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      Chelsea ace Billy Gilmour reveals he wears a Liverpool shirt when he plays football at home

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      CHELSEA and Scotland wonderkid Billy Gilmour once revealed he wears a LIVERPOOL shirt at home.The 20-year-old burst on to the Stamford Bridge scene and his form earned him a call-up for his country at Euro 2020.
      Chelsea’s Scottish star Billy Gilmour admitted he regularly wears a Liverpool shirt at homeCredit: EPA
      He revealed he wears the red jersey of his international captain Andy RobertsonCredit: Getty
      He was the star man as Scotland held England to a goalless draw at Wembley at the Euros, but was ruled out of the rest of tournament after testing positive for Covid-19.
      This season, he is enjoying a loan at Norwich City, where he has already featured six times.
      But, during lockdown last year, Chelsea fans were shocked to learn he wore a Reds shirt.
      When asked if he wears a jersey of another team, the teenager told the Chelsea website in 2020: “It was probably Andy Robertson’s Liverpool shirt when I swapped with him after the recent FA Cup game.
      “I wear that sometimes at the moment, just out in the garden playing football.”
      It won’t be the first time the footballer has got stick for his clothing of choice.
      SunSport reported how Gilmour revealed he was the butt of jokes after he modelled for Burberry – but he has insisted he saw the funny side after seeing his face on billboards.
      Speaking to Jamie Redknapp on the Sky Football Show about how it came about, he said: “My agent phoned and he was just saying, ‘I got a phone call from Burberry and they were asking if you’d like to do modelling?’ So my dad phoned me and asked what I’d think doing modelling. I’m giving it a bit saying ‘of course’ and bantering with him.
      “I then got a phone call from my agent saying, ‘we’re meeting up tomorrow with Burberry’. I said, ‘Why’s that?’ and he said ‘You’re modelling for them, did your dad not say?’

      “I said, ‘I thought he was kidding on! I ended up doing a couple of modelling shoots for Burberry! It was good, something different, but I got a bit of stick.
      “It’s funny, I was going home one of the times in Heathrow or Gatwick airport and the Burberry shop is there. I was walking to my flight and I come up on the billboard!
      “I just took a picture of it and sent it to my dad and started laughing. It was brilliant.”
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      Steve Clarke and Scotland teammate Liam Cooper react to Billy Gilmour’s covid diagnosis More

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      FA to repay £175m Government loan today and Euro 2020 stars will get their bonuses after emergency funding during Covid

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      THE FA will today repay the full £175million government Covid loan – and finally be able to pay England’s Euro 2020 heroes their bonuses.The governing body were forced to go cap in hand for emergency funding last December in order to allow them to keep trading through the effects of the pandemic.
      The FA are set to pay Three Lions players who helped England reach the Euros 2020 finalCredit: PA
      But SunSport understands bosses at Wembley will transfer the full balance back to Whitehall coffers by the close of business.
      And that will at last see them freed from the shackles of the terms of the financing.
      Obstacles that had prevented them rewarding the Three Lions players and staff that reached the final of the Euros last summer.
      All the players have yet to receive any money from the FA for their performances in the tournament.
      This amount is believed to be in the region of £300,000 outstanding per man.

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      The figure is made up of a pre-agreed deal which saw the FA keep 60 per cent of the prize money for the Euros with the rest being spread across players, coaching and backroom staff.
      FA bosses have faced a financial nightmare since the coronavirus hit, with all major sponsors demanding some reductions in the terms of their contracts as a result.
      The shutdown in the game plus empty stadiums has meant the governing body has been unable to meet contractual obligations with each sponsor surrounding tickets, corporate events and player activation.
      England players are yet to receive any payment for their performances at the 2020 EurosCredit: AP
      And in a further blow, commercial director Kathryn Swabrick is leaving her role less than two years after she joined from being the vice president of marketing at PepsiCo.
      That comes on the back of the resignation of Head of Partnerships Dan Kiddle who is quitting to take up a new position at marketing company Pitch.
      The FA have yet to respond to our questions.
      England manager Gareth Southgate comments on the possibility of having a FIFA World Cup every two years More

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      Inside Poland legend Robert Lewandowski’s incredible £7million apartment in Warsaw complete with a golf simulator

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      ROBERT LEWANDOWSKI knows where his roots are.Despite being based in Germany since 2010, the Bayern Munich striker was happy to splash £7million on a deluxe pad in his home city of Warsaw back in 2016.
      Robert Lewandowski owns a stunning apartment in Warsaw that cost £7mCredit: CEN/ Zlota44
      Lewandowski’s apartment comes equipped with a golf simulatorCredit: CEN/ Zlota44
      The deluxe pad comes with access to a state-of-the-art sports and recreation centreCredit: CEN/ Zlota44
      A HEFTY PRICE
      Standard flats in the Zlota 44 tower block range between £242,000 to £1.9m, with the more pricey apartments costing up to £7m.
      Polish-American architect Daniel Libeskind designed the 192-metre tall block and ensured the property was fully stocked with all Lewandowski will need.
      There’s a state-of-the-art sports and recreation centre, a private cinema, golf simulator and wine tasting room, according to Luxurious Magazine.
      Lewandowski, who rakes in about £352-000-per-week, said: “Choosing my new apartment was based on practical considerations.”
      WORLD CLASS FACILITIES
      He continued: “The tower provides some of the best residences in Poland, whilst the sports and recreation centre allows me to complete my training program in the highest quality surroundings.
      “It is important in my profession to always have world-class training facilities on-hand and now I’m just a short elevator ride from a full-size swimming pool, fully-equipped gym, luxury spa area, as well as treatment and massage rooms.
      The living room is spacious and comfortable
      The flat boasts incredible views of the city of Warsaw
      The bedroom boasts floor to ceiling windows
      Standard flats in the Zlota 44 tower block range between £242,000 to £1.9m, with the more pricey apartments costing up to £7m
      A grand piano sits in a reception room

      “This was essential for me as it allows me at any given moment to complete my training program in the best surroundings.”
      Lewandowski, 33, stands between England all but securing their place at the World Cup.
      Poland’s all-time record goalscorer will be looking to add to his 72 international goals when the two sides clash at the National Stadium in Warsaw on Wednesday night.
      Lewandowski bought the apartment back in 2016
      Lewandowski is originally from Warsaw
      The home boasts modern decor throughout
      Robert Lewandowski takes a cheeky picture of and wife Anna as they work out togetherCredit: CEN / Robert Lewandowki
      Simon Jordan says signing Bayern Munich’s Lewandowski for £100m wouldn’t be good business More

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      England vs Andorra LIVE: Birthday boy Saka adds fourth as Three Lions run riot at Wembley – stream FREE, TV channel

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      ENGLAND will be expecting three more points on their way to Qatar as they host Andorra at Wembley TODAY.The Three Lions will be among the favourites for the World Cup, should they get there, following their near miss against Italy in the Euro 2020 final.

      Kick-off: 5pm BST
      TV/ live stream: ITV/ ITV Hub
      England XI: Johnstone; James, Mings, Coady, Trippier; Bellingham, Henderson, Alexander-Arnold; Lingard, Bamford, Saka
      Andorra XI: Gomes; T Rubio, Llovera, Vales, Garcia, San Nicolas; J Rubio, Rebes, Clemente; M Vieira, Sanchez

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      Follow ALL of the latest updates below…
      GOODNIGHT
      That’s all from us at Wembley after England moved one step closer to next year’s World Cup in Qatar with a straightforward 4-0 victory over Andorra.
      Jesse Lingard and Bukayo Saka were the stars of the show as one made the most of a rare international appearance, and the other went some way to banishing the heartbreak of the summer’s penalty shootout defeat.
      There’s still time to relive the action with Dave Kidd’s match report, hot off the press from the national stadium, but otherwise we’re already beginning to prepare for the final round of matches in this international break.
      So we’ll be back on Wednesday evening for the next round of qualifying games, and it’s the toughest test for Gareth Southgate’s squad so far: a trip to Warsaw to face Poland and Robert Lewandowski. Join us from 6pm for all the build-up.
      SOCIAL SHOWING
      Several England players have wasted no time in taking to social media to express their delight at a second 4-0 victory in the past four days, and another job well done.

      BUKAYO BACK WITH A BANG
      Bukayo Saka returned to the scene of his lowest ebb, and – together with the support of the Wembley crowd – faced his demons. On his 20th birthday, the Arsenal youngster scored one and made one. At full time, he spoke about how the reception of the England fans spurred him on to succeed.
      “It’s the perfect birthday present for me. I’m really glad we got the win and I can celebrate it in this way.
      I’m really happy with the reception everyone gave me. It shows that they’re proud of me and it means a lot. It made me want to give my all.Bukayo SakaITV Sport
      “[The fans] made a real difference for me. It makes me believe that they will support me through thick and thin.”

      JESSE’S GIANT SHOWING
      Jesse Lingard has played just four minutes of club football this season, but showed he still has plenty to offer on the international stage with an eye-catching performance.
      The Manchester United midfielder scored a goal in each half, and laid on another for Bukayo Saka late on.
      Jesse Lingard’s game by numbers vs. Andorra: 89% pass accuracy 79 touches 9 duels won 5 shots 5 fouls won4 crosses 2 chances created 2 tackles 2 shots on target 2 goals 1 assist A superb display. 💪 pic.twitter.com/nOt10c0Tr2— Squawka Football (@Squawka) September 5, 2021

      MAXIMUM SUCCESS
      At the halfway stage in World Cup Qualifying, England are out in front having taken a maximum 15 points from their five games.
      Meanwhile, Albania are temporarily second after an impressive late win against Hungary this evening; Poland play away to San Marino this evening.
      Credit: UEFA.COM
      FULL TIME STATS
      Eighty-eight percent possession, 771 passes and 33 touches in the opposition penalty area, it’s been a dominant performance from Gareth Southgate’s side – and yet still we’re asking for more.

      FT: ENGLAND 4-0 ANDORRA
      England ease to victory in Group I following three late goals at Wembley. Jesse Lingard scored once in each half on his return to the international fold to put the Three Lions in charge, and then set up Bukayo Saka to head in a fourth five minutes from time. Earlier, substitutes Jack Grealish and Mason Mount had combined to win a penalty that another substitute, Harry Kane, converted with aplomb.
      PEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEP!THE FULL TIME WHISTLE GOES!
      ENGLAND 4-0 ANDORRA
      90+2. Chus Rubio becomes the sixth Andorra player to be booked, but it feels like a lot, lot more.
      It certainly seems as if Lingard has been chopped down on at least 15 occasions.
      These Andorran players must really hate Manchester United.
      ENGLAND 4-0 ANDORRA
      90. The board goes up to display a further three minutes at the end of the game.
      Is there any more joy for England?
      ENGLAND 4-0 ANDORRA
      88. England are still pushing.
      Lingard is denied his hat-trick by a last-ditch block, and then, a long range Kane effort is tipped away by Gomes’ theatrics.
      From the corner, Mings flashes a header over the bar.
      ENGLAND 4-0 ANDORRA
      87. That earlier booking has been confirmed as being shown to Tyrone Mings, which means the Aston Villa will be suspended for Wednesday’s trip to Poland.
      ENGLAND 4-0 ANDORRA
      85. Redemption for the birthday boy!
      Bukayo Saka has a goal on his 20th birthday, and it is all down to the quick thinking of Trent Alexander-Arnold at a corner – heard that one before?
      The Liverpool man catches the Andorran’s unaware with a quick pass to Jesse Lingard, who is free to move in and cross into the six-yard box for Saka to head into the empty net.
      His smile lights up Wembley, and his emotions are a far cry from those seen in July.

      GOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAALLLL!!BUKAYO SAKA HEADS IN A FOURTH!!
      ENGLAND 3-0 ANDORRA
      83. England could add to the scoreline in these final stages as the contest has really opened up now.
      ENGLAND 3-0 ANDORRA
      82. The yellow card is out, but nobody is sure to who.
      It may be for Grealish, and the midfielder’s failure to retreat at a free-kick.
      ENGLAND 3-0 ANDORRA
      80. Kane! What a miss!
      Lovely play from Grealish on the left, who teases his marker along the touchline before lifting a perfect cross into the unmarked Kane at the far post.
      You’d back the England captain to score this on every single occasion, but he takes his eye off the ball at the vital moment, and the result is a shinner against the post from close range.
      Once again, the offside flag is up to spare blushes, but it was very, very tight.

      ENGLAND 3-0 ANDORRA
      77. And sure enough, there’s the third goal!
      Bukayo Saka darts in off the right flank, uses Jack Grealish by not using him, and sends a pass into the feet of Jesse Lingard.
      The Manchester United man looks up to assess his options, and then moves two paces forward before toe-poking a low shot into the bottom corner from 20 yards.
      Two for Jesse Lingard, three for England, and another win for Gareth Southgate’s men is assured.

      GOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAALLLLL!!JESSE LINGARD AT THE DOUBLE!!
      ENGLAND 2-0 ANDORRA
      74. Into the final quarter of an hour, and you have to wonder whether England will now expose a tired Andorran side that have actually defended very well this evening.
      ENGLAND 2-0 ANDORRA
      72. England have a second, and it means Harry Kane has now scored in 14 consecutive qualifying games.
      It was never in doubt once the England skipper stepped up despite the slow run-up and Andorra goalkeeper Josep Gomes clearly telegraphing which way Kane was intending to shoot.
      Gomes dives the right way – low to his right – but there’s too much power on Kane’s strike and it whistles past the keeper’s outstretched hand to find the bottom corner.
      There was a short delay while VAR checked the initial infringement, but the video officials confirmed they were happy that Christian Garcia’s nudge in the back of Mason Mount following good work from Jack Grealish constituted a penalty.

      GOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAALLLLL!!HARRY KANE SCORES FROM THE SPOT!!
      MOUNT GOES DOWN UNDER GARCIA’S CHALLENGE!PENALTY TO ENGLAND!
      ENGLAND 1-0 ANDORRA
      67. Andorra make a change that sees Ricard Fernandez on in place of Aaron Sanchez.
      It’s the most anonymous performance from A Sanchez since Alexis’ Manchester United days.
      ENGLAND 1-0 ANDORRA
      66. Jordi Rubio picks up a yellow card for fouling Saka.
      He’s not the first and he won’t be the last.
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      England vs Andorra LIVE: Stream, score, TV channel, team news, kick-off time – Bamford STARTS World Cup qualifiying tie

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      ENGLAND will be expecting three more points on their way to Qatar as they host Andorra at Wembley TODAY.The Three Lions will be among the favourites for the World Cup, should they get there, following their near miss against Italy in the Euro 2020 final.

      Kick-off: 5pm BST
      TV/ live stream: ITV/ ITV Hub
      England XI: Johnstone; James, Mings, Coady, Trippier; Bellingham, Henderson, Alexander-Arnold; Lingard, Bamford, Saka
      Andorra XI: Gomes; T Rubio, Llovera, Vales, Garcia, San Nicolas; J Rubio, Rebes, Clemente; M Vieira, Sanchez

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      ENGLAND 0-0 ANDORRA
      7. Bellingham bursts forward into the area to latch on to a lofted ball, and, although he slips over, the midfielder regains his balance and composure to weave past one opponent, then a second, and finally a third.
      ENGLAND 0-0 ANDORRA
      5. Saka’s pace causes trouble for Chus Rubio, and the Andorran is tricked into conceding a foul.
      It’s a promising position for Trippier to deliver a dead ball into the area, but his cross in the direction of Bamford at the far post is too long.
      ENGLAND 0-0 ANDORRA
      3. England settle into possession, and begin to dictate the tempo. Expect this to be the pattern of the game.
      There’s an early opportunity for Bamford to showcase his hold-up play but a long ball in his direction bounces off him inside the box.
      ENGLAND 0-0 ANDORRA
      1. Before kick-off, the teams line up in the centre-circle and partake in a minute’s applause in remembrance of three England internationals past – Paul Mariner, Terry Cooper and Doug Holden – who passed away this year.
      Then, on referee Anastasios Papapetrou’s whistle, the players take the knee to loud cheers inside Wembley. England continue to move forward in the right direction.
      PEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEP!HERE WE GO AT WEMBLEY!
      HERE COME THE TEAMS!
      The final strains of Neil Diamond’s Sweet Caroline and, subsequently, the summer fade out, and the Wembley crowd welcomes England for a new challenge.
      Following the Greek officials on to the field, Jordan Henderson is back and in the role of captain. The Liverpool man leads a much-changed Three Lions out, followed swiftly by the Andorrans, and the two sets of players line up for the national anthems.
      BUKAYO BOOST
      England are back at Wembley for the first time since their penalty shootout defeat to Italy in the final of the European Championship – and so too is Bukayo Saka.
      The Arsenal youngster missed the decisive kick for the Three Lions in July’s final, but any concerns of a negative reception on his return have been allayed by a warm welcome from the England fans inside the stadium.
      Wembley crowd saves the biggest cheer by far for Bukayo Saka as the England team is read out— Dan Kilpatrick (@Dan_KP) September 5, 2021

      BAM THE MAN
      Birthday box Patrick Bamford has been chatting ahead of his international debut. The striker has revealed that he always felt his chance would come with his country, and is hoping to follow in the footsteps of his Leeds United teammate Kalvin Phillips.
      “It’s probably the best present I could have asked for.
      “I’ve always believed in myself. There were times when I began to doubt it would happen but I kept believing and worked hard so I’m thankful that it’s here.Patrick BamfordITV Sport
      “[Kalvin Phillips is] England player of the year and he’s done fabulous. If I can do half of what he’s done, I”ll be very happy.
      “[The manager has told me] just play my normal game, and to make sure I’m in the box and patient.”
      HOME COMFORTS
      England haven’t lost a home World Cup qualifier since their final game at the old Wembley Stadium, a 1-0 defeat to Germany that ended with Kevin Keegan resigning as manager in the toilets at full time.
      It’s 21 years and 25 qualifiers since that damp and dismal afternoon, and the Three Lions have been busy making up for it. They have won 23 and drawn two of those matches since.
      England have scored 71 goals in that time and have conceded on just 11 occasions.
      Kevin Keegan departs: The England boss leaves the pitch – and the job – after England’s defeat to Germany in October 2000.Credit: GETTY IMAGES
      BIRTHDAY BOYS
      September 5th is a date to remember for Patrick Bamford.
      Not only was the Leeds United born on this day back in 1993, he will now win his first international cap for England on the same date as his 28th birthday.
      The striker has netted 18 goals in 41 appearances since his club were promoted back to the Premier League, and his reward is now the opportunity to lead the line for his country in a World Cup qualifier.
      Let’s hope he has reason to celebrate this evening, which he will be able to do with another forward celebrating a birthday; Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka is 20 today.

      THREE LIONS ON A SHIRT
      And three right-backs in the side.
      Reece James, Kieran Trippier and Trent Alexander-Arnold are all selected for this afternoon’s encounter.

      ANDORRA SUBSTITUTES
      12 Iker, 13 Pires, 2 C Martinez, 5 E Garcia, 6 Lima. 7 X Vieira, 11 Moreno, 16 A Martinez, 17 Cervos, 19 Fernandez, 21 M Garcia, 22 Bernat
      ANDORRA XI
      It’s seven changes for Andorra following the 2-0 home win over San Marino on Thursday. Christian Garcia and Chus Rubio slot into a back five while it’s a completely fresh midfield three; Marc Rebes comes in alongside 35-year-old Ludovic Clemente and 33-year-old Jordi Rubio. There’s even more experience up front as 36-year-old Marcio Vieira wins his 106th cap. He takes the captain’s armband and partner Aaron Sanchez at the top of a 5-3-2 shape.
      1 Gomes; 18 T Rubio, 30 Llovera, 3 Vales, 14 Garcia, 15 San Nicolas; 23 J Rubio, 4 Rebes, 10 Clemente; 8 M Vieira, 9 Sanchez
      ENGLAND SUBSTITUTES
      13 Pope, 22 Pickford, 12 Walker, 14 Shaw, 15 Stones, 16 Maguire, 17 Rice, 18 Phillips, 19 Mount, 20 Kane, 21 Sterling, 22 Grealish
      ENGLAND XI
      Gareth Southgate makes the full 11 changes to his England team for today’s visit from Andorra. Sam Johnstone makes his first competitive start in goal while Patrick Bamford earns his first cap in attack. Three right-backs are included in the line-up although Kieran Trippier will play on the lift while Trent Alexander-Arnold shifts into midfield; Reece James is fortunate enough to remain in his customary role. Captain Jordan Henderson wins his 66th cap in midfield, and he’s likely to sit in the heart of England’s custom 4-3-3 formation.
      1 Johnstone; 2 James, 6 Mings, 5 Coady, 3 Trippier; 7 Bellingham, 8 Henderson, 4 Alexander-Arnold; 10 Lingard, 9 Bamford, 11 Saka

      THE TEAMSHEETS ARE IN!
      SWEET SIXTEEN
      England have won all four of their previous international matches against Andorra by an aggregate scoreline of 16-0 – although today will be the first meeting between the nations since Fabio Capello’s team racked up a 6-0 home win 12 years ago.
      The Andorrans are one of only four international sides that England have faced as many as four times without conceding a single goal. They’re in good company with Estonia, Lithuania and Moldova.

      England 6-0 Andorra (June 2009)
      Andorra 0-2 England (Sept 2008)
      Andorra 0-3 England (March 2007)
      England 5-0 Andorra (Sept 2006)

      THE WEMBLEY WAY
      Good afternoon and welcome to our live coverage of England’s World Cup Qualifier with Andorra.
      Just fifty-six days on from penalty shootout heartbreak in the final of the European Championships, the Three Lions are back at Wembley and back on their pursuit of long-awaited tournament glory.
      And Gareth Southgate’s team have already picked up in this international break where they left off in the summer, impressing on the pitch and displaying defiance in the face of discrimination.
      Thursday’s 4-0 win in Hungary was as notable for how the players reacted after scoring, and it’s a result that has them top of the pile in Group I on a maximum 12 points from their four games so far.
      With a trip to their nearest challengers, Poland, still on this week’s agenda, the England head coach is expected to rotate heavily here.
      That should mean a chance for the likes of Conor Coady, Jude Bellingham and Reece James to impress, and there may even be a first cap for Leeds United forward Patrick Bamford.
      We’re often told that there are no easy games in international football, but a visit from Andorra surely comes close.
      The European minnows have lost 55 of their previous 57 away games in World Cup qualifiers, and still dine out on their stalemate with Macedonia back in 2005, and a more recent draw in Albania two years ago.
      Quite simply, anything other than a comfortable England victory would be a shock so strap yourselves in.
      Confirmation of today’s starting line-ups will be with us shortly ahead of the action that gets underway at the national stadium at 5pm.

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      England vs Andorra FREE: Live stream, TV channel, kick-off time and team news for World Cup 2022 qualifier

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      ENGLAND will be expecting three more points on their way to Qatar as they host Andorra at Wembley.The Three Lions will be among the favourites for the World Cup, should they get there, following their near miss against Italy in the Euro 2020 final.
      Harry Kane and England take on Andorra
      Whipping boys Andorra will realistically not be qualifying for a tournament any time soon and their goals will be purely to avoid the wooden spoon by finishing above San Marino while ruffling a few feathers along the way.
      What time does England vs Andorra kick off?

      England take on Andorra on Sunday, September 5.
      The match kicks off at 5pm UK time.
      It will take place at Wembley.
      England last played Andorra under Fabio Capello in 2009, when they ran out 6-0 winners at the national stadium.

      What TV channel is England vs Andorra on and can I live stream it?

      England vs Andorra is live on ITV.
      Coverage commences at 4.30pm – half an hour before kick-off.
      To stream the game live, head to the ITV Hub.

      Team news
      England Player of the Year Kalvin Phillips could be rested, alongside his regular partner and pal Declan Rice.
      Experienced Jordan Henderson may get a chance alongside Borussia Dortmund wonderkid Jude Bellingham.
      Bukayo Saka is a prime candidate to play on the wing, while Southgate will likely feel that Jesse Lingard deserves a start – particularly with Jadon Sancho an injury doubt.
      Jack Grealish may be handed back to back starts for his country for the first time since last November, with his creativity and ability to beat a man set to be handy against the deep lying Andorrans.

      England squad

      Jordan Pickford (GK)
      Sam Johnstone (GK)
      Nick Pope (GK)
      Trent Alexander-Arnold
      Conor Coady
      Reece James
      Harry Maguire
      Tyrone Mings
      Luke Shaw
      John Stones
      Kieran Trippier
      Kyle Walker
      Jude Bellingham
      Jordan Henderson
      Jesse Lingard
      Mason Mount
      Kalvin Phillips
      Declan Rice
      Patrick Bamford
      Jack Grealish
      Harry Kane
      Bukayo Saka
      Jadon Sancho
      Raheem Sterling More

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      Who is ITV pundit and Soccer Aid star Nigel de Jong?

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      WORLD CUP finalist Nigel De Jong was part of ITV’s studio team for this summer’s European Championships. The 36-year-old midfielder was a beaten World Cup finalist with the Netherlands in 2010, and also finished third in the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.
      De Jong’s playing career spans almost almost twenty yearsCredit: Getty – Contributor
      De Jong is also a Premier League and FA Cup winner with Manchester City after spending three years at the Etihad between 2009 and 2012.
      He was part of the City side that won the FA Cup in 2011, and the Premier League a year later.
      The midfielder still plies his trade in the Qatar second division, anchoring the midfield for Al Shahania.
      De Jong scored four times in his three year spell in ManchesterCredit: PA:Press Association

      Who has Nigel de Jong played for?

      2002-2006 – Ajax (96 apps)
      2006-2009 – Hamburger SV (66 apps)
      2009-2012 – Manchester City (104 apps)
      2012-2016 – AC Milan (79 apps)
      2016 – LA Galaxy (18 apps)
      2016-2018 – Galatasary (18 apps)
      2018 – Mainz (11 apps)
      2018-2019 – Al Ahli (21 apps)
      2019 – Al-Shahania (14 apps)
      2004-2015 – Netherlands (81 apps)

      De Jong famously was not sent off for this Kung-Fu kick style challenge on Xabi Alonso in the 2010 World Cup final against Spain, which the Netherlands lost in extra time thanks to an Andres Iniesta winner.
      De Jong’s father Jerry de Jong also played internationally for the NetherlandsCredit: AFP
      De Jong played in a World Cup final and semi-final for the NetherlandsCredit: Reuters
      English referee Howard Webb was the man in charge that night, and since the final has admitted he should have given de Jong his marching orders, saying:
      “I have often said since then that the challenge of Nigel de Jong should havebeen punished with a red card. But I did not have a perfect viewing angle.
      “I did not clearly see the point of impact. I knew that the foot was high,that a sending-off was an option.
      “But we had played for 25 minutes in the most important game of our lives, and I was not willing to take that risk. With hindsight, yes, I would change the decision.
      Howard Webb refereed in the Premier League for eleven years

      Euro 2020 is set to kick off on June 11 at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome as Turkey take on Italy in Group A.
      The first game to be shown live by ITV is the following day – a Group B clash between Belgium and Russia that kicks off at 8pm.
      Euro 2020 will run from June 11-July 11 More

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      Gareth Southgate tells England stars the best way to get over Euro heartbreak is to WIN the World Cup in Qatar

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      GARETH SOUTHGATE reckons England must win the World Cup next year to ease their Euro 2020 pain.The Three Lions travel to Hungary for a 2022 qualifier on Thursday, the country’s first game since losing to Italy on penalties at Wembley in the Euro final.
      England players arrived in Hungary for their first game since the Euro 2020 finalCredit: Getty
      Gareth Southgate is plotting World Cup glory after their woe this summerCredit: Getty
      Asked how England can get over that gut-wrenching loss, Southgate said: “We probably need to win a World Cup final.
      “Nothing else is really going to compare to the level of the game we were involved in and the unique circumstance that being involved in a final brings.
      “We had two years of having to reflect on a World Cup semi-final and whatever we do in the next 18 months has got to be towards challenging in a World Cup.”
      England defender Harry Maguire revealed it is still too painful to watch the Euro 2020 final — and plans to avoid it for the rest of his career.
      He said: “I haven’t watched any of it. Only a few short videos and things you get tagged in but I have not sat down and watched it.
      “I don’t think it is something I would want to do.

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      “At the moment it is something I want to stay away from. It hurts and will always hurt.
      “Maybe when I am retired I will look at my achievements and I might end up watching the final. But at the moment, I am looking forward to the future and where we can go as a team.”
      England face Hungary on Thursday in the first of three qualifiers in six days.
      Victory in Budapest and wins against Andorra and Poland will see Southgate’s squad virtually seal their World Cup spot.
      Maguire added: “Now I am focusing on the next one.
      “As a young boy you always dream of being a world champion so, individually, yes, the lads probably are thinking about being world champions.”

      Southgate is expecting tough games in Hungary and Poland.
      He could name the same side which lost to Italy. Phil Foden and Marcus Rashford are both out injured, while Jadon Sancho took a knock in training and is a doubt.
      Southgate said: “They are pivotal games in terms of qualification as well so you can’t predict what your hardest games are going to be — but we know that Hungary are a very good side.”

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      England pair Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice during England training on Wednesday morningCredit: PA
      Harry Kane and his team-mates go through their stretchingCredit: AFP
      Tyrone Mings and Jack Grealish share a laugh at St George’s ParkCredit: AFP
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