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The Republic of Ireland head into their daunting Euro 2024 qualifier clash with France without the man the nation had hoped might inspire a fightback. Stephen Kenny will send his troops into Group B battle with the World Cup runners-up at the Parc des Princes on Thursday evening with in-form Brighton striker Evan Ferguson a frustrated by-stander after a knee injury forced his withdrawal from the squad, just as Ireland’s fledgling campaign reached crunch-point. Here, the PA news agency takes a look at some of the talking points surrounding a crucial fixture in Paris. Evan help us Ferguson’s absence leaves Kenny facing a rethink after integrating the 18-year-old into his starting line-up in recent games. His two goals in six senior appearances to date – as well as the Premier League hat-trick he scored against Newcastle at the weekend – had established him as a credible weapon with which Ireland could hurt Didier Deschamps’ all-stars. Without him, the manager must piece together a frontline from his remaining frontmen – Adam Idah, Chiedozie Ogbene, Aaron Connolly and Will Keane – who have five international goals between them, with Luton’s Ogbene responsible for four of them. All right on the night? Seamus Coleman and Matt Doherty are two of Ireland’s most accomplished players, but their country’s misfortune is that both excel at right-back and successive managers have had to be inventive to get the pair into their team at the same time. With Coleman injured and Doherty suspended for the game at the Parc des Princes, Kenny needs to plug a sizeable gap. Preston’s Alan Browne, Bristol City summer signing Jason Knight or Festy Ebosele of Udinese, who is yet to win a senior cap, are the likely candidates for the wing-back role, although Kenny has hinted one of his central defenders could yet be redeployed. So near, yet so far Kenny’s men opened their campaign with a 1-0 home defeat by France, but things might have panned out very different. The visitors dominated the game in Dublin, but until a rare error from midfielder Josh Cullen allowed Benjamin Pavard to blast them in front, Kylian Mbappe and company had failed to trouble goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu unduly. Had it not been for a stunning late save from stopper Mike Maignan to deny Nathan Collins a last-gasp equaliser, the Republic might have emerged with something to show for their efforts. Similar resolve in Paris is the very least they will need to secure a better return. Point of no return? The Republic’s fate could be effectively decided by what happens in Paris and in Dublin on Sunday, when the Netherlands come to town, after the first three qualifiers yielded just three points. When the draw was made, it always looked like a battle between Ireland and Greece for third place behind two of Europe’s big guns and defeat in Athens in June gave Gus Poyet’s side the edge. Kenny has targeted this campaign since his appointment in April 2020 and logic suggests they need to win at least one of the two games to retain any hope at all. 2009 and all that Ireland and France have met on three occasions since, but for some the fixture will always rekindle memories of the night in November 2009 when Thierry Henry’s unnoticed handball at the Stade de France cost the Irish a trip to the World Cup finals. Wounds have healed over the last 14 years, but for assistant manager Keith Andrews and coach John O’Shea, who played that night, a measure of revenge in Paris might prove very welcome. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Port Vale unhappy with Robbie Williams – Wednesday’s sporting social Appeal for Daniel Dubois’ defeat to Oleksandr Usyk to be declared no-contest Rob Page: Wales would rather not play South Korea friendly with Latvia to come

Current holder Gavi and Real Madrid superstar Jude Bellingham are among the nominees for the 2023 Kopa Trophy.

Rob Page says he wishes Wales were not playing a friendly against South Korea on Thursday. Wales are not in Euro 2024 action until Monday when they travel to Latvia for a crucial Group D qualifying clash. But UEFA regulations stipulate that nations in odd-numbered qualifying groups must fulfil blank dates in the calendar when group rivals are playing. Wales filled this date by arranging a Cardiff friendly with Jurgen Klinsmann’s South Korea, but the game has failed to capture the imagination of the Welsh public with only 11,500 tickets sold little more than 24 hours before kick-off. Page is expected to field a shadow side just four days before the Riga showdown with Latvia, and the under-fire Wales boss confirmed that skipper Aaron Ramsey would be absent while adding that Tottenham’s new £47.5million forward Brennan Johnson will be on the bench. But Page’s comments that he would rather not play the match will certainly do little to encourage fans who have paid for the privilege of watching it. “We have to take the friendly. I’d rather not play it, being completely honest with you,” Page said at his pre-match press conference. “We’ve had a couple of injuries anyway. The most important game for me is Monday and we’re having to manage players. “I’ve already got a plan in place, what players, what minutes they’ve played this season, who needs more minutes than others. “There will be plenty of substitutions. There will be some at half-time, some at the hour mark. We’ll be trying to get those players off the pitch unscathed and getting them ready for Monday.” Page has come under pressure following a run of only one win in 12 games either side of the 2022 World Cup when Wales finished bottom of their group and scored only one goal – a penalty from the now-retired Gareth Bale. Wales have picked up four points from as many Euro 2024 qualifiers and are seeking to recover from back-to-back June defeats to Armenia and Turkey. Qualifying for the tournament in Germany next summer through the play-offs now appears Wales’ best option. “Everybody in that changing room understands the difficulties involved,” Page said. We have to take the friendly. I’d rather not play it, being completely honest with you Rob Page “It’s not just about winning games of football now, it’s about the bigger picture. Everybody wants to win games of football but they understand, the senior players, that we have to start introducing younger players. “It’s nice to hear their backing (of the senior players). It means a lot, the world to me.” Joe Morrell and Kieffer Moore are suspended for the Latvia qualifier and set to start against South Korea. The pair became the latest Wales players to be sent off in June after Ethan Ampadu and Harry Wilson were red carded at Euro 2020 and Wayne Hennessey was shown his marching orders at the 2022 World Cup. Page said: “If we are going to compete at this level we need 11 players on the pitch. Both players regret the red cards. They were both disappointing. Kieffer’s red was a bit more disappointing because he rose to the bait. “They knew what they were doing and they are the masters of the dark arts at that level, and we fell for it. We are better than that and it will be addressed.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Matt Fagerson says being at World Cup with brother Zander ‘pretty special’ BBC’s director of sport Barbara Slater to retire after 40 years at broadcaster Sofyan Amrabat talks up importance of Man Utd boss Erik ten Hag on his career

Carson Beck is the Georgia starting quarterback, but he did not exactly run away with it in Week 1 vs. UT-Martin. Could Brock Vandagriff or even Gunner Stockton overtake on the UGA depth chart?

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Jenni Hermoso has accused suspended Spanish football federation president Luis Rubiales of a sexual assault, according to reports in Spain. Rubiales kissed Hermoso on the lips during the trophy presentation following Spain’s victory over England in last month’s World Cup final. Hermoso said the kiss was not consensual, and although FIFA has suspended Rubiales pending an investigation into his behaviour, he has refused to resign. A number of media outlets in the country reported that the national prosecutor’s office had received the accusation from Hermoso on Tuesday. The PA news agency has contacted the prosecutor’s office but did not receive an immediate response. The Spanish football federation (RFEF) issued an apology on Tuesday, with current president Pedro Rocha distancing the federation from what Rubiales had done, and saying his actions had caused “enormous damage”. Later the same day the RFEF announced the dismissal of World Cup-winning coach Jorge Vilda. The 42-year-old had been the only member of Spain’s backroom staff who had not quit in protest at Rubiales’ refusal to step down. Vilda had also applauded Rubiales at an emergency general assembly of the RFEF on August 25 when the latter said he would not quit. The RFEF issued a glowing statement in praise of Vilda on Tuesday in confirming his dismissal, but said his exit was the first of a number of “renewal measures” planned by Rocha. Montse Tome was later confirmed as Vilda’s successor. Concerns over Vilda’s coaching methods and regime were reported to have been a key factor in 15 Spain players refusing to play for the national team last year, but the federation, under Rubiales, refused to budge. Vilda told Spanish radio network Cadena SER following his dismissal: “In sporting terms, I am going to accept all the criticisms, but on a personal level I think it has been unfair. “It has been a special year. Nothing has ever been said directly, but indirectly things have been said that do not suit me. Things have been said that are not true. “The explanation is that there have been ‘structural changes’. After everything I have achieved, of working hard as just another worker, I have a clear conscience. “I have given 100 per cent and I don’t understand it – I didn’t see my dismissal as deserved.” It is not yet clear whether Vilda’s dismissal and Tome’s appointment will be enough to prompt a return to action by Spain’s World Cup-winning squad for the Nations League matches against Sweden and Switzerland later this month. The 23 players had been part of a group of 81 who had said they would not make themselves available for international duty until Rubiales had resigned.

Spanish football star Jenni Hermoso has filed a legal complaint over an unsolicited kiss by football federation boss Luis Rubiales following Spain’s win over England in the Women’s World Cup final, the national prosecutor’s office said on Wednesday. With the complaint, Rubiales could face criminal charges in addition to the ongoing probe by Spain’s top sport court for “serious misconduct” and an investigation by world governing body Fifa. The kiss occurred minutes after Spain won the World Cup, immediately prior to lifting the trophy as the squad received their medals and passed a line of dignitaries – one of which was Rubiales in his position as president of the Royal Spanish Football Federation (Rfef). There, he was seen planting a kiss on Hermoso’s lips – which the player says was not consensual and Rubiales insists that it was. While the crisis engulfing Spanish football has centred around Rubiales’ position and conduct, it has not been limited to the president, with head coach Jorge Vilda sacked from his post this week and claiming it to have been an “unfair” decision. Rubiales, meanwhile, continues to protest his innocence in the situation, releasing a statement to say “justice will be served” and that “information [...] is being subjected to numerous manipulations, lies, and censorship”. Spanish prosecutors initially opened a preliminary investigation into whether the incident amounts to a crime of sexual assault, with the office now saying the legal complaint has been filed. The national sports tribunal also opened a misconduct case against Rubiales, ruling the kiss on Hermoso constituted a “serious offence”, but not one to the degree which would have resulted in his suspension. However, he has already been suspended from his duties by Fifa, while Uefa also said his behaviour was “inappropriate”, but are leaving any sanctions to the game’s governing body to hand out. Meanwhile, the Rfef’s regional leaders have called for Rubiales’ resignation from the head of the organisation. Rubiales’ mother locked herself in a church and went on a hunger strike as the controversy around her son broke out, insisting she was “willing to die” to protest his innocence. However, she was eventually taken to hospital for treatment. Former England international Jill Scott said this week that the saga had “overshadowed” the enormous sporting achievement of the Spanish squad having won the World Cup, while every member of the squad have refused to play for Spain again while Rubiales remains head of the federation. Neither Hermoso’s representatives nor Rubiales were immediately available for comment. Read More Sacked Jorge Vilda defends clapping Luis Rubiales’ ‘I will not resign’ speech Luis Rubiales fallout live: Spain boss Vilda hits out at ‘unfair’ sacking Jill Scott says World Cup kiss saga ‘overshadowed’ Spain playing ‘great football’

Ben Chilwell hopes next summer’s European Championship will prove third time lucky, having had to sit on his hands during the last edition before missing the World Cup through injury. Gareth Southgate is not blessed with options at left-back, but a mixture of misfortune and injury has restricted the 26-year-old to just 18 caps since making his debut in 2018. That frustration means Chilwell, a Champions League winner with Chelsea, is still waiting to make his first appearance at a major international tournament. Chilwell went to the rearranged Euros two years ago, but – as well as having to self-isolate due to coronavirus regulations – was overlooked in favour of Kieran Trippier and Luke Shaw. The pair were the left-back options again 18 months later in Qatar as a hamstring injury ruled out the Chelsea full-back, who is hoping to catch a break at Euro 2024. “I missed the World Cup, but I was at the Euros and didn’t play,” Chilwell told talkSPORT and BBC Radio 5 live. “Of course, Germany in the summer is something I am really looking forward to. “I am hoping to have a great season with Chelsea and England, that will put me in good stead, and I can hopefully go out to Germany and do well.” It has long been a case of when rather than if England’s place at Euro 2024 is rubberstamped, with their qualification campaign continuing against Ukraine in Poland this Saturday. Chilwell said “third time lucky would be nice” as he looked ahead to next summer’s finals in Germany and few would back against him fulfilling that goal given his ability to dig deep and overcome disappointment. “I think you have to be strong mentally to come through a lot of stuff that I’ve gone through and a lot of stuff that a lot of footballers go through,” the left-back, who does not have injured Shaw to compete with this month, said. “You don’t get to become a professional football player without having ups and downs, and it is a cliche but it really is about how you deal with them. “I love playing football, so that’s what I always come back to when I when I’m going through the tough times.” Chilwell is not alone in dealing with frustrating periods on the sidelines for Chelsea and England, with right-back Reece James laid low again right now with a hamstring complaint. “Everyone talks about how strong we are as a team at Chelsea when me and Reece play together,” said the 26-year-old, who is captaining the Blues in James’ absence. “Of course, we want to play more together. We’re trying! “Hopefully Reece can be back in the next few weeks and I am feeling good physically so hopefully, when Reece is back, push on and do well for the rest of the season.” The hope at Chelsea is that Mauricio Pochettino will bring improved robustness and fitness to the group on top of on-field improvements. Chilwell says the new head coach’s pre-season regime was as gruelling as people say, but it has left him feeling the “best I’ve felt physically in a long time”. “The manager was constant in telling us that this is only for our benefit,” he said. “It’s going to make our bodies more robust, we’re going to be able to play more games this season, less injuries. “So we all completely bought into it and so far, personally, I’m feeling like that is the case and, like I said, feeling the best I felt physically in a long time. “Hopefully I can stay injury-free for the season and then going into the summer as well.” Chilwell is confident that with a little patience Chelsea “will come good” under Pochettino as the former Argentina international looks to shape a large squad full of new faces and promise into a coherent, effective unit. Among the ex-Tottenham manager’s tactical tweaks in the opening weeks of the season has been a new advanced role for the 26-year-old. “It’s not even been wing-back, it’s been on the wing,” Chilwell said. “Over the past few years, I’ve gone from left-back to left wing-back to left wing… playing striker in a few years! “It’s something new (but) something that isn’t completely new to me, to be honest. “When I’ve been playing left wing-back, they’re kind of similar positions that I get in occasionally that I’ve found myself in this season. “I’m playing up there and the expectation when you’re playing in a front three is to, of course, score goals and get assists. “That’s something that hopefully I can build on in the next few weeks and decision-making, when to shoot, when to pass. “Of course, I’d like to have contributed with a few more so far this season but, like I said, I’m working hard to put that right.”

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Luis Rubiales is fighting to clear his name and remain in his job as president of the Spanish FA (Rfef) amid increasing pressure and criticism after his conduct across the Women’s World Cup final. After kissing Spain’ Jenni Hermoso, with the player insisting it was without consent and not welcomed, the fallout has seen the Spanish federation widely criticised for their lack of immediate response and Rubiales’ insistence he is in the right. Meanwhile, manager of the women’s team Jorge Vilda has been sacked, adding a further layer to the ongoing discussion and subsequent changes at the head of the federation. Follow all the latest updates regarding Spain’s women’s team, Rubiales and Vilda below.

Amer Sports, the maker of Wilson tennis rackets and Salomon ski boots, has filed confidentially for a US

Northern Ireland resume their Euro 2024 qualifying campaign when they take on Slovenia in Ljubljana on Thursday. The match is part of an away double-header in Group H, with Michael O’Neill’s men travelling to Astana to face Kazakhstan at the weekend. Here, the PA news agency looks at the key talking points ahead of Thursday’s match. No end to injury woes Michael O’Neill has not had much luck on the injury front since his return to the Northern Ireland job in December. Key players Stuart Dallas, Steven Davis and Corry Evans have not been fit to play since last year, and the injury list goes on with the likes of Shane Ferguson, Jamal Lewis, Conor Bradley Shayne Lavery, Dale Taylor and Aaron Donnelly all sidelined, while Dan Ballard has reported to camp with a concern after Sunderland’s 5-0 win over Southampton. Limited options O’Neill’s squad includes several players with limited or no experience at international level, leaving the manager to put some square pegs in round holes when it comes to naming a side. The loss of Lewis along with Ferguson means there is no naturally left full-back or wing-back in the squad, so although Bradley is out and Hume might fancy his favoured right wing-back role, chances are he will be on the left again. Josh Magennis and Conor Washington are back from injury, and may go straight back into the side after Lavery and Taylor were forced out. Evans and Cathcart As young as this Northern Ireland side is in many departments, the centre of defence is still anchored by Jonny Evans and Craig Cathcart. However, there is a different concern with the two seasoned campaigners. Evans enjoyed a pre-season with Manchester United before signing a one-year contract with his boyhood club, but the 35-year-old’s second-half appearance as a substitute in Sunday’s loss at Arsenal was his first competitive football since Northern Ireland’s June qualifiers. Cathcart comes into these fixtures even more undercooked, having been without a club since he left Watford at the end of last season. The 34-year-old has been training with the Hornets but is bound to be short of match fitness. With an injury concern over Ballard, Northern Ireland are stretched at the back. Group goals With so many senior players out and so many youngsters in, O’Neill said in June that qualifying was no longer the goal in this campaign, but the mood music has changed coming into this camp. O’Neill sounded a different tone when he announced his squad last month, and the players too have been talking about how two good results in this window could get them back in the mix before October’s double-header at Windsor Park. Whether they have the resources to do it remains to be seen. Fine margins Northern Ireland have taken only three points from their opening four qualifiers, and those came in the opening fixture away to minnows San Marino. But while everything else has been a defeat, the losses to Denmark away and Finland and Kazakhstan in Belfast have all come by a 1-0 margin. Scoring has been a long-term problem for Northern Ireland, but they have remained defensively strong and will take confidence from that with more experienced strikers back in the fold.