England boss Roy Hodgson backs Tottenham star Harry Kane to take international football by storm

England manager Roy Hodgson has backed man-of-the-moment Harry Kane to succeed in international football - but stopped short of revealing whether he would make his debut against Lithuania.

Kane has scored 29 goals in all competitions for Tottenham this season and his scintillating form was rewarded with a first ever call-up to the England senior squad for Friday's Euro 2016 qualifier at Wembley and Tuesday's friendly against Italy in Turin.

Hodgson remained tight-lipped about Kane's involvement in the two matches at Thursday's press conference, but suggested that he has done enough in training to be involved in some capacity.

''We're very happy with Harry this week, he's done well," Hodgson said. "The only thing I can certainly say is he's not in any way damaged his chances of playing in the full senior team.

''I'm pretty sure, over the course of the next two games, we're going to see him make his full debut.

''People have to wait and see when that is. Whether it's from the start tomorrow or on Tuesday or coming on as a substitute - people will have to wait and see.''

Watch Brock Lesnar announce he’s staying with WWE and ‘closing the door’ on MMA

WWE World Heavyweight champion Brock Lesnar has ‘closed the door’ on returning to MMA, signing a new multi-year deal with WWE.

Appearing on ESPN SportsCenter last night, Lesnar told host Michelle Beadle he had been made an offer he couldn’t refuse - even though he had been training for a potential MMA return.

“It was a very hard decision for me,” Lesnar revealed, just days before his Wrestlemania main event clash with Roman Reigns.

“The fighter inside of me wants to compete. The father, the husband – I’m an older caveman now, so I make wiser caveman decisions.

“I’m here to say my legacy in the octagon is over. However, my legacy this Sunday at WrestleMania will not be my last.” 

He continued: “I wanted it [the announcement] to be out of my mouth, I wanted people to hear me. It was a hard decision to make. I’ve thought about this for a year.

“At the end of the day it’s all about me wanting to have fun. The money is great, but the lifestyle… For me to get back into the Octagon – for the last two months I’ve been training to get back into the Octagon, and felt physically great, but something lacked mentally.” 

Reflecting on his battle with diverticulitis which saw 12 inches of his colon removed in 2011 during an earlier run with UFC, Lesnar added: “When it comes down to business and money, and health and well-being, I’ve been on both sides of the spectrum.

“I’ve been in a bad position with my health, I’ve been in a bad position with my money, and now I’m in a great position with both and I’m happy.

“I love what I’m doing. I work a limited schedule - part-time with full-time pay.” 

He continued: “If you can’t watch me in the ring and not be entertained, and not think that I’m having any fun than there’s something definitely wrong. I love being in the squared circle, I always have.

“But I always hated the outside ambiance about everything else. There’s an old saying – ‘it’s all fake but the money and the miles’, and the miles were not good for me. Me and the highway just did not get along.”

The 37-year-old also confirmed he had spoken to UFC bosses about a return to the Octagon but concluded he was “born to be an entertainer”.

“I talked with Dana [White], I talked to Lorenzo [Fertitta], I talked to Vince McMahon, I talked to my wife and my friends,” Lesnar said.

“I had many sleepless nights on what to do. At the end of the day, it weighed heavily on my heart that I was born to be an entertainer, and I have fun doing it.” 

The former UFC heavyweight kingpin also denied his cageside appearance at UFC 184 in February following a reported falling out backstage at Raw just days earlier was a negotiation tactic.

“It wasn’t a contractual move, or a bartering pitch of any kind,” he said.

“For me, I just wanted to feel that energy [of a UFC event], and it just so happened it was Ronda Rousey [headlining].” 

Executive Vice President of Talent, Live Events and Creative Paul ‘Triple H’ Levesque reflected on Twitter last night: “Brock Lesnar is a global attraction. Happy to have him re-sign a multi-year contract with WWE."

Show some loyalty! Former Arsenal ace makes contract plea to Theo Walcott

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John Hartson has told Theo Walcott to show some loyalty to Arsenal and commit his future to the club.

Gunners boss Arsene Wenger says he expects protracted contract talks with the winger given the lengthy negotiations before he penned his last deal in 2013.

But Hartson says Walcott, back fit after a long-term injury enforced absence, should be grateful for the support given to him by the club and should move quickly over an extension this time around.

Speaking on the Alan Brazil Sports Breakfast, the former Arsenal striker said: "He is on big money at Arsenal and they have looked after him.

"When he was out for a long period injured, they looked after him and nurtured him back.

"I know there is not a lot of loyalty in football but sometimes it is nice when you see players give back to the club that have put them where they are."

Mark Hughes agrees new Stoke City deal

Mark Hugheshas agreed a new contract with Stoke until 2018.
The Potters boss revealed he had entered talks with the club over a new deal in January, with his existing contract due to run out in 2016.
Hughes, 51, has been at Stoke since May 2013 and has guided them to tenth in the Premier League this season.

He told the club's official site: "I'm delighted to have signed a new contract. I think it's exciting times for Stoke City, everyone can see there's more progress to be made and we want to see how far we can take the club.

"I came here 18 or so months ago and it's gone as well as I could have hoped - we've certainly kept progressing which is vitally important from my point of view.
"This season has been more difficult than last season due to circumstances, like injuries to key players, but we've still been very competitive and I believe we can do even better next season with a little bit more investment. Let's see how far we can go.

"Continuity is a huge thing in football, certainly in the Premier League, and hopefully the fact I've signed a new contract will give continuity to the club and, more importantly, the players because it helps them when they work with someone for a prolonged spell."

Pepe Reina tells talkSPORT: David de Gea should be happy to stay at Manchester United

Pepe Reina says David de Gea should be happy to play for Manchester United.

De Gea has been in outstanding form the Red Devils in past seasons and has been linked with a big-money move to Real Madrid in the summer.

But former Liverpool number one Reina sees little reason why his fellow Spanish goalkeeper would want to leave Old Trafford for the Bernabeu.

In an exclusive interview with the Alan Brazil Sports Breakfast, the Bayern Munich ace said: "He is one of the top 'keepers in Europe and this year he has been superb. Maybe Real Madrid are looking for a 'keeper and De Gea is one of the names suggested, but I think he should be happy enough to play for Man United."

Rafa Benitez eyeing Premier League return, reveals former Liverpool star Pepe Reina

Pepe Reina believes it is just a matter of time before Rafa Benitez is back in the Premier League.

The former Liverpool manager is expected to leave Napoli in the summer when his contract expires and has been linked with the Newcastle and Manchester City jobs.

Reina has a close relationship with his fellow Spaniard, having played under him at Anfield and at the Italian club.

And he claims that, while Benitez is enjoying his time in Serie A, he is keen to land another job in England so he can rejoin his family on Merseyside.

In an exclusive interview with talkSPORT, the Bayern Munichstar said: “His idea is to be with his family and his family are in Liverpool right now and very happy so, if he gets the chance [to return to the Premier League], why not?

"He is happy at Napoli right now but family always comes first and it is a decision they have to make.

"As far as I know, he is happy in Napoli but is looking forward to coming back to England."

Ex-Liverpool star: Raheem Sterling is not ready for Barca, Real Madrid or Man City move

Former Liverpool star John Barnes insists contract rebel Raheem Sterling is NOT ready for a big-money move away from Merseyside.

The Red youngster has been linked with a move to Real Madrid or Manchester City this summer, after talkSPORT told you the 20-year-old would reject a deal at Anfield.

Sterling, who has another two years left to run on his current contract, is believed to be holding out for a £150,000-a-week offer from Brendan Rodgers' side.

The Northern Irishman has already insisted the club will not be held to ransom and ex-winger Barnes insists the youngster should remain at Liverpool until he has proven himself worthy of a huge deal elsewhere.

“Raheem Sterling should absolutely sign the contract and stay at Liverpool,” he told the Alan Brazil Sports Breakfast show.

“I would advise any young player who has just been in the game for a year or so to stay and learn his trade. Show a level of consistently over a four or five year period before you make a big move. You will then be judged as a £50m player.

“We’ve seen it with Scott Sinclair and Jack Rodwell at Manchester City. Where are they now?

“Sterling is not ready for a move to Barcelona, Real Madrid or Manchester City. He needs another two or three years at Liverpool. Then, if he decides he wants to move on, fine. He has to be very careful though.

“Sometimes the bad advice is not only the most lucrative but also sounds like the best advice.

“He’s not been playing consistently well over a number of years though. Maybe his form has suffered because of all the speculation about his future.

“For any young player, similar to Harry Kane [and Sterling], I would advise you to show a level of consistently where you’re happy and people accept you.

“Then, if you want to put yourself under pressure by making a big money move, do that because it could all go wrong.”

Arsenal record-signing Ozil ‘convinced’ he will win the Ballon d’Or

Arsenal midfielder Mesut Ozil is taking no notice of his critics and remains convinced he has the ability to one day win the Ballon d'Or.

The man every Gunners fan seemingly loves to hate has helped Arsene Wenger's side back into the top four of the Premier League, as well as the semi-finals of the FA Cup at Wembley, with some consistent displays since returning from an injury lay-off earlier this season

Yet the club-record £42.5million signing remains an enigma for some, who are frustrated by the former Real Madrid star’s perceived laid-back style.

The 26-year-old, however, has every confidence in his own ability and is “feeling very positive” despite his mixed relationship with Arsenal supporters.

Speaking to German newspaper Bild, Ozil – who is currently on international duty – said: "If I continue to develop well and stay healthy, I would like, in the next few years, to hold the Ballon d'Or in my hands.

“I am convinced that it can happen.

"I am feeling very positive. I am a world champion and I play at a top club in the Premier League.

"There is much more of a physical test here than there is in Spain or in the Bundesliga - I constantly have bruises, but that makes me harder. I feel physically better than ever."

‘I don't want another season like this’ – Cech to consider his Chelsea future in the summer Digsby IM, Email, and Social Networks in one easy to usem Petr Cech has revealed as a Chelsea player in the summer, with the veteran insisting he has no intention of remaining the club’s second choice goalkeeper. After a decade as the Blues’ number one man between the sticks, the 32-year-old Czech Republic international has had his place taken by 6' 5" Belgian giant Thibaut Courtois this season. Cech has made four Premier League starts to Courtois' 25 this term, but did play in the Capital One Cup final win over Tottenham at Wembley, in what some have interpreted as a show of thanks from manager Jose Mourinho. "I don't know what the club's idea will be," Cech told the website of Czech newspaper Idnes. "It looks like it works well with me and Thibaut as a duo. "But that can work for one season only. I don't want another one like this. "There always will be speculation. I leave it for the summer. "It will be important to sit down with the club and with the manager to consider all the pros and cons. We will see what will work out the best." Cech has been linked with a host of top European clubs, including Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain and Arsenal. Mourinho earlier this month insisted he would not stand in Cech's way should he wish to leave at the end of the season. But Cech's status means a big fee will be required to prise him from Stamford Bridge as his contract does not expire until the end of next season. "I don't waste my time trying to persuade him, because I know nobody can persuade him," Mourinho said. "If he tells me he wants to leave, I will tell him my opinion and my opinion is one of the three best goalkeepers in the world. Huge money."

Petr Cech has revealed he will consider his future as a Chelseaplayer in the summer, with the veteran insisting he has no intention of remaining the club’s second choice goalkeeper.

After a decade as the Blues’ number one man between the sticks, the 32-year-old Czech Republic international has had his place taken by 6' 5" Belgian giant Thibaut Courtoisthis season.

Cech has made four Premier League starts to Courtois' 25 this term, but did play in the Capital One Cup final win over Tottenham at Wembley, in what some have interpreted as a show of thanks from manager Jose Mourinho.

"I don't know what the club's idea will be," Cech told the website of Czech newspaper Idnes.

"It looks like it works well with me and Thibaut as a duo.

"But that can work for one season only. I don't want another one like this.

"There always will be speculation. I leave it for the summer.

"It will be important to sit down with the club and with the manager to consider all the pros and cons. We will see what will work out the best."

Cech has been linked with a host of top European clubs, including Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain and Arsenal.

Mourinho earlier this month insisted he would not stand in Cech's way should he wish to leave at the end of the season.

But Cech's status means a big fee will be required to prise him from Stamford Bridge as his contract does not expire until the end of next season.

"I don't waste my time trying to persuade him, because I know nobody can persuade him," Mourinho said.

"If he tells me he wants to leave, I will tell him my opinion and my opinion is one of the three best goalkeepers in the world. Huge money."

Liverpool defender Martin Skrtel to serve three-game ban for stamp on David de Gea

Liverpool defender Martin Skrtel has been slapped with a three-match ban after losing his appeal against an FA violent conduct charge.

The Slovakia international was charged after Sunday's 2-1 defeat to Manchester United after TV footage showed him appearing to stamp on David de Gea in the dying seconds of the Anfield clash.

Skrtel appealed to an independent panel sitting in judgement on the matter on the basis his action was accidental and not intentional.

However, the panel upheld the original ruling and the 30-year-old will now miss Premier League games against Arsenal and Newcastle, as well as the FA Cup quarter-final replay at Blackburn.

In a statement the Football Association confirmed the punishment, saying: "Liverpool's Martin Skrtel will serve a three-match suspension with immediate effect after a charge of violent conduct against him was found proven.

"The defender had denied the charge which related to an on-field incident involving Manchester United's David de Gea in the 95th minute of Sunday's game which was not seen by the match officials but caught on video.

"However, an Independent Regulatory Commission hearing today found the charge proven."