Sir Alex Ferguson thinks John Terry might consider himself to have got off lightly after being hit with a four-match ban by the Football Association yesterday.

Tottenham manager Andre Villas-Boas insists John Terry will be sorely missed by England following his international retirement.

Stoke City completed a deal for striker Michael Owen this week in what was the highest profile free transfer of the summer.

Michael Carrick has told Tom Cleverley he must maintain the highest of standards if he is truly to make a big impression at Manchester United.

England goal hero Jermain Defoe admits it will be a big blow for Tottenham to lose the services of Luka Modric, who is believed to be edging closer to a move to Real Madrid.

It was going to take something really rather special to rescue an England friendly played in front of a half-empty stadium against a backdrop of scarcely concealed indifference, and against all the odds, with 11 minutes remaining, Jermain Defoe scored a winning goal that would have sent a jolt through any match.

England 2 Italy 1

Italy 1 England 2

Leading anti-racism campaigner Piara Powar has branded Roy Hodgson's intervention in the John Terry case as "foolish".

Mario Balotelli has been assured he will play a major role in Italy's future although he has been ruled out of tonight's friendly international with England in Berne.

Birmingham City custodian primed to face Euro finalists Italy tomorrow. By Sam Wallace

Birmingham custodian goes from playing in front of 5,000 at Cheltenham to facing Euro finalists Italy tomorrow

Sponsors and fans impressed by sportsman-like attitudes of Team GB may turn away from Premier League if stars continue to hurl abuse

Chances for Cahill, Jagielka and Dawson for England friendly with Italy next week