Soccer
Saturday’s briefing: Ben White returns and surprise Bristol City appointment
Ben White was in the spotlight as England drew in their friendly with Uruguay, while a former manager of the national team is also in the headlines after a surprise return to club football.
Meanwhile Keely Hodgkinson doubled down in her row over West Ham’s reported blocking of a London bid to host the 2029 World Athletics Championships.
Eventful return to fold for White
Ben White marked his England return with a first international goal, a conceded penalty, and boos from his own fans in a 1-1 friendly draw with Uruguay.
The 28-year-old had not played for four years, having withdrawn after the 2022 World Cup for “personal reasons.”
He was called up late by Thomas Tuchel after injury to Jarell Quansah and some Wembley fans ignored the German’s plea for a warm reception.
The Arsenal defender was jeered when brought on as England’s final substitute and again after scoring in the 81st minute. Drama continued as VAR adjudged him to have fouled Federico Vinas, allowing Federico Valverde to equalise with a stoppage-time penalty.
Tuchel says White must handle flak
Thomas Tuchel was disappointed that some of the Wembley crowd booed White but says the England defender must deal with it.
“There were some boos which I am disappointed about, because of course we protect our players and he was excellent in camp and deserved to come on,” said the England manager.
“He needs to take it on the chin. We will always protect him and hopefully we can put it behind (us).”
Hodgson returns
Former England manager Roy Hodgson has been appointed interim head coach at Bristol City.
The 78-year-old, who left his last job at Crystal Palace two years ago, takes over from Austrian boss Gerhard Struber at the Championship club.
Hodgson had a previous spell at Ashton Gate 44 years ago.
He said: “I am really excited by the opportunity to help until the end of the season.”
Hodgkinson doubles down in London Stadium row
Olympic champion Keely Hodgkinson has refused to back down after criticising West Ham over their reported blocking of London’s bid to host the 2029 World Athletics Championships.
The Hammers, who hold a long-term lease at the London Stadium, are said to have refused to vacate for the proposed September date, citing an agreement giving them priority use during the football season.
Hodgkinson sparked a reaction on X this week with a post joking: “The GB team will bring back more medals to that stadium than West Ham have seen in their entire history.”
The 24-year-old, winner of 800m gold in Paris two years ago, has now followed up with a more measured message.
She said it “seems silly” for London to lose out because of a “football team not compromising on a stadium they pay RENT for”.
Klopp hails Salah
Former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has described Mohamed Salah as one of the club’s greatest players of all time.
Salah, 33, who has scored 255 goals in 435 appearances for the Reds, announced on Tuesday he will leave the club at end of the season.
What’s on today?
Steve Clarke’s Scotland are in action as they host Japan in a friendly at Hampden Park, while it is derby day in the Women’s Super League. Manchester United host leaders Manchester City at Old Trafford in the stand-out match, while Everton welcome Liverpool and Arsenal take on Tottenham.
