World Cup Qualification UEFA news

Kylian Mbappe’s stunning solo goal helped France ease to a comfortable 3-0 victory and take another giant step towards qualifying for next years’ World Cup with victory over Azerbaijan in Paris. Adrien Rabiot and Florian Thauvin were also on target, but there were worrying scenes towards the end as talisman Mbappe signalled to come off with what looked like an ankle injury.

Ansu Fati’s explosive start to life at Monaco has reignited hopes of a Spain comeback. The Barcelona loanee has rediscovered his scoring touch in Ligue 1, netting six goals in five games. Spain coach Luis de la Fuente has now confirmed that the 22-year-old forward is “on their radar” ahead of upcoming World Cup qualifiers.

Declan Rice has explained how Arsenal and England are benefitting from his new role that led to him "enjoying" football. The midfielder looked every inch the leader England needed as he wore the captain’s armband in Thursday night’s 3–0 demolition of Wales at Wembley. With Harry Kane sidelined through injury, the 26-year-old Arsenal powerhouse stepped up, dictating play, barking orders, and driving the Three Lions forward with authority and composure.

Florian Wirtz is said to be "having an awful time" at Liverpool, but the £117 million ($157m) signing has been backed to come good and "adjust to his new life off the pitch". The 22-year-old German sensation, once billed as Europe's next big thing, has failed to deliver a single goal or assist in nine appearances across all competitions for the Reds. His ordinary displays have left fans seething and many are questioning whether the Bundesliga prodigy was worth such a jaw-dropping fee.

Bukayo Saka is "starting to feel good again" after continuing his injury comeback on the international stage with an England goal. The Arsenal superstar sent Wembley into raptures with a thunderous strike as the Three Lions swept aside Wales 3-0 in a commanding friendly victory that had redemption written all over it.

Cody Gakpo wrote his name into Dutch football history on Thursday night, becoming the first Netherlands player since Rob Rensenbrink in 1978 to score two penalties in a single match as the Oranje thrashed Malta 4-0 in a World Cup qualifier. The Liverpool forward converted from the spot twice and also assisted Tijjani Reijnders, leading the Netherlands to a comfortable victory in World Cup qualifying.

William Saliba revealed how he's already "taken revenge" against Enzo Fernandez for the World Cup defeat with Arsenal. The French defender, now a pillar at both Arsenal and for Didier Deschamps’ national side, says France aren’t intimidated by anyone, not even Lionel Messi’s world champions.

Kylian Mbappe, who needs just six goals to become his country's all-time top scorer, believes he "can score against anyone" ahead of France's World Cup qualifying clash against Azerbaijan on Friday. His participation in the game, however, remains uncertain, with the Frenchman picking up a minor ankle sprain in Real Madrid's 3-1 win over Villarreal in La Liga last weekend.

Gary Lineker never thought we'd see another player like Lionel Messi - until Lamine Yamal came along. "Just watching him, he makes it look so easy to beat a player. He goes past them almost as if they're invisible, like they're not there," the ex-England international enthused on the 'Stick to Football' podcast the morning after Barcelona's thrilling 3-3 draw with Inter on April 30.

Gennaro Gattuso addressed his decision of not selecting young midfielder Samuele Ricci in Italy's squad for this month's World Cup qualifiers, citing his lack of regular playing time at AC Milan as the reason. The Italy head coach, however, urged the 24-year-old to "watch" and learn from the iconic ex-Real Madrid midfielder, who has made an immediate impact since arriving at the San Siro.

Thomas Tuchel has surprisingly called a Manchester United wonderkid into England training despite the 18-year-old still waiting for his senior club debut. Shea Lacey has been making waves for United’s under-21s, and was given the chance to train with England’s first team following a series of standout performances.

Cristiano Ronaldo has achieved another milestone after becoming the first footballer to become a billionaire. The Portugal superstar has added to his lengthy list of accolades after seeing his net worth reach staggering heights on the back of signing the most lucrative contract extension in sporting history with Saudi Pro League outfit Al-Nassr in June.

Harry Kane has reportedly missed training ahead of England's friendly clash with Wales as he struggles with an ankle injury. The Three Lions captain picked up the knock during Bayern Munich’s 3-0 victory over Eintracht Frankfurt last weekend. Now his participation against Wales has been thrown into uncertainty.

Former France international Jerome Rothen was scathing in his criticism of the French Football Federation (FFF) for their handling of Bradley Barcola's injury ahead of the World Cup qualifiers. A feud has erupted between the FFF and Paris Saint-Germain following the winger's injury, resulting in further tension in the wake of similar cases with Ousmane Dembele and Desire Doue.

Steven Gerrard has labelled himself and his former England team-mates "egotistical losers", with the Liverpool legend making his feelings known on Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher's bubbling friendship post-retirement. The former Liverpool midfielder, now 45, didn’t hold back as he opened up about the toxic culture that plagued England’s dressing room during the 2000s, and why rivalries with Manchester United and Chelsea ruined their chances of glory.

Kingsley Coman has once again been called up by France boss Didier Deschamps for the upcoming World Cup qualifying matches this month after the winger left Bayern Munich in the summer to join Saudi Arabian side Al-Nassr. The 29-year-old has defended the coach's decision to keep him in the squad, claiming he is just as good as he was when called up as an injury replacement in September.

A "nervous" Cristiano Ronaldo has confessed to using AI to craft his speech at the Portugal Football Globes gala after receiving a "special" honour. After a record-breaking career taking him from Sporting CP to Manchester United, Real Madrid, Juventus, and now Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League, the 40-year-old has rarely been caught off guard. But this time, he needed a little extra help.