Updated at\u00a005.13 EDT<\/p>\n
Key events<\/p>\n
Merch news from Matt Hughes.<\/p>\n
double quotation markFrom the beginning, what drew me to On was the opportunity to build something entirely new together that will help shape tomorrow\u2019s game,\u201d said the France captain. \u201cI want to bring my experience and perspective into what we create, push what\u2019s possible through innovation, and always stay true to the joy of football. We have a shared dream, and this is only the beginning.<\/p>\n
Share<\/a><\/p>\n Jacob Steinberg on the England<\/a> squad announcement for that international break four-timer.<\/p>\n double quotation markHauling Trent Alexander-Arnold<\/a> out of cold storage is an intriguing if slightly perplexing move. Why now? Does Tuchel actually trust the Real Madrid defender? Would Alexander-Arnold, who had not been selected since June 2025, be here if Spence, James or even Ben White were fit? The former Liverpool right-back has been in fitful form for Jos\u00e9 Mourinho\u2019s Madrid and has never established himself with England. For Alexander-Arnold the challenge is to make sure he remains in the picture in November. Tuchel, who does not intend to use the 27-year-old as a midfielder, told the newcomers that earning a call-up had to be followed by performing in an England shirt.<\/p>\n Share<\/a>United to refuse to de-register JJ Gabriel<\/p>\n JJ Gabriel latest: the Press Association understands Manchester United will not accept Gabriel\u2019s request to be de-registered and have sought to persuade the youngster to stay, but there remains a risk that the 15-year-old could use a Fifa loophole to walk away when he turns 16 on October 6.<\/p>\n Gabriel would not be allowed to join another Premier League<\/a> club if United do not cancel his registration, which runs until the summer, but as he qualifies for an EU passport via his Irish lineage there is a precedent that would allow him to sign for a European club after his birthday at the start of next month.<\/p>\n On Friday, there were reports Gabriel had arrived in Barcelona, having also been linked with Real Madrid, Paris St Germain and Bayern Munich.<\/p>\n Michael Carrick was asked: \u201cI think he\u2019s a young boy, JJ, and I think it\u2019s important that we certainly don\u2019t play anything out here. I think the exposure and the scrutiny and everything, you\u2019ve got to be careful and be sensible and think of him as much as anything, so the situation will work itself out, whatever way it\u2019s going to work itself out. Making sure he\u2019s okay is the important thing.\u201d<\/p>\n Share<\/a><\/p>\n There\u2019s been a Ukrainian response to Russia\u2019s admission to the U-15 World Cup.<\/p>\n Matvii Bidnyi, Ukraine\u2019s minister of youth and sports said it \u201clegitimised a terrorist state\u201d.<\/p>\n Bidnyi said, per the Press Association: \u201cThe international sports community must maintain unity and principled consistency, ruling out any concessions to the aggressor state.<\/p>\n \u201cThe Fifa football festival in Azerbaijan featuring the Russian under-15 national team with official national symbols \u2013 is nothing less than the legitimisation of a terrorist state, even if framed as an unofficial festival format. It is a direct attempt to provide Russians with a platform to display state symbols and spread Russian propaganda.<\/p>\n \u201cWhile Russian youth are admitted to international football festivals, the aggressor state continues to commit crimes against Ukrainian children. According to Bring Kids Back UA, more than 20,000 cases of deportation and forced displacement of Ukrainian children by Russia have been verified, which underpins the ongoing International Criminal Court arrest warrant for Vladimir Putin. What \u2018equal opportunities\u2019 can we talk about when Russia has deprived our children of a normal childhood?<\/p>\n \u201cWe express our gratitude to Iceland and Germany for refusing to participate in this festival. We call on other national associations to join this decision and make a clear stand. FIFA\u2019s 2022 decision to suspend Russia from international competitions must remain inviolable across all levels \u2013 without any loopholes for unofficial tournaments.\u201d<\/p>\n Share<\/a><\/p>\n New Fifa developments via the Associated Press:<\/p>\n double quotation markFifa\u2019s member federations should each get an extra $10 million from its swelling cash reserves after a successful World Cup, the soccer body\u2019s vice presidents from Europe and North America said in a letter Friday to its president Gianni Infantino as they step up efforts to oust him for trying to sell stakes in the tournament to private investors.<\/p>\n The letter says Fifa should have cash reserves of $6 billion after the World Cup and can afford such a \u201cone-off release\u201d \u2014 which would total $2.1 billion to the 211 federations \u2014 Uefa\u2019s president Aleksander Ceferin and Concacaf\u2019s leader Victor Montagliani tell Infantino in a letter seen by AP.<\/p>\n Share<\/a><\/p>\n Carrick\u2019s midweek conqueror, Fabian Hurzeler, has been speaking about Brighton\u2019s form: \u201cThe players are in a good mood. They have a lot of confidence.<\/p>\n \u201cThey have a lot of belief in themselves. They build connections, especially when you have these long away trips. We really try to make them connect through games, through conversations, through discussions they have, and I think that\u2019s crucial that we can use this time very effectively because on the pitch in the end it will come back to these things \u2013 how strong are the relations, can they trust each other, can they rely on each other? So yes, it\u2019s positive.\u201d<\/p>\n Share<\/a><\/p>\n Updated at\u00a011.21 EDT<\/p>\n Carrick: ‘Ridiculous’ to question his future<\/p>\n More Carrick on his future: \u201cIn terms of the future and ownership and how long I\u2019ve got, it\u2019s totally nothing. Thinking about it is ridiculous in the position I\u2019m in. It\u2019s just not on the radar. \u200cWe\u2019ve got to perform and we\u2019ve got a lot of games to plan for.\u201c<\/p>\n Share<\/a><\/p>\n Michael Carrick shared some thoughts on his Manchester United future being questioned \u2013 already.<\/p>\n \u201cHistory tells you that any team that\u2019s successful goes through periods when you have to work through it, come through it and improve. We\u2019ve had a small period, in recent time, when it hasn\u2019t been exactly what we want it to be.<\/p>\n \u201cI was expecting a point when we would go through it, it was going to come. We had such a good spell last season, going into this season.<\/p>\n \u201cIt is a week or two, the games haven\u2019t gone our way. It\u2019s tiny margins in some of those games. We will work through it. Winning games is always the answer, it can cover up a lot of things at times as well. Sometimes it\u2019s the small disappointments that lead to something a bit bigger. It\u2019s part of coping and being at this great football club.\u201d<\/p>\n Share<\/a><\/p>\n On the England<\/a> squad, Martin Jachnik gets in touch: \u201cAdam Wharton, need I say more?\u201d<\/p>\n His continuing omission remains a mystery. Similar goes for Morgan Gibbs-White.<\/p>\n Share<\/a><\/p>\n Get your team news for the weekend\u2019s Premier League<\/a> fixtures here.<\/p>\n Share<\/a><\/p>\n There are reports that JJ Gabriel, Manchester United\u2019s enfant terrible, is in Barcelona for talks. Confirmation needed but that looks the end of his time in Manchester.<\/p>\n Share<\/a><\/p>\n Leeds have had a fine start to the season, though Daniel Farke, who a year ago was under pressure, is keeping feet on the ground. \u201c\u201cIt\u2019s not a coincidence anymore. It\u2019s not just a good period, it\u2019s quality what we are delivering and everyone can be proud of this and take lots of confidence.<\/p>\n \u201cBut, in this league nothing is guaranteed. The momentum can change very quickly. If we think we can be big time, it is the first step to failure. We won\u2019t be succesful at all. The table at the moment is not important. What is important is we are on eight points – this is quite good. But not good enough to achieve what we want to achieve.<\/p>\n Share<\/a><\/p>\n This was an unfortunate misjudgement from those at Oxford. Imagine the panic when the mistake came to light.<\/p>\n Share<\/a><\/p>\n This game will be broadcast on ITV, terrestrial TV in the UK, on Saturday. What could possibly go wrong?<\/p>\n double quotation markThere is nothing to glorify here. This will be the 100th competitive meeting, if discontinued, minor tournaments are included, and anyone failing to see the logic behind the rivalry can be forgiven. The sides are not on each other\u2019s doorstep and Millwall are south of the Thames, meaning Crystal Palace and Charlton are more obvious enemies. Yet it is not really about football. The tribalism runs deep, dating back to when the clubs were formed by rival shipbuilding firms at docks on the Isle of Dogs in east London, and is more down to hooligan elements than anything that happens on the pitch.<\/p>\n Share<\/a><\/p>\n Roberto De Zerbi will be glad to hear he has the backing of Unai Emery, whose Aston Villa team play Tottenham on Sunday. \u201cDe Zerbi is a fantastic manager. He played fantastic football here and performed fantastic here in Brighton. He did a fantastic job before as well in Italy and Marseille. They are getting better. They compete fantastic, even losing against Liverpool.<\/p>\n \u201cFacing them is a difficult match. Of course, being very demanding defensively for us. Tottenham, I expect them to be in the top four.\u201d<\/p>\n Right, that\u2019s alright then.<\/p>\n Share<\/a><\/p>\n First, David Moyes on Jarrad Branthwaite\u2019s deserved callup to the England<\/a> squad. Scored a fine goal at Bournemouth the other week. \u201cI\u2019m really pleased for anybody who gets selected for their country. Jarrad even more so because of the injuries that he\u2019s had but I was hearing that he\u2019s only got one England cap and it was only 25 or 27 minutes or something. I hope he doesn\u2019t play four games that\u2019s for sure.\u201d<\/p>\n Share<\/a><\/p>\n John Brewin<\/p>\n Good afternoon, football.<\/p>\n Share<\/a><\/p>\n We\u2019ve still got a good number of Premier League<\/a> press conferences to come this afternoon. As well as Arbeloa, Daniel Farke, Pierre Sage and others have been facing the media glare in the past hour or so.<\/p>\n And here to guide you through it all is the venerable Mr John Brewin.<\/p>\n Share<\/a><\/p>\n Fulham head coach Alvaro Arbeloa has been asked about Michael Carrick being under pressure ahead of his side\u2019s clash with Manchester United.<\/p>\n double quotation markEvery Premier League manager is under pressure, it\u2019s the same for every manager. It\u2019s not because what comes from outside it\u2019s because you have to be really demanding from yourself.<\/p>\n All the managers, we want to win every weekend and for sure when you are a coach of a big team you are always under pressure, but it\u2019s the same for me because I need to win games.<\/p>\n Share<\/a><\/p>\n Carrick hit back at journalists today by claiming the suggestion his job was under threat was \u201cridiculous\u201d.<\/p>\n On United\u2019s indifferent start to the season, he said: \u201cIt\u2019s not a catastrophe, it\u2019s not a disaster, it\u2019s not the end of the world.\u201d He said he \u201cexpected\u201d there would be a spell when results became patchy, after guiding United to 12 wins in 17 games during the second half of last season.<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019ve got to put things in perspective. We\u2019re not in a place where we have gone on an awful long run of horrific results.\u201d<\/p>\n Michael Carrick and Manchester United have endured a difficult start to the season. Photograph: Martin Rickett\/PAShare<\/a>Shaw and Baleba could feature for Man Utd against Fulham<\/p>\n Michael Carrick has revealed Luke Shaw could return from injury to play for Manchester United in their game at Fulham on Sunday, while summer signing Carlos Baleba could make his club debut.<\/p>\n Both players have been managing slight fitness issues in recent weeks, with Shaw missing the Manchester derby and the defeat to Brighton. Baleba was a \u00a365m arrival<\/a> from the Seagulls towards the end of the summer window.<\/p>\n Carrick said \u201cthere is a chance\u201d both players play some part against Fulham. \u201cNot totally 100% but there is a chance,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n \u201cIt is really short-term to be honest but it is just working towards the game so we will see how he is coming up to the weekend.\u201d<\/p>\n United otherwise have a clean bill of health going into the visit to Craven Cottage, which is being dubbed a must-win for the under-fire Carrick.<\/p>\n Share<\/a><\/p>\n Updated at\u00a009.40 EDT<\/p>\n Oxford United apologise for ‘United 93’ clothing<\/p>\n Oxford United have abandoned a new range of American style-sportswear after it inadvertently referenced the tragedy of September 11.<\/p>\n The League One club launched its new \u2018Campus Collection\u2019 on Friday morning and had removed it from sale by lunchtime, after clothing designs were revealed to bear the slogan \u2018United 93\u2019. The U\u2019s immediately published an apology that admitted to a lack of understanding of \u201cthe historical context and associations\u201d related to the branding and made \u201csincere apologies for this error and any offence caused.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cInspired by the style and culture of American sports\u201d, the Campus Collection was originally trailed for launch by the club on 11 September of this year, the 25th anniversary of the atrocity that killed nearly 3,000 people. Concerns over sensitivity saw the launch then delayed, but when the online collection was finally made available for sale on Friday, images showed models wearing an NFL-style shirt with \u2018United 93\u2019 on the chest, in recognition of Oxford being founded in 1893.<\/p>\n United 93 was one of four domestic passenger jets<\/a> seized by al-Qaida terrorists on 11 September 2001. A mutiny by passengers prevented hijackers from using the plane to destroy a government building in Washington DC, and it ultimately crashed into a field, killing all 44 people on board. A film titled \u2018United 93\u2019 was also made<\/a> about the tragedy.<\/p>\n Read more from Paul MacInnes below.<\/p>\n Share<\/a><\/p>\n Updated at\u00a010.48 EDT<\/p>\n We\u2019ve had loads of emails today about the England<\/a> squad and Thomas Tuchel\u2019s position and future in charge of the national team.<\/p>\n Rick Parfett is the latest to weigh in on fan feeling towards the German after the World Cup semi-final exit:<\/p>\n double quotation markThe atmosphere of blame and anger around Tuchel feels reflective of wider societal dynamics \u2013 a conversation lacking in nuance, an inability to appreciate positive aspects, and a reflexive default to anger and frustration. The causes are complex, among others: stagnating living standards, social media financially rewarding outrage, and newspapers constantly needing a story.<\/p>\n But it doesn\u2019t feel reflective of reality and it\u2019s deeply tiresome to see it take over our national psyche. Tuchel brought clarity to his selections \u2013 no more crowbarring three number 10s into the team alongside Kane \u2013 and some really joyful moments. One mistake shouldn\u2019t be allowed to erase that, in my opinion.<\/p>\n I think that\u2019s a very measured email, Rick, with some good points. In my view, however, Tuchel should be not be completely absolved of blame for his in-game management of the Argentina game, especially late on.<\/p>\n Share<\/a><\/p>\n Iraola has also backed Bradley Barcola to come good sooner rather than later, with all the pressure on the \u00a3125m signing to produce for Liverpool this season.<\/p>\n He added: \u201cWith Bradley, the more time he plays, the better he will become. He\u2019s come in straight away, without pre-season minutes, but in a good shape. Like all the signings coming from other leagues, he will need some time to adjust to the Premier League<\/a>. But he\u2019s very used to playing high-level games and I see him in a good place, yes.\u201d<\/p>\n Share<\/a><\/p>\n Andoni Iraola is speaking to the press now. The Liverpool boss returns to his old stomping ground of Bournemouth on Sunday, and was particularly pleased to see Alex Scott, his former player, as well as Liverpool youngster Rio Ngumoha named in the England<\/a> squad this morning.<\/p>\n \u201cVery happy for both [players],\u201d he said. \u201cThey both absolutely deserve it. They also went to help the national team before the tournament and I\u2019m sure they did a good job. I can only speak well about both. Very deserved, very ready. And I hope they both enjoy it.\u201d<\/p>\n Share<\/a><\/p>\n Surely De Zerbi can get some kind of tune from Spurs\u2019s attacking players. When Kulusevski comes back, and assuming all can stay fit, these will be the forward-thinking players at his disposal:<\/p>\n Dejan Kulusevski<\/p>\n James Maddison<\/p>\n Savio<\/p>\n Omar Marmoush<\/p>\n Mathys Tel<\/p>\n Mohammed Kudus<\/p>\n Xavi Simons<\/p>\n Dominic Solanke<\/p>\n Wilson Odobert<\/p>\n Mykhailo Mudryk<\/p>\n That\u2019s not including Matheus Fernandes, who is classed as more of a midfielder, or Richarlison, who has been left out of Tottenham\u2019s Premier League<\/a> squad altogether this season. It\u2019s still 10 players for a maximum of four positions. Is it simply a case of having too many options and not knowing your best attack?<\/p>\n The Mudryk and Savio signings in the summer were particularly puzzling, given their limited returns in the Premier League previously.<\/p>\n Share<\/a>De Zerbi admits Spurs must improve ‘in all areas’<\/p>\n Here\u2019s what Roberto De Zerbi said when quizzed about Tottenham\u2019s struggles so far this season, despite a bumper transfer spend of around \u00a3300m in the summer.<\/p>\n double quotation markWe still need to improve in all areas really. I have enough experience as a manager to understand that you have to stay calm and have confidence in what you\u2019re doing. The players have my full confidence. We move on and we keep trying to be better day by day – not by words but by facts.<\/p>\n We have to accept it – nothing more. I would work every day if I could, but if we have to stop then we have to stop. The most important thing right now is our game against Aston Villa. It will be a tough game but we have the quality and the players to play well. If we don\u2019t play well, we won\u2019t win against them. Let\u2019s hope for a good performance.<\/p>\n De Zerbi also revealed Pedro Porro, Sandro Tonali and James Maddison are all available to face Villa tomorrow lunchtime (12.30pm KO BST), while Dejan Kulusevski is back in training after a long layoff, since May 2025, with a knee injury.<\/p>\n Share<\/a><\/p>\n Press conferences: We\u2019ve got Michael Carrick of Manchester United and Liverpool\u2019s Andoni Iraola due to speak to the media shortly.<\/p>\n But first \u2026 let\u2019s hear from Roberto De Zerbi next. Lots of questions for him to answer, most pertinently on how Spurs go about trying to win a game of football.<\/p>\n Share<\/a>Manchester City have room to improve, says Maresca Manchester City\u2019s 5-0 Carabao Cup victory against Norwich on Thursday was a sixth win from their opening six competitive games, yet Enzo Maresca is sure his team can be far better – possibly by 50%.<\/p>\n \u201cAlways room to improve,\u201d the manager said. \u201c[Now] we can prepare for Sunderland [on Sunday] \u2013 this is the only thing that I have in my mind. Then if we have 40% or 50% [to improve] I don\u2019t know.\u201d<\/p>\n Erling Haaland, Enzo Fern\u00e1ndez, Marc Gu\u00e9hi, Gianluigi Donnarumma, Josko Gvardiol and Antoine Semenyo were rested for Norwich\u2019s visit, with a view to freshening them for Sunderland.<\/p>\n Maresca said: \u201cIt was very important. We gave rest to the ones that played back-to-back 90 minutes against Porto and United. Hopefully they can be full of energy for Sunday\u2019s game \u2013 that will be a strong [difficult] game.\u201d<\/p>\n Enzo Maresca was pleased with the Manchester City performance in the Carabao Cup versus Norwich. Photograph: Allstar Picture Library Ltd\/Nigel French\/Apl\/SportsphotoShare<\/a>Ronaldo included in Portugal’s squad for Nations League<\/p>\n Cristiano Ronaldo has been included in Portugal\u2019s squad by new coach Jorge Jesus for their upcoming Nations League games.<\/p>\n The 41-year-old Ronaldo said that this summer\u2019s World Cup was his last, but the superstar striker has yet to say when he plans to retire from international play. He will be 43 by the time the 2028 European Championship, the next major tournament, is held.<\/p>\n This was the first squad named by Jesus, who was hired to replace Spaniard Roberto Martinez after Portugal lost 1-0 to Spain in the World Cup last 16. Jesus\u2019 previous coaching job was with Ronaldo\u2019s club Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia, where they won the league together last season.<\/p>\n Regarding Ronaldo\u2019s role, Jesus said \u201call the called-up players are at my disposal.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIf he performs well, he plays. If he doesn\u2019t perform well, he doesn\u2019t play. That\u2019s how I treat everyone,\u201d Jesus said.<\/p>\n \u201cNow, does Cris have a different status? Yes. His career is different. He has five Ballon d\u2019Or awards. But does that influence my decisions? No. It doesn\u2019t influence anything, zero, but he is different from the others.\u201d AP<\/p>\n Share<\/a><\/p>\n New Belgium coach Mark van Bommel was told his son Ruben had earned a first \u2060Netherlands call-up while holding a press conference on Friday to announce his own maiden squad.<\/p>\n On a busy day for \u2060the Van Bommel \u2060household, PSV \u200bwinger Ruben van Bommel was included in new Netherlands coach Xavi\u2019s first squad for Nations League \u2060matches later this month.<\/p>\n The Dutch announcement was issued at noon, just as the elder Van Bommel began unveiling his Belgium squad \u2060in Tubize. After explaining his selections, he was asked by reporters about his \u200bson\u2019s call-up.<\/p>\n \u201cIs the squad already \u200cknown?\u201d Van Bommel replied. \u201cDo \u200cyou think I already knew? I\u2019m very proud of \u200chim, just as every father would be very proud of his son when he is called up for the Dutch national team. I played for the national team myself. That is the highest level you can achieve.\u201c<\/p>\n Van Bommel said the call-up was particularly significant after his son\u2019s recovery \u200cfrom a cruciate ligament injury. \u201cIt has been a difficult year for him,\u201d he said. \u201cTo come back in that way is a \u200bgreat achievement by him.\u201c<\/p>\n The 22-year-old has made a strong start to the season at Dutch champions PSV and becomes the third generation of his family to be involved with the Dutch team. His grandfather Bert van Marwijk, 74, coached the \u2060Netherlands to the 2010 World Cup final and his father \u200bMark, 49, won 79 \u200bcaps and captained the national \u200bteam. Mark also played in the 2010 final, which the \u200bNetherlands lost to \u200cSpain in Johannesburg.<\/p>\n Van \u200bBommel\u2019s first \u200bgame in charge of Belgium is away against Italy in Rome on September 25, a day after the Dutch play their first game of the new Nations League campaign against Germany in Amsterdam. Reuters<\/p>\n Share<\/a><\/p>\n Let\u2019s pivot to some Premier League<\/a> press conferences. Brighton boss Fabian H\u00fcrzeler has seen his team begin the season impressively and reserved special praise for Pascal Gross, who is thriving in his second spell with the Seagulls, now at the age of 35. He loves scoring against Manchester United in particular.<\/p>\n With Brighton locking horns with in-form Arsenal tomorrow, H\u00fcrzeler said of his veteran German: \u201cWe have to be aware that Martin \u00d8degaard can create that many chances, that will be so important. Hopefully we can bring Pascal Gross into the kind of positions where he can be make such an impact on our game.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m pleased with how he is performing at the moment, not only in possession but also out of possession. It is nice to see how he is leading on and off the pitch. It is a joy to watch him play at the moment, hopefully he can carry on like this.\u201d<\/p>\n Pascal Gross of Brighton celebrates scoring against Manchester United\u2026 again. Photograph: Nigel French\/Getty Images\/AllstarShare<\/a><\/p>\n Thanks Yara. It\u2019s been a busy one, hasn\u2019t it?<\/p>\n My two-penneth on the Nations League is that it\u2019s far better than the drudgery of international friendlies, and I actually think one longer international break is better than the more disruptive multiple autumn breaks. Maybe people will get into international football over the next couple of weeks, who knows?<\/p>\n Share<\/a><\/p>\n Some emails have come in regarding the nature of the Nations League and Gareth Southgate.<\/p>\n Krishna Moorthy writes:<\/p>\n double quotation markDoes anyone even follow Nations League? I have still not understood the format of this tournament. This is probably the European equivalent of a Carabao cup.<\/p>\n You, Barry Glendenning (see first paragraph in yesterday\u2019s Football Daily<\/a>) and the rest of Europe.<\/p>\n And Joshua Keeling laments an earlier reader\u2019s thoughts:<\/p>\n double quotation markReally disappointed by Dan Pressland\u2019s criticism of Southgate (see blog post at 11:06am BST<\/a>)<\/p>\n To recap:<\/p>\n More knockout wins than every other England<\/a> manager since 1966 combined.<\/p>\n Won a knockout game at four tournaments in a row \u2013 the first time England have done that.<\/p>\n Reached at least the quarter-finals at four tournaments in a row \u2013 the first time England have done that.<\/p>\n More final appearances than all other England managers combined.<\/p>\n The first England manager to get to a tournament final in another country.<\/p>\n The man should be a national hero, not spoken about in the way he is.<\/p>\n And with that I hand the blog over back to Dominic Booth. Send any of your Nations League and England thoughts his way.<\/p>\n Share<\/a>Russia to return to Fifa competition in boys’ Under-15 World Cup<\/p>\n Russia are poised to compete in a Fifa event for the first time since the 2022 invasion of Ukraine.<\/p>\n The country was listed on Friday among the entrants for the boys\u2019 Under-15 World Cup and Festival which is being hosted in Azerbaijan next month.<\/p>\n Russian national teams and club sides were banned from Fifa and Uefa competitions in the wake of the invasion. Though Fifa lifted the ban on Russia\u2019s under-17s in 2023, this under-15 tournament marks the first time they will have actually played. Russia have been drawn in a group alongside Turkey, as well as Afghanistan, Djibouti, Sierra Leone and Sudan.<\/p>\n The FIFA U-15 World Cup & Festival is a new festival-style competitions for boys (2026), girls (2027) and both (2028 onwards) be open to all 211 Fifa Member Associations, regardless of size or footballing tradition. To align with the development needs of U-15 players, the matches are shorter in duration, played on smaller pitches, with teams comprising \u2013 for the 2026 edition at least \u2013 eight players.<\/p>\n The Fifa council agreed last December that the under-15 event would be open to teams from all of its 211 member associations. In July, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) dropped its recommendation for global sports federations like Fifa to ban Russia.<\/p>\n In February, the Fifa president, Gianni Infantino, told Sky News the Russia ban had \u201cnot achieved anything\u201d and had just created \u201cmore frustration and hatred\u201d.<\/p>\n Ukraine\u2019s sports minister Matvii Bidnyi described Infantino\u2019s remarks as \u201cirresponsible\u201d and \u201cinfantile\u201d. He said: \u201cThey detach football from the reality in which children are being killed.\u201d Press Association<\/p>\n Share<\/a><\/p>\n The Netherlands\u2019 record scorer Memphis Depay was left out, but the captain Virgil van Dijk continues \u2060his international career as new coach Xavi Hernandez named his first squad on Friday for the upcoming \u2060Nations League matches.<\/p>\n Depay \u200bplayed only as a substitute at the World Cup earlier this year and remained on a national-record \u2060of 55 goals. The 32-year-old striker is expected to retire after \u2060112 national team appearances. Van Dijk said last month that he would consider his \u200binternational future after speaking to \u200cthe new coach but \u200chas decided to hold off on hanging up his boots.<\/p>\n The Netherlands face Germany, Greece and Serbia \u200ctwice in four Nations League matches during the extended three-week international window.<\/p>\n Xavi handed a first call-up to Ruben van Bommel and Gjivai Zechiel and brought back the midfielder Joey Veerman but must do without talisman Frenkie de Jong, who is still suffering from a \u200cknee injury sustained at the World Cup. Marten de Roon and Wout Weghorst are also not included in the \u200b26-man squad, along with Guus Til and the injured Brighton midfielder Mats Wieffer. Jeremie Frimpong, Kenneth Taylor and Jurrien Timber, who missed the World Cup, return to the squad.<\/p>\n Full squad:<\/p>\n Goalkeepers: Mark Flekken (Bayer Leverkusen), Robin Roefs (Sunderland), Bart \u2060Verbruggen (Brighton).<\/p>\n Defenders: Nathan Ake (Fenerbahce), Denzel Dumfries (Real Madrid), Jeremie Frimpong (Liverpool), \u200bLutsharel Geertruida (PSV Eindhoven), \u200bJorrel Hato (Chelsea), Jurrien Timber (Arsenal), Micky \u200bvan de Ven (Tottenham Hotspur), Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool), Jan Paul \u200bvan Hecke (Tottenham Hotspur).<\/p>\n Midfielders: \u200cRyan Gravenberch (Liverpool), \u200bTeun Koopmeiners (Juventus), Tijjani \u200bReijnders (Al-Qadsiah), Kenneth Taylor (Lazio), Quinten Timber (Crystal Palace), Joey Veerman (Borussia Dortmund), Gjivai Zechiel (Feyenoord).<\/p>\n Forwards: Justin Kluivert (Bournemouth), Ruben van Bommel (PSV Eindhoven), Brian Brobbey (Sunderland), Cody Gakpo (Liverpool), Noa Lang (Napoli), Donyell Malen (Roma), Crysencio Summerville (Al Hilal).<\/p>\n Share<\/a><\/p>\n Updated at\u00a008.44 EDT<\/p>\n Spurs are bad. I know that, you know that. But why? They are getting into attacking areas but are failing to make or take chances. Our data visual journalist Andrew Beasley breaks it down.<\/p>\n double quotation markSeveral metrics illustrate their attacking problems. Spurs are capable of getting the ball into dangerous areas, before the next step trips them up.<\/p>\n Their total of 46 completed take-ons leads the Premier League. Only five of these successful dribbles ended with the player creating a chance or taking a shot though. Manchester United have completed 17 fewer take-ons than Tottenham yet have produced tangible output with almost twice as many (nine) chances or shots.<\/p>\n It is similar for high turnovers, which occur when the ball is recovered within 40 metres of the opposition goal to begin a new possession sequence. Spurs have recorded the fourth-most in 2026-27 (34), but only Coventry (one) have ended fewer of them with a shot (two). Tottenham have produced a goal attempt from 5.9% of their high turnovers when the league average is 19.9%. Nothing is flowing smoothly.<\/p>\n Tottenham are very inefficient in opposition penalty\u00a0boxes. They have the most touches per shot in the penalty box in the Premier League this season with 3.97. <\/a><\/p>\n Read the full analysis, with graphics, below.<\/p>\n Share<\/a><\/p>\n Gianni Infantino must leave the Fifa presidency \u201cno ifs or buts\u201d, according to Hans-Joachim Watzke, one of the vice-presidents of the German Football Association (DFB), as he spoke at a festival dedicated to artificial intelligence in Berlin on Thursday.<\/p>\n The DFB was one of the few federations not to sign a letter of support for Infantino\u2019s re-election as Fifa president in six months\u2019 time. \u201cHe has to go, no ifs or buts,\u201d said Watzke, who said that three points in particular counted against the Swiss.<\/p>\n The first was the Fifa Peace Prize, launched by Infantino and awarded in December 2025 to the US president, Donald Trump, to whom Infantino is close, during the draw for the 2026 World Cup. Infantino \u201ccreated this prize himself, and he decided on it himself,\u201d said Watzke. \u201cYou can\u2019t just invent something on your own and then announce it, it\u2019s madness,\u201d said Watzke.<\/p>\n Watzke also condemned the controversial handling of the Folarin Balogun red card during this year\u2019s World Cup which was hosted in the US, Canada and Mexico. The American forward was sent off in the last 32 but his automatic one-match suspension was lifted after a phone call from Trump to Infantino. \u201cIt can\u2019t be that when someone gets sent off, the head of state calls the Fifa president, and, remarkably, the whole thing is immediately overturned. That\u2019s madness,\u201d said Watzke.<\/p>\n The third issue was the project, unveiled on 28 July and dropped four days later, to create a commercial company that would have been open to private investors and became a focal point of the rebellion against Infantino. \u201cIt\u2019s completely insane,\u201d said Watzke. \u201cNobody knew about it, his vice-presidents in Fifa knew nothing, the [Fifa] council knew nothing.\u201d<\/p>\n The DFB president Bernd Neuendorf said earlier in the week that it was also time for Infantino to depart. \u201cThe relationship of trust with Gianni Infantino, under this FIFA leadership, has of course been completely shattered,\u201d he said in an interview with RTL\/ntv television. \u201cIt\u2019s important that this Infantino system comes to an end.\u201d<\/p>\n For now, Infantino is the only candidate for the FIFA presidency in the election scheduled for 18 March 2027, with candidacies open until 18 November.<\/p>\n Share<\/a><\/p>\n This time tomorrow we will be 8 minutes away from kick-off at The Den where West Ham and Millwall will renew their rivalry. The Metropolitan police have been granted special powers to tackle violence as the south and east London teams meet again for the first time in 14 years.<\/p>\n double quotation markThere is nothing to glorify here. This will be the 100th competitive meeting, if discontinued, minor tournaments are included, and anyone failing to see the logic behind the rivalry can be forgiven. The sides are not on each other\u2019s doorstep and Millwall are south of the Thames, meaning Crystal Palace and Charlton are more obvious enemies. Yet it is not really about football. The tribalism runs deep, dating back to when the clubs were formed by rival shipbuilding firms at docks on the Isle of Dogs in east London, and is more down to hooligan elements than anything that happens on the pitch.<\/p>\n There have been many occasions when the nastiness has spiralled out of control. Hooliganism was rife in English football during the 1970s and 1980s and Millwall and West Ham had fearsome firms. Trouble erupted when the sides met at the Den for a testimonial for the Millwall defender Harry Cripps in 1972. The toxicity grew and a Millwall fan, Ian Pratt, died after a clash with West Ham fans at New Cross station in 1976. It is worth keeping in mind when people try to hype up this fixture. Stories about who was top dog on the terraces back in the day are not that interesting.<\/p>\n Read more from Jacob Steinberg below.<\/p>\n![\"Jamie](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Jamie-Jackson,-L.png\")
Jamie Jackson<\/p>\n