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Hello and welcome to The Athletic's coverage of today's football news.
We are deep into the international break now and there's no shortage of drama.
Last night saw Canada qualify for their first World Cup since 1986, while the USA defeated Panama 5-1 and Mexico beat Panama 1-0 to edge closer to sealing a spot in Qatar.
On Saturday, England beat Switzerland 2-1 at Wembley with Harry Kane moving into joint-second on his country's record goalscorers list with 49.
Elsewhere, Christian Eriksen scored two minutes into his Denmark return as they lost 4-2 against the Netherlands. Spain beat Albania 2-1 in Barcelona, while Belgium drew 2-2 with the Republic of Ireland and Germany won 2-0 against Israel.
Tomorrow is a huge day for World Cup qualifiying, with two European play-off finals taking place alongside the five African second legs, so stick with us as we bring you all the breaking stories, team news and injury updates throughout.
Background reading:
(Photo: GEOFF ROBINS/AFP via Getty Images)
March 28, 2022 at 4:17 AM EDT
Manchester United will be looking to add a striker to their ranks this summer with Edinson Cavani set to leave on a free transfer and Mason Greenwood's situation still unclear.
United are also looking to sign two midfielders and a right winger. The Athletic's Laurie Whitwell explains how Harry Kane is in the club's thoughts.
GO FURTHER
Manchester United, Harry Kane and the search for a striker this summer
March 28, 2022 at 3:49 AM EDT
Christian Pulisic scored his first senior international hat-trick for the United States in their 5-1 win over Panama.
USA are now on the brink of qualifying for the 2022 World Cup with just one game left to play in the qualification process.
Pulisic and his team-mates will be able to strut their stuff at the World Cup as long as they do not lose by six goals or more in their qualifier with Costa Rica.
Neighbours Canada have already qualified with USA and Mexico likely to join them.
(Photo: Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)
GO FURTHER
Christian Pulisic took center stage when the USMNT needed him most
March 28, 2022 at 3:18 AM EDT
There's only one place to start this morning as we have to congratulate Canada on qualifying for their first World Cup since 1986.
They sealed their spot in style by defeating Jamaica 4-0 at the BMO Field in Toronto. Cyle Larin, Tajon Buchanan, Junior Hoilett and an own goal by Adrian Mariappa saw Canada qualify.
The Athletic's Stuart James profiles Canada's national team.
GO FURTHER
How Canada climbed the mountain to qualify for their first World Cup in 36 years
March 27, 2022 at 5:05 PM EDT
Patrick Bamford is set for another spell on the sidelines.
This time, it's a foot injury that will keep him out for a minimum of six weeks.
(Photo: Getty Images)
March 27, 2022 at 5:01 PM EDT
They are 2-0 up after 45 minutes against Jamaica through Cyle Larin and Tajon Buchanan and are on track to seal their place at the Qatar World Cup.
They need just a point from this match to book their spot.
With the USA and Mexico in action later, our dedicated CONCACAF live blog will keep you updated with everything you need to know from today's games.
CYLE LARIN. 💥
His 13th goal in CONCACAF WCQ. 🇨🇦 pic.twitter.com/IV8ZHVMkZm
March 27, 2022 at 4:50 PM EDT
Carl Anka travelled to Ghana to experience Friday's play-off first leg between the two west African rivals.
The match finished goalless, but it was one to remember.
Click below for more.
GO FURTHER
From the sandy pitches of Middle B to the noise of Baba Yara: This is football in Ghana
March 27, 2022 at 4:42 PM EDT
AFC Bury won promotion today from the North West Counties League Division One North.
The Bury FC phoenix club were crowned champions of their division after beating St Helens Town 4-0, having lost just once so far all season, and will play in the North West Counties League Premier Division in 2022-23.
That's a move from the 10th tier to the ninth tier of English football, having been expelled from League One (the third tier) in 2019-20.
Congratulations to @OfficialBuryAFC on winning their first promotion today. Such a well run club. They could be playing at Gigg Lane in August if differences can be resolved. https://t.co/qzefweYUcu
March 27, 2022 at 4:16 PM EDT
New Zealand will take on the Solomon Islands in Wednesday's final.
The Kiwis beat Fiji 1-0, with the Solomon Islands winning 3-2 over Papua New Guinea earlier today.
The winner of the final will take on the fourth-placed side from CONCACAF, which looks like being Costa Rica, in June for a spot at the World Cup.
GO FURTHER
World Cup 2022 draw guide: Who can England face and how will groups be formed?
March 27, 2022 at 3:47 PM EDT
Such is the embarrasment of riches that France has, Allan Saint-Maximin is not really in Didier Deschamps' immediate thoughts.
Chris Waugh explores the forward's dilemma.
⚫ Subtle changes Howe has made to Saint-Maximin's game
⚪ How he remains offensive talisman
⚫ France would be his "pinnacle"
⚪ Perennial complaints make it unlikely
Allan Saint-Maximin's French dream & how #NUFC can use it to extract more from him:https://t.co/6z2nEyTU3m
March 27, 2022 at 3:10 PM EDT
The presidency is often as important as the head coach in Spain.
Joan Laporta has been in charge for a year now, and Demort Corrigan is on hand to dissect how the 59-year-old has done.
There could be big things in the not too distant future…
A busy summer awaits Barcelona, who have been linked with Andreas Christensen and Franck Kessie, with both soon to be free agents.
A source close to a senior #FCB player believes they will spend heavily on a marquee signing, too.
➡️ https://t.co/K0V6NRfynF pic.twitter.com/ys8Ye9y43Y
March 27, 2022 at 2:35 PM EDT
Gary Neville criticised Manchester United's players after they publicly went on holiday in the wake of a few poor results, but is that fair?
Iain Macintosh argues the toss.
GO FURTHER
Is a player going for a pizza after a defeat really so bad?
March 27, 2022 at 2:03 PM EDT
A question that will become more and more important the closer we get to Qatar.
Jack Pitt-Brooke investigates.
There are eight months and seven games left before the World Cup.
There are plenty of questions for Gareth Southgate to solve but here is maybe the biggest one:
What is the best way to use Phil Foden?@JackPittBrooke https://t.co/21j8bHNbQI
March 27, 2022 at 1:31 PM EDT
"I don't want rubbish cliches but I think women's football won today. I think it shows the magnitude and impact this club can have in growing the game. That for me is a wonderful thing."
Manchester United Women manager Marc Skinner spoke after his side beat Everton 3-1 at Old Trafford today.
It was the first time the women's side had ever played at Old Trafford, a historic day for the Women's Super League.
(Photo: Martin Rickett/PA Images via Getty Images)
GO FURTHER
‘I never imagined I’d be playing at Old Trafford’ – Manchester United women prepared to make history
March 27, 2022 at 12:54 PM EDT
Wales defender Ben Davies has returned to club side Tottenham Hotspur.
After playing 90 minutes in the 2-1 play-off semi-final win over Wales, he will not feature in the friendly against Czech Republic on Tuesday.
(Photo: Getty Images)
March 27, 2022 at 12:12 PM EDT
Takeover, what takeover?
Chelsea Women were certainly not affected by any off-field distractions this afternoon in the WSL, as they beat Leicester City 9-0 away from home.
They sit top of the table, a point ahead of Arsenal, and unsurprisingly now have the division's best goal difference…
Simply sublime. #CFCW pic.twitter.com/j2bfcJVcY6
March 27, 2022 at 11:29 AM EDT
Crystal Palace midfielder Michael Olise has withdrawn from the France Under-21 squad due to “inflammation” in his foot.
The French Football Federation (FFF) announced the news on Sunday, meaning Olise is unable to take part in the friendly match against Northern Ireland Under-21s on Monday.
The 20-year-old left a pre-match session on Sunday morning after the foot injury prevented him from training normally. Olise felt discomfort in his left foot which has forced him to withdraw.
Click here to read the full story.
(Photo: John Walton/PA Images via Getty Images)
March 27, 2022 at 10:50 AM EDT
Join Adam Leventhal as he discusses Watford's relegation battle ahead of the final stretch of the Premier League campaign.
New @watfordpodcast
• Boothroyd interview
• Cucho connection
• #WatfordFC relegation crystal ball @D_C_W, @RookeryMike & myself discuss the lot
Inc @TheAthleticUK subscription discount if not on board yet. 👍
(Thread below) https://t.co/CxpodtHfBe
March 27, 2022 at 9:44 AM EDT
Cristiano Ronaldo has revealed his delight at seeing Portugal team-mate Pepe return to training following his recovery from COVID-19.
Pepe missed Portugal’s 3-1 win over Turkey in their World Cup play-off semi-final but is now back in full training ahead of their decider with North Macedonia.
Ronaldo was in a jubilant mood during Sunday’s training session in Porto as he trained alongside the veteran 39-year-old defender.
Click here to read the full story.
(Photo: Joaquin Arcos/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)
March 27, 2022 at 8:53 AM EDT
Gareth Southgate has revealed he will ring the changes for England's next friendly match against Ivory Coast on Tuesday.
Southgate named a mixed team featuring youth and experience in the 2-1 win over Switzerland yesterday and he could do the same in midweek.
Southgate said: “We'll make changes. We think that's the right thing to do.
“We want to keep all of the squad involved. I think that has been a strength for us. Players who come in perform well at the level and the team march on.
“ They need to feel that we've got the confidence in them to go into any game and we're also at a stage of the season where their load is heavy and we've got to make sure we try and navigate that in the best way possible.”
(Photo: Marc Atkins/Getty Images)
March 27, 2022 at 8:08 AM EDT
Marco Verratti has urged fans not to insult Italy's players following their shock elimination from World Cup qualification.
The European champions will not feature at the 2022 World Cup this winter as they were beaten 1-0 by North Macedonia in the play-off semi-final on Thursday.
Verratti and his Italy team-mates have come under fire following the surprise exit but the Paris Saint-Germain midfielder has called on his country to “continue fighting” together.
Click here to read the full story.
(Photo: Jonathan Moscrop/Getty Images)