England captain John Terry is a major doubt for England’s World Cup qualifier with Kazakhstan on Saturday – meaning Rio Ferdinand could get the chance to lead his country once again.

Argentina coach Diego Maradona will not lose any sleep if Scotland assistant Terry Butcher does not shake his hand at the end of tomorrow’s friendly at Hampden.

Wales want to put down an immediate marker in terms of their discipline when they face opening World Cup warm-up opponents Ireland tomorrow.

Jonathan Sexton has no doubt Ireland’s best is yet to come as they approach the Rugby World Cup and the out-half believes the team can do just that by embracing the attacking approach that cut Scotland to shreds last March and retained the Six Nations title.

Brian Ashton accepts England face “a massive challenge” in their quest to create World Cup history tonight.

Scotland head coach Frank Hadden believes his World Cup squad is the “most competitive” he could have selected.

WORLD CUP GROUP D:

IT HASN’T been easy but I have had to face reality. This will probably be my last World Cup.

Graeme McDowell believes representing Ireland at this week’s World Cup of Golf in Melbourne may mean he will “have to play” for the country at the Olympic Games in 2016.

The Republic of Ireland are expected to figure among the second seeds for the Euro 2016 qualifying draw in Nice on February 23 next year.

Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez wants his summer spending wrapped up before the World Cup starts.

Brian O'Driscoll has given coach Eddie O'Sullivan a vote of confidence by blaming the players for Ireland's World Cup shambles.

Wigan prop Iafeta Palea’aesina has turned his back on New Zealand by opting to help Samoa qualify for the 2008 World Cup.

France coach Raymond Domenech admitted judgment days were looming for his team ahead of the World Cup qualifying double-header with the Faroe Islands and the Republic of Ireland.

FIFA officials have potentially set a precedent for overruling refereeing decisions after ordering Uzbekistan’s World Cup qualifier against Bahrain to be replayed.

Neil Best insists there is no need to panic as Ireland recover from the “Ultimate Fighting side of rugby” that has marked their World Cup preparations.

Brian O’Driscoll has warned Ireland’s World Cup hopefuls a selfish approach to Saturday’s clash with Scotland will only harm their chances of selection.

Jonny Wilkinson has been named as new captain of the England rugby team.

Jason Leonard will equal international rugby’s world cap record when he lines up for England against Wales on Sunday.

Eddie O’Sullivan admitted he was hugely relieved to have achieved his goal of reaching the World Cup quarter-finals after the team’s nail-biting 16-15 win over Argentina in Adelaide.