Football essentials, October 3: France held by Italy, England run riot in Croatia

A monster ovation, then a frustrating draw: Zinédine Zidane’s first home match as France head coach lived up to its promise of atmosphere. The day went on in Croatia, where England ran riot, and ends tonight in Oviedo, where Spain play without two regulars.

France stuck against the Italian block

Sold out, La Marseillaise sung around the ground: Zidane’s first match on home soil was played in front of a full Stade de France, and Italy came to take their point. The 1-1 keeps France top of the group on seven points from nine. On Monday, at the same stadium, Belgium arrive with a French centre-back pairing to rebuild: Dayot Upamecano, suspended, will not be there. “I know we will improve,” Zidane said. Our France v Belgium prediction.

England helped themselves in Rijeka

In Rijeka, England produced the thrashing of the day: 7-0, after leading 4-0 at half-time. Thomas Tuchel’s side move on to six points. Before kick-off, the real England story sat between the posts: Jordan Pickford sees James Trafford pushing for the number one shirt. Our Croatia v England prediction.

Republic of Ireland v Israel: a press conference cut short

The day before Sunday’s match, Heimir Hallgrímsson’s press conference was cut short after tense exchanges with Israeli journalists: a question about the Israeli air strike, then an accusation of racist abuse in the reverse fixture, made by a reporter before his microphone was cut off. On the pitch, Ireland remain favourites: 2.25 with Betano. Our Republic of Ireland v Israel prediction.

Spain without Fabián Ruiz and Ferran Torres

In Oviedo, Spain host Czechia tonight without two regulars: Ferran Torres, sidelined by a left ankle injury, left the camp on Friday; Fabián Ruiz followed on Saturday, heading home for the birth of his first child. The market has hardened: Spain have gone from 1.20 earlier in the afternoon to 1.09 with BetMGM. Against a Czechia side on zero points, the main line has shifted to a three-goal handicap. Our Spain v Czechia prediction.

Manchester City: Rui Pinto says his life is in danger

Found guilty of 114 financial breaches, Manchester City filed an appeal on Friday: “the club is innocent”, came the response. Meanwhile, Rui Pinto, the Football Leaks whistleblower whose documents fed the investigation, is about to lose his protected witness status: “my life is in danger”, he says, launching an appeal for donations to leave Portugal.

Brazil v India: first meeting, heavy Brazilian win

India and Brazil met for the first time in their history on Saturday in Kolkata. The score settled it: 4-0 for a reshuffled Seleção who “did not have to force their hand”, notes L’Équipe. For India, Brazil are the highest-ranked opponents they have faced since the FIFA ranking was introduced in 1992.