Owen admits to lack of fitness

World Cup in brief

* The England striker Michael Owen has admitted that he was not fully fit when he faced Brazil in Friday's 2-1 quarter-final defeat. Owen put England ahead in the first half before Brazil hit back through Rivaldo and Ronaldinho. "I didn't train all week, except for the day before the Brazil game," said Owen. "I had a treatment every day for 11 hours. There was nothing torn. It was just a niggle but I could feel it as I went out to play against Brazil. I could run but I couldn't go flat-out. But it was a game I didn't want to miss. It's not everyday you are able to face Brazil in the quarter-finals of the World Cup. "

* Several members of the United States World Cup team seem destined for a future in the Premiership, writes Alan Nixon. The Everton manager, David Moyes, is trying to sign the striker Brian McBride for the second time. McBride has been told he can leave the MLS as a reward for his long service and could be keen to link up again with Moyes, for whom he played at Preston. Meanwhile, Charlton are keen on winger DaMarcus Beasley, while the right-back Tony Sanneh has also been offered around.

The left-winger Eddie Lewis is likely to leave Fulham, with Preston leading the chase.

* One out of seven South Koreans is expected to take to the streets to watch the national team's World Cup semi-final tomorrow against Germany. Of the 47m population, 7m, including 3m in Seoul, are expected to watch the game on giant television screens at 400 sites around the country.