How Sven's men rated

The Sun's marks out of 10 for each of England's players against Azeris.

Shearer decides to play on

Alan Shearer has confirmed that he will stay on as a player for Newcastle next season.

Scholes won't change mind

Paul Scholes insists he harbours no regrets about his decision to retire from international football.

Rooney no 'big-time' Charlie

Wayne Rooney returns to Manchester United duty this weekend eager to prove he does not just turn it on in big games.

Man Utd to release youngsters after team scrapped

Manchester United could release at least six of their youngsters after withdrawing their team from the Pontins Holiday league.

Rooney may sue after allegations dropped

Manchester United star Wayne Rooney may sue a student after accusations of assault were dropped yesterday.

Man Utd's Heinze stunned at support

Manchester United defender Gabriel Heinze says he is amazed at his cult status at Old Trafford.

Lampard Snr: Chelsea's Cole had no fear

Frank Lampard snr who, as Harry Redknapp's No.2 at West Ham, discovered England's newest star, told the Mirror: "We cottoned on to Joe when he was 13.

Man Utd relations with fans at "all-time low"

The claim comes after United's refusal last month to investigate an extensive list of proposals which were drafted in an effort to reconfigure the stadium once the expansion project is completed.

Lampard takes Carlos Alberto praise to heart

England midfielder Frank Lampard says he is eager to live up to Azerbaijan coach Carlos Alberto's praise that he is one of the best midfielders in the world.

England ready to face Brazil again says Eriksson

Sven-Goran Eriksson says his current England team would make a better job of
tackling Brazil in a World Cup quarter-final than his 2002 side.

Lambasted Owen defends himself

Lambasted by Azerbaijan coach Carlos Alberto, England striker Michael Owen said Thursday he never boasted he would score five goals when the two sides met in a World Cup qualifier. Read also Beckham defends Owen.

Cisse back this season?

Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez has hinted that Djibril Cisse could return to first-team action before the end of the season.

Premier League returns

The Premier League has been away for two weeks with international games taking over. As play resumes this weekend, only eight rounds remain with clubs battling for positions on three fronts.

United set to reveal ticket price hike

Manchester United's beleaguered board will take another step towards staving off the threat of a Malcolm Glazer takeover on Friday - and upset their supporters at the same time.

Robson denies Magpies settlement

Sir Bobby Robson insists he has not yet reached a settlement with Newcastle over his final pay-off after his sacking in August 2004.

Robben looking for early comeback

Chelsea winger Arjen Robben is determined to return from injury in time to help the Blues seal the Premiership title.

Azerbaijan boss slams 'midget' Owen

Azerbaijan boss Carlos Alberto launched an astonishing outburst directed at 'midget' Michael Owen as he condemned the England striker for supposedly vowing to score five times at St James' Park.

Police drop Rooney charge

The student who accused Wayne Rooney of assaulting him in a nightclub fight last week has withdrawn the allegation against the England striker.

England wins 2-0 despite Owen's misses

Michael Owen missed a hat trick of chances but Steven Gerrard and David Beckham scored as England beat Azerbaijan 2-0 on Wednesday to stay top of its World Cup qualifying group.

Chelsea's Mourinho: Next England boss should be English

Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho says an Englishman should follow Sven Goran Eriksson as England's next manager.

Rooney: I used to imagine I was Owen

Manchester United star Wayne Rooney admits England pal Michael Owen was his hero growing up.

Man Utd brace for £790M Glazer bid this week

Glazer is expected to bid around £790 million in the coming days and the United board will then have to decide to recommend the offer of £3 a share to shareholders, reject it or offer no advice.

English newspaper headlines

Fergie collects award

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has collected the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2005 HMV Football Extravaganza dinner in London.

Souness delighted with another successful Dubai trip

Newcastle United boss Graeme Souness says the squad's trip to Dubai has proved successful.

Birmingham boss Bruce: Chelsea's Terry one in million

Bruce, who once almost signed John Terry for £700,000, has claimed that the England central defender is now "unbuyable".

Eriksson not bothered where Beckham plays

Eriksson would not become stressed if his captain moved to Tottenham in the summer, as has been speculated in certain quarters.

'I've got lots to learn', admits Rooney

Wayne Rooney admitted he still has 'a lot to learn' in handling himself on and off the pitch as he set his sights on emulating 'perfect pros', such as team-mates Gary and Phil Neville.

More bad news for Robben

It has been claimed that Arjen Robben will need at least another month on the sidelines to recover from his latest injury setback.

Al backing Owen for record

Alan Shearer is backing Michael Owen to overtake him and go on to become England's greatest goalscorer.

Rooney key to Owen record attempt

Michael Owen believes Wayne Rooney holds the key to him rewriting England's goalscoring record books as he looks to set another landmark against Azerbaijan.

Terry out to dislodge Campbell for good

John Terry has revealed how a rigorous self-analysis of his game after Euro 2004 has helped him develop into a serious contender to break up the Rio Ferdinand-Sol Campbell defensive partnership.

Owen: Don't expect a cricket score

England striker Michael Owen has tried to rein in expectations of a cricket score against Azerbaijan at St James Park on Wednesday.

Chelsea's Cole was ready to quit FA academy as kid

It's been revealed Chelsea and England star Joe Cole almost quit his apprenticeship at the FA's School of Excellence when he was a teenager.

Robben: Lampard, Terry kept Chelsea together amid controversies

Chelsea ace Arjen Robben has hailed the influence of skipper John Terry and Frank Lampard on their success this season.

Gerrard in Liverpool talks over new £26M deal

The News of the World says Liverpool hierarchy are willing to make Gerrard one of the best paid players in the Premiership to keep him away from the clutches of Real Madrid and Chelsea.

Owen eyes England records

But Bobby Charlton's record is still miles away - but I am only 25 so time's on my side. If I can stay fit and keep performing there is a possibility.

Owen: Al could still star

Michael Owen believes that Alan Shearer would still be picked for England if he had not retired from international football.

Terry gives Cole praise

John Terry has backed Joe Cole to solve England's problems on the left-hand side.

Eriksson to name unchanged team

Sven-Goran Eriksson will field the same team that demolished Northern Ireland when England meet Azerbaijan in Wednesday's World Cup qualifier.

Chelsea boss Mourinho: Cole no guaranteed starter here

Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho has warned Joe Cole he is still not guaranteed a starting place in his first-choice XI.

England boss Eriksson had crunch talks with walkabout Beckham

England boss Sven Goran Eriksson has given his captain, David Beckham, a dressing down after Saturday's win over Northern Ireland.

40,000 fans support Liverpool Legends Tsunami Appeal

Almost 40,000 fans attended the Liverpool Legends Tsunami Appeal match at Anfield yesterday.

Nev and Sven: Rooney is key

Sven Goran Eriksson and Gary Neville are united in their praise for Manchester United and England star Wayne Rooney.

Robben ruled out for Blues

Holland wide man Arjen Robben has suffered ankle ligament damage and will miss Chelsea's game with Bayern Munich.

Robben 'really angry' over injury

Chelsea's Dutch star Arjen Robben admits he is getting fed up with his mounting injury problems, although he has not yet given up hope of playing against Armenia on Wednesday in Eindhoven.

Everton players furious with Liverpool celebrating

Everton's players are furious with the way they lost last week's Liverpool derby at Anfield.

Henry invites new Gunners deal

Arsenal striker Thierry Henry has invited the club to offer him a new deal to stay at Highbury.

Le Tallec fears for Liverpool future

Liverpool midfielder Anthony Le Tallec has admitted concerns over his future at Anfield.

Ljungberg happy to stay with Arsenal

Arsenal midfielder Freddie Ljungberg insists he sees his future at Highbury.

Souness: Newcastle midfield best I've worked with

With players such as Kieron Dyer, Lee Bowyer and Laurent Robert in top form, Toon boss Souey said: "This is the best midfield I have ever had the pleasure of working with."

Mourinho helping England cause - Chelsea's Lampard

Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho has helped England's World Cup cause, says midfielder Frank Lampard.

Cole: Nice to get England goal

Read also Eriksson delighted with England performance

Klinsmann happy to see German youngsters in Premiership

Klinsmann already has Chelsea defender Robert Huth and Aston Villa midfielder Thomas Hitzlsperger in his squad, while Fulham fullback Mortiz Volz is also on the fringes.

Robben worry for Blues

Chelsea are sweating over the fitness of Arjen Robben after he sustained a calf injury on international duty.

Cole, Owen strike as England wins 4-0

Joe Cole celebrated his first competitive start with England's opening goal in a 4-0 beating of Northern Ireland on Saturday to keep Sven-Goran Eriksson's men top of their World Cup group.

Keanu Reeves stunned at Arsenal slide

During a TV interview to promote his new film, Constantine, Keanu Reeves asked presenter Olivia Lee: "What has happened to Arsenal this year? Didn't they have a perfect record last season?"

Becks backing Cole to seize England chance

Read also Beckham backs Rooney to cope with limelight

Saha eyes Rovers return

Louis Saha is hoping to put his injury nightmare behind him by returning to action against Blackburn Rovers.

Benitez overhauls Liverpool scouting network

Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez is confident fans will see a better class of foreign player joining the club's junior ranks.

C Ronaldo: Don't compare me with Beckham, Figo

Manchester United winger Cristiano Ronaldo has pleaded with fans not to compare him with David Beckham or Luis Figo.

Chelsea's Drogba: I haven't lived up to £24M price-tag

Drogba, 27, said: "I'm not happy with myself. I've scored nine goals in 21 Premiership matches and three in the Champions League.

Benitez slates Houllier era

Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez has had a dig at predecessor Gerard Houllier.

Pennant Could Be Back Early For Blues

Jailed Jermaine Pennant could be back in action for Birmingham City next month if he is granted parole.

Rio: 2006 is our best chance yet

Rio Ferdinand called on England to finally fulfil their potential and insisted the 2006 World Cup is their best chance to win a trophy in at least a decade.

Gerrard issues England challenge

Steven Gerrard has warned England not to let the chance of taking a huge step towards the 2006 World Cup slip.

Cisse to make early return for Liverpool

Liverpool could receive an end of season boost with the return of striker Djibril Cisse.

Newcastle boss tells Man Utd, Arsenal: JJ not for sale

Read also Newcastle boss: No chance Given will leave

Man Utd boss: We couldn't let Chelsea, Arsenal land Rooney

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson admits the major motivating factor in signing Wayne Rooney from Everton earlier this season was fear.

New England shirt impresses players

England and Real Madrid star Michael Owen said, "I think it is fantastic. Of all the shirts this is the most developed with great new detail, but it keeps tradition."

FA confirm four-week break

The Football Association have confirmed the England squad will have four weeks to prepare for next year's World Cup finals.

Cole Eager To Fill Scholes' Boots

Chelsea's Joe Cole is hoping to fill the gap left by Paul Scholes following his international retirement.

Benitez Has No Intention Of Leaving Liverpool

Liverpool coach Rafael Benitez has again insisted he is staying at Anfield after fresh reports linked him with Spanish giants Real Madrid.

Fergie: Keane perfect for my job

Sir Alex Ferguson says Roy Keane has the requisite credentials for the Manchester United manager's job.

FA charge Cole, Jose & Chelsea

The Premier League have charged Arsenal full-back Ashley Cole for making an alleged illegal approach to rivals Chelsea.