England coach Sven-Goran Eriksson is confident Steven Gerrard will be fit to play in the World Cup qualifier against Austria on Saturday, despite missing the end of today‘s training session with a groin injury.

England coach Sven Goran-Eriksson had the luxury of training with a full squad today before flying out to Vienna this afternoon ahead of the opening World Cup qualifier against Austria on Saturday.

West Brom’s Andy Johnson has withdrawn from the Wales squad to face Northern Ireland following a family bereavement.

Leinster have included most of their World Cup contingent, including Brian O'Driscoll and Malcolm O'Kelly, for Saturday's Celtic League tie at the Neath/Swansea Ospreys at The Gnoll.

Former Rangers boss Dick Advocaat has resigned as coach of Holland, the KNVB confirmed today.

England look certain to be without Wayne Rooney for their first two World Cup qualifiers.

Machiavellian, one of Europe’s leading stallions and sire of two Dubai World Cup winners, has been put down at the age of 17.

A list of major sports events to be made available on free-to-air television was today published by the Government.

Niall Quinn is hoping to bring a little of the Republic of Ireland’s World Cup camaraderie into the Sunderland dressing room.

Italian state broadcaster RAI is considering suing FIFA arguing that poor refereeing was to blame for Italy's exit from the tournament.

By Damian Spellman

The Australian Rugby Union have hit back at damaging accusations from New Zealand by denying they ever wanted to host the World Cup alone.

Republic of Ireland boss Mick McCarthy believes Saudi Arabia will be highly motivated to knock his team out of the World Cup.

Sven-Goran Eriksson said the Holland game gave him a chance to try something new.

Argentina coach Marcelo Bielsa claimed his side did not deserve to lose today’s World Cup showdown because they were ‘‘more skilful’’ than the England team.

Gary Neville has set himself a two-week deadline in his race against the clock to be fit for the World Cup.

David Beckham is sporting a new look as he continues his comeback programme in his bid to be fit to lead England’s challenge for World Cup glory this summer.

England captain David Beckham today urged his team-mates to focus solely on Wednesday’s crucial World Cup qualifier with Albania.

Republic of Ireland defender Kenny Cunningham admits the side will have no excuses if they throw away their precious three-point Group Two lead and blow their World Cup 2002 qualification bid.