Hull’s new signing Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink believes he has found the perfect springboard from which to launch a bid for a place at next year’s World Cup.

Fabio Capello’s England were given a clean bill of health today as they began preparations for Saturday’s friendly with Slovenia at Wembley.

Nigel Worthington is not interested in discussing a new contract as Northern Ireland boss until his country’s World Cup fate is settled.

FOR footballers, a 30th birthday is nothing to celebrate. The anniversary bestows a veteran status on even the sprightliest of players and forces them to confront a life bereft of the weekly adrenaline shot of competitive action.

GERMANY took another ominous step towards South Africa 2010, Michael Ballack blasting home an early 30-yarder before the unlucky Ashley Williams scored an own goal for the clincher.

England 4 Slovakia 0

Richard Dunne is keeping his fingers crossed Shay Given is fit to lay the foundation for the Republic of Ireland's big World Cup push.

Mexico manager Sven-Goran Eriksson believes he could be out of a job later this month if his side fail to beat Costa Rica in their World Cup qualifying fixture.

Two-goal hero Robbie Keane admitted the Republic of Ireland rode their luck in a vital 2-1 World Cup qualifying victory over Georgia tonight.

Republic of Ireland manager Giovanni Trapattoni is dreaming of taking his team to his native Italy with nine more World Cup points already in the bank.

Giovanni Trapattoni set his sights on South Africa 2010 after his side launched their World Cup qualifying campaign with a victory over Georgia.

Robbie Keane will embark upon a new World Cup qualifying campaign next month admitting the Republic of Ireland have simply not been good enough in recent years.

JOHN TOSHACK insists he still believes in his vision of Wales’ footballing future as he prepares to lead his country into their final two Euro 2008 qualifiers.