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Riyad Mahrez dazzled Sheffield United as Manchester City reached the FA Cup final to put the fear into Arsenal and keep their treble hopes on track.

Poor Sheffield United. They played exactly as they should have against Manchester City and frustrated Pep Guardiola's side for much of the first half but were still beaten 3-0.

That's because even when City are not on top form and Guardiola has rotated his squad, they still have players like Riyad Mahrez who can kill you in an instant.

Mahrez took the Blades apart in this FA Cup semi-final with a ruthless attacking display, literally slicing his way through the team with a glorious solo goal on his way to a hat-trick.

The Algerian has been in and out of the team in recent weeks and did not even get on the pitch against Bayern on Wednesday but he was the main man at Wembley, pushing Erling Haaland out of the way to grab the limelight.

City's treble dreams are very much alive and Arsenal must be very afraid of facing them next with the Premier League title on the line.

GOAL breaks down the winners & losers from Wembley…

Getty ImagesWINNER: Riyad Mahrez

Mahrez has often lacked consistency during his City career but every so often he is capable of a brilliant and decisive display and that was what he delivered here.

It was not just about the goals. The Algerian was energetic and hard-working on an afternoon when many of City's players were far from their best and had been shackled by Sheffield United flooding the midfield with five players.

The Algerian reclaimed penalty duties from Haaland after the Norwegian's skied spot-kick in the 1-1 draw with Bayern and stroked the ball confidently into the bottom corner.

It was his first goal since netting against RB Leipzig in February and he was determined to build on it.

For the second goal he robbed the ball from Max Lowe in midfield and stormed forward on his own. He was helped by sluggish defending but his pace and power put the fear into the Blades.

He was far from sated by his brace and showed his natural striking abilities by slamming home Jack Grealish's pass with one touch.

It was a historic moment for Mahrez, who became the first City player to score a hat-trick at Wembley and the first player to get a treble in an FA Cup semi-final since Manchester United's Alex Dawson 65 years ago.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesLOSER: Erling Haaland

The Norwegian can be allowed a day off once in a while given the incredible season he is having and it would be no surprise to see him respond to drawing a blank here by shooting down Arsenal next week.

But given how high he has raised the bar, it was disappointing to see how little he got involved here.

Some might have thought he would have been licking his lips at the prospect of facing Championship opposition again after getting a hat-trick in the quarter-final tie against Burnley.

But the Blades were far less open than Vincent Kompany's side and he only had one attempt on goal, creeping in at the far post but missing the target from a difficult angle.

His seven-game scoring streak came to an end when Guardiola took him off midway through the second half.

He will, however, have another chance to shine at Wembley in the FA Cup final against either Brighton or Manchester United in six weeks' time.

Getty ImagesWINNER: City's treble hopes

For a side that have dominated English football over the past six years, City have badly underachieved in the FA Cup.

Pep Guardiola acknowledged this on Friday as he lamented his record in FA Cup semi-finals, losing to Arsenal in 2017 and 2020, Chelsea in 2021 and Liverpool last year.

Those defeats scuppered City's hopes of winning a treble – or even a quadruple in 2021 – but now that they have cleared a hurdle they have struggled with so much down the years, their dream of winning all the top trophies this season is very much on.

Their hardest task will be to win the Champions League, the holy grail that keeps slipping from their grasp, and in the semi-finals they face serial winners Real Madrid.

But winning the Premier League looks ever more likely and they will fancy their chances against either Brighton or Manchester United in the FA Cup final.

United fans are dreading the thought of their noisy neighbours matching their treble in 1999 and with good reason – City look a class above every team in Europe and winning three trophies is looking more and more inevitable.

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Getty ImagesLOSER: Arsenal

This FA Cup semi-final should have no bearing on City's Premier League title race with Arsenal but the difference between the two team's state of minds was plain to see.

Even though City did not produce a statement performance at Wembley, they looked utterly at ease and secured the win while making six changes to the team that had drawn 1-1 at Bayern Munich on Wednesday.

Contrast that with Arsenal, who looked like a bag of nerves against Southampton on Friday and only avoided defeat thanks to two late goals.

In their last three matches Mikel Arteta's side have thrown away two-goal leads to draw at Liverpool and West Ham and dropped points at home to the worst team in the Premier League.

City, meanwhile, have barely had to break stride to beat Leicester, win an FA Cup semi-final against promotion-chasing Sheffield United and overcome Bayern Munich.

That has to be a psychological advantage heading into Wednesday's title showdown against Arsenal, where the Gunners must go looking for all three points to realistically stand a chance of finishing top of the league.

Real Madrid-bound Endrick pulled out the 'floss' Fortnite dance during Palmeiras' clash against Fluminense.

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Endrick pulls out the Fortnite dancePalmeiras beat Fluminense 1-0Palmeiras on verge of winning Brazilian leagueWHAT HAPPENED?

Palmeiras edged out Fluminense by a solitary goal thanks to a strike from Breno Lopes in the 30th minute – which has maintained their three-point lead at the top of the Brazilian league.

Real Madrid-bound Endrick featured in the team's starting lineup and played for 71 minutes. During the match, he was seen performing the famous 'floss' dance made famous by the Fortnite video game.

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The Verdao currently have 69 points from 37 matches and are on the verge of sealing their second consecutive Brazilian Serie A title. A draw against Cruzeiro in their final game of the season on December 7 will seal the title in their favour

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GettyWHAT NEXT FOR ENDRICK?

The teenager has enjoyed a successful season with the Brazilian club in 2023, as he has scored 13 goals in 52 appearances across all competitions and provided one assist. He is set to join Los Blancos in July 2024 when he turns 18.

England legend Jill Scott has got a tattoo immortalising her X-rated outburst during the Lionesses’ victory in the Euro 2022 final.

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Savoured continental glory at WembleyKelly netted extra-time winnerEx-midfielder has lasting mementoWHAT HAPPENED?

The veteran midfielder was introduced in the 89th minute of an epic showdown with arch-rivals Germany that was settled by Chloe Kelly’s iconic strike and celebration in extra-time at Wembley Stadium. Scott played her part it getting Sarina Wiegman’s side over the line, with there no holding back from the 36-year-old.

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At one stage, Scott was caught by a challenge from Sydney Lohmann. She responded to that tackle by launching a foul-mouthed rant in the German’s direction. The England star was caught on camera screaming: “F*ck off, you f*cking pr*ck”.

DID YOU KNOW?

Scott told back in July that she was considering getting a tattoo to honour her now infamous Euros blast, saying: “I am not proud of it, I am really not. It’s not very role model-like. I was just so passionate. I am sorry but it reminds me of the win, so it gives me a little smile!”

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WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

Scott now has her inking, with the initials “FOYFP” etched onto her side. The former Sunderland, Everton, Manchester City and Aston Villa star retired as a European champion and has since moved into punditry, while also becoming ‘Queen of the Jungle’ as the winner of the 2022 series of ‘I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here’.

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England Women will tour New Zealand for five ODIs and three T20s between February 11 and 28, 2015.

ESPNcricinfo staff28-Aug-2014England Women will tour New Zealand for five ODIs and three T20s between February 11 and 28, 2015.The first three ODIs between England Women and New Zealand Women will be part of the second round of the ICC Women’s Championship, which was introduced as a preliminary qualifying stage for the 2017 Women’s World Cup. The three matches will be held at the Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui on February 11, 13 and 15, after which the T20 series will be played. The last two ODIs will be played at the Bert Sutcliffe Oval, Lincoln on February 26 and 28.The first two games of the three-match T20 series will be played on February 19 and 20 at the Cobham Oval in Whangarei, while the third match will be played at the Bert Sutcliffe Oval on February 24.England Women had last toured New Zealand in February-March 2012, and were undefeated in the five-match T20 series and in the three ODIs. Hamish Barton, the New Zealand Women’s coach, said his side would target a different result in the forthcoming series.”We know England is an incredibly strong side with some of the best players in the world, but that makes the opportunity all the more exciting for us,” said Barton. “Our aim is to be the No.1 side in the world and to do that we have to beat teams like England. We absolutely believe that if we play to our potential then we can achieve that.”England Women recently won an ODI series against India Women at home and are scheduled to play three T20s against South Africa Women in September. New Zealand Women will begin their first leg of the ICC Women’s Championship on their tour to the West Indies in September.

Kevin Pietersen said he wants to face his former team-mates after a spot opened up in the Prime Minister’s XI

ESPNcricinfo staff10-Jan-2015England were pleased to put 2014 behind them as they arrived in Australia, but the central figure of much of the angst and controversy of last year remains well within earshot as Kevin Pietersen said he wants to face his former team-mates after a spot opened up in the Prime Minister’s XI.Michael Hussey was due to captain the PM’s XI in Canberra on Wednesday but injured his hamstring in the Big Bash League meaning the side need a replacement batsman. Pietersen put his hat in the ring while he was on the microphone during the Melbourne derby between the Stars and Renegades on Saturday.”In the Prime Minister’s game on Wednesday, Mr Michael Hussey’s missed out. Jeez, I fancy that,” Pietersen said while batting for the Stars.Adam Gilchrist, commentating for Channel Ten, asked: “Are you telling us you’re available?” Pietersen replied: “Mate, I’m always available.”Pietersen hit a run-a-ball 49 for the Stars, before falling to Ben Stokes, continuing his good run of form in the BBL which has included two half-centuries, although he was overshadowed by Glenn Maxwell’s 66 off 44 deliveries.Andrew Flintoff, who is playing for Brisbane Heat, suggested there would be no shortage of England bowlers keen to run in at Pietersen. “If @KP24 plays for the prime ministers XI they’ll need a turnstile at the bowlers end, they’ll be queuing up,” he tweeted.The PM’s XI match is England’s second, and final, warm-up fixture before the tri-series begins against Australia at the SCG on January 16. Their first hit out comes on Monday when they face an Australian Capital Territory XI.Ian Bell, who was dropped after two ODIs in Sri Lanka, was given the chance to bat alongside Moeen Ali in the nets during an early training session which may offer a clue as to how England are considering lining up. In Sri Lanka, it was the sight of Moeen batting alongside Alastair Cook at training which indicated that would be the opening pair.If Bell is given the chance to open it would appear to be another blow to Alex Hales’ hopes although there is a chance Hales could be slotted in at No. 3. However, James Taylor enjoyed success in that position after being recalled in Sri Lanka, making scores of 90 and 68, to secure his passage to the World Cup.Taylor has now admitted how much pressure he was under going into his first innings of that series – which was just his third ODI – following the suspension of Alastair Cook due to a slow over-rate which opened up a spot in the team.”It was up to me to take that opportunity and I did it in those couple of games,” Taylor said. “I knew from the outside I was put in a massively pressurised situation – if I didn’t score runs I wasn’t going to the World Cup. But I didn’t really think about it, I jumped straight into the game situation and tried to focus on that as much as I could.””Obviously it’s been a massively frustrating few years of not getting those consistent runs in the side but this winter has been a great opportunity to show what I can do to the selectors, coaches and the guys around the team.”

The France international leads the charts after finalising an €80 million (£68m/$90m) move, but who else ranks near the top?

Getty25. LUCAS ALARIOTransfer fee: €24 million (£20m/$27m) | from River Plate to Bayer Leverkusen | Season 2017/18AdvertisementGetty Images22. ARJEN ROBBEN

Transfer fee: €25 million (£21m/$28m) | from Real Madrid to Bayern Munich | Season 2009/10

Getty22. THIAGO ALCANTARATransfer fee: €25 million (£21m/$28m) | from Barcelona to Bayern Munich | Season 2013/14ENJOYED THIS STORY?

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Getty Images22. ANDRIY YARMOLENKO

Transfer fee: €25 million (£21m/$28m) | from Dynamo Kiev to Borussia Dortmund | Season 2017/18

Whether due to injuries or competition in certain areas, there are some big decisions to be made regarding the European champions' line-up…

England will take on Portugal on Saturday in their 2023 Women’s World Cup send-off friendly, which acts as an alarm for just how close the tournament is now. Twelve months ago, when the Lionesses took on Switzerland in their last match before the 2022 Women’s European Championship, it felt like the starting line-up was quite easy to predict. This time around, things are different.

Some of that is because of injuries to key players, with Beth Mead, Leah Williamson and Fran Kirby all key members of the XI from last summer that will not be heading to Australia. Another reason, though is the emergence of a lot of young talent that has made certain areas of the team more competitive than ever.

Sarina Wiegman has had a few months since the Lionesses’ last games, in April, to think about her line-up for that opening World Cup game versus Haiti, and this weekend’s fixture will be the most telling look yet that those outside of the England camp will get at her plans.

So, what are the big selection dilemmas the coach has had to ponder? GOAL takes a look…

GettyReplacing Leah Williamson

One of the most interesting areas of Wiegman’s XI on Saturday will be in the heart of defence. Not only does she need to replace Leah Williamson, her captain, in there after an ACL injury in April, but also Millie Bright. The Chelsea star is in the World Cup squad but will not be fit for this fixture as she continues to rehab after knee surgery. It means there will be another opportunity handed out to someone at centre-back in Milton Keynes, then.

It’s largely expected that Alex Greenwood will partner with Bright for the World Cup. The duo had an excellent partnership in the build-up to last summer’s Euros until Williamson was moved back from midfield to play alongside Bright as the tournament neared. There’s clear confidence within the camp that the two can pick up that strong link again this summer.

But should Bright, set to skipper England in Australia in Williamson’s absence, not be fit enough to start the World Cup campaign, who would step in for her? It’s not clear what the pecking order looks like beyond Bright and Greenwood, but it’s likely a few hints will be given by Saturday’s team selection.

AdvertisementGettyThe left-back problem

The biggest head-scratcher for Wiegman across her entire tenure as England boss has concerned the left-back spot. There’s a real lack of options in this position in the Lionesses’ player pool.

It looked like she had cracked it in February. Greenwood used to play on the left side of defence in years gone by, and Wiegman started her in the role again for two of England’s Arnold Clark Cup matches. However, the injury to Williamson means the Manchester City defender is now needed centrally instead, reopening the dilemma.

Rachel Daly played at left-back during the Euros campaign, but she has just scored 22 goals in 22 league games for Aston Villa as a striker, earning her more opportunities up top for her country as a result.

Jess Carter, Niamh Charles and Esme Morgan are all versatile players who can assume the role, with Charles operating in it a lot for Chelsea this past season, while Carter was Wiegman’s choice there for both of England’s games in April.

Despite openly talking about how difficult it is to play in the position for England because it's not one she plays often for club, it does look like Carter will be Wiegman’s choice at left-back. Saturday will give the biggest indicator yet of whether that will indeed be the case.

Getty ImagesLauren James' role

One of the most competitive areas of England’s team is out wide. On the right, it feels like Lauren James and Chloe Kelly are competing for a starting berth, with Katie Robinson, the 20-year-old Brighton forward, likely to assume a super-sub role.

Kelly was tasked with the latter at the Euros last summer, and she would emerge as the hero in the final, scoring the extra-time winner at Wembley as England defeated Germany to lift the title. A year on, with Mead’s absence factored in, she’s edged more and more towards a starting role. She goes into the World Cup with momentum, too, having ended the season in flying form.

James, meanwhile, started her second season with Chelsea with a bang, hardly putting a foot wrong after spending her first campaign at the club getting on top of niggling injuries. It was form she also took into the international windows, making a strong case to be a starter with her performances in November and February, in particular.

However, her minutes were managed a little more as the season came to its end. Whether for tactical reasons or just to ensure she didn’t pick up any injuries after a much more demanding season, the 21-year-old was on the bench for both legs of Chelsea’s Women’s Champions League semi-final against Barcelona, for example.

While extremely talented, it was a reminder that James is still new to the highest level. She’s still only got 10 caps for her country and only made her debut last September. It will be interesting, then, to see whether she becomes another option off the bench this summer. She’ll certainly be a dangerous one if so.

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GettyWill Alessia Russo keep the No.9 shirt?

Without a doubt the biggest question surrounding Wiegman’s first choice XI regards the centre-forward role. Having been an impact player at the Euros, scoring four goals in six appearances from the bench, Alessia Russo has been the main striker for England since Ellen White’s retirement last summer.

However, that position has been under threat in recent months. While Russo ended the WSL season with 10 goals to her name, Daly scored an incredible 22 in 22 outings, earning herself a shot as the Lionesses’ No.9 in the November and February camps as a result – scoring on both occasions.

There has also been recent competition from Beth England, who scored 12 goals in 12 games after joining Tottenham in January. That form allowed her to sneak into the World Cup squad at the last moment, having not been called up since September.

Can Wiegman possibly overlook Daly in her form? Or will she stick with Russo?

Carlo Ancelotti has admitted that Jude Bellingham is still struggling with a shoulder injury despite a goal-scoring return for Real Madrid.

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Bellingham suffered dislocated shoulderMissed England dutyReturned with goal vs CadizWHAT HAPPENED?

The midfielder sat out consecutive games before the international break and was forced to withdraw from the England squad for their final two Euro 2024 qualifiers after dislocating his shoulder against Rayo Vallecano. However, he started against Cadiz on Sunday and was on the scoresheet once again.

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Bellingham wrapped up a 3-0 victory on the road with a fine finish across the goalkeeper in the 74th minute. He was withdrawn shortly afterwards, and his manager Ancelotti has admitted his star man still hasn't fully recovered from his injury.

WHAT ANCELOTTI SAID

Speaking to reporters, the Italian tactician said: "Bellingham is fine. He still has the problem he had but he is fine with the protection."

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Getty/ GOALDID YOU KNOW?

Bellingham's strike made it 14 goals in 15 games in all competitions since his big-money arrival at the Bernabeu, meaning he has surpassed Cristiano Ronaldo's record of 13 in the same number of matches.

Kylian Mbappe has reportedly turned down Paris Saint-Germain’s latest contract offer, with Real Madrid waiting on a transfer “green light”.

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Working on deal through to 2024Yet to agree an extensionBlancos remain keen on forwardWHAT HAPPENED?

The World Cup-winning forward is only tied to terms at Parc des Princes through to the summer of 2024. PSG are being backed into a corner as a result, with big decisions needing to be made on the 24-year-old’s future.

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PSG had been hoping to agree a new deal with Mbappe, after blocking the exits, with release clauses being inserted into fresh terms that would allow him to move on at some stage. The France international has, according to , snubbed the latest proposal put to him.

AND WHAT'S MORE

It is claimed that an offer was put to Mbappe on Wednesday, which he has now knocked back. PSG’s owners in Qatar are prepared to leave the matter in the hands of club chairman Nasser Al Khelaifi, with a decision needing to be made on whether to spend the 2023-24 trying to convince the superstar forward to stay put or make him available for sale at this point.

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WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti has ruled out a move being made for Mbappe in the current window, as PSG put a world-record asking price around the neck of their most prized asset, but Marca claim that the Liga giants are waiting on a “green light” that would allow them to enter into talks for a player that is said to have agreed already terms on a potential switch to Spain as a free agent in 2024.

Which of the wonderkids featuring in Israel could become big names for African national sides?

Getty ImagesEl Chadaille Bitshiabu

The towering centre-back will be the rock at the heart of the France backline during the U-17 Euros, where he’ll be keen to bring his outstanding form from Paris Saint-Germain’s Youth League campaign to bear in Israel.

He’s already featured for Mauricio Pochettino’s side at senior level, although with his route to more playing time with PSG’s first team arguably blocked, the likes of Bayern Munich, ManchesterCity and RB Leipzig are all understood to be monitoring his services.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesDario Essugo

With experience already of having played with Portugal’s U-19 team, Essugo has the potential to dominate contests at the U-17 Euro.

He’s already become Sporting Lisbon’s youngest ever player—a remarkable achievement at such an institution—and the youngster, who’s also eligible for Angola, should impress with his defensive qualities and work with the ball.

Realmadrid.comElyaz Zidane

Son of French footballing royalty, Zinedine’s son Elyaz certainly has some high standards to live up to, although having progressed through the ranks at Real Madrid, he’s well used to demanding environments.

Eligible for both Algeria and Spain, Zidane jr is turning out for France at the U-17 Euros, and while he’s the youngest of Zidane’s four boys, he may turn out to be the most exciting.

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Antoni Milambo

Feyenoord’s youngest ever first team player, Milambo made his debut for the Dutch giants only four months and nine days after his 16th birthday—testament to his maturity and his raw ability.

Eligible for the Democratic Republic of Congo, but featuring for the Netherlands at the U-17 showpiece, Milambo has the quality to hurt teams between the lines, and there won’t be too many players at the tournament who already have experience of playing in senior level continental club competitions.