Football news

Juan Antonio Camacho yesterday sidestepped questions about his future as China coach after a string of losses left his side on the brink of World Cup elimination.

The Spaniard took charge in August with the task of turning around the struggling Asian giant’s fortunes in time to qualify for the 2014 World Cup. But time appears to be running out after China’s loss to Iraq last week left Camacho’s men all but out of the running for Brazil.

“We have a lot of things to do, we have a lot to improve,” Camacho said in response to a question on whether he was committed to stay with the side for the next 2-3 years.

England to play in Stockholm

England will take on Sweden in a friendly next year to mark the opening of a new national stadium in Stockholm.

Fabio Capello’s side face the Swedes in a friendly at Wembley today. And in a reciprocal deal, the English FA have agreed to send a team to be the first opponents at the new 50,000-capacity Swedbank Arena on November 14 next year.

England also played the first match at Sweden’s current national stadium, the Rasunda, in May 1937.

Andrews eager to face England

Ireland midfielder Keith Andrews, 31, would relish the opportunity to pitch himself into battle with England. Ireland head into tonight’s Euro 2012 play-off second leg clash with Estonia as talks over a first friendly between the sides in Dublin since 1995 continue.

They could meet in May as part of both teams’ preparations for the tournament should Ireland join their neighbours in the finals.

Andrews said: “We haven’t played England in such a long time. We play against them week in, week out in the Premier League, and to play against them would be something I am sure both sets of fans would love.”

Toffees’ protest

Everton supporters’ group, The Blue Union, are planning a second peaceful protest march near Goodison Park this weekend.

The union, a coalition of five fans’ groups, say they have been given clearance by Merseyside Police to march prior to Saturday’s league game against Wolves.

The fans involved believe the club has stagnated under the ownership of chairman Bill Kenwright and previously marched prior to the game against Aston Villa in September.

A statement read: “As it was back in September, the message to Bill Kenwright and his fellow directors will remain, ‘Let Go If You Love The Club’.”

Butcher honoured

Former England captain Terry Butcher was inducted into the Scottish Football Museum’s Hall of Fame at a dinner in Glasgow on Sunday.

Butcher, who is now Inverness manager, was inducted alongside Pat Crerand, Ronnie Simpson and RS McColl in front of an audience that included Alex Ferguson, Walter Smith and Billy McNeill.

Butcher, who won 77 caps for England, led Rangers to three league titles in four seasons, plus two Scottish League Cups and made over 100 appearances before leaving Ibrox in 1990.

He was Scotland assistant manager under George Burley, boss of Motherwell for four seasons and has been in charge of Inverness since 2009.

Allofs unsure about future

Werder Bremen’s director of sport Klaus Allofs has cast doubt over his future at the club by admitting that he is nowhere near signing a new contract.

The 54-year-old has worked successfully in tandem with coach Thomas Schaaf over the last decade, but he has hinted at a parting of ways next summer when both of their contracts are up for renewal.

“The thing is, you have always got to ask yourself and consider whether you are still the right man for the job,” Allofs said.

“A new contract is not a formality for me.”

El Shaarawy to stick with Milan

Stephan El Shaarawy will not be leaving Milan in the January transfer window, according to his agent. The 19-year-old playmaker has been strongly linked with a move to Fiorentina.

“It’s all media speculation,” El Shaarawy’s agent, Roberto La Florio, said.

“I have not been told by Milan the player will be loaned in January.

“Of course, we are pleased certain teams have shown an interest in Stephan. But I am convinced that Stephan, even though he has not played much in recent months, has acquired a lot of experience from training with great players.

“I know he would prefer to remain at Milan and continue to grow as a player.”