Bale and Kane join gold rush

ENGLAND striker Harry Kane and Wales forward Gareth Bale are the only Brits on the 30-man shortlist for the Ballon d’Or.

Also in the running are five-time winners Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, who has lifted the award in the past two years.

There are 10 other Premier League players along with Kane – his Spurs team-mate Hugo Lloris, Manchester City’s Sergio Aguero and Kevin De Bruyne, Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba, Liverpool’s Alisson, Sadio Mane, Roberto Firmino and Mo Salah, and Chelsea pair Eden Hazard and N’Golo Kante.

Two England players are among nominees for the inaugural Women’s Ballon d’Or – Lyon defender Lucy Bronze and Chelsea forward Fran Kirby.

Liverpool full-back Trent Alexander-Arnold is on a 10-strong shortlist for the new Kopa Trophy for players under the age of 21.

Kane captained England to the semi-finals of the Russia World Cup and was the tournament top-scorer.

Bale scored twice in Real Madrid’s Champions League final win over Liverpool in May.

The winners will be announced on December 3.

YOUNG STAR Marcus Rashford has forced his way into the England squad THRIVING IN AMERICA Rooney tangles with ex-Man Utd man Bastian Scweinsteiger and celebrates with team-mate Yamil Asad

Harry Kane & Gareth Bale