Italy and Bosnia chase World Cup return in history-laden playoff
Bosnia and Italy meet in a World Cup playoff on Tuesday with both sides aiming to end a 12-year finals absence and erase memories of playoff heartbreak, in a fixture that rekindles memories of Bosnia's first international win, Reuters reported.
The possibility of four-time champions Italy missing a third consecutive World Cup has already grabbed the headlines, and their last participation ‌in 2014 coincided with Bosnia's sole appearance on football's biggest stage.
Italy fell at the playoff hurdle for both the 2018 and 2022 editions, while Bosnia's record is equally bleak. They lost at this stage for the 2010 World Cup and have missed out in the playoffs for the last four European Championships.
France showcase attacking firepower and squad depth in 3-1 Colombia win
Desire Doue scored twice as France showcased their attacking firepower and strength in depth with a 3-1 friendly win over Colombia on Sunday, in their final outing before coach Didier Deschamps names his World Cup squad, Reuters reported.
Fielding an entirely different lineup from the first-choice side who beat Brazil 2-1 on Thursday, Les Bleus still proved too strong for Colombia, with Doue's double and another goal from Marcus Thuram sealing a comfortable victory.
Jaminton Campaz pulled one back for Colombia, who were quickly overwhelmed despite a decent start.
Egypt national team director warns Salah against MLS move
Egypt's national team director Ibrahim Hassan has cautioned Mohamed Salah against moving to Major League Soccer after he leaves Liverpool at the end of the season as it would see the forward fade into obscurity, Reuters reported.
Salah, 33, has yet to decide his next move after he ends a hugely successful nine‑year spell at Liverpool, where he won two Premier League titles and the Champions League.
MLS Commissioner Don Garber has said he would love to see Salah in the league, though it is unclear whether any MLS teams will attempt to sign him, according to Reuters.
Eight players leave England camp ahead of Japan friendly
England boss Thomas Tuchel will have no choice but to ring the changes ahead of their March 31 friendly with Japan at Wembley Stadium, after eight players left the camp on March 28 with a variety of health issues and injury concerns, Reuters reported.
Having drawn 1-1 with Uruguay in a friendly on March 27, the FA announced the departures on March 28 after several players picked up knocks and injuries, causing changes to the 35-man squad selected by Tuchel for the current international break.
Goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale, Fikayo Tomori and Dominic Calvert-Lewin are among the departures, with defender John Stones returning to Manchester City after picking up an injury prior to the March 27 game, while Adam Wharton (Crystal Palace) and Noni Madueke (Arsenal) were both injured in the friendly, according to Reuters.
