Month: May 2023

Crystal Palace midfielder Eberechi Eze has earned his first call-up to Gareth Southgate’s England squad for their upcoming Euro 2024 qualifiers against Malta and North Macedonia.

Trent Alexander-Arnold, Lewis Dunk and Tyrone Mings all return to the Three Lions fold, with Raheem Sterling, Ben White and Eric Dier among the notable absentees.

Brighton captain Dunk has the chance to add to his solitary international cap, picked up against United States in 2018.

Newcastle striker Callum Wilson replaces Ivan Toney, who was hit with an eight-month ban for betting breaches last week.

Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford is also available again after pulling out of the previous squad through injury.

On Palace star Eze, 24, Southgate said: “We’ve liked him for a long time. He was very unfortunate just before the Euros, we were going to call him in and he got an injury on the day. 

“He has finished the season really strongly. He can play in a couple of positions across the attacking line. 

“Everyone I speak to talks brilliantly about him as a person.”

Sterling’s exclusion was agreed between Southgate and the Chelsea attacker, with a representative for the 82-cap international saying: “Following a private conversation between coach and player, a mutual decision has been made for Raheem Sterling to sit out the upcoming internationals, focusing instead on recuperating his body in preparation for the upcoming season.”

Southgate, 52, added: “He’s not happy physically with his condition, having been carrying a hamstring problem. He really wasn’t in consideration.”

The Three Lions travel to Malta on June 16 before hosting North Macedonia at Old Trafford on June 19.

Southgate’s men sit top of Group C after two matches following victories over Italy and Ukraine last March.

England squad in full

Goalkeepers: Sam Johnstone, Jordan Pickford, Aaron Ramsdale

Defenders: Trent Alexander-Arnold, Lewis Dunk, Marc Guehi, Harry Maguire, Tyrone Mings, Luke Shaw, John Stones, Kieran Trippier, Kyle Walker

Midfielders: Jude Bellingham, Eberechi Eze, Conor Gallagher, Jordan Henderson, James Maddison, Kalvin Phillips, Declan Rice

Forwards: Phil Foden, Jack Grealish, Harry Kane, Marcus Rashford, Bukayo Saka, Callum Wilson

European qualification looks a tall order for Juventus after they were handed a 10-point deduction on Monday.

The news came just before the Bianconeri’s 4-1 defeat at Empoli, a result which leaves them seventh in Serie A, a point behind Roma.

Max Allegri’s side now need to beat fourth-placed AC Milan on Sunday to stand any chance of reaching next season’s Champions League.

As the cash-strapped Old Lady prepare for the crunch clash, we look at what may happen to five of the Turin club’s biggest stars amid all the turmoil.

Dusan Vlahovic

Serbian striker Dusan Vlahovic, 23, has had an indifferent start to his career at Juve.

This season, the ex-Fiorentina marksman has been hampered by injuries — although he is still Juve’s top scorer with 14 goals in all competitions.

As such, the 21-cap international is being courted by Premier League teams, most notably Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United.

The Bianconeri may have no option but to bow to English riches and cash in on one of their most valuable assets.

Bremer

Since joining from rivals Torino last summer, Bremer has established himself as one of Juve’s best defenders.

The 26-year-old has won the most aerial duels in the Old Lady’s squad this season (75), while also scoring four goals in 29 Serie A appearances.

So it is perhaps no surprise that Tottenham are planning to reignite their interest in the Brazilian, according to reports in Italy.

The centre-back’s contract runs until 2027, which means Allegri’s side are at least in a position to command a hefty transfer fee regardless of European qualification.

Adrien Rabiot

French midfielder Adrien Rabiot has been a top performer in a tough season.

The left-footed maestro has scored 11 goals in all competitions, while also recording the second-highest total of completed take-ons in Allegri’s squad (24).

Bayern Munich and Manchester United are being touted as potential next destinations for the 28-year-old, with the latter close to completing a move last summer.

But this time around, Rabiot will be a free agent and an in-form player in his prime will surely not sign a new deal in Turin with no Champions League football on offer.

Federico Chiesa

Italian winger Federico Chiesa, 25, has still yet to fully recover from a serious knee injury picked up in January 2022.

He has been restricted to just 674 minutes of action in Serie A this season — and is now reportedly growing frustrated with Allegri.

Juve therefore may offload the Euro 2020 winner, which would have been unthinkable two years ago.

Manchester United and Arsenal are two Premier League teams in need of offensive reinforcements this summer and with Chiesa’s contract expiring in 2025, they may be able to pick up one of the most talented Azzurri stars for a reasonable price.

Paul Pogba

Paul Pogba’s return to Juve has so far been a nightmare.

The 2018 World Cup champion has made just 10 appearances this season due to numerous injuries, totalling 161 minutes of action.

His recent medical record, combined with the fact he is now 30, will likely see him have no potential suitors among Champions League clubs this summer.

But should a surprise offer arrive for the ex-United lynchpin, the Old Lady may jump at the opportunity to get his enormous wages off the bill.

Nick Pope is to undergo an operation on his left hand and looks set to miss Newcastle’s final game of the season against Chelsea.

Pope, an ever-present in the Premier League in his first season at St James’ Park following his £10million move from Burnley, has been instrumental in the Magpies guaranteeing a top-four finish.

The 31-year-old goalkeeper made a fine save on Monday to deny Leicester’s Timothy Castagne and ensure Eddie Howe’s side got the point they needed to guarantee Champions League football next term for the first time in 20 years.

A goalless draw against the Foxes was Pope’s 14th clean sheet in the top flight this season but it seems likely to be his final match of the season, with his left arm bandaged when he attended an event in Northumberland on Wednesday afternoon.

And Newcastle confirmed Pope has withdrawn from the England squad for next month’s Euro 2024 qualifiers against Malta and North Macedonia next month as he is set to have surgery on his hand.

“Nick Pope – who withdrew from the last Three Lions squad due to injury – is not involved as he is set to undergo an operation on his hand,” a statement on Newcastle’s website read.

Eberechi Eze received his first call-up and Lewis Dunk returned four-and-a-half years after his only cap as Gareth Southgate named the England squad for June’s Euro 2024 qualifiers.

Having kicked off Euro 2024 qualification with wins over Italy and Ukraine, Group C continues with next month’s double header against Malta and North Macedonia.

Southgate has named a 25-man squad, with Eric Dier and Raheem Sterling the high-profile absentees and Crystal Palace attacking midfielder Eze the only uncapped player in the group.

Brighton captain Dunk returned for the first time since making his debut against the United States in November 2018.

Callum Wilson, Tyrone Mings, Sam Johnstone and Trent Alexander-Arnold also returned to the fold.

Sterling, who has won 82 caps, has endured a difficult first season since joining Chelsea from Manchester City.

A representative for the forward said: “Following a private conversation between coach and player, a mutual decision has been made for Raheem Sterling to sit out the upcoming internationals, focusing instead on recuperating his body in preparation for the upcoming season.”

Southgate revealed Sterling’s absence was largely down to fitness issues rather than form.

The England manager said at a press conference: “I spoke with him a week or so ago – a general catch-up.

“He’s not happy physically with his condition, having been carrying a hamstring problem. He really wasn’t in consideration.

“We didn’t get to the point of whether he should be in or out. He doesn’t think he is operating at the level he needs.”

Southgate said he was looking forward to working with Eze.

He said: “We have liked him for a long time. I think he has finished the season really strongly. He can play in a couple of positions across the attacking line.

“He is a goal threat, he’s got nice ability and speed to go past people and can take people out of the game with his dribbling skills. We are looking forward to seeing him a bit closer.”

Southgate had no qualms about naming a strong squad when there might have been a temptation to allow some of his senior stars to have a rest.

He said: “We have played North Macedonia twice at home and never beaten them. To be a top team, if we want to be European champions, we have got to nail big games – like we did in March – and make sure we nail the complicated ones.

“It is a good test of commitment and togetherness. This group don’t want to let each other down. We want to keep progressing as a team.”

Southgate has been impressed by Alexander-Arnold, who has been playing in a more advanced position for Liverpool of late.

Southgate said: “He is a super footballer. He is obviously playing in a slightly different role which has invigorated him in the last few months.

“He has always been in advanced areas of the pitch with the ball. He is just a bit more central now.

“That’s interesting for us – no question. It’s something I’ve talked to him about and we’re looking forward to working with Trent.”

Russell Martin is poised to become Southampton’s new head coach on a three-year deal.

The former Scotland international is expected to seal the move on Wednesday afternoon, the PA news agency understands.

He will join from Swansea as the Saints move quickly to prepare for life in the Championship.

Martin verbally agreed to take over at St Mary’s over the weekend but the clubs remained in discussions over compensation.

Martin guided Swansea to 10th in the Championship last season despite having a bottom-four budget and the youngest squad in the division.

He has been praised for his style and Southampton will be hoping the 37-year-old can guide them back to the Premier League at the first attempt.

They will finish bottom of the Premier League after a disastrous season which has seen them use three managers.

Nathan Jones replaced Ralph Hasenhuttl in November but lasted just 14 games, winning one, and was sacked in February. Ruben Selles took charge for the final months of the campaign but was unable to keep Saints up.

On Monday, chief executive Martin Semmens stepped down from his role following relegation having been in the post since 2019.

The Saints have also confirmed Selles will leave the end of the season after talks.

A statement read: “Southampton Football Club can confirm that it has held conversations with Men’s First Team Manager, Ruben Selles, and decided that his contract will not be renewed when it expires at the end of the season.

“The club wants to place on record its thanks to Ruben for taking on the managerial position at a difficult time for the club and for giving his all as we attempted to stay in the Premier League.

“Ruben will take charge of the team for the final game against Liverpool on Sunday at St Mary’s. We wish him all the best for his future career.”

Former Manchester United striker Ruud van Nistelrooy has resigned as PSV Eindhoven’s head coach ahead of the final game of the Eredivisie season.

Van Nistelrooy, 46, signed a three-year contract at the start of the season but felt there was not enough support for him within the club to continue.

This comes after the ex-PSV marksman won two domestic trophies with the Dutch giants this term, beating Ajax to the Johan Cruyff Shield and KNVB Cup.

A statement on the club website read: “Head coach Ruud van Nistelrooy announced on Wednesday morning that he would leave PSV.

“After several discussions about internal affairs that have taken place in recent weeks, a meeting took place on Tuesday evening between the board of directors and Van Nistelrooy.

“Van Nistelrooy reported this morning that in his opinion there was not enough support within the club to continue longer.

“PSV regrets Van Nistelrooy’s decision and is grateful to him for winning the Johan Cruyff Shield and the KNVB Cup this season and hopes to close the football year with second place.”

Fred Rutten has been named as the man to take over from the Dutchman for the final game before the club looks for a permanent solution.

PSV can secure a second-placed finish behind champions Feyenoord on Sunday if they can win away at AZ Alkmaar.

On the European stage, Van Nistelrooy failed to guide his side past Rangers in the Champions League play-off round before losing their two-legged Europa League knockout round play-off to Sevilla.

In the transfer market, the ex-Real Madrid hitman lost two key talents in Cody Gakpo and Noni Madueke to Premier League sides Liverpool and Chelsea, stunting attempts to hunt down Arne Slot’s eventual champions.

Erik ten Hag expects Marcus Rashford to be ready to face Chelsea on Thursday night but admitted he is not sure whether Manchester United’s top scorer is fully fit.

Rashford has missed United’s last two fixtures, first with a leg injury and then through illness, but has returned to training this week.

Asked if the 29-goal forward was ready to play, Ten Hag said: “It looks like (it). Yesterday, he returned to training, he looks quite fit but we have to see today what is the outcome of the training, how did we recover and then we will make our choices.”

Rashford’s absence against Wolves and Bournemouth – both games United won without him – once again brought into focus United’s lack of depth in the forward positions.

Anthony Martial was handed a rare start on the south coast on Sunday, but headed straight down the tunnel when he was withdrawn after an hour before later returning to the bench.

Martial’s reaction led to fresh speculation over his United future. The 27-year-old, who finished last season on loan at Sevilla, has scored eight times in 27 appearances for United this season, but has struggled at times with injuries.

“If you are not available, you can’t score,” Ten Hag said. “When he was available we played better, the team is winning games, he’s also scoring goals but he has to be available.”

And Ten Hag also batted away a question about speculation linking United with Paris St Germain’s Brazil forward Neymar by offering his stock answer on transfer rumours, saying: “When we have news, we will tell you.”

United will secure a top-four place and a return to the Champions League for next season if they take at least a point against Frank Lampard’s side.

“It’s clear, we want to win every game,” the Dutchman said. “That is what we do all season so tomorrow we want to do the same, we want to win the game, play dominant football and get the job done…

“First, we have to win the game tomorrow and get the job done. Then, it’s about judgement from others if it’s a good, bad or normal performance.

“We are in a project, we want to go back and win trophies, we win one trophy but we want more trophies, compete with the best, we are still in a journey but we think we are in the right direction but it can always be better. Because good is not good enough.”

With the League Cup trophy already in the cabinet, booking a return to Europe’s premier competition would be another significant marker for Ten Hag in his first season at Old Trafford.

“If we want to compete with the best, then you have to be in the Champions League,” he said.

“We want to compete with the best and be in the Champions League. In the Premier League, you have to be one of the first four, that’s not easy, many are competing for it, many think they should be in and we are one of them.”

Alex Morgan is a “global superstar” and it would be “very silly” if she was left out of the United States Women’s World Cup squad, according to former team-mate Carly Telford.

The Stars and Stripes head to Australia and New Zealand in July aiming to land a third successive world title, having triumphed in 2015 and 2019, with 33-year-old Morgan hoping to feature at her fourth finals.

The San Diego Wave forward, who was also part of the side that were beaten by Japan in the 2011 final, will be desperate to be included in Vlatko Andonovski’s squad and add to her impressive tally of 121 goals in 206 caps.

Former England goalkeeper Telford, part of the Lionesses’ squads that reached consecutive semi-finals in 2015 and 2019, knows Morgan well, having played alongside her in California before announcing her retirement in March.

Telford is adamant Morgan should not miss out on the finals.

She said: “She’s huge. Without Alex, I don’t think the game would get some of the recognition that it’s getting. I think she’s a global superstar. 

“She performs on and off the pitch. She’s not just a footballer — she stands for quality, diversity, everything that is good about being a good person.

“She’ll fight for women’s rights to make sure that everyone has equal opportunities. She doesn’t have to do that — she could just turn up and play football.

“Spending time with her and being in a team with her for 12 months and realising the work that she does on and off the pitch, she’s an absolute ambassador to the game. 

“She speaks so highly, so well about the game. I just hope she does go to the World Cup because she’s a superstar and it would be sad if she didn’t. But I think she’s playing well enough, it would be very silly to leave her out.”

USA have been drawn alongside the Netherlands, Portugal and Vietnam in Group E and face a potential last-16 encounter against either Sweden or Italy.

Though there is a slight veteran feel to the USA’s likely roster, Telford insists their World Cup pedigree means they will take some stopping once again and feels their character on the big stage is epitomised by Lyon forward Lindsey Horan.

She added: “They’re mentally monsters. Everyone might be like, ‘They’re not as good as they used to be, they’re ageing’. 

“But I’ll tell you what, when they cross that white line, it doesn’t matter who they’re playing. They will fight, they will scrap, they will battle, they will try and play good football. But at the end of the day, they’re just ultimate winners. 

“I think that when you’ve got someone like Lindsey on the pitch, she is the ultimate at that. She’ll break play up, she’ll bite, she’ll scrap, she’ll tackle, she’ll drive everyone around her. 

“I just think when it comes to the Americans, when they get into competition mode, they’re just a different breed.”

Andre Onana may be still in his debut season at Inter Milan but he remains a wanted man. 

The Serie A giants only signed the goalkeeper from Ajax on a free transfer last summer. 

Yet despite having made a successful start to life in Italy in which the Nerazzurri have reached two cup finals, there are Premier League teams hopeful of tempting the Cameroonian away from the San Siro.

Ahead of Inter’s Coppa Italia final against Fiorentina tonight, we take a look at Onana’s career so far and the likelihood of a transfer to England. 

Brave move

In an era when goalkeepers are expected to be as good with their feet as they are with their hands, it is little wonder that Onana is in demand. 

The 27-year-old was schooled at Barcelona’s La Masia academy as a teenager, where he was moulded into a goalkeeper fit for the Catalan’s possession-based game. 

Not many players willingly walk away from Barca, but Onana did just that when aged only 18, turning down a new contract to move to Ajax in 2015. 

It was both a brave and a smart move. His footballing education could continue and he quickly became a first-team regular, building a reputation as one of the best goalkeepers around. 

Aside from his ability to operate as a sweeper-keeper, the 34-cap international is an exceptional shot-stopper, with lightning quick reflexes. 

After Onana ran down his contract at Ajax, it was Inter that secured the custodian on a five-year contract. It has proved to be a wise decision by both parties. 

Strongest team

Onana has settled in quickly at Inter and played his part in Simone Inzaghi’s side reaching the Coppa Italia and Champions League finals.

Despite this success story, Premier League clubs seem to be determined to test the resolve of the Milanese outfit to keep hold of their No24. 

His former Ajax manager Erik ten Hag has been linked with a bid, while Chelsea are said to consider the African to be the solution to their problems between the sticks.

The good news for Inter is that Onana’s agent Albert Botines played down the speculation over the weekend. 

He said: “Transfer market rumours are normal at this stage, but I prefer not to talk about it because it’s very early and now the boy is focused only on the pitch. 

“We have a five-year contract with Inter. He has another four years on his contract and now he is focused only on Serie A and the Champions League final. 

“He still has a long contract, don’t worry. He’s very happy, he’s playing for the strongest team in Italy.” 

Big decisions

Inter may not have always looked like the strongest team in Italy this season but they are ending the campaign in such a fashion. 

Inzaghi’s men are in contention to lift two further trophies, to go alongside their Supercoppa Italiana triumph, and with all-conquering champions Napoli likely to be picked apart by bigger clubs, the Nerazzurri will feel that they reclaim the Scudetto crown they last won in 2021.

To do so they will have to keep hold of their top players. Inter have had their financial problems in recent years, but they will have been eased somewhat by their Champions League run. 

Onana is not afraid to make big decisions, as proved when he left Barca and his recent retirement from international football. 

Right now, it feels a little too early for another one. A move to the Premier League is likely one day, though not while Inter are on the verge of such success.

Fleetwood owner Andy Pilley will be sentenced next month after being convicted on four counts of fraud.

Pilley was found guilty last week of two counts of fraudulent trading, fraud by false representation and being involved in the acquisition, retention, use or control of the proceeds of fraudulently mis-sold energy contracts.

He was remanded in custody and, following a further hearing at Preston Crown Court on Tuesday, told he will be sentenced on July 3.

Details of the offences have also been revealed by National Trading Standards.

At the heart of the fraud “was a web of interconnected companies that misled innocent small businesses across the UK” into signing long-term energy contracts between 2014 and 2016.

The fraudulent mis-selling included false or misleading statements about the length and price of the contract as well as competitor rates.

Charities including guest houses, children’s charities and companies providing support services for disabled people were among those targeted.

Annual turnover at two principal companies grew from £15million to £75million between 2010 and 2015. Turnover was over £100million by 2019. Combined profits were between £2million and £12million.

Three other individuals were also convicted.

Lord Michael Bichard, chairman of National Trading Standards, said: “Small business owners were deliberately deceived and locked in to contracts that were long-term and expensive, leaving many businesses struggling to pay the bills and sadly driving some business owners into making the difficult decision to cease trading.

“This is not a victimless crime – small business owners have lost vast sums of money to this fraud and many businesses have gone under.”

Pilley, 52, has been the chairman and owner of Fleetwood for 20 years and has overseen their rise from non-league status to the English Football League.

The club, currently in League One, have not commented further to a statement issued last week.

It read: “Fleetwood Town would like to reassure supporters the club will continue to operate as normal and there will be no risk to the future of the club.

“Charges are solely brought against Andy Pilley and not Fleetwood Town Football Club or any of the businesses attached to the group.

“Talks have already taken place with the EFL and an announcement regarding the next step will be made in due course.”