From the back pages, March 20: Michael Owen to retire at the end of the season

Former England international Michael Owen has announced he will retire at the end of the season. The striker will play out the current campaign with Stoke City, who he joined last summer, before hanging up his boots. (The Independent)
Michael OwenMichael Owen
Michael Owen

Newcastle are outraged by the Football Association’s decision not to charge Callum McManaman for his horror tackle on Massadio Haidara (centre). Because one of the match officials saw the incident, the FA say they can not take retrospective action against the Wigan youngster. And Newcastle’s anger will not be aided by the FA’s decision to charge John Carver (right) along with Wigan coach Graham Barrow for their altercation - as Crystal Palace’s Wilfried Zaha was banned for his gesture (left) at Leeds fans. (Daily Mail)

Frank Lampard hinted at a summer move to the Los Angeles Galaxy by claiming last night that he could still represent England while playing his club football anywhere in the world. (The Times)

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Phil Neville will join the England Under-21 coaching staff for this summer’s European Championship in Israel, the Football Association said. The 36-year-old Everton captain worked with the U21s in February 2012, backing up the coaches, Brian Eastick and John Peacock, for the Euro 2013 qualifying victory over Belgium while the manager, Stuart Pearce, and his assistant, Steve Wigley, looked after the senior side for one match. (The Guardian)

Michael Appleton has been sacked as Blackburn boss after just two months in charge. The decision comes after Rovers were forced to come from behind to draw against fierce local rivals Burnley on Sunday. (The Sun)

Stuart Lancaster, the England head coach, has said that the biggest disappointment during his side’s defeat to Wales in Cardiff on Saturday was the way they lost their composure in the final quarter in Cardiff’s Millennium Stadium. (The Telegraph)

Lotus boss Eric Boullier said the Melbourne victory by Kimi Raikkonen proved they are now a top team. But for those tipping them as championship favourites he said their ambition is to finish third in the world championship. (The Mirror)