LESS than 24 hours after their disappointing 1-1 opener, against Switzerland, reports that some England players went drinking and nightclubbing is sure to embarrass manager Terry Venables.

Paul lace was photographed, drinking at a pub near London with pop star Rod Stewart and several team mates. The photographs were splashed over Monday's Daily Mirror.

Then today's Sun published eye witness accounts of Teddy Sheringham, Jamie Redknapp and Sol Campbell partying at a night club until 2.20 a.m.

But FA officials played down the controversy last night. Press officer Steve Double said: "After the game, the players were given two nights off. They were told they were allowed to have a drink because we see no harm in that."

But Conservative MP David Evans, chairman of Luton Town, called the two incidents a disgrace. "The whole team, including the manager, should be sacked," he fumed.