England vs Ukraine match preview: Team news, head-to-head, lineups, and predictions

GOAL previews the EURO 2024 qualifier between England and Ukraine, with team news, predictions, head to head record, key players

England will be looking to make it two wins in a row at the EURO 2024 qualifiers as they take on Ukraine on Sunday.

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Gareth Southgate's team beat reigning European champions Italy in their qualification opener. Declan Rice opened the scoring before Harry Kane broke Wayne Rooney's record to become England's all-time top scorer. They will be confident of getting three points against Ukraine although the visitors have not been easy to beat in the past.

Ukraine last played a game in September 2022 as they had missed out on a trip to Qatar for the 2022 World Cup. They have caused England trouble when the two teams met several years ago and will be hoping to take points off the Three Lions on Sunday.

GOAL previews the EURO 2024 qualifier between England and Ukraine, with team news, predictions, head-to-head record, key battles and much more below.

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    Team analysis

    England team news

    England predicted XI

    Pickford; James, Stones, Maguire, Chilwell; Henderson, Phillips, Rice; Saka, Kane, Foden.

    Recent form

    England registered a confidence-boosting comeback victory against defending champions Italy in their previous outing. It was a much-needed win for Southgate after the team's World Cup 2022 heartbreak.

    Key players

    Kane wrote his name into the history books by becoming his country's all-time leading goalscorer, surpassing Rooney's tally of 53 goals. He has been excellent for his club Tottenham as well, with 21 goals this season. Ukraine's defence will need to stop Kane if they are to get something out of this fixture.

    Injuries & suspensions

    Marcus Rashford, Mason Mount and Nick Pope had pulled out from the England camp due to injuries and will play no part against Ukraine.

    Luke Shaw was shown a red card in the game against Italy and will miss the game on Sunday. Jude Bellingham will also need to be assessed on matchday.

    Tactical approach

    With plenty of attacking talent at his disposal and confidence from their win over Italy, England will once again be expected to be dominant against Ukraine and bag a comfortable win.

    Position Players
    Goalkeepers: Jordan Pickford, Aaron Ramsdale
    Defenders: Ben Chilwell, Eric Dier, Marc Guehi, Reece James, Harry Maguire, John Stones, Kieran Trippier, Kyle Walker
    Midfielders: Jude Bellingham, Conor Gallagher, Jordan Henderson, James Maddison, Kalvin Phillips, Declan Rice
    Forwards: Phil Foden, Jack Grealish, Harry Kane, Bukayo Saka, Ivan Toney

    Head-to-predictedrd

    Date Result Competition
    July 4, 2021 Ukraine 0-4 England Euro qualifier
    September 11, 2013 Ukraine 0-0 England World Cup qualifier
    September 12, 2012 England 1-1 Ukraine World Cup qualifier
    June 20, 2012 England 1-0 Ukraine Euro
    October 10, 2009 Ukraine 1-0 England World Cup qualifier

    Ukraine team news

    Ukraine predicted XI

    Lunin; Konoplya, Matvienko, Popov, Mykolenko; Malinovskyi, Stepanenko, Zinchenko; Tsygankov, Dovbyk, Mudryk

    Recent form

    Ukraine failed to qualify for the World Cup in Qatar. However, they lost only twice in their last 16 outings since 2021. They finished second in their UEFA Nations League group and will be confident of getting a result at the Wembley Stadium.

    Key players

    Chelsea's ÂŁ89m man Mykhailo Mudryk will have the opportunity to be in the limelight in his first game for the country since his Premier League move. He has failed to get going with the Blues but this would be a chance to show what he's capable of.

    Injuries & suspensions

    For Ukraine, Bournemouth centre-back Ilya Zabarnyi will be unavailable for selection alongside midfielder Oleksandr Zubkov as they are both out injured.

    Former West Ham man Andriy Yarmolenko is also out with an injury.

    Tactical approach

    Ukraine will aim to be solid at the back against a potentially dominant English side. They will want to use pace up front to cause issues in the final third via counter-attacks. In their own half, the defence needs to mark the in-form Harry Kane out of the game.

    Position Players
    Goalkeepers: Andriy Lunin, Anatoly Trubin, Dmytro Riznyk
    Defenders: Oleksandr Karavaev, Mykola Matvienko, Yukhym Konoplia, Vitaly Mykolenko, Ilya Zabarny, Eduard Sobol, Oleksandr Svatok, Eduard Sarapiy
    Midfielders: Taras Stepanenko, Oleksandr Zubkov, Georgy Sudakov, Artem Bondarenko, Serhii Sydorchuk, Vitaly Buyalskyi, Oleksandr Pikhalyonok, Andriy Yarmolenko, Ruslan Malinovskyi, Oleksandr Zinchenko, Viktor Tsygankov, Mykhailo Mudryk, Evgeny Konoplyanka
    Forwards: Roman Yaremchuk, Artem Dovbyk
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    England vs Ukraine match preview

    Venue, date & kick-off time

    The Euro 2024 qualifier between England and Ukraine will be played at the Wembley Stadium on Sunday, March 26. The game is scheduled to kick off at 5pm BST (1pm EDT).

    Match predictions & expected outcome

    England will be high on confidence heading into the game after their win over Italy. However, Ukraine has managed to hold the Three Lions to a draw twice in the last five meetings between the two teams. England's confidence and superior squad should take them across the finish line in this one.

    Key battles to watch out for

    We could get to see two Chelsea stars battle it out on one side of the pitch if James and Mudryk are featured. Mudryk has a point to prove at the global level at this point in his career and James is a difficult full-back to get past for any tricky winger.

    Potential game changers

    With 54 goals for England, Harry Kane is in terrific form for club and country. He only needs to see a small gap in defence to grab a goal and change the game. Ukraine's centre-backs will be on high alert against the Tottenham striker throughout the game.

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    Our final thoughts on the match

    • England have failed to win against Italy twice in their last five fixtures.
    • Kane will be high in confidence after breaking the all-time scoring record for England
    • Ukraine has had some success against England in the past and will look to start 2023 with a big result.
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    Useful links

    • Ukraine team page

    • England team page

    • Live football on TV in the UK

    • Live soccer on TV in the U.S.

    • Where to watch England's EURO 2024 qualifiers

Man Utd hit Liverpool for SIX! Women's Super League winners and losers as the Red Devils leapfrog Arsenal

The Red Devils took advantage of a draw between Arsenal and Chelsea to move second in the standings, just three points off top spot.

After its winter break, the Women's Super League returned with a bang this weekend as title rivals Arsenal and Chelsea played out for a dramatic draw, bottom side Leicester finally got some points on the board and Manchester United thrashed Liverpool 6-0.

Elsewhere, a trio of Lionesses made debuts for their new clubs as Aston Villa beat Tottenham 2-1 on Saturday, Everton emerged victorious against Reading on Sunday in a five-goal thriller and Manchester City edged out a tight contest with West Ham, winning 1-0.

Everywhere you looked, there were talking points in the first WSL action of 2023. But who kicked off the new year in style and who looked a little rusty after the break?

GOAL picks out this weekend's winners and losers below…

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    WINNER: Zecira Musovic

    When the teams came out on Sunday for the big clash at the Emirates between Arsenal and Chelsea, it was a surprise to see Zecira Musovic in between the sticks for the visitors.

    That's not because the Swede lacks quality – not at all – but because Ann-Katrin Berger has been the first-choice goalkeeper for the Blues for some time now. While Musovic is rotated in semi-regularly, she wasn't expected to start this huge fixture – yet she proved one of the game's stand-out performers.

    As well as contributing with her hands, tipping a dangerous Steph Catley cross-cum-shot onto the bar and clawing a loose ball off her goalline, the goalkeeper added "value" to the team's build-up, manager Emma Hayes noted.

    "The work she's doing in the background, on the training pitch, her diligence, her attention to detail, her application has been absolutely brilliant and she's deserving of the accolades she gets from today's game," she said.

    It feels like the battle for that starting spot in Chelsea's goal is really going to heat up after this weekend because Musovic could've hardly taken this opportunity in a more impressive way.

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    LOSER: Arsenal

    For a while on Sunday, it looked like Arsenal were going to go level on points with Chelsea at the top of the Women's Super League – behind on goal difference, but with a game in hand over the champions.

    Kim Little's penalty had the Gunners 1-0 up – and deservedly so, as they'd played well. However, Jonas Eidevall's team hadn't taken their chances either side of their captain scoring from the spot, despite creating plenty, and Chelsea would punish them.

    Sam Kerr's 89th-minute header, from a gorgeous Jelena Cankovic cross, saw the spoils shared in a dramatic finale. To come so close to such a big win and then have it taken away at the death will've been extremely tough for Arsenal to take.

    "I’m happy with the performance, subjectively in how we play football but also objectively in the goalscoring opportunities that we created," Eidevall said afterwards. "That means I’m obviously disappointed with the result because it’s a draw."

    A point against the champions isn't a bad result by any means. But how costly could conceding that late goal prove to be? Only time will tell but Arsenal certainly can't afford to be as wasteful in other games this season if they want to win the title.

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    WINNER: Leicester

    It didn't have the glitz and glamour of Arsenal vs Chelsea, but Leicester against Brighton was an equally big game on Sunday – and the result could have seismic implications on the bottom half of this league.

    Leicester went into the game without a point to their name after nine games. However, in what was Jens Scheuer's first game in charge of the opposition, the Foxes ran out 3-0 winners.

    It moved them within four points of second-from-bottom Brighton and third-from-bottom Reading, who lost 3-2 to Everton on Sunday. They're also only five points behind Liverpool and six behind Tottenham.

    Suddenly, the relegation battle has new life in it. This result, and the good January transfer business completed so far, could do wonders for Leicester's survival bid.

    As for those starting to appear in the sights of the Foxes, they suddenly have a little more reason to keep a watchful eye over their shoulders as we enter the second half of the campaign.

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    LOSER: Matt Beard

    "We should be embarrassed by it – because I am."

    That was Matt Beard's honest assessment after his Liverpool team were thrashed 6-0 by Manchester United on Sunday, with the Red Devils not even playing particularly well on the day, either.

    It's difficult to overstate how much Liverpool missed Katie Stengel, their goal-scoring No.9, after she was ruled out with a problem late in the week. Without a focal point in the front three, their attacking play was poor and felt disjointed, while the scoreline explains how bad the defending was at the other end.

    But most disappointing of all for Beard was that his team couldn't even fulfil the most rudimentary of tasks.

    "The basics of ball retention, turning the ball over time after time, not getting two or three passes together, but my biggest disappointment is the work rate," he explained.

    "The best example I can give you is right at the end of the half, Mel Lawley is driving out, three on one, and seven Manchester United players have run past four or five of mine and Mel is on her own.

    "I think that summed the day up for me perfectly in that one moment. I don't know why they had more desire than us."

    With Leicester winning shortly afterwards, Beard admitted his team are in "a relegation scrap". They can't afford more performances like this if they want to survive it.

West Ham fans flock to Pereira claim

According to a report by the Express, via West Ham Central, GSB and the club have identified West Bromwich Albion ace Matheus Pereira as a possible target this summer if they don’t manage to secure Jesse Lingard on a permanent deal.

Lingard has been in sensational form for the Irons since signing on loan from Old Trafford in January, scoring nine goals and assisting three others in 13 Premier League starts (WhoScored).

This has resulted in West Ham desiring to make his move a permanent one with it said to be a major priority for the club this summer.

However, as an alternative target should they fail to make an agreement, GSB and co could move for West Brom attacker Pereira – with the Irons seemingly identifying a possible coup thanks to his side’s relegation.

By comparison, the 25-year-old has bagged 10 goals and five assists for the Baggies as a real shining light in their team.

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Some Irons believe he would be a better signing than Lingard as supporters flock to discuss the Brazilian on social media.

Find their best verdicts down below.

West Ham fans flock to Pereira claim

“Is it bad that I might want him over Jesse?”

Credit: @joelitt78828048

“Better than lingard”

Credit: @g4bstar

“If it’s a straight toss up between Lingard and Pereira ; same transfer fee, same salary. I’d go for Pereira.”

Credit: @irons85858585

“Reading between the lines ,he’s cheaper and will want less in wages than Lingard so he’s the one for us”

Credit: @Andysilve1

“Why not both”

Credit: @Banjonut1

“Both plz”

Credit: @WHUemployee

In other news: GSB will go as hard as they can to seal ‘magnificent signing’ for West Ham, find out more here.

Ghana World Cup 2022 squad: Who's in and who's out?

Who has Ghana boss Otto Addo picked for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar?

Ghana will want to make the most of the 2022 World Cup after missing out on the 2018 edition.

New boss Otto Addo took charge during the country's final push for qualification and got the team over the line as they held Nigeria to a 1-1 draw in the final round to clinch their ticket for Qatar based on away goals.

A quarter-final appearance in 2010 remains Ghana's best finish at a World Cup, with the Black Stars losing to Uruguay that year in dramatic fashion following a penalty shoot-out.

They meet Portugal, Uruguay and South Korea in Group G this time around and will feel they have a realistic shot at a spot in the knockout stages.

Which 26 players would you pick from the candidates below to be included in the final 26-man squad set to play in Qatar?

ALSO READ: World Cup 2022 Group H: Fixtures, results, standings, squads & full details

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    GOALKEEPERS

    Joe Wollacott who was expected to be the first-choice goalkeeper at the World Cup is out of the squad due to injury.

    Name

    Club

    Manaf Nurudeen

    Eupen

    Ibrahim Danland

    Asate Kotoko

    Lawrence Ati-Zigi

    St. Gallen

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    DEFENDERS

    Mohammed Salisu, Alexander Djiku and Daniel Amartey will hope to be part of Ghana's defence at the World Cup and have strong claims to a ticket to Qatar.

    Brighton's Tariq Lamptey could also make a shout to be included following confirmation that he will play for Ghana at an international level, with Abdul Rahman Baba another name that will be hig on Addo's list.

    Name

    Club

    Tariq Lamptey

    Brighton

    Denis Odoi

    Club Brugge

    Mohammed Salisu

    Southampton

    Gideon Mensah

    Bordeaux

    Joseph Aidoo

    Celta Vigo

    Baba Rahman

    Reading

    Daniel Amartey

    Leicester City

    Alexander Djiku

    Strasbourg

    Alidu Seidu

    Clermont

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    MIDFIELDERS

    Andre Ayew, Thomas Partey and Mohammed Kudus are the must-haves in midfield for Addo.

    Name

    Club

    Thomas Partey

    Arsenal

    Elisha Owusu

    Gent

    Daniel-Kofi Kyereh

    Freiburg

    Andre Ayew

    Al Sadd

    Mohammed Kudus

    Ajax

    Salis Abdul Samed

    Lens

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    ATTACKERS

    Jordan Ayew is a straight pick for the World Cup squad but he will also expect Sporting wonderkid Abdul Issahaku to join the attack.

    Inaki Williams is another straightforward pick for Ghana after he made himself available to play for Ghana earlier this year.

    Name

    Club

    Abdul Issahaku

    Sporting

    Jordan Ayew

    Crystal Palace

    Osman Bukari

    Red Star Belgrade

    Inaki Williams

    Athletic Bilbao

    Kamaldeen Sulemana

    Rennes

    Antoine Semenyo

    Bristol City

    Daniel Afriyie

    Hearts of Oak

    Kamal Sowah

    Club Brugge

Newcastle fans slam Dubravka v Man City

Many Newcastle United fans have slammed the performance of Martin Dubravka in their 4-3 defeat to Manchester City in the Premier League on Friday night.

Steve Bruce’s team put up a good fight against the newly-crowned champions at St James’ Park, but goals from Emil Krafth, Joelinton and Joe Willock were not enough on the night as Ferran Torres scored a hat-trick after Joao Cancelo scored City’s first goal with a deflected effort.

Some Newcastle fans questioned Dubravka’s performance between the sticks and thought that he should have done better with some of City’s goals.

Even though Torres’ first goal was a lovely piece of improvisation, it was scored into the middle of the net, and as such some thought that the Magpies ‘keeper could have still saved it.

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The kicking of the Slovakia international was also criticised as Newcastle struggled to find an out-ball at the best of times against a team which loves to dominate possession. Only 10 of his 19 passes found a team-mate, while the visitors had a whopping 83% of the ball throughout the game (Sofascore).

Newcastle fans on Dubravka display

These Newcastle supporters slammed his performance on Twitter, with one even going as far as to claim that the goalkeeper is ‘rubbish’:

“Has Dubravka made a save tonight?”

Credit: @BykerWallv2

“Dubravka, for me, is rubbish”

Credit: @Callum0996

“Unless Dubravka is making a reaction save, he’s absolutely woeful. Slowest GK I’ve ever seen.”

Credit: @CharSmth94

“Dubravka’s kicking is terrible, definitely needs to improve.”

Credit: @lednufcTJL

“You having a laugh? Dubravka went a bit Scott Carson there. Wasn’t that high up. Ah well. The dream of a win was fun for 10 mins. #newmci #nufc”

Credit: @TheGingerPirlo_

“In fact seeing it again I’m saying Dubravka has got to be doing better it’s down his throat goes wrong hand #NUFC”

Credit: @DennyBaldwin

In other news, find out what big Mike Ashley claim has been dropped after a takeover statement was released.

Africa’s Ligue 1 Team of the Season

Who have been the continent’s star performers in the French top flight this year?

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    GK: Alban Lafont

    Ouagadougou-born stopper who has excelled at FC Nantes after signing permanently for the Canaries permanently last year.

    There are queries about why the former France U-21 international hasn’t been called up for Les Bleus, but as things stand, he remains eligible for Burkina Faso.

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    LB: Ghislain Konan

    Not as much intense African competition for the left-back berth as there have been for other positions on the pitch, but Konan makes the cut after helping Stade de Reims to a safe mid-table position.

    The former European Cup finalists also registered the seventh best defensive record in the division.

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    CB: Boubakar Kouyate

    The Mali international was part of a Metz side who ultimately dropped into the second tier, but he was immense in the heart of the backline, prompting transfer rumours linking him with a move to LeicesterCity.

    He averaged 3.1 headers won per match this season—only three players managed more throughout the division.

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    CB: Nayef Aguerd

    Similarly effective in the air to Kouyate, Aguerd continues to demonstrate why he ought to be considered one of the finest centre-backs in the European game.

    Linked to West Ham United at various stages during the season, he caught the eye at times during the Africa Cup of Nations and helped Stade Rennais reach the top four, with his deft use of the ball proving particularly valuable.

FIFA 20 ratings: Lewandowski, Reus & the best Bundesliga players

Only one player from outside Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund makes the top 20, but who are the best options for your Ultimate Team this year?

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    20Leon Goretzka – Bayern Munich – CM – 84

    The now 24-year-old Goretzka rather burst onto the FUT scene back in 2018 with a slew of special cards, and he hasn't looked back since. Another slight upgrade this season sees one of the most balanced midfielders in the game get even better. With only six in-game stats below 75, standing at 6'2" with a 4* weak foot, expect Goretzka to be in every other team you face this year.

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    19Kingsley Coman – Bayern Munich – LM – 84

    Another of the young players expected to lead Bayern into a bright future, wing wizard Coman's slight upgrade this year suggests he's on the right track. Plenty will be annoyed to see his skill moves drop down to 4* but with pace to burn and excellent dribbling stats, he's still going to be dangerous.

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    18Jadon Sancho – Borussia Dortmund – RM – 84

    The saviour of English football started last season as a silver card, but he's now going to be one of the most dangerous widemen in the game. Plenty of pace, incredible dribbling stats, 5* skill moves and a 4* weak foot, plus he was born in the year 2000 so the existential crisis he'll trigger in older opponents will give you a psychological edge. 

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    17Julian Brandt – Borussia Dortmund – CAM – 84

    This is a very nicely well-rounded card. An upgrade after last year's Team of the Season and a switch infield from the wing means Brandt feels like a brand new player, and he looks like a perfect attacking fulcrum. Lanky, with 4* skill moves and weak foot and good creative and attacking stats across the board, he looks an excellent option behind your strikers.

Premier League Team of the Week: Aguero, Salah and Hazard lead the way

The star trio lead the line after another productive weekend, with the Manchester City and Liverpool forwards closing in on the league scoring lead

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    Martin Dubravka | Newcastle

    Dubravka made three saves on his Premier League debut for the Magpies, leading them to a 1-0 win over Manchester United.

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    Kyle Walker | Manchester City

    Walker had more touches (126) and completed more passes (92) than any other Manchester City player in their 5-1 win over Leicester City.

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    Jamaal Lascelles | Newcastle

    Lascelles made three blocks and nine clearances in Newcastle's hard-fought win over the Red Devils at St James' Park.

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    James Collins | West Ham

    Collins made 19 clearances while helping preserve West Ham's clean sheet in a 2-0 win over Watford — more than twice as many as any other Hammers player.

ESL update could deal Spurs Kane blow

Tottenham Hotspur’s decision to join the European Super League could have some seriously dangerous consequences, especially when it comes their chances of keeping hold of Harry Kane.

This bombshell was revealed on Monday as Spurs became one of the ESL’s 12 founding clubs, something that has understandably gone down like a lead balloon across the footballing world.

Not only have supporters voiced their concerns but governing bodies like FIFA, UEFA and the Premier League among others have condemned the plans and are set to do all they can to stop the breakaway league from becoming a reality.

UEFA released a statement suggesting that they could pursue legal action over the proposals and insisted that those players involved in the new league would be banned from domestic, European and international competitions, whilst the rebel clubs could be booted out of these competitions too.

In addition to that, Spurs have also withdrawn from the European Club Association (ECA), which will only increase the prospect of them being unable to qualify for the Champions League or Europa League any longer.

The Lilywhites have been involved in one of the two European competitions for 11 straight seasons, and they made the UCL final in 2019. Daniel Levy’s decision to join the ESL takes away this privilege and two potential competitions that they could qualify for, and potentially win.

Kane’s future was already in doubt prior to this announcement, and will surely be in grave danger now, especially as he’s the England national team captain too.

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The 27-year-old continues to break goalscoring records in England but ultimately, he has no silverware to back up what should’ve been an illustrious career so by limiting the competitions that Spurs play in, and potentially even risking their expulsion from the Premier League, Levy is playing a dangerous game if he wants the 219-goal striker to stay in north London.

In addition to that, if Kane stays and plays in the ESL, then his England career could well be over and that’s certainly something he will not want to lose as he has the potential of becoming the first Three Lions skipper to lift a trophy since Bobby Moore in 1966.

Gareth Southgate’s side have a chance to win the European Championships this summer, and barring any qualification issues, they could make a run at winning the World Cup in 2022 too, after reaching the semi-finals in 2018.

“I am looking forward to a really special couple of years with the Euros in the summer and then the World Cup in 2022,” revealed Kane back in October.

So Levy may well have just dealt Spurs a huge hammer blow in more ways than one, this news surely has Kane reeling in fury and that’s not a good thing when considering his long-term future in north London.

Of course, in any scenario where he chooses to leave in order to maintain his place in the England set-up, Kane wouldn’t be able to move to another Super League club as they too could see their players banned from representing their national teams.

However, there are still some huge clubs such as Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund and Paris Saint-Germain who are not part of the breakaway and who could, in theory, still have the finances to purchase a player as good as Harry Kane. PSG have been linked with a move for Kane in the past too so a move to the French capital isn’t something that is beyond the realms of possibility.

If UEFA and co. get their way, Spurs will only have the ESL to play for and the fact that Spurs are one of the weaker sides of the Super League Founder Members makes it highly unlikely that they can win that competition either, so Kane is looking at a trophyless future, one where he can’t captain his country. Those factors will surely anger the Tottenham superstar and as a result, will put his future with the club in even more doubt.

AND in other news, here’s how Spurs could look under Ryan Mason with three forgotten stars returning…

Newcastle must sign Arsenal’s Joe Willock

Newcastle must look to sign Joe Willock on a permanent basis after Steve Bruce’s update on his situation.

What’s the story?

The Arsenal loanee has been a revelation since joining the Magpies on loan until the end of the season, popping up with some vital match-saving goals for the Tyneside club in recent weeks against the likes of Tottenham and Liverpool.

Speaking in his pre-match press conference ahead of the Premier League clash against the Gunners on Sunday, Bruce once again confirmed his intentions to sign the midfielder on a permanent basis.

He said: “He doesn’t like being called super sub by the way, and – if we can get him for next year, he won’t be a super sub, he’ll be playing. I’m pleased for Joe, he has the football world talking about him. We’d love to keep him if we can.”

Bruce’s priority

After seeing him score on his Newcastle debut against Southampton earlier in the season, Bruce admitted that Willock has a the style of play from which the Magpies could really benefit.

He said: “It was a classic midfield player’s goal from the ability to arrive in the box, and that’s what he’s brought us. He can go box-to-box, he’s a terrific athlete, the kid, a typical modern-day midfield player who has the ability to get up and down the pitch quickly and has that added ability to score a goal.”

When you look at the rest of the Magpies’ midfield, Willock really does solve a major Bruce nightmare. The 21-year-old’s four goals from midfield is already more than what the rest of Newcastle’s midfield options have scored this season, with Jeff Hendrick the next closest with two in the league.

That ability to get into the box at the right time to finish things off is something about which Arsenal legend Martin Keown has waxed lyrical, too, hailing him after his goal-scoring display against Dundalk in the Europa League earlier this season.

The ex-Gunners defender said: “The point is, he can do so much, he gets in the box in the right place at the right time. He wants it to feet, he’s always on the half-turn, which is nice to see. Today I saw a bit more athleticism rather than just coasting in there. His overall game is really good.”

The ÂŁ26m-rated Willock is the man Newcastle need to sign this summer.

Meanwhile, Steve Bruce could finally wave goodbye to this Newcastle liability…

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