Sport

Updated: 16:35 EST

Slovenia 0-0 England: Joe Hart saves England's blushes as Three Lions fail to roar in

SLOVENIA 0-0 ENGLAND - MATT LAWTON IN LJUBLJANA: For Wayne Rooney came the realisation that, yes, watching England can be this hard-going. But managing them? Only now will Gareth Southgate appreciate how difficult that is too. It would be ludicrous to suggest Southgate made a mistake axing Rooney from the England side. The time had most certainly arrived and England's interim boss still deserves credit for taking such a bold step. But he must have endured moments here at the Stozice Stadium when he began to question his own judgement, and finally turned to the England captain after 73 minutes in search of some much-needed composure and leadership.

The Three Lions had Torino goalkeeper Joe Hart to thank for keeping the scores level. Sportsmail's SAMI MOKBEL was in Ljubljana to rate the performances of both sets of players.

Manchester United captain Wayne Rooney may not have to get too used to being a substitute for England judging by the Three Lions' lacklustre performance in Slovenia. 

DOMINIC KING IN LJUBLJANA: Are you with former England manager Fabio Capello, who once said the captaincy was 'cursed'? Do you sit in the camp of Graham Taylor, and see it as 'overstated'?

Everton outcast Niasse reveals the extent to which he has been frozen out at Goodison

Everton outcast Oumar Niasse has been told to find a new club by boss Ronald Koeman following a dismal spell at Goodison Park following his move from Lokomotiv Moscow in a £13.5m deal in January. Now, having become the subject of ridicule from fans after just 152 minutes of action and no goals, the 26-year-old is playing with the youngsters and does not even have his own personal space for his belongings.

SHERIDAN BIRD: Hart was the most high-profile victim of the Pep Guardiola revolution at Manchester City, but he's landed on his feet at a club that adores him in Piedmont, northern Italy.

Former Manchester United starlet Mads Timm knows exactly what it's like to receive the hairdryer treatment from legendary Old Trafford boss Sir Alex Ferguson. Ferguson called him a 'f****** idiot'.

Anthony Taylor is a trusted member of the select group of referees - the fact he's taking on Liverpool v Man Utd shouldn't raise any eyebrows despite him working and living near Old Trafford

NEW INVESTIGATION BY MATT LAWTON: Ian Drake, the chief executive of British Cycling, has declined an invitation to attend what could be a momentous occasion for the sport on Wednesday.

ADAM SHERGOLD: From Nos 80-61 in our countdown, there are 11 players who ply their trade in the Premier League, and a certain Wayne Rooney takes his place in the list...

Slovakia 3-0 Scotland: Robert Mak double and Adam Nemec strike deepens pressure on Gordon

SLOVAKIA 3-0 SCOTLAND - MARK WILSON IN TRNAVA: Scotland's hopes of reaching the 2018 World Cup finals suffered a major blow after they suffered a heavy 3-0 defeat by Slovakia at the Anton Malatinksy City Arena in Trnava. Gordon Strachan's side felt aggrieved by the manner they fell behind after 18 minutes, with Steven Fletcher appearing to be upended in the build-up. The hosts raced up the other end and after David Marshall saved Marek Hamsik's header from Jakub Holubek's delivery, Robert Mak was on hand to fire home.  Marshall made two fantastic saves to prevent Slovakia from doubling their lead before the break, but Mak deepened Scotland's woes 11 minutes into the restart, before Adam Nemec completed an easy home victory with a firm header from Mak's cross.

Willian will delight all Chelsea fans with the news he wants to finish his career at the club and that an approach from PSG never even happened. The Brazilian was voted Player of the year by Blues

Belgium goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois was left frustrated by the showboating antics of his Chelsea team-mate Eden Hazard during their recent World Cup qualifying win over Gibraltar.

Germany 2-0 Northern Ireland: Julian Draxler and Sami Khedira strike early to maintain

GERMANY 2-0 NORTHERN IRELAND - CHRIS WHEELER IN HANNOVER: Julian Draxler and Sami Khedira scored in the first 17 minutes of Tuesday's World Cup qualifier as Germany maintained their perfect start in Group C.

Marouane Chamakh joins Cardiff City as Neil Warnock completes third free transfer in 24

Cardiff have announced they have agreed a short term deal with former Arsenal striker Marouane Chamakh. The Moroccan has signed with the Championship club until January and could earn a long-term contract based on his performances at the Cardiff City Stadium.

SPECIAL REPORT BY MIKE KEEGAN: When he arrived in 2003, Roman Abramovich’s millions bankrolled almost instant success. Such sprees are a thing of the past and now he has a new approach.

Spanish sport newspaper AS and TV broadcaster Fox Sports Mexico report that the Spanish club's chairman Peter Lim has put Chicharito at the centre of his plans to strengthen the squad.

The appointment of Anthony Taylor as referee for Liverpool's clash with Manchester United on Monday has already become a topic for debate among Anfield supporters.

England U21 5-0 Bosnia-Herzegovina U21: Tammy Abraham nets twice as Young Lions round off

ENGLAND 5-0 BOSNIA-HERZEGOVINA - ADAM SHERGOLD AT THE BANKS'S STADIUM: England Under 21s produced a five-star performance against Bosnia-Herzegovina to complete their Euro 2017 qualification campaign unbeaten. Chelsea striker Tammy Abraham, who is spending the season on loan at Bristol City, scored twice, while John Swift, Josh Onomah and Duncan Watmore also found their way onto the scoresheet. Bottom side Bosnia proved no match for the Young Lions as the 5-0 rout took Aidy Boothroyd's record to two wins in two matches.

Andy Powell announces retirement from rugby, bringing to an end one of the sport's most

Former Wales and British Lions forward Andy Powell has retired from rugby aged 35 after failing to recover from a knee injury. The 2009 Lions tourist helped Merthyr win promotion to the Welsh Premiership after joining from Newport Gwent Dragons in 2015. But the 23-cap back-rower has been unable to shake off his latest injury problem and has been forced to admit defeat in his bid to return to action.

England's search for a No 7 for the autumn campaign has been dealt a fifth blow after Leicester's Mike Williams was ruled out for up to three months with a broken arm. Maro Itoje could be moved from lock.

British number one Johanna Konta joined Heather Watson in the second round of the Hong Kong Open with victory over compatriot Naomi Broady.

School teacher Peter Willett penned a column for National Club Golfer magazine which described American fans as a 'braying mob of imbeciles', 'basement-dwelling irritants' and 'cretins'.

Nico Rosberg poured scorn on suggestions that his Mercedes team-mate Lewis Hamilton is in 'metldown' mode after falling 33 points behind in the title race following the Japanese Grand Prix.

Real Madrid reveal plans to redevelop the Santiago Bernabeu

Real Madrid will be adding a retractable roof to the Santiago Bernabeu after finally reaching an agreement with the city to remodel the stadium. Madrid president Florentino Perez said Tuesday the project will cost 400 million euros (£360million) and construction is expected to start next year. The revamped venue, which will also carry a new facade, is expected to be fully completed by 2020.

Manchester United ace Paul Pogba brushes off critics with 'emoji crazy' new haircut

The French midfielder is well known for his elaborate and eye-catching hair designs. In the wake of his goal-scoring display in Amsterdam, Pogba decided to celebrate with an new trim, revealed on Instagram, adorned with emojis. The midfielder pulled the strings and beat Holland keeper Maarten Stekelenburg from 30 yards for the game's only goal.

Alex Iwobi has shared a terrifying experience in which he was followed by an Arsenal fan on his way home from a game. The pacy winger spoke about the incident to Arsenal's weekly podcast.

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE COLUMN: It’s spelt out in black and white in the new Johan Cruyff book. ‘The English have never been that keen on tactics,' the late maestro wrote.

Arsene Wenger says his successor will inherit Arsenal in a far better state than he did because of the work he has done over the past 20 years. Wenger oversaw the move from Highbury to The Emirates.

Cristiano Ronaldo's hotel: Real Madrid star's latest venture promises the 'true CR7

At the launch of his new flagship hotel last week, Cristiano Ronaldo told his assembled, selected group of friends, family and guests: ‘When I was young I had the dream of having my own hotel.’ It might sound an unusual ambition for a young footballer but Ronaldo has rarely taken the ‘usual’ route — and this latest venture is in every way a reflection of that. With a look to life after football, the Real Madrid superstar’s second hotel ‘Pestana CR7 Lisboa’ promises to offer ‘a true CR7 lifestyle’ and marks of his ego are sprinkled throughout.

This time last year, Rashford was unknown to the majority of football fans before bursting onto the scene with a debut goal against Midtjylland in the Europa League. Now he is a marked man.

England Under-21 boss Aidy Boothroyd hailed Tammy Abraham's dream debut after he helped dismantle Bosnia 5-0. The Bristol City striker, on loan from Chelsea, marked his full bow with two goals

Tyson Fury poses with all his belts - on the day he is set to relinquish them

Tyson Fury posed with his heavyweight world title belts on the day he is set relinquish them. Fury is set to undergo treatment for depression and the WBA and WBO are expected to strip Fury after his admission of cocaine abuse. But Fury is set to pre-empt them by giving his titles up – but before he did he posted a picture of himself lying down at home with his belts lined up beside him.

Haseeb Hameed delays England's high-security departure for training in Bangladesh after

PAUL NEWMAN IN CHITTAGONG: Life for Haseeb Hameed in the big time got off to an embarrassing start when he kept the England team and their elaborate security convoy waiting outside their hotel here before heading for training after he had overslept.  The meticulously planned operation which involved hundreds of police and military as well as two team buses and support vehicles was held up for eight minutes until the Lancashire teenager came rushing out of the lobby.

Novak Djokovic made a winning return following a month-long injury layoff, beating Fabio Fognini 6-3, 6-3 Tuesday in the second round of the Shanghai Masters.

World No 1 Angelique Kerber booked a safe passage into the second round of the Hong Kong Open with a 6-4 6-4 victory over 21-year-old Maria Sakkari of Greece on Tuesday.

Ryder Cup rookie Chris Wood is gutted his hero Tiger Woods has scrapped plans to make a comeback this week, calling it a blow to the European Tour as well as to the millions of golf fans around the world.

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Mauro Icardi hits back at Diego Maradona for calling him a 'traitor' for relationship with

Inter Milan and Argentina striker Mauro Icardi has hit back fellow countryman Diego Maradona after he criticised him for his affair with former team-mate Maxi Lopez’s wife. Back in 2013, Icardi had a relationship with Wanda Nara – who was married to his then Sampdoria team-mate Lopez – and then later went on to have a child together and get married.

Luis Suarez dons goalkeeper gloves in training with Uruguay... but pays the price as he

Luis Suarez is never one to hold back when on the field, but the Barcelona forward has paid the price for his latest bout of enthusiasm. The Uruguay striker, who is preparing for his team's World Cup qualifier with Colombia on Tuesday, took the surprise decision to don some goalkeeper gloves in training with Oscar Tabarez's side.

Manchester United's Juan Mata takes break from preparing for Liverpool clash to launch

Juan Mata has had some time to kill after being overlooked by Julen Lopetegui for Spain's World Cup qualifiers against Italy and Albania. The playmaker was at the Indulge Fragrance Store at the intu Trafford Centre to help promote Loewe, a Spanish fragrance company. Mata is an ambassador for Loewe and was at the store to talk about their new scent Loewe001 as he met United supporters and signed autographs.

Czech Republic legend Pavel Nedved has revealed the biggest regret he had during his career was not playing for Manchester United. Nedved retired from the game with Juventus.

United remain neutral on the issue but are open to introducing an area similar to that installed by the Scottish club, with a capacity of close to 3,000 should it be deemed legal and feasible.

Chelsea will consider a safe standing area at a rebuilt Stamford Bridge – but only if the government change the laws. Planning proposals have been submitted for a £500m project.

The midfielder has been ever-present for Jürgen Klopp’s team this season since joining from Newcastle. He limped out of Holland’s defeat by France on Monday with a problem in his hamstring.

Dutchman Frank de Boer believes that Inter Milan defensive midfielder Geoffrey Kondogbia is like Paul Pogba but he also insists that he is still young and has room for improvement.

Ronaldo, 31, has been favourite to take home the prize after enjoying a golden summer as he helped Real pick up the Champions League and Portugal beat France to win Euro 2016.

Cristiano Ronaldo mocks former Manchester United team-mate Rio Ferdinand

Ferdinand, 37, still looks trim during his punditry appearances and let fans in on the fitness regime he uses to stay in shape with a clip on Intstagram. In the short video the BT Sport pundit can be seen crawling across his garden whilst pushing weights in each hand. It looks like a tiring drill as the former United centre half brings the corresponding foot up to each weight before pushing off again.

Liverpool sign three-year global partnership deal with Malaysia Airlines

Liverpool have a huge fanbase in the Far East, with an estimated 140 million supporters, and the partnership replaces the deal with Garuda International, which ended earlier this year. The club's players will act as ambassadors for the airline while academy coaches will provide football clinics for young players in Malaysia.

Cristiano Ronaldo finds time for a selfie as fan invades pitch

The Real Madrid star is used to being stopped for selfies on the street but on the pitch he probably assumed he could escape enthusiastic supporters and their phones. Not in the Faroe Islands it seems. The 31-year-old was lining up for kick-off in the second half of Portugal's routine World Cup qualifying win against the international minnows when he was approached by a pitch-invading fan brandishing a smart phone.

WORLD CUP QUALIFYING ROUND-UP: Sweden swept to a 3-0 win over brittle Bulgaria thanks to goals from Ola Toivonen, Oscar Hiljemark and Victor Lindeloef.

Christian Benteke wants to take his goal-scoring form with Belgium back to the Premier League for Crystal Palace. The forward scored after seven seconds on Monday and wants to keep his form up.

MIKE KEEGAN: Jose Mourinho was offered the chance to succeed Sir Alex Ferguson as Manchester United manager during a clandestine meeting in the back of a people carrier.

As one of Gerard Pique's former team-mates at both club and international level, Xavi has unsurprisingly backed the defender in the wake of his latest controversy and retirement announcement.

Paul Pogba refused to accept the plaudits after his stunning 30-yard strike gave France a 1-0 victory in their 2018 World Cup qualifier against Holland on Monday.

Islam Feruz would never dream of offering himself up to Karamoko Dembele as a role model. But he’s been in the same position in which the 13-year-old Celtic sensation now finds himself.

Fists before Risk! Joshua goes from speed ball to board games as he waits to discover if he will face Klitschko in heavyweight bout

Anthony Joshua might be in limbo as he waits for a potential super fight with Wladimir Klitschko, but the British heavyweight is still keeping himself busy. Joshua has an unbeaten record and following the collapse of Klitschko's meeting with Tyson Fury, could be in line to take on the giant Ukrainian in a bout which would be sure to get boxing fans salivating.

Maria Sharapova makes her return to the tennis court for first time since positive drug

Maria Sharapova set foot on a tennis court for the first time since her positive drug test at the Australian Open on Monday, smiling throughout an appearance in the World Team Tennis Smash Hits charity event in Las Vegas. The Russian star, who last week earned a reduction in her drug ban that will allow her to return to tennis in April, played in two light-hearted doubles matches in the event at Caesar's Palace to benefit the Elton John AIDS Foundation.

Heather Watson sets up clash with Caroline Wozniacki in Hong Kong Open after beating

Heather Watson is into the Hong Kong Open second round after the No 2 defeated qualifier Marina Erakovic on Tuesday. Watson, the world No 75, beat her 119th-ranked opponent from New Zealand 7-5 7-6 (11/9) in just over two hours. She showed no sign of the illness which forced her to retire from the Wuhan Open in late September, after having dizzy spells.

England's controversial high-intensity training camp was exactly what the team needed to cope with test match rugby claims vice-captain Mike Brown despite several players being injured during it.

As well as claiming his first major title at Oakmont, Dustin Johnson won the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational on his next appearance and the BMW Championship during the FedEx Cup play-offs.

WORLD OF GOLF - DEREK LAWRENSON: Have we ever seen a more shocking example of sporting stage fright? Woods withdrew on Monday night from this week's Safeway Open.

Conor McGregor has been punished for throwing bottles of water at Nate Diaz at his pre-fight UFC 202 press conference. The Irishman has to do 50 hours of community service and pay £121,000.

The International Olympic Committee has stripped hammer thrower Tatyana Lysenko of her London 2012 gold medal as part of its re-testing programme of samples from the 2008 and 2012 Games.

Bennett, who has succeeded Steve McNamara in the hot seat, needs to find a new captain for the Ladbrokes Four Nations Series after ruling Wigan loose forward Sean O'Loughlin out.

NEW Sportsmail's racing expert Robin Goodfellow gives his hottest selections ahead of Wednesday's meetings at Bath, Nottingham, Wetherby and Kempton.

NEW French trainer Jean-Claude Rouget has issued a glowing bulletin regarding Almanzor ahead of the outstanding colt contesting the £1.3 million QIPCO Champion Stakes at Ascot on Saturday.

Salford City are owned by Manchester United legends and hated by most in non-League

JACK GAUGHAN: Edgeley Park on Saturday afternoon. Almost four thousand are on the gate with Salford City in town. Gary Neville and Paul Scholes, too. But for one Stockport County supporter, his focus is on a technical area 10 yards to the right. More bothered about goading a manager on his haunches than Stockport turning this feisty National League North clash on its head, spluttering spleen and jabbing a finger towards Anthony Johnson, one half of Salford's absorbing management duo.

JEFF POWELL: The enigma that was the late Sonny Liston lives on, all these years after his death. Did he quit on his stool in one of the biggest upsets of all time because of an injured shoulder?

Sportsmail experts JAMIE CARRAGHER, JAMIE REDKNAPP, MARTIN KEOWN and CHRIS SUTTON have their say on Wayne Rooney's international career.

We saw a new side to Jos Buttler —and it could do both him and this England team the world of good. Players shouldn’t lose their rag with each other. But let’s give them slack.