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Rob Page to ‘ignore the noise’ amid reports his Wales job could be in jeopardy
Rob Page to ‘ignore the noise’ amid reports his Wales job could be in jeopardy
Wales manager Rob Page has promised to “ignore the noise” amid reports that his job could be in jeopardy. It was reported on Saturday morning – little more than 24 hours before Wales’ vital Euro 2024 qualifier against Croatia in Cardiff – that Football Association of Wales chief executive Noel Mooney had wanted former Sunderland and Ipswich manager and TV pundit Roy Keane to replace Page following June defeats to Armenia and Turkey. Page signed a four-year deal in September 2022, but Mooney confirmed this week that the manager’s position would be reviewed next month if Wales did not qualify for Euro 2024 automatically. Wales are currently fourth in Group D and need to win their final three games against Croatia, Armenia and Turkey to realistically secure a top-two place and avoid the play-offs in March. Page responded to the speculation over his future at his pre-match press conference for the Croatia game, saying: “We’ve got to ignore all the noise. It is noise and that’s it, so we try to protect the players as much as we can. “I have not spoken to the chief executive at all, so I could not tell you whether it is true or not (that he is to be replaced). “All I have to focus on is, before the World Cup I signed a four-year deal and the long-term plan for me is to start introducing young players into the group. “We are in a transition period and we have said this time and time again. We have lost big players like Joe Allen and Gareth Bale. Not just for what they bring us on the pitch, but also the value they add in the changing room. “We’ve seen the talent we’ve got coming through. We’re developing these young players and it’s going to take time. “I get the frustration. We want to win games of football but there’s got to be a bit of perspective. I’m doing what’s best for the FAW, not myself. By introducing these young players, it is better for Wales in the future.” Three members of Page’s coaching staff – Alan Knill, Ian Mitchell and Tony Roberts – took the unusual step of attending the press conference at the back of the room in an apparent show of unity. We've got to ignore all the noise...and try to protect the players as much as we can Rob Page “It’s a great gesture from the staff, not something I was ready for but I really appreciate it,” said a visibly-emotional Page. “We are really close and everyone is pushing in the right direction. I wish the supporters and you guys (the media) could see what we’ve got in that changing room. It’s incredible. The staff here means a lot. “We’re in an industry where everyone wants to win games of football. I feel the frustration as well but the bigger picture is we have a plan to introduce younger players for the future. “I can’t worry about the business side of it, cost-cutting and all that. I’ve got a job to do as a football coach to get them in the right place, physically and mentally, to win games of football.” Mooney told BBC Wales on Wednesday that a “serious review” would take place on Page’s position after the Armenia and Turkey games next month when “everything will be settled”. Wales captain Ben Davies was critical of Mooney’s comments, saying: “It’s not helpful. We don’t want noise coming from within the organisation. We hope that everybody is on the same page. “It is disappointing to hear, but as far we are concerned it’s not our focus. Our focus is the game against Croatia.” Asked specifically about Page, Davies said: “We’re very supportive of the manager. It’s professional every day and everyone wants to come on camp. “Having a manager always behind you and giving you support breeds loyalty and he deserves our support now. “We’re a tight-knit group and I think that part of the reason we’ve had the success we’ve had over the years is because we all stick together.” Wales defender Chris Mepham is in contention to start against Croatia, despite being out for a month with a hamstring injury. Read More Josh Hodge hat-trick helps Exeter inflict record defeat on Saracens Paul Smyth stars as Northern Ireland see off San Marino Ben Stokes ‘getting better day by day’ but Afghanistan game could come too soon World Cup has given Rob Burrow the rugby union bug – Kevin Sinfield Returning Antoine Dupont ‘inspires fear in opponents’ – Mathieu Jalibert Gareth Southgate fired up as England face ‘revitalised’ Italy in crunch clash
2023-10-14 23:50
Paul Smyth stars as Northern Ireland see off San Marino
Paul Smyth stars as Northern Ireland see off San Marino
Paul Smyth marked his first start for Northern Ireland with a goal and an assist as they saw off San Marino 3-0, but although Michael O’Neill’s side ended a five-game losing streak it was a largely drab affair at Windsor Park. QPR striker Smyth, earning a sixth cap, got his first competitive goal for his country just five minutes in and then teed up Josh Magennis to get the second moments later, but it took until the 81st minute for Northern Ireland to get a third as substitute Conor McMenamin got his maiden strike. Victory over a side ranked 207th and last in the world will do nothing to solve the bigger problems that have plagued Northern Ireland throughout a miserable Euro 2024 qualifying campaign and beyond, but it does at least change the narrative as they recorded a first home win in over a year. Looking to mix things up, O’Neill brought a number of fresh faces into his starting line-up, with Conor Hazard making his first competitive appearance in goal and first starts for Smyth and Dale Taylor. Almost immediately the two forwards combined as Taylor met Smyth’s low cross at the near post, but he was unable to keep his shot down from a difficult angle. No matter, because two minutes later Smyth scored, arriving on cue to volley in Jamal Lewis’ dinked cross from the left. And only six minutes later, Magennis doubled the advantage as Smyth turned provider, driving a low cross in from the right which Magennis turned in at the near post – his first goal since the winner against Kosovo in September 2022, Northern Ireland’s last Windsor Park victory before this. Any fears that San Marino might upset a struggling Northern Ireland side dissipated and they continued to drive forward against their part-time opponents, with Daniel Ballard heading narrowly wide and Trai Hume sending a shot over from distance after being encouraged to try his luck by the crowd. Smyth thought he had a second in the 31st minute when Jonny Evans sent forward a long ball and he arrived to lift it over the goalkeeper with another volleyed finish, but it was ruled out for offside after a lengthy VAR check. But despite the scoreline the atmosphere inside Windsor Park felt flat, to the extent that at one point in the first half chanting was even played on the PA system, and it was not helped when a torrential downpour before half-time sent those in the family stand scrambling for cover. The 19-year-old Taylor had chances to emulate Smyth’s achievement on his first start after the break, but headed over from Paddy McNair’s free-kick and then squandered a better opportunity just before the hour, poking a shot wide after being played in by Magennis. O’Neill then brought on another exciting teenager in West Ham striker Callum Marshall, one of three changes as Conor Washington and Isaac Price also came on with Smyth, Magennis and Evans departing and Ballard taking the captain’s armband. Washington was fortunate to avoid an almost immediate red card when he connected heavily with the ankle of Lorenzo Lazzari, but referee Bram Van Driessche decided a yellow card was sufficient after being advised to check the replay. San Marino goalkeeper Elia Benedettini made a double save to deny Price and then Marshall but Northern Ireland were struggling to carve out clear chances as the visitors defended deep. But McMenamin came on along with Brodie Spencer with a little over 10 minutes left, and the St Mirren winger was on the scoresheet moments later. Benedettini got a hand to a powerful strike from Washington, but could only push it into the centre of goal, where McMenamin was waiting to wrap up the win for Northern Ireland. Read More Josh Hodge hat-trick helps Exeter inflict record defeat on Saracens Ben Stokes ‘getting better day by day’ but Afghanistan game could come too soon World Cup has given Rob Burrow the rugby union bug – Kevin Sinfield Returning Antoine Dupont ‘inspires fear in opponents’ – Mathieu Jalibert Gareth Southgate fired up as England face ‘revitalised’ Italy in crunch clash Chelsea defender Levi Colwill looking to build on ‘amazing’ England debut
2023-10-14 23:23
France aims for another step toward Rugby World Cup destiny. Fiji faces its own great expectations
France aims for another step toward Rugby World Cup destiny. Fiji faces its own great expectations
Rugby World Cup host France faces defending champion South Africa in the last quarterfinal on Sunday with belief following a landmark win over the Springboks late last year
2023-10-14 22:51
Tel Aviv Open canceled because of the Israel-Hamas war
Tel Aviv Open canceled because of the Israel-Hamas war
The Tel Aviv Open tennis tournament scheduled for next month has been canceled because of the Israel-Hamas war
2023-10-14 22:16
Gareth Southgate fired up as England face ‘revitalised’ Italy in crunch clash
Gareth Southgate fired up as England face ‘revitalised’ Italy in crunch clash
Gareth Southgate says facing “revitalised” Italy will be a great test of where England are at as they attempt to seal European Championship qualification with two matches to spare. The Euro 2020 runners-up can wrap up their place at next summer’s finals in Germany in Tuesday evening’s mouthwatering Group C clash against the Azzurri at a sold-out Wembley. It will be the nations’ fourth meeting since Italy beat England on spot-kicks in the Euros final just over two years ago but their first reunion under the arch, with their previous meetings coming in Wolverhampton, Milan and Naples. The Azzurri return to Wembley a far different side from when they became continental champions there, with Luciano Spalletti in charge of a new-look team that host Malta on Saturday evening before heading to London. “Italy look revitalised under Spalletti,” Southgate said. “They were excellent against Ukraine last month. They’re a top-10 nation. “We’ve talked about these top-10 games and the importance of them, the challenge of them. “We have the chance to qualify for the European Championships with two games to spare. “But also it’s a great test of where we are as a team and, yeah, it’s a challenge we’re really looking forward to.” The Euro 2024 qualifier completes England’s October doubleheader at Wembley after securing an unconvincing 1-0 friendly win against unfancied Australia on Friday. Returning Ollie Watkins secured Southgate’s much-changed side victory against the surprisingly dangerous Socceroos on a night when stand-in skipper Jordan Henderson was booed off the field. The England boss defended the Al-Ettifaq midfielder and felt his experience was key having taken a risk by making 10 alterations in an experimental line-up against the Aussies. “I don’t think it was a win because of how we played,” Southgate said. “We had enough quality on the pitch to be able to create a couple of important moments. “But we know that all the changes, the inexperience of the team, made it was really tough for the players that played. I set them a really difficult challenge. “It was great that they got the win. It was important to keep winning because if we if we lose the game or you give a goal away at the end then you leave here on a bit of a low. It sets the game up now with Italy. “In the end, it’s very hard to prepare the squad when they know ultimately this week really is about the Italy game and it’s impossible to dress that up any other way. “But for the players that played, for some of them their Wembley debut, for some of them their England debut. Massively important nights for them.” Arsenal striker Eddie Nketiah made his England debut as a second-half substitute against Australia, while versatile Chelsea defender Levi Colwill made his bow from the start. “Important first steps for them,” Southgate said of the debutants. “I mean, Levi is a young defender. We know he’s not a left-back first choice, but he’s filling that slot for his club. “What we tried to do is start with a team where everybody was pretty much in the roles they’re playing with their clubs, so that it was as smooth as it could be. “But in the knowledge that we didn’t have a lot of caps on the field, we didn’t have a lot of leadership. “Normally, we’d be putting one or two of those lads in with a lot more experience and a lot more continuity, so it was extremely hard for that group of players.” Southgate came away from a challenging friendly pleased with a number of individual displays, highlighting Trent Alexander-Arnold’s problem-solving as he learns more about being a midfielder. Matchwinner Watkins’ movement and positioning was praised after scoring on his first England appearance since March 2022, while Lewis Dunk’s development continues to impress his boss. The Brighton defender won his third cap in central defence alongside Fikayo Tomori, who was replaced by John Stones in the 62nd minute as he continues his recovery from a hip issue. “Thirty minutes for John Stones was very important for us, to get him onto the pitch,” Southgate said of the Manchester City defender, who made his first Premier League appearance last weekend. “We’re managing that recovery carefully, we’re combining really well with his club on all of that. “But he’s a world-class player, and it was great to get him up and running.” Read More Chelsea defender Levi Colwill looking to build on ‘amazing’ England debut Home advantage key after Turkey shake up group – Wales v Croatia talking points Ollie Watkins credits Unai Emery for helping him return to England squad Talking points as England face Fiji in World Cup quarter-finals Daniel James insists Wales can still qualify for Euro 2024 I feel sorry for the manager – Chiedozie Ogbene sympathises with Stephen Kenny
2023-10-14 20:23
Hurkacz powers past Korda to advance to Shanghai Masters final
Hurkacz powers past Korda to advance to Shanghai Masters final
Hubert Hurkacz served his way into the Shanghai Masters final with a dominant 6-3, 6-4 win over Sebastian Korda
2023-10-14 19:52
Chelsea defender Levi Colwill looking to build on ‘amazing’ England debut
Chelsea defender Levi Colwill looking to build on ‘amazing’ England debut
Levi Colwill enjoyed an “amazing” night as he made his England debut in the win over Australia and is more than happy to play out of position to stay in contention. The 20-year-old defender played the whole game as England ran out 1-0 victors at Wembley, making the step up from winning the European Under-21 Championship in the summer. Having spent last season on loan at Brighton, Colwill has started all eight of Chelsea’s Premier League games so far this term. He earned a first senior call-up from Gareth Southgate last month but had to wait until Friday’s friendly against the Socceroos to make his bow. “It was amazing,” he told beIN Sports. “(A win and a clean sheet is) the best way to have a debut and hopefully we can build off the performance against Italy as a team and individuals and go from there.” Having progressed through the ranks for both club and country as primarily a centre-back, Colwill started on the left of defence against Australia and has also operated there for Chelsea in recent weeks. Getting to know players is obviously tough as that isn't a lot of time but I think we put in a performance we can be proud of Levi Colwill “Obviously, it is a different role,” he said. “But I have been playing there for my club and I am enjoying it and if it gives me a chance to start and to play, I’m all for it.” Southgate made 10 changes for the game as a blend of fringe players and young talent was given the chance to stake a claim. The England manager admitted afterwards that he had given his team a “difficult task” as a lack of “cohesion” made for a tougher evening than he would have liked. “We have had a few days, we met on Monday so we have been training hard,” Colwill added on the unfamiliar look to the team. “Getting to know players is obviously tough as that isn’t a lot of time but I think we put in a performance we can be proud of and we have just got to build from there.”
2023-10-14 18:57
Lucy Charles-Barclay reveals 'gruelling' training in 'pain cave' for Ironman Kona
Lucy Charles-Barclay reveals 'gruelling' training in 'pain cave' for Ironman Kona
Lucy Charles-Barclay has provided an insight into her “pretty gruelling” training routine ahead of competing at the Ironman World Championship set to take place today (October 14) in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii. The best female triathletes (both professional and age group) from around the world will test their strength and resilience on the 140.6-mile triathlon course - a 2.4-mile ocean swim in Kailua Bay, a 112-mile bicycle race along the Queen Ka’ahumanu Highway, ending with a 26.2-mile run to the Kaliua-Kona finish line. This year’s event marks the first-ever female-only race. After coming second in last year’s race, Charles-Barclay is hoping to do one better and get on the top step of the podium this time round. The 30-year-old British triathlete spoke to Indy100 last week on how she has prepared for the race, the highlights and challenges of her career so far. “I've been here for just over a week. Now kind of the main focus of my training the last week has just been acclimatised in because it's very hot and humid here,” she said, with the average air temperature at a sweltering 27° C. “The main thing is kind of getting the body used to that and then doing my final big sessions before I start to ease off next week. Nearly all of the hard work is done now.” Preparing for this kind of climate is “quite brutal” for Charles-Barclay who has been training for the hot Hawaii weather which includes doing “a lot” of indoor training with heaters, going in the sauna and having hot baths “as much as possible” to get used to the higher temperatures. “That seems to have paid off because it doesn't feel too bad. I mean, it is definitely hot here but I seem to be able to kind of put down some good performances in the training session so far. “So hopefully I'll be able to do that in the race as well,” Charles-Barclay added. Despite this intense heat training, races in warmer countries are the Brit’s preference. “I've raced all over the world but even though I'm from the UK, I definitely prefer hot races. I'm not someone who enjoys being cold so I normally pick races that are in hotter climates,” she explained. For Charles-Barclay, the average workout time to train for this kind of endurance in her three disciplines – swimming, cycling and running – is between three to six hours per day. To further prepare her body to endure the hardest moments of her races, the triathlete trains in a ‘pain cave’ at her husband’s parent’s house that was built by her father-in-law who used to be a professional boxer. Inside the aptly named ‘pain cave’ includes a boxing ring in the middle, a Woodway treadmill (self-powered treadmill, that burns 30% more calories), a Lever Movement anti-gravity running system, a ‘swim bench,’ and “all of the strength equipment.” Also, there is an Endless pool which is “like a treadmill for swimming and you can swim on the spot,” as well as indoor bikes from Oahu and the newly purchased Kickr Move “so it feels more like you're riding outside even [when] indoors.” “Basically, you could do a full triathlon indoors in there and we have done that regularly. But yeah, a lot of pain, sweat and tears goes on in there for sure,” she said. While breaking a sweat in the ‘pain cave’, there is a certain energy drink that helps “draw upon that caffeine” and “get through those really tough workouts that I'm doing regularly.” “It's definitely where Red Bull actually helps quite a lot because when you put three sessions a day, you definitely start to flag at some point.” Music also makes training “so much easier,” with the likes of Imagine Dragons, Eminem, NF as some of her favourite artists listen to, as well as “anything that just is a bit upbeat to get me going,” so of course, some Britney Spears tunes made it to her workout playlist. Out of her three disciplines, swimming is Charles-Barclay’s strength as she started as an elite-level swimmer trying to make the 2012 Olympic Games in the 1500 metres and she also competed in 5k and 10k open water swimming races before switching in 2013 to train as a triathlete. In 2014, she and her husband Reece Barclay completed their first Ironman and were “completely hooked.” “My now-husband and I decided to sign up for an Ironman and kind of have it as this challenge to try and achieve it which at the time, we didn't really know what we were getting ourselves into, but we actually really enjoyed the process.” After meeting as swimmers, Reece “naturally became the coach” that set out training when they both moved into competing in triathlons. Now, Charles-Barclay has Reece along with another coach to assist with her training. “Reece is the one that's there kind of every single day seeing what I'm doing adapting my training plan if we need to. He also was a pro triathlete himself and is now gone full-time assisting and helping me. “I probably definitely wouldn't do it without him. He makes it a lot easier.” The couple both qualified for the World Championships in 2015 as amateur athletes and in 2016, Charles-Barclay got her pro license. She then signed with Red Bull during this time in a partnership that has been “invaluable” to her career. “I guess they kind of took a leap of faith with me and their partnership has been huge to my performance over the years,” she explained. “Starting back in 2017, but kind of over the years, helping me overcome injuries that I've had, taking me out to Austria where they had the Performance Centre there and really diving into everything that it is to be an elite level athlete - whether that be psychology, physiology - just looking at every aspect as an athlete so that I can improve and be better." After almost a decade since her first Ironman, one of Charles-Barclay’s highlights was when she won the Half Ironman World Championships in 2021. “I won it in the best way that I could win it. I was the fastest across every discipline in the race and actually ended up winning by eight minutes,” she recalled. “So it's gonna be pretty hard to top that.” Remaining resilient in the face of injury is also a key quality for a sportswoman like Charles-Barclay to have. This year, she had a freak accident during Ironman 70.3 Kraichgau in Germany, where she broke her foot. “I didn't know that it broke. I just continued racing on it,” she said and an X-ray then showed she had completely broken through the metatarsal during the race. “We're still not really sure where it happened, which I think is one of the hardest things as an athlete, we kind of always look into everything can be sure why something happened so you can stop it [from] happening again.” While at the start of last year, a stress fracture in her femoral neck (a broken hip) impacted her 2022 season. “That was a long time out of racing and out of training. As an athlete, sitting still is our worst nightmare,” she admitted. Another difficulty is coming back from an injury and “trusting your body again” so as not to question, “Is it going to break on [me] again?” During those difficult times, Charles-Barclay received an influx of support from her social media followers (444,000 on Instagram, 90,000 on YouTube), who keep up with her performances as she documents her journey to inspire people to try out the sport for themselves. “One of the biggest things that I do is try and share my journey as much as possible online,” she said. “So via my YouTube channel or just on my social media trying to inspire other people to get involved in the sport as much as possible, particularly young women and girls to try and get them into the sport is kind of a really big thing that I try and push whilst I'm doing this.” The athlete added: “I get a lot of messages a lot of the time saying that. I've inspired them to maybe do their first-ever triathlon that might not be a full Ironman, but even just getting into a sprint distance triathlon. “I think it's an amazing sport to be part of. So the more people I can inspire to do that the better.” Lucy’s top tips on training for an Ironman Give yourself enough time “I think the minimum amount of time would be about six months to training for an Ironman just to complete it. So give yourself enough time to find a workout how long you need to train and how much time you need to dedicate to it.” Have a clear plan and get a coach “Whether you're working full time you might have a family it's quite hard to work around that so really have like a clear plan. And one of the best things you can do is definitely get a coach to help you along the way.” Take on the challenge with a friend "Try and convince some of your friends to do it with you because it can be quite a lonely sport. But if you've got other people to train with and make it more fun, I think that makes it a lot easier." Sign up to our free Indy100 weekly newsletter Have your say in our news democracy. Click the upvote icon at the top of the page to help raise this article through the indy100 rankings.
2023-10-14 18:55
Home advantage key after Turkey shake up group – Wales v Croatia talking points
Home advantage key after Turkey shake up group – Wales v Croatia talking points
Wales meet Croatia in a vital Euro 2024 qualifier at Cardiff City Stadium on Sunday night. Here, the PA news agency takes a look at five of the main talking points as Wales seek to keep their automatic qualification hopes alive. Perfect finish needed Turkey’s shock win in Croatia on Thursday has really thrown a spanner in the works. Wales had expected to be in a three-way fight with Turkey and Armenia for the second qualifying spot behind top speeds Croatia. Overtaking Croatia now looks like being Wales’ target, but a top-two spot only appears achievable by winning on Sunday and also beating Armenia and Turkey in their final group games next month. Cardiff fortress In a week when the UK and Ireland won the right to host Euro 2028 and the prospect of Wales returning to play at the Principality Stadium came into sharp focus, much has been made of making home advantage count at the Cardiff City Stadium. Wales have enjoyed some big nights there in the past, but that was often when Gareth Bale was in full flow and making the difference. A sell-out crowd will turn up in anticipation that Wales can make the stadium a fortress in the post-Bale era. Moore the merrier Kieffer Moore’s return to the fold is a big boost for Wales. Moore missed the last two Euro qualifiers after being sent off against Armenia in June. The 6ft 5in striker has had little game time at Bournemouth but Moore was in fine fettle during his 45-minute run-out against Gibraltar on Wednesday. Moore scored twice in the 4-0 friendly win to take his Wales goals tally to 12. Creaking Croatia? Croatia suffered their first-ever home defeat in a Euro qualifier against Turkey. But was it a one-off or something more meaningful? The 2018 World Cup finalists and 2022 semi-finalists are used to breezing through qualification but, having let two points slip against Wales at home, this campaign has been more challenging. Time might finally be catching up on midfield magician Luka Modric, 38 last month, while injuries to Tottenham winger Ivan Perisic and Hoffenheim forward Andrej Kramaric have hurt them. Wales win overdue Wales have proved accommodating opponents for Croatia, who they have yet to beat in seven attempts. Croatia have won four times with Wales’ best moments coming in three 1-1 draws. Simon Davies scored in a 2002 Varazdin friendly, Bale netted in a Euro 2020 qualifier in Cardiff, and Nathan Broadhead’s stoppage-time equaliser cheered Wales at the start of this campaign in March. Read More Ollie Watkins credits Unai Emery for helping him return to England squad Talking points as England face Fiji in World Cup quarter-finals Daniel James insists Wales can still qualify for Euro 2024 I feel sorry for the manager – Chiedozie Ogbene sympathises with Stephen Kenny Gareth Southgate questions why England fans booed Jordan Henderson Stephen Kenny admits Republic of Ireland ‘needed to win’ against Greece
2023-10-14 18:47
Ollie Watkins credits Unai Emery for helping him return to England squad
Ollie Watkins credits Unai Emery for helping him return to England squad
Ollie Watkins has praised Aston Villa head coach Unai Emery for helping him get back in the England squad. The striker returned to the international scene for the first time since March 2022 and hit the only goal of the game as England beat Australia 1-0 in a Wembley friendly on Friday night. Watkins, 27, has scored four goals and provided four assists in the first eight Premier League games of the new season – including a memorable hat-trick against Brighton. He had scored just twice last campaign before Emery was appointed as Steven Gerrard’s successor in November but then hit 14 in 26 matches following the Spaniard’s arrival at Villa Park. Asked how it felt to return to the England set-up following time out of the squad, Watkins said: “I think my mindset has changed since the boss has come in, Unai Emery at Villa. “He’s filled me with a lot of confidence. I’ve definitely improved in these last 18 months since I was last in the England camp. I think my mindset has changed since the boss has come in...he's filled me with a lot of confidence Ollie Watkins on Unai Emery “I think it shows in my form and my performance here so I’m really happy and I’m delighted to be back in the squad and putting on an England shirt. “I envisioned it all (playing and scoring against Australia). I was itching to get on the pitch so I’m delighted I got my goal and it helped the team to win.” Realistically, Watkins is one of a number of forward options who will be vying to be the back-up to England captain and all-time record goalscorer Harry Kane at Euro 2024. Callum Wilson, Ivan Toney, Dominic Calvert-Lewin and newly-capped Eddie Nketiah are other strikers in Gareth Southgate’s pool but Watkins believes he is not a like-for-like replacement for Kane when he is given the nod. “I think I’ve got a completely different playing style to Harry, he can drop deep and play some unbelievable long passes – that’s not my game. I can’t do that,” he added. “My strengths are running in behind and stretching them so I can only do what I can do. When I put on the shirt I’ll try and do the best I can for my country and then it is the manager’s decision.” Read More Talking points as England face Fiji in World Cup quarter-finals Daniel James insists Wales can still qualify for Euro 2024 I feel sorry for the manager – Chiedozie Ogbene sympathises with Stephen Kenny Gareth Southgate questions why England fans booed Jordan Henderson Stephen Kenny admits Republic of Ireland ‘needed to win’ against Greece Ben Davies: Wales go into Croatia clash believing anything’s possible
2023-10-14 18:27
NZ captain Kane Williamson fractures thumb but will stay at Cricket World Cup
NZ captain Kane Williamson fractures thumb but will stay at Cricket World Cup
New Zealand captain Kane Williamson has a fractured thumb but will remain at the Cricket World Cup in hopes of playing next month
2023-10-14 18:21
KSI vs Tommy Fury live: Dillon Danis pushes for drug tests ahead of Logan Paul fight
KSI vs Tommy Fury live: Dillon Danis pushes for drug tests ahead of Logan Paul fight
YouTuber and musician Olajide "KSI" Olatunji will look to do what rival creator Jake Paul couldn't on Saturday, when he takes on Love Island star and boxer Tommy Fury in their Prime Card fight at the Manchester AO Arena. Nine bouts are on the card for the Misfits event, including the hotly anticipated fight between WWE star and content creator Logan Paul and jiu jitsu champion Dillon Danis. Tensions have been rising for weeks for both main events, after Tommy's dad John Fury got physical at the first and second press conferences and the open workout, while Danis attracted controversy for taking aim at Paul's fiancée, Nina Agdal. Now, indy100 is here to keep you updated on the build-up to the historic bouts, the viral moments, social media reactions and - of course - the dramatic results. John showed his fury at the second press conference too... October 14, 10:36 John Fury attacks perspex glass to try and get to KSI at … Not content with flipping tables at the first press conference, John Fury entered the cage inside which KSI stood (albeit some perspex glass for safety) and started punching and headbutting the screen in an unsuccessful attempt to get to his son's boxing opponent. At one point, as John was heckling KSI from the side of the stage, the senior fighter 'mooned' the entire audience in an attempt to ridicule Olatunji. Elsewhere, Logan Paul and Dillon Danis were yet again unable to have a press conference face-off after yet another brawl broke out on stage. Watch the video of Fury's antics above, or in our report on the second press conference. KSI's 'spat' with John Fury at the open workout October 14, 10:11 KSI 'spits' back at John Fury from balcony after having a bottle … Then, as we entered fight week, the fighters had an opportunity to show their opponents - and, indeed, viewers - their strengths in the form of open workouts. Yet, perhaps predictably, drama unfolded when John Fury (of table-flipping fame) launched a bottle at KSI, who was heckling rival Tommy Fury during an interview. Olatunji retaliated by appearing to 'spit' in John Fury's direction. It wasn't the only bizarre incident to take place during the open workouts, as both Dillon Danis and Logan Paul decided to carry out some wrestling instead of throwing punches. Read more about the unusual happenings in our report from Thursday. Tommy Fury promises KSI 'early night' ahead of Manchester bout as pair sling insults at one another October 14, 10:20 Tommy Fury promises KSI 'early night' ahead of Manchester bout as pair … Tommy Fury has promised an “early night” in his showdown against YouTube star KSI ahead of their bout in Manchester... Birthday cakes destroyed and tables flipped during first fight press conference October 14, 09:52 John Fury destroys stage at chaotic Tommy Fury vs KSI press conference Before the action kicks off this evening, here's a reminder of the wild promotional events which have taken place to hype up the fights, starting with the first press conference back in August. Dillon Danis walked out onto the stage wearing the Toy Story alien hat sported by Logan Paul in his infamous 2017 video on Japan's Aokigahara forest, Paul brought out a birthday cake for Danis depicting him knocked out on a canvas (the head of which he later launched at Danis), and to top it all off, John Fury threw a tantrum and flipped several tables in anger. Read more in our report on the dramatic events. Dillon Danis argues him and Logan Paul 'still haven't been drug tested' October 14, 09:49 While some might say a fighter should get a good night's sleep ahead of a boxing match the next day, Dillon Danis was up posting tweets on X (formerly Twitter) at 1:30am and 2:30am on Saturday morning. After previously arguing that Paul "missed weight" (his opponent took to Twitter to share he was within the weight limits, and the fight is very much going ahead), Danis is now complaining that the pair have not had a drugs test. It comes after Danis branded Paul a "juice head" earlier this week. How can I watch the KSI vs Tommy Fury fight? October 14, 09:49 Timings are a little up in the air for KSI vs Fury, with a bunch of undercard fights to get through, but it's understood to take place sometime after 11pm (GMT) this evening. Streaming site DAZN says ringwalks for the fight will start at approximately 10:50pm. As for how to watch the fight, the main way is through DAZN pay-per-view, which requires a paid subscription to the service of either £9.99 a month (first month £1), £19.99 a month (first month £5, with option to cancel with 30 days' notice) or a £99.99 annual subscription. If you want to watch the fight without taking out a DAZN subscription, then it's since been announced that the fight can be purchased for £24.99 on DAZN Boxing's YouTube channel, and viewed through ESPN pay-per-view. Find out more in our report from Tuesday. The story so far... October 14, 09:49 After attempts to fight Jake Paul proved unsuccessful, KSI has insisted he is "doing what [the YouTuber] couldn't" and knocking out Tommy Fury on Saturday night. The "Down Like That" rapper's boxing journey began in 2018, when he defeated fellow content creator Joe Weller after three rounds. He then called out Jake Paul and Logan Paul for his next fight, with the latter stepping into the ring to take on Olatunji in August of that year. When their first fight ended in a majority draw (meaning there was no overwall winner but KSI remained champion), a rematch took place in 2019, which KSI won by split decision. "The Nightmare" returned to boxing last year when he was scheduled to take on American creator Alex Wassabi, but his rival pulled out of the fight after suffering a concussion. The August 2022 event was later billed as "two fights, one night", with KSI fighting - and defeating - both rapper Swarmz and Mexican fighter Luis Alcaraz Pineda. Moving into 2023, and January saw KSI defeat FaZe Temperrr. Interestingly, he was meant to fight Dillon Danis (Logan Paul's opponent for this weekend's event), but the jiu jitsu star pulled out of the fight. A month later, and Jake Paul lost to Tommy Fury in Saudi Arabia by split decision. In May, KSI initially knocked out boxer Joe Fournier after two rounds, but it was later ruled a 'no contest' when footage showed Fournier being hit by Olatunji's elbow in his final punches. Now, the two fighters go head-to-head in a fight expected to take place around 11pm (GMT) this evening. Sign up to our free Indy100 weekly newsletter Have your say in our news democracy. Click the upvote icon at the top of the page to help raise this article through the indy100 rankings.
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