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    I played in the Premier League – but since I retired I have tried my hand at THREE different sports

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    FROM football to rugby, golf and then horseracing, it has been an incredible sporting merry-go-round for Jay Tabb over the last decade.The former midfielder, who celebrated his 40th birthday last month, spent six years at Brentford from 2000 to 2006 before switching to Coventry, where he was voted fans’ Player of the Year in 2007-08.Jay Tabb has gone from playing Premier League football to trying out three new sportsCredit: PATabb’s latest adventure is in horseracingCredit: RexHe then went on to help Reading to the Championship title in 2011-12, a promotion that earned him 12 Premier League appearances before playing the final three years of his career at Ipswich in the second tier.He quit aged 32 in 2016 — and his ambitions have been unlike any other footballer after hanging up his boots.He has worked as a builder, played amateur rugby union, reduced his golf handicap down to five and caddied on the Ladies’ European Tour.He also qualified from horseracing’s Northern Racing College in Doncaster and went on to ride the Philip Hobbs-trained Umndeni to sixth place at Wincanton in the Fitzdares Racing Welfare Charity flat race in 2021.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLTabb said: “In the last couple of years of my football career at Ipswich, working under manager Mick McCarthy and his assistant Terry Connor was brilliant. I cannot speak highly enough about them.“But I knew that my playing days were coming to an end.“I had lost my appetite for the game. I know this sounds weird but I have really missed football — but I have not missed playing since the day I quit.“I was in a bubble. I loved the atmosphere of being involved but I lost my mojo for playing.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKER“Football has been incredibly kind to me and I will be forever grateful for the path it’s allowed me to take in my professional life.“But I had new challenges once I stopped — and when the opportunity came along to play rugby or golf, and train and ride horses, it has been a pretty amazing journey.”The Premier League’s Top 10 sexiest managers according to AIHe has had a go at golf after quitting football aged 32Credit: GettyTabb also played semi-pro rugby while working a 9-5Between retiring and racing college, Tabb played rugby with his brother Harry, worked as a labourer with his father Tony, fitting bathrooms and renovating houses, and caddied for Lauren Horsford.He explained: “My family have always been rugby mad and my brother was a pretty decent player.“The moment I stopped playing football, the chance to play rugby was something I always wanted to do.“The fact that I had a sibling involved in the sport and had friends who were all keen for me to give it a go was extra motivation.“Playing for the semi-pro Old Wimbledonians was not rugby at the highest level but it was still a decent standard.”It was former Coventry team-mate and room-mate Ben Turner who introduced Jay to racing by putting it on the telly after training.They co-owned Mister Miyagi, who won twice at Cheltenham, giving Tabb a view of the winners’ enclosure.He added: “There is nothing like Cheltenham. It has been another brilliant week for racing.“My dream would be to ride in one of the amateur races at the Festival.”But for Tabb it’s not about becoming a jockey.Tabb is loving the life of a jockeyHe made his name as a footballer at BrentfordCredit: Getty Images – GettyHe added: “I was 35 when I first went into racing — which is very late.“I am still as serious about working in the sport long term.“I had an eye-opening two-year apprenticeship at trainer Philip Hobbs’ yard as a stable lad.“I have so much respect for jockeys and the incredible schedule they have. It’s not until you sit on a racehorse that you can fully appreciate how fit you have to be and how they are putting their lives on the line.“I’m glad that I have come to learn how to ride a horse, because you can put things off.“I thought: ‘Life’s too short, I’m not enjoying football, I do have other interests.’ So it was the right time.”Growing up, football was everything to Tabb. He is a mad Chelsea fan but first got his chance at the West Ham academy.He said: “My heroes were Dennis Wise and Gianfranco Zola.“After moving on from West Ham, I went to Crystal Palace where I was eventually rejected.“I did seriously think that my football career had finished before it had even started at Palace.Tabb also played for Coventry, Ipswich and ReadingCredit: Action Images – ReutersHe was also capped by the Republic of Ireland’s youth sidesCredit: Sportsfile – Subscription“But then I joined Brentford, where I had a brilliant mentor in Wally Downes, who believed in me and gave me my chance.“A year to the day after I left Palace, I made my first-team debut for Brentford against Luton — and I started the game too.“I worked under some great coaches at Griffin Park like Wally, Martin Allen and Steve Coppell.”He was reunited with Coppell at Reading in 2009.He said: “It felt very familiar, joining Reading and being part of Steve’s management.“It was a brilliant, success-driven mentality even after Steve left.“Winning the Championship title under Brian McDermott and being able to play in the Premier League were the biggest highs of my career.“Playing in the top-flight was another huge ambition realised.”He has recently sorted a framed montage picture of himself playing for each of his four clubs for his home.READ MORE SUN STORIESTabb added: “They are all wonderful clubs with incredible fan bases.“I am hugely proud to have represented  them all and every time I look at the picture I am reminded of a brilliant 16 years in the game.” More

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      Alan Shearer’s glam daughter Hollie flashes bra in see-through lace top as fans call her ‘beautiful woman’

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      ALAN SHEARER’S daughter Hollie has left her fans in awe as she hung out in the streets of Paris.Shearer’s 29-year-old daughter has built a strong following on social media with a series of glam pics and is often sharing fashion tips online.
      Hollie Shearer took social media by storm once moreCredit: Instagram
      Hollie took to the streets of Paris with a glam outfitCredit: Instagram
      Hollie left her Instagram followers in aweCredit: Instagram
      This time she took to the streets of the French capital with a see-through top and a pair of jeans.
      Hollie issued the following caption on Instagram: “Strolling the streets of Paris.”
      Her 83,000 followers took to the comments’ section soon after she posted those three photos.
      One fan posted: “Beautiful woman.”
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      Another commented: “Gorgeous.”
      A third wrote: “Lovely pictures.”
      This fan said: “Stunning.”
      And that one gushed: “Beaut.”
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      Away from the camera, Hollie is a singer-songwriter and released a number of singles over the past few years.
      The social media model is dating England rugby superstar Joe Marchant and lives in Paris with the Stade Francais centre.
      Alan Shearer’s glamorous daughter Hollie shows off her toned tummy in crop top leaving fans in love with her outfit-
      The couple recently holidayed in Marrakech and kept fans up to date with their travels.
      Inside Hollie’s glamorous life as singer, model, football icon’s daughter and rugby Wag…
      Hollie is the glam daughter of Newcastle legend and pundit Alan Shearer
      Father and daughter; Hollie with dad Alan
      Hollie has become a social media star in her own right
      Hollie boasts over 83,000 followers on Instagram
      Singer Hollie dreams of living in Nashville, Tennessee
      She supported Sam Fender at her father’s foundation nightCredit: Instagram
      Hollie dazzled in glittery fishnet stockings as she performed on stageCredit: Instagram
      Hollie, left, posed with brother Will and sister Chloe, right on a recent holidayCredit: Instagram/@chloeshearer1
      Hollie has been dating England rugby star Joe Marchant since 2022Credit: Instagram @hollieshearer
      Hollie cheered on partner Joe from the stands at the World Cup in France alongside his sister Melita, mum Sue and dad JoeCredit: Instagram @hollieshearer
      Hollie wowed in this revealing bikini… but she stole it from her sisterCredit: Instagram / @hollieshearer
      Hollie often leaves fans swooning with her incredible toned bodyCredit: Instagram
      Hollie showed off her beach body on a swanky holiday to Greece
      Hollie cuts an elegant figure in a stunning red dress
      Hollie turned into a biker girl as she posed in a crop top and leather trousersCredit: Instagram
      She has accumulated a substantial following on InstagramCredit: Instagram
      Hollie frequently posts pictures to her adoring fans on social mediaCredit: @blackboughswim
      She treats fans to regular glimpses into her lifestyleCredit: Instagram
      The singer-songwriter loves being on the water in an array of colourful bikinisCredit: INSTAGRAM / @hollieshearer
      She loves maintaining her impressive tan on holidayCredit: INSTAGRAM / @hollieshearer
      Hollie shares the same confidence in front of the camera that her dad showed in front of goal
      Hollie posed in a pink bra and thong for PrettyLittleThing Valentine’s Day shootCredit: PrettyLittleThing
      Hollie’s posts regularly have fans hailing her as a ‘stunning princess’Credit: Instagram / @hollieshearer
      Hollie looks equally as glamorous when not just in a bikiniCredit: instagram @hollieshearer More

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      Newcastle star Anthony Gordon spotted leaving ground on crutches as Eddie Howe’s injury crisis goes from bad to worse

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      ANTHONY GORDON left St James’ Park on crutches in yet another Newcastle injury blow.The Toon winger, 22, was subbed off at half-time in the thrilling 4-4 draw with Luton this afternoon.
      Anthony Gordon was spotted on crutches with his right foot in a protective bootCredit: X
      Pictures emerged afterwards of the Englishman limping past the dugouts using crutches with his right foot in a protective boot.
      And it could prove to be another major problem for Eddie Howe if £45million attacker Gordon is sidelined with a serious issue.
      Howe said: “It looked like he twisted his ankle.
      “I wasn’t sure on the incident, I didn’t see what happened.
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      “But he was in a lot of pain at half-time and had to come off.”
      Howe was then asked how bad the injury looks to be.
      The Magpies chief replied: “No idea.
      “It was sore enough for him to come off, that was his decision, he knew he couldn’t continue.
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      “So obviously we hope it’s not bad, he’s such an important player for us and we missed him when he went off.”
      Newcastle’s squad is already decimated with absentees.
      Joelinton looks set to miss the rest of the season while Nick Pope is unavailable after dislocating his shoulder.
      Matt Targett, Elliot Anderson, Joe Willock and Jamaal Lascelles are also injured while Sandro Tonali remains banned.
      And to make matters worse, star striker Alexander Isak missed the clash with the Hatters.
      Howe added: “Isak has got a slight groin injury, we don’t think it’s too serious.
      “We don’t yet know when he’ll be back.”
      In more positive news, though, Harvey Barnes made a goalscoring return after four months on the sidelines.
      The ex-Leicester wide man replaced Miguel Almiron just after the hour mark and ten minutes later grabbed the eighth goal of a bonkers Premier League clash.
      Gordon played 45 minutes in the 4-4 draw with LutonCredit: Getty More

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      Football chiefs set to make history with brand new ‘orange card’ – but you’ll never see it

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      ORANGE cards for sin-bins are set to be introduced as football’s lawmakers want the new rugby-style measure in elite competitions.But fans will never actually see the new card being waved at players.
      Football chiefs set to make history with brand new ‘orange card’Credit: Getty
      The International Football Association Board (Ifab) has agreed in principle to test the rugby-style measure in elite competitions such as the Premier League – as early as next season.
      This has been approved in an attempt to tackle the rising number of disciplinary issues during games.
      Since 2019 in England ten-minute sin-bins have been effective in dealing with dissent at the grassroots to the academy level.
      Players who display words or actions of dissent leave the pitch for ten minutes.
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      And with the news trials impending the rule may also apply to penalise tactical fouls.
      The trial will also cover cynical fouls such as the one committed by Italy’s Giorgio Chiellini when he grabbed England’s Bukayo Saka’s shirt in the Euro 202 final.
      But the incident only punished the player with a yellow card which outraged the Three Lions fans.
      If the new measure is in place the foul would equate to an “orange card”.
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      However, fans will not see the orange cards on the pitch, as they will only be shown on the electronic boards when a player is temporarily dismissed.
      The rule would see offences that at more worthy of a greater punishment than your standard booking.
      But the incident does not quite live up to a sending-off.
      Meanwhile, another major rule change which has also been set by the Ifab to take place from next season is to show the red card for “deliberate” penalty box handballs. More

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      Tramadol has spread like a disease in football – will moves to ban the highly addictive drug work?

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      BEHIND Tramadol, that comfy sort of drug that eases pain and helps provide a good night’s sleep, lies a nasty little secret.It is addictive and may lead directly to a drastically spoiled life.
      Former Bury star Ryan Cresswell took legal drugs like Tramadol to ease pain and is now urging players facing similar problems to seek helpCredit: PA
      Painkiller Tramadol is a growing issue in football and rugbyCredit: AFP
      It has spread like a pox in football and rugby, sports in which pain is as common as a kick on the shin or an awkward fall.
      Paracetamol is a safer alternative but only dulls pain and is much less effective than Tramadol, which is an opioid and has many after-effects.
      Moves to ban it will be taken in the new year after the World Anti-Doping Agency ruled that from January 1, any sportsman or sportswoman faces a lengthy suspension if caught with the drug in their system.
      This might work but, then, possibly not.
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      It will be important that medical staff at clubs will be alerted to, first, the dangers of the drug and, second, the level of punishment facing takers.
      Difficulties in policing for addiction are clear and the benefits in aiding relaxation and sleep have proved attractive enough to tempt injured footballers beyond the medical profession.
      Immediate effects may include vomiting, vertigo, constipation and drowsiness but it is not passing effects that are the problem, although a sleepy centre-back is the last thing a team needs.
      A friend (not a footballer) who was prescribed Tramadol told me that after one dose he dreamed he was playing alongside Harry Kane and woke up shouting “pass it here, Harry”. Perhaps for a moment he thought he was a South Korean.
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      Another story from a different friend. He had to hand off his wife in bed as she flailed at him, shouting angrily.
      He cowered on the edge of his bed for the rest of the night. But the serious problems arise with addiction.
      Once footballers find it impossible to resist taking the pills, then psychiatric symptoms occur.
      A number of players and retired players are now subject to hallucinations, panic attacks, paranoia and extreme anxiety.
      And acute withdrawal symptoms take up to seven days to disperse.
      Drugs in sport has a long history and the more sophisticated medicine and chemistry becomes, the harder such cheating is to stop, let alone control.
      In outward appearance, football has avoided the worst of the epidemic but Tramadol is a little different in that its use, often combined with paracetamol, to alleviate pain and even aid sleep is beneficial so that the Wada ban may not be wholly welcome.
      If you have developed a reliance or an addiction, stopping is a process where you’ll need help.Ryan Cresswell
      However, a doctor’s prescription will no longer be permissible, which for a lot of players will be bad news indeed.
      Ryan Cresswell, who made 250-plus appearances for clubs including Bury and Northampton, suffered with painkiller addiction throughout his career.
      He had a knee op at 17 but the cartilage went again nine years later and he took legal drugs, including Tramadol, to manage the pain.
      “It’s not normal to be taking eight or nine tablets a day and I realised I needed help,” he said.
      “My advice to players is to speak to someone. If you have developed a reliance or an addiction,  stopping is a process where you’ll need help.”
      The PFA have become involved. Dr Michael Bennett, director of player wellbeing,  urged players to use the PFA’s services if they think they may need support.
      “We know there are players in real difficulty with Tramadol usage,” he said, adding that there have been high-profile cases where addiction has contributed to huge problems in the lives of players. More

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      Football closes in on two huge rugby-style rule changes as referee chiefs talk up proposals after successful trials

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      FOOTBALL lawmakers are reportedly considering two huge rugby-style changes.That’s after successful trials were held at the lower levels of the beautiful game.
      New rugby-inspired rule changes could be coming to footballCredit: Rex
      Premier League stars are only just getting used to new rules regarding dissent this season.
      Referees are no longer allowing themselves to be berated by players.
      And players like Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson have already served bans after quickly racking up five yellow cards for the misdemeanour.
      However, the International FA Board (Ifab) is now considering tightening the rule even further by only allowing captains to speak to officials.
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      That would bring footballers in line with their counterparts in rugby.
      But it’s not the only rugby rule being weighed up by football chiefs, reports The Times..
      They add that sin-bins could also be added to football, with players sent out of matches for 10 minutes to punish dissent.
      Trials could now take place in professional leagues after they were deemed successful at grassroots and junior level over the past four years.
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      Sin-bins and only captains being able to talk to refs are key components of rugbyCredit: Getty
      Chief executive of Ifab, Lukas Brud, said: “Sin-bins for dissent have worked well in grassroots football, and some believe these could also be tested at a higher level, with trials in more senior football.
      “Players may not worry so much about getting a yellow card for saying something inappropriate to a referee, but it can make a big difference if they know it means a tenth of the match off the pitch.
      “There is also a lot of interest from different stakeholders for the idea where only the captain can approach the referee in a fair way.
      “Players approaching in an aggressive manner simply cannot be tolerated any longer.
      “We have even seen on a number of occasions where players deliberately go behind a referee with others coming in front of him so he cannot get away.
      “If only the captain can approach the referee, then afterwards he or she can explain to their team-mates what has happened.
      “This has worked well in other sports such as rugby and basketball.” More

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      Man Utd legend who turned to Le Mans racing tries hand at RUGBY as he links up with France squad for World Cup

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      FORMER Manchester United goalkeeper Fabien Barthez has tried his hand at rugby – with the French national team.Barthez, 52, was filmed training with France kicking coach Vlok Cilliers.
      Fabien Barthez joined the France national rugby team in trainingCredit: Twitter @Vlokskop10
      The ex-goalkeeper was filmed kicking a conversionCredit: Twitter @Vlokskop10
      The World Cup winner left coaches stunned after kicking a perfect conversion.
      Posting the short clip on social media, Cilliers wrote: “Fabien Barthez – world class goalkeeper for France and Manchester United was in camp.
      “I help him with a few pointers and look at the outcome!!!”
      Barthez joined Man Utd from Monaco in 2000 and spent four years with the Red Devils.
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      During his time at Old Trafford he won two Premier League titles.
      He went on to play for Marseille and Nantes before retiring in 2007.
      One year later, the ex-goalkeeper pursued a career in Motorsport, competing in events such as the French GT Championship, Bioracing Series and the Caterham Sigma Cup France.
      He also entered the iconic 24 Hours of Le Mans race in 2014, finishing 29th overall and ninth in the LMGTE Am class driving Team Sofrev ASP’s Ferrari 458.
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      Barthez joined the French rugby team during their Rugby World Cup preparations.
      Les Bleus face Italy on Friday.
      Barthez pursued a career in Motorsport after retiring from fotballCredit: AFP More

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      Amazing U13s cricket squad pic includes ex-Chelsea star and two internationals in different sports – can you spot them?

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      KENT CRICKET have shared a remarkable throwback photo that features two England internationals in cricket and rugby, as well as a former Chelsea star.The 12-year-old pic features the Kent Under-13s team, captained by now-England opening batsman Zak Crawley, 25.
      Kent Cricket Under-13s team in 2011 featured three future professionalsCredit: Twitter @KentCricket
      Nathan Baxter, left, is a goalkeeper and Zak Crawley, is an England batsmanCredit: Twitter @KentCricket
      Ben Earl plays rugby for EnglandCredit: Twitter @KentCricket
      Kent U13s captain Crawley was England’s top scorer at The AshesCredit: Getty
      Ben Earl has 18 caps for England and started in the World Cup win over ArgentinaCredit: Getty
      Nathan Baxter now plays for Bolton after coming through Chelsea’s academyCredit: Getty
      He is instantly recognisable sitting in the front row, sporting his characteristic big grin.
      Crawley scored more runs than any other England player at The Ashes this year and was just 16 short of Aussie Usman Khawaja’s best of 496.
      Two seats down from Crawley in the photo is another player who has gone on to be a professional – but in football rather than cricket.
      Goalkeeper Nathan Baxter now plays for Bolton after coming through Chelsea’s academy system.
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      The 24-year-old had several loan spells at the likes of Hull, Accrington Stanley and Ross County before leaving Blues on a permanent basis in the summer.
      That pair are not the only famous faces in the squad photo – England rugby international Ben Earl also features.
      The Saracens flanker is easy to spot as he beams from ear to ear, mainly thanks to his large frame.
      His physique has helped him become a mainstay in the England team and the 25-year-old now has 18 caps to his name.
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      Earl started in the 27-10 win over Argentina in England’s World Cup opener last Saturday.
      And he is likely to play a part for the Red Roses when they take on Japan on Sunday. More

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      Fans claim Kylian Mbappe has ‘no clue what’s going on’ after PSG star reacts during France’s win over New Zealand

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      FANS are convinced that Kylian Mbappe doesn’t understand rugby as he watched on perplexed as France beat New Zealand.The Rugby World Cup got underway last night with the host nation beating the All Blacks 27-13.
      Mbappe’s reaction to France’s try seemed delayedCredit:
      @RugbyWorldCupFR
      He eventually lifted his arms in joyCredit:
      @RugbyWorldCupFR
      Supporters think Kylian Mbappe doesn’t understand rugbyCredit: Rex
      Mbappe seemed far less interested than international team-mate Antoine GriezmannCredit: Rex
      Among the special guests at the Stade de France were football quartet Mbappe, Antoine Griezmann, Ousmane Dembele and Dayot Upamecano.
      Cameras kept an eye on them as they watched on from the stands and fans believe the PSG star didn’t have a clue what was going on.
      France attacked as a stony-faced Mbappe looked on and eventually scored a try.
      The crowd celebrated and the 24-year-old joined in by raising his arms but some supporters think his reaction was late and he was just trying to fit in.
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      One said on social media: “He raised his hands because others did. Mbappe is so hilarious.”
      Another reacted: “This man has no idea what is going on.”
      A third added: “He looks like he doesn’t understand the game but is just celebrating like everyone else.”
      More commented: “He seems so confused and lost.”
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      France beat New Zealand as the hosts kicked-off the World Cup in styleCredit: Getty
      More believed only Griezmann seemed to enjoy his night out at the rugby, as a fan wrote: “The only person who looks interested amongst them is Griezmann. Dembele and Mbappe are not amused.”
      The France team will return to their more familiar game on Tuesday as they meet Germany in a friendly.
      They already beat the Republic of Ireland 2-0 earlier in the international break.
      As for the rugby, Mbappe will have another attempt to get into the sport on Thursday as France face Namibia.
      The 2018 World Cup winner remains at PSG for the time being after the club failed to offload him over the summer.
      Mbappe has informed the Parisians that he plans to run down his contract at the Ligue 1 champions and then leave on a free in 2024. More