World Cup News

ENGLAND’S World Cup qualifier with Poland has descended into chaos following a coronavirus outbreak in the Polish ranks.Media officer Jakub Kwiatkowski confirmed players Grzegorz Krychowiak and Kamil Piątkowski returned positive tests.
Grzegorz Krychowiak was one of the players to test positiveCredit: Getty
Kwiatkowski confirmed he had also tested positive although ‘remaining members of the training staff had negative results.’
England are due to take on their Group I opponents at Wembley tomorrow.
Kwiatkowski wrote on Twitter: “The Polish national team has undergone further tests for the presence of coronavirus.
“Unfortunately, the results of Grzegorz Krychowiak and Kamil Piątkowski are positive.
“Due to the fact that Krychowiak is a recovering man, we started talks with UEFA in order to clarify the matter and admit the match.”
It is believed that neither player has flown to London for the fixture.
The news comes after Poland confirmed back-up goalkeeper Lukasz Skorupski was in self-isolation after testing positive for the virus at the end of last week.
Leeds midfielder Mateusz Klich was also forced to miss the recent 3-3 draw with Hungary after returning a positive test.
Lokomotiv Moscow midfielder Krychowiak has 75 caps for his country and featured in Poland’s last two outings including the win over Andorra on Sunday.

Centre-back Kamil Piątkowski has also tested positive for the virusCredit: Rex
Gareth Southgate’s England are likely to be advised by Uefa over the outcome of the fixtureCredit: Getty
Piątkowski, a centre-back, also played in the previous two matches.
Talks with Uefa are thought to be ongoing to determine whether the fixture can be fulfilled.
Star man Robert Lewandowski has already been ruled out with a knee injury offering a huge boost to England’s chances.
Poland are currently enduring a third wave of cases and have experienced an all-time high for infections.

The BBC’s Warsaw correspondent Adam Easton said last week: “Poland is seeing all-time highs for new infections.
“Three times this week it has broken the record. From today they are introducing heightened restrictions, by closing nurseries, pre-schools, hair salons, and large DIY and furniture stores.
“The infection rate is accelerating here so quickly that people, including the Prime Minister here, are saying Poland is facing its most difficult moment since the pandemic began.”
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RYAN FRASER rode to Scotland’s rescue as he helped Steve Clarke’s side avoid a defeat which would have been an absolute Qat-astrophe.However with just two points on the board from their opening two world cup ties, the Scots are going to have to do it the hard way if they are to make their first World Cup finals since 1998.
SCOTLAND PULL LEVEL! 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿Ryan Fraser finishes from the edge of the box.Watch live on Sky Sports Main Event 📺 pic.twitter.com/ZuNis8ua8q— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) March 28, 2021

Scotland celebrate Ryan Fraser’s equaliser in the second halfCredit: AFP
Israel made sure it was Groundhog Day as this pair continued their long-running saga which is in danger of rivalling Gone With The Wind for its durability.
And it looked as if Scotland’s qualification hopes were gone with the wind too when a boy called Dor – appeared to slam shut their chances with a goal just before half-time.
However forgotten man Fraser, who has been a bit-part player for Newcastle this season, salvaged a point neither side really wanted if they were honest.
The Magpies winger has now scored in his last two appearances for his country – twice his total for Newcastle this season.
But once again the Scots relied on their battling qualities rather than silky skills to grind out a hard-fought point.
And though they have only played 180 minutes of this World Cup campaign, Clarke’s unbeaten side must look on enviously at how England appear capable of winning these type of ties in second gear.
With Denmark smashing in eight goals against Moldova – Scotland at least know what they might need when they face the Faroe Islands at home on Wednesday!
The one excuse Scotland couldn’t hide behind in Tel Aviv was not knowing what they were up against.
This was the fourth time these nations have met this season and their sixth tussle in two and a half years.
Dor Peretz opened the scoring with a terrific strikeCredit: AFP
The midfielder beat keeper David Marshall from distanceCredit: Reuters
In fact, Steve Clarke’s players have had more contact with their Israeli counterparts than their own grandparents in the last seven months.
You sense something strange is afoot when the Israel players are word perfect and join in singing Flower of Scotland during the national anthems!
The same couldn’t be said for Leicester-born ‘ex- Englishman,’ Che Adams who made do with humming along to the parts he’s not familiar with yet!
However, the Southampton striker more than made up for that with his contribution to Ryan Fraser’s equaliser as he made a big contribution on his first start for Scotland.
Clarke’s biggest problem was that familiarity hasn’t bred contempt – for one simple reason.
We really aren’t any better than Israel – that’s why we find it so damned difficult to beat them!
Even Scotland’s European Championship play-off win at Hampden in October came after a nerve-shredding penalty shoot-out.
So while Denmark swatted the Israeli’s aside with minimum fuss on Thursday, Scotland took the hard road again.
Supporters were welcomed into the stadiumCredit: Reuters
The draw leaves Scotland on two points after two matches and work to doCredit: AFP
They were a goal down at half-time and thankful for it, as a pumped-up Israel realised a second home defeat would probably signal the end of their qualifying hopes, even at this early stage.
It’s all very well Scotland having one of the most dynamic left-back’s in the world in the shape of Andy Robertson – and another up their sleeve in Arsenal’s Kieran Tierney.
But when they are forced back alongside honest but limited defenders such as Norwich’s Grant Hanley, Oostende’s Jack Hendry and Motherwell’s Stephen O’Donnell, disaster is never far away. 
It duly arrived one minute before half-time when Maccabi Tel Aviv’s Dor Peretz made a mug of Scotland’s penalty-saving Euro hero David Marshall from 25 yards.
Peretz accepted former Celtic defender Hatem Elhamed’s pass and had all the time and space he needed to take a steadying first touch before rifling his shot high into the roof of the net, off the underside of the crossbar.
Marshall got both gloves to the ball but seemed startled by the ferocity of the shot and will feel he should have done better.
In truth, the Israelis should have been further ahead but were wasteful in front of goal.
Harry Kane and Co won’t be so forgiving at Wembley on June 18 you suspect.

To his credit Clarke was decisive and changed to a back-four at the break, sending on Ryan Christie for his former Celtic teammate Hendry.
The pay-off was swift as Scotland levelled within 11 minutes of the restart.
Adams surged forward before laying the ball off to Fraser, who drilled a low right-footer into the far corner of Ofir Marciano’s net.
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PERHAPS it was part of Gareth Southgate’s masterplan to get Harry Kane angry.The England manager admits that his captain is desperate to break Wayne  Rooney’s all-time scoring record – yet left him out of Thursday’s turkey shoot against San Marino.
England maintained their 100 per cent start to World Cup qualification in AlbaniaCredit: Reuters
Harry Kane headed the Three Lions into the lead before the breakCredit: Getty
Mason Mount then doubled the advantage to seal the 2-0 win in the second periodCredit: Getty
But as soon as Kane was restored to the England line-up, he netted his first international goal since 2019, with a stooping header to calm nerves after a shoddy opening half-hour on a horrible playing surface.
Kane moved to within 20 goals of Rooney’s record of 53 – and might have had a hat-trick before he assisted Mason Mount’s classy second which killed off this World Cup qualifier.
Given the minefield pitch and plenty of Serie A experience in Albania’s defence, this was an acceptable England display – but little more than that.
They face a significant step up in class against Poland on Wednesday, when Robert Lewandoswki may well find himself facing three England central defenders.
For half an hour, this match was struggling to gain the nation’s attention, with gripping finishes at the Grand Prix and the cricket.
England, perhaps understandably, looked wary of the surface, lacking confidence and imagination.
Southgate’s men played well for half an hour either side of half-time, scoring twice and hitting the woodwork twice more.
But they finished it untidily and there are significant improvements needed before this summer’s Euros.
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For all the injuries Southgate has suffered, nine of this starting eleven could easily kick off that tournament against Croatia in June.
Perhaps only the injured Jordan Pickford and Jordan Henderson would come in, although neither full-back position is nailed down.
Luke Shaw was handed his first England cap since 2018 – indeed he had played only 60 minutes of football in Southgate’s four-and-a-half year reign – and he provided the assist for Kane’s opener.
Southgate went with a flat back four, but with Kalvin Phillips retaining his place as a second holding midfielder alongside Declan Rice, this wasn’t a gung-ho line-up.
Albania, though, are not the whipping boys of decades gone by – they qualified for the Euro 2016 finals, and had won their previous four matches, although they started this campaign with only a 1-0 win Andorra last week.
Harry Kane scored his first England goal since 2019Credit: Getty
Mason Mount now has four goals for his countryCredit: PA
And Southgate’s men were almost caught with their pants down inside 13 minutes when Albania broke from an England corner.
With the Three Lions back-pedalling and out of shape, Myrto Uzuni was given a clear sight of goal, yet shot over.
England were struggling to find any zip in their passing and were frustrated by a solid Albanian defence.
Mason Mount won England a free-kick on the edge of the area but Southgate had left his dead-ball specialists, James Ward-Prowse and Kieran Trippier, out of the team and Kane shot straight into the wall.
It was sloppy, stodgy, unimaginative stuff from England and keeper Nick Pope’s kicking, especially on a bobbly surface, looked like an accident waiting to happen.
And it took 32 minutes to force a save out of keeper Etrit Berisha – this an optimistic long-ranger from Kyle Walker.

But seven minutes before the break, England finally put a decent passiving move together – and they scored.
Raheem Sterling slipped a pass to Mount, who laid back for Shaw who guided in an artful cross for Kane to get ahead of his man and send a stooping header inside the far post.
There was a touch of Alan Shearer about the finish – but Kane really ought to have had a second minutes later.
This time Sterling lashed in a centre from the left and Kane sent a half-volley crashing against the bar from just four yards out.
That would have killed it by half-time and six minutes into the second half, England hit the woodwork again.
Mount released Sterling, who dribbled past his man and laid off for Phil Foden, whose shot was pushed on to the post by Berisha.
Nick Pope still has not conceded a goal for EnglandCredit: AFP
Gareth Southgate’s side face Poland next in qualification on WednesdayCredit: Reuters
There was far greater ambition and a far higher tempo in England’s attacking play now – and from a Foden, Kane snatched at his shot and skied it.
England’s second was a pleasing show of ruthlessness as Sterling seized on a loose defensive pass and fed Kane, who angled a pass for Mount to lift it over Berisha with a velvet-booted finish.
It was Mount’s fourth goal in his last 10 England appearances – yet some still claim his managers over-rate him.
After England had wasted one set-piece too many, Southgate sent on Ward-Prowse for Phillips and the Southampton man soon delivered a cross which Sterling botched and Kane earned a booking as he attempted to gobble up the afters.
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AN ENGLAND fan has not let the coronavirus pandemic prevent him from following Gareth Southgate’s men to Albania. Rob Pomfret posed for a picture in the sunshine outside the Air Albania Stadium just hours before kick-off.
✈️ A flight to North Macedonia and an 8 hour bus to Tirana@RobPomfret finally made it to Albania for the match this evening 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻Have a good one, Rob 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 pic.twitter.com/Yc1xi4HlDF— England Football Fans (@EnglidsAway) March 28, 2021

But he’ll have to enjoy a cold one in a local bar during the contest as no fans are allowed inside the stadium.
The passionate fan jetted to North Macedonia to travel the Balkans before the government imposed £5,000 fines for heading abroad.
He then took an eight-hour bus to Albania’s capital Tirana to cheer on Southgate and Co on behalf of the nation.
Rob celebrated his arrival by posing in an England shirt outside the stadium and uploaded a picture of a pint of lager in a local bar.
His trip has received a mixed reaction with the majority of supporters jealous of his journey.
One wrote: “Ignore the jealousy, enjoy your travels.”
Another added: “Enjoy it mate, ignore the hate you’re getting. Very jealous.”
But others were quick to point out on social media that he should receive a fine.
Look I’m travelling in the Balkans, and I had to opportunity to come to Albania which coincided with the game! I left before the 5k fine etc, just enjoying my travels that is all! Sorry if anyone was offended was just sharing my story and it’s amazing here🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿😃— Rob Pomfret🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 (@RobPomfret) March 28, 2021

After a backlash, he defended his journey by writing: “Look I’m travelling in the Balkans, and I had to opportunity to come to Albania which coincided with the game!
“I left before the 5k fine etc, just enjoying my travels that is all!
“Sorry if anyone was offended was just sharing my story and it’s amazing here.”
The World Cup qualifier was at risk of being postponed over police security fears.

Nearby bars and restaurants around the stadium remained open and police said they couldn’t guarantee security as many of the venues have large window panels and outside tables and chairs.
But it was given the green light despite the Albanian Football Association’s best efforts to have vaccinated supporters inside the stadiums.
The AFA asked the government whether 6,500 fans could attend the contest but it was rejected.
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CHRIS GUNTER celebrated his historic 100th Wales cap in perfect style with a win and clean sheet against Mexico.Kieffer Moore’s 11th minute strike proved the difference on Gunter’s dream night as the Charlton defender became the first Welshman to notch up a ton of appearances.

Chris Gunter marked his historic 100th Wales cap with a win and clean sheet against MexicoCredit: EPA
The friendly victory also boosted the morale of Robert Page’s side ahead of the crunch World Cup qualifier with the Czech Republic on Tuesday.
In fact, the only way Gunter’s special moment could have got better would have been if the fans’ favourite had grabbed his debut international goal!
On the eve of Gunter making history, the 31-year-old received heartfelt messages from his Wales team-mates including Aaron Ramsey and Gareth Bale – as well as Euro 2016 manager Chris Coleman.
Juventus star Ramsey, Gunter’s best mate but back in Italy with a thigh injury, beamed: “You have been brilliant for Wales over the years. We have shared some great memories on the pitch and you deserve it mate. 
“You have been there, through thick and thin, always available and you have finally done it. A centurion.”
Bale, who was on the bench and passed the captain’s armband to cult hero Gunter, added: “Gunts, congratulations on your 100th cap. It’s been a pleasure to play with you since a young age.”
Gunter led Wales out as one of 11 changes from the 3-1 World Cup qualifying defeat to Belgium last Wednesday.
Prior to kick-off, there was a minute’s silence for former Welsh goalkeeper Dai Davies, who passed away last month.
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Moore was the man of the moment as his strike sealed victoryCredit: Rex

Wales weathered a penalty shout inside the opening minute when Hirving Lozano appeared to tumble easily following pressure from Ben Cabango.
The appeals for a spot-kick from the Mexico bench were quickly waved away by Northern Irish referee Ian McNabb.
But Moore got Gunter’s landmark evening off to the perfect start when the Cardiff forward produced a cute finish past Guillermo Ochoa.
The hosts enjoyed a slice of fortune in the build-up as Matthew Smith was offside in the build-up.
There was no VAR in operation to save the Mexicans from falling behind.
And, after Harry Wilson finished off a stunning 17-pass move against the Belgians, the Dragons added another stylish passage of play to unlock the visitors defence.
Rabbi Matondo, Tyler Roberts and Jonny Williams all combined and the latter, playing in an unfamiliar right wing-back role, crossed to find Moore unmarked in the box.
The 6ft 5ins striker was incredibly able to take a touch inside the six-yard box before showing neat footwork to guide the ball beyond Ochoa into the far corner for his fifth Wales goal in 14 games.
Gareth Bale impressed when called off the benchCredit: PA
Wales won the game despite boasting just 24 per cent possessionCredit: Alamy
This may have been a friendly but there was nothing half-hearted about Ben Cabango’s wild challenge on Napoli winger Lozano.
Ref McNabb failed to punish the Swansea centre-back and the game turned feisty for large parts of the first half.
Moore was in the wars during a constant running battle with Mexico defender Edson Alvarez while Lozano was late on goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey.
Hennessey, making his first Wales appearance since he suffered a thigh injury against Bulgaria in October, had the chance to stake his claim in the final friendly run-out before the Euros squad will be named.
Caretaker Page had admitted pre-match the gloves are off in the race to be No1 this summer with Leicester’s Danny Ward in possession of the jersey for the last three competitive matches.
But veteran keeper Hennessey, winning his 95th cap, showed all his experience when he came to the rescue to deny Jesus Gallardo after Williams was exposed defensively.
Mexico were pushing for an equaliser and Jesus Corona fired wide from an acute angle.
It was a night that Gunter will never forgetCredit: AFP
The likes of Rabbi Matondo caused chaos down the flanksCredit: Reuters
Dylan Levitt sliced an effort wide before Luis Rodriguez directed his shot straight at Hennessey.
With tempers threatening to boil over in a committed contest, Page took no risks with Moore ahead of Tuesday’s qualifier with the Czechs and the forward was withdrawn at the break for Hal Robson-Kanu.
Sub Robson-Kanu almost made an instant impact but the West Brom striker failed to connect with Roberts’ cross with Matondo well placed behind him.
Then Hennessey stayed big to keep Wales’ lead intact by stopping Lozano’s close-range effort with his legs.
His decent performance back between the sticks will give the Welsh management food for thought.
The Crystal Palace stopper was the sole survivor from Gunter’s debut against New Zealand in May 2007 at Wrexham’s Racecourse Ground.
And it was fitting the pair combined to make sure Gunter will look back on a memorable double of a Wales triumph and defensive shut-out. 
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