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JESSE LINGARD HITS BRACE AS ENGLAND THRASH ANDORRA 4-0 IN WORLD CUP QUALIFIER

England cruised to a comfortable 4-0 win over Andorra at Wembley on Sunday to extend their lead at the top of World Cup qualifying Group I.

Jesse Lingard scored twice and goals from Harry Kane and Bukayo Saka helped Gareth Southgate’s side make it five wins from five matches in the group.

It was the first game England played at Wembley since losing the Euro 2020 final on penalties to Italy in July.

Before the match, England supporters unveiled a banner in support of Marcus Rashford, Saka and Jadon Sancho after they suffered racist abuse following missing the penalties in the shootout.

Southgate made 11 changes to the side that secured a 4-0 win at Hungary on Thursday with Patrick Bamford and goalkeeper Sam Johnstone making their international debuts.

England dominated from the start and took the lead after 18 minutes when Saka set up Lingard inside the box to score low into the bottom corner.

Lingard thought he doubled the lead moments later but his goal was disallowed for offside as Andorra failed to pose a threat in the first half.

Four minutes into the second half, England almost grabbed a second when Reece James saw a thunderous shot rattle the crossbar.

The hosts were awarded a penalty after 70 minutes when Mason Mount was fouled in the area and Kane converted from the spot.

Lingard scored his second with a nice curling effort eight minutes later while Saka scored England’s fourth from Trent Alexander-Arnold’s quick corner.

“The perfect birthday present for me,” Saka told ITV on the day of his 20th birthday. “I am really happy we got the win and I can celebrate my birthday with this.

“I am really happy with the reception everyone gave me, it shows how proud they are of me and that meant a lot. It means a lot, it really made a difference for me. Even now I can hear fans chanting my name. It means everything to me that I know they support me.

“This is what I dream about, playing at Wembley in front of my family and this crowd.”

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FIFA PROBES RACIST ABUSE OF ENGLAND PLAYERS IN HUNGARY

After England players faced racial abuse in Hungary, FIFA said Friday it will take “adequate actions” once it has investigated the incidents.

The statement from FIFA stopped short of directly condemning Hungary fans for the abuse, which included monkey chanting, in Thursday night’s World Cup qualifier at Puskas Arena in Budapest. England won 4-0.

“FIFA strongly rejects any form of racism and violence and has a very clear zero tolerance stance for such behavior in football,” world soccer’s governing body said. ”FIFA will take adequate actions as soon as it receives match reports concerning yesterday’s Hungary-England game.”

Hungary had recently been ordered to play two matches without fans but the sanction from UEFA didn’t take effect for the visit of England because the game was under FIFA’s jurisdiction.

The racist abuse has been condemned by British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who has been criticized for his own racially offensive comments in the past.

“It is completely unacceptable that England players were racially abused in Hungary last night,” Johnson said on Twitter. “I urge (FIFA) to take strong action against those responsible to ensure that this kind of disgraceful behaviour is eradicated from the game for good.”

England’s players were jeered for taking a knee, pelted with plastic cups after goals and then targeted with alleged racist chants.

Pitch-side reporters for domestic broadcasters ITV and Sky Sports said they saw and heard individuals among the Hungary supporters behind one of the goals aim monkey chants at Raheem Sterling and unused substitute Jude Bellingham, who are Black. Sky Sports showed video footage of one spectator giving the abuse.

The game was played in front of a crowd of 60,000 mostly Hungarian fans about two months after UEFA ordered the team to play three matches without fans — one of which was suspended for a probationary period of two years — as a punishment for what was termed “discriminatory” behavior by its supporters at all three of its Euro 2020 group games.

Those behind-closed-doors games have to be in UEFA competition, though. World Cup qualifiers are organized by FIFA.

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STERLING, KANE LEAD ENGLAND OVER HUNGARY IN WORLD CUP QUALIFIERS

England eased to a comfortable 4-0 win over Hungary at the Puskas Arena on Thursday to move five points clear at the top of World Cup qualifying Group I.

It was a miserable night for Hungary on the field and the country’s Football Federation is likely to face a FIFA investigation after crowd misbehaviour and reports of racial abuse of two of England’s Black players.England showed no signs of a hangover from their Euro 2020 final defeat by Italy with an excellent second-half display from Gareth Southgate’s side.

“It is a real tough place to come, we knew it was going to be a difficult game and such a big game in the group as well, we knew if we won here it puts us into a great position and almost one foot into the World Cup,” captain Harry Kane said.

“It couldn’t have been better than 4-0 away from home, a great night for us,” he added.

Raheem Sterling put England ahead in the 55th minute, after a frustrating first half, slotting home a low pull-back from Mason Mount who had been found by Jack Grealish.

Sterling was the provider for England’s second eight minutes later, when his deflected cross was headed in by a stooping Kane.

Harry Maguire made it 3-0 in the 69th minute with a header from a Luke Shaw corner that Hungary keeper Peter Gulacsi got a hand to but which crept over the line.

Declan Rice added the fourth, three minutes from the end, with a shot from outside the box which got through the body of Gulacsi who should have kept the effort out.

Gulacsi had made a series of saves from Kane with the England striker lacking his usual clinical touch.

Hungary, already facing two games behind closed doors in UEFA competition after incidents at their national stadium during Euro 2020, could face sanctions from FIFA after fans threw objects, mostly beer cups, at England players on two occasions. A flare was also thrown on to the pitch.

British broadcaster ITV said racist “monkey noises” were aimed at Sterling and England substitute Jude Bellingham from the hardcore “ultras” behind the goal.

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CELTIC SIGN JOE HART AND JAMES MC CARTHY

Celtic have announced the double signing of Republic of Ireland midfielder James McCarthy and former England goalkeeper Joe Hart.

Goalkeeper Hart joins from Tottenham on a three-year deal while McCarthy has penned a four-year contract following his summer exit from Crystal Palace.

The Hoops will be hoping both men can have a positive impact on the squad after a difficult start to the season.

Manager Ange Postecoglou said on the club’s official site: “I’m delighted that we have signed two top-class players in Joe and James.

“Both of them have a wealth of experience at both club and international level and that is something which can only benefit the squad, and I’m looking forward to working with both of them.

“I know our supporters will be well aware of both players, and I’m sure they’ll welcome them to the club and look forward to seeing both of them play for Celtic in the seasons ahead.”

Hart, the 34-year-old former England and Manchester City goalkeeper, played 10 times for Spurs last season but only in FA Cup and Europa League games. He has left Spurs for £1 million with a year to go on his deal.

Postecoglou started the season with Greece international Vasilis Barkas, signed last year from AEK for a reported £5 million fee, between the sticks but he has been replaced by Scott Bain in what is widely perceived as a problem position for the Parkhead club.

Hart said: “This is a great moment for me in my career and I am absolutely delighted to be joining a club of Celtic’s stature.

“I know just how big this club is and of the incredible support that it enjoys, and I can’t wait to play in front of the fans at Celtic Park.

“I’m looking forward to meeting up with my new team-mates now and getting to work with the squad and, in particular, the other goalkeepers here.”

McCarthy returns to Scotland 10 years after leaving Hamilton following distinguished spells at Wigan, Everton and Palace.

The 30-year-old joins after two years at Selhurst Park.
James McCarthy left Crystal Palace in the summer after two seasons

He added: “To have signed for Celtic is a brilliant feeling and this is a special day for me and my family.

“I know all about the club, the size of it and all the success it’s enjoyed, particularly in recent years. I’m looking forward to pulling on the Hoops, playing at Paradise and helping the team deliver more success to these amazing fans in the seasons ahead.”

Postecoglou’s side are preparing to face Czech hosts Jablonec in the first leg of their Europa League third qualifying round on Thursday.

Celtic have already been knocked out of the Champions League qualifiers by Danish side Midtjylland and lost 2-1 to Hearts at Tynecastle in their cinch Premiership opener at Tynecastle on Saturday night.

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SPURS TO FINE HARRY KANE AFTER STRIKER FAILS TO REPORT FOR PRE-SEASON COVID TESTS

Tottenham are likely to fine striker Harry Kane after he failed to report for pre-season tests on Monday morning.

The England captain was due back at the club’s Hotspur Way training centre for a Covid test following his three-week break after the European Championship.

However, Kane did not arrive as planned, throwing his future further up into the air.

Spurs are now considering disciplining their vice-captain, the PA news agency understands.

The 28-year-old is keen to leave the club this summer in order to win trophies, but, with three years left on his contract, Spurs have no intention of selling their prized asset.

Kane hinted at the end of last term that he would like to join Manchester City, but the Premier League champions have previously indicated they would not pay the sort of £150 million fee required to even tempt Spurs to the negotiating table.

Their pursuit of Jack Grealish for £100 million is also reported to impact their ability to sign Kane.

Kane has been in the Bahamas following England’s run to the Euro 2020 final and looks to have set his stall out to force a move from the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

New boss Nuno Espirito Santo, who was assured Kane would not be sold during discussions for the job, said last month that Kane could be “counted on” for the upcoming season.

Chairman Daniel Levy, who is likely to be irked by Kane’s attempts to force his way out, is determined to keep his star man and previously said that he would do whatever is best for the club.

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TYRONE MINGS OPENS UP OVER MENTAL HEALTH STRUGGLES AHEAD OF EURO 2020

BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 06: Tyrone Mings of Aston Villa reacts during the Premier League match between Aston Villa and Arsenal at Villa Park on February 6, 2021 in Birmingham, United Kingdom. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images)

Tyrone Mings has revealed he struggled with mental health problems at Euro 2020 which left him feeling like 95 per cent of the country were doubting him.

The Aston Villa defender deputised for Harry Maguire in England’s first two games against Croatia and Scotland, with the latter still recovering from an ankle injury.

Mings, quoted in the Sun, said: “I did have a tough time in the lead-up to the opening game against Croatia.

“I think I’m a lot more hardened to outside influences now, but my mental health did plummet. And I have no shame in admitting that because there was so many unknowns about me going to that game.

“I was probably the only name on the teamsheet that people thought, ‘Not sure about him’. And that was something I had to overcome. When 90-95 per cent of your country are having doubts over you, it’s very difficult to stop this intruding on your own thoughts.

“So I did a lot of work on that with my psychologist. It was hard. I didn’t really sleep very well before that first game.”

American gymnastics star Simone Biles has made headlines at the Olympics by pulling out of several events due to a mental health issue, while England all-rounder Ben Stokes is taking an indefinite break from cricket to safeguard his wellbeing.

Mings, 28, said: “It’s just great that we are playing in a time now when you can speak about mental health, and how you are feeling.

“We have seen with Simone Biles you can speak on how you are feeling and hopefully feel supported by many people.”

Former England defender Rio Ferdinand was a notable voice questioning Mings, in his role as a BBC pundit, but later contacted the Villa star to praise both his performances and his response to home secretary Priti Patel’s dismissal of England taking the knee as “gesture politics”.

When Patel tweeted her “disgust” at online abuse of Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho and Bukayo Saka after their penalty shoot-out misses in the final, Mings wrote: “You don’t get to stoke the fire at the beginning of the tournament by labelling our anti-racism message as ‘Gesture Politics’ & then pretend to be disgusted when the very thing we’re campaigning against, happens.”

He said: “Rio DM’d me after the tournament. He’d said I was the weak link, and that Croatia should be targeting me.

“He messaged me saying something like, ‘Top-class response — matched your performances on the pitch.’ What a lovely guy.”

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CLUBS MUST EDUCATE FANS ON RACISM – EVRA

Football clubs should interact with fans to educate them about racism, former France and Manchester United defender Patrice Evra has said, after Black players in the England team were subjected to online racist abuse after their Euro 2020 final loss.

Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho and Bukayo Saka were the targets of the abuse after they missed spot-kicks in England’s 3-2 shootout loss to Italy after the game ended 1-1 following extra time.

The abuse drew wide condemnation from England’s captain, manager, royalty, religious leaders and politicians, with UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson urging social media companies to do more to tackle online abuse that “emerged from the dark spaces of the internet.”

“If we don’t do something racism will always be there because it’s been there for so many years. You know we need to change and that’s why education is really important,” Evra told Sky Sports.

“I want those clubs to invest in education, to meet the fans, for the players to speak to the fans, maybe a group of fans and tell what they feel when they get abused because of their colour.

“Don’t tell me the football clubs can’t do that, or FIFA or UEFA, more meetings with the fans so they understand when they make a monkey noise when a Black player gets the ball, the way it affects them. That’s really important.”

Online abuse of players led to British football authorities briefly boycotting social media platforms before the Euros, while Britain is planning legislation to force tech firms to do more.

A Twitter spokesperson last week said they had removed more than 1,000 posts and permanently suspended a number of accounts, while Facebook said it too had quickly removed abusive comments.

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FIVE PEOPLE ARRESTED FOR RACIST ABUSE OF ENGLAND PLAYERS

Five people have been arrested over the racist abuse suffered by England players after their Euro 2020 final loss to Italy.

Marcus Rashford, Bukayo Saka and Jadon Sancho missed their penalties on Sunday evening and were subject to racist abuse online after the match.

The National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) has confirmed the UK Football Policing Unit is conducting a hate crime investigation and have submitted data applications to social media companies.

Chief Constable Mark Roberts, NPCC Football Policing Lead, said: “The racial abuse aimed at our own players following Sunday night’s game is utterly vile and has quite rightly shocked and appalled people across the country.

“Our England team have been true role models during the tournament, conducting themselves with professionalism and dignity. I’m disgusted there are individuals out there who think it’s acceptable to direct such abhorrent abuse at them, or at anybody else.

“The UKFPU investigation is well underway and work continues to identify those responsible. We are working very closely with social media platforms, who are providing data we need to progress enquiries.

“If we identify that you are behind this crime, we will track you down and you will face the serious consequences of your shameful actions.”

The FA and UK politicians condemned the abuse, with the Metropolitan Police saying it will investigate.

On Tuesday, Leyton Orient banned a fan for three years after reports of racist abuse online emerged following England’s defeat.

As of July 13, 897 football-related incidents and 264 arrests had been recorded across the country in the 24-hour period surrounding the final.

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MARCUS RASHFORD OUT TILL OCTOBER DUE TO SHOULDER INJURY

Marcus Rashford faces approximately 12 weeks out once the Manchester United and England forward undergoes shoulder surgery later this month, the PA news agency understands.

The 23-year-old made five substitute appearances for England during their run to the Euro 2020 final, where he hit the post from the spot in Sunday’s penalty shoot-out loss to Italy.

Rashford, who has been met with a groundswell of support in the wake of some sickening abuse, is now set to go under the knife to fix a long-standing shoulder complaint.

PA understands that the forward wanted the operation done straight after the Euros, but it will not be until later in July due to the availability of the requisite surgeon.

Rashford could be back training within five weeks of surgery, but it would be around 12 weeks until he returned to action, ruling him out into October.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side kick off their Premier League season at home to Leeds on August 14th, while England have five World Cup qualifiers during the period Rashford could be absent for.

The United academy graduate admitted last month that the shoulder complaint was among the physical issues he felt hampered his form during the second half of the 2020-21 campaign.

“Obviously I am not performing at my best and what I know I can perform to,” Rashford said three weeks ago.

“Whatever that is down to, it doesn’t really matter because it has been going on since early on in the season. I managed to get through the season with United.

“I think I had 36 goal involvements, so I can’t look back at the year and say ‘mmm, I should have taken time off to do this and do that’. That’s just not the way I look at things. I just want to be available for every game.”

Asked if there is a physical reason, he said on England duty: “I don’t think that’s a secret, to be honest with you.

“I think it’s quite well known and to get to this stage where I am now, it was a massive aim of mine back at the beginning of the season.

“So, like I said, I’m happy, I’m prepared mentally and physically for the games.”

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REVEALED – MAGUIRE’S FATHER SUSPECTED TO HAVE SUFFERED BROKEN RIBS AT WEMBLEY

Harry Maguire has told how his father was left with suspected broken ribs by ticketless fans who breached security at Wembley at the Euro 2020 final.

The England defender’s dad was caught up in the chaotic scenes inside the stadium on Sunday night and left struggling to breathe.

Maguire described what happened as “scary” and says his family will be “more aware” when attending games in future.

The 28-year-old, who emphatically smashed home his penalty in England’s shoot-out defeat, told The Sun: “My dad was in the stampede. I have not spoken with him too much but I am pleased my kids didn’t go to the game.

“It was scary — he said he was scared and I don’t want anyone to experience that at a football match.

“I have seen a lot of videos and have spoken to dad and my family. It was my dad and agent who suffered the most. He was struggling with his breathing afterwards because of his ribs, but he’s not one to make a big fuss – he got on with it.

“I hope we can learn from this and make sure it doesn’t happen again. Dad will always support me and go to the games but he will be a little bit more aware of everything going on around. We should all be more aware and learn from it.”

“Things could have been a lot worse but we have to make sure it does not happen again.”

On Tuesday, UEFA opened a disciplinary investigation into the incidents at the Euro 2020 final at Wembley.

Football Association chief executive Mark Bullingham said on Monday that a full review would take place into what had happened.

He accused “drunken yobs” of trying to force their way into the stadium without tickets.

The FA was charged by UEFA on four counts arising from the mayhem. Disciplinary proceedings were opened over a pitch invasion, throwing of objects, booing the Italian national anthem and the lighting of a firework.

Maguire hopes what happened on Sunday night does not affect England’s chances of hosting a future World Cup.

He said: “Wembley is an amazing place. It has been an amazing home and the fans and the way they have acted have been unbelievable, apart from the odd few in a final.

“We need to learn and we will — and it would be an amazing place to hold the World Cup.