The England football team did themselves proud in Russia during the 2018 World Cup last summer, and in the summer of 2019 they have a chance to do it all over again.
England have qualified for the Nations League final this summer and while this competition is nowhere near on the same level as the World Cup in terms of prestige, it is still a competition to win.
Manchester United striker Romelu Lukaku has said that he likes playing alongside Marcus Rashford, given the coordination between the two on the attack. The Belgium international made the key difference in the shock Champions League win over Paris Saint-Germain with a brace but Rashford has his moments and was responsible for converting the defining penalty which ensured United’s progress to the quarter-final stage.
Speaking after the game, Lukaku spoke about his fond relationship with Rashford on the field which contributed towards United’s second goal of the game, he said: "Me and Marcus Rashford knew we could do the business today after playing together against Fulham. It was a pleasure to play with him today like that. We agreed to step up the press together and I told him every time he shoots I would follow the ball in. We just keep going - everything starts on the training ground with 5 v 5, 6 v 6 and the competitiveness starts there. It's natural to us, we keep going until the referee blows the whistle."
Sky Sports pundit Paul Merson has said that the upcoming Premier League clash between Arsenal and Manchester United could be crucial to deciding their top four prospects. United are currently just one point ahead of the Gunners for the final Champions League spot, but they also have Chelsea breathing down their necks with a two-point deficit with a game in hand.
Speaking on Sky Sports, Merson said that the forthcoming league clash between Arsenal and Manchester United could have a detrimental effect on the top four hopes of one side, should they suffer a defeat, he said: "I think a lot of the top-four race goes down to this game on Sunday. That's why it's a massive football match, whoever loses won't be in the top four. But if Arsenal lose they've still got a chance in the Europa League. People are telling me Manchester United could go on and win the Champions League, I'm not sure about that."
Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has expressed his delight over the performance of Sergio Aguero in the 3-1 triumph over Arsenal.
The Citizens were on the wrong side of a shock 2-1 defeat to Newcastle United earlier in the week but they managed to make amends by beating the Gunners with Aguero starring with a 10th Premier League hat-trick.
Tottenham Hotspur manager Mauricio Pochettino has said that Christian Eriksen’s future with the club is dynamic amid the Dane’s reluctance to sign a new contract. The former Ajax graduate has just 18 months remaining on his existing deal with the north London side and so far, he has given no indication that he is close to penning an extension.
In a report covered by Sky Sports, Pochettino highlighted that the decisions in football are dynamic and the same lies with Eriksen, who has yet to extend his contract beyond the summer of 2020, he said: "Football is so dynamic. It changes every day, every season. It depends not only on your decision, but it is always a player's decision. Now is a moment to enjoy our present. Of course, it is a person that the club wants for the future, but now we need to be focused - a player like him is focused and tries to deliver a great performance in the way that we need."
Eriksen has struggled with a couple of injury concerns during the current campaign but he has nonetheless picked up form during the festive period with four goals and an assist across all competitions. As such, Spurs are aware that they need to commit Eriksen to a new contract at the earliest but so far, the midfielder has shown no signs of doing so with Barcelona among the high-profile clubs associated with his signature.
Manchester United legend Ryan Giggs believes the players have to take the responsibility for a disappointing first half to the 2018/19 season. The Red Devils recently suffered a 3-1 defeat at the hands of arch-rivals Liverpool on the road and this has created a 19-point gap between them and Jurgen Klopp’s side, who are leading the standings.
In a report covered by Fox Sports, Giggs admitted that Jose Mourinho would undoubtedly get the criticism for the club’s showing during the campaign but the players should equally take the blame for a team which has struggled to stay aloft in the top-four race, he said: “Jose takes a lot of stick, rightly or wrongly, but the players have got to take responsibility as well.