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Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp was outraged when VAR controversially ruled out Jarell Quansah’s late equaliser in the Reds’ dramatic 3-2 defeat to Toulouse, but Joe Cole insisted the “ref got it right” after disallowing the goal because of an earlier Alexis Mac Allister handball. Quansah was denied his first Liverpool goal after bundling in a 98th minute equaliser when Mac Allister was ruled to have used his arm to control the ball as the Reds pressed for a late draw in the Europa League clash. However, Liverpool and Klopp were livid as Mac Allister’s handball came several phases before Quansah thought he had levelled. The Argentine midfielder’s touch came roughly 10 seconds before the 20-year-old scrambled in the equaliser. Commentating on TNT Sports, former Liverpool winger Steve McManamann said a “million things” had happened before Quansah struck, while Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher tweeted: “The game has gone! Get rid of VAR, that’s a disgrace.” There was further confusion as the on-field referee Georgi Kabakov appeared to point to the centre-circle, awarding the goal, before he was sent to the pitchside monitor for an on-field review and then overturned his decision. Speaking on TNT Sports, former Chelsea and Liverpool winger Cole said: “I think it was a handball. It was a strange situation because we were all wondering what was going to be the decision given the handball happened quite a while before the goal went in, but the ref got it right. “Much to the dismay and frustration of Liverpool fans and players, it was the right call.” Former England goalkeeper Rachel Brown-Finnis agreed. She said: “A great finish by Quansah who thought he had equalised but I think it was rightly ruled out in the end. “He showed real determination to get his side back in the game, like I said a good finish from the defender, but it is a handball.” The Reds thrashed their French opponents 5-1 at Anfield two weeks ago, but the side who are 14th in Ligue 1 flipped the script as Liverpool suffered just their second defeat in all competitions this season. Before kick-off, Liverpool were boosted by the news that Luis Diaz’s father had been released by his kidnappers in Colombia, 13 days after he was seized by gunmen from the guerrilla group National Liberation Army. Diaz was in the starting line-up and was bright as Liverpool made a positive start, but a mistake by Kostas Tsimikas allowed the hosts to take a 36th-minute lead when he was caught in possession and Aron Donnum fired a deflected shot past Caoimhin Kelleher. Klopp turned to his bench at half time and introduced Mohamed Salah, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Dominik Szoboszlai, but Liverpool’s task soon became harder when Thijs Dallinga doubled Toulouse’s lead with a thumping finish shortly before the hour. The Reds were fortunate to pull one back when home defender Cristian Casseres bundled into his own net, but Toulouse immediately restored their two-goal advantage as Frank Magri slammed in a rebound after some poor Liverpool defending. Diogo Jota pulled another back for the visitors late on before Liverpool were denied a late equaliser by VAR. Klopp’s side remain top of Group E on nine points, but Toulouse are now just a further two behind in the race to reach the last-16 as group winners. Read More Liverpool angered by VAR as Jarell Quansah goal ruled out in Europa League defeat Luis Diaz ‘happy’ to start Liverpool match hours after kidnapped father’s release Luis Diaz’s father freed by kidnappers in Colombia Toulouse v Liverpool LIVE: Latest Europa League updates Luton threaten to ban fans involved in ‘tragedy chanting’ during Liverpool match FA contact Luton and police over ‘tragedy chanting’ during Liverpool match

Brighton took control of their Europa League destiny with a commanding 2-0 win against Ajax at the Amsterdam Arena to complete back-to-back victories over the Dutch giants. A goal in each half from Ansu Fati and Simon Adingra meant Roberto De Zerbi’s side moved into the qualification spots in Group B for the first time on their debut European campaign, with a performance that matched the ease with which they dispatched the four-time European champions at home two weeks earlier. Since then, Ajax had appointed a new manager in John van’t Schip, but despite an uptick in domestic form it never looked like they had the firepower to unduly trouble Brighton, who could have won by a greater margin had Joao Pedro, Adingra and Fati not wasted good chances. Despite their struggles this season, Ajax made the brighter start. After 13 minutes, Kristian Hlynsson found himself with space to drift into with the ball and shot from 25 yards, though it was a comfortable save from Bart Verbruggen. The opening goal for Brighton was against the run of play, and came from an Ajax error. Silvano Vos was under little pressure in midfield but carelessly gave the ball to Adingra, who moved it calmly into the path of Fati to roll it beyond Diant Ramaj in the home side’s goal. De Zerbi’s side kept their hosts largely at arm’s length for the remainder of the first period, coming to life in added time before the break when Fati looked to return Adingra’s favour in assisting his goal. The pair linked up well down the right of Ajax’s box, but after a clever pass by the goalscorer Adingra’s shot to Ramaj’s near post was deflected behind off the legs of the goalkeeper. Ajax had won twice in the Eredivisie since being beaten at the Amex Stadium two weeks previously, dragging themselves off the bottom of the league and into midtable. Yet despite reaching half-time here having enjoyed the lion’s share of possession, they had rarely troubled Verbruggen as they sought a result to finally kick start their European campaign. Pedro, the competition’s joint-top scorer at the start of play, danced through Ajax’s defence early in the second half a lashed an effort into the side netting. The Brazilian received a first senior national team call-up on Monday and was inches from marking it with a fifth Europa League goal of the campaign. Instead it was Adingra who would double Brighton’s lead minutes later, timing his run perfectly to get on the end of Fati’s pass and unleashing an unstoppable, rising drive into Ramaj’s top corner. Fati had the chance to get his second and Brighton’s third when Ramaj presented the ball to Karou Mitoma, Ajax saved from further embarrassment only by a poor touch from Fati as the pass was played in to him. They came within inches of a lifeline 15 minutes from time. Brian Brobbey struck first time with his left foot as the ball arrived into the box, and his shot beat Verbruggen before hitting the post, rolling along the goal-line and striking the opposite upright. It was to be as close as Ajax would come, as Brighton earned a first away win in Europe to cement their position in the group ahead of their final two games. Read More England’s Ben Stokes has ‘no idea’ if Pakistan clash will be his last ODI Rasmus Hojlund says ‘a matter of time’ until Erik ten Hag improves Man United Gareth Southgate ‘not interested in just racking up games’ as England manager Ali Price joins Edinburgh on loan from Glasgow after input from Scotland How Manchester United managers have fared since Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement England head to Indonesia inspired by Under-17 World Cup winner Phil Foden

Academy graduate Jarell Quansah was denied a dream first goal by VAR in the final minute of added time as Liverpool squandered the chance to secure qualification for the Europa League knockout stage with a 3-2 defeat in Toulouse. The 20-year-old, replacing ill captain Virgil van Dijk in the side, poked home in the seventh additional minute to claim what would have been a barely-deserved point in southern France. However, VAR alerted referee Georgi Kabakov to a potential handball after the ball bounced up off Alexis Mac Allister’s chest in the build-up and the Georgian official contentiously chalked it off. Even a draw would have hardly papered over the individual errors and a lack of cohesion throughout a team registering nine changes. Toulouse, who had won only three matches prior to this game, had been thrashed 5-1 at Anfield a fortnight ago but were an entirely different prospect on home turf, although they benefited from some shambolic defending. Liverpool still top the group but their advantage has been cut to just two points and although they have the two weakest sides still to play Klopp’s 450th game in charge was not one to remember as they slipped to their first European defeat this season. The only cause for celebration on the night came a couple of hours before kick-off when news came through from Colombia that Luis Diaz’s father had been released from his 12-day kidnap ordeal. But even that could not ease the pain of Kostas Tsimikas dawdling in possession for Toulouse’s psychologically important first goal, or how easily the visitors conceded two more in the second half. It even took an own goal from Cristian Casseres to get them back into the game at 2-1, only for them to concede again less than three minutes later and it was not until the 89th minute that substitute Diogo Jota set up the late drama. On the back of the Diaz news the game began brightly for Liverpool with Joe Gomez, who has never scored for Liverpool in 188 games, flicking a Cody Gakpo cross onto the bar. Diaz turned Mikkel Desler inside out twice to win a free-kick before his knockdown of Gomez’s cross saw Mac Allister’s volley deflected over, with goalkeeper Guillaume Restes’ parrying Ben Doak’s shot. Toulouse gave Liverpool a warning they did not heed when Gabriel Suazo slid in at the far post to deflect Niklas Schmidt’s cross wide. Seven minutes later Tsimikas was sloppy in possession and robbed by Donnum, who raced into the penalty area to beat Caoimhin Kelleher via a deflection off Quansah’s leg. Midfielder Wataru Endo, who had already been booked, was lucky to escape with a lunge on Casseres but he was not so fortunate in surviving the half-time cull – and neither was Tsimikas. Dominik Szoboszlai and Trent Alexander-Arnold were their replacements, with the unfortunate Doak making way for Mohamed Salah. Toulouse immediately exposed the space behind Alexander-Arnold, as Gomez had switched to left-back, with Suazo breaking forward and cutting inside Quansah before rolling a shot wide of the far post. Thijs Dallinga did beat Kelleher in the 50th minute but referee Georgi Kabakov brought play back for a foul on Joel Matip on the edge of the penalty area. However, Dallinga’s movement got the better of Matip eight minutes later when Diaz lost the ball on the left wing, running in behind to collect Suazo’s cross with his first touch and fire past Kelleher with his second. Liverpool pulled a goal back they barely deserved in fortuitous fashion in the 74th minute when Gomez’s looping header towards the far post was turned into his own net by Casseres. But that luck was short-lived as almost instantly Frank Magri converted Suazo’s cross. Although Jota’s weaving run and shot set up Quansah’s moment in the spotlight late on, the technology denied the young centre-back. Read More Ansu Fati and Simon Adingra guide Brighton to victory at Ajax England’s Ben Stokes has ‘no idea’ if Pakistan clash will be his last ODI Rasmus Hojlund says ‘a matter of time’ until Erik ten Hag improves Man United Gareth Southgate ‘not interested in just racking up games’ as England manager Ali Price joins Edinburgh on loan from Glasgow after input from Scotland How Manchester United managers have fared since Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement

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Liverpool can secure progress to the knockout stages of the Europa League if they achieve a fourth straight win in Group E this evening. Jurgen Klopp’s side have beaten Toulouse, LASK and Union Saint Gilloise and travel to face the French side in the return fixture. Toulouse have struggled domestically this season and go into the match 14th in Ligue 1, having managed just two wins in 11 matches, but they are second in the Group E with four points. When the sides met at Anfield, Darwin Nunez starred and Mohamed Salah netted off the bench in a 5-1 hammering, which included Wataru Endo’s first goal for the club. While the temptation for Klopp may be to rotate once more, getting progression wrapped up early would leave two matches where more changes can be made and opportunities handed to fringe players. Follow all the live action in the blog below and get all the latest match odds and tips. Read More Luis Diaz’s father freed by kidnappers in Colombia Luis Diaz ‘happy’ to start Liverpool match hours after kidnapped father’s release Jamie Carragher identifies two key players for Liverpool to become title challengers

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp says the release of Luis Diaz’s kidnapped father just a couple of hours before their Europa League tie in Toulouse was perfect timing. Luis Manuel Diaz was taken along with his wife Cilenis Marulanda 12 days ago, although Diaz’s mother was freed swiftly. After a long wait and days of negotiation with guerilla group the National Liberation Army, Diaz’s father has been released. “It looks like Lucho (Diaz) is really happy, (giving) thumbs up all the time,” Klopp told TNT Sports. “It looks very, very good. Timing-wise it couldn’t have been better. If it is now then great.” The news was confirmed in a statement from the Colombian Football Federation, which said: “The Colombian Football Federation thanks the national government, the military forces and the national police, as well as all the institutions and officials that made the release of Luis Manuel Diaz, father of our player Luis Diaz, possible. “Football as a sporting discipline symbolises talent, dedication, teamwork and the intrinsic values of human beings. “In Colombia it must continue to be a benchmark for entertainment, healthy competition, unity and joy. “Therefore, we insist on the need to maintain this activity, as well as those who are involved in it, in the sporting and administrative part and their families, outside of any scenario other than sports. “Behind a ball, the dreams and illusions of boys and girls, young people, women, men and adult soccer players, their loved ones and an entire country roll. “Football is passion in peace. Let no one ever think of attacking that reality again.” Diaz, who scored the equalising goal at Luton on Sunday in his first appearance since his father was taken, was named in the starting line-up for Liverpool’s Europa League tie in Toulouse just minutes of his dad’s release was made public. “We are delighted by the news of @LuisFDiaz19’s father’s safe return and we thank all those involved in securing his release,” said a club statement. Read More Rasmus Hojlund says ‘a matter of time’ until Erik ten Hag improves Man United Gareth Southgate says Raheem Sterling’s England absence down to football reasons Gareth Southgate ‘not interested in just racking up games’ as England manager Ali Price joins Edinburgh on loan from Glasgow after input from Scotland How Manchester United managers have fared since Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement England head to Indonesia inspired by Under-17 World Cup winner Phil Foden

Liverpool star Luis Diaz’s father has been freed, 13 days after was kidnapped by gunmen in Colombia. Colombia’s National Liberation Army (ELN), the guerrilla group behind the armed capture of Luis Manuel Diaz nearly two weeks ago, have released the Liverpool forward’s father, Colombia’s government confirmed. Local media reported that Diaz Sr was in a good state of health, with no signs of mistreatment. A post from Liverpool on the platform X said: “We are delighted by the news of Luis Diaz’s father’s safe return and we thank all those involved in securing his release.” Diaz Sr was seized at gunpoint by the ELN on 28 October along with his wife, Cilenis Marulanda, who was freed by police within hours. After a major military search, the government said in a statement that it had held peace talks with the ELN and was now celebrating Diaz’s release. A statement from the Colombian Football Federation said: “We appreciate the national government, the military and the national police, as well as all the institutes and individuals which made possible the freedom of Luis Manuel Diaz, father of our footballer Luis Diaz.” Diaz made an emotional appeal for his father’s release after scoring a late equaliser for Liverpool in their 1-1 draw against Luton on Sunday. The 26-year-old marked the goal by revealing a T-shirt bearing a message reading ‘Freedom for Dad’ and then made a statement calling for his “prompt release”. The Colombia international was named in Liverpool’s starting line-up for their Europa League clash against Toulouse on Thursday evening, which kicks off an hour after Diaz’s father’s release was confirmed. Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp said Diaz was “happy” to play. The ELN said they would release Diaz as long as they received security guarantees from the Colombian government, and claimed they informed the Colombian authorities on 2 November of their intention to release Diaz Sr. On Thursday, local media in Colombia showed Diaz’s father at an airstrip in the city of Valledupar after he descended from a helicopter. Reports said Diaz Sr he would undergo a medical examination before being returned to his family. The kidnapping of Diaz’s father disrupted the Colombian government's peace talks with the rebel group ELN, which restarted last year in hopes of ending the group's part in Colombia's 60-year conflict, which has killed at least 450,000 people. The two sides began a six-month ceasefire in August. The government's negotiating delegation at peace talks with ELN said in a statement it celebrated the liberation and that Diaz was safe and sound, but that the kidnapping "should never have happened." "The current process with the ELN has advanced like no other until today. Regardless, our delegation considers that the kidnapping of Luis Manuel Diaz has placed our dialogue in a critical situation and because of it, the time has come to take decisions to eliminate kidnapping," the statement said. The statement added that all people being held by the ELN must be liberated, though it did not give a figure for remaining hostages. Guerrilla groups in Colombia have historically used kidnapping as a fundraising and pressure tactic. The ELN said a week ago it would free Diaz but his liberation was delayed amid a back-and-forth between the group and the government. The rebels said military operations were impeding liberation efforts, which the army denied. Diaz and his wife Cilenis Marulanda were taken by armed men as they were driving in La Guajira province, near their home town of Barrancas. Cilenis Marulanda, was rescued within hours by police who set up roadblocks around the town of 40,000 people, which is near Colombia’s border with Venezuela. The Colombia Football Federation’s statement continued: “Football as a sporting discipline symbolises talent, dedication, teamwork and the intrinsic values of human beings. “In Colombia it must continue to be a benchmark for entertainment, healthy competition, unity and joy. Therefore, we insist on the need to maintain this activity, as well as those who are involved in it, in the sporting and administrative part and their families, outside of any scenario other than sports. “Behind a ball, the dreams and illusions of boys and girls, young people, women, men and adult soccer players, their loved ones and an entire country roll. Football is passion in peace. Let no one ever think of attacking that reality again.” Includes reporting from Reuters Read More What is VAR, how does it work and what are the biggest problems? Jarell Quansah could fill in for Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk in Toulouse John Obi Mikel recalls Abramovich offering to ‘send people’ to rescue kidnapped dad Klopp and Diaz share emotional moment as player calls for father’s release Being among team-mates feels like a ‘safe place’ for Luis Diaz – Virgil van Dijk Luis Diaz’s father to be released by guerrilla group if ‘guarantees’ are met

Rasmus Hojlund says Erik ten Hag retains the dressing room’s support as misfiring Manchester United look to kickstart their stumbling season. A promising first campaign under the Dutchman brought Carabao Cup glory and Champions League qualification but things have gone awry this term. United sit eighth in the Premier League, have been knocked out of the Carabao Cup and suffered their ninth defeat in 17 matches on Wednesday evening. The late 4-3 loss at Copenhagen damages their chances of reaching the Champions League knockout phase but Hojlund says the squad believe Ten Hag will turn things around. “A really good coach,” the 20-year-old summer signing said. “He cares about every single detail, and he helps me a lot, gives me a lot of confidence and supports me. “I think every player in the dressing room support him. I hope it is just a matter of time (before we will be successful). “The first 30 minutes today was some of the best football we have been playing this season.” Hojlund’s first-half brace had put United in control against his former club, only for Marcus Rashford’s debatable red card and two contentious goals to change the dynamics. We need a little luck at the moment. We miss the small things Rasmus Hojlund “Not so good,” the Denmark striker said of his emotions after the chastening 4-3 loss. “A special game for me. It was nice to score two goals. “But, having said that, it is a shame that we concede a red card because we were playing very well in the first 20-25 minutes.” Asked about the decisions that went against United on Wednesday, Hojlund said: “We need a little luck at the moment. We miss the small things.” Wednesday’s loss leaves the Red Devils bottom of Group A with a trip to Galatasaray and home clash against already-qualified Bayern Munich remaining. Premier League matters now take precedence as Ten Hag’s men look to build on their stoppage-time win at Fulham last weekend at home to Luton on Saturday. It is United’s final match before the international break and is set to see more Old Trafford protests against the Glazer family. Nothing has been finalised in terms of the club’s future direction nearly a year on from the controversial owners’ announcement of a strategic review. A potential full sale seems to have been put on ice, while Sir Jim Ratcliffe is understood to be closing in on a deal to purchase around 25 per cent of the club. The 1958 fan group are planning more protests against the Glazer family ahead of the Luton match as they call for the American owners to relinquish full control. After demonstrations were paused following the death of United great Sir Bobby Charlton, a protest is planned from 2pm at the North West Quadrant towards the back of the Stretford End. Steve Crompton, a spokesman for The 1958, said: “The fight remains in full force. “There was a natural impasse to reflect the sad passing of Sir Bobby but we will never give up until the greedy Glazers have been removed from our club in their entirety. “Let there be no doubt. The fight is not over. In many ways it’s only just begun.”

Liverpool can wrap up progress to the Europa League knock-out stages if they pick up a fourth straight win in Group E on Thursday evening. The Reds have beaten each of LASK, Union St. Gilloise and Toulouse and now play the return fixture against the latter, with the French club second in the group on four points and stuttering domestically, sat 14th in Ligue 1 after just two wins in 11 this term. LIVE! Follow the action from Toulouse vs Liverpool with our blog Last time out in Europe, a 5-1 thumping at Anfield saw Darwin Nunez star and Mohamed Salah score off the bench against Toulouse, while Wataru Endo notched his first for the club too. Since then, Liverpool have won twice domestically and salvaged a late draw at Luton at the weekend in the Premier League, to leave themselves third in the table. While the temptation for Jurgen Klopp may be to rotate once more, getting progression wrapped up early will leave two matches where more changes can be made and opportunities handed to fringe players, if the Reds manage to win in France beforehand. Here’s everything you need to know ahead of the game and all the latest match odds and tips. When is Toulouse vs Liverpool Toulouse host Liverpool in the Europa League on Thursday 9 November, with kick-off set for 5:45pm GMT. Where can I watch it As with all Uefa competition club fixtures, the game will be broadcast by TNT Sports in the UK. This game is on TNT Sports 1 and can be streamed on the TNT Sports app for subscribers. If you’re travelling abroad and want to watch major sporting events then you might need a VPN to unblock your streaming app. Our VPN roundup is here to help: get great deals on the best VPNs in the market. Viewers using a VPN need to make sure that they comply with any local regulations where they are and also with the terms of their service provider. What is the team news Zakaria Aboukhal, Denis Genreau and Oliver Zanden are all out injured for the French side. There are unlikely to be too many changes from the team which lost to Le Havre at the weekend, but Moussa Diarra could come in at centre-back and Vincent Sierro will hope for a start in midfield. For Liverpool, Luis Diaz returned to the matchday squad at Luton to score the equaliser so could come into the starting XI here. Changes may come in defence, with Joel Matip and Jarell Quansah returning in the centre and Kostas Tsimikas starting on the left after also coming on as sub at Luton. If available after a minor issue at the weekend, Curtis Jones will start in midfield. Thiago Alcantara, Andy Robertson and Stefan Bajcetic are still missing. Predicted lineups TOU - Restes, Desler, Diarra, Nicolaisen, Suazo, Spierings, Sierro, Casseres, Donnum, Dallinga, Magri LIV - Kelleher, Gomez, Matip, Quansah, Tsimikas, Endo, Elliott, Jones, Salah, Gakpo, Diaz Odds Toulouse 13/2 Draw 17/4 Liverpool 21/50 Full odds here Prediction Liverpool to get the job done in routine fashion, needing just one more win to secure top spot in the group. Toulouse 1-3 Liverpool. Read More Toulouse v Liverpool LIVE: Latest Europa League updates Football rumours: Chelsea and Arsenal leading the race for Ivan Toney Jurgen Klopp impressed by Alexis Mac Allister in Liverpool’s win against Forest 5 standout matches of the Rugby World Cup finals in France 5 standout matches of the Rugby World Cup finals in France Jurgen Klopp excited by Liverpool squad after big European win over Toulouse

Gareth Southgate insists Raheem Sterling and Ben White have been left out of another England squad purely due to football reasons, but claimed the door is not closed on either. Southgate named a 25-man group on Thursday for this month’s Euro 2024 qualifiers with Malta and North Macedonia. John Stones was left out after he suffered an injury in Manchester City’s midweek win over Young Boys and Eddie Nketiah was also absent with an ankle knock, but Southgate declined the chance to recall 82-capped Sterling or Arsenal’s versatile defender White. Both players have failed to feature in an England squad since the World Cup, where White headed home early after the group stage and Sterling briefly left the camp after his family home had been burgled. Southgate said: “The door is 100 per cent open not only for Raheem but for other players. There’s no doubt about that. “We don’t need to know about his quality, his personality. He is a crucial part of why we’ve had the journey we’ve had over the last few years. “I can only repeat what I’ve said in the last few squad selection meetings. The team are playing really well. “We had an exceptional win against Italy last time around. Who do we leave out to put him in? It is as simple as that really. “He wasn’t available in March or June and the team started on a good run. We won in Italy for the first time in 60 years, the two performances in June were excellent, so we stuck with that group. “There is no question Raheem is looking dangerous for his club, he looks invigorated since the start of the season. I was hoping to call up Reece James, but he doesn't feel he is quite ready and I understand that Gareth Southgate “(But) that is an area of the pitch where we’ve probably got as much competition for places as anywhere. “You look and Jarrod Bowen has got seven goals this season already, Anthony Gordon is playing very well at Newcastle, Cole Palmer is starting to play well. It is just a change in landscape there.” White has played four times for England since his debut in 2021, but Southgate again pointed to the quality of personnel in the right-back area as a reason behind his continued absence. “I assume so,” Southgate replied when asked if White was available for selection. “Ben’s been very solid for Arsenal. He is a different profile of full-back. “He is a centre-back playing full-back really and obviously he’s doing a good job for his club, but he’s behind others. “We’ve got Kyle (Walker), Kieran (Trippier), we’ve got Trent (Alexander-Arnold), Reece James, so it is a position where we’ve got strength. “There are a couple of good young ones coming through and again we’re on a good run. The defence are playing well, so that’s where we’re at.” Chelsea captain James is fit again after a hamstring injury, but requested to be left out of the squad after it had been expected he would replace Stones. Southgate added: “I was hoping to call up Reece James, but he doesn’t feel he is quite ready and I understand that. “He’s had a long path back from a number of injuries and he’s cautious in that respect. I can understand why. “I am really disappointed for John. The quality of his play is outstanding. He’s having a difficult time injury-wise at the moment, so that’ a shame to see him out. “As you say, it gives other people an opportunity and we do need to know a little bit more about some of the players in that area of the pitch.” Meanwhile, Southgate paid tribute to Sir Bobby Charlton, who died last month and will be honoured in England’s home fixture with Malta next week. “I think he is respected around the world and clearly our greatest ever player when you think of not only the World Cup, but also winning the European Cup and everything he did at club level,” he reflected. “Very sad. We were fortunate to have met him a few times and incredibly humble, so yes our condolences with all his family but hopefully we get the chance to honour him at Wembley and it will be a celebration of life because he absolutely deserves that.” Read More Burnley’s Lyle Foster receiving specialist help for his mental wellbeing Gareth Southgate ‘not interested in just racking up games’ as England manager Ali Price joins Edinburgh on loan from Glasgow after input from Scotland How Manchester United managers have fared since Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement England head to Indonesia inspired by Under-17 World Cup winner Phil Foden Los Angeles Angels appoint veteran former Texas Rangers boss Ron Washington

Burnley striker Lyle Foster is receiving specialist care for his mental health. Foster has not played since Burnley’s 3-0 Premier League defeat at Brentford on October 21 and missed the Clarets’ last three games. A Burnley statement read: “On behalf of Lyle Foster and his family they have asked us to share with you an update on Lyle’s illness. “Recently, Lyle let us know that he continues to live with issues around his mental wellbeing and has reached out for help. “He is currently in the care of specialists – giving him the support and care he needs to help him back to full health. “With the love and support of his family and everyone at Burnley Football Club we will do all we can to provide everything he needs to get better. “We ask for your understanding and respect Lyle’s privacy around this matter and will not be making any more comment until further notice.” Foster signed a new five-year deal at Turf Moor last month, with boss Vincent Kompany saying the South African will become an “important” Premier League striker. The 23-year-old joined Burnley from Belgian club Westerlo in January and has adapted quickly to the Premier League following the Clarets’ promotion, scoring three goals in seven appearances. Read More Gareth Southgate says Raheem Sterling’s England absence down to football reasons Gareth Southgate ‘not interested in just racking up games’ as England manager Ali Price joins Edinburgh on loan from Glasgow after input from Scotland

England manager Gareth Southgate resisted the temptation to make changes to his latest squad ahead of the final Euro 2024 qualification double-header. Southgate’s side are already assured of a spot in next summer’s finals in Germany but it was a 25-man squad of familiar names picked for the home game against Malta and a trip to North Macedonia later this month. From the previous squad, Manchester City defender John Stones missed out through injury but was not replaced, while Eddie Nketiah has an ankle issue and Newcastle’s Callum Wilson came in to replace the Arsenal striker. Southgate insisted the door remains open for Raheem Sterling, who has now missed the last five international camps since being part of the squad for the World Cup in Qatar last year. He said: “Well, the door is 100 per cent open not only for Raheem but for other players not in the squad. “We don’t need to know about his quality, his personality. He is a crucial part of why we’ve had the journey we’ve had over the last few years. “I can only repeat what I have said in the meetings, we’re playing exceptionally well and who can I leave out?” Southgate expressed his disappointment that Stones had sustained another injury and revealed Reece James asked not to be included in the squad after only recently returning to action after a hamstring issue. “I am really disappointed for John,” Southgate admitted. “The quality of his play is outstanding. He’s having a difficult time injury-wise at the moment, but it gives others an opportunity and we do need to know a little bit more about other players in that area of the pitch.” On James, Southgate revealed: “I was hoping to call Reece James, but he doesn’t feel he is quite ready and I understand that.” There are injury doubts over James Maddison (ankle), Jude Bellingham (shoulder), Bukayo Saka (ankle) and Wilson (hamstring). Southgate acknowledged: “You would be amazed at how complicated it is picking a squad because all clubs are sensitive to information. I couldn’t be certain that everyone in that squad will be there on Sunday night and Callum Wilson is the biggest doubt, but equally I am pretty confident the others can get through.” Southgate paid tribute to England World Cup-winner Sir Bobby Charlton, who died last month. “So much has been said and it is difficult to add anything that carries further weight,” Southgate said at Wembley. “Respected around the world and clearly our greatest ever player when you think of not only the World Cup, but winning the European Cup. “Very sad. We were fortunate to have met him a few times and incredibly humble, so yes our condolences to all family and hopefully we get the chance to honour him in a celebration of life (against Malta) because he absolutely deserves that.” Read More Ali Price joins Edinburgh on loan from Glasgow after input from Scotland How Manchester United managers have fared since Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement England head to Indonesia inspired by Under-17 World Cup winner Phil Foden Los Angeles Angels appoint veteran former Texas Rangers boss Ron Washington Will Perrett up for another battle against the odds as he targets the Olympics Michael Vaughan: England should secure Champions Trophy spot for next generation