England only managed a draw in their final game of EURO Qualifying, in a 1-1 draw with North Macedonia.

The attack for England was very flat on the day, struggling to create clear cut opportunities, and going behind in the first half, they managed to fight back and get a draw, but overall the performance wasn’t good enough from Gareth Southgate’s men.

Read on for our England player ratings, and who stood out for the Three Lions…

More Stories / Latest News

Major Leicester player to move on after his contract expires next summer

Nov 24 2023, 11:26

Newcastle United midfielder could leave the club on loan in January

Nov 24 2023, 11:22

“Beautiful left foot… ” – Eddie Howe excited by ‘real high potential’ Newcastle star

Nov 24 2023, 11:06

Jordan Pickford – 7 – Made two saves, including saving a penalty but the rebound was scored, not much else he could do.

Rico Lewis – 7 – Very unfortunate to give the penalty away, other than that thought he made a good account, making two tackles, making one key pass and completing 59/59 passes.

Harry Maguire – 6 – Completed five of his eleven long balls, and only had a pass completion of 84%, however he did win 5/6 aerial duels.

Marc Guehi – 6 – Made one tackle, won 2/3 ground duels and made two of his three long balls, but only won 1/5 aerial duels.

Kyle Walker – 7 – Recovered well when needed for England, making two interceptions, one tackle and one block, he also went forwards well, made one key pass, and completed both of his long balls attempted.

Declan Rice – 7.5 – Solid in the middle for England, made one key pass and kept it simple with a 96% pass accuracy. Also won 4/6 ground duels and made four tackles.

Trent Alexander-Arnold – 6 – Wasn’t at his best, only made one key pass and that is what he is in there for. Failed all three of his long ball attempts and only completed one of his five crosses.

Phil Foden – 7.5 – Was very involved, and looked the most dangerous for England going forward. Drifting around picking up the ball, completed two key passes, created one big chance and completed two of his three dribble attempts.

Jack Grealish – 7 – Was nice and direct when he got the ball on the flank, made two key passes and completed seven of his eight dribbles. Marginally offside for his goal which was correctly ruled out.

Ollie Watkins – 5 – Barely got involved in the game, only played 58 minutes and only managed 10 touches.

Bukayo Saka – 6 – Did make two key passes, but could’ve done more on that right hand side. Nearly had an assist for Grealish’s disallowed goal, but did fail both of his other cross attempts, and only completed one successful dribble out of three.

Subs: Harry Kane 7, Cole Palmer N/A, Marcus Rashford N/A, Kalvin Phillips N/A.

The post England player ratings: Flat England only manage draw, but youngster shows he’s ready appeared first on CaughtOffside.

It never rains but it pours as far as Erik ten Hag and Man United are concerned, and news of two more potential injuries to key players won’t be well received at Old Trafford.

According to BBC Sport, United keeper, Andre Onana, is returning to the club to have an injury he sustained whilst on international duty with Cameroon, assessed.

Manchester Evening News have slightly better news on Marcus Rashford, who was brought off early during England’s game against Malta.

The England striker was seen training on Sunday, which suggests that any fears over a long-term injury can be allayed.

Gareth Southgate would do well, however, to keep Rashford on the sidelines for what is a meaningless last European Championship qualifier against North Macedonia.

With matches coming up against Everton, Galatasaray and Newcastle in the first week back after the international break, ten Hag can do without losing any more first-team stars.

Once again, a mid-season break has been shown to be a massive inconvenience for clubs who can end up losing players at a crucial point in the season.

?? Barça expect Gavi’s ACL injury to be confirmed later today as the player is already back in Barcelona.

Initial indications are clear; Gavi was crying in the dressing room before and after the tests.

Barça, furious as they don’t understand why Gavi had to play that game. pic.twitter.com/PRpayuU08P

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) November 20, 2023

It’s all very well the powers that be paying lip service to the notion that players are involved in too many games, but it’s about time they did something about it.

With many of the most successful exponents playing upwards of 60 games per season, there has to be a cut off point soon or else those same players will be susceptible to potential career ending injuries.

Only this weekend, Spain’s Gavi appears to have torn his ACL and will likely miss the European Championship next summer as a result.

The post Man United’s double injury concern ahead of important week of matches appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Gareth Southgate is confident Marcus Rashford came away from England’s match against Malta unscathed.

The Manchester United winger, who started during the Three Lions 2-0 victory over Malta on Friday evening, was subbed off through injury in the second-half after colliding with teammate Trent Alexander-Arnold.

Chelsea’s Cole Palmer replaced the United attacker for the game’s final 30 minutes but Southgate has eased concerns over the winger’s latest problem.

More Stories / Latest News

Major Leicester player to move on after his contract expires next summer

Nov 24 2023, 11:26

Newcastle United midfielder could leave the club on loan in January

Nov 24 2023, 11:22

“Beautiful left foot… ” – Eddie Howe excited by ‘real high potential’ Newcastle star

Nov 24 2023, 11:06

“I think he’s probably OK,” the England boss said, as quoted by Simon Peach.

“But we just thought given the nature of the collision it was a chance to get Cole (Palmer) into the game. I haven’t assessed too much but I think he was OK when he came off.”

Rashford’s injury would have undoubtedly caused concern with Erik Ten Hag, who is dangerously close to running out of options on the left wing.

Although the Dutchman has Jadon Sancho among his options, with the 23-year-old not expected to play for the club again following a public falling out, Ten Hag would not want to be in a situation where he is forced to rely solely on 19-year-old Alejandro Garnacho.

Therefore, suggestions that Rashford is likely to be fit and able to immediately return to action for his club once the season resumes next weekend will come as a minor boost to United in what has otherwise been a disappointing campaign.

The post Gareth Southgate provides injury update on Marcus Rashford appeared first on CaughtOffside.

England have beaten Malta 2-0, on rather flat evening for the Three Lions. However an own goal and a Harry Kane goal earnt England a victory and three points.

Rice had one chalked off, which would have made it 3-0 England, but that would have been a rather flattering scoreline for the performance from the Three Lions.

Read on for our England player ratings, and who stood out for the Three Lions…

More Stories / Latest News

Major Leicester player to move on after his contract expires next summer

Nov 24 2023, 11:26

Newcastle United midfielder could leave the club on loan in January

Nov 24 2023, 11:22

“Beautiful left foot… ” – Eddie Howe excited by ‘real high potential’ Newcastle star

Nov 24 2023, 11:06

Jordan Pickford – 6 – Didn’t have to make a save, and only made the one punch, made 41/41 passes but was un tested so can’t be rated higher.

Fikayo Tomori – 6 – Taken off at half time, played in a slightly unfamiliar left back role, becoming a back three in possession. Made two tackles and completed four out five long balls.

Harry Maguire – 6.5 – Kept a clean sheet of course, and made two clearances and one block. Also completed 10/10 long balls, and won 7/7 aerial duels.

Marc Guehi – 6 – Not to much to do, made two interceptions and made 103/106 accurate passes, with 7/8 long balls.

Kieran Trippier – 6 – Managed two tackles, one clearance and one interception at right back, also making one key pass and completing 5/5 long balls.

Conor Gallagher – 5 – Subbed at half time to bring on the more attacking Bukayo Saka, worked hard and won some duels in midfield, however was a little sloppy in possession on a few occasions.

Jordan Henderson – 5 – Subbed after 61 minutes, played 2/2 long balls and won 2/4 ground duels. Didn’t offer enough in the middle of the park when playing out.

Trent Alexander-Arnold – 7 – Could have created more but did get forward in central midfield, getting four shots off (two on target) and making one key pass.

Marcus Rashford – 5 – Subbed after 61 minutes, struggled to get himself in the game, had one shot which was blocked and only completed 2/6 of his dribbles.

Harry Kane – 7.5 – Scored the goal to give England a 2-0 lead, and allow them breathing room. However wasn’t as involved as he could have been, only having 34 touches.

Phil Foden – 8 – Tried to make things happen whenever he got the ball, made three key passes, completed 4/4 dribbles and looked the most dangerous player on the pitch.

Subs: Bukayo Saka 7, Kyle Walker 6 , Cole Palmer 6 , Declan Rice 6

The post England player ratings: Foden shines as Palmer makes England debut in victory over Malta appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Erik ten Hag may have just received a major blow for his Man United future as two of his biggest stars have come off injured for their countries on Friday night. 

The Red Devils boss is already under pressure following the Manchester club’s poor start to the season and the Dutch coach has some major games coming up before the New Year that will decide the rest of United’s season.

Ten Hag may have just received a massive blow heading into this crucial period as both Andre Onana and Marcus Rashford came off injured on Friday night while playing for their countries.

Marcus Rashford taken and Andre Onana are forced off within minutes of each other on international duty?#MUFC just cannot catch a break ? pic.twitter.com/crBRgZs7a5

— Mail Sport (@MailSport) November 17, 2023

More Stories / Latest News

Major Leicester player to move on after his contract expires next summer

Nov 24 2023, 11:26

Newcastle United midfielder could leave the club on loan in January

Nov 24 2023, 11:22

“Beautiful left foot… ” – Eddie Howe excited by ‘real high potential’ Newcastle star

Nov 24 2023, 11:06

Both players have not been at their best at the start of the current campaign and many Man United fans might not see this as a massive game-changer for how their season will look, but Ten Hag will not see it that way.

Onana is undoubtedly the best goalkeeper United have within their squad and Rashford will always be the Manchester club’s biggest goal threat.

It is uncertain at present how serious the injuries are and time will tell how long both players will be out of action for, if any time at all.

The post Massive blow for Erik ten Hag as two major Man United stars come off injured for countries appeared first on CaughtOffside.

The England starting lineup to face Malta in EURO Qualifying Group game is out, including Marcus Rashford and Phil Foden in attack, and Trent Alexander-Arnold starts in midfield.

Gareth Southgate has made five changes from the side that beat Italy 3-1 last month, with John Stones, Kyle Walker, Declan Rice, Kalvin Phillips and Jude Bellingham not in the side.

In their place, Marc Guehi, Fikayo Tomori, Conor Gallagher, Jordan Henderson and Trent Alexander-Arnold come in.

Harry Kane captains the Three Lions, in what looks to be a 4-3-3 with Alexander-Arnold in midfield, and possibly Marc Guehi filling in at right back, with Kieran Trippier on the left.

More Stories / Latest News

Major Leicester player to move on after his contract expires next summer

Nov 24 2023, 11:26

Newcastle United midfielder could leave the club on loan in January

Nov 24 2023, 11:22

“Beautiful left foot… ” – Eddie Howe excited by ‘real high potential’ Newcastle star

Nov 24 2023, 11:06

Tonight's #ThreeLions! ??????? pic.twitter.com/q2N5pm3KbF

— England (@England) November 17, 2023

England sit top of EURO Qualifying Group C with 16 points, winning five and drawing one of their six games played so far.

A win tonight would secure England topping the group, giving them a better draw come the tournament.

England face North Macedonia on Monday in their final group game, where Southgate could give some youngsters a chance if the result is good tonight.

The post England confirmed starting lineup: Rashford and Foden in frontline, Trent starts in midfield appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Manchester United star Marcus Rashford doesn’t look happy at the moment, according to former Tottenham and England striker Jermain Defoe.

The Red Devils forward was a star player for Erik ten Hag’s side last season, having arguably his finest season for the club, but he’s gone completely off the boil this term.

It’s not clear what’s wrong with Rashford, but Defoe has admitted it just looks like he doesn’t have the same vibe of happiness and confidence that he had last season.

This is undoubtedly a worry for United, as when Rashford is on form he can be so influential, and his goal drought will undoubtedly have contributed towards the team’s disappointing results so far this term, as well as adding pressure onto other attacking players, such as young striker Rasmus Hojlund, who will not have been expecting to come in and be the main man for MUFC straight away.

“That’s the pressure of a centre forward, you score 30 goals one season, can you score 31 next season? I think that’s the sort of pressure you have to put on yourself, I think you have to be obsessed with scoring goals, it’s a good pressure,” Defoe said on Premier League Productions, as quoted by the Metro.

More Stories / Latest News

Major Leicester player to move on after his contract expires next summer

Nov 24 2023, 11:26

Newcastle United midfielder could leave the club on loan in January

Nov 24 2023, 11:22

“Beautiful left foot… ” – Eddie Howe excited by ‘real high potential’ Newcastle star

Nov 24 2023, 11:06

“Listen, I love Marcus Rashford, as Al (Shearer) said, when he plays for England he seems like a completely different player.

“When you look at his vibe and his body language, he doesn’t look happy. That can affect your performance.

“You see the last chance [against Luton] where he takes two touches, you think a confident Marcus Rashford would hit that first time, where all these familiar situations and instincts kick in. He just seems off it at the minute and they just need to get him back to his best.”

The post One of Man United’s most important players “doesn’t look happy”, says pundit appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Marcus Rashford has been ‘poorly advised’ during his professional career.

That is the view of former Aston Villa and Liverpool striker Stan Collymore, who believes the Manchester United winger should ‘consider sounding out a proper, world-renowned agency’.

Rashford, 26, is represented by his brother’s agency DN May Sports Management, which was legally registered in 2015, just four months before the attacker made his senior debut.

More Stories / Latest News

Major Leicester player to move on after his contract expires next summer

Nov 24 2023, 11:26

Newcastle United midfielder could leave the club on loan in January

Nov 24 2023, 11:22

“Beautiful left foot… ” – Eddie Howe excited by ‘real high potential’ Newcastle star

Nov 24 2023, 11:06

Although keeping a relatively low profile throughout his younger brother’s career, Dane Rashford has found himself making headlines recently.

Recent reports, including this one from the Telegraph, claimed the 31-year-old agent had been arrested in Florida on a domestic violence charge, and Collymore thinks it’s time Rashford considered ditching his family’s representation; not only because his brother’s recent arrest has tarnished his reputation but also because he could have enjoyed a better career if he had been advised better.

“I would definitely consider sounding out a proper, world-renowned agency if I were him,” Collymore said in an exclusive interview.

“There is always that sense of loyalty and emotional connection among friends and family so I know it may be hard for Rashford to suggest parting ways with his brothers Dane and Dwaine, but there have been instances in his career where he has been poorly advised; one of which is choosing to stay with Manchester United.

“The right time for Rashford to leave Old Trafford was three or four years ago. Not only is the club a circus and a total mess, but if Rashford, and his team, had thought it about properly, he could have served as the perfect understudy to Kane in England’s attack. His biggest mistake was agreeing to play on the left wing and not to develop as a central striker. Had Rashford been better advised, his agent would have gone to Manchester United and relayed that.

“Unfortunately, there seems to have been little to no career planning on Rashford’s part and some of that blame will have to lie with his representatives.”

The post Pundit urges Marcus Rashford to ditch ‘poorly advising’ brother appeared first on CaughtOffside.

In his exclusive column for CaughtOffside, former Liverpool attacker Stan Collymore discusses some of football’s biggest talking points, including Marcus Rashford’s decision to be represented by his brothers, where Unai Emery’s fantastic spell at Aston Villa could take him next and a look ahead to this weekend’s Premier League blockbuster between Chelsea and Manchester City, plus much more.

——————————————————————————–

Marcus Rashford has been poorly advised…

I don’t have a problem with family or friends representing players.

There are some great examples of players who are professionally advised by members of their family – Harry Kane for example. He is looked after by his brother, Charlie, and while some may argue Kane’s career could have been better up to this point, he’s certainly not had a bad one and he’s now at a European giant and in with a chance of smashing the all-time record for number of goals scored in a single Bundesliga season, so I am in no way anti-friends or family representation.

However, when it comes to Marcus Rashford, I would definitely consider sounding out a proper, world-renowned agency if I were him. There is always that sense of loyalty and emotional connection among friends and family so I know it may be hard for Rashford to suggest parting ways with his brothers Dane and Dwaine, but there have been instances in his career where he has been poorly advised; one of which is choosing to stay with Manchester United.

The right time for Rashford to leave Old Trafford was three or four years ago. Not only is the club a circus and a total mess, but if Rashford, and his team, had thought it about properly, he could have served as the perfect understudy to Kane in England’s attack. His biggest mistake was agreeing to play on the left wing and not to develop as a central striker. Had Rashford been better advised, his agent would have gone to Manchester United and relayed that.

Unfortunately, there seems to have been little to no career planning on Rashford’s part and some of that blame will have to lie with his representatives.

Erik Ten Hag isn’t the right man for Manchester United…

Erik Ten Hag does not have the personality to carry Manchester United. When you look at Jurgen Klopp or Pep Guardiola, they both have the personalities to lead two of the world’s biggest clubs – Ten Hag just does not have it. Whatever ‘it’ is, he doesn’t have it.

More Stories / Latest News

Major Leicester player to move on after his contract expires next summer

Nov 24 2023, 11:26

Newcastle United midfielder could leave the club on loan in January

Nov 24 2023, 11:22

“Beautiful left foot… ” – Eddie Howe excited by ‘real high potential’ Newcastle star

Nov 24 2023, 11:06

Being Manchester United manager comes with immense responsibility but whenever I look at Ten Hag on the sidelines, he just doesn’t fill me with confidence. It’s quite the opposite actually – he looks like a rabbit caught in headlights, especially whenever United fall behind.

I know the club try not to sack their managers during a season but he has got to go. If the Glazers and Sir Jim Ratcliffe decide to stick with Ten Hag for the time being, fine, but come the end of the season they must do everything in their power to get Roberto De Zerbi out of Brighton and Hove Albion.

Let De Zerbi come in and ship out all the deadwood. He’s a beast, he wouldn’t mess around.

Not only that, but he would almost certainly get the best out of their underperforming squad. He can mould a team to play the ‘Manchester United way’, and make no mistake if he took charge at United and was in a press conference following a defeat he’d make it known to the players that their performance wasn’t good enough. No ifs or buts, if De Zerbi said they must improve, they would have to improve or risk being let go.

It’s really simple for me – Ten Hag should get sacked, and if Manchester United are serious about changing to this coaching philosophy and having a proper managerial presence around the place then De Zerbi is their man.

Gracias, Unai Emery…

Firstly, you have to pay the ultimate respect to a manager who goes into any club and turns the playing side of things around so quickly, and that is exactly what Unai Emery has done at my beloved Aston Villa.

I was at the club the other day and when I spoke to people and asked what it’s like to work with Emery, they all said the same thing. They said he’s a workaholic who is at work from stupid o’clock to 9 p.m. every night. The man lives and breathes football, and apparently, his attention to detail is second to none.

Secondly, he, and Villa, are enjoying a fine campaign. They look on course to progress in Europe and are fifth in the Premier League table. Obviously, as a Villain myself, I am delighted but I would be lying if I said there aren’t concerns Emery could get looked at by one of the European big boys, such as Real Madrid and Barcelona, come the end of the season. Although I don’t think one of the Spanish giants would take him now, if he were to get Villa to the Conference League final and qualify for Europe through their league position, then I wouldn’t rule out an approach from one of them. The same goes for Manchester United. I know De Zerbi would be my pick to succeed Ten Hag, but I would be amazed if United hadn’t already spoken to Emery’s agent.

I actually think Emery would want to stay at Villa, even if he was approached by one of the big clubs. He is a manager who has a lot of power where he is, he’s also adored by the fans, and let’s not forget – Villa isn’t a small club, so unless another team come in and matches, or betters, what he’s got going for him in the Midlands, why would he go anywhere else?

Chelsea will score this weekend but Manchester City will take all three points…

The featured game in the Premier League this weekend is Chelsea vs. Manchester City.

It’s a free hit for Pochettino and his Blues side. They’ll look at this game and know they’re huge underdogs, and rightly so, and say ‘Let’s just go for it’.

I think the home team will score but I still expect City will come out on top. I think the full-time result will be either 2-1 or 3-1 City.

The post Collymore’s column: Marcus Rashford’s poor representation, Unai Emery’s future and who should replace Erik Ten Hag at Manchester United appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Marcus Rashford’s season has gone from bad to worse as the Man United forward has been shown a straight red card in the Manchester club’s crucial Champions League clash with Copenhagen. 

The Red Devils were in complete control of the game as a brace from Rasmus Hojlund gave Erik ten Hag’s side a comfortable 2-0 lead.

However, Rashford has now put the three points at risk as the striker was shown a red card late on in the first half.

Many will feel that the decision was very harsh as United now have to fight for the win with just 10 men.

??| RED CARD FOR MARCUS RASHFORD

pic.twitter.com/uIxewjxMLv

— CentreGoals. (@centregoals) November 8, 2023

After review, Marcus Rashford is sent off. ?

Did VAR get this one right? ? pic.twitter.com/LHvitw9Iah

— CBS Sports Golazo ?? (@CBSSportsGolazo) November 8, 2023

Marcus Rashford received a red card for this challenge, the right call? ? pic.twitter.com/CmOKbHPTDa

— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) November 8, 2023

pic.twitter.com/z30DJ4tqUC

— Follow @GoalSpotHD for live stream! (@olya_forev94216) November 8, 2023

Footage courtesy of beIN Sports, CBS Sports and Eleven. 

More Stories / Latest News

Major Leicester player to move on after his contract expires next summer

Nov 24 2023, 11:26

Newcastle United midfielder could leave the club on loan in January

Nov 24 2023, 11:22

“Beautiful left foot… ” – Eddie Howe excited by ‘real high potential’ Newcastle star

Nov 24 2023, 11:06

The post Video: Marcus Rashford’s horror season continues as Man United star sent off in crucial Champions League clash appeared first on CaughtOffside.