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Paul Mullin has returned to action with Wrexham after suffering a punctured lung, but Phil Parkinson is unsure as to when he will be back to his best.

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Striker injured during pre-seasonReturned to action in League TwoDragons need his goal threatWHAT HAPPENED?

The 28-year-old striker picked up an unfortunate injury during the Dragons’ pre-season tour of the United States – with a painful collision seeing him laid low by Manchester United goalkeeper Nathan Bishop. Mullin was unable to return to North Wales at the start of his recovery, but did step off the bench for Wrexham in their 2-1 win over Doncaster Rovers on Saturday.

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Parkinson is delighted to have Mullin back – after seeing him hit 47 goals across all competitions last season – but told reporters when quizzed on when the prolific frontman will be firing on all cylinders again: "Difficult question, but I thought he looked sharp when he came on. For 30 minutes he put a really good shift for the team. He's a fit lad."

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Wrexham are finding goals from other areas at present – while adding veteran Scotland international striker Steven Fletcher to their ranks – with Elliot Lee netting another dramatic winner for them against Doncaster. Parkinson added on the all-action midfielder: "He's a little magician, Elliot. He's got real magic in his boots and you see that time and time again with him. There won't be too many that's got as many goals as Elliot, basically from a deeper position, which he's played for us, but you always feel that when he gets in around the box something's going to happen."

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Wrexham will be back in action next weekend when playing host to Grimsby, with Mullin likely to figure in that contest as the Dragons – who are co-owned by Hollywood stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney – look to piece together another promotion push.

Trinity Rodman left the field in tears after picking up a red card that contributed to the Washington Spirit missing out on the NWSL play-offs.

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Sent half midway through the first-halfOnly goal of the game conceded minutes laterCapital-based side miss out on the post-seasonWHAT HAPPENED?

The United States international was dismissed midway through the first-half of a meeting with the North Carolina Courage following a challenge on Denise O’Sullivan. Rodman’s tackle, which saw her tread on her opponent’s ankle when attempting to win the ball, led to a red card being flashed in her direction following a VAR review.

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The USWNT star was initially booked for her reckless challenge from behind, but that decision was upgraded to a red after the match referee was advised to take another look at the incident on a pitch-side monitor.

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After being given her marching orders, Rodman – who has won 26 caps for her country – was reduced to tears when heading for the locker room.

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WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

The Spirit conceded shortly after Rodman’s dismissal, and were unable to drag themselves back into the game. A 1-0 defeat after being reduced to 10 proved to be costly, with Mark Parsons’ side missing out on a play-off spot by just one point.

James McClean has taken great delight in Wrexham’s latest victory, sending a “he who laughs last, laughs best” message to rivals Notts County.

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Dragons reunited with title rivals from last seasonPicked up all three points at Meadow LaneWinger delighted with away victoryWHAT HAPPENED?

The Dragons and Magpies scrapped it out for automatic promotion out of the National League last season, with the Welsh outfit eventually prevailing in an epic battle that broke all kinds of records. County were also able to book return tickets to the Football League through a dramatic play-off win at Wembley.

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Two sides boasting big ambition have been reunited in League Two for 2023-24, with their first meeting of the current campaign coming at Meadow Lane. Wrexham took the spoils in Nottingham courtesy of goals from Elliot Lee and Ollie Palmer in a 2-0 win.

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Summer signing McClean was subjected to plenty of terrace taunts during that contest, but was left celebrating at the final whistle. He has pointed that out to County supporters in a brutal dig on social media.

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WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

McClean’s presence at Wrexham is an indicator of how far the club have come in a short space of time, with the Republic of Ireland international winger prepared to step down the divisions in order to join an exciting project that continues to be pieced together by Hollywood co-owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney.

Barcelona president Joan Laporta has explained why the club snubbed a €100 million (£87m/$106m) bid for Manchester United-linked Frenkie de Jong.

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Dutch midfielder linked with 2022 moveRed Devils prepared to pay big moneyNo deal done for key man at Camp NouWHAT HAPPENED?

The Netherlands international midfielder was heavily linked with a move to England during the summer of 2022. Former Ajax boss Erik ten Hag had taken the reins at Old Trafford and was eager to be reunited with a player that he had previously worked with in Amsterdam.

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United made several approaches for De Jong, but they were all resisted by the classy Dutch playmaker. Barca were also reluctant sellers, with much-publicised financial issues at Camp Nou the only reason that they were prepared to listen to offers at all.

WHAT THEY SAID

De Jong ended up staying put and has become a key cog in Barcelona’s midfield machine, with Laporta saying of why the club are delighted to have fended off big-money bids: “We cannot improve sportingly if we do not do our homework economically. We have had the opportunity to sell Frenkie de Jong for €100m, and we did not want to do it so as not to lose our ability to be competitive.”

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De Jong has seen a new contract at Barca speculated on, as his value to the cause is recognised, and United have since moved in a different direction by adding the likes of Casemiro, Mason Mount and Sofyan Amrabat to their options in the middle of the park.

The Al-Ettifaq midfielder was a passenger throughout the first half and he must surely be dropped as England gear up for Euro 2024.

While Malta had the first shot in anger, it was England who opened the scoring, as Phil Foden sprinted down the right flank, cut the ball back, and saw defender Enrico Pepe and goalkeeper Henry Bonello somehow conspire to send it into the back of their own net.

The Three Lions should have had a penalty around the half-hour mark, as Harry Kane was brought down by Bonello in the area, but the referee inexplicably booked the Bayern Munich striker for a dive. VAR, amazingly, did not intervene.

England struggled to break Malta down thereafter in what was a dismal display but just after the 70 minute mark, Kane did get his goal, as he tapped home Bukayo Saka's smart cut-back off the back of a fine team move.

And minutes later, Declan Rice drove forward and smashed a curling effort into the far corner, although his strike was ruled out by VAR due to an offside.

GOAL rates England's players from Wembley…

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Jordan Pickford (6/10):

Scrambled across his goal early on when Malta had a shot whistle by the post in the first 30 seconds. Didn't have anything to do thereafter.

Kieran Trippier (5/10):

Started on the right but moved to the left when Tomori was subbed. Not as involved as he would have liked, and offered very little going forward.

Harry Maguire (6/10):

Some nervy moments early on but settled into the game and even drove into Malta's penalty area. Fine defensively, throughout.

Marc Guehi (6/10):

Never really troubled throughout and passed the ball well. A composed performance.

Fikayo Tomori (5/10):

Took a couple of knocks early on and retaliated, leading to a booking. Lasted 45 minutes before his substitution and just never looked comfortable at left-back.

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Trent Alexander-Arnold (6/10):

Targeted by Malta for some heavy-handed tackling early on, but operated as a deep-lying playmaker, spraying passes around from midfield.

Conor Gallagher (5/10):

Busy in the first-half but he didn't carry the ball forward enough. Substituted at half-time. Not exactly the kind of performance to ensure he's a starter moving forward.

Jordan Henderson (2/10):

It remains baffling that Henderson is playing for England. He offered precious little on the ball, and was caught out of position by Malta's midfield more than once. Dreadful.

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Phil Foden (7/10):

Played the ball that led to Malta's own goal, and had a superb run beforehand. So positive whenever he receives the ball, playing with his head up. Comfortably England's best player.

Harry Kane (6/10):

Somehow booked for diving after being clattered by the goalkeeper in the penalty area. Faded into the background until the 70th minute, when he tapped in England's second goal.

Marcus Rashford (5/10):

Found himself in excellent positions continually but looks bereft of confidence. Took a sore one when running into Alexander-Arnold and was subbed.

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Kyle Walker (6/10):

On at half-time to inject some pace. Visibly annoyed at the pace England were playing at, and tried to add some dynamism into the final third, running at the defence whenever he could.

Bukayo Saka (6/10):

On at half-time and provided the assist for Kane's goal.

Cole Palmer (6/10):

Replaced Rashford and made his England bow in the process. Didn't get a lot of the ball but did offer one mazy run late on. A proud night for the Chelsea ace.

Declan Rice (6/10):

On for Henderson. Thought he had scored a superb goal but Kane being offside when he struck it meant it was ruled out. England's midfield improved almost as soon as he came on.

Gareth Southgate (4/10):

This was nearly embarrassing. England were so bad for over an hour that Malta would have deserved a goal, and his team selections remain baffling, even without a few key players. With Euro 2024 looming, his team must improve.

Rodrygo finds himself among Real Madrid royalty after his impressive display against Cadiz saw him achieve a feat managed by Cristiano Ronaldo.

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Rodrygo on fire for RealTwo goals and an assist against CadizMatches CR7 featWHAT HAPPENED?

The Brazilian had come under scrutiny ahead of Sunday's La Liga matchup, with his father having to step in after online trolls racially abused him over an altercation with Lionel Messi while on international duty. But Rodrygo appeared unfazed against Cadiz, scoring a sublime solo effort for his first goal before showcasing more dribbling prowess for his second. The 22-year-old then laid one on for Jude Bellingham to make it three, meaning Madrid leapfrog Girona into top spot – and Rodrygo completes a miraculous record at club level.

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The Brazil star has now been involved in at least three goals in his last two consecutive league matches, following up on his two goals and two assists against Valencia on November 11. Per Opta, Rodrygo is one of only three Real Madrid stars in the 21st century to achieve this feat. The others are Gonzalo Higuain, who did so once, and current Al-Nassr forward Cristiano Ronaldo, who managed it an incredible seven times.

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Rodrygo therefore has seven goal contributions in his last two La Liga matches, marking an incredible turn of form after a slow start to the season. He had recorded just two in his opening 12 league appearances.

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After an action-packed week at club and international level, the Brazilian forward will feature on the European stage when Real host Napoli on Wednesday. Los Blancos have already qualified for the Champions League knockout stage after recording four wins from four, and a draw will be enough to see them progress as group winners.

Speaking at the Euro 2024 draw, Gareth Southgate has credited Joe Hart's saves against Slovenia in 2016 for keeping him in his post as England boss.

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England drew Slovenia againSouthgate recalled 2016 clashTwo sides drew in that matchWHAT HAPPENED?

England were drawn into Group C at the Euro 2024 draw on Saturday, along with Slovenia, Denmark and Serbia. The two sides faced each other in 2016 in what was Southgate's second game in charge, when they drew 1-1, but the Three Lions were indebted to Hart's brilliant saves. At the time, Southgate said that his side were a "mess", although they went on to beat the same opposition at Wembley 1-0 to reach the 2018 World Cup, where they reached the semi-finals.

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That draw with Slovenia came on the back of a 2-0 win over Malta, but the Three Lions have since gone from strength to strength. They reached the World Cup semi-finals in 2018 and the final of the European Championships in 2021, while they lost to finalists France in the quarter-finals of the 2022 World Cup. This may be Southgate's last chance to win a trophy with the team, amid hints this could be his final tournament.

(C)GettyImagesWHAT SOUTHGATE SAID

Speaking to reporters after the World Cup draw, Southgate said: "Slovenia was one of the first games I had as England manager and I'll always remember that Joe Hart made a save that day, that if he doesn't make it I might not still be England manager. You do think back to those moments."

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England will now begin their preparations for the tournament next summer. It remains to be seen where they will base themselves, but the first game will take place on June 16 in Gelsenkirchen against Serbia.

Roberto De Zerbi has spoken of his desire to compete and win the Premier League, Serie A, Bundesliga, La Liga and Champions Leagues one day.

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De Zerbi has ambitions of being bestLinked with Liverpool and BarcelonaFocused on Brighton for momentWHAT HAPPENED?

Amid links with Liverpool and Barcelona, De Zerbi has been speaking of his huge ambitions in football. However, he remains committed to Brighton and wishes to make even more history with the Seagulls while at the club. Interestingly, De Zerbi explained that AC Milan is the club of his heart and a club he would love to manage.

AdvertisementGettyWHAT DE ZERBI SAID

De Zerbi said: "We feel we can write another part of Brighton's history.

"When I hear that big teams are interested in me it is an honour. I am proud, but my focus is on my work day-by-day.

"I would like in my career to compete to win the Premier League, Serie A, Bundesliga, La Liga, Champions League but there isn't a time when you have to go and compete, or to wait some more time.

"Milan for me is not a normal club because as a player I was born in AC Milan. For my life I will always be grateful for Milan.

"I love my country, I love Italy, I love Italian football. For sure one of my targets is to go back and work in my country, but I don't know when is the time."

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De Zerbi has transformed Brighton and has been the key figure in turning them into a Europa League outfit. Impressing with his attacking style of play, the Italian has naturally been touted for the managerial roles at several bigger clubs. The question is a matter of when, not if, De Zerbi will leave Brighton but it will likely be to one of the biggest in Europe.

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De Zerbi's focus will be on his side's game with Sheffield United today. The Seagulls have not been in the greatest form recently and will hope to climb back closer to the European qualification spots.

Lionel Messi left David Beckham in tears and almost unable to drive home after his match-winning debut for Inter Miami this year.

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Messi scored free-kick on his debutArgentine fired Inter Miami to 2-1 winHis goal left co-owner Beckham stunnedWHAT HAPPENED?

Messi scored a direct free kick to fire his team to a 2-1 win against Mexican side Cruz Azul in the Leagues Cup in his first game since joining on a free transfer in July. Inter Miami's first taste of Messi's greatness left co-owner Beckham amazed.

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Beckham told : “I remember getting in the car on the way back, and I said to Victoria, ‘I’m not even sure I can drive home’. You couldn’t have written it better. It was for MLS, and for America. It was for the future of the game."

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Messi went on to score nine more goals as Inter Miami won the Leagues Cup, their first ever trophy. Unfortunately for the Florida club, the World Cup winner was unable to fire them to the MLS playoffs, as he scored just one goal in six matches in the American division.

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The 36-year-old and his Inter-Miami team-mates is preparing for the new MLS season, which is expected to kick off in late-February 2024. Even though he's not in action, he's still been picking up awards, with TIME naming him their Athlete of Year recently.

Al-Fayha star Fashion Sakala declared his love for Al-Nassr hero Cristiano Ronaldo as he showed off the jersey he was given by the Portuguese icon.

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Sakala swapped shirts with RonaldoShared his delight and love for iconPair will meet again on WednesdayWHAT HAPPENED?

The Zambia star moved to Saudi Arabia from Rangers in the summer and has since had the honour of sharing the field with his idol, Ronaldo. Al-Fayha came up against Al-Nassr in the AFC Champions League last week and the 26-year-old managed to swap shirts with the 39-year-old striker.

AdvertisementGettyWHAT SAKALA SAID

The ex-Rangers star took to social media to show off his shirt, writing: "[Cristiano Ronaldo] Thank you idol. I love him. Swapping shirts with him it's crazy I can't lie. I hope he will keep mine too."

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Ronaldo proved decisive in the first leg of their Champions League tie, scoring a late goal for the Riyadh club, who dominated the game but had a tough time creating clear chances until the veteran struck. The two teams will complete the tie on Wednesday evening.

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Ronaldo and Sakala will share the field again on Wednesday as they look to secure a place in the quarter-finals of the continental competition. Afterwards, Al-Nassr will meet Al-Shabab in the Saudi Pro League on February 25.