Turkey players celebrated Ayhan's far-post header with a military salute despite UEFA launching an investigation into a similar celebration during Friday's 1-0 win against Albania.

As we reach a pivotal stage in Euro 2020 qualification matches, several teams are on the cusp of confirming their spot spot in next year's tournament. Sportsmail brings you the action, live.

CRAIG HOPE AT STADE DE GENEVE: Republic of Ireland will have to beat Denmark in Dublin next month if they are to avoid the Euro 2020 playoffs after another uninspiring night here in Switzerland.

Italy coach Roberto Mancini has refused to rule out handing Euro 2020 call ups to Gianluigi Buffon and Daniele de Rossi despite the pair not featuring in the Azzurri's qualification campaign.

The hosts of the 2030 World Cup will only have six years to prepare for the tournament. The FIFA Council decided at a meeting Thursday that the bidding process will be launched in 2022.

Swansea manager Steve Cooper revealed after the 1-0 win over Cardiff that the 22-year-old will be out for two months with an ankle tendon injury. Rodon will have surgery this week.

Ryan Giggs has criticised brain injury charity Headway for questioning Wales' medical department following an apparent concussion incident involving winger Daniel James.

A number of teams have released the shirts they will be wearing at Euro 2020 next summer. The likes of Spain, Italy, Germany and Belgium have all unveiled their kits.

The UEFA-appointed female translator was removed following the bizarre question with concerns that she didn't possess the knowledge or experience, according to The Sun.

After a career in top-level football spanning nearly three decades, Ryan Giggs will finally fulfil his dream of competing at a major tournament with Wales.

The Wales star helped his country qualify for next summer's European Championships during the international break, and was snapped with the contentious flag while celebrating.

BY JOE BERNSTEIN IN BUCHAREST: Wales boss Ryan Giggs revealed his delight at avoiding an opening Euro 2020 game away to Italy after Saturday's draw in Bucharest.

On Wednesday night, Zinedine Zidane's side enjoyed a break from their arduous schedule by hitting the town and going out for a squad meal to celebrate Christmas.

The 29-year-old became the highest-earning British player ever when he joined Juve in July in a deal worth more than £400,000 a week, but has only featured sporadically because of fitness issues.

The Wales international links up with former international colleague Carl Robinson, who was appointed Jets head coach earlier this month, until the end of the season.

Rugby's Six Nations championship was in chaos on Tuesday night amid the increasing inevitability that Ireland's game against Italy in Dublin next weekend will be postponed.

England have dodged the proverbial 'group of death' at the next UEFA Nations League tournament after drawing Iceland, Denmark and Belgium in the group stages.

Bale has long been loathed by Madrid supporters and targeted as a scapegoat when the Spanish giants underperform, with Bale nearing the exit door this summer.

In Saturday's Daily Mail, chief sports writer Martin Samuel considered the growing conflict between top and bottom over restarting the season. Now he responds to reader comments.

The Hammers as well as Everton had shown interest in the Barcelona striker who only arrived at the Nou Camp in February for £15m in a controversial emergency signing approved by La Liga.

West Ham defender Aaron Cresswell admits he is 'petrified' for his new-born's well-being if the Premier League resumes sooner rather than later due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Fabio Capello has given a frank account of England's 2010 World Cup campaign and has admitted that it pained him to put David James in goal following Robert Green's error against the United States.

SPORTS AGENDA: Liverpool's Jordan Henderson has admirably taken the lead in football over coronavirus, suggesting a fund be set up to help the NHS during the crisis.

A shock transfer to struggling West Ham, and a return to London two-and-a-half years on from leaving Arsenal, may be the lifeline Sanchez needs to salvage his career.

Felipe Anderson enjoyed a brilliant debut season with West Ham after moving in 2018, but he has found things much tougher this term - with the club sitting 16th level on points with 18th-placed Bournemouth.

Felipe Anderson may leave West Ham this summer as the club have indicated they may be willing to part with the Brazil winger.

Mason Mount could be the key to Chelsea securing West Ham talent Declan Rice this summer, with the midfielder admitting he wants to play with the Blues youngster once again. 

Reece James has posted a picture of himself and other Premier League stars during their time in Chelsea's academy. The right back has been reflecting on his journey to the first team.

Italian newspaper Cronache di Napoli reports Napoli could be willing to offer Mexican winger Hirving Lozano as part of a deal to lure Felipe Anderson away from West Ham.

The 56-year-old endured a torrid spell at United during the 2013-14 season, seeing the reputation he had built during 11-year tenure at Everton tarnished over the course of nine months.

West Ham chief executive Karren Brady believes that the timescale for a Premier League return is no clearer than when the coronavirus lockdown started almost a month ago.

West Ham have announced that their planned pre-season tournament in Australia, which was also due to feature Crystal Palace, has been cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The midfielder has not played since October due to the problem that has taken longer than expected to heal - but the former Arsenal star has now fully recovered.

With the Premier League and training suspended, the West Ham boss has been left with time on his hands after moving back to his family home in Lancashire.

The English top flight has been indefinitely put on hold because of the pandemic. West Ham went into the hiatus last month level on points with 18th-placed Bournemouth with nine fixtures remaining.

The Scottish Premier League side could be forced to sell their star striker with the suspension of football due to coronavirus having severe financial implications for several clubs.

Declan Rice has gone on to star for West Ham after coming through their academy, but it followed his release from Chelsea in 2014 after spending eight years - from 2006 - with the west London club.

Jesse Lingard is making sure to stay fit despite the lockdown due to coronavirus, as he was spotted out for a run with his friend and former team-mate Ravel Morrison.

West Ham boss David Moyes is keen to freshen up his squad, and although he wants Rice to be part of it, knows he needs funds to reboot hi struggling side, according to the Sun.

Rio Ferdinand claims Ravel Morrison could have gone on to become one of the world's most valuable stars if he and Manchester United had handled his situation better.

The midfielder, who was released by the Blues at the age of 14, has hinted at the possibility of a return after stating his interest in playing alongside long-time friend Mason Mount at club level once again.

West Ham stars continued training by themselves at the club's Rush Green base as they prepare for the resumption of the Premier League season. Angelo Ogbonna was among those present.

Atletico Madrid midfielder Hector Herrera is on the radar of West Ham United as the Mexican is due to leave the Rojiblancos once the transfer window reopens.

Batshuayi has been restricted to just one Premier League start this season as he has struggled to force his way into Frank Lampard 's plans.

From James Milner playing for Swindon Town to Ashley Cole at Crystal Palace, Sportsmail brings you 10 loan spells you've almost certainly long forgotten about.

Watermelon is the tuna or steak, restaurants would have you believe. But just how much of the bland fruit do you get for your buck - and is it all a step too far?

Since November, I have warn a fitness tracker and joined the millions who keep an eye on their exercise habits - what did I learn and is it worth having one?

Thousands more British households decided to get their milk delivered last year in glass bottles - what's behind this booming trend? I go on a round to find out.

RIATH AL-SAMARRAI - Ahead of Joshua's Wembley showdown with 41-year-old Wladimir Klitschko, Sportsmail spoke to the IBF king's nutritionist Mark Ellison to learn more.

Anthony Joshua and Wladimir Klitschko will do battle for a personalised 'super champion' belt when they go head to head at Wembley Stadium on Saturday.