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Bye bye, Bruno?

Bruno Fernandes has been urged by Joe Cole to leave Manchester United and play for a club 'capable of winning trophies'.

Since Fernandes moved to Old Trafford in January 2020, he has won an FA Cup and League Cup.

However, the Red Devils have struggled in the league in recent years and look some way off challenging for the Premier League title.

It's why Cole, a former attacking fielder himself, believes Fernandes must look elsewhere if he wants to add to his trophy cabinet.

Cole even claimed the Portuguese star has 'run his race' at United.

"He should leave that club with everyone; the owners, fans and the manager giving him his flowers because he gets all the stick," Cole told the Daily Mirror.

"And that’s part and parcel of being a Manchester United footballer but how must he feel when he’s getting all the pelters despite being the one with the goals, assists and driving the team forwards.

"He’s a fabulous player and if I was him, I’d be looking to go and play in a team capable of winning trophies."

Half-time!

The half-time whistle has been blown across this evening's Nations League matches.

There's even been a number of Premier League stars who have got themselves on the scoresheet.

Newcastle's Sandro Tonali has Italy one-nil up over Germany, Cody Gakpo equalised for the Netherlands against Spain while Wolves' Matt Doherty put Ireland 2-1 up over Bulgaria.

Read below for a full list of all the half-time scores!

Bulgaria 1-2 Ireland

Kosovo 1-1 Iceland

Slovakia 0-0 Slovenia

Austria 1-0 Serbia

Ukraine 0-1 Belgium

Greece 0-1 Scotland

Netherlands 1-1 Spain

Croatia 2-0 France

Denmark 0-0 Portugal

Italy 1-0 Germany

Villa's warm weather win

Aston Villa have kept up their match fitness with a tidy 3-1 win over Al-Ain in Abu Dhabi.

Emery's side took advantage of the international break to enjoy a warm-weather camp in the UAE ahead of a bumper run of fixtures once club football resumes.

And the Spaniard made sure to squeeze in a match for his side, with Marco Asensio, Axel Disasi and academy product Kane Taylor all netting in the first half.

It was actually Al-Ain who took a surprise lead at the Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium via Mohamed Awad in the 12th minute.

But the Villa trio's goals ensured the tourists would head home happy.

Villa return to action following the international break with an FA Cup quarter-final away to Preston North End on March 30.

Great Scot

History could be made between Scotland and Greece in their Nations League play-off tonight.

The Scots have ventured east for the the first leg and have named a strong starting line-up, including in-form Napoli midfielder Scott McTominay.

But it's one player among Scotland's substitutes that could steal all the headlines.

James Wilson is just 17 years old, but the Hearts forward has impressed and earned himself a call-up to Steve Clarke's squad for the March international break.

It is the latest chapter in the teenager's rapid trajectory having only made his Hearts debut in May last year.

He could write another important chapter tonight too.

If Wilson comes on against Greece, it means he becomes the youngest Scotland international in history.

Oh my, Myles!

When Myles Lewis-Skelly's phone rang, he thought it was the moment he'd waited for his whole life.

Having put in several impressive shifts for Arsenal, the 18-year-old looked to be in with a strong chance of earning his first senior England call-up.

So when an unknown number flashed up on his screen, the Gunners ace couldn't hang up on his friend quick enough.

How wrong he was.

"I was on the phone with my friend the day before the big announcement," Lewis-Skelly said.

"Then I got a call from a number so I was like, ‘Oh bro, I've got to call you back, let me take this call’. So I hung up with my friend and put on my good voice.

"I was getting ready and then the person that speaks is, ‘we’ve got your food, it’s outside’. It’s Uber Eats for my mum."

Luckily for the teen, he did receive the call he'd longed for later that day

Tribute

Chelsea have paid tribute to Formula One legend and Blues fan Eddie Jordan.

The former team owner and pundit sadly passed away at the age of 76.

The Englishman ran his own team from 1991 to 2005 before joining the BBC and helping with their coverage of F1.

Jordan had been battling bladder and prostrate cancer in the past year and his passing was confirmed in a family statement.

Chelsea posted their own message, which read.

"Chelsea Football Club is saddened to learn of the passing of former Formula 1 team owner, and Chelsea supporter, Eddie Jordan. Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this tremendously sad time. Rest in peace, Eddie."

Helping Hend

Ajax manager Francesco Farioli has claimed he hasn't been left surprised by Jordan Henderson getting an England call-up.

On his initial reaction, he told Sky Sports: "It was great. It was in the morning of the game, so we had just the opportunity to meet for breakfast and he came up with this news and, of course, it was really emotional.

"You know how much it means for him to be back in the national team squad and I think it's something that he's really happy for the team and for the club, and for all of us.

"This type of news is always special. So, with Jordan, we are really well connected from the emotional point of view for all the things that since day one I got from him because he's a fantastic person, a true leader.

"As you can imagine, his experience, his knowledge and especially his love for the game is something that is really unique. For me, as a coach, it's not really difficult to connect with people if they have this desire to make our normal environment better every day.

"He's a player who just by example is able to lead the group and to move all the players in the right direction, and I think in the new journey that we are having, his role has been crucial.

"We have to be really happy. We are really happy for the fact that he's going to contribute also for the new cycle of the England national team."

Was Farioli surprised by Henderson's call-up? "No, because I believe he's a player who can really bring things.

"With his mentality and his professionalism, you are getting better in this type of thing.

"And now that England is rebuilding a new story, I believe you need this type of player and especially human being."

'I am getting pranked'

Newcastle United defender and cup hero Dan Burn has revealed he thought his England call-up was a prank.

The centre-back has enjoyed one of the greatest weeks a professional footballer could ever experience.

First, he was called into the England squad for the first time in his career, having never played at any youth level for the Three Lions.

He then went to Wembley and scored in a 2-1 win for the Toon over Liverpool in the Carabao Cup final.

Given Burn is a boyhood Newcastle fan and that he ended the club's 70-year wait for a domestic trophy, it's unlikely he'll ever have a better week as a footballer.

Of course, he could still be capped by Tomas Tuchel on Friday, which really would top it off.

Speaking on a new show released by England on YouTube, Burn revealed he thought the Tuchel call was fake.

He said: "We played West Ham Monday night and then Tuesday, I got a text from the manager saying that 'it's Thomas Tuchel, can I facetime later?'

"At first, I was like, 'I am getting pranked here'.

"I was going through my contact list and I was thinking, 'who can I test to see if this is legit? I am just going to have to bite the bullet.'

"Then I realised it was actually him. But I was thinking it was going to be the cruelest thing ever."

Luckily, for Burn, it was real, and he got the call.

Identified

England captain Harry Kane has been speaking about the differences between Gareth Southgate and Thomas Tuchel.

The Bayern Munich striker worked closely with the German in the Bundesliga last season.

Kane knows both men very well, so ahead of Tuchel's first match as Three Lions boss, he offered his thoughts.

Speaking at the pre-match press conference, he said: "They are totally different characters in their personalities and the way they are off and on the pitch.

"I had a great relationship with Gareth. We were similar in a lot of ways.

"Thomas brings a lot more energy and enthusiasm. He brings a lot of passion when he's talking - it's been great.

"I saw a lot of it last season, and he was a big reason I went to Bayern Munich, so I know his attributes and how good of a coach he is.

"All of the boys have been impressed."

Not risked

England manager Thomas Tuchel (you'll get used to hearing it soon) has provided an update on his squad ahead of taking charge of his first match.

The Three Lions face Albania at Wembley tomorrow in World Cup Qualifying live on talkSPORT, and he is going to have a full squad to pick from.

However, there is no Cole Palmer, and Tuchel provided a brief update on him.

Speaking at his pre-match press conference, he said: "Cole will not be with us, he was not on the pitch with Chelsea.

"We've waited quite a while now for feedback and for the chance to call him up, but he is not available.

"For now, we stay with this group and everybody is in training today, so it gives us the full choice.

"Hopefully, nothing happens in this training session, and we will have some tough choices to make tomorrow."

Dismissed

England manager Thomas Tuchel has rubbished suggestions that the reason the Three Lions haven't won anything is because of the shirt.

There is a suggestion that the England players struggle to deal with the expectations of representing their country on the big stage.

However, he does appreciate that fear has seeped into England performances in the past.

Speaking at his pre-match press conference, he said: "I heard this a lot, that this is a heavy shirt. It is in fact not - it is a high-quality shirt.

"The shirt is not heavy, but it is maybe another way to put how I felt watching the Euros - I felt tension and pressure on the shoulders of the players.

"We need to turn this around because we have so many experienced players and so many who have won trophies with their clubs.

"We have every right to be self-confident, but we have six games to qualify and then hopefully head to America."

'I have to prove the point'

When Thomas Tuchel was appointed England manager, there was a lot of concern over the fact he is a German.

Of course, he's an elite club manager who has won many trophies, but there were some doubters.

He was asked about this at his first pre-match press conference as England boss and said: "I have felt excitement, and we've created a positive energy for the match tomorrow.

"It is on us. I have to prove a point and make people believe in me.

"But this will be a very fluid situation, and we have to keep everyone on board."

Clear plan

Thomas Tuchel is in the building and speaking to the media ahead of his first England game against Albania - live on talkSPORT.

Immediately, the former Chelsea manager has clarified what he meant by his comments on the Three Lions last summer.

But crucially, he has also hinted at how he wants his team to play, and it is good news for England fans.

Speaking at his pre-match press conference when asked about his ITV interview, he said: "That was my feeling - it's a pretty clear statement, and I don't know how to put it in other words.

"I think it has to be the other way around. I want us to play with excitement, hunger, desire and the joy to win.

"We want to implement this togetherness and joy.

"We need to play with the joy to win and not the fear to lose.

"The focus is on winning, more touches in the opponent's box, more attacks, more high-ball recoveries."

Expanding on the play style, he said: "Offensively, we will try to implement our style, structure and rythym.

"We want to put players into positions where they feel comfortable and can express themselves."

'Not last summer, no'

Ahead of his first match in charge of the England national team, Thomas Tuchel has been speaking about what went wrong at Euro 2024.

The former Chelsea boss believes that the Three Lions lacked a clear identity under Gareth Southgate in Germany.

However, he is also convinced the team were more scared about going out than excited about winning.

When asked by ITV if he felt England had a clear plan, he said: "Not last summer, no."

He was then asked what was absent, and said: "The identity, the clarity, the rhythm, the repetition of patterns.

"The freedom of players, the expression of players, and the hunger.

"They were more afraid to drop out of the tournament than having the excitement and hunger to win it."

England-Under21s

talkSPORT's Ian Abrahams has provided an update on the England Under-21 squad.

Southampton's Ronnie Edwards has been called into the squad for the first time.

The defender is currently on loan at Queens Park Rangers, but has received a call-up into Lee Carsley's side.

However, the former England senior interim boss will be without three key players.

Dennis Cirkin, Jay Stansfield and Jamie Gittens are all set to remain with their respective clubs over the international break.

Toon Moor

Newcastle United are reportedly planning to ditch having an open-top bus parade to celebrate their Carabao Cup victory.

However, Toon fans shouldn't despair because there is something potentially much more special planned.

The Daily Telegraph the Magpies are planning a huge celebration on the Town Moor, which is an open area of grass behind St James' Park that regularly hosts festivals.

It's a massive space, and if Newcastle do hold something there, it will be enormous.

The Toon ended a 70-year wait for a domestic trophy on Sunday by beating Liverpool 2-1 in the Carabao Cup final, sparking wild scenes in London and in Newcastle.

Unfortunately, many of the players had international duty to set off, so haven't been able to celebrate properly, but that will all change on Saturday, March 29.

Tommy time

We are set to hear from new England manager Thomas Tuchel today.

The German is set to take charge of his first match as Three Lions boss tomorrow at Wembley against Albania as World Cup qualifiers get underway.

Tuchel has one objective - win the World Cup, so it will be fascinating to see how he intends England to do so.

His squad selection has raised some eyebrows, with Jordan Henderson earning a recall and Newcastle United cup hero Dan Burn getting his first call-up.

Meanwhile, Angel Gomes and Callum Hudson-Odoi were among those to miss out.

Tuchel is sure to answer all of those questions when he speaks to the media at 1:30pm today.

Double deal

The transfer window might be closed but Chelsea's relentless pursuit of players continues.

Sporting Lisbon have confirmed the Blues have completed the double signing of Geovany Quenda and Dário Essugo.

Quenda has cost in the region of £44 million, while Essugo is about £18.5m.

Qurenda is just 17 and worked with Ruben Amorim, but it is Chelsea who have stolen in and wrapped up a deal, and the versatile player will spend next season on loan with Sporting.

Meanwhile, Essugo will complete his season on loan at Las Palmas and link up with the Blues after.

He could be involved in the Club World Cup.

Confirmed

Following the news that Ryan Gravenberch had withdrawn from the Netherlands squad last night through injury, Liverpool have also confirmed the news.

The midfielder has formed a key part of Arne Slot's midfield this season, playing the majority of games.

After initially struggling last year, the 22-year-old has thrived in a deeper role and impressed as the Reds march towards the Premier League title.

However, any injury would be a blow to those chances.

In a statement, the Reds said: "Ryan Gravenberch has departed the Netherlands camp and will not be involved in their fixtures this week.

"The Liverpool midfielder had linked up with his country, alongside Cody Gakpo and Virgil van Dijk, for a UEFA Nations League double-header versus Spain on Thursday and Sunday.

"However, the Dutch announced on Wednesday evening that Gravenberch has now withdrawn from duty due to a fitness issue.

"The 22-year-old will be assessed upon his return to Merseyside, with the Reds back in action when they host Everton in the Premier League on April 2."

I'm not leaving

Liverpool defender Andrew Robertson has been speaking about his future at the club while on international break and has insisted he doesn't think its time to go.

The Scotland international joined the Reds in the summer of 2017 and has gone on to win every club honour possible.

He is now 31 and his deal at Anfield expires in 2026.

However, Robertson is ready to fight for his place in Arne Slot's team.

Speaking to the Scottish media, he said: “I think we’ve been linked with pretty much every left-back in the world! But listen, that comes with playing for one of the greatest clubs in the world.

“I look back on the eight years I’ve had at Liverpool and think I’ve been the starting left-back at the club. That is something I am very proud of, within myself. Eventually, your time comes. But I don’t think my time is up yet. Whatever happens with the club, whether we do bring someone else in, or we don’t, then so be it. I’ll always back myself.

“Sure, this season there have been a couple of moments when I haven’t covered myself in glory. But I also think that other things have been blown way out of proportion.

“I think for the last couple of months the performance levels have been there for me, they have been there for the team. When you look back on all the games, I’ve had a relatively good season and one thing people can say about me is that I’ve always been pretty consistent. But when you make a couple of mistakes, that aren’t always necessarily put towards you, then people talk.

“That’s the world we live in, that’s the Premier League. Everyone has eyes on you, everyone has an opinion. Sometimes you agree, sometimes you don’t. It is what it is. But I’m always confident in my own ability. I’ve shown that, right throughout my career - but especially during my time at Liverpool.”

Caution

Ryan Gravenberch has withdrawn from the Netherlands national team with an injury.

The Liverpool midfielder joined the Dutch camp for their upcoming Nations League quarter-final clash against Spain.

However, Gravenberch will not play a part during the international break.

"Ryan Gravenberch has left the Oranje's training camp this evening," a statement from the Netherlands said.

"The midfielder is still suffering from an injury sustained over the weekend that prevents him from playing in the matches against Spain. Take care, Ryan!"

The 22-year-old started in their 2-1 Carabao Cup final defeat against Newcastle on Sunday.

Gravenberch has made 41 appearances for Liverpool this season and been a huge part of their Premier League title challenge.

Now we wait

Cole Palmer reportedly faces another scan on the injury that saw him withdraw from the England squad.

Chelsea star Palmer missed their 1-0 defeat to Arsenal on Sunday with a muscle problem.

He underwent an initial scan but as reported by the Daily Mail, is set for a second one.

Chelsea are said to be optimistic about Palmer, who has scored 14 goals in all competitions this season.

The Blues hope that the 22-year-old can be fit enough to play against Tottenham on April 3.

Bring it on

Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport Lisa Nandy says the government are 'really excited' about Manchester United's Old Trafford regeneration plans.

United have unveiled plans for a new 100,000-seater stadium that will replace their iconic home.

It has been dubbed as the 'Wembley of the north' and is expected to cost around £2billion.

Nandy spoke to Sky Sports about the club's upcoming project and how it will affect the local community.

"We've been in close contact with the club, but also with the Mayor of Greater Manchester [Andy Burnham] because the exciting thing about this project is not just what it will do for Manchester United.

"But what it would potentially do for the whole area and for the communities that live there.

"We're really excited about the project, we're talking to them about how we can best work together to deliver it."

She added: "We've seen it in other parts of the country where you build new infrastructure, you're able to open up more opportunities to young people from those communities to come in and play football, and use those facilities.

"We've got a huge waiting list in this country of boys and girls who want to get involved in football, inspired not just by the men's game but by the Lionesses.

"We've been racing to keep up with the facilities that are available but it's not just that is it? It's that people flock in, they spend money in local shops and restaurants, and cafes, takeaways.

"There's a huge knock-on effect for the whole local economy, so we're really excited about the project and we're working closely with the Mayor of Greater Manchester to see how we can best maximise the benefits."

'Speaks volumes'

Jason Steele has praised Alexis Mac Allister for his attitude at Brighton that helped him become a World Cup winner.

Mac Allister signed for the Seagulls from Argentinos Juniors in 2019 and has since been one of the Premier League's best midfielders.

He was part of the Argentine squad that won the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, and his Brighton teammate Steele has admired his rise.

"You look at his story when he comes to Brighton, coming over from South America, doesn't speak any English," he told talkSPORT.

"There were times he was low, he wasn't in the team, a whole different culture, environment, country, and he just kept going.

"That speaks volumes about him, he just kept going everyday and eventually, your quality comes out, eventually."

Steele added: "To watch your teammate win the World Cup, it was a lot different because it was in the winter as well.

"We were all watching it together really, and you're watching games in the training ground and when he wins it, it's like, 'Wow.'"