Friday: World Cup draw worries ..

England will not be in the top seeds for Sunday's 2010 World Cup draw in Durban, as the BBC reports.

Looks like Steve McClaren still thinks he has something to offer English football, as The Telegraph reports his offer of assistance in taking the game forward. Strange, as many would think it's down to him that we have progressively edged backwards.

Elsewhere, Alan Shearer says he is stunned to be linked with the vacant England manager's role.

Not as stunned as the public would be if he got the job.

Don't get me wrong, Shearer is a Newcastle United legend, but one step at a time Barwick.

Bizarrely, it seems that Shearer has more chance of getting the job that Sam Allardyce, who came so close 15 months ago. NUFC Blog gets under the skin of Big Sam's quotes yesterday and draws some interesting conclusions ..

England to ring the changes?

England captain Paul Collingwood admits that the Twenty20 side must improve their batting and fielding if theyare to progress in the World Cup. Could this be the end for Luke Knight? Sporting Life identify him as the man to go.

England slip to defeat in Cape Town against the host nation South Africa at the Twenty20 World Cup. The Telegraph point to Kevin Pietersen's controversial run-out as the key moment in the game.

Terry: McLaren is similar to Mourinho

He's already captain and certain to start, even if on his death bed, but John Terry has further cemented his spot as McLaren's golden boy by saying the England boss is similar to Chelsea manager, Jose Mourinho. Decide for yourself if his teachers pet routine is as ridiculous as it sounds with this Football.co.uk story.

Elsewhere the Daily Star argues the case that Steven Gerrard is central to England's hopes of qualification. Is it just us or does anybody else feel that hearing McLaren calling him Stevie G as uncomfortable as the thought of watching your mum in a wet t-shirt comp?

Guus won't rule out England role

Russia boss Guus Hiddink has refused to rule out the possibility of becoming England coach one day say Football.co.uk.

The Dutchman was tipped to take over from Sven Goran Eriksson last summer before current coach, Steve McLaren was appointed.

Midfielder pair out of crucial game

England midfield duo Owen Hargreaves and Frank Lampard are out of tomorrow's vital Euro 2008 qualifier with Russia report Football.co.uk.

Both players have been struggling with thigh problems which kept them out of the game with Israel on Saturday. Aston Villa skipper Gareth Barry is now certain to retain his place alongside Steven Gerrard.

Russian captain, Andrei Arshavin, has targetted Paul Robinson as England's weak link say 4 The Game. Let's just hope they don't get anywhere near the goal to find out if their theory is correct.

Gerrard Aiming For Top Spot

England midfielder Steven Gerrard feels England now how the momentum to finish top of their group and qualify automatically for Euro 2008.

Football.co.uk report how the Liverpool skipper thinks with the quality England have, they should win all their remaining matches.

England Relying on Owen

Steve McLaren is putting his faith in Michael Owen to fire the goals to secure the much needed Euro 2008 Group E game against Israel. McLaren told Sky Sports that the striker has looked sharper every day in training.

The Under 21 side cruised past Montenegro in a 3-0 victory. Aston Villa striker Gabriel Agbonlahor was amongst the scores report Eurosport.