Marcus Rashford returns to England squad for World Cup qualifiers
Marcus Rashford has been recalled to the England squad as head coach Thomas Tuchel named his first squad as the Three Lions manager on Friday.
Chelsea players leave the pitch. (Photo by Rui Vieira / POOL / AFP)
Premier League club Brighton will host their English football top-flight rivals Chelsea on Saturday and their pre-season friendly will be staged as a pilot event with 2,500 spectators to be welcomed at Amex Stadium.
The British government announced on Wednesday a further batch of sporting events that will be used to pilot the safe return of spectators.Brighton’s friendly with Chelsea on Saturday will be the first football match being played as a pilot event in England, followed by a women’s football pre-season friendly in Lewes on Sunday, reports Xinhua news agency.
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“It’s a big opportunity to demonstrate to the government and public that we can stage an event safely. It is the first small step to a return to normal,” said Brighton club’s chief executive Paul Barber.
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A total of 2,500 tickets will be available to Brighton’s season-ticket holders and club members. As part of the COVID-secure stadium arrangements, face coverings must always be worn at the stadium on a matchday, unless seating on a seat or while eating or drinking. Random temperature checks will be in operation. Supporters must socially distance and ensure they only sit in the seat allocated to them.
All mass gatherings have been suspended in England since March due to the COVID-19 pandemic before snooker, football, cricket and a few elite sport events resumed in June behind closed doors. Fans are expected to return to stadiums in October if the pilot events go well.
The Premier League will start the new season on September 12.
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Marcus Rashford has been recalled to the England squad as head coach Thomas Tuchel named his first squad as the Three Lions manager on Friday.
Top contender Lakshya Sen came back from behind to win against Chinese Taipei’s Su Li-yang even as compatriot H.S. Prannoy crashed out of the prestigious All-England Badminton Championship, losing to Toma Junior Popov of France in straight games in a first-round clash in Birmingham on Tuesday.
England’s white-ball cricket is at a crossroads following Jos Buttler’s resignation as captain after a dismal Champions Trophy campaign.
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