Goals from Divin Mubama and Tyrique George ensure England's Under-21s maintain their 100% record in Euro 2027 qualifying with victory against the Republic of Ireland.

Jamie George reminded his colleagues this week that it is 13 years since England triumphed over the All Blacks at home. The memories of a rampaging Manu Tuilagi are fond. But everyone agrees that the wait has been far too long.

Competition for places is particularly high among the forwards in the England squad, with Jude Bellingham and Phil Foden named as substitutes at Wembley, and with Cole Palmer and Anthony Gordon missing through injury.

Former England selector Ed Smith says Jofra Archer's explosive pace has provided captain Ben Stokes with the "firepower" he needs to win back the Ashes. Archer was brought into the England fold in 2019 during Smith's time as national selector between 2018 and 2021.

From being the fly-half the coach was building the team around to being moved to full-back and now a replacement who is third in the pecking order at No 10. For Marcus Smith, you could just as easily read Damian McKenzie.

Eberechi Eze likened Thomas Tuchel and Mikel Arteta's intensity levels and has hailed the impact they have had on his game.

England U21 head coach Lee Carsley says 15-year-old Max Dowman is being considered for an England call-up. Dowman - who this season has made his Premier League debut and become the youngest player to feature in the Champions League - has been impressing while with the England Under-19s.

Junior doctors in England will begin strike action on Friday over concerns about job insecurity and pay erosion, with their union saying the government could still avert the walkout by making a "decent" offer.