England World Cup News

Plus Soumare traded, Rogers' rights being discussed, refs discuss Perez red card, Crew fans try to drum up support, and more.

He is seen as the type of player who gives footballers a bad name. Someone who typifies all the perceived negatives about the modern-day player.

The boots have just been hung up by a world-class footballer, one of the most courageous and committed England internationals, one of our most prolific goalscorers.

The 38-year-old Beckham, who said last week he will retire from the sport after the season, will be with French champion Paris Saint-Germain when the team travels to Lorient for the season finale.

When Darren Bent gave an interview to the written press after his televised welcome to Aston Villa two years ago, one motive for his switch from Sunderland quickly became clear.

Midfielder believes mixing band of kids who've grown up together with established old heads can deliver glory in Brazil - and beyond Manchester United midfielder Cleverley believes the youthful core in Roy Hodgson's squad can seal qualification this autumn and go on to make a big impact at the final in Brazil next summer.

Gareth Southgate's tame penalty is easily saved. Andreas Moller's thunderous strike hits the net as Germany see off England to reach the final of Euro 96.

After a year where football's name has been dragged through the mud by a series of racism controversies, UEFA has announced that players and officials will face a 10-match ban if found guilty of racist abuse.

"Sooooo happy to sign a 1yr extension for this great club, living the dream. Roll on next season # mufc" tweeted the defender Ferdinand, who was out of contract this summer, penned the 12-month deal that will see him play under new United boss David Moyes "I'm delighted to have signed a new contract," said Ferdinand.

Over the past few years we have seen others come over to the MLS. Robbie Keane, Thierry Henry and, of course, David Beckham are just a few of the outstanding talent that have found resurgences in America's top league.

Does David Beckham belong to the history or to the mythology of football? Was he remotely worth those 115 England caps? Does a predecessor on the England right being Chris Waddle have a valid point when he declared that Beckham wouldn't get even into the top thousand of Premiership footballers: "He never had a trick," says Waddle, he wasn't quick ... (more)

Portuguese has won consecutive titles and could follow the likes of Jose Mourinho and Andre Villas-Boas to the Premier League The 44-year-old has emerged as favourite to become David Moyes successor and follow predecessors Jose Mourinho and Andre Villas Boas to England.

Borussia Dortmund's star player, Mario Goetze, is out of the Champions League final.

Versatile youngster used at right-back and in midfield by Capello and Hodgson set to play central defence against Ireland and Brazil Phil Jones is finally going to get a chance to prove he can be England's new central defensive leader.

I did not want to write about David Beckham. His legacy was appraised when he left Real Madrid, when he left MLS and during his various England heights and pitfalls.

The former England international and Everton captain Phil Neville is in the frame for a senior coaching role at Stoke City following the departure of manager Tony Pulis after seven years in charge at the club.

That is the question Saints fans will be asking after Liverpool striker Andy Carroll was last night ruled out of England's friendlies against Republic of Ireland and Brazil due to a foot injury.

They always said the Special One would manage Manchester United after Sir Alex Ferguson.

The 34-year-old Dutch striker, who has been out for 10 months due to left knee surgery, is targeting the June 1 game against the visiting Philadelphia Union for his return.

Intensely irritating to some, hugely entertaining to others, the outspoken and colourful Jose Mourinho has proven time and again that success is never far from his golden touch.