Man United vs Liverpool plastic derby in the US sells 102,000 tickets, Mahrez move bad for England and Hazard has earned his Real Madrid switch
Five things we've learned this week, including why Cahill deserves credit for sticking with Three Lions after Southgate chat
THE International Champions Cup does not have the prestige or the glamour of the Champions League, but interest is huge in the States.
Liverpool’s plastic derby with Manchester United at the Michigan Stadium has already sold 102,000 tickets ahead of their clash on July 29.
Although the two giants of English football still approach this competition as a tune-up before the real stuff starts in August, the huge attendances in the States and the commercial appeal to European clubs is adding to its credibility each summer.
GARY ON CAHILL
Good on Gary Cahill for giving it another go with England.
Cahill barely had a look-in during the World Cup, but his private chat with Gareth Southgate during the tournament has persuaded him to continue to make himself available for the national side.
The Chelsea defender’s commitment and attitude will eventually be rewarded with a return to the England side when they start their Nations League campaign in September.
The tendency for most international teams to play with only one central striker means Gareth Southgate will look at a change to his formation in the coming months.
Southgate played three at the back - Harry Maguire, John Stones and Kyle Walker - against teams with only one man up top.
With Jordan Henderson detailed to pick up the opposition’s No10, it means England had two spare men at the back.
To make progress against the top teams, England need another body in midfield to match the opposition.
HAZARD WARNING
Eden Hazard has earned the right to play for Real Madrid.
The Belgium winger, who told Chelsea he was leaving after the 2-0 victory over England on Saturday, has been one of the Premier League’s best players over the past six years.
Yet another new Chelsea manager, along with new players and another change of playing style, is as good a time as any to make a clean break.
FRIEND OR FO
RIYAD Mahrez's arrival at Manchester City makes life a whole lot tougher for Phil Foden to get a game under Pep Guardiola.
The whole country seems to be pinning their hopes on the young England player to make the breakthrough under Guardiola next season.
With Mahrez joining the champions, Foden will find himself even further down the pecking order.