Andersson attacks 'boring' England

Patrik Andersson, a senior member of Sweden's World Cup squad, has joined the debate about the supposedly negative tactics used by England in the World Cup by claiming that Sven Goran Eriksson's side were so boring that they should never have survived the first round.

The Barcelona defender, who did not play in the finals due to injury, maintains that it was a shame the likes of Argentina and Denmark went out so early as he feels they were much better than England.

"Argentina's premature goodbye was a shame," Andersson, who hardly set the Premiership alight during his stay with Blackburn Rovers, said. "England played really boring football. It was rudimentary and they shouldn't have got out of the group stage. There were other teams, such as Denmark, who showed a much higher level of football and deserved to have better luck."

Andersson's remarks echo the comments made by South Korea's coach Guus Hiddink who, in criticising the defensive approach of many European sides, said: "England were the worst. I was asking myself: 'Is this the great, attacking England team I used to watch?"

The Rangers striker Claudio Caniggia has been given a £1,500 fine and a two-match ban for his World Cup red card against Sweden. A ligament injury meant Caniggia missed out on Argentina's first two group matches and, when he was named as a substitute against Sweden, he was shown the red card for allegedly swearing at the United Arab Emirates referee Ali Bujsaim from the bench.

Pierluigi Collina, the Italian referee known for his bald head almost as much as his consistent officiating, will be chosen to oversee the World Cup final, according to reports in Italy.

While Fifa will not make its official selection until today, La Gazzetta dello Sport wrote that "there are no more doubts" as to which referee the game's world governing body will choose. One possible hindrance in choosing Collina could be that he appeared in an advertisement for the German sportswear manufacturer adidas recently. Germany, who wear adidas, will meet Brazil, who wear Nike, in the final.

The former France international midfielder Alain Giresse said he would be interested in taking over from national coach Roger Lemerre if the French Federation turns to him. Giresse, 50, now coaches the Moroccan side FAR Rabat.