Sportsday - rolling football news

1. Build-up to England v Lithuania in Euro qualifying (19:45 GMT)
2. Mark Hughes signs new contract at Stoke until 2018
3. Debbie Jevans resigns as 2015 Rugby World Cup chief executive
4. Premier League to share £1bn of record TV rights deal
5. Geraint Thomas wins E3 Harelbeke - a prestigious cobbled race
6. Lewis Hamilton's plans for Malaysian GP 'heavily compromised'
7. GET INVOLVED: Your thoughts ahead of England v Lithuania #bbcsportsday

Goodbye

And on that note we will leave you - but you can join our live text commentary page for full coverage of England's European Championship qualifier at home to Lithuania from 18:30 GMT.

And we'll be joining you bright and early on Monday morning for another Sportsday too of course.

Until then, be seeing you.

Rugby v Football: Who wins?

Arsenal/YouTube

Ever wondered what would happen if Rugby players swapped their egg-shaped ball for a round one? And footballers vice- versa?

That's exactly what the squads of Arsenal and Saracens have been up to in this video. Look out for Per Mertesacker claiming all the high balls he can get his hands on. I'd say there's a future there...

GET INVOLVED: England v Lithuania (19:45 GMT)

Harry, south London: Harry Kane's rise will see the fall of Danny Welbeck. Welbeck is not good enough to play out wide compared to other squad members, and now he has three or four strikers that will be ahead of him (Rooney, Sturridge, Kane and soon to be Danny Ings).

Let us know your thoughts using #bbcsportsday on Twitter, text us on 81111 (UK only), or drop us a line on the BBC Sport Facebook, or Google+ page.

Wales can cope with hostile atmosphere - Coleman

Wales manager Chris Coleman says his side can cope with a hostile atmosphere and opposition "play-acting" when they face Israel on Saturday.

A sell-out crowd is expected at the Sammy Ofer Stadium as Group B leaders Israel host Wales in a crucial Euro 2016 qualifier.

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"What we have to put up with is a bit of play-acting, simulation," he said.

"Our lads are looking forward to the atmosphere. Most of our players playing at the top level are used to that pressure, used to playing good players, international players week in, week out."

Bristol Academy boss calls for calm

Manager Dave Edmondson has called for calm following Bristol Academy's FA Cup exit and heavy Champions League loss.

The Vixens travel to Frankfurt for the second leg of their Champion League quarter-final on Sunday, having been beaten 5-0 by the Germans last week.

Three days after that defeat, Bristol suffered a 2-1 extra-time loss to Women's Super League Two side Everton in the fifth round of FA Women's Cup.

"We've spoken about not panicking after the first two games," Edmondson said.

Thomas wins E3 Harelbeke

Here's some more from Geraint Thomas, whose successful breakaway at the E3 Harelbeke saw him become the first ever Briton to win the cobbled 'semi-classic' one-day race earlier today.

"It was hard out there, I can't quite believe it," he told the Team Sky website.

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"This six-week period we're in from Paris-Nice to Paris-Roubaix is my big focus of the season. The way Paris-Nice finished was disappointing, but I felt good again at Milan-San Remo and to get the win now is really special."

GET INVOLVED

Peter Ratcliffe: Former Aussie coach stating that KP should not return to an England team convinces me that he should. Form over coming months should be only factor that decides whether KP returns for England. I hope he gets a 1000 runs in May.

Let us know your thoughts using #bbcsportsday on Twitter, text us on 81111 (UK only), or drop us a line on the BBC Sport Facebook, or Google+ page.

"I'll probably be chucking someone in the Thames"

Here's some news for fans of the silver screen, WBA super-middleweight champion Carl Froch is to begin an acting career while he considers his future in boxing.

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"I'll probably be chucking someone in the River Thames," said Froch, who will make his screen debut in a film called 'Once Upon a Time In London'.

The Nottingham fighter has consulted actors such as Samuel L Jackson for tips and said he will play a "tough guy or a villain" in the movie.

Prop Bailey released by Hull KR

Hull KR release Ryan Bailey because of personal reasons after just one appearance for the club.

Bailey, 30, joined the club on a two-year deal in October after 14 years with Leeds Rhinos.

The former England international struggled with Achilles and hamstring injuries and his one appearance came in their defeat by Wakefield last month.

The club said they had released Bailey to allow him to "focus on matters off the field".

Wales should take a point - Hartson

Former national team striker John Hartson says Wales' focus should be on avoiding defeat in their Euro 2016 qualifier against Israel on Saturday.

Chris Coleman's side are a point behind Israel, who have won all three of their qualifiers to lead Group B.

"I would take a point," ex-Arsenal striker Hartson told BBC Wales Sport.

"I don't think it's a bad result coming to Israel and they are in a fantastic moment of their own, top of the group. That's not me being negative that's me showing Israel a lot of respect."

GET INVOLVED: England v Lithuania (19:45 GMT)

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Mark Rainey: Taking my seven-year-old son to his first proper football match tonight at Wembley. Goals would be a bonus but excited anyway.

Chris, Brighton: Danny Wellbeck is a great asset to England but he will have to step aside tonight. Harry Kane to start and score.

William Triffitt: I'd love to see Kane, Welbeck, Theo Walcott, The Ox and Raheem Sterling in the same team!

Let us know your thoughts using #bbcsportsday on Twitter, text us on 81111 (UK only), or drop us a line on the BBC Sport Facebook, or Google+ page.

Don't expect a goalfest - Greer

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Brighton defender Gordon Greer says fans should not expect Scotland to run riot when they play Gibraltar in Euro 2016 qualifying on Sunday.

Greer said: "These players are no mugs and for me it is all about winning the game and moving on.

"It will be a difficult game and difficult to break them down and we are preparing as best we can."

Porte takes lead in Catalonia

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Team Sky's Australian rider Richie Porte moves into the overall leader at the Tour of Catalonia after Alejandro Valverde won Friday's fifth stage in Spain.

Porte now has a five-second advantage over Italian Domenico Pozzovivo, while Spaniard Alberto Contador is seven seconds behind in third, with two final stages to come across the weekend.

Scudamore defends PL clubs

Premier League chief executive Richard Scudamoredefends top-flight clubs from criticism that they do not make enough of a financial contribution to English football as a whole.

Clubs have agreed to share at least £1bn of their record £5.136bn UK live TV rights deal with lower league sides and the grassroots game.

Scudamore told BBC Sport: "This is £50m a club they've promised. It is an awful lot of money for a club.

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"There was quite a reaction to the £5bn announcement, quite a lot of negative reaction, which is very interesting given that it's a measure of the Premier League's popularity and success.

"So the clubs thought, right, let's make an early commitment and a big, strong, bold commitment. They are doing an enormous amount in this space and they don't get credit."

'New Zealand won't be daunted'

New Zealand pace bowler Tim Southee says his side are not be daunted by the prospect facing trans-Tasman rivals Australia in front of 100,000 fans in Sunday's World Cup final in Melbourne.

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"We're not too worried about the size of the ground," Southee said.

"We're seen as the little brothers from across the ditch. We respect Australia, they're a quality side and they're not number one in the world for no reason.

"But I'm sure we've gained a bit of respect for the brand of cricket we've played over the last couple of years."

Swift takes Settimana lead

And continuing the theme of British cycling success, Team Sky's Ben Swift has won stage two of Settimana Coppi e Bartali on Friday to take the race lead.

He now holds an overall lead of 41 seconds over Croatian Matija Kvasina.

Thomas wins E3 Harelbeke

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Brilliant news for fans of British cycling as Geraint Thomas becomes the first British winner of the E3 Harelbeke in Belgium - an important race in cycling's cobbled classic mini-season.

Team Sky rider Thomas finished third in the same event last year, won by Slovakian Peter Sagan, but claimed victory this year, finishing 25 seconds ahead of Zdenek Stybar of the Czech Republic.

Matteo Trentin of Italy finished quickest in the bunch sprint for third, 38 seconds behind Thomas.

Fulham fined £20k for Leeds incident

Fulham have been fined £20,000 by the Football Association after they admitted a charge of failing to ensure their players conducted themselves in an orderly fashion.

The charge, which was issued on Monday, related to an incident during the defeat by Leeds on 18 March.

Left-back Kostas Stafylidis was sent off for Fulham early in the second half as they lost 3-0 at Craven Cottage.

Fulham are 20th in the Championship, eight points clear of the drop zone.

I'm putting legal career on hold - Aluko

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England striker Eniola Aluko says she's putting her career as a trainee solicitor on hold to focus on football.

Writing in her exclusive BBC Sport column, Aluko says: "Now I'm qualified, my plan is to put law on the backburner and give football my full attention. It coincides nicely with what is the biggest year of my football career."

Aluko is hoping to represent England in the Women's World Cup in Canada later this year.

GET INVOLVED

Jon Evans: To say Kevin Pietersen returning would be detrimental is to say our cricket would get worse... I very much doubt that would be the case.

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Mark Brayford: I was Mark Hughes' biggest critic. I didn't want him at all. But he's proved me wrong and I'm chuffed we've got him until 2018.

Steve Ashfield: Terrible opponent for Anthony Joshua. Gavern has lost last two fights and lost to Sprott who Joshua beat inside a round.

Let us know your thoughts using #bbcsportsday on Twitter, text us on 81111 (UK only), or drop us a line on the BBC Sport Facebook, or Google+ page.

Afternoon round-up

Top stories: Stoke City manager Mark Hughes signs new contract until 2018.

as chief executive of England Rugby 2015.

A Kevin Pietersen return could tear England apart, according to Australia's most successful coach John Buchanan.

Unbeaten English heavyweight Anthony Joshua will return from injury to face American Jason Gavern on 4 April.

Top feature: How F1 and the FA are working together at St George's Park.

Top video: Lewis Hamilton sets pace at Malaysian Grand Prix.

Jevans resigns from England Rugby 2015

Debbie Jevans resigns as chief executive of England Rugby 2015 due to personal reasons.

In a statement, the organisation in charge of coordinating England's hosting of the 2015 World Cup said Stephen Brown would become new managing director, working alongside chairman Andy Cosslett to "oversee the final stages of successful delivery of the tournament".

In the statement, Jevans added: "This is the right decision for me to make at this time. I am immensely proud of the team and all that we have achieved in the time that I have been chief executive.

"Everything is in place to ensure that this is the best Rugby World Cup ever, and I am confident my team will deliver an exceptional tournament."

GET INVOLVED

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Earlier, we asked you to send in your questions for Northern Irish boxer Carl Frampton. Here are the final few answers from the IBF World Super Bantamweight champion.

Rich Brady asked: Who do you think is going to come out on top in the Pacquiao v Mayweather fight?

Carl says: Mayweather in a close points decision because he just finds a way to steal rounds.

Jordan Singleton asked: What is your favourite fight and who is your favourite fighter of all-time?

Carl says: Favourite fight - Evander Holyfield v Dwight Qawi. Two big guys showing so much heart and skill. You don't see that at that weight. Favourite fighter - don't really have one, it changes all the time. At the moment, Roberto Duran.

Mark Calladine asked: Do you have ambitions of going up the weights?

Carl says: Yeah, I've a few more fights at super bantamweight but that's the ambition.

Our thanks to Carl Frampton. He will be appearing on Football Focus this weekend - you can catch the whole interview on BBC One at 12:10 GMT on Saturday.

West Brom's vintage kit for 'Astle day'

Premier League/Twitter

The Premier League on Twitter: "West Brom will wear a special kit in tribute to club legend Jeff Astle on #AstleDay."

West Brom's players will wear a replica of their 1968 FA Cup final kit at home to Leicester on 11 April.

The kit will be part of 'Astle Day', where family of the former West Brom striker will launch a foundation to help sufferers and research of the brain condition which caused his death in 2002.

Marquez on top in Qatar

AP

The final practice session ahead of this weekend's season-opening MotoGP race in Qatar has just come to a close and there's no prizes for guessing who finished fastest.

Spaniard Marc Marquez led the session with Dani Pedrosa second, Andrea Dovizioso third and Briton Cal Crutchlow in fourth.

With qualifying to begin tomorrow, the question is, can anyone stop Marquez?

The only way is Boston...

Tim Hoff

For Jake Hall it is.

Hall, a star of scripted reality television show "The Only Way Is Essex", has joined Conference North side Boston United.

The 24-year-old had a spell with the club last season but turned down the chance to stay longer because of commuting and work commitments.

"I loved playing for Boston," he told BBC Radio Lincolnshire. "I had the most amazing time but the commuting was a bit too much for training and game days. I would have loved to have stayed."

Pietersen return 'could tear England apart'

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Bringing back Kevin Pietersen could "tear apart the fabric" of the England team, according to former Australia coach John Buchanan.

Pietersen was sacked in February last year but has joined Surrey in a bid to win back his England place after incoming English cricket chief Colin Graves said selectors "could not ignore" him.

However, Buchanan believes Pietersen should remain in the cold. "A decision was made for good reasons," he said. "Leadership is about sticking by that decision."

Buchanan was speaking on Stumped. You can listen to the full programme on the BBC World Service at 00.30 GMT on Saturday, 28 March or download the podcast.

Juve's Marchisio suffers ligament injury

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A blow for Juventus and Italy as midfielder Claudio Marchisio suffers a knee ligament injury in the warm-up of a training session with the national team. The 29-year-old is expected to be ruled out for several months.

"He immediately underwent an MRI scan which revealed a partially torn anterior cruciate ligament," Italy doctor Enrico Castellacci said.

Juventus, chasing a fourth successive Serie A title, are 14 points clear of second-placed Roma in the Italian table. Italy play away to Bulgaria in a European Championship qualifier in Sofia on Saturday, a 19:45 GMT kick-off.

Luton to pay living wage

League Two side Luton Town have become the first Football League club to commit to paying every employee the living wage.

Premier League club Chelsea are the only other fully professional English team to receive accreditation from the Living Wage Foundation.

The living wage is based on the amount needed to cover the basic costs of living and is currently £7.85 an hour, and £9.15 an hour in London.

On Thursday, Premier League clubs agreed to commit to paying their full-time staff the living wage by the start of the 2016-17 season.

Koukash confirms interest in Titans

SWPIX.COM

Salford Red Devils owner Marwan Koukash confirms his interest in buying a share in Australian National Rugby League side Gold Coast Titans.

The Titans were placed in voluntary administration in February and their licence handed over to the NRL.

"I'm interested in the NRL and the Gold Coast Titans are owned by the league," Koukash told BBC Radio Manchester. "When the NRL decides to offload it, I want to be in with a chance of owning that club."

Koukash has often spoken of his desire to own a club in the NRL and suggested the possibility of setting up an England-based franchise earlier this year.

Crash ends Cancellara's spring campaign

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Fabian Cancellara's spring campaign looks to be over after the Swiss cyclist broke two vertebrae in a crash at the E3-Harelbeke in Belgium.

Cancellara, who won the Tour of Flanders in 2010, 2013 and 2014 and Paris-Roubaix in 2006, 2010 and 2013, now appears highly likely to miss both races.

GET INVOLVED

Earlier, we asked you to send in your questions for Northern Irish boxer Carl Frampton. Here's a few more responses from the IBF World Super Bantamweight champion.

John Connolly asked: An Irish sporting hero retired this week, Henry Shefflin. Who is your greatest sporting hero from a code outside boxing?

Carl replied: "David Healy. Everything he did in a Northern Ireland shirt was unreal."

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Daire Walsh asked: You have had some amazing nights in Belfast. Is there any chance of you coming down and fighting in Dublin ?

Carl replied: "We've spoken about Dublin so yeah that may happen in the future."

Carl Frampton will be appearing on Football Focus this weekend - you can catch the whole interview on BBC One at 12:10 GMT on Saturday.

The FA's plan for more homegrown players

FA

The Football Association on Twitter: "Find out how the FA plans to boost the number of home-grown players at the top level."

Earlier this week, the FA revealed plans to toughen the rules on home-grown talent in the latest proposals from its commission, which was set up in 2013 to improve the England team.

No special plan for Bale - Israel coach

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Real Madrid star Gareth Bale will be key to Wales's hopes of victory, but Israel coach Avi Guttman says his best plan to deal with the forward has fallen through.

"We contacted Cristiano [Ronaldo to ask] exactly how to do it, how to stop Bale," Guttman said at his press conference, leaving everyone not quite sure whether he was joking.

"But he didn't answer the call and it is not about one man."

He then added, perhaps more seriously: ""We're going to play the game as one unit not to give him space. This is our plan."

Israel v Wales in numbers

Wales face Israel in a Euro 2016 qualifier on Saturday as they continue their bid to reach the finals of a major tournament for the first time since the 1958 World Cup (where they made it to the quarter-finals by the way).

Chris Coleman's side are a point behind Group B leaders Israel, who they face in Haifa in a 17:00 GMT kick-off.

BBC Wales Sport have compiled a preview of the key stats ahead of the game, and here's a little taster.

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GET INVOLVED

Earlier we asked you to send in your questions for boxing world champion Carl Frampton. Here is a selection of his responses:

Deane Harrison asked: Styles make fights so who do you consider the more dangerous opponent; Scott Quigg or Kid Galahad?

Carl says: I think Quigg is more dangerous because he can punch harder. But I also think he'd be more vulnerable than Galahad.

Commonwealth boxing gold medallist Paddy Barnes asked: Who wins in their prime, Frampton or McGuigan?

Carl says: I can't answer that yet as I feel I haven't reached my prime....but I'd still beat you when I'm past it ;-)

Carl Frampton will be appearing on Football Focus this weekend - you can catch the whole interview on BBC One at 12:10 GMT on Saturday.

Wambach just wants the World Cup

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She may be the most prolific international goalscorer of all time (an incredible 178 goals) but United States striker Abby Wambach, 34, says she would happily swap it all.

"I would trade all individual awards I've won in my career for a World Cup Championship, for a chance to win a World Cup. This will be my last," she told Sportsworld on the BBC World Service.

You can listen to that interview in full this Sunday from 18:00 BST.

Hull fined for failing to control players

Sticking with the theme of football clubs doing things they shouldn't, Hull have been fined £30,000 by the Football Association for failing to control their players against Leicester on March 14.

City initially denied the charge but were on Friday found guilty of "failing to ensure its players conducted themselves in an orderly fashion".

The incident was brought about by the reaction of a number of Hull players after Alex Bruce was booked by referee Jon Moss following a tackle on Riyad Mahrez.

Dynamo punished over racism at Everton game

Uefa has ordered Dynamo Kiev to play its Europa League quarterfinal against Fiorentina with a partially closed stadium as punishment for fan racism against Everton.

Two sections of the Olimpiisky Stadium will be shut for the first leg against Fiorentina next month, after Uefa ruled there was "racist behavior" during the 5-2 home win over Everton last week.

Dynamo was also fined 15,000 euros (£11,000) because of fans setting off fireworks.

GET INVOLVED

BBC Sport

Earlier we asked you to send in your questions for boxing world champion Carl Frampton. Here is a selection of his responses:

Scott asked: What would you rather see? Scott Quigg lying KO'd in the middle of the ring or Crusaders win the league?

Carl says: That's a hard one, but easy as the Crues will win the league and I'll knock Quigg out too!

Jamie Savin asked: If you could pick your next few fights who would they be against?

Carl says: I'd love to fight [Scott] Quigg obviously, Rigo [Guillermo Rigondeaux] and Leo Santa Cruz.

Karl B asked: Who has been your biggest inspiration and why?

Carl says: My biggest inspiration is my family. They motivate me every day in the gym and it's the reason why I do what I do. It's all for them.

Carl Frampton will be appearing on Football Focus this weekend - you can catch the whole interview on BBC One at 12:10 GMT on Saturday.

Hughes signs new Stoke contract

More on the news that Mark Hughes has signed a new contact at Stoke.

Hughes told the club website: "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 believe we can do even better next season with a little bit more investment. Let's see how far we can go."

Stoke finished ninth in the league last season in Hughes's first season in charge and are currently 10th in the table this term.

BreakingHughes signs new Stoke contract

Stoke have announced that manager Mark Hughes has signed a new deal with the club through to the summer of 2018.

Welshman Hughes, who previously managed Blackburn, Manchester City, Fulham and QPR, has been in charge at the Britannia since May 2013.

Kidderminster sign three

A few more confirmed loan deals to bring you following yesterday's deadline, and Kidderminster Harriers have signed three players on deals until the end of the season.

Birmingham City's 19-year-old defender Nat Kelly returns, having first joined Harriers in January, while fellow Blues youngster James Fry, 20, and Huddersfield Town's William Boyle, 19, also sign.

Fletcher lauds Advocaat impact

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Sunderland striker Steven Fletcher says new manager Dick Advocaat has made a positive impact since replacing Gus Poyet.

"It's been really lively since the new coach has come in; he's a lively character and he's brought that into the training sessions," Fletcher told the club's website.

"He wants us all to give 100 per cent and believes we've got the quality to turn our fortunes around and push up the league."

Manor boss pleased with practice

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F1 team Manor finally saw their car take to the track in Malaysia this morning after more than five months out of the sport with financial difficulties.

Rookie driver duo Will Stevens and Roberto Mehri completed 34 laps in second practice - and team principal John Booth was delighted with that effort.

"We are thrilled to be back on track again, finally seeing all the hard work and determination paying off," he said. "I'm very satisfied with what we have achieved today."

Gatlin deals sends wrong message - Froch

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Sportswear brand Nike are "sending the wrong message" by offering a commercial deal to controversial sprinter Justin Gatlin, says boxer Carl Froch.

Gatlin has served two bans for doping offences.

"It is bad because bottom line he's cheating," said four-time super-middleweight world champion Froch.

But he added: "You can't put it all on Nike. Should the ban be for longer? Should there be stricter rules? There probably should be."

Froch was speaking on BBC Radio 5 live's Sports Panel programme, which you can listen to live right now on the 5 live website.

"

McClean and Ward back in training

Juliette Ferrington

BBC Sport

James McCleanand Stephen Ward were back in training with the Republic of Ireland squad ahead of their European Championship qualifier against Poland on Sunday night.

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McClean was taken for a scan after he limped out of training on Tuesday with his left ankle heavily strapped.

Speaking after today's training session Martin O'Neill said: "Stephen Ward, who missed a few days, trained today and James McClean has trained so we're fine. They didn't complain at the end - they're not too bad."

Poland sit top of Group D in the qualifying campaign, three points clear of Germany, Scotland and Ireland, who are all locked together on seven points.

Watch England prepare for Lithuania

Tottenham FC

Tottenham Hotspur on Twitter: "Watch England training at Hotspur Way ahead of their qualifier at Wembley Stadium."

Vogts joins United States

Former Scotland manager Berti Vogts is appointed technical advisor to the United States national team.

Vogts, 68, previously worked with US manager Jurgen Klinsmann as a special advisor for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.

"His knowledge and experience is a tremendous asset for us," Klinsmann said.

Joshua to make return

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Olympic super-heavyweight gold medallist Anthony Joshua will make his return from back injury against American Jason Gavern in Newcastle on 4 April.

Joshua, 25, has been sidelined since the start of 2015, when he suffered a stress fracture in his back.

GET INVOLVED: England v Lithuania (19:45 GMT)

PA

There's (only!) six and a bit hours to go before England resume their European Championship qualification campaign at home to Lithuania tonight - a 19:45 GMT kick-off.

Are we all suitably excited? Do we think Harry Kane's going to start? Could Wayne Rooney get the four goals he needs to break Sir Bobby Charlton's scoring record? Or has this one got 1-0 (or 0-1 for that matter) written all over it?

Let us know your thoughts using #bbcsportsday on Twitter, text us on 81111 (UK only), or drop us a line on the BBC Sport Facebook, or Google+ page.

Barney battles to avoid elimination

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Defending Premier League champion Raymond van Barneveld could make an early exit from this year's competition after losing 7-2 to Michael van Gerwen in Dublin on Thursday.

Two players will be knocked out after next Thursday's fixtures in Manchester and the Dutchman is in a perilous position in the table.

Belgium's Kim Huybrechts is bottom of the group, while Van Barneveld, Adrian Lewis, Peter Wright and Stephen Bunting are also in danger of elimination.

Van Gerwen's victory maintained his unbeaten record in the tournament and kept him two points clear of world champion Gary Anderson.

Suarez back at Anfield

@lfc

Liverpool on Twitter: "Here's a sneak peek at the programme cover for the All-Star charity match at Anfield on Sunday."

Barcelona striker Luis Suarez is one of several former Liverpool players who will return to Anfield to play in the charity match, to feature sides led by captain Steven Gerrard and retired vice-captain Jamie Carragher.

Former Reds Fernando Torres, Pepe Reina, Dirk Kuyt and Xabi Alonso will be also be involved in the game, organised by the Liverpool FC Foundation.

Japan 2-0 Tunisia

It's all over in the international friendly between Japan and Tunisia. Second-half goals from substitutes Shinji Okazaki and Keisuke Honda secure a 2-0 victory for the home side, in new coach Vahid Halilhodzic's first game in charge.

Halilhodzic, who guided Algeria to the last 16 of the World Cup last year, took over from Javier Aguirre after the Mexican was fired last month amid a match-fixing scandal, with the Spaniard denying allegations.

Bale 'won't be affected' by criticism

PA

Israel coach Eli Guttman does not believe Gareth Bale will be affected by the criticism he has faced at Real Madrid when Wales play Israel in their Euro 2016 qualifier on Saturday.

Bale has been scrutinised by Spanish media and his car was recently attacked at Real's training ground.

"His situation at Real Madrid will make no difference to how he plays," said Israel coach Guttman. "It will be a very, very difficult game."

Israel lead Group B by one point from second-placed Wales, who are unbeaten in their four matches.

Renault consider pulling out

Renault is considering pulling out of Formula 1 following criticism of its engines.

However, the French firm, which supplies engines to Red Bull and Toro Rosso, is also contemplating buying a team and becoming a constructor again.

"We are looking at a lot of options, including getting out of Formula 1 if it's bad for Renault's reputation," said the team's chief, Cyril Abiteboul.

Renault engines powered Red Bull to four successive world championships, before Mercedes won in 2014, but, the manufacturer has come in for criticism since Mercedes dominated the season-opening Australian Grand Prix on 15 March.

Trio set for England U21 debuts

Arsenal defender Calum Chambers, Southampton left-back Matt Targett and Fulham goalkeeper Marcus Bettinelli are all set to make their England U21 debuts when Gareth Southgate's side take on the Czech Republic in a friendly in Prague at 19:30 GMT this evening.

"We're looking forward to seeing how they go," Southgate told the FA website.

"With Jack Robinson now out for the summer and Luke Shaw out injured, it's a chance for Matty to see how he copes with that, and Marcus hasn't had a game for us yet either so it's an opportunity."

England also play Germany in another international friendly at Middlesbrough's Riverside Stadium on Monday.

"More players should move abroad"

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Sporting Lisbon and Scotland midfielder Ryan Gauld says more young players should follow his lead and quit British football in order to develop.

Gauld, 19, who left Dundee United for Portuguese club Sporting last July, says British players can learn more from moving abroad.

"It's a chance to experience a different lifestyle, a different culture and a different style of play," he says.

Brown ruled out for Harlequins

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England full-back Mike Brown will miss Harlequins' Premiership match with Saracens at Wembley on Saturday after experiencing concussion symptoms following the Six Nations win over France.

Brown felt dizziness at the start of the week and has been stood down until the game with Gloucester on April 11 at the earliest.

Brown was knocked unconscious during England's match with Italy in the Six Nations, missing the defeat by Ireland before returning against Scotland.

Chris Robshaw, Joe Marler and Nick Easter all come back in to the Quins starting XV after international duty.

Lunchtime round-up

It's approaching the lunchtime hour so let's have a quick look back over the best of the day so far.

Top story: Lewis Hamilton says his preparations for the Malaysian Grand Prix have been "heavily compromised" by reliability problems with his Mercedes.

Top feature: 'Babies heads' and bouncing bikes' - British sprinter Mark Cavendish gives his seven steps for success in cycling's cobbled classic mini-season.

Top video: Australia cricket captain Michael Clarke is asked about 'tremendous sex' by BBC reporter.

Jaanai Gordon signs on loan with Nuneaton

Confirmation of another loan signing following yesterday's deadline.

West Ham United striker Jaanai Gordon signs for Nuneaton Town on loan until the end of the season.

Gordon, 19, signed for the Hammers from Peterborough United 14 months ago, and has already had one loan spell away from Upton Park this season with Conference South club Chelmsford City.

GET INVOLVED: Ask Frampton

Thanks for your questions for Northern Irish boxer Carl Frampton this morning using #askframpton on Twitter.

We've collected the best of them up and will bring you the answers throughout the afternoon, so stay tuned.

IBF World Super Bantamweight champion Frampton will be appearing on Football Focus this weekend - you can catch the whole interview on BBC One at 12:10 GMT on Saturday.

Is it a bird? Is it a plane?

@smignolet/Twitter

Here's one for the Belgium (and Liverpool) fans out there.

Reds goalkeeper Simon Mignolet clearly couldn't help himself from sharing this wonder save he made in training with the Belgian national team recently.

"Back to full fitness since yesterday," he added on Twitter. "Gym session this morning, last training before Belgium v Cyprus later today."

Burnley soaking it up

What do you do during the international break when your team is battling relegation? Take a break in the sun? That's what Burnley are doing - they're away at a training camp in Spain.

"We did it last year and it we had a really positive effect from it", Burnley manager Sean Dyche told the club's website.

"We felt the players enjoyed it and it's just a break from the norm really. We've mixed and matched between having a couple of training sessions along with good relaxation. So we're hoping for the same this year."

Serbia can stop Ronaldo - Ivanovic

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Serbia can keep Cristiano Ronaldo quiet when they take on Portugal in a Euro 2016 qualifier on Sunday, says Chelsea defender Branislav Ivanovic.

"Ronaldo is one of the best players in the history of football and it's not easy to stop him," Ivanovic said. "Containing him will be a huge challenge for us but we have what it takes."

Serbia will be desperate for a result in Lisbon after a disastrous start to qualifying, which has seen them collect just one point from three games to slip to fourth in Group I.

The hole in one that wasn't

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Now ordinarily, you wouldn't be too disappointed with a birdie on a par four, right? But for Australian golfer Aaron Baddeley, it could have been so, so much better.

Baddeley signed for one of the most bittersweet threes in golf history at the Texas Open after following a drive into unplayable woodland with another tee shot - this time straight into the hole from all of 336 yards.

Had Baddeley not erred with the initial tee shot, he would have recorded only the second hole-in-one on a par four in PGA history.

It was still a decent day for Baddeley - he's on four under, a shot behind leader Charley Hoffman.

Para-Swimming International meet

BBC Sport's Elizabeth Hudson in Glasgow: "Northern Ireland swimmer Bethany Firth has set a second world best at the British Para-Swimming International Meet in Glasgow.

"Firth swam a time of two minutes 22.67 seconds, beating the old mark for her SM14 category by 1.41 seconds.

"There were also World Championship qualifying times in this morning's session for Ellie Simmonds, Sascha Kindred, Ollie Hynd and Jack Thomas."

GET INVOLVED: Ask Frampton

There is half an hour left for you to send in your questions for Northern Irish boxer Carl Frampton.

This morning we're conducting a Q&A with the the IBF World Super Bantamweight champion, and the best questions will be answered after lunchtime.

You've got until 12:00 GMT to send them in using #askframpton on Twitter.

Frampton will be appearing on Football Focus this weekend - you can catch the whole interview on BBC One at 12:10 on Saturday.

Sturridge ruled out for a month? Again?

Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge could be ruled out for up to a month after suffering a muscle tear in his hip, according to the Daily Mirror.

AP

The 25-year-old withdrew from the England squad on Monday, having sustained the injury in Liverpool's 2-1 Premier League defeat by Manchester United on Sunday.

Speaking ahead of Friday's game against Lithuania, England manager Roy Hodgson said Sturridge was "devastated" and "didn't want to leave" after scans showed the extent of the injury.

Should Sturridge be ruled out for four weeks, he would miss Liverpool's Premier League games against Arsenal and Newcastle United, their FA Cup quarterfinal replay against Blackburn Rovers and a potential semi-final against Aston Villa.

Dyche on "invaluable" coaching course

Burnley manager Sean Dyche has been talking to BBC Sport about coaching qualifications ahead of Football Focus this weekend.

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Dyche says the FA UEFA Pro Licence course - the mandatory qualification for all first-team managers who wish to work in the Premier League - is an "invaluable" experience for a manager's development.

You can catch Football Focus in its entirety this Saturday from 12:10 GMT on BBC One.

Haidara out for season

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Bad news, Newcastle fans. Magpies left-back Massadio Haidara looks set to be sidelined for the rest of the season after undergoing knee surgery.

The 22-year-old Frenchman was stretchered off in the win over Aston Villa last month.

Haidara's absence leaves Newcastle facing a heck of an injury crisis at the back ahead of the derby against Sunderland on 5 April, with Steven Taylor and Paul Dummett also out injured and captain Fabricio Coloccini suspended.

Spare a thought for Japan's Yoshida

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I think it's fair to say we're all deeply concerned about the prospect of losing an hour of sleep when the clocks go forward this weekend, but spare a thought for Southampton defender Maya Yoshida.

The Japan international is about half an hour into his national team's friendly match against Tunisia (where it's 0-0) and will have to recover from the nine-hour time difference when flying back after Tuesday's game against Uzbekistan.

Hope he's taken an eye mask.

Para-Swimming International Meet

BBC Sport's Elizabeth Hudson in Glasgow: There were no problems for Paralympic, World and European champion Ellie Simmonds who easily made the IPC World Championship qualification standard for the 200m individual medley in her SM6 category.

Simmonds smashed the three minute 15.25 seconds needed with an impressive 3:06.09 - just two seconds off her world record.

"I'm really pleased with that. Yesterday wasn't great for me - I swam well in the 100m breaststroke but I was disappointed with how I swam in the 100m freestyle as I wanted to be faster," she told BBC Sport.

"I was really gutted and quite upset and annoyed with myself but I'm happy I have a psychologist here to help me get my head back together and refocussed for today."

GET INVOLVED: How to spend £1bn

Premier League clubs have agreed to share at least £1bn of their record UK TV rights deal with lower league sides and grassroots football, so this morning we are asking you how you think the money would be best spent.

Uniitrader: Subsidise the cost of becoming a top coach.

Sam Hobson: More money on Sunday League pitches.

Send us your thoughts and ideas using #bbcsportsday on Twitter, text us on 81111 (UK only), or drop us a line on the BBC Sport Facebook, or Google+ page.

Protests planned over NI Sunday game

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Northern Ireland are set to play their first ever Sunday home game when they take on Finland at the weekend - and the move hasn't gone down well with everyone.

Religious protests against the fixture have been planned. The Evangelical Protestant Society said in a statement: "Far too many sporting and social events are now organised on Sundays with scant regard for the rights of evangelicals."

Northern Ireland manager Michael O'Neill told the Belfast Telegraph: "We appreciate and understand people's religious beliefs - but the game must be played on Sunday, as that date was decreed when the fixture was made by UEFA."

Stoner returns to racing

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Former MotoGP world champion Casey Stoner is poised to make a return to competitive racing in July's Suzuka 8 Hour race.

The Australian will compete for the Honda team.

"It's always been an event I wanted to do and something I was never able to consider when I was racing in MotoGP, due to our busy schedules, so I'm really looking forward to taking part!" Stoner said.

Arsenal's 'Big Friendly Giant'

@Mertesacker/Twitter

Arsenal and Germany defender Per Mertesacker on Twitter: "Never forget where you come from. Thanks friends and family from TSV Pattensen. #BFG."

GET INVOLVED: Your questions for Carl Frampton

We're also asking you to send in your questions for Carl Frampton this morning. We're running a Q&A with the IBF World Super Bantamweight champion, and the best questions will be answered after lunchtime.

Time is running out but you can continue to send them in using #askframpton on Twitter.

You've got until 12:00 GMT if you'd like to have your question answered by the Northern Irish boxer, who'll be appearing on Football Focus this weekend.

You can catch Carl's interview on BBC One from 12:10 GMT on Saturday.

Ireland's Henry set for return after surgery

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Ireland flanker Chris Henry could play his first match this evening since having heart surgery in November.

There is speculation that Henry, who underwent heart surgery, will be on the bench for Ulster's Pro12 game against Cardiff Blues at the Kingspan Stadium.

Henry is now targeting winning back his place in the Ireland squad before this autumn's World Cup.

GET INVOLVED: How to spend £1bn

Premier League clubs have agreed to share at least £1bn of their record UK TV rights deal with lower league sides and grassroots football, so this morning we are asking you how you think the money would be best spent.

Edmund, Ipswich: The money should be used to commit to bringing so many academies up to category one status. Also allocate each league below Premier League a pot of cash with clubs being given a share based on league position, but the lowest team gets the most - gives them chance to improve and make the leagues more level.

Send us your thoughts and ideas using #bbcsportsday on Twitter, text us on 81111 (UK only), or drop us a line on the BBC Sport Facebook, or Google+ page.

Danny Ings's 'trick shot'

FA

England's seniors are in action against Lithuania in a European Championship qualifier tonight, but let's not forget the U21s are playing too.

Gareth Southgate's men travel to the Czech Republic for an international friendly (19:30 GMT kick-off), and Burnley striker Danny Ings will be among those looking to impress.

And he's already massively impressed us at least, with this brilliant finish in training...

How F1 is helping English football

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We all have plenty of ideas about how to improve the England team's prospects, from tweaking the back four to overhauling the youth system. I bet you never thought of making prospective managers learn F1 pit-stops, though.

But, as our chief football writer Phil McNulty explains, that's just one of the ways that the FA are putting aspiring coaches through their paces at the National Football Centre at St George's Park.

Read Phil's article here to find out more about the Pro Licence course that provides the first step to a career in football management.

England stay sixth in rankings

It's as you were for the top six in Fifa's latest women's football world rankings, with Germany still the number one nation.

England remain in sixth place but narrowed the gap to fifth-placed Sweden with victory over Canadain the Cyprus Cup earlier this month.

The Women's World Cup takes place in Canada this summer, with the first game on 6 June, and you'll be able to watch every match on the BBC.

Falcao scores two for Colombia

AP

He's been under the cosh at Manchester United, but striker Radamel Falcao was back to his goalscoring best when Colombia took on Bahrain last night.

He scored twice in four first-half minutes to help his side to a comfortable 6-0 win in the international friendly.

Like his United team-mate Wayne Rooney, Falcao is now within sight of his national team's goalscoring record - in his case he's just one shy of Arnoldo Iguaran's tally of 24.

Para-swimming meet

BBC Sport's Elizabeth Hudson in Glasgow: "It's the 50m freestyle and the 200m individual medley for swimmers at the British Para-Swimming International Meet in Glasgow today.

"Defending World medley champions Amy Marren, Ollie Hynd, Sascha Kindred and Ellie Simmonds will all be bidding to get the qualification times to put them in contention for a place on the team for the IPC World Championships back here in Tollcross in July.

"Bethany Firth will be chasing another world record in the SM14 medley."

Yann M'Vila off to Moscow

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A little bit of transfer news to bring this morning (I know, this early?) and it involves Yann M'Vila, the French midfielder once held up as a potential savour of Tottenham Hotspur.

He's off to Dynamo Moscow, according to French sports newspaper L'Equipe, where he'll join up with compatriot Mathieu Valbuena.

M'Vila, 24, signed for Russian club Rubin Kazan in 2013, and spent the first half of this season on loan at Inter Milan.

GET INVOLVED: How to spend £1bn

Premier League clubs have agreed to share at least £1bn of their record UK TV rights deal with lower league sides and grassroots football, so this morning we are asking you how you think the money would be best spent.

Matthew Woods: Put the whole £1bn into youth development. Areas for kids 2 play footy for free and develop our nation as a footballing nation once more

Geoff Naylor: The quickest way to get an improvement in the England camp would be to 'tempt' some good foreign players to become English...

Send us your thoughts and ideas using #bbcsportsday on Twitter, text us on 81111 (UK only), or drop us a line on the BBC Sport Facebook, or Google+ page.

Noble rules out switching allegiances

BBC Sport's Shamoon Hafez: More on West Ham midfielder Mark Noble.

Asked whether he would consider switching allegiances to the Republic of Ireland, the former England Under-21 captain said: "No, to be honest. I have played for England at all junior levels so I don't have it in me to change.

"I have lots of Irish friends and family but having played for England at all levels, that is my decision."

Noble still waiting for England call-up

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BBC Sport's Shamoon Hafez: England play Lithuania tonight in their Euro 2016 qualifier, and despite numerous withdrawals, West Ham's Mark Noble is still awaiting a phone-call from manager Roy Hodgson.

"Everyone has opinions and Roy obviously doesn't think I am good enough to play. Simple as that," the midfielder said at a Lycamobile event with the West Ham Foundation.

"There are a lot of top midfielders in the league and he thinks they are better players than me. There is no other way around it otherwise I would be in the squad."

BBC man quizzes Clarke on sex life

BBC Sport

Now this is a headline you don't see in Sportsday every day. BBC Sport journalist Stephan Shemilt has inadvertently shot to global renown after accidentally asking Australia cricket captain Michael Clarke about his sex life in a World Cup press conference.

"You've had tremendous sex as Australia captain," Shemilt begins blithely before hastily, but not quite hastily enough, correcting himself to 'success'.

It's fair to say his mistake hasn't gone unnoticed by the world's media. Australian site Adelaide Now was particularly cruel, commenting: "Their cricket side was a joke during the group stage and now England's journalists are bringing the laughs to the World Cup finals."

You can watch the unfortunate incident here.

Happy Birthday Jim

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It's not exactly a stellar sporting birthday line-up today, but at least the Middlesbrough fans among you have got reason( if any was required) to celebrate (and maybe take the day off?).

For today former Boro striker Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink turns 43, while Gaizka Mendieta is 40 today.

That League Cup in 2005 victory feels like a long time ago, but Aitor Karanka's side are going well in the Championship this season. Is a return to the top flight on the cards?

GET INVOLVED: Carl Frampton Q&A

Today we're also asking for your questions for IBF World Super Bantamweight champion Carl Frampton.

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Send us what you'd really like to know and the best will be put to the Northern Irish boxer, who is appearing on this weekend's Football Focus by the way.

Join the conversation using #askframpton on Twitter.

Maybe you'd like to know his favourite boxer, his hero growing up, or who he'd most like to take on in the ring? But hurry because we've only got until 12:00 GMT to get the questions across.

Belfast-born Frampton will be on Football Focus this Saturday, from 12:10 GMT on BBC One.

GET INVOLVED: How to spend £1bn?

Premier League clubs have agreed to share at least £1bn of their record UK TV rights deal with lower league sides and grassroots football.

So this morning we are asking you how you think the money would be best spent. Shiny new academies? More 3G pitches?

Send us your thoughts and ideas using #bbcsportsday on Twitter, text us on 81111 (UK only), or drop us a line on the BBC Sport Facebook, or Google+ page.

Xavi set for Qatar move?

Sport

There's an interesting line on the back page of Barcelona-based daily Sport, which reports that Barca midfielder Xavi could be set for a move to Qatari side Al-Sadd.

The 35-year-old "travelled to Doha with his family to seal the deal", according to the paper, which also suggests that full-back Dani Alves could be on the move to Paris St-Germain.

France outclassed by Brazil

L'Equipe

French sports daily L'Equipe leads on France's friendly defeat to Brazil in Paris last night.

Raphael Varane gave France the lead but goals from Oscar, Neymar and Luiz Gustavo gave Brazil a 3-1 win.

"Les Bleus were outdone by the skill of the solid and determined Brazilians," the paper comments, adding that their first defeat since the 2014 World Cup "sounds a warning".

Kane kept in reserve

Guardian

Wayne Rooney is a hat-trick away from equalling Bobby Charlton's record of 49 England goals, and the Guardian reports that the 29-year-old will be given a chance to chase it down against Lithuania tonight ahead of Tottenham's Harry Kane, who will make his senior debut at some point coming off the bench.

There's also a picture of Australia batsman Steve Smith, who hit a century in the World Cup semi-final to guide his team into the final at the expense of India.

Rooney's striking return

The Sun

The Sun reports that England coach Roy Hodgson believes that Wayne Rooney's return to a striking role at Manchester United will benefit England too.

Inside, Rooney reveals how wife Coleen discovered their five-year-old son Kai practising his dad's 'boxing celebration' in a classroom when she went to pick him up from school.

Rooney ready for rivals

Daily Star

Today's back pages are dominated by England's Euro qualifier against Lithuania at Wembley tonight.

The Daily Star reports that skipper Wayne Rooney is determined to hold on to his place despite a new generation of attacking options, such as Harry Kane and Daniel Sturridge, coming through.

There's also a line on Rooney's predecessor as England captain, John Terry, who has signed a new one-year contract at Chelsea.

Sharapova suffers shock defeat

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Here's your top tennis line for this morning - Maria Sharapova is out of the Miami Open after a shock defeat.

The world number two was beaten 7-6 (7-4) 6-3 by 21-year-old fellow Russian Daria Gavrilova, ranked 98.

In the men's draw, Andy Murray gets his campaign under way today against American Donald Young.

Premier League to share £1bn from deal

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Premier League clubs have agreed to share £1bn from the record TV deal with the rest of the English football pyramid.

Lower league sides and grass-roots football stand to benefit, while clubs have also pledged to pay all staff the living wage by the start of the 2016-17 season.

In case you needed reminding, those rights sold for a whopping £5.1bn last month.

Hamilton fastest despite problems

Let's bring you bang up to date with the latest sporting headlines this morning.

Second practice has just finished over at the Malaysian Grand Prix, and there was good news for Lewis Hamilton, who recorded the fastest time, ahead of Kimi Raikkonen and team-mate Nico Rosberg.

But it wasn't all smooth sailing for the Mercedes driver, who suffered engine and telemetry trouble, as you can see in this video.

Get the full lowdown on an action-packed practice session with our chief F1 writer Andrew Benson's report.

Good morning

Hello and welcome to Sportsday, your rolling guide to everything that's going on in the world of sport today.

As promised, we'll have plenty of international football news, casting our eye ahead to England v Lithuania and looking at last night's games involving Brazil and Colombia and the rest of tonight's packed schedule of Euro qualifying fixtures.

We'll also be turning our attention to other football news, including the Premier League's pledge to share £1bn from its record TV deal - how would you spend the cash?

And we'll also have an extra treat for you: a Q&A with world champion boxer Carl Frampton. More on that later.

England awaits

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International week. Don't you just love it? Well OK, so it's not everyone's favourite part of the football calendar.

And sure, a fixture against Lithuania in a largely tension-free Euro qualifying group may not set the pulses racing. But come on, let's make the best of it. With Harry Kane poised for the most eagerly-anticipated debut in a long time, and Wayne Rooney closing in on Bobby Charlton's all-time goalscoring record, there are plenty of subplots to keep tonight's match interesting.

And if you're still not convinced, never fear - we'll have plenty more news for you from the world of football and the other stories making the sporting headlines today.