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Forward was reduced to a pawn on a chessboard of kings and queens as his side crashed out of World Cup after England loss “You’re going home in the morning,” came the chorus from the England supporters after Marcus Rashford fired in an early second-half free‑kick and again, a little bit louder, when Phil Foden doubled their advantage 98 seconds later. It was salt into the wound for the bank of Wales fans at the other end – six‑and-a-bit blocks of the Red Wall – for whom a first World Cup finals in 64 years has turned out to be a rather dispiriting and demoralising experience. Was it really worth the wait? Gareth Bale will no doubt ponder the same question in the coming days. Bale, who appeared to alert medical staff to a hamstring problem with about 10 minutes of the first half to play, was substituted at the break. Three weeks ago, on the day Rob Page announced his squad, the Wales manager conceded that whether Bale could handle three games in quick succession was the million‑dollar

* Invader ran onto the pitch during Portugal v Uruguay * Man carried rainbow flag was intercepted by security A protester holding a rainbow flag and with a shirt saying “Respect For Iranian Women” on the back ran onto the pitch during Monday’s game between Portugal and Uruguay at the World Cup in Qatar. Security staff quickly intervened and moved away the protester, who also had “Save Ukraine” on the front of his shirt. The tournament has been surrounded by controversy over hosts Qatar’s treatment of the LGBT community as well as anti-government demonstrations in Iran. Continue reading...

Cristiano Ronaldo was claiming the goal long after the final whistle and despite all available evidence to the contrary. The superstar without a club was denied, and denied another slice of Portuguese football history too, and may eventually have to accept his country’s serene progress into the last 16 of the World Cup was somewhat more important. Bruno Fernandes scored twice – despite Ronaldo’s protestations that he converted the first goal against Uruguay – to ensure Portugal joined Brazil and France as the only teams with a 100% start in the competition. An eagerly-awaited clash of two talented and tempestuous heavyweights did not meet expectations but the repercussions could prove monumental for Uruguay. The South Americans must beat Ghana on Friday and hope Portugal do them a favour against South Korea to avoid an ignominious early exit. Ghana have waited 12 years for a chance to avenge their infamous defeat by the hand of Luis Suárez at the 2010 World Cup. How they would love to

* ‘Croatia showed who effed who,’ says forward Andrej Kramaric * Zlatko Dalic unhappy with counterpart over lack of handshake Having beaten Canada 4-1 the Croatia coach, Zlatko Dalic, and the forward, Andrej Kramaric, made it clear that they were unimpressed by John Herdman’s comments before the game and the fact he walked off without shaking the hand of his opposite number. After Canada’s first game at the 2022 World Cup, an unfortunate 1-0 defeat against Belgium, an emotional Herdman said of his team in a TV interview: “I told them they belong here. And we’re going to go and ‘eff’ Croatia.” Continue reading...

* England manager says playing captain was no gamble or risk * Kane experienced ‘tiny bit of discomfort when striking the ball’ Gareth Southgate has admitted that Harry Kane felt some discomfort in his right foot during England’s 0-0 draw against the USA, although the head coach has stressed he did not gamble on his captain’s fitness by starting him. Kane has a long history of ankle problems and he faced an anxious wait after being caught by a bad foul by Morteza Pouraliganji during England’s 6-2 win over Iran last Monday. The striker was given the all clear after going for a scan and took part in full training before starting on Friday night. Continue reading...

England were forced to battle for a point in their World Cup Group B fixture against the USA. Fans from both countries appeared reasonably happy to share the spoils, with England needing to avoid a heavy defeat to Wales and USA needing to beat Iran in the final game to reach the knockout stages. * England 0-0 USA: player ratings from the World Cup Group B game * Edgy England on verge of World Cup last 16 after fortunate draw with USA Continue reading...

It was a night when England succeeded in doing one thing: dousing the expectations that had built so suddenly after the thrashing of Iran in their opening World Cup tie. The stalemate means they will almost certainly qualify for the last 16 – only a heavy defeat against Wales next Tuesday would derail them – but there was precious little else to quicken the pulse. England were flat, moving the ball backwards and sideways too often. They could not get around the blue shirts of the United States, failing to stretch them and it very quickly turned into a slog, marked by a lack of imagination. Continue reading...

When the US meet England on Friday night, they will effectively be facing one of the reasons for the sport’s rising profile back home USA captain Tyler Adams was a 13-year-old New York Red Bulls academy prospect in 2012 when NBC became the exclusive US media rights-holder for the Premier League in a deal that has since been credited with propelling soccer to new heights of popularity in the United States. Until then, nearly all English league matches were carried on Fox Soccer, a pay channel buried deep down the cable listings, inevitably limiting the sport’s mainstream exposure. NBC’s deal for both the English- and Spanish-language media rights to all 380 Premier League fixtures – for a then-bargain fee of $250m over three years that has since been renewed for $2.7bn over the next six – established soccer in the American sports firmament like never before by making matches available on both free-to-air television and NBC’s family of cable networks. Continue reading...

* Sports minister talks of strong interest in English clubs * Saudi Arabia may also place a bid to host a future World Cup Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Faisal, Saudi Arabia’s sports minister, has said his government would definitely support any private sector bids from the country for Manchester United or Liverpool. While the Saudi Public Investment Fund backed the purchase of Newcastle United last winter, Prince Abdulaziz said private businesses in his country have a strong interest in English football’s most successful clubs, with both instructing banks regarding potential investment or sale. Continue reading...

* England captain had scan on ankle after being hurt against Iran * Jordan Pickford reveals Kane trained on Wednesday England are optimistic that Harry Kane will be available for the game against the USA on Friday night after he took part in training on Wednesday. The captain sparked alarm when he had a scan on his right ankle after hurting it during the 6-2 win against Iran on Monday. Kane was caught by a bad tackle from Morteza Pouraliganji in the 48th minute, although he did play on until the 75th minute. There is now a confidence within the camp that, despite the precautionary scan, Kane will be able to play. Continue reading...

* Captain was substituted during win over Iran * Wilson and Rashford are possible replacements England face an anxious wait on Harry Kane’s fitness after deciding that the striker needs a scan on an ankle before their game against the USA on Friday. Kane received treatment on his right ankle after being caught by a heavy tackle from Morteza Pouraliganji in the 48th minute of England’s 6-2 victory against Iran on Monday. The 29-year-old forward, who has a long history of ankle issues, managed to last until the 75th minute before being replaced by Callum Wilson and Gareth Southgate said his captain appeared to be fine after the game. Continue reading...

Max Rushden is joined by Barry Glendenning, Nedum Onuoha and John Brewin as England beat Iran 6-2 in their opening game and Wales nab a late equaliser against USA Rate, review, share on Apple Podcasts, Soundcloud, Audioboom, Mixcloud, Acast and Stitcher, and join the conversation on Facebook, Twitter and email. Today; Barney Ronay joins from England vs Iran as Gareth Southgate fields an attacking side that put six goals past an underwhelming Iran. Continue reading...

Fifa’s leader revealed himself in all his marzipan ooze, shifting shape but oddly lost and angry ahead of this reeling World Cup An hour into his own pin-drop monologue, delivered from the stage of the vast, tiered amphitheatre of Doha’s main media centre, Gianni Infantino rose unexpectedly in his seat and spread his arms in crucifixion pose, wrists cocked, head tilted tenderly to one side. “You can crucify me. I’m here for that. Don’t criticise anyone. Don’t criticise Qatar.” And in that moment it became clear what we were watching. Here he is: Football Jesus. Behold for He walks among us. Does Football Jesus not bleed for you? Does He not accept medals from Vladimir Putin on your behalf? Like Actual Jesus, is He not (not literally) struck down (not actually struck down) by the stones (not real stones) of the unjust, the heretical, the human rights charities? Continue reading...

* Fan Leader Network money removed as people prepare to travel * Message blames ‘erroneous misinformed statements’ in media Fans who have travelled to Qatar as part of a controversial paid-for supporters programme have been told by Qatari authorities that their cash has been cut. The Fan Leader Network is a scheme run by the Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy, the Qatari agency responsible for the World Cup. It has recruited supporters from around the globe, offering travel and accommodation and a place at the World Cup opening ceremony in return for enthusiasm and positive social media content. But the Guardian can reveal that a per diem payment for food and drink, upon which some supporters were depending, was cancelled just as fans were packing to travel to the Gulf. Continue reading...

* Chelsea manager had to step back from work after hysterectomy * ‘Half a million women are on waiting lists for a prolonged period’ Emma Hayes has criticised the fact that women face a long wait for gynaecology appointments in the UK and the “political choice not to invest in women’s health”, before her return to the touchline for Chelsea’s sold-out game against Tottenham at Stamford Bridge on Sunday. On 14 October, Chelsea announced that Hayes would be stepping back from work because of an emergency hysterectomy due to endometriosis. She said on Friday it would probably “take through the rest of this year to return to normality” and criticised the level of government investment in women’s health. Continue reading...

Twenty-one supporters have given us the lowdown on their teams, standout players and the mood at home We should get out of the group – then it’s either the mighty France or the excellent Denmark, and all bets are off because we do not know how we measure up against strong European teams. That’s the cold reality. If we can pass that hurdle, we could go to the final. Continue reading...

French President Emmanuel Macron has said that sport should not be politicised and feels that concerns regarding both the environment and Qatar’s human rights record should have been raised prior the award of the World Cup in 2010. The tournament has sparked multiple controversies, including the living conditions of migrant workers and the wellbeing of LGBTQ+ fans * World Cup 2022 coverage * Qatar 2022 is actually happening: a horrifying but irresistible prospect Continue reading...

* Club confirms plans to build 25,000-seat stadium in Queens * Team had played most home games at Yankee Stadium New York City FC will finally have a permanent home after the club announced plans for a 25,000-capacity venue in the Willets Point neighborhood in Queens. The club announced the partnership with New York City mayor Eric Adams and the Queens Development Group at a press conference on Wednesday. The project will be privately funded and will also include 2,500 units of affordable housing, a hotel and retail space. Continue reading...

It’s now or never for Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi and a host of players who are hitting their late 30s By Ben McAleer for WhoScored All is not well for Ronaldo at Manchester United after his scolding assessment of the club and its manager, yet he has the chance to write his name into the history books for Portugal in Qatar over the next month. He has won the European Championship, the Nations League and become the top scorer in men’s international football with 117 goals in 191 appearances for Portugal, but he has never played in a World Cup final. At 37 years of age, Ronaldo knows this is likely his final chance at World Cup glory and he will be determined to go out on a high. With his United career likely over, and his legacy at Old Trafford tarnished, his focus is now on firing Portugal to the first World Cup in their history, cementing his spot among the best footballers of all time. Continue reading...

The Guardian's Manchester football correspondent, Jamie Jackson, gives his opinion on Cristiano Ronaldo's comments after clips from his interview with Piers Morgan were released. In the interview, Ronaldo claimed the Manchester United coach, Erik ten Hag, and unnamed executives are eager to force him out of the club. The Portuguese forward went on to attack the structure of the club, claiming United have not progressed since Sir Alex Ferguson retired in 2013. Jackson considers how justified Ronaldo's claims of 'disrespect' are after walking out of two games this season, and whether there is any way back for Ronaldo at Old Trafford * ‘I felt betrayed’: Ronaldo aims broadside at Ten Hag and Manchester United Continue reading...

The Brazil legend on his teammate’s harrowing episode in 1998, the glory four years later – and his expectations for this World Cup Roberto Carlos did not have time to think, only to react instinctively, to do what needed to be done, what anybody would have done. As such, he does not want to be considered a hero. But that is not how Ronaldo saw it, how he continues to see it, even after all these years. “Roberto saved my life that day,” Ronaldo says, and he is talking about what happened on the afternoon of the 1998 World Cup final, which has gone down as one of the great dramas in the tournament’s history, one of its great mysteries, too. Continue reading...

* ‘Toney’s exceptional … and better team won,’ says Guardiola * Victory biggest in Brentford’s history, suggests Thomas Frank Pep Guardiola admitted Manchester City failed to control Ivan Toney, whose two goals gave Brentford victory over the champions less than 48 hours after he missed the cut for Gareth Southgate’s England World Cup squad. City’s reverse was a first in the Premier League at home since February, ending a 20-match run, and leaves Guardiola’s side in second place on 32 points before the break for Qatar. Continue reading...

Lionel Messi leading Argentina to glory would be a moment of sporting beauty but still a sportswashing win for Qatar Buenos Aires has a new Diego Maradona mural for the World Cup. It looks great, although the vast, Stalinist-scale Diego head selected by the artist is not the obvious version from 1986, when the quality of the light, the white noise in the stadiums and the way Maradona moved were basically all one perfect golden sun-drenched substance. Instead Buenos Aires has gone for the Italia 90 version, with the insolent stare and the deep blue kit, hair trimmed into an idealised barbershop photo-style low bouffant. Maradona still managed to lead Argentina to the final in Italy and to produce that otherworldly artist-as-pickpocket pass to Claudio Caniggia against Brazil. Continue reading...

Sign up now! Sign up now! Sign up now? Sign up now! All the waiting and speculation is over. Gareth Southgate held a press conference on Thursday afternoon, and now we know the names of the 26 lucky young men in with a chance of being scapegoated in the press, lampooned on television, ridiculed on podcasts, and abused on various social media disgraces when England get knocked out in the last 16 of the 2022 Human Rights World Cup. It’s an appalling ecosystem when you think about it. Unconscionable. The Fiver doesn’t know how much longer it can countenance being a part of it. Oh but for how much longer?!? Only time will tell. Continue reading...

There will be few sleepless nights at Arsenal over this result and, as their fans were keen to point out, first place in the Premier League is a bigger attraction than Carabao Cup progress. But Mikel Arteta will still be frustrated by defeat to an alert, bold Brighton team who responded superbly to going behind and have a bright future if a young side’s performance is any measure. Kaoru Mitoma completed the turnaround after Danny Welbeck’s penalty had cancelled out an Eddie Nketiah finish, and Tariq Lamptey added some gloss. It meant Arsenal’s 12-match winning run at the Emirates, Brighton coincidentally the previous opponents to win here, came to an end. Continue reading...

A few dozen people have protested in front of the Fifa Museum in Zurich, to press for the rights of the LGBTQ+ community before the World Cup hosted by Qatar. The 'All Out' group that organised the protest said: 'it’s time for Fifa to stop making excuses, to stop the hypocrisy, to take responsibility and to put human rights above greed'.  All Out wants Fifa to pressure the Gulf state to decriminalise same-sex relations and to protect the LGBTQ+ community during the tournament, adding Fifa had not publicly committed to concrete steps that would ensure the safety of LGBTQ+ football fans, gay players or the local LGBTQ+ community.  A spokesperson for the world football governing body responded, saying,  'Fifa is confident that all necessary measures will be in place for LGBTQ+ fans and allies to enjoy the tournament in a welcoming and safe environment, just as for everyone else'. Continue reading...

With four sendings-off, a comical own goal and a belting late equaliser from Nemanja Gudelj, the game lived up to its billing “Well, this is a derby,” Real Betis’s Edgar González was saying, but it was hard not to be drawn to the pitch behind him where opponent Nemanja Gudelj was pacing about shaking his head. At the final whistle, the Sevilla defender had covered his face with his hands and just stood doubled over, elbows on knees. Ivan Rakitic approached and they went through it once more, although it was a wonder they could hear anything. Next was Jesús Navas, the pair picking over the moment a vital victory slipped away. Now, waiting near the touchline for his turn to talk, they were going to ask Gudelj to relive it all over again on camera. He bit his lip, smiled and said: “I’m a bit angry with myself. I should have hit it better.” Better?! The 138th Seville derby had finished 1-1 and Gudelj, son of a footballer and a basketball player, brother of a footballer and a tennis playe

Chelsea will continue to look vulnerable until the new manager solves their deep-seated issues and his ideas have taken root Thiago Silva paused with the ball on the halfway line. Alongside him, his teammates were pointing and shouting at him to do something with it. Up in the stands, the various strands of encouraging advice being proffered by Chelsea fans had essentially congealed into a single unintelligible noise – something like “faacckkinggettrrrrid”, if we were going to try and transcribe it. And so it was that in the final minute of injury time, with Chelsea rousing themselves in search of a late equaliser, their chosen tactic was to pump a high ball up to the 5ft 7in Raheem Sterling. As it happened, Sterling was offside, and soon after that Michael Oliver brought proceedings to a merciful close. And strictly speaking Chelsea lost this game not in the fumblings of stoppage time but in the inept and inchoate hour and a half that preceded it. Still, as an emblem of their defici

Celtic substitutes Kyogo Furuhashi and Liel Abada scored in a dramatic finale to earn the Premiership champions a 4-2 victory over Dundee United. United looked like they might earn themselves a point when they equalised with three minutes left as Dylan Levitt’s cross ended up in the net. Tony Watt possibly got a slight touch after attempting to glance a header. Continue reading...

The penultimate round of games before the World Cup break conjures leaders Arsenal against Chelsea and Spurs v Liverpool Saturday 3pm Venue Elland Road Last season n/a Continue reading...

* Euros Golden Boot winner makes stand against anti-gay laws * Mead is in relationship with Arsenal teammate Miedema The England forward Beth Mead said on Thursday she would not show her support for this year’s men’s World Cup in Qatar, where homosexuality is illegal. Mead, who is in a relationship with her Arsenal teammate Vivianne Miedema, told BBC Radio 4 the ban on homosexuality in Qatar was “the complete opposite to what I believe and respect”. Continue reading...

* Radford scored spectacular goal on Edgar Street quagmire * ‘He has kept Hereford on the football map since 1972’ Ronnie Radford, whose thunderous strike for Hereford United in the quagmire of Edgar Street against Newcastle remains one of the greatest FA Cup moments, has died aged 79. Television footage of Radford’s equaliser in the 2-1 third-round win against the first division side in February 1972 has become one of the venerable competition’s most treasured and repeated scenes. Continue reading...