With the World Cup campaign reaching a climax in September and October, so called ‘friendlies’ form an intergral part of building the squad and determining who deserves their starting place for country.  The Terry and Ferdinand era is now in the past so this summer England fans can look forward to matches against Republic of Ireland at Wembley on May 29th and a trip to Brazil to take on the samba boys in Rio on June 2nd.

The full England squad as announced today reads as:

Goalkeepers: Ben Foster, Joe Hart, Alex McCarthy.

Defenders: Leighton Baines, Gary Cahill, Ashley Cole, Phil Jagielka, Glen Johnson, Phil Jones, Joleon Lescott, Kyle Walker.

Midfielders: Michael Carrick, Tom Cleverley, Frank Lampard, James Milner, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Theo Walcott.

Forwards: Andy Carroll, Jermain Defoe, Wayne Rooney, Daniel Sturridge, Danny Welbeck

Stay with Lovell Soccer as we bring you all the latest England news and also count down to the release of the new Nike England Football Shirt on May 28th.

Doing the maths and quite simply three doesn’t go into two and so one team along with their fans will be left disappointed come the climax of the season this Sunday afternoon. With Chelsea, Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur all in the frame then one thing that can be assured is that there will be two representatives from London joining the duo from Manchester.

Going into Sunday’s matches and Chelsea, the newly crowned Europa League Champions, are in the driving seat with the most points and goal difference in their favour. They would have to suffer one of their heaviest ever defeats against Everton at home to allow the other two to sneak ahead of them in the race for Champions League football.

All eyes will be on the matches involving Tottenham hosting Sunderland and Arsenal visiting Newcastle. Spurs have the simple task of bettering the Gunners result whilst Arsenal know that a win will assure them a place in Europe’s premier football competition for the sixteenth consecutive season – a feat surpassed only by Real Madrid and Manchester United.

So with all to play for in the Premier League, make sure you are all kitted out with Lovell Soccer’s collection of replica football shirts from your favourite teams.

During his illustrious career, Ibrahimovic has seen success with Ajax, Inter Milan, Barcelona and AC Milan although did have two titles with Juventus stripped amidst match fixing scandals. That said, he is still one of the most decorated players in world football and has come a long way since turning out for his home club Malmo in 1999.

To have played for at least one major European side is an honour in itself but have turned out for several is a rare feat. Nike will certainly feel as though have been getting their moneys worth as Ibrahimovic is regularly seen sporting the latest models and designs for both club and country.

His latest success has come with the wearing of the Nike Mercurial Vapor IX football boots, looking splendid in their distinct Neptune Blue/Volt/Pink Flash colourway. For players of both a professional and amateur level seeking a lightweight high performance model, these boots barely touch the scales at 220g (UK size 8). This minimalist design is delivered courtesy of a strong yet soft Premium Teijin microfibre upper which has taken inspiration from the dimpled surface of a golf ball and features debossed microgrooves. This approach has been applied to quite simply reduce air resistance and enhance ball control.

As an added feature which further enhances the performance and reliability of these football boots, the  Mercurial Vapor IX comes equipped with Nike’s innovative new All Conditions Control (ACC), created to aid the grip between the boot and ball for enhanced performance control in all conditions. 

Despite countless trophies across Europe, one of Ibrahmiovic’s defining moments came in the yellow and blue of Sweden against England last November. As if scoring four goals wasn’t special enough, he marked his fourth goal with a spectacular 35-yard overhead kick which will go down as technically one of the greatest goals of all time.

Make sure you keep with Lovell Soccer this summer as during July we will see the launch of the latest Nike Mercurial Vapor IX colourway, which is sure to provide a winning look on the football pitch.

For every safe pair of Peter Schmeichel hands there is a Mark Bosnich between the sticks whilst for every predatory van Nistlerooy you are sure to find a Diego Forlan fluffing their chances.

So sit back and take consolation from the fact that Sir Alex didn’t always get things right when it came to the transfer market, as we unveil the worst signings during his Manchester United tenure.

Goalkeeper – Massimo Taibi

It was almost mission impossible to fill Schmeichel’s large gloves and Taibi didn’t help himself, especially following a gaff against Southampton which he became synonymous for. Having played just four games in goal, a swift return to Italy was assured following a 5-0 defeat to Chelsea at the end of 1998.

Defenders  – Michael Clegg, William Prunier, Pat McGibbon & Laurent Blanc

Manchester United are renowned for breeding no nonsense defenders but that doesn’t mean their defence has always been water tight. Beginning his life as a trainee, Clegg spent 7 years at United but only amassed nine appearances and didn’t even count enough games to claim any title medals.

Prunier was hastily drafted into the first team amidst an injury crisis and after just two appearances opted against extending his trial whilst McGibbon faired even worse having been sent off in his debut in league cup action and never appeared for the club again. Blanc is a surprise inclusion, considering he had won the European and World Cup during an illustrious career. His arrival in Manchester though failed to live up to expectations and filling the boots of the departing Jaap Stam was just too big an ask.

Midfielders – Jordi Cruyff, Eric Djemba-Djemba, Kleberson & Ralph Milne

Following in the footsteps of one of the greatest footballers ever, Jordi Cruyff arrived from Barcelona but injury and team rotation resulted in just 34 appearances across a four year spell. He still faired better than Eric Djemba-Djemba who arrived as a relative unknown to fill the boots of Roy Keane. Limited to just 20 appearances over two seasons, the Cameroon international was unable to establish a midfield role and has gone down in history as one of Ferguson’s worst signings.

Hyped as the next big thing from Brazil, the signing of Kleberson was seen as a major asset until injury in only his second game. Amassing only 20 games for United over tow seasons, it came as no surprise that he was soon shipped transferred to Besiktas. This is still a relative success compared to Ralph Milne who Sir Alex himself described as his worst signing, despite only paying £170,000 for him. Not popular amongst both fans and management, his time playing for United also coincided with their worst league form in the late 1980s.

Strikers – Bebe & David Bellion

With the recommendation of the Portuguese national coach, Bebe has spent more time out on loan than gracing the Old Trafford turf. Since being signed in 2010, Bebe has made just seven first team appearances and is currently playing for Rio Ave back in his native Portugal.

Belion was signed in 2003 and despite early promise and regular goals, including one on his debut, he constantly found himself frozen out of the team under fierce competition from other strikers and injury finally put an end to his United career before moving back to France.

So now we have looked at the best and worst signed up by Sir Alex Ferguson, join the debate and let us know what you think.  Add your comments here or on our Lovell Soccer Facebook page and join in the discussions.

Having amassed a magnificent total of 38 trophies over a 26 year reign with the Red Devils, it hardly comes as a surprise that many consider Sir Alex as one of, if not the, greatest club managers to have ever lived.

Whilst we will never be on the end of the infamous hair-dryer treatment or be cruelly defeated in Fergie Time, our Lovell Soccer team decided to pay homage to the legend and name our all time XI. 

Goalkeeper – Peter Schmeichel

The Great Dane was a formidable presence between the sticks and quite rightly is claimed as one of Ferguson’s greatest ever signings. No stranger to invading opposition penalty boxes, Schmeichel even claimed one goal for United. With almost 300 appearances, he saved the best for last by lifting the European Cup in dramatic fashion after that famous late win against Bayern Munich.

Left Back – Denis Irwin

One of Ferguson’s earliest signings but also one of the most significant. With 12 years spent at Old Trafford, the Irish international amassed seven league titles as well as European silverware whilst maintaining a regular first-team spot.

Right Back – Gary Neville

A rare one-club man, Neville is one of United’s longest serving players and was a graduate of the aptly named ‘Fergie’s Fledglings. Over 400 games, it was not his goal scoring which earned him a reputation but his no nonsense defending which won praise from team-mates as well as opponents.

Centre Backs – Rio Ferdinand & Jaap Stam

Manchester United are renowned for having a pedigree of top quality centre backs and they don’t come much better than the pairing of Stam and Ferdinand. Both players possessed the rare abilities of having strength, speed and technical ability which made for a winning formula and gave strikers nightmares every time they played.

Left Wing – Ryan Giggs

Another one-club man and Giggs is undoubtedly one of the greatest to play under Sir Alex. Over 650 appearances and counting, the Welsh wizard has constantly left defenders in his wake and amassed more honours than any other player in English football history.

Right Wing – Cristiano Ronaldo

Following in the footsteps of previous famous number 7′s, Ronaldo was born to line-up for the biggest club in football and during his seven year career with United he took the world by storm. The first Portuguese player to sign for the club, after almost 200 appearance and 84 goals, Ronaldo departed for Real Madrid in a world record fee. Such is the natural talent of Ronaldo, he now has his own football boot range with the Nike CR7 and we would love to know Sir Alex’s views on his latest release.

Centre Midfield – Roy Keane & Paul Scholes

‘Even in the dressing room afterwards, I had remorse’ – words spoken by Keane but typifies the attitude and commitment installed by these hardy central midfielders. Both gave their all for the team and won respect for their no nonsense tackling which provided the engine for all United’s play through the years.

Strikers – Eric Cantona & Ruud van Nistlerooy

The toughest selection of all but there was no way we could leave out the King. Cantona’s mere presence on the pitch was enough to lift the team and was an integral part of the revival of Manchester United as a footballing force. Van Nistlerooy was a pure out and out striker who amassed 150 goals for united in just 219 games. With a record that includes being their all time European record goalscorer, the Dutch striker was a lethal asset during his career.

Subs

We could easily make up another team simply with the players we have omitted. The likes of Bryan Robson, Paul Ince, David Beckham, Wayne Rooney, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Andy Cole narrowly missed out and that just shows the depth of talent that Ferguson has managed during his time with Manchester United.

Now that we have looked at the best, tomorrow we will be analysing the worst signings made by Sir Alex Ferguson. Make sure you join in the debate and let us know who you think are the good and the bad to have worn the famous red shirt.

Having scored 19 times, 24 in all competitions, this season has belonged to Bale and seen him further enhance his reputation as a world class footballer. Although clearly a gifted individual, Bale does owe plenty to his wearing of the adidas F50 adiZero football boots which have taken his game to all new heights.

Created from adidas’s innovative lightweight and flexible Sprintskin material, players can be assured of an enhanced fit and supreme comfort across the whole boot. Taking comfort a step further and the upper area also incorporates Sprintweb for excellent stability and flexibility in high speed moves to suit the high demands of the modern game.

Adidas have gone out of their way developing this boot to ensure maximum comfort and fit from heel to toe, as well as anywhere else you can think of. To begin with the variable width lacing system is slightly off-centre and follows the natural contour of the foot to provide a better anatomical fit and feel to the F50 TRX FG. Comfort is taken up a level with the soft application of the ankle and heel support, allowing for the boot to easily be broken in and start performing straight away.

Having sported the vidid yellow colourway of the F50 during his most prolific time of the season, Bale has switched colours towards the end of the Premier League season and now wears the dark blue/ pink colourway and has continued his devastating form.

For that truly special touch, you can also take advantage of our FREEiD football boot personalisation service. Emulate your footy heroes or simply add your own name, just like Bale; whichever you decide then Lovell Soccer has it all stitched up.

Going into the semi-final encounters, all the talk was of an El Clasico final at Wembley but now both Barcelona and Real Madrid will need to conjure up something magical to reverse their fortunes in next weeks second leg ties.

With eight goals scored between the two Bundesliga sides, we decided to take a look at which football boots were finding the back of the net and firing their team to victory.

Robert Lewandowski – Nike Total 90 Laser IV

Scoring four goals is a reason to celebrate at any level, let along in the Champions League semi-final and against the might of Real Madrid. Lewandowski is certainly making a name for himself on the big stage and Nike will be hoping he continues to show his goal scoring form in their Total 90 Laser IV football boots.

With a a distinct mango tone applied to them, these are the perfect accompaniment to the eye-catching Dortmund football kit. Of course it’s not all about looks, as the Total 90 Laser IV delivers long lasting performance and a comfortable fit courtesy of the Kanga-Lite upper whilst the adaptive shield across the instep provides supreme execution when both shooting and passing.

As if further proof to their ability was needed, these are also the football boots of choice for Manchester United and England striker, Wayne Rooney.

Thomas Mueller – adidas Predator Lethal Zone

Whilst all eyes were on Messi and co at the Allianz Arena, it was Bayern’s Thomas Mueller who grabbed all the headlines after bagging a brace in the 4-0 win. No stranger to scoring, Mueller has risen through the Munich ranks and claimed the prestigious Golden Boot award at the 2010 World Cup.

Adidas knew they were onto a winner by signing up the German international and his Predator Lethal Zone football boots certainly live up to their name when in front of the goal. Taking on board extensive pro-player feedback, adidas have injected their boot with a revolutionary five lethal zones focused around first touch, pass and control, sweet-spot, drive and dribble; for an innovative and practical design surpassing any other model.

Made from a lightweight Sprintskin material and featuring an off-centre lacing system, players can be assured of an enhanced fit and supreme comfort across the whole boot.

You don’t have to be playing in the Champions League to lace up these football boots, and many others, as Lovell Soccer offers a vast collection of footwear to suit all your playing needs at any level.

Whilst it was undoubtedly a team effort which saw United beat their neighbours to the title with four games to spare, here at Lovell Soccer we thought we would take an in-depth look at the football boots which have propelled the team to further glory and graced the Theatre of Dreams this season.

Robin van Persie – adidas adiPower Predator

RVP was bought from Arsenal last summer to score goals and that is exactly what he has done throughout the season. On course to claim the title of the Premiership leading scorer, his goal scoring streak is due in large to his goal scoring weapon of choice – the adidas adiPower Predator football boots.

With an upper designed from Taurus leather, this offers a glove-like fit and a boot which benefits from low water intake, making it ideal for play in all conditions and all year round. As an added extra, integrated silicon rubber Predator elements also offer the player maximum swerve and ball control. For those of you who really need power in your game, then Powerspine technology in the forefoot delivers maximum strength and shooting power.

Wayne Rooney – Nike Total 90 Laser IV

Rooney may not have been grabbing all the headlines this season but he has still been an integral part of the Manchester United team and Nike still value him very highly. Whenever the United striker sports new boots then they always command attention and whilst wearing the Nike Total 90 Laser IV he has certainly stood out.

With Nike’s flagship boot, it’s all about power and with the aid of a Kanga-Lite upper, this ensures long lasting performance and a fit that sculpts to the shape of your foot. The inclusion of an Adaptive Shield across the in-step amplifies flexibility and allows for supreme execution of multi-directional passing and shooting, through enhanced swerve and ball control.

Michael Carrick – Puma King SL

Carrick may not grab the headlines but his performances have been instrumental in driving Manchester United towards another Premier League title. One of the top passers in the game, the midfielder likes his traditional football boots and has opted for the classic Puma King SL this season.

As their flagship model, Puma have given their latest version a lightweight makeover whilst still ensuring comfort and performance to really enhance your play. The most notable difference between this model and its Puma counterparts is the Contrast King Speed Tongue, for wearers who prefer this style over the trademark Puma fold-over tongue but still want to be assured of comfort and fit.

Shinji Kagawa – adidas F50 adiZero

The Japanese international has been a sensation in Manchester and certainly looks part of the team in only his first season. Scoring on his home debut and becoming the first Asian player to score a hat-trick in the Premier League, adidas look like they have bagged themselves one to look out for in the future.

Sporting the adidas F50 adiZero football boots, these ensure high visibility on the pitch combined with great features and a comfortable fit. Created from soft leather across the upper, this delivers a natural touch and feel to your play which has already proven to be highly popular amongst professionals, like Kagawa, and amateurs alike. Compatible with the adidas miCoach chip, this also means these boots have the ability to report back on all your progress in training and match environments.

You too can have the look of your idols with our FREEiD personalisation service on your football boots. Whether adding your favourite player or simply your own name, Lovell Soccer has it all stitched up.

Always a hotly contested award and a huge honour to be bestowed upon any player, previous winners have included Cristiano Ronaldo, Wayne Rooney, Ryan Giggs, Gareth Bale and last years winner, Robin van Persie.  More importantly though, here at Lovell Soccer we will be focusing on which football boot will come out on top as leading designs from adidas, Nike and Puma are in direct competition and bragging rights are up for grabs.

Gareth Bale (Tottenham Hotspur)

Everyone’s favourite for the award, Bale has had an outstanding season and almost single handedly put Spurs in European action again for next season. Still only 23, the Welsh superstar has amassed 27 goals in only 46 appearances for club and country this year, including four braces and one hat-trick. Bale went through his most prolific scoring streak sporting the yellow adidas F50 adiZero football boots which feature a winning combination of great looks, innovative features and are extremely lightweight.

Luis Suarez (Liverpool)

No stranger to controversy, it seems as though Suarez is now back to doing what he does best and that’s finding the back of the net. Another adidas F50 adiZero fan, it it no coincidence that the form of Suarez has seen his Liverpool team making steady progress this season whilst the Uruguay international remains one of the hottest properties in the Premier League. With the F50, Suarez will have been able to track his progress courtesy of the ingenious miCoach chip which monitors your every on-pitch movement.

Michael Carrick (Manchester United)

Carrick may not grab the headlines but his performances have been instrumental in driving Manchester United towards another Premier League title. One of the top passers in the game, the midfielder likes his traditional boots and has opted for the classic Puma King SL. As their flagship model, Puma have given their latest version a lightweight makeover whilst still ensuring comfort and performance to really enhance your play.

Juan Mata (Chelsea)

Another adidas convert, Mata has caused nightmares for opponents with his Predator Lethal Zone football boots. The Spanish international has had no problem scoring this season with his high performance footwear, enhanced by the inclusion of five lethal zones focused around first touch, pass and control, sweet-spot, drive and dribble. With such a large squad at their disposal, it is testament to Mata’s ability and performances that he has cemented a place in the Chelsea line-up. In a big signing for adidas, Mata originally started the season wearing the Nike Vapor but was soon converted to adidas and hasn’t looked back since.

Robin van Persie (Manchester United)

Last years winner swapped the red of Arsenal for the red of Manchester United but that hasn’t stopped him scoring. The adidas adiPower Predator has been RVP’s weapon of choice and it’s hard to argue against such a well crafted football boot. With extra Powerspine technology injected into the forefoot, this ensures maximum shooting power and is a vital addition to any striker.  

Eden Hazard (Chelsea)

In his first season in England, the Belgian international is certainly one for the future and that’s why Nike were quick off the mark to add him to their rosta. Currently sporting the new Nike Mercurial Vapor IX, these lightweight football boots which has been created purely for speed and elite performance. They also have the added benefit of featuring Nike’s innovative ACC (All Conditions Control) to deliver enhanced control in all conditions and a vital asset when it comes to the Premier League.

Let us know which is your favourite football boots and who you will think will come out the winner when the results are announced.

With a great emphasis on what it means to support The Blues, the idea behind the campaign was to generate huge support for a look that was all about the colour which identifies Chelsea Football Club. Blue has always been the colour of Chelsea, spanning over a century, during which time the team has amassed three Premier League titles, seven FA Cup wins and the most famous of all – the 2012 UEFA Champions League.

Made by adidas, from 100% polyester, the Chelsea FC 13/14 S/S Home Football Shirt has been released for the new Premier League season as the team set about winning further silverware.

Taking inspiration form legendary past kits, this latest look reverts back to an era of simple designs and features a retro inspired v-neck collar. The traditional blue colouring is complemented by the addition of adidas’ three white stripes running down the sleeves and the Chelsea badge proudly sported over the left chest.  

With the inclusion of adidas’ Climacool technology in the fabric, fans can be assured of keeping their cool both on and off the pitch as the action heats up. As an added extra, 3D fabrics improve air flow to the skin in key heat zones; a subtle addition which plays a big part.

Pre-order your own Chelsea FC 13/14 S/S Home Football Shirt ready for the new season.