SPORT IN BRIEF
Cavendish forced to pull out
CYCLING: Britain’s Mark Cavendish had to withdraw from this week’s Road Cycling World Championships road race with a respiratory infection.
The 24-year-old, who won six stages in this summer’s Tour de France, pulled out of this month’s Tour of Missouri with breathing difficulties.
England v Brazil – in Qatar
FOOTBALL: England will play Brazil in a friendly in Qatar on 14 November, the FA has announced.
The match will be useful preparation as England build up to the 2010 World Cup in South Africa and coach Fabio Capello has welcomed the fixture.
“We learn about ourselves and the level we must reach by playing the best,” Capello said.
GB get Lithuania Davis Cup date
TENNIS: Great Britain will travel to Lithuania in their first tie following relegation from Davis Cup Europe/Africa Group One.
The Group Two tie, between two nations who have never played against each other, will be played from 5-7 March with the winners facing Ireland or Turkey.
Robson replaces Reid in Thailand
FOOTBALL: Former England and Manchester United captain Bryan Robson has signed a four-year deal to become Thailand’s new coach.
The 52-year-old former Middlesbrough and West Brom manager will succeed Peter Reid, who left earlier this month to become assistant boss to Tony Pulis at Stoke City.