England boss Gareth Southgate says Monday’s European Championship qualifier against North Macedonia will be a “step up” from the win over Malta.
Southgate’s men conclude their season with the fixture at Old Trafford, three days after beating Malta 4-0 away to make it three victories from three matches in Group C.
Southgate told a press conference on Sunday regarding North Macedonia: “They should have won the other night against Ukraine, really.
Focus North Macedonia.
— England (@England)
“We know the quality of some of the individual players, they have some players playing at big European clubs. As a team they function well. They knocked Italy out of the last World Cup, and they pushed Portugal close in those games.
“So t…
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag could not provide any positive updates on the injury suffered by Raphael Varane in Saturday s 1-1 draw with Chelsea.
Varane had impressed at Stamford Bridge but was forced off in the second half after overextending himself while trying to cut out a pass to Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
The France international clearly looked distressed as he left the pitch, pulling his jersey up above his eyes as if trying to hide tears.
Any serious injury suffered by Varane at this point would put the defender s World Cup participation in doubt at the very least, and probably rule him out entirely.
Ten Hag acknowledged Varane s initial reaction may have provided an indication of the severity, but it was too early to be sure.
As…
Gus Poyet said Uruguay star Luis Suarez would require extra attention at the FIFA World Cup.
Suarez s Uruguay have been drawn in Group D in Brazil, up against Costa Rica, England and Italy, and Poyet a former Uruguayan international of 26 caps said his countryman would be dangerous.
Even though the English side would be all too aware of Suarez s powers after his stunning season for Liverpool that spawned 31 Premier League goals in 33 games, the Sunderland boss said Uruguay s rivals must focus their attention on the talented forward.
You need to pay extra attention, because he s special, Poyet said.
You need to look after him in a different way because if you leave him one-v-one they don t know if the ball is going to go past them, you look one way, then the ball …
Ian Holloway is furious at claims Blackpool could stay up this season because they will face an under-strength Manchester United side.
Blackpool are 18th and could be safe with a win at Old Trafford on the final day of the season on Sunday although only West Brom have taken a point there so far this season.
It has been suggested Sir Alex Ferguson s side could be punished for fielding a weakened team against Blackpool, considering they have their Champions League final clash with Barcelona six days later.
And Holloway is angry at the suggestion that Ferguson is not bothered about the match against Blackpool and also feels his side have been undermined.
They will be relieved if we lose and get relegated, said Holloway.
Then I am not badgering t…