Who Will Make it to Austria and Switzerland?

The greatest intrigue involves England, of course, but the Scotland/Italy match is massive as well. There's a full preview of that in a post below. Here's a general wrap of what's upcoming...

Euro 2008 in the balance for Italy, France and England

Beckham: Great Player or Great Celebrity?

It's a stupid headline. The answer is obviously both. Anyone who doubts that Beckham is/was a great player is a fool. He's proved that he's been one of the best over the last decade. -Sanford

David Beckham, the rock star with his gold-stitched initials adorning his adidas boots, will hang up his Predators next Wednesday – as far as the international stage is concerned anyway – unless England is afforded an outrageous slice of good fortune and qualify for the 2008 European Championships.

Euro Qualifying Group E Preview: England Need Help, Croatia & Russia Don't

When the draw for the Euro qualifying groups was made, the general view - especially in England - was that Croatia and England were the best bets from Group E to reach the finals in Austria and Switzerland.

Euro Qualifying Group C Preview: All Eyes On Oslo

Greece are already through, but Turkey and Norway face the clash of a lifetime on Saturday in Oslo as second place still lies wide open. Moldova, Malta and Hunary have just pride to play for as Group C draws to a close...

Euro 2008 Qualifying Preview: Scotland-Italy

What: Euro 2008 Qualifying – Group B
Who: Scotland (24 pts, 2nd) v Italy (23 pts, 3rd)
When: Saturday, November 17, 2007, kick-off 17:00 GMT
Where: Hampden Park, Glasgow, Scotland

Biggest Game In Scotland’s History?

Allen Hopkins Previews the MLS Cup

Allen Hopkins covers Major League Soccer and U.S. Soccer for ESPN, and he has patrolled the sideline for "MLS Primetime Thursday." He can be reached at studiosports@yahoo.com.

MLS Cup Final
New England vs. Houston
RFK Stadium, Washington, D.C.
Sunday at Noon EST on ABC

MLS Cup Scouting Breakdown

Alex McLeish Interview

Proud Scot and ESPN Soccernet Press Pass host Derek Rae visited Glasgow to speak to Scotland manager Alex McLeish ahead of his team's crucial Euro 2008 qualifier with Italy.

The Tartan Army - and Derek of course - are hoping that McLeish's team can get the win at Hampden Park, where the interview took place, to take their place in Austria and Switzerland next summer.

Passarella Quits River Plate after Shock Elimination

With River already out of the running in the domestic Apertura championship, the Copa Sudamericana, the region's equivalent of the UEFA Cup, had represented their last chance to win a title this year. However, after drawing both legs 0-0 against their humble neighbours, River were beaten 4-2 on penalties at home on Wednesday night.

Tim Vickery in South America

A seemingly innocuous piece of shirt swapping could have serious repercussions for one South American player - and highlights the importance of local derbies in his continent's football.

Death Overshadows Italy Build-up

Italy's preparations for the Euro 2008 qualifier against Scotland at Hampden have been as meticulous as you would expect from a team as disciplined as the Azzurri.

The Soul of Arsenal in 50 Moments

18) Last Fling of the Busby Babes

Manchester United’s splendid young team came buoyantly to Highbury on February 1, 1958. Doomed, alas, just five days later to suffer the appalling Munich air crash. At half-time they were 3-0 ahead with goals by the powerful Duncan Edwards, Tommy Taylor, the centre forward, both of whom would both die in Munich, and the precocious Bobby Charlton. Arsenal, however, scored three times in three minutes in the second half. Dennis Violett and Taylor made it 5-3. The Gunners pulled one back and it finished 5-4. Jimmy Bloomfield, the clever inside forward, scored two of the Arsenal goals, David Herd and Derek Tapscott one each.

Steven Gerrard supports quota system as England search for excuses

This is absurdly reactionary. And really quite sad. -Sanford

By offering his support for a Fifa proposal to introduce quotas that would require a minimum of six England-qualified players in each team, Gerrard has become the first senior England international to raise concerns about the growing overseas influence in the Premier League.

Legrottaglie: Jesus The Reason For My Good Form

I don't really care that much about Legrottaglie, but whenever I get the chance to use the "Jesus Coach" figurine I've got to take it. Anyway, apparently He is coaching the Juventus defender quite well. For now. -Sanford

Juventus defender Nicola Legrottaglie says that Jesus Christ is the reason for his incredible upturn in fortunes this season.

England: Great Club Players, Rubbish Internationals

It would be a major blow to England should the national team fail to qualify for Euro 2008. But for this inward-looking nation of football fanatics, England's absence from Austria and Switzerland might be a blessing in disguise, saving us all from another dose of our 'world beaters' suffering another 'shock' quarter-final exit. The truth, you see, is that England aren't that good. And that's nothing new.

Adriano Sent To Rehab In Brazil

I hope the guy can get things straightened out. When he's on, he's pretty much unstoppable. And I miss seeing him in that form. -Sanford

Troubled Inter striker Adriano has flown to Brazil to undergo a course of rehabilitation and is not expected back in Italy until the New Year.

Tickets Sell Fast for Seattle's New MLS Franchise

Seattle's professional soccer team will play its home games at Qwest Field, home of the National Football League Seahawks. The stadium will seat 24,500 for soccer.

Hanauer says 2,000 fans have submitted suggestions for the team's name.

Euro 2008 Qualifiers: The Final Reckoning

There are just two matchdays left... 43 matches in total, the outcome of which, in a week's time, will determine the full line-up of 14 nations to join co-hosts Austria and Switzerland next summer at the finals of Euro 2008.

McClaren Not Alone As Club Success Hits Big Nations

Kevin McCarra: Countries whose teams fare well in the Champions League are suffering more than others in their Euro 2008 quest

The struggle to qualify:

Italy: Group B

Drew 1-1 in Lithuania and lost 3-1 in France.

To qualify Italy need to beat Scotland, or draw with Scotland then beat the Faroes. If France lose to Ukraine, a win in the Faroes will do.

England: Group E

Drew 0-0 at home to Macedonia, lost 2-0 in Croatia and lost 2-1 in Russia.

To qualify If Croatia lose to Macedonia: England can go through if they beat Croatia 2-0, depending on goal difference, or by three goals. If Croatia draw with or beat Macedonia: if Russia lose to Israel a draw with Croatia is enough for England; if Russia draw in Israel England will qualify if they beat Croatia; if Russia beat Israel, England are almost certainly out as Russia only need to defeat Andorra.

Spain: Group F

Lost 3-2 in Northern Ireland and 2-0 in Sweden.

To qualify Need to win one of their two games, or draw one and hope other results go their way.

Sundhage Named U.S. Women's Coach

The 47-year-old Sundhage (pronounced Soond-hahg-eh) replaces Greg Ryan. His surprising decision to switch goalies before the World Cup semifinals was followed by a lopsided loss, and his contract wasn't renewed.

Fire Captain Armas Retires after 12 Years in MLS

"When you think of the Chicago Fire, you think of Chris Armas," Fire president John Guppy said. "When you think of Chris Armas, you think of the Chicago Fire. Chris has helped create the values that the Chicago Fire stands for."