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It has not been a smooth start for Ireland in their qualifiers so far, a 2-0 defeat to France on Thursday has left them with just three points from their first four matches, putting s a significant dent in their hopes of qualification. It has left the game against Netherlands as a must-win to keep any chances of reaching the coveted main Euro 2024 in Germany alive, as a victory on Sunday would put them level on points with the Dutch team. Currently Netherlands are second in the group behind France, but with two games in hand they could push for top place, while Ireland’s chances remain minimal. Ireland go into the game fourth in the group, three points behind third-place Greece, having played the same number of games. Here’s everything you need to know: When is Ireland vs Netherlands? Ireland host the Netherlands on Sunday at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin, with kick off at 7.45pm BST. Where can I watch it? The game will not be shown on television in the UK but can be watched via streaming service Viaplay Sports. What is the team news? Ireland are expected to be without Brighton player Evan Ferguson for the upcoming match after he sustained an injury ruling him out of the international matches. Michael Obafemi, Troy Parrott, Callum Robinson, and Mikey Johnston are already ruled out through injury, leaving Ireland manager Stephen Kenny short of options. With the injury to Ferguson, Ireland could stick with Adam Idah and Chiedoze Ogbene up front, as they did against France. Predicted line-ups Ireland XI: Bazunu, Collins, Duffy, Egan, Brown, Molumby, Cullen, Stevens, Ogbene, Idah, Knight Netherlands XI: Flekken, Geertruida, Van Dijk, Ake, Dumfries, de Roon, de Jong, Blind, Simons, Gakpo, Weghorst Odds and tips Ireland 7/2 Draw 9/4 Netherlands 8/13 Latest football odds and tips here Prediction Given the calibre of the Netherlands’ squad and Ireland’s recent form, the visitors will just edge it but it will be a difficult match and the home side will put in everything. Ireland 1-2 Netherlands Read More Talking points ahead of Republic of Ireland’s crucial clash with Netherlands Gareth Southgate felt England did not ‘quite click’ against Ukraine Gareth Southgate won’t be swayed by ‘external reaction’ over Jordan Henderson Kyle Walker relishing England’s friendly with old foes Scotland Germany boss Hansi Flick under pressure following home defeat to Japan Gareth Southgate looking forward to tough examination against Scotland

Israel Adesanya defends his middleweight title against Sean Strickland in the main event of UFC 293 tonight. Adesanya regained the title in April by knocking out his old kickboxing rival Alex Pereira, five months after the Brazilian took the belt from Adesanya. The Nigerian-New Zealander will look to get his second run as champion off to a good start tonight, as he fights Strickland in Sydney. While Adesanya, 34, has proven divisive among fans, American Strickland has courted greater controversy in recent years. The 32-year-old claimed in 2021 that he would like to ‘kill’ an opponent in the ring one day, but it has not stopped him from getting the greater share of cheers in Australia this week. While he will be the apparent fan favourite at UFC 293, Adesanya is the betting favourite, with his counter-striking expected to be too slick for the game but limited Strickland. Follow live updates from the UFC 293 main event and under card, below. Read More Why Israel Adesanya vs Sean Strickland may turn ugly, quickly Fans tear apart Tyson Fury over claim that Francis Ngannou poses tougher test than Oleksandr Usyk UFC rankings: The Independent’s pound-for-pound fighters list

It might not necessarily be considered a typical football nation, but a striking new academy has been launched in Pakistan with Uefa-accredited coaches. Lahore, the capital of the Punjab in Pakistan and the country’s second-largest city, will now offer a football academy. Called the Legends Academy, it enrols over 300 children, both boys and girls, who take part in regular training sessions. Owner of the academy, Hamza Syed said: “It’s the only one in the country that offers Uefa-licensed coaching. We had another initiative four or five years ago but it collapsed and we are the only one and so far we’ve got 300 kids.” The country has its own Pakistan Premier League, with 16 teams, and although the stadiums are small, it is an important step. Syed added: “My three coaches are all ex-Premier League, Liverpool, Arsenal and the third one is arriving tomorrow morning was at Manchester United, and he was very senior he used to run the under-9s and under-6s as an elite coach. “This is a first of its kind venture in Pakistan.” Football is a growing sport in Pakistan. The World Cup was available on television, and while you may not find children playing from dawn till dusk like you would cricket, it is increasingly popular. Syed said: “The response has been fantastic. In the space (since launching a few months ago) we have 300 kids. Cricket is the national sport but in the city schools everyone follows the big leagues in Europe, everyone knows what’s going on, everyone wants to be Aguero. “Football is big, I would say it’s a misconception [that it isn’t].” The Lahore-based academy has girls in every age group, although the majority of children are boys. It is currently fee-paying to enrol into sessions, but Syed is hoping that can change with further investment more scholarships can be offered. The dream, as always, is to eventually have a Pakistani footballer playing in one of the top leagues in Europe, in a hope that would further encourage everyone in the country to take up the sport. Read More Officials use soccer to highlight climate worries in India's ecologically fragile Ladakh region Arsene Wenger reveals his blueprint for the future of football Ukraine vs England LIVE: Latest updates from Euro 2024 qualifying Harry Kane admits it ‘hurt’ watching England peers win titles while Tottenham toiled Man Utd winger Antony appears on Brazilian TV to deny assault allegations

England are closing in on a spot at next summer’s European Championship in Germany after four consecutive victories in qualifying. Gareth Southgate’s men are six points clear of nearest rivals Ukraine and will move nine points ahead should they defeat their hosts this evening. The Three Lions have excelled against Ukraine in recent meetings running out 4-0 winners against them in Euro 2020 before goals from Harry Kane and Bukayo Saka were enough to earn England a victory when the nations clashed at Wembley back in March. Kane will also captain England on his first international appearance since joining Bayern Munich this summer. FOLLOW LIVE: Teams and all the action as the Three Lions face Ukraine in Poland Due to the ongoing Russian invasion of their country, Ukraine have been playing their international matches in Poland with this game going ahead in Wroclaw. Southgate’s team selection with be a hot topic of conversation with Harry Maguire set to feature despite only making one appearance for Manchester United this season and Raheem Sterling excluded from the squad. England’s qualifier against Ukraine in their only competitive match of September’s international break but they also play Scotland in a friendly on Tuesday. Here’s everything you need to know ahead of the match, plus all the latest football odds and the latest offers and tips ahead of Ukraine vs England here: When is Ukraine vs England? Ukraine host England in the Euro 2024 qualifiers on Saturday 9 September at the Tarczynski Arena in Wroclaw, Poland with kick off at 5pm. Where can I watch it? Channel 4 will be airing the game in the UK and have exclusive live coverage of the rest of England’s Euro 2024 qualifiers. Coverage is scheduled to start at 4pm and is available to watch via a free live stream on the Channel 4 website and app. What is the team news? Mykhailo Mudryk returned to action for Chelsea at the weekend as he overcame an injury and is in line to start for Ukraine but experienced midfielders Ruslan Malinovskyi and Yevhen Konoplyanka have not been included in Serhiy Rebrov’s squad. John Stones, Reece James and Mason Mount are all missing due to injuries with Raheem Sterling and James Ward-Prowse not selected. Jordan Henderson could feature despite moving to the Saudi Pro League while Trent Alexander-Arnold and Jack Grealish have withdrawn from the squad. Marcus Rashford, Phil Foden and James Maddison are competing to join Harry Kane and Bukayo Saka in the forward line. Confirmed line-ups Ukraine XI: Trubin, Konoplya, Zabarnyi, Kryvtsov, Matviyenko, Stepanenko, Sudakov, Yarmolenko, Buyalskyi, Tsygankov, Vanat England XI: Pickford, Walker, Maguire, Guehi, Chillwell, Henderson, Rice, Maddison, Bellingham, Kane, Saka Odds and tips Ukraine 7/1 Draw 7/2 England 12/25 Latest odds here. Prediction England have dominated Group C during this qualifying campaign and will once again get the better of Ukraine despite missing a few key players. An impressive victory will all but confirm their place at next summer’s Euros. England 3-0 Ukraine Read More England can benefit from Harry Kane’s move to Bayern Munich – Gareth Southgate Premier League playing time for England-qualified players drops again Raheem Sterling may have no way back as Gareth Southgate shows his hard edge Harry Kane admits it ‘hurt’ watching England peers win titles while Tottenham toiled Real Madrid’s Jude Bellingham is one of a kind, says Gareth Southgate England players expect nothing less than winning Euro 2024, says Gareth Southgate

England are taking on Ukraine in Poland tonight as qualifying for Euro 2024 continues with a meeting at the Tarczynski Arena between the top two sides in Group C. Gareth Southgate’s side already have four wins from four games on the board and sit atop Group C, and victory here over second-placed Ukraine would almost guarantee qualification for the tournament in Germany next summer. This is England’s only competitive match of the September international break, with a friendly against Scotland to come next week. Ukraine are having to stage the fixture in the Polish city of Wroclaw due to the ongoing war at home following Russia’s invasion of the country. They are in a tussle with European champions Italy to take the group’s second automatic qualification spot. Ukraine come into the game with six points from three games, while Italy – who take on North Macedonia later tonight – have three points from two fixtures so far. Follow all the latest from Ukraine vs England below. Read More Harry Kane admits it ‘hurt’ watching England peers win titles while Tottenham toiled Real Madrid’s Jude Bellingham is one of a kind, says England manager Gareth Southgate

England’s players now expect the target to be tournament victory, Gareth Southgate revealed, as the team stand on the brink of Euro 2024 qualification. The manager said that lifting the trophy was now the aim in a team meeting at the start of this international break, and a lot of it was to do with how the squad has evolved over the past six years. England play Ukraine in Wroclaw on Saturday and victory could see them qualify this week depending on other results. With qualification already virtually guaranteed, though, it is the trophy itself they are aiming for. “I think now they need that challenge,” Southgate said. “The players don’t want us to come in and be talking differently, and we’ve got evidence over a long period of time that we should have that belief. Of course, you’ve got to go and deliver it and a lot can happen in terms of availability of players and everything, but for us that has to be the longer-term aim.” Southgate pointed to how even the level in training is always top level, and they never have to be told to lift it. “There is definitely belief. They definitely have huge desire. They have had a lot of success at club level and for a lot of them the missing piece is something with England which they know would be bigger than anything else they have achieved. The whole group are determined on that. They are really responsive and I can't speak how highly we feel to be able to work with them every day. We never have to walk on the training pitch and criticise the levels or question the attitude towards the training. And so the key is to transfer that on to the pitch. We have to do that tomorrow night. “We are pleased the mentality of the players has been exceptional and they are grasping the challenge and grasping our push that we have got to get better and better. They have started well in this group and the positive thing is that it is 12 points but we cannot just rest on where we are and we have to keep improving as a team. So, tomorrow is another chance to take another step forward and for other players to come into the side because we are missing three or four from the last couple of games.” While the inclination is to cast Euro 2024 as a last chance for this squad, Southgate doesn’t see it like that, due to how it is evolving. “I think the nice thing is that, some players, it will be probably their last chance to win something, some will be at their peak, and some have still got space to grow. I don’t see the team falling off a cliff after the next tournament. There’s enough youngsters that still have their best years ahead of them, in fact. So it’s a good balance.” Read More Real Madrid’s Jude Bellingham is one of a kind, says Gareth Southgate Harry Kane hopes for club and country delight in bid to end trophy hoodoo Gareth Southgate won’t be swayed by ‘external reaction’ over Jordan Henderson

Tyson Fury has sparked backlash from boxing fans after claiming that Francis Ngannou poses a tougher test than Oleksandr Usyk. Fury will box former UFC heavyweight champion Ngannou in Saudi Arabia on 28 October, after talks with Usyk collapsed earlier this year. A bout between WBC champion Fury and unified champion Usyk would have crowned the first undisputed heavyweight champion in more than 20 years. Instead, Usyk went on to beat mandatory challenger Daniel Dubois in August, ahead of Fury’s fight with Ngannou – in which the WBC belt is not on the line. Speaking to Fight Hub TV on Thursday, Fury said: “Has [undisputed] ever been my priority? Did I ever say I wanted undisputed? It’s always been some other b***h’s dream, hasn’t it? ‘Undisputed, road to undisputed’. “Listen, I’ve got Francis Ngannou to deal with. And should the other little sausage want to fight for undisputed, then if he takes a small percentage, we might make it happen. But if he wants a large bag, I’m gonna say: ‘No, thank you’.” Ukrainian Usyk accepted a purse split of 75-25 per cent in Fury’s favour, only for talks to fall apart due to negotiations around the purse split in the rematch clause. “I’ve not said anything, I’ve not even been out in public,” Fury said. “Have you heard anything from me at all? Since all of this, I’ve not said anything. “[The reports] are all untrue, because if you didn’t hear me say it, it’s not true. The truth of the matter was, him and his team were s***houses. They got offered the fight at Wembley, it didn’t happen, and then we moved on. That was it. “Now I’m fighting Francis Ngannou, who’s stepping up to the plate. And I think he’s gonna be a bit of a bigger, tougher challenge than these other guys. These other guys are just boxers; this guy’s more than that.” Fans took to the comment section to hit out at Fury, 35, for the latter claim. “Total joke,” wrote one user. “It’s almost like Fury is going out of his way to make boxing fans depressed. I still think Fury is an excellent boxer but I’ve also lost all respect for him now.” Another wrote, “Strip Tyson. WBC credibility almost gone,” while one said: “Fury is trying so hard to make it out like this event isn’t a complete embarrassment.” Another comment read: “What a disgrace to boxing! Usyk seeking to become undisputed while this clown is doing everything in his power to avoid him and keeping the last belt in his hands.” Click here to subscribe to The Independent’s Sport YouTube channel for all the latest sports videos. Read More Tyson Fury claims he would beat Francis Ngannou in MMA fight Watch moment topless Tyson Fury goads Francis Ngannou into taking his shirt off during press conference Why Fury vs Ngannou may tarnish the Gypsy King’s legacy forever Chris Eubank Jr’s coach remanded in custody following airport arrest Tyson Fury urged to highlight Saudi Arabia’s ‘disturbing’ human rights record Tyson Fury claims he would beat Francis Ngannou in MMA fight Former Tyson Fury opponent backs Francis Ngannou to drop ‘Gypsy King’

Danny Masterson received letters of support from Mila Kunis and Ashton Kutcher ahead of his sentencing, it has been revealed. Masterson, 47, was given a sentence of 30 years to life in a Los Angeles court on Thursday for the rapes of two women two decades ago. It has since emerged that his That 70’s Show costars Kunis and Kutcher were among 50 people who wrote letters of support before the sentencing. In their letters, published by Los Angeles-based court reporter Meghann Cuniff, the couple vouched for Masterson’s “exceptional character” and pleaded for Judge Charlaine Olmedo’s leniency. A jury found Masterson guilty of two counts in May after seven days of deliberations. Both attacks took place in Masterson’s Hollywood Hills home in 2003, when he was at the height of his fame on the Fox network sitcom. The jury could not reach a unanimous verdict on a third count, an allegation that Masterson also raped a longtime girlfriend. Prosecutors alleged that Masterson used his prominence in the Church of Scientology — where all three women were also members at the time — to avoid consequences for decades after the attacks. Read More ‘You’ll be caught:’ Resurfaced Danny Masterson chat show clip takes on chilling light after rape sentencing Leah Remini hits out at Church of Scientology following Danny Masterson rape sentencing That ’70s Show actor Danny Masterson sentenced to 30 years to life in prison for rapes

French billionaire Francois Pinault’s holding company Artémis agreed to buy a majority stake in the Hollywood talent giant

Gary Maddison was not a Tottenham supporter. Not until the last few weeks, anyway. But there was a time when he paid particular attention to Spurs, and a reason. “My dad’s favourite player when I was growing up was Gazza,” said his son, James, who has inherited the mantle Paul Gascoigne had more than three decades ago, of Tottenham’s resident creator and entertainer, part technical talent, part bubbly character. If some summer signings require time and explanation, Maddison and Tottenham seemed a synergy of player and club, a perfect match. It was the impression the £40m buy forged. “That was one of the reasons I wanted to go to Tottenham, purely because I could just see myself playing for Tottenham. I’m not even 100 percent sure what I mean by that, so don’t ask me. But I could just see myself in that team, in that kit, in that stadium. It just fitted well for me.” Even as Maddison struggled to define what a Tottenham player he is, he nevertheless appears to belong in a tradition. For a club without a league title in 62 years, Spurs have had a disproportionate number of flair players, many of them attack-minded midfielders or wingers. The club of Glenn Hoddle and Chris Waddle, Ossie Ardiles and Ricky Villa, Gascoigne and David Ginola, Gareth Bale and Rafael van der Vaart tended to offer excitement. “And they’ve always had that type of player,” Maddison added. “And that sort of midfielder who wants to be creative and entertain the fans and be a personality. Christian Eriksen in more recent years but since him they probably haven’t had that type of player. I’d put myself in that category, I’m not putting myself on the same level. But I’m that type of player.” As he indicated, it is one they have lacked of late, under a trio of managerial puritans, in Jose Mourinho, Nuno Espirito Santo and Antonio Conte. Maddison, appointed vice-captain before he debuted, can look the face of ‘Angeball’, the more attacking ethos of Ange Postecoglou. It helps that Eriksen was a player he admired during his rise. David Silva and the Liverpool version of Philippe Coutinho were other inspirations. But if his father idolised Gazza, the young Maddison also looked up to Wazza. “I would probably say Wayne Rooney was the big one in my childhood,” he said. “I used to love Wazza. He was a bit more feisty than me – a bit harder into a tackle – but his personality and the way he came through in the way he played. That childhood was videoed by his father, producing YouTube montages of an emerging talent. Maddison jokes that Premier League copyright rules prevent him from carrying on. Perhaps that explains why he has long seemed comfortable on camera, gravitating towards the limelight. “I loved watching players who had a little bit of cheekiness about them; Gazza was a perfect example,” he said, chuckling at the thought of the midfielder sticking his tongue out during the national anthem in the 1990 World Cup. Maddison’s exuberant streak is reflected in his style of play. It is an outgoing attitude, rather than arrogance. “It’s not a conscious effort to try and be the showman,” he said. “That’s just how I play football. That’s just how I am as a person, [when] I go for a roast dinner with my family, I like to be the main man.” That confidence can equip him for the most daunting tasks. Tottenham’s record scorer and, Maddison said, arguably their greatest ever player vacated the No 10 shirt this summer when Harry Kane joined Bayern Munich. He took it. “I wasn’t naive enough to go in there thinking there wasn’t a chance Harry Kane could leave Tottenham,” he said. “The club asked me, then of course I wanted to wear it. It’s my favourite number. I’ve got it tattooed on me, I loved that number growing up as a kid so I was never going to say no.” Thus far, four games in the shirt have brought a Kane-esque return of two goals and two assists, plus a place in the England squad. Once on the outside looking in, he is now becoming a regular choice. “I think I’m probably too intelligent to think that I’m in and cemented,” he nevertheless said. He only has three caps; perhaps the absences of Jack Grealish and Raheem Sterling will afford him the chance to add to that against Ukraine and Scotland. That tally might be higher but for a knee injury that meant he was unavailable for the group games at the World Cup; by the time he was fit again, Bukayo Saka, Phil Foden and Marcus Rashford were all in form. “I think a younger version of myself would have been a bit more sulky, a bit more moody, a bit more moany,” Maddison admitted, but, more mature now, he tried to be supportive and highlighted the empathetic man-management of Gareth Southgate. “Gareth gave me a massive compliment as we were leaving,” he said. “He said he knew it has been tough with the injury and not featuring, but he was really impressed with the way I had carried myself round the group. Him putting his arm around me and saying that as we were leaving stuck with me.” It gives Maddison an extra motivation to play at Euro 2024 but, as he looks for further opportunities with England, he is looking a natural fit for a white shirt at his new club. Read More Bukayo Saka keen to improve after winning England men’s player of the year again Reinvented at new-age Brighton, Lewis Dunk has a second chance with England James Maddison grew up loving Gascoigne ‘cheekiness’ and ‘feisty’ Wayne Rooney James Maddison, Julian Alvarez and 5 players to target for FPL Gameweek 5 Ange Postecoglou expects Brennan Johnson to ‘fit in really well’ at Tottenham

Chaotic scenes unfolded as climate protesters interrupted Coco Gauff’s US Open semifinal against Karolina Muchova with at least one person glueing their feet to the floor in the Arthur Ashe Stadium stands. Gauff was ahead 6-4, 1-0 when play was halted for around 49 minutes as security tried to remove the protesters. The group was wearing shirts that read, “End Fossil Fuels” and at least one person glued their feet making their removal difficult, a spokesperson for the US Tennis Association told The Associated Press. At least two people were taken away by police officers, who were cheered by the New York crowd who had chanted “Kick them out” as the disruption went on. Gauff sat in her seat on the sideline and ate fruit before hitting some practice serves, while Muchova was seen by a trainer. Eventually, both players headed back towards the locker room with Gauff chatting to members of her team until the disruption was handled. The US Open becomes the latest sports event to be impacted by climate protesters railing against the use of fossil fuels. At Wimbledon in July, two matches were interrupted when activists got onto Court 18 and threw orange confetti on the grass. The All-England club announced that the protester, along with another wearing shirts reading “Just Stop Oil,” were arrested “on suspicion of aggravated trespass and criminal damage.” The Just Stop Oil group has also protested at cricket, football and rugby matches, as well as at the World Snooker Championship. Just Stop Oil describes itself as a “nonviolent civil resistance group demanding the UK Government stop licensing all new oil, gas and coal projects.” Gauff, a 19-year-old American, and Muchova, a 27-year-old from the Czech Republic, were both playing in the semifinals at Flushing Meadows for the first time. The other women’s semifinal, between Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus and Madison Keys of the United States, was set to begin after Gauff vs. Muchova finished. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Read More Chris Packham climate change protest: TV presenter leads scientists in Westminister demonstration Climate activists hailed by Fearnley-Whittingstall for ‘putting liberty at risk’ Climate activists target jets, yachts and golf in a string of global protests against luxury Sierra Nevada lakes change more in past 100 years than three millennia How the climate crisis played a role in fueling Hurricane Ida Against the odds: The fight to save sea turtles in Ras Baridi

Tyson Fury has claimed that he would beat Francis Ngannou in a mixed martial arts fight, ahead of the heavyweights’ boxing match in Saudi Arabia. Fury, who holds the WBC heavyweight title, will box the ex-UFC heavyweight champion in Riyadh on 28 October, but the Briton has hinted that he already has his eyes on a rematch in a different discipline. Speaking at the press conference for the pair’s boxing match, which has been billed ‘Battle of the Baddest’, Fury said on Thursday: “I’d like to fight Ngannou in the cage, I think I can beat him for sure. “He’s not a good wrestler; he’s known for striking, and I’m a better striker than him. In little gloves, I’d knock him out in seconds. “I’d fight [current UFC heavyweight champion] Jon Jones also in the cage, if the money was right.” Meanwhile, Ngannou said on stage: “I always ask myself, ‘What will happen when that guy hits the floor? Are you still the best boxer in the world now?’” The 35-year-old Fury, whose WBC title will not be on the line on 28 October, has come under criticism for choosing to face Ngannou, 37, instead of unified heavyweight boxing champion Oleksandr Usyk, 36. Asked about his decision to box the Cameroonian, Fury said: “Obviously I’m getting paid a hell of a lot of money, and I get millions of people from MMA and boxing who are gonna watch it. “Whether they like that I’m doing it or not, guess what they’re gonna do? Still watch it.” Fury last fought in December, beating Derek Chisora for the third time to retain the WBC belt and stay unbeaten. Fury won the bout via TKO in Round 10. Meanwhile, Ngannou last fought in January 2022, outpointing Ciryl Gane to retain the UFC heavyweight title. Ngannou, widely deemed the hardest puncher in MMA history, then vacated the title this January while leaving the UFC. He proceeded to sign with a rival company, the Professional Fighters League, which allowed him to box before he makes his promotional debut in 2024. Click here to subscribe to The Independent’s Sport YouTube channel for all the latest sports videos. Read More Why Israel Adesanya vs Sean Strickland may turn ugly, quickly Adesanya vs Strickland live stream: How to watch UFC 293 online and on TV this weekend Daniel Dubois’ promoter Frank Warren appeals Oleksandr Usyk result and pushes for rematch Chris Eubank Jr’s coach remanded in custody following airport arrest Former Tyson Fury opponent backs Francis Ngannou to drop ‘Gypsy King’ Tyson Fury takes thinly-veiled swipe at Usyk over ‘low blow’ in Daniel Dubois fight Eddie Nketiah wins England call-up – Thursday’s sporting social