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• 'Privilege' of coaching Messi key to Inter Miami decision, says Mascherano

  Javier Mascherano said the "privilege" of coaching former Barcelona team-mate Lionel Messi was a key factor in his decision to join Inter Miami as their new head coach.

  Mascherano was appointed as the club's new boss days after Gerardo Martino resigned from his position following the Herons' early exit from the MLS playoffs.

  Martino cited "personal reasons" after leaving the team, which he led to Leagues Cup glory shortly after his arrival last year, while also helping Miami set a new single-season MLS points record of 74 as they clinched the 2024 Supporters' Shield. 

  Mascherano played alongside Messi at Barcelona for eight years, winning 19 major honours including two Champions League titles, with the former midfielder citing a reunion with the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner as key to his decision.

  “The privilege of coaching Messi," Mascherano said when asked why he had joined the club. 

  "Obviously, players of the calibre of my former team-mates like Luis (Suarez), (Sergio) Busquets, Jordi (Alba), and others I’ve had the chance to know, especially the Argentines. 

  "And some young academy players like Noah Allen and David Ruiz, who have potential. Having worked with young players for a long time, I enjoy continuing to have this opportunity." 

  The 40-year-old, however, embarks on his first senior management role having only taken charge of Argentina's youth teams, most recently at the Paris Olympics when he led them to the quarter-finals of the competition before losing to beaten finalists France. 

  Many supporters have put Mascherano's arrival down to the influence of Messi, but the new boss is ready to silence the sceptics as he takes the reins with little managerial experience under his belt. 

  "People in the world can have their opinion, and it is valid, clearly, but I am convinced that I am capable of coaching the team," said Mascherano. 

  "I am very excited to be able to do it. I can do it. I have no doubt. Sometimes, in football, [talk of] 'experience' doesn't make much sense. 

  "Beyond the fact that I have been coaching for three years, coaching the youth teams of the Argentine national team, [where] I have always been under pressure.

  "I am also supported by a playing career of almost 20 years and everything I’ve experienced."

• Wiegman hails England's 'solid' defence against USA

  Sarina Wiegman praised England's defensive work in an "intense" game against the United States after they played out a 0-0 draw at Wembley.

  The Lionesses struggled to find their rhythm in attack, managing just four shots throughout the game, with only one of those on target – a Leah Williamson header in the 55th minute.

  However, they also limited the USA to just three shots on target, with Mary Earps the standout performer as she helped to keep the Olympic champions at bay.

  After losing their last friendly at Wembley 4-3 to Germany, Wiegman was pleased to see a marked improvement as England step up their preparation for Euro 2025.

  "This shows where we are at, and we need to keep improving," Wiegman told ITV. "It is November now. This is good, but we want to be better again. We have to be better again.

  "I thought it was a very intense game. Of course, we know the USWNT is very dynamic [and] explosive in going forward.

  "Our defence was solid, we were defending as a team, very strong. They challenged us on the wings; I think we solved that well, and in the box, we defended that pretty good. I'm happy with the team performance."

  The visitors thought they had scored a winner at the start of the second half, only for Lindsey Horan's finish to be ruled out for offside.

  They were also awarded a penalty in the 65th minute for an Alex Greenwood handball, though VAR overturned it after replays showed it hitting her torso.

  The USA are now unbeaten in each of their last 20 friendly matches (W17 D3), keeping a clean sheet in 16 of those matches.

  Emma Hayes also maintained her unbeaten start on her homecoming and was proud of how her team performed.

  "When you have to play England, especially after the defeat to Germany, we knew there was going to be a reaction to that performance," Hayes told ITV.

  "I got the chance to see so many younger, less experienced players. It is so important because we are building towards something. I am proud of the way we imposed ourselves on the game. Generally, I am pleased with the performance.

  "We had a goal disallowed, it was never a penalty, but you saw the entries into the final third it was us more than them. We are at a developmental stage, and I am proud of the way we played. In the Olympics, I saw some composure in our play. I am proud.

  "You've got two top teams. Sarina's an amazing coach. It was a good tactical match-up. I just enjoy coaching. I live in football matches, to be honest with you."

• Maresca makes Sancho and Mudryk game-time vow ahead of busy Chelsea schedule

  Enzo Maresca has vowed the likes of Jadon Sancho and Mikhailo Mudryk will get plenty of minutes for Chelsea in the coming weeks after impressing in the 2-0 win over Heidenheim.

  It was England winger Sancho who assisted Mudryk for the Blues' second in Thursday's Conference League fixture after Christopher Nkunku scored a second-half opener at the Voith-Arena.

  Neither player has been a regular for the Blues in the Premier League, with Maresca mixing up his options between Premier League duties and domestic and European competition ventures.

  But as the English calendar reaches a busy festive schedule, Chelsea boss Maresca said both players will get their fair share of action.

  He told a news conference: "I said since we start, Jadon is very important for us. He has to be fit, mentally and physically and he is going to help us a lot. 

  "Unfortunately we did not use him in the last few games but he is showing tonight how important he is. We need that quality in the last third against a low block. He is going to help us a lot.

  "He's (Mudryk) one of the players I just mentioned. It's difficult to find players tonight that didn't play well. We need all of them taking the chances when they get the chances. 

  "They all want to play more; they all deserve to play and are working fantastic. We are going to share minutes in the next games because we have so many games and it's the normal thing to do."

  Chelsea lead the league phase of the competition and are on the brink of the last 16. Maresca praised the mentality his side showed to stay perfect in the competition.

  "It was a very good challenge for all the aspects, they were high pressing, intense, but no matter what they do, it's important we are ready," he added.

  "It's important to continue with that mentality."