Sportsday - rolling football news

1. England prepare to face France at Wembley (20:00 GMT)
2. David Cameron & Prince William to attend game
3. Equestrian: Fox-Pitt leaves hospital after fall
4. Tennis: Bedene case is adjourned by ITF

Goodbye

That's it for another edition of Sportsday, but live text and audio commentary of England v France is getting under way on the football page.

It's going to be an emotional one.

Join us again tomorrow.

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'You will be safe in France'

French Sports Minister Patrick Kanner has reaffirmed that the Euros will be staying in France next year.

"France WILL host the Euros. Without any problem," he told BBC World Service.

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"We know that awful events like the ones we experienced a few days ago can lead to concerns but I want to ease those concerns. We will be ready, the security will be at the necessary level. 

"Naturally we will adapt the security response to the needs of the time. But really, I say to our European friends, come to France, don't be afraid, you will be safe."

'A great night of togetherness'

Captain Wayne Rooney has been speaking ahead of England's game with France, and says the attacks on Paris were "shocking" and "hard to take in".

“But I'm happy the game is on. It shows France wants to show these terrorists they're standing strong against them, and we have to support that," the England skipper told the FA's website.

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“It will be a great night of togetherness for everyone to see, for the terrorists to see the world will go on and stand against them.

“Before the game, it will be a bit strange. I've never experienced going into a game with something like this having happened.

“Once the game kicks off, we'll try and win. But, in respect, it's a difficult situation for everyone and particularly the French team.”

Wembley pays its respects

Phil McNulty

BBC Sport chief football writer at Wembley

After the England and France teams come out at Wembley tonight, led by a French tribute flag emblazoned with the words "Liberte, Egalite, Fraternite" there will be a laying of floral tributes in the technical area.

This will be done by his HRH the Duke Of Cambridge, England manager Roy Hodgson and his French counterpart Didier Deschamps, Patrick Kanner, French Secretary of State for Urban Affairs, Youth and Sport, FA chairman Greg Dyke and Noel Le Graet, the FFF President.

French fans defiant

"French fans I have spoken to are all defiant in face of the attacks on Friday and are happy the match is going ahead.

"One England fan told me he never thought he would see the day he sang the anthem of fierce old rival France but would do so tonight."

'Staff prevented another Heysel-like disaster'

French sports minister Patrick Kanner has praised security officials at the Stade de France for keeping their nerve when faced with the attacks that hit Paris last week.

He says a major tragedy had been avoided. The Stade de France was packed with 79,000 fans when three militants blew themselves up outside the venue, killing one bystander and injuring several dozen others.

AFP

Kanner, who attended the friendly game between France and Germany on Friday and returned to the stadium on Tuesday to thank its employees, said the decision to keep spectators inside after the blasts was decisive "because a Heysel-type panic could have happened".

Kanner referred to the former Heysel stadium in Brussels where 39 people died during fan violence at the 1985 European Cup final between Liverpool and Juventus. 

Why I'm going - Cameron

We told you earlier that Prime Minister David Cameron will attend tonight's game between England and France.

Speaking about his decision to attend, the PM said: "The barbaric terrorist attacks in Paris have shocked the world - but also united us in our unwavering resolve the defeat this evil.

"Tonight at Wembley, football fans will join together to show their solidarity for the French people. They will send a clear message - the terrorists will never win."

'It's a big victory for democracy'

Former France manager Raymond Domenech is attending the friendly between France and England at Wembley and has told BBC Sport of its significance.

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"It’s important because we have to show that we’re not afraid at all by what happened," he said. "Life is continuing, we can’t stop.

"It’s solidarity if the English sing La Marseillaise, it’s a big victory for democracy, for people to see that sport can join more than anything else."

On a roll

Easy to forget but there is an actual football contest taking place later. Let's take a look at what has been said in the build-up to the game.

Autograph hunter has book stolen

A sad tale now :-(

An eight-year-old Manchester United fan who spent the 2014-15 season getting the signatures of every one of the Red Devils players has had his autograph book stolen.

The book was swiped by a man after Zayaan Khan and his dad Omaar kindly offered him a lift home from Old Trafford last week.

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"It being stolen has left the whole family beyond devastated – I don’t think words can describe how horrified we were to discover it had gone. We just can’t believe the person took it," said his mum Sabrina told the Manchester Evening News.

“Zayaan had spent hours waiting in all conditions to get some signatures, and we had even travelled with United to Moscow and on their pre-season tour of the USA. His commitment to meet the players is inspirational.”

Farewell Mitch

'At times, he was unstoppable'

Jonathan Trott

Warwickshire batsman on Test Match Special

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Mitchell Johnson and Shaun Tait were the quickest I faced. Johnson had the slingy action and was very explosive. We saw it in the 2013-14 Ashes series.

When he was on his game and the momentum was with him, he was unstoppable.  He wasn't a huge taker though, he followed it up with his actions. You could tell by his body language if he was on song or not.

On the ‘he bowls to the left, he bowls to the right’ song: I was thinking, I hope this does not come back to bite us, I certainty never sung it.

Windass plans to ignore father's advice

Josh Windass has insisted he will make the final decision about his future after being advised by his father - former Hull City striker Dean - to reject a contract offer from Accrington Stanley.

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Windass Jr told BBC Radio Lancashire: "I think he feels that I'm under pressure to sign a contract but every decision I make will be my own decision, not his decision."

The 21-year-old is the League Two club's top scorer this season with nine goals in 19 games and is out of contract at the end of the campaign.

Owls star Joao is 'remarkable' talent

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Sheffield Wednesday midfielder Jose Semedo has urged the club to make the most of "remarkable" team-mate Lucas Joao before he is snapped up by a bigger club.

Joao, 22, has scored four goals for the Owls this season and made his Portugal debut against Russia last weekend.

"I love the way he plays. He combines power, pace, skill and he's a big guy," Semedo said. "I don't believe he will be that long for us because I think the giants will be wanting him soon."

Sturridge back in training

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Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge has taken a step towards regaining full fitness by training with the rest of his team-mates. 

The 26-year-old is yet to be available to Jurgen Klopp after sustaining a knee injury on the eve of the new manager's first match at Tottenham on 17 October.

Sturridge has played just 242 minutes across three matches this season after recovering from hip surgery which ruled him out of the final six weeks of the previous campaign.

Hatchet buried?

Australia coach Darren Lehmann and New Zealand batsman Ross Taylor shake hands after the drawn second Test.

The Australian players had been criticised for not applauding Taylor from the field after his record-breaking innings of 290.

Also check out Kiwi opener Martin Guptill relaxing with a glass of red wine in the background.

Cumbrians clear flood water

Just 24 hours after their pitch was covered with flood water, Carlisle United have confirmed that their FA Youth Cup tie against Doncaster Rovers will go ahead this evening as scheduled.

The club received help from the Environment Agency to pump water away after the nearby River Petterill burst its banks.

@cufckit

What's life like as an elite athlete?

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"My job as a full-time athlete is far more immersive than a normal nine-to-five job - it's an entire lifestyle.

"My sporting ambitions shape almost every decision as I strive to build and maintain the ultimate physique for jumping high. It's my responsibility to nurture, protect and respect my body so that it can reward me with world-class performances."

Those are not our words, but those of British high jumper Isobel Pooley, who in her first column for the BBC Sport website discusses her "job" as an athlete, family festivities and positive thinking.

Have a read here.

Nishikori edges it

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Good news for fans of Kei Nishikori.

The Japanese player, ranked eight at the ATP World Tour Finals - ie. the rank outsider - has just beaten Tomas Berdych in a ding-dong encounter in London, winning 7-5 6-3 6-3.

"I got a little bit lucky the last couple of games but I am really pleased I was able to win," said Nishikori.

There is a cracker coming up later - Novak Djokovic v Roger Federer at 20:00 GMT, a match you can catch live on BBC Two.

Little Lingard happy to get chance

Manchester United forward Jesse Lingard says he is grateful the club retained faith in his ability from a young age despite his small stature.

The 22-year-old was called into the England squad for the first time for the friendly against France at Wembley on Tuesday. 

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Standing at 5'9, Lingard admits his small stature could have counted against him earlier in his career.

"Personally I didn't think I was ready for England then as I was so small compared to the other players," he told MUTV.

"I've got a picture at home and the shirt is down to my knees! But I was obviously going to play and represent my country after getting the call."   

Spain 'wanted to play'

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Spain coach Vicente Del Bosque says his players were keen to play the friendly against Belgium and were disappointed with its cancellation because of security concerns.

Belgium called off Tuesday's game after the local government raised the security threat level amid an investigation related to last week's Paris attacks.

Del Bosque said the players were "calm and wanted to play", but understood the reasons for the cancellation.

He said nobody involved in the match liked it, but nothing could be done because "it was a matter of security".

Fredericks on IAAF team

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Namibia's former Olympic sprinter Frankie Fredericks will be part of the the IAAF inspection team to check on Russian athletics reforms.

The team is being led by Norway's anti-doping specialist Rune Andersen and four IAAF council members have also been appointed following the doping scandal which has seen Russia provisionally suspended from international competition by athletics' world governing body.

Andersen and Fredericks will be joined by Abby Hoffman -the Canadian IAAF anti-doping task force since 2004 - Italy's Anna Riccardi and Geoff Gardner from Norfolk Island, a former chairman of the IOC Athletes' Commission.

2,000 not out

McIlroy has 'advantage' - Willett

Danny Willett says Rory McIlroy will be fresher than his rivals at Thursday's deciding Race to Dubai tournament.

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McIlroy, who leads Willett by 1,613 points, has special permission to play in the DP World Tour Championship even though he has not played the required 13 events.

"I appreciate him playing makes a massive difference for the Tour, but certainly he has an advantage over guys who have played more," Willett said.

No ticket? Don't turn up

Close-run thing

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There's a cracking match in progress at the ATP Tour World Finals in London.

Tomas Berdych and Kei Nishikori are slugging it out, currently locked at one-set each.

Nishikori took the first set 7-5, Berdych hit back to take the next 6-3.

It's now into a decider - live coverage on BBC 2 here.

Williamson stays at Molineux

Newcastle United defender Mike Williamson has extended his loan spell with Wolves until 16 January.

The 31-year-old has played three games so far for the Championship club and head coach Kenny Jackett said: "We're delighted Mike will be with us through a very busy December and Christmas period."

Chelsea to buy AFC Wimbledon ground

Premier League champions Chelsea are a step closer to completing the purchase of AFC Wimbledon's ground at Kingsmeadow. 

The deal will raise funds for the League Two club's proposed move to a new stadium at their original home of Merton. 

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The Blues want to use the Cherry Red Records Stadium to host their youth and ladies' matches. 

At a special general meeting on Monday night the Dons Trust, the largest shareholder of AFC Wimbledon, voted overwhelmingly in favour of selling the stadium lease. 

FA Cup draw heads to Wales

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The FA Cup third round draw will be hosted at the Wales Sport Awards in Cardiff on Monday, 7 December.

The draw will be presented by Mark Chapman live on BBC Two and BBC Two Wales at 19:00 GMT.

The Wales Sport Awards, held at Sport Wales National Centre, Cardiff, will be live on the BBC Wales Sport website at 20:00 GMT and will also be available on the red button and BBCiPlayer.

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Johnson had 'lost the hunger'

Australian fast bowler Mitchell Johnson has spoken to ABC Grandstand, explaining the reasons behind his decision to retire.

"I’ve been thinking about retiring for probably a year, it’s sort of been up and down for me and after the World Cup I wasn’t sure whether I wanted to play one day cricket anymore," he said.

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"I felt it a little bit in the first Test against New Zealand in Brisbane, a little bit in England, but there was a time in Brisbane where those tougher days are normally the ones I love but they really challenged me and I just didn’t enjoy it.

"Out here at the Waca I just felt the same thing and didn’t enjoy the challenge of those tough days, I'd lost the hunger and I thought it was time."

Miller stays on

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Kenny Miller has signed a one-year extension to his current contract with Rangers.

The 35-year-old striker is in his third spell with the Light Blues and has scored five goals in 13 appearances this season.

Miller has also taken on a coaching role with Rangers' under-20s team, working under their manager Ian Durrant.

'Human life worth more than football'

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Belgium coach Marc Wilmots has given his reaction after his country's friendly against Spain was cancelled following attacks in Paris.

"A human life is worth more than a game of football. I was informed at 11:30pm last night that we weren't going to play the game, and this morning everyone else was informed," said Wilmots.

"Thousands of matches are played all the time, one more or less makes no difference."

'I will keep my head held high'

Sightscreens to love scenes

Former Australia paceman Brett Lee has swapped bowling for Bollywood in a new career as a movie star. 

Listen in as he tells BBC Stumped presenter Jim Maxwell about his pre-match nerves before his first screen kiss. 

Unindian

Answer time

A Question of Sport Teaser

Remember that teaser we set you earlier, courtesy of our colleagues at Question of Sport...

Since Mitchell Johnson’s debut in 2007, who are the six other Australians to have played more than 50 Tests?

Well the answers are in, and they are (drum-roll): Michael Clarke, Brad Haddin, Mike Hussey, Ricky Ponting, Peter Siddle, Shane Watson.

Well done to all who got it spot on.

Ward-Prowse targets Saints captaincy

James Ward-Prowse believes leading England's Under-21 side will help him achieve his long-term ambition of becoming Southampton captain.

The 21-year-old midfielder has skippered Gareth Southgate's side five times and scored in Monday's 3-1 win over Switzerland.

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"To get this experience now, it's going to stand me in good stead for the future," he told BBC Sport.

"Gareth Southgate has helped me a lot in adapting to the role of being captain. But trying to nail down a permanent spot in the Southampton side is the priority at the moment."

Security tight at Wembley

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Triple Tim

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Tim Cahill scored his first international hat-trick in over 10 years as Australia thrashed Bangladesh 4-0 in a 2018 World Cup qualifier in Dhaka.

The former Millwall and Everton attacking midfielder struck three times in 37 minutes, with Crystal Palace and Socceroos captain Mile Jedinak also scoring.

Cahill's only previous hat-trick for his country was against Fiji in 2004, with the 35-year-old having scored two goals in a match on eight occasions since.

Joyous fans mob reporter

BBC

The boisterous celebrations of the Republic of Ireland fans almost prove too much for BBC Sport reporter Thomas Kane at the Aviva Stadium.

The supporters had just seen their side clinch victory over Bosnia-Herzegovina to qualify for the Euro 2016 finals in France.

At first just one fan jumped into the shot, but he was soon joined by other ecstatic Irish supporters.

Watch how Thomas kept his composure here

On a good run

Russian paralympian suspended

More on the news that Russian paralympic sprinter Alexander Zverev has been suspended.

Zverev returned an adverse analytical finding for Cannabinoids in a urine sample provided on 20 June 2015 after he had competed at the IPC Athletics Grand Prix in Berlin, Germany.

All Zverev’s results obtained from the date of the test and onwards will be disqualified including forfeiture of any medals, points, records and prizes.

Pakistan bowled out

Pakistan are bowled out for 208, one ball shy of the full 50 overs in the third ODI against England in Sharjah.

Chris Woakes claimed 4-40, while Mohammad Hafeez top scored for the hosts with 45.

England need 209 to win and take a 2-1 lead in the four-match series.

BreakingRussian paralympian suspended

The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) has announced that Russian sprinter Alexander Zverev has been suspended for nine months for an Anti-Doping Rule violation.

BreakingRussian Paralympian suspended

The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) has announced that Russian sprinter Alexander Zverev has been suspended for nine months for an Anti-Doping Rule violation.

BreakingBedene case adjourned

Some news to bring you from the world of tennis... British number two Aljaz Bedene will not be eligible to represent Great Britain in the Davis Cup final against Belgium next week because the ITF have adjourned his case until March.

The 26-year-old played in the Davis Cup for Slovenia three times before gaining UK citizenship in March.

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Missing an open net

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"He's in! He's in!" Oh no, he's not.

New England Patriots wide receiver Danny Amendola was denied a touchdown against the New York Giants when he is tripped by a team-mate with nothing but open space ahead of him.

Watch the hilarious clip here

'It will be difficult for France'

Bournemouth defender Sylvain Distin, who was born and raised in Paris, has spoken to BBC Radio 5 Live about England against France and his reaction to Friday's attacks.

"The game is to show an act of togetherness and compassion and the result won’t be as important as it usually will be. It’s a strong act and it’s a strong message to be sent across the world," he said.

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Sylvain Distin played for Paris Saint-Germain between 2000 and 2002

“It will be difficult for the players, especially as one or two of the players in the French team have been affected directly by this incident so I think it will be emotional.

“I grew up on the outskirts of Paris, my teenage life and young life were over there so I have a lot of family and friends over there, but I’ve been very lucky that none of them have been affected by these attacks.”

United

Beat the crowds

Sitala Peek

BBC News, London

"Want to find out how busy your route is to Wembley tonight?

"Check out the BBC London travel page for the latest updates: http://www.bbc.co.uk/travel/london/incidents/rail

"Or visit National Rail: http://www.nationalrail.co.uk/times_fares/ldb.aspx

"Or Chiltern Railways: https://twitter.com/chilternrailway."

BBC

The men with the mustache

BBC

So, Mitchell Johnson's days as an international cricketer are over. The next question is clearly obvious: who will be proudly taking on the rich tradition of being Australia's main mustachioed menace?

There's been some bobby dazzlers down the years. From David Boon's motorcycle gang effort to Merv Hughes's handlebar. From Dennis Lilleee's 'Tom Selleck' to Mitchell Johnson's Fu Manchu.

Is David Warner the man to take MJ's crown? He's got a little bit of growing time left before the next Ashes series in 2017.

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Taking security advice

'Emphasis on security operations' for Davis Cup final

The International Tennis Federation (ITF) say they are putting an "emphasis on security operations" as they continue preparations for next week's Davis Cup final between Great Britain and Belgium in Ghent.

The ITF acknowledged that Tuesday's football friendly between Belgium and Spain had been cancelled after consultation between the Belgian FA and the Belgian government.

Yet they added other events scheduled in city this week, including the Ghent Six Day indoor cycle race and large trade fair, are going ahead as planned.

Messi's back

Barcelona forward Lionel Messi has returned to training for the first time in seven weeks as his team prepare for the season's first 'El Clasico' against Real Madrid on Saturday.

Messi, 28, has been out of action with a knee injury since 26 September.

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Spanish media have suggested that Messi may be named on the bench for the trip to the Bernabeu.

Barcelona are top of the La Liga table, three points clear of Real and four ahead of Atletico Madrid.

'We're not to blame'

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The United States Tennis Association (USTA) says it is not to blame for Eugenie Bouchard's fall at the US Open.

The Canadian world number 48 is suing the USTA for damages after suffering concussion at the Grand Slam in New York in September.

The USTA claim Bouchard should not have gone into the treatment room without "express consent of, or accompaniment of, authorised personnel".

Bouchard - who withdrew from the US Open after the fall and pulled out of her comeback event at the China Open because of dizziness - is seeking compensation for lost income and medical costs.

'Say cheese'

The French national team were escorted by armed police on a stroll around London this morning. But it didn't stop this fan enjoying a selfie with midfielder Paul Pogba.

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'Business as usual'

Sitala Peek

BBC News, London

If you’re heading to Wembley tonight there’s a chance you may catch a Chiltern Railways train from Marylebone.

“We haven’t had an increase in questions from people about this event saying they are worried about security,” a spokesman for the train operator said.

“Obviously we work closely with British Transport Police and we look at the threat levels.

“The threat level hasn’t changed and it’s very much business as usual for us.”

BBC

Fathers and sons

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After David and Brooklyn Beckham shared the pitch at a recent charity match, our friends at CBBC have created a quiz about famous footballing fathers and sons.

Take the test here and let us know how you get on #bbcsportsday

'Worst generation in 30 years'

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The "Stoke of international football" made it through to Euro 2016.

The Republic of Ireland's 3-1 aggregate win over Bosnia-Herzegovina put them through to the tournament in France next year.

Republic of Ireland goalkeeper Shay Given, former internationals Mark Lawrenson and Ray Houghton, as well as Irish football journalist Miguel Delaney spoke to BBC Radio 5 live about Ireland's qualification.

Read the piece in full here

Birthdays

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Happy birthday to:

Former Manchester United winger Nani (1986), now playing at Turkish side Fenerbahce.

Olympic, European and Commonwealth long jump champion Greg Rutherford (1986).

India one-day and Twenty20 all-rounder Yusuf Pathan (1982).

Maradona has operation

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Argentina football legend Diego Maradona has had a second gastric bypass operation after his doctor warned that the 55-year-old is a massive 75kgs (11st 11lbs) over his ideal weight.

Maradona had his first gastric bypass 10 years ago but has since gained weight and developed complications.

"He told me he was feeling fine, that he wasn't in any pain," said Dr Carlos Felipe Chaux after the procedure.

Maradona had surgery in the Venezuelan city of Maracaibo.

Football

Anjana Gadjil

BBC London News

"I was St Pancras this morning, meeting French football fans as they came off the Eurostar. I got talking to Rached Khaouf and Charif Attar, two young men from Paris. Charif was at the Stade de France on Friday and heard the explosions, but he didn’t realise what they were until he started to receive texts from his friends. Charif told me he does feel afraid going to Wembley this evening – but he has to confront his fear and carry on with his life. Rached says he doesn’t feel afraid, the terrorists must be re-educated."

Fox-Pitt discharged from hospital

PA

British eventer William Fox-Pitt has been discharged from hospital to continue his recovery from a head injury at home.

Fox-Pitt, 46, was placed in an induced coma after falling at the World Young Horse Championships in France on 17 October before he was transferred back to the UK.

“It is fantastic to be back home, it feels like it has been a long time away from my family,” said Fox-Pitt.

'A fantastic bunch of players'

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Understandably, Republic of Ireland manager Martin O'Neill was over the moon after Republic of Ireland's qualification for Euro 2016.

The gaffer said he has a "fantastic bunch of players" who put their "heart and soul" into qualification.

Watch the post-match interview here

Catching up on the Irish action

Into your Irish football?

If so, this is for you.

Joel Taggart and Chris Morgan discuss the big talking points in the Irish Premiership as Linfield aim to recover from their first league defeat in eight by hosting Cliftonville.

Watch the The Irish League Show here.

Quigg v Frampton

In the area? Fancy watching boxers trade barbs?

'In a dark place'

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World and Olympic champion Jessica Ennis-Hill says athletics is in "a dark place" after Russia was suspended over allegations of systematic doping.

"To have that huge shadow of doubt cast is really disappointing," said the British heptathlete, 29.

Ennis-Hill came second to Russia's Tatyana Chernova - later banned for two years for doping - at the 2011 World Championships.

She has appealed to the IAAF to have her silver medal upgraded to gold.

Two of the best

Former captain Mark Taylor says Australia has lost two of its greatest fast bowlers in less than six months.

Mitchell Johnson's retirement comes just months after right-arm seamer Ryan Harris called it quits because of an ongoing knee problem.

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"Mitchell's partnership with Ryan Harris is statistically one of the best of all-time, and they were a great combination," said Taylor.

"When you think about it, Australian cricket has lost a great partnership."

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'I don't want to live in fear'

Andy Murray says he is focused on Great Britain's Davis Cup final despite recent security concerns in Belgium.

Next week's final takes place in Ghent. The city is 35 miles from Molenbeek,the focus of a manhunt for one of the suspects involved in the Paris attacks.

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"I don't want to live in fear each time I step on a court," said Murray, 28.

Belgium's government has raised the terror threat level to three, and Tuesday's football friendly with Spain in Brussels has been called off.

Steve McNamara Q&A

England coach Steve McNamara was at BBC Sport HQ on Monday and put some of your questions to him.

And the final question to him was:

Anthony Thomas: Would you consider being the next England rugby union coach.

"No."

That's that then.

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Pakistan 92-2

Another comedy run-out for Pakistan!

Mohammed Hafeez wants a run but Azhar Ali at the non-strikers' end hesitates, which is his undoing, as James Taylor launches the ball into the wicketkeeper who whips off the bails. 92-2.

Follow live text and audio commentary of the match here

Euros in France will go ahead

There is "no question" of cancelling Euro 2016 in France despite last week's terrorist attacks in Paris, according to French Sports Minister Patrick Kanner.

"The Euros will be staged in conditions of maximum security, strengthened as a result of the events which we have just lived through," said Kanner.

"There is no question of cancelling this great popular festival."

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'The club is family'

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More on the news that England captain Chris Robshaw has signed a new deal with Harlequins.

He said: “I am honoured to have re-signed with Harlequins, a team I’ve supported my whole life. The club feels like an extended family to me with its amazing players, management and supporters.

“I’m looking forward to seeing what the future holds for the club and I’m extremely excited to keep pushing for silverware with both Harlequins and England."

BreakingRobshaw agrees new Harlequins deal

Harlequins back-row and England captain Chris Robshaw has committed his future by signing a new one-year deal with the club.

Scotland help Wales

Wales have sought the advice of former Scotland manager Craig Brown to help their preparations for the Euro 2016 Championship in France.

Brown, 75, led Scotland to Euro 96 and the 1998 World Cup as manager and believes Wales can shine in France.

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"When you see the Welsh team play, they're excellent. I think they've got a very good chance," said Brown.

"They won't surprise me, but they could surprise a few folk."

Next summer's finals will be Wales' first appearance at a major tournament since 1958.

Johnson signs off with wickets

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Mitchell Johnson took two wickets and scored 29 runs on his final day in international cricket as Australia drew the second Test against New Zealand in Perth.

Johnson - who retired after the Test - finished with second innings figures of 2-20, 3-177 for the match.

In total, Johnson took 313 Test wickets (Australia’s fourth highest) in 73 Tests.

Australia lead the three match series 1-0 with the final Test the first ever day-night Test starting in Adelaide on 27 November.

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Busy day ahead

From BBC Sport Online's tennis writer...

Wicket in the cricket

Pakistan were going on nicely, but have lost their first wicket. They are 45-1.

Opener Babar Azam tries a hook shot but gets a top edge to Adil Rashid waiting on the boundary.

Follow live text and audio coverage of the match here

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Pakistan 43-0

Pakistan are going along nicely in the third ODI against England in Sahrjah, reaching 43-0 after 10 overs.

The team that has won the toss has gone on to win the game in six of the last eight matches at the venue.

Follow live text and audio coverage of the match here

Sign of respect

Cameron to attend England game

David Cameronwill be at tonight’s England v France match.

The BBC understand that the Prime Minister will attend the game, along with The Duke of Cambridge, Prince William.

AFP

Security stepped up

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Steve McNamara Q&A

England coach Steve McNamara was at BBC Sport HQ on Monday and we put some of your questions to him.

Scott Bates: After his first season why was Leeds player Adam Cuthbertson not picked?

"I don’t really speak about players who are not picked and selected in the squad. I don’t want to talk about an individual. Lots of good players were not selected in the squad. That is a great position to be in as head coach of an international team."

Graham Park: Was there any benefit from playing the second game in London, or would you have preferred to have stayed in the north?

"From a purely performance perspective, because the Olympic Stadium was new to both teams, it took away a little bit of the home advantage. There was no familiarity with the place. But huge benefits for other aspects of our game. We had a duty to help enhance the other areas of our sport, namely taking our game to some non-northern strongholds. 65% of tickets sold for that game were London and south-east postcodes. That is a huge positive."

Get Involved - England v France

The NFCC: I bought my ticket 1 hour before tragedy started. Think tonight will be an occasion unlike any before in football. The game had to go ahead to show life goes on but also out strength with France. I'll be singing with them.

BreakingFrench league will continue

France's Ligue 1 and Ligue 2 matches will go ahead as scheduled this weekend, Sports Minister Thierry Braillard has announced.

Last weekend's sporting programmes in and around Paris were cancelled in the wake of Friday's attack on the French capital, which killed 129 people.

One of the attacks was on the Stade de France, where three militants and one person died, as France were playing Germany in an international friendly.

Question time

A Question of Sport Teaser

Today's teaser from our colleagues at Question of Sport...

Since Mitchell Johnson’s debut in 2007, who are the six other Australians to have played more than 50 Tests?

They can have made their debut before 2007, but must have played more than 50 Tests since that year.

Answers later this afternoon.

Get Involved - England v France

'Best ever achievement'

Mark Lawrenson

Former Republic of Ireland defender on BBC Radio 5 live

"The Republic of Ireland qualified for Euro 2016 last night and they fully deserve to be in France next summer, especially over the two legs. They played extremely well on Friday to get a 1-1 draw in Bosnia, which was a slight surprise because we all thought that Bosnia would beat them at home.

"They just got it last night and the Bosnians didn’t – Ireland realised it was a cup final and they played like it was a cup final.

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"This is the best ever achievement by a Republic of Ireland side, considering the lack of outstanding talent. It’s not a team full of household names and it’s got quite a few players who ply their trade in the Championship.

"So from Martin O’Neill’s point of view to galvanise them all and get them all together and to come up with enough results to get through to the Euros it is the best performance ever by a Republic of Ireland side."

Crucial third ODI

England take on Pakistan in the third ODI in Sharjah in a few minutes time, with the series finely poised at 1-1.

Three Lions batsman James Taylor feels familiarity with the pitch will help the visitors.

"The good thing is that some of the guys will be used to the surface," Taylor told BBC Sport.

"Me and Rooty (Joe Root - who scored 59 in the tour match) have spent a lot of time on this particular wicket."

Live text & TMS commentary of the match is available now on the BBC Sport website.

Worcs sign SA pace ace

It might be the close season in the world of cricket, but the good folk of Worcestershire are busy planning ahead for next summer.

They have signed South Africa fast bowler Kyle Abbott for the second half of the 2016 season.

AP

Abbott, 28, has played three Tests, 20 one-day internationals and 14 Twenty20 matches for the Proteas and had spells in England with Hampshire in 2014 and Middlesex in 2015.

The deal will be finalised once Abbott receives a visa and gets clearance from Cricket South Africa.

He will be available for Worcestershire from early July until late September.

Get Involved - England v France

Steve McNamara Q&A

England coach Steve McNamara was at BBC Sport HQ on Monday and we put some of your questions to him.

Sussex Merlins: Do you see a point where 80% of the first-choice 17 play in the NRL?

"That is a very precise number! No. I don’t think it will ever get to 80%. There has to be a fine balance between keeping our domestic competition as strong as it possibly can be whilst exposing some of our players to the uncomfortable environment the NRL can bring. I can’t see it ever being 80%."

BBC

Steve McNamara with BBC Sport's Simon Stone

Ed Hutson: Apart from Sam Burgess, were there any other English players who you thought could play league in the Rugby World Cup squad?

"George Ford and Owen Farrell have huge rugby union backgrounds. Their fathers were good rugby league players. They both played rugby league as young kids. I had George in the scholarship at Bradford. I am convinced those two would be very good rugby league players if they came and played the game."

'It's really hard for them'

Former France international Pascal Chimbonda has told BBC Radio 5 live it is the right decision for the England game to go ahead but it will be tough on the French players - especially Lassana Diarra, who lost his cousin in Friday's attacks.

"After what happened in France people are very scared so the game can make more joy for French people and English people," he said.

Reuters

Lassana Diarra is in France's 23-man squad for the game against England despite losing his cousin in Friday's attacks

"It’s not a normal international football match – I have some friends in the French team and I think it’s really hard for them at the moment.

"One of my friends plays on the team and he lost his cousin so I'm just giving him some time and after that I will call him."

Get Involved - England v France

We're asking for your thoughts on tonight's England-France friendly. Keep them coming please.

Changes can be made

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In case you're wondering where this leaves British number two Aljaz Bedene...

Bedene will learn later today whether he is free to represent Great Britain in the Davis Cup.

The 26-year-old played in the Davis Cup for Slovenia three times before gaining UK citizenship in March.

A Davis Cup rule change now prevents players representing a second country.

Bedene is appealing on the grounds his passport application was lodged before the rule changed at the start of 2015.

Murray has 'led from the front'

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A little more from GB captain Leon Smith, talking about his main man for the Davis Cup.

"Andy Murray has led from the front throughout this campaign, showing time and again what it means to him to pull on the GB jersey," said Smith.

"He shows determination, commitment and passion that inspires the other British players on the bench and our fantastic fans in the stands."

Smith added: "The team has had some incredible results this year, and we know that off the back of defeating the three other Grand Slam nations we carry great momentum going into the final.

"However we will ‎not underestimate the challenge in front of us. The Belgian team is full of top 100 talent and they will push us all the way."

BreakingDavis Cup team announced

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Great Britain's team for the Davis Cup has been announced, and it's fair to say there are no surprise selections.

The five-man squad consists of Andy Murray (obviously), brother Jamie, Kyle Edmund, James Ward and Dom Inglot.

"It is an historic ‎moment in British tennis and I'm delighted to name these five players for the tie against Belgium," said captain  Leon Smith.

The Davis Cup - against Belgium - takes place in Ghent from November 27-29.

Steve McNamara Q&A

England coach Steve McNamara was at BBC Sport HQ on Monday and we put some of your questions to him.

Tom Sweeney: How delighted are you as England coach to have a player of Sam Burgess' ability back in league?

"It is incredible. I am really delighted for our sport. He is going to be sensational back in RL and he is only going to improve our England team."

Tony Hewitt: Why is John Bateman being used as a centre? Do you think we have a shortage of quality in that position?

"We had a couple of players unavailable due to injury. Dan Sarginson, who played that role last year, and Jack Reid, who played for Brisbane Broncos in the NRL Grand Final, who needed shoulder surgery. But I felt John, with the way the games were going to be played, would be our best option this time round."

Latest gossip

What's the latest gossip from the footballing world then? We've got it covered, here are the top three stories:

• New Villa boss Remi Garde is set to appoint David Moyes' former Manchester United assistant, Steve Round, to his backroom staff at Villa Park. (Daily Telegraph)
• Chelsea are monitoring Paris St-Germain's Uruguay striker Edinson Cavani, 28, before the January transfer window. (Le10sport - in French)
• Manchester United midfielder Jesse Lingard, 22, is poised to earn a £50,000 bonus following his England call-up, in line with a clause in his contract. (Daily Star) 

Read the gossip column in full here

'I'm going to cry'

AP

Seattle Seahawks fans in the NFL show their support for France after Friday's attacks

French journalist Julien Laurens has told 5 live Sport he expects an emotional response when La Marseillaise, the French national anthem, is sung before England play France at Wembley.

"It's going to be a very special night for all the French people in the stadium but especially for the Parisians," he said.

"I’m a Paris boy born and bred - everybody in France will have been hurt by the attacks on Friday but when it’s your town, when you’ve been to that music hall for concerts before, when your parents live there it’s even sadder and more hurtful.

"I know I’m going to cry because when the whole stadium sings La Marseillaise I think it’s going to feel really special."

No play ... for last three days

Who said we only get bad weather in England?

Play has been abandoned for a third successive day in the second Test between India and South Africa in Bangalore because of rain.

The final day's play will begin at 09:15 local time tomorrow if weather permits, but the chances of either side now claiming a win seem remote.

India closed the first day on 80 without loss in reply to South Africa's 214 all out.

The hosts won the first match of the four-Test series by 108 runs in Mohali.

Double standards?

Graeme Swann's older brother Alec jokes about Mitchell Johnson's decision to retire before the end of the current series against New Zealand.

Ex-England spinner Swann was criticised for retiring during the 2013-14 Ashes series in Australia.