Samir Nasri has warned his Manchester City team mates that failure to beat Sunderland in Sunday's Capital One Cup final could derail a season that currently has them in contention for four trophies.
The former captain marked his England return with a stylish performance in a 1-1 friendly draw with Brazil.
Though deprived of victory, England, coming off a series of poor results, will take heart from the way they grew in confidence as the game progressed and will aim to show more of the same in Wednesday's Euro 2008 qualifier.
Brazil's preliminary Copa America squad includes Germany's Footballer of the Year Diego of Werder Bremen and Real Madrid forward Robinho.
England captain John Terry will play in Wednesday's Group E Euro qualifier against Russia.
The top posts on social media from your favourite Bollywood celebrities.
The brain may be sharp as ever, but the legs seem heavier, the pace worryingly slower. He's still only 32, but the strain of a decade-and-a-half of paranormal activity on the pitch may just be piling up.
The following are talking points from the weekend's Premier League action:
Cristiano Ronaldo is in top condition and showing more resolve than ever to lead Portugal to the European title, national team coach Fernando Santos said ahead of their final Euro 2016 warm-up match on Wednesday.
Michael Laudrup became the latest manager to fall victim to a jinx that has now claimed five of the last six men who led their clubs to victory in the League Cup final when the Dane parted company with Swansea City on Tuesday.
IMAGES from the EPL matches played on Wednesday
England manager Steve McClaren said David Beckham was ready to play for England against Germany on Wednesday despite a recent ankle injury and a long-haul flight from the US.
Cameron hosted Modi for what has been described as an "intimate dinner" on Thursday evening after a power-packed day that included delegation-level talks, an address to MPs and a speech at the financial hub of London.
New-season optimism may be offset by old concerns for champions Manchester United and FA Cup holders Chelsea when they meet in the curtain-raising Community Shield.
IMAGES from the UEFA Champions League last 16 first leg matches played across Europe on Tuesday
The Princes, on stage to introduce Duran Duran, one of Diana's favourite bands, said the concert was about 'all that our mother loved in life'.
Brazil drew 0-0 with Turkey in a friendly international on Tuesday.
David Beckham was acclaimed as the saviour of a nation after his triumphant return to the England team.
Whatever happens in the title battle between Manchester City and Liverpool, which will go down to the final day of the season
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said bilateral cooperation in defence manufacturing would be the "prime focus" of his visit to the United Kingdom.
Liverpool will cover most miles of any Premier League club in pre-season preparation.
Spurred on by the attacking flair of Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney, United have already put an end to two consecutive years of Chelsea domination of the Premier League.
A 40-year-old man has been charged with stabbing to death Indian-origin special constable Nisha Patel-Nisri outside her home seven months ago.
The suspects, aged 37 and 41, both from London, were being interviewed at separate police stations last night, seven months after the killing.
Tottenham Hotspur have shown impressive durability in the Premier League lately, but they will need to be at their most steadfast to deny champions and league leaders Manchester City who travel to Wembley on Monday.
Michael Ballack scored in the 19th minute of extra time to give Chelsea a 2-1 victory over Blackburn Rovers.
Referees at next year's World Cup will use goalline technology for the first time to settle some of the disputes that have marred past tournaments.
Rediff.com's Norma Godinho captures classic moments from the planet's greatest sports competition: The FIFA World Cup.
The two clubs were kept apart in the draw for the semi-finals for the FA Cup.
President Donald Trump on Saturday tweeted that it was "very important" that players stand during the national anthem, following an ongoing controversy over athletes and others kneeling in protest.
Chilean forward Alex Sanchez returned to haunt his old club with the opening goal in Manchester United's 3-1 victory at Arsenal in a heavyweight FA Cup fourth-round clash.
In an all-Spanish clash, former winners Barcelona were drawn against Atletico Madrid in the Champions League draw, while Real Madrid will take on Borussia Dortmund. Paris Saint-Germain were handed a tough draw against Chelsea.
A night of wholesale team changes for the 11 Premier League sides in action produced one notable upset with top flight Stoke City losing 2-0 at second-tier Bristol City.
NFL players, owners defy Trump on anthem protests as feud ramps up
Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers will speak to striker Raheem Sterling after footage emerged of the England international apparently taking nitrous oxide.
'I think they're in a big fight now'
'Soul might not win trophies. But, unlike trophies, soul actually matters,' says Shougat Dasgupta.
Goalkeeper Petr Cech believes Arsenal are ready to clear the final hurdle needed to end the Premier League title drought, and said he was overwhelmed by the support he has received from fans and teammates at his new club.
A week later than they would have preferred Manchester City were crowned Premier League champions on Sunday as second-placed Manchester United suffered a shock 1-0 home defeat by bottom club West Bromwich Albion.
Manchester United must end a surprising three-match scoring drought to avoid Champions League elimination in Lisbon.
