Brazil, five-time winners of football’s greatest prize. The most successful team in the competition’s history. The perfect test for a promising England team. Brazil face England this weekend. It’s the perfect chance for each side to test their potential as they continue ...

Lassana Diarra is used to defying the odds. Not the tallest, the largest or the strongest, he’s carved a role for himself in Les Blues midfield, from sheer determination and committed training. Every second of his preparation will be tested, if he gets his chance to show what he can do aga ...

The Republic of Ireland are potentially just 180 minutes away from a place in South Africa next year. But it’s a tough 180 minutes. Standing in their way are former joint world and European champions France. But eyeing them hungrily is Robbie Keane – desperate to play on the world’s bigges ...

Before you wade into combat, you must be prepared – mentally and physically. Rooney is ready. Ready to take on the in-form blues and ready to take United to the top of the table. Prepare for combat.

Sometimes the most important goal is not the winner. Six minutes left, 3-1 behind. All heads down. Except one. Scholes rose high to nod in the cross, instill belief in his team and ignite the comeback. Minutes later, they were level and through to the knockout stages of Europe’s premier cl ...