France and Portugal in battle of nerves as they struggle towards qualification

France must now avoid defeat against Serbia if they are to have any chance of winning their group

Taxis drive hard bargain ahead of 2010 World Cup

Paul Rees: South Africa's unregulated taxi drivers are up in arms about plans for a bus transit system

Wayne Rooney revels in the striking difference between club and country

Wayne Rooney has said he prefers his more forward position for England to being a wide boy with Manchester United

Michael Carrick’s England prospects hurt by late disclosure of toe injury

England coaching staff unhappy at Michael Carrick's tardiness over injury that ruled him out of double-header

North Korea accuses South of poisoning ahead of defeat in World Cup qualifier

North Korea has accused South Korea of poisoning their players with an 'adulterated foodstuff' ahead of last week's World Cup qualifier in Seoul

Korean neighbours ready for World Cup showdown

John Duerden: With relations between the countries as bad as they have been for years and World Cup qualification to play for, South Korea v North Korea is not to be missed

Capello solves the enigma of Rooney’s tantrums

By getting the best out of Wayne Rooney, Fabio Capello has succeeded where previous England managers have failed

Foster could leave United to boost World Cup chances

Ben Foster admitted he may have to leave Old Trafford to stand any chance of making England's World Cup squad

Van der Sar says no to Holland return

Goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar has turned down the chance to help Holland reach next year's World Cup

Foster keeping eyes on World Cup prize

Ben Foster has targeted a place in England's squad for next summer's World Cup finals in South Africa and Manchester United's first team next season

Saudi coach quits after poor run

The Saudi Arabia coach Nasser Al Johar has resigned in the aftermath of his out-of-form side's defeat to North Korea

United ask England to give Rooney a rest

Sir Alex Ferguson hinted that Wayne Rooney should be omitted from at least one of England's upcoming qualifiers

Rooney set for England duty as United play down injury fears

Manchester United announced that Wayne Rooney had not damaged his ankle ligaments and will be fit for England

Rooney expected to be fit for England qualifiers

Wayne Rooney should be fit for England's forthcoming World Cup qualifiers despite picking up an ankle injury