France head coach Bernard Laporte is not expecting England to spring any surprises in Saturday’s World Cup semi-final in Paris.

Calls have been made for the contest to host the 2022 World Cup to be re-run if allegations about corruption in the bidding process are true.

After five days of touring some of the country’s most famous tourist landmarks, this year’s crop of Roses finally planted themselves in the home of the world renowned competition, Tralee.

Welcome to your Thursday morning briefing. Let us ensure you’re up to speed on what’s happening and are prepared for the day ahead.

ENGLAND boss Sven-Goran Eriksson has called on his players to “seize the moment” against Denmark today as this could be their best, and potentially only, chance of World Cup success.

Tom Rees has been tipped as a potential England great as he prepares to make his delayed pre-World Cup arrival on Saturday.

Darren Clarke edged a little closer to an automatic place on the European Ryder Cup team at the weekend despite a disappointing final round in the Scottish Open.

Star striker Lomana LuaLua has told managerless Portsmouth they could have to do without him again for up to six games during the African Nations Cup next month.

Ireland all-rounder Kevin O’Brien says the younger members of the squad are ready to make the “step up” to the big stage in the ICC World Twenty20 in India.

World Rugby plans to review the process which saw South Africa named preferred bidder only for France to be chosen to host the 2023 Rugby World Cup.

The Dáil has passed legislation to allow Ireland host the Rugby World Cup in 2023.

Holland’s substitute goalkeeper Tim Krul dramatically made two saves in a penalty shoot-out against Costa Rica to carry his side into the semi-finals of the World Cup.

The pitch at Windsor Park will be assessed by FIFA delegates at 2pm this afternoon to check conditions are suitable for Israel to train ahead of tomorrow’s World Cup qualifier against Northern Ireland.

England 4 Montenegro 1

Russian President Vladimir Putin says the United States is meddling in Fifa’s affairs in an attempt to take the 2018 World Cup away from his country.

Bosch slots in for Matias Moroni in head coach Daniel Hourcade’s sole change from last weekend’s 43-20 quarter-final victory over Ireland.

Quade Cooper believes Ireland’s 15-6 victory over Australia has sounded their arrival as a major force at the World Cup.