“Experimental England XI Fans Crave: Kane Rests, Maddison and Toney Start vs Ukraine”

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“Experimental England XI Fans Crave: Kane Rests, Maddison and Toney Start vs Ukraine”

England’s Euro 2024 qualifying campaign got off to a great start with a 2-1 victory over Italy in Naples, their first win over the Italians since 1961. Next up is Ukraine, and while England are seen as favourites for the clash at Wembley, there are suggestions that Gareth Southgate could give some of his squad players a chance to impress on home soil.

Southgate has already admitted that his main focus for the match will be securing three points to help with qualification for the Euros, meaning that he won’t be naming a weakened side for the sake of it. However, England have some excellent options.

One player who fans are desperate to see more of is James Maddison. While Leicester are embroiled in a relegation battle, the midfielder has really impressed with nine goals and five assists so far this term, leading fans to call for his creativity in the middle of the park.

Bukayo Saka simply has to start on the right flank thanks to his stunning form for club and country, while Phil Foden will be hoping to be named in the starting XI following his 12-minute cameo in Naples.

In attack, Southgate has a big decision to make. Harry Kane enjoyed a glorious night against Italy as he became England’s all-time top goalscorer with an effort from the penalty spot, leading to celebrations in the dressing room. While clearly supporting his teammate, Ivan Toney will be desperate to get in on the action as he awaits his first cap for the Three Lions despite receiving a call up prior to the World Cup.

The Brentford forward has been excellent this term, scoring 17 goals and providing five assists, leading Southgate to discuss his performances prior to the match. He told talkSPORT: “He’s here because we believe in him and we’re ready to use him. We haven’t brought another centre forward and he’s impressed us with the way he’s trained, the way he’s worked and his finishing looks really good. So he’s also in a very good moment that we won’t hesitate to use him.”

Rotation won’t be the order of the day for Southgate, meaning that John Stones and Harry Maguire could stay put in the centre of defence, however the left and right-back spots are up for grabs. Kieran Trippier has been wonderful for Newcastle this term, while with Luke Shaw suspended following his sending off against Italy, Southgate has hinted that Ben Chilwell could get a chance.

Declan Rice is growing in influence and even bagged a goal against Italy so he’s likely to start, while wonderkid Jude Bellingham can do no wrong at the moment, meaning that he’s bound to be given a chance to start under the arch at Wembley.

Aaron Ramsdale has been in stunning form for Premier League leaders Arsenal this term – in fact, some would argue that he’s been better than England number one Jordan Pickford, meaning that he could be given a chance to show what he can do in a competitive match.

Here’s how England could line up against Ukraine should Southgate decide to shuffle the pack:

GK: Aaron Ramsdale

RB: Kieran Trippier

CB: John Stones

CB: Harry Maguire

LB: Ben Chilwell

CM: Declan Rice

CM: Jude Bellingham

RW: Bukayo Saka

CAM: James Maddison

LW: Phil Foden

ST: Ivan Toney

Everton May Face Points Deduction for Alleged Financial Fair Play Breach

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Everton May Face Points Deduction for Alleged Financial Fair Play Breach

Everton Football Club is facing a potential points deduction that could jeopardize their Premier League status after being charged with breaching Financial Fair Play (FFP) rules. The club, which is currently in a relegation battle under new manager Sean Dyche, posted a loss of £371.8 million over three seasons up until 2021-22, which is £266.8 million over the £105 million limit set by the league. Despite claiming that they would not breach league regulations, Everton could face serious consequences if found guilty of the alleged breaches.

The club has vowed to “robustly defend” themselves against the charge after the Premier League referred the alleged breaches to an independent three-man disciplinary commission. A hearing could take place before the end of the season. If found guilty, punishments could include points deductions, transfer embargos, fines, and a forced wages cap.

Everton is not the only club to face financial scrutiny this season. Manchester City was hit with 101 charges covering a nine-year period for breaching financial rules. The Premier League spokesperson said, “We have referred an alleged breach of our Profitability and Sustainability Rules by Everton. The assessment period for which it is alleged the club is in breach is the period ending season 2021-22. Proceedings before the commission will be confidential and heard in private.”

Last May, Burnley and Leeds threatened a £200m damages claim against then-relegation rivals Everton over alleged FFP breaches. However, the legal action never materialized following financial allowances given to all Premier League clubs due to the Covid pandemic.

In 2022, Everton announced losses of £120.9 million for 2020-21, putting them £371.8 million in the red over three years. EFL bosses have levied a series of points deductions for financial breaches in recent seasons, with Reading facing a six-point penalty in the coming weeks. However, Middlesbrough, who were relegated in 1997 after losing three points for not fulfilling a fixture at Blackburn, remain the only top-flight side to suffer a deduction.

The club has until Friday to lodge their accounts at Companies House and has pledged to do so. These are also expected to show a nine-figure loss, although figures allow a significant discount for the cost of the club’s new 60,000 home at Bramley Moore Dock. Despite the charges, a club statement read, “The club strongly contests the allegation of non-compliance. Everton is prepared to robustly defend its position.”

The potential points deduction could be a huge blow to Everton, who are currently precariously close to the relegation zone. The club is hoping to avoid the same fate as Middlesbrough and remain in the Premier League. However, if found guilty of breaching FFP rules, they could face serious consequences that could affect their future in the league.

Anthony Elanga Reveals Frustration with Manchester United Role and Talks with Erik ten Hag Amid Exit Claims

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Anthony Elanga Reveals Frustration with Manchester United Role and Talks with Erik ten Hag Amid Exit Claims

Manchester United academy graduate Anthony Elanga has expressed his frustration at being limited to substitute appearances under manager Erik ten Hag. The 20-year-old winger was a regular feature in the first team last season under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Ralf Rangnick, making 27 appearances, including 16 starts and scoring three goals. However, this season he has only started seven games out of 24 and is yet to score. Elanga has revealed that he has discussed his situation with ten Hag, but the details of their conversation remain private.

Speaking to the media while on international duty with Sweden, Elanga said, “It is frustrating. You want to play. It is important. But if you don’t play, it’s not up to me but up to the coach. I have spoken to Erik and it is private between the two of us. I know what he wants me to do and I can just keep training hard. When the opportunity comes, I just have to be ready to take it.”

Despite rumours of a loan move away from the club in January, Elanga has remained focused on Manchester United and is determined to finish the season as strongly as possible. He said, “I love the club, but it’s important for me to play. I’m still young. We have spoken to the club and they know what is required and I know what is required.”

Elanga’s lack of game time is not limited to his club side, as he was also unable to get on the pitch during Sweden’s 3-0 loss to Belgium. However, he remains focused on his training and improving his game. “There is not much I can focus on,” he said. “It is Janne [Andersson] who chooses eleven players. I can only focus on what I do on the training ground.”

Despite his frustrations, Elanga remains committed to Manchester United and is determined to make the most of any opportunities that come his way. He has praised the club for their support and dialogue, saying, “That’s the good thing about the club, we talk a lot and they help me a lot.”

Gary Neville Furious at Ex-Premier League Rival for Constant Criticism

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Gary Neville Furious at Ex-Premier League Rival for Constant Criticism

Gary Neville, the former Manchester United defender, has expressed his annoyance at some of the comments made by Gabby Agbonlahor, the former Aston Villa striker and now talkSPORT pundit. The two players faced each other regularly during their playing days when Manchester United would play against Aston Villa. Neville’s thoughts on Agbonlahor were revealed during a recording of The Overlap podcast. Roy Keane, another former Manchester United player, had joked that Agbonlahor was Neville’s toughest opponent, which set Neville off. He said that Agbonlahor slags him off every week on his radio show and tags him on Twitter, which annoys him.

Neville was particularly annoyed by the notion made by Agbonlahor that he would enjoy playing against him. Neville said that Agbonlahor would be asked who was the player he would like to play against most, and he would say, “You know what? It was Gary Neville at Manchester United.” Neville called Agbonlahor a “cheeky b*****d” and reminded him that he did not win one game against Manchester United in 25 years. The crowd enjoyed Neville’s response during the live recording in Dublin.

Agbonlahor has ruffled a few feathers since taking on his new role as a pundit, including Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp. Klopp hit out at comments made by Agbonlahor suggesting that Erik ten Hag should have quit Manchester United after their 4-0 loss to Brentford in August. Agbonlahor also got on the wrong side of Neville’s brother, Phil Neville, after he claimed that the England squad was divided and not a team. However, neither were ever in the England squad at the same time, with Phil’s last call-up in 2006 and Agbonlahor’s first in 2007.

Lindelof hints at Man Utd exit during Sweden duty.

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Lindelof hints at Man Utd exit during Sweden duty.

Victor Lindelof, the Manchester United star and Sweden international, has suggested that he may leave the club this summer. Speaking to the press after his country’s 3-0 defeat to Belgium on Friday night, Lindelof admitted that he has not played as much as he would have liked this season, having only managed four full 90-minute games in the Premier League. He said that while he wants to play every game, he has not thought about a potential transfer yet. Lindelof joined United in 2017 from Benfica when Jose Mourinho was in charge.

Lindelof’s comments come after he was largely left out of the side this season, with the signing of Lisandro Martinez and Harry Maguire’s increased appearances leading to him being dropped. Raphael Varane has been the preferred partner with Martinez, and the combination has proved successful, with United already winning the Carabao Cup this season. The team also has high hopes of lifting the FA Cup and the Europa League, making it a very promising debut campaign for manager Ten Hag.

Despite making 21 appearances for the Red Devils this season, Lindelof has often been left on the bench or not even included in the squad. He played the full 90 minutes against Belgium, which he said was a pleasure, as he always enjoys representing his country. He added that he is looking forward to playing more games and performing well with his teammates.

Lindelof’s future at Old Trafford is uncertain, but he said that he is currently focusing on the national team and the rest of the season with United. He added that in the summer, they will re-evaluate and see what is best for him. Lindelof’s potential departure could be a blow for United, who have relied on him in the past and may need him in the future.

Lindelof joined United in 2017 for £31m and has since made 135 appearances for the club. He has been a regular in the team, but his playing time has reduced this season due to the arrival of new players. Lindelof’s departure would be a loss for United, but it could also provide an opportunity for younger players to step up and prove themselves.

In conclusion, Lindelof’s comments suggest that he may leave Manchester United this summer. He has not played as much as he would have liked this season, and the signing of new players has led to him being dropped from the team. Lindelof’s departure would be a loss for United, but it could also provide an opportunity for younger players to step up and prove themselves.

Man Utd bidder seeks Qataris and Sir Jim Ratcliffe to join £6bn takeover.

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Man Utd bidder seeks Qataris and Sir Jim Ratcliffe to join £6bn takeover.

Thomas Zilliacus, a bidder for Manchester United, believes that the best way forward for the club is for it to have three owners. Zilliacus has tabled his own bid but would prefer to join forces with Sheikh Jassim and Sir Jim Ratcliffe in a three-way push for the club. The founder and chairman of investment company Mobile FutureWorks believes that this would avoid the Glazers benefitting further financially from a bidding war and leave extra billions left over to invest in the club. Zilliacus believes that a club run by three different owners could work if there is good communication and agreement on decisions. He initially came up with an idea to have the worldwide United fan base buy half the club but now seems to be doubling down on that. He wants fans to feel like they are part of the club and have a greater say in the decision-making process.

Zilliacus admits that he does not have the personal wealth of the other two bidders but can get his hands on the money to complete a takeover on his own or in a triumvirate. He believes that parties sitting on way more than £5bn are looking for new investment opportunities. Zilliacus’ love for the club goes back to 1965 when as an 11-year-old he went to see United play HJK at the Olympic Stadium in Helsinki in a European Cup pre-qualifier which the Red Devils won 3-2. He was chairman of HJK between 1982-83 and played Liverpool in his first season at the helm in a European Cup tie. When he moved to Singapore as Nokia’s Chairman of Asian Operations he also became involved with champions Geylang International.

Zilliacus is yet to actually go to Old Trafford let alone know where the leaky roof needs patching up. He watches all the time on TV from afar and wants his next step to be into the Directors Box with the Glazers gone. Whether that is on his own or with Sheikh Jassim and Sir Jim remains to be seen. Zilliacus insists he is serious and this isn’t a publicity stunt.

Tuchel seeks Chelsea’s Kovacic and Mendy reunion at Bayern.

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Tuchel seeks Chelsea’s Kovacic and Mendy reunion at Bayern.

Bayern Munich’s new manager, Thomas Tuchel, is reportedly interested in signing two of his former Chelsea stars, Mateo Kovacic and Edouard Mendy. The German coach was recently appointed as the new manager of Bayern Munich, replacing Julian Nagelsmann, who was sacked by the club. Tuchel has signed a contract until 2025 at the Allianz Arena and his first task will be to keep Bayern’s treble hopes alive.

According to Calciomercato, Kovacic and Mendy are targets for the Bundesliga giants, with both players tipped to leave west London very soon. Kovacic has been a key player for the Blues since joining from Real Madrid in 2018 and has even captained Graham Potter’s side in recent games. However, his future is currently up in the air as his contract is up next year. Manchester City is among several clubs keeping an eye on the 28-year-old’s availability.

Mendy, on the other hand, joined Chelsea in 2020 and instantly became a fan favourite, playing a key role in Tuchel’s Champions League triumph. But since then, the 31-year-old has struggled for form and this season has been stricken down with injury problems, with Kepa Arrizabalaga taking over as the No.1 keeper.

Despite this, the Senegal international has been offered several new contract upgrades in recent years, only to rebuff them all, so it seems that unless he is sold, he will be leaving on a free in 2025.

It is not just players that Tuchel is interested in poaching from Chelsea, with the 49-year-old confirming his intention to add coach Anthony Barry to backroom staff at Bayern.

Bayern Munich is currently a point behind Borussia Dortmund in the Bundesliga and still in contention to win the German Cup and Champions League. Tuchel’s task will be to keep the club’s treble hopes alive and reshape the squad according to his liking. It remains to be seen whether he will be successful in signing Kovacic and Mendy from Chelsea, but it is clear that the German coach is keen on adding them to his squad.

Ronaldinho’s Pay in Pique’s Kings League Revealed – Shocking!

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Ronaldinho’s Pay in Pique’s Kings League Revealed – Shocking!

Last month, football legend Ronaldinho made a surprise return to the pitch, playing for Porcinos FC in the seven-a-side King’s League run by fellow Barcelona icon Gerard Pique. However, what was even more surprising was the reported base salary that Ronaldinho received for playing in the league. According to Spanish outlet AS, the Brazilian’s base salary was a meagre £61.50.

But that wasn’t all that Ronaldinho earned for his appearance. It has been claimed that Pique’s company, Kosmos, paid Ronaldinho €10,000-€15,000 (£9,000-£13,000) to play in the King’s League. The tournament, which is based in Spain, allows teams to bring in a 12th player each week, often a retired footballer or celebrity.

Despite Ronaldinho’s appearance, Porcinos FC failed to win the game last month, losing 3-1 on penalties. However, ESPN reported that the match, which was streamed on Twitch, attracted a peak audience of over 2.1 million viewers.

Ronaldinho retired from professional football in 2015 as one of only eight players to have won the Champions League, World Cup and Ballon d’Or. During his incredible career, he played for the likes of Paris Saint-Germain, Barcelona and AC Milan. He also won the World Cup in 2002 and scored the winning goal in the quarter-final victory over England.

Earlier this month, it was announced that Ronaldinho’s son had followed in his father’s footsteps by joining Barcelona. The Brazilian spent five years at the club and is still regarded as one of their greatest ever players.

Despite his low base salary for playing in the King’s League, Ronaldinho’s earning potential off the pitch remains high. He is still a popular figure among football fans and has a large social media following. In addition, he has been involved in various commercial ventures, including endorsements and sponsorships.

Ronaldinho’s return to the pitch highlights the enduring appeal of football legends. Even after retiring from professional football, players like Ronaldinho continue to attract attention and generate interest. This is partly due to their achievements on the pitch, but also because of their personalities and charisma.

Football fans are drawn to players who have a certain mystique and aura about them. Ronaldinho is one such player, known for his dazzling skills and flamboyant style of play. He was a joy to watch on the pitch and remains a beloved figure among football fans around the world.

In recent years, there has been a trend towards nostalgia in football. Fans are increasingly looking back at the great players and moments of the past, rather than focusing solely on the present. This has led to a renewed interest in football legends like Ronaldinho, who continue to inspire and captivate fans long after their playing days are over.

In conclusion, Ronaldinho’s low base salary for playing in the King’s League may have been surprising, but it is a testament to his enduring appeal as a football legend. His return to the pitch highlights the nostalgia that fans feel for great players of the past, and his continued popularity is a testament to his skill, personality and charisma.

Rio Ferdinand: Cristiano Ronaldo Cried Over Ping Pong at Man Utd Due to Ultra-Competitive Nature

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Rio Ferdinand: Cristiano Ronaldo Cried Over Ping Pong at Man Utd Due to Ultra-Competitive Nature

Former Manchester United star Rio Ferdinand has revealed how he used to make Cristiano Ronaldo cry after beating him at ping pong. The two footballers shared a dressing room at Old Trafford for six years during Ronaldo’s tenure at the club from 2003 to 2009, where they won numerous trophies including the Premier League and Champions League.

Ronaldo’s rise to stardom began at United before he moved on to Real Madrid and Juventus, where he became recognised as one of the best players of all time. His competitive edge was nurtured at United, where Sir Alex Ferguson regularly pushed him to the limit. However, it was not just the revered coach who tried to egg him on, as Ferdinand has revealed how he used to wind him up over games of ping pong.

When asked whether the stories were true that Ronaldo could not cope with the table tennis thrashings, Ferdinand quickly confirmed that this was the truth. “Me and a guy called Quinton Fortune – another [Manchester United] teammate – we used to take the mick out of him a lot,” he told Australian radio show Kyle and Jackie O. “He was a lot younger than us at the time – borderline bullying, maybe, but it was just trying to, like, build him, build that resilience. We used to play every other day before training, as part of the warm-up. I used to smash him all over the place. He did beat me … it was me and him, [ranked] one and two, like Federer and Nadal. If it was televised, it would have broken records. He used to, like, almost cry and that, he was so competitive.”

Ferdinand was a huge advocate for Ronaldo’s return at United when he signed for the Red Devils for a second time in 2021. After a decent first campaign where he scored 24 times, the following season was a catastrophe following the arrival of Erik ten Hag. The five-time Ballon d’Or winner was reduced to a bit-part role for the first half of the season before launching an astonishing attack on the manager and club in an interview with Piers Morgan. It led to his contract being scrapped as Saudi side Al Nassr snapped him up on a huge contract worth £173million a year.

“Best Arsenal Forwards for Dream Team: Jesus, Trossard or Martinelli?”

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“Best Arsenal Forwards for Dream Team: Jesus, Trossard or Martinelli?”

Arsenal fans who are superstitious may not want to say it out loud, but their team is currently the favourite to win the Premier League this season. The Gunners are eight points ahead of Manchester City, although they have played one more game than the defending champions. Manchester City has an FA Cup semi-final to think about and is desperate to win the Champions League, so a two-legged quarter-final against Bayern Munich is likely to be their primary focus after the international break. In contrast, Mikel Arteta and his team have no other distractions, just ten league fixtures to determine their fate.

A lot can happen in ten games, and with Liverpool, Man City, Chelsea, Newcastle, and Brighton among Arsenal’s opponents, there’s no room for complacency. However, it looks promising for a side that hasn’t won a league title since 2004. Dream Team gaffers should certainly target the Manchester clubs’ extra fixtures in the coming weeks. Still, given that the north Londoners have won 22 of their 28 league games in 2022/23, the temptation to back Emirates-based assets is understandable.

Aaron Ramsdale (£3.6m), Gabriel (£3.7m), Ben White (£4.5m), Martin Odegaard (£3.7m), and Bukayo Saka (£5.6m) are the best options across the other positions, but which forward (if any) is the optimum selection? It’s between Leandro Trossard (£4m), Gabriel Martinelli (£3.9m), and Gabriel Jesus (£4.8m), who should be close to full fitness come Game Week 28 having played 45 minutes against Sporting CP and a further 25 at Selhurst Park.

Let’s see how the trio match-up in some key statistics.

TOTAL DREAM TEAM POINTS

Martinelli – 136

Trossard – 110

Jesus – 88

AVERAGE POINTS-PER-GAME

Jesus – 3.8

Trossard – 3.8

Martinelli – 3.6

OWNERSHIP

Jesus – 26.9%

Martinelli – 14.9%

Trossard – 2%

STAR MAN AWARDS

Trossard – 3

Jesus – 3

Martinelli – 2

GOALS

Martinelli – 13

Trossard – 8

Jesus – 5

ASSISTS

Trossard – 9

Jesus – 7

Martinelli – 3

MINUTES PER GOAL INVOLVEMENT

Trossard – 114.7

Jesus – 128

Martinelli – 181.2

The former Man City forward’s lengthy lay-off should be taken into account when considering his stats, but that’s why it’s useful to consider aspects such as his points-per-game ratio and his impressive average of 128 minutes per goal involvement. Surprisingly, it’s probably Trossard who comes out on top in the stats comparison, but it will be interesting to see how he’s used by Arteta now that Jesus is available again.

The Belgian may revert to an impact substitute, a role he performed admirably in his first few weeks for the club. Or it may be that Trossard and Jesus are to share centre-forward duties for the remainder of the campaign, which sounds handy in reality but something of a pain for Dream Team managers. And that’s why Martinelli is probably the best bet, because he’s likely to play the most minutes of the three.

Not only that, the 21-year-old is in great form having racked up 51 points across the last Game Weeks, a dramatic upturn from the spell of five consecutive blanks he endured from late January to late February. He’s also the cheapest of the three options, so if budgetary constraints are an issue, then Martinelli fits the bill best.

It should be noted that locked-in right-winger Saka, who is categorised as a midfielder in Dream Team, remains Arsenal’s best attacking asset. The England international has 172 points to his name and averages 4.5 points-per-outing.

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