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The Champions League format has changed and perhaps – whisper it quietly – this is a changed Celtic in European competition.

Of course, the trip to Dortmund may suggest otherwise, but it has been a rather solid start to this year’s edition for the Old Firm side, having picked up four points already from just three league outings.

That is as many points as the Hoops picked up from six group games in 2023/24, with Brendan Rodgers’ side no doubt beginning to dream of securing a place in the knockout rounds for the first time since the 2012/13 campaign.

The Premiership side’s latest outing away to Atalanta certainly wasn’t easy on the eye, but having rolled over on the road in the past, the Glasgow giants stood firm, repelling wave after wave of attacks from their rampant hosts.

In the thick of the action on the night for the visitors was summer signing Kasper Schmeichel, with the veteran Dane again proving just what an astute acquisition he has been for the Scottish champions.

Kasper's Schmeichel's start at Celtic

With former Manchester City colleague Joe Hart having called time on his lengthy career at the end of last season, Schmeichel appeared to be the obvious choice to succeed the Englishman, having previously worked under Rodgers at Leicester City.

Available on a free transfer amid his exit from Belgian side Anderlecht, the deal was, it must be said, a no-brainer, with the Premier League winner providing a wealth of experience to a relatively youthful Celtic side.

It is of course still early days, yet the 37-year-old has been simply masterful in between the sticks thus far, having already kept seven clean sheets in all competitions, while conceding just three goals in eight Premiership games.

The new addition was particularly impressive in Bergamo as he repeatedly thwarted the Europa League holders, notably denying Mario Pasalic’s driven effort with his feet, while also keeping out a bullet header from Mateo Retegui.

That “outstanding” performance – in the words of Hart – was vital in helping his side to claim a first Champions League clean sheet in seven years, with the decision to sign Schmeichel on a free having paid off handsomely.

The only concern will be, however, that at 37, the 109-cap Denmark international – who only joined on a one-year deal – is not a long-term solution, even if he could still have a few years left at the top level.

It is for that reason that the club’s biggest bargain of the summer perhaps came elsewhere…

Celtic's bargain summer deal

His impact has been fleeting so far, yet the measly £1m that was dished out on Dundee skipper, Luke McCowan already looks likely to be a particularly astute investment.

The boyhood Celtic fan has hit the ground running in his new surroundings, having notably chalked up his first goal for the club in the 2-0 win over Hearts back in September.

Competition in those midfield ranks is fierce following the other permanent captures of Paulo Bernardo and club-record signing, Arne Engels, yet on current evidence, it could be McCowan who is forcing his way into Rodgers’ starting lineup.

The 26-year-old was particularly impressive off the bench in last week’s 2-2 draw with surprise title rivals, Aberdeen, providing one key pass from just 14 touches as he looked to unpick the visiting defence, having also enjoyed a 90% pass accuracy in that late cameo.

The “tenacious” talent – as hailed by writer Kai Watson – is seemingly deserving of a chance to properly impress from the off in games, having previously contributed 15 goals and assists in the top-flight last season for his former employers.

Hopes of the playmaker surpassing that £1m value can be boosted by his apparent likeness to one former Celtic star, with pundit Andy Walker likening him to Ryan Christie, prior to his move to Parkhead:

With Christie now valued at around £15m following his rise at Bournemouth, it showcases the kind of trajectory that McCowan could well follow – albeit hopefully at Celtic Park, rather than south of the border.

As such, while the recent window saw the Hoops splash out over £20m on the likes of Adam Idah and Engels, it could be the deals of Schmeichel and McCowan – in particular – who prove to be the biggest bargains.

Rodgers can repeat Liam Scales success with Celtic's "great athlete"

Celtic could replicate the rise of Liam Scales in 2025

By
Robbie Walls

Oct 18, 2024

The Red Bulls' social media team celebrates in style, poking fun at Nashville SC following their 2-0 victory over their Eastern Conference rivals.

• Red Bulls secure impressive 2-0 victory in home opener
• Mohammed Sofo and Emil Forsberg shine with goals
• The club's social media posts playfully highlight the team's dominance

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  WHAT HAPPENED

  Following their convincing 2-0 victory over Nashville SC in their 2025 MLS season home opener, the New York Red Bulls' social media team took to various platforms to celebrate the win, with posts that subtly poked fun at their opponents. The club's Twitter account, in particular, made fun of a post-Nashville SC’s social media team posted before the game where they made fun of where the New York Red Bulls’ home stadium is located.

  The Sports Illustrated Stadium is technically located in New Jersey and not New York despite being the home stadium of the New York Red Bulls. In response, the Red Bulls reposted Nashville’s tweet with the caption “Knew where we played and still didn't show up, huh?” to rub salt into their wounds after the 2-0 defeat.

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• THE SOCIAL MEDIA POST

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Despite a 1-0 loss to FC Cincinnati in their opening game, the New York Red Bulls dominated proceedings from the start, with new signings making an immediate impact. Mohammed Sofo opened the scoring for his side inside seven minutes after Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting’s shot clattered off the post. Then Emil Forsberg scored a contender for goal of the season half an hour into the first half. That seemed to seal proceedings as despite ending the game with over 55 percent possession, Nashville only managed two shots on target, with only Sam Surridge’s late effort testing Carlos Coronel in goal.

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  WHAT’S NEXT?

  After their opening day loss, the win takes the New York Red Bulls up into fifth place and they are only three points behind Eastern Conference leaders Philadelphia Union after two league games. Sandro Schwarz’s side faces Atlanta United on the road on March 9 next before returning home for back-to-back games against Orlando City and Toronto FC at the Sports Illustrated Stadium.

Manchester United defender Diogo Dalot has labelled a teammate of his as “unbelievable” after his performance against Leicester City in the Carabao Cup. The Red Devils played their first match post-Erik ten Hag on Wednesday night, as Ruud van Nistelrooy took interim charge, and it was a night to remember for the Dutchman, as they sealed their place in the quarterfinals of the competition in style.

Man Utd may have advantage over Arsenal to sign £50m star who loves Amorim

Man Utd’s new manager may just give them the edge in a transfer race with a Premier League rival.

By
Brett Worthington

Oct 31, 2024

Man Utd thrash Leicester in van Nistelrooy’s first game

It has been a poor campaign for United so far, but Wednesday night’s 5-2 demolition of the Foxes put some smiles back on the fans’ faces. It was their first game since the sacking of Ten Hag, and it was van Nistelrooy’s first match as interim head coach.

Speaking after the game, van Nistelrooy spoke about the feeling of leading United out as interim manager. He said: “To go back to yesterday, of course, receiving the players and getting together for the first day after Erik [ten Hag] had to leave was a sad day to share. Mixed emotions.

“He was the one that asked me to work back here again, and in the first conversation we had, I felt such a passion and care for this football club. That is why I was so sad to see him go.

“Having said that, football and life continues, and we knew that 75,000 people would be waiting for us here today, with millions more watching at home behind their screens and radios, and you have to switch then as players. We tried to switch that button for the players; try to get the mindset going and go out tonight and give everything for the fans.”

The Red Devils have made Ruben Amorim their first choice to replace Ten Hag, and an announcement on his appointment is now expected on Thursday, with United paying his release clause and an extra fee so he can leave Sporting before his notice period.

The 39-year-old is expected to take charge of the club in the November international break. Wednesday was a good night for United, with a few players standing out for their performance, and one player really impressed one of his teammates.

Man Utd star says teammate is "unbelievable"

Dalot labelled teammate Casemiro as “unbelievable” following their 5-2 win over Leicester in the Carabao Cup last night. It was a rare stress-free night of football for United and the fans, as a double from Casemiro as well as goals from Garnacho and Bruno Fernandes put them in full control all before half-time.

Casemiro was one of the standout performers for the Red Devils after struggling massively towards the end of Ten Hag’s reign, putting in such poor displays that he was told by Jamie Carragher to “leave the football before the football leaves you”.

However, the 32-year-old remained at Old Trafford, and his teammate Dalot labelled him as “unbelievable” following his Carabao Cup performance last night. Dalot said after the game: “Unbelievable goal. He has that in him, those abilities. And it shows how much he was confident to [shoot] that far from the goal. So I am glad he did.

“We know that when he is at this level, when he is in his best shape, I think he is an unbelievable player. He can help us a lot. So, today, I think he showed a very fantastic level.”

Leeds United made the decision not to dip into the market to invest in a new centre-forward during the recent summer transfer window, despite the big-name departures.

Georginio Rutter and Crysencio Summerville both moved on, to Brighton & Hove Albion and West Ham United respectively, but they only signed wingers – Largie Ramazani and Manor Solomon – to bolster the attack.

Brenden Aaronson did return from his loan spell with Union Berlin to compete in the number ten role, but Daniel Farke did not swoop for a new number nine.

This meant that the West Yorkshire outfit went into the 2024/25 Championship campaign with Joel Piroe, Mateo Joseph, and Patrick Bamford as their striker options.

Leeds United's striking success

The Whites have had mixed success with those three strikers so far this season. Bamford has been the least successful of the three, with zero goals and zero assists in six appearances as a substitute in the league.

Joseph, meanwhile, has scored two goals and provided three assists in 15 appearances and nine starts in the second tier, missing five ‘big chances’ in that time, which shows that his finishing has been below par.

Piroe has been the most successful of the three centre-forwards. The Dutchman has scored six goals, from 4.11 xG, and produced two assists in 15 outings and seven starts in the Championship.

There is one former Leeds forward, however, who is currently outscoring Piroe, Joseph, and Bamford combined for his new club this season – Max Dean.

Where Are They Now

Your star player or biggest flop has left the club but what are they doing in the present day? This article is part of Football FanCast's Where Are They Now series.

Max Dean's goalscoring record since leaving Leeds

The young attacker joined the Whites from Everton in the summer of 2019 and scored 16 goals in 38 games for the club at U21 level before a move to MK Dons at the start of 2023.

Jesse Marsch, the Leeds manager at the time, deemed him to be surplus to requirements and sold him to League One side MK Dons for an undisclosed fee.

Over the next 18 months, Dean racked up 20 goals and five assists in 43 appearances for MK Dons, including 15 goals in 29 League Two games during the 2023/24 campaign.

Belgian side Gent then swooped to secure his services earlier this year for a reported fee of £1m and he has enjoyed a terrific start to life in a new country.

In the 2024/25 campaign so far, Dean has contributed with nine goals and two assists in 20 appearances, which means that he has outscored Piroe, Joseph, and Bamford combined, as they have eight goals between them in all competitions.

The 20-year-old whiz, whose character was described as “infectious” by former boss Mike Williamson, is flying in Belgium and Leeds may now wonder whether or not they made the right decision when Marsch sold him at the start of last year.

Leeds can replace Firpo by signing "best full-back in the Championship"

Leeds United are reportedly interested in a deal to sign the Championship star.

By
Dan Emery

Nov 11, 2024

At the age of 20, Dean still has plenty of time left to develop and improve and could go on to prove the Whites very wrong if he continues to shine as a goalscorer in Europe.

Everton have long been praised for their production line, but not all who cut their teeth on the blue ground of Merseyside actually made it onto the Goodison Park pitch.

Leaving before their time, such stars that you will see below went on to forge impressive careers but ultimately recognised their talents away from Everton territory.

The best Everton talents who never played in the PL

Starting off this obscure blast from the past, we have Shkodran Mustafi, who played for Everton during his formative years and featured off the bench against BATE Borisov in 2009/20 – his first season as a professional. And that was all she wrote.

Mustafi cuts an infamous figure on the Premier League scene after several up-and-down years with Arsenal, who he played for 151 times but left having been branded a “horrendous” signing by journalist Charles Watts, even though he won two FA Cups.

Perhaps he wouldn’t have been all that for the Blues, though Arsenal signed the German from Valencia in a deal worth £35m. Thus, there was money to be made.

More presently, Everton must rue the sale of Antonee Robinson, who is thriving for Fulham, hailed as “one of the best left-backs in the world” by Sky Sports’ Dougie Critchley. Given that Robinson left for just £2m in 2019, this must rankle some.

Another oft-forgotten one-timer is Eric Dier, who might have made the club a pretty penny had he stayed on the books way back when.

Everton let Eric Dier get away

Dier has enjoyed a comparatively successful career, having been a mainstay at Tottenham Hotspur for the most part of a decade before heading to Bayern Munich last year, where he resides still.

Last term, the 30-year-old England international was hailed by journalist Henry Winter for “intervening calmly, defending resolutely and ensuring a clean sheet” after defeating Arsenal in the Champions League quarter-finals.

Dier has been around the block and back again, but Everton sure must rue the fact that he never once plied his craft for the Toffees’ first team, despite cutting his teeth at the club, during an 18-month spell on loan at Finch Farm.

In 2011, Dier, who was a teenager fluent in Portuguese, returned to his homeland from Sporting Lisbon on a temporary basis for an initial six-month period, before extending that stint for a further year.

He notably captained the club’s U18s amid that promising spell, but returned to Portugal at the end of the 2012/13 campaign, albeit with Alan Stubbs subsequently revealing that David Moyes and co had targeted a permanent deal, only to be put off by his £1m price tag…

The Merseysiders must really regret not managing to ensnare him for good, for his value, as per Transfermarkt, rose to a peak of £34m after leaving. There was money to be made with this one.

Where Are They Now

Your star player or biggest flop has left the club but what are they doing in the present day? This article is part of Football FanCast's Where Are They Now series.

Moreover, former Tottenham boss Antonio Conte even tipped Dier to become “one of the best” central defenders in the world, a further illustration of the quality that was carried within.

It’s a frustrating one, to be sure.

Everton wasted millions on Silva flop who earned far more than McNeil

Everton spent millions on a player who earned a fortune at the club

By
Ross Kilvington

Nov 12, 2024

Hollywood star and club co-owner opens up as to why fans should support the Cherries

• Jordan expresses admiration for Andoni Iraola's managerial style
• Praises Tyler Adams and young talent Matai Akinmboni's potential
• Creed star owns a minority share of the alongside Kosmos founder Nullah Sarker.

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  WHAT HAPPENED?

  Michael B. Jordan, the Hollywood actor and Bournemouth AFC investor, recently shared his thoughts on the club's progress and why fans from the U.S. and other countries should support . The Creed star went on to praise not just American midfielder Tyler Adams and rising star Matai Akinmboni but also added that Adoni Iraola is the reason why Bournemouth are doing so well this term. Jordan's comments came in an interview with TST as he admitted that the Cherries head coach is “amazing” and that the club has a great team in place which has helped them succeed.

  "We have some really really great players, representing by the US, you know Tyler Adams, our midfielder, he’s amazing. He’s consistently making game-changing plays and impact since he’s gotten back from his injury. So it’s been really cool to kind of see him get back into a rhythm and make an impact on the team. And, we got some real promise in some players, I think Matai? I think he hasn’t played in a match just yet but his future is really really bright and we’re really excited about him," Jordan told TST.

  “I mean, I don’t think it’s just one thing but I think our leadership, our manager [Andoni Iraola] is just f**king amazing. You know, I think the players respond to him. I think he leads by example. I think being a [former] player himself, he’s been there before so I think there’s a relatability, you know what I’m saying of being like a former player coaching in a way that I think players have been really tapping into.”

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• WHAT MICHAEL B. JORDAN SAID

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  The Soccer Tournament (TST) is a 7v7 championship with a $1M winner-take-all prize and will be played in North Carolina from June 4 to 9 and Bournemouth are set to participate in the tournament. Michael B. Jordan will play a role in the Cherries team while American international Tyler Adams will be the team’s “head of recruitment”.

  “This is a great way to watch the Cherries in the U.S. at the biggest 7v7 festival there is,” said Jordan in a statement issued by the team.

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  WHAT’S NEXT?

  Bournemouth have been in fine stride this season and currently sit seventh on the Premier League table, as they battle it out for a place in Europe next season. The Cherries are only two points behind fifth place Chelsea and four behind fourth-place Manchester City ahead of Matchweek 28. Andoni Iraola’s side face Tottenham in London next before returning to the Vitality Stadium to host Brentford in Matchweek 29.

Thomas Tuchel has flipped Gareth Southgate's England training schedule as he finally gets to work at St George's Park.

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• Tuchel succeeded Southgate as England boss
• Takes charge of first game on March 21
• Has made significant changes to training regime

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The recently appointed Three Lions boss welcomed his first squad to the famous England training centre on Monday and players will have to get used to some big changes in the training regime. A major difference compared to Gareth Southgate's camp is that Tuchel will have his stars train in the afternoon instead of the morning like they did under the German's predecessor.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Tuchel's reasoning for the change is to prepare the team for evening kick-offs better, putting bodies through their paces later in the day and familiarising their muscles with the routine. The Mirror also report that the former Bayern Munich and Chelsea boss wants time in the mornings to have team meetings and one-to-one sessions with the players.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Wembley Stadium is sold out for England's game against Latvia on March 21, with the match against Latvia four days later also close to having a full crowd.

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  WHAT NEXT?

  The England squad have a good few days before they will take to the pitch for their first and second World Cup qualifiers. Every face inside the building looks delighted with how Tuchel's reign has started and the head coach himself will be hoping to get off to a good start in front of an expectant crowd next week.

West Ham United are growing frustrated with a “strong” player behind-the-scenes, as manager Julen Lopetegui and technical director Tim Steidten begin searching for his potential replacement in January.

West Ham endure disappointing start under Lopetegui

There have been a plethora of calls for Lopetegui to be sacked after a disappointing start to the campaign for West Ham, who’ve won just three out of a possible 11 Premier League games and sit 14th in the table.

West Ham could sign Paqueta replacement who's "like Odegaard" for just £20m

He’s been likened to the Gunners captain.

1

By
Emilio Galantini

Nov 20, 2024

Their form isn’t quite what was expected after their £120 million splash on new signings in the summer transfer window, and some members of the media believe West Ham have gone “backwards” since David Moyes left the London Stadium dugout earlier this year.

In truth, the Hammers appear to lack any clear identity or style under Lopetegui, with Sky Sports’ Dan Bardell telling West Ham Zone that it was never a match made in heaven.

“I never thought it was an appointment that was a match made in heaven,” said Bardell.

“Lopetegui has achieved things in the game and isn’t a bad manager, but when you think of West Ham fans’ complaints about Moyes, I don’t necessarily think Lopetegui is the natural fit to come in and play swashbuckling football, it’s just not what he does.

“The results will have to improve quickly, like this spokesman has said, because that is the nature of football, it’s difficult for Lopetegui but results and performances aren’t brilliant at the moment.“

West Ham travel to Newcastle United to face the Magpies in their first game back after the international break, and a bad result there could spell more trouble for their under-fire manager.

West Ham frustrated with Fullkrug as Lopetegui searches for replacement

Crocked new striker Niclas Fullkrug’s unavailability hasn’t helped matters, either, with the £27 million marksman failing to make any desired impact as he struggles to make his return from a persistent achilles tendon injury.

According to GiveMeSport, West Ham are running out of patience with Fullkrug amid his injury woes, and it is believed Lopetegui is looking for a potential replacement as Steidten contemplates bringing in a replacement on loan in January.

The east Londoners are believed to be after a short-term solution going forward, so a new number nine coming in to temporarily bolster West Ham’s options is apparently on the cards this winter. It is a bitter blow to take for Fullkrug as he battles to come back from injury and contribute to West Ham’s season, following a previously great 2024 for the player.

“Fullkrug is a beast, if you’ll allow me to use that term,” said Italian journalist Giancarlo Padovan to Sky Italia (via Milan Posts).

“In the sense that he’s a powerhouse, and I mean that in a positive way. He scores headers, he’s physically strong, and he can also make deep runs. He wasn’t Nagelsmann’s first choice, but whenever he came on, he always performed very well.”

Arsenal now want a £50 million former Real Madrid gem who they “tried to sign” many years ago – and the Gunners may have an advantage in the chase for his signature.

Arteta praises Lopetegui as Arsenal prepare to face West Ham

On the field, Gunners head coach Mikel Arteta is preparing his side to face struggling West Ham United in the Premier League this evening.

Arsenal considering new striker target in £42m star wanted by Bayern Munich

The Bavarians could provide stiff competition.

By
Emilio Galantini

Nov 29, 2024

Arsenal go into this London derby off the back of two convincing wins against Nottingham Forest and Sporting CP – showcasing the kind of form needed to challenge Liverpool for top spot – while the Hammers have clinched victory in just four out of a possible 12 league games.

West Ham did beat Newcastle United 2-0 in their last encounter, so they will be slightly more uplifted, but Arteta’s side are firm favourites to overcome the home side and win their third consecutive match in all competitions.

Star defender Gabriel Magalhaes is an injury doubt for Arsenal, though, meaning the exit-linked Jakub Kiwior could have to slot in alongside William Saliba at centre-back.

In the build-up to this afternoon’s late kick-off, Arteta praised Lopetegui and West Ham, saying the east Londoners are well-coached and could cause the north Londoners serious problems.

“I know him, we are friends, I have huge admiration for what he has done in the game,” said Arteta.

“He is from the same area as I am in the north of Spain. It’s a team that’s now in a high after the big win that they had against Newcastle away and it’s always a really tough opponent, we know that.

“Various ways to create big problems. They are a really physical side, really good in direct play, attacking second balls where they have to dominate the game through the ball. Or when they have the space they are a really dangerous team. Set pieces, and then individual quality they have, the front players can create in any moment any situation to cause you trouble. They are really well coached.”

Off the field, Arsenal are rumoured to be in the market for a new forward, and a potential alternative to Bukayo Saka.

Arsenal want former Real Madrid winger Takefusa Kubo

An option in that respect could be Real Sociedad winger Takesufa Kubo.

The Japan international, who has been called his country’s answer to Lionel Messi, spent some of his youth at Barcelona’s La Masia academy before later joining Real Madrid – with ex-Galacticos boss Zinedine Zidane calling him a “very interesting” player in 2020.

Kubo departed the Bernabeu for Sociedad in 2022, where he has since gone on to become a key player.

The 23-year-old bagged a goal and an assist in their 2-0 Europa League win over Ajax on Thursday, adding to his tally of 20 goals and 15 assists over a century of total appearances for the La Liga side.

His form has piqued the interest of Arteta, as The Boot Room reports this week. It is believed that Arsenal are keen on signing Kubo, who has a £50 million release clause in his contract, and they even “tried to sign” the player during his youth alongside the likes of Man City and Liverpool.

Arsenal also had scouts in attendance to watch his man-of-the-match display against Ajax, so they’re doing their homework on the Asian ahead of a potential move.

Harry Kane has revealed he was surprised to learn of Thomas Tuchel's decision to take the England job when news first broke back in October.

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• Tuchel preparing for first game in charge
• Knows Kane from Bayern days
• England captain 'surprised' by German's decision

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Tuchel was announced as the permanent successor to Sir Gareth Southgate in October 2024, officially taking up his role from January 2025. He signed an 18-month contract running until the end of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Three Lions captain Kane already has a close relationship with Tuchel. The German coach was instrumental in Bayern Munich signing the striker from Tottenham Hotspur in the summer of 2023. But Kane has admitted he did not expect his former boss to take the step into international management having left his post at the Allianz Arena at the end of the 2023-24 season.

• WHAT KANE SAID

  When asked by the English press on Thursday how he reacted to Tuchel's appointment, Kane replied: "I was surprised if I'm honest. Yeah, didn't expect it. I guess I just wasn't really thinking of him as a national team coach.

  "But yeah, once it was announced, I was really excited because obviously I had the pleasure of working with him last year and I know what he can bring. I knew what he could bring to this type of squad that we have.

  "And obviously we've only been together a few days, but it hasn't disappointed. He's bringing us up to what I thought he would. And I think camp after camp, as he settles in, as we get to know him more, I think we'll improve as we go. But ultimately is about building up until next year and these are important camps to do that."

• AFP
  

  WHAT NEXT FOR KANE & TUCHEL?

  Kane is expected to lead the line for England during Friday's World Cup qualifier at home to Albania. Tuchel's first game in charge of the Three Lions will come in front of a sold-out Wembley Stadium.