I’m a good shout for World Cup

DYLAN HARTLEY has shrugged off speculation over his future in the England side and insisted he can lead them into the next World Cup.

The 30-year-old captain, left, has been outshone by understudy Jamie George off the bench in the first two games of the Six Nations JOSE MOURINHO has accused Leicester players of being selfish moneygrabbers and letting down manager Claudio Ranieri – who said last night his “dream has died”.

Just 48 hours before the EFL Cup final, the Manchester United boss wore the initials “CR” on his top in his press conference yesterday in support of Ranieri, before launching his scathing attack on the Foxes squad, many of whom signed lucrative new contracts after lifting the Premier League title last season.

Mourinho lost his job at Chelsea in similar circumstances last season amid reports of a players’ revolt but said his experience was “peanuts” compared to Leicester’s treatment of the man who led them to the most unexpected title in football history.

He said: “Probably the season started with the typical selfishness of others, people thinking about new contracts, people thinking about more money, people thinking about leaving and forgetting who helped them to reach a certain level.

“This is not just football, it’s a bit of our world. Some principles are going away a bit. I’m really sorry about it but I lived a similar experience. I thought last season when I was sacked as a champion it was a giant negative thing, now I realise it was peanuts to what happened with Claudio. If some of the stories I am reading but, after retaining his starting place for tomorrow’s match against Italy, he revealed he has set his sights on Japan 2019.

“I’m not even in my prime yet,” said Hartley. “I’ve had a conversation with Eddie Jones and he has made it very clear what I can achieve within the team. I’m very much excited about what’s to come but aware I can’t rest on my laurels.”

Coach Jones, who has made four changes to the side to face Italy, including a first Test start for Ben Te’o at outside-centre, gave Hartley his backing yesterday but acknowledged George is applying the heat. “He’s a great captain for us and his physical profile is improving all the time,” he said. “But Jamie has been fantastic for us finishing the game.”