In Video: Thomas Tuchel's World Cup plans are becoming clearer but big decisions remain | Back Pages Tonight

Back Pages: The Morning’s Newspaper Headlines

Joining us on Back Pages are Mark Ogden, senior writer for ESPN, and Martin Hardy, Northern Sports Correspondent for the Times and Sunday Times. Let’s take a look at the sports stories in the morning’s newspapers.

England Football: Tukul’s Anxiety Management

The Sun’s main headline reads “Anger Management: Can England’s Grumpy Subs Fire Them to Glory at the World Cup?” Thomas Tukul is relying on his substitutes to provide the edge for England, and Mark Ogden explains the psychology behind it.

“The players can be angry at me for not selecting them, but it’s how you channel that anger and how you can turn it into a positive for the team,” Ogden says. “What Tukul is saying is that the player who doesn’t play will have to accept it and deal with it. He’s made some big decisions, and he’s being pragmatic about it.”

New Independent Football Regulator

In an exclusive interview with Martin Samuel, the new independent football regulator, David Kogan, has spoken about his role and his commitment to the position. Kogan has stated that he will quit his role if there’s any political interference, and Martin Hardy comments on his confidence in the regulator.

“I think he’s a strong character, and he’s here to change things,” Hardy says. “But, yes, it’s an interesting situation, and we’ll have to wait and see how he deals with the Sheffield Wednesday situation.”

Italy’s World Cup Bid Falters

ESPN’s headline reads “Gatuso wants rule change as Italy’s World Cup bid falters”, and Mark Ogden explains the situation.

“Katuso’s point is that it’s unfair that a nation like Italy, with a good record, should end up in the playoffs and potentially meet Sweden or North Macedonia,” Ogden says. “He wants the system changed to ensure that teams with a good record like Italy have a better chance of qualifying.”

England Rugby: All Blacks Test

The Telegraph’s headline reads “England ready to join greats”, with England looking to make it 10 wins in a row against New Zealand. Martin Hardy comments on the significance of the match.

“The one beauty and mystique of test match rugby is that you win these tests, it’s like winning a World Cup, it’ll be remembered forever,” Hardy says. “Home soil victories against New Zealand are rare, and it’s their chance to create history.”

Join us next on Sky Sports News for more on the new Celtic manager, with the latest developments coming right up.