LiveScore Daily: Today's football news in bite-sized chunks
LiveScore Daily is here to deliver all the big talking points from the world of football throughout the day. Keep refreshing this page for the latest stories in bite-sized chunks.
Hendo stands firm
Jordan Henderson has no intention of quitting England duty despite being booed during Friday's 1-0 win over Australia.
The former Liverpool captain, 33, was jeered by a section of home fans when leaving the field in what was his first game at Wembley since joining Saudi Pro League side Al-Ettifaq in July.
Despite retaining the trust of Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate, Henderson admits he was saddened by the reaction of some supporters.
He said: "It's not nice, your own fans [booing]. But everybody has got their own opinion.
"I love playing for England, I have done for many years, that's why I'm still here. I still want to play for England for as long as I possibly can and give everything for the team, for my country.
"If people want to boo if I'm playing in a different country, that's fine."
Still a big Neym
Real Madrid forward Rodrygo has leapt to the defence of his under-fire Brazil team-mate Neymar.
The Al-Hilal forward, 31, was hit by a bag of popcorn launched from the stands after the Selecao's disappointing 1-1 draw with Venezuela last week.
Yet Rodrygo has urged his country to stick behind their all-time top scorer, who he still believes remains Brazil's talisman.
He said: "It doesn't change anything if Neymar is 31 or not, he continues with the same quality as always.
"He remains our main player. Of course, when we lose or draw a game, the responsibility will be greater on him but when we win, it becomes clear that he is our best player and we depend a lot on him.
"As much as they always say bad things about him, people who live closely with him know that he is totally different from the image that some people have of him.
"And because I have him as an idol, I'm often sad to see certain comments, to hear the things people say because he helps me a lot."
Good Evans
Jonny Evans is loving life at Manchester United after fearing his career may be over as recently as last year.
The 35-year-old surprisingly rejoined his boyhood club this summer on a temporary basis and then penned a one-year deal after impressing Erik ten Hag.
Released by relegated Leicester beforehand, Evans — who will captain Northern Ireland against Slovenia tonight — admits it has been a challenging road back to Old Trafford.
He said: "I went through a stage last year where I started thinking maybe it is coming to an end.
"There's no doubt I did have those thoughts. At the time I couldn't get over injuries and every time I came back I was breaking down.
"I had lots of people telling me there's no way you're close to finishing, but you have to prove that to yourself and I feel like I've been able to do that.
"Every time you complete a match you think, ‘There’s another one, I can do that’, and sometimes you just have to confirm that to yourself. I feel in a good place."
Henry's confession
Thierry Henry admits he was watching Arsenal only because 'he had to' prior to their upturn under Mikel Arteta.
French ace Henry, 46, remains the Gunners' all-time top scorer with 228 strikes in 377 appearances but had become disillusioned with the direction of his beloved club in the not-too-distant past.
Speaking on The Rest is Football podcast, he said: "Five years ago I couldn't relate to the team.
"I just couldn't. I was going to the games because I had to, not because I wanted to.
"It was just because I was an Arsenal fan, not as I wanted to see them play. But now I can see what they're about.
"I have mad respect for what Mikel has done. The way he has put the team back is so impressive."
Arteta's joint-leaders are back in Premier League action when they travel to Chelsea on Saturday evening.
Charm offensive
Saudi Pro League chief Carlo Nohra has not given up hope of luring Jose Mourinho to the Middle East.
Roma boss Mourinho, 60, has been strongly linked to the big-spending division in recent months and admitted to turning down a lucrative offer from one club this summer.
But despite the Portuguese tactician publicly shutting down those rumours earlier this month, Nohra still expects the move to happen eventually.
He told Gazzetta dello Sport: "Speaking for myself and not Saudi Arabia, I'm personally waiting on him [Mourinho] to arrive.
"There's no doubt the so-called 'Ronaldo effect' was incredible for us and it's possible this won't happen again because there aren't many around like Cristiano.
"Someone like him is irreplicable. Nonetheless, I'm hopeful Mourinho will have an equally big impact just as I do for those who come after him."
Eustace speaks
Axed Birmingham boss John Eustace has issued a first public statement since his surprise sacking.
Eustace, 43, was relieved of his duties last week despite leading the Blues to sixth position in the Championship — with Wayne Rooney since hired as his successor.
Speaking via the League Managers Association's website, Eustace said: "When I came into the job 15 months ago, there was a lot of uncertainty surrounding the club.
"We had some very challenging times but there was a determination and focus from all of the staff and players to make sure we came through those times together.
"The development of the players and the staff over that period is there for everyone to see and I feel we have left the club in a much stronger position then when we first arrived.
"I leave with a heavy heart, however I would like to wish everyone at the football club huge success in the future."
Dons axe Alexander
League Two side MK Dons have parted company with head coach Graham Alexander.
The former Fleetwood and Salford boss, 52, was only hired in May following the Dons' relegation to the fourth tier but departs having won just four of his 13 league matches in charge.
The final straw proved to be Saturday's 2-2 draw with Barrow, where two stoppage-time strikes from Pete Wild's visitors left Alexander perplexed in his post-match interview.
A club statement read: "We would like to thank Graham and Chris [Lucketti] for their dedication and tireless efforts during their time at Stadium MK. They depart with the best wishes of everyone at MK Dons."