Joe Cole has played 54 times for England, scoring 10 goals including
a stunning volley against Sweden in the last World Cup

Experience, Rooney and a little luck - Joe Cole on why England can triumph

Sam Wallace: At first it sounded like just another player saying his side can win. Then the midfielder explained his reasons (and they began to add up)

The Independent's latest World Cup blogs

Get the latest thoughts and opinions on the tournament in South Africa.

Domenech struggles to fight off French revolution

The France manager, Raymond Domenech, is facing a revolt from within his squad, the players demanding that he reinstate Thierry Henry for their opening game against Uruguay.

Why it's standing room only for World Cup VIPs

Daniel Howden: So many leaders have been invited to Saturday's opening game that seats have run out

Maradona's ego may be all that can stop Messi joining the immortals

James Lawton: Will Maradona have Messi in an advanced position, will he be the radiating genius of Argentina's campaign - or will he be marginalised?

Chelsea agree deal to keep Anelka until 2013

Chelsea are to follow their decision to release both Joe Cole and Michael Ballack by announcing that they have agreed a two-year contract extension with striker Nicolas Anelka.

England warned: stop swearing

Sam Wallace: Controversial Brazilian referee for opening game is learning terms of abuse to crack down on dissent

Kaka pictured after scoring his 27th goal for Brazil in the 5-1 win over Tanzania on Monday

Kaka's challenge: to deliver on the promise that once wowed the world

James Lawton: Kaka is far from the average Brazilian footballer.

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Chelsea let Joe Cole walk away

Ancelotti happy for England star to leave after demand for £30,000-a-week pay rise. Ballack also released on a free transfer

Chelsea let Joe Cole walk away

Ancelotti happy for England star to leave after demand for £30,000-a-week pay rise. Ballack also released on a free transfer

Benitez heads to Inter but Liverpool in no hurry

Prospective candidates made aware that there will be no discussions with prospective successors to Rafael Benitez for at least two weeks.

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Crystal Palace on verge of takeover

The deal which should secure Crystal Palace's future was signed today and the club's administrator hopes for a conclusion by the end of July.

The 1872 FA Cup Final had it all: slick attacking football; a controversially disallowed goal; a classy winner scored by an Old Harrovian playing under a pseudonym; and, before Bert Trautmann vertebrae had ever formed, a player playing 80 minutes with a broken collarbone.

Platini revives idea of FA Cup winners in Champions League

Michel Platini, the Uefa president, has relaunched the prospect of FA Cup winners qualifying for the Champions League. Platini first launched a proposal for domestic cup winners to take a qualifying slot two years ago but was forced to withdraw it after opposition from the European leagues.

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Lennon vows to bring 'thunder' back to Parkhead as he takes full control

As a footballing city, Glasgow is not exactly short on blood and thunder. The Old Firm can generally be relied upon to raise the pulse rate, for better or for worse.