Carlo Ancelotti has firmly denied that he ever considered quitting as Chelsea coach over the weekend.

Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech insists the midweek departure of assistant coach Ray Wilkins had no bearing on their shock 3-0 home defeat to Sunderland.

Three points were dropped against the Czech Republic on Friday night, but something more precious seemed to be discarded in Prague. It was the notion that Scotland might still retainthe ambition and the wherewithal to challenge even a side from thesecond tier of European nations.

Fabio Capello's selection problems were put into perspective yesterday when England's opening World Cup opponents, the United States, produced such a disjointed performance in their penultimate warm-up that coach Bob Bradley admitted his brain was temporarily scrambled.

For the past week Carlo Ancelotti, the Chelsea manager, has been singing the praises of his captain, John Terry. Yesterday the fans at Stamford Bridge joined the chorus, as Terry returned to action for the first time since being sacked as England captain.

Arsène Wenger has seen most things in his 13 seasons as Arsenal manager, though not even he has faced the possible backlash from an England captain scorned. Treading carefully to avoid any direct comment on John Terry on Friday, Wenger was more concerned that his team should produce a positive response to their own setback, namely the comprehensive home defeat last Sunday by Manchester United.

Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech has declared his surprise after his side were booed off by some fans following their 3-3 draw with Everton on Saturday.

Chelsea will lodge their intention to appeal against FIFA's transfer ban with the Court of Arbitration for Sport today.