The failure by Uruguayan officials to award England a valid goal in their World Cup last-16 clash with Germany yesterday has been described as a “gross error” by a newspaper column in the South American country.

Philipp Lahm believes England may not enjoy as much confidence as Germany should their World Cup last-16 clash have to be decided by penalties.

Irish manager Mick McCarthy has refused to accept the training facilities provided to the Irish team ahead of their World Cup last-16 showdown with Spain on Sunday.