Jonny Evans played the full match for Northern Ireland against Iceland and went close to scoring with a header, but Keith Gillespie’s last-gasp own goal meant a 2-1 defeat and leaves Nigel Worthington’s side’s hopes of making next summer’s tournament hanging by a thread.

John O’Shea started for the Republic of Ireland but came off before half-time through injury as the Republic lost 1-0 to their Czech counterparts, effectively ending their hopes of qualification for Euro 2008.

John O'Shea, may have suffered a bad injury.

Staunton added: "John will go for a scan but it could be a little tear in a knee ligament."

Rio Ferdinand was on the mark for England in their 3-0 success of Russia at Wembley. The Reds defender scored the third, adding to Michael Owen’s two earlier efforts, to seal victory.

Wes Brown was an unused sub.

Darren Fletcher’s Scotland pulled off one of their greatest results on Wednesday night, beating France 1-0 at the Parc de Princes, but it came at a cost to the United midfielder.

Injury forced Fletcher off after just 26 minutes of the tie, but Scotland held firm throughout and snatched a dramatic and unlikely winner when James McFadden hit a wonder-strike from 30 yards.

Manchester United ace Cristiano Ronaldo admits he came of age as a footballer after his World Cup row with teammate Wayne Rooney.

Referring to the famous match in which he had a hand in having Rooney sent off, Ronaldo told Hello! Magazine: "After the match, I was criticised and whistled at.

Manchester United star Cristiano Ronaldo insists he's a good role-model for children.

Gary Neville has warned his Manchester United team-mates that they cannot afford to be cast adrift in the Premier League title race.

The champions made a slow start to the defence of their crown and had to wait four games for their first victory.

Gary Neville hopes United can now go on a long winning run, with Louis Saha making a goalscoring return against Sunderland, Cristiano Ronaldo now free from suspension and Wayne Rooney’s comeback from injury reportedly not far off.

Manchester United wing ace Cristiano Ronaldo admits he's uncomfortable with the striker's role Luiz Felipe Scolari is demanding of him with Portugal.

"I won't say this can't be my future," said Ronaldo, "but it doesn't suit me at the moment. I don't like playing with my back towards goal, I prefer to face it.

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has confirmed Wayne Rooney is back in training this week after recovering from a metatarsal injury.

"He's started training which is good. I'd not have brought him back to training unless he was ready," said Ferguson.