The Football Association have denied claims they are set to dish out £5.5million in player prize money if England win the World Cup. Reports in Saturday's newspapers claimed a windfall could see players earn up to £400,000 each depending on their participation should the squad be successful in South Africa.

However, the governing body has moved to deny such claims, revealing that talks have not yet begun over proposed bonus plans.

FA director of communications Adrian Bevington said: "We are surprised by today's stories, as the fact is that to date there have not been any meetings, discussions or indication given regarding any payments of World Cup bonuses."