Authorities are preparing for conditions to worsen again by Saturday in NSW and Victoria, where thousands of properties have already been razed and at least 18 people have lost their lives.

Australia's worst bushfires in living memory aren't just leaving a trail of devastation in New South Wales and Victoria. They are also threatening to push the economy into a recession.

Six people in two Australian states are being tested for the deadly new coronavirus spreading from China as the global death toll rose to 26 with 844 confirmed cases.

DOMINIC LAWSON: A lot of us feel a bit grim at this time of year. But we just get on with it. That's not so true of our near neighbours in France and Germany.

DOMINIC LAWSON: As if Labour doesn't have enough problems with alienating Britain's Jewish community, it now seems intent on becoming a hostile environment for Catholics, too.

DOMINIC LAWSON: Lord Lucan is alive! Or so claims a building contractor called Neil Berriman. And why should we listen to Mr Berriman? Well, he is the son of the Lucan family nanny.

DOMINIC LAWSON: The coronavirus sweeping the world can be traced back to a food market in the Chinese city of Wuhan, where the new strain first transferred from wildlife to humans.

DOMINIC LAWSON: Only a certain type engages in professional point-scoring in the midst of a pandemic. But Sir Paul Nurse, the Nobel prize-winning scientist, seems to fit that bill.

Actress Michelle Dockery, 37, heaped praise on Kate Middleton, 38, as she recalled the royal's visit to the Downton Abbey set in 2015, as she appeared on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon

Jose Mourinho is eyeing up a national team job for the first time in his managerial career. The ex-Manchester United, Chelsea, Inter Milan and Real Madrid boss has not had a job since December.

Hidden away by vast woodland and situated in Geres, the mansion - which includes a landing pad - was purchased for close to £3.5m seven years ago by the five-time Ballon d'Or winner.

Details have been leaked by Football Leaks, via Der Spiegel, regarding one of Cristiano Ronaldo's most lucrative sponsorship deals with sportswear giants Nike.

With the pent-up frustration from his recent Juventus woes, Cristiano Ronaldo tore apart Lithuania, smashing home a hat-trick and sending an emphatic message to manager Maurizio Sarri.

Bernardo Silva has stated he expects Portugal international team-mate Bruno Fernandes to be a success at Manchester United, after backing him to settle in England.

DANNY MURPHY: Young managers usually want a wise old owl next to them for experience. Frank Lampard bucked the trend by appointing Jody Morris as his assistant.

Manchester City star Raheem Sterling believes that a victorious England campaign in Euro 2020 could represent a significant step forward in the country's battle against racism.

DANIEL MATTHEWS AT THE EMIRATES STADIUM: As Eddie Nketiah wheeled away towards the corner flag, the Arsenal forward dialled a few numbers into an imaginary phone.

Manchester United left back Luke Shaw hasn't featured in the last 15 England games under Gareth Southgate since playing against Spain in the Nations League 17 months ago.

The FA will today hold urgent talks over the impact of the coronavirus on England's Wembley friendly with Italy next month. Twelve people have died from the disease in Italy so far.

Take a look at Jerome Sinclair's social media accounts, and you won't find out much. No tweets since 2017, and all of his profile pictures are black. In a way, it is a sad reflection of his struggles.

England have revealed grand developments for Wembley stadium, as they prepare to ensure the iconic national stadium remains among the world's best.

FA chairman Greg Clarke says England will continue to prepare for next month's friendly against Italy at Wembley despite increasing fears over the spread of the coronavirus.

Gareth Southgate is giving serious consideration to handing Phil Foden a first England call-up this month. The teenager shone in front of England assistant Steve Holland at Wembley.

Joe Gomez said his infamous clash with Raheem Sterling has made him more guarded but admits he has learned from the experience.

England manager Gareth Southgate is seriously considering calling on the 19-year-old for this month's friendlies and Guardiola believes the midfielder's stock will continue to rise.

It was the afternoon that confirmed beyond all doubt that Phil Foden belongs on the grandest of stages. The hope now is that Foden can make a breakthrough soon for club and country.

CLAIRE BLOOMFIELD IN ORLANDO: Phil Neville insists his Lionesses are not here to make up the numbers and vows to put them to the test against the USA in Thursday's SheBelieves Cup opener.

Harry Kane has stepped up his rehabilitation from a hamstring injury as he returned to the pitches of Tottenham's training ground. The England captain is on the slow road back to fitness.

EXCLUSIVE BY MATT HUGHES: The FA face multi-million pound losses if they are forced to cancel games or stage them behind closed doors due to the coronavirus crisis.

Jackson revealed that she believed her career was ended by the high levels of thyroxine prescribed by Chakraverty. On Friday, Chakraverty said he was stepping down from his FA post

Borussia Dortmund have admitted it is out of their hands whether Jadon Sancho leaves this summer but have warned rival clubs they will not be able to sign him cheaply.

The news had been widely expected since the Olympics were pushed back by 12 months, with the coronavirus crisis also creating a backlog of qualifying fixtures.

Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher and Chelsea centre-back John Terry played together when they were both on international duty for England between 2003 and 2010.

The two strikers differences were shot into the spotlight last year when Owen released his autobiography, in which he had a pop at the former Newcastle striker and legend.

Former England players Peter Crouch and Joe Cole have opened up on what went wrong at the 2006 World Cup for what should have been an excellent England squad.

EXCLUSIVE BY MATT HUGHES AND DOMINIC KING: England's Under 20 team is at risk of being scrapped or merged with other sides due to cost-cutting measures set to be implemented by the FA.

West Brom poked fun at the Newcastle United supporter who exposed himself celebrating a goal on Tuesday night by reminding Toon fans that The Hawthorns stadium is a 'windmill free zone'.

For the first time, the clubs of the Premier League are set for a winter break this month. But it's already proving chaotic and a little controversial with lots of clubs forced to change their plans last-minute.

Frank Lampard has revealed Kepa Arrizabalaga is in line for a Chelsea recall tonight, but warned the keeper his fading Euro 2020 hopes are the least of his worries.

The Gunners booked their place in the FA Cup quarter finals thanks to goals in either half from Sokratis Papastathopoulos and Eddie Nketiah at Fratton Park on Monday night.

Arsenal were dealt an injury blow during their FA Cup fifth round win over Portsmouth as midfielder Lucas Torreira was taken off on a stretcher. The Uruguayan went to ground holding his ankle.

Chelsea host Liverpool at Stamford Bridge in their first FA Cup meeting since 2012 when Blues won 2-1 in the final as Frank Lampard looks to repeat the victory as a manager now.

For Frank Lampard, his side - which included impressive 18-year-old midfielder Billy Gilmour - beat the 'best team in the land' in Liverpool due to their 'focus', 'determination' and 'quality' on the night.

Billy Gilmour was the name on everyone's lips as Chelsea dumped Liverpool out of the FA Cup. And the youngster could get more game time as Chelsea grapple with an injury crisis.

Billy Gilmour has received high praise following his impressive display against Liverpool on Tuesday - and now his idol Cesc Fabregas has spoken of the young Chelsea midfielder's quality.

Frank Lampard's Chelsea side beat Liverpool 2-0 on Tuesday night in the fifth round and will have to see off the Foxes to reach the last four of the domestic cup competition.

Eric Dier's moment of madness in vaulting into the stands was sparked after he spotted his brother, Patrick, in a melee with a Tottenham fan who was trying to get the player's attention.

MATT HUGHES - AHEAD OF THE GAME: The 30-year-old Gabon striker is in talks over a new contract and his demands represent more than a 30 per cent increase on his existing deal.

Lukas Podolski claims he was unfairly sidelined during his time at Arsenal but insists he had a positive relationship with the club including then manager Arsene Wenger.

Defender Ferdinand, who won 17 England Under 21 caps, had put himself in contention for a senior call-up after an impressive 2005-06 season for West Ham, who finished ninth.