Ireland went into the World Cup with high expectations but struggled throughout and went out at the group stage after defeats by France and Argentina.

BBC: Ireland Cup failure 'collective'

By expanding the tournament to include as many as four teams from the strongest nations and by introducing a group stage that guarantees each competing club at least six matches, European soccer officials have created a self-perpetuating system that plays to the strengths of historical powers.

WSJ: It's a Very Cross-Border Rivalry

Ashton seemed set for a short tenure in the role after England were thrashed 36-0 by the Springboks in the group stage and in real danger of missing out on a quarterfinal place.

CNN: England to mull over Ashton future