ESPN Soccernet

David Beckham admits that his public axing from the England set-up came as something of a "surprise", but his relationship with Fabio Capello has not been affected by the media storm that followed.

Roy Hodgson is still looking to further trim his Liverpool squad despite presiding over a considerable revamp of the playing staff since his arrival at Anfield.

The pressure on Liverpool's owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett to find a buyer has increased after it emerged the American duo may struggle to refinance their debts after an October 6 deadline.

Gary Neville has once again made little attempt to disguise his dislike for Liverpool, but the Manchester United defender has also taken aim at clubs who spend their way to success, rather than relying on a glorious history - a comment that will no doubt be interpreted as a dig at Manchester City.

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

Portugal coach Carlos Queiroz has been dismissed following the country's poor start to Euro 2012 qualifying and the coach's own lengthy suspension.

Greece striker Theofanis Gekas has taken the surprise decision to retire from international football with immediate effect.

Real Madrid defender Pepe is champing at the bit to play his first game at the Bernabeu since December.

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

Scott Parker has signed a new five-year contract with West Ham United, ESPNsoccernet can reveal.