Transfer regret for Ryan Reynolds & Rob McElhenney? Wrexham left ‘short’ in key area as League Two promotion push gathers pace

Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney may be regretting not signing a midfielder in January, with Wrexham being left “short” in that department.

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Red Dragons bolstered their ranks in JanuaryInjuries have impacted numbers in engine roomHeading into run of three successive away gamesGetty/GOALWHAT HAPPENED?

The Red Dragons did bolster their ranks during the winter window, bringing in defender Luke Bolton and forward Jack Marriott on deadline day. They are now well stocked at opposing ends of the field, but injuries to the likes of James Jones, George Evans and Tom O’Connor mean that Phil Parkinson is light on numbers in the middle of the park.

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Wrexham’s boss has said of that predicament heading into a meeting with MK Dons: “We have got good a selection up front, players like Aaron Hayden and Jordan Tunnicliffe at the back and Ben Tozer who wasn't in the team on Saturday, Luke Bolton and Jacob Mendy, so we have got a lot of players. Obviously we are a bit short in the midfield area but we will adapt to that and we will manage that. We have still got options. You are going to get injuries, that is part and parcel of the game, and we got a couple on Saturday so we will have a bit of a headcount. We will have a good look at the injured players and think long and hard about the team for MK Dons but go down there ready to give a good account of ourselves, and see if it is good enough on the night.”

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Wrexham edged out old adversaries Notts County in their last League Two fixture, but are now preparing for three successive away games against the Dons, Gillingham and Forest Green Rovers. Parkinson added on that challenge: “We are ready for that. We are prepared for that.”

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WHAT NEXT FOR WREXHAM?

Back-to-back wins have returned Wrexham to the League Two automatic promotion places, with only three points separating them from table-topping Stockport. They still boast at least one game in hand on all of those around them, meaning that the ‘Welcome to Wrexham’ documentary cameras could have another title celebration to capture in 2024.

Sarina Wiegman a Burna Boy fan?! Lionesses boss reveals her surprising most played song for 2023 – and it’s not what you would expect

Sarina Wiegman has hinted at how she entertains herself when not on England duty, after a reporter asked the Lionesses boss about her Spotify Wrapped.

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Wiegman asked about her most played songSurprised reporter by responding with Burna BoyPress conference precedes big Nations League clashWHAT HAPPENED?

It wasn't the type of question the Dutch manager is used to fielding in press conferences, and she seemed thrown by the digression into musical tastes. And Wiegman's answer revealed another side of her character that may have surprised some fans.

AdvertisementGettyWHAT WEIGMAN SAID

"I didn't expect this so I don't know the name of the song," said a surprised Wiegman when asked which song topped her Spotify Wrapped playlist, after the release of the popular music streaming feature yesterday. "But it is the song with Burna Boy and Ed Sheeran. I definitely played that song the most." Who would have thought the Lionesses boss was a big Burna fan?

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Wiegman's comments come as she prepares her team for a crunch match in the UEFA Nations League against her home country, the Netherlands. The Lionesses will be desperate to right the wrongs of the team's previous clash with the Oranje in September, when they were beaten 2-1 after a late winner from Renate Jansen.

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Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT FOR WIEGMAN?

There's been plenty of speculation about Wiegman's future recently, with widespread talk about the Euros-winning boss succeeding Gareth Southgate as England Men's manager. According to the Lionesses coach, it is a "matter of time" before a female coach takes charge of a top men's team in England, although she refused to be drawn on the potentially vacant Three Lions role.

What a waste! Milan squander Christian Pulisic's superstar performance as USMNT forward scores piledriver and assists in dramatic loss to Monza

Christian Pulisic made his mark with a goal and an assist off the bench, but it wasn't enough to save Milan in a 4-2 loss to Monza.

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Pulisic scores equalizing goalUSMNT star sets up Giroud as wellMilan throw it away lateWHAT HAPPENED?

With both Pulisic and Yunus Musah left out the XI, Milan dug themselves quite a hole, conceding twice in the first half against midtable Monza.

Both goals came just before halftime, with Matteo Pessina opening the scoring in the 45th minute from the spot. Dany Mota doubled that lead in the sixth minute of first-half stoppage time, giving Monza a 2-0 advantage heading into the break.

It got no better for Milan in the opening moments of the second half. Luka Jovic was dismissed with a straight red card in the 52nd minute, leaving Milan with it all to do and down a man.

Milan, though, did fight back. Having subbed in several stars at halftime, Milan broke through with a goal from Olivier Giroud. The Frenchman was thrown into the fray alongside Pulisic and Rafael Leao, and it was the American's flicked-on assist that teed up the Frenchman to make it 2-1.

Pulisic, then, leveled the match late on, scoring a stunning goal in the 88th minute. His fantastic finish to the back post seemingly earned Milan a split of the points. It wasn't to be, though.

Monza struck back to reclaim all three points, netting the game-winner in the 90th minute. Warren Bondo provided the finish to reclaim the lead before on-loan striker Lorenzo Colombo added another to add insult to injury as Monza stunned Milan in a 4-2 win.

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With the loss, Milan joins Juventus in dropping points this weekend. As a result, the title has been all but handed to Inter, who have opened up a massive lead atop Serie A. As things stand, Inter have a nine-point lead on second-place Juve and an 11-point lead on their local rivals Milan. And, to make matters worse, Inter have a game in hand on both of them as we head into the final third of the Serie A season.

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Pulisic more than made his mark off the bench, but Milan were unable to coast in a match that saw Stefano Pioli rotate the team. That was done, no doubt, due to the club's Europa League schedule, as Milan topped Rennes 3-0 on Thursday in the first leg of their tie with another match in France set for Thursday.

As a result, there's no need to read into Pulisic's benching, as he was sat alongside fellow starters Olivier Giroud and Rafael Leao. Pulisic's goal and assist, though, will be a huge positive for a player whose form has taken a slight dip in recent weeks. The left-foot finish to make it 2-2, in particular, was fantastic, as Pulisic placed his shot to the far post to score what should have been the final goal of the game.

Pulisic had largely been held quiet in recent weeks as a resurgent Leao led the charge in attack. This performance will give the American a bit of a lift, even if it didn't lead to the three points Milan desperately needed in this title race.

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Getty ImagesGOAL'S RATINGS

Christian Pulisic (9/10):

Came on in the second half and made a big impact, starting with his flicked-on header to Giroud. That was just the start, though, as Pulisic went on to score a superb goal to single-handedly drag Milan back into it.

Yunus Musah (6/10):

Went all 90 minutes against Rennes on Thursday, so no need to worry about him not getting thrown into this one until very, very late. Once on, he didn't get to do too much.

WATCH: Why did angry Kyle Walker & Erling Haaland confront Arsenal coach Nicolas Jover after Man City’s 1-0 defeat at Emirates Stadium & does Pep Guardiola know what happened?

Tempers threatened to boil over at the end of Arsenal’s 1-0 win over Manchester City, with Kyle Walker and Erling Haaland confronting Nicolas Jover.

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Gunners prevail in heavyweight encounterEmotions running high in north LondonPlayers & coaches clash after final whistleWHAT HAPPENED?

A solitary effort from Gabriel Martinelli, which deflected in off the unfortunate Nathan Ake, was enough to settle the heavyweight Premier League contest at Emirates Stadium. The Gunners were always going to revel in that success, having missed out on title glory to City last season, and celebrations appeared to go a little too far at the final whistle.

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As City’s players made their way from the field and towards the tunnel, experienced defender Walker turned back to confront Arsenal set-piece coach Jover – who previously worked at the Etihad Stadium between 2019 and 2021. Angry words were exchanged, with prolific striker Haaland also getting involved before members of staff from both sides stepped in and Bukayo Saka tried to act as peacemaker.

WHAT THEY SAID

Pep Guardiola was not involved in the post-game spat, but claims to know what went on and why. He told reporters afterwards: “I know what happened but I won't say anything. They [Arsenal] know it.” Gary Neville, who was on punditry duty for Sky Sports, said of the incident: “Football players don’t like set-pieces on the training pitch, let alone the opposition set-piece coach having a go.”

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Ex-Arsenal winger Theo Walcott added on the potential reasons for Walker and City losing their cool: “We always look at Man City as being very professional and not reacting in situations and that’s where I feel like a nerve has been hit here. He’s caught it there definitely.” Guardiola’s side have now suffered back-to-back defeats in the Premier League for the first time since December 2018, while unbeaten Arsenal sit level on points with Tottenham at the top of the table.

Luis Enrique ‘doesn’t like Kylian Mbappe’! PSG boss slammed for having ‘oversized ego’ in treatment of superstar forward as Real Madrid transfer considered ‘a win-win’

Luis Enrique apparently “doesn’t like Kylian Mbappe”, with the PSG boss accused of displaying an “oversized ego” when it comes to the star forward.

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World Cup winner subbed in last Ligue 1 appearanceQuestions asked of manager's approachSummer move to Spain labelled a "win-win"Getty/GOALWHAT HAPPENED?

Paris Saint-Germain are having to come to terms with the fact that World Cup winner Mbappe may not be on their books for much longer, with the France international seemingly poised to link up with Real Madrid when hitting free agency this summer.

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With that in mind, Enrique took to substituting Mbappe in the 65th minute of PSG’s latest Ligue 1 fixture – despite his side trailing 1-0 to Rennes at the time. That decision has been questioned by many, and Mbappe has now been told that a switch to Spain is quickly becoming “a win-win”.

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That is the opinion of 1998 World Cup winner Christophe Dugarry, who has told : “I think Luis Enrique doesn’t like Kylian Mbappe. He doesn’t like the way he plays and his attitude. Is it because Luis Enrique has an oversized ego and wants to be the star, or because he has a certain Spanish vision of football? I don’t know anything about it. But I think he doesn’t like Kylian Mbappe. Did he hide it well? He has no choice. One time, he put him on the right, one time on the left, a shot in front. There have always been little sentences…Afterwards, Kylian Mbappe can tell him: ‘You take me out, but I’m going to show you that I’m the strongest and that I’m going to make you win because I want to finish well’, and Luis Enrique also has the right to shake him up a little because Kylian Mbappe’s performances are largely insufficient. So, I think it can be a win-win.”

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WHAT NEXT FOR MBAPPE?

Mbappe, who is PSG’s all-time leading scorer, has 32 goals to his name through as many appearances this season. He is helping to keep his current employers in the hunt for another Ligue 1 title and potential shot at Champions League glory.

Ilkay Gundogan's agent hits back at shock claims midfielder wants to leave Barcelona and join Galatasaray

Ilkay Gundogan's agent has hit back at shock claims the midfielder wants to leave Barcelona and join Turkish giants Galatasaray.

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Agent refutes Galatasaray transfer talksInsists Gundogan is "happy" at BarcelonaMidfielder key to Xavi's plans WHAT HAPPENED?

Recent reports in Turkey suggested Gundogan is in talks to join Galatasaray. However, the player's agent, Ilhan Gundogan, vehemently denied any such intention. He insisted that the German midfielder, who signed a two-year deal with Barcelona in the summer, remains committed to the Spanish giants and that there were no discussions with Galatasaray's representatives. He emphasised that Ilkay is content at Barcelona and is currently focused on his goals.

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As reported by, Ilhan said: “The reports in the press these days about Ilkay do not reflect the truth. I did not meet anyone from Galatasaray before theBayern Munichgame to talk about Ilkay. There was no development, meeting, or anything that came to us in this regard. I want to make this clear. Neither I nor Ilkay can understand how this news came about. Ilkay is very happy at Barcelona and is focused on what he wants to achieve there and on his goals.”

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This marked the second media storm surrounding Gundogan within a month. Earlier, the player had openly criticised Barcelona after their El Clasico defeat and there were also reports about the family's adjustment issues in the new city following their move from Manchester. Sara Gundogan, his partner, had to refute such speculations in public to stop the controversy from spiralling and claimed that they were well settled in their new life, with the club playing an important role in helping them adapt to the new surroundings.

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WHAT NEXT FOR GUNDOGAN?

Gundogan has established himself as a key piece of Xavi's jigsaw and has made 17 appearances so far this season. He will be back in action with Barcelona against Rayo Vallecano on November 25 in a La Liga fixture.

Explained: Why USWNT midfielder Sam Coffey was wearing Becky Sauerbrunn's No.4 jersey during 2-1 win against China

USWNT midfielder Sam Coffey has explained why she wore Becky Sauerbrunn's No. 4 jersey for her team's 2-1 friendly win over China.

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USWNT beat China in friendlyCoffey takes over No. 4 shirtScored in victory for hostsWHAT HAPPENED?

The USWNT came from behind to beat China 2-1 in a friendly in Texas. Coffey, who took over Sauerbrunn's No. 4 shirt for the game, curled home a fine equaliser to net her first international goal for the Stars and Stripes. Jaedyn Shaw then followed up with the winner on her first-ever USWNT start to make it a good night for Twila Kilgore's side.

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There was no Sauerbrunn in the USWNT squad for the game, with the veteran defender missing out alongside other big names such as Alex Morgan, Alyssa Naeher, and Crystal Dunn. Interim coach Kilgore instead went for a youthful roster for the two friendlies with China. The absences allowed Coffey to take on the No. 4 shirt, although she also admitted after the game she had asked the long-time captain for permission.

GettyWHAT COFFEY SAID

Coffey told : "I would never pick it without addressing Rebecca! So I reached out to her and I was like, ‘Hey, would you mind if I wore this? I’d love to just honor you and channel your energy. Obviously, Becky is my teammate, but she's also a hero of mine and someone I look up to. I told her after the game, ‘This means that you scored an international goal.’ And she was like, ‘Oh, is that how it works?’"

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DID YOU KNOW?

Coffey is the fifth different player to score her first USWNT goal in 2023. The last year more players scored their first goal was in 2013 (6).

'I'm going to throw up' – Ryan Reynolds reacts after being told how much money Wrexham have lost since Hollywood star's takeover with Rob McElhenney

Ryan Reynolds felt like he was going to "throw up" after finding out how much money he and co-owner Rob McElhenney have lost since purchasing Wrexham.

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Owners told how much they've lostReynolds thought he'd "throw up"Welsh club expected to keep growingWHAT HAPPENED?

The club owners found out that they have lost $12 million (£10m) since they took over the Welsh club two years ago.

The Hollywood stars bought Wrexham for an estimated £2m but have since seen the team promoted from the National League to League Two amid an incredible rise in popularity around the world.

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Despite a massive increase in ticket and shirt sales and developing a huge social media presence, the owners are still losing money, it was revealed in the documentary series Welcome to Wrexham.

WHAT THEY SAID

When told that they have lost around $12m since buying the club, Reynolds said on the series: "I'm going to throw up."

When McElhenney asked when he can expect to make money from Wrexham, advisor Shaun Harvey said: "The value that's coming from the global appeal we've been able to create is going to offset those additional costs that we've created. The biggest thing that will change on promotion [is that] people can see the value of Welcome to Wrexham. They can see the value of the profile that's being built. That's when the additional sponsorship revenue can be generated."

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Wrexham will visit Mansfield in the FA Cup on Saturday. The match sees the League Two teams go head-to-head, with Wrexham sitting third in the league and Mansfield a point behind them in fourth.

'Just checking it's you' – Alisha Lehmann hilariously attempts to recreate Aston Villa programme pose after challenge from team-mate Kenza Dali

Alisha Lehmann hilariously attempted to hit the same pose as she did in the photoshoot for Aston Villa's latest matchday programme.

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Lehmann asked to pose by Dali Poses next to Aston Villa programme Aston Villa play Spurs next WHAT HAPPENED?

The Swiss star reposted a story from her Aston Villa team-mate Kenza Dali, who asked her to recreate her programme pose as she held the booklet next to her to compare looks.

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As she shared the photo of Lehmann alongside the programme, Dali captioned the photo: "Just checking if it's you, @alishalehmann7"

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Lehmann and Aston Villa currently sit eighth in the Women's Super League. However, they have performed much better in the League Cup as they have already booked their spot in the semi-finals of the competition.

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GettyWHAT NEXT FOR LEHMANN?

The Swiss star will next be in action alongside Dali when Aston Villa take on Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday, February 18. Villa are currently eighth in the WSL table, six points behind their north London opponents.

Portugal ratings vs Iceland: Cristiano Ronaldo goes missing but Bruno Fernandes steps up to make sure Roberto Martinez's side finish Euro 2024 qualifying with perfect record

The veteran striker was anonymous for most of the clash, but his ex-Manchester United team-mate was on hand to lift the Seleccao to victory

Portugal had to dig deep to claim a 2-0 win over Iceland on Sunday, in a game that was essentially attack versus defence.

Bruno Fernandes finally broke Iceland's stubborn resistance with a superb goal, as he drove an effort into the bottom corner from the top of the box after a clever flick from Bernardo Silva.

Ricardo Horta emerged from the bench to score the second, all but ending the game as a contest, as he tapped home after a Joao Felix shot was spilled. Cristiano Ronaldo attempted to fire the ball home initially, but only found the goalkeeper's face, and Horta tapped home the second rebound.

Iceland had a late rally, and hit the crossbar, but this was a comfortable evening's work for the hosts. The result ensures that Portugal finish their Euro 2024 qualifying campaign with ten wins from ten, and they will surely be among the favourites at the tournament in Germany next summer.

GOAL rates Portugal's players from Estadio Jose Alvalade.

GettyGoalkeeper & Defence

Diogo Costa (6/10):

Barely had anything to do all night until Iceland hit the bar in injury time.

Joao Mario (6/10):

Enjoyed a fair bit of the ball as he routinely drove forward. Wasn't quite able to impact the game in the final third but a strong showing nonetheless. Subbed for Guerreiro.

Ruben Dias (6/10):

A simple night. Dias is simply elite and Iceland had no way past him.

Goncalo Inacio (6/10):

Headed wide from six yards out in the first half but his defensive work could not be faulted.

Joao Cancelo (7/10):

Some superb dribbles down the left flank, switched to the right, and then had some superb dribbles down the right. A class act, who delivered some excellent crosses.

AdvertisementGettyMidfield

Otavio (6/10):

A mishit cross looped onto the post early on. Dribbled well but couldn't really impact the play as much as he would have liked.

Joao Palhinha (6/10):

A composed operator in midfield, mopping up whenever needed. Not his most difficult night.

Bruno Fernandes (8/10):

Scored a stunning goal, driving a brilliant effort into the bottom corner from the top of the penalty area. Some exceptional passes, as he ran the show at times.

GettyAttack

Bernardo Silva (7/10):

Assisted Fernandes' opener with an impudent backheel and was always available for a pass. Finds space so well and Iceland struggled immensely to pick him up before his substitution on 62 minutes.

Cristiano Ronaldo (4/10):

Headed an excellent chance over on the half-hour mark. Should have scored after a Felix shot was saved and dropped to him, but his rebound was saved and Horta tapped in instead. Mostly anonymous.

Joao Felix (7/10):

Such a clever footballer and continually found space in the tightest of areas on the left wing. Couldn't score himself but did everything but.

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Getty ImagesSubs & Manager

Ricardo Horta (7/10):

On for Silva and scored almost immediately, tapping home after a goalmouth scramble.

Raphael Guerreiro (6/10):

Replaced Joao Mario for the final stages and deflected an Iceland shot onto the crossbar.

Bruma (N/A):

On late on.

Joao Neves (N/A):

On as a late sub.

Roberto Martinez 7/10):

As comfortable as it gets for the Belgium manager. With a perfect record in qualifying, he will be confident of success in Germany next summer.

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