Bbc-football.com

Russia were able to secure a 1-1 draw with Englandin their first match of the 2016 Euro competition. England started the match on a high tempo, hoping to at least put the match to bed in the first half as they kept on hammering on the Russians but they had to wait until the 79th minute of the game to take the lead. They could not hold on to that lead until the end of the game and the three lions coach Roy Hodgson could be blamed for that draw.

England had a lot of chances to put the game to bed in the first half but they did not make it count. Manchester United’s Wayne Rooney came close with a shot on target but it was not good enough to trouble Akinfeev, Russia’s goalkeeper. Liverpool’s Adams Lallana also came close on two occasions but his efforts could not give the three lions the lead they desired. Raheem Sterling was also another England player that made valuable contributions to the team in the first half. As it was both England and Russia could not break the dead lock in the first and the half ended 0-0.

the second half started with both teams now serious to make every effort count, threatening at every chance they had but there wasn’t any magic of the sort until the 79th minute when the referee awarded England a spot kick on the edge of the Russia goal area due to a foul on Harry Kane. Wayne Rooney and Eric dier both stood over the ball but it was the later who shot a thunderous ball past the wall and goalkeeper to give England the lead. Russia came out after this as it was now all or nothing for them.  The match ended in a stalemate and both teams would have to wait until their respective second matches to secure a win if they would get any in the competition.

Jose Mourinho made his first signing as Manchester United’s coach by bringing in Ivorian defender Eric Bailly from Spanish side Villareal. The central defender joined the Red Devils from the Spanish side on a four-years contract  which could be extended further for two more years.

Bailly who has appeared 15 times for his country Ivory Coast joined the Yellow Submarines just 18 months back. he has been pipped by the Portuguese coach as the next Sergio Ramos and that is probably why United went for him since they could not get the Real Madrid captain. Although Ramos is the more experienced one of the pair but what Bailly lacks in experience he makes up for in strength and toughness.

“Eric is a young central defender with great natural talent. He has progressed well to date and has the potential to become one of the best around,” former Chelsea manager who took over from Louis van Gaal in May, said.

The young Ivorian has played 47 times for Villareal since joining from Espanyol back in 2015. He was part of Villareal’s defence line that conceded only 35 goals in 38 La Liga matches last season. The signing of Eric Bailly is a good one for Manchester United as they look to build up a good team and challenge for the Premier League title next season. The player believes that working with the current United coach would help him develop in the right way, at the right club. He would most likely mount the central defence position along side Chris Smalling in the coming season.

Manchester United have stepped up their pursuit of former player Paul Pogba, offering a British transfer record fee of £60m to Juventus. This is according to the Sun newspaper at least, with the tabloid claiming United’s new manager Jose Mourinho has sanctioned the bid in the hope fellow suitors Barcelona may be caught cold so early in the transfer window.

The Spanish champions are also known admirers of the French international midfielder who left Old Trafford under something of a cloud in 2012, having become frustrated with a lack of first-team opportunities. It remains to be seen whether Italian champions Juventus hold out for a rival bid from Barcelona or another interested party, but should they accept United’s advances, then the Premier League club’s position will be in a position of real strength.

Having won four successive Serie A titles with 23-year-old Pogba in their ranks, the general consensus is that Juventus are reticent, yet realistic, about their man seeking a fresh challenge this summer.

Although he may have felt unloved under Sir Alex Ferguson in his brief stay at Old Trafford as a teenager, rumours suggest the midfield maestro is not hung up about past indiscretions, especially with a new era launching at Old Trafford under Mourinho.

Manchester United supporters will desperately be hoping bygones are just that, as the youngster who forced his way out of the club four years ago has gone on to become a midfield maestro.

Pogba is set for an instrumental role at his home Euros with France, where Les Bleus are contenders to lift the trophy.

Former Manchester United forward and Real Madrid star man Cristiano Ronaldo has once again ruled out a possible return to his former club. This is in the light of Manchester United’s possible appointment of his fellow Portuguese, Jose Mourinho. Ronaldo believes that his country man is the best person to bring United back to their glorious days. Mourinho is gradually closing in on a deal to become Manchester United’s next coach as the red devils relieved Louis van Gaal of his duty as coach. The deal is being worked on and Press Association Sports understands that image rights of the Portuguese is currently being worked on. The Red Devils won a record 12th FA Cup trophy under Louis van Gaal but that was not enough to convince the United board that he deserved to stay. Missing out on the Champions League for a second season now is not doing well to the club’s finances and reputation though their revenue statement shows they are still cashing in.

Cristiano Ronaldo said in an interview by a Spanish television “He’s already signed, hasn’t he? I think it’s good. If it’s something United wanted I think it’s good. I hope Manchester United get back to being what they were because it’s an impressive club but in the last years they lacked an identity a bit. And it hurts me seeing United like that because it’s a club that I carry in my heart. I wish Mourinho can carry them back to the top.” The Madrid star has told other clubs to forget about trying to lure him because he is happy to be at the best club in the world. He added: “Right now, yes I am happy and I want to stay at this club. I don’t see any other club that is better than Real Madrid. If you weigh things up there is no better club.

“So all other clubs can forget about me because Real Madrid is the best.”

England’s national team coach Roy Hodgson announced his preliminary 26 man squad for the world cup yesterday. There were mixed reactions as to the selection as is expected for a team with a pool of players to select from.

In the goal, Manchester City’s Joe Hart maintained his number one position after keeping 15 clean sheets in the just concluded season. He is joined by Fraser Foster of Southampton and Burnley’s Tom Heaten. the omission of Premier League Champions, Leicester City is something that has drawn a lot of attention as many people feel he is supposed to be the first to be called. he was head of the team’s defense as they made their run to the title.

In defense we have, Chris Smalling (Manchester United), Gary Cahill (Chelsea), John Stones (Everton), Kyle Walker (Tottenham Hotspur), Ryan Bertrand (Southampton), Danny Rose (Tottenham Hotspur) and Nathaniel Clyne (liverpool).

Also there is some reason to ask questions about selected midfielders, as Newcastle United Andros Townsend and Arsenal’s Jack Wilshere were also included in the list. The 12 selected midfielders are Dele Alli (Tottenham Hotspur), Ross Barkley (Everton), Fabian Delph (Manchester City), Eric Dier (Tottenham Hotspur), Danny Drinkwater (Leicester City), Jordan Henderson (Liverpool), Adam Lallana (Liverpool), James Milner (Liverpool), Raheem Sterling (Manchester City), Andros Townsend (Newcastle United) and Jack Wilshere (Arsenal).

In attack, fast rising Manchester United star Marcos Rashford was the surprise inclusin as Jermaine Defoe was omitted. The manchester United youngster only made his debut for the senior team in February and has continued to impress both his manager and fans ever since. The selected attackers are as follows; Wayne Rooney (Manchester United), Harry Kane (Tottenham Hotspur), Jamie Vardy (Leicester City), Daniel Sturridge (Liverpool) and Marcus Rashford (Manchester United).

Roy Hodgson would have to omit three people for his 23 man world cup squad and we wonder who those players would be. Only time can tell.