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Former Kaizer Chiefs midfielder George Maluleka has explained why he does not regret his move to join Premier Soccer League champions Mamelodi Sundowns.

Maluleka, 32, struggled to stamp his authority on the starting Mamelodi Sundowns team, only featuring in 11 games - and 14 across all competitions - in a season where the Brazilians dominated the league once more. 

"It was good [the first season], but obviously, judging from the situation I came from, playing week in and out, a lot of people would say it was very bad," Maluleka told KickOff.com.

"But I came here and found players already playing and playing the number of games I played, I feel I did well in the first season and I will be able to build from here for next season."

The midfielder used the example of how Belgian star Eden Hazard has struggled at Real Madrid to explain why his situation is not completely unique.

"This is my first season and you look at players worldwide, everywhere it happens to everyone, even Hazard at Real Madrid," he added.

"These things take time. I am still adjusting as well but obviously, we don't have much time, but I don't regret anything, to be honest, and like I said I, feel I have done well and I can build from here [for next season]."

Recently, the former Ajax Cape Town star responded to claims he was moving close to the exit door at Mamelodi Sundowns.

"I am very happy at Sundowns, and I am in a very good space. I have heard about these moves. If it happens, it happens. If it doesn't happen, it doesn’t happen," he told News 24. "I am a Sundowns player, and I am not going anywhere. I think [the first] season was good. I feel I contributed where I could."

"A lot of people didn't give me a chance and I played. I did not play much, but I feel that I did well in my first season. It's always amazing. You can't explain it, because you get players who play football their whole careers and they end up retiring without even winning anything.

"For me to have already won four titles is a big thing. I am very happy.

His time at Chloorkop was made more difficult by the fact that he had to compete for a position with Hlompho Kekana, Andile Jali, Rivaldo Coetzee, and Lebohang Maboe.

Crystal Palace star Wilfried Zaha would be a good signing for Arsenal, according to the majority of Goal readers.

After a disappointing outing in the just-concluded season, Gunners coach Mikel Arteta is expected to reinforce his squad ahead of the 2021-22 campaign.

As many expect, the Gunners could be heading towards the direction of the 28-year-old winger.

As a follow-up to Seye Omidiora’s piece on Zaha to Arsenal: Would Crystal Palace attacker really be a good fit? Goal conducted a poll on Twitter to ask if the Cote d’Ivoire international would be a good signing for the North London outfit.

A massive 72.5 percent of total votes are of the opinion that Zaha would be a good signing for the 13-time English league kings.

In contrast, 27.5 percent felt otherwise. And as such, the former Manchester United player should remain with the Eagles or look elsewhere.

Zaha was reportedly being valued at around £80 million ($102m) when Arsenal were pursuing him two summers ago.

However, his former manager Roy Hodgson admitted that the African star "would relish a move" away from Crystal Palace, as the player remains eager to "find some pastures new" after being denied a transfer two years ago.

“That’s the $64,000 question isn’t it? But it’s not just Wilf Zaha – there’s players in every club that come into that category,” Hodgson told the media.

“Wilf has made it clear, ever since I came to the club really, that he would relish a move and would like to move on and find some pastures new.

“But he’s a very valuable player and the club realises his value and appreciates his value and so really everything will depend I guess  – as it always does – [on] what sort of offers the club is going to receive for him and how they will equate that with the need to keep him or the need, maybe, to satisfy his wishes, and allow him to go after giving good service to the club for a period of time.

“Quite frankly, I’ve got no answer to that question, it will be all a matter, I guess, of seeing what transpires.”

The Ivorian returned to Palace for a second spell back in 2015 following an ill-fated three-year stint at Old Trafford, and has since recreated his dented reputation by becoming one of the most effective attacking players outside of the top six.

Baroka FC chairman Kurishi Mphahlele says no team has approached them for striker Evidence Makgopa's services amid reported interest in the player from Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns.

Makgopa witnessed his profile drastically improve in the just-ended season when he was named the campaign's best young player after scoring seven goals in 28 league starts, before making his Bafana Bafana debut last Thursday.

The forward immediately made an impact by grabbing a brace after coming on as a second-half substitute in an international friendly match against Uganda and that appeared to have heightened interest in him with most reports pointing at Pirates.

But Mphahlele has dismissed talk that there have been moves for the player.

“We are very much proud of our boy, how can we not be proud? It shows that we are producing and we are adding value to the league and the nation. He was 17-years-old when he joined and we developed him. 

“All my boys can go places, they just need time to develop fully. We give them confidence that they are the best. All of these boys have something to offer for this country and our supporters. Also, our supporters need to know that they are supporting a quality team.”

With Pirates finding it tough upfront during the 2020/21 season, when all their number nines - Frank Mhango, Tshegofatso Mabasa, Zakhele Lepasa and Jean-Marc Makusu - struggled with injuries, and coach Josef Zinnbauer might need to beef up his strike force. 

This has seen reports heavily linking Makgopa with a move to the Soweto giants and Mphahlele believes his striker will be a much-improved player in the upcoming season. 

“He is the young player of the season this year, he will be matured next season because he is 21-years old now,” continued Mphahlele. 

“I wish him all the best and I treat him like my blood son because I have been with him for a very long time. He has been doing a lot of good work inside the field and he is also behaving very well outside the field, that’s what I like about him.”

Makgopa himself says he is eyeing a move to Europe and not looking at a local move.

Yanga SC striker Fiston Abdoul Razak has claimed he will not extend his short-term contract with the local giants when it expires at the end of the season.

Instead, the Burundian has sent a 'come get me' plea to Azam FC to sign him when the deal elapses, boasting they are the only team that will give him a chance to stay in the Mainland Premier League if he decides to stay in Tanzania.

Razak joined Yanga in the small window of the season but has failed to meet expectations, scoring just one goal in the top-flight with only five matches left to conclude the season.

He has now claimed he currently does not consider staying at Yanga even if he is required to extend his contract, because of the things he has experienced in Jangwani since joining from Esperance of Tunisia.

What has been said?

“I came to Yanga to play football, not walking my contract was short because I wanted to see the environment first, but for the time I played I no longer need to extend the contract,” Burundian told MwanaSpoti as quoted by Sokalabongo.

“I’m a player, my job is to play football now when someone makes me not play at his will I can’t stand this life I say I can’t extend my contract anymore.

“Azam is a team especially in the way it lives with its players, personally I like it very much but Yanga is not like that if I stay in Tanzania maybe Azam is the only one I can accept to stay.”

The Burundian striker continued: “Coach Cedric [Kaze] was the one who persuaded me to come and play for Yanga and in his honour I decided to come and see and better I signed for a while, I had no news of playing in East Africa, but unfortunately when I came Kaze left, although I was confident and remain to this day.”

Razak has played for a number of clubs in Africa including FKF Premier League side Sofapaka, JS Kabylie, LLB Academic, Rayon Sports, CSMD Diables Noirs, Mamelodi Sundowns, Bloemfontein Celtic, C.D. Primeiro de Agosto, and Al-Zawra'a SC.

Denmark have given a fresh update on Christian Eriksen's condition following his collapse in their Euro 2020 opener.

Eriksen fell to the turf in the first half of Denmark's Group B clash with Ukraine at the Parken Stadium in Copenhagen on Saturday afternoon, and subsequently needed emergency medical treatment.

The match was suspended after the midfielder was removed from the stadium on a stretcher and sent to hospital, where he was later revealed to be awake and in a stable physical state.

What's been said?

The Danish Football Association (DBU) have now released a statement confirming that Eriksen will remain hospitalised to undergo more tests, but he has been in contact with the national team staff and his team-mates.

"This morning we have spoken to Christian Eriksen, who has sent his greetings to his team-mates," the statement on the DBU's official Twitter account reads. "His condition is stable, and he continues to be hospitalized for further examination.

"The team and staff of the national team has received crisis assistance and will continue to be there for each other after yesterday's incident.

"We would like to thank everyone for the heartfelt greetings to Christian Eriksen from fans, players the Royal Families from both Denmark and England, international associations, clubs etc.

"We encourage everyone to send their greetings to the Danish FA, where we will make sure they are all passed on to Christian and his family."

How did Denmark vs Finland finish?

After the incident, Denmark were given the option to finish their first Euro 2020 fixture later the same day or on Sunday, and ultimately chose the former, with the game resuming from the original stoppage point four minutes before half-time.

Finland went on to spring an upset thanks to a 59th-minute effort from Joel Pohjanpalo, with Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg missing a late penalty for the Danes as they suffered a 1-0 defeat.

Denmark manager's post-match comments

Denmark boss Kasper Hjulmand has explained why his team decided to go ahead with the match two hours and five minutes after the original kick-off time, insisting that no one in the squad was prepared to head home and rest after such a traumatic event.

"You can't play a game with such feelings, [but] there were no players who could manage to go home, sleep and get up again [after what happened]," Hjulmand said post-match.

"We tried to win. It was incredible to go out and try to play that second half. Honestly, we had players out there that were completely done, emotionally done and emotionally exhausted."

Further reading

Joao Cancelo has been replaced by Diogo Dalot in Portugal's Euro 2020 squad after testing positive for Covid-19.

Cancelo was named in Fernando Santos' final 26-man squad for the European Championships after helping Manchester City win a Premier League and Carabao Cup double in 2020-21.

The 27-year-old was expected to be one of Portugal's key players at the summer tournament, but has been struck down with coronavirus ahead of their Group F opener against Hungary on Tuesday.

What's been said?

The Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) have confirmed that Manchester United right-back Diogo Dalot, who took in a successful loan spell at Milan last term, has been drafted in to fill Cancelo's spot. 

"Under-21 international Diogo Dalot will join the National Team's delegation in Budapest to prepare for his debut at Euro 2020," an official statement from the FPF reads. "The AC Milan player will replace Joao Cancelo, who tested positive for Covid-19 following a rapid antigen test carried out this Saturday by the FPF Health and Performance Unit.
 
"The Hungarian health authorities were immediately informed and the player – who is doing well – was placed in isolation. The result of the test carried out by USP was confirmed by an RT-PCR test carried out on Joao Cancelo also on Saturday and whose result was known on Sunday morning.
 
"In accordance with the Covid-19 protocol defined by UEFA before the Euro 2020 matches, all players and members of the entourage underwent RT-PCR tests on Saturday. The results, with the exception of Joao Cancelo, were negative.
 
"The Hungarian health authorities became aware of compliance with the protection procedures, fully respected according to the UEFA protocol, in a group that also has a high rate of vaccine coverage and authorised the National Team to comply with the stipulated plan for the European Championship without any changes."

Portugal dealt major blow in Euros title defence

Cancelo's quality and experience would have surely seen him make Santos' starting XI against Hungary and in subsequent group stage fixtures against Germany and France.

Dalot will now have to deal with a huge weight of expectation after being handed his maiden call-up to the Portugal senior squad, with Cancelo now set to spend the next ten days in self-isolation.

The Seleccao are being billed as one of the favourites to win the Euros five years on from lifting the trophy in France after a stunning 1-0 upset of the hosts in the final.

Portugal still have the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Bruno Fernandes, Diogo Jota and Joao Felix to call upon, but service to those star players will surely be reduced after losing Cancelo as an outlet down the right wing.

Further reading

Kenyans have castigated the decision taken by young striker Benson Omalla to return home from Sweden where he had gone for trials with Division One side FC Linkoping City.

The former Western Stima striker had signed a six-month loan deal to play for the club until December, then return to his parent club Gor Mahia, but on Wednesday he returned to Kenya after only a month and a half in Sweden, citing frustration and being played out of position.

On Saturday, Omalla told Goal: “I have been forced to return home because of frustration, I was being played out of position and could not take it anymore.”

Kenyans have hit out at the young striker, who also features for the Kenyan national team, for the decision he took insisting he should have been patient enough to see through the six-month contract because the coach may have seen a better position for him to grow in.

The fans have further moved to give examples of players who have been played out of position but went ahead to make their position their own, including Manchester United’s keeper one David de Gea, who started as a striker but was turned to a goalkeeper, and Emannuel Eboue, who went to Arsenal as a defender but could also play on the wing.

Another example they gave was that of Kenyan Mike Okoth, the father to Liverpool striker Divock Origi, who started as a goalkeeper back in school in Itiero High School, then joined Shabana who were playing in the Premier League, but was turned into a striker and became one of the best forwards in the country.

The towering Okoth ended up scoring many goals for the Harambee Stars before he retired.

Below is how the fans reacted to a post on Goal Africa's Facebook page in regards to Omalla’s decision as sampled by Goal.

Pastor-Edward Smith: Patience always pays. In this world, we don't have to insist on having our way all the time.

Josphat M Mwenda: This can't be the reason. It's just a scapegoat. He was a non-performer. If changing positions is a crime Quadrado couldn't be playing in Europe. He has played in almost every position.

Eric Oduor: Patience Patience Patience...He ought to have borrowed a leaf from Van De Beek...Mata...Matic.

Kinyash Kinyash: Hehe...he ought to have tried it out even Fernando Torres started as a goalkeeper.

Peterlis Odeyo: Omalla should take examples of Lucas Radebe when he first traveled to Europe and joined Leeds United.

Carlos Alberto Ogari: A laughable excuse, players should play in different positions. Bukayo Saka earned his place in the England squad because he performed well in position three.

Omondi Duogo: Professional football players and great players don't have favorite positions, look at Messi he plays no. 10, 9, and 7.

Dennoh Andrewson: Played out of position...were you alive when Henderson played in defence for Liverpool? I hope you won't regret that decision.

Nico Kyalo: As a player, you must learn to be flexible.

Baba Wawili: Nothing comes on a silver plate. He doesn't know what he wants in life.

Konda Potani: I have seen CR7, one of the best players in the World playing different positions with different teams.

Omosh Jnr: Some of us we're just yearning for that chance then you're leaving Sweden with a silly excuse that you can't play out of your position.

Babake Tulip: Dennis Oliech spent three months in Al Arabi Qatar without even sitting on the bench, patience pays!

Edwin Smolling: A good player always shines and proves his talent no matter which role he is offered to play...be serious young boy!

Eugene Siema: He should have listened to Denis Oliech when he was hosted by Jalang'o TV, he was played at full-back when he was in Qatar but he was patient and finally he got his chance.

Enock Kenyoru: I guess they realised where you can play better, you never took time to learn. Learn bro, home is not always the best. You need patience Omalla, you are a very good player. Work hard.

Okumu Chico Elijah: Kwado Asamoah was playing in the defence instead of midfield, same as Alaba, Yaya Toure, Alex Song, and many others, even Cliffton Miheso is a good example.

Mabascor Carpitow: This boy is out of his mind, you cannot terminate a contract simply because you are played out of position...Bukayo Saka, Aubameyang, Maitland Niles, Cuadrado. Patience always pays.

Kiptum: He could have used that position to prove himself as a great player. Terminating the contract and coming back to Kenya is unwise. He had a promising talent that's going down the drain just like Blackberry's. I pity him.

Ngetich Peter Menechwen: Did you know that David Silva started as a goalkeeper? Did you know that Ramsey started as a defender? Did you know that John Terry started as a midfielder? This is not a footballer. He should have adapted to the position he is playing. After all, players are not sticking to their positions whenever they have a ball they move all over the pitch.

Eric Oduor: Valencia joined Manchester united as a right-winger to replace Ronaldo but what happened...he became a solid RIGHT BACK!

Emmanuel Ngovi: Kante plays from position 1 to 11 and can as well officiate the game if given the chance. That's what being professional means.

Gor Mahia coach Carlos Manuel Vaz Pinto has stated they are not the favourites heading into the semi-finals of the FKF Shield Cup on Sunday.

K’Ogalo will be seeking to reach their first final since 2013 when they lost to rivals AFC Leopards but according to the Portuguese coach they must be cautious against a Bidco side they beat 3-1 in the first round of the Premier League season.

What has been said?

“It is not going to be an easy game, it is going to be a different story, a different game in football the story never repeats, totally different type of game, the emotions are different and of course I expect one tough game,” Vaz Pinto told Goal on Sunday.

On how prepared they are, Pinto said: “We did not have enough time to prepare, we played last Saturday and Friday we took the second jab of Covid-19 vaccine and yesterday [Saturday] it was short training to recover the players.

“The players need 72 hours to totally recover for one game and because of that our focus was the recovery of the players ahead of the match.”

Asked if the small time they had to prepare for the game will affect the team’s results, the Portuguese said: “No...what I think it will affect us and affect Bidco too, not only for us Bidco played last Thursday, and for us is the same, but of course, we have played more matches than Bidco since the league resumed.

“It is a struggle we have, we can’t cry but we need to look into this game with confidence and respect for Bidco because they have a good team and good coach and of course good players.”

Injury concerns for Gor Mahia

On injury concerns and whether striker Tito Okello has returned from South Sudanese national team assignment, Pinto said: “Tiko [Okello] will not be available, he is with the national team until June 21, and we have only one injury of right full-back Kevin [Wesonga], only Kevin is out.”

Before Gor Mahia takes on Bidco, rivals AFC Leopards will play the first semi-final at the same venue against Division One side Equity Bank seeking to reach the final for the first time since 2017.

India's 2-0 victory over Bangladesh has handed them a major boost in their bid to finish third in the group, which would see them progress to the 2023 Asian Cup qualifying third round. They are currently placed third in the group with six points from seven matches. 

However, if the Blue Tigers lose to Afghanistan they will be relegated to the fourth position, in the worst-case scenario. Can they still qualify for the Asian Cup qualifying third round? Let's find out. 

The qualification rule states that the four best fourth-placed teams across all groups will advance to the Asian Cup qualifying third round. The remaining four fourth-placed teams will advance to the Asian Cup qualifying play-off round.

Let us now have a look at the standings in each of the eight groups which will give us a clearer picture of India's chances. 

Group A

In Group A, Maldives are fourth-placed with six points and a goal difference of -13. Their next match is against Philippines. However, irrespective of the result, their position will remain unchanged but they will make a stronger case for the best fourth-placed team with more points in their kitty. 

Group B

Nepal has finished on the fourth spot and there will be no further alteration. 

Group C

In Group C, Hong Kong will finish in the fourth spot. They are set to face Bahrain in their last match. They drew against Bahrain in the reverse fixture. If they replicate their results they will finish on six points, same as India's current tally. But the Blue Tigers have a superior goal difference. 

Group D 

Three teams in Group D are locked in an intense battle for the third and fourth position. In their final match, Palestine will face Yemen. Yemen had beaten Palestine in their previous encounter and if they do so again they will climb to the third spot. Then Palestine will drop to the fourth spot pushing Singapore to the bottom. However, if it ends in a draw, then the table will remain the same. 

Group E 

It is pretty straightforward for India in Group E. If they manage to avoid a loss against the Afghans they will finish on the third spot. If they lose they will be relegated to the fourth spot. 

Group F 

Mongolia are fourth-placed fourth in Group F. However, Myanmar can climb to the fourth spot if they manage to get a draw against Tajikistan. 

Group G

Group G is also nicely poised as Thailand and Malaysia are in a close fight for the third spot. All eyes will be on the final group match between Thailand and Malaysia, which will potentially decide the final standings. 

Group H

DPR Korea has withdrawn from the competition and hence it has been decided by AFC (Asian Football Confederation) that the results of all DPR Korea matches will be null and void. Hence, Sri Lanka will finish on the fourth spot. 

India have six points from seven games with a goal difference of -1. If the Blue Tigers lose against Afghanistan then they will still qualify for the AFC Cup third round by virtue of being placed within the top four of the four-placed ranked teams, given that Hong Kong do not get more than a point in their last game. They play Bahrain on Tuesday. 

In that case, Nepal and Mongolia will further drop from their respective positions. 

Malawi striker Gabadinho Mhango has revealed they are approaching the Tanzania fixture as a serious game and not a friendly.

The Flames are in Dar es Salaam to face the Taifa Stars in a friendly at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium on Sunday and according to the striker, who plays for South African giants Orlando Pirates, they are not looking at the game as a competitive clash.

What has been said?

“Morale is high in the camp and everybody is looking forward to playing in this game, and as players, the international game is very important to everyone so for us as Malawi national team, we don’t look at the game as just a friendly but as a serious match,” Mhango told Goal.

“So I think it going to be a good game, not as a friendly but a good serious match game.

“We have a strong team and we are going out there to do our best, as Malawi we are going out to do our best because we can’t go to our rivals that we are like this, we are focused as a team to do well.

“We have played a couple of games against Tanzania, they are a good team, they are a tough team but we will just do what the coach tells us to do, and we will do our best.

“We don’t have any superstar in our squad, we are all superstars and we will do our best, I don’t want to talk about our squad, and I hope all our professionals will be selected to start in the game.”

Malawi arrived in Tanzania without head coach Meck Mwase, who tested positive for Covid-19 as the team was planning to depart for Dar es Salaam alongside his assistant Lovemore Fazili and defender Peter Cholopi.

Mpinganjira to lead Malawi

In his absence of Mwase, assistant coach Bob Mpinganjira will take charge of the team and speaking to Goal, he has promised a good game against the Taifa Stars.

“Of course we have some players who have been left behind because of other reasons but all the same we have brought a very strong team and we are ready for tomorrow [Sunday],” Mpinganjira told Goal.

“We know Tanzania is a very good team and surely we are going to gain something from and it is also our chance to try some of our players, we have some players who have not any international game but they will have a chance on Sunday.

Asked about his game plan, Mpinganjira replied, “It will simply be an attacking game.”

Ahead of the friendly, Mwase had named a strong 22-man squad with Be-Forward Wanderers midfielder Vitumbiko Kumwenda, Nyasa Big Bullets defender Eric Kaonga and Scotland-based defender Kieran Ngwenya making their first trip with the Flames.

The Flames will be without four key players, namely captain Limbikani Mzava, vice-captain John Banda, Gerald Phiri Junior, and Francisco Madinga. Mzava and Phiri whjo are injured while Banda and Madinga were excused due to club commitments.

The Chile national team has confirmed that Inter star Alexis Sanchez will miss the Copa America group stage after suffering an injury in training.

Sanchez earned a place in Martin Lasarte's final squad for the summer tournament after helping Inter win their first Serie A crown in 11 years last season.

The 32-year-old has been a talismanic figure for Chile throughout his 15-year international career, but they will have to make do without him for the first round of matches in Brazil.

What's been said?

An official statement from the Chile camp reads: "The Medical Corps of the Chilean National Team reports that the player Alexis Sanchez, after training yesterday, presented a plantar-thin muscle injury.

"The estimated recovery time goes beyond the group stage of the Copa América 2021, for which the athlete will remain in his recovery process in Chile, with the medical team of the national team."

What games will Sanchez miss?

Sanchez will be absent when Chile open their Group B campaign with a heavyweight clash against Argentina on Monday, which comes just four days before they are due to take on Bolivia.

Lasarte's team will then complete their pool schedule with fixtures against Uruguay and Paraguay as they bid to reach the quarter-finals, with Sanchez facing a race against time to get back on the pitch if they make it through.

Sanchez's international record

Sanchez has won 138 caps for Chile since making his intentional debut back in 2006 - more than any other player in their history.

The Inter forward is also the country's all-time top scorer with 46 goals, including a crucial effort in their 1-1 draw with Argentina in World Cup qualifying earlier this month.

Further reading

Hosts Brazil are to face Venezuela in their opening Copa America 2021 clash at Estadio Nacional de Brasilia on Monday (IST).

After solidifying their spot atop the CONMEBOL Qatar 2022 World Cup qualifying group, Tite will now turn his attention to Copa America.

Here's how to watch Brazil vs Venezuela in India.

Contents

What time does Brazil vs Venezuela start?

Return to top

How to watch Brazil vs Venezuela on TV & live stream in India

In India, the Copa America 2021 will be broadcast live on the Sony Pictures Sports Network (SPSN). It will be livestreamed on the SonyLIV app.

Commentary will also be available in vernacular languages across India.

Return to top

Brazil vs Venezuela: Team news

Venezuela's travelling party for the Copa America has had at least 11 positive Covid-19 test results as of Saturday afternoon, forcing them to call upon emergency replacements in order to compete on Sunday against Brazil.

Further reading: 

Former England international Micah Richards says Manchester City forward Phil Foden must start the Euro 2020 opener against Croatia and is tipping him to make a big impression at the tournament.

Foden only turned 21 on May 28 but was a major part of City winning the Premier League and reaching the final of the Champions League.

And ex-City defender Richards has urged England coach Gareth Southgate to be bold with his team selection and says Foden will have no fear of facing anyone.

What’s been said?

"Foden has shown this season that he's fearless, nothing fazes him," Richards told Goal.

"You know what it's like when you’re in a team or within a squad, whether it's a big tournament or not, we tend to just go with the tried and trusted rather than someone who's been in form.

"Just because he's 21, people are worried it’s going to be too much for him, but he's in the best form of his life so just play him.

"You can just see the way he plays, nothing fazes him, just having that freedom to come inside and do what he does so, of course, I would play him."

Attack, attack, attack!

Many believe England could struggle defensively at Euro 2020, with Harry Maguire in a race against time to be fit to play in the tournament.

But with plenty of attacking options, Richards, who was the youngest defender to play for England as an 18-year-old in 2006, says Southgate should play to his strengths and play without fear.

"What will end up happening if we go defensively, we'll lose a little bit of belief of what we could achieve," he added. "When you've got all that quality, why not use it?

"We know England are not the best defensively anyway, and sometimes the best form of defence is attack.

"You wouldn't see the Brazilians saying: 'Oh we've got all these flare players now, but we should go defensive because we're playing against a good team'."

Influence of Guardiola

Richards also believes that Southgate can use the way Pep Guardiola has transformed City as a blueprint for success with the national team.

"He's got to look at Pep, the way City play and see he's got all these players playing so well," he added.

"Gareth can be his own manager and do what he needs to, but you can always take and learn different things like how can I affect the game by playing a certain way.

"That little bit of added experience from Pep's [influence] could play a pivotal role in what they need."

Micah Richards is part of the BBC football team. Follow Euro 2020 on the BBC across TV, radio and online this summer.

Further reading:

Chelsea’s current standing as European champion puts the club in a position of strength to add real quality to their squad for next season and subsequent campaigns after.

The Blues’ 2012 Champions League triumph prompted a switch for Eden Hazard, a generational talent from Ligue 1 side Lille, which resulted in a series of honours for the West London outfit, including two Premier League titles and as many Europa League wins.

Having splurged on a plethora of consequential players last summer, a top four spot was imperative for the Stamford Bridge outfit in 2020/21 going into the off-season to bolster effectively.

Thomas Tuchel’s troops not only ended in the desired European spots, but they also even went one better with CL success, and there’s never a better time than building from a position of strength.

Erling Haaland’s name has done the rounds this week with strong reports indicating that Roman Abramovich is keen to splurge on Borussia Dortmund’s force of nature. Without a doubt, it’s hard to even question the club’s interest in the 20-year-old forward given his unquestionable ability and delivery.

Having said that, the Norwegian’s astronomical asking price, wage demands and commission fees could all undermine the London side’s ambitious pursuit of the frontman.

A move for ex-striker and Inter Milan’s best player, Romelu Lukaku, has been touted but the Serie A side are demanding a premium and the Belgium star reaffirming his commitment to the Nerazzurri recently complicates a potential transfer.

The top option remains Harry Kane, who is seemingly intent on departing North London before the start of next term. However, the difficulty of striking a deal with the uncompromising Daniel Levy and antipathy between the clubs suggest a transfer to the Bridge may be a long shot.

When your options appear to be limited to complicated targets, you’re left with three possibilities: break the bank for one of the trio, stick to what you have for another season or swoop for a left-field option.

No one typifies the latter more than Patson Daka, the 22-year-old Zambian whose burgeoning reputation has made him one of the hottest properties in Europe lately.

Chelsea supporters may not be enthused or excited at the prospect of settling for the Red Bull Salzburg man, but there’s a logic in acquiring the prolific striker.

His supreme prowess in front of goal bellies his youth, which has resulted in 51 Austrian Bundesliga goals in the last two seasons. A close inspection of Daka’s strikes demonstrates his amazing positioning which puts him on the receiving end of opportunities.

A large percentage of his goals are one-touch finishes following darts in behind, smartly positioning himself inside the six-yard box or cleverly creeping behind his marker before connecting to deliveries from out wide or through-balls.

The young marksman’s goal conversion (27 percent) is superior to Lukaku and Kane — 25 and 17 percent respectively — and is outdone by only Haaland’s 29 percent conversion rate. The breakdown of Daka’s goals — 16 right footed, seven with his left and four headed strikes — indicate he’s adept at finishing with both feet and a capable header of the ball.

In 2019/20, 11 of the Zambian’s 24-goal haul were scored with his supposedly weaker foot, indicating that the just-concluded campaign was not a one-off.

By contrast, the Dortmund wonderkid scored only two with his right foot in 20/21, the Englishman hit three left-footed goals, while Inter’s star netted a fairly improved six of his 16 strikes with his right foot.

Aside from his poaching instincts, the Zambia forward puts in the hard yards off the ball which suits Tuchel’s style out of possession.

In European competition last term, Daka outdid Kane and Lukaku for pressures in the attacking third of the pitch per 90, with only Haaland outperforming the African.

Interestingly, only the England forward averaged more pressures in the middle third than the Salzburg man, but the 22-year-old averaged significantly higher pressures than the aforementioned three forwards in his defensive third of the pitch.

Admittedly, there are always reservations over a player cutting the mustard or otherwise after a big move to one of Europe’s top five leagues.

If Chelsea opt for Daka, it won’t be lost on anyone that the forward will have assumedly skipped an unwritten step in his development.

This often sees players leave Salzburg to join their sister club RB Leipzig or another decent-to-good side in Europe, before making a big transfer to a destination club.

There’s a feeling among blues supporters that their club needs a marquee signing to fill the void of a reliable centre-forward capable of hitting double figures.

Daka is neither a household name nor a sure thing, but his age, talent and profile indicate he could be the fitting solution that equally promotes healthy team building in West London.

Portuguese star Cristiano Ronaldo posted a heartfelt note for Denmark’s Christian Eriksen after the midfielder collapsed during a Euro 2020 clash between Denmark and Finland in Copenhagen.

The Inter Milan player went down in the first half and required extensive medical attention before he was taken off on a stretcher.

After Eriksen was taken to the hospital, UEFA sent out word that his condition was stable. The Danish FA also confirmed that Eriksen was awake and undergoing further tests. The game was initially suspended before it was later restarted after a delay of more than 90 minutes, with Finland winning 1-0.

Cristiano Ronaldo took to social media and penned a note hoping that Eriksen recovers soon to be back on the pitch.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with Christian Eriksen and his family. The world of football stands together hoping for good news. I’m counting on finding you soon back on the pitch, Chris! Stay strong!”

Meanwhile, Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) president Sourav Ganguly too joined in and prayed for the recovery of the former Tottenham Hotspur midfielder.

“U will be fine Christian Erikson …we are praying for you..the game will see u back on the park ..”

Afghanistan international cricketer Rashid Khan, who is known for his love for football, too wished that the Denmark medio recuperates soon.

India international footballer Sahal Abdul Samad too prayed for the recovery of Eriksen.

India are all set to take on Afghanistan in their final Group E clash in the second round 2022 FIFA World Cup and 2023 AFC Asian Cup joint qualifiers at the Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium in Doha, Qatar, on Tuesday.

The Blue Tigers resumed their campaign on June 3 with a 1-0 loss against Qatar before bouncing back with a 2-0 win over Bangladesh, courtesy of a brace by Sunil Chhetri in their penultimate match of the group stage.

While India does not stand a chance of making it to the next round of the World Cup qualification, they have a very good chance of finishing third in the group stage and qualifying directly to the third round of the 2023 Asian Cup qualifiers if they avoid defeat against the Afghans in the final game. Afghanistan lost their penultimate group match against Oman 2-1 on Friday.

In the first phase tie, India and Afghanistan had played out a 1-1 draw in Dushanbe, Tajikistan. Zelfy Nazary had handed the hosts the lead in the first half but Seiminlen Doungel last-minute strike earned India a point.

Several Afghan players have plied their trade in India over the years and from the current squad, there are three players who are familiar names among Indian football fans. Two out of these three players played in the I-League last season.

Sharif Mukhammad

The Afghan midfielder recently extended his stay with Gokulam Kerala for one more year after playing a vital role in the Malabarians' I-League winning 2020/21 season. Mukhammad was one of the key players in the Gokulam squad last season and had also scored a crucial goal from a free-kick in the final match of the season against TRAU.

In what was a virtual final between Gokulam and TRAU FC on the last matchday of the I-League season, the South Indian outfit were trailing with 20 minutes left in the match when Sharif Mukhammad took the free-kick from outside the box and found the back of the net with a stunning kick. Thereafter, Gokulam went on to score three more goals in the match which helped them to the I-League title but it was Mukhammad's strike that brought Vincenzo Alberto Annese's side back in the game.

Masih Saighani

Afghanistan national team defender Masih Saighani has played in both the I-League and the Indian Super League (ISL). He came to India for the first time during the 2017/18 season and played for Aizawl FC under Santosh Kashyap in the I-League. He had also represented the Mizoram club in the AFC Champions League play-offs.

In the 2019/20 season, he returned to India after plying his trade in Bangladesh for a year and joined ISL side Chennaiyin FC. Saighani, who can play both as a central defender as well as a defensive midfielder, appeared in 12 ISL matches for the Marina Machans as they reached the final of the ISL.

Zohib Islam Haroon Fakhruddin Amiri

Among all the Afghan players, the most familiar face among the Indian fans is Zohib Islam Amiri. The 34-year-old defender has spent the majority of his professional career in India and has played for eight different Indian clubs in the last 10 years and appeared in more than 100 matches in the I-League.

Amiri came to India in 2011 and joined Mumbai FC in the I-League. Other than Mumbai, he has played for Dempo SC, Chennai City FC and Mohun Bagan. Last season he had played for Real Kashmir in the I-League. In the inaugural edition of the ISL in 2014, he was a part of FC Goa's squad.