World Cup qualifiers

JADON SANCHO thrilled England fans with a sensational display against Andorra on Saturday night The winger rediscovered the form he has been lacking with Manchester United – and pulled out a couple of party tricks in the 5-0 win.

Jadon Sancho impressed as England beat Anforra 5-0
The ex-Borussia Dortmund forward set up Ben Chilwell to open the scoring for Gareth Southgate’s men.
After a lovely lofted Phil Foden pass, Sancho chested down and laid the ball into Chilwell’s path to finish.
He then produced a sensational piece of skill before nutmegging Andorran player Rubio Gomez, leaving the defender all ends up.
Sancho then capped off a wonderful evening for the national team with another assist for Tammy Abraham’s goal.
And England supporters were gushing in their praise for the United attacker.
One person said: “He’s starting to get going. Can’t wait to see him on top form in the united side. Absolutely fabulous player.”

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Another added: “I don’t know who needs to hear this but Jadon Sancho is a much better footballer than [Jack] Grealish.”
And one fan announced the England international’s return to form by saying: “Jadon Sancho is back.
“You’re all going to pay for your disrespect. Scary hours.”
Sancho’s stats for the first half against Andorra proved there was substance to the fans’ praise.
As reported by Statman Dave, he had 87 per cent passing accuracy, 50 touches, five attempted dribbles and three successful dribbles.
He also created three chances and laid on one assist, a statistic he would double in the second half when he set up Abraham for England’s third.
Some believe Sancho should be a starter for England despite his poor form for Man UtdCredit: Reuters

This brilliant display comes off the back of a rough start to his Old Trafford career.
Since arriving at the club for £73million, Sancho has failed to record a goal or assist in any of his nine appearance.
Chilwell and Bukayo Saka were on target in the first half before Tammy Abraham, James Ward-Prowse and Jack Grealish scored. More

DAN JAMES is certainly no Czech mate.The Leeds new boy nodded in a late winner when Tomas Soucek and Co were beaten in Cardiff back in May.
Dan James equalised in the 68th minute as Wales took a point away from the huge matchCredit: AP
The draw leaves them level on points with Czech Republic but below them on goal differenceCredit: Reuters
Danny Ward’s calamitous own goal was a horror moment for Wales as they fell behindCredit: EPA
And on Friday night he popped up with another crucial goal in Prague to grab what could be a vital point for Wales’ World Cup qualification hopes.
James may have had to make way for Cristiano Ronaldo at Manchester United in the summer – but he remains a key man for his country.
And nobody was more grateful to him on Friday night than keeper Danny Ward whose second half howler could otherwise have proved costly.
These two were neck and neck in the race for second place in Group E but crucially Wales have a game in hand.
And there is no doubt this draw suits Rob Page’s men more than their opponents.
The Czechs have lost just two of their last 16 home qualifiers – with the last one coming to Germany four years ago.

Aaron Ramsey gave Wales the lead in the 36th minuteCredit: AP
Jakub Pesek equalised as Czech Republic were behind for less than two minutesCredit: AP
So it was a big ask for a team beset by injuries – including one to their skipper and talisman Gareth Bale.
At least they had Aaron Ramsey back – featuring in this qualifying campaign for the first time and taking the armband.  
An eventful night in which the Juventus man scored at both ends began with a yellow card within 30 seconds – for a flailing arm on Filip Novak.
The first big chance of the night went at the other end as star man Patrick Schik – who was sent off when these teams met in Cardiff in March – found himself in space.
He laid the ball off to Jakub Pesek whose low shot was saved smartly by Danny Ward.
But Wales began to take charge with James taking advantage of a mix up and cutting in from the left but blasting his shot over the bar.
A superb ball on the turn from Ramsey opened up the Czechs and suddenly the Dragons were two on one bearing down on goal.
James dallied for slightly too long before releasing Kieffer Moore and he never looked confident as his shot was saved by Tomas Vaclik.
It was a huge chance missed but Wales took heart from it – and they did take the lead soon after the half hour mark.
Neco Williams whipped over a cross from the right which just eluded the head of the on-rushing James – and his marker.  
It reached Ramsey at the back post and he calmly sat Vaclik down before rolling the ball into the far corner.
The former Arsenal man has a habit of scoring big goals for Wales over the years. The two he got in his last qualifier – against Hungary two years ago – clinched a place at Euro 2020.
Ward’s own goal handed Czech Republic the lead in the crucial World Cup qualifierCredit: AP
It looked briefly like he might be Wales man for the big occasion again – but not for long.
Just over a minute later the Czechs got in behind the visitors defence and Novak’s angled shot was pushed out by Ward.
Williams slipped as he tried to turn and Pesek had the simple task of turning home the rebound.
It was a poor goal to concede particularly so soon after taking the lead but overall Page would have been happy with his team’s first half show.
Three minutes after the break though, disaster struck.
Ramsey won the ball back on the edge of his own box and sent a firm back pass towards his keeper Ward.
The Leicester understudy went for it with the outside of his foot and somehow – inexplicably – failed to control it.
He desperately tried to salvage the situation sliding back and kicking it against the inside of the post – but both he and the ball ended up in the back of the net.
It was a horror moment for the former Huddersfield keeper who has played so well since taking over from Wayne Hennessey as Wales number one.
And poor Ramsey was credited with an own goal when he didn’t do much wrong.
Now it was upto Wales to try to get back into it and both Connor Roberts and Harry Wilson were thrown on to give them some fresh impetus.
And it was the Fulham midfielder who teed up the equaliser – sliding a ball through the Czech defence into the path of James.
The Leeds new boy was just onside and coolly lifted his right-footed shot over Vaclik into the corner.
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The spoils were shared as World Cup qualification hangs in the balanceCredit: Reuters
It could have got even better for the Dragons as Wilson again found the pass to put Ramsey in but his shot from a narrow angle hit the legs of the Czech keeper.
Then a cross by Roberts picked out Moore but his downward header was just beyond the reach of Ramsey.
A win would not have flattered the Dragons and would have kept their faint hopes of topping the group alive – but in the circumstances this is a very useful point.
Wales boss Rob Page confirms Gareth Bale is ruled out of squad with ‘significant hamstring tear’ More

TIMO WERNER produced an incredible miss in Germany’s 4-0 win against Iceland on Wednesday.Hansi Flick’s side made light work of their opponents in the World Cup qualifier.
Timo Werner missed an open goal for Germany against Iceland before eventually scoringCredit: Getty
But Werner could have made the scoreline even bigger had he tucked away a chance in the second half.
The Chelsea star found space in the box as the ball was whipped in from the right flank.
Werner was onside as the ball sailed through Iceland’s defenders and oncoming goalkeeper.
And all the striker needed to do was tap it into an empty net.
However, Werner fluffed his lines in magnificent fashion, skying a heavy touch into the top stands from about seven yards.
And fans were quick to have their say on social media.

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One said: “Keeper wasn’t even troubled enough to take a look.”
Another wrote: “Three guarantees in life: Death, taxes and Werner missing open goals.”
One added: “He doesn’t even celebrate his goals any more. Confidence has been shattered.”
It certainly wasn’t an effort to remember from the ex-RB Leipzig forward.
But Werner made up for his miss in the dying moments with Germany’s fourth goal of night.

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It means Werner netted three times in as many games during the international break.
And with Romelu Lukaku nursing a potential thigh injury, Werner could be called into action when Chelsea play Aston Villa at the weekend.
Germany’s other scorers on the night included Blues team-mate Antonio Rudiger, as well as Bayern Munich duo Serge Gnabry and Leroy Sane.
Chelsea fan ‘chased out of stadium’ after abusing Timo Werner and starting blazing row at Stamford Bridge open training More

WALES honoured the late Gary Speed during the 0-0 World Cup qualifier with Estonia.The Red Wall showed their respect to ex-manager Speed with a 60-second applause in the 52nd minute of the Group E clash.
Wales paid tribute to Gary Speed during their 0-0 World Cup qualifier against EstoniaCredit: PA:Press Association
Fans held a 60-second applause in the 52nd minute for their former bossCredit: Getty
Tragic Speed died almost ten years ago in November 2011 when the then Wales boss took his own life at his home on the outskirts of Chester.
The 85-cap Dragons midfielder would have had his 52nd birthday on Wednesday.
Wales fans rose to their feet and sung ‘Speedo’ during the touching applause at the Cardiff City Stadium. 
And his face was shown on the big screens at each end of the ground – the same venue where he took charge of Wales for the final time before his death against Norway.
Earlier, Wales announced the tribute would happen when they tweeted on their official account: “On 52 minutes #TheRedWall will clap in honour of Gary Speed on what would have been his 52nd birthday. 
“Penblwydd Hapus Gary #WALEST #TogetherStronger | #TheRedWall.”

Speed had a stellar career with Leeds, Everton, Newcastle, Bolton and Sheffield United.
Then he was the national manager for almost a year before his passing at the age of just 42.
Unfortunately for Wales, they were unable to beat Estonia on Wednesday.
Gareth Bale and Co were held to a 0-0 draw at home despite dominating possession and peppering the Estonian goal with plenty of shots.
Wales now look unlikely to automatically qualify for Qatar 2022 after falling nine points behind Group E leaders Belgium.
And Robert Page’s men will now be looking to wrap up a play-off spot as quickly as possible.
An emotional Craig Bellamy is nearly in tears after watching Gary Speed tribute More

ENGLAND conceded a last-gasp equaliser to Poland as they ended the international break with a disappointing draw.Captain Harry Kane fired the Three Lions ahead in the second half with an incredible long-range scorcher.
England were held to a 1-1 draw by Poland despite Harry Kane’s stunning goalCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
However, a defensive mix-up in the dying moments allowed Poland to bag a point in Warsaw.
But who was England’s shining light in Wednesday’s World Cup qualifier?
And did anyone have a game to forget?
Here, SunSport’s Jordan Davies delivers his England player ratings…
JORDAN PICKFORD – 7/10
Did well to deny Robert Lewandowski with Poland’s only chance of the first half, reacting well to an attempted lob in the box.
Almost blew it after being charged down in his own box but managed to scramble back – yet could do nothing about the equaliser.

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KYLE WALKER – 5
Sloppy start saw him give away possession on several occasions and looked uneasy on the ball.
Was awarded an assist but merely gave Kane a two-yard pass before his teammate belted from distance, and then got beat just before the leveller in his own box.
JOHN STONES – 7
Was dealing with Lewandowski well before worryingly going down with an injury in the 35th minute, but managed to carry on.
Soldiered through the pain in the second half and looked unflappable at times with ball at feet.
John Stones held his own against Robert LewandowskiCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
HARRY MAGUIRE – 6
Had a relatively comfortable first 45 minutes before he was booked for his involvement in a melee with Kamil Glik right at the end of the half.
Still looked flustered in the second half but managed to compose himself.
LUKE SHAW – 6
One of the few England players looking to attack with some neat overlapping runs down the left, albeit without creating a chance.
Went quiet in the second half as England looked as though they would take a point, but then lost his man at the far post as Poland scored late on.
DECLAN RICE – 7
Apart from a few timely interceptions, spent most of the game tracking back and struggled to put his stamp on the midfield.
But imposed himself defensively later and gave his two centre backs great protection.
Jack Grealish had a few livewire moments on the wingCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
KALVIN PHILLIPS – 6
Unlucky to receive an early yellow card for a nothing challenge and did well to keep his composure for the rest of the half.
Not as influential as he has been in an England shirt on and off the ball and will hope to improve on this performance if he is to cement his place.
MASON MOUNT – 6
A few nice flicks were thwarted by a tenacious Polish defence and was kept quiet in and around the box.
Worked hard off the ball however as Poland pushed for a way into the game and eventually found it.
England kept their team spirit going throughout the 90 minutesCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
JACK GREALISH – 6
Spent most of the first half complaining over rough treatment from the Poles before one mazey run before the break almost sparked a goal.
Found more space as the Poles tired but was missing that golden finish he is so used to producing.
RAHEEM STERLING – 7
Pin-point cross almost provided Kane with the opener after 20 minutes but that was his stand-out of the opening half.
Was more adventurous after the break but was up against a really stubborn Polish defence.

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HARRY KANE – 8
Missed a glorious chance to score in the first half with a wayward header and then ended up dropping deep – frustrated with the lack of service.
But he more than made up with it with a 25-yard screamer in the 72nd minute that he thought would be the winner.
Harry Maguire and Kamil Glik both shown yellow cards after heated row just before half time as England Poland erupts More