Anthony Hay and Luke Bosher
March 28, 2022 at 5:30 PM EDT
Hello and welcome to The Athletic’s coverage of today’s football news.
We are deep into the international break now and there’s no shortage of drama.
Last night saw Canada qualify for their first World Cup since 1986, while the USA defeated Panama 5-1 and Mexico beat Panama 1-0 to edge closer to sealing a spot in Qatar.
On Saturday, England beat Switzerland 2-1 at Wembley with Harry Kane moving into joint-second on his country’s record goalscorers list with 49.
Elsewhere, Christian Eriksen scored two minutes into his Denmark return as they lost 4-2 against the Netherlands. Spain beat Albania 2-1 in Barcelona, while Belgium drew 2-2 with the Republic of Ireland and Germany won 2-0 against Israel.
Tomorrow is a huge day for World Cup qualifiying, with two European play-off finals taking place alongside the five African second legs, so stick with us as we bring you all the breaking stories, team news and injury updates throughout.
Background reading:
- Christian Pulisic took centre stage when the USMNT needed him most
- Manchester United, Harry Kane and the search for a striker this summer
- Marina Granovskaia, Chelsea’s ‘silent assassin’
(Photo: GEOFF ROBINS/AFP via Getty Images)
March 28, 2022 at 5:30 PM EDT
That’s all for today!
Thank you for tuning into today’s news blog.
We will be back tomorrow to provide you with the latest updates ahead of England’s second friendly against Ivory Coast.
Also, Portugal will take on North Macedonia in the World Cup play-off final so plenty to keep you updated on.
Goodnight!
Holly Percival·
Junior Editor, News
March 28, 2022 at 4:45 PM EDT
Manchester United, Harry Kane and the search for a striker this summer
Manchester United’s search for a striker this summer will have lots of spotlights on whichever players get linked to the club.
Laurie Whitwell has provided all the info you need on Harry Kane and his potential links with Manchester United.
Holly Percival·
Junior Editor, News
GO FURTHER
Manchester United, Harry Kane and the search for a striker this summer
March 28, 2022 at 4:27 PM EDT
Analysing the pros and cons of US owners in the Premier League
American owners in the Premier League is a phrase that gets a very mixed reception.
With a handful of American businessmen linked with the purchase of Chelsea, Adam Crafton has provided a list of the pros and cons of American owners in the Premier League.
Holly Percival·
Junior Editor, News
GO FURTHER
Analysing the pros and cons of US owners in the Premier League
March 28, 2022 at 3:14 PM EDT
Salah, Mane and a year like no other
Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah have both had quite the year.
Caoimhe O’Neill has detailed the year like no other for the Liverpool duo.
Holly Percival·
Junior Editor, News
GO FURTHER
Salah, Mane and a year like no other
March 28, 2022 at 2:37 PM EDT
Baroness Sue Campbell on the Women’s Euros
With 100 days to go until the Women’s Euros on home turf, Baroness Sue Campbell spoke about the tournament.
Baroness Campbell said: “I am delighted to hear there has been a great response from fans wanting UEFA Women’s EURO tickets today. The pleasing thing is it is not just England matches that have caught the imagination but also that there is interest in other competing teams.
“With 100 days to go, it brings home just how close we are to England kicking off the opening game at Old Trafford. I was with Sarina and the squad recently and there is real excitement within the group for what’s to come. We are all hoping it is going to be a summer to remember where we can celebrate the very best of women’s football.
“I can’t wait to see fans of all ages cheering the players on and hopefully all generations feeling inspired to get involved as a player, coach, referee or volunteer.”
Holly Percival·
Junior Editor, News
March 28, 2022 at 12:43 PM EDT
NEWS: European clubs presented with new Champions League qualification model
The European Club Association has been presented with a new qualification model for the Champions League — with two places going to teams partially based on their historical performance, The Athletic understands.
The Champions League will use the so-called “Swiss-model” from the 2024-25 season. This will involve every team playing in a single league at the group stage, with a guarantee of at least 10 games. There will also be 36 teams in the Champions League-proper, four more than the current 32.
Of those places, two would go to teams with the best historical performance — although they have to finish in the places just outside the Champions League spots in their own league — and these will be known as the two co-efficient places that take into consideration a club’s performance over the previous five season.
Another slot will go to the fifth best-performing league in Europe, and one extra for the ‘Champions’ pathway in qualification.
Holly Percival·
Junior Editor, News
March 28, 2022 at 12:20 PM EDT
Jeff Stelling to stay at Sky Sports
He’s not leaving!
Soccer Saturday host Jeff Stelling originally announced he was stepping away from the show late last year but has now decided to stay on for another season.
“Sky Sports is my home, and the Soccer Saturday team are a big part of my life,” said Stelling. “As the end of the season approached, and I was preparing to say goodbye, I realised that I was not ready to blow the final whistle and leave the best job in the world.
“I am thrilled to be staying, and excited about moving the show forward and creating more special Saturday afternoons on Sky Sports.”
Holly Percival·
Junior Editor, News
March 28, 2022 at 12:05 PM EDT
Roberto Mancini to stay on as Italy manager
Italy manager Roberto Mancini has confirmed he will stay on as the national team’s boss despite his team missing out on this year’s World Cup.
Italy were knocked out of the World Cup play-offs after a surprising 1-0 defeat to North Macedonia. Aleksandar Trajkovski’s 92nd-minute goal was the only difference between the two sides.
“We need to start again”, said Mancini. “I talked to the president, we’re in agreements on everything. We’ll have time to discuss what we need to improve.”
Holly Percival·
Junior Editor, News
March 28, 2022 at 11:42 AM EDT
West Brom facing fight to keep youth prospects Reyes Cleary and Josh Shaw
West Bromwich Albion are facing another battle to keep hold of their top young talent with highly-rated development players Reyes Cleary and Josh Shaw yet to sign the professional deals offered to them by the Championship club.
Cleary — the 17-year-old striker who has scored seven goals for the Under-23s and another 12 for the Under-18s this season — is wanted by a number of clubs on the continent as well as plenty in the Premier League.
Shaw, 18, was signed from Everton two years ago and is recognised as a left-back with considerable potential. He, too, has numerous clubs interested in signing him.
Albion want to tie both players down for the future but have yet to reach an agreement with either.
For more, click here.
Holly Percival·
Junior Editor, News
March 28, 2022 at 9:59 AM EDT
Louis van Gaal tells Erik ten Hag not to take job at ‘commercial club’ Manchester United
Louis van Gaal has told compatriot Erik ten Hag to reject interest from Manchester United as they are a “commercial club” rather than a “football club”.
Ajax manager Ten Hag was interviewed by United officials over the club’s managerial vacancy last week but they are yet to make a decision over who will replace interim boss Ralf Rangnick in the summer.
Ten Hag is a leading contender to take up the role at Old Trafford with Mauricio Pochettino, Luis Enrique and Julen Lopetegui also on the club’s shortlist.
Click here to read the full story.
(Photos: Getty Images)
Anthony Hay·
EPL Staff Editor
March 28, 2022 at 8:11 AM EDT
AFC Wimbledon sack manager Mark Robinson
AFC Wimbledon have decided to part company with head coach Mark Robinson.
The League One club are currently in the relegation zone. They are just one point from safety but 20th-placed Fleetwood Town have a game in hand.
(Photo: Chris Vaughan – CameraSport via Getty Images)
Anthony Hay·
EPL Staff Editor
March 28, 2022 at 8:02 AM EDT
Tickets on sale for Euro 2022 with 100 days to go
Tickets for Euro 2022 have been put on general sale today with 100 days to go until the tournament gets underway.
The first game will be between England and Austria at Old Trafford on July 31.
Anthony Hay·
EPL Staff Editor
March 28, 2022 at 7:48 AM EDT
Brighton announce £53.4 million loss from 2020-21 financial year
Brighton and Hove Albion have announced they made a loss of £53.4 million during the 2020-21 Premier League campaign.
Their recent accounts show a reduction in their losses compared to the 2019-20 season when the south coast side made a loss of £67.2 million.
Brighton also announced their turnover for the 2020-21 season was up by 13.4 per cent from £132.9 million to £151.6 million.
Click here to read the full story.
(Photo: Gareth Fuller/PA Images via Getty Images)
Anthony Hay·
EPL Staff Editor
March 28, 2022 at 7:15 AM EDT
Tottenham’s Ben Davies expected to be fit for Newcastle clash despite Wales withdrawal
Ben Davies is expected to be fit to face Newcastle despite withdrawing from Wales’ squad with tightness in his quad.
Davies will miss Wales’ friendly with the Czech Republic on Tuesday night after returning to Tottenham Hotspur for treatment.
The 28-year-old played 90 minutes on Thursday as Wales beat Austria 2-1 at the Cardiff City Stadium in their World Cup play-off semi-final.
Click here to read the full story.
(Photo: Ian Cook – CameraSport via Getty Images)
Anthony Hay·
EPL Staff Editor
March 28, 2022 at 6:44 AM EDT
Liverpool fans – what should we discuss on the latest Red Agenda?
Send James your questions ahead of the next recording of Red Agenda.
Anthony Hay·
EPL Staff Editor
Back in work and recording a special mailbag edition of the Red Agenda podcast for @TheAthleticUK today.
Reply with any questions or topics for discussion. 👇 #LFC— James Pearce (@JamesPearceLFC) March 28, 2022
