In what was another important round of World Cup qualifiers, defending world champions Spain edged closer to a place in the World Cup finals in Brazil by beating tough rivals France 1-0 to get back on top of the group qualification standings. Pedro’s 58th minute goal was sufficient to get the victory as a spirited performance in goal from Victor Valdes ensured that Les Blues couldn’t get the equalizer. Young Paul Pogba’s 78th minute sending off ended hopes of a recovery for Didier Deshchamps men.

In another important qualifying game, England self-destructed in the second half against Montenegro away from home to be held to a dissatisfying 1-1 draw. After Rooney scored from skipper Steven Gerrard’s corner in just the 6th minute, England dominated the first half with a very impressive display to go into half-time in the lead. Their second half showing left a lot to be desired as Joe Hart was forced to make some heroic saves in the second half. The Manchester City goalkeeper was finally beaten from close range by Dejan Damjanovic in the second half and Montenegro got a well deserved draw.

Following Rio Ferdinand’s refusal to acknowledge Roy Hodgson’s call for the World Cup qualifiers, fans of the Three Lions were hopeful that former skipper John Terry would get a call up to the national side. However, the England coach has dismissed the idea of pulling the Chelsea legend out of international retirement.

Terry announced his retirement from international football when FA pressed charges of racial abuse on the 32 year-old after a London court cleared the defender in the incident involving QPR player Anton Ferdinand. Terry’s return was said to be an option after Rio Ferdinand’s snub but ESPN FC reported that Hodgson has no plans of recalling the experienced star.

England's rain-soaked sojourn to Poland ended in disappointment as the Three Lions were held to a 1-1 draw in Warsaw. Kamil Gilk's strike 20 minutes from time drew the home side level after Wayne Rooney's opener just after the half-hour mark in the re-arranged fixture which was postponed by 24 hours due to a water-logged pitch on Tuesday. England still remain atop Group H with eight points, but Montenegro have a game in hand and are only a point behind in 2^nd place while Poland are two adrift of the Montenegrins.

Roy Hodgson filled his side with senior pros for the Polish test as Steven Gerrard, Michael Carrick, Ashley Cole and Jermain Defoe started while Poland had the unmistakable presence of Robert Lewandowski in attack.

The 2014 World Cup qualifiers continued to produce fireworks across Europe as the continental giants took the field for the last round of qualifiers for the calendar year. England will still have to turn out later tonight as their clash against Poland in Warsaw was abandoned due to a water-logged pitch caused by heavy rainfall, with the players unable to even conduct their pre-match training routine.

Events at the Olympic Stadium in Berlin more than made up for the dampener at Warsaw as Sweden produced one of the greatest comebacks in recent times as they clawed back from being 4-0 down to draw 4-4 against a shell-shocked Germany. Miroslav Klose’s early brace combined with Per Mertesacker’s goal before half-time gave the home side a commanding 3-0 lead, which was further consolidated by Mesut Ozil’s strike ten minutes into the 2^nd half.

Chelsea and England centre-back Gary Cahill believes that he has the support of the recently retired John Terry as he aims to replace the Chelsea skipper in the England squad, reported the Sun.

John Terry pulled the curtain down on a nine-year long spell with the Three Lions just last month. Cahill started in England's 5-0 win over San Marino on Friday, and the 26 year-old Blues defender is widely expected to succeed Terry in the central defensive role.

English winger Theo Walcott will be unable to play alongside his countrymen when they face Poland in the 2014 World Cup qualifier on Tuesday, reported BBC Sport. The Arsenal forward had to be taken off the pitch in their 5-0 victory over San Marino after a reckless challenge from opposing keeper Aldo Simoncini.

Walcott struggled to breathe after the challenge from Simoncini in the sixth minute of the game. The player was rushed to a hospital following the chest injury and initial scans revealed the need for further treatment.