The Italian press pulled no punches this morning as they dissected the Azzurri’s World Cup failure.

Sunderland manager Steve Bruce has ruled out making a move for Manchester United midfielder Michael Carrick in the summer transfer window.

Police in Kenya arrested a suspect in connection with the Uganda bomb attacks that killed 76 people watching the World Cup final on television.

Sepp Blatter has confirmed FIFA will look into claims of mistreatment of North Korea’s players and coach.

Footballer Ashley Cole could be single again before the World Cup if his pop star wife Cheryl decides to follow their separation with divorce, a leading family lawyer said tonight.

Republic of Ireland striker Noel Hunt has been ruled out of next month's World Cup playoffs with France having undergone a knee operation that may well see him sidelined for the rest of the season.

Republic of Ireland boss Giovanni Trapattoni will make a late decision between Aiden McGeady and Liam Lawrence ahead of tomorrow night's World Cup play-off clash with France.

Republic of Ireland goalkeeper Brian Murphy has spoken of the joy of doubling a league title with an international call-up for the World Cup play-offs.

Lyon utility man Jeremy Toulalan is unlikely to play for France in their crucial World Cup play-off against the Republic of Ireland on Saturday, according to his club coach Claude Puel.

Giovanni Trapattoni kept faith with the men who ran France close on Saturday for tonight’s decisive World Cup play-off clash in Paris.

Arsenal winger Theo Walcott made his return to the England team for the World Cup qualifier against Kazakhstan after dislocating his shoulder and missing four international games.

Republic of Ireland defender Richard Dunne admitted to some “disappointment” after tonight’s draw at home to Bulgaria – but is still confident of progression from World Cup Qualifying Group Eight.

England maintained their grip on Group Six with a hard-fought 2-1 win over Ukraine in their World Cup qualifier at Wembley.

Greece maintained their position at the top of World Cup Qualifying Group Two with a 2-1 victory over Israel at the Pagkritio stadium in Crete.

As expected, Peter Crouch was handed his first start under Fabio Capello for England’s crucial World Cup qualifier against Ukraine at Wembley tonight.

France midfielder Lassana Diarra believes it would be a mistake to get rid of under-fire coach Raymond Domenech, despite the national team’s disappointing showing at Euro 2008.

Martin Corry has announced he is to retire from international rugby.

Twitter full of tributes for Joe Schmidt and Rory Best as they depart the stage.