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Sagna tells Arsenal he is leaving
Bacary Sagna has told Arsenal he will not sign a new contract and will leave at the end of the season, Goal can reveal.
The Frenchman let manager Arsene Wenger know at the end of last week that the FA Cup final against Hull City on Saturday will be his final game for the club.
Arsenal had been close to an agreement with Sagna last month after offering him an €100,000-a-week, two-year deal with the option of a third year in a final attempt to keep him at the club.
However, the 31-year-old has rejected the offer and will open talks with suitors later this month, who include Manchester City, Chelsea, Liverpool and Ligue 1 champions Paris Saint-Germain.
City and Chelsea are believed to be ready to hand Sagna the €120,000-a-week deal he is after.
The Gunners hierarchy were unwilling to stretch beyond €100,000 a week for a full-back in his 30s and Sagna will end his seven-year spell at Emirates Stadium after Saturday's final at Wembley.
The right-back is believed to be settled with his family in London, but will hold negotiations with a number of Premier League rivals, as well as clubs on the continent, before making a decision on his future.
Losing Sagna will be a blow to Arsene Wenger, with the player offering experience and versatility that is not easy to replace. He filled in at centre-back against Norwich City on Saturday as Wenger chose to rest Per Mertesacker ahead of the cup final.
Speaking recently of Sagna, Wenger said: "We know what we want from him, he knows what is on the table and that's where we are.
"The ball is not in our camp any more. It is in his camp and he needs to come back to us."
The Gunners have looked closely at replacement right-backs in the last year, with Frankfurt's Sebastian Jung and Toulouse's Serge Aurier currently top of their target list to replace Sagna.
The defender, who turned 31 in February, is able to join another club on a free transfer on July 1.
Bacary Sagna has told Arsenal he will not sign a new contract and will leave at the end of the season, Goal can reveal.
The Frenchman let manager Arsene Wenger know at the end of last week that the FA Cup final against Hull City on Saturday will be his final game for the club.
Arsenal had been close to an agreement with Sagna last month after offering him an €100,000-a-week, two-year deal with the option of a third year in a final attempt to keep him at the club.
However, the 31-year-old has rejected the offer and will open talks with suitors later this month, who include Manchester City, Chelsea, Liverpool and Ligue 1 champions Paris Saint-Germain.
City and Chelsea are believed to be ready to hand Sagna the €120,000-a-week deal he is after.
The Gunners hierarchy were unwilling to stretch beyond €100,000 a week for a full-back in his 30s and Sagna will end his seven-year spell at Emirates Stadium after Saturday's final at Wembley.
The right-back is believed to be settled with his family in London, but will hold negotiations with a number of Premier League rivals, as well as clubs on the continent, before making a decision on his future.
Losing Sagna will be a blow to Arsene Wenger, with the player offering experience and versatility that is not easy to replace. He filled in at centre-back against Norwich City on Saturday as Wenger chose to rest Per Mertesacker ahead of the cup final.
Speaking recently of Sagna, Wenger said: "We know what we want from him, he knows what is on the table and that's where we are.
"The ball is not in our camp any more. It is in his camp and he needs to come back to us."
The Gunners have looked closely at replacement right-backs in the last year, with Frankfurt's Sebastian Jung and Toulouse's Serge Aurier currently top of their target list to replace Sagna.
The defender, who turned 31 in February, is able to join another club on a free transfer on July 1.
Mata: I will keep fighting to help Man Utd win titles
Juan Mata is confident Manchester United can put their disappointing campaign behind them and challenge for trophies next season.
A meek title defence cost manager David Moyes his job last month and interim boss Ryan Giggs was left to guide the club into seventh place, leaving them without European football next season for the first time in 25 years.
Mata arrived at Old Trafford from Chelsea in January and has made 15 appearances in the Premier League, scoring six goals, but he was unable to revive their fortunes.
The Spaniard scored United's goal in their 1-1 draw with Southampton on the final day of the season and expects the club to come back stronger.
"Personally, I'm quite happy because I've played a lot of games, I've scored six goals and gave five assists, so I'm happy with my job," he told MUTV.
"But obviously I wanted to win more games, we lost games where we didn't play very well, so I'm not happy with that.
"I'll keep going to fight for the titles.
"I'm looking forward to next season to see how I can perform and how we can be back even stronger.
"The best thing to do is to come back and win trophies, so we will try to do that next season."
Van Ginkel: Mourinho similar to Van Gaal
Chelsea youngster Marco van Ginkel has praised Jose Mourinho's man management skills and desire to win, likening the Portuguese to Netherlands coach Louis van Gaal.
The 21-year-old has spent the majority of the 2013-14 campaign on the sidelines due to a knee injury after joining the Premier League outfit from Vitesse last summer.Nevertheless, Van Ginkel has stressed that the former Real Madrid boss always supported him as he was recovering from his fitness woes.
"There are some similarities between Mourinho and Van Gaal," the midfielder told Goal."A lot of people want to know how Mourinho's like. He's incredibly fanatical and always wants to win. You occasionally see him do something crazy on the sidelines, but he's a very warm person."He's always open to you as a person, yet he can get very angry as well.
"He always kept on supporting me during my recovery. I definitely did not get the feeling that he wasn't interested in me. We saw each other on an almost daily basis and regularly spoke.
"I decided to recover in London, so I would stay close to the team and the manager. I appeared in the dressing room as well for home games and always had a certain bond with the team."Van Ginkel was recently called up for Netherlands' pre-World Cup training camp and the energetic midfielder is hopeful of making it to Brazil this summer.
"It will be a dream come true if I make it to the World Cup. I hardly played this season due to my knee injury, but I'm fully fit now."I might not have the same match rhythm as the other players, but being here at this training camp makes me want more."
Netherlands meet Spain, Chile and Australia in Group B at the 2014 World Cup.
Chelsea youngster Marco van Ginkel has praised Jose Mourinho's man management skills and desire to win, likening the Portuguese to Netherlands coach Louis van Gaal.
The 21-year-old has spent the majority of the 2013-14 campaign on the sidelines due to a knee injury after joining the Premier League outfit from Vitesse last summer.Nevertheless, Van Ginkel has stressed that the former Real Madrid boss always supported him as he was recovering from his fitness woes.
"There are some similarities between Mourinho and Van Gaal," the midfielder told Goal."A lot of people want to know how Mourinho's like. He's incredibly fanatical and always wants to win. You occasionally see him do something crazy on the sidelines, but he's a very warm person."He's always open to you as a person, yet he can get very angry as well.
"He always kept on supporting me during my recovery. I definitely did not get the feeling that he wasn't interested in me. We saw each other on an almost daily basis and regularly spoke.
"I decided to recover in London, so I would stay close to the team and the manager. I appeared in the dressing room as well for home games and always had a certain bond with the team."Van Ginkel was recently called up for Netherlands' pre-World Cup training camp and the energetic midfielder is hopeful of making it to Brazil this summer.
"It will be a dream come true if I make it to the World Cup. I hardly played this season due to my knee injury, but I'm fully fit now."I might not have the same match rhythm as the other players, but being here at this training camp makes me want more."
Netherlands meet Spain, Chile and Australia in Group B at the 2014 World Cup.
Paris Saint-Germain attacker Zlatan Ibrahimovic has been named Ligue 1 Player of the Year following his impressive performances in 2013-14, pipping team-mates Thiago Silva and Thiago Motta as well as Monaco's James Rodriguez to the award.The Sweden international netted 25 goals in 32 league appearances to help PSG to their second consecutive league title and is determined to help the reigning champions to more silverware in the years to come.
"For the second year in a row, it is a great honour. I want to thank all the players, the coach, the staff and the supporters," Ibrahimovic told gathered reporters."I think this has been my best season. The team have had a magnificent season.
"In the years to come I hope to win the league again, as well as the two cups, the Champions League and more individual trophies."
Meanwhile, PSG shot stopper Salvatore Sirigu was voted Goalkeeper of the Year ahead of Lille's Vincent Enyeama, while Marco Verratti scooped up the Young Player of the Year trophy and Lille boss Rene Girard won Coach of the Year.
Ferdinand to leave Manchester United
Rio Ferdinand has confirmed he will leave Manchester United after 12 years at the club.
Ferdinand, 35, became the most expensive British footballer in history when he moved to Old Trafford from Leeds United in a £29.1 million deal in the summer of 2002.
He went on to make 454 appearances for the club, scoring eight goals and winning six Premier League titles, two League Cups and the Champions League in 2008.
"I have thought long and hard over the last few months about my future, and after 12 fantastic years playing, for what I regard, as the best club in the world, I have decided the time is right for me to move on," Ferdinand told his website, 5mag.
"I joined Manchester United in the hope of winning trophies, and never in my wildest dreams could I have imagined how successful we would be during my time here. There have been so many highlights, playing alongside some great players who have become good friends, winning my first Premier League title and also that fantastic night in Moscow are memories that I will cherish forever.
"Circumstances didn't allow for me to say goodbye the way I would have liked but I'd like to take this opportunity to thank my team-mates, staff, the club & the fans for an unbelievable 12 yrs that I’ll never forget. Winning trophies I dreamed about as a kid came true at this great club.
"I am feeling fit and healthy, ready for a new challenge and looking forward to whatever the future holds for me."
Rio th yanawaluanemanda mehgollo wenuwata thawa kawada ganne kiyala
Shaw unath enakam sure naha
anemanda mehgollo wenuwata thawa kawada ganne kiyalaShaw unath enakam sure naha
Tottenham sack Sherwood
Tottenham have sacked manager Tim Sherwood after just five months in charge.
The former midfielder was handed an 18-month deal when he took over from Andre Villas-Boas in December, but Spurs have exercised a break clause in that contract.
Sherwood was not afraid to criticise his players in public and he has faced questions about his future ever since it emerged that Spurs chairman Daniel Levy had met with Netherlands boss Louis van Gaal in January.Levy said in a statement: “We appointed Tim mid-season as someone who knew both the players and the Club.
“We agreed an 18-month contract with a break clause at the end of the season and we have now exercised that option.
“Since appointing Tim as Assistant First Team Coach in 2008 and then as Technical Co-ordinator in 2010 and Head of Football Development in 2012, we have been supportive of him during football management changes throughout that period. On behalf of the Club, I should like to state our thanks for all his efforts during his years with us. We wish him great success in his managerial career.
“Moving forward, now the season is over, we shall embark on the process of finding a new Head Coach. We have a talented squad and exciting young players coming through. We need to build on this season, develop our potential and inspire the kind of performances that we associate with our great Club."Sherwood's final few weeks in charge at White Hart Lane were undermined by rumours surrounding who would replace him in the manager's seat.
A meeting between Levy and Van Gaal early in his reign created speculation that Sherwood would not survive the summer, while Ajax boss Frank de Boer has recently spoken openly about the possibility of taking the job.
Goal understands that Southampton boss Mauricio Pochettino is also in the running to take over, while reports elsewhere indicate an approach for Napoli boss Rafael Benitez could be on the cards.Sherwood often criticised his players, most notably following a 4-0 defeat at Chelsea when he blamed the "capitulation" on a "lack of character" among the squad.
His touchline antics were also called into question during his short spell in charge. During derby defeat against Arsenal he hurled his famed gilet to the ground, and was later involved in a spat with Benfica boss Jorge Jesus during a Europa League clash.
He elected to sit in the stands for several matches following the incident, but later return to the technical area. On the final match of the season against Aston Villa on Sunday, he invited a supporter to sit in his seat and wear his gilet, but said he had no chance of succeeding him because the fan was English.
Tottenham have sacked manager Tim Sherwood after just five months in charge.
The former midfielder was handed an 18-month deal when he took over from Andre Villas-Boas in December, but Spurs have exercised a break clause in that contract.
Sherwood was not afraid to criticise his players in public and he has faced questions about his future ever since it emerged that Spurs chairman Daniel Levy had met with Netherlands boss Louis van Gaal in January.Levy said in a statement: “We appointed Tim mid-season as someone who knew both the players and the Club.
“We agreed an 18-month contract with a break clause at the end of the season and we have now exercised that option.
“Since appointing Tim as Assistant First Team Coach in 2008 and then as Technical Co-ordinator in 2010 and Head of Football Development in 2012, we have been supportive of him during football management changes throughout that period. On behalf of the Club, I should like to state our thanks for all his efforts during his years with us. We wish him great success in his managerial career.
“Moving forward, now the season is over, we shall embark on the process of finding a new Head Coach. We have a talented squad and exciting young players coming through. We need to build on this season, develop our potential and inspire the kind of performances that we associate with our great Club."Sherwood's final few weeks in charge at White Hart Lane were undermined by rumours surrounding who would replace him in the manager's seat.
A meeting between Levy and Van Gaal early in his reign created speculation that Sherwood would not survive the summer, while Ajax boss Frank de Boer has recently spoken openly about the possibility of taking the job.
Goal understands that Southampton boss Mauricio Pochettino is also in the running to take over, while reports elsewhere indicate an approach for Napoli boss Rafael Benitez could be on the cards.Sherwood often criticised his players, most notably following a 4-0 defeat at Chelsea when he blamed the "capitulation" on a "lack of character" among the squad.
His touchline antics were also called into question during his short spell in charge. During derby defeat against Arsenal he hurled his famed gilet to the ground, and was later involved in a spat with Benfica boss Jorge Jesus during a Europa League clash.
He elected to sit in the stands for several matches following the incident, but later return to the technical area. On the final match of the season against Aston Villa on Sunday, he invited a supporter to sit in his seat and wear his gilet, but said he had no chance of succeeding him because the fan was English.
Isco left out of provisional Spain World Cup squad
Spain coach Vicente del Bosque has announced his 30-man provisional squad for this summer's World Cup in Brazil, with Real Madrid's Alvaro Arbeloa and Isco as two of the most notable absentees.
Isco has struggled to find his best form in the second half of the season after initially impressing at Madrid, which has now cost him his place in Del Bosque's roster, while Arbeloa has lost his spot to Dani Carvajal.Meanwhile, Iker Casillas has made the cut regardless of his limited amount of playing time at Madrid this season, while Thiago Alcantara and Fernando Llorente have both made it, too.
Other surprising callups include Alberto Moreno, Ander Iturraspe and Koke.
Del Bosque will announce his final squad on May 25.Spain meet Netherlands, Chile and Australia in Group B at the World Cup.
SQUAD IN FULL:
Goalkeepers: Iker Casillas (Real Madrid), Pepe Reina (Napoli), David de Gea (Manchester United)
Defenders: Dani Carvajal, Sergio Ramos (Real Madrid), Juanfran (Atletico Madrid), Raul Albiol (Napoli), Javi Martinez (Bayern Munich), Alberto Moreno (Sevilla), Jordi Alba, Gerard Pique (Barcelona), Cesar Azpilicueta (Chelsea)
Midfielders: Andres Iniesta, Cesc Fabregas, Sergio Busquets, Xavi (Barcelona), Santi Cazorla (Arsenal), Juan Mata (Manchester United), David Silva (Manchester City), Thiago Alcantara (Bayern Munich), Ander Iturraspe (Athletic Bilbao), Koke (Atletico Madrid), Xabi Alonso (Real Madrid)
Attackers: Diego Costa, David Villa (Atletico Madrid), Alvaro Negredo, Jesus Navas (Manchester City), Fernando Torres (Chelsea), Fernando Llorente (Juventus), Pedro (Barcelona)
Spain coach Vicente del Bosque has announced his 30-man provisional squad for this summer's World Cup in Brazil, with Real Madrid's Alvaro Arbeloa and Isco as two of the most notable absentees.
Isco has struggled to find his best form in the second half of the season after initially impressing at Madrid, which has now cost him his place in Del Bosque's roster, while Arbeloa has lost his spot to Dani Carvajal.Meanwhile, Iker Casillas has made the cut regardless of his limited amount of playing time at Madrid this season, while Thiago Alcantara and Fernando Llorente have both made it, too.
Other surprising callups include Alberto Moreno, Ander Iturraspe and Koke.
Del Bosque will announce his final squad on May 25.Spain meet Netherlands, Chile and Australia in Group B at the World Cup.
SQUAD IN FULL:
Goalkeepers: Iker Casillas (Real Madrid), Pepe Reina (Napoli), David de Gea (Manchester United)
Defenders: Dani Carvajal, Sergio Ramos (Real Madrid), Juanfran (Atletico Madrid), Raul Albiol (Napoli), Javi Martinez (Bayern Munich), Alberto Moreno (Sevilla), Jordi Alba, Gerard Pique (Barcelona), Cesar Azpilicueta (Chelsea)
Midfielders: Andres Iniesta, Cesc Fabregas, Sergio Busquets, Xavi (Barcelona), Santi Cazorla (Arsenal), Juan Mata (Manchester United), David Silva (Manchester City), Thiago Alcantara (Bayern Munich), Ander Iturraspe (Athletic Bilbao), Koke (Atletico Madrid), Xabi Alonso (Real Madrid)
Attackers: Diego Costa, David Villa (Atletico Madrid), Alvaro Negredo, Jesus Navas (Manchester City), Fernando Torres (Chelsea), Fernando Llorente (Juventus), Pedro (Barcelona)
Spain Squad 1ka patta
David Villa & Torres add karala
Anyway final squad 1ke announce karanne 25th May
Good Luck Spain!
David Villa & Torres add karala
Anyway final squad 1ke announce karanne 25th MayGood Luck Spain!
Spain Squad 1ka patta
David Villa & Torres add karala
Good Luck Spain!
Spain ftw
Rio Ferdinand has confirmed he will leave Manchester United after 12 years at the club.
Ferdinand, 35, became the most expensive British footballer in history when he moved to Old Trafford from Leeds United in a £29.1 million deal in the summer of 2002.
He went on to make 454 appearances for the club, scoring eight goals and winning six Premier League titles, two League Cups and the Champions League in 2008.
"I have thought long and hard over the last few months about my future, and after 12 fantastic years playing, for what I regard, as the best club in the world, I have decided the time is right for me to move on," Ferdinand told his website, 5mag.
"I joined Manchester United in the hope of winning trophies, and never in my wildest dreams could I have imagined how successful we would be during my time here. There have been so many highlights, playing alongside some great players who have become good friends, winning my first Premier League title and also that fantastic night in Moscow are memories that I will cherish forever.
"Circumstances didn't allow for me to say goodbye the way I would have liked but I'd like to take this opportunity to thank my team-mates, staff, the club & the fans for an unbelievable 12 yrs that I’ll never forget. Winning trophies I dreamed about as a kid came true at this great club.
"I am feeling fit and healthy, ready for a new challenge and looking forward to whatever the future holds for me."
Retire wena eka hodai.. Rio too old dan!
Wenger concerned by managerial changes
Arsene Wenger believes Tottenham's decision to part company with Tim Sherwood is a sad indictment of Premier League management.
Head coach Sherwood was relieved of his duties by the London club on Tuesday, having only been appointed as Andre Villas-Boas' successor in December.
The former England midfielder guided Tottenham to sixth spot to ensure they will play in the Europa League next season, but that was not enough to convince the club's hierachy that he was the right man for the job on a long-term basis.
Sherwood was the 12th top-flight boss to lose his job this season and Wenger, the longest serving manager in the country, believes clubs are acting too hastily.
Arsenal manager Wenger said: "For me if it's a Tottenham manager or any other manager it's always sad news when somebody loses his job,
"The only thing that looks a bit worrying is that the speed of the rotation level in the Premier League gets quicker and quicker. That's not a very good sign for the Premier League.
"I believe that technical stability is important for the development of the game,
"At the moment people think a lot about that so we accept in our job as well that if directors are not happy, or owners are not happy with us, that we can lose the job.
"But technical stability is important."
Wenger moved to Arsenal in 1996 and last month took charge of his 1,000th match at the club.
Arsene Wenger believes Tottenham's decision to part company with Tim Sherwood is a sad indictment of Premier League management.
Head coach Sherwood was relieved of his duties by the London club on Tuesday, having only been appointed as Andre Villas-Boas' successor in December.
The former England midfielder guided Tottenham to sixth spot to ensure they will play in the Europa League next season, but that was not enough to convince the club's hierachy that he was the right man for the job on a long-term basis.
Sherwood was the 12th top-flight boss to lose his job this season and Wenger, the longest serving manager in the country, believes clubs are acting too hastily.
Arsenal manager Wenger said: "For me if it's a Tottenham manager or any other manager it's always sad news when somebody loses his job,
"The only thing that looks a bit worrying is that the speed of the rotation level in the Premier League gets quicker and quicker. That's not a very good sign for the Premier League.
"I believe that technical stability is important for the development of the game,
"At the moment people think a lot about that so we accept in our job as well that if directors are not happy, or owners are not happy with us, that we can lose the job.
"But technical stability is important."
Wenger moved to Arsenal in 1996 and last month took charge of his 1,000th match at the club.
FIFA approves Qatar reforms
New labour reforms in Qatar have been welcomed by Fifa, with president Sepp Blatter calling the developments a “significant step” in the troubled build-up to the 2022 World Cup finals.The Qatari Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs, in conjuction with the Ministry of the Interior, announced on Wednesday that reforms would take place to improve the welfare of migrant workers.
Over 1000 workers are believed to have died in the country since the beginning of 2012, with 500 from India alone having been killed according to official figures from Indian Embassy in Doha.The issues have led to widespread speculation about the country’s fitness to host the 2022 tournament, but news of the changes have been met with approval from the world game’s governing body.
“This announcement is a significant step in the right direction for sustainable change in the workers’ welfare standards in Qatar,” Blatter said in a Fifa statement.
“We look forward to seeing the implementation of these concrete actions over the next months.
“We will continue our close co-operation with Qatari authorities as well as dialogue with all key stakeholders.”Blatter and Fifa Executive Committee member Dr Theo Zwanziger were due to fly Qatar for a fact-finding trip this month, but have now postponed the trip after the news of the new reforms.
The pair will now visit the nation after the completion of the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, allowing time for the new measures to have an effect before their latest review of the situation.
New labour reforms in Qatar have been welcomed by Fifa, with president Sepp Blatter calling the developments a “significant step” in the troubled build-up to the 2022 World Cup finals.The Qatari Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs, in conjuction with the Ministry of the Interior, announced on Wednesday that reforms would take place to improve the welfare of migrant workers.
Over 1000 workers are believed to have died in the country since the beginning of 2012, with 500 from India alone having been killed according to official figures from Indian Embassy in Doha.The issues have led to widespread speculation about the country’s fitness to host the 2022 tournament, but news of the changes have been met with approval from the world game’s governing body.
“This announcement is a significant step in the right direction for sustainable change in the workers’ welfare standards in Qatar,” Blatter said in a Fifa statement.
“We look forward to seeing the implementation of these concrete actions over the next months.
“We will continue our close co-operation with Qatari authorities as well as dialogue with all key stakeholders.”Blatter and Fifa Executive Committee member Dr Theo Zwanziger were due to fly Qatar for a fact-finding trip this month, but have now postponed the trip after the news of the new reforms.
The pair will now visit the nation after the completion of the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, allowing time for the new measures to have an effect before their latest review of the situation.
Lineker: Barkley just like Gascoigne
Former England international Gary Lineker says Ross Barkley reminds him of his old international team-mate Paul Gascoigne.
Lineker, who scored 48 goals in 80 international appearances, believes manager Roy Hodgson should put faith in the younger members of his squad at the 2014 World Cup - particularly Barkley, who has shone in the Premier League for Everton this season.
"I see things in Barkley's game, in terms of strengths and weaknesses," Lineker told the Daily Mail.
"Like Gazza he can go past people. He's incredibly strong. He's got a similar stature, got amazing ability and will score amazing goals like Gazza.
"On the defensive side he's slightly lacking in terms of tactical nous, but if you play him in a certain position that wouldn't necessarily be that important."
Barkley is one of a number of players in England's squad with a relative lack of experience at international level, together with the likes of Liverpool's Raheem Sterling and Adam Lallana of Southampton.
"I think a good percentage of them (the younger players) will start," added Lineker.
"I think he (Roy Hodgson) knows that's his best chance, rather than trying the ones that have been there, seen that, done it.
"Sterling is a phenomenal talent. He's probably the best of the youngsters.
"He looks slightly ahead of Barkley in terms of consistency, and his ability to play in a number of positions is incredible for one so inexperienced.
"Lallana is a beautiful footballer. He lacks a bit of pace but he is wonderfully gifted with both feet and he keeps the ball well. Daniel Sturridge could also comfortably emerge and become a star."
Former England international Gary Lineker says Ross Barkley reminds him of his old international team-mate Paul Gascoigne.
Lineker, who scored 48 goals in 80 international appearances, believes manager Roy Hodgson should put faith in the younger members of his squad at the 2014 World Cup - particularly Barkley, who has shone in the Premier League for Everton this season.
"I see things in Barkley's game, in terms of strengths and weaknesses," Lineker told the Daily Mail.
"Like Gazza he can go past people. He's incredibly strong. He's got a similar stature, got amazing ability and will score amazing goals like Gazza.
"On the defensive side he's slightly lacking in terms of tactical nous, but if you play him in a certain position that wouldn't necessarily be that important."
Barkley is one of a number of players in England's squad with a relative lack of experience at international level, together with the likes of Liverpool's Raheem Sterling and Adam Lallana of Southampton.
"I think a good percentage of them (the younger players) will start," added Lineker.
"I think he (Roy Hodgson) knows that's his best chance, rather than trying the ones that have been there, seen that, done it.
"Sterling is a phenomenal talent. He's probably the best of the youngsters.
"He looks slightly ahead of Barkley in terms of consistency, and his ability to play in a number of positions is incredible for one so inexperienced.
"Lallana is a beautiful footballer. He lacks a bit of pace but he is wonderfully gifted with both feet and he keeps the ball well. Daniel Sturridge could also comfortably emerge and become a star."
La Decima is a dream for all of us - Bale
Real Madrid attacker Gareth Bale insists the entire squad share the supporters' dream of claiming a 10th European title.
The Spanish giants have not won the Champions League since 2002 but reached this season's final following a 5-0 aggregate thrashing of Bayern Munich in the semi-finals.
And Bale, who has already lifted the Copa del Rey in a successful first season at Santiago Bernabeu, says the whole of Carlo Ancelotti's team is eager to clinch La Decima against rivals Atletico Madrid.
"It will be a tough final," he told the press.
"La Decima is a dream not only for our fans, but also the club. It's a dream for all of us, but it will be a difficult game."
"We are just thinking about beating Atletico. We are focused on the game, and then we'll see how we celebrate it," added Bale's team-mate Luka Modric, while Brazilian full-back Marcelo said: "There is a lot of pressure and a lot of responsibility attached with playing in a European Cup final, but we are remaining calm and focused in order to enjoy ourselves and try to win the 10th title."
Midfielder Isco says he is "honoured" to have reached the final of Europe's top club competition, while Dani Carvajal is hopeful a strong showing in the Lisbon clash could be enough for him to force his way into Vicente del Bosque's 23-man Spain squad for the World Cup.
"We'll do everything possible to win the Champions League," said Isco.
"We all know that the Champions League is the most important competition in the world. For that reason it is an honour to play in the final and we will do everything we can to win it."
Carvajal added: "I'll do everything I can in order to make it into the definitive list of players for the World Cup.
"Now I'm trying to make the most of the moment. I'm delighted to be part of the provisional list for the World Cup and will do everything I can to make it into the definitive list, but the most important thing right now is the Champions League final."
Real Madrid attacker Gareth Bale insists the entire squad share the supporters' dream of claiming a 10th European title.
The Spanish giants have not won the Champions League since 2002 but reached this season's final following a 5-0 aggregate thrashing of Bayern Munich in the semi-finals.
And Bale, who has already lifted the Copa del Rey in a successful first season at Santiago Bernabeu, says the whole of Carlo Ancelotti's team is eager to clinch La Decima against rivals Atletico Madrid.
"It will be a tough final," he told the press.
"La Decima is a dream not only for our fans, but also the club. It's a dream for all of us, but it will be a difficult game."
"We are just thinking about beating Atletico. We are focused on the game, and then we'll see how we celebrate it," added Bale's team-mate Luka Modric, while Brazilian full-back Marcelo said: "There is a lot of pressure and a lot of responsibility attached with playing in a European Cup final, but we are remaining calm and focused in order to enjoy ourselves and try to win the 10th title."
Midfielder Isco says he is "honoured" to have reached the final of Europe's top club competition, while Dani Carvajal is hopeful a strong showing in the Lisbon clash could be enough for him to force his way into Vicente del Bosque's 23-man Spain squad for the World Cup.
"We'll do everything possible to win the Champions League," said Isco.
"We all know that the Champions League is the most important competition in the world. For that reason it is an honour to play in the final and we will do everything we can to win it."
Carvajal added: "I'll do everything I can in order to make it into the definitive list of players for the World Cup.
"Now I'm trying to make the most of the moment. I'm delighted to be part of the provisional list for the World Cup and will do everything I can to make it into the definitive list, but the most important thing right now is the Champions League final."
I don't care about Bayern yet - Lewandowski
Robert Lewandowksi says he is not interested in Bayern Munich yet as he prepares to face his new club in Saturday's DFB Pokal final.
Lewandowski has scored 116 goals for Borussia Dortmund since arriving from Lech Poznan, including five against Bayern in seven appearances, and will feature for Jurgen Klopp's side for the last time this weekend before making his summer switch to the German champions.
However, the Poland international insists he will not be distracted by the thought of facing his future employers and is determined to leave his current club with a trophy in hand.
"At the moment, I'm not interested in my new employers at all," he told Sport Bild. "I'm too much of a sportsman to let it distract me.
We have a lot to gain. It was a great experience to see the fans feel like that [for his final home game]. I want a crowning glory - preferably with a cup in hand."
However, Bayern midfielder Javi Martinez has warned his future team-mate he will be given no quarter when the sides clash in Berlin.
"It's great that he's back next year with us," the Spaniard told Sport Bild . "But still we are not colleagues - in Berlin he'll feel the full force from me.
"We can then be friends from the summer."
Robert Lewandowksi says he is not interested in Bayern Munich yet as he prepares to face his new club in Saturday's DFB Pokal final.
Lewandowski has scored 116 goals for Borussia Dortmund since arriving from Lech Poznan, including five against Bayern in seven appearances, and will feature for Jurgen Klopp's side for the last time this weekend before making his summer switch to the German champions.
However, the Poland international insists he will not be distracted by the thought of facing his future employers and is determined to leave his current club with a trophy in hand.
"At the moment, I'm not interested in my new employers at all," he told Sport Bild. "I'm too much of a sportsman to let it distract me.
We have a lot to gain. It was a great experience to see the fans feel like that [for his final home game]. I want a crowning glory - preferably with a cup in hand."
However, Bayern midfielder Javi Martinez has warned his future team-mate he will be given no quarter when the sides clash in Berlin.
"It's great that he's back next year with us," the Spaniard told Sport Bild . "But still we are not colleagues - in Berlin he'll feel the full force from me.
"We can then be friends from the summer."
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