LiveScore Daily: The latest football news in bite-sized chunks

LiveScore Daily is here to deliver all the big talking points from the world of football throughout the day. Keep refreshing this page for the latest stories in bite-sized chunks.

Grealish backs Southgate

Jack Grealish believes criticism pointed at England manager Gareth Southgate this summer was unjustified.

The Manchester City star, 27, is part of the 28-man Three Lions squad set to face Italy and Germany in two crunch Nations League fixtures over the coming days.

Though the popular attacker has not always been a fixture in Southgate’s first-choice XI, he remains fiercely loyal to the 52-year-old boss.

When asked about the public reaction towards Southgate following four winless outings back in June, Grealish said: "I think it was harsh.

"We reached the [Euro 2020] final last year. Then I think the Hungary game at the start of the last camp [a 1-0 defeat], I think before that, the last time we’d lost a game over 90 minutes was maybe Belgium in November 2020 or something.

"So, I think it is very harsh, especially with the World Cup and the Euros, how well the team did and the manager himself.

"I thought it was obviously harsh but sometimes that’s what you get if you’re English. I’ve certainly had my fair share!"

Having scored his first goal of the season for City in Saturday’s 3-0 defeat of Wolves, the former Aston Villa captain will be hopeful of a start in the San Siro on Friday night.

Hey Jude

Declan Rice hopes he and Jude Bellingham can be at the heart of England's midfield for the next decade.

The West Ham midfielder, 23, has spoken in glowing terms about Three Lions team-mate Bellingham, who is in line for a start against Italy in Friday's Nations League clash.

Speaking about the Borussia Dortmund ace, Rice told talkSPORT: "When I’ve played with Jude, I loved it. Obviously it takes time to gel with a partner, you’re not going to get that connection straight away. 

"But over time you do and even with all the other midfielders in the squad, I hope that we can go on for the next 10 years and create a special, special bond in the middle of the pitch.

"I think he’s energetic. He’s strong, has self-belief, no fear. 

"He’s got everything as a 19-year-old, you know.

"He’s a man, he has played on the big occasions already. He’s ready to play, but obviously it’s down to the manager to pick what he thinks is best."

Tougher bans approved

Premier League fans now face bans lasting a minimum of one year for pitch invasions, it has been announced.

A shareholders meeting earlier today saw the measures unanimously agreed by representatives of the top division’s 20 clubs.

The use of pyrotechnics and smoke bombs in stadiums is also covered in the new guidance.

In a short statement, the Premier League said: "Fans caught carrying or activating pyrotechnics or smoke bombs, or entering the pitch without permission, will receive an automatic club ban with a minimum term of one year.

"These bans could also be extended to accompanying parents or guardians of children who take part in such activities.

"This policy is effective immediately and the ban is applicable to both home and away matches."

Europe unites

England captain Harry Kane will be one of eight European captains to wear a rainbow-themed armband at this winter's World Cup as part of an anti-discrimination message.

The Three Lions join the Netherlands, Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Switzerland, Wales, Norway and Sweden in throwing their support behind the OneLove campaign.

While the latter two of those nations have not qualified for the Qatar showpiece, the other eight sides will use the tournament's global reach to promote inclusion.

Kane said: "I am honoured to join my fellow national team captains in supporting the important OneLove campaign. 

"As captains we may all be competing against each other on the pitch, but we stand together against all forms of discrimination. 

"This is even more relevant at a time when division is common in society. Wearing the armband together on behalf of our teams will send a clear message when the world is watching."

Adam retires

Scottish midfielder Charlie Adam has announced his official retirement from professional football. 

Adam, 36, represented the likes of Liverpool, Rangers, Stoke and Blackpool during a varied career and has been without a club since leaving hometown club Dundee last season.

The 26-cap international said in a statement: "From Champions League nights at Ibrox for Rangers and winning promotion into the Premier League as Blackpool captain. 

"Then pulling on the famous Liverpool shirt and scoring in front of The Kop, eight incredible seasons at Stoke, guiding my boyhood club to promotion and playing 26 times for Scotland — it’s not been a bad ride.

"For now it’s time for me to move into coaching, something I feel incredibly passionate about and have been enjoying for the last few months."

Ant’s pretty Gord

Ex-Everton boss Rafael Benitez is delighted to see Anthony Gordon thriving at Goodison Park.

Benitez, who was in charge of the Toffees between June 2021 and January 2022, never doubted the 21-year-old academy graduate’s ability.

However, concerns over Gordon’s fitness had left the experienced Spanish coach unconvinced he would make the grade on Merseyside.

Benitez told Sky Sports: "We played a friendly in Miami in pre-season and after 50 minutes, he couldn't run.

"We knew he was a player with quality on the ball, could finish, pass and had pace. But he couldn't run. We had a conversation with him after the game. It was hot, but he's a young player.

"I was talking with the coaches in the academy and my assistant and they said they weren't sure. They knew he had the talent but maybe it was his mentality.

"He worked really hard, he improved his stamina and he got better and better because he had the potential.

"He has to improve some parts of his game, he knows that. But I'm really pleased to see him progressing because he's a nice lad."