England U21 coach Lee Carsley hails Arsenal talent Ethan Nwaneri after debut goal in 4-2 win over Portugal. Carsley said: “It’s definitely a finish he’s got. “So you know he’s going to go, touch, finish and he took his goal so well. “He took his goal so well, but we have to keep remembering he’s 18. Unbelievable, isn’t it? “So we just have to encourage these guys; it’s important the rest of the team support him as well because I’m not sure it’s always going be as progressive as it is. “But what an impression he has made. It’s important we look after him and make sure that, going to the tournament in the summer, is that the right thing. “Well obviously we’ll work with Arsenal and make sure that we’re on the same page.”

Crystal Palace star Ebere Eze expressed his pride after netting his first England goal. He became the club’s first player in 49 years to score for the national team in the World cup. “I always want to impact the game,” Eze told ITV Sport after the match. “Whenever I play, however long I get. “Today, it’s come off and I’m happy to get a goal as well and contribute. “I just tried to create space. I tried to destabilise the defender and get my shot off – and it worked today.” Eze added: “You know the qualities that he’s got. He’s capable of hitting dead balls like that – and it’s expected at his quality. “It was a strong performance from us. We knew what we needed to do today. It was important to win, and that’s the main thing. I think we did well.”

Former footballer Joey Barton received a 12-week suspended sentence for assaulting his wife, Georgia, at their home in 2021. Barton, 42, was found guilty of kicking her in the head after a drunken argument. The court dismissed his defense as “untruthful” but suspended his sentence for two years, citing their ongoing relationship. Despite Georgia later retracting her allegations, prosecutors deemed her initial 999 call strong evidence. Barton was also ordered to pay over £2,000 in costs.