Anelka admits WC 'timebomb'

Nicolas Anelka says the tension between the France squad and their coach at the World Cup was like a 'timebomb waiting to explode'.

The Chelsea frontman was sent home from the tournament following his bust-up with boss Raymond Domenech, which provoked the rest of the 23-man party to strike in support of the forward.

The disruption saw Les Bleus lose their final group game against South Africa 2-1, a defeat which ended their World Cup campaign.

The French media have suggested that some members of the squad were pressurised to participate in the strike, but 31-year-old Anelka is adamant the players were united in their revolt.

Explode

"If it hadn't been me that brought everything to a head, it would have been someone else. It was a timebomb waiting to explode,"Anelka toldFrance-Soirnewspaper.

"Everyone, and I really mean everyone, was as one.

"In the case of mutiny, everything and its opposite was said. If there were players who wanted to train, they should speak now. But I am 100% certain that nobody will."

Les Bleus midfielder Jeremy Toulalan admitted on Sunday that the strike was a unanimous decision and that the whole squad should be punished, and Anelka praised the Lyon player's stance on the issue.

He added:"It takes a form of courage and a strong mentality from Jeremy to take it. I am proud to have played with him and the team of France. Jeremy is a players' player."

Anelka hit out at former France full-back Bixente Lizarazu, a World Cup winner in 1998, who has criticised the striker's casual attitude in South Africa, accusing him of"strolling"and playing"in a selfish manner".

Frustrated

"Lizarazu - who is he?"added Anelka.

"When he speaks and we listen, we seem to hear a living legend. He's just a former player in lack of recognition, frustrated by the success of his mates Zidane and Dugarry.

"Has he forgotten that he was at the 2002 World Cup? I was not included in the squad but I refrained from comment. He should stop talking about respect."

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Heskey quits England scene

Aston Villa striker Emile Heskey has announced his retirement from international football.

The powerful forward, who won 62 caps but scored just seven goals during his England career, has decided to call time on his spell with the Three Lions following their miserable World Cup campaign.

Heskey started the first match against the USA in South Africa and made a dream start, setting up Steven Gerrard's early opener.

The 31-year-old was again selected by Fabio Capello for the dismal goalless draw with Algeria, before being replaced by Jermain Defoe for the victory over Slovenia and 4-1 thrashing by Germany, coming on as a substitute in both games.

Pride

Heskey said:"I have enjoyed every moment of my England career and worn the shirt with pride every time I have been fortunate enough to have been selected.

"I would like to thank every manager I have played under, everyone at the FA and the fans for all their support over the years.

"I wish the management team and the playing squad all the best for the future."

Heskey was handed his England debut by Kevin Keegan when he came off the bench in the friendly against Hungary in Budapest in April 1999.

Future

The former Leicester, Liverpool, Birmingham and Wigan frontman was involved in the 2002 World Cup and the European Championships of 2000 and 2004.

A three-year spell away from the international scene was ended by Steve McClaren and he won his 50th cap away to Belarus in October 2008.

Heskey was not always the most popular selection among some England supporters, but successive international managers showed faith in his abilities, which were often regularly praised by his team-mates.

Capello must now look to the future as he aims to rebuild England's shattered confidence for the Euro 2012 qualification campaign without the services of the experienced forward.

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Capello to work with Brooking

Fabio Capello has agreed to work with Sir Trevor Brooking in an attempt to develop English coaches' skills.

The Football Association Board met at Wembley on Thursday and it is understood there was a 'lengthy' discussion about England's performance in the World Cup.

Under Capello the Three Lions crashed out in the second round after a woeful performance against Germany, although the FA has since come out to back the Italian tactician.

He will now be supported by Brooking, the FA's Director of Football Development, in a bid to improve the skills of English coaches.

The FA also affirmed their intention to recruit an independent chairman who they aim to have in place by early next year.

Following England's disappointing showing in South Africa, there have been calls for mass reform off the coaching and development set-up in the country.

Brooking, along with FA General Secretary Alex Horne, will work on providing a number of recommendations in relation to international and youth player development and the coaching education set-up, which will be considered in December.

Support

His involvement is thought to be an attempt to provide Capello with more English support, especially at times when current assistant Stuart Pearce is away with the Under-21 squad.

The former AC Milan, Juventus and Real Madrid coach will also work closely with the Board of Club England as England embark on their Euro 2012 qualifying campaign.

Brooking's increasingly pivotal role will see him work closely with general secretary Horne when it comes to advocating ways to improve the development of England's international players.

Meanwhile, the FA once more confirmed its intention to appoint an independent chairman following Lord Triesman's departure earlier in the year.

They want to have someone in place by early 2011 and are looking for somebody with a 'real affinity to football' and who will be 'independent' on the day he starts work.

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Downing baffled by England snub

Aston Villa winger Stewart Downing has described England manager Fabio Capello's World Cup squad selection as 'a little bit strange'.

The former Middlesbrough player did not feature in the Three Lions' initial 30-man party for this summer's finals, where their tournament came to an end after the humiliating defeat to Germany.

Instead, the likes of Manchester City wide-man Shaun Wright-Phillips travelled to South Africa in a condensed group of 23 players while Downing remained at home.

The 25-year-old has admitted that he found it difficult to understand why he did not feature in Capello's plans after being involved in previous squads and he has not had an explanation from the Italian.

Downing said inThe Sun:"There were a few surprises in the 30 names picked.

Strange

"A lot of people who had not played were in the squad as were people out of form, but others were left out.

"It was a little bit strange and I was very disappointed as I thought, maybe, I had a chance to get in the 30 at least.

"He obviously has his reasons why, but the disappointing thing was I didn't get told why I wasn't in the squad.

"That's his choice and there's no point in moaning about it now.

"I was in the squads leading up to my foot injury. I recovered and he put me back in the squad after only three games.

"That was a great confidence boost. I then thought we'd had a good end to the season, the team was playing well."

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Fergie reveals England snub

Sir Alex Ferguson has claimed that he turned down the chance to manage England on two previous occasions.

The long-standing Manchester United boss has not revealed exact details of when he was offered the Three Lions position, but he is thought to have been considered as a replacement for Terry Venables in 1996 and Glenn Hoddle three years later.

Ferguson, 68, has described the England job as a 'poisoned chalice', and believes the fact that he is Scottish would have been a major handicap.

He told a Canadian television station:"I was offered the chance to manage the England team on a couple of occasions but, of course, it was just out of the question.

"It's a poisoned chalice anyway. I think it's a terrible job, plus the fact that I would have had a tremendous handicap being Scottish; no matter which way you look it, that's important."

The remarkable claims come as United prepare to embark on their pre-season tour of North America.

England produced an abysmal display in the World Cup this summer and crashed out in the second round after an embarrassing 4-1 defeat to old foes Germany.

Ferguson believes the Premier League campaign is to blame for the Three Lions' poor performance in South Africa.

Exhausting

"The English season is exhausting,"he added."Look at December, for instance, when we play eight or nine games even though it's the worst time of the year for the pitches, when they are heavier and the weather is at its worst.

"In the second half of the season, you then find lots of players are carrying little strains and pulls.

"But because of the importance of the games they keep on playing and, when they get to the end of the season and there's an important tournament such as the World Cup, they are not 100 per cent.

"They can't be because they need that rest factor to bring the energy back into their system."

And the Red Devils wily tactician also thinks the expectation going into the tournament was the reason why a number of big players did not perform.

He remarked:"It was the expectation. All the main players for whom the expectations were high had bad tournaments, including (Lionel) Messi and (Cristiano) Ronaldo.

"At the outset, the expectation was built up that this was going to be Wayne's (Rooney's) tournament, but don't forget that he doesn't have great experience of World Cup football.

"For many players, they only get one World Cup, but Wayne will have other opportunities and he will be much better with experience."

On referee Howard Webb's showing in the final between Holland and Spain, Ferguson said:"He was given an impossible task with the behaviour of the players.

Pressure

"I think it got to the stage in the first half that showing a red card would have put him under pressure, criticism-wise.

"A World Cup final, having a player sent off, it's not the done thing and you don't want to see that. The public doesn't want to see that, the spectators who have gone to the game don't want to see that, and he was left in that position.

"There was no way out for him. If he had sent a player off, he would have faced criticism. If he didn't send a player off, he would get criticism.

"I think at half time he realised that, and in the second half, his momentum got less and less."

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Bradley talks to continue

US Soccer is set for more discussions with head coach Bob Bradley regarding his future.

The 52-year-old coach guided America to the last 16 of the World Cup in South Africa this summer, but they were defeated by Ghana.

Since then Bradley has been linked with the vacant managerial position at Fulham, who are without a boss following the departure of Roy Hodgson.

Speculation has mounted that Bradley may leave his post, despite having several months left to run on his current contract.

And talks over the future of the USA's international football programme are set to resume shortly.

A spokesman for the United States Soccer Federation said on Friday:"US Soccer officials will be meeting with Bob soon to discuss possible options regarding his future with the programme."

Meanwhile, America goalkeeper Tim Howard has revealed he is set to continue his international career until at least the World Cup in 2014.

The 31-year-old Everton shot-stopper was rumoured to be considering his role in the national side, but has now come out to confirm he will look to compete in Brazil in four years time.

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Martino extends Paraguay stay

Gerardo Martino has agreed a new four-year contract to remain as coach of Paraguay, but could still leave the post after the Copa America.

Last week, the Argentine agreed terms to remain in charge of the team for another year, but he has now revealed he has reached a deal on a contract to 2014.

However, both sides will be able to review their position after the Copa America next year.

"We have agreed with (Paraguayan Football Federation president Juan Angel) Napout to continue through 2014, with the promise of a pause after the Copa America to sit down and review what has been done up to that point and decide whether we will complete the remaining three years,"Martino told local radio in comments carried on theParaguay Football Federation's website.

"The conclusion came sooner than expected,"he added."Here, in Rosario, all is good. I consulted with my family and decided to say yes and immediately talked with the president of the federation to confirm the issue."

Martino led Paraguay to the quarter-finals of the World Cup, and his performance saw him mentioned as a possible successor to Argentina coach Diego Maradona.

Now he will turn his attention to preparing for the Copa America, starting with a friendly against Costa Rica in August.

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Fabio unveils England index

Fabio Capello's controversial 'Capello Index' ratings of England's World Cup performances have been published.

The Italian coach caused uproar prior to this summer's showpiece in South Africa when it emerged that he intended to rate the showings of his players after each game, and make his thoughts public knowledge.

He was eventually persuaded by the Football Association to shelve that idea, as it was decided that scores should not be handed out until the tournament was over.

That time has now come and, with England having fared dismally on the world stage, the results have been eagerly anticipated.

The ratings, which are used in a fantasy league game, make for intriguing reading, with Capello's take on events in South Africa raising a few eyebrows.

Wrath

Unsurprisingly, Robert Green's horror show in England's opener against the United States, in which he let a tame Clint Dempsey shot slip through his grasp, sees him finish bottom of the pile when it comes to the Three Lions.

Joe Cole and Gareth Barry also failed to impress, while Wayne Rooney's average score over the course of the four games he played was topped by the much-maligned Emile Heskey.

Of those at the opposite end of the scale, Jermain Defore takes the spoils as England's most effective performer, while Shaun Wright-Phillips and national skipper Steven Gerrard also deemed to have done well.

It is, however, worth pointing out that Defoe's average score of 62.47 still falls some way short of the 65.77 awarded to Uruguay's talismanic frontman Diego Forlan, the man rated as the best player at the tournament by Capello.

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McClaren - Blame game pointless

Steve McClaren believes England must make changes at grass roots level if they are to become competitive.

A woeful showing at this summer's World Cup in South Africa has once again highlighted the deficiencies of the national side.

Many have been quick to the point the finger at the players and manager Fabio Capello, with a number of dismal showings deemed unacceptable.

However, McClaren, who endured a torrid time as England coach prior to Capello's appointment, believes the Three Lions' problems lie much deeper.

He believes England have failed to address the issues which continue to undermine performances at the very top of the game and fears the abject failure will continue until the blame game is brought to an end.

"Myself and Sven (Goran Eriksson) were vilified. I built up a good reputation and, unfortunately, it was a case of how a reputation could be destroyed in one night,"McClaren, who has joined Wolfsburg after a successful stint with FC Twente, told theDaily Mirror.

Inquest

"Before that it was (Kevin) Keegan, Glenn Hoddle and Graham Taylor. There have always been many England managers who keep getting ridiculed.

"I think it's about time we started to broaden the inquest, not just focusing on one man. We say: 'He's the head, it's his fault, chop his head off'.

"Let's start looking at the bigger picture now. In my experience, in Holland and now coming to Germany, they've gone through similar experiences where they failed and they've looked not just from the top but from the grass roots and made changes.

"Let's look at other things. Why can't we develop players like the Dutch, the Germans, the Spanish?

"I do see the difference travelling around Europe... working in Holland, working in Germany. They took it back to grass roots level. They had the talent and they developed the coaches first so they developed the talent properly."

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Fabio fury over Capello Index

England boss Fabio Capello has demanded that the controversial Capello Index be removed from the internet as he has not seen or approved of the rankings.

The scheme bearing the Italian's name to rank England's players during their World Cup campaign for a fantasy league game caused uproar prior to the tournament.

There were concerns from the Football Association that the manager making his opinions known on his 23-man squad immediately after matches could have an adverse affect on team morale.

It was agreed by the Italian tactician and the FA that the Index would be shelved, only for the scores to be published on Friday evening several days after the conclusion of the tournament in South Africa.

Immediate steps

However, Capello has now insisted that he had no knowledge that the rankings bearing his name were to be made public and has demanded their immediate removal.

A statement from the FA read:"The index ratings had not been seen or approved by Mr Capello, were published without his knowledge and that his representatives have taken immediate steps to have the material taken down."

England's miserable campaign came to a shuddering halt in the second round when they were humbled 4-1 by Germany to suffer their worst-ever World Cup defeat.

Goalkeeper Robert Green was the lowest ranked player in the Index, scoring 51.67 out of 100 following his blunder in the opening game against USA which saw him dropped for the remainder of the tournament.

Statistical system

Out-of-form striker Wayne Rooney scored 58.87 for his efforts over the four games, with Emile Heskey managing 60.15 and Jermain Defoe - who scored the winner against Slovenia - managing 62.47.

Shaun Wright-Phillips was regarded as England's best midfielder with a tally of 61.09 while captain Steven Gerrard scored 60.98 and Frank Lampard 58.58.

The leading player in the Capello Index was Uruguay forward Diego Forlan, who scored 65.77.

The website uses a statistical system devised by Capello to analyse each player's performance and award a final score out of 100, rather than requiring the Italian to make a judgment call on each match.

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Thuram calls for sanctions

Lilian Thuram has launched a scathing attack on the France squad following their actions at the World Cup.

The former France international, who is his country's all-time leading appearance maker with 142 caps, feels the extraordinary events which unfolded in South Africa this summer need to be addressed.

France's bid for global glory was undermined by a rift between the players and Raymond Domenech's management team, with Nicolas Anelka sent home in disgrace and the rest of the squad refusing to train as a result.

Thuram fears the distracting episode may have done irreconcilable damage to the national side and their standing in the eyes of the rest of the world.

As a result, and as a current member of the French Football Federation (FFF) council, the 1998 World Cup winner wants to see drastic action taken against the ringleaders responsible for dragging France's 2010 campaign into chaos - especially captain Patrice Evra and playmaker Franck Ribery.

Thuram toldL'Equipe:"When you are captain you have a precise role. The chairman of the FFF and other members of the FFF asked Anelka to apologise for his actions and he refused.

Consequences

"Evra knew the player refused but still backed the strike which changed the image of France around the world and could have lasting consequences for French society.

"To me it is very serious as their actions have revived racism in our society. Some people now think the problems are linked to the fact that there are too many black players in the French team.

"The Federation have received complaints, letters, torn up membership cards and racist abuse. To me, what has happened is unforgivable.

"You can't sanction everybody the same, like Gael Clichy or Marc Planus, but the captain and Franck Ribery must face action.

"Laurent Blanc (new national coach) is the right man to take on the job but only the French Federation can restore the moral code.

"If we don't see strong sanctions handed out, there will be no moral to this story. Then, how could we ask the U21 squad to behave well, or anybody else?"

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Fabio expects Terry axe

John Terry's future in the England team is under severe threat, according to former Italy captain Fabio Cannavaro.

Ex-skipper Terry incurred the wrath of manager Fabio Capello during England's dismal World Cup campaign when he suggested the players were ready to confront the Italian over his tactics and team selection.

The Chelsea centre-back was forced to back down after Capello called his comments a 'big mistake', but kept his place in the side before England were bundled out of the tournament in the second round after a 4-1 humbling by Germany.

Cannavaro, who lifted the World Cup with Italy in 2006 before suffering a humiliating group stage exit in South Africa, knows Capello well after working under his compatriot at Real Madrid.

And the experienced defender believes the strict disciplinarian will begin preparing for the 2012 European Championships by making sweeping changes to the Three Lions squad, with Terry the most at risk.

"My thoughts are that John Terry won't be on the team sheet,"Cannavaro told theDaily Star Sunday.

Get rid of egos

"You don't cross Fabio and he won't want anybody disrupting his tournament again.

"It was absolutely the correct decision for the English FA to keep Fabio on. He can make this England team his own now - and I would actually make them the favourites for Euro 2012.

"When he joined Real Madrid he brought a lot of players in the first season like myself and Ruud van Nistelrooy and the result was instant success but internationally it takes time to build your own team.

"I don't want to speak for Fabio but I'd be surprised if more than five of the players who started against Germany start the opening game of Euro 2012.

"For me, the only two players that can be guaranteed to start in 2012 are Ashley Cole and Wayne Rooney.

"By then Fabio will have had enough time to build his own team and I think it will be unrecognisable compared to what it was at the World Cup.

"Spain will be there but if Fabio gets rid of egos, I think England will see exactly why it was a good decision to keep him on."

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Van Gaal eyes national post

Louis van Gaal has set his sights on securing an international post, once he leaves Bayern Munich.

The Dutchman, who led Bayern to a domestic double and the UEFA Champions League final last season, currently has one year remaining on his current contract at Allianz Arena.

He has little intention of extending that deal at present, but admits he will review the situation at the end of the 2010/11 campaign.

"My contract ends next year and I am not going to sign a new one before then,"he said.

"I won't sign in the autumn or in the winter."

The experienced coach has revealed that he could be persuaded to stay on until 2012, but insists he is unlikely to remain past that point.

Van Gaal, who managed Holland between 2000 and 2002, admits he is keen to return to the international arena.

Ambition

He is hoping to be involved at the 2014 World Cup and that means he will have to turn his back on Bayern at some stage.

"I want to be a national team coach,"he revealed toKickermagazine.

"I should really quit Bayern now because now is the time when national team coaches are being appointed.

"Therefore, maybe I will extend my contract here by one year until 2012 and then take over a country (after Euro 2012).

"I am going to be at the next World Cup. I think so. I hope so."

As well as being linked with the Dutch hot seat, at least before Bert van Marwijk led Holland to the World Cup final, Van Gaal has also been touted as a possible successor to Germany coach Joachim Low.

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RVP defends Dutch destroyers

Robin van Persie claims Holland were right to adopt strong-arm tactics in the 2010 World Cup final.

The Dutch came in for heavy criticism following their 1-0 defeat to Spain in football's showpiece event as they discarded their usual free-flowing approach in favour of rough and tumble.

A disjointed encounter saw referee Howard Webb brandish 14 yellow cards and send Holland defender John Heitinga for an early bath.

Arsenal striker Van Persie was the first of those to go into the book, setting the tone for what was to follow.

Despite seeing Bert van Marwijk's men widely condemned for their heavy-handed approach, the Gunners ace claims they got their tactics spot on and has refused to apologise for ruining the game as a spectacle.

"People criticised us for our playing style,"said Van Persie.

"It was not as pretty as it used to be with Holland. But my question is: Getting results and reaching the final or playing the beautiful game and getting knocked out in the first round - which would you choose?

Fight

"Just before France had to pack their bags, Patrick Vieira said to me that you don't have to play well in the group stages of a World Cup, not even in the second round.

"Only later do you have to grow as a team and you will reach a high level. That will get you to the final.

"That is exactly the way we did it. Against Brazil in the second half, we were brilliant."

Van Persie added:"I know how difficult it can be to play wonderful football and not get the result you want. I see it at Arsenal more than I want to.

"When we play the likes of Bolton and Blackburn we dominate the game, we play attacking football and they score from a lousy throw-in or an odd corner kick.

"The criticism Holland got in the World Cup I recognise from what we get at Arsenal. It was a final. You don't give up without a fight, do you?"

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Blake calls for show of faith

England U19 boss Noel Blake believes England's top clubs need to start giving youngsters more opportunities.

The subject of grass roots football has once again risen to the fore in the wake of England's lacklustre showing at the 2010 World Cup.

There is a fear that the national side will continue to go backwards until something is done about the dwindling number of promising players given a chance at the highest level.

Too many sides towards the top of the English game prefer to look abroad for ready-made talent rather than dip into their academy ranks for stars of the future.

Other nations have proved that taking a gamble on youth team stars can pay dividends, with the showings of Thomas Muller at the World Cup justifying the faith shown in him by domestic employers Bayern Munich.

Blake feels it is about time England started to follow the lead of countries such as Germany, or face the prospect of sliding further out of contention on the world stage.

Pathway

"Ultimately it has something to do with (players) getting games in the Premier League,"he said.

"There is a pathway but if that is blocked, where then do you go? Historically we get lads to a certain stage then at 18, 19, 20 there is a back-turn.

"A good example for me is Phil Jones at Blackburn Rovers. Sam Allardyce has put him in the team, a 1992 birth, and he's been fast-tracked to the U21s.

"But if Sam hadn't given Jones the opportunity to play against the likes of (Didier) Drogba then we wouldn't have seen everything he's capable of. The pathway needed to be there. Manchester United have always brought young players in.

"Years ago there used to be a very good reserve-team league, now it's not taken seriously. Sometimes we have a responsibility to football, not just to one club.

"I'll probably be shot down for saying that but if you go to Germany, they'll tell you that they're not just producing footballers for their club, they're producing for the country."

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Brooking targets English boss

Sir Trevor Brooking has revealed that the Football Association is hoping the next England manager will be homegrown.

Italian coach Fabio Capello remains as England boss despite the country's poor showing at the 2010 World Cup.

Capello is the second foreign-born coach employed by the FA, after Swedish coach Sven-Goran Eriksson.

Brooking has already outlined plans to work alongside Capello in a bid to develop English coaches' skills.

And the FA's director of football development is hopeful said method will result in an English successor to Capello.

"I think longer term, after Fabio, we'd like to go English,"revealed Brooking.

"We want to create a spell where we appoint English coaches and Fabio can help us enormously to bridge that gap and help that transition.

"We've got a short-term priority of the qualifying games but over the next couple of years the National Football Centre will hopefully be built, and that's going to be the hub site for the future development of English coaches."

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Scolari committed to Palmeiras

Luiz Felipe Scolari has reaffirmed his commitment to new club Palmeiras, amid speculation linking him with a return to Brazil.

The 61-year-old coach led Brazil to the 2002 World Cup title and has been tipped by many to take over from Dunga, who left the post following his side's quarter-final exit in South Africa this year.

Scolari was officially unveiled as Palmeiras manager on Thursday, and he insisted he was fully committed to the challenge in hand.

This is despite speculation suggesting he will return to Brazil when his current contract expires in June 2012.

"I'm very happy and proud to be included as one of the favourites to coach Brazil,"he said.

"But I'm being hired by Palmeiras right now. I'm Palmeiras coach, that's it.

"I would never take a job now already thinking about where I'm going to be in the future."

But the former Chelsea coach did concede that he is delighted at the way he is respected among the Brazilian fans and media.

He added:"I'm incredibly happy with the way people still treat me eight years after I left the national team."

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Becks - England stars to blame

David Beckham believes England's players are to blame for the side's disappointing World Cup campaign.

Midfielder Beckham was forced to watch their woeful performance from the sidelines as a member of Fabio Capello's backroom team after an Achilles injury ruled him out of the South Africa tournament.

After a lacklustre display in the group stage, with one win from three matches against United States, Algeria and Slovenia, England suffered a humiliating 4-1 loss to old rivals Germany in the second round which dumped them out of the event.

Italian boss Capello came under fire for the dismal campaign, but after watching all four matches from the bench, Beckham believes the individuals in the team were ultimately at fault.

Disappointing

Beckham speaking at The World Interviews David Beckham live on Yahoo told Sky Sports News:"He (Capello) did everything that he could have done,"said Beckham.

"He prepared us right. He worked the players to the right amount and he set everything up for the players, but obviously the players know it was disappointing.

"We didn't perform and as players you know that - you know when you don't perform, you know when you don't play well.

"The manager can do so much and then it's down to the players. The players go on to the pitch and they know if they don't perform they don't win games.

"The players are honest about that but it's not about individuals, it's not about how individuals play - it's about how we played as a team. It's a cliche but you win as a team and you lose as a team."

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Webb upbeat after final

Under-fire World Cup final referee Howard Webb says he was thrilled to be involved in the showpiece tournament.

The 39-year-old has attracted criticism, not least from the Dutch media, after issuing 14 yellow cards during Spain's 1-0 win, two of which ensured the sending off of Holland's defender John Heitinga.

However, pundits within the English game have shown their support for the Rotherham official, who arrived home with his assistants Darren Cann and Michael Mullarkey on Tuesday.

Delighted

Webb toldSky Sports News:"I'm delighted to be home. It was an amazing experience out there.

"I was thrilled and delighted to be appointed to the final game which turned out to be a tough game but we come home with a real sense of achievement and just pleased to be back home now and looking forward to spending some time with our families and recharging for the challenges of the season ahead.

"I'm thrilled to have been involved in a wonderful event. It was a great experience and I'm glad to be back.

"Thanks for the support of the English people. The English media has been absolutely fantastic and we received a big boost from reading everything that's been written and said in support before the final and after it as well. On behalf of myself and my family I'd like to say thank you for that."

The Football Association is among those to have praised Webb's display, insisting the referee did well under the tough circumstances.

"Firstly, we would like to congratulate Howard Webb, Mike Mullarkey and Darren Cann for a wonderful tournament and a very well-handled final in very difficult circumstances,"Jonathan Hall, the FA's director on the Professional Game Match Officials Board, told the association's website.

"Nothing should take away from Howard's achievement and it is hard to imagine many other officials being able to match his performance or handle such a fixture so well.

"I think what this does do is strengthen our resolve to support our excellent network of referees in England and it also shows the real value of the work being undertaken by the Respect programme domestically.

"We are all thoroughly proud of the fact Fifa chose to recognise Howard at the very peak of his profession."

David Elleray, chairman of the FA's Referee's Committee, also hailed Webb's performance, insisting he showed similar bravery to Jack Taylor in 1974, when the English referee awarded the first World Cup final penalty.

Strength

Elleray added:"Howard and his colleagues demonstrated why Fifa selected them as the best referee team in the 2010 World Cup and the FA is very proud of that.

"Howard, like Jack Taylor in 1974, showed impartiality, strength of character and a very high level of accuracy in the most important match in the world.

"The team were faced with a very challenging World Cup final and responded in a highly professional manner.

"Howard, Mike and Darren should look back on this tournament with a sense of pride in their performances, they are a huge credit to our profession and we are all looking forward to welcoming them home."

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Blatter won't condemn Webb

Fifa president Sepp Blatter has refused to condemn Howard Webb for his performance during the World Cup final.

Webb handed out a record 15 cards, including one red, during the clash between Holland and Spain in Johannesburg on Sunday evening.

Spain won the game 1-0 to claim their first ever World Cup, with the tough-tackling Dutch highly critical of the English official.

But Blatter has revealed his annoyance was with the two teams, rather than Premier League referee Webb.

"The final was not exactly what I expected in terms of fair play,"said Blatter.

"It's not up to me judge the performances of the officials, I can only say it was a very hard task that the referee trio had on the field of play.

"It was not easy, really not easy and they were really not helped in this task I can say.

"In football we have to live with the errors of players, and of referees. I don't think perfection exists in this world."

Praise

Blatter did praise winners Spain for their play during the tournament, saying:"I have to compliment the winners - the Spanish national team, La Roja.

"Finally we had a winner playing good football and maybe from a technical point of view there are maybe some questions but it's the (coach) who decides 'do we play to win or do we play not lose' and this will decide on whether we have spectacular or non-spectacular games."

Blatter again apologised to England and Mexico for refereeing mistakes earlier on in the tournament, but he refused to extend that to Ireland for the Thierry Henry handball that led to France winning their qualifying play-off.

"This was a case that has happened in a preliminary competition and now we are at the end of the World Cup, and it is odious to reopen discussions,"he said.

"A goal was not given in a match between England and Germany and it went all around the world, it was like a cry, an alarm that something very, very important has happened.

"It was said 'will you reopen the file of technology?' and I have said 'yes - goal-line technology will be looked at again by the International FA Board', but only goal-line technology."

Success

The Fifa chief was also delighted to announce the tournament, the first in Africa, a success.

"Big compliments to South Africa and the people of South Africa, and to the government for all the guarantees they have given and met for the organisation of this World Cup, and to the local organising committee,"he said.

"The wonderful hospitality given by the people was something very great.

"Africa have proved they can organise this World Cup and can organise a big competition. We trusted South Africa and with our trust they got their confidence and they should be proud."

Finally, Blatter was quizzed to his opinion on England's poor showing in South Africa.

"You will have to ask the Football Association. England is considered as being the motherland of football, as Brazil is the heartbeat of football, but there are no small national teams any more,"he said.

"There are small countries but their national teams are very strong as football has developed."

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Iniesta - Spain must improve

Andres Iniesta admits Spain will have to up their game in Sunday's World Cup final if they are to lift the trophy for the first time.

Despite reaching the tournament's last stage, Vicente del Bosque's men have failed to make the most of their possession football, with three successive 1-0 wins doing little to live up to their billing.

However, only Holland stand in their way of success when the two meet in Johannesburg on Sunday as the world awaits a first-time winner of the game's biggest prize.

Resilient, patient displays, along with joint-top scorer David Villa's exploits, have got the Spaniards this far, but Barcelona midfielder Iniesta knows they may have to find new methods to defeat an impressive Dutch side.

"We will play better because we will probably have to if we are going to win the World Cup,"said the 26-year-old.

"What we did in the semi-final certainly won't help us to win the final. But I have confidence in my team-mates and I think this group is able to take the final step."

Iniesta admits playing in a World Cup final will be a dream come true, but insists it will count for nothing if he does not end up on the winning side.

"This is a historic event, a unique opportunity for us all,"he said."It makes the hairs on the back of your neck stand up just thinking about it.

Dream

"We have all dreamed of this moment. But we have to finish the dream. We cannot celebrate anything yet.

"Before us is the challenge of winning a World Cup. We are cautious because we know that we still have the last step, and that last step is the most difficult and the most beautiful."

Should Spain emerge victorious, they will become the first side in the history of the competition to lose their opening game yet go on to lift the trophy.

A 1-0 defeat to Switzerland in their first game threw Spain's credentials in doubt, but Iniesta believes the defeat helped the squad pull together as they realised their lack of room for error from then on.

"The initial defeat against Switzerland upset us all,"he said.

"It was the first game and from that moment we had no margin for error. We knew we could not fail. I hope it proves to be the only game we lose."

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Platini in hospital but 'fine'

Uefa president Michel Platini has been taken to a hospital in Johannesburg after fainting in a restaurant.

Platini is in South Africa as a member of the Fifa executive committee and Fifa's World Cup organising committee.

He was in Johannesburg ahead of Sunday's final but had to be taken to hospital on Friday night for tests.

Uefa advisor William Gaillard understands that his condition is not serious, following initial reports that he had suffered a heart attack.

It is thought that Platini has had flu-like symptoms because of the cold weather in South Africa and underwent tests as a precaution.

"I am here in London but I talked to the assistant who was with him and it seems it is just fainting, linked with not really taking any food today because he has a cold and a bit of a fever,"Gaillard toldSky Sports News.

"All the preliminary exams they have done are negative. He is conscious, he is fine.

"I have been told not to worry. There is nothing serious."

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Fergie - Roo hopes too high

Sir Alex Ferguson claims the weight of expectation on Wayne Rooney was to blame for the striker's poor form at the World Cup.

Rooney failed to score in four matches and looked a shadow of the player who shone for Manchester United last season as England slipped out in the second round with a 4-1 defeat to Germany.

The United manager was"not totally surprised"by England's failure - but believes Rooney will come back better and stronger for the experience and thinks he will impress at the next World Cup in Brazil in 2014.

Ferguson explained:"I think there was such expectation on him. There was talk he was going to be the player of the tournament.

"Don't forget, that was the prelude to the whole thing - he was going to be the star, he was going to outshine them all - (Lionel) Messi, (Cristiano) Ronaldo. So that level of expectation comes into it.

"And he's not got great experience of[playing in] the World Cup really. You wait, in four years' time you'll see a different player."

The Scot admitted he was"baffled"by England's poor form in South Africa.

He continued:"That is going to be one of the imponderables - what has really happened and why are they[England] not getting better form. I watched their games and I was baffled by what I saw.

"Expectation was a big thing. They qualified from a group which you'd have to say was a million to one they wouldn't qualify from. So it was an easy passage into the finals.

"Maybe it would have been better if England had been in a tougher[qualifying] group. They'd have earned the right to be one of the favourites and it would have helped that they'd played good teams before they got there."

Mid-season break

Ferguson agrees with those who believe Germany are benefiting from a mid-season break - and admitted the mentality of Joachim Low's team works in their favour.

United were knocked out of last season's Champions League by a German team - Bayern Munich - and the Scot said:"The history they've got (in Germany) is quite incredible.

"That organised mentality they have, the belief in themselves, it carries them a long way.

"None of the English teams have any experience of playing in a semi-final at a World Cup. The German mentality is 'we are always in the semi-finals'.

"Plus the fact they get a month's rest in January - it must help. All the England team are playing in (the Premier League) so they're all affected[by the lack of a winter break]."

However, Ferguson is tipping Holland - who take on Uruguay in the first semi-final - to win the World Cup.

He added:"I don't think they have played anywhere near their best form."

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Gerrard - I'm no quitter

Liverpool ace Steven Gerrard insists he will not call time on his international career despite England's World Cup disappointment.

The midfielder skippered Fabio Capello's side through their faltering Group C campaign followed by the 4-1 second round loss to Germany.

Since the defeat, Liverpool team-mate Jamie Carragher, who was persuaded to come out of retirement for the tournament by Capello, has again announced his withdrawal from the England scene.

The Italian boss is also thought to be planning to make wholesale changes to his side, replacing some of the 'old guard' with younger blood.

Not quitting

But Gerrard insists he will not be quitting England duty and he desperately wants to add to his 84 caps and make amends for the Germany disappointment.

He told Liverpool'sofficial website:"There is no way I want the disappointment of the Germany game to be my last for England.

"It was such a low and I am determined to do as much as I can to make amends for what happened.

"I expect there to be a lot of changes to the squad and it is up to the manager whether I am selected, but I am going to continue to make myself available for my country."

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Van Marwijk defends Robben

Holland coach Bert van Marwijk has jumped to the defence of Arjen Robben over claims that the winger is a diver.

Robben has come under-fire from some quarters for his conduct on the field after being accused by a number of Brazil players of diving during the quarter-final win last Friday.

The 26-year-old has been accused of going to ground too readily throughout his career, but van Marwijk insists Robben is not a cheat and that he has cleaned up his act in recent years.

"I don't think he does this deliberately, but he is a player who is incredibly fast and creative,"said van Marwijk.

"Very often he faces an opponent and he may fall or get pushed, maybe it happened in the past, when he maybe could have avoided it, but I think he has learned from this and doesn't do it anymore."

Focus

Van Marwijk is refusing to look too far forward as he prepares his side for Tuesday's semi-final with Uruguay.

The Dutch are heavy favourites to reach this Sunday's final, but van Marwijk is refusing to take anything for granted.

"I really don't want to talk about the final,"added van Marwijk."I have been hearing this talk much too often, first we have to play a semi-final.

"I have immense respect for what players in the past have achieved for the Netherlands, but I didn't come to this tournament to wring my hands at reaching the final. That isn't enough, we have come here to win the final.

"We have come here for the ultimate prize, that is our goal and we will only enjoy this tournament if we win it."

Van Marwijk is wary of the threat posed by Uruguay, describing Oscar Tabarez's side as a"dangerous team."

"They are a very dangerous team,"noted van Marwijk.

"At the start of the tournament, I used them as example of a passionate side and it is not for nothing that they have come this far."

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Gerrard - Bring in technology

England's World Cup captain Steven Gerrard has called for goal-line technology to be introduced to football.

The Three Lions were victims of a questionable decision in their last-16 encounter against Germany in South Africa when a potential equaliser from Frank Lampard was disallowed despite clearly crossing the line.

Uefa experimented with extra officials behind the goals during the Europa League and, after experiencing that system with Liverpool, Gerrard believes a similar strategy should have been employed at the World Cup.

Success

"It was a success then,"Gerrard toldThe Mail on Sunday."Why not use the same system at the World Cup?

"If there had been a linesman behind the German goal then maybe England would still be in the World Cup."

The Reds skipper also feels that players should have a larger influence in changes made to the rules.

"When these decisions are made they are always made by officials,"he said."They don't play the game, do they?

"The decision not to award Frank's goal was a shocker.

"I was 25 yards out and I could see clearly that it was over the line, so I can't understand why the linesman didn't give it.

"He was a good 20 yards behind play, which is disappointing at this level, and I hope it opens the debate up again about goal-line technology.

"Fifa have to look at it now because what happened with us was scary. It just isn't good enough.

"My opinion is that goal-line technology should be brought in and I know I'm not alone in thinking that.

Decision

"We have seen a lot of rule changes over the years - most of them good - but I can't understand why there is so much opposition to this technology because we are talking about decisions that can decide things as big as the World Cup.

"What will happen is the decision will be made by people who don't play the game and who aren't affected by these mistakes.

"Why aren't the players ever asked? I'm sure that most of them would vote for goal-line technology to be introduced."

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Ferdinand backs Capello stay

Captain Rio Ferdinand has given his backing to Fabio Capello after the FA confirmed he would continue in his job as England manager.

The Italian has come under pressure since the Three Lions' embarrassing World Cup exit at the hands of Germany last Sunday, with some calling on him to resign from the role.

But the 64-year-old will remain at the helm and honour his contract following the Football Association's decision to retain him in the£6million-a-year job.

And Ferdinand - who missed the tournament due to a knee injury - has tipped Capello to get the country back on track as England now look to secure their place at the European Championship in 2012.

He said inThe Sun:"I believe 100 per cent that Fabio Capello will turn England round. He will make what was a negative into a positive.

Determined

"I'm sure he's learned a lot from this tournament and I know how determined he is to get us back on track.

"He's the right man for the job and now he should be left to get on with it. Then it's up to the players to do their jobs."

England's round of 16 loss to their old foes led to an angry reaction from supporters, who were dismayed at a woeful showing from their heroes.

The defeat added to the upset felt over the poor Group C performances offered by their team, as England laboured to a second-placed finish behind the USA.

Fans even booed after a 0-0 draw against Algeria, which led to the likes of Wayne Rooney and John Terry speaking out at the reaction.

Angry

But Ferdinand recognised that his colleagues must get their followers back on side in time for the start of the Euro 2012 qualifying campaign, which begins in earnest against Bulgaria in September.

The Manchester United defender added:"The public want to see us do well and we understand they get angry when we don't produce the results.

"But the new season will soon be on us and everybody will be trying to get their heads up again.

"I'm sure the supporters want to see us qualify for Euro 2012 and they will get behind us.

"The manager will identify what has gone wrong and be working to put it right again. Then the players have to carry out his instructions."

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France confirm Blanc as boss

Laurent Blanc has been officially confirmed as France's new manager.

The former Bordeaux boss takes over from the much-scrutinised Raymond Domenech following a disastrous 2010 World Cup campaign.

After scraping qualification to South Africa, Les Bleus failed to win a match this summer, finishing bottom of Group A.

Furthermore, unrest within the camp dominated headlines as Nicolas Anelka was sent home following a bust-up with Domenech while the team even went on strike.

Blanc, who has signed a two-year contract, will now look to turn the country's fortunes around ahead of their qualifying charge for Euro 2012.

The former Manchester United defender was in charge of Bordeaux for three years, winning Ligue 1 and the French League Cup in 2009.

Meanwhile, outgoing French Football Federation president Jean-Pierre Escalettes has confirmed his shame at France's showing at the World Cup.

Escalettes, who formally resigned on Friday, said"I am ashamed. I present my apologies."

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Fifa re-issues political warning

Fifa has re-issued its warning over political interference in football after Nigeria and France's reactions to going out of the World Cup.

Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan has banned the national side from competition for two years after their poor World Cup Group B campaign.

His decree also includes the Nigerian Football Federation being dissolved and an interim board appointed.

His action comes after Fifa president Sepp Blatter had already warned France's government against meddling in the French federation's affairs after their World Cup fiasco.

Under Fifa rules, national associations can be suspended or even expelled if there is such interference, a sanction the world governing body's communications director Nicolas Maingot was keen to point out once more.

Worst sanction

Maingot said:"The worst sanction available is that a national association can be expelled but this is not related to either of the two cases.

"In terms of Nigeria we have received official information from their government.

"We are looking at both cases. Fifa has a very clear position on political interference but it is premature to speak further about either case."

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