Vassell tipped to be a World Cup surprise

Rio Ferdinand is tipping Darius Vassell to be "a surprise package of the World Cup" as the Aston Villa striker gears up for his first major tournament.

Vassell was a virtual unknown at the start of this season but is now challenging strongly for a place in Sven-Goran Eriksson’s starting line-up - especially if injuries mean Emile Heskey is played in a wide left position.