4 h. ago Steve Clarke hopes Scotland’s World Cup qualification will inspire next generation

Manager wants youth to dream of playing for ScotlandClarke uses missed chances as player to inspire teamSteve Clarke hopes Scotland’s long-awaited qualification for a men’s World Cup will inspire the country’s young footballers.Against a backdrop of euphoric scenes at Hampden Park on Tuesday night, the Scots defeated Denmark 4-2 to seal a World Cup spot for the first time since 1998. Their manager was delighted to end that long wait, especially as he believes it has harmed the nation’s football development. “This should stimulate or motivate young players to go out and become Scotland internationals in the future,” said Clarke. “Hopefully there is a legacy from this group of players to the younger generations and we don’t wait so long to go to the next tournament and the next tournament. Continue reading...

Politics

13 h. ago Steve McClaren quits as Jamaica head coach with path to World Cup still open

Draw with Curaçao ends automatic qualification hopeHe says team need ‘new energy and different perspective’Steve McClaren has resigned as Jamaica’s head coach after a goalless draw with Curaçao ended the team’s hopes of automatic World Cup qualification and left them in March’s intercontinental playoffs.Jamaica needed a win but hit the woodwork three times in the second half as Curaçao became the smallest country by population to win a berth at the World Cup finals. McClaren’s side finished second in Group B of Concacaf qualifying despite being the favourites. Continue reading...

Politics

25 h. ago Scotland vs Denmark live: Red card gives hosts renewed hope in crucial World Cup qualifier

Scotland can seal qualification to a first World Cup since 1998 with victory over Denmark

Politics

26 h. ago Fans outside Hampden share their hopes for tonight's crucial World Cup Qualifier

Our reporter spoke to excited fans outside Hampden ahead of kick-off.

Politics

27 h. ago Iraq score in 17th minute of stoppage time to keep World Cup qualifying hopes alive

Iraq have progressed into the intercontinental qualifiers after edging out the United Arab Emirates

Politics

55 h. ago When is the World Cup draw, who has qualified for the 2026 World Cup, date and how to watch

Scotland will hope secure qualification to the World Cup next summer - and here’s when the draw takes place.

Politics

4 d. ago Jordan James strike gives Wales crucial World Cup qualifier win in Liechtenstein

Wales laboured to a 1-0 win over international minnows Liechtenstein to keep alive their hopes of World Cup qualification.Jordan James claimed his first Wales goal from close range after Liechtenstein’s assorted collection of full-time players, office workers and students had held out for over an hour. James wheeled away in delight with his obvious relief shared by 3,000 Wales fans filling three sides of the Rheinpark Stadion in Vaduz. Continue reading...

Events

5 d. ago Bellingham and Foden return to give Tuchel’s England a headache at No 10 | Barney Ronay

Morgan Rogers has the shirt but the England head coach has lit a fire under star names by leaving them on the benchIt didn’t exactly feel like a thrilling three-way shootout for the role of England’s top gun No 10. At least, not for the opening hour anyway. Wembley was a sodden place at kick-off, the rain falling in huge slow flakes, the kind of rain that puts a lid on the world. And for long periods this was a strange, bloodless experience, a World Cup qualifier with very little qualification at stake beyond the dwindling hopes of Serbia.By the end, however, there was at least a sense that something had happened here. You have to hand it to Thomas Tuchel, currently cresting a wave as England’s first master of negging, founding member of the don’t really give a toss school of international management. Continue reading...

Politics

1 week ago Explosive ending cannot mask flaws of Tottenham and Manchester United | Jonathan Wilson

This match was as dismal as last season’s Europa League final and in a routine league game nerves are no excuseNever underestimate the haplessness of this Manchester United. Never underestimate the haplessness of this Tottenham Hotspur. Never underestimate the capacity of the Premier League to uncover drama in the least plausible situation. The embers of a game of little quality seemed cold and dead but somehow burst into glorious flame in the final six minutes plus stoppage time.What it means is anybody’s guess, other than that these are two sides who remain deeply flawed. The shadow of Bilbao and last May’s Europa League final was unavoidable; in purely technical terms, that game was just as bad as the first 84 minutes of this one, but it at least had a sense of edge. Nervousness is permissible if there is something to be nervous about. Such scrappiness in a routine league meeting is far less explicable. Continue reading...

Events