https://www.scmp.com/rss/323263/feed In the group stage of European qualifying, 54 teams will be divided into nine groups of six teams each to play home-and-away round-robin matches. The winners of each group will qualify for the 2018 Fifa World Cup, and the eight best runners-up will advance to the play-off round. The eight best runners-up from the first round will play home-and-away over two legs. The four winners will qualify for the 2018 Fifa World Cup. en https://assets.i-scmp.com/static/img/icons/scmp-meta-1200x630.png https://www.scmp.com Gian Piero Ventura was sacked as Italy coach on Wednesday after the four-time champions failed to reach the World Cup finals. The veteran coach’s fate was sealed after a crisis meeting of the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) in Rome. The 69-year-old had refused to resign despite a 1-0 aggregate play-off defeat to Sweden on Monday which saw Italy miss the World Cup for the first time in 60 years. “As of today Gian Piero Ventura is no longer the coach of the national team,” the FIGC said in a... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/2120111/italy-gian-piero-ventura-after-failing-reach-world-cup-following?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/2120111/italy-gian-piero-ventura-after-failing-reach-world-cup-following?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 15 Nov 2017 18:04:06 +0000 Denmark go to next year’s World Cup with one of the world’s top 10 players in Christian Eriksen, coach Age Hareide said on Tuesday, after the Tottenham playmaker grabbed a hat-trick in the 5-1 thrashing of Ireland. Denmark booked their ticket to Russia in style in the second leg in Dublin, running away with a tie that was in the balance after a goalless first game in Copenhagen. “All the teams who go to the World Cup have star players and players who can make the difference and Christian showed... https://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/2119962/christian-eriksen-one-top-10-players-world-says-coach-denmark-crush?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/2119962/christian-eriksen-one-top-10-players-world-says-coach-denmark-crush?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 15 Nov 2017 02:20:40 +0000 Italy’s failure to qualify for the World Cup for the first time in six decades should not come as a shock to those who believe in fate, destiny and jinxes. Yes, Italy were expected to beat Sweden in their play-off. But the Scandinavian country has been associated with some of the Azzurri’s darkest moments in football. Italy’s run of bad luck with Sweden dates all the way back to 1950 when, having won the previous two World Cups, they suffered their first ever defeat in the tournament – at the... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/2119933/sweden-long-time-jinx-italy-when-it-comes-foiling-their-hopes-major?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/2119933/sweden-long-time-jinx-italy-when-it-comes-foiling-their-hopes-major?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 14 Nov 2017 19:05:12 +0000 Italy’s failure to qualify for the World Cup for the first time in 60 years was greeted by a mixture of disbelief, dismay and resigned disappointment by fans across the country. In Rome’s trendy San Lorenzo district, the Le Mura bar, which showed Monday night’s play-off crunch with Sweden on a big screen, emptied at the final whistle after a goalless stalemate which condemned the Azzurri to a 1-0 aggregate defeat. “It is really very sad because watching the World Cup was something that really... https://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/2119763/i-still-cant-believe-it-has-happened-its-over-dismay-and-disbelief?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/2119763/i-still-cant-believe-it-has-happened-its-over-dismay-and-disbelief?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 14 Nov 2017 01:52:06 +0000 Four-time champions Italy failed to qualify for the World Cup for the first time in 60 years after losing their play-off to Sweden 1-0 on aggregate after both sides played out a goalless draw in a quiet San Siro on Monday. It could have been worse for Italy, as Sweden were denied what looked like two clear-cut penalties for handballs, first from Matteo Darmian and then from Andrea Barzagli. Italy had a penalty appeal of their own waved off by referee Antonio Mateu Lahoz when Marco Parolo was... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/2119748/italy-fail-qualify-world-cup-first-time-60-years-after-goalless-draw?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/2119748/italy-fail-qualify-world-cup-first-time-60-years-after-goalless-draw?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 13 Nov 2017 22:15:15 +0000 Sweden claimed a precious 1-0 first-leg victory over Italy in their World Cup play-off at Stockholm on Friday, leaving the four-time champions in danger of missing the tournament for the first time in 60 years. Substitute Jakob Johansson grabbed the only goal of a scrappy game in the 61st minute with a low strike that found the corner with the aid of a big deflection. Gian Piero Ventura’s Italy will need to respond in Monday’s return leg at the San Siro in Milan to avoid becoming only the second... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/2119420/italy-lose-sweden-and-may-miss-world-cup-first-time-60-years?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/2119420/italy-lose-sweden-and-may-miss-world-cup-first-time-60-years?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 10 Nov 2017 23:04:03 +0000 Northern Ireland defender Jonny Evans thinks the contentious penalty awarded for handball during his team’s 1-0 loss to Switzerland was “a worse decision” than the Thierry Henry handball which deprived neighbouring Republic of Ireland a spot at the 2010 World Cup. A volley by Xherdan Shaqiri struck the shoulder of Evans’ brother Corey as the Northern Ireland midfielder attempted to block the shot. Romanian referee Ovidiu Hategan pointed to the spot, sparking angry protests from the Northern... https://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/2119261/deciding-penalty-worse-decision-thierry-henry-call-2009-says-northern?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/2119261/deciding-penalty-worse-decision-thierry-henry-call-2009-says-northern?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 10 Nov 2017 02:49:30 +0000 Four-time winners Italy will play Sweden in a play-off for a place in the 2018 World Cup while the Republic of Ireland take on Denmark, following the draw on Tuesday. Northern Ireland will tackle Switzerland and Croatia and Greece will contest the other two-legged Europe zone play-offs to be played between November 9 and November 14. Veteran goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon’s Italy, who were seeded for the draw in Zurich, will travel to Sweden for the first leg of their tie as they seek a ticket to... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/2115788/four-time-winners-italy-draw-sweden-tricky-2018-world-cup-play?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/2115788/four-time-winners-italy-draw-sweden-tricky-2018-world-cup-play?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 17 Oct 2017 14:26:56 +0000 The Republic of Ireland secured a World Cup play-off spot at Wales’ expense after James McClean’s crisp second-half strike earned his side a 1-0 victory in Cardiff on Monday. The West Bromwich Albion winger’s goal moved Ireland above Wales into second place in group D below Serbia, meaning Martin O’Neill’s men will be one of the eight teams in the European play-off draw on October 17. “The performance of the players was absolutely fantastic,” said Ireland manager O’Neill. “We had to withstand a... https://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/2114631/ireland-break-wales-hearts-reach-world-cup-play-offs-iceland-make?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/2114631/ireland-break-wales-hearts-reach-world-cup-play-offs-iceland-make?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 10 Oct 2017 02:03:03 +0000 Robert Lewandowski scored a European qualifying record 16th goal as Poland defeated Montenegro 4-2 on Sunday to reach next year’s World Cup, while reigning champions Germany secured a 10th successive win. Bayern Munich striker Lewandowski struck again in what has been a remarkable qualifying campaign as Poland recovered from throwing away a two-goal lead in Warsaw to secure a first trip to the World Cup finals since 2006. “I was angry. We were leading 2-0 at home and then let them equalise for... https://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/2114479/world-cup-latest-poland-seal-qualification-and-perfection-germany?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/2114479/world-cup-latest-poland-seal-qualification-and-perfection-germany?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 09 Oct 2017 03:00:22 +0000 Defending champions Germany clinched a place at next year’s World Cup in Russia with a 3-1 win in Northern Ireland on Thursday, while England beat Slovenia 1-0 to secure their berth – but Lionel Messi and Argentina’s hopes were hanging in the balance after another stalemate. Sebastian Rudy and Sandro Wagner struck brilliant first-half goals in Belfast before Joshua Kimmich added a late third as Joachim Loew’s team made it nine wins out of nine in European qualifying Group C. The four-time world... https://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/2114223/world-cup-latest-england-and-germany-qualify-russia-lionel-messi-could?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/2114223/world-cup-latest-england-and-germany-qualify-russia-lionel-messi-could?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 06 Oct 2017 03:39:57 +0000 Northern Ireland national team manager Michael O’Neill was arrested on suspicion of drink-driving outside Edinburgh on Sunday, according to a BBC report. The 48-year-old was detained by police early on Sunday morning after failing a breathalyser test. The Irish Football Association (IFA) released a statement saying it was “aware of an alleged drink-driving incident” before adding that it was a “police matter”. O’Neill has masterminded Northern Ireland’s run to the brink of qualifying for the... https://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/2110818/northern-ireland-manager-michael-oneill-arrested-suspicion-drink?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/2110818/northern-ireland-manager-michael-oneill-arrested-suspicion-drink?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 12 Sep 2017 07:06:12 +0000 England were left fearing disciplinary action against Dele Alli after the midfielder was caught on camera making an obscene gesture during his side’s World Cup qualifier against Slovakia. The Tottenham Hotspur player raised his middle finger during the 77th minute of Monday’s game at Wembley, which England won 2-1, and there were claims it was directed at French referee Clement Turpin. England manager Gareth Southgate played down the incident, saying Alli had been sharing a joke with teammate... https://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/2109761/dele-allis-middle-finger-row-overshadows-englands-world-cup-win-spurs?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/2109761/dele-allis-middle-finger-row-overshadows-englands-world-cup-win-spurs?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 05 Sep 2017 02:03:51 +0000 England manager Gareth Southgate said his team’s last-gasp 2-2 draw against Scotland demonstrated the kind of mental fortitude he is trying to instil in his players. England shipped two late Leigh Griffiths free-kicks in Saturday’s 2018 World Cup qualifier at Hampden Park, only for new captain Harry Kane to rescue a point by volleying in a 93rd-minute equaliser. Southgate is trying to rebuild England’s confidence after the shock of last year’s Euro 2016 humiliation by Iceland and said his... https://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/2097798/gareth-southgate-heartened-englands-resolve-after-thrilling-world-cup?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/2097798/gareth-southgate-heartened-englands-resolve-after-thrilling-world-cup?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 11 Jun 2017 03:42:52 +0000 Dick Advocaat got off to a winning start as the Netherlands kept their slim hopes of qualifying for next year’s World Cup alive with a 5-0 win over Luxembourg on Friday. Advocaat began his third stint as Dutch coach this week insisting the flagging national side could still beat the odds and qualify for Russia. And the 69-year-old could thank the veterans in his squad for victory with Arjen Robben opening on 21 minutes and Wesley Sneijder adding a second after 34 minutes. Galatasaray playmaker... https://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/2097749/dick-advocaat-rekindles-netherlands-world-cup-dream-key-win?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/2097749/dick-advocaat-rekindles-netherlands-world-cup-dream-key-win?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 10 Jun 2017 05:49:45 +0000 England manager Gareth Southgate said there was no reason why Jermain Defoe could not play at next year’s World Cup after he marked his international comeback with a goal. Sunderland striker Defoe, 34, scored the opener as England toiled to a 2-0 qualifying win over Lithuania on Sunday, following close to three-and-a-half years in the international wilderness. He has scored 14 goals for Sunderland in the Premier League this season, but he also owed his international recall to the absences... https://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/2082360/england-manager-gareth-southgate-opens-russia-world-cup-door-renascent?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/2082360/england-manager-gareth-southgate-opens-russia-world-cup-door-renascent?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 27 Mar 2017 01:56:09 +0000 England and defending champions Germany remained on course for the 2018 World Cup on Sunday while Danny Blind was sacked as Dutch coach after his misfiring team faced missing a second straight major finals. At Wembley, Jermain Defoe marked his international comeback with a goal as England toiled to a 2-0 victory over Lithuania. Defoe, 34, who was making his first England appearance since November 2013, hit the target midway through the second half for his 20th international goal. Substitute... https://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/2082355/england-and-germany-stay-course-world-cup-qualification-holland-axe?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/2082355/england-and-germany-stay-course-world-cup-qualification-holland-axe?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 27 Mar 2017 01:28:12 +0000 Albania coach Gianni Biasi apologised for his team’s flare-throwing fans after a 2-0 defeat to Italy that maintained a rejuvenated Azzurri’s hopes of qualifying for the 2018 World Cup in Russia. De Biasi had warned the Renato Barbera stadium in Palermo would be heavily attended by fans keen to follow his side following their historic, major finals appearance at Euro 2016 last summer. But Albania’s feisty supporters left a decidedly negative impression in a match decided either side of a... https://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/2082080/flares-halt-albania-italy-world-cup-qualifier-gianluigi-buffon?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/2082080/flares-halt-albania-italy-world-cup-qualifier-gianluigi-buffon?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 25 Mar 2017 02:56:47 +0000 Wales manager Chris Coleman spoke out in defence of his players after Republic of Ireland captain Seamus Coleman sustained a horrendous broken leg during their World Cup qualifying match. Seamus Coleman was stretchered off in the 71st minute of Friday’s 0-0 draw in Dublin after his right foot was left dangling sickeningly after an ugly foul by Neil Taylor, who was sent off. Wales forward Gareth Bale was booked for a late challenge on John O’Shea, ruling him out of June’s trip to Serbia, but his... https://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/2082078/wales-boss-defends-players-irelands-captain-suffers-horror-leg-break?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/2082078/wales-boss-defends-players-irelands-captain-suffers-horror-leg-break?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 25 Mar 2017 02:26:32 +0000 Germany and England, having been closely matched in a friendly on Wednesday night, go to the other end of the international scale on Monday morning (Hong Kong time) in their World Cup qualifiers when they face Azerbaijan and Lithuania respectively. The big teams are similarly short odds, with Germany away to the nation lying 89th in the Fifa rankings and England hosting the 107th-ranked country. By contrast, Germany are the top-ranked European country in third overall behind only Argentina and... https://www.scmp.com/sport/article/2081817/safe-bets-germany-and-england-take-minnows-world-cup-qualifying?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/article/2081817/safe-bets-germany-and-england-take-minnows-world-cup-qualifying?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 24 Mar 2017 05:49:38 +0000 Wayne Rooney is no longer guaranteed a place in every England squad, manager Gareth Southgate declared on Thursday, as he painted a stark picture of the team’s true global standing. Rooney, 31, was left out of the 26-man squad announced by Southgate for next week’s friendly against Germany in Dortmund and World Cup qualifier against Lithuania at Wembley. Routinely selected by England for the past 14 years, Rooney has lost his place at Manchester United and Southgate hinted it is time to start... https://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/2079785/gareth-southgate-begins-process-easing-skipper-wayne-rooney-out-england?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/2079785/gareth-southgate-begins-process-easing-skipper-wayne-rooney-out-england?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 17 Mar 2017 01:56:57 +0000 Crystal Palace’s new manager Sam Allardyce described losing the England manager’s job as “one of the darkest moments in my career.” Allardyce, 62, lasted just 67 days as England boss after he was axed for making indiscreet comments to undercover newspaper journalists, with Gareth Southgate succeeding him. He bounced back to land the Palace job on Friday, following the dismissal of Alan Pardew, but his experience with the national team still rankles. “The first four weeks was something that was... https://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/2057141/england-exit-dark-moment-says-new-crystal-palace-manager-sam-allardyce?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/2057141/england-exit-dark-moment-says-new-crystal-palace-manager-sam-allardyce?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 25 Dec 2016 02:22:52 +0000 Newly confirmed England manager Gareth Southgate said Wayne Rooney will remain captain as he faced the media on Thursday for the first time since his permanent appointment. Rooney, 31, apologised after being pictured looking worse for wear as he mingled with wedding guests at the England team hotel in the early hours during the most recent international break. Southgate dropped him for a 0-0 World Cup qualifying draw in Slovenia, but recalled him for England’s 3-0 win over Scotland, before... https://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/2050862/england-manager-gareth-southgate-sticks-wayne-rooney-captain?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/2050862/england-manager-gareth-southgate-sticks-wayne-rooney-captain?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 01 Dec 2016 13:22:14 +0000 Gareth Southgate intends to review how England’s players spend their free time if he secures the manager’s job permanently after newspaper photographs showed captain Wayne Rooney apparently drunk. British tabloid The Sun published pictures of Manchester United skipper Rooney, 31, supposedly looking the worse for wear after “gatecrashing” a wedding last weekend. Rooney apologised for the pictures. “All England personnel have a responsibility to behave appropriately at all times,” said the FA. “We... https://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/2046818/drunken-rooneys-wedding-crasher-pics-force-fa-review?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/2046818/drunken-rooneys-wedding-crasher-pics-force-fa-review?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 17 Nov 2016 02:28:47 +0000 Teddy Sheringham believes England are currently a “laughing stock” and joined fellow former internationals Des Walker, David James and Steve McManamman in backing Gareth Southgate to be handed the role on a permanent basis. Caretaker manager Southgate ended his four-game unbeaten tenure, which began in the wake of Sam Allardyce’s high-profile exit following a newspaper sting after just one match in charge, with this week’s 2-2 friendly draw with Spain at Wembley. The former Middlesbrough manager... https://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/2046531/gareth-southgate-man-rescue-laughing-stock-england-says-teddy?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/2046531/gareth-southgate-man-rescue-laughing-stock-england-says-teddy?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 16 Nov 2016 06:26:05 +0000 England, and potentially Manchester City, can only benefit from Joe Hart’s loan move to Italian Serie A side Torino, according to former Three Lions and Liverpool goalkeeper David James. Hart was the high-profile casualty of Pep Guardiola’s arrival to the City of Manchester Stadium from Bayern Munich at the start of the season, with the Spaniard preferring the sweeper-keeper style of Chile’s Claudio Bravo who he promptly signed from former club Barcelona. That left Hart initially on the City... https://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/2046237/david-james-backs-joe-harts-torino-loan-move-benefit-england-and-maybe?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/2046237/david-james-backs-joe-harts-torino-loan-move-benefit-england-and-maybe?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 15 Nov 2016 11:36:33 +0000 San Marino officials strongly criticised Thomas Mueller in an open letter on Monday after the German attacking midfielder made disparaging comments about the tiny European nation following Friday’s World Cup qualifier. Following the World Cup holders’ 8-0 rout, Mueller had questioned the point of playing the minnows and declared the game had “nothing to do with professional football” due to the gap between the two teams, with the majority of the San Marino players being amateurs. He also said... https://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/2046101/show-some-respect-san-marino-officials-offer-stinging-response-thomas?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/2046101/show-some-respect-san-marino-officials-offer-stinging-response-thomas?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 15 Nov 2016 04:16:55 +0000 Belgium hammered Estonia 8-1 to go clear in group H of Europe’s 2018 World Cup qualifiers, while Cristiano Ronaldo scored twice as Portugal survived a scare before overcoming Latvia 4-1 on Sunday. Romelu Lukaku and Dries Mertens each scored twice as Belgium ran rampant with further goals from Thomas Meunier, Eden Hazard, Yannick Carrasco and an own goal to make it four wins from four. In the same group Greece scored a 95th minute equaliser through Giorgos Tzavellas after a free kick had given... https://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/2045716/belgium-rampant-cristiano-ronaldos-portugal-survive-scare-2018-world?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/2045716/belgium-rampant-cristiano-ronaldos-portugal-survive-scare-2018-world?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 14 Nov 2016 04:29:11 +0000 Wales conceded an agonising late equaliser as Serbia battled to a 1-1 draw in a World Cup qualifier on Saturday as former champions Italy and Spain both won 4-0. Earlier Saturday, the Republic of Ireland has stunned Austria 1-0 in Vienna and are top of Group D on 10 points, with Serbia second on eight and Wales third on six. Gareth Bale rocketed Wales into a 30th-minute lead in Cardiff after Hal Robson-Kanu dispossessed Matija Nastasic and fed the ball to the Real Madrid forward, who cracked... https://www.scmp.com/sport/article/2045531/spain-and-italy-cruise-wins-disappointing-wales-are-held-again-world-cup-2018?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/article/2045531/spain-and-italy-cruise-wins-disappointing-wales-are-held-again-world-cup-2018?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 13 Nov 2016 03:56:52 +0000 France coach Didier Deschamps insists there is an awful lot more to Paul Pogba’s game after the Manchester United star found the net again in his country’s 2-1 win over Sweden on Friday. The world’s most expensive player headed in France’s equaliser before Dimitri Payet got the winning goal in the World Cup qualifier at the Stade de France on Friday. It was Pogba’s eighth goal for his country and followed his winner in the 1-0 victory away to the Netherlands last month. The 23-year-old also... https://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/2045399/paul-pogba-scores-again-france-win-his-game-about-much-more-goals-says?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/2045399/paul-pogba-scores-again-france-win-his-game-about-much-more-goals-says?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 12 Nov 2016 02:47:19 +0000 England’s interim manager Gareth Southgate and his Scotland counterpart Gordon Strachan refused to be drawn on their respective futures following the World Cup qualifier between their teams. England won 3-0 at Wembley on Friday to boost Southgate’s chances of being given the job full-time, having won two and drawn one of the first three games in his four-match tenure. But Strachan may have overseen his last game as Scotland manager, the result leaving his team six points adrift of Group F... https://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/2045398/southgate-and-strachan-coy-about-job-prospects-england-cruise-past?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/2045398/southgate-and-strachan-coy-about-job-prospects-england-cruise-past?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 12 Nov 2016 02:30:00 +0000 Before tackling the rest of the weekend’s international football, it is a good time to reflect on the English Premier League season after last weekend’s breathless action that saw three different leaders. With the season coming to the boil, the break seems to have come at just the wrong moment, but for punters it offers a chance to take stock. After this international break it is non-stop domestic action through the deep midwinter and it will be easy for punters to get carried away on the... https://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/2045091/time-take-premier-league-stock-during-international-break?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/2045091/time-take-premier-league-stock-during-international-break?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 11 Nov 2016 04:22:09 +0000 From poppies and black armbands in a moving remembrance of millions of war dead to brutally graphic nightmares caused by terrorist carnage, Friday’s World Cup qualifiers will be sobering as well as raucous. At Wembley in London, football’s oldest rivalry will be renewed when England and Scotland face off in the latest staging point on the road to the 2018 finals in Russia. They are also on collision course with the game’s rulers. Both countries’ football associations will defy a Fifa ban by... https://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/2045084/war-and-terror-anniversaries-put-world-cup-qualifiers-proper-focus?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/2045084/war-and-terror-anniversaries-put-world-cup-qualifiers-proper-focus?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 11 Nov 2016 03:50:49 +0000 England and Scotland will face Fifa sanctions after insisting their players will wear black armbands with embroidered poppies to honour Britain’s war dead for a match between the neighbours. England and Scotland will meet for a World Cup qualifier on November 11, Britain’s Remembrance Day, when British Commonwealth forces who have died on duty since World War I are honoured. Both associations asked Fifa to let their players wear the commemorative poppies somewhere on their jerseys, but that... https://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/2042585/england-and-scotland-will-defy-fifa-ruling-over-honouring-war-dead-and?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/2042585/england-and-scotland-will-defy-fifa-ruling-over-honouring-war-dead-and?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 03 Nov 2016 01:52:14 +0000 Crystal Palace boss Alan Pardew is open to the England coach’s job but believes interim manager Gareth Southgate could be the answer to the national team’s current managerial crisis. Southgate has two more games in charge to convince the FA that he is the right man for the job following England’s home win over minnows Malta and a draw against Slovenia in the World Cup qualifiers this month. “I think this England thing is becoming a bit of a problem for the manager. It might be a good time to let... https://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/2038671/alan-pardew-suggests-he-would-accept-england-job-backs-gareth-southgate?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/2038671/alan-pardew-suggests-he-would-accept-england-job-backs-gareth-southgate?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 20 Oct 2016 08:07:40 +0000 Northern Ireland manager Michael O’Neill says a rampant Germany are almost impossible to stop after the world champions’ dominant 2-0 win in a World Cup qualifier. The Germans made it three wins from three qualifiers for the 2018 finals in Russia with first-half goals by Julian Draxler and Sami Khedira sealing the routine win in Hanover on Tuesday. Germany are yet to even concede a goal in their qualifiers for Russia 2018 and look in ominous form. “We came here with a plan to try and nullify a... https://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/2027296/rampant-germany-impossible-contain-admits-northern-ireland-boss?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/2027296/rampant-germany-impossible-contain-admits-northern-ireland-boss?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 12 Oct 2016 01:10:02 +0000 England interim manager Gareth Southgate is halfway through his audition for the full-time job but his hopes were hardly helped by an ugly performance in a 0-0 draw in Slovenia on Tuesday. Southgate claims he inherited a “mess” after replacing Sam Allardyce, who lasted only 67 days in the job, and the display in Ljubljana was anything but pretty. England rode their luck to stay top of Group F and on course for the 2018 Russia World Cup, thanks to some outstanding goalkeeping by Joe Hart, but... https://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/2027294/send-next-candidate-southgates-england-prospects-dim-after-dismal?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/2027294/send-next-candidate-southgates-england-prospects-dim-after-dismal?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 12 Oct 2016 01:01:01 +0000 The fastest goal in World Cup history capped a night of 6-0 routs and the Netherlands’ further fall in European qualifying on Monday. Seven seconds ticked by when Belgium forward Christian Benteke’s shot finished his surging run through the Gibraltar defence. Benteke beat the 8.3 seconds that Davide Gaultieri took to score for San Marino against England in 1993 and set the tone for the visiting Belgians’ 6-0 win. Paul Pogba reminded France and Man United of his talent after a dispiriting start... https://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/2026950/pogba-shows-manchester-united-hes-still-got-it-stunner-france-while?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/2026950/pogba-shows-manchester-united-hes-still-got-it-stunner-france-while?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 11 Oct 2016 00:59:32 +0000 England’s captain and all-time leading goalscorer Wayne Rooney has been dropped to the bench for the World Cup qualifier away to Slovenia on Tuesday, interim manager Gareth Southgate said. Manchester United star Rooney dropped back to play as a deep-lying midfielder in England’s 2-0 win over Malta at Wembley on Saturday but was booed by some sections of the home support during a lacklustre display. Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson will lead the side out in Ljubljana as England look to maintain... https://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/2026943/its-waynes-world-no-more-england-finally-drop-rooney?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/2026943/its-waynes-world-no-more-england-finally-drop-rooney?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 11 Oct 2016 00:41:33 +0000 England interim manager Gareth Southgate expressed bewilderment after captain Wayne Rooney was booed by his own supporters during his side’s 2-0 World Cup qualifying victory over Malta. Rooney, his country’s record goal-scorer and most-capped outfield player, played in a midfield holding role at Wembley on Saturday and produced a low-key display as England ground out a laboured win. There was a smattering of boos when his name was read out prior to kick-off and again after he hoisted a shot over... https://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/2026455/gareth-southgate-baffled-fans-booing-wayne-rooney-england-dispatch?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/2026455/gareth-southgate-baffled-fans-booing-wayne-rooney-england-dispatch?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 09 Oct 2016 02:54:47 +0000 Burnley defender Michael Keane has been given his first England call-up for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Malta and Slovenia after Glen Johnson withdrew through injury, the Football Association said on Tuesday. Keane, who has featured in all seven Premier League games for the promoted club this season, has made 16 appearances for England’s under-21 side under new caretaker manager Gareth Southgate. “Michael Keane has been handed his first international call-up after Glen Johnson... https://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/2024983/michael-keane-replaces-injured-glen-johnson-england-squad-world-cup?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/2024983/michael-keane-replaces-injured-glen-johnson-england-squad-world-cup?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 04 Oct 2016 09:14:30 +0000 England caretaker manager Gareth Southgate hinted that he will ask captain Wayne Rooney to continue playing in midfield for his country. Rooney, 30, has started Manchester United’s last three games on the bench amid an ongoing debate about the best place for him to play as his physical powers wane. Both club manager Jose Mourinho and Sam Allardyce, Southgate’s short-lived predecessor, announced plans to deploy him as a number 10, although they then used him in more withdrawn midfield roles. “I... https://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/2024915/middle-man-england-caretaker-manager-gareth-southgate-drops-wayne?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/2024915/middle-man-england-caretaker-manager-gareth-southgate-drops-wayne?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 04 Oct 2016 05:39:57 +0000 With Cristiano Ronaldo still missing due to injury, European champions Portugal began their bid to qualify for the 2018 World Cup in Russia with a disappointing 2-0 defeat in Switzerland on Tuesday. Goals seven minutes apart in the first half from teenage sensation Breel Embolo and Admir Mehmedi gave the Swiss the points at the St Jakob-Park in Basel as they got off to the ideal start in qualifying group B. Elsewhere on Tuesday, Euro 2016 runners-up France also showed signs of a hangover from... https://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/2017026/depleted-portugal-beaten-world-cup-opener-rusty-france-are-held?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/2017026/depleted-portugal-beaten-world-cup-opener-rusty-france-are-held?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 07 Sep 2016 03:02:41 +0000 Bayern Munich teammates Thomas Mueller and Joshua Kimmich fired title-holders Germany to a commanding 3-0 win away to Norway in their opening 2018 World Cup qualifier on Sunday. Mueller struck in the 16th minute at the Ullevaal Stadion in Oslo before Kimmich netted Germany’s second goal on the stroke of half-time. Mueller then scored again on the hour to ensure a winning start for Joachim Loew’s team in group C as the world champions set off on the road to the finals in Russia. Germany top the... https://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/2014890/thomas-mueller-and-joshua-kimmich-get-germany-winning-start-world-cup?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/2014890/thomas-mueller-and-joshua-kimmich-get-germany-winning-start-world-cup?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 05 Sep 2016 04:52:36 +0000 Robert Snodgrass bagged a hat-trick as Scotland started World Cup 2018 qualifying in perfect fashion with a 5-1 win in Malta. Substitute Steven Fletcher and Chris Martin also got their names on the scoresheet as Alfred Effiong netted nine-man Malta’s consolation. It put Gordon Strachan’s team top of group F ahead of England, who won 1-0 in Slovakia thanks to an Adam Lallana winner deep into stoppage time. Although only one match has been played, it is a welcome boost for Scotland, who were the... https://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/2014829/scots-trot-victory-robert-snodgrass-hits-hat-trick-gordon-strachans-men?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/2014829/scots-trot-victory-robert-snodgrass-hits-hat-trick-gordon-strachans-men?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 05 Sep 2016 02:00:15 +0000 Adam Lallana scored with the last kick of the match as England edged 10-man Slovakia 1-0 in Sam Allardyce’s first game as manager in World Cup qualifying on Sunday. Despite Slovakia having Martin Skrtel sent off in the 57th minute, Allardyce looked set to become the first England manager since Bobby Robson in 1982 not to win his first game in charge. But in the fifth minute of stoppage time in Trnava, Liverpool midfielder Lallana squeezed a shot between Slovakia goalkeeper Matus Kozacik’s legs... https://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/2014826/death-adam-lallana-late-show-gives-big-sam-winning-start-narrow-england?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/2014826/death-adam-lallana-late-show-gives-big-sam-winning-start-narrow-england?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 05 Sep 2016 01:30:45 +0000 Despite several potential players remaining in “limbo”, Kosovo will make history on Monday, playing their first ever competitive match in a World Cup qualifier against Finland. Kosovo became the 210th member of Fifa in May, but excitement ahead of the Balkans outfit’s historic match has been marred by questions over who will be allowed to play for the team. According to Fifa’s rules, someone who has played for another national team cannot normally switch allegiance, so a number of Kosovo’s... https://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/2014453/new-kids-bloc-kosovo-set-historic-world-cup-qualifying-debut-despite?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/2014453/new-kids-bloc-kosovo-set-historic-world-cup-qualifying-debut-despite?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 04 Sep 2016 04:45:45 +0000 Wayne Rooney announced on Tuesday that the campaign for the 2018 World Cup in Russia will be his last as an England player. “Realistically I know myself that Russia will be my last opportunity to do anything with England,” Rooney told a press conference at St George’s Park in Burton, central England. “So I’m going to try and enjoy these two years and hopefully I can end my career with England on a high.” New England manager Sam Allardyce confirmed on Monday that Rooney, 30, will be kept on as... https://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/2011752/england-captain-wayne-rooney-retire-international-duty-following-2018?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/2011752/england-captain-wayne-rooney-retire-international-duty-following-2018?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 31 Aug 2016 09:00:15 +0000 Wayne Rooney will remain England captain going into the 2018 World Cup qualifying campaign, manager Sam Allardyce confirmed on Monday. The 30-year-old striker, who also captains Manchester United, has been England’s skipper for the past two years. He will don the armband under Allardyce for the first time on Sunday when England launch their attempt to reach the next World Cup in Russia with a game against Slovakia in Trnava. “Wayne has been an excellent captain for England and the manner in... https://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/2011060/roo-will-do-me-england-boss-sam-allardyce-chooses-wayne-rooney-carry?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/2011060/roo-will-do-me-england-boss-sam-allardyce-chooses-wayne-rooney-carry?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 30 Aug 2016 01:45:30 +0000