STEVEN GERRARD was the only England star named in the UEFA
team of the year.
The Liverpool skipper had an outstanding 2006 after leading the
Reds to FA Cup glory, scoring twice in the final.
Despite failing to find his form at the World Cup and playing out
of position for club and country, Gerrard got the nod ahead of
other England favourites.
Frank Lampard, John Terry and Wayne Rooney all missed out on
nominations.
There are no players from Premiership champions Chelsea or Carling
Cup winners Manchester United.
But Arsenal duo Cesc Fabregas and Thierry Henry do make the
XI.
Fabregas shone as Arsenal reached the Champions League final, while
Henry helped France to the World Cup final.
The team is dominated by Champions League winners Barcelona and the
World Cup winning Italians.
FIFA World Player of the Year Fabio Cannavaro, goalkeeper Gianluigi
Buffon, and defender Gianluca Zambrotta were picked from the World
Champions.
Carles Puyol, Ronaldinho, Samuel Eto'o and coach Frank Rijkaard
represent the Spanish giants Barca.
Team of 2006
Gianluigi Buffon (Italy/Juventus)
Gianluca Zambrotta (Italy/Barcelona)
Fabio Cannavaro (Italy/Real Madrid)
Carles Puyol (Spain/Barcelona)
Philipp Lahm (Germany/Bayern Munich)
Kaka (Brazil/AC Milan)
Steven Gerrard (England/Liverpool)
Cesc Fabregas (Spain/Arsenal)
Ronaldinho (Brazil/Barcelona)
Thierry Henry (France/Arsenal)
Samuel Eto'o (Cameroon/Barcelona)
Coach: Frank Rijkaard
(Barcelona)
