Germany legend Franz Beckenbauer has accused England of playing “kick and rush” football and believes they are suffering for the lack of domestic players in the Premier League.

Lionel Messi is not letting his goalscoring drought affect him as long as Argentina continue to win at the World Cup.

Thierry Henry will face FIFA’s disciplinary committee tomorrow over his infamous handball against the Republic of Ireland.

France coach Bernard Laporte has issued a defiant message that Les Bleus can “still play a key role” in the World Cup despite a stunning opening game defeat against Argentina.

The Netherlands are more streetwise now than when they tackled Spain in the 2010 World Cup final, according to national captain, Robin van Persie.

England striker Michael Owen is refusing to worry about his World Cup chances just yet despite reporting a problem with his previously-broken right foot on his return to competitive action.

A British member of the European Parliament is seeking support within the EU legislature for a letter to FIFA demanding that Iran be thrown out of the World Cup, the office of Conservative member Chris Heaton-Harris said today.

Scotland midfielder Paul Hartley believes facing France is the hardest task in international football, but he feels Walter Smith’s team have a chance on Saturday.

Alan Curbishley believes Sven-Goran Eriksson is likely to remain as England manager beyond the World Cup because the Football Association has “no Plan B”.

The Football Association of Ireland has announced two friendlies against China and Italy for this year.

Mercurial fly-half Ronan O’Gara stepped into the World Cup spotlight at a rain-drenched Aussie Stadium as Ireland looked to dispose of Namibia with the minimum of fuss.

Senegal coach Bruno Metsu described it as ‘‘an historic day for Senegal’’ after the African nation reached the second round of the World Cup with a 3-3 draw with Uruguay.

The World Anti-Doping Agency has ruled Moscow planted fake evidence and deleted files linked to positive doping tests.

David Harte is anxiously looking forward to getting back into World Cup action against China tomorow after what is, in hockey terms, a lengthy gap between games.

PORTUGAL coach Carlos Queiroz insists his team are more than capable of reaching the World Cup despite the significant absence of Cristiano Ronaldo as they head into the first-leg of their play-off with Bosnia-Herzegovina tonight.