Thomas Tuchel urged "amazing" England to use their 5-0 demolition of Serbia as the standard they ...

Thomas Tuchel urged "amazing" England to use their 5-0 demolition of Serbia as the standard they must stick to on the road to the World Cup.Tuchel's side finally delivered the first eye-catching performance of the German's reign as Serbia were swatted aside in Belgrade.Goals from Harry Kane, Noni Madueke, Ezri Konsa, Marc Guehi and Marcus Rashford moved England closer to qualifying for next year's World Cup.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The Three Lions sit top of Group K after five successive victories, with 13 goals scored and none conceded.They need a maximum of five points from their last three games to book their spot at the tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico.Criticised for a series of lacklustre displays in his first five matches, Tuchel was relieved to see England produce the kind of vibrant show he had promised after succeeding Gareth Southgate."We've only had three weeks of training and that's normally half a pre-season. It takes time and in between there are weeks of pause," he said."The players did excellent. The credit goes to them, they did amazing. That's the bar."After successive runners-up finishes in the European Championship under Southgate, former Bayern Munich and Chelsea boss Tuchel has been tasked with winning England's first major trophy since the 1966 World Cup.England's drab 2-0 win against minnows Andorra in Birmingham on Saturday had raised questions about Tuchel's ability to extract the maximum from his talented squad.<h3>'We made them look average'</h3>But their impressively mature effort in the hostile Rajko Mitic Stadium provided evidence that Tuchel is on the right track, although much sterner tests will lie in wait."I'm more than happy for the team and staff. We had an excellent week from start to finish. We've just proved what I've seen every day in this camp and this makes me very happy," Tuchel said."We played with a lot of intensity, a lot of work in teamwork and we showed our quality. "We kept Serbia to no shots on target and you have to put in a lot of work that you do not get praise for. It is good to watch."England captain Kane has thrived since Tuchel took charge and his 74th international goal set the tone for the rout in Belgrade.Kane was impressed with the way England took the attack to Serbia right from the start."I spoke a lot yesterday about how we wanted to play, being on the front foot and being aggressive, and I think we showed our level today," he said."We scored five and made it look comfortable. Serbia are a good team, and we made them look average tonight."Hitting back at the critics of England's underwhelming form prior to the goal spree against Serbia, Kane added: "We felt we had a good performance a few days ago. "I know it wasn't the performance that everyone was excited about, but we did what we had to."We can be proud of ourselves. It has been a great camp and we are in a great position."

BELGRADE, SERBIA - SEPTEMBER 09: Thomas Tuchel, Head Coach of England, interacts with Elliot Anderson of England following victory during the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match between Serbia and England at Rajko Mitic Stadium on September 09, 2025 in Belgrade, Serbia.

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Tuchel: 'Amazing' England set standard in Serbia rout

Portugal clinched a 3-2 win over Hungary at the Puskas Arena during Tuesday's slate of World Cup ...

Portugal clinched a 3-2 win over Hungary at the Puskas Arena during Tuesday's slate of World Cup qualifiers, backing up their opening Group F victory, 5-0 against Armenia last week.Barnabas Varga gave the home side the lead before Bernardo Silva's leveller for Portugal.Cristiano Ronaldo netted a record-extending 141st international goal with a spot-kick just before the hour.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Varga thought he had grabbed a point for Hungary, only for Joao Cancelo to snatch all three for Portugal with four minutes left.Hungary slipped to third in the standings behind Armenia who beat Ireland 2-1.

BUDAPEST, HUNGARY - SEPTEMBER 9: Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal celebrates with his teammates during the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match between Hungary and Portugal at Puskas Arena on September 9, 2025 in Budapest, Hungary.

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Portugal edges past Hungary to maintain World Cup charge

A disjointed France recovered from a major Michael Olise gaffe to beat Iceland 2-1 in World Cup q...

A disjointed France recovered from a major Michael Olise gaffe to beat Iceland 2-1 in World Cup qualifying on Tuesday, holding on for a second straight win after Aurelien Tchouameni was sent off and a late equaliser was disallowed.Olise inexplicably gifted the opening goal to Iceland's Andri Gudjohnsen at the Parc des Princes, leaving France in danger of a first home defeat in a major tournament qualifier since 2013.But Kylian Mbappe equalised with a penalty right on half-time and then ran through before setting up Paris Saint-Germain's Bradley Barcola for the winner just past the hour mark.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Tchouameni was then shown a red card before Gudjohnsen was controversially denied an equaliser following a VAR check, as the home side held on to follow up their 2-0 win over Ukraine in their opening qualifier last Friday.Despite being a long way from their best, the 2018 World Cup winners and 2022 runners-up are already in a strong position in Group D with the maximum six points.Iceland are next on three points, with Ukraine and Azerbaijan on one point each after drawing 1-1 in Baku.Les Bleus, who have qualified for every World Cup since the last tournament to be held in the United States in 1994, next host Azerbaijan and visit Iceland in October.The group winners qualify directly for next year's 48-team tournament in North America, while the runners-up will advance to a play-off phase.The build-up to this game was dominated by a falling-out between the France team and PSG after Ousmane Dembele and Desire Doue, who both play for the European champions, suffered injuries in the win over Ukraine which will keep them out for several weeks.<h3>Mbappe goal and assist</h3>Dembele had come off the bench in that game, while Doue started. His place in the line-up here was taken by Marcus Thuram.He came close for France as they started the game brightly, but they fell behind just before the midway point in the first half as Iceland capitalised on Olise's error.The Bayern Munich star inexplicably passed the ball inside his own area straight to Gudjohnsen, who needed no second invitation to fire in.The 23-year-old London-born striker, who has just signed for Blackburn Rovers, is one of the sons of former Chelsea and Barcelona star Eidur and was playing alongside his brother Daniel up front.France then found themselves toiling to break down a packed Icelandic defence but they were gifted the chance when Thuram went down in the box just before the interval.The referee awarded a penalty after coming across to check the images, and Mbappe converted from the spot to make it 52 goals in 92 appearances for his country.The hosts were expected to run away with the game in the second half and Olise crashed a shot off the bar before Mbappe latched onto Tchouameni's ball over the top on 62 minutes, advanced on goal and squared for Barcola to tap in.But then Tchouameni was dismissed, a yellow card for crashing his studs into the shin of Jon Dagur Thorsteinsson being upgraded to red after a review.With the extra man, Iceland thought they had snatched a point when Andri Gudjohnsen bundled in Hakon Haraldsson's cross at the second attempt.However, the goal was ruled out following another review, with the striker adjudged to have pulled the shirt of Ibrahima Konate as he attacked the ball.

France's forward #20 Bradley Barcola (L) fights for the ball with France's forward #11 Michael Olise after scoring his team's second goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group D European qualification football match between France and Iceland at the Parc des Princes stadium in Paris, on September 9, 2025.

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France fights back for unconvincing qualification victory over Iceland

England demolished Serbia with a 5-0 win in Belgrade on Tuesday as Thomas Tuchel's side finally d...

England demolished Serbia with a 5-0 win in Belgrade on Tuesday as Thomas Tuchel's side finally delivered an eye-catching performance to move within touching distance of World Cup qualification.Harry Kane's 74th goal in 109 England appearances gave the visitors a deserved lead in the first half at the Rajko Mitic Stadium.In contrast to Kane's status as his country's record goalscorer, Noni Madueke netted for the first time in a senior international when he increased England's advantage moments after his captain's opener.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Ezri Konsa also scored his maiden England goal in the second half before Serbia captain Nikola Milenkovic was sent off.Marc Guehi bagged the fourth and Marcus Rashford's penalty completed the rout as a fifth successive qualifying victory cemented England's position on top of Group K.They are seven points ahead of second-placed Albania and hold an eight-point lead over third-placed Serbia, who have a game in hand.England need five points from their final three matches to secure a place at the World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico next year."We had an excellent week from start to finish. We've just proved what I've seen every day in this camp and this makes me very happy," Tuchel said."We played with a lot of intensity, a lot of teamwork and we showed our quality. It's good to watch."Although England had made an 100 percent start to the qualifying campaign under Tuchel, their previous performances had been devoid of inspiration and lacking a clear identity.Dour wins over Andorra, Latvia and Albania, alongside a dismal friendly loss to Senegal, had raised questions about Tuchel's ability to win England's first major trophy since the 1966 World Cup.But Tuchel had described the meeting with Serbia as "proof of concept" and his blueprint looked far more convincing after the most cohesive performance of his six-match reign."We've only had three weeks of training and that's normally half a pre-season. It takes time and in between there are weeks of pause," Tuchel said."The players did excellent. The credit goes to them. That's the bar."The statement victory came after Tuchel made four changes from the listless win against Andorra on Saturday, with Konsa, Morgan Rogers, Anthony Gordon and Tino Livramento replacing Rashford, Eberechi Eze, Myles Lewis-Skelly and Dan Burn.<h3>Laser incident</h3>Serbia set up with a cautious five-man defence and Kane ensured England's territorial dominance was rewarded in the 33rd minute.Timing his run to meet Declan Rice's outswinging corner, Kane found space to guide a clinical header into the corner of the net from 12 yards.Tuchel's men doubled their lead two minutes later with a blistering break.Elliot Anderson's pass was deftly flicked on by Rogers to send Madueke sprinting clear of the Serbia defence.The Arsenal winger caressed a composed finish over Djordje Petrovic from 10 yards for his fifth goal involvement in nine international appearances.With England finally playing with the eye-catching style he had made his mission statement, Tuchel pumped his fists in a jig of delight on the touchline.A Serbia fan tried to rattle England by shining a green laser pen into the eyes of Konsa and Reece James, prompting a plea from the stadium announcer to stop the distraction after the game was briefly halted.Serbia were hit with a partial stadium closure after supporters were guilty of bad behaviour, including "discrimination and racist abuse" against Andorra in June.Riot police also entered the stands in the second half after Serbia fans chanted inflammatory political slogans.England were unfazed and Konsa exacted revenge in the 52nd minute.Gordon's shot was parried by Petrovic and Guehi deflected it towards Konsa, who had the simple task of tapping home from close-range.Tottenham defender Djed Spence came off the bench in the closing stages to become the first Muslim to represent England.Milenkovic was sent off with 18 minutes left after hauling down Kane.Guehi grabbed England's fourth goal in the 75th minute when he poked home from Rice's free-kick.Capping a feelgood evening for Tuchel, Rashford converted a 90th minute penalty after Ollie Watkins was fouled by Strahinja Erakovic.

England's striker #09 Harry Kane celebrates with teammates after winning the 2026 FIFA World Cup European Qualifiers Group K football match between Serbia and England, at the Rajko Mitic Stadium in Belgrade, on September 9, 2025.

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Sparkling England crushes Serbia to ignite Tuchel's reign

Barcelona will use the tiny Johan Cruyff stadium at their training ground to host Valencia in La ...

Barcelona will use the tiny Johan Cruyff stadium at their training ground to host Valencia in La Liga on Sunday, with the Spotify Camp Nou not yet licensed to reopen amid a rebuild.The Spanish champions had hoped to play before a reduced crowd at their Camp Nou home, as construction continues, but have not acquired the correct permits to do so."The club is working intensively to obtain the necessary administrative permits to open Spotify Camp Nou in the coming weeks," said the club in a statement.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>"Barcelona thanks its members, fans, and supporters for their understanding and support during such a complex and exciting process as the return to the new Spotify Camp Nou."The Johan Cruyff stadium, where Barca's women's team regularly plays, holds around 6,000 spectators.Barcelona closed the Camp Nou for building work at the end of the 2022-23 season, aiming to partially reopen the stadium in November 2024.They played their home matches at the Olympic stadium on the city's Montjuic hill until the end of last season, as the return date was repeatedly pushed back because of delays in construction and problems obtaining licenses.A concert from American Rapper Post Malone on Friday at the Olympic stadium means Barcelona cannot return there this weekend.Barcelona are estimated to be paying 1.5 billion euros ($1.75 billion) for the Camp Nou rebuild, which is due to be completed in 2026.

BARCELONA, SPAIN - AUGUST 10: General view inside the stadium prior to the Joan Gamper Trophy match between FC Barcelona and Como1907 at Estadi Johan Cruyff on August 10, 2025 in Barcelona, Spain.

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Barca to host Valencia at training ground after another Camp Nou delay

Nottingham Forest appointed Ange Postecoglou as manager on Tuesday to replace Nuno Espirito Santo...

Nottingham Forest appointed Ange Postecoglou as manager on Tuesday to replace Nuno Espirito Santo, who was sacked following a dispute with club owner Evangelos Marinakis.Nuno led Forest to European qualification for the first time in 30 years last season by finishing seventh in the Premier League.But he became the first Premier League manager to lose his job this season after publicly stating that his relationship with Greek billionaire Marinakis had deteriorated.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Postecoglou himself was sacked by Tottenham in June just days after winning the Europa League.Despite ending Spurs' 17-year wait to win a trophy, the Australian was dismissed due to Tottenham's worst league season since 1976/77 as they finished 17th.However, Marinakis backed the 60-year-old to continue his record of winning trophies at Tottenham, Celtic, Yokohama Marinos and during his spell in charge of Australia."We are bringing a coach to the club who has a proven and consistent record of winning trophies," said Marinakis."His experience of coaching teams at the highest level, along with his desire to build something special with us at Forest, makes him a fantastic person to help us on our journey and achieve consistently all our ambitions."Greek-born Postecoglou will take charge of Forest, who sit 10th in the Premier League on four points after three games, for the first time in Saturday's daunting trip to Arsenal.Marinakis is hoping he can repeat his Europa League success, with Forest among the favourites to win the competition.But Postecoglou's attacking style is vastly different to the cautious approach that reaped rewards for Nuno at the City Ground."After gaining promotion to the Premier League, then building consistently season after season to secure European football, we now must take the right step to compete with the very best and challenge for trophies," added Marinakis."Ange has the credentials and the track-record to do this, and we are excited he is joining us on our ambitious journey."<h3>Relationship 'changed'</h3>Nuno took charge in December 2023 after Steve Cooper was sacked and went on to save the club from relegation.Forest surpassed all expectations last season, but cracks in the relationship between Nuno and Marinakis began to show after they let slip a promising opportunity to qualify for the Champions League.Marinakis appeared to confront Nuno on the pitch following a 2-2 draw against Leicester in May, although the club claimed that was due to the decision to let striker Taiwo Awoniyi play on following an 88th-minute injury that later required urgent abdominal surgery.Nuno was then publicly critical of Forest's transfer activity before the season began, saying that he was "worried" about their prospects and his squad had been left "unbalanced".Forest eventually brought in 13 players as new sporting director Edu Gaspar took a more hands-on role in signings."Following recent circumstances, Nuno Espírito Santo has today been relieved of his duties as head coach," Forest said in a statement released just after midnight on Tuesday morning."The club thanks Nuno for his contribution during a very successful era at the City Ground, in particular his role in the 2024/25 season, which will forever be remembered fondly in the history of the club."

Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou applauds the fans after the Premier League match at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, London. Picture date: Sunday May 25, 2025.

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Nottingham Forest turn to Postecoglou after sacking Nuno

Sandro Tonali earned Italy a thrilling 5-4 win against Israel on Monday with the decisive late st...

Sandro Tonali earned Italy a thrilling 5-4 win against Israel on Monday with the decisive late strike in the 2026 World Cup qualifier just as it looked the Azzurri were plunging into another crisis.Newcastle midfielder Tonali wheeled off in celebration when his speculative effort went through a sea of legs and into the net to win a rollercoaster of a match which Italy looked to have thrown away.The Azzurri, who have missed the last two World Cups, were leading 4-2 in the 81st minute when substitute Giacomo Raspadori rolled home. <div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>However, a clumsy Alessandro Bastoni own goal and Dor Peretz's header drew Israel level in Debrecen.Tonali's fortunate effort in stoppage time moved Italy up to second in Group I -- level on nine points with Israel who have played a game more -- and in the play-off spot.Italy trail leaders Norway by three points and still have a chance of taking first place and the group's sole direct qualifying spot.

DEBRECEN, HUNGARY - SEPTEMBER 08: Sandro Tonali of Italy celebrates his goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match between Israel and Italy at Nagyerdei Stadion on September 08, 2025 in Debrecen, Hungary.

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Tonali saves Italy from disaster in breathless 9-goal affair with Israel

England captain Harry Kane has confirmed UEFA's three-step protocol for discriminatory behaviour ...

England captain Harry Kane has confirmed UEFA's three-step protocol for discriminatory behaviour has been discussed by the players amid fears of racist abuse in Tuesday's World Cup qualifier in Serbia.Kane and his team are in Belgrade to face Serbia in a vital showdown at the Rajko Mitic Stadium, where the capacity has been reduced by 15 per cent due to previous fan behaviour.FIFA punished the Football Association of Serbia (FSS) for "discrimination and racist abuse" in a match against Andorra in June.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>After the latest in a long line of unsavoury incidents, the FSS has urged Serbian fans to "support our national team in the right way" against England, who faced racist abuse on their 2019 trips to the Balkans in Montenegro and Bulgaria.Kane was also the Three Lions' skipper during those incidents in Podgorica and Sofia.The Bayern Munich striker said England's players have spoken about UEFA's protocols and are willing to leave the pitch if necessary."We had a meeting and we discussed the protocols from UEFA's point of view," he told reporters on Monday. "I don't think we like to discuss it too much."Our focus is on the game. Our focus is on trying to beat Serbia on the pitch."Everything can happen, of course, and we're prepared for that, but ultimately we're not thinking about that."We're thinking about the football, the game, like the Serbia FA put out, is about enjoying, respectful, enjoy the game, and we hope that's the case."Asked if he was willing to take the players off during the match in protest at any racist abuse, Kane said: "We're prepared to do what UEFA protocols allow us to do."I thought we handled that situation away in Bulgaria really well. And it'll be no different."These are the things that are hard to talk about now, because we don't know if it's going to happen or not. But ultimately, like I said, we're prepared."We had a discussion as a group so that if in the event does happen, we'll be prepared to do what is necessary."<h3>'Loud but dignified'</h3>England boss Thomas Tuchel hopes the high-stakes qualifier between the top two in Group K will pass without any incidents in the stands."The people in charge at the FA talked with us about it, yeah. We are aware," said Tuchel, whose side are five points ahead of Serbia."And, still, I always believe in the good, so I always believe that we will have a high-level sporting competition and celebrate the sport for what it is, a respectful and emotional match."Serbian fans have been warned by FSS general secretary Branko Radujko to behave on Tuesday or risk damaging their World Cup hopes."This match of truth also carries great responsibility. We are still under special monitoring of UEFA," he said. "Every inappropriate reaction, insult or incident could cost us dearly on our path to the USA, Mexico and Canada, including the possibility of having to play a decisive match with Albania behind closed doors."That is the reason I sincerely and seriously call on you: let us cheer from the heart but let it be fair. We can be loud but dignified. Let our support be a source of strength, not a risk for the national team."

BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 06: Harry Kane of England during the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match between England and Andorra at Villa Park on September 06, 2025 in Birmingham, England.

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Kane says England 'prepared' amid racism fears in Serbia clash

Frenkie de Jong is expected to miss Barcelona's upcoming home match against Valencia due to a gro...

Frenkie de Jong is expected to miss Barcelona's upcoming home match against Valencia due to a groin injury sustained in a 2026 World Cup qualifier when playing for the Netherlands, the Catalan club announced Monday.Midfielder De Jong limped off late in Thursday's 1-1 draw with Poland, and was then absent from the Netherlands' 3-2 win in Lithuania on Sunday.The Dutch top Group G with 10 points after four of eight qualifiers, while De Jong's club Barcelona are two points behind leaders Real Madrid and Athletic Bilbao ahead of this weekend's fourth round of La Liga.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>"Frenkie de Jong has suffered a slight injury to the external obturator muscle in his right leg," the Spanish champions said in a statement on their website."His recovery will determine his availability."The injury likely rules the 28-year-old out of at least Sunday's encounter with Valencia after he had started two of the first three games prior to the international break.Fellow Barcelona midfielder Gavi is being rested and may need knee surgery, while left-back Alejandro Balde is nursing a biceps problem in the Barca treatment room.Ahead of the return of club football, the Catalan giants have an even bigger headache with their revamped Camp Nou stadium as yet unlicenced for reopening.Their temporary home at the former Olympic Stadium at Montjuic is hosting a Post Malone concert this weekend.Barcelona may therefore be forced to play at their 6,000-capacity training ground, but the Estadi Johan Cruyff is as yet unequipped with VAR facilities.

ROTTERDAM, NETHERLANDS - SEPTEMBER 04: Frenkie de Jong of Netherlands looks on during the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match between Netherlands and Poland at De Kuip on September 04, 2025 in Rotterdam, Netherlands.

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Barcelona's De Jong injured on Netherlands duty

Bayer Leverkusen on Monday appointed Dane Kasper Hjulmand as coach, replacing Erik ten Hag, who w...

Bayer Leverkusen on Monday appointed Dane Kasper Hjulmand as coach, replacing Erik ten Hag, who was fired after just two league games in charge.The former Denmark coach has been appointed on a contract until 2027. "It is an honour to be entrusted with such a team", Hjulmand said in a statement, adding: "I'm motivated to shape the future of the club."<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The appointment ends a chaotic fortnight for Leverkusen, who sacked former Manchester United manager Ten Hag on September 1, just two games into the Bundesliga season. Ten Hag replaced Xabi Alonso, who took Leverkusen to an unbeaten league and cup double in 2023-24 -- the club's first-ever Bundesliga title -- before moving to Real Madrid in the summer. Leverkusen sporting director Simon Rolfes admitted to an error in hiring Ten Hag but said letting him continue would have been "an even bigger mistake."Runners-up last season, Leverkusen collected just one point from their opening two matches.Ten Hag hit back in a statement, calling the sacking "unprecedented" and "a complete surprise".Hjulmand is expected to be on the bench for Leverkusen's home match against Eintracht Frankfurt on Friday.Hjulmand emerged as one of several candidates to take over the vacant position, alongside one-time Barcelona coach and player Xavi, former Spurs manager Ange Postecoglou and Raul, the Spain striker who recently coached Real Madrid's second team. The 53-year-old resigned as Denmark coach in July 2024, having taken the side to the semi-finals of the Euros in 2021 where they narrowly lost to England. He also took Denmark to the last 16 of Euro 2024, where they were eliminated by hosts Germany.Rolfes said Monday the new manager would "set up a clear and dominant style of play with our team" and will "strive for the most ambitious national and international goals."The manager took Nordsjaelland to their first and only Danish title in 2011-12.Hjulmand has experience in Germany, having coached Bundesliga side Mainz for just under one season in 2014-15, but was sacked after a run of one win in 13 games.After Friday's match against Frankfurt, Leverkusen kick off their Champions League campaign with a trip to Danish champions Copenhagen.

DORTMUND, GERMANY - JUNE 29: Kasper Hjulmand, Head Coach of Denmark, acknowledges the fans following the UEFA EURO 2024 round of 16 match between Germany and Denmark at Football Stadium Dortmund on June 29, 2024 in Dortmund, Germany.

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Leverkusen appoint Hjulmand as head coach after Ten Hag chaos

Athletic Bilbao defender Yeray Alvarez has been hit with a 10-month ban after testing positive fo...

Athletic Bilbao defender Yeray Alvarez has been hit with a 10-month ban after testing positive for a prohibited substance following a Europa League clash against Manchester United last season, European football's governing body UEFA said on Monday.Analysis of a sample provided by the player after the game in May "revealed the presence of Canrenone", a substance banned by the World Anti-Doping Agency, UEFA said.UEFA acknowledged that the 30-year-old took the substance "involuntarily", with Alvarez saying it been through medicine he was using to combat hair loss following treatment for testicular cancer.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>However, he was banned for 10 months, with the start backdated to June when he had accepted a voluntary provisional suspension.That means Alvarez will be able to return to action at the start of April next year, albeit he will be allowed to return to training with his teammates two months before that.Alvarez was diagnosed with testicular cancer in 2016 and after treatment returned to play in 2017, but suffered a reoccurrence later that year, making a second comeback in 2018.His positive test came after Athletic's 3-0 home defeat by United in the Europa League semi-final first leg on May 1.The news of his ban is a major blow to the Basque club, who will take part in this season's Champions League.It comes after a move to bring Spain centre-back Aymeric Laporte back to the club for a second spell from Saudi side Al-Nassr fell through late in the transfer window.

Yeray Alvarez centre-back of Athletic Club and Spain controls the ball during the UEFA Europa League 2024/25 Semi Final Second Leg match between Manchester United and Athletic Club at Old Trafford on May 8, 2025 in Manchester, United Kingdom.

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Athletic Bilbao defender Alvarez given 10-month doping ban

France coach Didier Deschamps calmed suggestions of a rift between the national team and Paris Sa...

France coach Didier Deschamps calmed suggestions of a rift between the national team and Paris Saint-Germain after the European champions were left fuming after Ousmane Dembele and Desire Doue picked up injuries on international duty.Dembele, PSG's leading scorer last season and one of the favourites to win the Ballon d'Or, has been ruled out for between six and eight weeks after coming off hurt in France's 2-0 win over Ukraine in World Cup qualifying on Friday.Doue was injured in the same game and is expected to be sidelined for a month, dealing a major blow to PSG as they prepare to begin their defence of the Champions League title.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The club wrote to the French Football Federation (FFF) on Sunday calling for a "more transparent and collaborative coordination protocol to be put in place between clubs and national teams".PSG, whose squad had a significantly shortened close-season break after going all the way to the final of the Club World Cup in July, said they had provided the FFF with "concrete" medical information about how much workload their players could withstand.They said that their recommendations were ignored.Deschamps insisted that the French team's medical staff "did things in a very professional and progressive way, as we do with all the players, taking into account how each player feels"."Even if they are eager to play, that feeling is always a very important element for us," added the French coach, who was speaking before Les Bleus host Iceland at PSG's Parc des Princes stadium on Tuesday."PSG are not our adversary, and never have been. The clubs never have been, even if our interests go in different directions, and that is normal."I have been on the other side of the barrier. Our only opponent is Iceland," Deschamps said, insisting that there are always exchanges between his team and the clubs.He used the examples of Manchester City's Rayan Cherki and Arsenal defender William Saliba, who picked up injuries and were told they would not need to come to the French team's training base for further assessment despite having being called up."I am not going to make them come when we are perfectly aware it's not possible, because our doctor was sent the images from their scans," said the coach.

France's midfielder #12 Desire Doue eyes the ball during the 2026 World Cup qualifiers Europe zone group D football match between Ukraine and France, on September 5, 2025 in Wroclaw, Poland.

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France coach Deschamps plays down rift with PSG over injured stars

A stunning free-kick from Florian Wirtz helped Germany overcome a sluggish performance to beat No...

A stunning free-kick from Florian Wirtz helped Germany overcome a sluggish performance to beat Northern Ireland 3-1 in World Cup qualifying in Cologne on Sunday.Germany came into the match under pressure after a shock 2-0 loss to Slovakia in their opening qualifier on Thursday, with coach Julian Nagelsmann making five changes to his starting XI.Serge Gnabry got the hosts off to a strong start seven minutes in, but the Germans were pegged back midway through the first half when Isaac Price hammered home from a corner.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Germany lacked pace, fluidity and ideas in the opening period, leaving the field at half-time to isolated boos and whistles.Nagelsmann was swiftly rewarded for bringing on the energetic Maximilian Beier and Nadiem Amiri early in the second half.The duo combined for Germany's second, as Beier's run for a David Raum long ball confused Northern Irish goalkeeper Bailey Peacock-Farrell, allowing Amiri to score.Three minutes later, Wirtz stepped up to take a free-kick after Amiri was fouled and unleashed a perfect shot which sailed over the wall and in off the crossbar."We knew it was a catastrophe last game and we wanted to do things better," Wirtz told Germany's RTL network."It was a good performance we can definitely build on."The flat nature of the victory is unlikely to quieten too many of Germany's detractors, particularly coming against a side fielding just four players from top-flight European clubs in their starting XI.Fresh off a first ever away loss in a World Cup qualifer, Nagelsmann called on his team to show emotion before Sunday's match, saying the four-time world champions were "miles away" from where they needed to be.Gnabry helped Germany briefly cut through the nervous energy when he gave them an early lead.Northern Ireland failed to deal with a long ball which was intercepted by Nick Woltemade, who found Gnabry running through on goal.The Bayern Munich forward controlled the pass and chipped Peacock-Farrell.But Germany sat back after taking the lead, letting Northern Ireland back into the game and allowing them to equalise with 34 minutes played.Price shed his marker in Gnabry and volleyed in a corner completely unmarked at the far post.Nagelsmann's two changes just after the hour mark would prove crucial, with Beier and Amiri giving the hosts direction and energy before combining for a goal eight minutes later."I was very motivated today because we needed to set things right after the last game," Amiri said.Having faced criticism over a slow start at new club Liverpool, Wirtz showed real emotion in his celebration after curling home his excellent free-kick."It's another league, another type of football. I'm happy to be there," Wirtz said of his first experiences in the Premier League."I have no idea when I'll score my first goal, hopefully in the next game, but it will come at some point."Wirtz's strike helped end a run of three straight defeats for Germany, while allaying early fears they could miss out on the World Cup for the first time since not being allowed to enter in 1950.

dpatop - 07 September 2025, North Rhine-Westphalia, Cologne: Soccer: World Cup qualifier Europe, Germany - Northern Ireland, group stage, group A, match day 2, RheinEnergieStadion. Florian Wirtz (Germany) celebrates his goal to make it 3-1. IMPORTANT NOTE: In accordance with the regulations of the DFL German Football League and the DFB German Football Association, it is prohibited to use or have used photographs taken in the stadium and/or of the match in the form of sequential images and/or video-like photo series. Photo: Federico Gambarini/dpa

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Wirtz's stunner helps Germany recover from 'catastrophe' with win

Mikel Merino struck a hat-trick as Spain hammered Turkey 6-0 on Sunday to take charge of their 20...

Mikel Merino struck a hat-trick as Spain hammered Turkey 6-0 on Sunday to take charge of their 2026 World Cup qualifying group.Barcelona's Pedri Gonzalez netted twice with Ferran Torres also on target as Luis de la Fuente's side topped Group E with their second victory from their opening two matches.After a comfortable 3-0 win in Bulgaria on Thursday the coach pledged his Euro 2024-winning team had an even higher level to reach and they proved that in Konya.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>"We knew we had to come out strongly from the start and that's what we did, dominating," said Pedri."I think the team was able to keep that intensity through to the end of the game and the result reflects that."Some billed the match as a battle between Barcelona and Spain starlet Lamine Yamal and Real Madrid and Turkey playmaker Arda Guler, but the gulf in class between the sides did not allow for any reasonable comparison.Pedri broke the deadlock in the sixth minute with a fine finish from the edge of the box as Spain made a quick start.Arsenal's Merino netted the first of his treble by blasting home at the end of a superb team move as Spain shredded Turkey's defence with quick, incisive passing.At the other end Guler set up Kerem Akturkoglu, who hit the post, but was later shown to be offside.Athletic Bilbao winger Nico Williams was taken off before the break with an apparent thigh injury in the only negative note for Spain.Merino netted his second in first-half stoppage time after being teed up by Mikel Oyarzabal, who produced a hat-trick of assists.Electric 18-year-old Yamal played in Barcelona team-mate Torres for Spain's fourth in the 53rd minute and then laid the ball off for Merino to curl home from distance for his treble."I'm very happy for winning, to pick up six points, for doing it in this way, and for scoring three goals, which is not normal -- the first hat-trick of my career," said Merino.Yamal had good opportunities to score himself but blazed over and squeezed a shot narrowly wide.With Turkey six goals down, tempers frayed -- the frustrated Guler shoved a grinning Yamal as the pair squared off.De la Fuente took off Yamal soon after as Spain saw out their emphatic victory without further incident.The coach brought on Rayo Vallecano winger Jorge de Frutos in the final 20 minutes for his international debut.Spain sent an early warning that they intend to arrive at the World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico as favourites.La Roja, who won the tournament for the only time in 2010, have six points, with Georgia and Turkey on three each. Bulgaria are bottom with zero.

KONYA, TURKIYE - SEPTEMBER 7: Mikel Merino (6) of Spain celebrates after scoring a goal during the 2026 FIFA World Cup European Qualifiers Group E second match between Turkiye and Spain at Medas Konya Buyuksehir Stadium in Konya, Turkiye, on September 7, 2025.

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Merino hits treble as Spain thumps Turkey for 2nd big win in qualifiers

France international defender Presnel Kimpembe has left Paris Saint-Germain to join Qatar Sports ...

France international defender Presnel Kimpembe has left Paris Saint-Germain to join Qatar Sports Club, the two teams announced on Sunday.The 30-year-old centre-back has spent his whole career at PSG but was in the final year of his contract and had only made five appearances since suffering a ruptured Achilles tendon in February 2023."Presnel Kimpembe will forever remain a major player in the history of Paris Saint-Germain," PSG said in a long statement.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Kimpembe has won 28 caps for France, with the last coming in June 2022. He made one appearance in their triumphant 2018 World Cup campaign.

PARIS, FRANCE - AUGUST 27: Presnel Kimpembe of Paris Saint-Germain poses for a portrait during the official UEFA Champions League 2025/26 portrait session on August 27, 2025 in Paris, France.

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Kimpembe leaves Paris Saint-Germain for Qatar

The Frauen Bundesliga season opener between Bayern Munich and Bayer Leverkusen on Saturday drew a...

The Frauen Bundesliga season opener between Bayern Munich and Bayer Leverkusen on Saturday drew a German women's club record crowd of 57,762 in Munich.Double winners last season, Bayern won 2-0 thanks to two goals in two second-half minutes from Vanessa Gilles and Klara Buhl.It was just the fifth match Bayern women have played at the Allianz Arena, where the club's men's team play all their home games.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>While the 2011 Women's World Cup opener between Germany and Canada at Berlin's Olympic Stadium drew 73,680, Saturday's match broke the German club record of 57,000 set in last season's German Cup semi-final between hosts Hamburg and Werder Bremen.The previous Frauen Bundesliga record was 38,365, set in April 2023 between Cologne and Eintracht Frankfurt.The official world record of 91,648 for a women's football match was set in April 2022 in a Champions League semi-final between Barcelona and Wolfsburg at the Camp Nou.

06 September 2025, Bavaria, Munich: Soccer, Women: Bundesliga, Bayern Munich - Bayer Leverkusen, Matchday 1 at the Allianz Arena. Vanessa Gilles (Bayern Munich) takes selfies with the fans after the match. Photo: Sven Hoppe/dpa - IMPORTANT NOTE: In accordance with the regulations of the DFL German Football League and the DFB German Football Association, it is prohibited to utilize or have utilized photographs taken in the stadium and/or of the match in the form of sequential images and/or video-like photo series.

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Bayern Munich set crowd record in Frauen Bundesliga opener

England extended their 100 percent record on the road to the World Cup but Thomas Tuchel's side a...

England extended their 100 percent record on the road to the World Cup but Thomas Tuchel's side again failed to impress in a laboured 2-0 win against minnows Andorra on Saturday.Christian Garcia's first-half own-goal at Villa Park was followed by Declan Rice's header after the interval as the Group K leaders made it four successive qualifying victories.But while England remain on course for next year's World Cup, this was another underwhelming display that raised questions about Tuchel's ability to produce a trophy-winning team from a gifted generation.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>England were efficient but unspectacular, lacking guile and intelligence in the final third.No wonder Tuchel wore a frustrated expression on the touchline.Claiming the subdued crowd played a role in the display, Tuchel said: "It's difficult because it's a very different crowd to a Premier League crowd."After the first goal we had 10 or 15 minutes with too many ball losses and lost our focus and concentration but in the second half, we found it again and should have scored more."The former Chelsea and Bayern Munich boss will want a more purposeful performance in the toughest test of his reign on Tuesday when England face their main Group K rivals Serbia in Belgrade.With the clock ticking towards the World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada, Tuchel is under pressure to build a team with a clear identity and sense of purpose.The evidence from his lacklustre fifth game in charge suggested the German is some way from achieving that goal."I think we missed the little moments to accelerate the game. Maybe (Eberechi) Eze didn't have his best day, the last pass from Noni (Madueke) wasn't clinical enough and (Marcus) Rashford had good moments but couldn't finish them," he said."It's stuff that can happen against a narrow team. We've learned a lot and I'm glad for the players. Now we will prove a point in Belgrade."England spluttered to a 2-0 win against Albania in his first match in March and were only marginally better in a 3-0 victory over Latvia.A woeful 1-0 win against Andorra in June was alarming for Tuchel and there was even worse to come as the Three Lions finished their summer schedule with a dismal 3-1 defeat against Senegal in a friendly in Nottingham.It was a far cry from Tuchel's bold claim that he wanted his team to chase England's first major trophy since 1966 with an attacking style that would cast off the caution showed by his predecessor Gareth Southgate.<h3>Prosaic England</h3>After using the 35-year-old Jordan Henderson in midfield in England's last qualifier, Tuchel opted for Nottingham Forest's Elliot Anderson this time and was rewarded with a composed debut.In the absence of the injured Jude Bellingham and Bukayo Saka, Eze started as the most advanced of three central midfielders, while Madueke filled in on the right wing.It took 15 minutes for Tuchel's latest experimental line-up to fashion their first shot on target when Eze's low drive from the edge of the area forced Iker Alvarez to save.Faced with a side of Andorra's limitations, England were able to take the lead in the 25th minute without hitting top gear.Madueke was their most enterprising attacker and the Arsenal winger found space in the area for a cross that Garcia headed into his own net as he tried in vain to clear.Madueke's fourth goal involvement in eight internationals ensured England did not suffer the indignity of being shut out in the first half by Andorra for a second successive game.After their rather prosaic first half, England were slightly more dynamic at the start of the second.Anderson was denied a debut goal as Alvarez brilliantly clawed away the midfielder's scooped effort.England's territorial dominance finally brought a second goal in the 67th minute.Showing why Tuchel surprisingly preferred him at right-back to Trent Alexander-Arnold, Reece James whipped a pin-point cross into the six-yard box for Rice to glance his header past Alvarez.

BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 06: Declan Rice of England applauds during the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match between England and Andorra at Villa Park on September 06, 2025 in Birmingham, England.

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Labored England beats Andorra to stay perfect on road to World Cup

Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann on Saturday pledged changes to his side for Sunday's crunch World...

Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann on Saturday pledged changes to his side for Sunday's crunch World Cup qualifier against Northern Ireland in Cologne after falling to a 2-0 defeat in Slovakia. The Germans were thoroughly outclassed against Slovakia on Thursday, losing to the underdog side for the first time in their history. The four-time World Cup winners had never previously lost a qualification match for the tournament.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>A further disappointment against Northern Ireland would leave Nagelsmann's men with little room for error in their bid to qualify directly for the World Cup.Nagelsmann, 38, slammed his players' attitude after the defeat on Thursday, saying they lacked emotion and were "miles away" from a good performance."We had five decent minutes. That's not enough," the coach said. At full-time, captain Joshua Kimmich said "if we perform like we did today, we'll definitely not qualify" for the World Cup. On Saturday, Nagelsmann said: "There will certainly be some changes in terms of personnel. Not all 10 players will be rotated, but we have to put in a better performance than we did on Thursday."Germany have improved under Nagelsmann after a poor decade, with group stage exits at the Russia and Qatar World Cups bookending a last-16 Euros defeat to England in 2021. Taking over in late 2023, Germany lost just one of 15 matches in 2024 -- a quarter-final exit at the hands of eventual champions Spain at the European Championships. This year, Germany have lost three and drawn one of their five games and risk an unthinkable failure to qualify for next year's World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico. The coach said he had no fears about his future despite copping criticism in the German press, saying "it's never good to be afraid"."I'm still brave enough and I want to win every game and we'll try and do our best tomorrow," he said."The team is important, not me, and I think we'll do a better job tomorrow than on Thursday."Germany were given a rare bit of good news on Saturday, with forward Serge Gnabry cleared to play after picking up an arm injury against Slovakia. The Germans are dealing with an injury crisis, particularly up front, with Jamal Musiala, Kai Havertz, Tim Kleindienst and Niclas Fuellkrug all missing through injury. On Thursday, Germany called up Borussia Dortmund forward Maximilian Beier to replace the injured Fuellkrug.

04 September 2025, Slovakia, Bratislava: Soccer: World Cup Qualification Europe, Slovakia - Germany, Group Phase, Group A, Matchday 1, Narodny Futbalovy Stadion, Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann (Germany) on the sidelines. Photo: Christian Charisius/dpa

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Under-fire Nagelsmann promises 'changes' for Germany

Kylian Mbappe struck as France began their World Cup qualifying campaign with a win against Ukrai...

Kylian Mbappe struck as France began their World Cup qualifying campaign with a win against Ukraine on Friday.In the Polish city of Wroclaw, Michael Olise's early strike and Mbappe's 51st goal for Les Bleus handed the 2018 World Cup winners a 2-0 victory over Ukraine as Group D got underway."It was an important match because of the limited number of games (to qualify) against a quality team. We could have sealed the deal in the first half because we were in control and created a lot of chances," Deschamps said. <div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>"We faltered for four or five minutes in the second half, but the main thing is that we got the result."Olise started and finished the opening goal on 10 minutes when he released Bradley Barcola down the left flank from deep.The Bayern Munich man ghosted the length of the pitch to arrive unmarked into the Ukraine box and calmly sweep Barcola's return ball into the bottom corner.Olise and half-time substitute Ousmane Dembele nearly doubled the visitors' lead either side of the break but goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin denied them impressively.Ukraine responded by coming within inches of levelling the encounter twice inside two minutes after the hour.Ibrahima Konate first turned a goalbound Artem Dovbyk header off his own goal-line, before new Paris Saint-Germain signing Illia Zabarnyi struck the woodwork with a headed effort following a set-piece.But Mbappe made the win safe for France when he raced onto a pinpoint through-ball from his Real Madrid team-mate Aurelien Tchouameni before cutting inside and rifling home on 82 minutes. The goal tied Mbappe with Thierry Henry for second place on France's all-time scoring list.Deschamps had praise, in particular, for 23-year-old Olise after he netted his third goal in nine outings for Les Bleus."Michael is brilliant in everything he does, his movement, his combinations, his passing quality," the coach said.After the first matchday, France sit second in the four-team group behind Iceland, who beat Azerbaijan 5-0 in Reykjavik.Elsewhere, Denmark and Scotland played out a goalless stalemate in Copenhagen as Group C started, with Greece topping the pool following their 5-1 victory at home to Belarus.Switzerland opened Group B with a 4-0 win over Kosovo as group mates Sweden and Slovenia played out a 2-2 draw in Ljubljana.Former World Cup runners-up Croatia struggled to a 1-0 win away to Faroe Islands to stay second in Group L.Pool leaders Czech Republic beat third-placed Montenegro 2-0 to remain three points ahead of the Croats, although with two games in hand.

WROCLAW, POLAND - SEPTEMBER 05: Kylian Mbappe of France celebrates scoring his team's second goal with teammates during the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match between Ukraine and France at Tarczynski Arena on September 05, 2025 in Wroclaw, Poland.

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Mbappe ties Henry as France opens WCQ campaign with win over Ukraine

The Luxembourg under-21 football squad was involved in a bus crash on the way to a Euro 2027 qual...

The Luxembourg under-21 football squad was involved in a bus crash on the way to a Euro 2027 qualifier in France, leaving five individuals in hospital, both countries' football federations said on Friday.The individuals have been discharged after receiving treatment, the Luxembourg Football Federation said.The incident happened between Lorient and Pontivy in western France, after the vehicle drove into a ditch as the driver fell ill, the bus company said.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>"We show all our support and we hope for a quick recover to the members of the Luxembourg delegation who were hurt and shocked, as well as the driver of the bus," French Football Federation president Philippe Diallo said.The game, scheduled for Friday, will now be played on October 3 next year.The bus was travelling from the stadium to the Luxembourg team's hotel after a training session."The driver of the bus, aged 53, had and has worked for nine years in the position, has no history of traffic accidents," the company said."His most recent medical tests were in order," it added before also saying a alcohol and drug test had returned negative results and the vehicle he was driving had passed a technical inspection in July 2025.

BOLTON, ENGLAND - MARCH 26: Players of Luxembourg pose for a team photograph prior to the UEFA U21 Euro 2025 Qualifier between England and Luxembourg at Toughsheet Community Stadium on March 26, 2024 in Bolton, England.

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5 people treated in hospital after Luxembourg U21 bus crash in France

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