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Max Johnston has been called into the Scotland squad for the first time ahead of the friendly against France on Tuesday night. The 19-year-old defender, who joined Austrian Bundesliga club Sturm Graz from Motherwell in the summer, replaces skipper Andy Robertson and Aaron Hickey, who have both been withdrawn. Left-back Robertson injured his shoulder in the 2-0 defeat by Spain in Seville last week, while Brentford full-back Hickey’s issue is unspecified. Johnston, son of former Scotland attacker Allan Johnston, has been capped up to Under-21 level with Scotland and played – and was sent off late – in the 3-1 win over Hungary at Fir Park on Friday. Scotland take on France knowing they are going to Germany for the 2024 European Championships next summer. Steve Clarke’s men qualified for their second successive Euros on Sunday night when Norway were defeated 1-0 by Spain in Oslo. Read More Scotland’s record at major tournaments as Steve Clarke’s men seal Euro 2024 spot Mohamed Elneny daring to dream about leading his new club to the Premier League Owen Farrell deserves more credit from England fans – Richard Wigglesworth

Scotland’s Euro 2024 place was secured on Sunday night by Norway’s defeat to Spain as Steve Clarke’s side continue to impress. Having also reached the Covid-delayed Euro 2020 finals, Clarke has re-established Scotland’s men’s team on the international stage and here, the PA news agency looks at their major tournament record. Back in the big time Clarke said after Spain’s win in Oslo on Sunday: “To qualify for successive Euros after more than 20 years is phenomenal.” Scotland reached four out of five major tournaments from the 1990 to 1998 World Cups. That included the 1992 and 1996 European Championships – their only appearances in the Euro finals prior to 2020. They had been present at six World Cups out of seven to that point including five in a row from 1974, the only exception being 1994. They have since missed six World Cups in a row, and the first five Euros of the new century before Clarke oversaw their resurgence. Alongside their Euro qualifications they have been promoted twice from League C in the inaugural 2018-19 Nations League to the top tier for 2024-25. The trip to Germany for Euro 2024 will also allow the Tartan Army to travel to a tournament in numbers, after Euro 2020 was played under Covid restrictions with two of Scotland’s games taking place at Hampden Park and the other at Wembley. Best record in prospect Clarke’s side are set for their best ever record in a qualifying campaign, for either a European Championship or World Cup. Before losing 2-0 to Spain last Thursday, they won their first five games – scoring 12 goals and conceding only one, an Erling Haaland penalty in the 2-1 win over Norway. Top spot is still to be decided between Scotland and Spain but next month’s games against Georgia and Norway are, relatively speaking, dead rubbers with Scotland already qualified. One win would make it six out of eight games, a 75 per cent rate that would be Scotland’s best in a qualifying campaign – beating their seven wins out of 10 en route to both Euro 96 and then France 98. Should they win both, it will be only the fifth time they have won seven or more games in qualifying with all the previous examples coming in campaigns of at least 10 games. They narrowly missed out on Euro 2008, with eight wins from 12 including a double over France, and last year’s World Cup when they won seven of 11 before losing a play-off semi-final to Ukraine. Chance to break new ground Having qualified, the next target will be to make it out of a major tournament group stage for the first time. Scotland’s three previous trips to Euro finals have brought just two wins and two draws from nine games, their best return coming in 1996 when they beat Switzerland and drew with the Netherlands, who then eliminated them on goals scored only thanks to Patrick Kluivert’s consolation in a 4-1 defeat to England. They have only four wins in 23 games at World Cup finals and have never won more than once at a single major tournament. The expansion of the final tournament to 24 teams, introduced in 2016, increases the chances of making it through the group, with all six winners and runners-up joined by four third-placed teams in the last 16. Four points has been enough to get through at both of the 24-team tournaments to date, with Northern Ireland and Portugal in 2016 and Denmark and Ukraine last time out advancing with three. Scotland propped up Group D on one point at Euro 2020. Read More Mohamed Elneny daring to dream about leading his new club to the Premier League Owen Farrell deserves more credit from England fans – Richard Wigglesworth Biggest game of my life – Danny Care excited for England’s South Africa showdown Harry Wilson fully behind Wales boss Rob Page after ‘noise from the outside’ New sports given go-ahead for Olympic Games in 2028 Lacrosse’s Olympic return hailed as ‘immense’ and ‘watershed moment’ for sport

Arsenal forward Beth Mead hopes she did enough in her long-anticipated comeback to show Sarina Wiegman she is fit to play for England this month. The Euro 2022 Golden Boot and Player of the Tournament winner, who ruptured her anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) last November, was greeted with thunderous applause on her return in the 88th minute at the Emirates on Sunday, where two stoppage-time goals completed a dramatic 2-1 comeback victory against Aston Villa. Mead looked sharp from the moment she stepped onto the pitch – observed by England boss Wiegman from the stands – and provided the assist to set up Alessia Russo’s winner, which came moments after Katie McCabe had cancelled out Maz Pacheco’s opener. “I am ready to compete,” said Mead. “If Sarina thinks so or not is a different story, but in my own head I am ready to compete. I’m a hopeful person. Hopefully I get a chance to speak to Sarina at some point in the next few days and we will go from there. Unfortunately I am not a mind reader, I don’t know where her brain is at the moment.” Wiegman will name her squad for this month’s UEFA Nations League home and away legs with Belgium tomorrow at 4.15pm BST. England will first host the Group A1 leaders at Leicester’s King Power Stadium on October 27 before travelling to Leuven for the Halloween return fixture. The new tournament serves as UEFA’s Olympic qualifier and also has implications for teams’ Euro 2025 qualifying campaigns. England, as the nominated home nation to qualify a Team GB for next summer’s Olympics in Paris, are hoping to secure one of two available berths, and would most likely need to reach the tournament final to do so. Third place could be enough if France, automatically qualified as Olympic hosts, reach the final themselves. The Lionesses need to top their League A group to advance but currently sit third after opening their tournament with a 2-1 victory over Scotland before losing away to the Netherlands. Both Mead and fellow European champion Fran Kirby, who also missed the World Cup due to a knee issue and surgery, have now made their club comebacks and will be itching to crack Wiegman’s October squad. For Mead, who also lost her mum June to ovarian cancer in January, Sunday’s return was an emotional one. She added: “(It was) pretty amazing. It’s been a long, long time coming. There have been a lot of hard days, a lot of good days. “I think, ultimately, you want to do your job, you want to do something you love – and that had been taken away for such a long time. So to be able to get out there, with that type of reception from the fans, was pretty incredible.” Read More Mohamed Elneny daring to dream about leading his new club to the Premier League Owen Farrell deserves more credit from England fans – Richard Wigglesworth Biggest game of my life – Danny Care excited for England’s South Africa showdown Harry Wilson fully behind Wales boss Rob Page after ‘noise from the outside’ New sports given go-ahead for Olympic Games in 2028 Lacrosse’s Olympic return hailed as ‘immense’ and ‘watershed moment’ for sport

After a good old-fashioned revenge game in Week 5, Monday Night Football features another revenge angle in Week 6.

Mohamed Elneny is no stranger to people baulking at his footballing ambitions – which is why he is happy to declare he wants to take his newly-founded club all the way to the Premier League. The Arsenal midfielder announced the launch of Elneny FC last week, a new team which he hopes will give a chance to players who have fallen through the cracks of pre-existing clubs. A number of try-outs across north London and Essex have been planned, with the hope of finding enough players of the desired quality to train and play in friendly matches for the next year before Elneny FC enters the football pyramid. For Elneny, though, the dream is to then lead his eponymous club to the very top and defy any critics – much like his earlier playing days. “I remember one journalist was talking to me in Egypt and he asked me, last question, he said to me: ‘Mo, where you do you want to play?’,” Elneny said. “I was playing for a club (Al Mokawloon) in the middle of the table in Egypt but I said to him ‘I want to play at the Nou Camp in Barcelona’. “I swear to you, he just walked off and didn’t continue the interview with me, no thank you, no goodbye or anything, he just walked off. If you don’t dream big in football you will not get anything. If you dream big at least you’re going to be close Mohamed Elneny “My friend said ‘look where you are. Look where you are in the middle of the table in Egypt, how are you going to get to one of the best teams in the world’? “If you don’t dream big in football you will not get anything. If you dream big at least you’re going to be close. This is what I really believe.” After a stint in Basel, Elneny joined Arsenal and went on to play – and score – in a Champions League tie against Barcelona in their iconic stadium. Now the 31-year-old will set out to prove any doubters wrong once again as he aims high with his own club. “I have told so many people and they are just laughing at me because when I say I want to play in the Premier League one day, they just say ‘How? The Premier League is the best in the world and you want to get there from zero?’ he added. “Some people just don’t get the idea but for me, I love to dream, that is why I need good people around me. “I think the players we sign will be excited and then I am going put the idea every time when we train them: ‘we want to be in the Premier League one day’. “Of course, it could take 15 years, 20 years but we have the target where we want to be. “I love to dream. What am I going to lose? I’m going to work every day about this (Elneny FC).” Elneny is hoping to get some crossover support from the Arsenal fanbase and also arrange coaching sessions with some of his Emirates Stadium team-mates and one day hopes Elneny FC will meet the Gunners in the FA Cup. The Egypt international believes his club will only tighten his close ties to north London, with Elneny currently Arsenal’s longest-serving player. He admits to shedding a tear when the club offered him a one-year extension towards the end of last season – despite the fact he was absent with a serious knee injury that was not healed until his old deal would have expired. “It was one of the happiest days in my life, really,” he added. “The way they talked to me, the way all the club was happy about this decision, they made me cry this day. I said ‘oh my God’. Arsenal Football Club, they know I love them 100 per cent so much, they know I don’t want to leave. I want to stay and finish my career there.” Read More Owen Farrell deserves more credit from England fans – Richard Wigglesworth Biggest game of my life – Danny Care excited for England’s South Africa showdown Harry Wilson fully behind Wales boss Rob Page after ‘noise from the outside’ New sports given go-ahead for Olympic Games in 2028 Lacrosse’s Olympic return hailed as ‘immense’ and ‘watershed moment’ for sport The sporting weekend in pictures

Wales hero Harry Wilson has backed manager Rob Page and says he has the full support of his players while taking an apparent swipe at the Association’s chief executive Noel Mooney. Page’s position came under the spotlight before Wales’ stunning 2-1 home win over Croatia in Euro 2024 qualifying on Sunday. Mooney revealed that Page’s future will be reviewed next month should Wales fail in their bid to qualify automatically for next summer’s tournament. Captain Ben Davies said on the eve of the Croatia game that Mooney’s comments were “not helpful”, a point picked up on by Wilson after the Fulham forward had scored twice to lift Wales into the second automatic qualifying spot in Group D. “We’re 100 per cent behind the manager,” Wilson told S4C after Wales’ win over the world’s sixth-ranked team. “We know there’s been a lot of noise from the outside and some comments that weren’t helpful for us in our preparation from people we didn’t really expect the comments to come from to be honest.” Wilson marked his 50th Wales appearance with a first brace for his country, a deft chip over Croatia goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic and a glancing header from Daniel James’ cross taking his goal tally to eight. It came 10 years to the day since Wilson made his debut against Belgium to become Wales’ youngest-ever player at the age of 16 years and 207 days. Wilson said: “It was a big night for me personally, representing my country 50 times is something I couldn’t have dreamed of. I’m super proud of that. “But it wasn’t about me, it was about the team and putting on the performance we all wanted.” Wales’ victory over the 2022 World Cup semi-finalists puts automatic qualification for the European Championship in their own hands going into the final two group games. They meet Armenia in Yerevan on November 18 before hosting group leaders Turkey in Cardiff three days later. Turkey’s 4-0 win over Latvia on Sunday secured qualification for next summer’s showpiece in Germany. Wales will join them by winning their final two games, even if Croatia do likewise against Latvia and Armenia next month. Teams are ranked according to their head-to-head performance if level on points. Wales drew 1-1 away to Croatia in March and took four points from them – and would actually top the group by winning their final two games. Wilson said: “We watched their game on Thursday night (Croatia lost 1-0 at home to Turkey) and the result went against us. So we knew we had to produce something special and thankfully we’ve done that.” Read More New sports given go-ahead for Olympic Games in 2028 Lacrosse’s Olympic return hailed as ‘immense’ and ‘watershed moment’ for sport The sporting weekend in pictures PA Sport Trivia (16/10/2023) Peter O’Mahony proud despite Ireland’s World Cup disappointment Rob Page delighted with Wales response after speculation over future

It must have been one of the lowest moments of Jordan Henderson’s career, to be booed by his own fans at Wembley on Friday night, wearing an England shirt, something he has always described as the ultimate honour. Worse still, the reaction was not because of the football he played but because of the choices he’d made, and by extension part of the person he was. It must have stung. Henderson, who joined Saudi Arabian side Al Ettifaq in July, captained his country in the 1-0 friendly win over Australia, and afterwards he put on a brave face. Asked if he was disappointed by the crowd’s reaction, he replied: “Not really. I’m not sure what the reaction was to be honest.” When it was pointed out that thousands loudly booed as he was being substituted, Henderson said: “It’s not nice, your own fans, if they were booing. But people have got their own opinions. Whenever I bump into anyone on the street it’s always been positive stuff and nice things said. It won’t change who I am and what I do for this team and for my country. I give absolutely everything every time.” He is not the only Englishman to join the Saudi Pro League – Demarai Gray and Andre Gray have both moved, while Steven Gerrard is Henderson’s manager at Al Ettifaq. But he is the most high profile player, and he has used that status in the past to advocate for the LGBTQ+ community. That advocacy now looks like professional obligation rather than authentic sentiment after moving to a country which criminalises homosexuality. Henderson was asked if he understood the fans’ reaction. “Erm, not really. I don’t know… do you?” he challenged. It was suggested that it might relate to his move. “If people want to boo if I’m playing in a different country, that’s fine. Like I said, everyone is going to have an opinion when I’m playing over in Saudi. I’ve spoken in the past about the reasons for that. Whether people believe me or not is up to them.” Perhaps it might have been easier for Henderson had he said a long time ago that he was lured by a lucrative contract that would secure the financial future of his family’s families for generations. But he has always insisted he didn’t discuss his financial package until after agreeing to the transfer. Henderson suggested in a previous interview that he might be able to influence Saudi Arabian attitudes from the inside, and he seemed to repeat that line. “I’m playing football in a different country in Saudi where I want to try to improve the game on the pitch, but also things off the pitch as well.” But what does improving things off the pitch mean, in practice? “The whole league. The football. I’m not a politician. I’m not going to get into politics. All I’ve ever done is concentrate on my football and try to help people that have asked for my help. When I’m going out there, I’m just playing football trying to improve the league, trying to improve my own team and trying to win football games.” He softened slightly when it was put to him that some in the LGBTQ+ community considered his decision a betrayal. “I haven’t been surprised by that because I can understand the reasons in what they’re saying. I look at it from a different point of view, obviously. But I can understand it and I’ve got to take that on the chin.” How this affects Henderson’s England career is unclear. He was part of a disjointed performance against Australia by a largely second-string side, and is increasingly the understudy to first-choice starters Jude Bellingham and Declan Rice. There are few midfield alternatives, however, and the 33-year-old has every chance of making it to Euro 2024. “I feel as fit as I ever have, probably because over there the conditions are quite hard at times with the weather and the humidity and the warm,” he said. “I’m an experienced player, I know how to play football, you don't forget that when you just go out and play in a different league. So when I've been back here, when I've trained, when I've played games, I felt as good as ever.” Gareth Southgate staunchly defended his midfielder, which was no surprise from a manager who has always been fiercely loyal to his players, sometimes to a fault. “He is a role model in the squad, I don't understand it, ” Southgate said. But then Southgate has always taken firm stances on moral issues and, just as with Henderson, you were left wondering what he really thinks. Read More Jordan Henderson plays the tool on road to Saudi Arabia’s inevitable World Cup Gareth Southgate questions why England fans booed Jordan Henderson Ollie Watkins and Lewis Dunk emerge with credit on England’s audition night against Australia Harvey Elliott believes Jordan Henderson deserves better from England fans Wembley revenge to seal place at Euro 2024? – England v Italy talking points Kieran Trippier hails Jordan Henderson as ‘unbelievable character’ and ‘leader’

VIDEO: Giants - Bills fight on 'SNF'.

Rob Page welcomed Wales putting automatic qualification for Euro 2024 in their own hands after admitting he had been “fighting fires” before the stunning 2-1 victory over Croatia. Harry Wilson, winning his 50th cap, scored twice as Wales climbed above the 2022 World Cup semi-finalists in to second place in Group D. The two teams are tied on 10 points, six behind group leaders Turkey who secured qualification by beating Latvia 4-0 on Sunday. Wales are second by virtue of having a better head-to-head record against Croatia after also drawing 1-1 with them in Split in March. Wales’ win over Croatia, ranked sixth in the world and 27 places above the Dragons, came after pre-match reports that manager Page’s job could be in jeopardy. Football Association of Wales chief executive Noel Mooney had said earlier in the week that a “serious review” would take place on Page’s position following the final group games against Armenia and Turkey next month. Page is currently just over 12 months into a four-year deal. Page said: “I would say it’s the best performance (of his three-year reign), I am immensely proud. “There was unnecessary noise coming into it, with me fighting fires. I didn’t need any player to speak, I see the players want to play for me. “I had a text from the chief executive today, before that, not for five weeks. “I just want to concentrate on the football, we are two games away from qualifying for another major tournament, a fourth in five. “We believe we can do it. We need to do the same (in November) as we did in this camp.” Wales had never beaten Croatia in seven previous attempts, drawing three and losing four. But Wales had the better first-half chances – Dominik Livakovic denying Wilson and Neco Williams with smart saves – and took control after the break. Wilson raced on to David Brooks’ pass to score with a splendid chip and then converted Daniel James’ cross with a glancing header. Mario Pasalic ensured home anxiety 15 minutes from time with a close-range header, but Wales held on for a famous victory. Page said: “In all aspects, how we defended against an excellent team with one of the best midfields in the world was outstanding. “We are in a transition period where we’ve lost one of the best players in the world (Gareth Bale). We are introducing young players to strengthen us and improve us. “Seven of our 11 are not starting for their club. Chris Mepham’s last game was against Latvia. Kieffer Moore isn’t playing for his club. “But when they turn up for Wales they produce a performance like that. I am really proud of them as a group. “The players are an incredible bunch and it’s in our hands now. “I understand not everyone is going to be a fan of mine, but when you have a group of players playing like that for you, it makes you immensely proud.” Croatia head coach Zlatko Dalic believes the 2022 World Cup semi-finalists face a tough task to qualify automatically after successive defeats to Turkey and Wales. Dalic said: “It is going to be difficult. We understand it is not all in our hands any more. We have to believe that we are going to be able to turn this around. “We just played both games without energy, we didn’t play well, we didn’t create any chances. Our opponent was more aggressive, tougher than us and we deserved to lose.” Read More Stephen Kenny not dwelling on past as Ireland return to Faro focused on victory Wales defeat Croatia to boost Euro 2024 qualification hopes Steve Borthwick hails ‘written off’ England after reaching World Cup semi-final Stephen Kenny puts speculation to one side for Gibraltar clash Jos Buttler tells England to ‘let it hurt’ after World Cup loss to Afghanistan Baltimore boss John Harbaugh thrilled to end ‘heck of a week’ in London on high

Republic of Ireland coach Stephen Kenny insists he cannot allow himself to wonder what might have been after his sliding doors moment in Faro. The 51-year-old will send his team into Euro 2024 qualifier battle with European minnows Gibraltar in the Algarve on Monday evening knowing their automatic qualification hopes are already over, and that even the chance of a wild card via the play-offs may be out of their grasp. Just how different things could have been had his last visit to the Estadio Algarve, for a World Cup qualifier against Portugal in September 2021, not ended with a last-gasp Cristiano Ronaldo double which transformed a 1-0 deficit into a 2-1 victory for the hosts – and established Ronaldo as international football’s leading scorer – is something upon which Kenny admits he has reflected since. Kenny said: “You can’t dwell on things, but have I reflected on it? Of course. “We were 1-0 ahead after 89 minutes and the game should be finished out. Cristiano Ronaldo has other ideas and the world record was on the line that night, so he was hugely motivated to break that. “It was a very good performance that night. VAR intervened for an absolute cast-iron penalty to go 2-0 up in the second half, nailed-on penalty. “That’s the way it goes. What ifs… there’s no point in complaining. You move on and that’s it.” If we were to play any game, we'd play to win, any international game Republic of Ireland manager Stephen Kenny Ireland ultimately did not make it to last year’s World Cup finals, and neither will they be in Germany next summer unless their fortunes change markedly and they manage to secure a play-off spot and make it count. There is even a complicated scenario in which they might be better off losing their final qualifier in the Netherlands next month depending on results elsewhere, although Kenny insists he is not even contemplating that. He said: “No, it’s not something that’s really entered our heads. It’s not something that really we’d focus on. If we were to play any game, we’d play to win, any international game. “We would just focus on Gibraltar tomorrow. It’s an international game that we want to win. We have to get a win under our belt tomorrow and I’m not really fixated on that scenario.” Kenny, who confirmed that his contract would cover any play-off, has found himself in the firing line since Friday night’s 2-0 home defeat by Greece, although with World Cup finalists France and the Dutch also in Group B, the alarm bells starting ringing after their 2-1 reverse in Athens in June. However, asked if he would resign should things go from bad to worse in Faro, he said: “I’m not considering resigning. My contact is to the end of the campaign and I will finish it. “We want to finish the campaign strongly and we are very determined to do that. After that, it’s completely out of my control. I have no control over the rest.” Read More Wales defeat Croatia to boost Euro 2024 qualification hopes Steve Borthwick hails ‘written off’ England after reaching World Cup semi-final Stephen Kenny puts speculation to one side for Gibraltar clash Jos Buttler tells England to ‘let it hurt’ after World Cup loss to Afghanistan Baltimore boss John Harbaugh thrilled to end ‘heck of a week’ in London on high Talking Points as Republic of Ireland seek win against minnows Gibraltar

Jordan Henderson insists he will not walk away from international football despite being booed off the Wembley pitch by England fans on Friday night. Eyebrows were raised when Henderson swapped his role as Liverpool skipper for the Saudi Pro League, joining Steven Gerrard’s Al-Ettifaq in a controversial £12million deal. The midfielder had been a high-profile supporter of LGBTQ+ rights during his time at Anfield and last month apologised for any hurt he caused by moving to a country where homosexuality is illegal. There was no noticeable negative reaction towards him during September’s double-header against Ukraine and Scotland, but things were different when he captained England in their first home match since his controversial move. There were murmurs when Henderson’s named was read out before the 1-0 friendly win against Australia but a vocal minority very audibly jeered when he was replaced in the second half. “It’s not nice, your own fans (booing),” he said. “Everybody has got their own opinion. I love playing for England, I have done for many years, that’s why I’m still here. “I still want to play for England for as long as I possibly can and give everything for the team, for my country. “To lead the team out meant an awful lot to me and my family. Another special night and we got the win which is the most important thing. “But listen, people have got their own opinions. Whenever I bump into anyone on the street it’s always been positive stuff and nice things said. “It won’t change who I am and what I do for this team and for my country. I give absolutely everything every time.” England manager Gareth Southgate questioned those supporters who decided to boo his vice-captain, with Henderson admitting he was also unsure why – even if he accepted he would face criticism for his move to Saudi. Asked if he understood the jeers, the 33-year-old replied: “Not really. I don’t know… if people want to boo if I’m playing in a different country, that’s fine. “Like I said, everyone is going to have an opinion over when I’m playing over in Saudi. “I’ve spoken in the past about the reasons for that. Whether people believe us or not is up to them. “Of course it’s disappointing, but it won’t change what I do here. I want to keep playing and keep fighting and help the team become successful. “I haven’t been surprised by that because I can understand the reasons in what they’re saying. I look at it from a different point of view, obviously. “But I can understand it and I’ve got to take that on the chin.” Asked about Southgate’s public support and continued selection, the former Sunderland youngster added: “Yes, the gaffer has been really good as always. It's nice to know that you've got the backing of the manager and your team-mates Jordan Henderson “I’ve always felt support and backing from him and the rest of the lads. “It’s nice to know that you’ve got the backing of the manager and your team-mates but that’s never been in doubt for me. That’s always been the case.” Henderson may have switched Merseyside for the Middle East but he feels enough at home to have already backed Saudi Arabia’s bid to host the 2034 World Cup. The country abandoned a 2030 joint-bid with Greece and Egypt and announced their solo pitch on October 4 – with Henderson involved in the promotional video. “By that time I think they will put on a pretty good World Cup, to be honest,” Henderson said about taking part in the bid. “So I think that’s exciting times for them as a country and I think it will be a special tournament if they ended up getting it. “I’ve been there for two months and there’s been no issues in terms of fans or anything like that. “It is a long waiting time from now, but I think they’ll enjoy the experience there. “When we look at Qatar, the way that they did the job there, it was a good tournament; I think the fans enjoyed the tournament and I think Saudi would be no different.” Read More Wales defeat Croatia to boost Euro 2024 qualification hopes Steve Borthwick hails ‘written off’ England after reaching World Cup semi-final Stephen Kenny puts speculation to one side for Gibraltar clash Jos Buttler tells England to ‘let it hurt’ after World Cup loss to Afghanistan Baltimore boss John Harbaugh thrilled to end ‘heck of a week’ in London on high Talking Points as Republic of Ireland seek win against minnows Gibraltar

Harry Wilson celebrated his 50th cap with a brilliant double as Wales boosted their Euro 2024 automatic qualification hopes with a 2-1 win over Croatia in Cardiff. Wilson rewarded an excellent home performance with two clinical second-half strikes, enough to stave off a late Croatia rally that saw Mario Pasalic convert 15 minutes from time. Wales came into the contest knowing victories in their final three group games were probably necessary to secure a top-two place and avoid the play-offs in March. Rob Page’s side still have to work to do in November – away to Armenia and at home to group leaders Turkey – but upsetting the 2022 World Cup semi-finalists in such fashion offers great encouragement. This win takes Wales into second place above Croatia by virtue of them having done better in their head-to-head ties, the Dragons having drawn their opening game of the campaign 1-1 in Split in March. The result will ease the pressure on manager Rob Page, who awoke to newspaper headlines on Saturday morning linking Roy Keane to his job. Page vowed he would shut out all external noise at his pre-match press conference in which he became visibly emotional, and that chatter will now surely dim after this result. Victory in Latvia last month had boosted Wales, but Aaron Ramsey and Brennan Johnson had picked up injuries and were replaced by David Brooks, a scoring substitute in Riga, and Kieffer Moore. Ben Davies took over the captaincy in Ramsey’s absence as Wilson won his landmark cap, exactly a decade on from becoming Wales’ youngest-ever player at the age of 16 years and 207 days. History was against Wales with no wins in seven games against Croatia and the visitors were smarting from Thursday’s 1-0 loss to Turkey – their first-ever home defeat in European Championship qualification. Croatia made three changes from that shock defeat but their midfield triumvirate of Luka Modric, Mateo Kovacic and Marcelo Brozovic – the heartbeat of this ‘Golden Generation’ – remained in tact. Wales started on the front foot but the pattern of the game soon developed with Croatia dominating possession and the hosts seeking to spring swift counter-attacks. Wilson almost profited from one such raid after Brooks had tricked Josko Gvardiol in the build-up. The ball just run away from Wilson, who could not connect with enough power and Domagoj Vida blocked. A period of Croatia keep-ball ended with Josip Juranovic crossing and Petar Musa heading over, but it was a rare moment of concern for Wales who were gaining in confidence. Ethan Ampadu picked out Brooks after 21 minutes and his feather-like touch and pass freed Wilson through the middle. Wilson was brought down in full flow by Vida, with the close attendance of Gvardiol preventing the yellow card from turning to red. Croatia goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic tipped away Wilson’s resulting free-kick and was also equal to Neco Williams’ curling effort after the wing-back had cut inside on his right foot, Gvardiol’s intervention was also needed to deny Connor Roberts after Wilson’s clever back-heel had created space. Croatia boss Zlatko Dalic made three changes at half-time, a sign that he was unimpressed with his side’s first-half performance. But Wales struck within two minutes of the restart as the visitors failed to cope with Danny Ward’s punt forward. The ball came off a Croatia player under pressure from Moore and Brooks volleyed the ball on. Wilson took it in his stride and outpaced Vida to chip the ball over the stranded Livakovic for his seventh Wales goal. The lead was doubled after 60 minutes as Daniel James, having replaced Brooks three minutes earlier, swung over a cross that Wilson glanced beyond Livakovic into the corner of the net. Croatia rose from their slumber with Ward saving from substitute Dion Drena Beljo, the ball turned inches around the post. Modric’s resulting corner glanced off the head of Moore for Pasalic to pounce from close range, but Wales held on for a famous victory against the world’s sixth-ranked team. Read More Scotland qualify for Euro 2024 after Spain result confirms place Steve Borthwick hails ‘written off’ players as England book World Cup semi-final Stephen Kenny puts speculation to one side for Gibraltar clash Jos Buttler tells England to ‘let it hurt’ after World Cup loss to Afghanistan