FA willing to wait to appoint Arsene Wenger as England boss next year

FA chief executive Martin Glenn has hinted at the possibility that Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger could become the next long-term England manager.

Roy Hodgson announced his resignation in the immediate aftermath of Monday night’s shock 2-1 loss to Iceland in Nice at Euro 2016, thus paving the way for a successor to be announced.

However, the FA are keen to take their time with the decision to bring in the right man after yet another failure at a major tournament has left them in disarray.

A three-man committee of Glenn, technical director Dan Ashworth and former Manchester United chief executive David Gill will now carry out the task of appointing a new manager, and that process could see them wait for Wenger’s deal at Arsenal to expire next summer before confirming him as the new boss.

Michy Batshuayi passes medical ahead of £33.2m switch to Chelsea after Tottenham are beaten in race for striker

• Chelsea have agreed a £33million fee with Marseille for Michy Batshuayi
• Tottenham had been confident of signing the 22-year-old striker
• Marseille had also accepted a £31m offer from Crystal Palace
• The French club need to sell before July 5 to avoid a transfer embargo
• Batshuayi is poised to sign a five-year contract at Stamford Bridge 
• Forward passed a medical at Belgium's Euro 2016 squad on Wednesday 

Chelsea have agreed a £33.2million deal with Marseille to sign striker Michy Batshuayi. 

The Belgium international had his medical with Chelsea staff at Chateau du Haillan, in Bordeaux on Wednesday ahead of agreeing personal terms on a five-year contract.

Marseille had agreed the fee with Chelsea on Tuesday evening after receiving counter offers from Crystal Palace, West Ham and Tottenham. 

CAF Champions League: Enyimba lose to Sundowns in Pretoria

Enyimba International on Wednesday night suffered their second successive defeat in the CAF Champions League as they were beaten 2-1 by Mamelodi Sundowns at the Luis Moribe Stadium in Pretoria.

Having lost the first game at home against Zamalek, Enyimba were desperate to get something to put themselves well in contention, but that was not to be on Wednesday.

With this win, Mamelodi Sundowns are back at the top in Group B of the CAF Champions League after digging deep to down the Nigeria League champions.

The Brazilians, who had their win away to ES Setif cancelled after the Algerians were expelled, are back in pole position with the win over the two-time African champions.

Leonardo Castro got the opening goal in the 42nd minute but Enyimba were put back on level terms through Dele Ojo’s rasping shot early in the second half.

However, the hosts made sure they got all three points on the night as Wayne Arendse tucked the ball into the net in the 77th minute.

Sundowns will next be up against Zamalek.

Top XI Players Missing From Euro 2016

Euro 2016 is now well underway and the drama is building with every match played, making it all but impossible to predict the Euro 2016 odds. However, for some of Europe’s most talented players this is a bittersweet time, even if their teams are storming the tournament. That’s because many great footballers simply haven’t made it to France thanks to injury, personal disagreements or simply being omitted from their national squads. Let’s take a look at eleven of the players enjoying Euro 2016 from the sofa or the stands.

Radwanska safely moves into the Wimbledon second round under the Centre Court roof

Yet another Agnieszka Radwanska's match was accompanied by rain, but this time there was no room for frustration, as the Pole's rained-delayed Wimbledon first-rounder, originally scheduled for No.2 Court on Tuesday, got the privileged roofed Centre Court on Wednesday and in just over an hour the third seed comfortably progressed into the second round with a win over Kateryna Kozlova, while rain suspended play on all other courts.

The 97th-ranked Kozlova, making her main-draw debut at SW19, broke Radwanska's serve once in the first set, but that improved her score just from 0-4 to 1-4 and the Ukrainian lost the set shortly afterwards. In the second set, the underdog won just one game and the final score reads 6-2 6-1 for the 2012 Wimbledon finalist Radwanska.

Radwanska's opponent in the second round will be the winner of the match between Italy's Karin Knapp and Croatia's Ana Konjuh.

Serena Opens her Titile Defence with a Win

Serena Williams opens her title defence with a 6-2 6-4 victory over Amra Sadikovic - it's her 80th win at #Wimbledon pic.twitter.com/FDwgDA3fzG

— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) 28 June 2016

Reigning champion Serena Williams won her 80th match at Wimbledon, beating Swiss qualifier Amra Sadikovic 6-2 6-4 in the first round.

The scoreline is straightforward, but in the post-match interview Serena emphasized that she doesn't underestimate her opponents and that the encounter was not easy. At moments it looked like Serena was not playing to win the match, but not to lose it, and her serve was off and slow for her standards, which was quite discussed on Twitter, my favorite comment being: "Did Serena rent out her serve this year?"

Anyways, a win is a win, and Serena twirled on her way to the net for a lovely handshake with the 27-year-old Sadikovic, who had retired in 2014 because of financial problems and lack of drive to play tennis, only to come back 13 months later.

In the second round, Serena is set to face Christina McHale.

EURO 2016 Talking Points: Who will win the Golden Boot

The final last 16 tie of Euro 2016 ended on Monday evening with England beaten 2-1 by underdogs Iceland in Nice. It was a horrific night for Roy Hodgson and his men with not only a premature elimination to deal with, but also one of the most embarrassing defeats in the history of the English national team.

The eight last 16 ties threw up plenty of talking points, not least England’s failure to perform on the big stage once more. Only eight teams remain and its all to play for in France:

CAF Champions League: Enyimba set for Sundowns test

Nigeria champions, Enyimba FC, will go all out for their first points of the group stage of this year’s CAF Champions League when they confront Mamelodi Sundowns of South Africa in Pretoria on Wednesday.

A lone goal defeat to Zamalek of Egypt on a soggy pitch in Port Harcourt ruined the People’s Elephant’s opener to the campaign, but club boss Felix Anyansi-Agwu is optimistic his wards can secure an away win over “The Brazilians” at the Luis Moripe Stadium on Wednesday evening.

“We lost the first match of the group stage at home but we have put that behind us and we have great motivation going into this match. The boys know that nothing less than an outright win will do and they will go all out for it.

Top Serie A goalscorer rejects contract extension, gives boost to Arsenal & Liverpool

 

 

A trio of Premier League clubs have been given a serious transfer boost towards Napoli striker Gonzalo Higuain.

According to the Metro, Higuain’s agent confirmed that the Serie A superstar will not be renewing his contract at Napoli. The agent, Nicolas Higuain, added that they may even wait until the current deal expires if the Serie A giants refuse to sell beforehand.

‘Gonzalo [Higuain] won’t renew his contract with Napoli,’ Higuain said. ‘Napoli are currently asking for the payment of his release clause as a condition for his departure, but Gonzalo and I decided not to extend the deal.

‘We’ll see what happen next year, we could even wait until the contract’s expiry date.’

Per the Metro, Arsenal, Liverpool and Chelsea have all been linked with a possible move for the 28-year-old striker – who set a career-high in goals with 36 this past season, leading all of Serie A in the process.

Prior to his 2013 move to Napoli, Higuain plied his trade with Real Madrid, recording double-digit goals in five of seven seasons.

For his career, Higuain has 191 goals in 329 league matches between Napoli, Real Madrid and River Plate, and 227 goals across 451 total club competitions.

On the international level, Higuain has been capped 62 times for Argentina, scoring 30 goals – four of which came in this past month’s Copa America Centenario tournament.

Chelsea enter race for Belgium star Axel Witsel

 

 

Chelsea already have several Belgium stars on their roster, but could be increasing that number if they can bring their latest target to Stamford Bridge – Zenit St. Petersburg central midfielder Axel Witsel.

According to the Daily Mail, Chelsea have begun discussing a move for Witsel while they wait on the outcome of their bid for Witsel’s Belgium teammate Radja Nainggolan.

The Daily Mail noted that Everton have been considered favourites to sign Witsel as a potential replacement for Gareth Barry, Leon Osman and/or Steven Pienaar.

Witsel scored six goals and made two assists in 45 total appearances for Zenit this past season. In four seasons with the Russian Premier League giants, Witsel has 105 appearances and scored 15 goals.

At the international level, Witsel has been capped 69 times for Belgium and has scored seven goals – the most recent of which came in the Euro 2016 group stage against Ireland.

Belgium staring goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois and vice-captain Eden Hazard both play for Chelsea.

Liverpool get their Mane

Liverpool have completed the signing of Sadio Mane from Southampton.

BBC Sport reports that the Senegalese forward, who scored 25 goals in 75 games for the Saints, has signed a long-term contract at Anfield for a fee which could rise to as high as £36m.

That would eclipse the Liverpool transfer record of £35m that they paid Newcastle United for Andy Carroll in 2011, although BBC Sport claims that the initial fee is slightly less at £34m.

Mane is Liverpool’s third signing of the summer after goalkeeper Loris Karius from Mainz and defender Joel Matip from Schalke as Jurgen Klopp looks to mould his Reds squad for next season.

The 24-year-old is the fifth player to switch St Mary’s Stadium for Merseyside in the last three years, following Rickie Lambert, Adam Lallana, Dejan Lovren and Nathaniel Clyne.

Mane told Liverpool’s official website: “It’s a club that has won a lot of trophies and has a big history. Now I am looking forward to meeting all the staff and my teammates and starting the season.”

And it is the latest high-profile loss that the Saints have suffered this summer. Manager Ronald Koeman quit for Everton and midfielder Victor Wanyama left for Tottenham Hotspur.

Chelsea want Alvaro Morata despite his recent move to Real Madrid

 

Earlier this month Spanish striker Alvaro Morata completed a move from Juventus to Real Madrid, much to the chagrin of any potential suitors. However, Chelsea remain determined to land the prized striker regardless.

According to the Mirror, Chelsea still want Morata even though the move from Juventus to Real Madrid has been finalized. Per the source, both Chelsea and Arsenal still maintain interest in Morata, who has received significant time for Spain during Euro 2016.

This past season Morata scored seven goals in 34 Serie A appearances, and 12 goals in 47 overall appearances. The year before he scored five goals in 12 Champions League appearances, earning Team of the Tournament honours after helping Juventus reach the Champions League Final.

Prior to his 2014 move to Juventus, Morata featured frequently for Real Madrid and Real Madrid Castilla. In 37 La Liga appearances, Morata scored 10 goals.

On the international level, Morata has been capped 13 times and scored six goals – three of which have come at Euro 2016.

England 1-2 Iceland: Three Lions suffer the ultimate humiliation by falling to embarrassing defeat against tournament minnows before Roy Hodgson resigns 20 minutes after final whistle

• England captain Wayne Rooney opened the scoring from the penalty spot after Raheem Sterling was fouled
• Iceland cancelled out Rooney's effort just two minutes later when Ragnar Sigurdsson poked home from close range
• Kolbeinn Sigthorsson piled misery on the Three Lions, who have failed to win a knockout clash since 2006
• Roy Hodgson resigned from his role as England manager shortly after the full-time whistle in Nice 
• Iceland will now face Euro 2016 hosts France at the quarter-final stage in Paris on Sunday afternoon 

A lot of people in England have been trying to turn the clock back over the last few days – and Roy Hodgson managed to get it all the way to Belo Horizonte in 1950.

Not since a distant World Cup, 66 years ago, have England suffered a humiliation as great as this. Not since this country dipped a first tentative toe into the world of international competition, has a result sent such seismic waves through the national game. Beaten by Iceland – a nation with a population the size of Leicester. Beaten by Iceland – a team with a part-time coach, and a part-time football culture. Beaten by Iceland – a team that had never played a knock-out game at a tournament before.

Italy 2-0 Spain: Giorgio Chiellini and Graziano Pelle on target as Azzurri book Euro 2016 quarter-final spot with victory in Paris

• Italy are through to Euro 2016 quarter-finals after securing victory over Spain in last-16 on Monday night
• Juventus centre back Giorgio Chiellini reacted quickest to score opener, pouncing on Eder's free-kick rebound
• Barcelona's Gerard Pique avoided punishment for apparent stamp on Eder in second-half of tie in Paris
• Southampton striker Graziano Pelle scored Italy's second goal, latching onto fine long ball before finishing
• Azzurri are set to face Germany in last eight after their 3-0 victory over Slovakia on Sunday 

Not just the end of a tournament for Spain but the end of an era. In all likelihood this meek defeat to a terrific and emerging Italian team will spell the end of coach Vicente del Bosque too.

This was a crushing defeat for Spain, the European champions of 2012 and 2008. Del Bosque’s team were outplayed and out thought by a magnificent Italian side led by the incredible life force that is the incoming Chelsea coach Antonio Conte.

It was a two goal margin but it could have been more.

Goalkeeper David de Gea was Spain’s best player and they only created one good chance all game, Italian totem Gianluigi Buffon saving brilliantly from Gerard Pique in the very last minute of normal time.

PSG AND BLANC PART WAYS

 

Laurent Blanc

Laurent Blanc has left his job as the head coach of Paris Saint-Germain to end his three-year spell in the French capital, the club announced on Monday.

Failure to progress in the Champions League ultimately enforced the mega-rich club owners to end the former Barcelona and Manchester United defender’s tenure, who won three Ligue 1 titles in as many seasons during his time at the French outfit.

A statement read: “In a respectful atmosphere, negotiations were completed on 27 June. An agreement, by common accord, preserves the interests of both parties. Assistant coach Jean-Louis Gasset and head fitness trainer Philippe Lambert also leave the club as part of the agreement.

Africa Athletics Championships: South Africa, Kenya finish ahead of Nigeria

Team Nigeria finished in third place on the final medal standings at the just concluded 20th edition of the African Championships in Athletics held in Durban, South Africa.

With just four gold medals to show for her efforts, Nigeria was no match for hosts, South Africa, who amassed 16 gold medals and Kenya who got half of same to finish in second place.

This is the fifth victory for South Africa in seven editions of the biennial athletics fiesta and this is poorest show for Nigeria in a decade.

Lionel Messi retires from International football after Argentina’s Copa America defeat to Chile

When Francisco Silva scored the winning penalty for Chile, Lionel Messi was seen kneeling on to the ground hiding his face, probably crying as well. He sat alone on the dugout bench with a look of a lost man. The five times Ballon d’Or winner was left distraught, heartbroken and shattered.

He is widely regarded as one of the all-time greats. He has won everything in club football with Barcelona. Despite all his heroics at club level, this one criticism that ‘he hasn’t won anything with Argentina’ puts a blemish on his trophy-laden career.

Eden Hazard unplayable in Belgium 4-0 Hungary

Eden Hazard scored and set up another as Belgium thrashed Hungary 4-0 in their second round match at Euro 2016 on Sunday.

Goals from Toby Alderweireld, Michy Batshuayi, Eden Hazard and Yannick Carrasco saw Belgium become the first team to score four goals in a single game at this summer’s tournament.

Marc Wilmots’ side started the game on the front foot and could have been ahead even before Jan Vertonghen headed home Kevin De Bruyne’s free kick in the 10th minute.

Somehow the Red Devils did not double their lead before half-time, with both Romelu Lukaku and Dries Mertens not taking more than one opportunity each versus a vulnerable Hungary defence in what was a very open game.

Hungarian goalkeeper Gábor Király was forced into seven saves alone in the first half – as many as he had made in the three group stage games combined.  By full-time, their goals against tally had doubled from four to eight in the competition overall.

Argentina 0-0 Chile (aet; 2-4 on pens): Lionel Messi misses out again after penalty heartbreak for second successive year

• Talisman has not won a title with Argentina's national team after losing final for third year in a row 
• The 29-year-old forward said he is to retire from international football following Sunday's defeat 
• Messi put his penalty kick over the crossbar and Francisco Silva converted Chile's shoot-out finale 
•  Argentina were beaten by Germany at the 2014 World Cup and Chile in last year's Copa America 

Chile goalkeeper Claudio Bravo lifts the trophy after winning the Copa America Centenario final in New Jersey

Argentina have gone 23 years without a trophy and this was Messi's best chance of doing it. Perhaps his last chance, as the star announced his international retirement after the game.

They have now lost finals three years running. In the 2014 World Cup, against Germany, it was unfortunate. In the 2015 Copa America against Chile, it was painful. And this? Messi must believe it is some kind of curse.

Chile, meanwhile, who waited 99 years to win a Copa America, lifted the trophy in Santiago and now have done it again in New Jersey, in the special 100th year edition of the tournament. This is their golden generation and they are delivering.