Ledley King returned to the training ground this morning as he stepped up his recovery from a groin strain.

The Japan Football Association have begun their search for a new national team coach after Takeshi Okada reiterated his intention to step down.

Goalkeeper Hugo Lloris has admitted the decision of the France squad to strike during the World Cup was “completely stupid”.

Raymond Domenech’s lawyer has confirmed his client will seek a compensation payment of €2.9m from the French Football Federation after his exit as national team coach.

Republic of Ireland midfielder Aiden McGeady has said Giovanni Trapattoni’s side are ‘going to have to go for it’ when they face France on Saturday night.

France veteran Patrick Vieira has lashed out after he was left out of Raymond Domenech’s squad for the World Cup qualifying play-offs against the Republic of Ireland.

Jerry Barton has already trained a Dubai World Cup runner-up and has tipped 2009 contender Joe Louis to spring a surprise at Nad Al Sheba on Saturday.

Ireland captain William Porterfield is already dreaming of another World Cup fairytale as his side begin their bid to qualify for the 2011 tournament.

England coach Fabio Capello has sought to ease a growing striker crisis by handing a surprise call-up to Aston Villa’s Gabriel Agbonlahor.

Sven-Goran Eriksson has turned down an offer from North Korea to become their technical adviser for next year’s World Cup.

Emile Heskey has admitted he will consider leaving Aston Villa in January in a bid to secure his place in the England squad for next summer’s World Cup.

Former England star Jason Robinson has claimed that Brian Ashton’s recent ousting as head coach of the national team was “harsh”.

The chances of soccer fans watching next summer’s early morning World Cup matches in the pub were dealt a blow today when the Government indicated it had no plans to grant early opening licences.

ROMANIA winger Catalin Fercu has revealed he pulled out of the 2011 Rugby World Cup squad at the last minute due to a fear of flying.

SHOW JUMPER Denis Lynch rounded off a good weekend at the World Cup show in Vigo, Spain, when steering Abbervail van het Dingeshof to fifth place in yesterday’s grand prix.

Top referee Alain Rolland has thanked Wales captain Sam Warburton for his public backing in the wake of the World Cup sending off that derailed the Welsh challenge in New Zealand last October.

CASH-STRAPPED RTÉ will have to pay out up to €10 million to broadcast the soccer World Cup and the Six Nations Rugby games this year.

CLIVE WOODWARD soaked up the astounding scenes of celebration in London’s West End with obvious enjoyment but as soon as the victory parade for England’s World Cup triumph was over the team’s guiding force was already consigning the day to the history books.