Team GB is in safe hands for next year’s Olympic Games after Stuart Pearce and Hope Powell were named head coaches for the men’s and women’s football teams respectively by the Football Association.

In a tournament that will see all-bar-three of the Great Britain players under the age of 23, it is right that Pearce is in charge.

Four reasonable years as England’s under-21 boss, which – this summer aside – has seen tournament success and only five defeats in 41 games. Additionally, he represented his country 78 times and was a part of the Euro ‘96 tournament held in England.

Speaking about his appointment, Pearce said he is “extremely proud to have this opportunity”.

“I was fortunate to be part of Euro ‘96, so I know how special it can be to play for your country on home soil at a major tournament,” he explained.

“I’m sure this group of players will relish being part of not only a huge tournament in this country, but a unique one competing together and representing the UK.”

Just as deserving is Powell, who has led England’s women team for a remarkable 13 years and continues to play a huge part in promoting the sport. She believes rightly that exposure from the London 2012 Olympics can help boost the popularity of the women’s game like it did in Euro 2005.

With both managers having knowledge of tournaments hosted in England – and their years of coaching experience – Great Britain certainly has a good chance of success.

Now, all eyes turn to team selection. Who will Pearce pick from the other Great Britain football associations?

And, biggest of all, will David Beckham be given a chance to end his international career in style? A gold medal for golden balls would be a fitting end for England’s most-capped outfield player of all time.

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Two years ago, I wrote that if Jenson Button could follow up his 2009 triumph with another world title, he would become a world beater. And after watching Sebastian Vettel win two consecutive championships, I think it is safe to say the German has done just that.

Many will point to the excellent car he’s had as the main reason for triumph. Clearly it is important, but Vettel has this incredible talent that puts him ahead of the rest of the field. His obsession with picking up pole positions and even fastest laps drives him to a higher level. The daring move against Button at the beginning of last weekend’s Japan Grand Prix shows a sign of ruthlessness.

Crucially, his ability to pull out a faster lap under pressure – almost at the click of a finger – is mesmiring. He has dominated from start to finish in a fashion not seen since Michael Schumacher and pulls away from the pack with so much ease it is as if he is racing a series of milk floats. While Damon Hill argues that Vettel will struggle to beat his fellow countryman’s record of seven world titles, I believe he can.

Despite all this, Button has been quite exceptional himself this season. He is driving even better than at any point in his career – including that 2009 title win – and appears to be getting the better of teammate Lewis Hamilton.

And while this season may be over in terms of winning the championship, the silver medal is very much up for grabs. When you’re battling it out against someone of Vettel’s ability, there’s very little shame in a second-place finish.

Onto South Korea we go. Vettel will look to finish the season as he started it. Button will be looking for momentum ahead of next season. If anyone believes this season is heading for a quiet finish, think again.