The English Premier League is this season's leader in shirt sponsorship revenue amongst the top six European leagues. The EPL's €128 million revenue leapfrogged the German Bundesliga with a €45 million increase.
According to the 12th edition of the European Jersey Report by global sports marketing consultancy SPORT+MARKT, the combined value of shirt deals across the top six leagues in the continent was up by 18 per cent on last season, reaching an all-time high of €470.7 million.
“Fifteen clubs have improved their revenue from improved jersey sponsorship deals, and three of the five clubs with the most lucrative deals in Europe come from the Premier League,” said SPORT+MARKT UK director Gareth Moore.
English clubs Manchester United and Liverpool boast the highest deals – their new agreements with AON and Standard Chartered respectively are each worth €23.6 million.
Germany and France, second and fourth placed with €118.5 million and €58.8 million respectively, showed impressive increases. France benefited from the liberalisation of its betting market to overtake Spain (€57.5 million), and Germany could be the next market to be boosted by changes in the gambling legislation.
According to SportBusinnes.com, revenue stalled in Netherlands, which is placed sixth with €42 million, while the Italian Serie A was the only league to post a drop, with shirt sponsorship revenue now standing at €65.9 million. Two of Serie A's two major clubs – Lazio and Fiorentina – are currently sponsorless however the league remained in the third position.
Germany's latest World Cup victory over England will be remembered not for any of the brilliant goals, but for the one that didn't count.
Ask anyone — players, coaches, thousands of fans in the stadium and millions more watching on television — and there's little question that Frank Lampard put a shot in the net late in the first half that would have tied the score.
But referee Jorge Larrionda waved play on, and Germany used two second-half goals by Thomas Mueller for a 4-1 victory Sunday. The Germans are headed to the quarterfinals. The English are shaking their heads in disbelief.
"It's incredible," England coach Fabio Capello said. "We played with five referees and they can't decide if it's a goal or no goal. The game was different after this goal. It was the mistake of the linesman and I think the referee because from the bench I saw the ball go (in)."
Germany coach Joachim Loew couldn't argue that point.
"What I saw on the television, this ball was behind the line," Loew said. "It must have been given as goal."
It wasn't.
"The goal was very important," Capello said. "We could have played a different style.
"We made some mistakes when they played the counterattack. The referee made bigger mistakes."
Larrionda and assistant referee Mauricio Espinosa were not made available to comment. FIFA said in a statement that it "will not make any comments on decisions of the referee on the field of play."
Soccer's rules-making panel agreed last March not to pursue experiments with technology that could help referees judge goal-line decisions.
Germany went up on goals by Miroslav Klose and Lukas Podolski before England's Matthew Upson made it 2-1 in the 37th minute.
Lampard's non-goal came a minute later. After the ball landed across the line, it spun back into the arms of Germany goalkeeper Manuel Neuer. Capello initially celebrated what he thought was an equalizer by clenching his fists and shaking his arms. But his face changed when he realized the goal had not been given.
As the players headed off the field at halftime, Wayne Rooney walked over to a linesman and gestured with his hands how far he thought the ball crossed the goal line.
In 1966, England and Germany were 2-2 in extra time in the World Cup final when Geoff Hurst's shot struck the underside of the crossbar, bounced down and spun back into play. That time, the referee consulted his linesman, who awarded the goal.
Hurst went on to score a third goal in England's 4-2 victory at Wembley.
This time, it was Mueller getting two goals.
"We heard that the ball was behind the line, that we were fortunate," Mueller said of Lampard's shot. "Before the last two goals, the game hung in the balance, England was putting on the pressure."
The 20-year-old forward finished two quick German counterattacks within 3 minutes to sink England's hopes of beating Germany at the World Cup for the first time since that '66 final.
Germany plays the winner of Argentina-Mexico, which is later Sunday.
"In the knockout stages, Germany is always there," Podolski said. "We fought and ran a lot, just fantastic today."
Added Klose: "We were aggressive from the first minute and it was a deserved victory. Our target was to reach the semifinals and that's what we want to achieve."
It was the most lopsided England loss in a World Cup.
Mueller scored on the counterattack in the 67th minute, having started the move after a long clearance by Jerome Boateng. Mueller passed to Bastian Schweinsteiger, who patiently dribbled upfield and ran across the 18-yard line to feed the unguarded Mueller. His shot hit the hand of England goalkeeper David James and went in.
Three minutes later, Mueller struck again after a break on the left wing by Mesut Oezil.
"We played I think well at 2-1, but after the third goal it was a little bit disappointing," Capello said. "Germany is a big team. They played a good game."
Klose scored his 50th goal in 99 games for Germany — his 12th World Cup goal — by outmuscling defender Upson to a bouncing ball off a goal kick. Podolski gave the three-time champions a 2-0 lead, putting the ball through James' legs.
Upson headed in a cross from Steven Gerrard to make it 2-1, then Lampard's shot was not rewarded — a decision sure to be debated for as long as international soccer has no video replay.
"I think if you look back at the game as a whole, we've been beaten by the better team," England captain Steven Gerrard said. "At 2-1, if Frank's ball had stayed I think it would have been a nice turning point in the game."
The England Supporters' Band has vowed to compete against the deafening sound of the vuvuzela at the Football World Cup - and said the traditional instruments should not be banned.
The brass orchestra, which has not missed an England game home or away since 1996, promised "the band will play on" despite the din of the South African horns.
Trumpeteer John Hemmingham, who is leading an eight-man team, said the plastic instruments were part of the local culture and should not be banned from inside stadiums.
Mr Hemmingham, from Sheffield, said the vuvuzelas would be a memorable feature of this World Cup and were overall a "good thing".
Some broadcasters and players have complained about the noise of the vuvuzelas and there have even been calls for a ban.
But Mr Hemmingham said: "It's the way the South Africans express their joy and pleasure at the tournament being here. It's certainly a challenge for us but there's no point winging about it."
After England took on the US in Rustenburg on Saturday, football pundit Chris Kamara complained the noise was stopping fans from generating chants around the ground.
But Mr Hemmingham said: "We didn't have any problem. The fans around us were all singing along. And a lot of our fans were joining in with us using their vuvuzelas. It all added to the atmosphere.
"There was definitely a different vibe about the place. The South Africans are loving it. And when in Rome, you just have to go along with it.
"I bet there is not a single South African player complaining about the vuvuzela. They see it as more than just a noise, it's about the whole spirit of the thing."
King has become the favourite to replace Rio Ferdinand at the heart of England's World Cup defence, despite the Tottenham defender's fears he could be risking a legacy of pain for the rest of his life.
With Ferdinand ruled out of the tournament by a training ground injury he suffered soon after arriving in South Africa, King is now in line to start alongside John Terry in England's opening match, against the United States here on Saturday.
The 29-year-old has managed to convince England coach Fabio Capello that he can get through the tournament, despite a knee condition that means he has to undergo a special training regime and, he admits, could result in restricted mobility in later life.
That thought occurs to him on a daily basis -- most acutely when he has to tell his six-year-old son he can't play football with him for fear of incurring an injury.
King though believes the opportunity of performing at the pinnacle of his profession represents a gamble worth taking.
"Every time I get up and walk, there are restrictions; squatting can be uncomfortable, I can't stretch my knee up to stretch my groin -- I can't grab hold of my knee in that way.
"But the scans over the last two or three years have indicated it is in a similar situation to when I had the operation, if not a bit better, which is good to know.
"But if it does impact on me in later life then it will have been worth it. To be here is something I will never forget, to be involved in the World Cup 23 is something I will look back on."
King played alongside Terry at Euro 2004 -- for which Ferdinand was banned after missing a drugs test -- but was ruled out of the last World Cup with a broken foot bone.
"You are a long time retired, so you might as well do everything you can now," he added. "That's the way I look at it. A career is short and I'm trying to get as much out of it as I can.
"No player really knows when their time is going to end, so I'm trying to concentrate on doing as much as I can."
Although King is in pole position to replace Ferdinand, Capello also has the option of starting Jamie Carragher alongside Terry, having persuaded the Liverpool defender to come out of international retirement primarily as cover for his club-mate Glen Johnson at right back.
Matthew Upson, who has been the main back-up for Ferdinand and Terry for most of the 18 months that Capello has been in charge, has fallen out of favour after a loss of form for West Ham in the second half of the season.
Upson is in any case struggling to be well enough to feature on Saturday after being prevented from training because of a fever.
If Terry and King do end up on the pitch together, they will be reprising a partnership that goes back a decade and a half to when they were part of the same boys team in the suburbs of east London.
"I haven't played alongside John for three years but it doesn't worry me," King said. "I've watched enough of John for years and I've played with him and know his game. Communication is key for defenders. He's a big talker and I will talk and I'm sure we'll be fine."
King and Terry played in the same junior team between the ages of 11 and 16, although they were never centreback partners back in those days.
"He was a midfielder then and he used to shout at us even all back then," King recalled. "He was only small, a lot shorter than now, but he had great leadership qualities.
"He played in front of me and I think he was the captain. Paul Konchesky, Bobby Zamora and Jlloyd Samuel were all in that team.
"He was the same in midfield as he is at the back really. He was courageous, throwing himself about, doing things that us young lads hadn't really seen before."
England's stuttering build-up to their World Cup opener against the United States continued as Fabio Capello's men laboured to a 3-0 win over South African club Platinum Stars on Monday.
Having lost captain Rio Ferdinand to a training ground injury last week, Capello will have been relieved to have got through this final practice match without any further setbacks on that front, five days before his squad face the Americans in Rustenburg.
But the Italian was given cause for concern by the defensive lapses that were scattered throughout a display that was just as disjointed as the unconvincing friendly wins over Mexico and Japan that preceded his squad's departure for South Africa.
Not until Joe Cole sidefooted home midway through the second half was the game put beyond the reach of the South African Premier League side, who missed a fourth-minute penalty two minutes after Jermain Defoe had given England the lead.
Wayne Rooney swept in a James Milner pass minutes from the end to give the scoreline a more flattering allure on an afternoon when Capello's stars might have suffered greater damage to their morale.
The only player to feature for the full 90 minutes, Joe Cole was one of England's livelier performers and he looks likely to start on the left of midfield on Saturday in the absence of Gareth Barry, who will not have recovered sufficiently in time from his ankle injury.
England's opener came after Glen Johnson released Steven Gerrard into space on the right of the box. Gerrard, who has taken over the captaincy from Ferdinand, delivered a textbook cutback and Defoe finished cleanly from the edge of the six-yard box.
That positive start was almost immediately undermined, however, when Glen Johnson needlessly conceded a penalty with a shove on Mzikayise Mashaba two minutes later.
Joe Hart, granted the first 45 minutes to press his case for promotion above Robert Green, may have relished the opportunity to demonstrate his prowess at keeping out spot-kicks but the goalkeeper was not required to make a save as Bradley Grobler's effort sailed high over his bar.
Capello's decision to pair Rooney with Emile Heskey for the second half suggests the big Aston Villa striker is winning his personal battle with Peter Crouch for a starting role alongside the Manchester United man.
Crouch, who featured alongside Jermain Defoe for the opening period, did not help his cause with a couple of flagrant misses. Having failed to connect with Ashley Cole's low cross in front of goal, the Tottenham striker then headed an equally inviting delivery from Defoe two metres off target.
Heskey's finishing was no better when he was presented with a free header by Aaron Lennon after the interval and England were fortunate not to concede an equaliser when Lehlohonolo Masalesa got clear of the back four shortly afterwards only to screw his shot wide of Green's right-hand post.
Cole settled any doubt about the outcome following a solo run by Rooney and England's talisman, who showed no sign of his recent groin and knee problems, wrapped things up in the closing minutes.
Greece coach Otto Rehhagel on Tuesday named his 23-man World Cup squad which features eight players representing Greek champions Panathinaikos.
Greece have a warm-up friendly scheduled against Paraguay in Winterthur, Switzerland, on Wednesday before leaving on Friday for South Africa where they will stay at Umhlanga Rocks, north of Durban. The Euro 2004 champions are drawn in Group B with South Korea, Nigeria and Argentina.
Squad
Goalkeepers: Costas Halkias (PAOK), Alexandros Tzorvas (Panathinaikos), Michael Sifakis (Aris)
Fabio Capello has finalised the 23-man squad to carry English hopes at the World Cup in South Africa - and there's no place for Theo Walcott, Darren Bent or Adam Johnson.
Tom Huddlestone, Leighton Baines, Michael Dawson and Scott Parker were the other casualties from the initial 30-strong gathering which attended Capello's pre-World Cup camp in Austria.
But Arsenal's Walcott is the surprise ommission from the South Africa-bound party - his place going to ManchesterCity winger Shaun Wright-Phillips.
Walcott said today: "I am very disappointed not to be included in the squad going out to South Africa, but completely respect Mr Capello's decision. "I would like to wish the team the best of luck and hope theyhave a really successful tournament."
Aside from Walcott, the one unexpected decision involved Aston Villa defender Stephen Warnock's selection ahead of Leighton Baines. The latter's discomfort at committing himself to being away from home for six weeks eventually counted against him, even though he featured against Egypt and Mexico while Warnock didn't.
With scans on Gareth Barry's ankle injury confirming that he was on track to recover in time to play a full part in training immediately after the Group C opener against the United States on June 12, Capello was able to formulate the rest of his squad largely as predicted.
England's 23-man squad for the World Cup finals in South Africa:
Goalkeepers
Joe Hart, David James, Robert Green
Defenders
Jamie Carragher, Ashley Cole, Rio Ferdinand, Glen Johnson, Ledley King, John Terry, Matthew Upson, Stephen Warnock
Midfielders
Gareth Barry, Michael Carrick, Joe Cole, Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard, Aaron Lennon, James Milner, Shaun Wright-Phillips
Forwards
Peter Crouch, Jermain Defoe, Emile Heskey, Wayne Rooney
England coach Fabio Capello has persuaded defender Jamie Carragher to come out of international retirement for the World Cup, while centre back Ledley King has been selected in the provisional squad despite chronic knee problems.
The 32-year-old Carragher quit international football three years ago after being snubbed by Capello's predecessor, Steve McClaren, to focus on his Liverpool career.
The 29-year-old King, who also last played for England in 2007, was included in the 30-man provisional squad despite being unable to train between matches due to knee problems. However, the Tottenham player played four matches in 15 days near the end of the season.
King and Carragher will act as central defensive cover for John Terry and captain Rio Ferdinand, who also struggles with back problems.
Since defenders Wes Brown and Joleon Lescott were completed ruled out of the World Cup due to injury, Capello has diverted from his policy of only selecting players with no fitness concerns.
The final 23-man squad will be announced on June 1 after a training camp in Austria and friendlies against Mexico and Japan.
In midfield, ManchesterCity's Gareth Barry is included despite being ruled out until June with ankle ligament damage, while Chelsea's Joe Cole is included despite injuries and a lack of form keeping him out of the England setup for almost two years.
West Ham midfielder Scott Parker also has a chance to convince Capello to take him to South Africa, where England's campaign opens on June 12 against United States.
ManchesterCity winger Adam Johnson and Spurs centre back Michael Dawson are the two uncapped players in the squad. Aston Villa's Stephen Warnock and Everton's Leighton Baines are the backup options for left back Ashley Cole.
ManchesterCity left back WayneBridge quit the squad in February after allegations that Terry had an affair with the mother of his child. Capello stripped Terry of the England captaincy over the incident.
Up front, Capello's favoured starting strikers of Wayne Rooney and Emile Heskey have been joined by Tottenham pair Peter Crouch and Jermain Defoe, as well as Sunderland's Darren Bent.
Paul Robinson, England's first-choice goalkeeper at the 2006 World Cup, has been left out. David James, Robert Green and Joe Hart are the 'keepers that made the cut.
Squad:
Goalkeepers: David James (Portsmouth), Robert Green (West Ham), Joe Hart (ManchesterCity).
Defenders: Glen Johnson (Liverpool), Rio Ferdinand (Manchester United), John Terry (Chelsea), Leighton Baines (Everton), Matthew Upson (West Ham), Jamie Carragher (Liverpool), Ledley King (Tottenham), Ashley Cole (Chelsea), Stephen Warnock (Aston Villa), Michael Dawson (Tottenham).
Midfielders: Steven Gerrard (Liverpool), Frank Lampard (Chelsea), Michael Carrick (Manchester United), Shaun Wright-Phillips (Manchester City), James Milner (Aston Villa), Theo Walcott (Arsenal), Tom Huddlestone (Tottenham), Aaron Lennon (Tottenham), Adam Johnson (Manchester City), Joe Cole (Chelsea), Scott Parker (West Ham), Gareth Barry (Manchester City).
Strikers: Peter Crouch (Tottenham), Emile Heskey (Aston Villa), Wayne Rooney (Manchester United), Jermain Defoe (Tottenham), Darren Bent (Sunderland).
David Beckham will miss the World Cup and most if not all the Los Angeles Galaxy season after tearing his left Achilles' tendon Sunday while playing for AC Milan.
His international career for England is all but over. It remains to be seen how much he'll have left for the Galaxy and Major League Soccer.
"He will miss the World Cup for sure," a person familiar with the injury told The Associated Press, speaking on condition of anonymity because an official announcement had not been made. The person said it was likely the 34-year-old midfielder will play again.
Beckham was injured without getting hit during AC Milan's 1-0 Italian League win over visiting Chievo Verona. With only a few minutes remaining and the score 0-0, Beckham was by himself with the ball at his feet, shifted his weight and reached a hand down to his left heel. Beckham then stood up and snapped his wrists like he was breaking a twig in half in a gesture to show the AC Milan bench he knew the tendon was broken.
Visibly in pain and in tears, Beckham went to the sideline for medical attention, leaving Milan a man short because all three substitutes had been used. "He felt the muscle begin to come up, which is a typical symptom when you break an Achilles' tendon," Milan coach Leonardo told Sky. "This is a real blow."
Sky reported that Beckham said, 'It's broken, it's broken," when he came off. Club physician Jean Pierre Meersseman told Italy's Sky TV that Beckham will fly to Finland, where he will be treated by specialist surgeon Dr. Sakari Orava.
"He'll go to Finland tomorrow and will be operated on probably tomorrow afternoon or Tuesday morning," Meersseman said. While Beckham has not been a starter for England in recent matches, he was likely to make the World Cup roster as a reserve and looked forward to the high-profile June 12 matchup against the United States — and Galaxy teammate Landon Donovan. Although no longer a top player, Beckham was still useful for his free kicks and crosses, especially when England needed second-half goals.
And for many, he was the most-known soccer player in the world, a fashion icon with a celebrity wife, former Spice Girl Victoria Beckham. A 2002 movie was even named after him, "Bend it Like Beckham." The former Manchester United and Real Madrid star was on his second loan stint to AC Milan from Los Angeles Galaxy as he looked to boost his chances of making England coach Fabio Capello's 23-man World Cup roster. With no chance to play in the World Cup, his international career is likely over after 17 goals and 115 appearances, second in English history behind only goalkeeper Peter Shilton's 125 matches from 1970-90.
Beckham was England's captain from November 2000 through the 2006 World Cup. He was due back with the Galaxy after the World Cup. "He'll probably be out for five or six months," AC Milan vice president Adriano Galliani told Sky. "I saw him really suffering. In the changing room I hugged him and told him that if he wants he can join us next year, too."
It was yet another blow for Major League Soccer, already facing the threat of a players' strike ahead of the season opener on March 25. Beckham is the league's highest-paid player with a $32.5 million, five-year contract and its biggest draw. "We just received the information about David's unfortunate injury," MLS commissioner Don Garber said. "We wish him a speedy recovery."
Galaxy coach Bruce Arena said it was too early to tell exactly how long Beckham will be out. He didn't want to discuss the impact the injury would have on Los Angeles' season. He wouldn't blame the injury on the loan.
"Players get hurt whether they're on loan or not," he said. "Injuries are unfortunately part of the game."
Capello and his England assistant Franco Baldini spoke with Beckham on the telephone to offer best wishes, according to British news agency The Press Association.
In April 2002, Beckham broke a bone in his left foot during a European Champions League game against Spain's Deportivo La Coruna. His injury and recovery were front-page news to fixated England fans.
England fell short in the 2002 World Cup and yet again in 2006, still hoping for its first title since 1966. Beckham returned Sunday to AC Milan's starting lineup after a reserve-appearance in Wednesday's 4-0 Champions League loss at Manchester United, his first match at Old Trafford against his old club since he left after the 2002-03 season. Beckham was treated Sunday for a deep cut to his right cheek following a collision early in the first half.
With the game scoreless, Beckham nearly scored in the 84th, but Chievo goalkeeper Stefano Sorrentino stopped his close-range effort. "Beckham came here because he wanted to help Milan return to the top and he was looking to get a jersey for the national team and participate in the World Cup," Milan defender Gianluca Zambrotta said. "If other victories come, there will surely be a dedication for David Beckham."
Barry, who left Villa Park for Manchester City in the summer, says he has been impressed with the recent performances of former team-mates Gabriel Agbonlahor, Emile Heskey and James Milner.
"If Gabby gets the chance in his first game at Wembley in front of the home fans for the full England team then that will only help him," said Barry. "He's hit the ground running, is scoring goals for Villa and he can go and show everyone what he can do.
"Emile has struck a great partnership with Wayne Rooney in this campaign. The way he plays for the team is second to none and everyone's thrived playing off him. He's a big part of the England team.
"And James has improved again this season and his confidence will again improve him. Playing on both sides can only help him so being versatile can only help when going to the World Cup."
Barry is hoping to start at Wembley on Wednesday night after sitting out the 1-0 defeat in Ukraine and the midfielder says the whole squad is determined to round off their qualifying campaign on a high.
He added: "The buzz is still in the camp and we'll be in front of our own fans so we want to get a good performance and celebrate in front of our home fans."
On Wednesday, England host Croatia in a 2010 World Cup qualification match. England would set a new national record of winning most successive World Cup qualifiers if they beat Croatia, having already won their last nine World Cup qualification matches.
The only previous time England won nine consecutive World Cup qualification matches was between 1949 and 1957.The last time England lost a World Cup qualifier was in an away match against Northern Ireland on 7 September 2005 (1-0).
The all-time European record of winning successive World Cup qualification matches is in the hands of West Germany. According to Infostrada Sports, they won 16 consecutive matches between 1969 and 1985.
Most consecutive matches won by England in World Cup qualification
# Start date Match that ended streak
9 08 Oct 2005 Still running
9 15 Oct 1949 Republic of Ireland - England (19 May 1957) 1-1
Fabio Capello names a 24-man squad for games against Slovenia and Croatia.
Manchester United goalkeeper Ben Foster returns from injury to join Robert Green and Paul Robinson in forming Capello's three goalkeeping options in the 24-man list.
Meanwhile Spurs duo Aaron Lennon and Peter Crouch, who both scored in Spurs' win over Birmingham City on Saturday, are in the squad.
Manchester United defender Wes Brown is also in Capello's selection for the friendly next Saturday, which will be followed by the important World Cup Qualifier a week on Wednesday,
The England Squad
Goalkeepers Ben Foster - Manchester United, Robert Green - West Ham United, Paul Robinson - Blackburn Rovers
Defenders Wayne Bridge - Manchester City, Wes Brown - Manchester United, Ashley Cole - Chelsea, Glen Johnson - Liverpool, Joleon Lescott - Manchester City, John Terry - Chelsea, Matthew Upson - West Ham United
Midfielders Gareth Barry - Manchester City, David Beckham - LA Galaxy, Michael Carrick - Manchester United, Steven Gerrard - Liverpool, Frank Lampard - Chelsea, Aaron Lennon - Tottenham Hotspur, James Milner - Aston Villa, Shaun Wright-Phillips - Manchester City, Ashley Young - Aston Villa
Forwards Carlton Cole - West Ham United, Peter Crouch - Tottenham Hotspur, Jermain Defoe - Tottenham Hotspur, Emile Heskey - Aston Villa, Wayne Rooney - Manchester United
Source: The FA
Calendar: England v Slovenia - International Match - 5.30pm Saturday 5 September - Wembley Stadium
England v Croatia - World Cup Group Six Qualifier - 8.00pm Wednesday 9 September - Wembley Stadium
Sir Bobby Robson, the former England manager, has died, aged 76, after a long struggle against cancer.
Sir Bobby, who was in charge of the national team for eight years, guided England to the semi-finals of the 1990 World Cup in Italy.
He made his playing debut in 1950 but was better known as a coach, managing Barcelona, PSV Eindhoven, PC Porto and his beloved Newcastle United.
A statement issued on behalf of his family said: "It is with great sadness that it has been announced that Sir Bobby Robson has lost his long and courageous battle with cancer.
"He died very peacefully this morning at his home in County Durham with his wife and family beside him.
"Sir Bobby's funeral will be private and for family members only. A thanksgiving service in celebration of Sir Bobby's life will be held at a later date for his many friends and colleagues.
"Lady Robson and the family would very much appreciate it if their privacy could be respected at this difficult time."
Ray Wilkins, who played under Sir Bobby for England, said he was "absolutely devastated" at the news.
"He was an absolute gentlemen," he said in an interview with Sky News. "You don't come across people like Bobby very often.
"He lived his life with humility. He was a joy to be around."
On Sunday, a crowd of 33,000 turned out at St James' Park as a team including several of Sir Bobby's 1990 England squad took on a Germany XI to raise money for the former manager's own cancer charity.
Robson attended in a wheelchair and was introduced to both teams and presented with a Uefa lifetime achievement award before kick-off.
Former England star John Barnes played under Robson for both England and Newcastle. Barnes, who played in Sunday's game, said: "People have flown in to play for Sir Bobby, that is the esteem in which he is held.
"He is a great man, a great football person, so enthusiastic."
