MY ACCOUNT
England begin their final push for Qatar 2022 qualification this evening with Albania the visitors to Wembley.
As well as previewing Friday’s international action, we have our usual dose of features and transfer news for you to enjoy too.
International focus
Gareth Southgate’s Three Lions can finally seal their spot at next year’s World Cup with victory over Albania this evening, though they would also need Poland to drop points against minnows Andorra.
In reality, affairs are more likely to be concluded next Monday against San Marino — but the hosts need to first get the job done tonight against opponents who still harbour qualification hopes of their own.
Harry Kane has had a tough time of things in 2021-22 so far but we look how both Southgate and new club boss Antonio Conte can help guide the England skipper to his prolific best in the coming months.
Meanwhile, Scotland are also in action as Steve Clarke’s men look to secure a place in the play-offs with three points against Moldova.
Though the underdogs only have one point to their name, injuries and high stakes could make it a long evening for the Scots — we assess exactly what they need to do to get the job done in Chisinau.
Northern Ireland’s Qatar 2022 dream may have died some time ago, yet their final pair of qualifiers should give a glimpse into the future of the Green and White Army.
With boss Ian Baraclough calling up nine players aged 23 or under, including exciting prospects from Liverpool and Chelsea, this evening’s clash with Lithuania looks extremely intriguing.
Perhaps the most remarkable story of tonight will be written in Andorra, however, where Aston Villa full-back Matty Cash is in line to make an unlikely debut for Poland.
Eligible to represent his adopted nation through his maternal grandfather, we put Cash’s unusual journey to this point under the microscope.
Transfers latest
As usual, our Transfer Talk column is on hand to summarise the day’s best whispers from the football rumour mill as clubs continue to prepare for the January window.
Today’s round-up leads on the claim that Barcelona are cooling their interest in Manchester City winger Raheem Sterling, opening the door for Arsenal to make a move.
Before you go
We also have a selection of features for you to enjoy as well as the biggest breaking news stories from the football world throughout the day.
