now captain take over the role for the three lions. Time will tell how much damage has been done. Wayne Bridge may never play for England again as some have heard rumblings that the left back has claimed he will never play for England as long as Terry is in the fold.



Although clearly Capello is not willing to completely sack Terry in the same manner that Steve Sampson dropped John Harkes from the World Cup roster in 1996 because of Terry's supreme talent, the situation could leave England bare in the back with no real back-up in the fold for starter Ashley Cole.

Bradley picks U.S. squad for El Salvador

U.S. coach Bob Bradley also chose to go with an all-MLS squad for the friendly later this month.
http://goal.com/en-us/news/1679/us-national-team/2010/02/04/1776406/bradley-calls-23-for-february-training-camp

Arsenal's Cesc Fabregas fueled more speculation he may be sold to Barcelona in the summer by restating his love for the Nou Camp side:
http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=736837&sec=europe&cc=5901

Chelsea owner Roman Abramovic said he will authorize a major £200 million summer spending free to try to buy Bayern Munich's Franc Ribbery and Atletico Madrid's Sergio Aguero:
http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=736663&cc=5901