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Pep Guardiola returns to work at Manchester City after back operation
Pep Guardiola returns to work at Manchester City after back operation
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has returned to the club after recovering from his recent back operation. The PA news agency understands the Catalan has now resumed duties after three weeks away. Assistant boss Juanma Lillo took charge of first-team affairs as the 52-year-old travelled to Spain to undergo a routine procedure last month. In Guardiola’s absence the treble winners beat Sheffield United and Fulham to maintain their 100 per cent start in the Premier League. City’s squad were beginning to reconvene on Wednesday following the international break. They return to Premier League action at West Ham on Saturday before their latest Champions League campaign begins at home to Red Star Belgrade next Tuesday. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live
2023-09-14 00:15
Who is playing Thursday Night Football this week, Sept. 14?
Who is playing Thursday Night Football this week, Sept. 14?
Thursday Night Football kicks off in earnest with a heavyweight matchup for Week 2. Who kicks off the Amazon Prime package in 2023?
2023-09-13 20:21
Gareth Southgate hails ‘excellent’ England response as Scotland swept aside
Gareth Southgate hails ‘excellent’ England response as Scotland swept aside
Gareth Southgate was delighted with his players’ commitment, togetherness and mentality over the last week as England continue to build towards their goal of winning Euro 2024. Having reached the final of the last edition and impressed in December’s World Cup quarter-final exit to France, the focus is on finally getting their hands on silverware in Germany next summer. Winning their first four Group C matches means it has long been a case of when rather than if England seal their place at the finals, but Saturday’s drab 1-1 qualification draw against Ukraine brought criticism. Southgate’s side bounced back with a slick 3-1 friendly win over old foes Scotland at Hampden Park on Tuesday, bringing a successful camp came to a victorious end. “We’re building all the time,” the England manager said. “We want to keep improving, we keep pushing the players. “We’ve been able to experiment a bit this week as well. Two new centre-backs (Marc Guehi and Lewis Dunk) have come in, relatively inexperienced, and both done really well. “But some of our senior players are so influential – (Kyle) Walker and (Kieran) Trippier were absolutely outstanding (against Scotland). “The impact of our senior players on this group just can’t be underestimated. “Of course, a lot of the headlines will go to some of our younger players and understandably so, but the way that the group form and the way they are as a team is key to getting the types of performance we have (last night).” Southgate’s team are among the favourites to win next summer’s Euros and former international Joe Cole called this side the best England team he has seen his lifetime. “Everybody else can assess that,” the manager said when that was put to him after their impressive Hampden Park triumph. “I think we want to keep pushing the players. “I was really pleased with the week. If you’d said to me before the game, ‘How’s the week been?’ I’d have said, ‘Excellent’. “The players have been fully committed, encouraged each other, trained really well, responded well to a disappointing performance but a really important and good result in Ukraine. “We wanted the sort of mentality that we showed, and they produced that. They were absolutely excellent (at Hampden).” It was an impressive team effort with Real Madrid star Jude Bellingham at its heart in Mount Florida. The 20-year-old played a role in Phil Foden’s opener and three minutes later fired home his second international goal. Bellingham did not stop there as he capped a man-of-the-match display with a fine assist for Harry Kane after Harry Maguire’s own goal temporarily gave Hampden hope. “Well, he was excellent,” Southgate said of the young midfielder. “We thought that position might cause a problem. “I mean, we knew we needed athleticism there to press Scotland because their midfield players can dictate games if you allow them, so that was that was key. “But we knew the way we played the system might create a bit of an overload and his powerful running forwards with Marcus (Rashford) as well, in particular when Harry was dropping low and Phil was dropping low, that gave us a real outlet. “So, it was a nice balance to the team with Kalvin (Phillips) and Dec (Rice) doing a brilliant job of mopping up, destroying things and keeping the ball ticking over well.” Players now return to club matters before convening next month for a Wembley friendly against Australia and qualifier under the arch against Euro 2020 winners Italy. The Group C leaders’ advantage at the top could be cut to three points by the time they host the Azzurri, but bookmakers’ odds of 1-250 on England to qualify for Euro 2024 highlights their position of strength. Scotland are also on the cusp of qualification having won their first five qualifiers. Steve Clarke’s men would have even qualified on Tuesday had Norway and Georgia drawn, but instead the wait continues as they head to second-placed Spain next month looking respond to a deflating loss to the Auld Enemy. Put to Southgate that there appears to be a big gap between England and Scotland, he said: “No, I just think, look, we played exceptionally well. “We were able to nullify a lot of the threats that Scotland pose, so it was a really good performance from us. “I think Scottish fans should be really proud of how their team are going and the job Steve’s doing. “I’m sure there’ll be a huge reaction to the result, but we’ve just said that for three days and I’m sure Steve’s sensible enough to keep calm about that. “We played well, we’ve won the game, but on another night that can look very different.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live ‘Top-level’ England are the benchmark for improving Scotland – Lewis Ferguson Football rumours: Martin Odegaard tight lipped about Arsenal contract extension On this day in 2007: McLaren fined £49.2m and stripped of points over ‘spygate’
2023-09-13 20:20
Criticism has not affected Harry Maguire, says England team-mate Aaron Ramsdale
Criticism has not affected Harry Maguire, says England team-mate Aaron Ramsdale
Aaron Ramsdale praised Harry Maguire for his continued “outstanding” England displays as the under-fire defender blocks out unrelenting criticism and scrutiny. The world’s most expensive defender was named in the Euros team of the tournament in 2021, but game time and form at Manchester United have dropped off since then. Gareth Southgate has stuck by Maguire and brought him on at half-time in Tuesday’s 3-1 friendly win over Scotland, during which he was mocked mercilessly by the Hampden Park crowd before scoring an own goal. Furious Southgate believes the reaction was as a result of wider “ridiculous” criticism of the defender, which he called “a joke” and said was “beyond anything I’ve ever seen”. England fans backed Maguire and chanted his name in Glasgow, with team-mates like goalkeeper Ramsdale also offering support to the oft-criticised centre-back. “Harry Maguire has had criticism for the past 18 months, two years,” he said. “It hasn’t affected him. “His performances for England have been nigh on outstanding, that’s why he keeps getting picked and played. Simple as that. “I don’t think a few whistles and groans from the fans are going to change his mindset. “He had 45 minutes in a game where I thought he played well, kept the ball for us and one unfortunate own goal, if you want to call it that, and people are going to start talking about him and I don’t think it’s needed.” His performances for England have been nigh on outstanding, that's why he keeps getting picked and played. Simple as that Aaron Ramsdale on Harry Maguire Ramsdale said Maguire was “superb when he came on” and had no issues with his “really unfortunate” own goal. “People will say he’s come on and scored an own goal, but if he has any doubt in his mind, I want my defender to try to clear it,” the Arsenal goalkeeper said. “It’s a cross-shot, he’s tried to deal with it and eight times out of 10 it goes behind for a corner or he clears it. “Every time he touched the ball the crowd got up and made noises and he dealt with it extremely well, played some lovely passes. “I thought he accompanied Lewis (Dunk) and rest of the back four really well. Yeah, I’d want him to do that again 10 times over.” Ramsdale won just his fourth England cap on Tuesday evening and was grateful for Maguire then, just as he has been since making his debut behind him in November 2021. “He talks you through the game,” he said. “I remember that from my first cap. “It was San Marino and obviously we won 10-0, but he talked me through the whole game, calmed me down at times and he did the same (against Scotland). “So, it’s a real dream to play with him and, as I said, it’s just an unfortunate goal that people are going to highlight and it doesn’t need to be that way.” But Ramsdale knows that everything is pored over in minute detail with England, whether it is Maguire’s selection, Phil Foden’s role or Southgate’s approach. The team may also be under the microscope, but Ramsdale says that has helped to cultivate a special mentality within the group. “You’re playing for England,” he said. “It’s the most scrutinised team in the world, I personally think. “We’ve got so many good players, a pool of players, and everyone will have a different opinion on who should be playing and who shouldn’t be playing. “I think that’s what makes us so strong as a group, the fact that we can brush things off and use the noise as outside noise and listen to ourselves.” Put to Ramsdale that is easier said than done, he said: “Exactly, but two years ago we were playing in a European final and then we went to the World Cup and could have done a bit better in different circumstances and played against a good team in France. “We’re so close to qualifying again and this group has been together so long and we’ve got such a great connection. “Like you said, it’s easier said than done, but it’s one of the top qualities this group has, that it sticks together and block out any noise that we don’t want to hear.” Read More Rugby World Cup: Red card rules explained ‘Top-level’ England are the benchmark for improving Scotland – Lewis Ferguson Scotland fans boo England national anthem God Save the King before Glasgow friendly Rugby World Cup: Red card rules explained ‘Top-level’ England are the benchmark for improving Scotland – Lewis Ferguson Scotland fans boo England national anthem God Save the King before Glasgow friendly
2023-09-13 19:49
Scotland handed lesson on ‘enormous gap’ to England, admits Graeme Souness
Scotland handed lesson on ‘enormous gap’ to England, admits Graeme Souness
Former Scotland midfielder Graeme Souness was unhapp his nation failed to show the level of determination and effort the magnitude of the encounter against England demanded. Speaking on Channel 4 after the Three Lions triumphed 3-1, Souness noted that while the Scots have undoubtedly improved under Steve Clarke, they’ve been shown just how great the distance between themselves and the top nations remains by the ease in which England won. Phil Foden, Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane scored for the visitors, with the hosts unable to create much in the way of attacking chances, with Harry Maguire’s own goal their only consolation. And Clarke’s players needed to produce more to make the atmosphere a hostile one, Souness said, which might have tipped the balance somewhat. “It was a friendly. If nothing else go and empty someone, get the crowd involved. This is a passionate football crowd, and we gave them nothing to shout about tonight,” he said. “I accept that England were fabulous and are a fabulous team but from Scotland’s point of view, they couldn’t get the crowd involved because they didn’t show the required aggression for me. I know it’s a friendly but it’s an England-Scotland game. “They dominated, there was always another gear for them, and I think it was a sobering night for Scotland. They’ve been on a magnificent run but when push comes to shove there’s an enormous gap between where England are and where Scotland are.” Alongside fellow pundits Joe Cole and Jill Scot, both former England internationals, Souness stated his opinion that this squad of players under Gareth Southgate must make good on their potential to win an international tournament. Having made the Euro 2020 final, they’ll hope to go one step further next summer - and all three believe the team has the ability to do so. “England look like a real proper team. I think they can improve on that. They’ve got more attacking options to come on, but England have to be looking to win a trophy now. This is a special group that Gareth Southgate’s got,” Souness added. “This is the golden generation. Forget Frank Lampard, Steven Gerrard, and Paul Scholes. England have strength in depth, Jude Bellingham was outstanding tonight. I can remember England winning the World Cup, this is the strongest group I’ve ever seen, and they can only get better. England are destined to get [...] a trophy with this group of players.” Scott agreed they “should have their hands on the trophy”, while Cole pointed to the core group having “40 or 50 caps” by the time they play at the Euros. “In the past there was always something missing, this team ticks every box,” he said. “I think it’s the best England team I’ve seen or played in in my lifetime.” Read More Player ratings as Bellingham stars in England win over Scotland Terrible football or bad luck? Social media debates Harry Maguire’s ongoing struggles Maguire’s humiliation is complete — Southgate must save him from himself Player ratings as Bellingham stars in England win over Scotland Terrible football or bad luck? Social media debates Harry Maguire’s ongoing struggles Maguire’s humiliation is complete — Southgate must save him from himself
2023-09-13 16:00
Terrible football or bad luck? Social media debates Harry Maguire’s ongoing struggles
Terrible football or bad luck? Social media debates Harry Maguire’s ongoing struggles
England were victorious in their heritage match against Scotland to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the first game played between the two nations. Gareth Southgate’s men won 3-1 thanks to goals from Phil Foden, Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane but it was the goal they conceded that had social media buzzing in the immediate aftermath. With England 2-0 up at half-time came the introduction of Harry Maguire, replacing a solid Marc Guehi in central defence, and after a decent start the former Manchester United captain turned an Andy Robertson ball past of his goalkeeper and into his own net reigniting hopes of a second-half Scottish comeback. Following the own goal, The Independent’s Miguel Delaney posted on X: “Who is more luckless, Harry Maguire or Stephen Kenny? Whatever you think of their abilities, both have suffered some twists that are just down to pure bad fortune.” Such was the debate around Maguire on social media. Is his downward spiral a matter of decling skills or bad luck at the wrong time? Samuel Luckhurst from the Manchester Evening News tweeted: “Maguire is stuck in a neverending cycle of negativity that will only end when he leaves United. Heckled by Arsenal and Scotland fans this month and things have gone wrong for him in both games. He gives opponents hope. Element of lucklessness and carelessness.” His thoughts were echoed by ESPN’s James Olley who wrote: “Maguire’s name cheered by the Scotland fans as he replaces Guehi. Becoming a troubling theme for him - opposing fans did the same thing when he was subbed on for Manchester United at Arsenal. England band respond by singing their Maguire song.” While, talkSPORT’s Rory Jennings said: “Harry Maguire is an absolute calamity. A walking disaster. A punchline. So bereft of any talent or natural intuition about how to defend. “The only good thing that can come from this is that hopefully that OG will finally dispel the myth that ‘Maguire has never let England down.’” Meanwhile, the England manager, already facing criticism for picking Maguire in this September squad when he has hardly played for Manchester United, came to the 30-year-old’s defence in his post match interviews blaming pundits and commentators for the vitriol he’s received. "It’s a consequence of ridiculous treatment of him for a long period of time,” Southgate said when asked about the reception Maguire received from both sets of fans. “It’s a joke, I’ve never known a player treated like he is, not by the Scottish fans, but by our own commentators, pundits, whatever it is, they have created something that is beyond anything I have ever seen. “He has been an absolute stalwart for us in the second most successful English team for decades, he has been an absolutely key part of that. I have talked about the importance of our senior players, he has been crucial amongst that and every time he goes on the field the resilience he shows, the balls he shows is absolutely incredible, so he is a top player and we are all with him.” The Guardian’s Jonathan Liew fired back at the England boss referencing Southgate’s previous defence of Jordan Henderson’s move to Saudi Arabia by saying: “Wouldn’t it be great if the England manager could defend LGBT rights with the same energy he defends Harry Maguire.” Read More Maguire’s humiliation is complete — Southgate must save him from himself Gareth Southgate says Harry Maguire criticism ‘beyond anything I’ve ever seen’ Gareth Southgate: England over-experimenting in Scotland would be ‘ridiculous’ Rasmus Hojlund fit to make Manchester United debut at Arsenal – Erik ten Hag Gareth Southgate admits Raheem Sterling not happy after England snub Raheem Sterling may have no way back as Gareth Southgate shows his hard edge
2023-09-13 15:56
Scotland vs England player ratings: Jude Bellingham the star amid Andy Robertson’s nightmare
Scotland vs England player ratings: Jude Bellingham the star amid Andy Robertson’s nightmare
Scotland hosted England in a 150th anniversary of their first-ever meeting; this time around it was the Three Lions who triumphed with a routine and comprehensive 3-1 victory. Phil Foden and Jude Bellingham scored within minutes of each other in the first half, before Harry Maguire turned into his own net to close the gap past the hour mark. Harry Kane wrapped up matters though as England took the bragging rights. Here are the player ratings from Hampden Park. Scotland Angus Gunn - 6. Nothing he could do about either goal, banged past him from close range on both occasions. Massive save from Eze at 2-1 but beaten by Kane one-on-one. Ryan Porteus - 5. Did well in direct duels but struggled to keep pace once England’s runners from deep started showing their movement and ability to swap spaces. Jack Hendry - 7. Important recovery interception to thwart England’s best move on half-hour. Like Porteus, couldn’t get tight enough when the passing started to flow. Kieran Tierney - 6. A few decent moments for Scotland’s attack as he looked to overlap, but couldn’t get close defensively and pulled out of shape for the third in particular. Aaron Hickey - 6. A good outlet at times and looked to be able to beat Tierney at times, but the final pass and cross was lacking. Billy Gilmour - 5. All but ran the game against England a couple of years ago but this time around was swamped in the middle and easily bypassed. Callum McGregor - 6. Hard-working and tried to keep his side moving forward but was also outnumbered and certainly out-passed. Andy Robertson - 4. A nightmare couple of minutes as he played on Marcus Rashford in the build-up to the first then gifted possession inside his own box for 2-0. Caught wrong side of Kane for the third, too, though did deliver the cross for Maguire’s own goal. Scott McTominay - 5. Didn’t offer anywhere near enough, perhaps showing his lack of match fitness. John McGinn - 7. Bustling and energetic, twice going close in the second half with a hammered shot and an attempted header which hit his shoulder. Che Adams - 5. Toiled away without much service in the first half, then when his team tried to push on at the start of the second he was unable to offer hold-up play or movement to aid the attack. Subs: R. Christie 7, L. Dykes 6, L. Ferguson n/a, S. Armstrong n/a. England Aaron Ramsdale - 7. Good footwork for the most part but never really tested as a last line of defence. Kyle Walker - 8. Drilled a half-volley wide in the first half and led the best move on the counter soon after. Definitely tried a shot which turned into an assist for the opener. Marc Guehi - 7. Really solid first half where he made two good interceptions with aerial deliveries and played out nicely. Subbed at the break. Lewis Dunk - 8. Similar to his centre-back partner, was good across the board doing the job which was needed. Kept Che Adams very quiet throughout and made a big block just past the hour mark. Kieran Trippier - 7. Filled in at left-back once more and didn’t get forward to quite as good effect as he can down the right, but ensured the team was balanced and kept possession. Kalvin Phillips - 7. A rare run-out for so many minutes for the Man City man. Technically looked perfectly fine and did his defensive work well for the most part, though some of Scotland’s quicker counters did leave him chasing dust. Declan Rice - 7. Very much stuck to his defensive responsibilities and did them perfectly well. Set a strong platform for the attackers to shine from. Phil Foden - 8. Scored the first and involved in setting up the second. Could have netted earlier too but spooned a shot over, then almost made a third on the brink of half-time. Involved in most of the team’s best work. Jude Bellingham - 9. A hit-and-miss start to the game but was in the right place to lash home England’s second. From that point on he was the best on the park, creative and aggressive throughout and set up Kane with a great turn and through pass. Marcus Rashford - 7. A good outlet in early spells for England but never really had the beating of his man one-on-one or a finishing touch. Really decent link play in quick transitions but a bit lacking inside the box. Harry Kane - 7. A mostly quiet game for the Bayern striker who couldn’t get too involved in most of the best England build-up play. A few dangerous balls from deep or wide, but more would be expected - still found space once, and scored. Subs: H. Maguire 4, E. Eze 6, B. Saka 7, C. Gallagher n/a, C. Wilson n/a. Read More Maguire’s humiliation is complete — Southgate must save him from himself Terrible football or bad luck? Social media debates Harry Maguire’s ongoing struggles Scotland handed lesson on ‘enormous gap’ to England, admits Graeme Souness Bellingham makes centre stage his own as England’s youngest star beats oldest rivals Scotland vs England LIVE: Result and reaction as Kane wraps up Three Lions win England want Newcastle duo amid call-up tug-of-war with Scotland
2023-09-13 15:50
Football rumours: Martin Odegaard tight lipped about Arsenal contract extension
Football rumours: Martin Odegaard tight lipped about Arsenal contract extension
What the papers say Arsenal’s captain Martin Odegaard has remained tight-lipped around his contract extension, the Evening Standard reports. The 24-year-old Norwegian said he is “very happy” at Arsenal despite the links with a move away next summer. Chelsea failed to sell their defender Trevoh Chalobah last transfer window but said he does not expect to move into the starting side when he returns from a hamstring injury, according to the Evening Standard. The Sun says Burnley and Crystal Palace are keeping an eye on 19-year-old Colchester striker Bradley Ihionvien. The League Two player has scored twice in his last three games with Championship club’s Leicester City, Watford and Norwich also interested in the teenager. Social media round-up Player to watch Erling Haaland: Barcelona are reportedly gearing up to challenge for the Manchester City striker in 2025 when he could become available for a mammoth £150million, 90 Min reports. Andre Gomes: Turkish team Fenerbahce are interested in the 30-year-old Everton midfielder to target before their transfer window closes, according to Turkish outlet Sozcu. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live
2023-09-13 13:49
Matt Rhule all but tells Nebraska fans to buckle in for a long 2023 season
Matt Rhule all but tells Nebraska fans to buckle in for a long 2023 season
Nebraska football's 0-2 start hasn't been pretty in the least. And head coach Matt Rhule's latest comments don't foretell a turnaround coming for the Huskers.
2023-09-13 09:49
3 college football quarterbacks who need to be benched after Week 2
3 college football quarterbacks who need to be benched after Week 2
It's early in the college football season, but there are some teams that need to make a major change happen quickly, at quarterback specifically.
2023-09-13 06:52
Gareth Southgate says Harry Maguire criticism ‘beyond anything I’ve ever seen’
Gareth Southgate says Harry Maguire criticism ‘beyond anything I’ve ever seen’
Gareth Southgate says he has never seen a player treated like Harry Maguire as the furious England manager labelled the unrelenting criticism of him “ridiculous” and “a joke”. Little more than two years on from being named in the European Championship team of the tournament, the 30-year-old is now the butt of jokes to many. Maguire’s struggle for form and game-time at Manchester United have increased the spotlight on a player that has remained an integral part of Southgate’s England squad. The centre-back made his first start of the season in Saturday’s 1-1 Euro 2024 qualifying draw against Ukraine and was mocked mercilessly when brought on at half-time against Scotland three days later. Maguire went on to score an unfortunate own goal but enjoyed the last laugh at Hampden Park as the Auld Enemy ran out 3-1 victors – something the travelling hordes were quick to celebrate with the under-fire defender. “From a Scotland fan’s point of view, I get it and I have absolutely no complaints with what they did,” the England boss said. “It is a consequence of ridiculous treatment of him for a long period of time, frankly. “I think our fans recognised ‘OK, there might be a bit of heat from our own supporters but we’re not going to have it from others getting into him’. “But it’s a joke. I’ve never known a player treated the way he is – not by the Scottish fans, by our own commentators, pundits, whatever it is. “They’ve created something that’s beyond anything I’ve ever seen. “He’s been an absolute stalwart for us in the second most successful England team for decades. He’s been an absolutely key part of that. “I’ve talked about the importance of our senior players. He’s been crucial amongst that. “Every time he goes on the field, the resilience he shows, the balls he shows is absolutely incredible. “He’s a top player and we’re all with him and our fans were brilliant with him tonight.” England fans chanted his name throughout the second half, including bellowing out ‘Harry Maguire, he’s winning 3-1’ after Harry Kane added to Phil Foden and Jude Bellingham’s first half goals. Asked how he is after the so-called friendly, Southgate said of Maguire: “He’s good, he’s great. We’ve had a good win, he’s been a big part of that. “He’s gone and spoken with the media because that’s the sort of lad he is. “He’s fronted up as he always does, so again enormous credit to his character.” Southgate said the own goal was “just unfortunate” on a night when Bellingham shone and England produced an impressive performance. “Really pleased with the performance,” Southgate said after the 116th meeting of international football’s oldest foes. “We wanted to give a performance that was controlled with the ball. “We knew that would be the best way of trying to quieten the crowd, which was a fantastic atmosphere. “I thought we showed great composure, we had good control of possession deeper and we had a real threat with our runs in behind and our forward running and forward passing. “The team worked incredibly hard without the ball because Scotland’s system can cause you a lot of problems. “So, I was so happy with all of the starting XI, all of the subs. “They’ve done a fantastic job and in the end, a really strong performance with an excellent result.” On Bellingham, the England boss added: “We want all our players to have that freedom and, contrary to what people seem to think most of the time, I think they do have that. “Tonight, different system they were playing against, different areas where the spaces were open. “What was key for Jude, the timing of his forward runs. You know, he’s got that ability to slip through challenges and he’s just a brilliant competitor. “He’s not concerned about the environment.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Steve Clarke insists Scotland remain in positive mood despite England defeat Luis Rubiales refuses to apologise to Jenni Hermoso over ‘consensual’ kiss Dane Vilas and Luke Wells put Lancashire in front heading into final day
2023-09-13 06:46
Steve Clarke insists Scotland remain in positive mood despite England defeat
Steve Clarke insists Scotland remain in positive mood despite England defeat
Steve Clarke stressed Scotland’s feelgood factor should remain fully intact despite a 3-1 Hampden Park defeat to England. The chance of a double celebration lay in store for the Tartan Army but a chastening evening against their rivals saw many supporters drift out before full-time, as Norway’s 2-1 win against Georgia denied them an early qualification for next summer’s Euro 2024 finals in Germany. Victory against Spain in Seville on October 12 would be enough to top Group A and even defeat would leave a significant chance for Scotland to qualify next month as something will need to give when Norway face the Spaniards three days later. When asked how he would go about making sure the 150th anniversary defeat did not dent the feelgood factor, Clarke said: “It hasn’t gone. In the competitive group we are in – five wins, 15 points. “I told the lads the camp has been a success. The most important thing in this camp was to get three points in Cyprus. We achieved that. “It would have been nice to get a positive result against England to make it even better but the objective of what we came in to do has been done. “Obviously we didn’t want to lose to our Auld Enemy but on the night England were better. “Sometimes you need to take your medicine in football and we will take our medicine and try to improve. This group have always shown they are pretty good in a little bit of adversity Steve Clarke “We knew playing against England was going to be difficult, playing Spain away is going to be difficult, playing France away is going to be difficult. “But if you want to learn as a team you have to play against good opposition so we have to go away and learn the lessons and try to be better. “This group have always shown they are pretty good in a little bit of adversity, they have always bounced back in good shape, so hopefully next month they can do that.” Scotland struggled to make inroads against the English defence in the first half and were two down at half-time through Phil Foden and Jude Bellingham strikes before producing a more positive start to the second half. Harry Maguire’s own goal gave the home fans hope midway through the second period but John McGinn missed a good chance to equalise and England got back on top before Harry Kane netted. Clarke said: “You have to understand how good England are at pressing the ball, they made it very difficult for us first half, we couldn’t get our foot on it or string enough passes to open the game. “Listen, you have to learn to play against the speed and physicality of the opposition and England have certainly got both speed and physicality as well as a lot of talented players. “I think we can defend better. We didn’t defend as well as we could do so it’s something to improve. “The way we shaped the team, the personnel I started with, I had some ideas in my head that I wanted to see how they worked. “Obviously it didn’t work that well in the first half. I thought it was a little bit better in the second half I thought the changes were good, gave us a bit more impetus, a bit of energy, Ryan Christie came into the pitch really well. “And just as it looked as though we might get a chance to get something out the game, I was just getting ready to make some positive changes, England got the third and that killed the night.”
2023-09-13 06:29
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