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      If Boris Johnson lands 2030 World Cup I’d be happy to hang off Wembley zip-line with him, says Karren Brady

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      MY guess is that Boris Johnson would be happy to hang off a zip line at Wembley should our bid for the 2030 World Cup be successful.
      His enthusiasm for taking a shot extended this week to a £2.8million funding offer.

      Boris Johnson greeted the 2012 Olympics with great enthusiasm while he was Mayor of LondonCredit: Barcroft Media

      Baroness Brady, on a zip-line as imagined by SunSport

      This can only be for starters. There would not be much change out of £25m for the overall bid.
      Boris would love to take the promise of the greatest one-sport event in the world into the general election of 2024, the year the football associations of the world make their decision.
      But in fairness to our Prime Minister he is a great, sometimes barely controlled, enthusiast.
      Indeed, celebrating the 2012 Olympic Games was how the Mayor of London came to be stuck 15 feet above the ground, holding a plastic Union Jack in either hand.

      Britain loved those games and the world watched, entranced by them — the spectacle, the handsome backdrops, the pomp and ceremony, the whole razzle dazzle of the best in sport.
      In all they cost a lot but brought masses of investment and loads of joy. Just as the World Cup would.
      It is 55 years since England hosted — and won — the competition and it really is time that we welcomed it again.
      But this proposal will be different. England will be joined by Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, a unification I think only football could deliver.

      Wembley is set to host the Euro 2020 semi-finals and final this summerCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      There are, though, drawbacks to a combined British Isles team, mainly that the five nations have separate FAs and three of them would vigorously safeguard their historic right to independence.
      Opponents might also shout ‘foul’ at a five-vote headstart when the ultimate decision is made.
      The corruption that we now know brought about the election of Russia and Qatar will not be repeated and certainly not in the form it took in 2010, as Fifa have had to drain their swamp of corruption.
      We have to believe that Fifa’s new process will be honest. The truth is simply that if we’re not in the running, we can’t win it.
      The competition already promises to be immense and because our bid would be on behalf of the five football associations there are bound to be internal tensions.
      These have to be overcome. No other campaign will have our strengths but it is wise to be cautious not to over-emphasise these.
      We know what happened in 2010 to our high-power submission that came to a humiliating first-round end — a massive snub to England’s delegation, which included Prince William and the then-PM David Cameron.
      There’s no need to go too deeply into that defeat.

      England’s star-studded delegation couldn’t sway the votes in 2010Credit: PA:Press Association

      Qatar were announced as 2022 World Cup hosts back in 2010Credit: Reuters
      There was evidence within months that the vote had been rigged.
      Russia in 2018 and then Qatar four years later?
      How could it be otherwise when some 40 individuals and entities have been charged with corruption offences ranging from racketeering, wire fraud and money laundering conspiracies.
      But the truth behind what happened in 2010 has to be put to one side.
      No one likes sore losers. Fifa have introduced a new conclusion — each member country now has a vote and our appeal to them has to be much more persuasive than the chant ‘bring football home’.
      I am sure we will showcase our talent at organising big tournaments this summer when London hosts the two semis and final of the newly structured Uefa European Championships.
      Meanwhile, the five FAs must make an official bid encouraged by Uefa who are bound to press the case that it is our continent’s turn.

      England’s bid will be bolstered by the rest of the British IslesCredit: Reuters
      Already in the ring for their backing is a strong host combination in Spain and Portugal, plus another from four countries based on Romania.
      Worldwide there are already two further two bids but I can’t help thinking that it ought to take something very special to beat the appeal of the British Isles.
      And should we win, I’d be delighted to join Boris on a zip line waving the five flags.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds

      England World Cup winner Sir Geoff Hurst backs Boris Johnson’s offer to host Euros in the UK More

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      Man Utd DO miss Paul Pogba – and the French star’s absence is even affecting Bruno Fernandes’ performances

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      MANCHESTER UNITED do miss Paul Pogba — it is as simple as that.
      Since coming off injured in their 3-3 draw with Everton, United have only scored more than one goal in a Prem game against Newcastle.

      Paul Pogba has been absent for Manchester United’s dip in formCredit: AP:Associated Press

      Bruno Fernandes was crowded out in the draw at Crystal Palace in the weekCredit: Guardian News & Media

      And it is no coincidence. They are missing his range of passing and his ability to drive at players.
      The question was, ‘Can Pogba and Bruno Fernandes play together?’.
      But now it is clear that, without Pogba, a certain amount of Fernandes’ freedom is taken away.
      When they are both on the field they make space for each other, depending on who the opposition decide to mark.

      But in the Frenchman’s absence teams found that if you stop Fernandes, you now stop United.
      Against Chelsea, N’Golo Kante went man for man and at Crystal Palace it was James McCarthy and Luka Milivojevic.
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      And being the player he is, frustration leads Bruno to go deeper and deeper in search of the ball.

      Other players need to stretch the game to help create space for him.
      With Marcus Rashford, Anthony Martial, Mason Greenwood and Edinson Cavani all looking to penetrate central areas, it does not happen.
      The movement between the front four is amazing and can really hurt the opposition.
      But without full-backs going forward at the same time, this side becomes narrow and particularly easy to defend against.
      Luke Shaw is back to his best — but Aaron Wan-Bissaka must refine his attacking play.

      Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has used split strikers to expose City’s weakness on the break.
      Yet Pep Guardiola has evolved this City team and I don’t see many weaknesses.
      But if United are to get anything, they need to be brave and press high.
      As West Ham showed, City can be caught in transition — as long as the first pass after winning the ball goes forward.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds

      Man Utd boss Solskjaer looks ahead to Man City Derby More

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      Southampton stars turning to their wives as amateur psychologists to get over relegation fears, reveals boss Hasenhuttl

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      RALPH HASENHUTTL revealed his Southampton players are using their WIVES as psychologists to get over relegation fears.
      The Saints are 14th and without a league win in nine games – and have been dragged into the dogfight down the bottom with 12 games remaining.

      Ralph Hasenhuttl has revealed the mental strain of Southampton’s poor runCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Ryan Bertrand pictured with his partner

      Three points against lowly Sheffield United tomorrow could spark a surge to safety – but the current pandemic restrictions mean the squad have not had access to psychological experts.
      Boss Hasenhuttl said: “At the moment, our psychologists are our wives at home, I think. We are not allowed to see anybody else.
      “In our bubble we have fewer people so it’s tough for us to use a psychologist at the moment.
      “For a Zoom meeting maybe it’s possible, but I try to be the psychologist for the guys.

      “When they need somebody else to talk to, my assistant coaches can speak to them, as can the physios and doctors.
      “There are other people who can give them a cuddle if they need or something else.

      It is not nice but it is nothing you cannot turn around without the right game plan and the right effort
      Ralph Hasenhuttl

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      “But, finally, we are not sick or something like that.

      “We don’t win games at the moment.
      “That is not nice but that is nothing you cannot turn around without the right game plan and the right effort and this is what we need to have.”
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds

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      Steve Bruce can’t trust anyone as Matt Ritchie bust-up exposes Newcastle civil war

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      FROM man manager to man handler, is there even a Newcastle 11 Steve Bruce can trust any more?
      Training-ground bust-ups and subsequent leaks are nothing new but Bruce’s ruck with Matt Ritchie on Tuesday exposed the civil war engulfing Tyneside.

      Steve Bruce has become embroiled in a relegation fight with Newcastle this seasonCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Bruce must somehow galvanise his mutinous troops for Sunday’s must-win humdinger at West Brom.
      And how ex-Toon boss Sam Allardyce must have chuckled.
      The Baggies manager snubbed a return to St James’ Park in the summer of 2019, with Bruce reportedly 11th on owner Mike Ashley’s wish list after Rafa Benitez’s exit.
      While loyalists remain, it is anything but a happy camp after two wins in 17 games.

      So just who can Bruce — lauded for his man-management skills — count on at The Hawthorns?
      Firstly, he is without his three best players in Callum Wilson, Allan Saint-Maximin and Miguel Almiron through injury.
      And it is safe to assume Bruce’s sparring partner Ritchie will not feature.
      After the 1-1 draw against Wolves the winger called his manager a “coward” for throwing him under the bus on TV over failing to deliver tactical instructions as he came on from the bench.

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      On hearing this, the Newcastle boss stormed out of his office to confront and “shoulder barge” the winger.
      But Ritchie was far from the only one Bruce — who gave the squad a day off yesterday — dug out last weekend.
      Jamal Lewis was blamed for not stopping the cross before Ruben Neves’ equaliser, with Martin Dubravka criticised for not saving it.
      And Joelinton was blasted for missing a great chance to win it.
      Dubravka was in goal for Karl Darlow, who was raging after discovering via social media that he had been dropped.
      The Longstaff brothers have not played in six weeks.

      Liverpool boast the most-valuable squad in the Premier League
      Sean bore the brunt of the humiliating 1-0 defeat at Sheffield United and has not played since.
      Matty was brought in from the cold at the end of December but, after providing some much-needed energy in midfield, was discarded.
      With goals needed, maybe Dwight Gayle is the man.
      But starting just one game since his late clincher in December’s 2-1 win over ten-man West Brom, what must he think?
      And spare a thought for Joe Willock. Six months on loan at Newcastle from Arsenal sounds dreamy. The reality is anything but.
      Then there is Graeme Jones. Some Toon stars reportedly believe the season can be saved if Bruce is replaced by the new Magpies coach.
      While a win at the Baggies will save him from the chop, a defeat could force Ashley to act.
      Sunday will prove beyond doubt just how many are still fighting for their Geordie manager.

      Newcastle United v Wolverhampton Wanderers as it happened More

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      Cardiff could land extra Euro 2020 games if Dublin forfeits rights to host matches over coronavirus rules

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      CARDIFF could take advantage of staging Euro 2020 games if Dublin forfeits its hosting rights.
      The FA of Ireland are becoming increasingly resigned it cannot give Uefa its required guarantees of allowing fans into the Aviva Stadium by next month’s deadline.

      Cardiff’s Principality Stadium could be granted hosting duties if Dublin forfeits its rightsCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Irish Government scientists are reluctant to reopen turnstiles given the current state of Covid-19 in the country.
      And the Welsh capital, rather than another English city, is likely to be given the chance to take up the four matches planned — three group games and a last-16 clash which could involve England — for the Aviva Stadium.
      Prime Minister Boris Johnson has invited Uefa to stage more games in the UK if other hosts are unable to meet their requirements.
      Uefa have reiterated their plan to retain the current 12-country format but there are growing doubts over not just Dublin as hosts but also Glasgow, due to hold three games in England’s group, and Bilbao.

      That could open the door for Cardiff to be invited back into the Euro party — even if Wales play their own group fixtures in Baku and Rome.
      The Welsh capital was one of the two bidding cities to miss out when the host venues were chosen by Uefa in 2014, along with Stockholm and both countries are set to be asked to come to Uefa’s rescue should any of the hosts officially withdraw.
      Staging games in Wales would be welcomed by the UK Government and also avoid the scenario of two matches being played in the same country on the same day, as would happen if the Dublin games were switched to England.

      Dublin’s Aviva Stadium is supposed to host matches this summerCredit: Sportsfile – Subscription

      Sweden are due to meet Slovakia in the Aviva on June 18, the same day as England play Scotland at Wembley.

      Uefa would have no issues in playing games at the Principality Stadium, which hosted the 2017 Champions League final between Real Madrid and Juventus and has a capacity of 74,000, some 20,000 more than the Aviva.
      Bilbao looks the next most unstable brick in the Euro wall and moving the games planned for there to Stockholm would at least see the host nation involved in one game, when Sweden face Spain.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds

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      Mick McCarthy lands two-year Cardiff deal on eve of hitting incredible 1,000-game milestone as a manager

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      MICK McCARTHY goes into his 1,000th game as a manager riding high at Cardiff.
      McCarthy, 62, has had a stunning impact in the Welsh capital since replacing Neil Harris in January — and Big Mick was rewarded with a new two-year contract to stay on until 2023.

      Mick McCarthy, who will take charge of his 1,000th game on Friday, has impressed since taking the helm at Cardiff CityCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Seven wins and three draws in his ten games in charge have transformed the Bluebirds from Championship relegation fodder to play-off hopefuls.
      Ahead of tonight’s trip to face Huddersfield, McCarthy said: “I have enjoyed every minute of the time we’ve had at this great club so far and we’re delighted to be staying.
      “I’d like to thank Vincent Tan for offering us the opportunity to do that.
      “I was 32 when I became a manager. I’m a bit more comfortable in the role now.

      “I’m cool with my age, my experience, my big nose and my wrinkly forehead.
      “My hair is dropping out but I don’t give a flying f**k.
      “It’s just all about getting results — and at the moment it’s great.
      “But there is also no point getting carried away and having your head in the clouds.

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      “I don’t b******t anyone or waffle. I tell the players the way it is and what it is I want. Everybody gives you a pat on the back — then suddenly there is a knife in their hand.”
      McCarthy was initially appointed until the end of the season.
      Chairman Tan said: “I’m confident Mick is the right man to take us forward.”
      McCarthy is set to turn to rookie left-back Joel Bagan, 19, at the John Smith’s Stadium after Joe Bennett ruptured his anterior cruciate knee ligament in Tuesday’s 4-0 win over Derby.

      West Brom vs Everton as it happened More

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      West Brom 0 Everton 1: Toffees pile misery on old boss Allardyce as Richarlison fires them into top four

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      EVERTON ground out another crucial three points – thanks to a Brazilian nut!
      Richarlison’s 65th minute header made it four goals in four games for the on-fire Brazilian striker who achieved the impressive feat for the first time in his career.

      Richarlison celebrates scoring the winner as Everton beat West BromCredit: Reuters

      Richarlison rises highest to give Everton the leadCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      But the Toffees rode their luck here as Mbaye Diagne’s left foot strayed a fraction offside deep in stoppage time to deny West Brom a late leveller.
      The Senegalese striker thought he had salvaged a dramatic point when he took an Ainsley Maitland-Niles cross on his chest and swivelled to find the top corner with a sublime finish.
      But assistant ref Gary Beswick raised his flag and VAR confirmed Diagne’s tootsies were marginally offside after an agonising wait for Albion.
      The home side probably deserved more but simply don’t have a finisher of Richarlison’s class.

      The 23-year-old lived up to Carlo Ancelotti’s billing after the Italian claimed his sizzling Samba star is good enough to become one of the best hitmen in Europe.
      And that’s exactly where the Toffees will be heading if they continue to grind out wins without playing particularly well.
      Ancelotti should take a bow himself for an inspired substitution when he sent on Gylfi Sigurdsson to add some much needed quality.
      Forty three seconds later the Iceman delivered – when he set up Richarlison for Everton’s 11th Premier League headed goal of the season.

      Dominic Calvert-Lewin squanders a golden first-half chanceCredit: Paul Marriott – Daily Mail

      Big Sam was looking to get one over his old teamCredit: Times Newspapers Ltd

      His initial corner was half-cleared by Diagne who then stood off and allowed the Icelandic midfielder to take one touch on his thigh, one touch to move the ball out from his feet and one touch to cross.
      Richarlison charged in to beat Sam Johnstone and head home from four yards.
      Perhaps Albion simply used up all their luck during their wacky weekend win over Brighton, when they survived two penalty kicks and a phantom free-kick ‘goal.
      They certainly started brightly, and it took a remarkable save from Jordan Pickford to prevent Albion scoring in their first attack.
      Conor Gallagher clipped in a teasing cross from the right and Mbaye Diagne strained his neck muscles to send a looping header towards the top right corner.
      Pickford left the ground early and appeared to be beaten as the ball arced beyond his outstretched right glove.
      But with Diagne ready to acclaim his second goal for the Baggies, Pickford suddenly changed arms and brought his left hand over his right to claw the ball to safety.
      It was an astonishing save which reminded everyone exactly why Pickford remains Gareth Southgate’s go-to-goalie.

      Jordan Pickford denies the Baggies a first-half openerCredit: Reuters

      Things weren’t always pretty at The HawthornsCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Yet as ever with Pickford there is always a ricket in him, especially when the ball is crossed towards him and he has to decide whether to engage.
      Midway through the first half he gave Ancelotti cause to raise an eyebrow when he came to collect a routine cross from Conor Townsend and collided with his own defender Michael Keane allowing the ball to plop out of his gloves.
      Fortunately Ben Godfrey managed to screen Diagne who was looking to pounce as Pickford gratefully gathered at the second attempt.
      It summed up the visitors’ general malaise as if their minds were miles away – perhaps dreaming of Champions League nights next season.
      Too often they were careless in possession and at times they looked to be in a trance while the Baggies buzzed around them, knocking them off their stride.
      Matt Phillips had a pot shot which Pickford saved comfortably. Then a sloppy pass from Gomes was pounced on by Townsend who set up Diagne whose shot on the turn sailed over.
      It took Ancelotti’s men until six minutes before the break to finally wake up when Darnell Furlong brilliantly blocked Richarlison, deflecting his attempt a fraction over.
      Yet Everton could and should have gone in a goal ahead at the break thanks to a freak break when Ainsley Maitland-Niles tried to intercept Bernard’s pass and inadvertently sent Dominic Calvert-Lewin through on goal.

      West Brom remain in deep trouble at the bottomCredit: Reuters
      But with Sam Johnstone at his mercy the usually lethal England striker shot straight at the goalkeeper’s legs and Albion survived.
      Big Sam’s Baggies have only scored nine second half goals all season – the lowest tally in the Premier League.
      Yet they still looked likelier to break the deadlock than the lethargic Toffees. 
      Pickford smothered a Pereira potshot, Diagne headed over from close range following a Furlong long throw and Gallagher slammed a low shot inches wide when any touch would have sent it into the net.
      Ancelotti had seen enough and sent on Allan and then Sigurdsson for the ineffectual Alex Iwobi and Abdoulaye Doucoure.
      Smart move Carlo!

      Mbaye Diagne thought he’d equalised in stoppage timeCredit: AFP

      The Baggies were denied by the flag late onCredit: PA:Press Association
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds

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      Chelsea boss Tuchel admits ‘genius’ Klopp’s sense of humour makes him look grumpy as Liverpool host Blues

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      THOMAS TUCHEL faces Jurgen Klopp tonight admitting he will play the straight man.
      The two Germans share a homeland and a history in football terms but are vastly different characters.

      Chelsea chief Thomas Tuchel says he is envious of the ‘super funny’ personality of his Liverpool counterpart Jurgen KloppCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Boisterous, bear-hugging Klopp is seen as a stark contrast to straight-talking, simmering Tuchel.
      Chelsea’s head coach knows Liverpool boss Klopp.
      He  followed him into the manager’s chair at Mainz and Borussia Dortmund and has faced him before in the Champions League.

      This evening Tuchel fulfils “a dream” by taking a Premier League team to Anfield and he wants to follow in the footsteps of his compatriot and build for long-term success with a new club.

      But it will be done with little of the Klopp showmanship because, while Tuchel is not as grey as people paint him, only one man can take centre stage.
      Tuchel said: “What you see in front of the camera with Jurgen, this is him.
      “And the guy is a genius with his personality and he is super funny.
      “He can turn any question around with big laughter and he is like this in public and private.

      “You cannot compete at being funny with Jurgen in public and having good answers to not-so-good questions.
      “I don’t know where my image comes from if you say that I have a grumpy one. I cannot waste my energy on what my image is.
      “But I can tell you that if you ask around the clubs and among the staff where I worked, I don’t think you will find too many people who will describe me as grumpy.

      Stamford Bridge chief Thomas Tuchel won’t ‘waste energy’ on his image but believes few people at Chelsea will think he is grumpyCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Thomas Tuchel says he and Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp share a ‘common history’Credit: AFP
      “Sometimes it is easier to shine with smiles and other times it is more difficult. The approaches to the teams are very different.
      “Jurgen is himself and I am myself. And, OK, it’s part of our jobs to be judged all the time but you know very well that judgments out there do not have to be sometimes 50 per cent the reality on how a person really is.”
      Tuchel, 47, has so far rolled with any question asked of him — including one about his nickname ‘The Professor’ and how unhip he is. It was answered with a smile.
      When it comes to his Blues players, the man with the most pressurised job in English football has to be swift and decisive, as he has shown with team selection.
      He has an 18-month contract, during which he is expected to close the gap on defending Premier League champions Liverpool and runaway leaders Manchester City.
      And all at the most sack-happy club in the land, whose fans are still in shock at the surprise dismissal of Tuchel’s predecessor, Frank Lampard.
      Chelsea are 19 points off the top despite a seven-game unbeaten run since Tuchel took over.
      In the last three seasons they finished 33, 26 and 30 points behind the champions.
      Tuchel said: “When I travelled here to England I opened a box of documents at home and found speeches that I gave to my players during my first year at Mainz.

      Will we close the gap to Man City? No. It’s impossible. But next season we start with zero points. City were in trouble this season and nobody took advantage.
      Thomas Tuchel

      “I would not dare to give the same speech now. The point is I want to adapt. This is a life journey for me, too.
      “The amount of points shows how big the gap was and still is and maybe it is sometimes good to look at the reality and to speak it loud. But still it has to be the ambition to close it as fast as possible.
      “Will we close the gap to Man City this season? No. It’s impossible. But  next season we start with zero points.
      “City were in trouble this season and nobody took advantage of it.”
      Klopp is now almost 5½ years into his job at Liverpool and City boss Pep Guardiola nearly five.
      The last Chelsea manager to survive in post that long was Dave Sexton, who was appointed in 1967.
      Tuchel said: “I have to earn the same time as Jurgen and Pep. This was no gift to them and this is what I have to prove.
      “I have to live every day and every week to make my impact here and to show that I deserve the same amount of time to build teams.”
      On facing his compatriot, Klopp said: “He is an outstanding coach, outstanding.
      “We are going to need the whole package against him and Chelsea.
      “We’ve known each other for a long time. We have kind of a common history — we know a lot of the same people, having worked together with them.
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      “He’s a good one and always when we meet it is very nice.”
      LIKELY LINE-UPS — LIVERPOOL: Alisson,  Alexander-Arnold, Phillips, Kabak, Robertson,  Thiago, Fabinho, Wijnaldum, Salah, Firmino, Mane.
       CHELSEA: Mendy, James, Azpilicueta,  Christensen, Rudiger, Chilwell, Kante, Kovacic, Mount, Ziyech, Abraham, Werner.

      Thomas Tuchel says Chelsea tried everything to win despite ultimate goalless draw with Man Utd More