QUOTES OF THE WEEK

If anyone slags us off after that, they need beheading. Darren Gough, on England's memorable first day of the Ashes.

Where's the nearest classical musical shop? I need some soothing music. Geoff Marsh, Australia's coach.

The boulevard of dreams is still alive. Jonathan Pearce, C5 commentator, after England's second goal against Poland.

It was an injury collected in armed combat. Glenn Hoddle, England coach, on the gashed calf suffered by Paul Gascoigne.

Even in the tunnel I looked at them and knew we were in for a kicking. Paul Ince, of England, on the Poles.

What I enjoyed was the other players' faces. Their eyes popped because they could not believe it. Roberto Carlos after his banana free-kick for Brazil in the Tournoi de France.

It will be different in Rome, there will be 80,000 screaming Italians for a start. Glenn Hoddle, England coach, after England's Tournoi win over Italy.

He didn't pull up. He's a coward. Donovan Bailey on Michael Johnson, after the 150m head-to-head in Toronto.

I'm not Mother Teresa. I'm not here to do charity work for anybody. Marc Rosset, Swiss tennis player, asked if he felt sympathy for his fellow French Open competitors on a windy day.

Their remarkable successes over the last 12 months lend force to the argument that the city is now the sporting capital of England. Tony Banks, Sports Minister, pays tribute to the city of Leicester.