Wright-Phillips: Shaun Wright-Phillips’s son D’Margio has been called into the England Under-16 squad. The Manchester City academy member is continuing a proud family tradition as his father and grandfather both won international recognition. Dad Shaun, currently playing in the US for Arizona side Phoenix Rising, won 36 England caps and scored six goals. And his grandfather Ian Wright, the former Arsenal striker, won 33 senior caps and scored nine goals.

Ali quits: United Arab Emirates coach Mahdi Ali resigned yesterday after a loss to Australia dealt an all but fatal blow to the country’s chances of reaching next year’s World Cup in Russia. Ali called time on a highly successful stint in charge of his country in the wake of the 2-0 defeat by the Socceroos in Group B of Asian qualifying.

Woodgate: Former M’Boro defender Jonathan Woodgate has rejoined the Premier League club as first-team coach. Woodgate becomes the latest addition to Steve Agnew’s coaching staff following the appointments of Joe Jordan and Paul Jenkins. “He brings a wealth of experience from the highest level of the game, and he’s a fantastic character,” Agnew said. 

Lallana: Liverpool have been dealt a huge blow with the news midfielder Adam Lallana is set to miss Saturday’s Merseyside derby after sustaining a thigh injury on England duty. The 28-year-old, who featured for just over an hour in last week’s friendly in Germany, played the full 90 minutes of the 2-0 World Cup qualifying win over Lithuania at Wembley. Lallana sustained a kick during that match and is hampered by a thigh injury.