Jets' Zach Wilson is taking the right steps in getting his footwork down in the offense
Zach Wilson has played better in the New York Jets’ past two games after struggling in his first two starts in place of the injured Aaron Rodgers
2023-10-13 06:59
Steve Clarke insists Scotland must move on from disappointing VAR decision
Steve Clarke insists Scotland simply have to move on after Scott McTominay had a goal chalked off after a VAR check before losing 2-0 to Spain in Seville. The Scots had won their first five Group A qualifiers including a 2-0 win over the Spanish at Hampden Park in March, and they thought they had taken the lead when McTominay, who scored twice in Glasgow, fired in a wonderful free-kick in the 59th minute only to see it ruled out after a VAR check for a Jack Hendry infringement. Alvaro Morata headed in after 73 minutes and substitute Oihan Sancet, making his debut, added a second in the 86th minute to leave Group A leaders Scotland three points ahead of Spain having played a game more. Clarke’s men face France in a friendly in Lille next Tuesday but Spain face Norway in Oslo two days earlier and if the Norwegians drop points, Scotland’s place in Germany will be secured while the Scots also have Georgia away and Norway at home in November. “The team played well and the players are disappointed,” said Clarke, who confirmed skipper Andy Robertson will go back to Liverpool for treatment with a shoulder injury which saw him replaced by Nathan Patterson just before the break. “We came here determined to qualify. It hasn’t happened tonight but I think there was a lot to be pleased about in the performance. “The big moment in the game is probably the close decision on the Scott McTominay goal. “At the time we think it is a goal. “You know when the referee gets told to look at it he is probably going to chalk it off. “They have made the call, there is no point me going on about it. “I think there was a little bit confusion at the time, whether it was offside or for a foul on the keeper. “If you take those two together, Jack Hendry was marginally offside and when he steps towards the goalkeeper they have interpreted that as Jack being involved in the play but I will tell you now there is now way in the world the keeper was saving that no matter where Jack Hendry was. “You just move on, it is a VAR decision that goes against you. “When we conceded it makes it more difficult and the second goal puts gloss on for Spain I don’t think they deserve. “Tonight was a first chance to qualify. It has gone beyond us. Maybe the result on Sunday night goes in our favour and we qualify from that. But we won’t qualify from that, we will qualify for the work we have done, we have 15 points from six games. “If the result doesn’t go our way and Norway then we have a very realistic chance in the two games in November to win the section.” Spain boss Luis de la Fuente, speaking through an interpreter, was pleased with his side’s team spirit. He said: “We knew they were a strong team and strong from set-pieces and free-kicks, and that free-kick, I was told it was offside and a foul on Unai Simon. We thought it was offside but in the end it was offside. “Opponents always get chances we were prepared and very strong mentally. “Even if the goal had stood I am convinced we would have reacted. “It was a team effort and I value the hard work of the team because a game lasts 90 minutes and more.” “Norway, will be different, a different team to Scotland. We will try to take initiative and cause them problems and minimise their offensive potential.” Read More Scotland forced to wait for Euro 2024 — but they will not understand how Andy Robertson injury: Scotland provide update on dislocated shoulder against Spain What do Scotland need to qualify for Euro 2024? Shane Duffy hoping Evan Ferguson can be Ireland talisman for years to come Lee Carsley full of praise for ‘cutthroat’ England youngsters Northern Ireland rising star Isaac Price grateful to former boss Frank Lampard
2023-10-13 06:59
The Twins have plenty to build on — and must get better if they want to beat the Astros
Carlos Correa was blunt, disappointed and optimistic when he spoke to his Minnesota Twins teammates following their elimination from the playoffs
2023-10-13 06:56
Baseball-'Hard to put into words' Dodgers left speechless after shocking NLDS sweep
By Rory Carroll LOS ANGELES Los Angeles Dodgers struggled to explain why their potent offense faltered and their
2023-10-13 06:53
Giants quarterback Daniel Jones misses his second straight practice with a neck injury
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones missed his second straight practice with a neck injury on Thursday, and his chances of playing against the Buffalo Bills on Sunday night seemed less likely
2023-10-13 06:53
Giants coach Brian Daboll's homecoming to Buffalo marred by injuries and offensive struggles
New York Giants coach Brian Daboll might wish his homecoming to Buffalo might have come under better circumstances
2023-10-13 06:52
Chicago Sky announce they have hired Hall of Famer Teresa Weatherspoon as their coach
The Chicago Sky say they have hired Naismith Hall of Famer Teresa Weatherspoon as their coach
2023-10-13 06:29
Sam Howell, struggling Commanders visit Desmond Ridder, Falcons in matchup of 2nd-year quarterbacks
Atlanta’s Desmond Ridder and Washington’s Sam Howell are coming off career-best passing games
2023-10-13 06:29
Shane Duffy hoping Evan Ferguson can be Ireland talisman for years to come
Shane Duffy is hoping Evan Ferguson can be the Republic of Ireland’s talisman for years to come as the teenager finds his feet on the international stage. The 18-year-old Brighton striker’s absence through injury for last month’s Euro 2024 qualifiers against France and the Netherlands left manager Stephen Kenny without perhaps his most potent weapon and in his absence, Ireland’s hopes of dragging themselves back into the race for qualification from Group B were effectively ended. Ferguson is back in harness for Friday night’s clash with Greece at the Aviva Stadium and having witnessed his emergence both in the Premier League and for his country, former Seagulls team-mate Duffy is confident he has what it takes to succeed. He said: “For me, he’s got everything, he’s the full package. He’s a strong boy, he’s a top finisher, he’s willing to work for the team and he’s willing to learn. For an 18-year-old, there is so much pressure on him already, you think that’s a good habit to have. “We’re all really excited for the future for him. Hopefully with a bit of luck, he’s our talisman for years to come and gets the goals we all want. He’s a really good boy, he has a really bright future.” Ferguson’s blossoming talent has inevitably invited comparisons to Ireland’s record goalscorer Robbie Keane, who made his senior international debut against the Czech Republic as a 17-year-old in March 1998. Keane went on to score 68 goals in 146 appearances – also a record – for his country over more than 18 years, for many of them the focal point of a team which he helped reach the World Cup finals in 2002 and Euro 2012 and 2016. For me, he’s got everything to be a top striker in the Premier League and in Europe. Shane Duffy However, Duffy has warned Ferguson he needs to keep his feet firmly on the ground if he is to fulfil his potential, and has seen signs that he will be able to do that. He said: “First of all, he’s a great boy. He’s a really good head on his shoulders. He’s humble first and foremost, he never gets ahead of himself. “He came to Brighton at 16 and he was like a man already. He stood out unbelievably well. He’s got a lot of potential. He’s only 18 and there’s a lot of pressure on him already. “He will produce. For me, he’s got everything to be a top striker in the Premier League and in Europe. He just needs to keep going the way he is going, not to get too ahead of himself.” Now 31, Duffy is approaching the opposite end of his career to Ferguson and will be 36 by the time Euro 2028, for which Ireland and the United Kingdom were this week named hosts, comes around. Asked if that was in his sights, the Norwich defender replied with a smile: “I’m just trying to survive until Friday, never mind 2028. I can’t look that far ahead, honestly. “Listen, I’ll never give up. I don’t know where I’m going to be in 2028. I’ll be the kit man or something.” Read More Lee Carsley full of praise for ‘cutthroat’ England youngsters Northern Ireland rising star Isaac Price grateful to former boss Frank Lampard Nathan Broadhead keen to maintain scoring form after ‘Perfect’ Ed Sheeran boost Marcus Smith set for full-back role in England’s World Cup quarter-final Young Lions go goal crazy as they put nine past Serbia in qualifier FA would face criticism one way or another for conflict response – Southgate
2023-10-13 06:21
Lee Carsley full of praise for ‘cutthroat’ England youngsters
England Under-21 boss Lee Carsley hailed his goal-hungry Young Lions after they crushed Serbia 9-1. The hosts ran riot at the City Ground to continue a flawless start to their European title defence. Noni Madueke, Jaden Philogene and Harvey Elliott scored twice as Liam Delap, Jonathan Rowe and Luka Subotic’s own goal completed the Euro 2025 qualifying win. A dominant England had to come from behind after Vladimir Lucic’s shock opener but the Young Lions remain top of Group F. “You can’t afford to waste too many chances and they were cutthroat in the second half. It was good to see because it helps with their confidence,” said Carsley, who takes his team to Slovakia to face Ukraine on Monday. “Sometimes when you see the scoreline, if you hadn’t been at the game, you’d think it was a walk in the park but it didn’t feel like that, especially going a goal down. “We spoke about it a few days ago, how will this squad react to a setback? To go a goal down when you are so in control, it’s testament to the players they responded the right way.” England were dominant from the off and Charlie Cresswell, Elliott and Philogene had already gone close before the visitors struck when Lucic guided the ball into the top corner. But Hull’s Philogene levelled after 38 minutes, with Delap and Elliott giving England a 3-1 lead at the break. Two goals in seven second-half minutes from Madueke put England in complete control and Philogene added a sixth after 63 minutes. A comical Subotic own goal made it seven before Rowe and Elliott wrapped it up. Carsley added: “The fundamentals of tonight were based on outworking your opponent. It’s important if you are going to get a long career and play for England you can be technically and physically better than your opponent. “We did that all over the pitch. When the scoreline started getting away from Serbia we didn’t stop.” Read More Shane Duffy hoping Evan Ferguson can be Ireland talisman for years to come Northern Ireland rising star Isaac Price grateful to former boss Frank Lampard Nathan Broadhead keen to maintain scoring form after ‘Perfect’ Ed Sheeran boost Marcus Smith set for full-back role in England’s World Cup quarter-final Young Lions go goal crazy as they put nine past Serbia in qualifier FA would face criticism one way or another for conflict response – Southgate
2023-10-13 06:21
Burrow and the Bengals hope to win back-to-back games when they host the Seattle Seahawks
Joe Burrow’s calf injury has healed enough that the young quarterback was scrambling and throwing downfield again Sunday in the Bengals' 34-20 win over Arizona
2023-10-13 05:59
Northern Ireland rising star Isaac Price grateful to former boss Frank Lampard
Northern Ireland’s emerging talent Isaac Price has credited ex-Everton boss Frank Lampard with being a “massive” influence on his development and indicated the manager’s Goodison Park exit prompted his own summer move to Standard Liege. Few Evertonians recall Lampard’s 12-month reign with great affection – they narrowly avoided relegation in May 2022 and then, amid protests against the board, failed to progress before he was sacked in January – but the 20-year-old Price believes he took big strides under the former England midfielder. “(Lampard) was massive for me,” Price said. “I learnt so much while he was there. I had my debut… at Arsenal (in May 2022) and ever since then I felt like he really taught me a lot of stuff. “He gave me my debut, he put a bit of trust in me. I was training with the (senior squad) regularly so I was learning a lot of things. Had it gone differently at Everton and he’d had the players he needed to get results maybe I’d still be there.” Although he did not play any Premier League football in the first half of last season, Price felt ready to step up after the World Cup break. But a few weeks later Lampard was sacked and his replacement Sean Dyche turned to experience in another fight against the drop. “When the World Cup was on we went to Australia and played two games and I played 90 minutes in both games and I felt like I was one of the best players there,” Price added. “We came back and I was around it, I got half an hour against Brighton, and after that I felt like I was pushed to one side. “Even though I had the belief in myself that I should be playing or at least coming off the bench I wasn’t really seeing that. As soon as Lampard left and the new manager came in I felt I was just pushed aside and that built up a bit of frustration in me that I wanted to leave.” That move came when Price joined Belgian club Standard Liege, ending 13 years at Everton. It was a leap on and off the pitch, but Price has the self-assurance to take on the challenge. He is learning the language, admittedly slowly, and said he has quickly settled. “I feel like it was a bit of belief in myself,” he said of his decision to move. “It’s different living away from home on your own but it’s great. The football is great, the fans are unbelievable, it gives you a bit of confidence every time you go on the pitch so I’m really enjoying it.” His first goal for the club was the winner in a 2-1 victory over Club Brugge last week, coming on the back of his first Northern Ireland goal in the 4-2 loss to Slovenia last month, his fifth cap. Slovenia will visit Windsor Park on Tuesday but first come San Marino on Saturday, a match Michael O’Neill’s side need to win to end a five-game losing run and change the mood around a Euro 2024 qualifying campaign which has unravelled since March. When the qualifying draw was made there was optimism that, having avoided some of the bigger nations and with O’Neill returning, Northern Ireland could challenge in Group H, but a horror run of injuries effectively ended their hopes. “We just have to put that behind us,” Paddy McNair said. “We have two home games, hopefully six points, and we start to build some momentum.” Qualification hopes may be over, but Saturday is still a must-win game for Northern Ireland in front of their own fans. “I agree,” McNair said. “If we don’t beat San Marino it wouldn’t be good at all. It’s a game, especially at home, we expect to win, so I’m looking forward to it.”
2023-10-13 05:57
