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      England ace Harry Maguire says celebration ‘wasn’t directed at anyone’ as Roy Keane brands Man Utd skipper a ‘disgrace’

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      HARRY MAGUIRE insists his celebration in England’s World Cup qualifier against Albania ‘wasn’t directed’ at anyone.The Manchester United skipper cupped both of his ears after opening the scoring in the Three Lions’ 5-0 win at Wembley on Friday night.
      Harry Maguire bagged England’s opener against AlbaniaCredit: Alamy
      The Manchester United skipper then proceeded to put his hands to his earsCredit: Reuters
      But the defender insists the celebration ‘wasnt directed’ at anyoneCredit: EPA
      Maguire’s gesture appeared to be a message to his vocal critics, but the under-fire centre-back is adamant there was no meaning behind the celebration.
      In his post-match interview, the £80milllion defender said: “No, it wasn’t directed at no one.
      “It was a knee slide, I obviously put my hands on my ears, but no.
      “I’m Manchester United captain, of course I’m going to get criticism when the team isn’t doing well, I fully expect that.
      “But of course it’s not directed at no one.”
      Maguire’s celebration enraged Manchester United legend and ITV pundit Roy Keane.

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      The Irishman fumed: “Puts his hands to his ears like he shutting the critics up.
      “But I think that’s embarrassing.
      “He’s been a disgrace the last couple months for Manchester United.
      “He thinks if he scores there, he’s going to shut his critics up. Embarrassing.”
      Former England hitman Ian Wright said of Maguire’s celebration: “You just don’t need to do it.
      “It’s something I probably would have done.
      Maguire’s celebration enraged Manchester United legend Roy KeaneCredit: ITV
      “He’s got a lot of football to play, so don’t give them the opportunity to say, ‘Right we got to him.’ Just play your game, Harry.”
      England’s annihilation of Albania saw them stretch their lead at the top of Group I to three points and virtually seal their place in next winter’s tournament.
      And Maguire admits the team went into the match with a point to prove following a disappointing draw with Hungary in their last qualifier.
      He said: “I think when you play for England there’s always an edge.
      “There’s that pressure that you’ve got to go and win a football match.
      “We didn’t win the last game, against Hungary, we were disappointed with the performance; we spoke about that, we analysed that.

      “I think if you don’t play with an edge when you play for your country, there’s something wrong.”
      Maguire and his England team-mates will be back in action on Monday evening, taking on rock bottom San Marino.
      The former Leicester City ace will resume club duties next Saturday when United travel to Vicarage Road to take on Watford.

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      Southgate comments on Harry Maguire’s bizarre celebration following England goal More

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      Portugal vs Serbia: Live stream, TV channel, kick-off time and team news for World Cup 2022 qualifier

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      PORTUGAL face a decider at home to Serbia as they look to qualify for the World Cup.Should Cristiano Ronaldo earn a point or more they will secure a plane ticket to Qatar.
      Cristiano Ronaldo was left fuming when the linesman chose not to award him a goal in the last minute away to SerbiaCredit: EPA
      Serbia are unbeaten in this World Cup qualifying campaignCredit: Getty
      But if Serbia win then the Portuguese will be forced into a four-team play-off.
      Ronaldo, in particular, will be keen to get one over the Serbs after a controversial 2-2 draw when the sides met in Belgrade.
      The Portugal captain thought he had netted a last minute winner for his side that night, but the linesman ruled that the ball had not crossed the line and there was no goalline technology to award the goal.
      Furious after receiving a booking for his complaints, Ronaldo threw his captain’s armband onto the turf at full time.
      But in a positive twist, the armband was sold by Serbian firefighters for £54k and the money was donated to six-month old Gavril Djurdjevic to help pay for treatment for spinal muscular atrophy.
      What time does Portugal vs Serbia kick off?

      Portugal take on Serbia on Sunday, November 14.
      The match kicks off at 7.45pm UK time.
      It takes place at the Estadio da Luz, Lisbon.

      What TV channel is Portugal vs Serbia on and can I live stream it?

      Portugal vs Serbia is live on the Sky Sports Red Button.
      Sky Sports subscribers can stream the game live on Sky Go, the Sky Sports website or app.

      Team news
      Bernardo Silva is set to return for Portugal after missing the 0-0 draw in Ireland due to a muscular issue.
      Ruben Dias, Joao Cancelo and Diogo Jota were all left on the bench in Dublin as they were all a booking away from suspension.
      But one man who will be suspended is Pepe, who was sent off against the Irish after following up a deliberate handball by catching Callum Robinson with a flailing arm.
      Serbia boss Dragan Stojkovic will need to decide whether to play in-demand Dusan Vlahovic and record scorer Aleksandar Mitrovic in a front two or leave one of the pair on the bench.
      The likes of Sergej Milinkovic-Savic and Dusan Tadic are almost certain to return to the side after starting on the bench against Qatar.
      Matija Nastasic, Marko Petkovic, Filip Djuricic and Darko Lazovic all miss out through injury.
      Latest odds
      Portugal 4/11
      Draw 15/4
      Serbia 8/1
      *Odds from Betfair correct as of Thursday, November 11 More

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      Moldova 0 Scotland 2: Patterson and Adams seal play-off spot as Tartan Army within sight of first World Cup since 1998

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      SCOTLAND booked their place in the World Cup play-offs – and Steve Clarke immediately set his sights on a seeded spot.Nathan Patterson and Che Adams scored in Moldova to put the Tartan Army within just two games of Qatar 2022.
      Scotland booked their place in the World Cup play-offsCredit: Rex
      But Clarke’s side can improve their chances of a first World Cup finals in 24 years by avoiding defeat to Denmark at Hampden on Monday night.
      And the gaffer said: “It’s an important game for us. We can hopefully secure a seeding for the play-offs, which would be nice.
      “It won’t be a disaster if we don’t get it because we are still going to have to deal with two difficult matches whether you are seeded or not. But we want to finish the campaign on a high.
      “It’s been a good campaign for us but we want to finish on a high in front of a full house at Hampden against a very, very good Denmark team.
      “It’s a measure of a good group of players who want to do well for their country and are desperate to get to another tournament.
      “Back in March we were ten or 12 games away from Qatar. Now we are two games away from Qatar so that is a major improvement.
      “We don’t get over-excited. It’s nice to be in the play-offs and we want to go through them and get to Qatar – that is the aim. The players have been fantastic.”

      Scotland have now won five games on the spin.
      Clarke added: “It was also important to have that momentum when we went to the play-off game against Serbia away.
      “That was our ninth game unbeaten and we are on a similar run.
      “But the Denmark game is particularly important because hopefully if we get one or three points out of the game it should secure a play-off for us which wouldn’t make the play-off easy but it would give us a home game at Hampden in the first one.”
      Rangers star Patterson fired Scotland ahead with his first goal for his country after 38 minutes. Adams then made it 2-0 in 65 minutes.
      There was late drama when Moldova were awarded a penalty after a VAR decision. But Craig Gordon saved the spot-kick.
      Clarke added: “He didn’t really surprise me. Craig is in the form of his life.
      Nathan Patterson opened the scoring against MoldovaCredit: Rex
      Che Adams celebrates his goal against MoldovaCredit: Kenneth Ramsay
      “He had one in the first-half which was a save that Craig would expect to make but it was a good save.
      “Obviously the penalty is something that our goalkeepers seem to have become quite good at recently, saving penalties.
      “The penalty save was important for us because it took out that nervous last ten minutes.
      “I’ve got to mention Kieran Tierney’s recovery to make the tackle on the boy who was just about to tap it in. That was outstanding defending.”
      Eight players are one yellow away from missing the play-off game – skipper Andy Robertson plus Adams, John McGinn, Scott McTominay, Billy Gilmour, Jack Hendry, Kevin Nisbet and Stephen O’Donnell.
      Clarke said: “It’s just one of those things. It’s part and parcel the process of getting there.
      “I thought long and hard about it because we spoke about the possibility of getting some players booked then missing the game against Denmark on Monday.”
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      Watch Harry Kane hit back with a bang as amazing overhead kick seals first-half perfect hat-trick for England vs Albania

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      HARRY KANE sealed an incredible perfect first-half hat-trick for England against Albania with an overhead kick. The Three Lions went into the break 5-0 up thanks to goals from Harry Maguire, Jordan Henderson and Kane.
      harry Kane’s overhead kick against AlbaniaCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun

      England’s skipper headed home his first, smashed the second with his left but saved the best till last.
      Following Phil Foden’s corner, Kane beautifully smashed it past Albanian keeper Thomas Strakosha with an amazing bicycle kick.
      The forward because the first England player score a perfect hat-trick since David Platt in February 1993 against San Marino.
      It was just the boost he needed having suffered a dip in form for Tottenham, scoring just once in his ten Premier League matches this season.

      Kane admitted England’s heroic European Championship campaign, where they were beaten by Italy in the final, and failed move to Manchester City took its toll.
      He said: “You go through the highs and lows of a tournament, coming so close to a dream and it being taken away from you in such a quick moment.
      “And then it was my first summer of transfer speculation, having to deal with those situations.
      “So of course it takes a toll mentally — but I’ve always had good friends and family around me.”
      But Manchester United legend Roy Keane urged the striker to leave it in the past and kick on.
      He said on ITV: “He’s got to liven up. He’s got to liven up. He’s got to look at himself and say, ‘get over these disappointments’.
      “Listen, he plays for Spurs he should be used to disappointment.”
      Young Tottenham fan who ran on pitch to get Harry Kane’s shirt is questioned by police and has top confiscated More

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      Roy Keane says there is ‘something amiss’ with Rashford, Greenwood and Sancho as Man Utd trio miss England duty

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      MANCHESTER UNITED legend Roy Keane believes there is ‘something going wrong’ regarding the club’s England representatives.Mason Greenwood and Jadon Sancho were left out of Gareth Southgate’s latest squad for the World Cup qualifiers against Albania and San Marino.
      Roy Keane has claimed there is ‘something amiss’ with Marcus Rashford, Mason Greenwood and Jadon SanchoCredit: ITV
      Sancho has failed to impress for the Red Devils since joining from Borussia Dortmund in the summerCredit: EPA
      Forward Marcus Rashford was included, but subsequently pulled out due to illness, resulting in Emile Smith Rowe receiving his first call-up.
      Sancho and Greenwood have struggled for form this term, with the latter scoring just one Premier League goal since August.
      Meanwhile £73million summer signing Sancho has failed to provide a goal or an assist from his 13 outings for the Red Devils.
      Discussing the three players on ITV prior to the Three Lions’ clash against Albania, Keane said: “Every case is different, Sancho hasn’t been getting many minutes recently.
      “The issue I suppose with Rashford and Greenwood is that whenever they’re selected it seems to be an issue.
      “I know they’ve had injuries, I understand that, but we know their quality and when Gareth is asked about them he says ‘yeah I spoke to Marcus…’ It seems like a big conversation.

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      “It’s as if there’s something going wrong, there’s something amiss with some of these United lads.”
      He added: “They’re young and hungry but a change of scenery will probably do them the world of good, there’s negativity around United at the moment with the bad results.
      “There’s this idea that they need to save their club and do something about it on the training pitch there.
      “I think for the two young lads to come here, change of scenery and again, get some minutes under your belt.”

      Fellow pundit Jermain Defoe was in agreement with Keane, as he remarked: “Of course, I think it’s a massive compliment to be honest when you’re speaking about some of the players that should be here that could have been starting today.
      “Obviously when I played for England, any opportunity I wanted to come and meet the players, train.
      “There was no guarantee I’d even start the game but I still wanted to meet up and be involved. But like Roy said, there are different situations going on.”
      Cristiano Ronaldo gives young pitch invader his shirt and hug after Man Utd ace misses hatful in Portugal’s Ireland draw More

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      Germany smash Liechtenstein 9-0 with Thomas Muller and Leroy Sane scoring twice each in huge World Cup qualifying rout

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      GERMANY hammered Liechtenstein 9-0 in their World Cup qualifier last night – making it their sixth win in as many games.The Germans achieved the incredible feat with a skeleton squad as five players, including ex-Arsenal star Serge Gnabry, were sidelined due to defender Niklas Sule’s Covid-19 infection.
      Germany weren’t in the mood for niceties as they smashed nine past LiechtensteinCredit: Getty
      But Bayern Munich pair Leroy Sane and Thomas Muller both scored twice in the German’s nine-goal rout to make sure their first-team absentees weren’t missed.
      The German’s win over the European minnows saw them top Group J with 24 points, nine ahead of second-placed North Macedonia.
      Their winning streak also saw boss Hansi Flick notch the best-ever start for a German coach while his predecessor Joachim Low, who received a standing ovation before the game, could only watch in awe from the stands.
      The Germans got the goal-fest started just 11 minutes in with an Ilkay Gundogan penalty after Jens Hofer was sent off for kicking Leon Goretzka in the face.
      Liechtenstein couldn’t wait for the half-time whistle as the Flick’s side ruthlessly went on to score two goals in two minutes, with the help of an own goal from the opposition’s Daniel Kaufmann in the 20th minute.
      Ex-Manchester City star Sane followed up with a strike in the 22nd minute before hitting the net just after the second half commenced.

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      Muller waded in with his first goal in the 76th minute and hit the net again ten minutes later.
      Liechenstein’s misery was complete when Ridle Baku scored in the 80th minute, and then they scored another own goal just before the final whistle was blown.
      If the Germans keep up this rich vein of form, their next opponents Armenia, who they face on Sunday, will be quaking in their boots.
      Before humiliating Liechtenstein, the Germans thumped North Macedonia 4-0 in the World Cup qualifiers, securing their qualification from the group in the process courtesy of a double strike by Chelsea’s Timo Werner.
      But Werner’s struggled to produce the same form for the Blues in the Premier League and reports claim they’re interested in doing a swap with Bayern for his German team-mate Sane.
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      Cristiano Ronaldo gives young pitch invader his shirt and hug after Man Utd ace misses hatful in Portugal’s Ireland draw

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      CRISTIANO RONALDO couldn’t find the back of the net in Portugal’s drab draw with the Republic of Ireland – but he was still a hero after handing a delirious fan his shirt.The Manchester United man was unable to put his club woes aside after missing a host of golden chances to grab a win at the Aviva Stadium.
      This young fan was determined to meet her hero once the 0-0 draw was overCredit: Rex
      Ronaldo takes off his shirt for herCredit: Rex
      He then hands it to teh delighted youngster as security look onCredit: Rex
      And she even got a cuddle for her troubles – or is that a thank you hug?Credit: PA
      The tears of joy appear to flow as she leaves the pitch with her prized possessionCredit: AFP
      He also had to avoid the grasp of another pitch invader who charged towards him for a hug during the game.
      Ronaldo looked shocked as the man ran all the way up to him after evading security.
      But Ronnie wanted no part as the invader reached out, before eventually being dragged away by stadium staff.
      However, one lucky fan did manage to get to Ronaldo at the final whistle, getting a treasured hug as well as the legend’s match shirt.
      The young girl was in tears after forcing her way past security to get up close to her idol.
      He then earned a huge roar from the crowd for stripping off his prized number seven top and handing it to her after a brief cuddle.
      As for the game itself, Portugal held on to a draw by the skin of their teeth, meaning Fernando Santos’ men will now only need a point at home to Serbia this Sunday to top their group.
      Ronaldo, 36, put the visitors in the driving seat early on by breaking free and shimmying beyond three Ireland shirts – but no one was in the box to make the crucial touch.
      Ronaldo dodged another pitch invader in Portugal’s goalless draw with IrelandCredit: Sportsfile
      Security eventually carried the man off on a frustrating night for RonnieCredit: Reuters
      Ronaldo missed numerous chances as Portugal blew their chance to win in DublinCredit: Reuters

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      He then teed up Andre Silva, but the RB Leipzig striker blazed over the bar.
      The hosts hit back strongly with West Brom’s Callum Robinson sending a dipping and curling strike agonisingly wide.
      Manchester United fans were made to sweat when Ronaldo went down in the box after a challenge from Matt Doherty and was left clutching his back – but he carried on.
      Red hot Baggies man Robinson was then involved again down the other end.
      Veteran defender Pepe received a late red cardCredit: AP
      He kept the ball alive after a desperate scramble in the box and pinged an inch-perfect cross into the area, but Chiedozie Ogbene headed inches away from goal.
      After the break, Josh Cullen stung the hands of Rui Patricio with a long-range shot.
      Ronaldo then stood over a trademark free-kick, but smacked it straight into the wall.
      And he had his head in his hands after scuppering a peach of an opportunity to put Portugal ahead after the ball was put on a plate by Silva.
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      The ex-Juventus star got above Jeff Hendrick with a glancing header but luckily for goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu, his effort was a fraction wide.
      Frustrations boiled over for Santos’ side after Pepe was sent off for a second yellow after lightly shoving Robinson in the face on 81 minutes.
      And Portugal’s blushes were spared when Matt Doherty put the ball in the net, but the whistle had already gone after Will Keane impeded Patricio.
      Ronaldo and Portugal prepare for their crucial World Cup qualifiers More

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      How England could line-up against Albania in World Cup qualifier with Emile Smith Rowe making debut under Southgate

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      EMILE SMITH ROWE could make his senior England debut when the Three Lions face Albania at Wembley on Friday night.The Arsenal youngster has enjoyed a sensational start to the season under Mikel Arteta, netting five times in 13 games and impressing with his influential performances.
      How England could line up against Albania on Friday
      Arsenal star Smith Rowe could join Saka as part of England’s front lineCredit: Getty
      Those displays earned him a call-up to the England set-up following the withdrawals of Marcus Rashford and James Ward-Prowse.
      Smith Rowe can play in a couple of different positions, either off the left or through the middle as a No10.
      This means Gareth Southgate could opt to play him in a central role with Phil Foden and Gunners teammate Bukayo Saka providing the width and Harry Kane up front.
      Or he may choose to go with the 21-year-old on the left and Saka on the other side of Kane.
      In midfield, Declan Rice has already pulled out of the squad through injury and that could mean a place for Borussia Dortmund star Jude Bellingham.
      The 18-year-old, widely regarded as one of the most promising players in Europe, has continued his steep rise in Germany this season.

      Another way England could line up at Wembley on Friday night
      He could be joined by Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson, who may be preferred to Leeds man Kalvin Phillips as he has started the season stronger.
      Jordan Pickford is expected to keep his place in between the sticks, but in front of him there are a number of defensive decisions for Southgate to make.
      Luke Shaw was England’s No1 left-back at Euro 2020 but he has suffered a major dip in form at the the start of Manchester United’s 2021-22 campaign.
      By contrast, Chelsea man Ben Chilwell did not feature in a single minute of the Three Lions’ European Championship run despite being included in the final squad.
      Yet he has started the season superbly under Thomas Tuchel, recently even adding goals to his game.
      At centre-back, John Stones is expected to start but Southgate will need to decide whether to stick with the out-of-form Harry Maguire or bring in someone like Tyrone Mings or Conor Coady.
      And at right-back the England boss’ options remain vast, with Reece James, Kyle Walker and Trent Alexander-Arnold all vying for a starting place.
      England face Albania on Friday before concluding their World Cup Qualifying campaign away at San Marino on Monday.
      Southgate’s side need just four points from the two games to guarantee their place in Qatar next year.
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