Paper Round: Southgate admits tournament win unlikely, Hammers want Sturridge

New England manager Gareth Southgate has played down expectations for his team following his appointment on a full-time basis. Southgate highlighted the lack of England players in the Champions League compared to the period between 2004 and 2008 but spoke of his optimism that the current crop of players would be able to be developed and was excited about what he saw in the game against Spain. He also touched upon the need for more former players to go into coaching but they have to commit to the profession full-time.

Paper Round's view: It's nice to hear Southgate try and keep fans level-headed but in reality those fans aren't really expecting anything following a thoroughly disappointing European Championships. This could actually be the best thing for Southgate, too often has expectation and pressure been the root of failure for the England national team. It will be interesting to see how he works with the team and tries to instil his style of play whilst, in theory at least, he has time and patience of fans and the FA.

West Ham hope to tempt Daniel Sturridge to the London Stadium in January in order to try and save their season. The Hammers are struggling to replicate their form from last season when they were able to qualify for the Europa League. However according to the Star, Liverpool are unlikely to let Sturridge leave due to Sadio Mane being away at the African Cup of Nations and Philippe Coutinho's injury. Furthermore Sturridge himself is unlikely to push to leave despite further interest from Southampton.

Paper Round's view: Of course, it's logical for West Ham to try and make signings - but it's not as if their summer business did much good. However, there was a clear tactic then to try and secure bargain deals, either on loan or for minimal prices aside from the purchase of Andre Ayew. If, as was suggested in the piece, Sturridge does turn West Ham down it's hard to see where the Hammers go in the transfer market. As for Sturridge January could be the opportunity he needs in the Liverpool team with those two key absentees.

England captain Alastair Cook has received the backing of his vice-captain Joe Root as speculation continues about his future. With England 2-0 down in the series against India, and Cook's own form coming into question, there had been reports saying that Cook may stand down as captain at the end of the series. However Root, who would be in line to replace Cook, has said that he thinks the current captain has plans to stay in charge for a few more years. The story from the Express adds that Cook and England's director of cricket Andrew Strauss will sit down at the end of the series to discuss the batsman's future.

Paper Round's view: It's been a tough series for England as a team but it seems premature to lay all the blame at Cook's door. Firstly this is a strong India side playing on their own turf, and pretty much the entire top order has been under performing so far. With an Ashes series in 2017 it's imperative England have an experienced leader at the helm and Cook is that man. Root is surely the man to take over but the time is not right yet.

The FA have said that any club who is found guilty to have paid hush money to a child abuse victim will be punished regardless of the size of the club. Speaking on Thursday Martin Glenn, the chief executive of the FA said that there would be a full investigation into any payments, which is a warning to Chelsea, who it has been revealed made a five-figure payment to a former trainee after they alleged they were abused by the club's former chief scout, Eddie Heath.