Khiara Keating surprised by her rise into Man City’s starting line-up this term
Manchester City goalkeeper Khiara Keating has described her breakthrough 2023-24 season to date as “surreal” as the 19-year-old prepares for Sunday’s historic derby at Old Trafford. Having previously made only a handful of first-team appearances for City and had loan spells with AFC Fylde and Coventry United, Keating has played every minute for Gareth Taylor’s side in the Women’s Super League so far this term and also received a maiden call-up to the senior England squad. She said: “I don’t think it was expected and I feel like just getting thrown in there was quite good. “It’s been so surreal, I didn’t expect to come in and play so many games, especially against teams like Chelsea and Arsenal. “You learn something new from every game and gain more experience the more you play, so it’s been good to get out there and get some minutes. The more you play the more confident you get.” On her England experience, during which she was an unused substitute for a Nations League double-header against Belgium, she said: “It’s anyone’s dream if you’re from England to make it to the seniors. “I feel like it was just, again, so surreal, but the girls were lovely. Training standards were so high and it was a great experience to just be around (that).” I don't think it was expected and I feel like just getting thrown in there was quite good Khiara Keating It has not all been highs for Keating, who was among the WSL player of the month nominees for October after keeping three clean sheets – in City’s 2-1 loss at Arsenal on November 5, having saved a penalty, she saw a late mistake punished as Stina Blackstenius netted the hosts’ winner. Regarding that game, she said: “I think it’s just things to take away. It was a mistake (and) in that moment I felt like the world was going to end! “It’s one of those things, it’s football and it happens. The support from the girls, Gareth and the coaching staff around me was unreal, to bounce back and make sure I was ready for the next game. “Everyone learns from their mistakes, and there’s things like ‘do I come out or do I stay’ since that I’ve reflected on. Next time the decision hopefully is better.” Next on the agenda for City, beaten 1-0 at home by Brighton last weekend, is a landmark clash with Manchester United – the club Ardwick-born Keating was with from the age of six to 11 before moving on to City. It will be the first WSL Manchester derby to be played at Old Trafford, and she said: “When you’re from Manchester and you know the history behind it, when you’re home-grown – it’s that little bit (more) special. I can’t wait and just hope we deliver on the day.” It has been quite a journey from her United days as a child to facing them on Sunday for Keating, who added: “I don’t think when I was a kid I ever expected to get as far as I did, but I think I had the right people around me and the right coaches and friends. “I’m here where I am now and I’m so grateful to be in the position I am and I think the only way is up now.” At a time when diversity in the women’s game continues to be a considerable talking point, England’s October camp saw Keating express her happiness to have the opportunity to inspire people and be a role model. And she said ahead of Sunday’s match: “It’s always an honour, and always at the back of your mind, that you’re inspiring anyone. “I feel like the position where we (her and her City team-mates) are, we can inspire so many kids, and coming from an ethnic minority background – it just gives them the extra push to believe they can do it too. “When I’m playing, I don’t really think (about it) but I feel like it’s just a bonus that I’m the first (goalkeeper from an ethnic minority background to play for City Women) and it shows what we’re doing as a club, that it is so diverse, and everyone gets a chance, no matter where you come from.” Read More Injury rules Andy Murray out of Great Britain team for Davis Cup finals Matt Wallace shoots stunning third-round 60 to lead DP World Tour Championship Pat Cummins urges Australia to ’embrace’ World Cup final pressure against India Liverpool fly Luis Diaz’s parents to UK for Christmas with son after kidnapping On this day in 2013 – Elena Baltacha announces retirement from tennis England display against Malta ‘not a worry’ ahead of Euros, Gareth Southgate insists
2023-11-18 20:49
What do Wales need to qualify for Euro 2024?
Wales are hoping to secure their place at Euro 2024 and another major tournament appearance. Rob Page’s men are currently second in qualifying Group D, with two more fixtures left to play and only the top two teams in each group earn automatic qualification for next summer’s Euros. Wales face Armenia in Yerevan on Saturday before concluding their campaign by hosting Turkey on Tuesday. That is Turkey’s sole remaining game – they are currently clear at the top of the group on 16 points with qualification certain, and a win or draw will secure their spot as group winners. Wales are currently level on 10 points with Croatia, each side having played six games. The 2018 World Cup finalists take on struggling Latvia before finishing their group efforts against Armenia. Regardless of Croatia’s results, though, two wins from two will be enough for Wales to reach Euro 2024. This is due to their superior head-to-head record over Croatia, drawing the away fixture in Split in March and then securing a 2-1 win in Cardiff last month. If Wales match or better Croatia’s final two results, they will finish ahead of them. However, Armenia could still come into the mix – they have the head-to-head edge over Wales after a 4-2 away win in June. The Caucasus nation currently have seven points – if they win their final two games (against Wales and Croatia), and Croatia fail to beat Latvia, Armenia would finish second in the group. Even if Croatia do beat Latvia, Armenia would still finish above Luka Modric and co if they beat them by at least two goals in Zagreb on Tuesday. All would not be lost for Wales if they were to finish third, though. Qualification play-off spots are available based on performances in the 2022/23 Nations League. Wales were relegated from League A but with most of the teams ahead of them on the competition ladder likely to secure automatic qualification for the Euros, a play-off spot will almost certainly be theirs if they finish third in the group, notwithstanding a ludicrous set of results from other groups over the weekend. Croatia, meanwhile, are assured of at least a play-off spot after reaching the Nations League finals. Remaining fixtures Armenia vs Wales, Yerevan (Saturday 18 November, 2pm GMT) Latvia vs Croatia, Riga (Saturday 18 November, 5pm GMT) Croatia vs Armenia, Zagreb (Tuesday 21 November, 7.45pm GMT) Wales vs Turkey, Cardiff (Tuesday 21 November, 7.45pm GMT) Team Pld W D L Goal Difference Pts 1. Turkey (Q) 7 5 1 1 +7 16 2. Wales 6 3 1 2 0 10 3. Croatia 6 3 1 2 +6 10 4. Armenia 6 2 1 3 -1 7 5. Latvia 7 1 0 6 -12 3 Read More What do Wales need to qualify for Euro 2024? Injured Aaron Ramsey serving as Wales’s lucky mascot in Armenia Is Armenia vs Wales on TV? Kick-off time, channel and how to watch Euros qualifier Rob Page keen to focus on football after clearing air with FAW chief Noel Mooney England boss Gareth Southgate targets unbeaten run ahead of Euro 2024 I always want more for myself – Phil Foden targets England goals and assists
2023-11-18 19:49
BetMGM Bonus Code: Win $200 INSTANT Bonus Betting $10 on ANY College Football Game Today!
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2023-11-18 19:28
Is Armenia vs Wales on TV? Kick-off time, channel and how to watch Euros qualifier
Wales have their backs against the wall to try and secure their qualification for Euro 2024, and need a win over Armenia. The team recovered from a disappointing start to their campaign, but require victories over Armenia and Turkey to finish in the automatic promotion places. Wales can take encouragement from their 2-1 win over Croatia last month, but lost to both their upcoming opponents in June. The similarities are clear between this campaign and Wales’ successful Euro 2020 qualification, when they reached the trophy after a strong finish, holding Croatia to a draw before back-to-back wins over Azerbaijan and Hungary secured their place in the tournament. Here’s everything you need to know, and get the latest tips and odds for the match here. When is Wales vs Armenia? The match takes place tonight, Saturday 18 November, with a kick off time of 2pm GMT, at the Vazgen Sargsyan Republican Stadium in Armenia. How can I watch it? In the UK the match will be shown live on Viaplay Sports 1 and in the Welsh language on S4C. Viaplay subscribers can also watch the contest on their website and app, while Channel 4 will show a free live stream in Welsh on their website. Team news Brennan Johnson is sift for Wales, with Kieffer Moore, Harry Wilson and David Brooks also in contention for what is likely to be a front three, but captain Aaron Ramsey remains injured. Predicted line-up Wales XI: Ward, Mepham, Rodon, Davies, Roberts, James, Ampadu, N Williams, Brooks, Wilson, Moore Odds Wales 20/21 Draw 5/2 Armenia 10/3 Prediction Wales will be able to secure the required win. Wales 2-0 Armenia. Read More What do Wales need to qualify for Euro 2024? Injured Aaron Ramsey serving as Wales’s lucky mascot in Armenia Rob Page keen to focus on football after clearing air with FAW chief Noel Mooney Erling Haaland ruled out of Norway match – only a week before Man City v Liverpool England vs Malta LIVE: Euro 2024 qualifier result and reaction What Everton ruling means for the Premier League, Man City and Chelsea
2023-11-18 19:22
What channel is Alabama playing on today? Time, TV channel and how to watch
What channel is the Alabama football game on today? Find out where to watch the Crimson Tide take on Chattanooga.
2023-11-18 19:18
Erling Haaland to miss Norway’s clash against Scotland with foot injury
Erling Haaland is to sit out Norway’s Euro 2024 qualifier against Scotland on Sunday at Hampden Park due to a foot problem. The Manchester City striker took a blow to his foot on Thursday when Norway beat the Faroe Islands 2-0 in a friendly in Oslo. In a statement on the Norwegian Football Federation’s official website on Saturday, team doctor Ola Sand said: “The injury is not serious, but he is in so much pain and somewhat restricted function that the Scotland game unfortunately comes a little too early.” Norway boss Stale Solbakken said: “It is of course a shame that Erling will not be ready for the match on Sunday, but we will not be bringing in a replacement. “This is a great opportunity for the offensive players in the squad to show off.” Premier League leaders City return to action after the international break by hosting Liverpool – a point behind in second place – on November 25. Haaland, scorer of 52 goals for City in their treble-winning campaign last season, has netted 17 times in all competitions for Pep Guardiola’s men so far this term. Read More I always want more for myself – Phil Foden targets England goals and assists Can King Kohli be stopped? Talking points ahead of World Cup final England boss Gareth Southgate targets unbeaten run ahead of Euro 2024
2023-11-18 18:49
Wales football fans arrested in Armenia ahead of qualifier
About 1,200 supporters travelled to capital Yerevan ahead of the European Championships qualifier
2023-11-18 18:46
I always want more for myself – Phil Foden targets England goals and assists
Phil Foden has backed himself to add goals and assists to Gareth Southgate’s England side in the build-up to Euro 2024. The Manchester City forward collected his 30th cap in Friday’s drab 2-0 win over Malta as England all-but secured their place as top seeds for next summer’s finals. It was Foden’s cross that Malta defender Enrico Pepe inadvertently diverted past his own goalkeeper to open the scoring as England toiled at Wembley. Harry Kane doubled the lead in the second half, finishing off a flowing team move in which Foden was an integral part. The 23-year-old has scored just four goals since making his debut in 2020 and a place in Southgate’s starting XI is still not guaranteed, with Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka often preferred on the right side of the attack. “I always want more for myself, I think I can add goals to this team – and assists,” Foden told beIN Sports. “I was involved in both of the goals (against Malta), maybe we weren’t at our best but we got the job done in the end and that’s the most important thing. I always want more for myself, I think I can add goals to this team and assists Phil Foden “I’m enjoying my football a lot at the moment, I’m expressing myself, I’m playing really well. So yeah, I need to keep that up, keep pushing myself to score more and get assists.” With Foden and Saka competing for a place on the right, 62-goal skipper Kane leading the line and the likes of Marcus Rashford and Jack Grealish also pushing to start games, Southgate has an embarrassment of riches in attacking positions. The fact Chelsea’s Raheem Sterling has failed to get back into the squad since the World Cup in Qatar only proves how deep the options are for the national team – although his Blues team-mate Cole Palmer is now involved. The 21-year-old joined Chelsea from Manchester City in the summer, where Foden had seen what he could offer at close quarters. “He’s so relaxed on the pitch,” Foden said of Palmer. “He looks like he’s been there for years and he’s such a young lad with tremendous quality and is someone I know really well. “I tried to help him as much as I could at City when he was coming up and he is at Chelsea now and doing really well so I’m delighted for him to get his debut. “It just shows that if you work hard through the academy, it comes through so I’m really delighted for him.” Read More Can King Kohli be stopped? Talking points ahead of World Cup final England boss Gareth Southgate targets unbeaten run ahead of Euro 2024 Pat Cummins urges Australia to ’embrace’ World Cup final pressure against India Liverpool fly Luis Diaz’s parents to UK for Christmas with son after kidnapping On this day in 2013 – Elena Baltacha announces retirement from tennis England display against Malta ‘not a worry’ ahead of Euros, Gareth Southgate insists
2023-11-18 18:23
England boss Gareth Southgate targets unbeaten run ahead of Euro 2024
Gareth Southgate wants England to go into next summer’s Euros with momentum and is targeting an unbeaten run all the way through to Germany. Having wrapped up progress to next year’s finals with two games to spare, Friday’s forgettable 2-0 victory against Malta all-but assured their place among the top seeds at the December 2 draw. England cruised to qualification from what had looked to be a potentially tricky pool and Southgate wants his side to end 2023 with a bang as they round off Group C away to North Macedonia on Monday. But with Euro 2024 glory their stated ambition, the former defender wants his players to keep their foot on the gas. “We’ve had a really good calendar year and we want to finish it well,” the England manager said ahead of the trip to Skopje. “Simple as that. “We should be aiming to go, if we can, into the tournament unbeaten. We’ve got some tough games coming ahead. “I mean, I’m a bit loathed to say that because then you start looking for draws when you want to go and win matches as well, so I want to get the messaging right on that. “But, you know, it’s good for us to be away from Wembley again, a challenging environment because that’s what we’re going to be in next summer.” England have not lost a match since last December’s galling 2-1 defeat to eventual runners-up France in their World Cup quarter-final clash in Qatar. Les Bleus are among their main rivals for silverware next summer, with Southgate’s side stepping up preparations for the Euros with challenging March friendlies against Brazil and Belgium at Wembley. Both opponents will provide stern tests for a team that Southgate says cannot afford to fall short of the level “they need to be at” like they were against Mediterranean minnows Malta. “The teams we’ve got in March, we wouldn’t get away with it,” Southgate said. “And the players just would have a different level of motivation (compared to against Malta). “This week was always going to be difficult. We’ve already qualified, the players are in the middle of a load of matches. “We’re trying to look after a few physically with the team selection, so you’re making changes that, had we needed to win tonight to qualify, might be different. “So, yeah, the whole week has been a little bit like that – couldn’t really get the players on the pitch until Wednesday and as a consequence we were flat. I accept that. “That’s where we were but I’m not going to get into the players about that. I know why and they’ve won another game of football. “It could have been by more. Not quite sure why the third (from Declan Rice) was disallowed, but there we are.” As frustrating as Friday night was at Wembley, England remain well placed for silverware in Southgate’s fourth – and quite possibly final – major tournament at the helm. There is no time to waste with chances to work together limited, plus the fact Monday’s trip to Skopje looks likely to be their final match on foreign soil until the Euros get under way in June. North Macedonia are expected to be far better than in June’s 7-0 Old Trafford annihilation and Southgate has a number of things to consider before settling on his side for the Group C finale. “A lot of our decision-making is physical as much as anything at the moment, so it’s a strange thing,” he said. “Probably if you’ve still got to qualify there’s a different focus on the games and everybody’s happy and understands their players have got to play. “You’re not subconsciously thinking about ‘should we be pushing players out for another game?’ “So, we need to look at where we are after this game in terms of any knocks and bumps. “We’ve got some fresh players to come in. We want to get the balance of the team right and then assess whether there are certain things we want to see and learn from Monday night’s game as well.” Read More Pat Cummins urges Australia to ’embrace’ World Cup final pressure against India Liverpool fly Luis Diaz’s parents to UK for Christmas with son after kidnapping On this day in 2013 – Elena Baltacha announces retirement from tennis England display against Malta ‘not a worry’ ahead of Euros, Gareth Southgate insists Stephen Kenny insists ‘no pressure’ on Evan Ferguson against Netherlands England continue unbeaten Euro 2024 qualifying run with victory over Malta
2023-11-18 17:25
Rich Americans Cancel Trips to Paris Following Middle East War
Wealthy Americans are holding off on booking trips to Paris as the war in the Middle East and
2023-11-18 16:57
Liverpool fly Luis Diaz’s parents to UK for Christmas with son after kidnapping
Liverpool have flown Luis Diaz’s parents to Merseyside so they can spend Christmas with their son after their recent kidnapping ordeal. Cilenis Marulanda was freed almost immediately after being taken by guerrilla group the National Liberation Army earlier this month but father Luis Manuel was held captive for 12 days until being released late last week. Diaz was reunited with his parents when he returned to Colombia for international duty and the pair were in the crowd to see their son score both goals in an emotional 2-1 victory at home to Brazil on Thursday. The PA news agency understands that following the game Liverpool paid for a private jet, for security reasons and to help manage the family’s trauma, to bring Diaz’s parents and wider family to Merseyside so they could spend an extended period of time together. Their plane was scheduled to land at Liverpool’s John Lennon Airport early on Saturday morning. Since Diaz’s parents were kidnapped, the club have endeavoured to provide the best possible support, with manager Jurgen Klopp allowing Diaz compassionate leave and leaving decisions about when he trained and was available for selection entirely up to the player, in keeping with the family values they believe are vital to the club’s ethos. Diaz will rejoin his family in Liverpool when he returns from international duty after their match in Paraguay on Tuesday. He will be on a flight with the club’s other South American players Alisson Becker, who was beaten twice by his club-mate in their game in Barranquilla in the far north of Colombia, Alexis Mac Allister and Darwin Nunez – who faced each other in Argentina’s 2-1 defeat by Uruguay – in a plane jointly chartered by a number of Premier League clubs to return their players home as expediently as possible. Liverpool head to Manchester City in a top-of-the-table clash at the Etihad Stadium next Saturday lunchtime. Read More On this day in 2013 – Elena Baltacha announces retirement from tennis England display against Malta ‘not a worry’ ahead of Euros, Gareth Southgate insists Stephen Kenny insists ‘no pressure’ on Evan Ferguson against Netherlands
2023-11-18 16:20
Israel Latest: Ground Assault May Be Extended to South Gaza
Israel said its ground offensive in the north of the Gaza Strip may be expanded to the south
2023-11-18 15:29