Soccer

Subterms

    More stories

    • 263 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Man Utd blow as Kobbie Mainoo PULLS OUT of England squad with injury as THREE stars return to clubs with knocks

      by

      KOBBIE MAINOO, Ezri Konsa and Morgan Gibbs-White have all withdrawn from England’s squad for the upcoming Uefa Nations League games.The Three Lions host Greece at Wembley on Thursday before heading to Finland on Sunday, in Lee Carsley’s second round of fixtures.Kobbie Mainoo has pulled out of England’s squad for the October international breakMorgan Gibbs-White came off injured at Chelsea on SundayCredit: GettyKonsa has also been forced to withdrawCredit: RexThe trio drop out after sustaining injuries for their respective clubs over the weekend in what is a triple injury blow for Carsley’s new-look side.Konsa, 26, suffered a hamstring injury and left the pitch just 12 minutes into Villa’s goalless draw with Manchester United.And Gibbs-White, 24, was removed after 76 minutes of Nottingham Forest’s 1-1 draw at Chelsea.But Mainoo played 85 minutes at Old Trafford on Sunday before he was replaced by Casemiro.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSIt comes as a further blow for under-fire boss Erik ten Hag who also lost the services of Harry Maguire, who left Villa Park in a plastic boot.Maguire was dropped from Carsley’s squad after featuring in September and Mainoo has been carrying a knock for some time.The 19-year-old midfielder was subbed off shortly before half-time during Man Utd’s 3-0 demolition at the hands of Spurs a fortnight ago.Mainoo travelled to Portugal with the Red Devils on Thursday as they drew 3-3 with Porto, but missed the game with a minor issue.Most read in FootballMainoo is out injured after playing 85 minutes of Man Utd’s 0-0 draw with VillaCredit: RexFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSMeanwhile Carsley handed Konsa a starting role when the Three Lions beat Finland 2-0 at Wembley on 10 September.Gibbs-White made his senior debut for England from the bench during their 2-0 victory against the Republic of Ireland on 7 September.Lee Carsley welcomes back Cole Palmer to the England team Forest manager Nuno Espirito Santo suggested the prognosis on Gibbs-White is unclear until they further investigate this week.Mainoo started against Ireland but did not feature against Finland.All other 22 players are at St George’s Park with no further additions planned at this time.Harry Kane was a serious doubt but he has since been cleared to play after arriving to the Burton-on-Trent base earlier today.He could line up alongside new dad Jack Grealish, who announced he his baby news from St George’s Park.England currently sit second in their League B Group 2, only behind leaders Greece on goal difference.Harry Kane turned up for England duty despite carrying a knockNew dad Jack Grealish also reported to St George’s Park More

    • 238 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Serie A star slapped with TEN-MATCH BAN for racially abusing Wolves ace Hwang Hee-chan with vile ‘Jackie Chan’ comment

      by

      SERIE A star Marco Curto has been hit with a TEN-MATCH BAN for racially abusing Wolves ace Hwang Hee-chan.Fifa have found Curto guilty after he allegedly made a vile “Jackie Chan” comment towards the Premier League winger in a pre-season friendly.Italian footballer Marco Curto has been handed a ten-match ban from FifaCredit: GettyIt comes after Curto allegedly made a vile racist remark to Prem star Hwang Hee-chanCredit: GettyThe controversy erupted during a closed-doors friendly in Marbella which Wolves won 1-0.The clash was marred by an incident after 68 minutes when Hwang alleged he had been racially abused by an opponent.His furious team-mate Daniel Podence was so incensed he lashed out at a Como defender and was sent-off by the referee.Como said one of their players made a reference surrounding Hwang’s name and that the complaint was “out of proportion”.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSBut now Fifa have upheld the formal complaint made by South Korea’s national football association.A spokesperson for the world governing body said: “Marco Curto was found responsible for discriminatory behaviour and sanctioned with a 10-match suspension.”Serving of half of those matches is suspended for a probation period of two years.”The player is ordered to render community services and undergo training and education with an organisation approved by Fifa.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe South Korea player’s national football association contacted Fifa in July to express “serious concerns” about the incident.SunSport asked Como for comment after the game on July 16.Mateus Mane shows of his goal scoring skills playing for Wolves Academy Wolves are understood to welcome the decision and held talks with the FA over how best to move forward with taking it to the relevant bodies.Uefa insisted it cannot look into the incident because it did not take place during a competitive Uefa match.The Molineux club are expected to issue a formal statement later.Curto is currently on loan with Italian second tier side Cesena.A Como spokesperson said Curto had told club chief’s he had told a fellow defender “ignore (Hwang), he thinks he’s Jackie Chan”.Mirwan Suwarso previously said: “Having spoken to our player at length, we are confident this was in reference to the player’s name.”And to the constant references of ‘Channy’ made by his own team-mates on the pitch.READ MORE SUN STORIES”As far as our club is concerned our player did not say anything in a derogatory manner.”We are disappointed that the reaction of certain Wolves players has seen the incident blown out of proportion.” More

    • 250 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Chelsea legend Claude Makelele breaks silence on why he walked out of management job after just THREE games in charge

      by

      CHELSEA legend Claude Makelele walked out as manager of Greek outfit Asteras Tripolis after just three games in charge.Makelele, 51, claims his decision came after initial promises were not upheld and club chiefs began to interfere in team selection.Claude Makelele resigned as Asteras Tripolis manager after just three games in chargeCredit: AFPMakelele claims promises weren’t kept and Asteras club chiefs interfered in team selectionCredit: GettyThe French tactician crossed over to management after ending his 20-year career in 2011 and worked as a coach at the Blues, Swansea and Paris Saint-Germain as well as manager at Bastia and Eupen.The legendary midfielder had been a free agent since September 2023 when he left the West Londoners’ coaching staff but returned to the dugout for Asteras in the Greek Superleague.However, the Real Madrid great’s stint in Greece lasted barely two weeks and he left after just three games, in which he was undefeated.The former France international claimed club chiefs didn’t keep their word.Read More on FootballMakele told London World: “They promised me full control of the team. “It was my decision who played or didn’t play. Transfers were not my responsibility.”If you want to sack me because the results are not good, that’s fine. This is football. But I don’t want people telling me who should or shouldn’t play.”The final straw took place on Sunday when Asteras visited Kallithea at Leoforos.Most read in FootballMakelele picked up his first victory in charge of the Greek minnows, winning 3-1 thanks to a man-of-the-match performance by Darnell Bile, who registered two assists.The Chelsea icon claims club chiefs ordered him to bench a “key player” before the match because of his contract situation, but he disobeyed.Chelsea’s player ratings against GentMakelele added: “In the last game [at Kallithea], they insisted a key player should be benched. The player has a small amateur salary, but he’s the best player in the team. “I brought him on for just 20 minutes – he got two assists, and we won the game. But they didn’t want him [to play]. “They thought they could control whether he plays because he hadn’t signed a [new] contract [with the club]. I used him because of his quality.”Makelele has left Asteras undefeated having won one and drawing his other two games in charge.However, the ex-Premier League star insists the conditions didn’t allow him to focus on his duties.Makelele added: “They were used to long balls, second balls, but I made them understand that whether you win, lose, or draw, you need to learn to play football.”I’m a manager who looks forward. When I take responsibility for the players, I know what I can and cannot do. “I love the job, but I can’t accept when people interfere and tell me what I can or cannot do.READ MORE SUN STORIES”They know the name, but they don’t know the human being. You cannot lie with your principles. I built my career on honesty with players and the club. Always honest.“Football is about human beings, about connection, understanding movement, tactical awareness, technical skill – individually and collectively. We use data, sure, but football is more than that.” More

    • 188 Shares199 Views

      in Soccer

      EFL side slapped with fresh TRANSFER BAN as years-long nightmare goes from bad to worse

      by

      READING have been plunged into further crisis after being hit with a new transfer embargo by the EFL.The Royals are more than familiar with nightmare transfer bans after being slapped with their THIRD different market restriction since 2021.Reading have been plunged into further turmoil after being slapped with yet another transfer embargoCredit: GettyOwner Dai Yongge has suffered a tumultuous seven-year financially stricken reignCredit: Rex FeaturesIn fact, Reading were already under an embargo until 2025 as a punishment for last year’s financial misdemeanours. But the latest ruling relates to the late filing of accounts to Companies House for the 2022-23 financial year.The stricken club were hit with a second embargo just last year for failing to pay taxes on time.That came after Reading were punished with a two-year transfer ban in the summer of 2021 for an outstanding tax debt.read more football newsThe League One outfit had only been able to sign players from other clubs on loan or if they were free agents.A Reading FC statement read: ” The Club can also confirm that – alongside the requirement to operate under the terms of its business plan – it has today been placed under a formal registration embargo by the EFL.“We are working closely with our auditing partner to finalise these accounts at the earliest opportunity – at which point the embargo will be lifted immediately.”Reading have not purchased a player for a transfer fee since signing Ovie Ejaira from Liverpool for around £3million in August 2020, but the winger is now a free agent after agreeing to leave in December.Most read in EFLFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe crisis club are currently in the midst of a long ongoing takeover saga after hated current owner Dai Yongge put it up for sale earlier this year.American business Couhig were expected to complete a deal, however talks broke down late in the process and the club moved on.EFL star banned for eight matches for biting Liverpool legend Ian Rush’s nephew Reading were relegated from the Championship in May 2023 after ten years in the second tier. The club would have escaped relegation if it hadn’t been hit with a six-point deduction for various off-field breaches.The Royals finished the season on 50 points, which would have left them 19th and one point above the drop.The club were again docked six points from the League One table last season after failing to pay a HMRC bill within a specified 80-day window.Yongge has seen Reading get deducted a total of 18 points since his 2017 takeover.Reading currently sit 16th in League One, with 13 points from nine games under manager Ruben Selles.Reading timeline since Dai Yongge takeoverHere is how events have unfolded under Dai Yongge:May 2017 – Yongge takes control of 75 per cent of the club after they lost Championship play-off final on penalties to Huddersfield2021 – Reading’s accounts show pre-tax losses of £146million, with 234 per cent of its revenue spent on player wages2023 – Reading breach Financial Fair Play rules and amass deductions totalling six pointsMay 2023 – Reading relegated down to the third tier for the first time in 31 yearsAugust 2023 – Docked one point and issued a suspended three-point punishment for breaching EFL regulationsSeptember 2023 – Suspended three-point deduction triggeredFebruary 2024 – Docked two more points for yet more breachesMarch 2024 – Yongge attempts to sell training ground to fellow League One side WycombeMarch 2024 – Selling of the training ground put on hold due to planning limitationsOctober 2024 – Reading hit with third transfer embargo since 2021 More

    • 275 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Next Man Utd manager: Southgate and Potter would be WORSE than Ten Hag as clear top candidate once eyed by rival emerges

      by

      THE best candidate for the Manchester United manager’s job has been identified.But top options Gareth Southgate and Graham Potter would both be WORSE than current boss Erik ten Hag.Erik ten Hag is only the seventh-best fit to be Manchester United managerCredit: ReutersHe pips Gareth Southgate on the list but both are well off the leaderCredit: GettyDutchman Ten Hag is clinging on to his position as Old Trafford chief after going five matches without a win.And now data gurus Carteret Analytics have crunched the numbers and worked out who would be the ideal fit to take the reins at United.And it is Ruben Amorim who comes out at the top of the pile.Ironically, the Sporting Lisbon boss was a target for arch rivals Liverpool when they replaced Jurgen Klopp before settling on Arne Slot.READ MORE ON MAN UTDBut now, if United’s chiefs look at the numbers, he could be approached for the potential vacancy at Old Trafford.Amorim was handed a top score when the numbers were crunched.The data analysts show Amorim scoring extremely highly for ‘Strategic Intelligence’, a measure that looks at a manager’s ability to set their team up for victory. He also scored incredibly high for his ability to transform matches during games.Those attributes put him clear of Zinedine Zidane in second with the ex-Real Madrid boss pipping Simone Inzaghi on the podium.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThomas Tuchel has already been linked with replacing Ten Hag and the German comes up as the fourth best candidate for Manchester United in the data.Kieran McKenna – the Ipswich boss who was previously a coach at United – is fifth, just narrowly edging out Ten Hag’s current No2 Ruud van Nistelrooy.Erik ten Hag really did not help himself with what he said after Man Utd’s draw with Aston Villa, slams BBC pundit Interestingly, Ten Hag is said to be the seventh-best fit for the Red Devils.That places him directly above free agent Southgate, who is admired by the Ineos bosses and is available after quitting from his role as England gaffer following the Euro 2024 final defeat to Spain.Southgate scored particularly poorly in the ‘Tactical Command’ measure. This looks at a manager’s ability to transform a match during the game – something many England fans who felt he was too often tactically outwitted will concur with.Former Brighton and Chelsea boss Potter, still out of work and now starting life as a pundit, is next in ninth.Middlesbrough’s Michael Carrick, Roberto De Zerbi of Marseille and finally Brentford boss Thomas Frank complete the list of the 12 managers who were looked at.Carteret Analytics, quantitative analysis experts who have built a series of algorithms that utilise a huge amount of raw data, looked at a number of areas.Objective achievement, strategic intelligence, tactical command, attacking coefficient, shot creation and conversion, possession and formations over the past six seasons were all taken into consideration.When Ten Hag was first employed by Manchester United, their analysis correctly warned fans of the Red Devils not to expect all out attacking play, and that rather than have a specific style, he adapted his tactics match-by-match.Their latest number crunching now indicates where Manchester United should turn next.Amorim came out strongly across the board, particularly in strategic intelligence, tactical command, attacking coefficient and shot conversion. That relates to his ability to set up his teams to win matches and make transformations within games to impact results. His high attacking coefficient would tap into the United “attack, attack, attack” mantra.Incredibly, Ten Hag does not outperform Amorim in any one of the metrics that were analysed.Zidane presents the best option of the gaffers currently without a job while McKenna and Van Nistelrooy both have Old Trafford connections. And although Inzaghi is third on the list and largely beats Ten Hag in most areas, he does play a far more defensive style of football that may not be popular with the United hierarchy and fans. READ MORE SUN STORIESAmorin’s preferred 3-4-3 formation would be a shake-up from the 4-2-3-1 under Ten Hag.With the Manchester United hierarchy meeting this week to discuss their options, the data suggests they could improve on Ten Hag, but they must be careful because things could get even worse.Why NOBODY is the right man to replace Erik ten Hag at Man UtdSunSport’s DAVE KIDD says Erik ten Hag’s time at Man Utd is up… and explains what’s wrong with all the potential candidates to replace him.THIS is a mid-table squad at an underachieving club, with a lot of unwanted players on big money.And Ratcliffe is an instinctive cost-cutter who may not pay top dollar to the next manager.If this club wasn’t called ‘Manchester United’, it wouldn’t be an especially desirable job.The good news for United is that their new sporting director, Dan Ashworth, is a very decent judge of a manager.He has been instrumental in three previous managerial appointments — Gareth Southgate for England, Graham Potter for Brighton and Eddie Howe for Newcastle.None were wildly popular at the time, all were conspicuous successes.Interestingly, Ashworth’s No 1 choice for the Newcastle job was Unai Emery, who turned him down to stay at Villarreal but has since proved that judgment right by excelling at Aston Villa.Emery may well deliver the coup de grace to Ten Hag on Sunday — especially with Bruno Fernandes suspended and Kobbie Mainoo an injury doubt.And the Spaniard would be an excellent fit for United — yet there is next to no chance that he would abandon Villa’s Champions League campaign to take the Old Trafford job, not least because he isn’t a stark raving madman.Howe would be another good candidate to succeed Ten Hag but, although he has become frustrated on Tyneside, the Saudis would surely not allow Ratcliffe to poach Howe, as they reluctantly did with Ashworth.Potter is available but his Chelsea experience and lack of charisma would make him a tough sell.Which brings us to Southgate, who remains close with Ashworth and is an excellent man-manager who was seriously considered by United last spring.Yet, despite having led England to two of their three major finals, Southgate’s reputation for over-caution was only enhanced during the Euros.Mauricio Pochettino, passed over twice by United, is out of the equation having taken the United States job.Thomas Tuchel would be a popular and gettable option but, despite being a fine coach and a very engaging man, he is considered something of a loose cannon.Likewise, Roberto De Zerbi, now at Marseille after his brief Brighton stint sparkled then fizzled out.Kieran McKenna — a gifted former United coach who has won back-to-back promotions with Ipswich Town — is an intriguing candidate but the imminent vacancy may come a year or so too soon.Marco Silva, the extremely under-rated Fulham boss, has been on United’s radar and should not be discounted.Sporting Lisbon’s Ruben Amorim, last season’s ‘next big thing’, was passed over by West Ham as well as Liverpool this summer and is not an easy man to pin down.Zinedine Zidane, who has taken over from Alan Curbishley as a 20-1 shot for every Premier League job, is a ‘figurehead’ manager and not an Ashworth type.Ruud van Nistelrooy, the former United goal machine who joined Ten Hag’s coaching team in the summer is the bookies’ favourite. Simply because he’s in the building and he’s Dutch.So, yes, getting rid of Ten Hag is the easy part.Ruben Amorim is the top pick according to the statsCredit: ReutersZinedine Zidane could also be well suited to the Old Trafford jobCredit: ReutersGraham Potter was way down on the listCredit: Getty More

    • 250 Shares199 Views

      in Soccer

      EFL boss reveals what sparked him squaring up to Shrewsbury player as he faces FA probe over moment of madness

      by

      BOLTON boss Ian Evatt has accused Shrewsbury captain Morgan Feeney of “grabbing” him during their post-match altercation but admits he “went too far”.The former Blackpool defender, 42, went over to the referee to protest the lack of stoppage time after the final whistle blew in his side’s 2-2 draw with the Shrews on Saturday.Ian Evatt is facing a ban for his altercation after Bolton’s draw with ShrewsburyCredit: GettyEvatt went on the pitch to talk to the referee but ended up in a row with Shrewsbury defender Morgan FeeneyA disciplinary hearing has begun regarding the incidentEvatt has given his side of the story and insists he will talk to the FAThe Wanderers gaffer began discussions with the official on the pitch but then became embroiled in a spat with centre-back Feeney, 25.He was subsequently sent off and a disciplinary hearing is now underway.Ahead of the decision, Evatt has given his side of the story, insisting he was provoked into a reaction.Speaking to The Bolton News, he said: “Obviously I am not going to say too much because I am part of a process with the FA but what I will say is that I am disappointed. I am not happy with the way things turned out.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”There wasn’t an issue with the referee at all, we were discussing the timing situation, and there was context to my actions.”Their player grabbed me, said some not very nice things, and I reacted in a way I shouldn’t have done.”Whether it was emotion, frustration, passion, whatever you want to call it, it probably went too far.”But as I say, there is context behind the way I reacted and I will be discussing that with the FA.”Most read in EFLCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSIt is understood Bolton fear gaffer Evatt could face a more lengthy punishment than the regulation one-game ban.He is expected to miss their next game at home to Burton, but could also be absent for their following matches against Birmingham and Peterborough.Arsenal teenager Jacker Porter made his Gunners debut against Bolton and became a record breakerEvatt has been in charge of Bolton since July 2020, earning promotion to League One in his first season.He also led them to an EFL Trophy triumph in 2023.He has won 120 of 139 games as Bolton boss, but missed out on promotion to the Championship last season as his side were beaten 2-0 in the play-off final by Oxford.Bolton sit 13th in League One with 14 points from their opening nine matches. More

    • 238 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      Bellingham and Kane share hug as beaming England stars arrive at St George’s Park ahead of Nations League double-header

      by

      ENGLAND stars were all smiles as they returned for international duty ahead of two crucial Nations League clashes.The Three Lions will be hoping to seal first place in their League B group when they host Greece on Thursday before travelling to Finland on Sunday.Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane exchanged a warm hug as they returned for England dutyCredit: GettyBellingham has returned to England after missing the previous international break to injuryCredit: GettyEngland captain Harry Kane showed up for duty despite a recent knockCredit: GettyTottenham star Dominic Solanke received his first England call-up in seven yearsCredit: GettySolanke greeted Marc Guehi as he reunited with the England set-upCredit: GettyJack Grealish and other England stars were all smiles ahead of the Nations LeagueCredit: GettyInterim manager Lee Carsley is hoping to win all matches of Group B to earn the top job full-time after already winning his first two games in charge against the Republic of Ireland and the Fins.And it seems that Carsley will have his captain Harry Kane available as he showed up at St George’s Park with a big smile on Monday.Kane hobbled off in the dying minutes of Bayern Munich’s 3-3 draw at Eintracht Frankfurt on Sunday.But the star striker appeared to be in a great mood as he hugged fellow superstar Jude Bellingham and it was later confirmed he will be fit and ready following tests.Read More on FootballReal Madrid star Bellingham missed the previous international break due to a foot injury, which he has now fully overcome and is set to play under Carsley for the first time this week.There were also worries about Chelsea duo Noni Madueke and Levi Colwill after Sunday’s Premier League match against Nottingham Forest but they were both present in Staffordshire.Tottenham star Dominic Solanke received his first England call-up in seven years and was all smiles upon returning to the international fold.Manchester City ace Jack Grealish and Arsenal star Declan Rice exchanged a warm embrace as they put their Premier League title rivalry on hold.Most read in FootballBukayo Saka was also in his usual positive mood as he walked through the doors.And the same goes for John Stones who will be hoping to start in defence against Greece and Finland.Lee Carsley welcomes back Cole Palmer to the England team England received a boost earlier today as the Greek national team will be without their top scorer in the Nations League, Fotis Ioannidis.Ioannidis fractured his adductor during Panathinaikos’ crunch derby against rivals Olympiacos on Sunday and will be out for a month.That means the striker will also miss PAO’s Conference League clash with Chelsea on October 24 at Athens’ Olympic Stadium, which will host the second leg between Greece and England on November 14.Grealish and Declan Rice had a warm embrace in StaffordshireCredit: GettyRice will play a major role in England’s games against Greece and FinlandCredit: GettyBukayo Saka was in high spirits as he showed up for England dutyCredit: GettyJohn Stones showed up at St George’s Park amid a busy season with Manchester CityCredit: GettyChelsea ace Noni Madueke appeared despite a recent knockCredit: GettyLevi Colwill also showed up despite suffering a knock of his own for ChelseaCredit: Getty More

    • 200 Shares149 Views

      in Soccer

      Premier League star mysteriously arrives to international duty with face fully covered in bizarre fashion statement

      by

      LIVERPOOL star Ibrahima Konate has turned heads after mysteriously hiding his identity with an eccentric fashion statement.Konate arrived at France’s Clairefontaine base to join up with his team-mates ahead of their upcoming Nations League matches.Ibrahima Konate wore a green mask while reporting for France dutyCredit: AFPKonate left the photographers guessing with his bizarre fashion statementCredit: AFPThe Liverpool ace looked happy as he unzipped his long mask for the pressCredit: GettyHe struck a pose before heading into France’s Clairefontaine training baseCredit: GettyThe 25-year-old, known for his solid defensive partnership in the Premier League with Virgil van Dijk, has showcased his personality off the pitch.Konate has received attention on social media after rocking up to training in a green hood zipped up to conceal his face.The centre-back had the waiting photographers guessing as they couldn’t identify who had proudly stepped out of the car.Konate took a few steps towards the photographers before he laughed and said: “You don’t know who I am? Try to guess.”READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSHe wore a checked black flannel suit over the top of the green underlay with chunky black shoes as he posed for pictures.Konate then unzipped the bold face mask before he headed up the stairs and turned to pose again while sticking a “peace” V-sign up along the way.He then escaped into the France HQ reception area with a camera man following him.Unlike England stars, who all wear team tracksuits with the odd flash bag to St George’s Park, France players often show off their eccentric fashion tastes while reporting for international duty.Most read in FootballFrance forward Bradley Barcola also reported for international duty in styleCredit: AFPFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSBarcelona star Jules Kounde again wore an extravagant outfit in the pouring rain after rocking up to Euro 2024 duty in heels earlier this year.While Paris Saint-Germain winger Bradley Barcola joined them with his more toned down statement of a French beret shortly after.Dominic Solanke handed first England call-up in seven years as Lee Carsley leaves Jarrod Bowen and Harry Maguire out France face Israel in Hungary due to the security situation in the Middle East before travelling to Belgium next Monday.Kylian Mbappe has been left out of the squad after spending time on the Real Madrid sidelines with a hamstring issue.Liverpool are looking to get Konate tied down to a new contract, with initial talks having taken place with his representatives. The France international’s current deal runs until the summer of 2026.Konate has made 99 appearances since arriving from RB Leipzig for £36m in 2021, and scored his first Prem goal at Wolves a fortnight ago. More