Robert Lewandowski and Erling Haaland will swiftly come toe-to-toe with their former teammates following Thursday's group-stage draw for the Champions League.

Fresh from his move to Camp Nou in the transfer window, Lewandowski will return to familiar surroundings with Barcelona and Bayern Munich – who boast 11 Champions League titles between them – drawn in a tough Group C along with Inter.

And another reunion will see Haaland come up against Borussia Dortmund, whom he left to join Pep Guardiola's Manchester City. They find themselves in Group G alongside Sevilla and Copenhagen.

Another heavyweight clash will take place in Group H, with Paris Saint-Germain and Juventus set to lock horns.

Pep Guardiola heaped praise on England's "incredible" Lionesses as he suggested their Euro 2022 triumph has put more pressure on Gareth Southgate's team ahead of the World Cup in Qatar.

Sarina Wiegman's side ended 56 years of major tournament hurt for England with a 2-1 extra-time victory over Germany in last month's Wembley final, going one better than the Three Lions did in their Euro 2020 penalty shoot-out defeat to Italy on the same ground.

The Lionesses sparkled throughout the tournament on home soil, scoring a remarkable 22 goals in six matches on their way to the title.

According to Manchester City boss Guardiola, their achievements should serve not only as an inspiration to women across the country, but also as a marker for their male counterparts.

"England have to be so proud, first of all, for these incredible women," he told BBC Sport.

"I had the feeling every season, women's football, the sport of women, is rising and getting better.

"It's so nice for our daughters and for the next generations, what they have done. And thanks to all of you, because you pay more attention to what they do, and that's why they get a final in their home country, at Wembley.

"[It was] a special moment, and I think it will put pressure on the men for the World Cup, and that is good, this is good."

Guardiola's praise comes in the same week as the retirements of two Lionesses legends, with the team's record goalscorer Ellen White and second-most-capped player Jill Scott both hanging up their boots as European champions.

Southgate's side will begin their World Cup campaign against Iran on November 21 before rounding off Group B by facing the United States and Wales. 

Pep Guardiola believes Manchester City's acquisition of Erling Haaland demonstrates that the Premier League champions are one of Europe's elite destinations.

City reportedly saw off competition from the likes of Real Madrid, Barcelona and Bayern Munich to sign the striker in a £51.2million (€60m) deal in May, and Haaland has started brightly, scoring three goals in his first three league games.

The Norway international is just the third player to score on both of his first two away trips in the Premier League for City, after Emmanuel Adebayor and Emile Mpenza, having followed up his opening-game double at West Ham with a goal in a 3-3 draw with Newcastle United on Sunday.

City's all-time record goalscorer Sergio Aguero, meanwhile, is the only other player to score twice on his Premier League debut for the club, having done so against Swansea City in August 2011.

Asked whether the former Borussia Dortmund forward represented the first established world class star to join City on his watch, Guardiola told BBC's Football Focus: "Yeah, maybe it's right. We cannot deny how incredible his numbers and talent are.

"From what I saw of him so far, he's a huge competitor in every training session, he's incredibly focused to do it, there's no doubt about that.

"But we had a lot of legends here, whose contribution has been [important] to the way we are right now. Sergio, Vincent Kompany, Pablo Zabaleta, Joe Hart, David Silva, many of these."

Having lifted the Premier League trophy four times in his six full seasons in England, Guardiola suggested City can now attract players who would previously have preferred huge European clubs such as Bayern, Madrid or Barcelona.

"You're right, maybe we could not do it or they choose another club, because the charisma of Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Real Madrid was higher than us," he added.

"In the highest [level] of Europe, we are new, just one decade, and they have long, long histories.

"And maybe you're right. We know the most followed strikers or players now come here, that is the proof that we have done really well.

"I remember in pre-season, in the [United] States five years or six years ago, there were few blue shirts in the stands. These last games against Bayern Munich and [Club] America [in July], there was a lot.

"People follow the winners and we won a lot in these last years, and people support us around the world, which is incredible. It's a big honour."

Pep Guardiola has not ruled out the possibility of Bernardo Silva joining Barcelona – a club he "likes very much" – but acknowledged a deal would be tricky at this stage of the transfer window.

Silva remains a key man for City, excelling and scoring the equaliser in Sunday's 3-3 draw at Newcastle United, yet he also continues to be linked to Barca.

The Blaugrana have invested heavily in this window, with Robert Lewandowski, Raphinha and Jules Kounde among their eye-catching signings.

However, Barca coach Xavi is said to still be eager to add to his squad, with Silva seen as a potentially key capture.

City visited Camp Nou on Wednesday for a friendly – another 3-3 draw – and both Xavi and Guardiola were predictably asked to discuss Silva after the match.

"Who does not like Bernardo Silva? Just like De Bruyne or Haaland," Xavi said. "But there is no news.

"He is a player that I love – there are few like him – but it already depends on City."

Those comments offered Guardiola the opportunity to have a definitive say on Silva's future, but he repeated his mantra that he would only wish to keep happy players at City.

And Silva, the City manager added, would certainly be receptive to Barca.

"We count on him and I do not want him to leave," Guardiola said. "He is a superlative player in everything [he does].

"But as I have always said: I do not want a player to be unhappy. If a good offer came, he wanted to leave and there was an agreement, we would see.

"Although, if he left now, it would be a problem, because the market is about to close.

"With that said, Bernardo likes Barcelona very much."

The window will close next Thursday, with City's incoming business seemingly done after adding Erling Haaland, Stefan Ortega, Kalvin Phillips and Sergio Gomez to Guardiola's squad, along with Julian Alvarez, who was signed in January.

Barcelona and Manchester City drew 3-3 in a thrilling friendly at Camp Nou as Premier League-linked Frenkie de Jong and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang both bagged for the hosts.

Chelsea-linked Aubameyang should have given his side an early lead, but his close-range header from a Sergi Roberto cross was straight at Stefan Ortega.

The Spanish side started the game impressively but fell behind after 21 minutes. City new boy Julian Alvarez took advantage of a mistake from Barca keeper Inaki Pena to prod home. 

The lead lasted just eight minutes though, as Aubameyang made up for his earlier miss with a back-post volley that slipped underneath Ortega.

City should have restored their advantage early in the second half, with Alvarez missing a great chance to bag his second of the game after a couple of attempts were thwarted before Riyad Mahrez blazed wide.

De Jong, a target this window for the visitors' city rivals Manchester United, put Barca 2-1 up after 66 minutes with a smart finish past Ortega.

Pep Guardiola's men pegged them back moments later though, with youngster Cole Palmer tapping in at the back post after a powerful cross from Joao Cancelo.

Xavi's team were again in front with 11 minutes left as Memphis Depay found acres of space in the box to smash the ball into the back of the net.

They would not see out the remaining minutes for the victory though, as Andreas Christensen fouled Erling Haaland in the box before Mahrez lashed home the resulting penalty to earn his side a share of the spoils.

The EFL Cup third round will see Premier League champions Manchester City host Chelsea while holders Liverpool will play League One Derby County at Anfield.

Erik ten Hag's Manchester United are set to welcome Aston Villa to Old Trafford and there is another enticing all-Premier League clash between Nottingham Forest and Tottenham.

Brighton and Hove Albion will travel to Mikel Arteta's Arsenal as one of the seven games to feature two top-flight teams facing each other.

League Two Crawley knocked out Premier League Fulham on Tuesday, and they are rewarded with a visit to Championship outfit Burnley.

Meanwhile, last season's Europa League semi-finalists West Ham United will face second-tier Blackburn Rovers.

EFL Cup third-round draw in full:

Stevenage v Charlton, Leicester City v Newport County, West Ham United v Blackburn Rovers, Wolves v Leeds United, Nottingham Forest v Tottenham, Manchester United v Aston Villa, Bournemouth v Everton, Liverpool v Derby County, Burnley v Crawley Town, Bristol City v Lincoln City, Manchester City v Chelsea, MK Dons v Morecambe, Newcastle United v Crystal Palace, Southampton v Sheffield Wednesday, Arsenal v Brighton and Hove Albion, Brentford v Gillingham.

Ties will be played week commencing November 7.

England manager Gareth Southgate is not jumping to early conclusions regarding the form of his England players in the opening weeks of the season.

The start of the Premier League campaign has thrown up numerous surprises, with Manchester United losing back-to-back matches against Brentford and Brighton and Hove Albion, while Liverpool remain without a win after three matches.

In Monday's clash between the two giants, which United won 2-1, Erik ten Hag dropped England regulars Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw from his starting XI, with both now facing a fight to get back into the team.

Jack Grealish, Kalvin Phillips and John Stones have managed just two Premier League starts between them over the first three weeks of the season at Manchester City, but Southgate insists it is too early to become concerned.

"At this time of year, the Premier League table doesn't settle down for a few weeks and you've still got the transfer window open, which causes so much chaos in every club," he told Sky Sports.

"Things have to settle but we're perhaps fortunate as the international window normally falls in about a week, but we've been given more time. 

"It's nice to have a few more weeks to see how things map out and see where players are physically and fitness-wise.

"There have been some unexpected results, but I think at this time of year that can happen. Things will take on a more familiar look once we get into two games a week across multiple competitions."

The mid-season date for the World Cup adds a unique flavour to this year's tournament, with the England squad convening just one week before the campaign in Qatar kicks-off, leaving no time for pre-tournament friendlies.

England face decisive tests against Germany and Italy in the Nations League next month, with relegation a real threat following a winless start to a campaign that has included a 4-0 home defeat to Hungary.

With just two matches to play and plenty at stake, introducing new players to Southgate's squad is by no means an easy task.

But he hinted he could look at club form more closely ahead of the World Cup.

"Everyone always says that you need to be clear on your best team, but you've always got to leave space and opportunity for people who are playing well," said Southgate.

"You know you're going to lose players from the squad in the next few months. It's already happened with some of the countries, so whatever the idea is in your head of who your best players are – which we have – that's going to fluctuate and you've got to adapt.

"Possibly in this World Cup more than any other, that ability to adapt and to operate quickly to make the right decisions is more important than ever."

England begin their World Cup campaign against Iran on November 21, before also tackling the United States and Wales in Group B.

Ferran Soriano has once again dismissed talk of Barcelona signing Manchester City midfielder Bernardo Silva.

Silva has long since been linked with a move to Camp Nou, but Pep Guardiola has made it clear he wants to keep the Portugal midfielder.

The 30-year-old playmaker scored one goal and set up another in the Premier League champions' 3-3 draw at Newcastle United on Sunday.

Silva is set to face Barca in a friendly on Wednesday and City chief executive Soriano does not expect him to be playing for the Catalan giants this season.

He told Cadena Ser's Que t'hi Jugues: "This story has taken many turns, but deep down it has never moved from the starting point."

Soriano added just over a week before the transfer window closes: "It's a bit late to talk about comings and goings."

Silva made 50 appearances for City in all competitions last season, a tally only bettered by Joao Cancelo (52), with the 28-year-old scoring 13 goals and providing seven assists.

Only Kevin de Bruyne (129) and Jack Grealish (78) created more chances for City than Silva's 76 last term.

Manchester City striker Erling Haaland has cited "insanely good" Karim Benzema as inspiration as he vows to never stop improving at the Etihad Stadium.

Haaland has made a solid start to life in England since his £51million (€60m) move from Borussia Dortmund, scoring three goals in as many Premier League games for the reigning champions.

City pipped some of the world's biggest clubs in the race to secure the services of the Norway international, including reigning LaLiga and Champions League winners Real Madrid.

Madrid talisman Benzema played an instrumental role during their successful 2021-22 season - top-scoring in both competitions along the way - while he recently surpassed Raul (323) as the club's second-leading marksman of all-time behind only Cristiano Ronaldo (450).

The 34-year-old appears certain to be in the running for the top prize at this year's Ballon d'Or awards, and his recent exploits have provided inspiration for a player 12 years his junior.

"I don’t know what will happen, but it must always be about learning, about developing," Haaland told FourFourTwo. "You can never stop looking for new ways to become better.

"Look at Karim Benzema at Real Madrid. He's 34 now and suddenly, he's developed into an even better player over the last couple of years – that's insanely good. I want to always do that."

Bayern Munich sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic has revealed the Bundesliga giants held discussions with Erling Haaland before the striker's blockbuster move to Manchester City.

One of the most significant deals of the ongoing transfer window saw the former Borussia Dortmund striker swap Germany for England for a reported fee of £51million (€60m).

Like Dortmund, Bayern also saw their talismanic centre-forward depart the Bundesliga this window, with Robert Lewandowski heading to Barcelona.

And sporting director Salihamidzic says the club held talks with Haaland over a potential move for the 22-year-old, who he does not blame for choosing "something that he thinks is better for him".

Speaking to Bild, Salihamidzic said: "We had some discussions. We had things in mind that could be implemented for us. In the end, it didn't work out for various reasons."

Bayern were also linked with a move for Manchester United forward Cristiano Ronaldo amid speculation that the Portugal skipper is keen on a move away from Old Trafford.

However, Salihamidzic says a deal was "out of the question".

"When you see now how our attack – even without Robert Lewandowski – is occupied, it is simply difficult from both a sporting and financial point of view," he added.

"[You have] eight players for the four positions. We have seasoned top players who are in the best age of football."

Salihamidzic also believes mistakes were made in the handling of negotiations that culminated in David Alaba's departure to Real Madrid, admitting he wishes he could have done things differently.

The defender's 12-year stint with the Bavarian giants came to an end at the conclusion of the 2020-21 season, as the club failed to reach an agreement with the Austria international over a new deal.

"The supervisory board had concerns about making extraordinary contracts during this time," Salihamidzic said. "We still wanted to save face and give David great appreciation.

"We really tried everything. We really wanted to keep David. But it was, it has to be said, a difficult time. 

"In retrospect, I don't know if I would have done it again with such a deserving player."

Bernardo Silva will stay at Manchester City despite Barcelona's interest in signing the midfielder, according to the Premier League champions' chief executive Ferran Soriano.

Barcelona have enjoyed a busy transfer window as they attempt to close the gap on last season's LaLiga and Champions League winners Real Madrid, signing Robert Lewandowski, Raphinha, Jules Kounde, Andreas Christensen and Franck Kessie, while they also hope to bring in Marcos Alonso from Chelsea.

But the Blaugrana have also been credited with a strong interest in Silva, who refused to rule out a move earlier this month when declaring City "know what I want".

Silva could make a Camp Nou appearance on Wednesday when City take on Barca in a friendly arranged to raise funds to fight motor neurone disease, but Soriano is adamant the Portugal midfielder will not be returning to Barcelona on a more permanent basis.

Speaking to El Chiringuito de Jugones, Soriano said: "Of course, I can say that Bernardo Silva will stay at Man City."

Pep Guardiola has also affirmed his desire to keep Silva on multiple occasions.

Silva made 50 appearances for City in all competitions last season, a tally only bettered by Joao Cancelo (52), with the 28-year-old scoring 13 goals and providing seven assists.

Meanwhile, only Kevin de Bruyne (129) and Jack Grealish (78) created more chances for City than Silva's 76 last term, and he got off the mark for the new campaign by scoring the equaliser in a thrilling 3-3 draw at Newcastle United on Sunday.

Pep Guardiola believes Manchester City "showed who we are" after they clawed back a two-goal deficit in a pulsating 3-3 draw with Newcastle United.

The Premier League champions looked set for a first loss of the new top-flight campaign after Ilkay Gundogan's opener had been cancelled out by goals for Miguel Almiron, Callum Wilson and Kieran Trippier at St James' Park.

But a rapid-fire one-two punch from Erling Haaland and Bernardo Silva saw the visitors fight back to earn a share of the spoils in one of the most gripping encounters of the season so far.

Fragments of City's remarkable title-winning final day rise from the canvas against Aston Villa last term were readily apparent on Tyneside as Guardiola's side fought their way to a draw.

That delighted the Spaniard, who marvelled at both the match and the result after the full-time whistle, paying tribute to his side's resolve.

"The team showed who we are," he told BBC Sport. "[It was a] proper football game. We started really well, [then] we lost some duels. Once the game was open, they were better.

"We should [have] taken more time in the final third. [But] that atmosphere after the game - that is what football is all about.

Despite their own unbeaten start to the new season, Newcastle had been written off pre-match as challengers to City, and after conceding inside five minutes to Gundogan's finish, looked poised to fold.

But Eddie Howe's Magpies proved to be the most resilient foe City has faced in the top-flight this season, and Guardiola was quick to offer them praise too, while weighing in on the increased competition of the Premier League.

"We could have not won today," he told Sky Sports. "Newcastle are becoming one of the toughest opponents, for sure. To see the team fight to the end is enough.

"Leeds beat Chelsea today [too]. The Premier League is so difficult for everyone. It shows how amazing [we have been] for five years, and how difficult it will be."

Bernardo Silva was disappointed Manchester City could not fully complete the comeback in their thrilling 3-3 draw with Newcastle United at St James' Park.

City trailed by two goals with 54 minutes played of Sunday's Premier League clash before Erling Haaland and Silva struck in the space of four minutes after the hour mark.

Pep Guardiola's side finished the game with an expected goals (xG) return of 2.20, compared to 2.02 for Newcastle, who had themselves recovered from a goal down to lead.

Although pleased with the way City responded to take a point against Newcastle, Silva felt the visitors had time to find a winning goal and maintain their perfect start to the season.

"We scored the third goal in the 64th minute, so it was still very early in the game," Silva told BBC Sport. "I'm a bit disappointed we didn't score the fourth.

"But still, it's a good reaction from the team. It wasn't a perfect game but we will take the point. It is what it is. Seven points from three games isn't bad."

Goals from Miguel Almiron and Callum Wilson put Newcastle in front at half-time after Ilkay Gundogan had opened the scoring for City.

A sublime free-kick from Kieran Trippier had United on course for a huge victory, only for Haaland and Silva to hit back and extend City's unbeaten away league run to 20 games.

City have now avoided defeat on each of the past three occasions they have fallen behind in the league, having previously recovered against West Ham and Aston Villa in May.

They are the fourth side to avoid defeat in three straight Premier League games when two goals down after Manchester United (1997), Liverpool (2008) and West Ham (2016).

"It was a very intense game," Silva added. "We started very well. The first 15 minutes were ours. My perception on the pitch was that we started attacking too quick.

"When we start playing like this and it's too quick it's better for the opponents. The last 25 or 30 minutes of the first half were very tough.

"They could have scored more than twice in that time. Overall we played quite well but not controlling their counter-attacks and runners.

"You'll suffer and that's what happened today. We knew how tough it is to come here. The atmosphere is great and they're a very physical team.

"They've been great over the last few months. They're in a great state of mind with very positive energy. We should have controlled the game better than we did today."

Silva also assisted Gundogan's opener, making it the fourth time in the Premier League he has both scored and set up a goal in a single game, each coming away from home.

The Portugal international has been linked with a move to Barcelona this window, but Guardiola has repeatedly played down a move ahead of the September 1 deadline.

Asked about his City future, Silva said: "I'm happy. I'm doing my best to help the club. I'm very focused here."

Bernardo Silva and Erling Haaland scored as Manchester City came from two goals down to salvage a 3-3 draw in Sunday's Premier League thriller with Newcastle United.

The reigning champions had started their latest title defence with back-to-back wins without conceding and took a fifth-minute lead at St James' Park through Ilkay Gundogan.

However, Miguel Almiron levelled up with a goal awarded after a VAR check and Callum Wilson had Newcastle – themselves still unbeaten – in front prior to half-time.

Kieran Trippier's stunning free-kick put Newcastle further ahead, but Haaland pulled one back and Silva equalised soon after to ensure the points were shared.

Newcastle had kept back-to-back clean sheets but were caught cold early on, with Gundogan left in plenty of space to control Silva's clipped pass and fire home.

Kevin De Bruyne was twice denied by Nick Pope, though Newcastle levelled up when Almiron met Saint-Maximin's cross with his thigh and bundled past Ederson.

After Almiron's celebrations were cut short by an offside flag, a VAR check determined Joao Cancelo had kept the Newcastle attacker onside and the goal was allowed to stand.

The hosts led by the interval through Wilson's well-taken strike past Ederson following more good work from Saint-Maximin.

Pope produced a fine fingertip stop to help Haaland's shot onto the post early in the second half, shortly before Trippier's sublime 30-yard free-kick found the top-left corner.

City gave themselves hope thanks to Haaland's volley after anticipating Rodri's knock-down inside the box.

After Haaland uncharacteristically missed a one-on-one chance, City were back on level terms when De Bruyne cut open Newcastle's defence and Silva calmly slotted past Pope.

That set up a tense final 25 minutes, in which Trippier was shown a red card for a cynical challenge on De Bruyne before the decision was downgraded to yellow, though there was to be no winning goal.

Bernardo Silva's future at Manchester City has been the subject of speculation throughout the transfer window.

The 28-year-old has another three years remaining on his contract with the reigning Premier League champions.

Despite that, rumours about interest from elsewhere have swirled, though City manager Pep Guardiola is desperate to keep him at the club.

TOP STORY – CITY TO OFFER SILVA NEW CONTRACT TO KEEP HIM IN MANCHESTER

Manchester City are set to offer Bernardo Silva a bumper new deal to stave off rival interest, claims the Sunday Star.

Both Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain have been linked with the Portuguese midfielder over the past few months.

City slapped an £80million price tag on Silva to retain his services, but are now ready to offer him a new lucrative long-term deal.

ROUND UP

– Real Madrid are set to use the money generated by the sale of Casemiro to fund a deal for Borussia Dortmund's English midfielder Jude Bellingham, reports Marca.

– Chelsea and Everton are both weighing up a move for Brentford forward Ivan Toney, who has also been linked with Manchester United, according to The Sunday Mirror.

– Christian Pulisic will not be going to United, should he leave Chelsea, as he will only move to join a club playing in the Champions League, claims the Mail.

– Fabrizio Romano says Arsenal and Nice are deep into negotiations on a loan deal for Nicolas Pepe. Sevilla have been linked with Pepe but are yet to made a bid.

– Ismaila Sarr is close to a move from Watford to Aston Villa with the two clubs having a verbal agreement over a deal, according to Foot Mercato.