Italy’s World Cup-winning coach Marcello Lippi believes Fabio Cannavaro deserved to pick up the Ballon D’Or.

World Cup-winning coach Marcello Lippi could make a shock return to the Italy set-up, although his successor Roberto Donadoni’s position is not under threat despite a disappointing start to his reign.

Sven-Goran Eriksson insists he has not slammed the door on David James’ World Cup hopes.

Republic of Ireland manager Brian Kerr has strenuously refuted suggestions of a bust-up with Roy Keane after a number of players were pictured in a nightclub on Friday night.

Scotland manager Walter Smith has told the Tartan Army there is reason for optimism despite missing out on the World Cup.

Theo Walcott is poised to make his first appearance for the England U21 side, barely seven weeks after being part of the senior squad for the World Cup finals.

Northern Ireland 0 Poland 3

Padraig Harrington has taken a two hole lead after seven on Ryder Cup opponent Chris Riley at the HSBC World Match Play Championship at Wentworth today.

FIFA president Sepp Blatter has strongly condemned David Beckham’s decision to seek a yellow card during England’s clash with Wales on Saturday.

England manager Sven-Goran Eriksson today promised to “take care” of the controversy surrounding David Beckham’s booking against Wales later this week.

Lawrence Dallaglio hailed his World Cup-winning England team-mates and praised them for doing their talking on the pitch.

Ireland 61 Italy 6

France prop Sylvain Marconnet hopes to unsettle coach Bernard Laporte’s prop hierarchy and show he also has the potential to become a first-team regular ahead of the World Cup as the defending RSB 6 Nations champions take on Scotland on Sunday.

One of the leading hitmen in Europe, Trezeguet's career has come on leaps and bounds since his

Sweden’s World Cup hopes are on shakier ground after what defender Johan Mjallby claimed was a ‘‘doubtful penalty’’ for England had given them a 1-0 victory over Argentina.

Irish players have stressed their determination to ‘‘finish the job’’ next Tuesday and qualify for the second round of the World Cup finals.

By Bill George

Leeds’ full-back Dan Scarbrough and Wasps’ centre Stuart Abbott will make their Test debuts when England’s World Cup warm-up campaign begins against Wales in Cardiff next Saturday.