{"id":19298,"date":"2025-09-05T14:55:49","date_gmt":"2025-09-05T14:55:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/naijaglobalnews.org\/?p=19298"},"modified":"2025-09-05T14:55:49","modified_gmt":"2025-09-05T14:55:49","slug":"tottenhams-new-era-england-latest-russo-signs-contract-as-wsl-kicks-off-football-news-live-soccer","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/naijaglobalnews.org\/?p=19298","title":{"rendered":"Tottenham\u2019s new era, England latest, Russo signs contract as WSL kicks off: football news \u2013 live | Soccer"},"content":{"rendered":"

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<\/span><\/span>Argentina’s Lionel Messi poses with his sons prior to last night\u2019s World Cup 2026 qualifyier against Venezuela at the Monumental in Buenos Aires, his last international on home soil for his country. Argentina won 3-0 with Messi chipping in with two goals. <\/span> Photograph: Gustavo Garello\/APShare<\/p>\n

Republic of Ireland v Denmark:<\/strong> The Irish head coach Heimir Halgrimsson has billed tomorrow night\u2019s qualifier against Dominik Szoboszlai and chums at the Aviva Stadium as the most important game of the campaign for both teams. Sitting alongside him at his pre-match press conference, his skipper Nathan Collins also had plenty to say about the match. Asked if he felt under pressure to get Ireland to a first major finals since Euro 2016.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe thing with the pressure is that people are supporting us, which is a lot nicer than when people are against you,\u201d he said. \u201cIt\u2019s pressure we\u2019re willing to take on and use that into good energy. I don\u2019t think we want to look at it as such a big difference from what we do Saturday to Saturday with our clubs, it\u2019s still another game of football, in a stadium on a pitch with fans.<\/p>\n

\u201cOf course there\u2019s more on the line, it\u2019s a [qualifying] group, a different competition, but I think when you read too much into it or you put more pressure on yourself, it can only harm you. The fact that the pressure is our fans supporting us is a lot healthier than when, let\u2019s say, other opposition fans are against us. It\u2019s good pressure to have.\u201d<\/p>\n

<\/span>Ireland captain Nathan Collins is of the opinion that pressure is a privilege. <\/span> Photograph: Bogla\u0301rka Bodn\u00e1r\/EPAShare<\/p>\n

Updated at\u00a010.48 EDT<\/p>\n

Denmark v Scotland:<\/strong> Ahead of this evening\u2019s qualifier in Copenhagen, the Denmark head coach Brian Riemer <\/strong>has been singing the praises of Scotland in general and their Napoli midfielders Billy Gilmour and Scott McTominay in particular. And why wouldn\u2019t he?<\/p>\n

\u201cScotland are a team we have great respect for,\u201d he told told BBC Scotland. \u201cMr Clarke has done a great job over the last few years. I spoke to my good friend Stale Solbakken from Norway a few weeks ago and he told me to watch out because it\u2019s not easy.<\/p>\n

\u201c\u201cI really like to watch Billy Gilmour play,\u201d he added. \u201cWhat a great football player who can go down, pick the ball up and find the passes. Scott McTominay too is in great shape. If you get MVP in Serie A, then I think every team would like to have a Scott McTominay in their team. Two players who could probably join most teams in the world and make a difference. So we\u2019ll watch out for them.\u201d<\/p>\n

Indeed. It seems every team would like to have a Scott McTominay except Manchester United, the one who had him in their ranks but were more than happy to ship him out for \u00a325m ahead of one of the most embarrassing seasons in their history.<\/p>\n

<\/span>Denmark head coach Brian Riemer spent four years as Thomas Frank\u2019s assistant at Brentford before moving on to Anderlecht and then the Danish national team. <\/span> Photograph: Liselotte Sabroe\/EPAShare<\/p>\n

Beth Mead: “I know I bring something different”<\/h2>\n

Interview:<\/strong> After lifting European titles with Arsenal and England this year, the Arsenal forward Beth Mead is hoping to knock the WSL champions Chelsea off their perch. Suzanne Wrack sat down with her for a chat \u2026<\/p>\n

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Football Weekly Live: <\/strong>During this lull in rolling news proceedings, allow me the self-indulgence of plugging \u2026 er, myself. On Thursday 11 September, join me, Max Rushden, Jonathan Wilson, Nicky Bandini and Jonathan Liew for one night only at the Troxy, London.<\/p>\n

Featuring the podcast\u2019s unique take on the world of football \u2013 plus, audience interaction, special guests and stories the lawyers don\u2019t let us tell. If you can come along, we\u2019d love<\/em> to see you, or alternatively you can book tickets for our livestream, wherever you are in the world \u2026 as long as there\u2019s wifi.<\/p>\n

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Australia 1-0 New Zealand<\/h2>\n

International friendly:<\/strong> Australia have beaten New Zealand in a Down Under derby that had threatened to go down as an exercise in Antipodean apathy at at Canberra\u2019s GIO Stadium. NAC Breda midfielder Max Balard scored on his debut to secure the win for a largely experimental Australia side in the 87th minute. He had only taken the field two minutes previously. Both countries have already secured qualification for next summer\u2019s World Cup.<\/p>\n

<\/span>Max Balard scored for Australia just two minutes into his international debut. <\/span> Photograph: Mark Nolan\/Getty ImagesShare<\/p>\n

World Cup qualifiers:<\/strong> Bolivia, Peru, struggling Nigeria and flagging Italy face an uphill struggle to qualify for next summer\u2019s World Cup, but others have reason for optimism, writes Ed Aarons, as he casts his eye across some of the international window\u2019s more eye-catching fixtures.<\/p>\n

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Transfer news: <\/strong>Afternoon all. The former Burnley midfielder Josh Brownhill is reported to be on the verge of joining the Saudi Pro-League side Al-Shabab after leaving Turf Moor as a free agent during the summer.<\/p>\n

The 29-year-old is expected to sign a two-year deal with the club managed by the former Real Sociedad boss Imanol Alguacil, despite reported interest in his services from Premier League outfits such as Wolves, West Ham and Brentford.<\/p>\n

According to Sky Sports News, Brownhill was due in Saudi Arabia today to undergo a medical and will sign a contract worth north of \u00a3100,00 a week. Brownhill scored 18 goals last season as he helped Burnley win promotion to the Premier League but decided to leave the club when his contract expired in June.<\/p>\n

<\/span>Josh Brownhill reacts to the news that he is going to be earning over \u00a3100,000 per week playing for Al-Shabab in the Saudi Pro-League. <\/span> Photograph: Steve Taylor\/PPAUK\/REX\/ShutterstockShare<\/p>\n

Updated at\u00a009.28 EDT<\/p>\n

That\u2019s my stint in the chair done,<\/strong> you lucky folk have now got Barry Glendenning for company.<\/p>\n

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Updated at\u00a009.00 EDT<\/p>\n

Stones \u201cvery upset\u201d to withdraw from England qualifiers<\/h2>\n

England head coach Thomas Tuchel has revealed that John Stones<\/strong> was \u201cvery upset\u201d to have seen his England return cut short by a minor injury.<\/p>\n

The 31-year-old has not added to his 83 caps since last October, with injury ruling home out of the manager\u2019s first two squads after taking over at the start of the year.<\/p>\n

Stones was selected for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Andorra and Serbia, only for a muscular problem to bring his camp to a premature end.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe came with minor issues, muscular issues, to camp and didn\u2019t progress as we thought and hoped he would,\u201d Tuchel told the press ahead of the Andorra game, saying \u201cwe will not take the risk\u201d with the Manchester City defender.<\/p>\n

\u201cI think he would have maybe started as a central defender in this match (against Andorra), but he was in contention for playing number six for us as well,\u201d Tuchel told TalkSport.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhen we need maybe a more physical six, and more a six that is like John, more educated as a central defender, so to stay deep and create a block of three with a central defender.<\/p>\n

\u201cSo, it was in our thoughts to maybe use him as a six against Serbia. But, listen, this is how it is. He\u2019s very upset. He\u2019s very upset because he does everything on a daily basis to be fit.<\/p>\n

\u201cNow he has again minor issues. It will cost him two caps for the national team. It will maybe cost him some minutes for Manchester City.<\/p>\n

\u201cSo, he is very, very disappointed and upset. He was a big part of camp so far.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe have to adapt. We have to find solutions. We will have a strong team tomorrow and we will come up with solutions without John.\u201d<\/p>\n

While it is a gut punch for Stones, the England boss has told the defender not to be too downbeat as he remains a major part of his plans.<\/p>\n

\u201cI hope he keeps his spirit up because he will stay important for us,\u201d Tuchel told BBC Radio 5 Live.<\/p>\n

\u201cI saw in these three days what he means to the group as a personality and as a social glue within the group.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat he brings to the pitch is outstanding quality as a central defender and possibly as a pivotal number six, but we have to adapt to it.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s now not available anymore. We will find solutions for it.\u201d<\/p>\n

Reporting by PA Media<\/em><\/p>\n

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Today\u2019s scheduled<\/strong> European Under-21 championship qualifier between France and Luxembourg in Lorient has been postponed after a traffic accident involving the visitors.<\/p>\n

Eight people suffered injuries in the accident on Thursday, including four players, three members of staff and the driver, according to local newspaper Ouest France. The coach carrying the Luxembourg squad and staff overturned in a roadside ditch near the town of Languidic.<\/p>\n

The French Football Federation said the fixture has been rescheduled for 3rd October, 2026.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe extend our full support and wish a speedy recovery to the members of the Luxembourg delegation who were injured and traumatised, as well as to the bus driver,\u201d said FFF president Philippe Diallo. \u201cFaced with this unprecedented situation, UEFA, in coordination with the French and Luxembourg delegations, has wisely decided to postpone the match to a later date.\u201d<\/p>\n

Reporting by the Associated Press<\/em><\/p>\n

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Anyone else<\/strong> here a big fan of Wayne Rooney\u2019s new podcast? I\u2019ve been saying for ages that we need another ex-United player talking into a microphone on a regular basis \u2013 nowhere near enough of them. To give Wazza some credit, he is a pretty good pundit and at the very least he doesn\u2019t hold back with his views.<\/p>\n

Anyway, the spiciest line from his latest episode was describing the type of fixture England face this weekend \u2013 a mouthwatering matchup against Andorra \u2013 as a \u201cnonsense\u201d game. He is at least correct that Tuchel is in a no-win situation for the game at Villa Park.<\/p>\n

\u201cWatching England now and some of the games you know they\u2019re going to win it\u2019s a bit boring,\u201d said Rooney on the latest episode.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe last few games, it was against Andorra or something like that. It was painful. Obviously getting into the tournament, that\u2019s when you enjoy it.<\/p>\n

\u201c(I feel) sorry for Thomas Tuchel because he probably wants a decent game where he can go and show what he can do. It\u2019s a no-win (situation) really.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s a top manager and I know he\u2019s maybe got a little bit of stick about the way that England played – those games are just nonsense really.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou turn up and you just know England\u2019s gonna win the game. It\u2019s 10 men sat behind the ball and you\u2019ve got to break them down, which is not easy against any team.\u201d<\/p>\n

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My work here is done.<\/strong> Tom Bassam is stepping into the breach.<\/p>\n

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Jocelyn Pr\u00eacheur<\/strong>, the London City Lionesses manager, has been talking about the \u00a31.43m capture of Grace Geyoro from Paris Saint-Germain.<\/p>\n

\u201cShe is a player I know very well,\u201d Pr\u00eacheur said.<\/strong> \u201cI\u2019m looking forward to working with her.\u201d<\/p>\n

And of the promoted club\u2019s summer spending spree under owner Michele Kang, he said:<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s an ambitious project. All the signings we made are proof. Many players are interested in joining our club, because we are creating something special.\u201d<\/p>\n

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As stated<\/strong>, Dan Burn of England and Newcastle was asked about the messy Alexander Isak saga earlier. The nice people at PA Media have typed up the quotes:<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve been in football long enough to understand that for a player, the careers are short and they\u2019ve got things that they want to achieve,\u201d Burn said. \u201cSo for me, happy that it\u2019s over.<\/p>\n

\u201cAlex is a mate, so it was tough situation because you wanted him to be around and helping the team, but also understand for him, what he needs to do personally. So I\u2019ve got nothing but good wishes for Alex.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo animosity, I think as a Newcastle fan, and you know what Newcastle fans are like, we\u2019re very protective of our club, and our city. You want players to be there who want to play for Newcastle, and naively you don\u2019t want them to think that there\u2019s anywhere else to go, apart from playing at Newcastle.<\/p>\n

\u201cSo I understand why our fans are frustrated. But as I said, I think I\u2019ve been in the game long enough now to understand what goes on. I wish Alex all the best, apart from when we play Liverpool.\u201d<\/p>\n

<\/span>Dan Burn has no animosity for his former Newcastle teammate Alexander Isak.<\/span> Photograph: Eddie Keogh\/The FA\/Getty Images<\/p>\n

Burn is focusing on making the plane to North America for the World Cup next summer.<\/p>\n

\u201cI try to go in with that mentality that I am leaving absolutely everything out there and not have any regrets,\u201d he said. \u201cThe more camps I take, the more confidence from it. On a personal level, I am probably playing the best football of my career.<\/p>\n

\u201cI am in a good place physically and mentally, where I am up for the challenge. In my first camp, the World Cup was something not close to being on my radar. But now I am on camp three, I just want to implement what the gaffer is asking of me in the team and play as well as I can, so I can get picked for these camps.\u201d<\/p>\n

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Updated at\u00a008.01 EDT<\/p>\n

\u201cIt was Levy\u2019s misfortune<\/strong> to be a parsimonious chairman in an era of unchecked avarice as first Chelsea an then City changed the game forever,\u201d comments TonyMansell.<\/p>\n

\u201cFrom clubs building better facilities to house more people to generate more funds whilst keeping the wage bill manageable, to spend what you don\u2019t have, if you get it wrong, who cares and if there\u2019s a rule, break it and pay the fine or clog the process with expensive lawyers.<\/p>\n

\u201cSixteen semi-finals and seven finals would likely have turned to several more trophies without those two clubs, but it is what it is, and we may regret calling for his head as we turn into just another play thing of random billionaires or nation states.\u201d<\/p>\n

<\/span>Daniel Levy. Unfortunate?<\/span> Photograph: Steve Kyewong Cho\/ShutterstockShare<\/p>\n

Updated at\u00a007.49 EDT<\/p>\n

\u201cThe Levy Out brigade<\/strong> always needed someone to moan about,\u201d comments Uncle_Paulie, below the line down there.<\/p>\n

\u201cThey never realised that it wasn\u2019t just Levy making the decisions. But we\u2019ll see how the new order get on. Levey has set the club up well for the future and not many people would walk away. Maybe he finally got bored with it all?\u201d<\/p>\n

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Updated at\u00a007.50 EDT<\/p>\n

The Republic of Ireland head coach Heimir Hallgrimsson<\/strong> says Saturday\u2019s opening World Cup qualifier against Hungary could be the most important of their Group F campaign.<\/p>\n

Ireland face Marco Rossi\u2019s men at the Aviva Stadium with both knowing defeat in Dublin would be a major blow to their hopes of keeping pace with Portugal.<\/p>\n

Hallgrimsson\u2019s side go to Armenia on Tuesday and would do so with optimism if they emerged from the Hungary match with three points, as they attempt to reach the finals for the first time since 2002.<\/p>\n

Asked if it was the most important game of the campaign, the head coach said: \u201cYes, I think it is, probably.<\/p>\n

<\/span>Heimir Hallgrimsson and Nathan Collins.<\/span> Photograph: Stephen McCarthy\/Sportsfile\/Getty Images<\/p>\n

\u201cWhen we look at it back in six games\u2019 time, this game will have a huge impact on who will qualify from this group, definitely. We don\u2019t want to hide from that, that\u2019s just a fact.\u201d<\/p>\n

Having been drawn into a four-team group, Ireland\u2019s campaign will be condensed into less than three months and Hallgrimsson believes it is effectively a race for second.<\/p>\n

He said: \u201cIt\u2019s natural, that\u2019s the seeding in the group. Portugal comes first, everybody expects Portugal to be first.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd then it\u2019s a small gap between ourselves and Hungary on the FIFA ranking, but still they are ranked higher than us, so everybody would expect that it will be between us.<\/p>\n

\u201cI think there are going to be dropped points in more places than just us and Hungary, but not kidding, this game is hugely important for the rest of the campaign given the nature of the campaign, only six games in 70 days.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s going to be a sprint and it\u2019s always nice when you are in a sprint to have the lead and not be chasing.\u201d (PA Media)<\/p>\n

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Updated at\u00a007.38 EDT<\/p>\n

Australia v New Zealand<\/strong> is locked at 0-0 in the final 10 minutes.<\/p>\n

Chris Wood of Nottingham Forest started in Canberra, so he\u2019ll be covering some serious mileage in this international break.<\/p>\n

Join Joey Lynch right here for your live footie fix:<\/p>\n

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The Billericay Town legend<\/strong>, Jamie O\u2019Hara, was just talking about Daniel Levy\u2019s time at Tottenham. O\u2019Hara was at the club when they won the Carling Cup, as it was then, in 2008.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou never felt like he wanted more,\u201d O\u2019Hara says. \u201cCan we go to the next level?<\/p>\n

\u201cIt never felt like you was going to be a Liverpool, or a Manchester United, or an Arsenal \u2026 It was: \u2018Oh, amazing, we won the Carabao Cup.\u2019\u201d<\/p>\n

And what of the future? Can Spurs become a force in the Premier League?<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cSpending money is easy \u2026 there has to be a plan in place. If Tottenham have a plan in place, I believe they can challenge for the title in the next five, six years.\u201d<\/p>\n

<\/span>Tottenham Hotspur. Great success!<\/span> Photograph: Mike Hewitt\/Getty ImagesShare<\/p>\n

Updated at\u00a007.30 EDT<\/p>\n

Tuchel was also talking<\/strong> about England\u2019s lack of a natural No 6 in this squad \u2013 \u201cMaybe John Stones, but he left this morning.\u201d<\/p>\n

Then he was asked if the success of the England Women\u2019s team, and the Under-21s, has added pressure for him?<\/p>\n

Of course, Tuchel says no. He was really happy for Sarina Wiegman and Lee Carsley, they have done a great job, but it doesn\u2019t add pressure for him approaching the men\u2019s World Cup.<\/p>\n

<\/span>The pesky microphone is passed around during Thomas Tuchel\u2019s latest grilling by the media.<\/span> Photograph: Nick Potts\/PAShare<\/p>\n

Updated at\u00a007.18 EDT<\/p>\n

More from Tuchel\u2019s press conference:<\/strong> \u201cWe need to be flexible. It\u2019s not the moment to make final decisions for the World Cup. The decisions are made for Andorra and nothing else.\u201d<\/p>\n

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And here is the Newcastle and England defender Burn<\/strong>, applying some kind of defensive stroke to a question earlier about IsakGate:<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m happy it\u2019s over,\u201d he says. \u201cAlex is a mate \u2026 I\u2019ve got nothing but sort of good wishes for Alex.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo animosity \u2026 As a Newcastle fan, we\u2019re very protective of our club and city \u2026 we want people there who want to play for the club and the city \u2026 I understand why fans are frustrated, but I\u2019ve been in football long enough to know what goes on. I wish Alex all the best, apart from when we play Liverpool.\u201d<\/p>\n

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\u201cHe didn\u2019t flat-bat it<\/strong>,\u201d says the Sky Sports News reporter, of the fact that Dan Burn spoke about Alexander Isak\u2019s departure from Newcastle at today\u2019s England press conference.<\/p>\n

I think he means \u201cstraight-bat\u201d? Or even \u201cdead-bat\u201d? But not flat-bat. You can flat-bat a ball anywhere, including over the pavilion.<\/p>\n

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Updated at\u00a007.07 EDT<\/p>\n

Thanks John.<\/strong> Football \u2013 it really is back, whether you like it or not. Personally I try and ignore it until the County Championship has wrapped. Any thoughts on that or anything else \u2013 Email me.<\/p>\n

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With that, taking the lunchtime baton, is Luke McLaughlin.<\/strong><\/p>\n

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Everton seek to secure Pickford future<\/h2>\n

Andy Hunter<\/span><\/p>\n

Everton are planning talks over a new contract for Jordan Pickford that they hope will keep England\u2019s first-choice goalkeeper at the club for the remainder of his top-flight career.<\/p>\n

Pickford is under contract at Everton until 2027 but the club\u2019s new owners, The Friedkin Group (TFG), want to secure him on a lucrative, long-term deal that reinforces his importance to their future ambitions. Negotiations are expected to commence with the 31-year-old\u2019s representatives now that the summer transfer window is out of the way.<\/p>\n

The England international joined Everton from Sunderland for \u00a330m in 2017 and has played a key role in preserving the club\u2019s Premier League status throughout a troubled period. With the club raising its ambitions under TFG, Everton believe retaining the services of the country\u2019s best goalkeeper is important for the team\u2019s improvement and their long-term strategy.<\/p>\n

Pickford is already one of Everton\u2019s highest earners on the four-and-a-half years contract he signed in February 2023. He has received interest from rival Premier League clubs but Everton hope the player, who has a strong relationship with the club\u2019s hierarchy, will commit his peak years to Moyes\u2019 team on improved terms.<\/p>\n

Pickford, who could win his 77th England cap against Andorra on Saturday, has grown in influence behind the scenes at Everton in recent years and is part of the team\u2019s leadership group alongside captain Seamus Coleman and James Tarkowski. A good friend of Jack Grealish, he was also influential in encouraging his England colleague to join Everton on loan from Manchester City this summer.<\/p>\n

Moyes considers the defensive trio of Pickford, Tarkowski and Jarrad Branthwaite as the cornerstone of his attempts to improve Everton and compete higher up the table. Branthwaite signed a new five-year contract at Everton amid interest from other clubs this summer and Pickford could follow in committing his long-term future to Hill Dickinson Stadium.<\/p>\n

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Who remembers Steve McClaren after Andorra in 2007?<\/strong><\/p>\n

A highly amising outburst that could only end in umbrella shame.<\/p>\n

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Tuchel looked back on the previous Andorra<\/strong> game in June, which was something of a grind.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe made it too easy for Andorra to find the moments to close us down and to find the moments to slow our game down and we will find new solutions to break down the block a bit easier. We always have to balance our expectations because Andorra is a well drilled team, I know it maybe sounds a little silly but that is the way it is, they know what they are doing after 8-10 years with the same coach.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt can feel a little like chewing gum to break a block down like this but we have to play with more energy and more enthusiasm and so far I\u2019m sure we will.\u201d<\/p>\n

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Marc Guehi\u2019s had an interesting week<\/strong> but Tuchel has every faith: \u201cHe is the main driver of Crystal Palace\u2019s success, he is the captain and the leader and he played very impressively at the end of last season. He has continued like that in camp and he handles it [his transfer situation] with respect and with and with brilliant attitude.\u201d<\/p>\n

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Ruben Loftus-Cheek was given props<\/strong>, Tuchel having worked with him at Chelsea: \u201cIt was always a pleasure to work with him and I am very happy that I had the chance to call him up. He is a nice guy to be around, very friendly and very polite with a good sense of humour.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe is full of qualities and sometimes I don\u2019t think he is aware how good he is and how good he can be but he fits in seamlessly because of his character and his quality and he competes for a place in central midfield and it is good to see that he is fit and not injured.\u201d<\/p>\n

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Tuchel has been speaking to the broadcast media:<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cWe have had excellent training sessions, excellent energy, both on and off the pitch. The group worked very well and I am at the moment very, very positive.<\/p>\n

\u201cLike I said, in sport it is not about what you have done yesterday but about what you do tomorrow to get better and so I expect a good training session from the players to be ready for tomorrow. We will face – in both matches – a deep block and a 5-4-1 for sure in the first match and it is the challenge to overcome that quickly and aggressively and play with more rhythm than we did in the first match [against Andorra].\u201d<\/p>\n

Harry Kane will start.<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cThere is no balance, the competition is on and it is World Cup season. We have a condensed camp and that means we will start with the team that we trust and the best team possible and we will manage the second game. We will not do it backwards.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe will not get caught up in experiments and everything that counts is today and tomorrow and then we will do our assessment after the match to see who is available.<\/p>\n

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John Stones ruled out for England<\/h2>\n

The Manchester City defender has withdrawn from the England squad through injury.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Thomas Tuchel said: \u201cUnfortunately, John Stones just left. He came with minor issues, muscular issues, to camp and didn\u2019t progress as we thought and hoped he would. So, he left camp this morning (Friday) because we will not take the risk. Everyone else is available.\u201d<\/p>\n

Tuchel confirmed captain Harry Kane will lead the line for England as he names a strong line-up for the qualifier against Andorra.<\/p>\n

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Just like Ezri Konsa, Matty Cash, on Poland duty<\/strong>, has been speaking about Aston Villa\u2019s PSR problems. At one point, he was headed for a return to Nottingham Forest.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe PSR and stuff, it\u2019s frustrating because obviously the owners have got money that they want to spend and do what\u2019s best for the club, and obviously we\u2019ve got limits and we can\u2019t do it,\u201d Cash said.<\/p>\n

\u201cBut obviously we\u2019ve had good success with the squad that we\u2019ve got now in. So as players, you can\u2019t really get too drawn into it. You just have to focus on your job. We\u2019re the ones that are out there on the pitch. Our jobs as players, we get paid to perform on the pitch, and that\u2019s all we can do. We\u2019ve got a good, strong group. We\u2019re very close together as a team. So it\u2019s important to have that.<\/p>\n

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Some reaction to that Germany defeat to Slovakia<\/strong>. Their next World Cup qualifier is at home to Northern Ireland in Cologne on Sunday in Group A.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe have a chance to do things better in three days,\u201d Joshua Kimmich said. \u201cWe have talked about the World Cup before this match but we first have to qualify. Because with performances such as this it won\u2019t work with the qualification.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI do believe that the players now feel what is needed (on Sunday). The entire team must carry that energy. If we are more energetic then we will have a better game on Sunday,\u201d said Julian Nagelsmann.<\/p>\n

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Leander Schaerlaeckens pays <\/strong>warm tribute to Michael Bradley, former USMNT mainstay now on his coaching journey.<\/p>\n

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Did he walk or was he \u201ceased aside\u201d?<\/strong> We\u2019re expecting plenty more fallout from the sudden departure from Tottenham of Daniel Levy.<\/p>\n

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Thursday\u2019s World Cup qualifiers.<\/strong> Great win for Northern Ireland, a rather difficult night for Germany and Newcastle\u2019s new boy, Nick Woltemade.<\/p>\n

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It\u2019s time to go off to the England camp, and hear from Elliott Anderson.<\/strong><\/p>\n

And Djed Spence.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Ezri Konsa voices a familiar complaint.<\/strong><\/p>\n

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Surely Messi plays at the World Cup. Or does he?<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cDay by day, trying to feel good and above all, being honest with myself. When I feel good, I enjoy it, but when I don\u2019t, honestly, I don\u2019t have a good time, so I prefer not to be there if I don\u2019t feel good. So we\u2019ll see. I haven\u2019t made a decision about the World Cup.\u201d<\/p>\n

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Good luck, Terry Dunn, the 54-year-old keeper. <\/strong><\/p>\n

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Updated at\u00a005.15 EDT<\/p>\n

Women’s transfer record broken again<\/h2>\n

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Updated at\u00a005.46 EDT<\/p>\n

One of the WSL\u2019s most heralded graduates<\/strong>, these days with Bayern Munich, Georgia Stanway, speaks to Don McRae.<\/p>\n

\u201cI had three weeks on crutches, six weeks in a brace, but as soon as I heard that I was going to need surgery I was asking: \u2018Will I make the Euros?\u2019 Nobody could really give me an answer. That was difficult but every day I said: \u2018Whether you think it\u2019s possible or not, I will make it.\u2019<\/p>\n

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The biggest stories from the WSL deadline day here.<\/strong><\/p>\n

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Not only that, but it\u2019s the start of the WSL season<\/strong>, with a blockbuster as Chelsea v Manchester City.<\/p>\n

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Morning,<\/strong> we\u2019ve kicked off the blog with some big news coming out of London Colney, and there will more reaction to follow on the other club in north London, as part of the buildup to a weekend of international football.<\/p>\n

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Updated at\u00a004.05 EDT<\/p>\n

Russo signs long-term Arsenal extension on eve of new season<\/h2>\n

Alessia Russo has signed a new long-term contract with Arsenal. On the eve of the club\u2019s Women\u2019s Super League opener against London City Lionesses at the Emirates Stadium, the Gunners have confirmed that the 26-year-old has put pen to paper on a new deal – the length of which is undisclosed.<\/p>\n

Arsenal signed Russo from Manchester United in July 2023 after her contract expired, having failed with two bids in the preceding January. The forward, a European champion for club and country, has scored 36 goals in 72 games for Arsenal. She helped the team to a League Cup win in 2024 and a Champions League victory in May.<\/p>\n

Last season Russo jointly claimed the WSL\u2019s Golden Boot with Khadija Shaw, with 12 goals, and was named the Football Writers\u2019 Association\u2019s women\u2019s footballer of the year. After being named in the Professional Footballers\u2019 Association and Uefa teams of the year, Russo has been shortlisted for the Ballon d\u2019Or.<\/p>\n

\u201cArsenal feels like home,\u201d said Russo. \u201cThis is such a special club and it has felt that way to me from the moment I joined two years ago. Playing for Arsenal is an honour and has pushed me to develop and grow as a player, and I feel empowered with this badge on my chest.\u201d<\/p>\n

The manager, Ren\u00e9e Slegers, said: \u201cAs a striker, Alessia\u2019s goals often take the spotlight \u2013 but she brings so much more to our group. She\u2019s a selfless player, working so hard for the team, and she also contributes so much to our team culture.\u201d<\/p>\n

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Key events Show key events only Please turn on JavaScript to use this feature Argentina’s Lionel Messi poses with his sons prior to last night\u2019s World Cup 2026 qualifyier against Venezuela at the Monumental in Buenos Aires, his last international on home soil for his country. Argentina won 3-0 with Messi chipping in with two<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":19299,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[53],"tags":[1571,311,6338,1413,11747,1193,132,150,11817,181,1544,11816,8140],"class_list":{"0":"post-19298","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-sports","8":"tag-contract","9":"tag-england","10":"tag-era","11":"tag-football","12":"tag-kicks","13":"tag-latest","14":"tag-live","15":"tag-news","16":"tag-russo","17":"tag-signs","18":"tag-soccer","19":"tag-tottenhams","20":"tag-wsl"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/naijaglobalnews.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/19298","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/naijaglobalnews.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/naijaglobalnews.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/naijaglobalnews.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/naijaglobalnews.org\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=19298"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/naijaglobalnews.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/19298\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/naijaglobalnews.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/19299"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/naijaglobalnews.org\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=19298"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/naijaglobalnews.org\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=19298"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/naijaglobalnews.org\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=19298"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}