Saturday's briefing: Ange Postecoglou sacked as Wales ease past Lichtenstein
Scotland's problems continued as they were humbled 3-1 at home by Iceland.
Ange bows out
Ange Postecoglou was sacked despite delivering Tottenham's first trophy in 17 years (Andrew Milligan/PA)
Postecoglou's two-year reign as Tottenham manager came to an end despite having ended the club's 17-year wait for a trophy with victory in the Europa League final.
Postecoglou delivered on his promise of 'always' winning in his second season thanks to the 1-0 victory over Manchester United in Bilbao on May 21.
It etched the head coach name into the history books as only the third Spurs boss to taste European success and the first since 2008 to lift silverware – provoking an outpouring of affection from a previously split fanbase.
A club statement read: 'We are extremely grateful to Ange for his commitment and contribution during his two years at the club.
'Ange will always be remembered as only the third manager in our history to deliver a European trophy, alongside legendary figures Bill Nicholson and Keith Burkinshaw.
'However, the board has unanimously concluded that it is in the best interests of the club for a change to take place.'
Wales win but Williams injury a blow
Neco Williams went off injured during Wales' 3-0 win over Lichtenstein (Nigel French/PA)
Wales claimed a routine 3-0 World Cup qualifying win over minnows Liechtenstein on a night overshadowed by an injury to Neco Williams.
Joe Rodon's first Wales goal – only his third in senior football – ended Wales' nervous wait to break the deadlock after 39 minutes.
Harry Wilson and Kieffer Moore were also on the scoresheet in the space of three second-half minutes as Wales moved to the top of Group J with seven points from three games.
But Wales will prepare for Monday's test against group favourites Belgium in Brussels with major concerns over the fitness of Williams.
The Nottingham Forest full-back, in trying to cross on the byline midway through the first half, landed awkwardly and was in obvious pain as the Welsh medics ran to treat him.
Williams attempted to get to his feet on two occasions before slumping to the turf and eventually left the pitch on a stretcher.
Scotland slump again at home
Cieran Slicker was at fault as Scotland lost 3-1 at home to Iceland (Andrew Milligan/PA)
Cieran Slicker had a debut to forget as Scotland's World Cup qualifying warm-up friendly ended with a 3-1 defeat by Iceland at Hampden Park.
The 22-year-old Ipswich goalkeeper replaced the injured Angus Gunn in the first half, minutes after which he conceded possession before Andri Gudjohnsen beat him with a terrific drive.
John Souttar levelled in the 25th minute from a corner but Slicker and his defenders struggled collectively when the visitors regained the lead from a corner, just before the break, with Scotland midfielder Lewis Ferguson putting through his own goal.
Slicker was again found wanting in the 52nd minute when he was beaten by a Victor Palsson header, which added the gloss for the visitors.
Italy qualification in peril
Italy's bid to qualify for a first World Cup since 2014 began in horrendous fashion as they were hammered 3-0 by an impressive Norway side in Oslo.
Coach Luciano Spalletti was already under pressure following his team's Nations League quarter-final exit in March, which came off the back of a hugely-underwhelming display at Euro 2024 when the holders were eliminated in the last 16.
His position now looks increasingly uncertain following a comprehensive humbling in their opening Group I match as goals from Alexander Sorloth, Antonio Nusa and Erling Haaland in the first half left them trailing Norway by nine points, with only the group winners assured of a spot at the 2026 finals.
What's on today?
Taking in tomorrow night's stage 🏟️ pic.twitter.com/LEGzDA2ECJ
— England (@England) June 6, 2025
England will look to uphold their perfect start to Thomas Tuchel's reign when they travel to face Andorra in Catalonia in World Cup qualifying.
Northern Ireland go to Copenhagen to play Denmark in a friendly.
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Thomas Frank responds to Tottenham approach after Ange Postecoglou sacking
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BBC star shares shock theory as to why Tottenham waited exactly 16 days after Europa League win to sack Ange Postecoglou
A THEORY has been revealed that explains the timing of Ange Postecoglou's sacking. Spurs chief Daniel Levy axed the boss last night - just 16 days after he lifted the Europa League. 2 2 Victory over Manchester United in Bilbao ended the club's 17-year wait for a trophy. But after leaving Postecoglou in the dark over his future, Spurs finally announced he was relieved of his duties yesterday. It marked exactly two years to the day from when the Australian landed the job. BBC senior football reporters Ian Dennis and Sami Mokbel discussed the sacking on the Football Daily Podcast. Both were adamant that the move to get rid of Postecoglou was made before the final. They said league form was seen as the "true barometer" and Europa League success was just a "bump in the road" to their ultimate decision. Dennis shared a theory that explained the over two-week wait for the confirmation. He tweeted: "Interesting his departure was timed after he had completed two years and on the first day of his third year. Significant in any settlement?" Postecoglou has reportedly pocketed £4m after being shown the exit door by Levy. He already collected a £2m bonus for getting the club into the Champions League. Brentford's Thomas Frank is the leading candidate to take over and he has a £10m release clause in his contract. Who could replace Ange Postecoglou as Tottenham manager? Fulham's Marco Silva and Bournemouth's Andoni Iraola remains in contention. Ange Breaks Silence On Tottenham Sacking ANGE Postecoglou issued a statement just moments after being axed. It read: "When I reflect on my time as manager of Tottenham Hotspur, my overriding emotion is one of pride. "The opportunity to lead one of England's historic football clubs and bring back the glory it deserves will live with me for a lifetime. "Sharing that experience with all those who truly love this club and seeing the impact it had on them is something I will never forget. "That night in Bilbao was the culmination of two years of hard work, dedication and unwavering belief in a dream. "There were many challenges to overcome and plenty of noise that comes with trying to accomplish what many said was not possible. "We have also laid the foundations that means this club should not have to wait 17 more years for their next success. "I have enormous faith in this group of players and know there is much more potential and growth in them. I sincerely want to thank those who are the lifeblood of the club, the supporters. "I know there were some difficult times, but I always felt that they wanted me to succeed and that gave me all the motivation I needed to push on. "It's important to acknowledge the hard working people at Spurs who gave me encouragement on a daily basis. "And finally, I want to thank those who were with me every day for the last two years. "A fantastic group of young men who are now legends of this football club and the brilliant coaches who never once doubted we could do something special. 'We are forever connected. Audere est Facere.'
