Arsenal 2 - 1 Barcelona

AC Milan 0 - 1 Spurs

Jack and the boys in training for Wednesday's European match against Barcelona

Arsenal 2 - 0 Wolves

 

Denmark 1 - 2 England

Jack Wilshere trains with England

Newcastle 4 - 4 Arsenal

u21: Italy 1 - 0 England

A late penalty by Federico Macheda gave Italy a friendly win against UEFA European Under-21 Championship finalists England in Empoli. Having taken over a team that failed to reach June's finals in Denmark, Italy coach Ciro Ferrara fielded a side eligible for 2013 qualifying but they kept a depleted England lineup comfortably at bay and struck on 88 minutes when Ben Mee fouled Niccolò Giannetti, earning himself a red card, and home captain Macheda the chance to win the match from eleven metres.

England will hope to regroup for their remaining friendlies away at finals hosts Denmark on 24 March and at home to Iceland four days later before facing Spain, Ukraine and the Czech Republic in their group from 12 June. England manager Stuart Pearce, who was already without six defenders in the shape of Martin Kelly, Kieran Gibbs, Micah Richards, Chris Smalling, Kyle Walker and James Tomkins, lost Jack Rodwell to injury after 11 minutes, replacing him with Jack Cork. With England still adapting, Italy created the best opportunity of the first half and Frank Fielding had to tip away a shot by Gianvito Misuraca at full stretch.

Both coaches made changes at the break but Italy remained the more dangerous of the two sides and Macheda, currently on loan to UC Sampdoria from Manchester United FC, found space on the left only to find the side netting. with his shot. At the other end substitute Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain was unable to find enough power in his shot to beat Carlo Pinsoglio, who was also twice tested by Scott Sinclair as England finished strongly. However, Macheda was to have the last word.

Aaron Ramsey

Gary Neville announces retirement from football with immediate effect

After making 602 appearances for Manchester United, winning eight Premier League titles, three FA Cups and one European Cup, as well as playing 85 times for England, Gary Neville has tonight announced his immediate retirement from football. Talking of a player synonymous with Manchester United's most successful era, the manager Sir Alex Ferguson said tonight that the 35-year-old was "the best English right-back of his generation". The player himself, whose passion for his only club was celebrated by United fans and made him a target for rivals, said: "Obviously I am disappointed that my playing days are at an end, however it comes to us all and it's knowing when that time is and for me that time is now."

Although he had been expected to follow the lead of Edwin van der Sar and retire at the end of the season, the timing of the announcement led to immediate speculation that he would join Sky's roster of pundits in the wake of the sacking of Andy Gray. Although it is understood that the broadcaster is not planning to announce a replacement for the Scot immediately, instead continuing with a rotating cast of presenters and pundits, Neville is likely to appear in some capacity before the end of the season.

He is expected to combine a broadcasting career with his business interests and an ongoing role at Manchester United, whether in a coaching or ambassadorial capacity. Last weekend, Ferguson promised the player a job for life at Old Trafford. "Gary will have a place at Manchester United for ever, there's no question about that," he said. "Obviously there is a bit of speculation about who replaces Andy Gray and Richard Keys but it is not my agenda. Of course, we want him to stay here when he finishes playing but we'll see. I don't know what he'd be like as a pundit. I don't know, he's not got the experience."

The club has a tradition of maintaining links with its iconic names, from Sir Bobby Charlton to Bryan Robson and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, who recently left his position as reserve team coach to take over as manager of Molde in his native Norway. Neville said tonight: "I have been a Manchester United fan all my life and fulfilled every dream I've ever had. I have played in the most incredible football teams, playing with some of the best players in the world, as well as against them, and I have been lucky to be a part of the team's achievements and the club's great success.

"There have also been so many great players that I have had the privilege to train and play alongside. The experiences we've shared will be with me for the rest of my life. I am looking forward to new experiences and the club will always be a part of my life, however the most important thing now is for the club to continue with the success that is synonymous with Manchester United and I will be supporting them all the way, as a fan." Ferguson and others tonight paid tribute to his leadership qualities and fierce competitive spirit. "The best right-back in Premier League history, fact," Rio Ferdinand wrote on Twitter. "Gonna be a big loss to our dressing room."

Neville inherited the captain's armband from Roy Keane in November 2005, but within 18 months suffered a broken ankle against Bolton. Although he eventually returned to the United side and repeatedly battled back from a series of muscular complaints, he lost his once automatic place to Wes Brown, John O'Shea and current incumbent Rafael. His last appearance was in the victory at West Bromwich Albion on New Year's Day.