World Cup dream transforming South Africa

The troubled nation may suffer up to 21,000 murders a year but is looking forward to hosting football's showpiece event

Ferguson high on Anson’s list for 2018 bid

2018 World Cup bid gets under way as Manchester United manager is asked to persuade powerbrokers to vote for England

Football-related violence on the rise, says report

3,842 arrests were made during 2007-08 season at all domestic and international games , an increase of 109 on previous year

Downing thanks Capello for fresh start

Middlesbrough winger hails England manager for giving him the confidence to reproduce his club form at international level

Army of England fans needed for 2010 World Cup

More than 100,000 England fans will be needed to help to turn the Fifa 2010 World Cup into a financial success

British police may get World Cup call for help

The South African Government is launching a huge operation to crack down on the threat of hooliganism at the 2010 finals

Capello's reign: What a Fab year

England’s manager has restored discipline, belief and pride in the team but insists he is no hero

Mimic who fell foul of Capello

Antonio Cassano reveals all in his autobiography

Ferguson worried by early start

FA looks into August 8 opening for 2009-10 Premier League campaign to boost England's quest for World Cup glory

Arsenal to seek Walcott damages

The FA's insurers could have to pay up to £1.1m in compensation after the winger was injured training with England

Wenger calls for crackdown on truancy

The Arsenal manager, without Theo Walcott for up to four months, says players faking injury to miss internationals is rife

Capello will not be fooled by reserves

England manager had much to celebrate after in Berlin but he is not about to starting ditching his first XI, says Martin Samuel

Terry justifies Capello's faith in Berlin

Tony Cascarino praises the England captain for not letting Germany's calamitous equaliser affect him

Capello faces biggest challenge with England

The Italian has restored the team's self-belief, now he must convert that into the promise of real success at the World Cup

Capello preaching to the newly converted

Simon Barnes says the Italian is benefitting from the habit of viewing the England manager as either a genius or a failure

Mascherano relishing Maradona effect

Liverpool midfield player describes captaining Argentina in first match under leadership of Diego Maradona as "amazing"

Mowbray backs Carson to put error behind him

West Brom manager has applauded John Terry's magnanimity in taking the heat off the young England goalkeeper

Forget 2-1 to England, I make it 3-1 to Germany

Friendlies are fine, but when it comes to World Cups the stars on the shirt tell a different tale, says Moritz Volz

Euro exit may have been blessing, says James

England goalkeeper admits national side's absence from Euro 2008 has led to resurgence under Fabio Capello

Walcott has surgery on dislocated shoulder

Arsenal manager confirms striker has undergone an operation on injury that could keep him out for three months