World Cup: FA chairman Greg Dyke defends cut-throat gesture

Football Association chairman Greg Dyke has defended the cut-throat gesture he made as England's 2014 World Cup group was drawn earlier this month.

Dyke was seen to slide his index finger across his throat as England were placed in Group D alongside Italy, Uruguay and Costa Rica during the draw in Brazil on 6 December.

"I don't think it was a furore," said Dyke, 66.

"My reaction was the same as every fan, that's quite a difficult group."

Dyke, speaking at a 150th anniversary ceremony celebrating FA founder Ebeneezer Cobb Morley on Thursday, added: "To fly 2,000 miles up to the jungle to have a game of football then to fly 2,000 miles back in the middle of a World Cup is in itself tough.

"There are three big teams in that group and two will get out; hopefully one of them will be us."