World Cup exit leaves Southgate considering England position
Southgate is under contract until December 2024, but after the 2-1 loss to France in the World Cup quarterfinals on Saturday, he could not guarantee he would stick around until then. “I want to make the right decision, whatever that is for the team, for England, the FA. England made it to the semifinals of the World Cup in 2018 and lost on penalties to Italy at Euro 2020. The quarterfinals exit against France is the earliest Southgate has been knocked out of a tournament. ___James Robson is at https://twitter.com/jamesalanrobson___AP World Cup coverage: https://apnews.com/hub/world-cup and https://twitter.com/AP_SportsCopyright 2022 The Associated Press.
wftv.comEngland coach lets captain Kane do final World Cup pep talk
“Nothing at all,” Southgate said as he turned to England captain Harry Kane, who was sitting beside him at the prematch news conference on Friday. I leave it to the players,” said the coach, who is aiming to guide England to a second straight World Cup semifinal. Southgate’s strategy was forged in a long playing career that included 57 games for England, with two of them at the 1998 World Cup. Kane has led by example at this World Cup, helping teammates with a tournament joint-best three assists and also scoring one goal. ___AP World Cup coverage: https://apnews.com/hub/world-cup and https://twitter.com/AP_SportsCopyright 2022 The Associated Press.
wftv.comEngland player Raheem Sterling to return to World Cup
Raheem Sterling will rejoin England’s World Cup squad after a break-in at his home in the U.K. The Chelsea forward had left England’s camp in Qatar to be with his family, which meant he missed his country’s 3-0 win against Senegal in the round of 16 on Sunday.
England forward Raheem Sterling leaves World Cup after armed intruders broke into his home
England forward Raheem Sterling is taking time away from the World Cup after armed intruders broke into his home, per the Guardian. Sterling missed Sunday's win over Senegal, and it's unclear if he will be available when England takes on France in the semi-final Saturday, England manager Gareth Southgate said. England will not rush Sterling back. The team will give him "as much time as he needs," per Southgate. Sterling has three young children.
wftv.comKane extends World Cup goal drought but equals Beckham feat
DOHA, Qatar — (AP) — For Harry Kane, the wait for a first goal at this World Cup goes on. Against a Wales team broken by goals from Marcus Rashford and Phil Foden, Kane was looking to finally get off the mark in Qatar. “He’s enjoying his football, but for any forward you want to be scoring goals,” Rashford said. Providing the cross for Foden’s second half strike, he became England's first player to register three assists at a World Cup since David Beckham in 2002. ___James Robson is at https://twitter.com/jamesalanrobson___AP World Cup coverage: https://apnews.com/hub/world-cup and https://twitter.com/AP_SportsCopyright 2022 The Associated Press.
wftv.comEngland advances after beating Wales 3-0 at World Cup
AL RAYYAN, Qatar — (AP) — Marcus Rashford and Phil Foden both scored Tuesday to put England into the last 16 of the World Cup with a 3-0 victory over Wales. He brought in Rashford and Foden into a new look attack and it worked. England had the game wrapped up just after halftime with Rashford scoring from a free kick in the 50th and Foden adding another in the 51st. Wales captain Gareth Bale was forced off at halftime with an injury. ___James Robson is at https://twitter.com/jamesalanrobson___AP World Cup coverage: https://apnews.com/hub/world-cup and https://twitter.com/AP_SportsCopyright 2022 The Associated Press.
wftv.comEngland and Wales players take a knee in World Cup match
The players for both England and Wales took a knee before their final World Cup group game on Tuesday. The teams made the gesture as a sign of solidarity in the fight against discrimination. England and Wales were among seven European nations that had intended to have their captains wear “One Love” armbands in support of inclusivity at the tournament in Qatar.
news.yahoo.comSaka, Rashford help England rout Iran 6-2 at World Cup
DOHA, Qatar — (AP) — Bukayo Saka and Marcus Rashford put last year's European Championship loss behind them, combining to score three goals in England's 6-2 rout of Iran on Monday at the World Cup. A year later, Saka scored twice at Khalifa International Stadium and Rashford came off the bench to add another with his first move of the match. Saka then got his first of the match in the 43rd and Raheem Sterling added another in first-half stoppage time. Saka scored his second shortly after the hour, but Mehdi Taremi pulled one back for Iran in the 65th minute. The game was delayed for several minutes in the first half when Iran goalkeeper Ali Beiranvand clashed heads with a teammate.
wftv.comEngland closes in on finally winning another World Cup
DOHA, Qatar — (AP) — It's been nine years since then-English Football Association chairman Greg Dyke set the national team the bold target of winning the 2022 World Cup. At the last World Cup in Russia, Southgate led his team to the semifinals, which was ahead of Dyke’s schedule. “I’d like to see us doing well in the under-20s World Cup in 2017,” he said. Not a single player that featured in the final of the under-20 World Cup-winning team is part of Southgate’s squad in Qatar. But England enters this World Cup with a sense of what might have been.
wftv.comEngland's coach encourages gay soccer players to come out
ROME — (AP) — England coach Gareth Southgate hopes that gay soccer players “come out soon" because "it would have an enormous impact on society,” he said in an interview with an Italian newspaper published on Saturday. “The teams and players wouldn’t have any problem with it,” Southgate told La Repubblica ahead of this month's World Cup in Qatar. But I hope gay players come out soon because it would have an enormous impact on society.”Gay rights have become an issue for the World Cup since same-sex relations are criminalized in the conservative Gulf nation. England will wear the "OneLove" anti-discrimination captain's armband at the World Cup. ___AP World Cup coverage: https://apnews.com/hub/world-cup and https://twitter.com/AP_SportsCopyright 2022 The Associated Press.
wftv.comPlayers gripped by injury fear as World Cup draws near
The Brazil striker had tears in his eyes as he spoke of his “dream” of representing his country at the World Cup potentially being over. But the mid-season element of this World Cup, combined with the hectic club calendar, has heightened tensions. I’d always advise them to be ready for the World Cup, don’t get injured, be focused and play your maximum in the game. There’s five or six games before the World Cup so you need to be in good shape." ___AP World Cup coverage: https://apnews.com/hub/world-cup and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports___James Robson is at https://twitter.com/jamesalanrobsonCopyright 2022 The Associated Press.
wftv.comToney pushes England case in Brentford win over Brighton
LONDON — (AP) — Striker Ivan Toney sent a World Cup message to England boss Gareth Southgate by firing Brentford to a 2-0 win over Brighton in the Premier League on Friday. Toney was summoned by England for the first time last month but didn't get to play against Italy and Germany. But he is becoming harder to ignore after boosting his case with a cute backheel followed by yet another penalty. Brentford did not score in two defeats to Brighton last season, but Toney ended that. Staff from both teams got involved in the shoving and posturing before referee Michael Salisbury restored some order and booked Frank and Brighton counterpart Roberto De Zerbi.
wftv.comEuropean champ Italy draws England in Euro 2024 qualifying
FRANKFURT, Germany — (AP) — At a time when UEFA is considering changes to revive interest in European Championship qualifying matches, the draw for Euro 2024 threw up some big-time clashes. The Netherlands against World Cup champion France is another stand-out encounter. The 53 national teams were split into 10 groups of five or six teams, with 23 qualifying for the 2024 tournament in Germany. Former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger recently pushed the idea of having the World Cup every two years, rather than four. But the team coached by Roberto Mancini has endured a difficult time since winning Euro 2020, ultimately failing to qualify for this year’s World Cup in Qatar.
wftv.comDropped by Man United, Maguire becomes an issue for England
Harry Maguire has been dropped by Manchester United despite being its club captain and the most expensive defender in soccer history. The big question now: How will that affect his place in England's team ahead of the World Cup? Central defense is suddenly a huge concern for Southgate 10 weeks ahead of the World Cup in Qatar. ___BRAITHWAITE RESURGESLeaving Barcelona might have been just what Martin Braithwaite needed to boost his chances of securing a spot in Denmark's World Cup squad. Alves was a regular for Brazil in World Cup qualifying and also won the gold medal at last year's Tokyo Olympics.
wftv.comUK police arrest 11 over racist abuse after Euros final
England lost the Euro 2020 soccer championship final match to Italy on Sunday July 11. (AP Photo/Tony Hicks) (Tony Hicks)LONDON — (AP) — British police said Thursday they have made 11 arrests in connection with the online racial abuse of England soccer players following their team's loss to Italy in the final of the European Championship last month. The unit said that of the 207 criminal social media posts identified, 123 accounts belong to individuals outside the U.K. and their details are being shared with the relevant countries. Roberts said the Football Policing Unit is “seeking engagement” with the players themselves to offer support and to seek their input on the investigation and any subsequent prosecutions. Prince William, the president of the English Football Association, said he was “sickened” by the racism aimed at the England players.
wftv.comUK to ban online racists from games after Euro 2020 uproar
Britain England Italy Euro 2020 Soccer England's manager Gareth Southgate embraces Bukayo Saka after he failed to score a penalty during a penalty shootout after extra time during of the Euro 2020 soccer championship final match between England and Italy at Wembley stadium in London, Sunday, July 11, 2021. (Carl Recine/Pool Photo via AP) (Carl Recine)LONDON — (AP) — U.K. Prime Minister Boris Johnson has announced plans to ban anyone guilty of online racist abuse from attending soccer matches after three members of England’s national team were targeted following its loss in the European Championship final. Johnson on Wednesday condemned the abuse leveled at three Black players after they failed to score penalties in England's shootout defeat to Italy on Sunday at Wembley Stadium. And Johnson told the House of Commons it was time to act. The government plans to add online racism to the list of offenses for which fans can be barred from matches, he said.
wftv.comPolice investigate racist abuse of three England players
(Carl Recine/Pool Photo via AP) (Carl Recine)LONDON — (AP) — British police opened investigations Monday into the racist abuse of three Black players who missed penalties in England's shootout loss to Italy in the European Championship final. The English Football Association said it was “appalled” by the “disgusting behavior,” adding that social media companies should take action to make their platforms free from this “abhorrent” abuse. All three players targeted are part of a young England squad that has been widely praised for its diversity and social conscience. Gary Neville, a former Manchester United player and now a TV commentator, said he wasn't surprised that the three players who missed their penalties were targeted for racist abuse and called out Johnson. Home Secretary Priti Patel also condemned the abuse but has also faced criticism for encouraging those booing the players by describing their actions as “gesture politics.”Prince William, who is the president of the FA, joined the chorus of condemnation, saying he was “sickened” by the racist abuse aimed at the England players.
wftv.comUK leader condemns racism directed at England players
(Carl Recine/Pool Photo via AP) (Carl Recine)LONDON — (AP) — British Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Monday condemned the racist abuse directed at three Black England players who missed their penalties in the team's shootout loss to Italy in the final of the European Championship. The 19-year-old Saka missed the decisive penalty that gave the title to Italy and denied England its first major international soccer trophy since the 1966 World Cup. All three players immediately started receiving racist abuse on social media. England's Football Association issued a statement saying it was “appalled” by the “disgusting behavior.”London police condemned the “unacceptable” abuse, adding it will be investigating the “offensive and racist” social media posts. “There is absolutely no place for racism in football or anywhere else," he wrote in a Twitter post.
wftv.comSouthgate's penalty plan backfires in England painful final
Britain England Italy Euro 2020 Soccer England's manager Gareth Southgate embraces Bukayo Saka after he failed to score a penalty during a penalty shootout after extra time during of the Euro 2020 soccer championship final match between England and Italy at Wembley stadium in London, Sunday, July 11, 2021. Wrapping his arms around Bukayo Saka, the England coach felt the teenager's anguish. Having a decisive penalty saved in a European Championship match at Wembley Stadium can be such a lonely experience. Liverpool’s Premier League and Champions League winner, Jordan Henderson, was deemed less suitable for a penalty than Sancho. “I decided on the penalty takers based on what we’ve done in training.
wftv.comThe Latest: England changes lineup for Euro 2020 final
Britain England Italy Euro 2020 Soccer England manager Gareth Southgate and his team prepare to leave the Grove Hotel, Hertfordshire, England, and head to Wembley Stadium for the Euro 2020 soccer championship final match between England and Italy Sunday July 11, 2021. ___Italy’s players walked onto the field at Wembley Stadium in street clothes soon after England ahead of the European Championship final. ___Fans outside Wembley Stadium have tried to get into the stadium through a low barrier for the European Championship final between England and Italy. ___The England and Italy team buses have arrived at Wembley Stadium about 90 minutes before kickoff in the European Championship final against Italy. ___Thousands of fans have created a party atmosphere outside Wembley Stadium before the European Championship final between England and Italy.
wftv.comEngland sheds agonizing history by knocking out Germany
APTOPIX Britain England Germany Euro 2020 Soccer England's Harry Kane, bottom, is celebrated by teammates after scoring his side's 2nd goal the Euro 2020 soccer championship round of 16 match between England and Germany, at Wembley stadium in London, Tuesday, June 29, 2021. This was a day more reminiscent, albeit with a long way to go in Euro 2020, of the 1966 World Cup final win over them on the same site. It was on penalties that Germany also beat England in the 1990 World Cup semifinals. Then there was the English goal wrongfully disallowed as Germany knocked the English out of the 2010 World Cup. Just like at the 1966 World Cup — and that ended well.
wftv.comStrikers search for goals, wing backs shine at Euro 2020
Hungary Portugal France Euro 2020 Soccer France's Kylian Mbappe runs during warmup before the Euro 2020 soccer championship group F match between Portugal and France at the Puskas Arena in Budapest, Wednesday, June 23, 2021. Nor the fact that both strikers are being talked about for transfers to new clubs after the European Championship. Although prolific for their clubs — Mbappé with 27 league goals and Kane with 23 — neither has managed to replicate their domestic scoring output at the European Championship. “Inevitably he’s come through those periods and scored important goals for us and played exceptionally well. WING BACKSWhile some leading strikers are struggling to make an impact, this tournament has been a stage for wing backs to shine.
wftv.comKane struggles as England held 0-0 by Scotland at Euro 2020
APTOPIX Britain England Scotland Euro 2020 Soccer England's Harry Kane heads the ball during the Euro 2020 soccer championship group D match between England and Scotland at Wembley stadium in London, Friday, June 18, 2021. (Carl Recine /Pool Photo via AP) (Carl Recine)LONDON — (AP) — Not even with the Premier League’s top scorer could England find a way past Scotland. On his good days, Kane is one of the game’s ultimate goal threats for both Tottenham and England. But the sluggish striker never came close to scoring in the 0-0 draw between the two teams Friday at the European Championship. ___More AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer and https://twitter.com/AP_SportsCopyright 2021 The Associated Press.
wftv.comThe Latest: England makes change in Euro 2020 squad
APTOPIX Britain England Croatia Euro 2020 Soccer England's manager Gareth Southgate celebrates his side's 1-0 win at the end of the Euro 2020 soccer championship group D match between England and Croatia, at Wembley stadium, London, Sunday, June 13, 2021. (Laurence Griffiths, Pool via AP) (Laurence Griffiths)The Latest on soccer’s European Championship:___A change has been made in England’s European Championship squad with injured backup goalkeeper Dean Henderson replaced by Aaron Ramsdale. UEFA’s regulations allow in-tournament replacements of goalkeepers in Euro 2020 squads on medical grounds and Henderson has a hip issue. Jordan Pickford is England’s starting goalkeeper and is due to be the first choice in the second Group D game against Scotland. Portugal will be up first on Day 5 of Euro 2020 against Hungary in Budapest.
wftv.comSterling's dream now a reality as England beats Croatia 1-0
APTOPIX Britain England Croatia Euro 2020 Soccer England's Raheem Sterling celebrates after scoring his side's opening goal during the Euro 2020 soccer championship group D match between England and Croatia at Wembley stadium in London, Sunday, June 13, 2021. “He brings a lot of energy to the team,” Sterling said. That was despite pleas from the England team to respect the anti-racism gesture. “It’s not conditions we’re used to and we dug in as a team," Sterling said. I couldn’t wait to get started with England and I knew it would be a positive one.”___More AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer and https://twitter.com/AP_SportsCopyright 2021 The Associated Press.
wftv.comYoungsters justifying the faith of top Premier League teams
Manchester United's Mason Greenwood celebrates after scoring a goal during the English Premier League soccer match between Manchester United and Bournemouth at Old Trafford stadium in Manchester, England, Saturday, July 4, 2020. (Peter Powell/Pool via AP)Some of the top Premier League teams are putting their faith in youth in the high-stakes finale to the longest-ever soccer season in England. Jamie Vardy passed the 100-goal mark in Premier League goals by netting twice as Leicester beat Crystal Palace 3-0 for its first win since the restart. With five more rounds left, Leicester stayed a point clear of Chelsea and three points ahead of fifth-place Manchester United. Finishing in sixth will earn the team a berth in the Europa League next season, as may seventh.