Reports in Thursday morning's newspapers claim that Tottenham Hotspur striker Jermain Defoe faces six to eight weeks out through injury.

England coach Fabio Capello will retire from football after Euro 2012 to "enjoy life as a pensioner", the Italian announced on Wednesday.

James Milner believes Steven Gerrard has proved to be a positive influence as England captain in the absence of Rio Ferdinand.

Fluminense moved three points clear at the top of the Campeonato after a 3-1 defeat of mid-table Ceara.

Wales manager John Toshack is expected to announce his resignation on Thursday afternoon.

Aston Villa have confirmed the appointment of Gerard Houllier.

Phil Jagielka has warned Wayne Rooney to expect plenty of verbal stick when he returns to Premier League action on Merseyside this weekend.

Caretaker Argentina boss Sergio Batista believes his side would have beaten Spain no matter what team they put out on Tuesday.

Manchester City have announced that new signing Mario Balotelli will have knee surgery and could be sidelined for six weeks.

Manchester United striker Michael Owen still harbours hopes of once again pulling on an England shirt, despite being overlooked by manager Fabio Capello for more than two years.

Benni McCarthy has lost 7kg during the international break and is determined to battle his way back into the West Ham first team.

West Ham have informed ESPNsoccernet that Avram Grant is currently deciding whether he will opt out of the Premier League game at Stoke next week because of his deep religious beliefs.

Liverpool goalkeeper Jose Reina has described the loss of midfielder Javier Mascherano as a "big problem" for the Merseyside club.

Sol Campbell says he is now close to making his first-team debut for Newcastle and feels he is now proving those "taking the Mickey" wrong.

Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp has revealed he was "driven mad" by the transfer window and expressed his relief it is finally closed.

Crystal Palace have signed Everton striker James Vaughan on a three-month loan deal.

England's new midfield talent Adam Johnson says the country are "full of confidence" after starting their Euro 2012 campaign with two comfortable victories over Bulgaria and Switzerland.

Werder Bremen defender Per Mertesacker suffered a broken eye socket in Germany's Euro 2012 qualifier against Azerbaijan on Tuesday night, the Bundesliga club have confirmed.

Patrice Evra's appeal against his five-match ban from the France national team will be heard by the French Football Federation on Thursday.

Roy Hodgson fears Dirk Kuyt could be out for longer than the four weeks first anticipated following his shoulder injury, though the unpredictable nature of the problem means the forward could also return ahead of schedule.