Samuel Eto'o models a designer watch. © Getty Images

Cameroon: Samuel Eto’o has splashed out almost £900,000 on designer watches for his Cameroon squad, including back-room staff. He bought 30 of the £29,000 watches after promising he would reward them if they qualified for South Africa, and he handed them out before the warm-up match against Serbia.

Last month, Eto’o was accused by Cameroon legend Roger Milla of doing nothing for his country.

England: Following Monday's news that the referee for England vs USA is prone to making the odd headline, headline-making former World Cup referee Graham Poll has some words of warning for Wayne Rooney. The striker has been told that his ranting could lead to a red card at the tournament, and Poll tells the Daily Mail he could well find himself in trouble: "The referees in the World Cup training camp are not allowed to officiate at these warm-up matches, but they will all be watching. Especially the Brazilian Carlos Simon, who will take charge of England’s opening game against the USA in Rustenburg on Saturday. And that is bad news for Wayne Rooney.

"Simon, who speaks good English, will be aware of Rooney and will have seen his latest act of petulance. It was a yellow card on Monday, but it would be a red card on Saturday.
The referees have been given two significant instructions: protect the skilful players and protect the image of the game at all times.

"I sense Rooney’s anger has been bubbling recently and, although his goal on Monday will help restore a smile, there has been a little too much aggression in his play."

He added: "He once swore at me 27 times in 45 minutes in a live TV game at Highbury."