Monday's football gossip

Wayne Rooney's injury woes and Michael Vaughan's fine century for England take centre stage on Monday's sports pages.

News that the teenage prodigy will be sidelined for a month after being carried off with ankle damage in a pre-season friendly gives the tabloids cause for concern.

Whether it's a 'Wayne delay', 'Wayne pain for Sven', a 'Rooney shock' or a 'Rooney blow', there is no disguising the fact the Everton striker will miss the start of the season.

There is one tabloid which demurs from the consternation over this setback to England's preparations for a friendly against Croatia however.

THE HEADLINES Daily Telegraph: Vaughan's best yet helps to rescue England The Times: South Africa scenting victory after Vaughan's vigil ends The Sun: Olé S*** Daily Mirror: Rooney Blow The Guardian: Vaughan keeps England alive Daily Express: Wayne Pain For Sven Daily Star: Rooney Shock Daily Mail: Wayne delay The Independent: Vaughan back to best form as England battle

The Sun prefers to content itself with the 'exclusive' revelation that Roberto Carlos has been teaching David Beckham to swear in Spanish. Olé indeed.

The same paper and the Daily Mail are convinced that one of Beckham's old team-mates, Juan Sebastian Veron, will follow him out of Old Trafford after all.

The Argentine is reportedly ready to do an about-turn and sign for Chelsea this week after originally turning down a move to west London.

The broadsheets are more concerned with England's battle to save the first Test against South Africa.

All lead their back or front pages in generous praise of Vaughan's best century yet for his country.

The Guardian's assertion that 'Vaughan keeps England alive' hints at a widespread concern that despite the opener's innings, the game is not yet saved.

The Daily Telegraph also finds room to salute Lance Armstrong's achievement in winning a fifth succesive Tour de France.

The Texan has apparently not finished with the race yet though. 'Armstrong aims for six of the best' reminds us that he intends to come back for another go next year.