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      Portugal vs France LIVE REACTION: N’Golo Kante seals win as Cristiano Ronaldo fails to add to international tally

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      CHELSEA star N’Golo scored the only goal of the game as France beat Portugal 1-0 in the Nations League.
      Cristiano Ronaldo could not add to his international goal tally as France went top of the group.

      Follow ALL of the latest updates below…

      THAT’S A WRAP
      Thanks for joining us this evening, there’s plenty more football to keep you entertained tomorrow!
      In the meantime, don’t forget to check out our match report.

      FRENCH FANCY
      Here’s the only goal of the night, courtesy of Kante.

      ALL IN A NIGHT’S WORK
      Despite falling out of favour at Manchester United, Pogba is very much a consistent figure in the French squad.
      Tonight he had 94 touches, had an 88 per cent passing accuracy, won three tackles, got one interception and had a shot on target.

      ROUND UP OF RESULTS
      Portugal 0-1 France
      Germany 3-1 Ukraine
      Sweden 2-1 Croatia
      Switzerland 1-1 Spain

      SO NEAR YET SO FAR
      Martial attempted four shots in the first half this evening, that was more than any other player.
      He has bagged two Champions League goals for Manchester United so far this season, but hasn’t scored for France since 2016.

      SA-CRIS BLEU
      Moutinho and Ronaldo came close to scoring but it wasn’t their night.
      France will now go through to the finals no matter what happens in next week’s final matches.

      KANTE STOP HIM
      In what was just his second international goal, Kante helped France to the top spot in their group.

      TABLE TOPPERS
      Portugal have suffered a rare defeat thanks to Kante’s goal.
      Patricio did well to stop several chances, particularly from Martial, but it was his error that gifted France the only goal of the evening.
      France now top the group.

      FT: PORTUGAL 0-1 FRANCE

      PORTUGAL 0-1 FRANCE
      93. Griezmann is taken down by Cancelo as he tries to run down the clock.

      PORTUGAL 0-1 FRANCE
      92. After a decent spell of possession, Portugal sloppily give the ball away and Griezmann begins the counter.

      PORTUGAL 0-1 FRANCE
      90. The French hold a decent defensive line which sees Oliveira caught offside as he attempts to chase a chipped ball in from Cancelo.

      PORTUGAL 0-1 FRANCE
      90. Four extra minutes, can Portugal snatch an equaliser?

      PORTUGAL 0-1 FRANCE
      88. Now France are up in arms as Cancelo concedes a free kick.
      It’s Hernandez who’s involved again, but it looks to be 50-50 – both go to play the ball at the same height.

      PORTUGAL 0-1 FRANCE
      87. PEN APPEALS FROM PORTUGAL
      Trincao is caught by Hernandez on the byline in the French box, but instead of going to ground he holds onto the ball and has a shot from a tight angle.
      Lloris is there to greet the ball, as Portugal have their hands in the air appealing for a pen.

      PORTUGAL 0-1 FRANCE
      87. France have had 52 per cent possession to Portugal’s 48 in the second half.

      PORTUGAL 0-1 FRANCE
      85. A pass back to Patricio almost ends in tears as the Portuguese keeper slips and is unable to keep it under control.
      Griezmann is in sight but doesn’t get to it before it rolls out at the byline.

      PORTUGAL 0-1 FRANCE
      84. Substitution for Portugal; Felix is replaced by Paulinho.

      PORTUGAL 0-1 FRANCE
      83. Varane gets in the ball’s path as it’s whipped in for Ronaldo who’s lurking in the six yard box.
      It’s out for a corner.

      PORTUGAL 0-1 FRANCE
      82. Brilliant ball in from Cancelo on the right wing but Ronaldo, goal side of the defenders, can’t quite stretch his neck to reach it.
      Jota who stretches out his right leg at the far post can’t reach it either.

      PORTUGAL 0-1 FRANCE
      81. Hernandez is booked for a lunging tackle on Jota.
      He waves away the ref as he shows the yellow.

      PORTUGAL 0-1 FRANCE
      80. Freekick to France on the left, about 30 yards out.
      Griezmann tries to curl it in, but can’t beat the first man.

      PORTUGAL 0-1 FRANCE
      79. Giroud seems to be limping a little as he walks off a heavy tackle from Cancelo

      PORTUGAL 0-1 FRANCE
      78. Substitution for France; Martial is replaced by Giroud.

      PORTUGAL 0-1 FRANCE
      76. Brave defending by Kimpembe as he flies at the ball to stop Ronaldo’s diving header!
      The ball comes in from the left of the box towards Ronaldo at the far post, but as Kimpembe and Ronaldo leap towards the ball the pair clash heads.
      Both are up relatively quickly.

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      Southgate backs captain Kane to surpass Rooney as England’s record scorer as Tottenham star prepares to win 50th cap

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      HARRY KANE is capable of knocking Wayne Rooney of the top of England’s goalscoring charts, according to Gareth Southgate.
      The Three Lions travel to Belgium this evening for Sunday’s Nations League clash, which will see Kane earn his 50th cap.

      Few England internationals have been as efficient as Kane, with the striker netting at a rate of a goal every 1.5 games.
      Such a strike rate makes the 27-year-old a top candidate to bag the 24 goals which will make him the nation’s all-time leading scorer.
      The England boss told reporters: “In terms of what is possible, the goalscoring record is the really interesting one because his strike rate for us is phenomenal and he has time on his side to chase Wayne Rooney’s record, which would be a remarkable feat.
      “I know from his perspective, while the personal achievement is something he is driven towards, it is the team achievement.

      “He is so focused on the team having success and he would want to look back over the next few years at the team achieving.”
      Southgate managed Kane in the Under-21s before his elevation to the England senior team.

      Harry Kane is also launching up the Premier League scoring charts
      And his maiden international strike past Lithuania in March 2015 ranks as Southgate’s favourite goal by the Tottenham star.
      The former defender also highlighted a last-ditch equaliser against Scotland three years ago, in their last meeting before next summer’s Euros.

      Southgate recalled: “Whenever one of your players get called up, you always want them to do well.
      “I remember hearing he had scored [against Lithuania] and that was a brilliant moment for all of us because you want your boys to progress and do well.

      Gareth Southgate is set to hand Harry Kane is 50th cap on SundayCredit: Reuters

      “His goal at Hampden as well and of course his goals at the World Cup. To win the Golden Boot is an incredible personal achievement.
      “It is a special moment for him.
      “We have had three or four get to the 50-cap milestone in the last year and for all of them it is a fantastic achievement.”

      Harry Kane smashes goals in during England training More

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      Portugal vs France: Live stream, TV channel, team news and kick-off time for TONIGHT’S UEFA Nations League game

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      PORTUGAL host Nations League rivals France as both sides battle for the chance to finish top of their group.
      In their last group game, Portugal and France played out a 0-0 bore-draw in Paris.

      Ronaldo scored his 102nd international goal against Andorra Credit: Alamy Live News

      But as both teams have won all of their other games in the group, they both stand neck-and-neck in the penultimate match day of the group stages.
      Cristiano Ronaldo will be looking to hunt down the all-time international goal record of 109, having reached the 102 mark against Andorra on Tuesday night.
      Portugal have the home advantage, but France are still the world’s best International side, and anything could happen on the night.
      What time does Portugal vs France kick off?
      Portugal vs France kicks off at 7.45pm (BST) on Saturday, November 14.
      The game will take place at the Estadio da Luz in Benfica, where the Champions League final took place earlier this year.

      Kante will likely start for France against PortugalCredit: Getty – Contributor
      What channel is it and can it be live streamed?
      Portugal vs France will be shown on Sky Sports Football.
      The game is available for streaming on your smartphone or tablet, as long as you have a NOW TV or Sky Go account.

      Team news
      Ronaldo was rested to start the Andorra game but he’ll be a certainty to start this huge game against France.

      It’s likely that most of the team who played against Andorra will be changed, with th likes of Manchester City duo Joao Cancelo and Ruben Dias coming in to the side.
      Joao Felix, Bernardo Silva and Bruno Fernandes will also probably make the starting line-up.
      For France, Hugo Lloris will likely replace Steve Mandanda in goal, while Chelsea star N’Golo Kante could start in midfield.
      Anthony Martial and Barca forward Antoine Griezmann should also start for France by Kylian Mbappe remains doubtful.

      Odds
      Portugal – 7/5
      Draw – 21/10
      France – 2/1 More

    • 225 Shares109 Views

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      Portugal vs France: Live stream, TV channel, team news and kick-off time for huge UEFA Nations League clash

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      PORTUGAL host Nations League rivals France as both sides battle for the chance to finish top of their group.
      In their last group game, Portugal and France played out a 0-0 bore-draw in Paris.

      Ronaldo scored his 102nd international goal against Andorra Credit: Alamy Live News

      But as both teams have won all of their other games in the group, they both stand neck-and-neck in the penultimate match day of the group stages.
      Cristiano Ronaldo will be looking to hunt down the all-time international goal record of 109, having reached the 102 mark against Andorra on Tuesday night.
      Portugal have the home advantage, but France are still the world’s best International side, and anything could happen on the night.
      What time does Portugal vs France kick off?
      Portugal vs France kicks off at 7.45pm (BST) on Saturday, November 14.
      The game will take place at the Estadio da Luz in Benfica, where the Champions League final took place earlier this year.

      Kante will likely start for France against PortugalCredit: Getty – Contributor
      What channel is it and can it be live streamed?
      Portugal vs France will be shown on Sky Sports Football.
      The game is available for streaming on your smartphone or tablet, as long as you have a NOW TV or Sky Go account.

      Team news
      Ronaldo was rested to start the Andorra game but he’ll be a certainty to start this huge game against France.

      It’s likely that most of the team who played against Andorra will be changed, with th likes of Manchester City duo Joao Cancelo and Ruben Dias coming in to the side.
      Joao Felix, Bernardo Silva and Bruno Fernandes will also probably make the starting line-up.
      For France, Hugo Lloris will likely replace Steve Mandanda in goal, while Chelsea star N’Golo Kante could start in midfield.
      Anthony Martial and Barca forward Antoine Griezmann should also start for France by Kylian Mbappe remains doubtful.

      Odds
      Portugal – 7/5
      Draw – 21/10
      France – 2/1 More

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      Gareth Southgate says Harry Kane is a ‘privilege’ to have ahead of 50th England cap

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      HARRY KANE reaches his half century of England caps with Gareth Southgate claiming it is a “privilege” to have the striker in his team.
      The Three Lions manager believes his strikeforce, which includes Manchester City’s Raheem Sterling, is the envy of many other European powerhouses.

      Harry Kane is set to make his 50th appearance for England on SundayCredit: Rex Features

      Gareth Southgate says it’s a privilege to have the Tottenham forwardCredit: AP:Associated Press

      Kane, rested for Thursday’s 3-0 friendly win over Ireland, boasts a stunning record of 32 goals in his 49 games.
      And he looks certain to eventually smash Wayne Rooney’s all-time international record of 53 strikes from 120 appearances.
      Southgate, preparing for tomorrow’s Nations League tie in Belgium, said: “Every country is going to play differently and have their outstanding players who have different sorts of attributes.
      “Harry is a different type of centre-forward to Romelu Lukaku, for example.

      “Different to Olivier Giroud or Kylian Mbappe. We are just delighted we’ve got him and we know his impact. His scoring record for us is just phenomenal. Absolutely phenomenal.
      “You always know, going into a game with the likes of Harry, with Raheem as well, that we’ve got a tremendous goal threat which a lot of countries would be delighted to have.”
      Kane, 27, has won major praise this season for the way he has created so many chances and goals for Spurs, where he has a seemingly telepathic relationship with Son Heung-min.
      But this is of little surprise to Southgate. He first saw the player’s all-round natural ability in only his second game as Under-21 manager against Finland in September 2013.

      With tongue in cheek, Southgate added: “He started on the bench which showed what we know about talent observation!

      England beat Ireland 3-0 in Thursday and Harry Kane was given the night offCredit: AP:Associated Press
      “It was the second game we had with the Under-21s. But he came into the game as a 10. We had Saido Berahino as a 9 and Harry immediately created a goal that got us an equaliser. I know there seems to be more emphasis on that part of his game now but he’s definitely always had it.
      “He’s as good a provider and as good a passer as he is a finisher and he is, of course, an outstanding finisher.
      “Clearly the combinations at the club — with Son in particular — have been excellent. When you’ve got runners going beyond him, he will find the passes.
      “So we are privileged to have him, we know that, and it’s great to see him hitting that sort of form ahead of the weekend.”
      Another Three Lions striker in form is Dominic Calvert-Lewin. And he wants to take penalties for Everton after his thumping spot-kick against the Irish.
      The Goodison striker, 23, is the Premier League’s joint-highest scorer with eight goals — but most of his Golden Boot rivals are significantly aided by being on penalty duties for their clubs.
      Yet Gylfi Sigurdsson has had a patchy record as Everton’s spot-kick taker, while Richarlison scored one in the victory at Crystal Palace this term.
      But Calvert-Lewin, who netted his second goal in four England starts on Thursday, insisted: “I have got no problem taking penalties. I want to take them for my club as well. It was a chance to showcase my ability and stick it in the back of the net. I am completely confident at the minute.
      “I picked up some good positions during the game and I just had to stay patient.
      “My chance came in the form of a penalty, so I am obviously happy to have scored.”

      Calvert-Lewin is Kane’s understudy but he is adamant the pair could play together, which they did when ten-man England unsuccessfully attempted to claw back a 1-0 deficit against Denmark last month.
      He said: “I think why not?
      “We both played up there against Denmark and we played a bit more direct. He is a top player and I am sure we can be compatible together.”

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

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      England wonderkid Jude Bellingham to stay with senior squad after debut in win over Ireland

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      JUDE BELLINGHAM will stay with England’s senior squad for the next two games.
      The Borussia Dortmund superkid became the third youngest Three Lions debutant in Thursday’s 3-0 win over Ireland.

      Jude Bellingham made his England debut in the 3-0 win over IrelandCredit: PA:Press Association

      Boss Gareth Southgate wants Bellingham, 17, in his squad for tomorrow’s Nations League clash in Belgium and Wednesday’s home game with Iceland.
      This is despite the fact the teenager is unlikely to get any game time.
      Bellingham, who joined Dortmund from Birmingham for £30million, said: “I’ve really enjoyed being away with the lads. I think I have learned so much.
      “The manager has been great. All these superstars guiding me has been great.

      “I’d have loved to have my family here but hopefully everyone enjoyed it back home.
      “Now I look forward to making more memories.”
      Meanwhile, Jordan Pickford will return in goal for England tomorrow — winning his 29th cap against Belgium.
      The Everton man has been publicly criticised by Three Lions keeper coach Martyn Margetson.

      Margetson, who used to work with Pickford at Everton, claimed the 26- year-old has a few basic weaknesses.
      They include having his hands too low, while sometimes making the wrong decisions.
      Yet Pickford has taken Margetson’s comments on the chin and has impressed Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate in training.

      Jude Bellingham trains with England squad for the first time More

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      England vs Iceland WILL be held at Wembley after FA were given special permission following coronavirus travel ban

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      ENGLAND have been given special Government permission to play their Nations League clash with Iceland at Wembley next week.
      The FA have successfully persuaded health officials to make an exception to their universal travel ban from anyone travelling to the UK from Denmark because of a mutated form of Covid-19.

      England vs Iceland is set to take place in London next weekCredit: Getty

      The FA have got the green light from the Government to play it at WembleyCredit: PA:Press Association

      It means the Iceland team WILL be allowed entry to the country to play the match on November 18 having taken on Denmark just three days earlier.
      SunSport revealed last week how the game was in doubt because of the new regulations imposed in a rush last Saturday denying any non-British nationals entry if they were travelling from Denmark.
      The FA have been locked in talks with the government ever since.
      But with a review of the regulations not planned until Saturday they had started to make plans to play the fixture in Germany.

      But the Department of Transport have agreed a limited exemption for a ‘small number’ of Danish and Icelandic footballers to travel back from Copenhagen without the need to isolate.
      That means Gareth Southgate’s side will now be able to conclude their Nations League campaign.
      They were previously at risk of having to forfeit the match had they not been able to play.
      And it is believed any Denmark players who feature for clubs in England will also be cleared to return to be available for the resumption of the domestic season next weekend.

      The Government have accepted the public plea from the FA earlier today which offered to carry out enhanced testing to ensure safety from the new form of coronavirus entering the country.
      They sought assurances that anyone involved in the Icelandic ‘bubble’ would be limited to staying with their group in hotels and at Wembley.
      A DofT statement said: “The Government has also announced a limited exemption for a small number of Danish and Icelandic national football players to travel from the UK to Copenhagen and back, without the need to self-isolate, to take part in upcoming international football fixtures.
      “This temporary and extremely limited exemption will allow the relevant players and essential staff support to be exempt from the new requirements and will help reduce any disruption for England’s up and coming Nations League fixtures. “

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      FA launch desperate public appeal to government to let England face Iceland at Wembley amid coronavirus travel ban

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      THE Football Association has launched a desperate public appeal to the government to let them face Iceland at Wembley – to help protect the safety of the England squad.
      Urgent coronavirus travel restrictions placed on Demark last week mean the entire Icelandic squad is barred from entering the country for the match due to be played on November 18.

      The FA are desperate for the match to go ahead at WembleyCredit: PA:Press Association

      FA bosses are looking at staging the Nations League match in Germany as a back-up, but maintain the Iceland squad should be granted special clearance to land in the UK to play the game as planned.
      And this morning they went public with their appeal, in a series of tweets which claimed it is safer for the England players and staff to play the game at Wembley instead of having to fly to mainland Europe.
      The FA said: “We have asked Government to consider allowing us to play our final UEFA Nations League match at Wembley Stadium, by giving travel exemption to the Icelandic team subject to strict medical protocols.
      “The Icelandic team will have played Denmark in Copenhagen and therefore would be subject to a travel ban.

      “While in Denmark they will have been under strict UEFA protocols in a sporting bubble and will be PCR tested before travelling to England. The PCR test picks up the Cluster 5 variant.
      “We have agreed with the Icelandic team that they arrive on private charter to a private terminal and will only have access to their hotel and the stadium.
      “We will also put in place additional testing over and above the multiple tests normally required for each participant and staff at the match.
      “We are not asking for this support to help us have home advantage in this competitive international match, although of course that would be helpful.

      Iceland will have played in Denmark, meaning they are banned from travelling to the UKCredit: AFP or licensors

      “We are not asking for this support to avoid a huge cost from playing an England home match in Germany, although we can ill afford the financial penalty at this time.
      “The priority must be health, which is why we are asking for this support.
      “We believe it’s in the better interests of the England team and support staff to play at Wembley Stadium rather than have international travel at this time – and then play the match under the same UEFA protocols against the same opposition, but in a different country.
      “We understand the optics of an exception at a time when industries such as hauliers are not allowed to travel to Denmark.

      We believe an exception is justified and in the best interests of the England team
      The FA

       “However, international footballers are amongst the most tested people on the planet and we will even conduct extra tests to go beyond the highest standard.
      “We ask the Government to follow the advice of their public health experts as to whether the match is safe to host in the UK and we believe an exception is justified and in the best interests of the England team.
      “We hope the Government can support us putting on the match in the safest way possible at this difficult time for everyone.”

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