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Jordan Pickford will head into Tuesday’s crunch Euro 2024 qualifier against Italy looking forward rather than back. The Everton goalkeeper was between the posts when Italy beat England on penalties to win Euro 2020 at Wembley. Pickford was rested for Friday’s 1-0 friendly win over Australia, but is expected to return for the visit of the Azzurri – where victory would secure Gareth Southgate’s side a place at next summer’s finals in Germany. Since suffering Euro 2020 heartbreak, England have met Italy twice in the Nations League and also won 2-1 in Naples in the reverse qualifying fixture. Now it is that prospect of another shot of international success – and not seeking payback for the heartache of two years ago – that Pickford insists is driving the team heading into the game. “We know where we are in the world rankings and we know where we want to be. To do that, these are the teams you have to beat,” he said. “I don’t think this game has anything to do with revenge. We went to Italy and made a bit of history, having gone so many years without beating them away from home. This is all about qualifying for Germany. It’s another hurdle we have got to get past Jordan Pickford “This is another tough game. They’ve got a new manager, played well in the last break, and we know they are a top side. “This is all about qualifying for Germany. It’s another hurdle we have got to get past and we’ll be going for the victory.” Pickford revealed there has never been much of a debrief on the shoot-out loss in 2021 and was more upset with the performance in last winter’s World Cup – praising England for brushing themselves off so quickly to work towards Euro 2024 qualification. “We never really touched base on that Euro final,” he added. “There was more disappointment in Qatar, getting beat in the quarters, and then coming back straight into two competitive games. “That just shows you the characters we are and the type of squad and togetherness we have to beat Ukraine and then beat Italy in their own backyard in Naples in a hostile environment. “That shows you what kind of squad we are and I think the fans love it. “Every time we put the shirt on we wear it with massive amounts of pride. “To beat Italy in Naples was a great feeling, but they’re coming into our backyard now and they will want revenge. “We just want to put on a performance, be at our best, and get a result to qualify. “They are reigning European champions and are a top side. We only focus on ourselves. “We look at what’s in front of us and we will always back ourselves to beat any team because we are fully prepared and have a lot of experience and ability.” Read More Andy Farrell believes spirit of outgoing Johnny Sexton can spur Ireland on Rangers appoint former Club Brugge boss Philippe Clement as new manager Michael O’Neill hoping to take ‘good feeling’ into Slovenia game Glittering career ends with tears for retiring Ireland captain Johnny Sexton Joe Root dismisses ODI retirement talk with next Cricket World Cup in his plans Ben Stokes ‘getting better day by day’ but Afghanistan game could come too soon

Michael O’Neill knows Saturday’s 3-0 win over San Marino was only a small step forward for his Northern Ireland side but it is still one he said can be important for a young and developing side. Paul Smyth got a goal and an assist on his first international start while there was also a first Northern Ireland goal for Conor McMenamin, with Josh Magennis getting another in a comfortable win at Windsor Park. But while Northern Ireland were always in control, 2-0 up after 11 minutes, the limitations which have seen their qualifying campaign unravel with five straight defeats since an opening victory over the same opposition in March were again on show in an often unexciting display. Northern Ireland finished the match with five players eligible for the under-21s on the pitch, once more deprived of much-needed experience by their long injury list. “For a number of our players they won’t have won a lot of games in international football, they’ve not played a lot of games in international football and they’ve not won a lot, so any win is positive,” O’Neill said. “It’s a good feeling, you feel it in the dressing room. We can take that feeling into Tuesday night’s game (against Slovenia) when there’s a team coming who have got a lot to play for.” Having raced into an early lead and then seen a 31st-minute strike from star man Smyth eventually disallowed for offside after a long VAR check, Northern Ireland lost momentum and the atmosphere fell flat before McMenamin completed the scoring in the 81st minute. This was only Northern Ireland’s third win in their last 18 games at Windsor Park but even then the crowd was quiet, artificially boosted at one point by the sound of chanting being played on the PA system. That reflected Northern Ireland’s standing in Group H, where the only team they have avoided defeat against is the one ranked 207th and last in the world. “All we can do is just continue to work with the players, build them up, try and get confidence,” O’Neill added. Results help build belief in what you're doing and that's the biggest thing the win will give us, a little bit of belief Michael O'Neill “When you’re working with a new group of players and working on how you want to play as a team, results help build belief in what you’re doing and that’s the biggest thing the win will give us, a little bit of belief. “The work we did in the week was pretty much how the opening two goals were scored and that’s something the players took well into the game.” Talk of the injuries that have ravaged Northern Ireland’s campaign is nothing new, but there is no denying their impact and it extends well beyond the headlines names of Steven Davis, Stuart Dallas, and Corry Evans, stretching deep into Northern Ireland’s limited reserves. “Even if you look at Conor Bradley, he’s only played three games for us in this campaign and that’s probably all he will play if I’m honest,” O’Neill added of the Liverpool wing-back. “November will be very touch and go for Conor. That makes it difficult.” The hope for O’Neill and Northern Ireland is that there is something to be gained down the line as so many of those players still around from the famous Euro 2016 campaign near the end of the road. “We have to use what we have done, mainly through necessity, to take us forward because the players we talk about that are missing, we’re not really sure how long they will continue to play for at international level,” the manager added. “We’ve already seen Craig (Cathcart) retire. These players won’t continue forever. “What we have to do between now and March 2025 when World Cup qualification starts is we’ve got to get as much international football into these young players as possible because they will probably form the foundation and the backbone of the team.” Read More Glittering career ends with tears for retiring Ireland captain Johnny Sexton Joe Root dismisses ODI retirement talk with next Cricket World Cup in his plans Ben Stokes ‘getting better day by day’ but Afghanistan game could come too soon PA Sport Trivia (16/10/2023) On this day in 2004: Andy Robinson appointed as England head coach Tommy Fury claims points victory over YouTube star KSI

Week 7 of the 2023 college football season is now in the books for the Top 25 teams in the country and we know quite a bit more than we did previously. USC is,

Projecting the AP Top 25 college football rankings for Week 8 after Notre Dame flat-out embarrassed USC, Washington outlasted Oregon in Seattle, UNC made a statement against Miami, and much more on Saturday.

Washington beat Oregon in a shootout of a game that came down to the closing seconds. What are the three reasons that they won this game?

The college football rankings should reward Washington for their win over Oregon but how far can the Huskies rise and how far will the Ducks fall?

The Georgia Bulldogs bested Vanderbilt but they lost star tight end Brock Bowers to injury during the course of the game. Kirby Smart updated his status.

Since joining Real Madrid, Jude Bellingham has become the new jewel of world football. But who is his biggest threat to the 2023/24 Ballon d'Or? Perhaps a pair of Bundesliga breakout strikers have what it takes to mount a challenge.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Ineos are now in line to buy an initial 25 per cent stake in Manchester United, with the decision set to be ratified at a club board meeting this week. The billionaire petrochemicals mogul wants this to be a “path to a majority”, according to involved figures, and will already be seeking influence on football decisions. While Sheikh Jassim’s withdrawal was confirmed on Saturday evening, this has been interpreted as “face-saving”, as the ultimately underwhelming Qatari bid had been tactically outmanoeuvred by Ineos. It had long been felt by those with knowledge of Ratcliffe’s bid that Avram and Joel Glazer would ultimately never agree on a full sale now – preventing the unanimity required – which led the Ineos bid to pursue alternative options. Ratcliffe’s decision to go for a 25 per cent minority stake, valued at around £1.3bn, was seen as bringing a breakthrough in the last month while also staving off any concerns about legal challenges if he went for the Glazers’ 67 per cent. The owners of A shares had been willing to go to litigation if Ratcliffe only agreed to purchase the more powerful B shares, but he will now purchase a mix. Qatar never budged from only wanting a full sale but their offer of around £5bn was consistently seen as surprisingly low, and figures involved always found it confusing as to why the Jassim-fronted bid went no higher given the obvious prestige of such a club. One figure with knowledge of the Qatari side insisted that some of it came down to the perception of getting a good deal and not being seen to overpay. The irony is that one reason Joel and Avram Glazer have been so reluctant to sell is because they still expect an explosion in valuation over the next decade. Read More Sheikh Jassim withdraws from Manchester United takeover process Sheikh Jassim withdraws offer to buy Manchester United over Glazers’ high price Daniel James insists Wales can still qualify for Euro 2024

Kieran Trippier praised Jordan Henderson’s influence on and off the pitch after England’s vice-captain was booed by sections of the Wembley crowd. Friday’s friendly against Australia saw the 33-year-old line-up on home soil for the first time since his controversial summer switch from Liverpool to Saudi Arabian side Al-Ettifaq. Henderson has been a high-profile supporter of LGBTQ+ rights and last month apologised for any hurt he caused by moving to a country where homosexuality is illegal. The stand-in skipper’s name was met by murmurs before kick-off and the midfielder ended up being booed when substituted, with boss Gareth Southgate left angry by a reaction he felt “defies logic”. Long-standing international team-mate Trippier, who replaced Henderson, said: “I’m going to be honest I didn’t even notice it. I was obviously focused on coming on. “But, listen, Hendo has how many caps? 80 odd caps I think it is that he’s represented England. For me, I see him on daily basis, he is an unbelievable character, he’s a leader. What he does for the team, playing or not playing. “To be honest with you, I didn’t even recognise the reception because obviously I’m focused on my job to help the team cross the line and win. “But for me all I can say on Hendo is he’s a great leader, an unbelievable person to have in the dressing room and I think 80 caps plus speaks for himself. “On and off the pitch he’s a winner, the way he demands in training, the way he demands in games, in the dressing room before the games. He makes sure everyone trains properly, he sets standards and even myself at 33, when I look at him I follow it. All I can say on Hendo is he’s a great leader, an unbelievable person to have in the dressing room and I think 80 caps plus speaks for himself Kieran Trippier on Jordan Henderson “That’s what you need. Hendo has got everything, he’s a great captain. So, to be honest, don’t think I need to say much about Hendo’s leadership.” Pockets of England fans jeering their own is nothing new, with oft-criticised Harry Maguire booed by some supporters in their last Wembley friendly against Ivory Coast 18 months ago. “For us, as players, we stick together,” Trippier said. “That’s the most important thing. “We know how important Harry is, Hendo, or whoever it may be. The most important thing is us as a team, the staff, Gareth, everybody involved, we stick together. Internally, no problems. Everyone is calm and relaxed. “It’s shown how much character players like Harry has got, another leader, doesn’t let anything faze him and he gets on with it. Whenever he plays, he plays with a smile on his face and he’s an unbelievable person. That’s the most important thing.” England’s close-knit squad have bonded thanks to shared experiences, both good and bad, and can secure their place in a fourth major tournament under Southgate in Tuesday’s Euro 2024 qualifier against Italy. The group’s experienced core is complemented by up-and-coming stars, with none shining brighter than Jude Bellingham right now. The 20-year-old has scored 10 goals in 10 appearances for Real Madrid having slotted seamlessly into life in the Spanish capital, where Trippier won the LaLiga title at rivals Atletico. “At such a young age, with the maturity, the quality and the aggression he’s got, he’s frightening,” the Newcastle right-back said. “If you play well there in Madrid, the fans will love you. It’s no surprise to me how he’s started there because Jude is frightening. “Jude did unbelievable at Dortmund. He’s taken that experience with him. You see he’s playing with a freedom and the players around him are going to make his standards get even better. The most scary thing is he’s only 20 year old.” Asked if he can be the difference between falling short and going all the way, Trippier said: “He can be the difference but if you look throughout the whole team, from 2018 to now we’ve taken massive steps. “We lost in the Euros final, but the most important thing is we’re progressing, we’re doing very well. We’ve got players who can change games, we’ve got goals from all over the pitch. “Jude, Madders (James Maddison), obviously Bukayo (Saka), Phil (Foden), they can change games in certain moments. They’re still young. Representing England is a big thing but these guys are playing at the top level.” Read More Dan Burn’s dream comes true on a ‘special’ night for Newcastle Alan Shearer leads tributes after Newcastle’s Champions League demolition job Eddie Howe praises Jamaal Lascelles for stepping up as Newcastle stun PSG Trippier reveals son would prefer to walk out with Mbappe as mascot Kieran Trippier aims to ruin Kylian Mbappe’s Newcastle trip even if son is upset Italy ease past Malta to keep pressure on England in Euro 2024 qualifying

Italy secured a routine 4-0 victory over Malta to keep the pressure on England in Group C of the Euro 2024 qualifiers. Giacomo Bonaventura opened the scoring for the Italians for his first-ever international goal and Domenico Berardi then scored twice – either side of half-time – before Davide Frattesi added a fourth in added time. Ukraine picked up an important three points in a bid for their group-stage hopes after they ran out 2-0 winners over North Macedonia. Ukraine opened the scoring in rather fortunate fashion as an Heorhiy Sudakov effort from outside the area was heavily deflected into the net to make it 1-0. The Ukrainians had to wait till stoppage time to rubber stamp the points when Oleksandr Karavayev spotted goalkeeper Stole Dimitrievski off his line before firing home. In Group G, Hungary put themselves in the driving seat to qualify from the group after they defeated Serbia 2-1 at home. Barnabas Varga put the hosts ahead after 21 minutes and they were pegged back 12 minutes later through Strahinja Pavlovic, but Hungary instantly regained their lead when the ball fell for Roland Sallai, who let fly from 25 yards to win the match. Lithuania registered their first win of the qualifiers at the sixth attempt thanks to defender Pijus Sirvys’ double either side of half-time to beat 10-man Bulgaria 2-0. Three minutes after Adrian Kraev was sent off for a second bookable offence, Lithuania opened the scoring on the stroke of half-time after Sirvys bundled the ball home from a corner and he doubled their advantage 10 minutes after the break to pick up their first three points of the competition. In Group H, Northern Ireland wrapped up a 3-0 victory over lowly San Marino. Paul Smyth opened the scoring for the home side at Windsor Park in superb fashion with his scissor-kick from inside the area and they doubled their advantage six minutes later through Josh Magennis before adding a third – nine minutes from time – when Conor McMenamin netted his first international goal from close range. Slovenia strengthened their grip on qualifying following a 3-0 rout over Finland. Leipzig forward Benjamin Sesko netted twice in the first half, firstly from the penalty spot before he raced through on goal and buried his second and all three points were rubber stamped in stoppage-time thanks to Eric Janza’s strike. Denmark stayed level on points with Slovenia to occupy the top two spots after they earned a 3-1 win over Kazakhstan. Jonas Wind opened the scoring in Parken when he bundled home from close range and Robert Skov added a second before he latched onto Christian Eriksen’s through ball to slot home Denmark’s third. Read More New Zealand end Ireland’s World Cup dreams as quarter-final curse continues Ben Earl convinced England can prove critics wrong in last-eight Fiji showdown Sam Tomkins’ career ends with Grand Final loss to his former side Wigan Warren Gatland admits change of referee did not help Wales in Argentina loss Sheikh Jassim withdraws from Manchester United takeover process Emiliano Boffelli stars as Argentina send Wales home from World Cup

The Georgia Bulldogs are 7-0 and ranked No. 1, but some people may think the Michigan Wolverines are better. How wrong are they? Could Michigan overtake Georgia in the next AP Top 25 poll?