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The UEFA Nations League discussion

MenInG

MenInG

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League A
Group 1: Poland; Bosnia-Herzegovina; Italy; Netherlands

Group 2: Iceland; Denmark; Belgium; England

Group 3: Croatia; Sweden; France; Portugal

Group 4: Germany; Ukraine; Spain; Switzerland

League B

Group 1: Romania; Northern Ireland; Norway; Australia

Group 2: Israel; Slovakia; Scotland; Cezch Republic

Group 3: Hungary; Turkey; Serbia; Russia

Group 4: Bulgaria; Republic of Ireland; Finland; Wales

League C
Group 1: Azerbaijan; Luxembourg; Cyprus; Montenegro

Group 2: Armenia; Estonia; North Macedonia; Georgia

Group 3: Moldova; Slovenia; Kosovo; Greece

Group 4: Kazakhstan; Lithuania; Belarus; Albania

League D
Group 1: Malta; Andorra; Latvia; Faroe Islands

Group 2: San Marino; Liechtenstein; Gibraltar

When are the games played?
Matchday 1: 3-5 September 2020
Matchday 2: 6-8 September 2020
Matchday 3: 8-10 October 2020
Matchday 4: 11-13 October 2020
Matchday 5: 12-14 November 2020
Matchday 6: 15-17 November 2020

Finals: 2, 3, 6 June 2021

https://www.skysports.com/football/...nd-denmark-and-belgium-in-2020-21-competition
 
Interesting group for the Dutch team.

Let’s see what they can do...
 
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">The Czech Republic's national football team have said they will not play in a Nations League game against Scotland on Monday - without telling the opposition <a href="https://t.co/vOT9Z8GdRN">https://t.co/vOT9Z8GdRN</a></p>— SkyNews (@SkyNews) <a href="https://twitter.com/SkyNews/status/1302181580744601601?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 5, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
 
Kyle Walker is the first player to be sent off for the England men's team since Raheem Sterling vs Ecuador in June 2014. Orders.
 
England very poor for so much of the game. Iceland deserved a draw. Only themselves to blame though.
 
Kyle Walker says he takes "full blame" after being sent off for England and hopes it does not mark the end of his international career.

The Manchester City full-back, 30, returned to the side having missed the last six internationals, but received a second yellow card in the win against Iceland for a lunging tackle.

Walker said he will talk to boss Gareth Southgate about his England future.

Southgate said the red card put his team "in a really difficult situation".

Already on a yellow card and with the ball running loose, Walker recklessly jumped in on Arnor Traustason to become only the 14th player to be sent off for England.

He is now banned for Tuesday's game against Denmark in Copenhagen and faces a tough task to get back into the side as he competes for a right-back spot with Liverpool's Trent Alexander-Arnold and Atletico Madrid's Kieran Trippier.

City team-mate Raheem Sterling earned England a late win in their opening Nations League game with a 90th minute winner from the penalty spot.

https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/54044520
 
Czech Republic have announced a new squad for their Nations League game against Scotland with only two capped players called up to the 24-man team, including a 36-year-old defender after a four year absence.
 
Barcelona's Ansu Fati broke a 95-year national record to become Spain's youngest goalscorer at the age of 17 years and 311 days against Ukraine.
 
The Football Association is investigating allegations England midfielder Phil Foden and forward Mason Greenwood broke quarantine rules after Saturday's win in Iceland.

The expectation is that Manchester City's Foden, 21, and Manchester United's Greenwood, 18, will be asked to leave the England camp.

Gareth Southgate's side face Denmark in the Nations League on Tuesday.

https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/54059328
 
Phil Foden and Mason Greenwood are to leave the England camp after breaking coronavirus quarantine guidelines in Iceland, says manager Gareth Southgate.

The Football Association is investigating the breaches after Saturday's 1-0 Nations League victory.

Manchester City midfielder Foden, 20, and Manchester United forward Greenwood, 18, both made their senior international debuts in the game.

Southgate described the pair as "naive" and said they have apologised.

"Two of the boys have broken the Covid-19 guidelines, in terms of our secure bubble," Southgate said on Monday.

"We had to decide very quickly that they couldn't have any interaction with the rest of the team and wouldn't be able to train.

"Obviously they have been naive. We have dealt with it appropriately. I recognise their age but the whole world is dealing with this pandemic.

"Now they will have to travel back to England separately.

"Nothing has happened in the areas we occupy in the hotel."

Greenwood's England call-up followed a breakout season at United, in which he scored 17 goals, while Foden became a regular starter in Pep Guardiola's City side in 2019-20.

A Manchester City spokesman said Foden's behaviour was "totally inappropriate" and "fell well below the standard expected of a Manchester City player and England international".

A Manchester United statement said the club are "liaising with the Football Association and are disappointed with the actions of Mason Greenwood".

England face Denmark in the Nations League on Tuesday (19:45 BST kick-off).

https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/54059328
 
MenInG said:
Phil Foden and Mason Greenwood are to leave the England camp after breaking coronavirus quarantine guidelines in Iceland, says manager Gareth Southgate.

The Football Association is investigating the breaches after Saturday's 1-0 Nations League victory.

Manchester City midfielder Foden, 20, and Manchester United forward Greenwood, 18, both made their senior international debuts in the game.

Southgate described the pair as "naive" and said they have apologised.

"Two of the boys have broken the Covid-19 guidelines, in terms of our secure bubble," Southgate said on Monday.

"We had to decide very quickly that they couldn't have any interaction with the rest of the team and wouldn't be able to train.

"Obviously they have been naive. We have dealt with it appropriately. I recognise their age but the whole world is dealing with this pandemic.

"Now they will have to travel back to England separately.

"Nothing has happened in the areas we occupy in the hotel."

Greenwood's England call-up followed a breakout season at United, in which he scored 17 goals, while Foden became a regular starter in Pep Guardiola's City side in 2019-20.

A Manchester City spokesman said Foden's behaviour was "totally inappropriate" and "fell well below the standard expected of a Manchester City player and England international".

A Manchester United statement said the club are "liaising with the Football Association and are disappointed with the actions of Mason Greenwood".

England face Denmark in the Nations League on Tuesday (19:45 BST kick-off).

https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/54059328
Click to expand...

Mason Greenwood and Phil Foden will not travel with the England squad from Iceland to Denmark after breaching UEFA's coronavirus protocols, Gareth Southgate has confirmed.

The FA has launched a "full investigation" into an incident which saw Greenwood and Foden break quarantine rules while at their team hotel in Reykjavik on Sunday night.

Iceland's police force has confirmed the players have each been fined 250,000 Icelandic Krona (£1,360) for the rule breach, which must be paid by the individuals themselves and not by the FA or their clubs.
 
Kylian Mbappe will miss France's Nations League game against Croatia and Paris Saint-Germain's season opener after testing positive for coronavirus.
 
England continue their Nations League campaign against Denmark on Tuesday evening, with Gareth Southgate expected to make changes to his side following Saturday's narrow win over Iceland.

England emerged 1-0 winners in Reykjavik thanks to Raheem Sterling's late penalty, but they almost threw the three points away when Joe Gomez conceded a spot kick up at the other end moments later - only for Birkir Bjarnason to fire his effort over Jordan Pickford's crossbar.

England, who also had Kyle Walker sent off midway through the second half against Iceland, will hope to avoid any similar pitfalls in Copenhagen, where they face a Denmark side beaten 2-0 by Belgium in their opening game, but Southgate's preparations have not gone smoothly.

England manager Gareth Southgate says Phil Foden and Mason Greenwood have been sent home after breaching coronavirus protocols
Phil Foden and Mason Greenwood will play no part in Tuesday's game after being found to have breached UEFA's coronavirus protocols during the squad's stay in Reykjavik. The FA are still investigating the alleged incident, but Southgate has confirmed that Foden and Greenwood will travel back to England instead of joining the rest of the squad in Denmark.

It is just the latest off-field controversy to overshadow an England game. In November, a clash between Gomez and Sterling resulted in the latter being dropped for a Euro 2020 qualifier against Montenegro.

Only two weeks ago, Harry Maguire had to be withdrawn from the squad after he was handed a suspended jail sentence by a Greek court after being found guilty of assaulting a police officer, swearing, resisting arrest and bribery. The Manchester United defender maintains his innocence and has lodged an appeal with the Greek court system.

The incidents are less than ideal for Southgate, but during a press conference on Monday afternoon, the England boss rejected any suggestion that he has failed to lay down the law to his young squad about what is and isn't acceptable.

"This is a job like no other in terms of the things you have to deal with," he said. "All management roles are difficult, but this is another level.

"I think the players who have been with us for a long time know exactly what's expected. I think whenever people have stepped over that line when they've been with us, we've dealt with it responsibly."

Southgate and the FA certainly appear to have dealt with Foden and Greenwood's indiscretions responsibly, but in footballing terms, with England now shorn of two of their brightest young talents, the challenge against Denmark has become a more difficult one.

Will Ings get his first England start?

Southgate admitted England's laboured victory over Iceland left him and his players feeling "a bit flat" in his interview with Sky Sports afterwards, adding that he would need to "assess the freshness of everybody" ahead of Tuesday's game and hinting at possible line-up changes.

One of those changes could see Harry Kane drop out.

The England captain looked off the pace at times against Iceland after his early effort was ruled out for offside and that's hardly surprising given that a period of post-holiday quarantine interrupted his pre-season schedule back at Tottenham.

Given Greenwood's absence, the obvious candidate to step into his place is Danny Ings. The Southampton striker made only his second England appearance against Iceland, replacing Foden in the 68th minute, but he will now hope to make his first start.

England players celebrate Raheem Sterling's late penalty0:31

England manager Gareth Southgate says it feels like the team 'got out of jail' after Iceland missed a late penalty in England's 1-0 win in the Nations League.

It remains to be seen how Southgate's attack will line up in Copenhagen, but with players in varying states of fitness and with only two days to recover between fixtures, there are sure to be changes elsewhere in the team, including at right-back, where Walker's suspension has opened the door to Trent Alexander-Arnold or perhaps even Ainsley Maitland-Niles.

Maitland-Niles is not the only member of the squad who will be hoping to make his senior international debut, of course, and Foden's withdrawal means there is a vacancy in midfield too. Like Maitland-Niles, Jack Grealish and Kalvin Philips are untested at senior international level, but they will be eager to seize any opportunities that come their way.

In goal, meanwhile, Pickford could make way for either Nick Pope or Dean Henderson if Southgate decides to let one of his back-up options stake their claim for the No 1 shirt.

Read more on :

https://www.skysports.com/football/denmark-vs-england/preview/423932
 
Mason Greenwood and Phil Foden have both publicly apologised for their breaches of coronavirus rules in Iceland which has seen them sent back to England
 
MenInG said:
Mason Greenwood and Phil Foden have both publicly apologised for their breaches of coronavirus rules in Iceland which has seen them sent back to England
Click to expand...

Footballer Mason Greenwood has apologised for breaking coronavirus guidelines after he was dropped from the England squad.

Greenwood, 18, and his England teammate Phil Foden, 20, are thought to have invited two local women back to their hotel room in Reykjavik, Iceland.

The FA launched a full investigation, and manager Gareth Southgate said they had been sent back to England separately and banned from playing in tonight's match against Denmark.

Greenwood, who plays his club football for Manchester United, described his behaviour as "embarrassing", "irresponsible" and a "huge mistake".

He said in a statement on Tuesday: "Having now had the chance to reflect on what's happened, I can only apologise to everyone for the embarrassment I have caused.

"It was irresponsible of me to break the COVID-19 protocols which are in place to protect players, staff and the public.

"In particular, I want to apologise to Gareth Southgate, for letting him down when he had shown great trust in me.

"Playing for England was one of the proudest moments in my life and I only have myself to blame for this huge mistake.

"I promise my family, the fans, Manchester United and England that this is a lesson I will learn from."

Southgate said Greenwood and Foden had "broken coronavirus guidance in terms of our secure bubble" and missed training on Monday.

He told a press conference: "They've been naive.

"I recognise their age, but the whole world is dealing with this pandemic and there's responsibility on every age group in playing their part and not spreading the virus. They have apologised."

Police in Iceland told Sky Sports News the pair have been fined 250,000 Icelandic Krona (£1,360) for the rule breach, which must be paid by them and not their clubs.

Foden, who plays for Manchester City, issued an apology on Twitter yesterday.

He posted: "I am a young player with a lot to learn, but I am aware of the huge responsibility I have in representing Manchester City and England at this level.

"On this occasion I made a poor decision and my behaviour didn't meet the standards expected of me.

"I breached COVID-19 protocols put in place to protect myself and my England colleagues. As a consequence I will now miss the opportunity to travel to Denmark with the squad, and that hurts.

"I will learn a valuable lesson from this error in judgement and I wish Gareth and the team good luck this week."

https://news.sky.com/story/coronavi...t-saw-him-dropped-from-england-squad-12066536
 
Why doesnt Southgate play Grealish? Whats the point of playing 3 at the back when creativity is their problem?
 
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England squad: Dominic Calvert-Lewin called up but Mason Greenwood and Phil Foden left out

Everton striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin is in his first England squad after being selected for this month's matches against Wales, Belgium and Denmark.

Leicester's Harvey Barnes and Arsenal's Bukayo Saka also get first call-ups.

Mason Greenwood and Phil Foden, who were sent home from Iceland last month after breaching coronavirus quarantine guidelines, have been left out.

But Harry Maguire, who was withdrawn from that squad while he faced a court case in Greece, is in the 30-man squad.

Manchester United captain Maguire, 27, was given a suspended prison sentence on the Greek island of Syros after being found guilty of aggravated assault, resisting arrest and repeated attempts of bribery.

The centre-back maintains his innocence and has appealed against the decision, which nullifies the conviction.

England play Wales in a friendly on 8 October, before Nations League fixtures against Belgium and Denmark on 11 and 14 October respectively, with all three games being played at Wembley Stadium.

Calvert-Lewin is awarded his first call-up by Gareth Southgate after scoring eight goals in five appearances in all competitions so far this season, including two hat-tricks.

"I'm a very, very proud man to get this first England call," said the 23-year-old.

"I phoned my mum and my dad, and my mum burst into tears.

"It's something we've spoken about since I was a young boy. To get here now and get the call-up is a dream come true. I'm very happy."

Southgate said: "Dominic is a player whose all-round game we have liked for some time. What he's added over the last 18 months is goals and for a striker that's critical.

"He's in a rich vein of form. He thoroughly deserves his opportunity."

Gunners left-back Saka, 19, only made his England Under-21s debut last month but Southgate said he had been "impressed" with his progress through the Three Lions' youth system.

"At times for Arsenal he has been very exciting," Southgate said. "He is improving all the time - really high potential, really high quality.

"Everyone tells me he is intelligent and a really level-headed boy. It is an area of the pitch we are keen to look at a different profile of player and he can play a number of roles comfortably."

On 22-year-old Leicester midfielder Barnes, Southgate said: "Harvey has had a good couple of years.

"He is a different sort of attacking wide player, very direct. He was very impressive counter-attacking against Manchester City the other day. That has been a consistency for a period of time."

https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/54372190
 
UEFA Nations League: Sancho and Abraham return for England vs Belgium

England forwards Jadon Sancho and Tammy Abraham are available for Sunday's Nations League game against Belgium.

The duo, along with left-back Ben Chilwell, missed the 3-0 friendly win over Wales on Thursday after breaking coronavirus rules.

Chilwell will not feature against Belgium at Wembley because of an illness unrelated to Covid-19.

"They're back with the group and we move forward," said manager Gareth Southgate.

"Tammy and Jadon both trained on Saturday and everyone is available. They've missed a bit of training so that's a bit of a concern but it's done.

"Ben will be tested on Saturday and we'll have to wait for the results of that on Sunday and then we can make a decision from there."

Read more: https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/54405809
 
Today's fixtures:

amir2.jpg

Spain vs Switzerland will be a great game.
 
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Harry Kane could miss England's Nations League game against Belgium on Sunday because of a muscle injury picked up in training on Saturday.

Should the injury force Kane to sit out the clash at Wembley, then it is expected Everton striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin will keep his place in the side.
 
Nations League: Aaron Ramsey pulls out of Wales squad for Bulgaria trip

Aaron Ramsey has pulled out of Wales' squad for Wednesday's Nations League match in Bulgaria because of injury.

The Football Association of Wales did not specify the nature of the injury when it tweeted confirmation of the Juventus midfielder's withdrawal.

Bournemouth midfielder David Brooks also withdrew injured on Monday.

Cardiff City striker Kieffer Moore and Bristol City midfielder Joe Morrell have returned to their clubs because both players are suspended.

Defender Chris Mepham has travelled to Bulgaria as he nurses a knee problem.

The 22-year old Bournemouth centre-back missed Sunday's 0-0 draw with the Republic of Ireland after suffering his injury in Wales' 3-0 friendly defeat against England last Thursday.

Wales were already without Tottenham forward Gareth Bale, West Brom striker Hal Robson-Kanu and Stoke midfielder Joe Allen because of injury.

https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/54509943
 
Liverpool defender Trent Alexander-Arnold will miss England's friendly against the Republic of Ireland and two Nations League games with the injury he suffered today against Manchester City.
 
England's Nations League match against Iceland will be played at Wembley on Wednesday after a UK government exemption was given to the away side.

Iceland play Denmark in Copenhagen on Sunday and would ordinarily have been subject to a travel ban, prohibiting them from entry into the UK.

The restrictions relate to a new coronavirus strain that has spread from mink to humans.

The FA had said any exemption would be "subject to strict medical protocols".

Following an update to the Travel Corridor list, the Department for Transport said that the government had "announced a limited exemption for a small number of Danish and Icelandic national football players to travel from the UK to Copenhagen and back, without the need to self-isolate".

It added: "This temporary and extremely limited exemption will allow the relevant players and essential staff support to be exempt from the new requirements and will help reduce any disruption for England's up and coming Nations League fixtures."

Since June, elite sportspeople have been exempt from coronavirus-related travel restrictions.

European football governing body Uefa's coronavirus protocols state that international matches can be rescheduled at a date fixed by Uefa, or be played at a neutral venue if necessary.

Germany had been a candidate to host the game if the government did not grant Iceland entry, while Albania's football association had also been willing to provide a neutral venue.

England play the Republic of Ireland in a friendly at Wembley on Thursday. They then travel to Leuven for Sunday's penultimate Nations League group game against Belgium before the match against Iceland on 18 November.

https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/54914273
 
Ramos set to break European caps record for Spain

Sergio Ramos will break the record for most international caps made by a European player if he appears for Spain against Switzerland in the UEFA Nations League on Saturday.

Real Madrid defender Ramos is set to make his 177th appearance for Spain in Basel, which would pull him clear of goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon, who has played 176 times for Italy.

Aged 34, Ramos could also break the world record, currently held by Egypt's Ahmed Hassan who earned 184 caps.

It is possible Ramos will achieve that milestone at the delayed Euro 2020, which is now set to go ahead in June and July next year.

"Unfortunately for me as a coach he has to have a ceiling," said Spain coach Luis Enrique after Wednesday's 1-1 friendly draw with the Netherlands, when Ramos came on as a substitute.

"His numbers are only within reach of the gifted. He is a very special player, at a unique level."

Luis Enrique has been criticised in Spain for bringing Ramos on in the 85th minute in Amsterdam, with some suggesting such appearances reduce the value of his record.

"The first thing is to take care of the player who has played more times for Spain than anyone else because of the calendar he has and because he plays every game for his club," said Luis Enrique.

"We want to give him the opportunity to continue adding international caps but not to create good vibes. The feeling in the squad is the same regardless of whether Sergio plays one game more or less."

Ramos made his debut for Spain in a 3-0 win over China in 2005, coming off the bench to replace Carles Puyol in a team that also featured Iker Casillas in goal and Xavi Hernandez in midfield.

All three players went on to drive the country's historic treble, that included winning the European Championship in 2008 and 2012, as well as the World Cup in between.

Spain have failed to go past the last 16 in a major tournament since, with Ramos currently playing through a period of transition under Luis Enrique.

They sit top of their Nations League group ahead of Saturday's game in Switzerland but have only one point more than Germany and Ukraine behind them.

https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20201113-ramos-set-to-break-european-caps-record-for-spain
 
Croatia and Inter Milan footballer Marcelo Brozovic tests positive for COVID-19

The Croatian soccer federation says the 27-year-old midfielder, has been isolated from the rest of the team.

Croatia are playing Sweden in Stockholm today in a Nations League game.
On Wednesday, defender Domagoj Vida was withdrawn from Croatia's friendly against Turkey after also testing positive.

The Swedish soccer federation says defender Carl Starfelt is isolating after testing positive for coronavirus too.
 
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Man City's Torres hits hat-trick as Spain humiliate woeful Germany 6-0

Manchester City winger Ferran Torres scored his first career hat-trick as Spain inflicted Germany's heaviest competitive defeat and joined France in the four-team Nations League finals.

In a repeat of the Euro 2008 final, former Chelsea forward Alvaro Morata headed in Spain's first goal, before Torres volleyed home emphatically.

Rodri made it three with a guided header, and Torres slotted in a fourth before curling home the fifth.

Mikel Oyarzabal's tap-in made it 6-0.

Spain and France will be joined by either Belgium or Denmark from Group A2 and Italy, the Netherlands or Poland from Group A1.

https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/54979319
 
Northern Ireland have been relegated from Nations League B after a UEFA panel awarded Romania a 3-0 win for the postponed game against Norway.
 
Wijnaldum winner not enough for Dutch as Italy reach finals

Liverpool's Georginio Wijnaldum scored a late winner against Poland but it was not enough to send the Netherlands into the Nations League finals.

Kamil Jozwiak had put Poland ahead in the first half but Memphis Depay equalised from the penalty spot with 13 minutes remaining.

Wijnaldum's header in the closing stages gave the visitors the win.

However, Italy's 2-0 against Bosnia-Herzegovina meant the Azzurri finished as Group A1 winners.

Andrea Belotti and Domenico Berardi got the goals for the Italians, who join Belgium, France and Spain in the Nations League finals, which take place in October next year.

While the Netherlands failed to progress the victory was their second in a row under new boss Frank de Boer, who had failed to win any of his first four games in charge.

https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/54993516
 
What's the point?

Italy v Spain (19:45 BST)

Brilliantly, in our guide to the Nations League finals (which you can find here), we have a section headlined: 'What's the point?' It is a valid question where this competition is concerned and one plenty have asked.

So here is our answer...

The Nations League group stage - which involve all 55 Uefa countries - was brought in to replace international friendlies with more meaningful games, involving promotion and relegation.

The finals are considered a proper tournament, with the winner getting a sterling silver, 7.5kg, 71cm tall trophy.

Oh, and prize money. The winners get 10.5m euros (almost £9m), with 9m euros for second place, 8m euros for third and 7m euros for fourth.

That includes the participation fee and prize money for winning their groups.
 
Spain ends Italy's 37-game unbeaten run to reach Nations League final

Italy's world-record 37-game unbeaten run came to an end as Spain beat them 2-1 in an enthralling encounter at the San Siro to reach the Nations League final.

Albeit in Uefa's secondary tournament, Spain got a measure of revenge for their Euro 2020 semi-final penalty shootout defeat by eventual winners Italy at Wembley.

Manchester City's Ferran Torres scored Spain's goals in Milan from two Mikel Oyarzabal crosses to send Luis Enrique's side to Sunday's final against either Belgium or France.

Italy were already second best, and 1-0 down, when captain Leonardo Bonucci was sent off for two bookings, the second for an elbow on Sergio Busquets.

They looked dead and buried until Lorenzo Pellegrini's late goal after a wonderful Federico Chiesa run on a counter-attack - but could not find an unmerited equaliser.

Spain handed 17-year-old Barcelona midfielder Gavi a start, making him the youngest international in their history - less than six weeks after his club debut - and he looked at home on this stage.

The Nations League may be a fairly new tournament - and derided by some - but when both sides had 11 men this was played with the talent and intensity of any World Cup or European Championship encounter.

This also marks the first time Italy have lost a competitive game in their homeland since 1999.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/58820411
 
France stun Belgium with dramatic comeback to reach Nations League

Theo Hernandez scored a superb 90th-minute winner as France hit back from 2-0 down to stun Belgium 3-2 and reach the Nations League final.

Didier Deschamps' side looked out of contention at the break after conceding two goals in the space of four minutes, but a thrilling second-half fightback set up a meeting with Spain.

AC Milan full-back Hernandez was the match-winner, collecting the ball on the edge of the box and firing home a finish into the far corner to spark joyous scenes at the Allianz Stadium in Turin.

It started well for Belgium, who took a 37th-minute lead when Yannick Carrasco cut in from the left and drilled in a finish at the near post, wrongfooting goalkeeper Hugo Lloris.

Just four minutes later, Roberto Martinez's side doubled their advantage as Romelu Lukaku latched on to Kevin de Bruyne's through ball and fired a blistering shot into the roof of the net.

But Karim Benzema pulled a goal back on the hour mark, turning and sliding a finish into the bottom corner from Kylian Mbappe's lay-off.

And they drew level through Mbappe's confidently taken penalty after Youri Tielemans' trip on Antoine Griezmann inside the area.

Lukaku thought he had won it with three minutes remaining after slotting in from Carrasco's low cross, but the strike was ruled out by VAR for offside.

There was still time for Paul Pogba to rattled the crossbar with a sublime curling free-kick from 30 yards out, before Hernandez struck late on.

The final takes place at the San Siro on Sunday (19:45 BST kick-off), while the third-place play-off between Belgium and European champions Italy is in Turin on the same day (14:00).

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/58837332
 
Italy withstood a late Belgium fightback to return to winning ways and claim third in the Nations League.

Nicolo Barella opened the scoring with a crisp volley a minute after the interval in Turin before Domenico Berardi scored from the penalty spot.

Belgium hit the woodwork three times before pulling one back through Charles de Ketelaere late on.

They pressed for an equaliser but Italy, whose 37-game unbeaten run was ended by Spain on Wednesday, held on.

After a dull first half of the bronze-medal match, Barella sparked the game into life with a stunning first-time strike into the bottom corner from a corner.

Roberto Mancini's side doubled their lead from the spot when Thibaut Courtois' glove could only divert Berardi's effort into the top corner after Timothy Castagne had brought down the lively Federico Chiesa.

Belgium continued to dominate possession and Courtois released substitute Kevin de Bruyne to find De Ketelaere, who nutmegged an otherwise inspired Gianluigi Donnarumma from close range.

The Italy goalkeeper had earlier denied former Tottenham defenders Toby Alderweireld and Jan Vertonghen with smart saves.
 
Mbappe gives France comeback win in Nations League final against Spain

Kylian Mbappe fired a contentious winner as France came from behind to beat Spain and become the second team to win the Nations League.

Mbappe was adjudged to be onside when he slid the ball under Unai Simon after Karim Benzema's stunning equaliser at Milan's San Siro.

Spain had taken the lead through Mikel Oyarzabal, who shrugged off defender Dayot Upamecano to beat Hugo Lloris.

Lloris produced two late saves to ensure victory for the world champions.

He first denied Oyarzabal before acrobatically keeping out Yeremi Pino's effort in stoppage time, as France became the competition's second winners after Portugal in 2019.

But Mbappe's winner will prove to be a moment of debate, with the goal standing even though the Paris St-Germain striker was in an offside position when Theo Hernandez played the initial through ball.

Spain defender Eric Garcia touched the ball in his attempt to clear the danger before it came to Mbappe, and the rules state "a player in an offside position receiving the ball from an opponent who deliberately plays the ball... is not considered to have gained an advantage".

France, who reached the final by coming from 2-0 down to beat neighbours Belgium 3-2 on Thursday, had to fight back again and did so in a game that came alive after an hour of technical but sedate action.

Didier Deschamps' side's resilience was on full display again as Benzema cut in on his right foot to curl the ball over Simon, less than two minutes after Oyarzabal's opener for Spain.

And even though France had less possession (36%), they constantly looked a threat on the counter-attack as Mbappe struck the decisive - and perhaps fortunate - blow.

Benzema, who returned to the international fold before Euro 2020 in the summer, told French television channel M6: "I really wanted to win a trophy with France, and now it's done.

"We showed strength of character, because this team is very strong, never gives up and we have proven it today.

"It is the sign of a great team not to panic, to be patient and to wait for the right opportunity."

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/58859225
 
England manager Gareth Southgate has called up uncapped West Ham forward Jarrod Bowen for the Nations League games with Hungary, Germany and Italy.

Bowen has scored 18 goals and provided 13 assists for the Hammers this season.

The 25-year-old was in contention for the previous England squad in March but was ruled out by a fractured foot bone.

Leicester City right-back James Justin is named for the first time and Fikayo Tomori is recalled for June's matches after helping AC Milan win Serie A.

Leeds United midfielder Kalvin Phillips and Newcastle United defender Kieran Trippier also return after injury.

Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson is not named among the midfielders after a heavy workload in a season that will only end on Saturday in the Champions League final, with Southgate saying "I don't need to know any more about him".

The England boss suggested that was also his reason for leaving out Tottenham Hotspur defender Eric Dier, saying the 28-year-old was "definitely in our thinking".

There is also no place for Henderson's Liverpool team-mate Joe Gomez, so Trent Alexander-Arnold is the only representative of a Reds squad looking to complete a treble of cups this season when they face Real Madrid in Paris.

As Southgate indicated would be the case, Manchester City's Kyle Walker returns to the squad despite not having played in the Premier League since mid-April because of an ankle problem.

Southgate said he has selected 11 defenders in his squad because of doubts over the fitness of some.

"It is a bit of a minefield, in terms of players who have missed football and are coming back from injuries," he said. "Luke Shaw and Ben Chilwell haven't played at all. Marc Guehi is a doubt.

"Fikayo has had a very good season with AC Milan and I talked in March about wanting to have a look at some of the young centre-backs coming through and some of these guys are slightly ahead of Tyrone [Mings], who has always played well for us.

"At the same time we have to make opportunities for good young players to have a look at them."

England's Nations League fixtures
Date Opponent Venue

Saturday, 4 June Hungary Puskas Arena, Budapest
Tuesday, 7 June Germany Allianz Arena, Munich

Saturday, 11 June Italy Molineux, Wolverhampton

Tuesday, 14 June Hungary Molineux, Wolverhampton

Another Italy-based player, Tammy Abraham, is included after a stellar season under Jose Mourinho at Roma, for whom he has scored 27 goals.

The former Chelsea striker is preferred to Everton's Dominic Calvert-Lewin in a group of forwards that also includes Manchester City title-winning trio Phil Foden, Jack Grealish and Raheem Sterling.

Southgate has resisted a plea from Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta not to include 20-year-old forward Bukayo Saka, who has played a part in every league game for the Gunners in 2021-22.

"I think Mikel Arteta knows we look after players well," said the England boss. "We've given all the players a week off this week, which not everyone has done, but we feel that has worked well for us.

"We've had a good discussion around Bukayo Saka and all the players from Arsenal. All the players are carrying niggles after a long season, but they all want to be here."

Jadon Sancho, who did not feature for Manchester United in the last month of the season because of tonsillitis, also misses out, as does his club-mate Marcus Rashford, who has struggled for form throughout this campaign.

Another notable absentee is Leicester's James Maddison, who won the Foxes player of the season award after 17 goals and 11 assists in all competitions. The 25-year-old's last cap was almost three years ago.

"He has finished the season very well," added Southgate. "He is obviously scoring goals but we just feel we are very happy with the players that have been with us.

"He is competing with Mason Mount and Phil Foden and these types of players in the role where he is at his best. It's one of the positions where there is a lot of strength in depth and you may have to leave players out who may be equally as deserving."

Other players omitted from the previous squad include defenders Tyrick Mitchell and Kyle Walker-Peters as well as forwards Emile Smith Rowe and Ollie Watkins.

https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/61566019
 
England's Nations League game away to Italy on 23 September will take place at the San Siro in Milan.

It will be the first time the Three Lions have played at the ground, home of both Inter and AC Milan, since 1939.

The two sides last met when Italy won the Euro 2020 final on penalties at Wembley last summer, a game marred by violence from home supporters.

The home fixture on 11 June at Molineux will be played without fans as England's punishment for the disorder.

Both games are 19:45 BST kick-offs.

England travel to Budapest for their first Nations League group A3 game against Hungary on 4 June (17:00 BST) - again in an empty stadium, because of Hungarian fans' behaviour at Euro 2020 - before travelling to Munich to face Germany on 7 June (19:45 BST).

Gareth Southgate's team will then host two games at Wolves' Molineux Stadium - against Italy on 11 June and Hungary on 14 June (19:45 BST).

Following the trip to Milan, England will round off their group stage fixtures against Germany on 26 September (19:45 BST) in front of fans at Wembley.

England will then turn their attention to the 2022 World Cup in Qatar in November.

BBC
 
Arsenal defender Ben White has withdrawn from the England squad due to injury and will continue his rehabilitation with his club.

White, 24, was initially named in Gareth Southgate's 27-man selection for their Uefa Nations League games.

Trent Alexander-Arnold will arrive on Tuesday after playing in the Champions League final, as will Raheem Sterling, Kieran Trippier and James Ward-Prowse.

England face Hungary away on Saturday and also take on Germany and Italy.
 
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Ricardo Horta struck on his first Portugal appearance in almost eight years as they drew 1-1 with Spain in their Nations League opener in Seville.

Manchester City-bound striker Erling Haaland scored the winner for Norway as they began their Nations League campaign with a 1-0 victory in Serbia.

Northern Ireland's search for a first Nations League win has now stretched to 11 matches after a deflating 1-0 home defeat by Greece.
 
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">&#55357;&#56803;️ "There is more chance of injuries..." <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LFC?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LFC</a> and Netherlands defender Virgil van Dijk has criticised the scheduling of the Nations League. <a href="https://t.co/JxCqdwaUFf">pic.twitter.com/JxCqdwaUFf</a></p>— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) <a href="https://twitter.com/SkySportsNews/status/1532627661171965952?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 3, 2022</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
 
Tonight’s action so far.

Some surprising scorelines unfolding.

0F3EB80B-04ED-4023-B3B3-BF29162DFE63.jpg
 
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