Nations League

Subterms

    More stories

    • 175 Shares189 Views

      in Soccer

      England’s Nations League clash in doubt with entire Iceland squad banned from entering country

      by

      ENGLAND’S Nations League clash with Iceland is in danger of being called off after the government’s travel ban on anyone entering the country from Denmark.
      And Premier League clubs are now almost certain to stop some of their stars linking up for international duty to avoid losing them for a fortnight when the season resumes.

      Three Lions’ boss Gareth Southgate faces a headache, with the Iceland match in doubtCredit: Reuters

      Iceland could be forced to miss their scheduled Nations League clash with England at Wembley on November 18Credit: Getty Images – Getty

      In a major development, the government’s new ban on arrivals from Denmark includes ALL elite sportspeople who had otherwise been exempt from restrictions.
      That means the entire Iceland squad will be denied entry to Britain for their Wembley clash with the Three Lions on November 18.
      Iceland face Denmark in Copenhagen three days earlier, so they fall victim to the updated rules.
      The government say they are now in conversation with the FA over the impact of the new requirements but insist they will not review the guidelines for at least a week.

      That leaves England and boss Gareth Southgate with a major headache – and fearing their third match of the international break will not go ahead.
      Since sport resumed in the midst of the pandemic, elite competitors had been exempt from any quarantine controls because they were working in a secure environment.
      That is not the case with the Denmark guidelines as the Department of Transport said: “Unlike other travel to the UK, there will be no exemptions to this quarantine policy. ”
      The rushed decision on Denmark also causes a huge problem for Premier League clubs who have players due to represent the country over the following fortnight.

      Leicester keeper Kasper Schmeichel, Andreas Christensen of Chelsea, Tottenham’s Pierre Emile Hojbjerg and Southampton defender Jannick Vestergaard are all part of the Danish squad due to link up on Monday.
      As they are residents in the UK, they will be allowed back into the country but must self-isolate for 14 days, meaning they would all miss three top-flight games.
      Fifa rules issued at the start of the pandemic made it clear clubs will be able to withdraw their players from international duty if there is a risk of coronavirus infection.
      The Prem have made it clear UK rules still have to be complied with if the Elite Sport exemption does not apply.
      That leaves clubs with no option but to block their players leaving.
      PREM HEADACHE
      And it could impact other sides in the division, with Denmark hosting Sweden in a friendly on Wednesday before facing Iceland and then Belgium in the Nations League.
      Sweden have called up Manchester United’s Victor Lindelof, Everton keeper Robin Olsen and Newcastle’s Emile Krafth for the game.
      And if they visit Denmark they too will be subject to the fortnight quarantine when they arrive back in the UK.
      Clubs already follow new Prem rules for all players returning from international duty amid fears testing is not as stringent overseas.
      Anyone arriving back in the country will have to provide a negative Covid-19 result before they are even allowed to resume training with their clubs.

      That means some are likely to be met and tested at the airport so the results can be returned in enough time for them to train before the games once the league season resumes.
      Some might not touch down until well into Thursday November 19, and it can take up to 48 hours before results finally arrive back at clubs.
      It leaves managers potentially not knowing until matchday itself if they can select players that weekend.

      Gareth Southgate announces England squad for Ireland, Belgium and Iceland clashes More

    • 200 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      England’s Nations League clash with Belgium moved from Brussels to Leuven due to 10pm Covid-19 curfew

      by

      ENGLAND’s Nations League clash away to Belgium has been moved to Leuven due to 10pm curfew restrictions in Brussels.
      Gareth Southgate’s side head there on November 15 but will now play at the Den Dreef in Leuven instead of the King Baudouin stadium.

      England’s upcoming clash with Belgium has been switched from BrusselsCredit: Getty – Pool

      The country’s capital has a 10pm-6am curfew amid the coronavirus pandemic, leading to the game being switched 45 minutes away.
      A statement confirmed: “The Belgian FA was forced to change the venue for these games as a consequence of the Covid-19 related curfew in Brussels, which starts at 10pm local time. 
      “With a match kicking off at 8.45pm local time this would be impossible to meet.

      “Therefore the FA opted for Leuven which also hosts Belgium’s U21 and women’s internationals. In Flanders curfew starts at midnight to 5am.”
      Roberto Martinez’s team will now play all three matches next month in Leuven – the first time they have played outside their capital since 2017.
      Belgium take on Switzerland in a friendly on November 11 before the England game.
      The Red Devils will then play Denmark in their final Nations League game.

      Belgium will be looking for revenge after falling to a 2-1 defeat to the Three Lions at Wembley on October 11.

      Romelu Lukaku gave them the lead but goals from Marcus Rashford and Mason Mount sealed a comeback victory for England.
      Southgate’s men were beaten by Denmark in their next game.
      England are currently third in their Nations League group on seven points behind Denmark on goal difference with Belgium top with nine.

      Aston Villa fans fume with Gareth Southgate after interview about Jack Grealish More

    • 213 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      England boss Gareth Southgate hits back at accusations he’s ‘cautious’ as Mings urges Grealish to stay patient

      by

      GARETH SOUTHGATE hit back at accusations he is a cautious manager.
      And the England boss insisted he would have used Jack Grealish against Denmark but for Harry Maguire’s sending-off.

      2

      England boss Gareth Southgate insists he was not cautious in the recent internationalsCredit: AFP or licensors

      Southgate named five defenders and two holding midfielders for Tuesday’s 1-0 Nations League defeat at Wembley – ignoring a clamour to play in-form Aston Villa star Grealish.
      But asked whether he was a cautious boss or a risk-taker, Southgate answered: “We gave another two young players [Reece James and Ainsley Maitland-Niles] their full debuts against Denmark, alongside Mason Mount, Declan Rice and Kalvin Phillips, who’s had four games in the Premier League.
      “So I think we’ve been pretty bold in many of our decisions over a long period of time really.
      “We’ve been top scorers in the World Cup, we were top scorers in the Euro qualifiers, we’ve been to two semi-finals. We’ve blooded any number of young players.

      “I suppose that I would point to that body of work but it’s for others to have their opinion. I’m not really too concerned.”
      On Grealish’s omission, Southgate added: “Any plans we had went out the window with the red card.
      “We needed legs to be able to defend with ten and Mason and Marcus Rashford have done that really well.”
      Meanwhile, Grealish has been urged by Aston Villa team-mate Tyrone Mings to be patient and wait for another England chance.

      2

      Jack Grealish has been urged to remain patient by team-mate Tyrone MingsCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      The playmaker, 25, was snubbed in the last two internationals after a Man of the Match full debut in the 3-0 win over Wales.
      Southgate opted for Mason Mount instead of Grealish for the 2-1 win over Belgium and 1-0 loss to Denmark.
      On his team-mates absence, Mings said: “It is easy to talk about players who aren’t playing but that does a  disservice to the people who are.
      “We are playing at an elite level and people have to bide their time, like I do. I’m trying to get into the team as well.
      “Everybody is competing for places and  that makes for a healthy group.
      “Jack is a fantastic player, we all know that – we know what he can bring to the group.

      “But you have to trust in the squad, trust the manager that different players will be utilised at different times.
      “Jack is fine. Jack is a great lad and everyone in their career will have times when they are on the bench and out of the team – that is just something you go through. He won’t need an arm round the shoulder, I’m sure.
      “The only thing we can do is try to play well for our clubs and when we are given a chance to come into the camp show humility and bide our time.
      “We have to pay service to the  players who have credit in the bank, the people who have got the England team to the position it is in now, who have been to tournaments and delivered relative success to what we have had  previously.
      “It is such an honour to represent your country, it is never something that is taken for granted.
      “All we can do is continue to play well for our team and continue to support the lads when we are here, on and off the pitch.”

      Gareth Southgate reacts to Harry Maguire and Reece James red cards More

    • 213 Shares169 Views

      in Soccer

      Scotland 1 Czech Republic 0: Ryan Fraser on target as Scots extend unbeaten run with big win

      by

      SCOTLAND made it eight without defeat in what could be the perfect Euro 2020 dress rehearsal.
      Steve Clarke’s men tightened their grip atop Group B2 in the Nations League thanks to Ryan Fraser’s early strike against the Czech Republic.

      4

      Ryan Fraser scored as Scotland beat Czech Republic 1-0Credit: Willie Vass – The Sun

      4

      Scotland are now unbeaten in eight games, with six winsCredit: Willie Vass – The Sun

      Should the Scots come through their Euro play-off final against Serbia next month, their first game in a competitive tournament since 1998 next summer will be at Hampden against the Czechs.
      After four defeats to kick-off Clarke’s reign, they have now won six of their last eight. 
      That’s their best run since 1988.
      Skipper Andy Robertson was the latest star name to miss out on selection.

      But this time for receiving a suspension in their last outing against Slovakia.
      And Newcastle winger Fraser got them off the perfect start after just six minutes after slotting an effort beneath keeper Tomas Vaclik after Lyndon Dykes’ through ball.
      Matej Vydra should have equalised after fluffing his close-range effort.
      Fraser had chances to double his tally and the lead before the break, but was wasteful.

      4

      Steve Clarke’s men are hopeful of qualifying for Euro 2021Credit: AFP or licensors

      4

      West Ham’s Tomas Soucek could not find a way to stop ScotlandCredit: PA:Press Association

      The Czechs improved in the second half, and should have equalised with minutes remaining but for a glaring miss by West Ham’s Tomas Soucek in the six-yard box.
      Up the other end, substitute Oli McBurnie almost sealed the three points after hit the bar from 25 yards.
      The Sheffield United man is still looking for his first international goal.

      Scotland fans watch crunch Euro penalty shoot-out from outside pub after 10pm curfew kicks in More

    • 200 Shares129 Views

      in Soccer

      England player ratings: Harry Maguire has another stinker as Mason Mount denied goal by wonder save

      by

      IT was a disastrous evening for Gareth Southgate and Harry Maguire as England crashed to a 1-0 defeat at home to Denmark.
      The Manchester United defender was given his marching orders after two rash challenges in the first half.

      3

      Harry Maguire was given his marching orders in the first halfCredit: Rex Features

      It went from bad to worse for the Three Lions when Kyle Walker was adjudged to have conceded a soft penalty just four minutes later.
      Christian Eriksen made no mistake from the spot and England showed little hope of forcing their way back into the contest with a lacklustre performance.
      Here’s how SunSport’s Mark Irwin rated the England players.
      Jordan Pickford – 5/10
      Continues to unsettle his defenders with his decision-making and it was his mix-up with Walker which led to Denmark’s penalty. Didn’t have much chance with Eriksen’s spot-kick right down the middle.

      Kyle Walker – 5
      Extremely unfortunate to concede a penalty for his innocuous tussle with Thomas Delaney and didn’t look so comfortable when he was switched to full-back from central defence.
      Conor Coady – 7
      Crucial early intervention to prevent low cross from reaching the lurking Dolberg, he has come from nowhere to emerge as England’s most reliable central defender. Mind you, that’s not saying a lot at the moment.

      3

      Reece James had an impressive game at right-backCredit: PA:Press Association
      Harry Maguire – 1
      Disastrous night for the desperately out of form centre-half. Booked for a sixth minute lunge on Poulsen but didn’t learn his lesson and deservedly received a second yellow for another poor challenge on Dolberg after half an hour.
      Reece James – 7
      Making his first start for England, the Chelsea youngster was the best player on the pitch at wing-back but was forced to take on a more defensive left-back role and curb his attacking raids following Maguire’s dismissal. Was sent off after the final whistle.

      Kalvin Phillips – 6
      Neat and tidy in possession but England need more creativity in central midfield, especially when they are chasing the game and struggling to break down opponents who get everyone behind the ball.
      Declan Rice – 7
      The West Ham youngster is starting to emerge as a quality performer at international level. His ability to pick a pass stood out like a sore thumb despite England being outnumbered in the middle of the pitch.
      Ainsley Maitland-Niles – 5
      Unlucky to be taken off just 36 minutes into his first England start as Southgate was forced to go for a back four. Had struggled to make much of an impact before his time was up.

      3

      Mason Mount almost equalised but was denied by a brilliant saveCredit: Rex Features
      Mason Mount – 7
      Combined well down the right flank with his Chelsea pal James and worked his way into some really promising positions in the channel. Denied his second Wembley goal of the week by a sensational save from Kasper Schmeichel.
      Harry Kane – 6
      A night of pure frustration for the England skipper, who barely touched the ball in the Denmark penalty-area and had just one half-chance all evening. Dropped so deep to help out ten-man England but his selflessness left the team carrying no attacking threat.
      Marcus Rashford – 5
      The nation’s sweetheart was guilty of giving the ball away far too easily and better teams than Denmark will capitalise on that generosity. Not one of his better England performances and he knows he needs to contribute more than this.

      SUBS: Tyrone Mings (for Maitland-Niles 36 mins) – 6
      The Aston Villa stopper must really fancy his chances of an extended run in the team now that Maguire is in such wretched form.
      Dominic Calvert-Lewin (for Rashford 72mins) – 6
      Unsettled Denmark with his physical presence.
      Jadon Sancho (for Mount 72mins) – 5 S
      truggled to get into the game and didn’t have enough time to make an impact.
      Jordan Henderson (for Rice 76mins) – 5
      Not sure why he was introduced when England were in desperate need of a goal.

      England fans love Three Lions’ new blue kit as strip lands debut vs Denmark More

    • 213 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Bulgaria 0 Wales 1: Watch Jonny Williams score dramatic late winner as Dragons take huge three points

      by

      THE Willams’ once again combined to sink Bulgaria with a late show – for the second time in just over five weeks.
      Last month in Cardiff it was a cross from Jonny for young defender Neco to head home with almost the last action of the game.

      4

      Jonny Williams scored a late winner against Bulgaria to earn Wales three vital points.Credit: Reuters

      Jonny Williams’ first goal for Wales puts them ahead in Bulgaria! 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿📺 Watch live now on Sky Sports pic.twitter.com/3LB9VFIwEi
      — Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) October 14, 2020

      And in Sofia the Liverpool youngster returned the favour as his centre was swept home at the near post by the Charlton man.
      Bulgaria will be pleased to see the back of them – but between them they have put Wales firmly in control of their Nations League group.
      It has been far from pretty with Wales – scoring only three goals in their four matches so far – but they have taken 10 points.
      And to be fair Ryan Giggs was without three of his best attacking players with Gareth Bale, Aaron Ramsey and David Brooks all ruled out with injury.

      Once again opted once again to play a young side – with Luton’s Rhys Norrington Davies the 19th players to be given his first cap by the Dragons boss.
      In fact eight of the starting line-up named here in Sofia were blooded by the former Manchester United man, who is determined to usher in a new era.
      Yet Ryan’s rookies did him proud in what was a bad tempered affair against a well drilled but toothless home side.
      Wales were in control of the first half although chances were hard to come by.

      4

      Williams had only been on as a sub for just over 12 minutes before scoring Credit: Reuters

      A Dan James corner found Joe Rodon at the back post but the Tottenham target lofted his shot onto the roof of the net.
      Neco Williams sent over a cross that was met by the head of Tyler Roberts but his effort was comfortably saved by the home keeper.
      It was the only time either keeper was called into action in the whole first half as James poked another shot narrowly wide.
      Thankfully the game livened up after the break as Neco Williams crossed for Norrington-Davies early in the second half but the Luton man fired his effort over the bar.
      Harry Wilson had the chance to fire in one of his trademark free-kicks but this one was easy for Nickolay Mihaylov
      A wild tackle from James on Cicinho caused tempers on both sides boil over – with the United wide man given a yellow card.
      Giggs chose to substitute him minutes later – perhaps to ensure he did not do anything silly.

      4

      A wild tackle from Dan James on Cicinho caused tempers on both sides boil overCredit: AFP or licensors
      His replacement Rabbi Matondo weaved his way in from the left but the Schalke wide man curled his effort just wide.
      Bulgaria’s finishing was so poor that it  was not hard to believe they have won only one of their last 18 fixtures.
      In addition to that it was more than 10 hours of football since Giggs’ men last conceded a goal in competitive football.
      If there was going to be a winner it was surely going to be the Dragons and once again they were leaving it late.
      A low cross from the right by Tyler Roberts evaded sub Jonny Williams but found Matondo arriving at the back post. but he could not keep his effort down and it flew over the bar.
      At the other end Wayne Hennessey had not had a shot to save and was clearly not properly warm as he pulled something while trying to prevent a corner.
      The Crystal Palace man – winning his 94th cap – was unable to continue and was replaced by Stoke’s Adam Davies for the last few minutes.
      But just as it looked certain to end goalless the Williams came to the rescue again – with Williams – who had only been on as a sub for just over 12 minutes – sweeping home.

      4

      Wales are firmly in control of their Nations League groupCredit: Reuters

      Gareth Bale tears up Tottenham training and scores wonder goal leaving fans drooling about first game back More

    • 213 Shares169 Views

      in Soccer

      England 0 Denmark 1: Harry Maguire sent off as dismal Three Lions crash to defeat at Wembley

      by

      TWO nights in a Greek jail, a 6-1 home defeat by Tottenham and now a red card for England at Wembley.
      No wonder Harry Maguire, the captain of Manchester United and the world’s most expensive defender, looked a broken man when he trudged off the Wembley turf after just half an hour of this Nations League defeat.

      15

      Harry Maguire was sent off as England lost 1-0 at home to DenmarkCredit: Reuters

      15

      Maguire picked up two yellow cards in the first 30 minutes to cap an abysmal performanceCredit: Rex Features

      15

      It was a night to forget for Maguire and boss Gareth SouthgateCredit: Rex Features

      Old Slab-head, cult hero of the Russian World Cup of 2018, had committed two of the clearest yellow-card offences you could ever see.
      So unlike the incident which led to his arrest in Mykonos in August, there was no recourse to appeal.
      Maguire is a very popular man – a firm personal favourite of England boss Gareth Southgate, a man-of-the-people terrace icon and a player whose leadership qualities are cherished at United, a club which had needed such a natural captain for years.
      Sometimes, though, a man can be too stoical for his own good.

      Maguire is currently a liability for club and country. He surely needs to take a rest for his own good before he plunges deeper into professional crisis.
      You’d like to recommend a holiday, but then again, maybe not.
      For such an upstanding bloke, Maguire is too often horizontal on the pitch these days – two ugly lunges earned his two bookings here.
      Southgate swears by Maguire, included him in his squad days after his arrest, and even considered recalling him immediately after he successfully appealed against his convictions.

      15

      Maguire had been lucky to escape a red card with a foul on Yussuf Poulsen earlier onCredit: AFP or licensors

      15

      The Man Utd captain wiped out Kasper Dolberg before receiving his marching ordersCredit: Prime Media

      15

      Dolberg had to be taken off soon after having failed to shake off the effects of Maguire’s foulCredit: AP:Associated Press

      But loyalty can become blind. And back at United, high-class defensive options are thin on the ground.
      Defeat by Denmark was a thudding comedown for England, after Sunday’s comeback victory over Belgium.
      They must now defeat the No 1 team in the world in Brussels next month to stand a realistic chance of topping their Nations League group and reaching the finals.
      While Maguire’s dismissal was unarguable, the awarding of the Christian Eriksen penalty which followed it fell somewhere between extremely soft and plain wrong.
      Yet Southgate had barely approached this match with the confidence of a manager who had just taken such a significant scalp three days earlier.
      This was a deeply conservative line-up – featuring three specialist right-backs and two out-and-out holding midfielders, meaning England were struggling for momentum even with 11 men.
      The midfield did not ooze with creativity with Kalvin Phillips alongside Declan Rice in central midfield – as in last month’s goalless draw in Copenhagen, which you wouldn’t need to be a goldfish to have forgotten already.

      15

      England conceded a penalty just minutes after Maguire’s redCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd

      15

      A mix-up between Kyle Walker and Jordan Pickford sealed England’s fateCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd

      15

      Inter Milan outcast Christian Eriksen stepped up to the penalty spotCredit: Rex Features
      England wore blue, which always looks plain wrong, and with the silence of a behind-closed-doors game always seeming more silent still in Wembley’s vast expanses, you couldn’t help feel that three games in an international break was one too many.
      Earlier in the day, New Zealand had pulled out of their barely-anticipated friendly against the Three Lions here next month – but the FA assure us they will find suitable replacement opposition.
      The Faroe Islands may be free, or failing that, perhaps Lilliput.
      Marcus Rashford made the first false move of the night, botching the kick-off while the rest of them took a knee.
      And Maguire was soon booked for a horrible challenge on Yussuf Poulsen, which might easily have been a straight red if there’d been VAR to make it look even worse in slow motion.
      A cunning Eriksen corner, played low to the near post was met by Kapser Dolberg, whose shot was deflected wide.
      One of England’s few bright sparks was Chelsea’s Reece James – who could have been forgiven for wondering if he’d ever win an England cap, given Southgate’s surplus of right-backs – but got his first international start.

      15

      Former Spurs star Eriksen coolly fired home the penalty on his return to WembleyCredit: Getty – Pool

      15

      Eriksen was at the heart of Denmark’s slick passing game all nightCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd

      15

      Walker’s error exposed his defensive frailties as the right-sided centre-back in a three-man defenceCredit: Reuters
      He found plenty of space down yet his crosses deserved a greater end product.
      Then, four minutes of madness where the game was lost.
      Maguire was guilty of shockingly poor control, leaving him to over-stretch in his recovery attempt and catch Dolberg on his follow-through.
      After four years under Southgate without a single red card, here was the second in as many months, following Kyle Walker’s equally-deserved sending-off in Iceland.
      Maguire looked down at the Wembley turf, perhaps blaming a bobble for his initial poor touch, or simply wishing the hallowed surface would swallow him up.
      Spanish ref Jesus Gil Manzano, dressed to kill in lobster pink, did not look a man shy of the spotlight and he was soon pointing at the spot for little apparent reason.
      With Jordan Pickford inexplicably off his line, Walker tussled with Thomas Delaney and was penalised for clipping a man on his way down.

      15

      Harry Kane had a barren night in front of goal as he played the entire 90 minutesCredit: Reuters

      15

      Chelsea youngster Reece James made his first start after coming off the bench against Wales and Belgium – but was sent off after the final whistleCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd

      15

      It’s back to the drawing board for England as criticism over Southgate’s 3-4-3 system mountsCredit: Getty – Pool
      Eriksen drilled the spot-kick down the middle and England were up against it.
      Southgate reverted to a flat back four with Tyrone Mings coming on for Ainsley Maitland-Niles, Walker switching to right-back and James going to the left.
      England refused to give up, however, and on 65 minutes, Mason Mount’s header compelled Kasper Schmeichel to make an outstanding
      Daniel Wass squandered a free header for the Danes and then Southgate sent on Jadon Sancho, Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Jordan Henderson in an attempt to nick a point.
      James had a free-kick tipped over by Schmeichel but England’s tackling was often reckless and while Southgate kept losing his rag with Manzano, he was rarely in the right.
      His problems have mounted this autumn, ever since Maguire’s arrest.
      Now the England boss must think about replacing his one-time defensive rock.

      England fans love Three Lions’ new blue kit as strip lands debut vs Denmark More

    • 238 Shares169 Views

      in Soccer

      Germany 3 Switzerland 3 LIVE REACTION: Werner, Havertz and Gnabry score as hosts held in dramatic Nations League clash

      by

      THAT’S ALL, FOLKS!
      Well, it’s been an evening fraught with goals, entertainment, and nightmares for that German defence. But this is where we part ways.
      Germany and Switzerland played out a Nations League classic, Havertz and Werner perked the ears of Chelsea fans… and I have very painful fingers.
      The Nations League continues tomorrow as England take on Denmark but we won’t see Germany and Spain play again until November.
      And this weekend we’ve got the return of the Premier League. Brilliant.
      Have a cracker of an evening guys. Hope you enjoyed the game! More