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England could join Scotland in punching their ticket to next year’s Euros should they beat Italy at Wembley on Monday. Gareth Southgate’s side are three points clear at the top of Group C with just three games remaining and know that a win would secure their place in Germany next year. They return to face Italy at Wembley for the first time since their heartbreaking penalty shootout defeat in the Euro 2020 final, but they will have exorcised some of their demons from that loss with their impressive 2-1 away win against Italy in Naples earlier in the qualifying campaign. Italy beat Malta 4-0 on Saturday to move above Ukraine and into second in the group in Luciano Spalleti’s third game in charge of the national side. Here’s everything you need to know ahead of Tuesday’s fixture. You can get all the latest odds and tips here. When is England vs Italy? England vs Italy is due to kick off at 7:45pm BST on Tuesday 17 October at Wembley Stadium. How can I watch it? All of England’s fixtures outside of international tournaments are for now screened free to air on Channel 4, and can be streamed on the Channel 4 website and app. The build-up for the match begins at 7pm. If you’re travelling abroad and want to watch major sporting events then you might need a VPN to unblock your streaming app. Our VPN roundup is here to help: get great deals on the best VPNs in the market. Viewers using a VPN need to make sure that they comply with any local regulations where they are and also with the terms of their service provider. Team news Having made a second-string side for their friendly against Australia on Friday, Southgate will likely return to a full-strength side for this must-win clash. Bukayo Saka remains an absentee after his hamstring injury for Arsenal, while Kieran Trippier could deputise at left-back in the absence of both Ben Chilwell and Luke Shaw who are out with long-term injuries. Premier League duo Sandro Tonalia and Nicolo Zaniolo remain unavailable for their national side having withdrawn from the squad after their pair were questioned in relation to a gambling investigation by Italian authorities. Elsewhere, Spalleti will have to deal with a number of injuries in the forward line with Federico Chiesa and Ivan Provedel both withdrawing from the squad due to respective fitness issues. In their absence, Sassuolo forward Domenico Berardi looks set to retain his place in the forward line having scored his first goal for Italy in two years against Malta last weekend. Predicted line-ups England XI: Pickford; Walker, Stones, Maguire, Trippier; Phillips, Rice, Bellingham; Foden, Kane, Grealish Italy XI: Donnarumma; Di Lorenzo, Mancini, Bastoni, Dimarco; Frattesi, Locatelli, Barella; Berardi, Raspadori, Kean. Odds England win 8/13 Draw 11/4 Italy win 17/4 Latest odds here. Prediction A full-strength England side to edge out Italy and secure their place in the Euro 2024. England 1-0 Italy. Read More Jordan Henderson: ‘If people want to boo me for playing in Saudi Arabia, that’s fine’ Jordan Henderson set to face Italy despite England boos Ollie Watkins and Lewis Dunk emerge with credit on England’s audition night against Australia Sweden fans given overnight police protection after Brussels shooting Ireland beat Gibraltar to spare Stephen Kenny further questions over immediate future How Scotland qualified for Euro 2024 – and why Germany will be different

Tommy Fury has dismissed KSI’s suggestion that the boxer’s win over him on Saturday was a ‘robbery’. Fury, half-brother of heavyweight champion Tyson, was a unanimous-decision winner against YouTube star KSI in Manchester, despite being docked a point for landing illegal punches to the back of his fellow Briton’s head. The result was in fact initially recorded as a majority-decision win for Fury, 24, due to one judge adding up their scorecard incorrectly. After the initial result was announced on Saturday (14 October), KSI (real name Olajide Olatunji) declared it a “robbery”, to which Fury has now taken exception. “At the end of the day, he can say what he wants, but hugging and doing star jumps in the ring does not win a fight,” Fury said on Good Morning Britain on Tuesday (17 October), referencing KSI’s frequent clinches and style of movement in their fight. “He can go on about how he was robbed, but it was his show [a Misfits event], his officials, his judges. So, are you saying that your own people, that you employed, robbed you? It’s very hard to fight someone who doesn’t want to fight.” The bout marked KSI’s first defeat since the 30-year-old crossed into boxing. Meanwhile, Fury’s victory kept him unbeaten as a professional. In February, Fury outpointed Jake Paul, whose older brother Logan fought on the undercard in Manchester on Saturday. Logan Paul defeated Dillon Danis, a former jiu-jitsu champion and mixed martial artist, via disqualification after Danis attempted a takedown and guillotine choke in the final round. Danis has claimed that he will appeal the result, however, referring to footage that shows Paul’s security entering the ring during the fight – which one security guard also did in the seconds before the referee waved off the contest. Click here to subscribe to The Independent’s Sport YouTube channel for all the latest sports videos. Read More Tommy Fury crowned king but relax - Misfits’ bad boxing will not end the sport as we know it Jake Paul announces return to boxing after Tommy Fury’s win over KSI Dillon Danis explains why he will appeal defeat by Logan Paul

Friends will become enemies this weekend, as Joshua Buatsi and Dan Azeez clash in an all-British bout at the O2 Arena. The unbeaten light-heavyweights will meet in a main-event contest in London, with each boxer aiming to move a step closer to a world-title fight – at the other’s expense. Thirty-year-old Buatsi (17-0, 13 knockouts) will enter the O2 on the back of a decision victory over Pawel Stepien in May, before Azeez, 34, outpointed Khalid Graidia in July to improve his record to 20-0 (13 KOs). “What’s at stake allows me to put [our friendship] aside,” Buatsi said in August. Azeez added: “I’m at war with a friend who’s in front of my dreams and aspirations. “I see an entertaining, brutal fight, ultimately with my hand being raised.” Here’s all you need to know. We may earn commission from some of the links in this article, but we never allow this to influence our content. This revenue helps to fund journalism across The Independent. When is the fight? Buatsi vs Azeez will take place at London’s O2 Arena on Saturday 21 October. The main card is scheduled to begin at 8pm BST (12pm PT, 2pm CT, 3pm ET), with ring walks for the main event expected at around 10pm BST (2pm PT, 4pm CT, 5pm ET). How can I watch it? In the UK, the event will air live on Sky Sports for subscribers. It will also be available to stream on the broadcaster’s website and Sky Go app. No US broadcaster has yet been announced. If you’re travelling abroad and want to watch the event, you might need a VPN to unblock your streaming app. Our VPN round-up is here to help and includes deals on VPNs in the market. Viewers using a VPN need to make sure that they comply with any local regulations where they are and also with the terms of their service provider. Odds Buatsi – 30/100 Azeez – 13/5 Draw – 18/1 Full odds via Betway. • Get all the latest boxing betting sites’ offers Fight card (subject to change) Joshua Buatsi vs Dan Azeez (light-heavyweight) Louis Greene (C) vs Sam Gilley (Commonwealth super-welterweight title) Mikael Lawal (C) vs Isaac Chamberlain (British cruiserweight title) Karriss Artingstall vs Vanessa Bradford (women’s featherweight) Michael Hennessy Jr vs Joe Laws (super-welterweight) Read More How to watch Buatsi vs Azeez and what time does fight start? KSI vs Tommy Fury result changed after judging error Dillon Danis explains why he will appeal defeat by Logan Paul KSI vs Tommy Fury result changed after judging error Dillon Danis explains why he will appeal defeat by Logan Paul KSI vs Tommy Fury prize money: How much did the fighters earn?

Joshua Buatsi and Dan Azeez will go head to head in London this weekend, putting their friendship aside in an all-British main event. Each man will enter London’s O2 Arena with an unbeaten record to his name, with both boxers looking to move closer to a world-title shot at light-heavyweight. Last time out, 30-year-old Buatsi (17-0, 13 knockouts) outpointed Pawel Stepien in May to remain undefeated. Then, in July, 34-year-old Azeez (20-0, 13 KOs) was a decision victor against Khalid Graidia. Now, the friends will come face to face in the ring as they headline in a highly-anticipated bout. “What’s at stake allows me to put [our friendship] aside,” Buatsi said in August. Azeez added: “I’m at war with a friend who’s in front of my dreams and aspirations. “I see an entertaining, brutal fight, ultimately with my hand being raised.” Here’s all you need to know. We may earn commission from some of the links in this article, but we never allow this to influence our content. This revenue helps to fund journalism across The Independent. When is the fight? Buatsi vs Azeez will take place at London’s O2 Arena on Saturday 21 October. The main card is scheduled to begin at 8pm BST (12pm PT, 2pm CT, 3pm ET), with ring walks for the main event expected at around 10pm BST (2pm PT, 4pm CT, 5pm ET). How can I watch it? In the UK, the event will air live on Sky Sports for subscribers. It will also be available to stream on the broadcaster’s website and Sky Go app. No US broadcaster has yet been announced. If you’re travelling abroad and want to watch the event, you might need a VPN to unblock your streaming app. Our VPN round-up is here to help and includes deals on VPNs in the market. Viewers using a VPN need to make sure that they comply with any local regulations where they are and also with the terms of their service provider. Odds Buatsi – 30/100 Azeez – 13/5 Draw – 18/1 Full odds via Betway. • Get all the latest boxing betting sites’ offers Fight card (subject to change) Joshua Buatsi vs Dan Azeez (light-heavyweight) Louis Greene (C) vs Sam Gilley (Commonwealth super-welterweight title) Mikael Lawal (C) vs Isaac Chamberlain (British cruiserweight title) Karriss Artingstall vs Vanessa Bradford (women’s featherweight) Michael Hennessy Jr vs Joe Laws (super-welterweight) Read More Fury vs Ngannou pay-per-view price revealed ahead of controversial fight KSI vs Tommy Fury result changed after judging error Dillon Danis reveals next move after loss to Logan Paul Who is fighting on the Buatsi vs Azeez undercard this weekend? KSI vs Tommy Fury result changed after judging error Dillon Danis explains why he will appeal defeat by Logan Paul

Chinese tech giant Baidu is officially taking on GPT-4.

Tommy Fury’s decision win over KSI on Saturday has been altered, after it was revealed that one scorecard had been added up incorrectly. Fury, half-brother of world heavyweight boxing champion Tyson, was a majority-decision winner against YouTuber KSI in Manchester, with two scorecards reading 57-56 in the 24-year-old’s favour, while the other read 57-57. However, the 57-57 scorecard from judge Rafael Ramos was the result of incorrect maths, and it should actually have read 57-56 to Fury. The result has now been changed to reflect this, with Fury a unanimous-decision victor. Fury stayed unbeaten as a professional boxer with the win – despite being docked a point for illegal shots to the back of KSI’s head – while KSI (real name Olajide Olatunji) suffered his first defeat. KSI, 30, mocked Fury after the fight, however, saying: “That is a robbery, bro. How many jabs did you land? Look at your face, look at your eyes. I’m the YouTuber, you are the boxer so you have to win? “He is the man who is supposed to be the pro boxer. He hit me on the back of the head over and over. It is outrageous. I want to appeal. I need to see it again. I felt like I won that.” Tommy Fury vs KSI scorecards Judge 1 Round 1: 10-9 Round 2: 9-9 Round 3: 9-10 Round 4: 9-10 Round 5: 9-10 Round 6: 10-9 Total: 56-57 Judge 2 Round 1: 10-9 Round 2: 9-9 Round 3: 9-10 Round 4: 9-10 Round 5: 10-9 Round 6: 9-10 Total: 56-57 Judge 3 Round 1: 10-9 Round 2: 10-8 Round 3: 9-10 Round 4: 9-10 Round 5: 9-10 Round 6: 9-10 Total: 56-57 Read More KSI vs Tommy Fury prize money: How much did the fighters earn? Tommy Fury crowned king but relax - Misfits’ bad boxing will not end the sport as we know it KSI may have lost to Tommy Fury, but he’s winning where it really matters KSI vs Tommy Fury result changed after judging error Dillon Danis explains why he will appeal defeat by Logan Paul KSI vs Tommy Fury prize money: How much did the fighters earn?

Thousands of Belgium and Sweden fans were locked inside the King Baudouin Stadium in Brussels after a fatal shooting in the city on Monday evening. The Uefa Euro 2024 qualifier was suspended at half-time with the sides drawing 1-1 and later abandoned, with the incident three miles away. The Swedish players told Uefa they did not want to play the second half of the match, with more than 35,000 fans attending, and the Belgium players were in agreement, according to Swedish broadcaster TV6. Brussels shooting - live: Two Swedes shot dead as Belgium police probe possible terror attack Police say two people were killed after a gunman opened fire in the Belgian city, with Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo confirming the victims were Swedish. Footage shared online showed a man dressed in an orange jacket unloading several shots, using a large weapon. The man was reportedly seen leaving the crime scene on a scooter Local media outlets said the two victims were Swedish nationals, with the country’s football association urging fans to remain inside the stadium and stay calm. A statement from the SvFF read: “For security reasons, the Belgian police want Swedish supporters to stay in the arena. Take part in information from officials, responsible authorities and SvFF's staff on site. “We will return when the Belgian authorities provide us with new information. Keep calm and take care of each other.” Fredrik Reinfeldt, president of the Swedish Football Association (SvFF), called the news “devastating”. While Belgian Prime Minister Alexander de Croo “offered my sincere condolences to the Swedish PM following tonight’s harrowing attack on Swedish citizens in Brussels. Our thoughts are with the families and friends who lost their loved ones. As close partners the fight against terrorism is a joint one.” An hour after the match was suspended, reports suggested the atmosphere inside the stadium was “calm”, though many fans were unable to access the internet. The Belgian FA also confirmed: “Due to the incidents in Brussels earlier tonight, play is suspended. Our thoughts are with all those affected.” While Uefa added: "Following a suspected terrorist attack in Brussels this evening, it has been decided after consultation with the two teams and the local police authorities, that the Uefa Euro 2024 qualifying match between Belgium and Sweden is abandoned.” Viktor Gyokeres had given Sweden the lead, though Romelu Lukaku equalised for the hosts, who sit top of Group F and already secure of a place at next summer’s tournament in Germany. Read More Northern Ireland U21s lose late on against Serbia Ireland brush aside Gibraltar to spare Stephen Kenny further torment England Under-21s fall to late defeat against Ukraine Northern Ireland U21s lose late on against Serbia Ireland brush aside Gibraltar to spare Stephen Kenny further torment England Under-21s fall to late defeat against Ukraine

Dillon Danis has claimed that he will appeal his disqualification loss to Logan Paul, after the pair’s boxing match ended in a brawl. Danis, a former jiu-jitsu champion and mixed martial artist, was trailing on the scorecards in Manchester when he attempted a takedown and guillotine choke in the final round. Danis, 30, failed at both moves, before security entered the ring and the bout was waved off amid a brawl. Paul, 28, was then declared the victory via DQ, but according to his fellow American, it was the YouTube star who should have been disqualified. IFN Boxing took to X, formerly Twitter, on Sunday (15 October) to share footage of one of Paul’s security guards entering the ring during the fight. The caption to the tweet read: “A member of Logan Paul’s Security ENTERED the Ring EARLY Round 6, should Logan be disqualified?” The security guard ducked back out of the ring in the moment in question, but security was also quick to step between the ropes and engage with Danis later in Round 6, after the jiu-jitsu specialist attempted his grappling moves. It was only after security entered the ring on the latter occasion that the referee ended the bout. “There was multiple offenses,” Danis tweeted on Monday (16 October), in response to IFN Boxing’s post. “I’ll be submitting my appeal to the commission today.” On Sunday, Danis declared that he will return to MMA next, preferably making his promotional debut in the UFC, where his former teammate Conor McGregor competes. Danis also expressed an interest in boxing Paul’s younger brother Jake, however. In the main event at Manchester Arena on Saturday, YouTube star KSI was outpointed by Tommy Fury – half-brother of heavyweight boxing champion Tyson. Fury was declared a majority-decision winner, but it was later revealed that one judge had added up his scores incorrectly, and that Fury should have won via unanimous decision. The result was amended on Monday. Click here to subscribe to The Independent’s Sport YouTube channel for all the latest sports videos. Read More Dillon Danis reveals next move after loss to Logan Paul KSI vs Tommy Fury result changed after judging error KSI vs Tommy Fury prize money: How much did the fighters earn? Great entertainment or overrated nonsense? – the future of crossover boxing Dillon Danis reveals next move after loss to Logan Paul Tommy Fury claims points victory over YouTube star KSI

KSI accused Tommy Fury of “robbery” and called for an appeal after the boxer’s majority decision victory over the YouTube star at a sold out Manchester Arena. Fury claimed the bragging rights in the battle of the two social media giants, but the fight was marred by the scrappy spells of action and multiple clinches. Fury, who was less impressive than when he defeated Jake Paul in Saudi Arabia in February, extended his record to 10-0 as a professional. But he was mocked by KSI after the fight, with the YouTube star and Prime founder insisting: “That is a robbery bro.” Fury was docked a point for repeatedly punching to the back of KSI’s head, but the fight was scored 57-56 in his favour by two judges. A third judge scored the contest 57-57, but pictures of the scorecards leaked on social media appeared to show that Rafael Ramos had added up his scored incorrectly, and had actually awarded the fight 57-56 to Fury. If that is correct, Fury should have given declared winner by unanimous decision. KSI continued: “How many jabs did you land? Look at your face, look at your eyes. I’m the YouTuber, you are the boxer so you have to win? “He is the man who is one who is supposed to be the pro boxer. He hit me on the back of the head over and over. It is outrageous. I want to appeal. I need to see it again. I felt like I won that.” How much was the Tommy Fury vs KSI purse? The total purse for the fight has not been officially confirmed, but reports suggest it was in the region on £10m. The split has also not been made official, but further reports claim KSI made slightly more than Fury, although the YouTuber is said to be investing his fee back into Misfits boxing. Tommy Fury vs KSI scorecards Judge 1 Round 1: 10-9 Round 2: 9-9 Round 3: 9-10 Round 4: 9-10 Round 5: 9-10 Round 6: 10-9 Total: 56-57 Judge 2 Round 1: 10-9 Round 2: 9-9 Round 3: 9-10 Round 4: 9-10 Round 5: 10-9 Round 6: 9-10 Total: 56-57 Judge 3 Round 1: 10-9 Round 2: 10-9 Round 3: 9-10 Round 4: 9-10 Round 5: 9-10 Round 6: 9-10 Total: 56-57 Read More KSI may have lost to Tommy Fury, but he’s winning where it really matters Tommy Fury crowned king but relax - Misfits’ bad boxing will not end the sport as we know it Jake Paul immediately mocks KSI after defeat to Tommy Fury KSI vs Tommy Fury prize money: How much did the fighters earn? Great entertainment or overrated nonsense? – the future of crossover boxing Dillon Danis reveals next move after loss to Logan Paul

Serial qualifiers? It’s still too early to say, but for any Scotland supporter who cannot remember the 1998 World Cup in France or the years before, these are dizzying times indeed. The Tartan Army are heading to Euro 2024, their second successive appearance at the European Championships, and just their second men’s major international tournament in 25 years. Hampden has rediscovered its roar, and it is set to carry Scotland on their march to Germany next summer; tens of thousands will make the journey –many had already booked their tickets before this weekend – and it is all thanks, by and large, to Steve Clarke. If Clarke has brought the good times back, it is worth remembering the dark days he inherited on his appointment in 2019. Scotland were barely able to fill half of Hampden as their men’s major tournament drought extended past two decades. A 3-0 defeat to Kazakhstan proved to be the end for Clarke’s predecessor, Alex McLeish, and rock bottom for Scotland; there was no hope, and no hint of the immense progress Clarke has since been able to achieve with what are still fairly limited resources. Automatic qualification from a tricky Group A was secured with two games to go, owed to a phenomenal start that featured the stunning wins against Spain at Hampden and Norway in Oslo. After the ultimately disappointing performances at the Covid-delayed Euro 2020 finals and defeat to an inspired Ukraine in the play-offs for the 2022 World Cup, Scotland took to their task with focus and clarity, forged from the cohesion and spirit Clarke has brought to the national team over the course of his tenure. If Scotland are famously one of those sides that always do things the hard way, progress to Euro 2024 has been serene by comparison. Under the guidance of the calm and measured Clarke, Scotland has become an environment where players want to play, mirroring a club side with the relationships within the group and the organisation of their approach. There can be no doubting anyone’s commitment to the Scotland cause – and that has not always been the case in recent years – while Clarke’s management style is to never allow anyone to get too high or feel too low. For all that Scotland’s 2-0 victory over Spain in March was a memorable night at Hampden, the key to qualification was that Clarke ensured his squad kept their feet on the ground when there was still a job to be done. Clarke would be the first to point out that further improvements are still required ahead of Euro 2024 – England’s performance and Jude Bellingham’s class at Hampden last month made that perfectly clear – but Scotland will head to Germany believing they can be much more competitive than when they returned from the international wilderness. For one, that long wait, with the emotions it brought with it, is over. Scotland’s squad is settled and largely unchanged from the summer of 2021, and Clarke’s team have the experience of a major tournament to build on. And, as anyone who celebrated a significant birthday, a graduation, or a wedding will remember, the summer of 2021 was a strange time, with the UK only just coming out of spells of Covid lockdown. Scotland’s return required the full experience of the Tartan Army, especially with two games at Hampden and a third against England at Wembley, but a long-awaited party was dampened. Germany will bring full numbers and see Scotland at full voice; it will undoubtedly help a team who will aim to punch above their weight. While there is a notion that successive appearances at the European Championships are a sign of some sort of Scottish “golden generation”, the reality is somewhat different. This Scotland squad certainly has talent and quality, but it is also one with gaps and holes, and is far weaker than the results under Clarke suggest. But the 60-year-old has found solutions and made improvements with the options at his disposal, while creating a culture within the group that has lifted standards and expectations. In simple terms, it is astute management at every level. Scotland, for a while, seemed cursed by having two world-class players in Andy Robertson and Kieran Tierney, but both being left-backs. There is now a genuine partnership between Robertson and Tierney within Clarke’s system, which is built upon a back three that has kept four clean sheets in six games so far in qualifying. Angus Gunn has made an assured start at goalkeeper after taking over from the veterans David Marshall and Craig Gordon, while Aaron Hickey represents a significant upgrade on Stephen O’Donnell at right wing-back – which was another problem position at Euro 2020. The lack of a world-class striker – the Tartan Army would accept at least one Premier League-calibre option, with both Lyndon Dykes and Che Adams plying their trade in the Championship this season – has been mitigated as well. For all that Dykes and Adams have always put in huge shifts when leading the line, often a thankless task in any case, Scotland’s goals have been scored by another player with whom Clarke has performed miracles – Scott McTominay. Underappreciated and perennially dismissed at Manchester United, and used as a centre-back at Euro 2020 as his country struggled to fit him into the side, McTominay has been the revelation of Scotland’s campaign. Deployed now as an attacking midfielder and given licence to break forward into the box, McTominay’s return of six goals in as many games has been beyond anyone’s expectations – as many as Erling Haaland. That McTominay’s success has come within the organisation and structure Clarke has installed is no coincidence; international tournaments often show how countries can rise as a collective, and Morocco, Switzerland and Wales are also recent examples that will give Scotland hope that they can extend their trip to Germany by reaching the knockout stages. “I said after Euro 2020 that we wanted to be serial qualifiers again, and reaching successive Euro finals shows the progress we’ve made,” said Clarke, typically level even as Scotland’s progress was confirmed. “We will raise a glass tonight to celebrate, but then it’s back to work tomorrow in preparation for our friendly against France.” There will have been many back home, however, who will have instead been raising a glass to him, much longer into the night. Read More Scotland qualify for Euro 2024 after Spain result confirms place Andy Robertson injury: Scotland provide update on dislocated shoulder against Spain Steve Clarke congratulates Scotland players for becoming ‘serial qualifiers’ after reaching Euro 2024

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’

Scotland have qualified for Euro 2024 with two games to spare after Spain defeated Norway in Oslo. Steve Clarke’s side are now assured of one of the two automatic qualification spots in Group A and will play at just their second men’s major international tournament since 1998 in Germany next summer. Norway had to beat Spain to keep their automatic qualification hopes alive, but Gavi’s second-half strike earned La Roja all three points. Spain are also now through, while Norway will have to advance via the play-offs if Erling Haaland and Martin Odegaard are to feature at next summer’s tournament. Scotland were faced with a nervous wait after they were beaten by Spain in highly controversial circumstances on Thursday night , missing out on the chance to confirm their place at Euro 2024 at what was their first opportunity. But an outstanding start to qualification, with five wins from their first five games, ensured Clarke’s side remained in a strong position to reach the tournament finals. Spain’s victory in Oslo now means Scotland do not need to get anything out of their final two fixtures in November, away to Georgia and at home against Norway, in what could have been a tricky double header. They are now level on points with Spain in the race to finish as group winners, however, which could determine seeding when the Euro 2024 draw is in December. Scotland manager Clarke also guided the Tartan Army to the Euro 2020 finals, after a dramatic play-off victory against Serbia, and will be determined to build on the experience of what was Scotland’s first major tournament since the 1998 World Cup. Despite hosting two games at Hampden, Scotland were knocked out of Euro 2020 in the group stages following defeats to the Czech Republic and Croatia, in between a goalless draw against England at Wembley. Scotland then missed out on a place at the 2022 World Cup after losing a play-off against Ukraine, but Clarke’s team shrugged off that disappointment to make a perfect start to the Euro 2024 qualifying campaign. A memorable 2-0 victory over Spain at Hampden in March was followed by a stunning comeback win against Norway in June, with goals in the 87th and 89th minute earning a dramatic 2-1 turnaround against Haaland’s side. Scotland also picked up maximum points from their fixtures against Cyprus and Georgia, with Scott McTominay playing a key part with six goals in qualifying. McTominay then saw a sublime free-kick ruled out by VAR in Seville, with Spain going on to win 2-0, but La Roja did Scotland a favour with their victory in Norway. Read More John McGinn claims Scotland beating Spain made ‘impossible’ after VAR controversy Andy Robertson injury: Scotland provide update on dislocated shoulder against Spain John McGinn claims Scotland beating Spain made ‘impossible’ after VAR controversy Scotland provide update after Andy Robertson appears to dislocate shoulder Steve Clarke insists Scotland must move on from disappointing VAR decision