Stylish Scots Still Upbeat
Brazil Stars' Sighs Of Relief
We're Just Warming Up, Says Carlos
Owen Can Be England's Ronaldo
Owen Takes On Sheri
Beckham Amazed At Ronaldo Magic
Italy 2 Chile 2
Maldini's Verdict On Italian Draw
Group B: Cameroon 1 Austria 1
World Cup Round-Up
Bergkamp Back To Fitness
World Cup Knowledge
Today's Telly and Radio
Group C Previews: France v S Africa
Owls Still Searching For Boss
Denmark v Saudi Arabia
Bulgaria v Paraguay
Latest Premier and Nationwide News
Bollocks!
365 On The Media
Brian Moore's History Lessons
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Friday 12 June 1998
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 News 3 
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HODDLE HAILS HIS 'LITTLE RONALDO'
'He is an extra dimension in our squad'
GLENN HODDLE today compared the world's greatest player with a teenager who might only be on the England bench when they kick off their World Cup campaign on Monday. But anybody expecting Michael Owen to blush at being contrasted with Ronaldo should think again.
Others, perhaps those lacking the nonchalance of youth, might have fought shy of allowing themselves to be a hostage to fortune. After all, the England coach had outlined the talents of the Brazilian superstar in full after watching him torment Scotland in Wednesday's France 98 opener. So it was no surprise to hear him talking in glowing terms of the exhilarating bursts of sheer speed, the way the young striker drifts off his marker to spin and surge at a retreating defence, his ability with either foot.
Except that Hoddle was talking as much about the teenager with one year's Premiership experience under his belt, as the man named the best on the planet for two years running. He said: ''Michael's got electrifying pace and he knows when to use it,'' said Hoddle. ''He has a smell for the last third of the pitch, and that means he is an extra dimension in our squad. Ronaldo is a fantastic player, who proved against Scotland that world class players don't need to touch the ball 100 times to influence a game.
"Whenever he gets the ball he's so exciting and things happen. That's the type of player he is - when he had the ball, Brazil came alive. But like Ronaldo, Michael can come off his man, turn and run at people. He can get on the backs of defenders and use his pace but can also come off and attack them.''
Owen accepts the comparison modestly. ''People have drawn the similarity because I like to run at players with the
ball at pace,'' said the Anfield ace. "Against Scotland, Ronaldo did drop a bit deep to get touches of the ball and showed flashes of brilliance. It was great to watch, especially that back heel he did at pace in the second half.
''He was the only one who knew what he was doing. People compare me to great players but I think I've got a lot to do before I get to his standard. It's all right saying things, but the proof of the pudding is when you actually play and show what you can do on the pitch.''
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BATTY PLEASED REFS
ARE 'GOING EASY'
THE red card frenzy everyone feared before these World Cup finals has yet to materialise; a fact not lost on England's midfield warrior David Batty - no stranger to the wrath of referees.
England have been working hard in training on keeping the tackle from behind out of their repertoire, although coach Glenn Hoddle clearly doesn't want people like Batty to lose their competitive instinct.
Batty has no intention of doing that although he will be treading carefully.
"If you make a good, honest tackle I don't see how the ref can interpret it as a foul," said the gritty Newcastle midfielder. "I have always believed that the tackle from behind should be stamped out anyway.
"A lot has been made of the referee's being strict at this World Cup but we haven't seen it yet. If they get tough then players have no alternative but to change their approach.
"Having said that, I have never changed the way I play that much, whether it's a reserve game or a World Cup match. If there's a ball to be won, I want to win it. My discplinary record at international level has been pretty good, so I hope that will continue."
ENGLAND ENJOY
GOLF BREAK
ENGLAND take to the golf course today for a spot of relaxation, with their opening clash with Tunisia just a few days away.
But, while most of the players will be making the most of a leisurely stroll and a friendly game, four players will be going head-to-head in a golfing grudge match.
Experienced duo Teddy Sheringham and Alan Shearer will be taking on youngsters Paul Scholes and Michael Owen in Round Two of their private battle of wits.
Sheri and Shearer won the first encounter in La Manga but Owen, an eight-handicapper, is determined to put the old pros in their place this time around.
Owen said: ''We played them in La Manga last week, and they beat us. I made sure we had the same four-ball this time. I hate losing. This is revenge!''
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BECKHAM THRILLED AT RONALDO MAGIC
ENGLAND star David Beckham yesterday paid homage to Brazilian ace Ronaldo after watching him tie Scotland's defenders in knots. As one of the players frustrated by England's long wait to get started in the tournament, Beckham has had to settle for soaking up the atmosphere of France 98 by watching the games on TV.
"It hasn't really kicked in yet," admitted the manchester United midfielder. "The opening cermony sent a few shivers through us and then watching Ronaldo... well some of the things he did on the ball and off it made us sit back and say, 'That was unbelievable'. I looked at him and thought, 'He's only 22 - that's unbelievable' I suppose some people look at me and say the same but not me. i don't think about myself like that."
The absence of Paul Gascoigne has opened up the possibility of Beckham playing in central midfield after a long wait - something that he is looking forward to.
2I'm quite excited about it," he said. "I've always wanted to play in the middle but I've not had the chance. If I get the chance it would be really good. I feel I would get more involved there. i played in the middle against italy last summer in Le Tournoi and it was one of my best games. I came away really pleased."
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