From the back pages, May 31: ENGLAND GAME SUSPENDED — Tie in doubt over stadium safety fears

ENGLAND’S friendly in Brazil has tonight been dramatically suspended over safety fears at the Maracana. The Three Lions were due to play a glamour friendly at the Rio stadium on Sunday. But that has been scrapped after the Rio Justice Department ruled that they could not guarantee fan safety at the ground. (The Sun)

The first test of José Mourinho’s second spell as Chelsea manager is likely to surround the future of David Luiz after it emerged that the Portuguese has earmarked the Brazil defender as his most saleable asset as he seeks to raise the funds required to reshape his new side. (The Times)

Wayne Rooney reckons his international career will have been “pointless” if he fails to win any trophies on the international stage. The 27-year-old Manchester United forward won his 81st cap last night in the 1-1 draw against the Republic of Ireland at Wembley. (Mirror)

Mark Hughes expressed his gratitude to Stoke City today after the club looked beyond his disastrous spell at QPR and gave him a three-year deal to become the new manager at the Britannia Stadium. The former striker also promised fans a more entertaining style of football. (The Independent)

SUNDERLAND have agreed a deal for Lazio centre back Modibo Diakite. (Express)

Manchester United and Manchester City are competing to bring Cesc Fabregas back to the Barclays Premier League next season. (Daily Mail)

Frankie Dettori will be back in action at Epsom on Friday, having finally extricated himself from the restraining grip of French bureaucracy, 12 days after the end of his six-month ban for a cocaine positive. The jockey immediately acquired rides in the opening two races on Friday’s card, displacing others who had been booked on Wednesday when he was ineligible, a clear sign that the sport’s professionals will happily make room once more for the 42-year-old. (Guardian)