Robert Green finally put his World Cup ordeal behind him as he made his first appearance for West Ham looking confident in a pre-season friendly.

Tottenham Hotspur manager Harry Redknapp wants to sign West Ham midfielder Scott Parker before next month’s Champions League qualifying tie.

David James will start in goal for England tonight after Robert Green was axed. The veteran will replace Green between the sticks for the clash with Algeria in Cape Town.

Matthew Upson was the only absentee from England’s training session on Sunday. It has also been confirmed that Rio Ferdinand will fly home after England’s opening game.

Roger Federer came through a mid-match wobble to wrap up a straight-sets win over Stanislas Wawrinka and move into the French Open quarter-finals.

As a boy, Scott Parker played keepy-uppy in an advertisement for beefburgers. Against Wigan he performed the same trick for his club, West Ham.

Bayern Munich are lining up a summer bid for West Ham striker Carlton Cole. The 26-year-old has scored nine goals in 26 games this season for the struggling Hammers.

Carlton Cole could be set for a move across London this summer, after it was reported that Arsenal were given first option to buy the England international.

World Cup hopeful Carlton Cole has revealed he rejected two offers to quit West Ham in the January transfer window because he is committed to Gianfranco Zola.

West Ham United expect to complete the signing of Eidur Gudjohnsen within the next 24 hours. He will join Benni McCarthy in a new-look attack at Upton Park.