The week ahead
MARCUS RASHFORD, TWO OTHERS PULL OUT FROM ENGLAND SQUAD
Manchester United’s Marcus Rashford, Chelsea’s Mason Mount, and Newcastle’s Nick Pope have all withdrawn from the England squad for the Euro 2024 qualifiers against Italy and Ukraine. Rashford suffered a knock in Man Utd’s win over Fulham, while Mount and Pope both have minor injuries. Tottenham goalkeeper Fraser Forster has been called up to replace Pope, marking his first call-up since March 2022.
TOTTENHAM’S ANTONIO CONTE FACES UNCERTAIN FUTURE AFTER OUTBURST
AT SOUTHAMPTON
Following Tottenham’s 3-3 draw at Southampton, head coach Antonio Conte labelled his squad “selfish”, causing uncertainty around his future with the club. Tottenham is expected to decide on his future in the next 24 hours. Rumours have linked former Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino with a potential return to the club.
MAN U TO RECEIVE MULTIPLE BIDS AS
BIDDERS VOW NOT TO OVERPAY
British billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe held meetings last week, but he won’t pay a “stupid” price for the club. Meanwhile, Sheikh Jassim will make a second bid for Manchester United on Today , and more bidders are expected to visit next week. The club is set to receive more than five bids today .
ENGLAND BEGINS QUALIFICATION
CAMPAIGN FOR EURO 2024
On Thursday, March 23, England will face defending champions Italy in their opening Euro 2024 Group C clash at the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium in Naples. Kick-off is scheduled for 7.45pm UK time. The Three Lions will be looking to bounce back after their cruel defeat to Italy in the Euro 2020 final.
SCOTTIE SCHEFFLER LEADS GROUPS FOR WORLD GOLF CHAMPIONSHIPS
Scottie Scheffler, last year’s winner, holds the No. 1 seed in the World Golf
Championships-Dell Technologies Match Play, which begins on Wednesday, March 22, at Austin Country Club. Jordan Spieth (No. 12) will face former Champion Golfer of the Year Shane Lowry (No. 21), Taylor Montgomery (No. 47), and Mackenzie Hughes (No. 50) in the group stages. Jon Rahm (No. 2) will face 2021 winner Billy Horschel (No. 22), Keith Mitchell, and former PLAYERS champion Rickie Fowler (No. 49). FedExCup Champion Rory McIlroy (No. 3) will be grouped with Keegan
Bradley (No. 20), Denny McCarthy (No. 48), and Scott Stallings (No. 52).
SOUTH AFRICA AND WEST INDIES GO
HEAD-TO-HEAD IN 1ST T20I
Two of the most exciting T20 teams in the world will face off in the first T20I at SuperSport Park in Centurion. South Africa, with a formidable b atting and bowling line-up, will take on the big-hitting West Indies team. The match will start at 2pm local time.