IAN LADYMAN: Despite the impressive cast of football glitterati scattered through the BBC's forthcoming Wayne Rooney documentary, the most enduring impression is the sheer quality of his football as a young man. Rooney, at the age of almost 30, remains a very talented footballer. As of earlier this month, the Manchester United captain is England's record international goalscorer. Footage shown in Rooney - The Man Behind the Goals reminds us, however, of a talent that, at one time at least, was almost unique on our shores. We have had other promising players since then. Jack Wilshere and Ross Barkley have caught our attention.
Chelsea players MUST improve or I'll play the kids, warns Mourinho ahead of Champions League tie against Porto
MATT BARLOW IN PORTO: Jose Mourinho has delivered a stinging attack on the 'motivation, desire and commitment' of his Chelsea players. Mourinho let rip as he returned to Porto in the Champions League, and warned senior stars he would discard them in favour of the club's young players if they did not improve. Chelsea have won only two of their first seven Barclays Premier League games in the defence of their title.
West Brom 2-3 Everton: Toffees complete stunning turnaround as Lukaku scores two and sets one up against former club
LAURIE WHITWELL AT THE HAWTHORNS: Romelu Lukaku used to win matches for his side at The Hawthorns with regular frequency. It transpires he still can. From a position of seemingly certain defeat - 2-0 down to a team who have more clean sheets than the Ritz after morning check-out - Lukaku produced a fearsome performance to turn the tide in a manner rarely seen. Everton looked buried in the 54th minute, after Craig Dawson scored to add to Saido Berahino's opener.
Lukaku 'can become anything he wants', claims manager Martinez following West Brom win
DOMINIC KING AT THE HAWTHORNS: Roberto Martinez predicted Romelu Lukaku 'can become anything he wants' after he inspired Everton's best away comeback in 30 years. The Belgium international, Everton's club record signing, started and finished a remarkable turnaround at The Hawthorns, with the first and third goals in a 3-2 win over West Brom that lifted his side into fifth place ahead of the Merseyside derby.
The Aussie rugby star who defies ALL the stereotypes: David Pocock's a climate change campaigner and won't marry his girlfriend until gay men in Australia can wed
CHRIS FOY: There is no mould that fits David Pocock. Australia's imperious flanker is a one-man antidote to the notion that modern rugby players are cut from the same, orthodox cloth. The 27-year-old is a non-conformist on an epic scale; a free-thinker who refuses to dilute his views in order to placate his employers or fit in with wider societal norms. Pocock is arguably the world's premier openside; a master of the breakdown. He poses a grave threat to England at Twickenham on Saturday and he could have a major influence on the outcome of World Cup Pool A.
Memphis goes walking in Manchester with Chris Brown's ex Karrueche Tran
Memphis Depay decided to reward himself with a shopping trip to Selfridges in Manchester following his first Premier League goal against Sunderland. The Manchester United forward was joined by model Karrueche Tran, 27, as he hit the shops on Monday afternoon. Both Depay, 21, and Chris Brown's ex-girlfriend attended the same hot spots on Saturday as they were pictured outside Suburbia nightclub and Club LIV.
Cheer up, lads... it's not THAT bad! Costa shows off his new beard as he rejoins Chelsea's grumpy squad for Euro tie
Diego Costa looked prepared for battle on Monday afternoon as Jose Mourinho's Chelsea side geared up for their Champions League clash against Porto. Costa, who has served two games of his three-match domestic ban, is available for selection ahead of Mourinho's return to his former club on Tuesday. The Brazil-born striker missed Chelsea's Capital One Cup victory against Walsall and Saturday's 2-2 draw with Newcastle after being retrospectively banned for violent conduct following his side's heated 2-0 win over Arsenal earlier this month.
Don't lose it: Wenger tells Arsenal stars that they must win Champions League clash ahead of Bayern double
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger insists tomorrow's Champions League clash against Olympiacos is already a 'must win' game. The Gunners welcome the Greek side to the Emirates Stadium as they look to bounce back from their shock defeat against Dinamo Zagreb on matchday one.
Australia put through ice bath recovery session after Uruguay win as squad prepare for brutal battle with England on Saturday
MATT LAWTON: The sight of Australia's rugby players wearing the skimpiest of swimming briefs for a recovery session at Birmingham University's pool somewhat undermined their claim that they are ready for what promises to be a brutal front row battle with England at Twickenham on Saturday. Unless, that is, one regards a prop forward in a pair of branded 'budgy smuggler' trunks as someone with an awful lot of confidence. The Wallabies do seem to fancy themselves for victory this weekend, insisting that their 'Wobblies' reputation - for the difficulties they have endured in the scrum in the past - is very much a thing of the past.
Wales celebrate Twickenham raid after slaying World Cup hosts
While inquests mount about England's defeat by Wales, across the River Severn they are continuing to bask in one of their greatest-ever victories.
Can you name the two former Football League players Gerrard dined out with in LA after scoring Galaxy winner?
Former Liverpool and England captain Steven Gerrard appears to still be enjoying the LA life... and he's brought two old friends along for the ride. The LA Galaxy midfielder, who scored the winning goal for his side against FC Dallas on Sunday, celebrated the successful result with a meal out alongside two old friends, who you may recognise as professional footballers in their own right.
Spieth won more than $22m in total on the course this season... that's $3,623 per shot! The staggering numbers that show how golf's new superstar cashed in on success
As if winning two major championships wasn't enough, Jordan Spieth also landed the $10million FedEx Cup bonus to cap a quite extraordinary season. The world No 1's latest victory at the Tour Championship, his fifth win of the season, ensured he pocketed the extra cash prize, and took his earnings on the course in the 2014-15 PGA Tour season to an eye-watering $12,030,465 (£7,916,342).
Spieth has slammed the door shut on Woods... it's time for American golf to accept the passing of the torch
DEREK LAWRENSON IN ATLANTA: Was this the moment when American golf finally accepted the passing of the torch from Tiger Woods to Jordan Spieth? On a memorable Sunday to close out an epochal PGA Tour season it sure felt like it, as the 22-year-old won the way Tiger sometimes did on his off-days, by getting down in the dirt and grinding it out.
THE PICK OF MAILONLINE'S SPORTS WRITING
Missing Messi? Barcelona star is out for next two months... but believe it or not, they are actually better WITHOUT him
PETE JENSON: When Lionel Messi went down clutching his knee on Saturday the Camp Nou held its breath because they knew what was coming - first the anxious wait for news on the injury and now the anxious wait to see if they can survive for the next two months without him.
Rugby World Cup
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STARS OF SPORT
- MailOnline Fantasy Football is back... and you can pick Euro stars like Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi to boost your Premier League side
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From Japan beating South Africa to Fiji pushing England... this is the most competitive World Cup ever
This is the most tightly contested World Cup
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- Depay spends more time with model Tran as they hit the shops United forward Memphis Depay decided to reward himself with a shopping trip to Selfridges
- Australia enjoy ice bath recovery session as they prepare for England Australia will face England in a crunch Pool A clash at Twickenham on Saturday
- City new boy De Bruyne announces he is expecting a new child Kevin de Bruyne said on Twitter that he and his partner are expecting a new family addition
MORE STARS OF SPORT
- Costa sports lengthy beard as Terry and Co prepare for Porto Champions League tie Striker ready for clash despite being banned from domestic games
- 'Come dine with the Carrolls': West Ham striker and fiancee Billi host dinner Aaron Cresswell, Joey O'Brien and Winston Reid joined them
- 'Mufc number one!' Schweinsteiger delight as United top the pile Bastian Schweinsteiger has toasted United's return to the summit of the Premier League
- Wedding bells at Wembley Romania's Roman Surugiu proposed to his girlfriend Alexandria on the Wembley pitch (she said yes!) after 44-10 defeat by Ireland
- Crazy crash sees car land on top of another in freak incident at the Porsche Carrera Cup Collisions come with the territory in racing, but this was something else
- Ramsey rounds off top weekend with wife Aaron Ramsey may have had a brilliant weekend with club and country, but he finished it in a rather more low-key manner
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Spieth has 10 million reasons for that smile
Jordan Spieth capped an unforgettable season in fitting style with victory at the Tour Championship in Atlanta - and scooped huge prize
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United's golden boy Depay shows off sparkling teeth
Manchester United attacker Memphis Depay caught the eye during a Manchester night-out
- Manchester United defender Shaw begins the road to recovery Luke Shaw shared an encouraging picture of progress after breaking his leg against PSV
- Proud Welshman Bale leads tributes after Wales beat England in Rugby World Cup Real Madrid superstar Gareth Bale took great delight in the victory
- Beckham and Noel Gallagher put aside Manchester club rivalry while out in New York Becks and City fan Gallagher enjoy night out in Italian restaurant
- All Blacks Carter, Messam and Vito pose with 1D's Niall Horan The All Blacks joined the scrum of One Direction fans at the O2 Arena in London on Saturday
- Anelka and Riise join Lucio, Simao and Postiga at Indian Super League season launch Former Chelsea star Florent Malouda was also in attendance
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Ronaldo sharpens up with a shave before being snapped by his 'bros'Real Madrid star caught spending some time in front of the mirror
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Tom Jones presents Wales with their shirts for titanic showdown against EnglandThe Welsh music legend was enlisted for a final pep talk before Saturday
- Jags cheerleaders entertain crowd as Fulham run riot on QPR Cheerleaders from the Jacksonville Jaguars NFL team were at Craven Cottage
- Arsenal joined in training by French Rugby World Cup stars and former Gunner Pires as they prepare for trip to Leicester Vive La France!
- Ancelotti links up with former players Pirlo and Lampard for dinner as speculation over Liverpool job continues Enjoying his spare time with New York meeting
- Sir Alex was right, I wasn't world-class! Beckham agrees after United revelation Former boss claims he only managed four top stars at Old Trafford
- Chelsea crock Courtois gives double thumbs up after knee surgery as keeper's rehabilitation begins Courtois will be sidelined for about 10 weeks
- Ireland's World Cup squad try the Spinball ride out on day out at Alton Towers Conor Murray and Co hit the amusement park in preparation for Romania
- England stars launch historic Fifa 16 that includes women's teams for the first time City skipper Steph Haughton says it's 'surreal' to play as herself
- Which Aston Villa player gets roasted by his captain for sporting a black hood and cape in the dressing room? Micah Richards says: 'I can't help you anymore'
- Ranger in Blackpool gear as troubled striker posts video training on sand dunes but still has no future with Seasiders The 24-year-old posted two Instagram videos to show his fitness regime
- Farrell celebrates 24th birthday at Pennyhill Park after recall to England starting XV Saracens' No 10 forms part of a muscular new midfield to take on Wales
- Spurs say sorry to Wayne Gretzky after spelling ice hockey great's name incorrectly Tottenham left red-faced by error on shirt presented to him
- Life is a canvas for Inverness keeper Fon Williams whose original oil paintings are set for top gallery exhibition Welsh No 1 will have his works of art showcased next summer
- All Blacks going underground! Carter and Co take the Tube Dan Carter hopped on the Tube with his fellow New Zealanders in bid to beat London traffic
- Robshaw used rugby to let off steam as a child after death of his father, says England captain's mother Emotional revelations ahead of World Cup clash with Wales
- Fury dresses as BATMAN for press conference with Klitschko... and he even entered to superhero's theme tune! Centre of attention
- Button swaps a Formula One car for a scooter... so has the British driver found a new career if he is to retire from the circuit? Rode Honda's Uni-Cub
- 'You're a girl. If you beat me, I'll give you $100,000'... David 'Tank' Abbott challenges UFC champion Rousey Astonishing chauvinistic rant
- It's a family affair: Why the Welsh will always love England brothers Mako and Billy Vunipola Brothers moved to Pontypool from Tonga in 2000
- Do England still have what it takes to win the Rugby World Cup? These days it's all about winning breakdowns and power behind kicks SPONSORED
- Alves' girlfriend Joana Sanz wins L'Oreal Paris Best Model Award Barca star Dani Alves' girlfriend has added to their impressive family trophy cabinet
- Martial among lucky few to get his hands on FIFA 16 three days before official release Manchester United star Anthony Martial looked delighted to own a copy
- Hamilton poses with his 'new whip'... a £165,000 Mercedes Maybach as he prepares for Japanese Grand Prix Lewis Hamilton showed off his new set of wheels
- Tevez visits Ham in hospital as Boca star apologises for leg break Ham thanked Tevez after the former Manchester City striker visited him in hospital on Monday
- Clyne crowned FIFA 16 champion! Liverpool star Nathaniel Clyne won the coveted FIFA 16 Celebrity Cup after defeating midfielder Jason Puncheon
- Rooney and Mata 'make dreams come true' as they pose with children on charity day Man United stars put a smile on the faces of young children
- Close shave for Barcelona star Neymar! Brazil superstar Neymar gave the thumbs up as he attended a Gillette event inside Barcelona's famous Nou Camp
- Liverpool players check in for training as pressure mounts on manager Rodgers Liverpool's season is on the slide, and the players seem to know it
- A star is born: Martial gave his man-of-the-match award to his baby daughter! Manchester United's £58m teen star shared his prize with young 'un
- Solheim Cup shame as Pettersen's outrageous decision not to concede putt leaves players in TEARS But USA celebrated an unlikely victory in the end
- Messi misses ANOTHER penalty (and can't hide his anger) Lionel Messi missed a penalty but still got on the scoresheet in Barcelona victory
- Murray storms to straight sets victory over Tomic as Great Britain reach first Davis Cup final since 1978 Great Britain will play Belgium in the final
- Banzai! 80-1 underdogs Japan set Rugby World Cup alight MATT LAWTON: South Africa got their World Cup campaign off to a disappointing start
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Ronaldo walks out with son of a Syrian refugee
The son of the Syrian refugee tripped by a Hungarian journalist accompanied Cristiano Ronaldo onto the pitch
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It's a thumbs up from Shaw as defender flies back to Manchester
Luke Shaw is back in England as he continues recovery after breaking leg against PSV
- 'When did you get fined for not showing up for training?' Andros Townsend shared an hilarious gaffe made by girlfriend Hazel O'Sullivan on Twitter
- As he returns to Southampton, how did Morgan Schneiderlin learn English? The Manchester United man watched Only Fools and Horses
- Fournette sets Twitter alight and announces Heisman credentials Leonard Fournette announced himself as a frontrunner for the Heisman Trophy
- Martial collared by star-struck traffic warden in Manchester Manchester United striker Anthony Martial had returned to popular restaurant Wings
- Pacquiao attends 'Philippine Festa' as guest of honour Manny Pacquiao attended the annual 'Philippine Festa' in Japanese capital Tokyo
- Joker Walker sits in on press conference Kyle Walker took a back seat during a Korean press conference to celebrate Son Hueng-min's first goals
- Neymar poses with Star Wars actor John Boyega Barcelona superstar takes on British actor and Jedi warrior in celebrity poker match
- Rivaldo shows off gruesome scar as former Barcelona star goes under the knife Brazilian legend thanks fans for support after knee surgery
- Haskell bares all as England World Cup star poses naked ahead He is willing to lay his body on the line for the next six weeks and James Haskell isn't shy
- Everything you wanted to know about England Who runs the fastest 100m? And who likes to belt out Celine Dion? WILL KELLEHER guides you through the XV
- De Bruyne thanks fans for 'warm welcome' The £52m man was the centre of attention at a meet and greet and praised the City faithful after Manchester move
- Man City's new green third kit unveiled by Nike... and it was inspired by the historic 1999-00 play-off comeback against Gillingham at Wembley
- Ranieri promises to take his Leicester City players out for pizza if they keep their first clean sheet of season Leicester are riding high in the Premier League
LATEST MATCH REPORTS
- West Brom 2-3 Everton: Toffees complete stunning second-half turnaround as Romelu Lukaku scores late winner at The Hawthorns
- Real Sociedad 0-0 Athletic Bilbao: David Moyes' side earn point in Basque derby
- Watford 0-1 Crystal Palace: Yohan Cabaye hits the spot as Hornets' stubborn home defence is broken for the first time
- Newcastle 2-2 Chelsea: Substitutes Willian and Ramires rescue champions after falling behind to strikes from Ayoze Perez and Georginio Wijnaldum at Blues' bogey ground
- Real Madrid 0-0 Malaga: Cristiano Ronaldo toils in front of goal as Rafa Benitez's side are held at home by 10 men
- Celtic 0-0 Hearts: Ten-man Hoops left frustrated by Scottish Premiership newcomers Hearts as 100 per cent home record comes to an end at Celtic Park
- Barcelona 2-1 Las Palmas: Luis Suarez double takes champions top... but injured Lionel Messi could be out for EIGHT WEEKS
- West Ham 2-2 Norwich: Cheikhou Kouyate snatches late point to maintain strong start and top four place for the Hammers
- Liverpool 3-2 Aston Villa: Daniel Sturridge's brace eases pressure on Brendan Rodgers but Rudy Gestede's two made it a nervy win
- Stoke 2-1 Bournemouth: Jon Walters and Mame Biram Diouf earn Mark Hughes' side first Premier League victory of the season as visitors' striker Callum Wilson is taken off on a stretcher
- Southampton 3-1 Swansea: Virgil van Dijk, Dusan Tadic and Sadio Mane all on target as Saints record impressive victory to move into the top half of the Premier League table
RUGBY WORLD CUP
Crouch, touch, pause... engaged! Romania star proposes to girlfriend at Wembley after Ireland match in front of world record crowd
Romania scrum-half Roman Surugiu got engaged to his girlfriend Alexandria on the Wembley pitch after his side were beaten 44-10 by Ireland at Wembley on Sunday. The 30-year-old Surugiu came off the bench to feature in the Pool D encounter which had a tournament record attendance of 89,267. And afterwards, as the stadium emptied, Surugiu got down on one knee and asked his girlfriend to marry him, as his Romania team-mates and coaching staff gathered behind him.
Blame it on the Biggar Boogie! Wales hero downed England with his bizarre kicking routine... and here is how he does it
Dan Biggar inspired Wales to a memorable Rugby World Cup victory over hosts England at Twickenham by landing eight kicks from eight, including the winning penalty from the halfway line. Many doubted the Ospreys No 10 would be able to effectively replace the injured Leigh Halfpenny, but Biggar produced an exhibition of precision kicking when it was needed most to give Warren Gatland's side every chance of qualifying from Pool A.
All Blacks put through their paces as they gear up for Georgia encounter
New Zealand will look to maintain their 100% winning record in this year's Rugby World Cup when they take on Georgia at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff on Friday. And the All Blacks were put through their paces by head coach Steve Hansen in the Welsh capital on Monday, having moved from their London base. Hansen's men narrowly defeated Argentina 26-16 in their tournament opener at Wembley Stadium on September 20, before annihilating Namibia 58-14 at the Olympic Stadium four days later.
LATEST FOOTBALL NEWS
'Come dine with the Carrolls': West Ham striker and his fiancee Billi Mucklow host meal for team-mates at their garish home
West Ham striker Andy Carroll clearly loves to play host, judging by his latest Instagram posts. Carroll shared a picture of himself with West Ham team-mates Aaron Cresswell, Joey O'Brien and Winston Reid on the social network site, with the group suited and booted for a dinner at his house. And Carroll's fiancee, Billi Mucklow, uploaded a picture to her account with the wags and captioned the image 'Come dine with the Carrolls'.
'Ronaldo - The Movie': Real icon stars in new film about his life by makers of 'Senna'
Cristiano Ronaldo is already a star on the pitch, but now the Real Madrid man is becoming a movie-star as well. The Portuguese international released a trailer for his new film, also called 'Ronaldo', which follows his life over a year. The 30-year-old forward allowed a film crew to have unprecedented access to his private and public life over 14 months, producing a documentary which will be shown around the world.
Schweinsteiger shares his glee at helping Man United return to the Premier League summit with boastful tweet
Bastian Schweinsteiger has toasted Manchester United's return to the top of the Premier League by taking to social media to celebrate his side's rise to the summit after beating Sunderland.
Manchester United legends Neville and Scholes 'humbled' after visiting local charity
Manchester United legends Gary Neville and Paul Scholes made a habit of making supporters of the club happy during their time at the Premier League giants. And the former England internationals were back to their old tricks when they made a trip to the Wythenshawe Community Initiative. The pair visited the centre to meet the families and children who benefit from the work they do - and they even attempted a spot of painting.
Why Dortmund are head over heels in love with the man who replaced Klopp... Tuchel's side are set to challenge Bayern again
KIT HOLDEN: Dortmund are a team born again. No-one had doubted Tuchel's quality after his successful years at Mainz, but few expected the turnaround to be quite this fast.
JAMIE REDKNAPP: Dier must be on Roy's radar after commanding midfield display
Sportsmail columnist Jamie Redknapp reflects on this weekend's Premier League action, with particular focus on Alexis Sanchez's return to form, and how Manchester City miss David Silva... Welcome back Alexis Sanchez. What a performance from the Arsenal man. I was watching him last season with Thierry Henry and we agreed that when he plays, Arsenal are a real force. I bet Arsene Wenger is delighted he is back to his best.
OTHER SPORTS NEWS
Hamilton takes step closer to third title after dominant drive to seal Japanese GP victory
MATT MORLIDGE IN SUZUKA: The ease in which Lewis Hamilton muscled Nico Rosberg out of his path on Sunday demonstrated his clear superiority over his team-mate. The first corner summed up the season. Pole-sitter Rosberg was forced off the track and out of the title race via a small shunt from Hamilton, who dominated from start to finish.
Sharapova's return from injury cut short by wrist trouble as she pulls out of the Wuhan Open in China
Maria Sharapova's return from injury after an almost three-month break was cut short on Monday after the world number three suffered a wrist injury at the Wuhan Open in China. The Russian, who missed the entire US hardcourt season with a leg injury, was into a deciding set against Czech player Barbora Strycova when she called for the trainer.
Arizona Cardinals and New England Patriots are early pace-setters as Pittsburgh Steelers lose Roethlisberger to knee injury
There were stirring comebacks, one-sided wins, injuries to key players and Chicago's first shutout since 2002 in the third week of the NFL season. Both the New England Patriots and the Arizona Cardinals continued their flawless early season form with crushing victories.
RACING
THE BEST WRITING IN SPORT
Toxic sponsors should give football back its history... Tony Macaroni Arena is just latest and worst example of corporate vandalism
OLIVER HOLT: Tony Macaroni is a marketing man's brainchild. It is the name of a chain of Italian restaurants in Scotland and, a few days ago, it became the latest corporate raider choosing to demean a football club and its fans. Because last week, Scottish Championship side Livingston declared that their stadium, which was once called plain Almondvale Stadium, would henceforth be known as the Tony Macaroni Arena as part of a new sponsorship deal.