Football news live: Chelsea takeover latest updates, World Cup qualifiers build-up

Patrick Bamford is set for another spell on the sidelines.

This time, it’s a foot injury that will keep him out for a minimum of six weeks.

More on this story here.

(Photo: Getty Images)

They are 2-0 up after 45 minutes against Jamaica through Cyle Larin and Tajon Buchanan and are on track to seal their place at the Qatar World Cup.

They need just a point from this match to book their spot.

With the USA and Mexico in action later, our dedicated CONCACAF live blog will keep you updated with everything you need to know from today’s games.

AFC Bury won promotion today from the North West Counties League Division One North.

The Bury FC phoenix club were crowned champions of their division after beating St Helens Town 4-0, having lost just once so far all season, and will play in the North West Counties League Premier Division in 2022-23.

That’s a move from the 10th tier to the ninth tier of English football, having been expelled from League One (the third tier) in 2019-20.

New Zealand will take on the Solomon Islands in Wednesday’s final.

The Kiwis beat Fiji 1-0, with the Solomon Islands winning 3-2 over Papua New Guinea earlier today.

The winner of the final will take on the fourth-placed side from CONCACAF, which looks like being Costa Rica, in June for a spot at the World Cup.

Such is the embarrasment of riches that France has, Allan Saint-Maximin is not really in Didier Deschamps’ immediate thoughts.

Chris Waugh explores the forward’s dilemma.

The presidency is often as important as the head coach in Spain.

Joan Laporta has been in charge for a year now, and Demort Corrigan is on hand to dissect how the 59-year-old has done.

There could be big things in the not too distant future…

Gary Neville criticised Manchester United’s players after they publicly went on holiday in the wake of a few poor results, but is that fair?

Iain Macintosh argues the toss.

A question that will become more and more important the closer we get to Qatar.

Jack Pitt-Brooke investigates.

“I don’t want rubbish cliches but I think women’s football won today. I think it shows the magnitude and impact this club can have in growing the game. That for me is a wonderful thing.”

Manchester United Women manager Marc Skinner spoke after his side beat Everton 3-1 at Old Trafford today.

It was the first time the women’s side had ever played at Old Trafford, a historic day for the Women’s Super League.

(Photo: Martin Rickett/PA Images via Getty Images)

Wales defender Ben Davies has returned to club side Tottenham Hotspur.

After playing 90 minutes in the 2-1 play-off semi-final win over Wales, he will not feature in the friendly against Czech Republic on Tuesday.

More here on this story.

(Photo: Getty Images)

Takeover, what takeover?

Chelsea Women were certainly not affected by any off-field distractions this afternoon in the WSL, as they beat Leicester City 9-0 away from home.

They sit top of the table, a point ahead of Arsenal, and unsurprisingly now have the division’s best goal difference…

Crystal Palace midfielder Michael Olise has withdrawn from the France Under-21 squad due to “inflammation” in his foot.

The French Football Federation (FFF) announced the news on Sunday, meaning Olise is unable to take part in the friendly match against Northern Ireland Under-21s on Monday.

The 20-year-old left a pre-match session on Sunday morning after the foot injury prevented him from training normally. Olise felt discomfort in his left foot which has forced him to withdraw.

Click here to read the full story.

(Photo: John Walton/PA Images via Getty Images)

Join Adam Leventhal as he discusses Watford’s relegation battle ahead of the final stretch of the Premier League campaign.

Cristiano Ronaldo has revealed his delight at seeing Portugal team-mate Pepe return to training following his recovery from COVID-19.

Pepe missed Portugal’s 3-1 win over Turkey in their World Cup play-off semi-final but is now back in full training ahead of their decider with North Macedonia.

Ronaldo was in a jubilant mood during Sunday’s training session in Porto as he trained alongside the veteran 39-year-old defender.

Click here to read the full story.

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Gareth Southgate has revealed he will ring the changes for England’s next friendly match against Ivory Coast on Tuesday.

Southgate named a mixed team featuring youth and experience in the 2-1 win over Switzerland yesterday and he could do the same in midweek.

Southgate said: “We’ll make changes. We think that’s the right thing to do.

“We want to keep all of the squad involved. I think that has been a strength for us. Players who come in perform well at the level and the team march on.

“ They need to feel that we’ve got the confidence in them to go into any game and we’re also at a stage of the season where their load is heavy and we’ve got to make sure we try and navigate that in the best way possible.”

(Photo: Marc Atkins/Getty Images)

Marco Verratti has urged fans not to insult Italy’s players following their shock elimination from World Cup qualification.

The European champions will not feature at the 2022 World Cup this winter as they were beaten 1-0 by North Macedonia in the play-off semi-final on Thursday.

Verratti and his Italy team-mates have come under fire following the surprise exit but the Paris Saint-Germain midfielder has called on his country to “continue fighting” together.

Click here to read the full story.

(Photo: Jonathan Moscrop/Getty Images)

Luke Shaw has praised England team-mate Harry Kane by suggesting the Tottenham man is one of the best strikers in the world.

Kane moved a step closer to breaking Wayne Rooney’s England goalscoring record by scoring his 49th goal for his country in England’s 2-1 win over Switzerland at Wembley on Saturday. Kane is now just four goals away from going level with Rooney.

Shaw is backing Kane to break the record by winning the Golden Boot at the World Cup this winter.

“I don’t see why not,” the Manchester United full-back said.

“For me at the moment, the way he’s playing, he’s one of the best strikers in the world, probably the best. So hopefully he can keep that form up, keep it going.

“He’s showing it week in week out at the moment and it’s a joy to watch. Long may that continue and I’m sure he will be hunting another Golden Boot and all the other records.”

(Photo: Alex Pantling – The FA/The FA via Getty Images)

Conor Gallagher has said it would be “amazing” to represent England at the 2022 World Cup but is focused on continuing to impress on loan at Crystal Palace.

Gallagher made his Wembley debut on Saturday by starting for England in their 2-1 friendly win over Switzerland.

The 22-year-old midfielder’s fine form on loan at Selhurst Park saw him earn his first senior England call-up in November.

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