This is no ordinary time for England and the US to renew World Cup hostilities. The backdrop is one of political tension between the US and the UK over Barack Obama's mildly xenophobic hostility towards BP over the disastrous oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. There were a few fans willing to view England v the US as something of a grudge match.

• 'It's right for England to have the tournament' • 'Would be most important sporting decade in our history' Gordon Brown has vowed to do all he can to ensure England's bid for the 2018 World Cup is successful. "It's right for England to host the World Cup," the prime minister, speaking at a launch party for the bid at Wembley stadium, said. "We have a ...

Oh dear, what a kerfuffle this whole sorry business has turned out to be for some. ;) Still, if you rely on the UK media for your info it must be difficult to believe there is nothing shady about FIFAs decision to award the 2018 World Cup to Russian, and Qatar in 2022.  When England sent such a high powered delegation to Zurich to make its pitch, many would have thought with Wee Willie, Dippy...

The Prime Minister s Spokesman (PMS) began by updating the press on the Prime Minister s contacts with his international counterparts. Over the past few days he had spoken to Prime Minister Singh of India, President Lula of Brazil and he had also spoken to the Managing Director of the IMF and the Prime Minister of Hungary. The Prime Minister spoke to President Sarkozy yesterday and they agreed tha...

As the final whistle is blown in Vienna to signal Spain's well-deserved victory over Germany as European Football Champions, their first Spanish success in a major final since before England won the World Cup, brilliant veteran commentator John Motson finally delivers his pre-prepared classic line:The Senors have become the Seniors...Quality Mottie. Quality.Sadly, tonight's game was Motty's final ...

Asked if Mervyn King met with the Prime Minister this morning, and if they discussed interest rates, the Prime Minister s Spokesman (PMS) replied that obviously interest rates were a matter for the Bank of England and something he would not be commenting on. The Governor of the Bank of England was in the building this morning, but he was meeting the Chancellor not the Prime Minister. Asked to clar...

It’s not often that I disagree with James, but I don’t think that David Cameron returns from Zurich with egg on his face. Of course, we Scots learn to see the upside in sporting defeat, but I really do believe the World Cup bid was a credit to England – and to the Prime Minister. That video which Pete blogged yesterday spoke with incredible elegance: England is already the home o...

David Cameron's aides said the Prime Minister was "gutted" after stepping out of a G20 meeting to watch England lose to Germany in the World Cup. He is the latest in a line of Prime Ministers who have been keen to emphasise their passion for the game at every opportunity.

The Prime Minister David Cameron has confirmed he will travel to Zurich next month to support England's bid to host the 2018 World Cup.

The Prime Minister s Spokesman (PMS) explained that the Prime Minister would be travelling to Brussels tomorrow for the informal meeting of the European Council and that he believed this was a decisive moment for the world economy. We were facing a global crisis that required a global solution, which was why the Prime Minister would continue to work with other world leaders on action to give Briti...