ENGLAND were loving being back at Wembley as Harry Kane’s hat-trick all but sealed a place at the 2022 World Cup.
Gareth Southgate’s side can secure their spot in Qatar if they draw with minnows San Marino.
Dani Alves has completed an emotional free transfer back to Barcelona.
But his new team-mate Sergio Aguero is at risk of never playing football again after an irregular heartbeat was discovered.
The Argentina will have to sit out a minimum of three further months of action but it is touch and go as to whether we see the former Manchester City star on the field again.
Meanwhile Frank Lampard has rejected the chance to take over Norwich at the 11th hour.
As a result of the former Chelsea boss’ decision, the Canaries are set to offer recently dismissed Aston Villa chief Dean Smith the manager’s job.
Norwich sacked Daniel Farke last week, despite him earning a crucial first win of the season at Brentford away.
But one manager who will be going nowhere is England’s Gareth Southgate.
The FA are set to tie Southgate down to a new deal which will take him through to Euro 2024 and make him one of the highest paid Three Lions bosses ever.
We’ve also got all the latest on a potential transfer for Declan Rice as well as updates from Chelsea, who are eyeing a swoop for Attila Szalai in January.
Get all the latest football news, updates and transfer gossip below…
ON THE BRONCK
Gianni Van Bronckhorst has been pictured in London after jetting into the UK to kick off talks that could see him named Rangers manager.
The former Feyenoord boss is the short-priced favourite to replace Steven Gerrard following his departure for Aston Villa.
Video footage posted by The Ibrox Channel Twitter account confirms SunSport’s exclusive story that the Dutchman was jetting in for key talks TODAY.
Van Bronckhorst spent four seasons in charge at Feyenoord, leading the club to their first Dutch title in 18 years.
He hopes to bring in Jean-Paul van Gastel, who worked with him at Feyenoord, and Jan Wouters as part of his backroom staff.
Reports in the Netherlands this morning say both Rangers and van Bronckhorst are hoping for a quick resolution and for a deal to be thrashed out this weekend.
They say the 46-year-old hopes to stand in front of the squad ASAP and begin plans for next weekend’s semi-final against Hampden.
TRIPLE THREAT
Barcelona are reportedly targeting one of Chelsea trio Christian Pulisic, Hakim Ziyech or Callum Hudson-Odoi if they can’t land key target Raheem Sterling.
The Catalan giants are eyeing a rebuild under new boss and legendary midfielder Xavi.
According to Sport, Barca have already drafted up a list of alternatives should they fail to land the England international.
Barca could turn to Ziyech, Hudson-Odoi or Pulisic to bolster their attacking ranks.
Ziyech or Pulisic seem more realistic, with Blues boss Thomas Tuchel desperate to hold onto academy product Hudson-Odoi.
BRUY OH BOY
Kevin De Bruyne doesn’t believe that Fifa’s plans for a World Cup every two years is a ‘bad idea’.
Football’s governing body are trying to change the annual calendar for 2024 and beyond, with a change to bi-annual World Cups on the agenda.
But Manchester City star De Bruyne, 30, doesn’t necessarily dislike the idea.
While away on international duty, he told Belga: “At the start of the season, I had a meeting with Fifa and Arsene Wenger to explain to us what they wanted to do.
I told them that they had to keep a real period of rest for us, the players, at the end of the season.
“The idea isn’t bad in itself, as long as everyone works together.”
DIALLO SPEAKS
Paris Saint-Germain footballer Aminata Diallo has broken her silence after being released by police without charge.
The PSG Feminine star, 26, was held for 36 hours by cops over claims that she hired armed thugs to attack her team-mate.
The French international has denied all claims, however, and has vowed to clear her name.
In a statement issued by her lawyers, Diallo said that she: “Hopes that judicial authorities conclude their investigation quickly and is sure that this will end up showing her complete and total innocence.”
She then rubbished a: “totally artificial suggestion of a rivalry between her and Mme Kheira Hamraoui that would explain why she would target her team-mate.
“This theory does not reflect at all the reality of their relationship.”
MAJOR REGRET
Manchester United icon Bryan Robson admits that it was ‘the biggest mistake of his life’ to turn down the England manager’s job.
Robson was offered the chance to lead the Three Lions when Terry Venables was given the boot, but the 64-year-old opted to stay with Middlesbrough.
When asked if he’d be interested in the role by ex-Arsenal coach Don Howe, who would’ve set-up the move, Robson declined in what turned out to be his biggest regret.
Robson told the Mail: “I gave him an instant, gut reaction ‘no’. I said I didn’t feel I was ready for England and I’d be going back to managing Middlesbrough.
“That was the biggest mistake of my life. I should have asked for the weekend to think it over and had I done so I would have agreed.
“Too late. The offer would never come again. They went and gave the job to Glenn Hoddle, who had even less experience of management than I did.”
SO KEANE
Tony Cascarino reckons Roy Keane was waiting for a reason to rip into Harry Maguire.
Keane blasted Maguire for his goal celebration after scoring for England yesterday, and Cascarino believes the retired centre-midfielder couldn’t wait to get stuck into the England star.
Cascarino told talkSPORT: “When he goes for you, he really goes for you. I always laugh.
“Unfortunately for Harry, Roy has only had a few months of watching him play badly.
“He’s probably thought, ‘If you do something like you just did, I’m going to give it to you’.”
MUM’S THE WORD
Emile Smith Rowe has revealed that his first England cap is going to his mum.
Rowe earned his first Three Lions cap following a string of impressive displays for Arsenal this season.
The 21-year-old made his debut as a second-half sub in England’s 5-0 win over Albania last night, but he wants to share the accolade with his mother.
When asked what he plans to do with the cap, Rowe said “It’s going straight to my mum, so thank you”
MAGUIRE DEFENCE
England boss Gareth Southgate has praised Harry Maguire’s character after the Three Lions win over Albania.
Maguire got on the scoresheet in England’s 5-0 rout against Albania, but his celebrations weren’t well-received by pundits such as Roy Keane.
However, Southgate leapt to Maguire’s defence saying: “It’s been a difficult period for him, coming back too early really but he’s a player that wants to be out there for his team.
“I think he’s shown huge responsibility in doing that, so he never ducks that challenge, and it was great to see him scoring tonight again.”
LOOKING BACK
Newcastle manager Eddie Howe has shortlisted three of his former Bournemouth players, reports suggest.
Those are Manchester City ace Nathan Ake as well as Cherries duo Lloyd Kelly and Jefferson Lerma, who thrived during Howe’s eight-year stint at Dean Court.
According to 90 Min, the Magpies’ new boss is looking back at familiar faces in his bid to take his team out of the relegation zone and kick start a new era after their £300million Saudi-led takeover.
The Toon are reportedly keeping tabs on Burnley captain James Tarkowski but the Clarets are not at all keen on selling to fellow relegation strugglers.
So Newcastle have turned their attention on Ake, who has only managed three Premier League appearances this season having fallen down the pecking order behind City stars John Stones, Ruben Dias and Aymeric Laporte.
Bournemouth stars Kelly and Lerma are also on his wish list and the prospect of playing Premier League football for the richest club in the world is likely to entice them.
Howe paid a total of £63m to sign the trio, with Lerma being his most expensive signing at £25m from Levante in 2018.
FRIENDLY FIRE
Brazilian midfielder Casemiro booted the ball off international team-mate Fred’s face.
Fred was a bit too close to the Real man as he attempted to hook the ball high into the air.
And it bounced clean off the United midfielders face, leaving him dazed.
Fred will have a sore lip today, that’s for sure.
Brazil went on to win the tight contest 1-0, maintaining their perfect unbeaten record in the qualifying group.
IDOL BECKS
Emile Smith Rowe has revealed that David Beckham is his favourite England player.
Arsenal star Rowe made his England debut this week and explained that he was in awe of Beckham when he was growing up.
When speaking to the Three Lions YouTube channel, he said: “My England hero? I’m gonna go for Becks.
“I have to, I have to say Beckham first.
“The set-pieces, the free-kicks and all that — everything about him man. I have to give it to him.”
KAN HAPPEN
Manchester City will reportedly test the waters for Harry Kane again in January in the hope Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy will lower his £150million asking price.
The Premier League champions tried to lure Kane to the Etihad in the summer, but wouldn’t meet Spurs’ demands for the England captain.
But according to ESPN, City will return for the 28-year-old in January and are hoping Levy is more reasonable.
New Spurs boss Antonio Conte has been given assurances that Kane will be in his plans moving forward.
But should a big offer come in, Levy’s hand could be forced.
BRU BEAUTY
Tottenham are interested in signing Club Brugge striker Charles De Ketelaere, according to reports.
New boss Antonio Conte is hoping to bolster his forward options, as he seeks cover for Harry Kane.
Spurs are interested in beating Arsenal to Fiorentina forward Dusan Vlahovic.
But they also have other options in mind.
According to Calciomercato, Spurs are targeting De Ketelaere after being impressed by the young striker.
CAUSING A STER
Manchester City will ‘block’ a January move to Barcelona for winger Raheem Sterling, according to reports.
The Catalan giants have been linked with a swoop for the England star, who is yet to commit his future to City.
Sterling’s current deal is set to expire in 2023, and he wants assurances over his playing time before penning a new one.
The 26-year-old has admitted that he is interested in playing abroad before the end of his career.
But boss Pep Guardiola is not currently entertaining the idea of letting Sterling go – despite interest from new Barca boss Xavi.
According to ESPN, City do still consider him a key man and aren’t open to letting him go mid-season.
CAV SOME OF THAT
Zlatan Ibrahimovic has only hated four players throughout his career – and one of them is Manchester United star Edinson Cavani.
Former LA Galaxy star Michael Ciani has revealed Ibrahimovic did not like people getting close to the Uruguayan.
Ibrahimovic played alongside Cavani at Paris Saint-Germain from 2013 until 2016 before he joined Manchester United.
The pair formed a formidable partnership on the pitch, but did not get along with each other on a personal level.
Following his time with Ibrahimovic in America, Ciani has lifted the lid on the relationship between the pair.
Speaking to RMC Sport, he said: “If you are close to Cavani, Ibra does not like it.
“Either you are with Ibra, or you are against him.”
MORNING, FOOTBALL FANS
England virtually sealed qualification for next year’s World Cup last night, courtesy of a 5-0 thumping of Albania at a sold-out Wembley Stadium.
The Three Lions will need just a point against minnows San Marino on Monday night, after blitzing the Albanians with five first-half goals.
Manchester United captain Harry Maguire got Gareth Southgate’s side off to the perfect start in the ninth minute, when he nodded home Reece James’ set piece.
Maguire cupped his hands to his ears, in a celebration that itv pundit Roy Keane labelled ‘embarrassing’.
Harry Kane then made it 2-0 with a close-range header, before teeing up Jordan Henderson moments later.
The Spurs hitman rifled a left-footed effort beyond the helpless goalkeeper, before sealing the rout by completing a perfect hat-trick with a wonderful volley on the stroke of half-time.
Gareth Southgate is expected to pen a two-year contract extension, but remained tight-lipped after the game.
Elsewhere last night, Scotland sealed a play-off berth after beating Moldova 2-0 in Chisinau.
Steve Clarke’s side triumphed thanks to goals by Nathan Patterson and Che Adams, before Craig Gordon avoided a nervy finish by saving a penalty with ten minutes remaining.
LOAN STAR – By SunSport’s Charlie Wyett
Hakim Ziyech looks set to leave Chelsea on loan in January.
Dortmund are interested in landing the Moroccan forward who has featured just 10 times for Thomas Tuchel this season.
Blues manager Tuchel was already considering letting Ziyech leave before the end of the August window but a move failed to materialise.
Dortmund were one of the clubs interested in signing the former Ajax star, 28, when Chelsea paid £33.3million for him in the summer of 2020.
Ziyech has three years remaining on his deal at Stamford Bridge, making a loan deal the most likely option.
The Bundesliga side are likely to be joined by other sides in the January window looking to sign him.
Tuchel has preferred to hand minutes to Ross Barkley and Ruben Loftus-Cheek, who were both loaned out under Frank Lampard last season, over the Moroccan.
OLE RODGERED – Exclusive by Neil Custis
Brendan Rodgers has been put forward as the No1 candidate to take over at Manchester United.
A leading agent has been sounding out potential successors to under-fire boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
As SunSport revealed last month, the Red Devils board have a four-man shortlist to replace Solskjaer if they decide to sack him.
They were Leicester boss Rodgers, Antonio Conte, Zinedine Zidane and Erik ten Hag.
Former Chelsea title winning boss Conte was interested but was not prepared to wait around once the Tottenham offer came along.
Out-of-work Zidane guided Real Madrid to three Champions League titles in two spells but indicated that he would not be interested in the Old Trafford hotseat.
There was a cool reception from Ajax coach Ten Hag who did not want to discuss any hypothetical openings with the agent.
But United have been informed he is confident they could get Rodgers out of Leicester.
HE’LL DU – By SunSport’s Paul Jiggins
Tottenham are plotting to snatch Serbian sensation Dusan Vlahovic from under the noses of rivals Manchester City and Arsenal.
New Spurs boss Antonio Conte wants another striker in January to take the weight off Harry Kane.
The ambitious Italian only took charge of the North Londoners at the beginning of this month.
But he has already made it clear to chairman Daniel Levy and managing director of football Fabio Paratici that he needs more options in attack.
Vlahovic is top of Conte’s shopping list after bagging 21 goals for Fiorentina in Serie A last season.
The frontman, 21, has netted eight goals in 12 league games this term and Italian giants Juventus are also keen.
He was already on Paratici’s radar when the Italian joined Spurs as their new recruitment guru last summer.
With Vlahovic’s contract due to expire in 2023, Fiorentina are said to be willing to cash in on their £65million-rated marksman.
UNITED FRONT
Arsene Wenger’s plans to host a World Cup every two years have been dealt a blow by unimpressed Premier League clubs.
The ex-Arsenal boss had put forward a scheme to play the tournament biennially rather than once every four years as it currently is.
The Frenchman is now Fifa’s chief of football development and has also suggested extending international windows.
But all 20 top flight clubs have unanimously rejected the proposals amid concerns for player welfare and a packed domestic calendar.
Premier League chief executive Richard Masters confirmed the united front and warned against tinkering in future.
He said: “The Premier League is committed to preventing any radical changes to the post-2024 Fifa International Match Calendar that would adversely affect player welfare and threaten the competitiveness, calendar, structures and traditions of domestic football.”
KANE IS ABLE
What a goal this was by Harry Kane!
The moment the Spurs man sealed his perfect hat-trick tonight
FULL TIME: ENGLAND 5 ALBANIA 0
The Three Lions ease through the second-half to seal an excellent 5-0 victory over Albania at a packed Wembley Stadium.
Harry Maguire set Gareth Southgate’s side on their way in the ninth minute, nodding home Reece James’ delivery.
Harry Kane then made it 2-0 with a close range header, before teeing up Jordan Henderson to make it three.
The Spurs star then made it 4-0 with a left-footed drive, before sealing his perfect hat-trick with an excellent right-footed volley on the stroke of half-time.
A low-key second-half was to follow, but fans were treated to the international debut of Emile Smith Rowe, with the Arsenal star coming on for Raheem Sterling in the 77th minute.
GUNNER BE SPECIAL
Emile Smith Rowe is on for his England debut!
Arsenal’s No10 replaces Raheem Sterling in the 77th minute for his first Three Lions senior appearance!
Still 5-0 at Wembley.
NOT KEANE?
Manchester United legend Roy Keane believes there is ‘something going wrong’ regarding the club’s England representatives.
Discussing Mason Greenwood, Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho on ITV prior to the Three Lions’ clash against Albania, Keane said: “Every case is different, Sancho hasn’t been getting many minutes recently.
“The issue I suppose with Rashford and Greenwood is that whenever they’re selected it seems to be an issue.
“I know they’ve had injuries, I understand that, but we know their quality and when Gareth is asked about them he says ‘yeah I spoke to Marcus…’ It seems like a big conversation.
“It’s as if there’s something going wrong, there’s something amiss with some of these United lads.”
He added: “They’re young and hungry but a change of scenery will probably do them the world of good, there’s negativity around United at the moment with the bad results.
“There’s this idea that they need to save their club and do something about it on the training pitch there.
“I think for the two young lads to come here, change of scenery and again, get some minutes under your belt.”
KEANE TO CRITICISE
Here are Roy Keane’s full quotes regarding Harry Maguire’s first-half celebration.
The Man United legend huffed on itv: “He thinks he’s shutting the critics up. But I think It’s embarrassing.
“He’s been a disgrace the last couple months for Man Utd.
“He thinks if he scores there, he’s going to shut his critics up. Embarrassing.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
