England squad announcement LIVE: Gareth Southgate reveals Raheem Sterling and Bukayo Saka decisions
Gareth Southgate has revealed his latest England squad with Bukayo Saka and Callum Wilson coming in for John Stones and Eddie Nketiah in the only changes from October’s internationals, which means Raheem Sterling has once again been left out. England continue their preparations ahead of Euro 2024 with qualifiers against Malta and North Macedonia later this month but Southgate insisted the door is “100 per cent open” for Sterling to make the European Championships, despite the Chelsea winger now missing the last five international camps since the World Cup last year. There are just four games to go before Southgate announces his 23-player squad for next summer’s tournament, which England qualified for last month thanks to a 3-1 win over Italy at Wembley. Stones drops out after picking up an injury while playing for Manchester City this week, while Arsenal striker Nketiah is also sidelined. Saka has been passed fit despite picking up a knock in Arsenal’s win over Sevilla on Wednesday, while James Maddison is also included after limping off Tottenham’s defeat to Chelsea on Monday. There is no place for the fit-again Reece James, while Jordan Henderson and Kalvin Phillips retain their places. Follow live updates from Wembley below as the England squad is revealed Read More Gareth Southgate makes two changes to England squad for final Euro 2024 qualifiers England reveal March friendlies against two top-five opponents England’s Euro 2024 squad: Who’s on the plane, who’s in contention and who has work to do?
2023-11-09 22:59
Gareth Southgate makes two changes to England squad for final Euro 2024 qualifiers
Gareth Southgate has brought in Newcastle’s Callum Wilson and the fit-again Bukayo Saka to his squad for England’s final two Euro 2024 qualifiers, but Raheem Sterling has again been omitted. John Stones, who picked up an injury this week playing for Manchester City, and Saka’s Arsenal teammate Eddie Nketiah are the two players to drop out from October’s wins over Australia and Italy. England play Malta on Friday 17 November before travelling to North Macedonia for their final game of the qualification stage four days later. Sterling’s chances of making the cut for the tournament in Germany next summer are now hanging by a thread. The 28-year-old has not been part of an England squad since the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, with his last appearance coming as a substitute in the quarter-final defeat by France. Sterling has endured mixed form this year within a struggling Chelsea side, and Southgate appeared frustrated by the player’s withdrawal from the squad back in March over fitness issues, but insists the door is “100 per cent open” and pointed to the competition Sterling faces. England’s pool of wide forwards is as deep as it ever has been in Southgate’s reign, and Sterling faces competition from Phil Foden, Jack Grealish, Marcus Rashford and Saka, who missed the last camp through injury. West Ham’s Jarrod Bowen keeps his place in this squad and is pushing for a Euros spot, while Anthony Gordon is knocking on the door with his performances for Newcastle. James Maddison is another wide option, although both Southgate and Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou prefer Maddison in a central role. England are top of qualifying Group C, having won five and drawn one of their six games so far, but they are only three points clear of Ukraine and still have work to do to secure first place and a top seeding in December’s Euro 2024 group stage draw. This is Southgate’s penultimate squad before naming his 23 players for the tournament. There will be two more friendly games in March before the England squad is announced next May. Euro 2024 begins on 14 June. more to follow... England squad for Malta and North Macedonia fixtures Goalkeepers: Sam Johnstone (Crystal Palace), Jordan Pickford (Everton), Aaron Ramsdale (Arsenal). Defenders: Levi Colwill (Chelsea), Lewis Dunk (Brighton), Marc Guehi (Crystal Palace), Harry Maguire (Manchester United), Fikayi Tomori (AC Milan), Kieran Trippier (Newcastle), Kyle Walker (Manchester City). Midfielders: Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool), Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid), Conor Gallagher (Chelsea), Jordan Henderson (Al-Ettifaq), Kalvin Phillips (Manchester City), Declan Rice (Arsenal). Forwards: Jarrod Bowen (West Ham), Phil Foden (Manchester City), Jack Grealish (Manchester City), Harry Kane (Bayern Munich), James Maddison (Tottenham), Bukayo Saka (Arsenal), Marcus Rashford (Manchester United), Ollie Watkins (Aston Villa), Callum Wilson (Newcastle United). Read More England’s Euro 2024 squad: Who’s on the plane and who has work to do? England squad announcement LIVE: Gareth Southgate reveals Raheem Sterling decision England reveal March friendlies against two top-five opponents Sarina Wiegman reveals tough childhood decision she made to play football with boys What is VAR, how does it work and what are the biggest problems? Leandro Trossard discusses Arsenal role: ‘I will never back down’
2023-11-09 22:57
PSG teenager Warren Zaïre-Emery handed first France call-up for European qualifiers
Paris Saint-Germain's highly-rated teenager Warren Zaïre-Emery has been called up by France coach Didier Deschamps for the first time
2023-11-09 22:17
Soccer-Rome derby sees Lazio and Roma battle to regain lost ground in Serie A
By Trevor Stynes Lazio and AS Roma go head to head at the Stadio Olimpico on Sunday with
2023-11-09 21:19
I will never back down – Leandro Trossard happy to play anywhere for Arsenal
Leandro Trossard insists he will not “back down” from the challenge of playing in a number of different roles in Arsenal’s forward line. The Belgium international started as Mikel Arteta’s central striker against Sevilla on Wednesday night and opened the scoring in a 2-0 victory that all-but assures the Gunners a place in the Champions League last 16. Trossard, who now has five Arsenal goals across all competitions this season, finished a sweeping move which saw Bukayo Saka square for him to tuck home before the England forward made sure of the win in the second half – although Saka then limped off late on to give Arteta another fitness worry. While he has mainly been deployed off the flanks since signing from Brighton in January, Trossard stepped up to play through the middle with Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah ruled out with hamstring and ankle injuries respectively. “I always need to be switched on to be honest,” he replied when asked how demanding it can be to play in different positions. “I always need to know my role. But I like it, I will never back down from anything. If you put me as a striker, or a winger or a number 10, I will always play my game I think. “He (Arteta) knows I like to swap positions as well during the game. We have those type of players as well and it creates a bit of chaos for the opposition team. I like it. I am really happy. I always need to know my role. But I like it, I will never back down from anything Leandro Trossard “It is always a nice feeling when you score, but when you do it in a Champions League game it’s always a nicer feeling. It gave us a lead and I think we played brilliantly.” Arsenal went into the game having lost two matches in a row, suffering a Carabao Cup fourth-round exit at West Ham before their first Premier League defeat of the season came at Newcastle on Saturday. Trossard, though, insists the players were never concerned about the prospect of it becoming a hat-trick of losses as they took control of Group B. “We are never worried because we know our quality and we knew we had to bounce back,” he added. “I think that made us start the game so well with a lot of aggressiveness and when the goal came it was a relief for us. Then from that moment we controlled the game. “We are always confident. We want to win every game and that’s how we approach them. We will try and win the next two games as well. “The manager just wanted us to attack when we had the ball, to get the ball to the wingers. Bukayo and Gabi (Martinelli) are so good one-v-one – then you see you can create a lot of chances. We did it so well.”
2023-11-09 20:55
Leandro Trossard discusses Arsenal role under Mikel Arteta: ‘I will never back down’
Leandro Trossard insists he will not “back down” from the challenge of playing in a number of different roles in Arsenal’s forward line. The Belgium international started as Mikel Arteta’s central striker against Sevilla on Wednesday night and opened the scoring in a 2-0 victory that all-but assures the Gunners a place in the Champions League last 16. Trossard, who now has five Arsenal goals across all competitions this season, finished a sweeping move which saw Bukayo Saka square for him to tuck home before the England forward made sure of the win in the second half – although Saka then limped off late on to give Arteta another fitness worry. While he has mainly been deployed off the flanks since signing from Brighton in January, Trossard stepped up to play through the middle with Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah ruled out with hamstring and ankle injuries respectively. “I always need to be switched on to be honest,” he replied when asked how demanding it can be to play in different positions. “I always need to know my role. But I like it, I will never back down from anything. If you put me as a striker, or a winger or a number 10, I will always play my game I think. “He (Arteta) knows I like to swap positions as well during the game. We have those type of players as well and it creates a bit of chaos for the opposition team. I like it. I am really happy. I always need to know my role. But I like it, I will never back down from anything Leandro Trossard “It is always a nice feeling when you score, but when you do it in a Champions League game it’s always a nicer feeling. It gave us a lead and I think we played brilliantly.” Arsenal went into the game having lost two matches in a row, suffering a Carabao Cup fourth-round exit at West Ham before their first Premier League defeat of the season came at Newcastle on Saturday. Trossard, though, insists the players were never concerned about the prospect of it becoming a hat-trick of losses as they took control of Group B. “We are never worried because we know our quality and we knew we had to bounce back,” he added. “I think that made us start the game so well with a lot of aggressiveness and when the goal came it was a relief for us. Then from that moment we controlled the game. “We are always confident. We want to win every game and that’s how we approach them. We will try and win the next two games as well. “The manager just wanted us to attack when we had the ball, to get the ball to the wingers. Bukayo and Gabi (Martinelli) are so good one-v-one – then you see you can create a lot of chances. We did it so well.” Read More How can Man United qualify in Champions League? Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli dazzle to lead Arsenal towards last-16 Mikel Arteta provides Bukayo Saka injury update after concerning knock Champions League: What do Man United, Newcastle and Arsenal need to reach last 16? Jonas Eidevall hits back at Gareth Taylor over ‘bullying’ claim: ‘It’s slander’ Rumours: Chelsea and Man Utd want £43m full-back as Arsenal delay Toney chase
2023-11-09 20:47
Huge increase in Women’s FA Cup prize fund revealed
The prize fund for this season’s Women’s FA Cup has been doubled to £6m, the Football Association has announced. The FA board has approved a £3m increase compared to last season, which means a prize pot of £44,000 per match at the third-round stage, up from £12,500 in the same round last season. Winning the final will now earn the victors £430,000 compared to £100,000 last season, the FA said. It is the second consecutive season in which the prize pot has increased, with last season’s uplift focused on the money available at the earlier stages of the competition. The FA’s director of women’s football, Baroness Sue Campbell, said: “Doubling the prize money showcases the FA’s clear commitment to the future of the Women’s FA Cup and will help us maintain its stature as the most prestigious domestic women’s cup competition in the world. “That’s why we’re delighted to be making a second successive increase to the prize fund, ensuring that as clubs progress through the competition they receive financial rewards that will empower them to invest in their own futures. “Ultimately, we want the women’s competition to receive the same prize money as the men’s, and this new increase is a positive step in the direction of achieving that long-term ambition.” The men’s FA Cup prize fund for the current season was confirmed in June, with £2m on offer for winning the final and £1m for the losing finalists. Those teams would also benefit from payments for progressing through the earlier rounds. FA chief executive Mark Bullingham said last month that changes to the future format of the Women’s FA Cup were being considered. “We’ve done a really good job of growing the final as an event. When I first started working with the FA it was an event that got less than 20,000 and wasn’t even at Wembley,” Bullingham said at the Leaders Week conference at Twickenham in October. “We’re now selling out Wembley, and that’s a big event for us in our calendar. So the final is going really well. “Our challenge now is to grow the rest of the competition. Within that, we don’t always feel that the women’s competitions have to follow the format of the men’s, so we’re looking at how we could at least evaluate some potential changes that may be more creative and allow the competition to have its own structure and format. “So we’re evaluating those at the moment with the view to what would appeal to fans more, what would appeal to broadcasters more and how do we grow even more quickly? “Like the rest of the women’s game, we will grow it. It’s just how do we accelerate it even faster?” Read More How Manchester United managers have fared since Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement I will never back down – Leandro Trossard happy to play anywhere for Arsenal Tottenham star reveals secret to upturn in form after summer transfer How Manchester United managers have fared since Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement I will never back down – Leandro Trossard happy to play anywhere for Arsenal Tottenham star reveals secret to upturn in form after summer transfer
2023-11-09 20:24
How Manchester United managers have fared since Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement
Manchester United’s wild defeat to FC Copenhagen put their Champions League progress in doubt and increased the scrutiny on manager Erik ten Hag. Here, the PA news agency looks at the records of United’s managers since Sir Alex Ferguson retired in 2013. David Moyes Played 51: Won 27, Drew 9, Lost 15. Win rate: 53 per cent Trophies: Community Shield 2013 The Scot took just one game to win a trophy, the Community Shield against Wigan, as Ferguson’s hand-picked successor. There was little else to celebrate, though, as he failed to even see out the first of the six seasons on his contract. He was sacked after 10 months, with Ryan Giggs finishing the campaign as caretaker manager. Moyes struggled subsequently at Real Sociedad and Sunderland but has rebuilt his reputation with West Ham, winning last season’s Europa Conference League. Louis Van Gaal P103: W54, D25, L24. Win rate: 52 per cent Trophies: FA Cup 2016 United’s previous Dutch boss never truly convinced the Old Trafford faithful after a dreadful winless start against Swansea, Sunderland, third-tier MK Dons and Burnley. His side did improve and Van Gaal signed off with an FA Cup win, beating Crystal Palace in extra-time, but his win percentage was the lowest of the post-Ferguson era until Ralf Rangnick’s spell in interim charge. Jose Mourinho P144: W84, D32, L28. Win rate: 58 per cent Trophies: Europa League 2017, League Cup 2017, Community Shield 2016 Mourinho is probably United’s most successful manager since Ferguson – winning 58 per cent of his games, with a runner-up finish in the Premier League and adding a League Cup and Europa League double in 2016-17. His, though, was an erratic and ill-tempered spell, with a defensive style of play and fallings-out with players, leaving the fans cold. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer P167: W91, D37, L39. Win rate: 54 per cent Trophies: None The much-loved former United striker proved almost the inverse of his predecessor, with a fluid and attacking style but inconsistent results. A stunning spell as caretaker – winning 14 games out of 19 – deservedly earned him the job on a permanent basis but he came nowhere near emulating that 74 per cent win rate from then on. He left in November 2021 after United won just three of his last 10 games and conceded 15 goals in the last six, the first United manager since Frank O’Farrell in the early 1970s not to add to the club’s trophy cabinet. Ralf Rangnick P29: W11, D10, L8. Win rate: 38 per cent Trophies: None After Michael Carrick’s three games as caretaker, in November 2021, Rangnick was tasked with seeing out the season as interim boss before moving into a consultancy role with the club – which was ultimately cancelled as he took charge of the Austria national team. He began with five games unbeaten but drew far too many – losing on penalties to Middlesbrough in the FA Cup – as he became the first United boss since Dave Sexton’s 1981 departure to win fewer than half of his games in charge. Erik ten Hag P79: W49, D9, L21. Win rate: 62 per cent Trophies: League Cup 2023 Ten Hag’s win percentage exceeds even Ferguson’s 60 per cent, though a run in the second-tier Europa League arguably helped to inflate that figure. There have been embarrassing losses from his second game in charge – 4-0 against Brentford – via conceding six to Manchester City and seven to Liverpool, to the 4-3 shock against Copenhagen, with his side conceding more goals per game than under any post-Ferguson manager other than Rangnick. With Luton and Everton next up before a key European clash with Galatasaray, Ten Hag will know the tide must turn. Read More England head to Indonesia inspired by Under-17 World Cup winner Phil Foden Los Angeles Angels appoint veteran former Texas Rangers boss Ron Washington Will Perrett up for another battle against the odds as he targets the Olympics Michael Vaughan: England should secure Champions Trophy spot for next generation On this day in 2007: Warren Gatland appointed Wales boss Sarina Wiegman ‘in good place’ with England and not looking at job in men’s game
2023-11-09 19:50
Tottenham star reveals secret to upturn in form after summer transfer
Martha Thomas says she has rediscovered her smile on the pitch following her summer switch to Tottenham from Manchester United and is thriving on the belief being shown in her at her new club. The Scotland forward concluded a two-year stay with United after a 2022-23 season in which she made 20 Women’s Super League appearances for Marc Skinner’s side but only one start within that, scoring one goal. Moving on to Robert Vilahamn’s Spurs, Thomas – starting at centre-forward – went on to net six times in the team’s first four league games this term to top the early Golden Boot standings, and was named Barclays Player of the Month for October. Asked if she had surprised herself at all with her form, the 27-year-old told the PA news agency: “No, I think I’ve always had the belief in myself – it’s just having people around me that sort of believe in that as well.” Regarding last season, Thomas said: “Personally, it was a really tough season for me, off the pitch, on the pitch, mentally, physically. I felt quite drained. “It was hard because the team was doing quite well, so I was happy for the girls around me. But when it came to the summer, I knew what the best decision for me would be. “I was playing in a team sometimes not even in my actual position that I feel I’m best at. So it was definitely the right time for me to step away, because I knew they weren’t getting the best out of me and I wasn’t getting the best out of myself there. It no longer felt like the right fit. “There was definitely times throughout the season where I did feel like I deserved that chance and sort of wasn’t given it, or was given it but then not given long enough to show it. “That’s just the way it goes. United had their best finish (second), so it’s sort of hard to really argue – but at the same time I felt like I needed and deserved more, so it was the right time for me to get that somewhere else. “I wasn’t enjoying my football. I needed just to enjoy it again, and I needed to find my smile again on the pitch.” She added: “I didn’t feel like I came here with a point to prove, I just feel like it’s worked out that way because I’m playing football with a smile, that’s when I play my best, and you’re just now seeing what I’m actually capable of doing. “If I’m happy and playing in a team where I feel valued and they’ve got that belief, then I’m going to play my best and the goals are going to come. “I think I’ve settled in really well here, I think the style Robert wants to play and the team we have complement me quite well.” While Thomas has been on her hot streak, Tottenham striker Bethany England, who had a major impact for them last term after joining in January, has been recovering from hip surgery. Vilahamn, as well as stressing his belief Thomas can win the Golden Boot this season, has said he is confident he will find a way for the two to play together, something Thomas says she can see herself doing, adding: “I think we would complement each other really well.” Having finished ninth last season, then appointing Vilahamn in July, Tottenham are currently in the Champions League places, lying third as one of four teams with 10 points from five games, three behind leaders Chelsea. Last Sunday’s 1-1 home draw with Everton followed a run of three successive wins, and Thomas said: “For us to be really gutted with that draw shows what kind of finish we’re looking for. We’re looking to climb as high as we can. “The top three, four teams have had that consistency over the past however many seasons and that’s what other clubs need. But I think with the start you’ve already seen, it wouldn’t be surprising to me to see another team break into that – and we can hope it’s us.” Tottenham host Liverpool – another side on 10 points – on Sunday. Read More Ten Hag calls out referee’s ‘harsh’ decision to red card Rashford Rumours: Man United could sell duo in January and Newcastle target midfield pair How can Man United qualify in Champions League? Marcus Rashford red card: Why was Man Utd star sent off? Champions League: What do Man United, Newcastle and Arsenal need to reach last 16? Man United miss yet another crucial turning point to lurch to new crisis levels
2023-11-09 19:28
Suspects held over alleged Hezbollah plot in Brazil
Brazilian authorities made two arrests and carried out raids in key cities including Sao Paulo and Brasilia.
2023-11-09 19:19
Manuel Neuer hails 'phenomenon' Harry Kane for brilliant start with Bayern Munich
England captain Harry Kane has made a brilliant start in Germany
2023-11-09 18:58
UFC 295 time: When does Prochazka vs Pereira start in UK and US this weekend?
Jiri Prochazka will bid to regain the UFC light-heavyweight title this weekend, taking on ex-middleweight champion Alex Pereira for the vacant belt. Prochazka, the UFC’s first ever Czech champion, was forced to vacate the title due to injury in 2022, and he will challenge for the gold again at UFC 295, headlining against Brazilian Pereira. The pair were due to clash in the co-main event at Madison Square Garden, but Jon Jones’s heavyweight title defence against Stipe Miocic was cancelled when Jones suffered an injury in October. As a result, the original co-main event was elevated, while the new co-main event sees Britain’s Tom Aspinall fight Russia’s Sergei Pavlovich for the interim heavyweight belt. The winner of that bout should be in line to challenge Jones in 2024 – possibly leaving former champ Miocic out in the cold. Here’s all you need to know. We may earn commission from some of the links in this article, but we never allow this to influence our content. This revenue helps to fund journalism across The Independent. When is UFC 295? The event is set to take place on Saturday 11 November at Madison Square Garden in New York City. The early prelims are due to begin at 11pm GMT (4pm PT, 6pm CT, 7pm ET), with the regular prelims following at 1am GMT on Sunday 12 November (6pm PT, 8pm CT, 9pm ET on Saturday). The main card is then scheduled for 3am GMT on Sunday (8pm PT, 10pm CT, 11pm ET on Saturday). How can I watch it? The card will air live on TNT Sports in the UK, with the broadcaster’s app and website also streaming the fights. In the US, ESPN+ will stream the action live, as will the UFC’s Fight Pass. If you’re travelling abroad and want to watch the event, you might need a VPN to unblock your streaming app. Our VPN round-up is here to help and includes deals on VPNs in the market. Viewers using a VPN need to make sure that they comply with any local regulations where they are and also with the terms of their service provider. Odds Prochazka – 11/10; Pereira – 13/20 Pavlovich – 10/11; Aspinall – 10/11 Via Betway. Get all the latest UFC betting sites’ offers Full card (subject to change) Jiri Prochazka vs Alex Pereira (vacant light-heavyweight title) Sergei Pavlovich vs Tom Aspinall (interim heavyweight title) Jessica Andrade vs Mackenzie Dern (women’s strawweight) Matt Frevola vs Benoit Saint-Denis (lightweight) Diego Lopes vs Pat Sabatini (featherweight) Prelims Steve Erceg vs Alessandro Costa (flyweight) Tabatha Ricci vs Loopy Godinez (women’s strawweight) Mateusz Rebecki vs Nurullo Aliev (lightweight) Nadim Sadykhov vs Viacheslav Borschchev (lightweight) Early prelims Jared Gordon vs Mark Madsen (lightweight) John Castaneda vs Kyung Ho Kang (bantamweight) Joshua Van vs Kevin Borjas (flyweight) Dennis Buzukja vs Jamall Emmers (featherweight) Read More Dana White responds to Brock Lesnar and Ronda Rousey UFC 300 rumours UFC announces three major title fights will kick off 2024 UFC 295 card in full with two titles on the line How to watch UFC 295 online and on TV this weekend When is the next UFC event? UFC schedule 2023: Every fight happening this year
2023-11-09 17:27