Lead:
England defeated Croatia 2-1 in UEFA Nations League Group A5 on Thursday, securing a quarter-final spot. Morgan Rogers opened the scoring in the 24th minute, Petar Sucic equalized for Croatia at 59, and Harry Kane restored England's lead from a penalty kick at 64, extending his tally to 92 goals for his country.
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Italy defeats France 3-1 in UEFA Nations League — Francesco Bui Esposito equalized in the 26th minute after Michael Olise gave France an early lead, then David Frattesi scored twice in the second half (62nd and 75th minutes) to give Italy victory at San Siro and reclaim top position in their group.Spain beats Czech Republic 2-0 to extend unbeaten run — Alejandro Baina opened the scoring from a penalty in the 39th minute, Marc Pubill added the second in stoppage time of the second half. Ladislav Krejci was sent off for the Czech Republic in the 72nd minute, leaving them to play with ten players. Spain now stands on a 44-match unbeaten streak.Belgium comes from behind to edge Turkey 2-1 — Arda Guller gave Turkey the lead in the 20th minute with a direct free kick, but Kevin De Bruyne equalized at 27 and Belgium completed the turnaround to claim three points. Meryah Demiral started for Turkey wearing the captain's armband.Argentina confirms Lionel Scaloni as head coach through 2030 — Argentine Football Association president Claudio Tapia announced the contract extension at a joint press conference with Scaloni, who has led the nation since August 2018. Scaloni will oversee Argentina's participation in three upcoming World Cup tournaments and aims to become the federation's most-capped manager in World Cup finals history.Mauricio Pochettino appointed Manchester United manager from November 18 — The English club announced the appointment of the Argentine, effective immediately after his obligations with the US national team conclude. Pochettino will lead the USMNT in two remaining matches against Haiti before transferring to Old Trafford. United currently occupies a relegation-zone position after their worst start to a Premier League season in four decades.Saudi Arabia women's under-18 handball championship progresses — Round three matches took place Thursday with Al Raed hosting Al Ittifaq in Qassim and Al Salam meeting Sports Square in Qatif. Sports Square leads the standings with three points, followed by Al Ittifaq on two points, in the 2026-27 season tournament.What to Watch:
Saudi Arabia's senior national football team faces South Korea in a friendly Friday in Doha, with forward Firas Al Buraikan now cleared to train after recovering from illness, completing the squad options available to coach Georgios Donis ahead of the fixture.
Manchester United's new manager Pochettino inherits a club 14th in the Premier League table with significant rebuilding required, while Bruno Fernandes, the club captain, has twice rejected contract renewal offers with his deal expiring at season's end.