Jermain Defoe scores a hat-trick as England get their Euro 2012 qualifying campaign off to a fine start with a 4-0 victory against Bulgaria at Wembley.

England and Northern Ireland kick off their Euro 2012 qualifying campaigns with victories, Scotland draw and Wales lose on a busy night of international football.

England coach Fabio Capello says he hopes the pressure of expectation over the team’s Euro 2012 qualifier with Bulgaria will bring out the best in him.

Former England captain David Beckham hopes to play for the LA Galaxy against Columbus Crew on 11 September.

The future of non-league side Croydon Athletic is in doubt due to the club’s alleged link to the Pakistan cricket betting scandal.

Portugal coach Carlos Queiroz is suspended for six months after it is ruled that he disrupted an anti-doping test ahead of this summer’s World Cup.

The head of Russia’s 2018 World Cup bid defends the country’s track record in dealing with racism in football.