Argentina captain Lionel Messi is fit again and will start their World Cup qualifier at home to Brazil on Tuesday but Neymar will miss out for the visitors after feeling pain in his thigh, the teams announced. Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni made similar comments ahead of their last game, a 1-0 win over Uruguay on Friday, although Messi only appeared for the final 14 minutes of the match. Arg...Full Story »

Tottenham Hotspur want Matthijs De Ligt - who hasn't settled at Juventus - to be Antonio Conte's statement centre-back signing Matthijs De Ligt is wanted by Tottenham Hotspur, according to Calciomercato. New boss Antonio Conte wants new blood at the club, as he looks to kickstart his revolution in north London. While plenty of new centre-backs have been linked with the club, however, De Lig...Full Story »

Real Madrid are keen to secure Luka Modric to a new contract. Marca says Modric continues to play at a high level, and Real Madrid have acknowledged this and want to extend the Croatian midfielder's contract until June of 2023. The former Tottenham Hotspur playmaker is 36 years old and is entering the final stage of his career, but he continues to amaze with his ability to influence matches ...Full Story »

Mendy wants out of Leicester Leicester City midfielder Nampalys Mendy has made clear his desire to leave the club. Speaking to reporters on Monday, he said: "I'd like to leave. I hope it will get done, but I need to be patient." His playing time has been sporadic since he joined Leicester in 2016. Wolves to pursue Van de Beek (Sun) The former Ajax man appears ready for a fresh opportunity...Full Story »

Ian Baraclough revealed Gianluca Vialli compared Northern Ireland’s defensive performance to a “typical Italian masterclass” after they frustrated the European champions in a 0-0 draw that leaves Italy facing the World Cup qualifying play-offs.Roberto Mancini’s side arrived at Windsor Park needing a victory to top Group C and secure a ticket to Qatar but could not find a ...Full Story »

Gareth Southgate has promised England will not close their eyes to the controversies surrounding Qatar’s hosting of the World Cup when they play there next year.England formally confirmed their place at the tournament in 12 months with a 10-0 thrashing of San Marino in Serravalle on Monday.Qatar has been heavily criticised by organisations such as Amnesty International over its human right...Full Story »

Steve Clarke claimed comeback goal hero John Souttar was the story of Scotland’s thrilling 2-0 win over Denmark which secured home advantage in the first World Cup qualifying play-off game in March.The Hearts defender had suffered injury problems including a relapse of an Achilles issue since winning his first three caps in 2018 and he was a late call-up to the squad for the final Group F ...Full Story »

England strolled to 2022 World Cup qualification as they thrashed lowly San Marino 10-0, with Harry Kane’s quest to become the nation’s all-time leading goalscorer taking shape as he hit four in the Group I finale.Gareth Southgate said he would treat San Marino – the team ranked bottom of the FIFA rankings – with the same respect as any other opposition and he was true to...Full Story »

Scotland concluded their 2022 World Cup qualifying Group F campaign with a magnificent 2-0 win over runaway section winners Denmark to clinch their place as play-off seeds.Defender John Souttar, a late call-up and playing for the first time since he was sent off against Israel three years ago, raised the roof at Hampden Park with a headed opener in the 35th minute for his first international goa...Full Story »

European champions Italy must go into the World Cup qualifying play-offs after being held to a goalless draw by brilliant Northern Ireland at Windsor Park.In the best performance of the Ian Baraclough era, Northern Ireland frustrated their illustrious visitors for 90 minutes – with Conor Washington unable to take a last-minute chance to snatch a famous victory.With Switzerland beating Bulg...Full Story »