Sports Latest
The latest UK & World sports news from the Press Association
Bridge the big surprise in England squad
14:45, Oct 12 2009
England coach Tony Smith has named three uncapped players in his 24-man squad for the Gillette Four Nations series.
Warrington centre or stand-off Chris Bridge, who has switched allegiance from Ireland, is the surprise inclusion in a squad that lacks a host of familiar names who have paid the price for England's World Cup failure. St Helens' exciting utility back Kyle Eastmond and Wigan's Super League young player of the year Sam Tomkins, both 20, are the other new faces.
Leon Pryce, Ade Gardner, Paul Wellens and Maurie Fa'asavalu are the big-name omissions from St Helens, while there are no places for the Leeds trio of Rob Burrow, Jamie Jones-Buchanan and the internationally-retired Keith Senior.
There are just nine players from the two Grand Finalists, compared to 15 in Smith's 24-strong World Cup party as the coach opts for a youthful line-up.
No fewer than 14 of the 17 players who were on duty for the mid-season international against France have been retained, while Bradford centre Paul Sykes, a survivor from the World Cup, has forced himself back into the reckoning.
Leeds skipper Kevin Sinfield is also recalled following his man-of-the-match display in Saturday's Grand Final, along with his Rhinos team-mate Lee Smith, who is switching codes with Wasps at the end of the Four Nations.
Hull KR's Shaun Briscoe is the only specialist full-back, which probably signals the end of the international career of Wellens.
Huddersfield prop Eorl Crabtree will sit out England's opening match against France on October 23 after undergoing minor knee surgery but is expected to be available for their next match against Australia on October 31.
Thirteen members of the squad will play for England in Saturday's international against Wales in Bridgend, with the Leeds and St Helens contingent being given a week to recover from a gruelling Grand Final.
England's Gillette Four Nations squad: Chris Bridge (Warrington), Shaun Briscoe (Hull KR), Sam Burgess (Bradford), Garreth Carvell (Warrington), Eorl Crabtree (Huddersfield), Kyle Eastmond (St Helens), Gareth Ellis (Wests Tigers), Peter Fox (Hull KR), James Graham (St Helens), Ryan Hall (Leeds), Danny McGuire (Leeds), Scott Moore (Huddersfield), Adrian Morley (Warrington), Richard Myler (Salford), Sean O'Loughlin (Wigan), Jamie Peacock (Leeds, capt), James Roby (St Helens), Michael Shenton (Castleford), Kevin Sinfield (Leeds), Lee Smith (Leeds), Paul Sykes (Bradford), Sam Tomkins (Wigan), Ben Westwood (Warrington), Jon Wilkin (St Helens).
Clarke delivers timely ton 07:45, Mar 19 2010
Michael Clarke put all his off-field dramas behind him to notch an unbeaten century as Australia took charge on the opening day of the first Test against New Zealand in Wellington. more
Hargreaves keen to make up for lost time 22:45, Mar 18 2010
Manchester United and England midfielder Owen Hargreaves took his first tentative steps on the road to full fitness on Thursday night and declared he had some "unfinished business" to attend to. more
Reds overcome Lille test 22:45, Mar 18 2010
Liverpool kept alive their hopes of silverware this season with a 3-0 victory over Lille at Anfield to win their Europa League last-16 tie 3-1 on aggregate. more
Fulham progress following sensational win 20:45, Mar 18 2010
Clint Dempsey wrote himself into Fulham folklore by firing the Cottagers into the last eight of the Europa League with a 4-1 win over nine-man Juventus at Craven Cottage. more
Riera banned for Rafa remarks 19:45, Mar 18 2010
Albert Riera has been suspended by Liverpool. for his outspoken attack on manager Rafael Benitez and the club. more
England face Borthwick wait 18:45, Mar 18 2010
England captain Steve Borthwick faces a race against time to be fit for Saturday night's RBS 6 Nations showdown with France. more
Grant: A sad day for football 17:45, Mar 18 2010
Avram Grant reflected on a "sad day for football" after confirmation of Portsmouth's nine-point deduction for going into administration all but relegated the club from the Barclays Premier League - and revealed he would meet the players on Friday before deciding how best to tackle the remainder of the season. more
Hamann hits out at Riera 17:45, Mar 18 2010
Former Liverpool midfielder Dietmar Hamann has launched a withering attack on Reds winger Albert Riera after he went public with his frustration at not getting a game under manager Rafael Benitez. more
Buck's achieves World domination 16:45, Mar 18 2010
Big Buck's won back-to-back renewals of the Ladbrokes World Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival in effortless fashion under Ruby Walsh. more
Shawcross thanks supporters 16:45, Mar 18 2010
Stoke defender Ryan Shawcross has revealed that messages of support from Sir Alex Ferguson and Steven Gerrard helped lift his spirits following the tackle which broke Aaron Ramsey's leg. more
McLeish hoping to keep Hart 16:45, Mar 18 2010
Birmingham boss Alex McLeish believes his hope of retaining goalkeeper Joe Hart on loan for a second season will hinge on whether Manchester City qualify for the Champions League. more
Laws unconcerned by sack reports 16:45, Mar 18 2010
Brian Laws insists he will lose no sleep over claims - shot down by Burnley - that he is facing the sack. more
