Backs to the wall — that’s the popular consensus on where stands the Irish football team as a depleted line-up prepares to face world champions Germany at the Aviva Stadium tonight.

Captain John Terry believes Chelsea have rediscovered their identity under Jose Mourinho to make a Barclays Premier League title tilt.

CHELSEA have stepped up the pace in their efforts to sign Real Madrid forward Robinho before the start of the season.

Police detained 45 people and 109 were injured as more than 125,000 fans gathered to celebrate Barcelona’s Champions League success against Arsenal.

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho insists he is “not the man for England” but the man to help England win the World Cup by keeping his England players fit.