"CRIMINAL!': HOJLUND FUMES AT MAN UTD SHOCKING FAILURE

@IMAGO

Rasmus Hojlund may be on a run of 19 games without a goal but the Manchester United star will be fuming at the ‘criminal’ actions of his teammate that prevented him from breaking his barren run.

Hojlund once again failed to score as United were held to a 1-1 draw in their Europa League knockout first leg against Real Sociedad but one moment in the match perhaps proved why the 22-year-old has continued to struggle in front of goal this season

United found themselves on the break during the first half with Diogo Dalot surging down the right side but, despite Hojlund making a run into the penalty area, the right-back failed to find his teammate and the chance eventually came to nothing.

Hojlund was seen raging at Dalot for failing to make the obvious pass which would have put United ahead and his emotions were echoed by former Red Devils legend Paul Scholes, who branded the defender’s decision as ‘criminal’.

"The frustrating thing is, for 20 minutes we saw them warming up, and that's exactly what they were practising. Into the wing-back, crossing it first time,” Scholes told TNT Sport.

“For Dalot not to see that, is criminal really. Hojlund, he's made a great run. For any right-back in world football not to see that is criminal, and that's an easy goal for Hojlund."

© IMAGO - Rasmus Hojlund has struggled at Old Trafford

Service please!: How United are failing to rescue Hojlund from woeful form

Hojlund has scored just two Premier League goals in 22 appearances this season, although the 22-year-old has found the back of the net five times in nine Europa League games.

With just five teams scoring fewer goals than United this season, manager Ruben Amorim is desperate to sign a new striker in the summer in a move that could see Hojlund leave United.

There were high hopes when United paid €74 million to Atalanta for Hojlund in 2023, particularly as he netted ten league goals in his debut campaign, however his second season has proven disastrous.

Hojlund will point to situations like the Dalot error as a prime example of the lack-of-service he has had to endure during his time at Old Trafford, particularly with the youngster having just 0.7 shots per game in the league this season.

That number is lower than defensive players such as Dalot, Lisandro Martinez and Casemiro, with nine players in United’s squad having had more shots per game than Hojlund.

While United do lack a proven goalscorer, it has become evident that players such as Dalot cannot thrive in Amorim’s system, with more complete and creative players needed to get the best out of Hojlund.

However, with United struggling to generate funds for transfers, it appears Hojlund could end up a casualty sale as Amorim desperately seeks quality to rescue his side from hopeless mediocrity.

- Suraj Radia

ANGE POSTECOGLOU NIGHTMARE AS HORTOW OWN GOAL SEES TOTTENHAM FALL TO AZ ALKAMAAR IN EUROPA LEAGUE

Tottenham will go into the second leg of their Europa League round of 16 tie against AZ Alkmaar down 1-0 after a first half own goal by Lucas Bergvall proved costly for Spurs.

Ange Postecoglou's men had a chance in the late stages of added on time to grab an equaliser but Wilson Odobert's header went over the bar on Friday morning.

Tottenham was lucky to walk away with a one-goal deficit as AZ Alkmaar was the better team and applied pressure more often.

Tottenham only had one shot on target all night and will now look to pile on the pressure with their attacking style to overcome the 1-0 deficit next week in the second leg at home, which will be played at 7am AEDT next Friday.

The own goal from Bergvall occurred during the first corner of the match as he tried to clear it but instead shanked it high catching his gloveman off guard.

Lucas Bergvall's own goal. Getty

Tottenham had beaten the Dutch team 1-0 in the league phase at home in October.

Elsewhere, Manchester United settled for a 1-1 draw with Real Sociedad.

United led on Joshua Zirkzee's goal in the 58th minute but the hosts equalised 12 minutes later after Bruno Fernandez's hand ball. Mikel Oyarzabal sent Andre Onana the wrong way from the penalty spot.

The Europa League could be a way for United to finish the season with a trophy after crashing out of the FA Cup.

Tottenham's Djed Spence did his best to stop the floater. Getty

Rangers took a big step toward the quarter-finals by stunning José Mourinho's Fenerbahce 3-1 in Istanbul.

Mourinho won the Europa League with Man United in 2017.

Czech forward Václav Černý scored twice and Cyriel Dessers had a goal and an assist for Rangers.

Dessers gave them a dream start putting them ahead six minutes into the game.

Substitute Alexander Djiku equalised in the 30th off a corner kick after half an hour. Djiku came on early to replace injured Çağlar Söyüncü in the 16th.

Černý restored a one-goal advantage for Rangers late in the first half from a tight angle on a counter with Dessers setting him up and added another one nine minutes from time.

- Sacha Mirzabegian, with AP

MIKE TYSON ON TRAINING HARDER THAN YOUR OPPONENT | DISCIPLINE

 

"I run at 4 A.M. because I know my opponent is still asleep. It gives me an edge." This was Mike Tyson's response when asked if he really trained every day at dawn. Tyson added, "If I find out one of my opponents runs at 4 A.M., I'll start running at 2 A.M. And if someone trains at 2 A.M., I'll stop sleeping altogether to keep training."

"Without discipline, no matter how talented you are, you’re nothing." – Mike Tyson

In the image, heavyweight champion Mike Tyson is captured running his daily 5-8 km routine, with reporters documenting his intense training in 1987.

UEFA EUROPA LEAGUE BRACKET

 

EVERTON AGREE LANDMARK £350 NEW STADIUM DEAL THAT COULD SAVE MILLIONS

New owners The Friedkin Group have refinanced the debt on the new stadium in a deal that should make it cheaper and easier to service - saving the club money on what had been significant interest rates

Everton Football club Bramley Moore Dock Stadium in the snow. Photo by Colin Lane

Everton have agreed a new financing package for the club’s landmark stadium. The Blues have secured a long-term, £350m funding deal that rearranges the lending already in place on the waterfront venue.

The move means the remaining debt has been simplified from complex, expensive arrangements that were a hangover from the Farhad Moshiri era, to a more manageable structure on lower interest rates that could save the club vast sums year-on-year.

It means the debt will be cheaper, easier and more efficient to service and is the latest example of the work behind the scenes to strengthen the foundations of the club since new owners The Friedkin Group took control in December.

The funding has been agreed with a consortium of what the club described as “blue-chip institutional lenders” and was the result of a search that inspired competition to work with the Blues.

The final years of Moshiri’s reign were dogged by financial uncertainty and funding concerns as the former owner worked through multiple failed efforts to sell the club. During that period, while work on the stadium continued it left the club signed up to a variety of expensive loan agreements, often at high interest rates and with less well-known lenders.

TFG took over the club with an expectation their track record and resources would enable them to consolidate the debt and refinance it on better terms and with reputable institutions - something achieved through this deal, which the ECHO understands is a decades-long agreement. It was reported earlier this year they had engaged New York-based banking giant JP Morgan Chase & Co to help facilitate a deal with new lenders.

It is another major step forward for the iconic ground that will become Everton’s new home in the summer. The project, valued at around £760m with ancillary works, opened to supporters for the first time last month when 10,000 fans watched the club’s Under-18s in a friendly with Wigan Athletic. That was the first of three test events required to help the venue earn its safety certificate. The second will see the U21s in action in front of 25,000 supporters later this month.

- Joe Thomas

LIVERPOOL MUST BE READY TO 'SUFFER' IN PSG RETURN LEG, SAYS VIRGIL VAN DIJK

© AFP

Virgil van Dijk believes Liverpool's Champions League suffering at the hands of Paris Saint-Germain is not yet over despite surviving an onslaught to win the first leg of their last 16 tie 1-0 in the French capital.

Virgil van Dijk believes Liverpool's Champions League suffering at the hands of Paris Saint-Germain is not yet over despite surviving an onslaught to win the first leg of their last 16 tie 1-0 in the French capital. The Reds were outclassed for almost the entire match at the Parc des Princes on Wednesday but clung on thanks to what goalkeeper Alisson Becker described as the performance "of his life". Harvey Elliott came off the bench to score the winner with his first touch on 87 minutes. Liverpool had only two shots, compared with PSG's 27 attempts at goal.

It was the Paris side's first defeat in 23 games, a run stretching back to November.

Liverpool will expect to be much stronger for the second leg at Anfield on Tuesday, but Van Dijk warned the tie is not yet over.

"It should be a great game and we have to be ready to suffer as they are a very good team who were unbeaten for a very long time," said the Liverpool captain.

"What I really liked was the togetherness, everyone put a shift in and we know everyone can be better."

Liverpool boss Arne Slot conceded his side would have been lucky even to escape with a draw.

Van Dijk agreed the backs-to-the-wall display is not how the runaway Premier League leaders are used to winning but paid tribute to the "world-class" opposition they faced.

Liverpool boss Arne Slot conceded his side would have been lucky even to escape with a draw.

Van Dijk agreed the backs-to-the-wall display is not how the runaway Premier League leaders are used to winning but paid tribute to the "world-class" opposition they faced.

"We don't want to be playing this way because everyone who plays football wants to have the ball a lot and wants to be dominating opponents," he said.

"But we played against a team with a lot of quality, world-class quality, and they made it very difficult for everyone in the world so far and they made it difficult for us but we found a way and we have to try to finish it off next week."

Slot's substitutes made a telling contribution as Darwin Nunez set up the winner for Elliott, while Curtis Jones and Wataru Endo helped snuff out the PSG threat.

"We are coming to the last stages of the season and the message is pretty clear -- everyone who is part of the team has to play a part when they come on," said Van Dijk.

"With the goal you saw Darwin makes it difficult for Marquinhos and the ball falls and he gives a good pass to Harvey for the finish.

"Even Wataru coming on, Curtis doing a good job is good to see. Everyone needs to feel that importance because there are many big games -- and decisive games -- coming up so we have to keep going."

Liverpool can extend their 13-point lead at the top of the Premier League when bottom-of-the-table Southampton visit Anfield on Saturday.

- Agence France-Presse

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IGA SWIATEK MAKES HER FEELINGS KNOWN ABOUT GAMBLING IN TENNIS AND HOW IT "IMPACTS" PLAYERS

Iga Swiatek gives thoughts on gamblers' impact on tennis pros | Image Source: Getty

Iga Swiatek recently discussed the overlap between tennis and gambling ahead of her title defense at the 2025 BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells. The Pole believes that some fans who bet on matches unjustly take out their grievances on the players. She also talked about the various measures that should be taken to protect the pros in such instances.

Swiatek has had a respectable season on the WTA Tour this year despite some heartbreaking losses, including semifinal exits at the Australian Open and the Qatar Open. The World No. 2, who won the Indian Wells title in 2022 and 2024, will be eager to record her first triumph since the 2024 French Open later this fortnight.

During her pre-tournament press conference at the WTA 1000 tournament on Wednesday, March 5, Iga Swiatek fielded questions on how gambling companies have become one of the biggest tennis sponsors over the last few years. When asked whether it was a "positive" for the sport, the 23-year-old gave an in-depth answer detailing the impact that gambling has on the players.

"There's no point to think if it's good or bad, because it's always going to be there since it's big business," Iga Swiatek told the media in Indian Wells on Wednesday. "I think, for sure, the thing that we as players feel is the negative comments and hate, because people are sometimes losing money because we lose or because we win. So, this is what impacts us. For sure I feel like it's not positive, and not good at all."

Swiatek then touched upon gamblers' tendency to send abusive messages to the pros on social media.

"Hate is going to be out there on the Internet anyway. There are ways to stop it with like algorithms and the apps that are blocking it a little bit," she added. "But, you know, people put out on the Internet whatever they want, because it's easy, you know. So this is the part I would say that hits us."

For those unaware, the famous betting company, Stake, became a sponsor of the Davis Cup and the Billie Jean King Cup - two of the biggest annual team events in tennis - in 2024.

Iga Swiatek to renew rivalry with Caroline Garcia in second-round match at Indian Wells 2025

Iga Swiatek is defending her 2024 Indian Wells title this fortnight | Image Source: Getty
 

Iga Swiatek will begin her 2025 BNP Paribas Open campaign against former World No. 4 Caroline Garcia. The Pole, seeded second at the 1000-level event, received a first-round Bye and will be well-rested for her battle with the Frenchwoman.

The two-time Indian Wells champion leads her lower-ranked opponent by a margin of 4-1 in their head-to-head meetings on the WTA Tour. The 23-year-old has won all four of their hardcourt encounters, with her most recent win against the World No. 71 coming at last year's United Cup.

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FIFA BANS 3 COUNTRIES

Gianni Infantino - FIFA president
 

Three countries have been excluded from playing in the 2026 FIFA World Cup due to various reasons.

The Russian Football Union (RFU) has been banned from both FIFA and UEFA competitions since Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022.

Last year, FIFA and UEFA decided to uphold Russia's ban from worldwide competitions through to the 2026 World Cup.

That means neither the men's nor women's teams can play in the World Cup or European Championships. Domestic club sides also cannot play in UEFA competitions.

In Europe, the draw for the qualification groups was made in December and Russia was the only UEFA member not to be included with the remaining 54 nations divided amongst a dozen groups.

Now, FIFA has suspended Congo and Pakistan with immediate effect due to 'serious circumstances' - essentially banning both nations from even the prospect of the 2026 World Cup.

FIFA has banned Congolese Football Association, known as FECOFOOT, for what is described as a 'particularly serious situation of undue interference by third parties' in its affairs.

A FIFA statement read: "FECOFOOT has been suspended with immediate effect due to a particularly serious situation of undue interference by third parties in the affairs of the organisation, which constitutes a clear violation of FECOFOOT’s obligations in accordance with the FIFA Statutes.

"The decision was taken in consultation with CAF after two FIFA/CAF missions were dispatched to Brazzaville."

FIFA say the suspension will only be lifted under several conditions including returning FECOFOOT's headquarters to the full control of the Congolese Football Association, halting any efforts to 'change the signatories' of FECOFOOT's bank accounts, giving decisions to an ad hoc committee and ensuring full cooperation to allow the association to operate without any third party influence.

The Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) has also been suspended after it did not adopt a revised constitution that would 'ensure truly fair and democratic elections'.

The FIFA statement read: "The suspension will only be lifted subject to the PFF Congress approving the version of the PFF Constitution presented by FIFA and the AFC."

Congo currently sit bottom of Group E in the CAF qualification section, while Pakistan finished bottom of Group G in the second round of the qualification process in the AFC confederation.

The next edition of the global tournament which is held every four years will take place across three countries in the summer of 2026.

The USA will be the biggest host of the trio with a total of 11 stadiums due to stage games, with three cities in Mexico and two in Canada completing the tournament's composition.

Argentina are the defending champions having won their third World Cup at the competition held in the winter of 2022 in Qatar, beating France on penalties following a 3-3 draw after extra-time.

- Beatrice Laryea

 

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FIFA TO HAND OUT $1BN PRIZE POT AR EXPANDED CLUB WORLD CUP

FIFA are understood to have committed to keeping all revenues from the Club World Cup inside the club gamePhotograph: Harold Cunningham/FIFA

Fifa are to distribute $1bn (£775m) in prize money as part of the expanded Club World Cup this summer, with a target of $250m to go to clubs not taking part in the competition.

The size of the prize fund is likely turn heads across the game. Some estimates suggest the winning club in the 32 team tournament could take home as much as $100m (£77.5m); this would be equivalent to winning the Uefa Champions League, but after playing only six matches.

Speculation over the size of Fifa’s prize pot has persisted since the organisers launched the tournament as a new and controversial fixture in the international calendar. Fifa subsequently announced a $1bn broadcast deal with Dazn last year, with the streamer earning exclusive rights to all matches over the four-week tournament. European teams will form the largest contingent at the Club World Cup with 12 sides set to take part.

Fifa are committed to keeping all revenues from the tournament inside the club game. Operational costs are included as part of the expenditure, but solidarity payments to clubs who did not earn an invitation to the tournament will also be part of the picture. The final sum of any solidarity fund is to be determined later once the revenues generated by the tournament have been confirmed, but the target is to share a quarter of a billion dollars.

A statement from Fifa president Gianni Infantino read: “The Fifa Club World Cup will not only be the pinnacle of club football, but also a vivid demonstration of solidarity that will benefit clubs at large to a scale that no other competition has ever done. All revenue generated by the tournament will be distributed to the participating clubs and via club solidarity across the world as Fifa will not keep a single dollar. Fifa’s reserves, which are there for global football development, will remain untouched.”

The Premier League champions Manchester City will begin their 2025 Club World Cup campaign with a match against Wydad AC at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia on 18 June. City, who won the most recent Club World Cup in 2023 under the old format, will take on Al Ain four days after their opener, before facing Juventus in their final Group G game on 26 June. Chelsea, meanwhile, will face Club León for their first group-stage match on 16 June at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. The London club then take on Flamengo on 20 June and Esperance on 24 June. Both of those Group D matches will be staged in Philadelphia. Reuters

Club World Cup 2025 groups

Group A Al Ahly, Inter Miami, Palmeiras, Porto

Group B Atlético, Botafogo, PSG, Seattle Sounders

Group C Auckland City, Bayern Munich, Benfica, Boca Juniors

Group D Chelsea, Espérance de Tunis, Flamengo, León

Group E Inter Milan, Monterrey, River Plate, Urawa Red Diamonds

Group F Dortmund, Fluminense, Mamelodi Sundowns, Ulsan HD

Group G Al Ain, Juventus, Manchester City, Wydad q3AC

Group H Al Hilal, Pachuca, Real Madrid, Red Bull Salzburg

Manchester City and Chelsea will represent the Premier League in the tournament, with 16 continental champions from the last four seasons all earning an invitation. A further 15 places – awarded to clubs such as Bayern Munich and Boca Juniors – were determined by positions in individual confederations’ club rankings. A final “host nation slot” was given to Leo Messi’s Inter Miami.

The Club World Cup is scheduled to kick off on 14 June and will be played in 11 cities across the United States. The final is to be played at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, a 93,000-capacity venue home to NFL teams the New York Giants and New York Jets.

- Paul Macinnes

FIRST EVER TANZANIA MASTERS SWIMMING CHAMPIONSHIP

 

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 South Africa face New Zealand in Lahore with a place in the #ChampionsTrophy final up for grabs 👊

How to watch 👉 https://bit.ly/4k6UU25

AUSSIE CRICKET SUPERSTAR STEVE SMITH MAKES SHOCK RETIREMENT ANNOUNCEMENT

• Stand-in skipper dropped bombshell on Wednesday 

• Came after defeat in Champions Trophy semifinal 

Steve Smith has announced his retirement from one-day international matches after appearing in the format 170 times for his country.

The shock move came after he led Australia to defeat in the semifinal of the Champions Trophy on Tuesday night while filling in for skipper Pat Cummins.

Smith, 35, will keep playing in Tests and T20 matches for his country as he leaves the door open for a possible appearance at the 2028 Olympics, where the 20-over game will feature for the first time.

'It feels like the right time to make way [for younger players],' Smith said.

'It has been a great ride and I have loved every minute of it.

'There have been so many amazing times and wonderful memories. Winning two World Cups was a great highlight along with the many fantastic teammates who shared the journey.

Steve Smith has shocked cricket fans by announcing his retirement from one-day internationals after Australia's defeat in the semifinal of the Champions Trophy

'Now is a great opportunity for people to start preparing for the 2027 ODI World Cup so it feels like the right time to make way.

'Test cricket remains a priority and I am really looking forward to the World Test Championship final, the West Indies in the winter and then England at home. 

'I feel I still have a lot to contribute on that stage.'

Smith scored 5800 runs in ODIs for Australia, averaging 43.28 with a high score of 164, 12 centuries and 35 half-centuries to his name.

He also took 28 wickets as a bowler at an average of 34.67 with best figures of 3/16.

More to come... 

- SHAYNE BUGDEN FOR DAILY MAIL AUSTRALIA

NOMINEES FOR THE 2025 LAUREUS WORLD SPORTSMAN OF THE YEAR AWARD

 

🎙️ The Nominees for the 2025 Laureus World Sportsman of the Year Award are:

🎾 Carlos Alcaraz

👟 Mondo Duplantis

🏊‍♂️ Léon Marchand

🚴‍♂️ Tadej Pogačar 

🏎 Max Verstappen

#Laureus25

RECORD-BREAKING ARSENAL ENJOY CARNIVAL SEASON IN EINDHOVEN

Reuters 

Eindhoven has been packed with carnival-goers in recent days but on Tuesday it was Arsenal enjoying their own party in the city, getting over their goalscoring crisis and setting a Champions League record in the process.

Mikel Arteta's side became the first team in Champions League history to score seven goals away from home in the knockout stages of the competition as they romped to a 7-1 win over PSV Eindhoven.

It was the most goals the Gunners have scored in a single game since beating Newcastle 7-3 in the Premier League 13 years ago.

The Arsenal manager said the win had given his players "joy and confidence and belief", but was not getting carried away when questions were put to him about the records that his team had broken.

"For sure, it's something that hasn't been done, so great to be part of that," Arteta said. "But as a team we want to achieve many other things that are far more important than that.

"The happiest thing is we are in a very strong position to go to the next round, which is where we want to be.

"But there's still a job to do in London in a week's time."

After failing to score in their past two games, a 0-0 draw at Nottingham Forest and 1-0 defeat by West Ham, Arteta may not have seen a victory like this coming.

"This will give them great confidence for the rest of the season. Right from the start Arsenal had control of the game," said Chris Sutton on BBC Radio 5 Live.

"Arsenal were ruthless with their finishing, some of the combination play in the final third was sensational.

"Martin Odegaard looked back to his best. To a man they were really strong and that centre-back pairing [Gabriel Magalhaes and William Saliba] is phenomenal.

"Arsenal will take some stopping in this competition."

England and Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice was one of the players singled out for his performance during the game and said that the Gunners have got the reward for their hard work in recent weeks.

Rice, who had a goal ruled out for offside, said Arsenal were "fluid" and possessed the "enthusiasm, drive and hunger" that the knockout stages demand.

"But we've been playing like this all season," he added. "We feel we've been playing well as a team. Sometimes we score five, sometimes two, sometimes we don't score but [on Tuesday] we did well. It all clicked."

Arsenal's lack of a recognised striker has been well documented, with Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz both injured. But six different players contributed to the rout on Tuesday - Odegaard scored twice, along with goals for Jurrien Timber, Mikel Merino, Ethan Nwaneri, Leandro Trossard and Riccardo Calafiori.

The emphatic win means that Arsenal can start planning for a trip to Madrid, as they are set to take on the winner of the tie between Real and Atletico, which finished 2-1 to Carlo Ancelotti's side. Next week's second leg takes place at Atletico.

Nwaneri shows why he's earned Arteta's trust

Arsenal's excellent 17-year-old Nwaneri again showed why there is so much hype and excitement about his future in the game.

The academy graduate has been given the task of filling in for Bukayo Saka on the right hand side of Arsenal's attack while the England international is out injured. The teenager has repaid that faith in him with eight goals in 28 games in all competitions.

That goal return puts him alongside some of England's most iconic young players.

Michael Owen and Wayne Rooney scored nine goals each in all competitions when they were aged 17 or younger and Nwaneri now has 16 days before his 18th birthday to try to match or beat that record.

"I don't think that he needs any pushing. You see every time what the intention is," Arteta said. "If it comes, it comes and it's great.

"I'm really impressed with the way he behaved and the way he played. It's about consistency and now doing it again three days later in another big stadium."

Nwaneri also became the third youngest player to score a goal in a knockout stage match in the Champions League after Bojan in April 2008 (17 and 217 days) and Jude Bellingham in April 2021 (17 and 289 days).

"He's 17 years old and he's on the biggest stage," Rice said.

"We've taken [the youngsters] under our wing and they deserve to be playing. You should see them train they way they have no fear and want to perform.

"Even if Saka was here Ethan would be still getting minutes because he's that good and works so hard in training. We have so many top young players."

Nwaneri was joined in the starting XI by his team-mate from the academy Myles Lewis-Skelly and the 18-year-old also impressed despite being withdrawn in the first half to avoid him getting sent off.

Lewis-Skelly, who had been booked earlier, put in a late tackle on Richard Ledezma and although he was unpunished, Arteta substituted him moments later.

"They play like they have been here for many years," captain Odegaard said.

"So much quality and confidence, they're ready for it. I'm not worried about them, we enjoy having them in the team and they have a great attitude."

Odegaard, who himself started playing senior football at 15 years old, believes that Lewis-Skelly can use his early withdrawal as a learning experience.

"He took that really well," he added. "He knew it was a tricky position to be in. He was on a yellow and had a tough challenge too. He took it well and we're all there to support and I'm sure he will learn from that too."

- Alex Howell, BBC Sport football news reporter in Eindhoven

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