Declan Rice has issued an apology for posting support for the IRA three and a half years ago on social media.

England rounded off a year to remember by progressing to the inaugural Nations League finals with a stirring comeback against World Cup semi-final foes, Croatia.

Declan Rice has not been included in England’s squad for next week’s Nations Cup clash with Spain at Wembley, with manager Gareth Southgate saying that Rice has a “really difficult decision” to make about his international future.

England 6 Panama 1

Harry Kane's hat-trick inspired England to their biggest ever World Cup win as Gareth Southgate's men sealed progress to the last 16 with a 6-1 demolition of Panama that puts their rivals on notice.

Gareth Southgate believes England’s players are as prepared, focused and ready as they can be for their eagerly anticipated World Cup opener against Tunisia.

Gareth Southgate has decided against selecting Joe Hart or Jack Wilshere.

Harry Kane did his talking on the pitch as Tottenham reasserted themselves in the race for the Champions League with a 2-0 win over Watford.

Daniel Storey on the weekend’s major talking points...

Stoke manager Paul Lambert has refused to comment on reports on-loan Paris St Germain forward Jese has failed to report for training.

Jose Mourinho has dismissed concerns over Marcus Rashford’s lack of game-time as the World Cup approaches, putting the ball in Gareth Southgate’s court by saying the forward will be selected if the England manager trusts him.

England are on course for a place at next summer's World Cup after coming from behind to beat Slovakia 2-1.

France 3 - England 2: Not even the controversial use of video assistant referees could prevent Gareth Southgate’s England from succumbing to defeat in their season-ending friendly against France.

England promised much but Gareth Southgate’s first match as permanent manager ended in defeat as Lukas Podolski marked his final Germany appearance with a stunning winner.

England midfielder Jake Livermore revealed how he reached out to Ireland’s Harry Arter when the Bournemouth midfielder’s daughter was stillborn in December 2015.

Gareth Southgate declared “the hard work starts now” after finally landing the England manager’s job, with the make-up of his backroom team and a review of team culture the early priorities.

Gareth Southgate has completed his formal interview to become England’s next manager and could be appointed by the end of the month.

England 2 Spain 2: England captain Jordan Henderson admits it was devastating to concede two late goals to draw 2-2 with Spain at Wembley.

Gareth Southgate accepts England were fortunate to leave Slovenia with a draw, but was pleased to keep World Cup qualification on track having inherited a "mess".

England put a tough fortnight behind them with a predictably straightforward victory against Malta, getting Gareth Southgate's interim reign off to a solid if unspectacular start.

Larry Ryan breaks down the Rob Hennelly episode...

Wales boss Chris Coleman has emphatically quashed speculation linking him with the England managerial vacancy.

Gareth Southgate has revealed England have not given up hope of tempting Aston Villa starlet Jack Grealish away from the Republic of Ireland.

VITAL conservation work on one of the country’s finest cathedrals could grind to a halt within weeks after savage cuts in heritage funding.

Budget hotel chain Travelodge stepped up its expansion today with the addition of 52 hotels from pubs and restaurant group Mitchells & Butlers.

GORDON STRACHAN has set his sights on guiding Middlesbrough back into the Premier League at the first attempt after being unveiled as their new manager yesterday.

Middlesbrough chairman Steve Gibson today said he sacked Gareth Southgate because he feared the club would fail to win promotion back to the Barclays Premier League this season.

Middlesbrough midfielder Gary O’Neil is backing manager Gareth Southgate to take the club straight back into the Premier League.

Middlesbrough boss Gareth Southgate expects to lose his top players in the wholesale changes that will come following relegation from the Barclays Premier League.

West Ham 2 Middlesbrough 1

Martin O’Neill expressed sympathy for Gareth Southgate after Aston Villa all but condemned Middlesbrough to the drop.

Middlesbrough 0 Manchester United 2

SAT high in the stands of the Emirates, Alex Ferguson will now be acutely aware that his relations with Arsene Wenger, having thawed over recent seasons, are set to freeze over once again.

MIDDLESBROUGH have reached the stage where only miracles can save them.

Chairman Steve Gibson is convinced Middlesbrough can win their fight for Barclays Premier League survival.

MIDDLESBROUGH chairman Steve Gibson yesterday resisted a growing chorus of disapproval by insisting he has no plans to sack manager Gareth Southgate.

Middlesbrough 1 Portsmouth 1

Middlesbrough 0 Wigan 0

West Ham 1 Middlesbrough 1

TWO managers under fire go head to head”. That’s how Saturday’s game was described in the big build-up.

Wolves 1 Middlesbrough 2