BARCELONA have agreed a deal to sign two-time Fifa Best award winner Robert Lewandowski, according to reports.
Canada have reached their first World Cup since 1986 after beating Jamaica 4-0 to top the North American qualifying table.
USA and Mexico look set to join them if they can manage a point in their respective final games while Costa Rica are set for the play-offs.
And Christian Eriksen provided a glimpse of what’s to come in football’s biggest competition by scoring just two minutes into his emotional return for Denmark
Which has come less than a year after the horrendous heart attack that nearly ended his life.
England beat Switzerland in a comeback victory thanks to goals from Luke Shaw and Harry Kane, who is closing in on Wayne Rooney’s record goal haul for the Three Lions.
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Pulisic insight into ‘worm’ celebration
Christian Pulisic says his ‘worm’ goal celebration – after he scored for the USA in their 5-1 win over Panama – was for a young fan with cancer.
The Chelsea winger revealed it was for 15-year-old Mason Ogle, who has osteosarcoma and was the USA’s matchday ambassador for the game.
Pulisic said: “I met someone really special yesterday.
“His name was Mason and his one request was that if I scored, he wanted to see a worm celebration. That’s what that was for.”
Arsenal tie down prospect Ibrahim
Teenage midfielder Bradley Ibrahim has signed his first pro deal with Arsenal.
The 17-year-old joined from Queen’s Park Rangers last summer and has been impressing in the Gunners’ youth ranks.
The versatile starlet can play in the middle of the park as well as well at centre-half.
Arsenal youngster Bradley Ibrahim has signed his first ever professional contractCredit: Twitter Werner finds comfort in country
Chelsea striker Timo Werner has admitted that he feels more comfortable playing football for Germany than he does at Stamford Bridge.
The 26-year-old has struggled to make an impact in the Premier League since joining the Blues for £47million two years ago, scoring just seven times in 49 appearances.
However, Werner hasn’t lost his touch in front of goal when it comes to the international stage, and was again on the mark on Saturday when the Germans defeated Israel 2-0 in a friendly.
Werner has netted six times in his last six appearances for his country, and afterwards said: “I’m a striker and always want to score.
“Things aren’t going the way I’d like at Chelsea so it’s all the better that things are going well here under Hansi Flick.
“I really enjoy playing football, no matter where I’m playing. There are differences in the style of play between football at Chelsea and here.
“Maybe the national team suits me better. Here, I always have scoring chances, I can score goals. I feel very comfortable here.”
Eddie Glad to be going
Borussia Monchengladbach are considering a move for Arsenal outcast Eddie Nketiah.
The Gunners had high hopes for the 22-year-old striker, but he’s failed to make a serious breakthrough at the Emirates despite a shortage of attacking options at the club.
Nketiah is yet to start a Premier League game this season, and has totalled just 114 minutes of game time during 11 substitute appearances.
The forward is out of contract at the Emirates the summer, and, according to BILD (via Sport Witness), his name is on a ‘secret shortlist’ being drawn up by the Bundesliga club.
Teen ‘hurt’ after rejecting Reds
Andreas Schjelderup has revealed his ‘hurt’ at having to reject a move to Liverpool, but hopes to join the Premier League giants in the future.
The 17-year-old sensation was on trial at Anfield two years ago, but turned down a permanent move in order to stay in his homeland with Nordsjaelland.
Schjelderup has since built a reputation as being Norway’s latest wonderkid, and again has the eyes of top European clubs upon him after two impressive seasons in the first team.
The attacking midfielder told Goal: “Of course, it was a bit hard [to reject Liverpool] because when you grow up, you watch the big names and then you hear that they want you so your head starts to spin.
“But I got a lot of help from my father and agents, who helped me make the right decision.
“It hurt a little bit for me and my dad in our hearts [not to join Liverpool], but the move here was instead of going to an academy at under-19 or under-17 level.
“Of course, maybe I can go to a big team in the future. In the long run, for me, this was the best step. When I am ready, I will take the next step.”
No Real deal for Tchouameni – yet
Premier League pair Chelsea and Manchester United have been handed a boost by the news that – contrary to reports – Aurelien Tchouameni has not agreed to sign for Real Madrid.
Spanish media had claimed a deal had been done, but Tchouameni’s agent insists that no such move has been confirmed.
The two English clubs have been monitoring the 22-year-old’s development at Monaco, and both see the player as the ideal midfielder to build their side around for years to come.
However, Madrid remain very interested despite the press jumping the gun, as do Ligue 1 big-spenders Paris Saint-Germain.
Tchouameni scored his first international goal for France on Friday, heading home a stoppage time winner against Ivory Coast.
Credit: @WhoScored Twitter United planning Shaw and Rashford talks
Manchester United are planning to enter discussions with Luke Shaw and Marcus Rashford over new contracts, according to ESPN’S Rob Dawson.
The future of the England pair had been considered uncertain with both underperforming this season, and seemingly unhappy with life at Old Trafford.
Yet the duo ‘are considered part of a key group of core players that United want to keep’ ahead of a significant squad overhaul in the summer.
The current deals of both players are due to expire in June 2023.
Why Port Vale are England’s best
League Two Port Vale set a unique record on Saturday afternoon, setting them apart from every other club in the English football pyramid.
The Valiants defeated Sutton United 2-0 at Vale Park, and, in doing so, became the first side to have beaten each of the other 91 clubs in the Premier League and Football League in a league encounter.
Perhaps more importantly for the Staffordshire club, the three points was a fourth win in five games, and moved them up to fourth spot in the table.
Credit: MBaggers37 Twitter Blues bidders to learn fate
The four parties still in the running to buy Chelsea will discover which has the backing of Raine Group next month.
The bank overseeing the sale of the football club has told the remaining bidders that it intends to present their preferred bid to the government and the Premier League during the week of April 18.
Sky News understands that a letter has been sent to those on the shortlist, indicating that the government will also be approached to issue a licence enabling a quick sale that could be completed by the end of the season.
The remaining contenders were told over the weekend that they had until April 11 to refine their final offers.
League One strugglers sack Robinson
AFC Wimbledon have parted company with head coach Mark Robinson, the League One club have announced.
The news came after the south London club slipped to a 1-0 home defeat to Cambridge on Saturday, making it 21 league games without a win.
The Dons have dropped from being sat in fourth place in September to being fourth from bottom and in the relegation zone.
Blues monitoring contract rebel Marquinhos
If Romelu Lukaku is to head to Paris this summer, then at least one player may be heading in the opposition direction.
It is understood that Chelsea have been keeping a close eye on Marquinhos’ situation at PSG, and are prepared to make an offer for the defender as soon as they receive the green light from their new owners.
The 27-year-old has two years to run on his deal in the French capital, and, according to L’Equipe, is no closer to signing a new contract with his club.
However, the Brazilian defender supposedly wants a significant increase in his salary – currently thought to be around £250k-per-week – and it remains to be seen whether Chelsea in a post-Roman Abramovich era could afford such wages.
Mancini to remain Azzurri boss
Roberto Mancini hopes to keep his job as Italy head coach despite the country’s embarrassing failure to reach this year’s World Cup.
The European champions were beaten to top spot in their qualifying group by Switzerland last year, and were then shocked at home by North Macedonia in Thursday’s play-off semi-final.
Many expected Mancini to step down in the aftermath, but the former Manchester City boss has confirmed that he wants to stay on in the role.
He said: “We’re on the same point with the [Italian Football] Federation – I’m happy about that, we’re gonna discuss it again in the coming days.
“We’ll speak about plans for the future and things to be improved as soon as possible.”
Southgate to rotate Three Lions
Gareth Southgate will freshen up his England side for tomorrow evening’s friendly with Ivory Coast at Wembley.
The Three Lions boss has promised to rotate his squad during this international break, and will give game time to as many players in the group as possible.
That’s likely to mean starts in defence for Harry Maguire and Tyrone Mings, who both sat out Saturday’s win over Switzerland.
It may also mean a change in goal despite Jordan Pickford’s impressive performance against the Swiss with Nick Pope and Fraser Forster – back in the England squad for the first time since 2017 – waiting in the wings.
PSG ready to rescue Romelu
Paris Saint-Germain are preparing to end Romelu Lukaku’s Chelsea nightmare by bringing the striker to the Parc des Princes.
The Football Insider understands that the Ligue 1 club hope to take advantage of the Belgian’s unhappiness at the Bridge to pick him up on the ‘cheap’.
Lukaku cost the Blues £97m last summer when returning to the London club for a second spell.
The 28-year-old insisted that it was his dream move at the time, but it has since turned sour due to a series of below-par performances and misguided interviews.
The former Manchester United forward has netted just five Premier League goals this term, and only two since early September.
PSG view Lukaku as the best option to replace Kylian Mbappe, who is widely expected to join Real Madrid on a free transfer.
Deal prepared for happy Saka
Arsenal have been busy finalising a bumper contract to offer Bukayo Saka at the end of the season.
Transfers expert Fabrizio Romano reports that the plan remains for Gunners officials to sit down with the England international in the summer to discuss his future.
Liverpool and Manchester City have bees linked with the young star, but Romano believes Arsenal fans have nothing to worry about.
He states that the 20-year-old is ‘really happy’ with life at the Emirates, and is fully focused on helping the club qualify for the Champions League.
Spurs heading chase for Memphis
Tottenham are leading the race to sign Barcelona’s Memphis Depay, according to Mundo Deportivo.
The Spanish publication believe that Spurs are one of a number of European clubs monitoring the Dutchman’s situation at the Nou Camp.
Depay is Barca’s top scorer this season with ten goals, but has played less of prominent role since Xavi’s arrival as manager.
The 28-year-old insists he’s happy at the LaLiga club despite the current form of Ousmane Dembele and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang restricting him to appearances from the bench.
However, with only a year to run on his current contract, there is the acceptance that both player and club will be considering options in the summer.
Thiago Silva tight-lipped on future
Chelsea defender Thiago Silva has refused to comment on the rumours of a possible return to Fluminense.
Despite signing a one-year extension with the Blues, the 37-year-old has recently been linked with a move back to the Brazilian club he represented between 2006 and 2008.
The centre-back was speaking to the press after captaining Brazil to a 4-0 win over Chile in World Cup qualifying.
According to Netflu (via Sport Witness), the player was asked about a possible move back to the club where he is so fondly remembered.
Thiago Silva has made no secret of his desire to play again for Fluminense before he retires but, on this occasion, he simply smiled and replied: “Next question.”
Leeds suffer new Bamford blow
Patrick Bamford will miss Leeds’ crucial relegation run-in after he was ruled out for at least six weeks with a foot injury.
The England striker has endured a torrid season, managing only ten appearances in all competitions due to a range of different fitness issues.
The 28-year-old, who hasn’t completed 90 minutes since September, has now ruptured a ligament in his foot after the exacerbation of a previous injury.
Bamford doesn’t require surgery, but will struggle to feature again this season as the Yorkshire club battle the drop.
Back-to-back wins have given Leeds some breathing space at the bottom, but they remain only two places outside of the relegation zone.
Tierney move a Real possibility
Arsenal left-back Kieran Tierney has once again been linked with a big-money move to Real Madrid.
The Scottish defender has been tracked by the Spanish giants all season, and now looks set to be the focus of a £50million bid.
The Sunday Post report that Los Blancos boss Carlo Ancelotti has long been an admirer of the 24-year-old, and attempted to sign him from Celtic for Napoli back in 2019.
Tierney, who scored his first goal for Scotland in Thursday’s friendly draw with Poland, has four years to run on his contract with the Gunners.
United set sights on Kane
Manchester United want to bring a stellar striker to the club in the summer – and Harry Kane is at the top of their list.
The Athletic understand that Old Trafford officials are seriously considering an approach for Kane after holding initial talks with Tottenham back in July.
The Red Devils will require attacking reinforcements with Edinson Cavani destined to leave, Mason Greenwood unavailable indefinitely following his arrest, and question marks over the futures of Cristiano Ronaldo, Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial.
Spurs chief Daniel Levy refused to play ball with Manchester City last summer, but may now consider moving the 28-year-old forward on for big money with his contract ticking down.
Kane, who took his goal tally with England to 49 on Saturday, has only two more years to run on his current deal.
Bale hails Wayne’s Wales achievement
Gareth Bale has welcomed Wayne Hennessey into the 100-cap club and declared his love for the Wales goalkeeper.
The Burnley stopper will join great Home Nations keepers Peter Shilton and Pat Jennings by notching up a century of appearances against Czech Republic on Tuesday.
Hennessey also becomes the third Welshman to hit a ton of caps for his country behind Chris Gunter and close pal Bale when he leads out his team-mates in the Cardiff friendly.
Wales captain Bale said: “What an amazing and incredible achievement for a goalkeeper to get 100 caps!
“Wayne probably doesn’t get the recognition but I guess as a keeper if people aren’t talking about you that’s a great thing because you haven’t made many mistakes. What a goalkeeper!
“He’s so under-estimated and underrated. People also forget that he has the all-time clean sheet record as well.”
Ainsley return to spark bidding war
Premier League clubs have been placed on alert after it was revealed that Ainsley Maitland-Niles would not be making his loan move to Roma permanent.
The Mirror report that the Arsenal midfielder, who has spent the season with Jose Mourinho’s Serie A outfit, will return to north London in June.
However, with just a year to run on his current deal at the Emirates, the Gunners are likely to cash in on the 24-year-old midfielder.
A number of top-flight sides are said to be interested including Everton, who had a £10m bid rejected for the player last summer.
Maitland-Niles made his debut for Arsenal as a 17-year-old in 2014, and has since gone on to make 132 appearances for the club.
Pulisic hits hat-trick for USA
Christian Pulisic scored a hat-trick to leave the United States on the verge of qualification for the World Cup.
The Chelsea star converted two penalties against Panama in Sunday evening’s Concacaf qualifier and then completed his treble in style as USA cruised to a 5-1 win.
The result means Gregg Berhalter’s team have all but made it to Qatar 2022, needing only to avoid a defeat of six goals or more to Costa Rica on Wednesday, and will join fellow North American country Canada at November’s finals.
Good Morning football fans
England return to action tomorrow as Gareth Southgate’s side welcome Ivory Coast to Wembley.
And Three Lions boss Southgate has already revealed there will be plenty of changes for Tuesday’s clash.
He said: “We think that’s the right thing to do.
“We want to keep all of the squad involved. I think that has been a strength for us. Players who come in perform well at the level and the team march on.
“They need to feel that we’ve got the confidence in them to go into any game and we’re also at a stage of the season where their load is heavy and we’ve got to make sure we try and navigate that in the best way possible.”
Elsewhere Chelsea’s takeover saga will drag on for another fortnight with the four remaining bidders given until April 11 to submit their final proposals.
The Raine Group have whittled contenders down to a quartet, with an emphasis placed on committing £1billion in future investment into the West London club.
Each will have until April 11 to potentially up their bids, before the Raine Group will make their final decision.
And finally, Tottenham are reportedly keen to swoop for Sevilla boss Julen Lopetegui IF Antonio Conte leaves in the summer.
Conte is renowned for his short stays at each of his clubs, and already hinted at a Spurs exit following the defeat to Burnley in February.
If that’s the case, outlet Fichajes claim Spurs could look to appoint Lopetegui as his successor.
Canada qualify for first World Cup since 1986
Canada qualified for the World Cup finals for just the second time on Sunday, beating Jamaica 4-0 to book their ticket to Qatar and end 36 years of failure and heartache.
After failing to clinch a finals spot with a 1-0 away loss to Costa Rica on Thursday, Canada returned home with renewed purpose and a chance to complete the job in front of a frenzied, red-clad flag-waving soldout crowd of nearly 30,000 at BMO Field.
There would be no blown second opportunity as Cyle Larin and Tajon Buchanan netted in the first half and Junior Hoilett added another after the break with Adrian Mariappa’s own goal rounding off the scoring.
Canada will play at the World Cup for the first time since 1986 in Mexico, where they lost all three games and failed to score a goal.
With just one round of qualifying matches remaining, Canada sit top of the CONCACAF standings on 28 points, six clear of regional powerhouses the United States and Mexico, who play later on Sunday, looking to secure their own Qatar places.
Credit: Reuters
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
