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Crystal Palace have announced the signing of Michael Olise from EFL Championship side Reading.

The 19-year-old winger joins the Eagles on a five-year contract which will keep him at Selhurst Park until 2026.

With this, the highly-rated teenager becomes Patrick Vieira’s first signing since his appointment as Palace’s permanent manager.

“The Hammersmith-born teenager moves to south London after a season with Reading that saw him earn seven goals and 12 assists from 46 games,” a statement from the club website read.

“Olise started his youth career with Chelsea, before joining Manchester City and then Reading, where he worked his way through the system and earned a first-team debut in March 2019, aged just 17.

“This achievement – and three further senior appearances – secured Olise Reading’s Scholar of the Season Award for 2018/19.

“He enjoyed more minutes with the Royals in 19/20 and scored his first professional goal in September 2019 against Barnsley.”

Meanwhile, manager Vieira stated that Olise is a player the club had been monitoring for a long time. He also assured that the South London-based team have what it takes to make him a better player.

“We have the tools in our football club to make him a better player, and we’ve known him quite well because he’s a player the football club have been following for a long time,” the Frenchman said.

“I think it is important to refresh the squad, to bring some new faces, to bring young talent here, and this is a really good signing for us.”

Crystal Palace chairman Steve Parish also talked about what the arrival of Olise means to the Premier League team.

“I’m delighted that Michael has joined us at Crystal Palace,” he said.

“We have been monitoring him extremely closely for an extended period of time, and have been impressed by his consistent performances for Reading at such a young age.

“He clearly has an abundance of talent that I’m sure will excite all of our supporters, and clearly shows our direction of travel for this window.”

On the international scene, the forward has represented France at U18 level – playing for them in the Toulon Tournament.

Even at that, he is eligible to represent Gernot Rohr’s Super Eagles at the senior level.

The Neil Diamond classic hit 'Sweet Caroline' became an unofficial anthem for England fans at Euro 2020 as thousands of supporters sang it at Wembley and across the country.

With his song being sung with such gusto at the tournament, the American singer was delighted and even sent well wishes to the Three Lions.

England fans already have an impressive catalogue of stadium tracks to sing, including 'Football's Coming Home', World in Motion and Vindaloo, so how exactly did they come to sing Sweet Caroline?

Goal brings you the lyrics of the iconic love song and some background about its association with football.

'Sweet Caroline' lyrics

Where it began,
I can't begin to knowing,
But then I know it's growing strong
Was in the spring,
Then spring became the summer,
Who'd have believe you'd come along?

Hands,
Touching hands,
Reaching out,
Touching me,
Touching you...

Sweet Caroline!
Good times never seemed so good.
I've been inclined
To believe they never would

But now I...
Look at the night
And it don't seem so lonely.
We filled it up with only two.
And when I hurt,
Hurting runs off my shoulders,
How can I hurt when holding you?

One,
Touching one,
Reaching out,
Touching me,
Touching you...

Sweet Caroline!
Good times never seemed so good.
I've been inclined
To believe they never would, oh no, no.

Sweet Caroline!
Good times never seemed so good.
Sweet Caroline!
I believed they never could.

Why do England fans sing 'Sweet Caroline'?

While 'Sweet Caroline' is not traditionally associated with the England football team, it has long been used as a celebratory song for a number of English teams and sportspeople.

Aston Villa supporters have been singing the song for years, as have Chelsea fans, and it appears that there has been some assimilation among the national team fans.

Tony Parry, a DJ at Wembley Stadium, played his part in cementing the song as a terrace anthem when he played it instead of the traditional Fat Les song 'Vindaloo' after England's Euro 2020 semi-final win against Germany.

England boss Gareth Southgate is a big fan of the new soundtrack to England's on-field exploits, telling ITV : "You can't beat a bit of Neil Diamond. 

"It's just a really joyous song, I think, that brings people together."

Who wrote 'Sweet Caroline' & when was it released?

American singer Neil Diamond wrote and released 'Sweet Caroline' in 1969 .

A single release, the song's title takes its name from the daughter of former U.S. President John F. Kennedy, though the lyrical theme was inspired by Diamond's wife Marcia.

The song peaked at No. 3 in the U.S. charts at the time and only hit No. 8 in the UK charts, but its popularity has endured through the decades.

Do other teams sing 'Sweet Caroline'?

England are by no means unique in football when it comes to singing 'Sweet Caroline' at games, with supporters of Northern Ireland taking exception to the idea that it is a Three Lions song.

Irish television presenter Eamonn Holmes jokingly told England to "get your own song" on Twitter after Southgate's side defeated Denmark in the semi-final of Euro 2020.

Northern Ireland fans had actually been singing Neil Diamond's hit since 2005, interestingly after a win over England.

As mentioned, Sweet Caroline is also sung on the terraces of Villa Park by Aston Villa fans and Stamford Bridge by Chelsea fans.

It has also been used as a walkout song for British heavyweight boxer Anthony Joshua, as well as the Major League Baseball team the Boston Red Sox.

Related content

Substitute Thabang Sibanyoni made the difference as his second half goal earned Bafana Bafana a 1-0 win over 10-man Eswatini at Isaac Wolfson Stadium on the outskirts of Gqeberha on Thursday.

Sekhukhune United forward Sibanyoni poked home on 59 minutes to help Bafana claim maximum points again and dislodge Sihlangu from the top of Group A.

Just like in their opening match when Kagiso Malinga rose from the bench to score in the 1-0 win over Botswana, it was another substitute who made the difference for Bafana whose defence is yet to be breached in this competition.

South Africa were led by Morena Ramoreboli again standing in for Helman Mkhalele who is isolating.

For a second successive game, Bafana were depleted and had just four players on the bench but this time around they took advantage of Eswatini’s numerical disadvantage following a red card to captain Felix Badenhorst just before halftime.

Ramoreboli started made one change from the squad which edged Botswana 1-0 on Tuesday, starting Kagiso Malinga in place of Sekhukhune United’s Sibanyoni.

Eswatini had the TS Galaxy duo of captain Badenhorst and Justice Figuaredo as the most notable players.

On a windy afternoon in which movement of the ball was affected by the weather conditions, both teams struggled especially in a drab first half where very few opportunities were created.

None of the two goalkeepers Veli Mothwa, the Bafana captain, and Ncamiso Dlamini were ever called to make a save in the first half.  

The wind saw stray passes being the order of the afternoon and the only realistic chance came three minutes before halftime when Badenhorst’s freekick went just over the bar from the edge of the box.

Eswatini were reduced to 10 men in the stoppage time of the first half when he kicked Sphelele Mkhulise in what was a second bookable offence.

The first-ever realistic chance of the match came three minutes into the second half when Figuaredo broke loose only to be faced by Mothwa who did well to thwart danger in a one-on-one situation.

Four minutes later, Eswatini came close again when Khethokuhle Mkhontfo headed just wide off a Figuaredo corner kick.

Just as Sihlangu appeared to be having the upper hand, Monnapule Saleng set up Sibanyoni who beat Dlamini, with just five minutes on the pitch, to record his first international goal in two Bafana Caps.

It took only 17 minutes for Eswatini to really try and hit back when Sabelo Ndzinisa dispossessed Thabani Dube but his shot was met by an alert Mothwa.

South Africa almost doubled their advantage with four minutes remaining but Malinga was a bit late to connect a Mkhulise feed in what allowed Dlamini to close in and thwart danger.

Seconds later, Bafana thought they had won a penalty when Sihlangu Mkhwanazi appeared to have handled inside the box but the referee waved play on.

Eswatini then got what was their best chance of the match but substitute Phiwayinkosi missed with his head at point-blank range with Mothwa off his goal line.

That saw Bafana survive a scare and held on to record another victory ahead of their next match against Lesotho on Tuesday.

In another match played earlier on at the same venue, defending champions Zambia were stunned by Lesotho.

The Crocodiles of Lesotho came from behind as Bloemfontein Celtic forward Sera Motebang’s brace inside the final 20 minutes nullified Justin Shonga’s opener for Chipolopolo.

Fielding an almost full-strength squad which included the likes of Shonga, AmaZulu’s Augustine Mulenga, veteran goalkeeper Kennedy Mweene, SuperSport United attacker Gamphani Lungu, TP Mazembe’s Kabaso Chongo and Salulani Phiri, it was a surprise how Zambia lost. 

It was their first game of the tournament and they anchor Group A ahead of their next match against Eswatini on Saturday. 

Tusker managed to pick a hard-fought 2-1 win against Gor Mahia in a Football Kenya Federation Premier League encounter at Ruaraka Ground on Thursday.

Eugene Asike's bullet header and Boniface Muchiri's brilliantly taken free-kick handed the Brewers the win against K'Ogalo who had taken the lead in the first half courtesy of Tito Okello's effort.

Tusker got the first most open goalscoring chance in the second minute when Sammy Meja delivered a good free-kick that was collected by Muchiri who fired at the edge of the box but goalkeeper Gad Mathews punched it away only for the ball to land on Henry Meja's way but Tusker's striker could not find the back of the net from the rebound.

Gor Mahia took the lead in the 14th minute when Okello beat Mike Wanjala with a low drive. South Sudan's international was at the right place to receive the ball from Kenneth Muguna and gave the reigning champions the lead as their dominance started to be felt.

Muchiri - who returned to the starting XI to replace injured Luke Namanda - could not find the equaliser in the 19th minute when he blasted wide from close range after he was set through on goal by Kepha Onyango.

Okello would have earned a brace in the 21st minute but ended up wasting a great chance from almost the exact place he managed to break the deadlock from. The former Vipers forward saw his effort fly way off target as Gor Mahia became more dominant in the game.

The Brewers were unable to find an equaliser in the 22nd minute when Faraj Ominde's header hit the crossbar. Ominde rose high enough to connect to a cross delivered by Brian Marita only for the woodwork to deny him a goal. Another chance for Robert Matano's side to restore parity was wasted in the 26th minute when the ball from Muchiri's free-kick hit Meja's back and went out.

After seeing most of his efforts either fly out or stopped by Gor Mahia's Mathews, Muchiri finally found the top corner with a brilliantly taken free-kick in the 56th minute. The attacking midfielder was brought down and took the resultant freekick that evaded Gor Mahia's wall and landed in the net.

Two minutes after the hour mark, Matano made three changes as Rodgers Aloro, Humphrey Mieno and Christopher Ochieng replaced Christopher Oruchum, Meja and Ominde. Gor Mahia's Manuel Vaz Pinto made his first changes in the 65th minute when Clifton Miheso and Karim Nikiema were replaced by Jules Ulimwengu and Sammy Onyango respectively.

Tusker made further changes in the second minute of added time when Hashim Sempala and Brian Marita left the pitch and their places were taken by Chris Onyango and George Odhiambo. The changes rejuvenated the Brewers as the pressure piled on Gor Mahia resulted in the second goal that was scored by Asike.

Former FIFA referee Urs Meier has been left baffled by the penalty that allowed England to edge past Denmark in the semi-finals of Euro 2020, with Raheem Sterling considered to have been "looking for contact" in an "absolutely incomprehensible" call.

The Three Lions benefitted from the controversial decision during extra-time of the last-four encounter at Wembley, with Harry Kane to stepping up to the spot. The England captain saw his initial effort saved before turning home the rebound.

That chance had come about after Sterling took a tumble under pressure from Joakim Maehle, with match referee Danny Makkelie deciding he had been tripped and VAR backing his ruling.

What has been said?

Meier is confused as to how that conclusion was reached, with the Swiss official telling Goal: "What can you say about that? Sterling was looking for contact, it was clearly too little for a penalty. 

"I was even more surprised when Makkelie pointed to the spot. At that moment I thought there might have been contact, which I missed in the real speed, but then the slow motions confirmed my first impression. There was nothing for which there should have been a penalty. 

"The referee probably interpreted the Danish defender's one step as a leg kick. Nevertheless, I would have expected the VAR to correct the decision. For me it is absolutely incomprehensible that he did not at least send the referee in front of the screen to look at the scene again."

On there being a second ball on the field at the time of the incident, Meier added: "Makkelie could have made life much easier for himself if he had blown the whistle. Nobody would have criticised that. 

"I personally wouldn't have done that either. Because I personally don't think you have to constantly interrupt the game because of a second ball - as long as it doesn't interfere. In my opinion, it didn't interfere, all the players were only focused on the 'right' ball."

Who else has had their say?

Denmark midfielder Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg was less than impressed, with the Tottenham star telling TV3+: "If there is no VAR on, errors can occur, but when there is a VAR, they must be allowed to stand here afterwards. How do they feel? What were they thinking? What was their view on it all?

"It is easy as a player to have to answer one thing and another and not have to comment, but sometimes you would like to hear from the referee himself what he thought."

Former Manchester United and Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho has also offered his take, with the Portuguese telling talkSPORT: "It’s never a penalty. The best team won, England deserve to win. England was fantastic, but for me it’s never a penalty.

"At this level, a semi-final of a Euro I don’t understand really the referee’s decision. I don’t understand even less the fact that the VAR didn’t bring the referee to the screen or overturn the decision. For me it’s never a penalty.

"So as a football man I’m very happy England won – don’t get me wrong, and I think they deserve to win – but as a football man, I am disappointed that penalty was given."

Further reading

Memphis Depay is set to earn 30 per cent less at Barcelona than was initially agreed, Goal has learned, with the Liga giants needing to cut costs in order to operate under a salary cap.

The Netherlands international forward is among those to have made a move to Camp Nou this summer, along with Sergio Aguero, Eric Garcia and Emerson Royal.

Deals are, however, yet to be officially completed as the Blaugrana need to free up funds in order to get fresh faces on board and keep their books balanced.

What is the situation with Depay?

The 27-year-old Dutchman had seen a switch to Barca mooted for some time, with an opportunity opening up when his contract ended at Lyon.

Depay has made no secret that joining Barcelona is a dream come true, with the presence of Ronald Koeman in the dugout a welcome bonus.

An offer worth €7 million-a-year was initially put to the frontman, with a number of performance-related variables included. However, it is now understood that a modified proposal is being put in place with Depay, as Barca are unable to offer any more than €5m to their new recruit.

That figure represents a 30 per cent pay cut for Depay, but he is happy to help out financially wherever he can.

A move to Barca would have been impossible had a fee been required, and he will do everything in his power to remove any further obstacles from his path.

Who else are financial issues impacting?

Garcia is another to agree personal terms with Barca long before he actually arrived at Camp Nou.

The Spain international defender gave the green light for a deal to be done in January with interim president Carles Tusquets, but has had to accept a reduction under Joan Laporta.

While new arrivals are happy to compromise, Barcelona are yet to get another deal done with captain Lionel Messi. He has reached the end of his previous contract and is technically a free agent.

Discussions regarding fresh terms have been held and the Blaugrana remain hopeful that the services of the six-time Ballon d'Or winner can be retained.

They are, however, still looking to cut costs, with a number of big contracts weighing them down, and further exits are required.

Samuel Umtiti and Miralem Pjanic are among those that Barca are looking to offload, while there has been speculation surrounding Philippe Coutinho and Antoine Griezmann.

Further reading

The Euro 2020 final may be "one game too much" for Arsenal starlet Bukayo Saka claims Gary Neville, with the former Manchester United defender looking for Marcus Rashford or Jadon Sancho to fill the starting berth against Italy.

Gareth Southgate has shown faith in the 19-year-old Gunners youngster at this summer's European Championship, with Saka making his starting XI on three occasions.

Two of those outings have been in the knockout stage, against Germany in the last-16 and the semi-final showdown with Denmark, but Neville believes more experience and direct running will be required against the Azzurri with silverware on the line.

What has been said?

Neville, who helped England to the last four of Euro 96 and earned 85 caps for his country, told Sky Sports: "I agreed with bringing him [Saka] back [against Denmark] because I felt he had been the most lively of the wide players, along with Raheem Sterling. I am not sure he will start Sunday. I think that might just be too much for him.

"What he did last night, the amount he has given in this tournament, I just feel we will see somebody else. I look at (Giorgio) Chiellini and (Leonardo) Bonucci, and I think, who wouldn't they like to have in those wide areas, making those inside runs?

"I actually think it could be a game for Rashford or Sancho to accompany Sterling in those wide positions.

"I think those wide positions need to be quick players, who make out to in runs, so I don't think we will see Saka on Sunday.

"I think it might be one game too much for him. I was there in Euro 1996 as a 21-year-old and I was absolutely exhausted as I went through the tournament.

"I just feel that, on Sunday, he may be a handy sub to have and he [Southgate] may bring in other players, who haven't played on Wednesday night."

The bigger picture

Sancho, who is in the process of completing a £73 million ($101m) transfer to Manchester United from Borussia Dortmund, started England's quarter-final clash with Ukraine. Phil Foden and Jack Grealish have also filled attacking berths from the off at Euro 2020.

Red Devils star Rashford is yet to make a starting XI, but has come off the bench on four occasions.

Saka has only made seven senior outings for England, but has looked lively during those and will be desperate to play some part in the Three Lions' bid to bring a 55-year wait for major international silverware to a close.

Further reading

Nuno Espirito Santo will last longer than Patrick Vieira in their new managerial role in England, according to the majority of Goal readers.

The tacticians have been saddled with the responsibility of leading different English Premier League teams during the 2021-22 season.

While Nuno – who was born in Sao Tome and Principe – will oversee Tottenham Hotspur, Senegal-born Vieira - who represented France at the international level - would be hoping to lead Crystal Palace to a successful outing next term.

We asked our readers which of the African-born managers will last longer in their position.

In a poll conducted on the Goal Africa Twitter handle, 61.5 percent of the voters claim Nuno would stay longer as manager.

The former Porto and Valencia boss boasts of an in-depth knowledge about English football having managed Wolverhampton Wanderers for four seasons.

Elsewhere, only 38.5 percent of voters think Vieira would not be kicked out so early at Selhurst Park.

The Arsenal legend will succeed Roy Hodgson in the hotseat in south London – having been handed a three-year contract.

He started his coaching career with Major League Soccer side New York City FC, before moving to Ligue 1 side Nice in 2018. In his maiden season, he led the Eaglets to a seventh-place finish in the French elite division.

Nonetheless, Vieira was shown the exit door on December 4, 2020, after a run of five consecutive defeats in all competitions plus elimination from the group stage of the Europa League

For Nuno, he led Wolves to win the English Championship in his first campaign, before earning successive seventh-place finishes in their first two seasons back in the EPL – the club’s highest league position since 1980.

Also, the 47-year-old took the Molineux Stadium giants to the 2019-20 Europa League quarter-finals. He will be challenged with a similar run in Europe with Spurs, who enter next season's Uefa Conference League.

His coming ends Tottenham Hotspur’s search to replace Jose Mourinho for more than two months, with Ryan Mason overseeing the first team on an interim basis for their Carabao Cup final defeat to Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City.

Real Madrid have extended Nacho's contract through to the summer of 2023 as questions continue to be asked of Raphael Varane's future at Santiago Bernabeu.

A 31-year-old centre-half has agreed to prolong his association with the Blancos, with a home-grown talent remaining a one-club man.

That is good news for Real as they are left sweating on the options that Carlo Ancelotti will have to pick from at the heart of his back four in 2021-22.

What has been said?

A statement from the Blancos on their official website reads: "Real Madrid C. F. and Nacho Fernandez have reached an agreement to extend the player's contract in a deal that ties him to the club for the next two seasons and until 30 June 2023."

Why has a deal been done?

Nacho was previously tied to terms until 2022, but has seen that agreement extended by a further 12 months.

As an experienced member of the Blancos squad, he will have an important role to play heading forward.

A product of Real's famed academy system has taken in 233 appearances for the club so far, with two La Liga titles and four Champions League crowns claimed along the way.

Nacho has not always been a guaranteed starter amid fierce competition for places and injury issues, but that situation may be about to change.

Could Nacho be a regular for Real?

The versatile Spain international, who can also operate at right-back, provided cover for injured colleagues in 2020-21.

He caught the eye alongside Eder Militao, and that partnership could become a go-to option for returning coach Ancelotti.

That is because long-serving club captain Sergio Ramos has left the Spanish capital and linked up with Paris Saint-Germain as a free agent.

Uncertainty also reigns when it comes to France international Varane, as he is yet to commit to a new contract.

A summer exit is being mooted for the 28-year-old World Cup winner, with Premier League giants Manchester United making him a top target in the current window.

Further reading

AC Milan are pushing to complete a move for Olivier Giroud as they continue talks with Chelsea over a deal for the wantaway striker.

The 34-year-old saw the Blues trigger an option that extended his contract by a further year, ending Milan's hopes of signing him on a free transfer.

However, despite other interest from elsewhere, Giroud has continued pushing for the move that has seen talks ongoing for the last two months.

What's the latest?

Since exiting Euro 2020 after France's shock round-of-16 defeat to Switzerland, Giroud has been able to put focus on his future and has reiterated his desire to leave west London.

The former Arsenal forward increasingly found himself playing a bit-part role under Thomas Tuchel last season and didn't start a match for his club after March 21.

Indeed, the Blues are targeting the signing of a new striker in the summer transfer window, with Erling Haaland and Tottenham and England star Harry Kane at the top the shortlist.

What about Bakayoko?

Tiemoue Bakayoko is also high up Milan's priority list and he is keen to force a move away from Stamford Bridge.

Like Giroud, the 26-year-old has had interest from elsewhere, including from Ligue 1 outfit Nice, but is hoping to join Milan this summer.

Bakayoko's deal with the Blues expires next summer, with Milan are hoping to sign the Frenchman for the cheapest price possible, and potentially a loan deal with an obligatory purchase option.

Andy Bara, the 26-year-old's agent, spoke about the possibility of returning to Italy with Milan after a loan spell at Napoli.

"Milan are looking for a player with his characteristics and it’s likely that they can make a proposal," he said, as quoted by Calcio Mercato. "At the moment, Tiemoue is a Chelsea player, but there’s a possibility to change his shirt and go to an Italian team.

"Milan are a great team and if the opportunity arises, we will do everything possible to bring him to the Rossoneri. [Paolo] Maldini and [Frederic] Massara know him, they know what he can give."

Milan looking to raid Chelsea again

Milan have had some success working with Chelsea in the past and most recently secured Fikayo Tomori for £25 million (€34m) after exercising a purchase option in their loan agreement.

Furthermore, the Serie A club have shown an interest in signing Hakim Ziyech this summer but a deal looks very unlikely, with Stefano Pioli's side seemingly unable to afford the Morocco international.

They have also scouted Chelsea at academy level and are in the race to sign Tino Livramento, the Blues' Academy Player of the Year, with a host of other clubs also keen.

Chelsea have returned to training this week ahead of the new season, with many loanees and young players among the first-team squad as several stars remain on holiday or on international duty.

Further reading

Fouad Chafik will not continue his career at French side Dijon, the club has confirmed.

The Morocco international joined the Owls in 2016 from Stade Lavallois, and he has gone ahead to be a key figure at Stade Gaston Gerard.

Nonetheless, he has decided to leave the Dijon-based outfit alongside Wesley Lautoa, after failing to renew his contract with David Linares’ squad.

This can be attributed to the club’s relegation to the French second tier – after finishing at the base of Ligue 1 in the 2020-21 campaign. During that season, he featured in 23 matches with a single goal to his credit.

Nonetheless, Dijon have paid tribute to the players, describing their conduct as "exemplary".

“Wesley Lautoa and Fouad Chafik did not follow up on the contract extensions proposed by the DFCO,” a statement from the club read.

“Wesley Lautoa and Fouad Chafik will not continue their careers at the DFCO. Respectively recruited in July 2017 from FC Lorient and in July 2016 from Stade Lavallois, they have 103 and 124 games under the Dijon shirt.

“Faithful and involved, the two defenders will leave a good memory within the club: By their exemplary, their professionalism and their state of mind, they leave a good image.

“These are two warriors who have always worn the DFCO jersey. We would have liked to keep them, but we did not reach an agreement.

“The story ends there, but they will always be welcome at the club. The entire DFCO thanks Wesley and Fouad for their investment and wishes them all the best for the rest of their careers.”

Chafik is keen to play in the French elite division and he is expected to disclose his destination in the coming days, before the commencement of the 2021-22 campaign.

Born in Pierrelatte, France, the 34-year-old began his professional career at UPMF Grenoble Universite before heading for Montelimar in 2009.

Before joining Dijon in 2016, he represented Valence, Istres, and Laval between 2010 to 2016.

On the international scene, he was invited to the Morocco national football team for the first time in May 2015.

Chafik made his debut for the Atlas Lions two years later in an Africa Cup of Nations qualification match against Libya in 2017.

Victor Moses did not merit one last chance under Thomas Tuchel at Chelsea, according to most of the Goal readers.

After six loan moves since signing for the Blues in 2012, the former Super Eagles star finally completed a permanent switch to Spartak Moscow last month.

The move to the Russia top-flight side has sparked contrasting opinions on why the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations winner was sold outrightly instead of getting another opportunity under the German tactician at Stamford Bridge.

We asked our readers about their stance on this argument.

In a poll conducted on the Goal Africa Twitter handle, 65.2 percent of the voters believe the reigning European kings boast of a lot of talent and as such, the 30-year-old did not merit one final Chelsea hurrah under the former Paris Saint-Germain coach.

While 34.8% percent of voters suggest otherwise and would have preferred the wing-back to have represented the Blues at least for one more season. This could be as a result of the former England youth international’s involvement in the club’s Uefa Europa League triumph in 2012-13 and 2018-19 seasons.

Despite joining the Premier League outfit from Wigan Athletic in 2012, Moses was shipped out on a number of loan moves, including to Liverpool, Stoke City and West Ham United.

After impressing former manager Antonio Conte during pre-season, he was included in the first-team squad for the 2016-17 campaign. Moses played 40 games in all competitions that term, scoring four goals.

With Conte’s side emerging as English kings, Moses became the Nigerian player with the most Premier League appearances for a title-winning side.

In the 2-1 FA Cup final defeat to Arsenal, he became the fifth player to be sent off in an FA Cup final, for simulation in the penalty area.

The following season, he appeared in 28 league games with three goals to his credit. Before that, he was shipped to Turkish side Fenerbahce on an eighteen-month loan deal.

His next destination was Inter Milan, where Moses joined up with former Chelsea boss Conte in Italy, although he was on the move again in 2020 to Spartak Moscow.

In total, he made 128 appearances in all competitions for the Blues, scoring 18 goals.

UEFA has confirmed disciplinary proceedings have been opened against England following their Euro 2020 semi-final win over Denmark, with the use of a "laser pointer" by supporters included on the charge list.

The booing of the Danish national anthem from sections of the England fan base has also fallen under scrutiny, along with the setting off of fireworks following the 2-1 win after extra-time.

Gareth Southgate's side are now readying themselves for a final with Italy at Wembley on Sunday, but are waiting to discover what action, if any, will be taken.

What happened against Denmark?

England fell behind against the Danes, conceding their first goal of the tournament in the process, with Mikkel Damsgaard crashing a free-kick beyond Jordan Pickford on the half-hour mark.

An own goal from Simon Kjaer nine minutes later restored parity and forced the game beyond the 90-minute mark.

The match officials came together for a chat before the start of extra-time, with referee Danny Makkelie appearing to suggest that a laser was being used in the crowd.

Television cameras then captured a light being shone onto the face of Denmark goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel as he prepared to face a penalty from Harry Kane.

The Leicester shot-stopper saved the spot-kick, but saw the rebound fall for Kane to roll home the winner.

What has UEFA said?

European football's governing body is looking into the incident, along with a number of other charges.

A statement from UEFA reads: "Disciplinary proceedings have been opened following the UEFA Euro 2020 semi-final match between England and Denmark, played on July 7 at Wembley Stadium, London.

"Charges against England: Use of laser pointer by its supporters; disturbance caused by its supporters during the national anthem; lighting of fireworks by its supporters.

"The case will be dealt with by the UEFA Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body (CEDB) in due course."

Further reading

Serie A rivals Napoli and Atalanta are ready to battle for the signature of Malmo defender Anel Ahmedhodzic with Premier League clubs also interested, Goal can reveal.

The 22-year-old Bosnia-Herzegovina international central defender - who was born and raised in Sweden - has impressed with Malmo and last season was named both best defender and best young player in the Allsvenskan.

Ahmedhodzic is now ready to step up to a bigger European league, and is attracting interest from both England and Italy.

Who wants Ahmedhodzic?

Atalanta have been on the trail of the defender - who has a Swedish mother and Bosnian father - since January, however Napoli have emerged with concrete interest in recent weeks.

Interest in Ahmedhodzic has intensified after his impressive performance for Bosnia-Herzegovina in their 2022 World Cup qualifier at home to France in March. The 2018 champions won the game 1-0, but Ahmedhodzic was widely praised for his work keeping Kylian Mbappe very quiet.

Napoli view Ahmedhodzic as a potential replacement for Kalidou Koulibaly, a long-term target for Manchester United and others, while they have also seen defender Nikola Maksimovic depart after his contract expired.

AC Milan have also shown an interest, and have contacted Ahmedhodzic's agent Markus Rosenberg, however the attempts of Napoli and Atalanta to sign him are more concrete at this stage.

How much will he cost?

Malmo are demanding €8 million (£7m/$10m) for Ahmedhodzic, with Napoli currently offering nearer €5m (£4m/$6m).

What about the English interest?

Goal understands that a couple of unnamed Premier League clubs have made contact with Ahmedhodzic's representatives, however there have been no firm offers thus far.

Ahmedhodzic has some experience of English football, having spent three years at Nottingham Forest between 2016 and 2019 - however he made only one league appearance, a Championship clash with Newcastle in 2017.

Further Reading

Liverpool have invested £36 million ($50m) in Ibrahima Konate, and have now revealed the French defender will be inheriting the No 5 shirt from Georginio Wijnaldum.

The Reds spent big this summer on bolstering their centre-half options, having seen injuries leave them alarmingly short last season.

Konate has been prised away from RB Leipzig, with the the highly-rated 22-year-old also trusted to follow in the footsteps of the departed Dutch midfielder.

What has been said?

The Reds announced on their official website: "Liverpool FC can confirm the squad number Ibrahima Konate will wear for the 2021-22 season.

"The centre-back, who joined the Reds from RB Leipzig on July 1, will assume the No 5 jersey. Georginio Wijnaldum was the previous incumbent of the shirt during his five-year spell at Anfield."

Who else has worn No 5 for Liverpool?

Netherlands international Wijnaldum took the No 5 following his arrival on Merseyside in the summer of 2016.

He made 237 appearances for Liverpool, helping them to Champions League and Premier League crowns, but has left for Paris Saint-Germain as a free agent following the expiration of his contract.

Prior to Wijnaldum donning No 5, Danish defender Daniel Agger filled that shirt. Czech striker Milan Baros is another predecessor of Konate during the Premier League era.

When could Konate make his Liverpool debut?

The Reds have high hopes for their latest addition and will be looking for him to hit the ground running in English football.

Konate will expect to figure in pre-season outings for Liverpool, while his competitive debut for Klopp's side could be made when the 2021-22 Premier League campaign is opened with a trip to newly-promoted Norwich on August 14.

Further reading

Yanga SC have been fined Tsh. 3 million for their transgression on July 3 in the Tanzania Mainland League Kariakoo Derby against Simba SC.

Despite Zawadi Mauya handing them the bragging rights as well as delaying Mnyama's title celebrations, the former champions broke several rules and as a result, they will pay dearly.

The Tanzania Mainland League Board (TPLB) has now written to the 27-time league champions informing them of the fines.

"Yanga SC have been fined Tsh. 3 million for the following mistakes," read the communication to Yanga and obtained by Goal.

"(i) Using Uhuru gates to access the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium instead of the designated entrance.

"(ii) Using the media centre entrance instead of the one reserved for the team.

"(iii) Going against the instructions and using Gate B to access the pitch for warm-up.

"(iv) Using the cleaners' room as their changing room and avoiding the dressing room.

"The team will further pay Tsh. 850,000 to be used to repair the gates damaged as well as the padlocks that were spoiled in the process."

Meanwhile, Wananchi head coach Nasredinne Nabi has explained how he came up with tactics that helped them beat Wekundu wa Msimbazi last weekend. 

The Tunisian coach revealed he watched Simba's previous games, especially the one against Al Merrikh in the Champions League, and drilled his players on how to execute a counter-strategy against the defending champions.

One of the key areas Nabi said Yanga had to work on was their rivals' ability to use their full-backs Shomari Kapombe and Mohamed Hussein in engineering dangerous attacking moves.

"I looked back at some of their games and analysed how we could tackle them. I took my players through a tactical system that helped them train to counter Simba's move," Nabi told Mwanaspoti.

"Practically, we managed to employ what we trained on and we got an early goal even though we missed a number of chances, including one open opportunity that Yacouba Songne failed to score from.

"I have never talked to Didier Gomes Dar Rosa but he is a coach that I have come to analyse and understand his tactics.

"I told my players to be aggressive, especially in recovering the ball, because Simba always struggle against a team that is aggressive.

"We were aggressive and whenever we lost the ball we ensured we recovered it quickly and this completely worked against Simba because they are a team that can not handle such kind of pressure."

Harry Kane believes England's luck may finally be turning at Euro 2020, with the Three Lions skipper admitting "for once it fell our way" as he fired Gareth Southgate's side to a first major international final since 1966.

The Tottenham striker, who has been putting speculation regarding his club future to one side, netted the winning goal in a thrilling semi-final showdown with Denmark that required extra-time in order to separate the two sides.

Kane saw a late penalty saved by Kasper Schmeichel in that contest, but the ball broke kindly for him and a rebound was slotted home to spark wild scenes of celebration at Wembley and across the country.

What has been said?

Reacting to his good fortune from the spot and another memorable summer for English football, Kane told ITV Sport: "For once it fell our way today. 

"Credit to the boys - what a performance. After going 1-0 down we responded really well and controlled the game, and dug deep in extra time.

"Obviously it wasn’t the penalty I wanted to execute, it went lower than I thought, and it was just a bonus to see it bounce back and to pop it home.

"It’s the first time in our history as a nation, getting through to the European final at Wembley, and it’s one of the proudest moments in my life, for sure. 

"But we haven’t won it yet, we’ve got one more to go."

The bigger picture

England are now readying themselves for a final showdown with Italy on Sunday.

They will be back at Wembley for that fixture, with long-awaited success being chased down on home soil.

Kane will once again be crucial to their chances of claiming the ultimate prize, with the 27-year-old rediscovering his touch in front of goal.

Having opened Euro 2020 with three goalless outings at the group stage, the Spurs star has found the target in three successive knockout clashes.

His duck was broken in the last-16 against Germany, before then bagging a brace in a quarter-final rout of Ukraine and a priceless effort in the last four against Denmark.

He remains in the hunt for another Golden Boot as a result, having landed that prize at the 2018 World Cup, and is now England's joint-leading scorer at international tournaments with 10 efforts to his name - the same return as Gary Lineker.

Further reading

The fact that England did not have an official World Cup song for Russia 2018 was a bitter pill to swallow for some fans of the showpiece song tradition, but thankfully they were able soothe any lingering disappointment with a decidedly rich back catalogue of tournament tunes.

One of the most memorable England World Cup anthems was born in 1990 as the Three Lions were gearing up for Italia '90, with the familiar synth-pop tones of English band New Order providing an optimistic campaign soundtrack for Bobby Robson's team.

The song was called 'World in Motion' and it shot straight to the top of the UK Singles Chart following its release that summer, remaining there for two weeks in June before eventually being succeeded by Elton John's more downbeat love ballad 'Sacrifice' as the nation's mood shifted. 

Written by New Order and comedian Keith Allen, the song famously featured a rap segment by England player John Barnes and a number of other players contributed vocals, while also appearing on the official music video.

Interestingly, while New Order boast classics such as 'True Faith' and 'Blue Monday' in their extensive discography, the World Cup song 'World in Motion' has the distinction of being their only UK number one.

'World in Motion' will inevitably evoke feelings of nostalgia for some generations. However, younger Three Lions devotees may not be au fait with it, so here's everything you need to know about the song.

Contents

World in Motion lyrics

Express yourself, 
Create the space, 
You know you can win, 
Don't give up the chase. 

Beat the man, 
Take him on, 
You never give up, 
It's one on one.

Express yourself, 
It's one on one. 
Express yourself, 
It's one on one. 

Express yourself. 
You can't be wrong
When something's good
It's never gone

Chorus:

Love's got the world in motion
And I know what we can do. 
Love's got the world in motion
And I can't believe it's true. 

Now is the time, 
Let everyone see, 
You never give up, 
That's how it should be. 

Don't get caught, 
Make your own play, 
Express yourself, 
Don't give it away. 

Express yourself, 
Its one on one. 
Express yourself, 
Its one on one. 

Express yourself, 
You can't be wrong. 
When something's good
It's never wrong. 

(Chorus)

You've got to hold and give
But do it at the right time. 
You can be slow or fast
But you must get to the line. 

They'll always hit you and hurt you, 
Defend and attack. 
There's only one way to beat them:
Get round the back. 

Catch me if you can
'Cause I'm the England man
And what you're looking at
Is the master plan. 

We ain't no hooligans, 
This ain't a football song, 
Three lions on my chest
I know we can't go wrong. 

We're playing for England, 
We're playing the song,
We're singing for England,
Arrivederci it's one on one.
(Repeat x4)

World in Motion music video

The official music video for 'World in Motion' featured a number of England players as well as clips of team in action during the World Cup 1990 qualification phase.

As one of the stars of the team - and the song - it was no surprise to see Barnes headlining the music video and the first image viewers were presented with was the midfielder spinning a ball on his finger. He appeared throughout, doing tricks in the background as lead vocalist Bernard Sumner - wearing a T-shirt with the words 'World in motion...' on it - sang.

Paul Gascoigne and Peter Beardsley also featured in the video, as did Nottingham Forest's Des Walker and Liverpool midfielder Steve McMahon.

The music video for New Order's 'World in Motion' can be watched in full above.

John Barnes World in Motion rap

The genre of the World Cup song is known to stretch conventional musical boundaries and New Order did precisely that with 'World in Motion' by incorporating a rapping player into the composition.

Barnes, who had previously performed in the Liverpool's 1988 'Anfield Rap', won a mini-competition between a handful of England stars to earn the right to contribute a verse to the song, beating the likes of Gascoigne and Beardsley.

The lyrics to Barnes' World in Motion rap can be read below:

You've got to hold and give 
But do it at the right time. 
You can be slow or fast 
But you must get to the line. 

They'll always hit you and hurt you, 
Defend and attack. 
There's only one way to beat them 
Get round the back. 

Catch me if you can 
'Cause I'm the England man 
And what you're looking at 
Is the master plan. 

We ain't no hooligans, 
This ain't a football song, 
Three lions on my chest 
I know we can't go wrong.

Despite contending with some ridicule for his rap, the former Liverpool man fully embraced the notoriety and has playfully tapped into his musical side in the years since.

In 2010, for example, he worked with chocolate bar manufacturer Mars for a TV advertisement ahead of that year's World Cup, in which he delivered a rendition of the rap. 

"We did the song, and there wasn’t even supposed to be a rap," Barnes told Planet Football in 2020. "But a little bit of alcohol was taken and we were just about to have a few more drinks and Keith said, ‘Let’s write a rap.’ So it was just written there and then and the six players had a rap-off to decide who got the gig.

"We all had a go – Beardsley, Gazza, Des Walker and of course, myself. Des was probably the biggest competition, and Gazza might have been in with a shout, but I’m not sure the Scouse or Geordie accents really suited it! So, being a rap fan anyway, I was chosen."

How did England do at the tournament?

Unfortunately for England 'World in Motion' did not inspire them to glory, but they did manage to reach the semi-finals of the competition, where they lost on penalties to West Germany.

Robson's men topped Group F ahead of the Republic of Ireland, Netherlands and Egypt before navigating their way past Belgium and Cameroon in the round-of-16 and quarter-finals respectively.

The semi-final against West Germany finished 1-1 after extra time, with Gary Lineker's 80th-minute strike cancelling out Andreas Brehme's opener.

However, the Three Lions endured what would become familiar penalty heartache when Stuart Pearce and Chris Waddle missed their spot kicks, allowing the Germans to win the shootout 4-3.

England ultimately finished fourth at the tournament after losing the third-place play-off game against tournament hosts Italy, while West Germany went on to lift the trophy, beating Argentina in the final.