Football didn't interest me, says Walcott

The Arsenal forward says he preferred athletics to playing football when he was growing up

Ferguson understands friend's frustration

Rangers captain admits he is disappointed by his club team-mate's decision to call time on international career

Pearce says Agbonlahor can emulate Walcott

England Under-21 coach believes Aston Villa striker can emulate Theo Walcott and make a mark at full international level

Soul-seaching continues for out-of-sorts Gerrard

If midfielder was not concerned about England place before press conference, he must have been worried sick by the time he left

Belarus hoping to spring surprise on England

Even without the talismanic Alexander Hleb, recent results have given manager Bernd Stange cause for optimism in Minsk

Burley bemoans wasted journeys over Boyd

Scotland manager recalls three trips he made to gauge form of the Rangers striker, only to end up disappointed

Upson: I am good enough for England

The West Ham United central defender believes he has the ability to more than fill in if John Terry or Rio Ferdinand is injured

We need fans to get behind us, says Gerrard

Liverpool midfielder says England need their supporters' backing if they are to be successful

Italy refuse away tickets after Sofia violence

The country's ruling football body hopes to avoid a repeat of the trouble in Bulgaria by declining its allocation for travelling fans

Burley hits back in Boyd row

Scotland manager questions player's attitude adding that he is only interested in selecting players who will "fight for the cause"

FA take stand over Spain friendly

England have agreed to an international but will not play in Madrid after racists marred a game there in 2004

Terry, Cole and Green miss Belarus qualifier

England are likely to pick Matthew Upson and Wayne Bridge in central defence, while back-up goalkeeper is also ruled out

England rewarded for refusing to panic

England 5 Kazakhstan 1: two years ago the national side would not have won producing an abject performance like this

Huckerby relishes life as American idol

The former Norwich City player has found a new lease of life on the other side of the Pond despite forgoing a few pennies

How England's players rated against Kazakhstan

Frank Lampard got James Ducker's nod as his man of the match, but which England players failed to produce the goods?

Uruguay burdened by the weight of history

Players and fans alike are tormented by the ghosts of those who led this tiny country to two World Cups over 50 years ago

Some people just cannot kick the boos habit

Matt Dickinson says the abuse of Ashley Cole merely means he is the latest victim of an unfortunate national phenomenon

Terry hopeful of England return

Fabio Capello will give the England captain every chance to prove his fitness after Matthew Upson’s poor performance

How to make Wembley look like a Subbuteo pitch

Marc Aspland, Chief Sports Photographer at The Times, captures a startling image during England's World Cup qualifier

Wales need change after toiling display

Wales 2 Liechtenstein 0: Aaron Ramsey could soon find himself promoted to the senior side to add some much needed vision