Gregg Berhalter is not speaking to Gareth Southgate – or at least Southgate is not speaking to Berhalter – but the United States head coach knows the huge pressure his England counterpart is under.

Berhalter and Southgate have grown close in recent years as they have led their countries' respective national teams, with the USMNT boss describing Southgate as a "mentor" after the two sides were drawn together at the World Cup.

The outcome of that draw has seen the pair drift apart of late, however, ahead of a meeting between the USMNT and England at Al Bayt Stadium on Friday.

"I've been WhatsApping him, but I haven't seen the blue checkmarks, so I don't know what's going on," Berhalter said with a smile on Thursday.

"We kind of took a hiatus. We'll pick up our relationship after tomorrow."

Berhalter has led the United States back to the World Cup after the disappointment of missing out on qualification for Russia 2018, where England excelled.

Southgate had taken charge of the Three Lions not long after their own darkest hour, a Euro 2016 defeat to Iceland.

"When he first took over, it was very similar to the position I first took over, trying to reshape the identity of the team, refocus, work with a younger group of players. In that case, it's very similar," Berhalter added.

Yet there is a difference between the situations the two men find themselves in, with the USMNT coach noting the reaction to a testing Nations League campaign for England.

"Following some of the things the last months, the pressure in the English media – or in England, in general – is tremendous, and that's different," Berhalter said.

"These guys [the media] give me a hard time every once in a while, but I don't think it's of the magnitude that Gareth gets it.

"We all know this is a results-orientated business and we're all accountable for the results we get on the field, but he's done a great job.

"You've heard me say this for the last year and a half: his record in major tournaments has been outstanding, and there's no denying that – fourth-placed finish in 2018, second-placed finish at the Euros.

"He's done a great job with this team, and they got off to a great start. They're a formidable opponent. It's going to be a difficult game for us."

Cameroon coach Rigobert Song made no secret of his pride in Breel Embolo despite the Switzerland forward scoring the winning goal against his birth nation at the World Cup on Thursday.

Embolo's second-half strike from Xherdan Shaqiri's cross proved decisive as Switzerland won 1-0 at Al Janoub Stadium, giving Switzerland a victorious start to their Group G campaign.

The goal was even more notable due to the fact Embolo was born in Cameroon but represents Switzerland after spending much of his childhood there.

Despite not choosing to play for the nation of his birth, Embolo retains links to the country and Song revealed the pair share a strong personal relationship.

As such, Song felt a degree of pride in seeing Embolo prevail on Thursday.

Asked if he had preferred Embolo to have played for Cameroon, Song told reporters: "Yes, but that's the nature of the game.

"We are all proud of our country, you saw he didn't celebrate his goal. But again this [players representing other countries] is part and parcel of football.

"I'm happy for him and proud of him. Because he's playing for the Switzerland team, yes I'd have liked him on my side, but that's not the way it went. That's just the way of life.

"For us the most important thing is how we played, rather than who scored against us."

Song and Embolo shared a warm embrace at full-time, with the former explaining it was important to greet the Monaco player as a show of respect.

"We know each other, he's my little brother, I'm like the big brother, we've often spoken on the phone as well," Song said.

"I wanted to congratulate him, it's fair play. Because we are from the same family [country] but on different teams, it doesn't mean we are not going to be on good terms.

"He had a good game, I wanted to tell him. I'm not going to be a sore loser, we're still brothers at the end of the day."

Switzerland boss Murat Yakin was less forthcoming than Song in general as he addressed the media afterwards, but he did express a hint of pleasure in the narrative behind Embolo's goal.

"We know his story, his past in Cameroon," he added. "Well, you can be friendly up to kick-off and then they are your opponents.

"[Embolo's story] is football, it's writing history, these stories. Of course, he wants to score for his team and he fulfilled his task, so we are very happy. He had good moments through the match. He fulfilled his task well."

Switzerland face Brazil next on Monday, while Cameroon will hope to bounce back against Serbia the same day – another defeat will see them equal Mexico's all-time record for the most successive World Cup losses (nine).

The United States are not intimidated by a World Cup meeting with England, but then Tyler Adams insists he is not intimidated by anything – except spiders.

USA on Friday face an England team full of confidence after their biggest win in a major tournament opener against Iran.

However, a repeat of that 6-2 success seems unlikely against their next opponents, who are unbeaten in two World Cup matches against the Three Lions.

And USMNT captain Adams spoke a good game on the eve of the match at Al Bayt Stadium, approaching the encounter with a positive attitude.

"England's still a big team at the end of the day," he said. "But intimidation factor? I wouldn't say there's many things out there that intimidate me, other than spiders.

"It's fine for me to have the opportunity to play against all these big players. I've done it before.

"We want to show what we're capable of and that US soccer is growing and developing in the right way."

Adams added: "I think England are currently one of the favourites to win the World Cup. I think that in a lot of games people would probably say we're the underdogs.

"But we carry that with pride. It doesn't mean anything to us, to be underdogs, to be favourites, to be anything.

"We have to stay disciplined to what we do every single day, train well, perform in the games and show up. We know that our quality can show and our determination can show.

"That being said, when we step on the field against England, we have to be prepared or a win is not possible."

Despite his optimism – and the United States' past success in this fixture, beating England at the 1950 World Cup – Adams appreciates how significant a win would be.

"I think it's a huge opportunity to fast-track the impact we can have," he said.

"These are the games, where [it is] a high-pressure, privileged moment to step on the field against some of these guys.

"We respect them – I think there's mutual respect between both teams – and when you get a result in a game like this, people start to respect Americans a little bit more."

The Netherlands might not have the standout stars they had at the 2014 World Cup, but Louis van Gaal thinks the overall quality of his squad in Qatar is better.

Van Gaal, who was in typically good humour as he previewed the Netherlands' game against Ecuador, led the Dutch to the semi-finals eight years ago.

Memphis Depay, Daley Blind and Stefan de Vrij are the only players who featured in Van Gaal's squad in 2014, with the rest of the Oranje's selection in Qatar being World Cup debutants.

Although their squad lacks the leading lights of Robin van Persie, Wesley Sneijder and Arjen Robben that Van Gaal had at his disposal in Brazil, the Netherlands coach thinks his squad of 2022 has more to offer across the board.

With Germany and Argentina losing their first matches, there is the possibility of the draw opening up, and Van Gaal sees no reason why his team cannot capitalise.

"I didn't see all the matches, but the fact that Germany and Argentina lost is somewhat telling, but I always say it's easier to defend than it is attack," he said in a press conference.

"I heard that Germany missed a lot of chances and then they lose. This has got to do with team discipline. This is why I say this group is great.

"They're the ones who have to put it into practice, execute my instructions for 90 minutes. If they don't perform as well, you put in the next player who will do his utmost.

"We have an average quality higher than 2014. I'm not talking about the top players we had at the time, perhaps Memphis is at that level and might reach that level, and Frenkie de Jong perhaps.

"But then the matches were decided by players like Van Persie, Robben and Sneijder. That's just the way it was.

"Now in our squad we have a much higher average. Forwards like Memphis, [Steven] Bergwijn, [Cody] Gakpo. I hope that will be a pleasant surprise."

Depay only featured as a substitute against Senegal on Monday, with the Barcelona forward recovering from an injury and lack of game time at club level.

Van Gaal is unsure if the 28-year-old will be fit to start against Ecuador.

"With Memphis, he was training in Amsterdam and that was individual," he added. "Now he needs to train with the team.

"We've increased intensity, he's played 30 minutes now. He isn't grappling too much with the issues. We're proceeding with the next step, which is 45 minutes.

"We're trying to extend that, because the injury he has makes it so difficult to decide when he can start.

"He's quite an extraordinary player, so I've set aside my principles because I consider him incredibly important."

With Gakpo and Davy Klaassen scoring in the win over Senegal, the Netherlands had two different players score in their first World Cup appearance for the first time since Wim Jonk and Gaston Taument did so against Saudi Arabia in 1994.

Depay is the only player to score in both of his first two World Cup games for the Netherlands, though Van Gaal feels PSV forward Gakpo, who is enjoying a fine season, has what it takes to become a superstar.

"He is a player with a lot of talent and potential, but he is young, and he's a player that's still developing, he has a lot of room for improvement," Van Gaal said.

"He's a personality to do whatever it takes. It is possible that he can become a star."

Senegal's forwards need to step up in Sadio Mane's absence if the Lions of Teranga are going to progress in the World Cup, says Aliou Cisse.

Bayern Munich forward Mane was ruled out of the tournament after suffering a fibula injury.

The former Liverpool star is Senegal's talisman, and was crucial to their Africa Cup of Nations success earlier in 2022.

In his absence, Senegal turned in a spirited display against the Netherlands in their opening Group A game on Monday, yet fell to a 2-0 defeat.

This was despite mustering a higher expected goals (xG) total than their opponents (0.9 to 0.7) and having more shots (15 to 10).

With hosts Qatar next up at Al Thumama Stadium, head coach Cisse has demanded more from his forwards, particularly Ismaila Sarr and Diatta.

Cisse said: "We are disappointed, we had two or three very good chances [against the Netherlands]. 

"We needed to be more effective. Ismaila and Krepin are responsible there, but of course, the absence of Mane is a problem for us. Our attackers are good and we know what they are capable of.

"We need to work on it, with Ismaila and the others. We expect a lot from him and Krepin."

Qatar also suffered a 2-0 defeat in their opening match, going down to Ecuador. 

They did not register a shot on target in that match. Since 1966, the only side to fail to land a single shot on target in consecutive World Cup games is the United States, doing so against the Czech Republic and Italy in the 2006 edition.

"There's no excuse, we want to congratulate our opponents, they deserved to win," said coach Felix Sanchez.

"There is a lot of room for improvement. Maybe the responsibility and nerves got the best of us. We didn't start well. It was a terrible start."

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Qatar – Akram Afif

Qatar failed to deliver in the tournament opener, but in Akram Afif they have a quality forward who could turn the game in their favour.

Afif created only one chance against Ecuador, and Qatar need to find a way to get him into the game more this time out.

Senegal – Ismaila Sarr

Sarr had more shots (three) and created more chances (four) than any other Senegal player against the Netherlands, with the Watford attacker involved in 47 per cent of their total attempts in the match (7/15).

With his coach's words no doubt ringing in his ears, Sarr will be determined to prove he can cut it in Mane's absence.

PREDICTION

Senegal are the favourites for this one, according to Opta, who give the Africa Cup of Nations champions a 59.1 per cent chance of victory.

The draw is given a 24 per cent chance, with the likelihood of a Qatar win only 16.9 per cent.

Sometimes, one Kim is just not enough.

South Korea certainly thought so after naming an entire defence with the surname of Kim for their World Cup Group H opener against Uruguay on Thursday. If that wasn't enough, their goalkeeper was also called Kim!

Kim Seung-gyu will don the gloves, while the back four comprises Kim Jin-su, Kim Min-jae, Kim Moon-hwan and Kim Young-gwon.

To confuse observers further, the line-up also included two Hwangs! Pity the commentators!

Dietmar Hamann claims "unprofessionalism and arrogance" has seeped into the Germany ranks as he predicted Hansi Flick's team face group-stage elimination at the World Cup.

The former national team midfielder doubts Germany will get the better of Spain in Sunday's second round of Group E games and he suspects another disappointment will prove fatal in the wake of the shock defeat to Japan.

Hamann singled out Antonio Rudiger's conduct as being typical of Germany's approach to the Japan game, claiming the moment where the defender shepherded the ball out of play after a bizarre high-knee run was disrespectful.

It came when Germany were 1-0 ahead, but they went on to lose 2-1 on Wednesday, a staggering result almost on a par with Saudi Arabia's shock win against Argentina.

"That was symptomatic of the unprofessionalism and arrogance in the German game and of disrespect that couldn't be surpassed because he made the opponent look ridiculous," Hamann said of the Rudiger moment.

Slating the team from all angles in his Sky Sport Germany column, Hamann also described Germany as "too soft, too nice and too monotonous", claiming Japan were the fitter side, and saying of Flick's players: "I never had the feeling that there was a team on the pitch."

He spared Jamal Musiala from criticism, but Hamann said the Germany team management had "decided to put harmony above all else" when preparing for the tournament, arguing veteran defender Mats Hummels should not have been left out of Flick's squad, pinpointing the defender as a player who "takes responsibility".

"You need friction! This creates stimuli. I feel like we die in beauty," Hamann said.

"I expect Japan to win against Costa Rica on Sunday. A draw against Spain will probably not be enough. You probably have to win, but I don't see that."

Spain were 7-0 winners against Costa Rica on Wednesday, a measure of La Roja's prowess that should focus German minds.

Hamann also suspects Germany were put off by controversy surrounding the OneLove armbands, a gesture of non-discrimination that FIFA has pushed for teams not to wear. Instead, Germany's players posed for a pre-game picture with hands over their mouths, signalling they felt gagged.

"Players can't fix something that federations couldn't do before. They're in Qatar to play football, which may not be an excuse, but of course it's a distraction," Hamann wrote. "The last few days felt more about the armband than about Japan. That certainly didn't help."

Saudi Arabia defender Yasser Al Shahrani has undergone successful surgery after being involved in a horror collision with his own goalkeeper in his side's shock World Cup win over Argentina.

Al Shahrani was caught in the face and stomach by Mohammed Al Owais' knees as the Saudi keeper attempted to claim a high ball late on in Tuesday's Group C contest at Lusail Stadium.

The Al Hilal player, who has been capped 73 times for his country, was stretchered off the field and later flew back to Riyadh to be operated on. 

Saudi Arabia confirmed on their official Twitter page on Thursday the surgery was successful, but it is not known if Al Shahrani will play any further part in the World Cup.

"Yasser Al Shahrani successfully underwent surgery to his pancreas gland yesterday in Riyadh's King Abdulaziz Medical City at the National Guard Hospital," the statement read.

"He remains under the full supervision of the national team's medical staff. The Saudi football family wishes Yasser a speedy recovery."

Saudi Arabia became the first non-European side to beat Argentina at the World Cup since Cameroon in 1990 with their shock 2-1 victory.

The last three teams to beat Argentina at the World Cup have either gone on to win the competition (Germany in 2014 and France in 2018) or reached the final (Croatia in 2018).

Herve Renard's side lead Group C ahead of facing Poland on Saturday and Mexico in their final first-round clash next Wednesday.

Son Heung-min was passed fit for South Korea to start their World Cup opener against Uruguay at Education City Stadium on Thursday.

The Tottenham forward fractured an eye socket in the Champions League game against Marseille on November 1 and donned a facemask to take on the South Americans.

His availability was a big boost for coach Paulo Bento as the Koreans looked to get their Group H campaign off to a winning start.

Son entered the game one goal short of becoming South Korea's joint-top World Cup goalscorer and only the second player from the country to score in three separate World Cups after Park Ji-sung, who netted once in each of the 2002, 2006 and 2010 tournaments.

Uruguay started the game with a front two of Darwin Nunez and Luis Suarez, with Edinson Cavani still struggling to shake off an ankle injury.

Breel Embolo scored the winner against his birth nation as Switzerland beat Cameroon 1-0 at Al Janoub Stadium in their World Cup Group G opener on Thursday.

The Yaounde-born attacker refused to celebrate his second-half tap-in but his goal sparked jubilant scenes for the Swiss at full-time as Murat Yakin's side inflicted Cameroon's eighth successive World Cup defeat, one shy of the record.

The Indomitable Lions had the better of the first half and kept Yann Sommer relatively busy in the Switzerland net, though there were a couple of warning signs for Cameroon just before the break.

Embolo had been involved in one of those incidents and was fittingly the man to break the deadlock in the 48th minute, with Switzerland ultimately good value for the win after an effective second-half display.

Cameroon began with the greater purpose and should have scored 10 minutes in as Bryan Mbeumo blasted at Sommer and Karl Toko Ekambi inexplicably blasted over on the rebound.

Undeterred, Cameroon continued to look more threatening, with Martin Hongla testing Sommer from a tight angle 20 minutes later, and a crucial Silvan Widmer clearance denied Toko Ekambi a tap-in.

Switzerland finished the half stronger, however, and only a last-ditch Jean-Charles Castelletto tackle prevented Embolo a certain goal before Manuel Akanji nodded just wide in stoppage time.

But there was no denying Embolo just after the break as the Monaco forward swept home from Xherdan Shaqiri's low right-wing cross.

Andre Onana kept Cameroon in the contest just past the hour with a fine stop to thwart Ruben Vargas, but Rigobert Song's men were unable to capitalise at the other end.

What does it mean? Vital win for Switzerland as things only get tougher from here

With Brazil and Serbia to come, it was essential Switzerland came through this with a positive result – and that they did.

It certainly was not a vintage performance from a side Yakin called "one of the best Swiss national teams that have ever existed", but in the second half they often played with real fluency.

Switzerland are one of only three European teams to reach the knockout stages in each of the past four major international tournaments, and this was a big step to continuing that streak in Qatar.

Shaqiri dependable as ever

He may not carry quite the same influence over Switzerland's general play as he once did, but Shaqiri just always seems to deliver for his national team. His cross, cleverly pulled back slightly, gave Embolo an easy finish for the winner, giving the experienced winger his 12th goal involvement for the Swiss over the last four major tournaments, exactly 50 per cent of their total.

Vargas frustrates

He was full of running and endeavour, but this was largely a frustrating display from the left winger. Although his two chances created was a high for Switzerland, he wasted two glorious opportunities: one saw him slice a cross over the goal with Granit Xhaka awaiting a tap-in, and the second involved him failing to beat Onana from close range.

What's next?

Switzerland face the ultimate test when they tussle with Brazil on Monday. Cameroon will play Serbia the same day.

Sadio Mane remains a key influence on Senegal's World Cup campaign despite his absence, with Kalidou Koulibaly revealing the forward is in constant contact with the national team.

The Bayern Munich attacker was ruled out of Qatar 2022 after undergoing surgery for a leg injury sustained on November 8 in a Bundesliga game with Werder Bremen.

It has been a cruel blow for player and country, with Mane's penalty having been the victorious touch to take Senegal to Qatar 2022 in their qualifying play-off earlier this year against Egypt.

But despite his absence, Koulibaly says the forward is still a regular, virtual presence around the squad, helping to raise their game and keep them focused.

"He's always texting with us, always calling," he stated. "[He is] keeping the mentality high for the team. He's an important player for us.

"We know the importance that he has for the team and we hope he will continue [to stay in touch]. When he speaks, all of Senegal listens."

Senegal came up short in their first match of the World Cup on Monday against the Netherlands, conceding a pair of late goals to suffer a 2-0 defeat

Ahead of Friday's encounter with hosts Qatar in Group A, the Lions of Teranga are looking to get their campaign back on track, with Koulibaly stating they are stung by loss.

"It is very difficult after a defeat to get your head around things," he added. "It is a difficult pill to swallow. We've started off with a loss."

Both concessions marked a tough game for goalkeeper Edouard Mendy, with Senegal's first-choice goalkeeper having endured a hit-and-miss campaign with Chelsea.

Blues team-mate Koulibaly remains unconcerned over any fears of a dip in form however, adding: "We're brothers in arms. He's an important player for us.

"It's normal to go through difficult periods, but I think we're making a mountain out of a molehill. Edouard knows what he needs to do tomorrow, as do we. I don't think we should be making a big deal about this.

"Everyone needs to be confident in our role; everyone needs to get stuck in. It is together that we are going to be able to overcome this hurdle. I am not worried."

Harry Kane will be fit to feature in England's next World Cup match against the United States on Friday, says manager Gareth Southgate.

The Three Lions captain picked up an ankle injury during the second half of their opening 6-2 win against Iran in Group B and was replaced by Callum Wilson.

Kane underwent a scan on Wednesday to ascertain the severity of the injury, but concerns appeared to be abated after goalkeeper Jordan Pickford confirmed he had trained alongside the rest of the squad.

Now Southgate has said his skipper will be in line to play against the Stars and Stripes in Al Khor for their second match of Qatar 2022.

"Harry is fine. He has worked slightly separately from the group but all good for Friday night," he told BBC Sport. "He had a scan [on Wednesday] to make sure everything is fine."

Southgate also confirmed Harry Maguire is set to figure after he was withdrawn midway through the second half on Monday, adding: "He was feeling ill and that was affecting his vision.

"You worry about concussion in that instant, but we were going back through all the footage and there is nothing, so he is in a good area."

England will qualify for the knockout rounds with a win over the United States, regardless of the result between Iran and Wales elsewhere in Group B.

Southgate wants to see his side into the last-16 sooner rather than later, adding: "We would like to get qualification done as soon as possible.

"The first objective is to get out of the group. We would love to do that on Friday, but the game won't be anything like Monday.

"We have to make sure we are back to the psychological place we were at the start because the States will be an athletic team, press really well, be organised [and] well coached.

"They have quite a few players we know from the Premier League. Monday was a great start, and it is that reset to be ready for Friday."

Wales midfielder Harry Wilson is expecting to face a determined Iran side desperate to respond to their opening-game thrashing when the Group B rivals meet on Friday.

Iran began their World Cup campaign with a 6-2 loss at the hands of England, though only once in six participations – at Germany 2006 – have they lost their first two matches.

A late Gareth Bale penalty earned Wales a 1-1 draw against the United States in their opening match and a first win at the World Cup since 1958 will now be the target against Iran.

But midfielder Wilson, who played a full part against the USA, is expecting Iran to put up far more of a fight at Ahmed bin Ali Stadium than they did against England.

"It was a difficult result for them. England was always going to be difficult," Wilson said. "They will be looking for a reaction and I think that is what we are going to see.

"It will be up to us to make sure we are on form to try and get the three points."

Bale won the penalty in which he converted against the USA and now has 41 goals in 109 caps for his country – only team-mate Chris Gunter has played as many times.

"He drags us through tough games and got his goal," Wilson said. "His performances over the years, I think he deserves to play at the World Cup before he retires."

Following their heavy loss to England, Iran have now lost seven and drawn two of their nine meetings with European teams in the tournament, conceding 20 goals.

Anything other than victory against Wales will leave Carlos Queiroz's facing an early exit from Qatar 2022, but the former Manchester United assistant has faith in his players.

"My view [of the England game] is simple and very pragmatic: the game finished in the first half when we conceded the goals we are not used to conceding," he said.

"Being 3-0 down, the only goal for our team was to enjoy the game and to be brave, united and fight to try to play our football in moments England allowed us to do so.

"What I can say as a conclusion is we win or learn. We had the privilege to learn a lot of things against England and we are much better prepared now to play against Wales."

Friday's contest will be just the second ever between the sides, with Wales – ranked one place higher than Iran in the FIFA rankings – winning 1-0 in a friendly 44 years ago.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Wales - Kieffer Moore

Bale may have been the hero against the USA, but it was the introduction of Moore at half-time that changed the contest, providing Wales with a focal point in the final third.

Moore was a menace during his time on the pitch, as he was throughout the qualifying campaign, and will surely now start this crucial showdown with Iran.

Despite only playing 45 minutes, Moore was involved in more shots (four, taking three himself) against the USA than any Wales team-mate and also had at least two more touches in the opposition box.

Iran - Mehdi Taremi

Taremi's performance was a rare shining light for Iran in their defeat to England, with the Porto striker scoring a couple of goals.

That made Taremi the first Iran player to score multiple goals at a World Cup, and also the first player from an Asian country to net twice in a single game in the competition.

The 30-year-old is a certainty to lead the line against Wales, but Queiroz will hope for more from his supporting cast, such as Vahid Amiri and Alireza Jahanbakhsh.

PREDICTION

Four of Wales' six games at the World Cup have been drawn (67 per cent), with no side having a higher ratio of their games finishing level in the competition's history.

Stats Perform's supercomputer prediction model has this match down as a 27.6 per cent likelihood of that happening, marginally ahead of the 23.2 chance Iran have of winning.

A Wales win – something they have not achieved in their past six matches – is predicted as the most likely outcome at 49.4 per cent.

Manchester United will look to sign a replacement forward for Cristiano Ronaldo during the January transfer window, according to the Manchester Evening News.

The 37-year-old Portuguese's exit by mutual consent with immediate effect has opened up all sorts of possibilities for the Red Devils.

But Erik ten Hag's side clearly need to bolster their ranks as they look to finish in the Premier League's top four this term.

TOP STORY – MEMPHIS WALKING BACK THROUGH THE DOORS AT OLD TRAFFORD?

Spanish media outlet Sport claims that Manchester United are keen on Barcelona's Memphis Depay in January.

The Blaugrana, who have been linked with United's Diogo Dalot, are eager to offload the Dutchman, whose contract ends in mid-2023.

The Netherlands international spent two years at Old Trafford from 2015 and 2017

ROUND-UP -

- Tottenham, Chelsea and Arsenal are ready to make moves for Juventus midfielder Adrien Rabiot, according to Calciomercato. The Frenchman almost joined Manchester United in the off-season and is contracted with the Bianconeri until the end of the season.

- Football Insider claims Aston Villa are interested in Sevilla's Morocco international goalkeeper Yassine Bounou, who is contracted until 2025.

- Fabrizio Romano claims RB Leipzig's Konrad Laimer is determined to join Bayern Munich, meaning Chelsea and Liverpool will miss out on the Austrian.

- Leeds United have enquired about the availability of Milan's Belgian midfielder Charles de Ketelaere, reports TeamTalk.

- Atalanta are in talks with Stuttgart's Croatia international left-back Borna Sosa, claims Nicolo Schira.

Belgium "need to improve" if they are to stand a realistic chance of going deep at the 2022 World Cup, according to defender Toby Alderweireld.

It was Alderweireld's long pass that created the only goal of the game for Michy Batshuayi as Belgium struggled to make much headway against an athletic and well-drilled Canada team.

Alphonso Davies saw an early penalty saved by Red Devils goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois and Canada also squandered a host of first-half chances as Belgium held on to a precious win to take an early lead at the top of Group F.

Alderweireld said: "We didn't play our best game, but we fought hard, especially in the second half and it's better to improve things with three points in the bag than no points.

"We weren't good enough on the ball, we didn't create the right spaces and in the second half we could have hurt them a lot more. Our last pass has to be a lot better.

"The first step is to get through but we need to improve."

Alderweireld's sentiments were shared by fellow defender Timothy Castagne, who felt Canada's no-fear approach made them tricky opponents.

The Leicester City full-back said: "We were expecting that, it's not easy to play against.

"We tried to play through them but we could not find the free men. When we did, we had some good opportunities but couldn't finish them.

"We can thank Thibaut for keeping us in the game first half. After that we defended pretty strong together, which hasn't always been our strongest suit so that's good."

With Argentina and Germany having already lost in Qatar to unheralded opponents, Castagne was just pleased Belgium avoided joining the ranks of beaten favourites, adding: "If you get the win, you get confidence even if it wasn't our best game.

"Some big teams have lost so it's good to get off to a good start points-wise."

While Belgium were relieved, it was a night of pride and frustration for Canada. They emerged with enormous credit, inspired by the shrewd leadership of head coach John Herdman, but will rue their profligacy in front of goal.

Defender Steven Vitoria said: "We deserved more against a world-class side. When we play like that we'll be a lot closer to winning than anything else. It was a fantastic performance but at this level you have to get the win.

"The intention is to be fearless on the biggest stage, this is a new Canada and we gave that statement to the world. But no excuses, we're here to win and we're not satisfied."