Key events
I have a lot of time for Chelsea’s Sjoeke Nüsken turning up on her bike for today’s game.
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Steve Clarke was quite perturbed by the booing from Scotland fans yesterday after their defeat to Japan in a friendly. I am fascinated by the modern supporter booing everything and never accepting context. At Harrogate yesterday, people were booing being a goal behind at half time against a team pushing for promotion.
Paddy McNair may have been the elder statesman of Northern Ireland’s side in Italy on Thursday night but he is certain he has many years ahead of him as he hopes to help this young squad to a major tournament.
McNair, 30, was the only player north of 24 in the starting XI for the 2-0 World Cup qualifying play-off defeat to Italy in Bergamo.
The Hull defender is, alongside the 35-year-old Josh Magennis, one of only two players left from the squad that went to Euro 2016 but McNair believes he will get another chance on a big stage given the huge strides taken by his young team-mates.
“There’s so many good players,” McNair told the Press Association. “I think people think I’m old but I’m actually quite young! Maybe compared to the other lads.
“I hope I’m going to be playing for Northern Ireland for many years still to come and hopefully be part of another major tournament. (Thursday) was frustrating because I feel like they were there for the taking. We just didn’t take the opportunity.” PA Media
Emillia Hawkins
Manchester City have one hand on the WSL trophy after yesterday’s thrashing of Manchester United. The only team mathematically able to pass them on points is Arsenal with two games in hand – and that’s only if City fail to win any of their remaining three games, against Brighton, Manchester City and West Ham.
If Chelsea win against Aston Villa today, they can move level on points come the end of the season. But again, that’s only if the league leaders lose every match from now which, realistically, won’t happen.
The only real battle now is for the remaining two places in the top three, with Chelsea, United and Arsenal competing for the spots. With their games in hand, the Gunners will be expected to stay up there. Given Chelsea’s history, you’d also expect them to get Champions League football, but their form has taken a dip in recent months.
The reigning champions face United on the last day of the season – that will certainly be the game to watch.
“Clad top-to-toe in Jersey Bulls paraphernalia, Andy Lane takes a brief step away from drum-banging duties on the Springfield Stadium touchline and rolls up a sleeve to reveal the tattooed badge of a football team in only their seventh year of competition. The bull rearing up Lane’s right forearm matches that on his wife Jojo’s left calf, encapsulating the impact the club has made on the local community. “It’s about pride,” Lane says.
Krishnamoorthy emails: “Unpopular opinion – at least, it will be in Italy. Italy may find the B&H team more than a handful. The Bosnian team is one of the most underrated teams in the circuit and the ultra defensive approach of Italy is tailor-made for the Bosnia team. They are the experts in breaking a siege , however long.”
Italy did not look like world beaters against Northern Ireland, that’s for sure.
Wayne Rooney wants Harry Kane fit and firing at the World Cup although he doubts the England captain will seek to improve his chances by wrapping himself in cotton wool in the next couple of months.
Kane, who overtook Rooney as England’s all-time record goalscorer three years ago, is having the most prolific season of his goal-laden career, having notched 48 times across 40 appearances for Bayern Munich.
Rooney admitted how Kane fares in North America this summer could be central to England’s hopes but he believes the 32-year-old will be fully focused on helping Bayern’s pursuit of glory at home and abroad.
The Bavarian giants are nine points clear at the top of the Bundesliga and into the Champions League quarter-finals so Rooney feels Kane will only look at the World Cup after the season has finished.
“I think such an important aspect for England is having Harry Kane fit and if he is, then he’ll be a major reason why we do win it if we do,” Rooney told the Press Association.
“But if you go into any game and you’re not fully committed to that game because you’re thinking of something else then you potentially could get injured.
“Any player will tell you that you’re playing for your club and when you’re playing for your club, that’s all that matters until that season is over then you go away with England then England take over.
“I don’t think he’ll be slowing down. Hopefully Bayern Munich have the league won quite early and (head coach) Vincent Kompany gives him a little bit of help!” PA Media
It’s always fun when you can’t tell teams apart.
Fans returned to Mexico City’s Azteca Stadium for its long-awaited reopening on Saturday, embracing the pre-World Cup atmosphere despite tight security, protests across the capital and a fatal accident inside the venue.
Supporters streamed into the revamped venue for the first time in nearly two years for Mexico’s friendly against Portugal, hoping to get a taste of the kind of atmosphere which will envelop the country during soccer’s global showpiece.
Mexico will co-host the World Cup with the United States and Canada, and are set to open the tournament against South Africa at the stadium on June 11.
“We came from Puebla and we’re really excited to see the stadium and start feeling that World Cup atmosphere,” said Mexican fan Mariluly Cuesta, adding that the experience had been very well organised despite the heavier security presence.
Road closures and a large security operation made for a long walk to reach the gates, but many said the measures were expected for an event of this scale.
“We walked about a kilometre, but it felt very safe the whole way,” said Luis Camarena, a 40-year-old businessman who attended with his family. “We’re just happy to be here with the kids to watch the national team.”
While many had hoped to see Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo, his absence did little to dampen the mood.
“We would have loved to see him, especially for the children, but we came for the spectacle,” Camarena added. “This way, everyone is fully behind Mexico.“
Not everyone shared the celebratory mood. Protesters staged a demonstration on a major highway near the stadium, turning it into a makeshift football pitch to highlight what they said were shortages of housing, water, transport and electricity in the area.
Inside the stadium, the festive atmosphere was overshadowed by a fatal incident shortly before kickoff, when a man died after falling from a box seat area, according to local authorities.Reuters
Michael Yokhin has been speaking to those at one of Europe’s biggest surprise packages this season, FC Thun. They are set to win the Swiss league, blowing away more elaborate opponents on their way to glory.
There were a couple of big games in the WSL yesterday.
Tom Garry saw City pummel United in the Manchester derby.
Sophie Downey witnessed an Alessio Russo hat-trick as Arsenal game out on top against Tottenham in north London.
There is plenty of WSL action later in the day.
We will kick-off with Chelsea v Aston Villa at noon, with Daniel Harris on blogging duties.
At the same time, West Ham face the London City Lionesses, before Leicester host Brighton at 3pm.
There was a bit of squad turnover at the England camp yesterday. Some will miss Tuesday’s game through injury, while Thomas Tuchel has packed a few more off.
This what you’ve all woken up for … what latest offerings. I’ve had dozens of emails asking what I’ve been up to recently, so here we are. Reading all this should take up through to lunch.
Yesterday I ticked off a new ground for me, travelling to watch what is starting to feel like the end of Harrogate Town’s time in the Football League. Never have I seen such a blunt side in the final third.
Six players out on loan in Europe doing well …
With the clocks going forward, it was even more enjoyable to take my family to the airport at 3.45am BST today. If there is any reason to read this blog on a relatively quiet Sunday, it is to see at what time I start hallucinating.
Jonathan Wilson has been taking a look at how the helter skelter nature of the Premier League has made all the players ruddy tired.
John Stones’ fitness record is pretty dreadful but Thomas Tuchel is eager to give him every chance to make his final 26-man squad for the World Cup. David Hytner takes a look at the England head coach’s admiration for the Manchester City defender.
Losing at home to Japan is the the best preparation for the Scotland’s World Cup escapades but it’s good to get these things out the way. Ewan Murray was at Hampden Park.
Preamble
A warm welcome to one and all. I hope everyone has enjoyed the clocks moving forward an hour, just so we get to the top soccer chat as early as possible. We will be having a look at what is coming today and plenty of international stuff to boot.
Scotland lost a friendly against Japan yesterday, while England had a squad refresh, which should keep us all interested.
There was also a fun Saturday in the EFL, which is well worth chatting about if you have any hottakes on Football League matters.
