Football news in brief

ENGLAND will take on World Cup runners-up the Netherlands in a friendly at Wembley in February. The FA confirmed that the match – which was due to be played in August but was postponed due to the riots which were sweeping London at the time - will take place on 29 February and represents England’s first game of 2012 as they build up towards Euro 2012, the draw for which was made yesterday. It will be the 19th meeting of the two sides, with England having won five and drawn nine of their previous meetings.

CHELSEA have confirmed a knife was discovered by cleaning staff in a dressing room at the club’s training ground. The knife was found in the changing area of the complex in Cobham, Surrey, which is used by youth team players. After an investigation, the youngsters were questioned and warned of the consequences of knife crime, but no further action was taken as it was thought the knife was left behind by a contractor on the site.

FORMER Newcastle midfielder Joey Barton has indicated he has ended his war of words with the club. Alan Pardew yesterday urged Barton, who left the club during the summer after having the offer of a contract extension withdrawn, not to take the gloss off Newcastle’s fine start to the season, and it appears his plea has been answered. Barton tweeted: “Pardew’s a good man and manager, I agree with what he has said. Time to keep my peace.”

BRAZIL’S 2002 World Cup winner Rivaldo has quit Sao Paulo after the club extended the contract of controversial coach Emerson Leao for another year. However, the former Barcelona and AC Milan player said he planned to continue his career. “As from Saturday, which will be my last training session, I will no longer be part of the Sao Paulo squad,” the 39-year-old said. It’s not my farewell from football as I still have a lot of wood to put on the fire, I plan to continue my career.”

Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola has denied centre-back Gerard Pique provoked a fifth yellow card in Tuesday’s 4-0 home win over Rayo Vallecano so he would serve a one-match ban against Levante today and be free to play in next week’s ‘Clasico’ at leaders Real Madrid. Madrid-based media had speculated the Spanish FA might ban him for two games as he appeared to invite the card by taking too long over a free-kick, but instead he was given a standard one-match ban. “We don’t practice these things in training,” Guardiola said.