Five facts about the captain

The England captain, 34, is No 3 on the country's most capped players list behind Peter Shilton and David Beckham. He has played 114 times for England since 2000 and after being briefly captain in 2008 became full-time team leader in 2010. He captained England 38 times, winning 20 of those games.

Hardy midfielder leaves England with tears for souvenirs

As Steven Gerrard soaked up thunderous applause from England's supporters at fulltime in Belo Horizonte, he looked surprised and relieved by the generous response to his team's dismal World Cup campaign.

Rodriguez goal hailed; Real move speculation mounts

James Rodriguez's spectacular volley against Uruguay was crowned the best goal of the World Cup on Monday as speculation mounted he will soon be unveiled as Real Madrid's latest big-money signing.

Top English clubs launch new US 'invasion'

Fifty years after the Beatles launched a British musical "invasion" of America, English soccer clubs are playing preseason matches in the United States hoping to spark growth for the sport.

Nibali: I have learnt from the past

Vincenzo Nibali says he is a more mature rider than he was the past couple of years and insists he is well placed to secure a first Tour de France success.

Bottas is now Formula One's fastest Finn

Valtteri Bottas is rapidly laying claim to be Formula One's fastest Finn after again eclipsing Kimi Raikkonen on his way to a third successive podium appearance for Williams on Sunday.

We tried, but we are slipping - Neymar

Brazil star Neymar says his team strove hard for World Cup glory, but other countries have moved ahead of it and it must catch up.

Score board

From Holywood to Hoylake: the rise of Rory

For those in the know, from his earliest years in Holywood outside Belfast, it was just a matter of time before Rory McIlroy joined the ranks of golfing greats like Tiger Woods and Jack Nicklaus.

Dad's 10-yr wager pays off big

Gerry McIlroy was 100,000 pounds ($170,900) richer on Sunday following his son Rory's two-stroke victory in the 143rd British Open at Royal Liverpool.

Woods wants to be picked for Cup

Even after his worst 72-hole finish in a major, Tiger Woods says he would pick himself for the Ryder Cup team.

Millionaire Ko pondering how to spend her winnings

Now she is officially a millionaire, Lydia Ko joked she will have to keep a closer watch on where her paychecks go.