England Captain

Farrell tests positive for Covid

The RFU said Farrell would miss Saturday's training after returning a positive PCR test and would remain in isolation and would be lateral flow and PCR tested again on Saturday. All other player and staff PCR test results received were negative.

Farrell had been due to start at flyhalf but his likely absence means a probable start for Marcus Smith, who was named among the replacements after missing parts of training this week with a leg injury.

Kane wins World Cup Golden Boot

The England captain scored six times in seven appearances to claim the prize for the tournament's top scorer.

The Tottenham forward is the first England player to win the award since Gary Lineker, who scored six times in the 1986 finals.

Kane finished two goals ahead of Belgium striker Romelu Lukaku, Russia's Denis Cheryshev, Portugal star Cristiano Ronaldo and France duo Antoine Griezmann and Kylian Mbappe, the latter two both scoring in France's 4-2 final victory over Croatia.

'Kane more than a goalscorer'

Kane is the highest scoring player at the World Cup with six strikes to his name, leading the Three Lions to an unexpected semi-final against Croatia.

But five-time FIFA Women's World Player of the year Marta highlighted there is more to the Tottenham striker's game than simply putting the ball in the net.

''I was convinced before the World Cup that Harry Kane would have a good tournament – and he has not failed me," Marta wrote in The Guardian.

England captain wants improvement

England ground their way to a patchy 29-10 win against Lebanon last week, with coach Wayne Bennett saying they "lost their way in the second half", and the Wigan Warriors captain wants more consistency at Perth Stadium.

"I think the Australia game it was disappointing not to get the result, but the performance was reasonably good and it was probably a little bit vice-versa in the second game," he said.

"This week it's about getting the win, but also improving our performance."

Steven Gerrard retires from football

"Following recent media speculation surrounding my future I can confirm my retirement from playing professional football," Gerrard, 36, said in a statement.

"I've had an incredible career and I'm thankful for each and every moment of my time with Liverpool, England and LA Galaxy."

Gerrard spent virtually his entire career at Liverpool having made his debut as a substitute against Blackburn Rovers in 1998. He is third on the club's all-time appearances list with 710, behind only Jamie Carragher and Ian Callaghan.

He scored 120 goals in 504 Premier League games.