Tuchel explains ‘tough decision for Trent’ and refuses to rule out Dowman for England - football live

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Igor Tudor is having a chat with media now before Tottenham’s relegation six-pointer against on Sunday.

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A video of super Tommy Tuchel below, talking about the Trent omission, with a dash of Max Dowman:

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Updated at 09.47 EDT

“It’s important the players stay level-headed,” says the Coventry manager Frank Lampard before tomorrow evening’s Championship test at Swansea City. Cov were beaten 2-1 by Southampton last time out.

“I know they’re a good group, resilient … I know they are good players, the table says so.

“You’re going to take a few hits in this league, there are 46 games. We’ve been the team that have been proven to be at the top of that so far. We need to take confidence from that and move forward.”

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Updated at 09.45 EDT

“So sad that Trent’s not included,” emails Claire of Tuchel’s latest playing panel.

“Do you think he would have been left out of the French/Spanish/Portuguese squad? (If he were any of those nationalities, of course.)

“I can see why he might not fit well in a Thomas Tuchel team - which I see as exciting, dynamic and efficient but not massively creative … Hmmm.”

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Ronnie O’Sullivan was just on my telly talking about his incredible 153 break in Yuhan.

“I just wish I got paid more for it, that’s all.”

Stay classy, Ronnie.

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Also from Andrews, on Igor Thiago’s Brazil call-up and the possibility of the forward winning the Premier League golden boot:

“He needs to keep striving, keep pushing hard – he’s an amazing character.

“He’s had a big week with his call-up to Brazil. Such a proud moment for him and his family, and us as a football club. It’s pretty special. We’re going to keep supporting him, like we always have, and hopefully he can keep scoring consistently.”

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Updated at 09.35 EDT

A quick injury update from Keith Andrews, the Brentford boss, before his side’s Premier League trip to Leeds tomorrow night.

“Dams [Mikkel Damsgaard] was on the grass today. Which was obviouslly positive. We’ll give him every chance for tomorrow.”

Andrews is asked about all the predictions, before the season, that Brentford would be relegated.

“I’m not aware of what was said. I had a decent idea at the time … I don’t read or watch very much. I focus on what I can control. We’ve spoken a lot about our journey which has been very pleasing and gives us a lot of pride about what we stand for. We’ve got eight huge games left.

“All our focus naturally just goes in to what we do day today. Then what people say is their prerogative.”

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Updated at 09.30 EDT

Liverpool condemn online racist abuse of Konaté

Andy Hunter

Liverpool have condemned the “vile and abhorrent racist abuse” aimed at Ibrahima Konaté following their Champions League win over Galatasaray and accused social media companies of allowing racist hatred to spread unchecked.

Konaté has received racist abuse, comments about the recent death of his father and even about Diogo Jota having been involved in the incident that left Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen with a fractured arm at Anfield on Wednesday.

Liverpool have not only condemned the abuse in the strongest possible terms but widened their criticism to include social media companies who fail to prevent it or take action against it.

“This behaviour is utterly unacceptable. It is dehumanising, cowardly and rooted in hate,” read a club statement. “Our players are not targets. They are human beings. The abuse that continues to be directed at players, often hidden behind anonymous accounts, is a stain on the game and on the platforms that allow it to persist.

“Words of condemnation alone are not sufficient. Social media companies must take responsibility and act now. These platforms have the power, the technology and the resources to prevent this abuse, yet too often they fail to do so. Allowing racist hatred to spread unchecked is a choice – and it is one that continues to harm players, families and communities across the game.

“We will continue to offer Ibrahima our full support and will work with the relevant authorities to identify those responsible wherever possible. But the burden cannot keep falling on players and clubs to respond after the damage has already been done. The current situation cannot be allowed to continue. It must be confronted, challenged and eradicated – not tomorrow, but now.”

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Thomas Tuchel says England will not take risks with Jude Bellingham’s fitness as the Real Madrid star continues his recovery from a hamstring injury.

The 22-year-old was reduced to tears after pulling up injured in the opening stages of the Spanish giants’ 2-1 La Liga victory over Rayo Vallecano on 1 February.

Bellingham is yet to return to action and watched from the stands as Real overcame Manchester City in the Champions League on Tuesday, but three days later the midfielder was included in England’s 35-man squad.

Tuchel believes it is important to have the midfielder in the final camp before the World Cup but tried to set expectations ahead of the friendlies against Uruguay and Japan.

“Everyone had the same interest, which is not always the case,” the England boss said. “But in this case, we all had the same interest.

“I wanted Jude to be in camp, Jude wanted to be in camp and Real Madrid is happy for him to come to camp because we can provide, basically, team training for him, which is a bit difficult because Real Madrid is just like on the international break.

“We can provide that, so all boxes are ticked. I think it was very important to get the expectations right - it is maybe also very important to get your expectations right (in the media) about Jude in this camp.

“We will continue his progress in integration into team training. We will be very careful and not take any risk with Jude regarding a risk of re-injury.

“It’s a very rare injury for him to have a muscle injury, so he’s not experienced in it, so we will be very, very careful with it and not take any risk.

“The best case scenario is that he gets some minutes against Japan. That is the framework and then we will adapt from day to day.” PA Media

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A few bits from earlier, including things to look out for this weekend:

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In other recap news. Why did Tuchel leave Trent Alexander-Arnold out of his squad again?

“It is more the evidence we have, that we were good in September, October, November, than any reflection on Trent.

“I know very well what Trent can offer us … I played many times against him [as a club manager], and suffered … I know what he can give.

“We have evidence of how good we were in September, October, November … those full-backs have to push, they have to show again they deserve their spot.”

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Updated at 09.07 EDT

That of course is David Hytner’s news hit on the 35-man England squad, if you missed it earlier.

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David Hytner

Thomas Tuchel has recalled Harry Maguire and Kobbie Mainoo for the Wembley friendlies against Uruguay and Japan in an enlarged England squad of 35 players. The manager said he has picked almost two groups for the matches in order to give opportunities to fringe players and, initially, rest to other more established ones at this critical stage of the season.

Tuchel’s other headlines were the decisions to bring back Lewis Hall, Fikayo Tomori, Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Dominic Solanke. He has also given a first call-up to James Garner. Tino Livramento is back. The most eye-catching omissions were those of Trent Alexander-Arnold, Morgan Gibbs-White and Ollie Watkins, who have to fear for their World Cup places.

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I can exclusively reveal that I have a ticket for England v Uruguay next week.

Do you?

You can mail me with your reaction to Tuchel’s squad, and his decision not to involve 11 front-line players against the South Americans.

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Is it ironic that Arsenal have adopted the dark arts after Arteta criticised Guardiola for the same? (Jamie with the question again.)

“Did you hear me talk about dark arts and Arsenal? [Or] Do you say that?"

“What time is the conference in London? You have time to go to London and ask Mikel about that …

“The officials have to handle it or the guys, behind the scenes …

“Look what happened around the world … The world is going to collapse, and we are here talking about the “dark arts” from one team or the other team … there are more important things than that.”

Note: The world is not going to collapse.

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Updated at 09.00 EDT

Our very own Jamie Jackson asks: Was there a falling out between Arteta and Guardiola last year, after the game when Rodri got injured? Are they friends now, do they have dinner together?

“I don’t have time to go to London and I think he has no time, with four competitions, to come to Manchester … all the managers have a lot of business to do … if you want to try to create some conflict between me and Mikel, I am old enough to do that.” [I think he means old enough to see it coming and not rise to it.]

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Updated at 08.52 EDT

“To be there [in the final] is a big honour and a big challenge,” Guardiola says of facing Arsenal at Wembley on Sunday.

What impresses him about Arsenal’s progress under Mikel Arteta? Admittedly I didn’t catch all of it but this featured:

“They control many things, many aspects of the game. A spirit of many years of winning. You see a solidarity in all the aspects. They control when they defend deep, when they are high, the buildups, long balls, second balls … many, many good things. They have alternatives, there is a fluidity in his [Arteta’s] buildup, there is no pattern, consistent pattern – as I said, fluidity. Champions League they won all their games in the group stage … exceptional team. It’s a big challenge for us to see our level.”

How focused is Erling Haaland?

“I’m pretty sure he’s focused, like all of us. I didn’t speak with him. We had two days off. I’m pretty sure he’s ready.

What about Antoine Semenyo, big moment for him, first game at Wembley?

“As with James [Trafford, the goalkeeper who Guardiola says will start], for all of us. To reach these finals is really tough.

“Being there … it’s a big opportunity … you never know when it’s going to happen again.”

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Updated at 08.50 EDT

Thank you Xaymaca. Pep Guardiola is speaking now before the Rumbelows Cup final on Sunday.

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Updated at 08.34 EDT

That’s all from me for now. I’m handing over to the very capable Luke McLaughlin.

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Away from the national team call ups, we also have Premier League and League Cup games to look forward to. Here are the talking points going into the weekend.

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Who do you think Tuchel should start as England’s no. 10 at the World Cup?

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Tuchel on England's no. 10: 'We will have to make a tough call'

double quotation markWe need clarity around every position. It is unlikely that we bring three, four or five players for one position. That will confuse everyone. The choice between world-class players in the number 10 means at some point we will have to make a tough call. The competition is on [in March], but we will share it.

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Here’s Rick Harris’ opinion on Luke Shaw:

double quotation markI find the omission of Luke Shaw extraordinary unless the player himself has called time on his international career. Shaw is defensively better than Lewis Hall or Livramento and I would question the assertion that he isn’t able to get forward as much as he previously did. He has played most of United’s games this season so the injury argument is rather flawed. The thing that swings it for Shaw however is his ability to play at centre back so that versatility ought to be a no brainer. I agree with Maguire and Mainoo being recalled but Shaw has been more impressive this season than either of those two. Livramento has barely featured for Newcastle incidentally.

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A message from Tim Talbot:

double quotation markDanny Welbeck has gotta feel hard done by. Comes across as a calm, experienced guy who could be an asset to the squad at a World Cup; and in the form he’s currently in, pop up with a few extra time goals.

I agree, he’s made a great case to be included. He’s older than the other options but I’d count on him to roll back the years.

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Here’s Kirsty McNally’s response to the previous comments about John Stones:

double quotation markJohn Stones is not diminished he is one of the best players in England. He is fit. What he needs is games. Should he get that between now and the World Cup it is a no brainer he starts.

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Tuchel refuses to rule out Dowman for the World Cup

David Hytner

While Arsenal prodigy Max Dowman is not named in the group, Tuchel did not rule out the 16-year-old’s chances of forcing his way into the squad for the World Cup.

double quotation markHe has put himself into the spotlight,” he said. “He’s a fantastic talent. The reality is he’s not a regular starter. He’s in the best environment possible, learning from the very best. We always have the chance to call him up for the World Cup. There is no need to call him up now to increase the pressure but we have all the options.

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Updated at 07.47 EDT

When asked about Alexander-Arnold’s omission, Tuchel went on to say:

double quotation markI know it’s a tough one, I know it’s a big name. He’s a huge talent with a big career. The right-backs (we have) offer slightly different profiles (to Alexander-Arnold), the evidence is we were good in September-November than anything from Trent. I played many times against him and suffered many times when he played against my teams. I know very well his strengths and what he can give.

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Updated at 07.47 EDT

Tuchel: 'It's a tough decision for Trent'

double quotation markI know that it’s a tough decision for Trent, as it is for Ollie Watkins and Luke Shaw. These tough decisions come with the job. It’s a sporting decision that we stick with Jarell Quansah, Tino Livramento and Djed Spence who can play for us at right-back. It is a decision for Dom Solanke and Dominic Calvert-Lewin, who I don’t know as well as Ollie Watkins. I feel I have a very clear picture of what Ollie can give us so I want to have a look at two other players.

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Updated at 07.38 EDT

A thought from Paul Haynes:

double quotation markIn terms of longer term thinking, Jobe Bellingham might be picked to gain experience with the senior squad at this stage as he seems to be improving rapidly at Dortmund and looks like a future England captain, although this World Cup is perhaps a little too soon; however, he won’t be exhausted after along hard season like some of the alternative choices in the box to box role – a plus in the hot temperatures expected throughout the tournament. Just a thought.

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A message from Jonathan McKinley:

double quotation markI’m surprised that Morgan Gibbs-White isn’t in. For me he has been a more energetic and effective player than either Foden or Palmer this season.

It’s a good point. Cole Palmer hasn’t looked the same since his groin injury and Phil Foden has been anonymous for the majority of the season.

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Here’s a message from Geoff Wignall:

double quotation markIf you’re right in thinking that Shaw has been omitted because of his history of injury problems, it’s hard to understand the inclusion of Stones. They’re of similar age and seem to have had similar numbers of injuries. I think it’s more likely that Shaw no longer appears able to get forward as often and as powerfully as he used to - probably a result of his injuries; but Stones looks equally diminished. And good honest pro that he is, how is Dan Burn anywhere near an international squad?

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Thomas Tuchel is speaking to the press about his England squad announcement.

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Brighton’s goalkeeper Jason Steele is probably the most surprising call up. England intend to use him as a training keeper at the World Cup.

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Mo Salah injury news

Mo Salah has been ruled out of Liverpool’s Saturday game against Brighton and Egypt’s squad. Arne Slot said the winger “felt something” during Liverpool’s win over Galatasaray.

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What do you think of the England squad? Who should/shouldn’t have been included? Let me know.

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Ollie Watkins and Luke Shaw have also been left out of the squad. Watkins has only scored three goals this year and Shaw has struggled with injuries throughout his career. I imagine that’s the thinking behind their exclusion.

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Thomas Tuchel explains his logic for naming such a large squad for the friendlies against Uruguay and Japan.

double quotation markWe decided to divide it into basically two camps almost, so we bring players in that we haven’t seen who haven’t played so much to open up the picture and the competition for plane tickets to the US. Then from Friday and Saturday, a group of players will come into camp - 10 or 11 players who get a rest before and we will then go with a new group and mix of players into the match against Japan.

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Updated at 06.28 EDT

So, who has been left out of the squad? The big omission is Trent Alexander-Arnold. The defender has started seven of Real Madrid’s last nine games after being out of favour earlier in the season. Reece James is also unavailable as he picked up a hamstring injury against Newcastle. It seems strange to leave him out of a 35-man squad.

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Updated at 06.33 EDT

England squad

Goalkeepers: Dean Henderson, Jordan Pickford, James Trafford, Aaron Ramsdale, Jason Steele

Defenders: Dan Burn, Marc Guéhi, Lewis Hall, Ezri Konsa, Tino Livramento, Harry Maguire, Nico O’Reilly, Jarell Quansah, Djed Spence, John Stones, Fikayo Tomori

Midfielders: Elliot Anderson, Jude Bellingham, James Garner, Jordan Henderson, Kobbie Mainoo, Declan Rice, Morgan Rogers, Adam Wharton

Forwards: Jarrod Bowen, Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Eberechi Eze, Phil Foden, Anthony Gordon, Harry Kane, Noni Madueke, Cole Palmer, Marcus Rashford, Bukayo Saka, Dominic Solanke

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Updated at 06.16 EDT

We will have more England squad news to follow.

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Maguire, Mainoo and Calvert-Lewin in 35-man England squad

David Hytner

Harry Maguire and Kobbie Mainoo have been recalled to the England squad for the upcoming Wembley friendlies against Uruguay and Japan, Thomas Tuchel rewarding them for their excellent form at Manchester United. The England manager has also given a first call-up to Everton’s James Garner and recalled Lewis Hall of Newcastle, Leeds’s Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Tottenham’s Dominic Solanke. Tuchel has picked a larger-than-normal squad of 35 players in order to manage their minutes at a critical stage of the season. It is the last squad he will name before he does so for the World Cup in the summer.

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Updated at 06.06 EDT

Here’s a message from Krishnamoorthy:

double quotation markWill the Premier League teams make a clean sweep of the European trophies? As of now I am confident only about the Europa League. My trust is not with Villa but with the serial winner Unai Emery.

A Premier League clean sweep looks unlikely after last round’s showing. The top teams from elsewhere in Europe have a decisiveness in key moments that some of the Premier League teams lack. I don’t see Liverpool beating PSG or Nottingham Forest beating Porto in the next round.

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Lewis Hall is also set for a return to the England squad. Newcastle’s left back has been excellent this year and will likely be the first choice in his position for the World Cup.

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Updated at 05.57 EDT

Here’s a recap of last night’s European fixtures involving English teams.

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Michael Carrick has changed Manchester United’s fortunes since taking over as interim coach after Ruben Amorim’s dismissal. His side have only lost once in the nine games that he’s been in charge – a 2-1 loss against Newcastle. Read Jamie Jackson’s piece about how Carrick keeps his cool on the touchline.

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Manchester United duo Kobbie Mainoo and Harry Maguire seem set for England call ups. Recalls today would mark the first time a Manchester United player has been involved in the England setup since September 2024.

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Updated at 05.58 EDT

Preamble

Hello and welcome to another football live blog! Yesterday English teams managed to redeem themselves in Europe slightly, with Aston Villa, Nottingham Forest and Crystal Palace progressing to the next round of the Europa League and Conference League respectively. This all bodes well for the national team. The England squad will be announced at 11am. Stick with me for updates and feel free to send me a message with your thoughts.

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