Marc Guehi has hailed the impact made by England defensive colleague Harry Maguire both on and off the pitch. Maguire has fallen out of favour at Manchester United and was goaded by Scotland fans after coming off the bench and scoring an own goal in England’s 3-1 win at Hampden Park last month. Despite losing both the United captaincy and his place in Erik ten Hag’s side, the 30-year-old centre-back has retained the faith of international boss Gareth Southgate. Maguire revealed ahead of the upcoming friendly clash with Australia that former England captain David Beckham had been in touch after the mockery north of the border. Team-mates have also rallied around the former Leicester defender and Guehi – who Maguire replaced at half-time in Glasgow – was the latest to praise his contribution. “He is a top professional, a great guy to have around the camp, one of the leaders,” he told BBC Radio 5Live. “I think people forget things very quickly, but he was Manchester United captain, someone who has played for England at many, many top competitions and has helped the team and the nation to get where they are today. He is a top professional, a great guy to have around the camp, one of the leaders Marc Guehi on Harry Maguire “So, let’s not forget what he has done in a hurry because he is definitely a top player and an even better person for sure.” Guehi has partnered Maguire at the heart of Southgate’s defence in two of the last three Euro 2024 qualifiers. The 23-year-old Crystal Palace defender has worn the armband for England at youth level, but is still aiming to improve as a leader. “I am very wary of my limitations of a leader I would say,” he said. “I think I have a lot of qualities, but there is definitely a lot of things that I can get better at and definitely will get better at. “Every day is a learning process, learning from the players around me, learning from coaches and try and improve those leadership qualities every day. “You can’t always be perfect. I am definitely aware of that myself. I see them in myself every day, but they are definitely things I want to work at. I know I am getting better at them as long as I keep working on them each day.” Asked what he felt he needed to work on, Guehi added: “Sometimes I can be frustrated, which is human nature and trying to work on that and trying not to show as much as possible, because I think when you are a leader people feed off that. “If they see you are frustrated that can allow them to be frustrated. So, trying to stay as calm as possible in the toughest of situations, I would say that is definitely one of those.” Read More Andy Murray to withdraw from next week’s Japan Open through injury Johnny Sexton insists Ireland are ready for ‘toughest game we’ve ever faced’ Wales star Jac Morgan hailed as a ‘hybrid’ of Sam Warburton and Justin Tipuric Brad O’Neill: Facing ex-Wigan star Sam Tomkins in Grand Final will be ‘surreal’ Danny Sapsford keen to keep growing his bright idea and put smiles on more faces Howard Webb disappointed by VAR failure to correct ‘clear error’ on offside goal

Week 7 of the 2023 college football season kicked off on Tuesday, but there's action on the gridiron tonight as well.

Melvine Malard came off the bench to head home an equaliser as Manchester United drew 1-1 with Paris Saint-Germain in the first leg of their Champions League qualifying tie on a historic night at Leigh Sports Village. On-loan Lyon forward Malard - who had also scored after coming on in last Friday’s 2-2 Women’s Super League draw with Arsenal at the same venue - netted in the 70th minute to cancel out Tabitha Chawinga’s 54th-minute opener. Two-time Champions League finalists PSG had taken the lead after dominating for much of the first half of what was United’s European debut, following their second-placed finish in the WSL last season. Marc Skinner’s side then responded impressively having gone behind, with substitutes Geyse and Malard helping them look far more threatening in attack. The second leg takes place in Paris next Wednesday as the sides battle for a place in the Champions League group stage, for which WSL champions Chelsea have automatically qualified. United - watched from the stands by former men’s team goalkeeper David de Gea, as well as England boss Sarina Wiegman - found themselves under pressure in the opening few seconds as Millie Turner cleared a Chawinga shot off the line. And moments later another PSG burst forward saw Sandy Baltimore bring a good save out of Mary Earps. As the visitors continued on the front foot, Lieke Martens headed over and Earps blocked an 11th-minute Baltimore shot with her legs, before a break in play brought about by an injury to PSG defender Oriane Jean-Francois, who was carried off on a stretcher, gave United some respite. After Earps was subsequently called into action to deny Baltimore once more, United then had their first real opportunity in the 24th minute as Lucia Garcia looked to pounce on a misjudged backpass, only to be thwarted by goalkeeper Constance Picaud. Skinner’s team looked more settled thereafter but were unable to build much in the way of attacking momentum, while further efforts from PSG saw Korbin Albert firing over and Chawinga’s strike being gathered by Earps. Skinner brought on Geyse for Jayde Riviere at the interval and two minutes into the second half the Brazil forward went on an eye-catching run and fired off-target. But soon after the hosts were behind as Chawinga latched on to Baltimore’s lofted pass and side-footed past Earps into the corner of the net. Albert fired over seven minutes later before United went close as a corner was diverted goalwards and PSG substitute Marie-Antoinette Katoto intervened on the line. Following a Leah Galton effort that went just wide of the visitors’ goal, Malard and Hinata Miyazawa were then introduced from the United bench - and four minutes later the former had the home side level, nodding in from Turner’s header following a corner. As United pushed for another goal, Turner headed goalwards in the 85th minute but it was the latest effort cleared off the line as the sides ended up honours even. Read More Mary Earps thanks fans after limited edition England goalkeeper jersey sells out in hours ‘Role model’ David Beckham reached out after Hampden Park hounding, says Maguire Maguire reveals Beckham reached out during difficult England moment Watch: Young Man United fan’s cheeky reaction to being gifted Garnacho shirt

The former chairman of the Football Association, David Berstein, has criticised English football’s response to the terror attacks in Israel. Talks are set to begin on whether there will be a display of solidarity at Wembley ahead of Friday’s friendly against Australia, following the deadly attacks by Hamas militants over the weekend. It has become common for the FA to light up the Wembley arch in the colours of nations affected by major tragedies, but Bernstein, who is Jewish, has been critical of the lack of response from the organisation. Bernstein, who was chairman of the FA from 2011 to 2013 told The Telegraph: “I am shocked, hurt, but not totally surprised that the Football Association has not yet had time to consider its reaction to the murder of nearly 1,000 people. “I note how speedily it has reacted to other situations and I would welcome an explanation as to why the tragedy in Israel should be perceived so differently by the FA. “I also note this is in stark contrast to our Government, and particularly the Prime Minister, who has found time to respond appropriately to this horrendous situation.” Last year, the Wembley arch was lit up in the colours of Ukraine following Russia’s invasion of the country, while there was a display of solidarity before the Carabao Cup final between Liverpool and Chelsea that weekend. There have been other displays in the UK since the terror attacks on Israel, with the national flag projected onto No 10 Downing Street and City Hall in London. However, there has yet to be a decision on whether there will be a display on Friday when England host Australia at Wembley. The chief executive of the FA, Mark Bullingham, told reporters in Nyon on Tuesday that the organisation had been busy preparing the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland’s bid for the 2028 European Championships. The Premier League has yet to decide whether it will show solidarity to Israel, but the English top-flight has more time to evaluate a plan given the international break runs until next weekend. There are fixtures in the Women’s Super League this weekend, however. England play Australia on Friday in an international friendly before hosting Italy in the Euro 2024 qualifiers, also at Wembley, on Tuesday. Uefa has announced that Israel’s Euro 2024 qualifier against Switzerland has been postponed until November. Uefa has also postponed all matches scheduled in Israel over the next two weeks. Read More Flying Palestinian flag in UK ‘may not be legitimate’, says Suella Braverman Seventeen Britons feared dead or missing as Israel conflict continues Israel-Hamas war – live: Gaza to be ‘razed to the ground’ as IDF mass at border and Palestinians run out of fuel FA chief Mark Bullingham: Critical the whole country feels involved in Euro 2028 A closer look at the UK and Ireland’s host venues for Euro 2028 A closer look at the UK and Ireland’s host venues for Euro 2028

Wayne Rooney has been confirmed as the new manager of Birmingham City. The former England captain left MLS side DC United last week and has now returned to English football with the Championship outfit. Former manager John Eustace was sacked last week, despite guiding Birmingham to sixth place in the Championship this season. Rooney, 37, has signed a three-and-a-half year deal with the Blues with immediate effect and has been joined in the dugout by ex-England team-mate Ashley Cole and former Manchester United team-mate John O’Shea. “I am absolutely delighted to be joining Birmingham City Football Club at such an exciting time, said Rooney. “It is very clear that they have a plan and are committed to realising their ambition for the club. We are fully aligned on what is expected. “I have been building my managerial career, putting myself in challenging environments, to get me ready for this opportunity. It’s a project that gives me a sense of purpose and I can’t wait to get started.” Rooney started his coaching career with Derby County in 2021, where he guided the Rams to safety in his first season. A year later they were relegated but only after battling a 21-point deduction due to finance-related issues. The former Manchester United and Everton striker then joined DC United in the United States; they finished bottom of the Eastern Conference last year and Rooney left his side in ninth place this season. “I have a clear way that I want the team to play, and my coaching staff and I will work hard to implement it,” Rooney added. “We will create a winning culture here with an identity that gets Blues fans on their feet. “I’ve played at St. Andrew’s and Birmingham City fans were always loud and passionate about their team. It was a really difficult place to come as an opponent and now I get to experience what it is like to have them behind us. My job is to elevate the Club to the next level and I can’t wait to get started. “I know what the expectations are and our job is to deliver.” Cole, currently an assistant coach with England Under-21s, and Ireland men’s senior team assistant O’Shea will both retain their roles with their respective national sides. Carl Robinson and Peter Shuttleworth, who both assisted Rooney in D.C., will also be part of his team at St Andrew’s. US-based Shelby Companies Limited completed a takeover of Birmingham in July and owner Tom Wagner has been reportedly seeking to make a change of management, with Rooney’s name linked with the club last month. In August seven-time Super Bowl champion Tom Brady became a minority owner in the club. “Wayne is a born winner,” said Wagner. “We believe, with the support of his coaching staff, the Club, and our supporters, he will take Blues forward on the next stage of our journey. His playing philosophy will help to realise the ambitions we have set for Birmingham City. “Wayne has been preparing for an opportunity like this since he embarked on his coaching education whilst still a player at Manchester United. He and his staff have the full support of the Board and everyone at the Football Club.” Read More John Eustace sacked amid reports Birmingham keen to make Wayne Rooney manager How Lionel Messi and Inter Miami broke America: From armed guards to Kardashians in the crowd Garry Cook vows to make Birmingham ‘a powerhouse’ amid Wayne Rooney reports Wayne Rooney appointed Birmingham manager on three-and-a-half year deal Garry Cook vows to make Birmingham ‘a powerhouse’ amid Wayne Rooney reports John Eustace sacked amid reports Birmingham keen to make Wayne Rooney manager

Wayne Rooney been confirmed as Birmingham’s new boss on a three-and-a-half year deal. The former England skipper replaces the sacked John Eustace after leaving DC United last week. “I am absolutely delighted to be joining Birmingham City at such an exciting time. It is very clear that they have a plan and are committed to realising their ambition for the club,” said the ex-Manchester United striker. “We are fully aligned on what is expected. I have been building my managerial career, putting myself in challenging environments, to get me ready for this opportunity. It’s a project that gives me a sense of purpose and I can’t wait to get started. “We have some exciting young players in the squad, and some who are still to break through into the First Team, alongside a core of experienced senior professionals. “I have a clear way that I want the team to play, and my coaching staff and I will work hard to implement it. We will create a winning culture here with an identity that gets Blues fans on their feet.” Read More Danny Sapsford keen to keep growing his bright idea and put smiles on more faces Howard Webb disappointed by VAR failure to correct ‘clear error’ on offside goal Harry Maguire cannot wait for Euro 2028 and is ‘hopeful’ to be in the squad

Wayne Rooney is close to an agreement with Birmingham to become their new manager. Talks are progressing well and there is no expectation of any hold-ups, the PA news agency understands. The former England skipper will replace John Eustace at St Andrew’s after leaving DC United last week. Rooney, who was Derby boss between November 2020 and June 2022, is expected to be joined by Ashley Cole and John O’Shea as part of his backroom staff. US-based Shelby Companies Limited completed a takeover of Birmingham in July and owner Tom Wagner has been reportedly seeking to make a change of management, with Rooney’s name linked with the club in September. In August seven-time Super Bowl champion Tom Brady became a minority owner in the club. Eustace was sacked despite guiding Birmingham to sixth place in the Championship this season. He replaced Lee Bowyer in July 2022 and helped Birmingham finish nine points above the drop zone in the second tier amid off-field issues surrounding the ownership of the club. The former Coventry and Watford midfielder was axed on Monday and chief executive Garry Cook vowed to take Blues to the next level. He said: “The owners and board members are ambitious. They are driven to help make Birmingham City a football powerhouse. It will not happen overnight. It is a step-by-step approach. “We are well aware of what has happened at Blues over the past decade. We believe we have moved on from those dark days giving hope and aspiration to existing and new fans. “Our intent is to be judged over what we do in the years to come and be ambitious with the new story that we are writing.” Read More James Maddison admits timing of international break is ‘annoying’ for Tottenham Danny Sapsford keen to keep growing his bright idea and put smiles on more faces Howard Webb disappointed by VAR failure to correct ‘clear error’ on offside goal

James Maddison is aiming to impress on England duty this week – but admits the international break has come at an “annoying” time with Tottenham sat atop the Premier League. The summer signing from relegated Leicester has hit the ground running in north London, scoring twice and assisting five times in the opening eight league games of the new season. Maddison’s form has played a key part in Ange Postecoglou’s men setting the pace heading into the second international window of the campaign, with Spurs edging out neighbours Arsenal at the top of the division by virtue of goals scored. Asked if he was in the form of his life, the 26-year-old told BBC Radio 5Live: “Potentially, I feel really good to be honest. “I feel at the top of my game, and that is contributing to wins at the minute, and we have started the season really well, and we have got a good momentum. “The international break has probably come at a bit of an annoying time in a way. “You would never, ever not want to represent your country, because I always say it is the pinnacle when I am away with England, but if I’ve got my club head on, we’re in good form, we’re in good momentum, we are unbeaten in the league in eight. “We came back after the last international break and hit the ground running again and won late against Sheffield United in brilliant circumstances. Hopefully we can do the same off the back of this one and continue the form.” I feel at the top of my game, and that is contributing to wins at the minute, and we have started the season really well James Maddison Maddison was part of the England squad that reached the quarter-finals of the World Cup in Qatar last winter but, due to a niggling knee injury, failed to make an appearance. Having made his senior England debut in November 2019, the former Coventry and Norwich man would have to wait until the Euro 2024 qualifier against Ukraine earlier this year to pick up a second cap. Since then, Maddison has started two out of three qualifying fixtures and will be keen to play a large part in the upcoming Wembley double-header which sees England face Australia in a friendly on Friday before welcoming Italy for a key European Championship qualifier on Tuesday. “So much can happen in a year,” added Maddison. “Over the past year I have worked really hard and played some good stuff, I think. Obviously, I have moved to Tottenham. I feel as though I could potentially be in the best form I have ever been in really. “And now I feel at home here (with England). I would be happy to play anywhere, when you are wearing the Three Lions there is no feeling like it to be honest. “If that means I am playing slightly out of position, then so be it. I couldn’t care less as long as I am out there. “I will try to do my best and bring the qualities that I have to any position that I play in, whether that is in the middle or left wing or right wing, wherever.” Read More Danny Sapsford keen to keep growing his bright idea and put smiles on more faces Howard Webb disappointed by VAR failure to correct ‘clear error’ on offside goal Harry Maguire cannot wait for Euro 2028 and is ‘hopeful’ to be in the squad On this day in 2019: England lose long unbeaten qualifying record in Prague LIV Golf fails in bid to be eligible for world ranking points Harry Kane dreaming of leading England to Euro 2028 glory on home soil

Harry Kane doesn’t drink. He enjoyed Bayern Munich’s annual trip to Oktoberfest in full lederhosen and ate a giant pretzel, but his jug of beer was barely touched. At the hotel where he lives, meals are carefully planned by his chef: breakfast is an omelette or yoghurt and granola; lunch and dinner consists of salad and vegetables topped off by a rotating carousel of white fish, chicken or beef. Sometimes he has salmon as a treat. He lives away from his wife and children, in a country where he does not speak the language after only a handful of lessons, in a city he cannot enjoy without being mobbed. His family will move over but for now it is a solitary, unremitting existence: eat, sleep, play, recover, repeat. It is not quite the life of a monk, but when children dream of becoming England captain, they probably don’t dream of this. This, though, is sometimes the life of an elite footballer. He has climbed to the top of the game; he loves it here and he wants to stay. Kane is the sort of person who has it all mapped out, from his ambition to play in the NFL to his retirement in Surrey, where he is building a new family home. So when he says his career is only at half-time, aged 30, you know it is not just bluster but part of a considered masterplan. “The perception in sport is you hit 30 and people start to think that’s the end,” he says. “But the way I’m looking at it is that I almost have the second half of my career [to come]. I’ve had nine or 10 years at the highest level and I’m hoping for another eight or nine years at the highest level again.” His best years, Kane says, might still be ahead of him. “There is definitely room for improvement. When you look at a lot of the top-level players – Ronaldo, Messi, Lewandowski, Ibrahimovic – they have almost got better as they hit 30. In a lot of sports that happens. Everything is maybe settled in your personal life, you are comfortable with your body, you are comfortable mentally and that just allows you to focus on football.” Kane is sitting in a colourful side room at St George’s Park, where he is on England duty ahead of Friday’s friendly with Australia and a Euros qualifier against Italy next week. England teammates have been asking about life at Bayern, where Kane has made a fast start: nine goals and four assists in nine games. The manager Thomas Tuchel has come under scrutiny after one or two disjointed performances, with Bayern third in the table – Tottenham, ironically, are top of the Premier League. But Kane has impressed in these early weeks. “There’s a lot of other stuff that goes into a transfer – the personal stuff, trying to find houses, living in hotels, not having my family with me,” he says. “It’s all stuff I’m not used to. So to be able to have started the way I have, I’m really proud. I could have scored a few more goals, I’ve had quite a few chances. But if you’d have told me before the transfer this is what I’d be on, the amount of goals and assists and wins, I’d have taken that.” Football in Germany is well suited to longevity, with a winter break each season and one less cup competition to contend with than English football. Many players consider retirement from international duty to prolong their club careers, but in that sense it is almost the opposite with Kane. His workload has lightened, and he has no intention of ever turning down his country. “I will probably keep [playing for England] until I’m not picked anymore, and then accept that and take it on the chin,” he says. Might he lead England into a home Euros in 2028? “Who knows? Hopefully, I’m aiming to still be around by then. I feel as good as I’ve ever felt before and I’d like to think my career will go to my late thirties, at least.” Kane is a friend and admirer of Tom Brady, the oldest player to win the NFL’s MVP award, aged 40. As a teenager struggling on loan at Leicester City, Kane sat alone in a rented flat wondering how he was ever going to make it at Spurs when he couldn’t even get a game in the Championship. There he came across a documentary about Brady on YouTube, charting the quarterback’s rise from obscurity, and he felt inspired to chase his own dream. A decade on, Kane is back where it all started, spending plenty of time alone again, albeit in slightly smarter accommodation. It is a symptom of his determination to stay at the top of the game and to prove he belongs at one of the biggest clubs in the world. And perhaps what captures Kane’s unique mindset, what marks him out as one of England’s greatest ever footballers, is that he is never finished. “I definitely think there are levels [to reach],” he says. “Being at Bayern Munich now, I can keep pushing myself to see how good I can get.” To Kane, the second half has only just begun. Read More On this day in 2019: England lose long unbeaten qualifying record in Prague Harry Kane dreaming of leading England to Euro 2028 glory on home soil I am a Tottenham fan – Harry Kane wants Spurs to win Premier League Football rumours: Wayne Rooney in the running for Birmingham job ‘Role model’ David Beckham reached out after Hampden Park hounding, says Maguire Maguire reveals Beckham reached out during difficult England moment

Referees’ chief Howard Webb expressed his disappointment that VAR was unable to “rectify a clear error” following Luis Diaz’s disallowed goal for Liverpool against Tottenham. Miscommunication between video assistant referee Darren England and referee Simon Hooper led to the winger’s goal being wrongly ruled out for offside in a 2-1 Premier League defeat for the Reds on September 30. Audio of the incident was released in the aftermath and, speaking on an episode of ‘Match Officials Mic’d Up’ on Sky Sports on Tuesday, Professional Game Match Officials Limited technical director Webb admitted the situation was frustrating. Of course we’re all disappointed the VAR system didn’t step in and rectify a clear error PGMOL technical director Howard Webb “We took the unusual step of releasing the audio from this situation not long after it happened,” he said. “We wanted to show everybody what was very quickly pretty apparent to us, a human error and loss of concentration. “Of course we’re all disappointed the VAR system didn’t step in and rectify a clear error that we’d seen on the field with the disallowing of the goal. “Nobody’s more disappointed than the officials themselves, they take pride in their work and want to be a positive influence on the game, but of course in this situation it wasn’t the case.” Referees’ body PGMOL confirmed that new VAR communication guidelines would be applied. “One of the things we have to do is put things in place so that, should we have human error, it doesn’t have the damage or the impact that we saw on this occasion,” Webb added when asked about the language officials use. “One of the things that this has brought into sharp focus is the need to reiterate some of those communication protocols that are really valuable in VAR to prevent this kind of thing happening.” One of the talking points from the latest round of fixtures at the weekend was the decision not to send off Manchester City’s Mateo Kovacic for a challenge on Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard. The City midfielder was shown a yellow card before avoiding another shortly afterwards and Webb admitted Kovacic was “fortunate” to stay on the pitch. “I do (think he was),” he said. “I mean obviously the VAR can’t get involved, second yellows are something that the VAR is not able to get involved in, but I think he was an extremely fortunate player to stay on the field of play. “The referee – one of our best referees, one of the best referees in the world – Michael Oliver, will no doubt review that.” Read More David Beckham’s support ‘meant everything’ to Harry Maguire in testing times Harry Maguire cannot wait for Euro 2028 and is ‘hopeful’ to be in the squad On this day in 2019: England lose long unbeaten qualifying record in Prague LIV Golf fails in bid to be eligible for world ranking points Harry Kane dreaming of leading England to Euro 2028 glory on home soil I am a Tottenham fan – Harry Kane wants Spurs to win Premier League

Under-fire Harry Maguire has revealed former England captain David Beckham got in touch with him after last month’s Hampden Park hounding to help offer support and advice. Just over two years after being a Manchester United ever-present and part of the European Championship team of the tournament, the 30-year-old defender now finds himself as the butt of jokes. Many opposing fans have revelled in Maguire’s drop off and Scotland supporters goaded him mercilessly after coming on and scoring an own goal in England’s 3-1 win last month. Maguire immediately laughed it off as a “little bit of banter” but hearing from somebody that knows a thing or two about intense criticism meant the world to him. Few have faced sharper focus in an England shirt than Beckham, who has laid bare the pain he suffered after his 1998 World Cup red card against Argentina in a new Netflix documentary. “I actually spoke with David about three weeks ago, after the Scotland game,” Maguire said. “He got in touch with me, so it was really nice of him and I really appreciated that. It meant everything. I’ve spoken throughout my career about David Beckham being someone I looked up to and watched when I was a young boy. “Unfortunately, I didn’t end up on the right wing scoring and assisting as many goals as he has. But he was a big role model when I was growing up. “It shows how classy he is to reach out to me and to message me. It was something I really appreciated. It was touching really.” Maguire did not want to divulge too much about their conversation but said the “main thing” Beckham did was to remind him of his career to date and the big moments he has enjoyed. “I think when you’re going through tough moments you’ve got to go through past experiences and past memories and where you’ve gone in your career and what you’ve been through,” he said at St George’s Park. “Every career is so up and down, especially when you reach what I’ve reached, in terms of being the captain of the biggest club in the world for three and a half years. He’s been in that position and knows what it’s like. “Obviously having watched the documentary I couldn’t believe how much he went through at the time. In the documentary Gary Neville speaks about how resilient he is as a person. I think he’s been a huge role model for many footballers growing up, especially in my era.” That chat and his experiences have helped Maguire retain belief and confidence, as has the continued faith shown in him by Gareth Southgate. The England boss has been in charge for all 59 of his caps and snapped in Glasgow at treatment he said was “ridiculous”, “a joke” and “beyond anything I’ve ever seen”. “I try and stay away from it all,” Maguire said when Southgate’s comments were put to him. “Obviously you can’t stay away from it as your family and friends are probably seeing things, they probably read a lot more than I do. “Yeah, there has been a lot of talk about me over the last year. For that talk to happen, you have got to have built your way up to be a top performer like I’ve done over the previous five years to that. “Things haven’t gone to plan over the last year or so, but I am sure it will get back on track. A career is a long path. Many ups, many downs, it probably has been a little blip and I am trying to be back to where I was.” Maguire knows he needs to repay Southgate’s faith by playing more minutes with Euro 2024 looming large and says he can continue to “block” out any abuse. But he knows that is “a bit tougher” for his loved ones and his mother Zoe last month criticised the “disgraceful” abuse her son has been subjected to, which she claimed went far beyond football. “It probably affects my family and friends more than it affects myself, especially when I am playing in a game,” Maguire said. “I have had so many great nights and have so many great memories playing for my country and playing for my club as well. You play football to create memories – not just for myself but for my family and my friends. “Obviously, the last year has been a little bit difficult for them to enjoy the games as they did in the previous eight or nine years of my career. I’m sure that will change. I’ll keep working hard and keep fighting for my place and keep trying to put things right.” Read More Harry Maguire cannot wait for Euro 2028 and is ‘hopeful’ to be in the squad On this day in 2019: England lose long unbeaten qualifying record in Prague LIV Golf fails in bid to be eligible for world ranking points Harry Kane dreaming of leading England to Euro 2028 glory on home soil I am a Tottenham fan – Harry Kane wants Spurs to win Premier League Massimo Luongo feels Australians secretly support Spurs under Ange Postecoglou

England suffered their first qualifying defeat in a decade on this day in 2019 as they slipped to a 2-1 loss at the hands of the Czech Republic in Prague. Gareth Southgate’s men went into the game knowing victory would put them through to Euro 2020 with three matches to spare, and many thought it would be done with ease given the 5-0 thrashing England inflicted on the Czechs at Wembley a few months prior. More of the same seemed on the cards when Harry Kane slotted home a fifth-minute penalty to put England in the driving seat. However, the lead lasted just four minutes before the hosts drew level when Jakub Brabec bundled home a corner, and from then on, the Czechs played with increasing confidence as they chased victory at the Sinobo Stadium. England failed to make any impression in the second period and a Czech winner would arrive in the 85th minute when they capitalised on over-elaborate play at the back from the visitors. Jordan Pickford’s pass was pounced on by Lukas Masopust who scurried down the right before cutting back to substitute Zdenek Ondrasek who swept home the winner. The result ended England’s 43-match unbeaten run in Euro and World Cup qualifying matches stretching back to a 1-0 loss in Ukraine in October 2009 and was a result that Southgate’s stuttering side very much deserved. “Clearly that’s not a night that we wanted to be a part of in terms of that record,” Southgate said. “We didn’t play well enough, simple as that. We conceded possession of the ball too cheaply. “Particularly in the first half we didn’t create enough chances. Second half we had some good chances that we didn’t take and throughout the night we were too open out of possession. “Some of that was because of giving the ball away. So we gave the Czechs, who played well, got to give them credit, we gave them too many opportunities to score.” England bounced back from the defeat in impressive fashion, winning their final three qualifiers emphatically – beating Bulgaria 6-0, Montenegro 7-0 and Kosovo 4-0 – to finish six points clear at the second-placed Czechs at the top of Group A with seven wins out of eight. That sealed their place at Euro 2020 – a tournament delayed until 2021 – where England would finish runners-up after losing to Italy on penalties in the final at Wembley. Read More LIV Golf fails in bid to be eligible for world ranking points Harry Kane dreaming of leading England to Euro 2028 glory on home soil I am a Tottenham fan – Harry Kane wants Spurs to win Premier League Massimo Luongo feels Australians secretly support Spurs under Ange Postecoglou Tommy Fury ‘could beat KSI after 15 pints of beer’ as he eyes world title Jarrod Bowen ‘in a good place’ on England return