Lacklustre England feel Spain pain

Ireland saves Ireland’s blushes

Robbo blast Pearce appointment

—– Amid another uninspiring performance, England slump to their first home defeat under coach Steve McClaren as Spain win tonight’s friendly 1-0 at Old Trafford.
The Spaniards are facing a struggle to qualify for Euro 2008 but they are far the superior team as England struggle to make a single clear-cut chance.
The only goal comes just after the hour when substitute Andres Iniesta fires past debutant keeper Ben Foster.
With his team jeered off the pitch, McClaren struggles to hide his disappointment: “There were a few performances which weren’t up to their usual standards. That is the disappointing aspect of this performance. The players know that and it will be made clear.”
The saving grace is that key players should be back for the two crucial Euro 2008 qualifiers away to Israel and Andorra next month.

—– The Republic of Ireland come within seconds of their most embarrassing result of all-time before Stephen Ireland hits the winner against tiny San Marino almost five minutes into added time of their Euro 2008 qualifier.
Manuel Marani equalises Kevin Kilbane’s opener in the 86th minute.
Ireland’s late, late winner denied San Marino their first-ever Euro qualifying point. They had conceded 25 goals in their first three games in the current campaign.
Despite the narrowest of escapes, Republic boss Steve Staunton remains remarkably upbeat: “We controlled the game from start to finish and could have scored six or seven but we were sloppy at the back.”

—– Former England skipper Bryan Robson reveals he was interested in becoming the England Under-21 coach.
Currently available after being sacked as manager of West Bromwich Albion last year, he also admits that he was surprised that Stuart Pearce was given the job through the summer’s European Championships on a part-time basis: “I did have an interest in the job on a full-time basis. Appointing a part-time coach was a strange decision by the Football Association.”

—– Colin Lee, who will continue as caretaker boss until he appointments a permanent manager, is named Torquay United’s new director of football.
Lubos Kubik left Plainmoor at the start of the week after only 15 matches in charge of the Football League’s bottom club.
Lee explains his new role: “Over the next three years I intend to implement a new blue print for the football department of Torquay United to put us on a par with comparable sized clubs higher up the Football League ladder.”

—– Isn’t Niall Quinn brilliant!
The Sunderland chairman rejects Sky Sports request - and money - to change the traditional Saturday 3pm kick-off time to allow for the live broadcast of Championship leaders Derby County’s upcoming visit to Wearside.
Quinn tells the Black Cats’ supporters: “I’ve constantly stressed as a former player who has played in front of a pulsating Stadium of Light that your support is vital. I’m not some marketing guy looking for commission. I’m someone who knows what it’s like to be roared on.”

—– AFC Wimbledon are deducted 18 points by the Ryman League Appeals Committee for fielding a player without international clearance.
The Dons, who have already been expelled from the FA Trophy for fielding Jermaine Darlington, now have points taken off for the 11 games in which the former Cardiff City midfielder featured for them.
The Dons are currently fourth in the Ryman Premier Division on 51 points, but will drop to 12th on 33 points.
It all seems more than a little harsh for an English-born player previously playing for a Welsh club.
They are set to take their case to the Court for Arbitration for Sport where they’ll be represented by supporter and leading defence lawyer Jim Sturman.