ENGLAND U21s 6-1 NORWAY U21s - DOMINIC KING AT WESTON HOMES COMMUNITY STADIUM: Sam Allardyce had been sat with his arms tightly folded, munching on a piece of gum, when suddenly his face lit up and he mouthed the approving words: 'Well done, son.' If Marcus Rashford continues at this remarkable rate, it won't be the last time the England manager finds himself lavishing platitudes on the Manchester United striker after he turned what threatened to be an unremarkable evening in Colchester into something quite special. Rashford has made a habit of scoring in his first game for a new manager, having done that for Louis van Gaal, Roy Hodgson and Jose Mourinho.
Barca fans didn't want Guardiola... then I gave my Pep talk! Iniesta on what it's like to be on the inside during a club revolution
PETE JENSON: Nobody knows what a Pep Guardiola revolution feels like inside a club as well as Andres Iniesta. Things have started promisingly for Guardiola at Manchester City and he goes into Saturday's meeting with Jose Mourinho's Manchester United with a 100 per cent record. But his first match in charge of Barcelona in 2008 ended in a 1-0 defeat by La Liga's weakest team. He could only draw the next game and supporters were wondering if the club should have hired Mourinho instead of a 37-year-old novice.
After Rashford scored a hat-trick on his Under 21 debut... a look back at how have other English strikers fared on their bows
Marcus Rashford scored on his Manchester United, Premier League and England senior team debuts, and he replicated the feat for England's Under 21s on Tuesday. The 18-year-old bagged a hat-trick in front of the watching Sam Allardyce as Gareth Southgate's Young Lions thrashed Norway 6-1 at Colchester's Weston Homes Community Stadium. Few would have bet against Rashford scoring in the European Championship qualifier, but how have previous top-level strikers fared on their Under 21 debuts?
Football's most-decorated striker vs the young pretender: Why Ibrahimovic against Stones could decide Manchester derby
JACK GAUGHAN: He was busy dissecting a fairly wretched final year at Everton when John Stones suggested what is already changing for him under Pep Guardiola. 'I was doing things before and then afterwards I would think, "Why have I done that? Why haven't I just put it in row Z?" Already I can see a difference in my decision-making,' he said. 'We can all regroup from putting it in row Z sometimes. From last season to the start of this season I'm realising when to do it. That's where I believe I have come on quite a lot as a player.'
Dixon unmasked: Former Chelsea star on his drug problem, prison and rebuilding
MATT BARLOW: For the first time in an hour, Dixon relaxes, mood thawed by the glow from happier times but life has been a struggle since football ended. A long downward spiral of gambling and drugs culminated a nine-month sentence for actual bodily harm and nearly four months inside Bedford Prison last year. At 55, he has vowed to change and rebuild, releasing a book entitled 'Up Front' which includes a brutally honest assessment of the flaws which dragged him down.
The day Fergie tried to sign Terry: Chelsea hero reveals how close he came to becoming a United player at age of 14
It's the picture that only serves to remind Manchester United fans what might have been. A young John Terry, floppy haired and bright eyed, sits beside Sir Alex Ferguson during the Scot's ultimately unsuccessful attempt to lure the future England captain to Old Trafford. It's 1994-95. United are trying to defend the double and Ferguson - then just plain 'Alex' from Glasgow - is already looking to build his next generation of Red Devils stars. At the age of 14, Terry had already been identified as a possible option.
THE PICK OF MAILONLINE'S SPORTS WRITING
Look out, Kell! It's boxing's Mr Punch: Golovkin shows off his power ahead of world title fight against Brit in London
JEFF POWELL: There is a sign above the square in which the great Gennady Golovkin made his first appearance in a London ring. It reads: 'Punch and Judy'. Many of the hundreds who gathered in the plaza at Covent Garden fear that will be the appropriate title for Saturday night's world middleweight title fight in the O2 Arena.
Australia post highest-ever T20 international total of 263 on way to win over Sri Lanka as Maxwell hits back
Out-of-favour all-rounder Glenn Maxwell took centre stage as Australia blasted the highest-ever Twenty20 international score of 263 for three in a 85-run win over Sri Lanka in Pallekele. Maxwell blasted an unbeaten 145 from 65 balls just a day after he was overlooked for Australia's upcoming one-day international tour of South Africa.
Mane declares himself fit for Leicester clash as Liverpool prepare to face the champions
Sadio Mane has confirmed he will be fit for Liverpool's Premier League clash with champions Leicester on Saturday. There were concerns the forward could be set for a spell on the sidelines after reports he had picked up an injury on international duty with Senegal. Mane, a big-money summer signing from Southampton, was substituted after an hour of his country's 2-0 victory over Namibia in Dakar last weekend.
Carragher hits the pads after Ibiza holiday as Liverpool legend works out alongside former British featherweight champion Smith
Jamie Carragher adopted a typically singular approach to blowing away the cobwebs following a four-day break in Ibiza. The former Liverpool defender laced up his boxing gloves for a session on the pads alongside Stephen Smith, the former British featherweight and super-featherweight champion. Sportsmail columnist Carragher revealed in 2013 how he had replaced the enormous chasm left by his retirement from football with regular workouts at the Rotunda ABC gym in his home city.
STARS OF SPORT
- Golovkin means business in workout Gennady Golovkin performed a workout for the London crowd ahead of his world title fight against Kell Brook
- Eriksen puts an end to contract speculation by signing new Tottenham deal until 2020 Danish midfielder has signed on for four more years at White Hart Lane
- Pedal power! Mario Gotze rode a bicycle through the streets near Dortmund's training facility as he bids to return to full fitness for the German side
- Neymar takes centre stage as Brazil prepare for Colombia qualifier following victory over Ecuador last week No pitch invaders this time during training
- McGregor sunbathes in £300k Rolls Royce Phantom Drophead as he continues to celebrate UFC 202 victory over Nate Diaz New day, new car
MORE STARS OF SPORT
- Ronaldo ramps up his recovery as he bids to be fit for Real Madrid's game with Osasuna Portuguese star has not played since being injured in Euro 2016 final
- Now that's an Arsenal dressing room picture worth taking! Club legends including Martin Keown and Robert Pires pose for a snap after charity match
- Crouch hits the beach with wife Abbey during international break The former England international has not played for his country since 2010
- And The Ox also made the most of his time off after failing to make Allardyce's first squad Hasn't played for England since scoring in in Lithuania in 2015
- Antonio's away day! Conte spent the last two years busy during the international breaks but he has made the most of his free time by soaking up some sun in Italy
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Ronaldo and McGregor hang out as duo joke around with training partner Dillon Danis
The Real Madrid star and UFC champion are well acquainted
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Neymar mobbed by pitch invaders in Brazil's open training session as striker gets hauled down
The striker was chased by two fans who had stormed onto the pitch
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Like father, like son!
Arsenal legend Robert Pires' eight-year-old son, Theo, continues to follow in his father's footsteps as part of the club's youth ranks in north London
- Meeting of managerial masterminds! Zidane, Allegri, Mourinho and Ancelotti talk football The bosses met at UEFA Elite Club Coaches Forum in Switzerland
- Chelsea's Brazilian duo get a special visitor David Luiz and Oscar greeted compatriot Rogerio Ceni when the legendary goalkeeper popped into Chelsea's training ground
- Belgium are training in the rain! Eden Hazard, Marouane Fellaini and Christian Benteke were among the players to be put through their paces
- Don't stop til you get enough: Beckham urges Rooney to have retirement rethink Wayne Rooney is set to retire from international football in 2018
- Liverpool's model goalkeeper insists he's ready to compete for starting spot The German is hoping to dislodge Simon Mignolet after the break
- Pogba jokes around in France training ahead of opening World Cup qualifier against Belarus Paul Pogba has been centre of attention after his switch to Man United
- Kanu nets hat-trick on Arsenal return after shock of starting charity match on the bench! Kanu lined up for the Gunners legends against AC Milan at the Emirates
- Wilshere shines during Bournemouth bow but is unable to prevent Cherries losing to Milan Jack Wilshere joined Bournemouth from Arsenal and impressed
- Bale is in the form of his life, insists Coleman as Wales embark on World Cup campaign Gareth Bale was in high spirits as Wales prepare to face Moldova
- Pirlo watches Nadal masterclass in New York The Italian legend was in town to see the Spaniard ease into the last 16 at the US Open
- Not all about the Mane! Liverpool striker is not fazed by £30m price tag as he praises fans after impressive start since joining from Southampton this summer
- JURGEN KLOPP TALKS TO MARTIN SAMUEL About falling in love with Liverpool, why he won't blow money on transfers... and THAT scary face
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Konta sails into last 16
MIKE DICKSON: The British No 1 showed no ill-effects from her on-court collapse, taking just 52 minutes to beat her teenage rival
- Hartley: 'I'd go on the beers on Saturday and just turn up on Monday. Now I'm a professional' Fatherhood and rugby fulfilment have gone hand-in-hand...
LATEST MATCH REPORTS
- England U21 6-1 Norway U21: Marcus Rashford scores hat-trick as Gareth Southgate's men claim easy victory
- Wales 4-0 Moldova: Sam Vokes, Joe Allen and Gareth Bale strike to give Chris Coleman winning start to World Cup qualification
- Serbia 2-2 Republic of Ireland: Substitute Daryl Murphy rescues point for Martin O'Neill's men
- Spain 8-0 Liechtenstein: Diego Costa and David Silva are double trouble as new boss Julen Lopetegui makes winning start in World Cup qualifier
- Israel 1-3 Italy: Goals from Graziano Pelle, Antonio Candreva and Ciro Immobile give Giampiero Ventura's men victory
- Norway 0-3 Germany: Thomas Muller leads from the front to see world champions off to a flying start in their title defence
- Czech Republic 0-0 Northern Ireland: Michael O'Neill's men battle hard for a point after facing a barrage of chances in Prague
- Malta 1-5 Scotland: Robert Snodgrass hat-trick helps Gordon Strachan's side see off nine-man Malta
- Slovakia 0-1 England: Sam Allardyce era begins with a late win as Adam Lallana belatedly Lions capitalises on Martin Skrtel's red card
- Arsenal 4-2 AC Milan: Kanu hits hat-trick as Freddie Ljungberg and co roll back the years in legends showdown
- Bournemouth 1-2 AC Milan: Jack Wilshere shines in Bournemouth debut in South Coast rain as Cherries lose in friendly
- Germany 2-0 Finland: Bastian Schweinsteiger feted by German crowd as World Cup winner waves international farewell
- Republic of Ireland 4-0 Oman: Robbie Keane marks send-off with goal in his final international game
LATEST NEWS FROM THE US OPEN
Murray registers his fastest-ever serve at 141mph as he blasts past Dimitrov
The speed gun on Arthur Ashe recorded the World No 2 serving at 141mph against his Bulgarian opponent, Murray's quickest ever effort. Aggressive serving is a notable facet that coach Ivan Lendl encourages in Murray's game. The recently returned coach especially keen to see his charge be less tentative with his second serve especially.
FOOTBALL NEWS
We're not done yet! Prankster Luiz returns to PSG to bid farewell after £32m Chelsea move... and slaps and kicks ball at old pals
David Luiz paid a vist to PSG on Monday to say goodbye to his former team-mates following his switch to Chelsea. The Brazilian is back at Stamford Bridge following a £32million Deadline Day move but returned to the French capital to wish his old club well. Following the international break, Luiz turned up at the Paris club's training ground as they prepare to face Saint-Etienne on Friday.
The Premier League's first managers: When Graham, Atkinson, Clough and the rest were in charge during momentous 1992-93 term
With the Premier League entering a new era of spending and international superstars, we look back at the men in charge of the founding 22 clubs of the Premier League, how they got on in their respective dugouts and where they are now.
The United premium: Club badge adds £50 to cost of 'official outdoor apparel' jacket in proof of commercial power
In January, Columbia Sportswear became the club's first 'Official Outdoor Apparel Partner' following the likes of Abengoa (Official Sustainable Technology Partner), Nissin (Official Global Noodle Partner) and HCL (Official Digital Transformation Partner). The deal, which was signed for an undisclosed fee, allows the American manufacturer to plant the United badge on their products, which is exactly what they appear to have done here.
Neymar and Co put through their paces in Brazil training ahead of World Cup qualifier
Neymar was once again the centre of attention during Brazil training as the national team gear up for their crunch World Cup 2018 qualifier with Colombia. The Selecao are currently fifth in their qualifying group, occupying the play-off spot, but know a win on Wednesday would see them leapfrog their opponents. Ahead of the crunch home clash at Arena Amazonia in Manaus, Barcelona superstar Neymar and Co were in high spirits.
Ozil gets hounded during kickabout with his pet dog
Mesut Ozil may be used to running rings around Premier League defenders but the Arsenal playmaker couldn't keep the ball during a kickaround... with his pet dog! The Germany international shared an Instagram video of the pair playing around in what is believed to be his back garden. The black pug, named Balbao, manages to achieve what many players have struggled to do over the last year and steal the ball from Ozil, prompting the caption: 'Fun with Balboa. Turns out that my dog has a pretty good technique! #London #NewStar #football'.
Dortmund get on their bikes as Gotze and Co keep fit ahead of Bundesliga resumption
Gotze rode a bicycle through the streets near Dortmund's training facility while members of the first team squad who had returned from international duty took part in a practice session. The 24-year-old sealed a dramatic return to the club where he played as a youth before a disappointing three-season stint at Bayern Munich.
OTHER SPORTS NEWS
Tour of Britain madness as Wiggins runs with bike and Cavendish confronts fan
Wiggins is clearly taking his final road event in a light-hearted manner as he was pictured pushing his bike up the 'The Struggle' one of the tough climbs on the Lake District stage route. The 36-year-old joked afterwards that he had overdone his celebrations after winning his fifth Olympic gold medal in Rio. Wiggins, who had to put on weight not suitable for road racing as he chased Olympic track success, eventually finished 22 minutes and 51 seconds behind Belgian Julien Vermote, who took the leader's jersey.
UFC star McGregor 'sunbathes' in £300,000 Rolls Royce Phantom Drophead
UFC superstar Conor McGregor has continued the celebrations following his rematch victory over Nate Diaz, this time by lapping up the Los Angeles sun and sunbathing in his £300k Rolls Royce Phantom Drophead.
Ten-time equestrian champion Pearson to be Team GB's Paralympic Games flag-bearer
Ten-time Paralympic champion Lee Pearson has been named as Great Britain's flag bearer for Wednesday's opening ceremony of the XV Games in Rio. The 42-year-old equestrian rider from Staffordshire won three golds at each of the 2000, 2004 and 2008 Paralympics. He also won team gold at the London 2012 Games, plus one silver and one bronze.
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THE BEST WRITING IN SPORT
It's hard to believe they were close allies. Now they're best of enemies... what went wrong between bitter rivals Pep and Jose?
IAN LADYMAN: Jose Mourinho's desperate quest to break Pep Guardiola's grip on Spanish football underpins a deep and bitter rivalry between the two men that resumes at Old Trafford on Saturday in the colours of Manchester United and Manchester City. Those who know Guardiola say that the relentless Mourinho onslaught on and off the field during two unprecedented seasons of unpleasantness and intrigue in Spain was a major contributing factor to his decision to quit Barcelona for a sabbatical in the summer of 2012.