Ollie Hassell-Collins might be the first wing to make his England debut in the Six Nations since Jack Nowell in 2014 – with the London Irish player named on Thursday by Steve Borthwick on the left wing against Scotland – but the 24-year-old will categorically be the first England men’s player to make his debut with painted fingernails.
Chris Wilder was already “four or five” drinks in when the warning arrived from League Managers’ Association chairman Howard Wilkinson. It was too late.
Jude Bellingham will be one of the most expensive players on the transfer market after this season, and Newcastle could try to entice him.
A planned clear-out at Stamford Bridge could see multiple first-team players on the chopping block.