The Specials

Sheffield steeling itself for World Cup bid

Steel city amongst 15 challengers sparring for the chance to be on the country’s list of venues to host in 2018

Neville backs Owen for England recall

Manchester United captain says striker's move to Old Trafford will rejuvenate his international prospects under Fabio Capello

Problems hang over South Africa's World Cup

World Cup host nation must resolve many issues ahead of 2010

The five new stadiums built for 2010 World Cup

Potential for lack of air-traffic control at 2010

Polokwane airport is bracing itself for a one hundred-fold increase in passenger traffic during the World Cup

Are England players really that technically deficient?

Fabio Capello may not have a Lionel Messi or a Kaka to call upon, but very few international managers have, says Tony Cascarino

Capello plans high life for England

England manager will send team to the Austrian mountains for altitude training if they qualify for the 2010 World Cup

Beckenbauer wants World Cup in Europe

Fifa committee member tentatively backs English bid for tournament saying country could host it "tomorrow"

Report warns of crime in football

The Financial Action Task Force claims that players and clubs are involved in tax evasion and money laundering

England Under-21s: winners and losers

Who enhanced their reputation in the European Championship despite loss to Germany in final

How England Under-21 rated against Germany

Peter Lansley grades the performance of Stuart Pearce's players in the 4-0 defeat in the European Championship final

Pearce left helpless and angry by England's humiliation

England U-21 0 Germany U-21 4: head coach loses his temper during one-sided European Championship final

England v Germany: as it happened

Stuart Pearce's youngsters have lost 4-0 to Germany in the European Under-21 Championship final

Walcott primed to take central role

Stuart Pearce is set to unleash the Arsenal winger down the middle as England bid for European Under-21 Championship glory

Lucio stuns US with late header

Brazil 3 United States 2: captain's goal seals victory after US had taken shock 2-0 lead in Confederations Cup final

Buoyant Brazil defend in depth

Brazil face USA in Confederations Cup final with Dunga having to choose between the two best right-backs in world football

Bring on the Germans

England’s youngsters will be going for glory in the Uefa Under-21 Championship finals after their narrow victory over Sweden

Neutrals show surprising support for United States

It's hard to fathom, says Gabriele Marcotti, but the South African fans have taken the USA to their hearts in Confederations Cup

Goalkeeper shrugs off spot of bother

England will be without three players for Under-21 final against Germany, including their shoot-out hero, goalkeeper Joe Hart

England Under-21s scrape through to final

Sweden U-21s 3 England U-21s 3: Stuart Pearce's side threw away a three-goal lead before winning the penalty shootout 5-4