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    Thomas Tuchel tells England fans not to get used to his outfit as he vows to ditch ‘nice’ look

    NEW England manager Thomas Tuchel ditched his trademark tracksuit for a shirt and tie ahead of today’s World Cup qualifying draw.But the 51-year-old has told fans he will return to his old ways before his first match in charge.Thomas Tuchel ditched his tracksuit for a shirt and tie ahead of Friday’s World Cup qualifying drawCredit: AFPThe German has told fans he will wear clothes that make him comfortable while in the dugoutCredit: AFPTuchel, who will officially take charge of the Three Lions on January 1, was in Zurich this morning to find out who his new team will face in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.England were drawn against Serbia, Albania, Latvia and Andorra ahead of next year’s campaign, which will kick off in March.After learning his team’s fate, Tuchel said: “I have huge respect for Serbia and Albania.”They can always surprise they have a strong history of technical football, of emotional players and groups.READ MORE ON ENGLAND”They have two very famous ex-players as coaches so we should be very aware of that.”Latvia… England never played them so this is a new experience for all of us.”We are huge favourites and we have to qualify, this is where all the focus goes. There can’t be any other approach than take it seriously and with respect and make it happen before we can dream the dream.”Tuchel’s attire caught the attention of his German compatriot, Rudi Voller, at the event.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSEngland’s qualifying groupThe former Chelsea boss, who favours a tracksuit top and bottoms as well as a baseball cap and trainers while in the dugout, donned a suit and tie at the FIFA event.Asked if he will consider wearing the smart attire for England, and if he would wear a tie much like his predecessor Gareth Southgate, the German said: “Things change. An FA tie as well.The Sun’s Charlie Wyett reacts to World Cup 2026 qualifying draw as Thomas Tuchel’s England are placed in group full of controversy”It feels comfortable. It will not be my look on the sidelines. I need a bit more freedom to move around but for the occasion it’s a nice look.”You will see me stadiums from January. Work starts from the signature. Today was the kick off for the World Cup campaign so it is obvious we have to be there.”Tuchel is on a mission to prove himself as England manager after accepting his appointment has not been universally popular.The ex-Bayern Munch manager, aware that many fans believe an Englishman should have been appointed to succeed Southgate, said: “There’s no hard feelings for that. Of course, it will always be mixed.”So now I have to prove myself to the people who are maybe a bit concerned. I must prove to them how much it means to me and that it’s a dream job for me that I will give my everything – I’m the man for the job.”England will face Serbia for only the second time with the only other match coming at Euro 2024 when Jude Bellingham scored the winner.Serbia were fined £25,000 for racist abuse during that game and other matches at the tournament so there will be genuine concerns over potential problems when the team heads to Belgrade.England’s under-21s also suffered horrific racial abuse when they played in the country in 2012 with Danny Rose attacked.The Three Lions have never played 140-ranked Latvia before while they faced Albania and Andorra in the last set of World Cup qualifiers.Tuchel added: “A difficult group is my first impression. Serbia and Albania, for me, are always known for good individual players and emotional groups, emotional fans, so they are difficult opponents.“It is the first time England play Latvia, so it is a new experience for all of us and, of course, we are favourites against Andorra, but we need to prove it. We have now eight matches to play, whatever comes we want to be ready for it.”The draw was incredibly complicated and England could have been put in a group of four which would have meant no qualifiers until September.READ MORE SUN STORIESTuchel added: “It was very likely that we got a group five. I want to adapt to everything that is coming, not complain, not look for excuses and not expect or wish for something.“The most important thing is we focus fully on the qualification and we take it seriously and give it our respect and prove a point that we want to go to the USA.”Tuchel suggested he will have a different style to Gareth Southgate in the dugoutCredit: The Times More

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    West Ham U15s keeper Oscar Fairs dies after brave cancer battle as tributes pour in for boy who had ‘bright future’

    WEST HAM youngster Oscar Fairs has passed away aged 15.The academy goalkeeper died following a battle with cancer.Oscar Fairs has sadly passed awayCredit: West HamThe young goalkeeper bravely battled cancerCredit: SWNSHe was described as a ‘friendly, happy, well-mannered and polite young man’Credit: SWNSFairs was diagnosed with an ependymoma in August 2023.In the eight month prior, he experienced heart palpitations, right-sided weakness, headaches and sickness, but he was initially misdiagnosed with mental health problems and migraines.His condition began to deteriorate, with West Ham telling his worried parents how he was struggling in training as his “right hand and leg weren’t right”.Fairs eventually went for an MRI scan and they found a 9cm tumour on the left side of his brain, attached to his motor system, with three cysts on the outside.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLFollowing several successful surgeries, his tumours had shrunk, but he could unfortunately not be saved. West Ham legend Mark Noble said in a statement: “On behalf of everyone at West Ham United, it is with deep and profound sadness that I confirm the tragic passing of our U15s Academy goalkeeper Oscar Fairs, following his brave battle with cancer.”Oscar was adored by everyone at the Academy – not only was he a great goalkeeper, he was a true Hammer and a fantastic young person, who will be deeply missed by everyone who had the pleasure to know him.”I have wonderful memories of Oscar playing in my garden – Lenny [his son] and his team-mates all loved him. Most read in Football”He was a friendly, happy, well-mannered and polite young man, who had such a bright future ahead of him, and it is just so unimaginably devastating that he has been taken from his family and friends at this age.”As a mark of respect, all scheduled academy fixtures this weekend have been postponed, including this evening’s PL2 Under-21 match against Stoke City. “In due course, the club will also share information on our plans to pay tribute to Oscar, and we will ensure that his name is never forgotten at West Ham United.”The thoughts and sincere condolences of everyone at the Club are with Oscar’s parents, Natalie and Russell, and his brother Harry, and we kindly ask that the family’s privacy is respected at this extremely difficult time.”Rest in peace, brave Oscar.”Tributes from fans also flooded in, with one reading: “Incredibly sad news, my heart goes to out his family.”Another added: “RIP Oscar you were a true fighter and a little warrior. I send all my love to your family. Rest easy little man! Xx.”A third wrote: “Life really is unfair sometimes. Rest in peace Oscar.” More

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    Injuries & suspensions update ahead of Gameweek 15: Latest news on Gabriel, Ollie Watkins and others

    DREAM TEAM brings you all the latest injury, suspension and availability news ahead of Gameweek 15 in one easily digestible dose.Mikel Arteta was characteristically vague when discussing player availability in his Friday press conference.Arsenal’s head coach said one defender has a “possibility” of featuring against Everton on Saturday having trained and when pushed with a follow-up question he confirmed Gabriel as the player.This weekend comes too soon for Riccardo Calafiori.Gabriel is a “possibility”Credit: AlamyOn the other side of North London, Tottenham are once again without first-choice centre-backs Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven.Plus, Yves Bissouma is suspended for the Lilywhites’ trip to Southampton.A late decision will be made on Ollie Watkins after the Aston Villa striker picked up a “small injury” in Leipzig last time out.Unai Emery and his team will assess the England international after Friday’s training session.Diogo Jota and Federico Chiesa are in contention to feature for Liverpool in some capacity when Fulham visit Anfield on Saturday.Alisson returned against Girona in the Champions League, leaving only Ibrahima Konate, Kostas Tsimikas and Conor Bradley on the injured list for certain.Most read in FootballWatkins was substituted at half-time in midweekCredit: Dream TeamChelsea have no fresh concerns as Wesley Fofana and Reece James remain injured while Mykhailo Mudryk may still be ill – Pedro Neto is suspended.Rico Lewis is suspended for Sunday’s Manchester derby having been shown two yellow cards last weekend.Manchester City will also be without defenders John Stones, Manuel Akanji and Nathan Ake, as well as long-term absentees Rodri and Oscar Bobb.Phil Foden and Mateo Kovacic are expected to make the matchday squad having been named on the bench against Juventus in midweek.Bournemouth centre-back Marcos Senesi may be sidelined for as long as four months having undergone surgery to address a quadriceps injury.Cherries midfielder Marcus Tavernier is also expected to be out for the next few weeks.Score PredictorPlay Score Predictor with Dream Team this season!FREE to play£250 weekly prizePredict scores of five selected Premier League fixtures and earn points for accuracyMost points wins weekly cash prizePLAY NOWARSENALInjuries: Takehiro Tomiyasu, Ben White, Gabriel (doubt), Riccardo Calafiori, Oleksandr Zinchenko (doubt)Suspensions: NoneASTON VILLAInjuries: Jacob Ramsey, Leon Bailey, Ollie Watkins (doubt)Suspensions: NoneBOURNEMOUTHInjuries: Luis Sinisterra, Alex Scott, Julian Araujo, Marcos Senesi, Marcus Tavernier, Suspensions: NoneBRENTFORDInjuries: Aaron Hickey, Josh Dasilva, Gustavo Nunes, Rico Henry, Kristoffer Ajer, Vitaly Janelt (doubt), Mathias Jensen (doubt)Suspensions: NoneBRIGHTONInjuries: Solly March (doubt), James Milner, Adam Webster, Ferdi Kadioglu, Jack Hinshelwood, Joel Veltman (doubt)Suspensions: NoneCHELSEAInjuries: Reece James, Wesley Fofana, Mykhailo Mudryk (doubt)Suspensions: Pedro NetoCRYSTAL PALACEInjuries: Matheus Franca, Chadi Riad (doubt), Adam Wharton (doubt)Suspensions: NoneEVERTONInjuries: Youssef Chermiti, Tim Iroegbunam, James GarnerSuspensions: NoneFULHAMInjuries: Harrison Reed, Joachim Andersen, Reiss NelsonSuspensions: Tom Cairney, Calvin BasseyIPSWICHInjuries: George Hirst, Chiedozie Ogbene, Axel TuanzebeSuspensions: NoneLEICESTERInjuries: Jakub Stolarczyk, Ricardo Pereira, Abdul Fatawu, Harry Winks, Wilfred NdidiSuspensions: Boubakary SoumareLIVERPOOLInjuries: Ibrahima Konate, Conor Bradley, Kostas TsimikasSuspensions: Alexis Mac AllisterMANCHESTER CITYInjuries: Oscar Bobb, Rodri, John Stones, Nathan Ake, Manuel AkanjiSuspensions: Rico LewisMANCHESTER UNITEDInjuries: Luke ShawSuspensions: NoneNEWCASTLEInjuries: Jamaal Lascelles, Emil Krafth, Sven Botman, Nick Pope (doubt), Callum Wilson, Joe Willock (doubt)Suspensions: NoneNOTTINGHAM FORESTInjuries: Danilo, Ibrahim SangareSuspensions: NoneSOUTHAMPTONInjuries: Gavin Bazunu, Ross Stewart, Aaron Ramsdale, Adam Lallana, Will Smallbone, Juan LariosSuspensions: Jack StephensTOTTENHAMInjuries: Micky van de Ven, Cristian Romero, Wilson Odobert, Richarlison, Guglielmo Vicario, Mikey Moore, Ben DaviesSuspensions: Rodrigo Bentancur, Yves BissoumaWEST HAMInjuries: Michail AntonioSuspensions: EmersonWOLVESREAD MORE SUN STORIESInjuries: Sasa Kalajdzic, Enso Gonzalez, Boubacar Traore, Bastien Meupiyou (doubt), Yerson Mosquera, Pablo Sarabia (doubt), Jose Sa (doubt)Suspensions: Joao GomesBetMGM sign up offerBetMGM: Get £40 in free bets — HERE**New cust only. 7 days to opt in by placing a £10 qualifying bet at 1/1 (2.0) odds or greater to receive 4x Free Bets: 1 x £10 horse racing, 1 x £10 Bet Builder, 1 x £10 Acca and 1 x £10 football. 7 day expiry. Exclusions apply. Stake not returned. 18+. T&Cs apply.Commercial content notice: Taking one of the bookmaker offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. 18+. T&Cs apply. gambleaware.org More

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    Thomas Tuchel to hold talks with Ben White over ending England exile and promises ‘clean start’ for outcast players

    THOMAS TUCHEL has promised England’s players a clean slate when he takes over as England manager.This will include speaking to Arsenal’s Ben White over whether he wants to end his self-imposed exile from international football.Thomas Tuchel has promised a clean state to all England playersCredit: PAThe news boss will speak to Ben White about his international futureCredit: GettyAnd it will also be good news for the likes of Jadon Sancho, Marcus Rashford, Mason Mount and Raheem Sterling who could potentially return if they are able to rediscover their top form on a consistent basis in the Premier League.Tuchel was at FIFA’s HQ in Zurich for the 2026 World Cup qualifying draw even though he does not officially start work until the New Year.The German’s full-time predecessor, Gareth Southgate, had an ability to cast a spell over the draws for both qualifying and major tournaments as he always ended up with easy groups.And it looks as though Southgate has passed his secret on to Tuchel.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe former Bayern Munich manager drove to Switzerland as it is only 160 miles from his Bavaria home. And his team will surely cruise into the 2026 tournament to be staged in the United States, Canada and Mexico.Tuchel said: “It should be a clean start and a clear narrative. It starts from January. I will be in the stadiums from January. The players should just know, ‘okay, the boss is there from January’.“Then I will of course try to speak to them, but also be respectful to the schedule that they have, because the schedule is busy in January, especially in the Premier League.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAsked about White, Tuchel said: “Yes. I will reach out to him.”Although the German has about a little chance of success in persuading the player to deliver a U-turn. The Sun’s Charlie Wyett reacts to World Cup 2026 qualifying draw as Thomas Tuchel’s England are placed in group full of controversyHe left the squad during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar due to personal reasons.It is also likely that Tuchel, who loved Mount when he was in charge at Chelsea, is also likely to deliver a shock in the same way interim manager Lee Carsley sprung a surprise by parachuting Angel Gomes into the squad for the Uefa Nations League games.While Tuchel talks about a fresh start, he is still likely to stick with Harry Kane as captain.There is a valid argument that No9s do not make great captains although considering Tuchel is the man who persuaded his Bayern Munich bosses to sign Kane from Tottenham, it would be a huge shock if the skipper’s armband was suddenly handed to Jude Bellingham or Declan Rice.Tuchel said: “There is no need to think about the change. I am in charge from January and Harry was also a top captain for England, so why even think about it at the moment? We will cross the river when we get to the river.“We will first get to January and then we will be in touch with everyone and get a feeling for St George’s and also for the players.”Until March, there is still a lot of football to be played and then we will try to find the best group for the games that wait.”Mason Mount could get back in England contentionCredit: GettyThomas Tuchel is unlikely to take the captain’s armband off Harry KaneCredit: APEngland have not lost a World Cup qualifier since a 1-0 loss to Ukraine in 2009 which was a dead rubber.Serbia, ranked 32 in the world, are not a bad side but you still worry more about the behaviour of their fans rather than the team.Albania’s supporters also caused issues at Euro 2024, and we are not talking about the fans who snapped spaghetti in front of a group of Italians before their group stage match.England had few problems against the Albanians in qualifying for Qatar and it is also tedious that this set of matches also includes games against hopeless Andorra who, according to Southgate, had the worst plastic pitch in European football.World Cup qualifying draw in fullGroup A: Winner GER/ITA, Slovakia, Northern Ireland, LuxembourgGroup B: Switzerland, Sweden, Slovenia, KosovoGroup C: Loser POR/DEN, Greece, Scotland, BelarusGroup D: Winner FRA/CRO, Ukraine, Iceland, AzerbaijanGroup E: Winner SPA/NED, Turkey, Georgia, BulgariaGroup F: Winner POR/DEN, Hungary, Ireland, ArmeniaGroup G: Loser SPA/NED, Poland, Finland, Lithuania, MaltaGroup H: Austria, Romania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Cyprus, San MarinoGroup I: Loser GER/ITA, Norway, Israel, Estonia, MoldovaGroup J: Belgium, Wales, North Macedonia, Kazakhstan, LiechensteinGroup K: England, Serbia, Albania, Latvia, AndorraGroup L: Loser FRA/CRO, Czechia, Montenegro, Faroe Islands, GibraltarTuchel yesterday responded to criticism that he has not been at any Premier League games or was in the stands for the final two England games under interim manager Lee Carsley in November as he had been confirmed as manager.He said: “Why would I sit on the stands? It was my wish to let Lee finish this campaign, because obviously the FA had the agreement with Lee, more or less, to go through this Nations League campaign.”Why have the cameras on me? Why have the focus on me? What about Lee and his team and his nomination? It’s for me, a way to show my respect and to show my trust, to not be there and sit on the tribune and have all the media attention.”Curiously, Tuchel has still not spoken to Carsley.READ MORE SUN STORIESWith tongue in cheek, he added: “The famous handover is not done yet – we will do this very naturally when I am at St George’s in January.”From there on, we will have very close communication, hopefully, and open doors because he is the U21s coach and I am responsible for the first team.”Forgotten England stars could benefit from Tuchel appointmentWITH Thomas Tuchel announced as the next England manager, a few forgotten stars might be hopeful of a return to the international set up.The former Chelsea and Bayern Munich manager usually uses a 3-4-3 formation.That could provide an opening for Mason Mount, who’s not been involved in the England set-up since the World Cup in 2022.The now Manchester United star enjoyed his most successful spell under Tuchel while the pair were at Stamford Bridge.Tuchel could also offer lifelines to other previously capped players such as Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Eric Dier.RLC has excelled since his move to AC Milan and with England struggling to find a partner for Rice, he could be the surprise answer.Meanwhile, Dier played for Tuchel at Bayern Munich as part of a back-three last season.The defender did enough to convince the club to make his loan move permanent after he had fallen out of favour at Tottenham.Click here to see the full England XI who could play under Tuchel. 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    Pep Guardiola worryingly reveals he’s ‘struggling to eat and sleep’ during Man City’s shocking run of form

    PEP GUARDIOLA revealed he is struggling to sleep and eat amid Manchester City’s disastrous run in the Premier League and Champions League.City have lost seven of their last 10 matches across all competitions, of which they have only won one.Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola revealed he is struggling to sleep and eatCredit: APGuardiola has seen Man City lose seven of the last 10 matchesCredit: EPAThis marks the reigning Prem champions’ worst ever run since Guardiola, 53, took over in 2016.In fact, this is the worst spell the Catalan tactician has ever endured during his 16-year career as manager.This has taken a toll on the ex-Barcelona boss and it showed after City gave away a three-goal lead against Feyenoord, who came back and drew 3-3 at the Champions League last month.Guardiola showed up for his post-match interview with scratches on his face and joked that he wanted to harm himself, before setting the record straight on social media.Read More on FootballCity’s woes grew on Wednesday when they lost 2-0 at Juventus at the Allianz Stadium, where the former Bayern Munich boss got to speak with ex-Brescia team-mate Luca Toni after the final whistle.And the six-time Premier League champion revealed that he “sleeps worse” and can’t digest his food “properly” due to the emotional impact the last few setbacks have had on him.Guardiola told Toni on Prime Video: “Sometimes you don’t need to have a great team to be happy.”There are no players or coaches who don’t play for months because the results aren’t good. All that is normal and can happen.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”I am a person who sometimes gets nervous, I have bad days, I make a lot of mistakes and rudeness makes me nervous.”Do I sometimes lose my head? Yes. I sleep worse and I don’t digest food properly now. I always have to eat light. Only soup at night. Beleaguered Man City boss Pep Guardiola involved in bizarre interview when discussing Rico Lewis red card”But I am the same coach as five months ago, the one who won the Premier League title.”If I’m in a bad mood, it’s bad. But I know it will pass. The same when I’m very happy. I know it will pass.”I sincerely believe that it will be a year of great difficulties. We have to find continuity. “But if we manage to get through to the Champions League, it will not be easy for anyone to face us.”City’s problems have led to a rare sight of Guardiola coming under fire.And ex-England boss Fabio Capello didn’t hold back on his criticism as he described the Barcelona legend as “arrogant and presumptuous”. More

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    Celtic fan who chewed off pensioner’s EAR after Rangers Old Firm clash jailed

    A THUG who chewed a chunk off a pensioner’s ear after an Old Firm game was jailed today for two years.Alistair Mackay, 53, pounced on Steven Brown, 67, in Glasgow city centre on September 3 2023.Celtic Manager Brendan Rodgers celebrates the single-goal winCredit: AlamyAlistair Mackay, 53, pounced on Steven Brown, 67, in Glasgow city centreCredit: SpindriftRangers and Celtic had earlier played a match at Ibrox which the visitors won 0-1.Celtic fan Mackay – who had earlier watched the game in a pub – got involved in an altercation with a man in a Rangers top.This was separated by Mr Brown who was then attacked by Mackay who bit his ear during the melee.Mackay pled guilty at Glasgow Sheriff Court to assaulting Mr Brown to his severe injury and permanent disfigurement.Sheriff Tom Hughes said that the matter was linked to a “lethal combination” of alcohol being taken, a man being left with his ear bitten off and “mayhem caused in the city centre.”The sheriff added: “It must be abundantly clear to sensible minded people that this was totally and utterly unacceptable and should not be tolerated in this city.“I am aware that this weekend there will be another match with people being badly injured which will cause problems for people like you turning up before a judge for a serious sentence – for what? “A football match.Most read in Football“A clear message has to go out from the courts that this conduct will not be tolerated and will be taken seriously.“The only possible way to deal with this due to the serious nature of the offence is custody.”Paul Heaton reveals co-singer is a Celtic fan Mackay was also banned from attending football matches for five years.The court earlier heard that Mackay, with two friends, had watched the game and drank in The Barras and Merchant City areas of the city.The trio were walking to Glasgow Central train station when they came across Mr Brown and his friend who were strangers.The pair heard a disturbance and saw Mackay and his friends in a physical altercation with a young man wearing a Rangers top.Mr Brown went to separate the fight and tried to pull Mackay away.Prosecutor Jenny Reid said: “Mr Brown was then involved in a struggle with Mackay and both fell to the ground.”Mr Brown did not feel any pain or pressure to his ear at this time.”However, there was no one close enough to him which would have caused the damage to his left ear.”A witness pulled Mackay off Mr Brown who was bleeding profusely from his ear.Miss Reid added: “A section of his ear appeared to be missing.”Kyogo celebrates after scoring Celtic’s goal during the matchCredit: GettyThe victim later attended hospital where he was found to have “full thickness tissue loss of his left ear from the helix to the lobe.”The wound was closed and he was released from hospital the next day.Meantime, Mackay and his friends walked to Glasgow Central station.Miss Reid said: “As he passed the Grant Arms pub, he was in possession of a piece of Mr Brown’s ear in his right hand.”Mackay, of East Kilbride, South Lanarkshire, turned himself in a month later following a media appeal.READ MORE SUN STORIESRoss Yuill, defending, told the sentencing that his client is unlikely to be in court again.Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page More

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    Liverpool eyeing shock transfer move for Brighton striker Joao Pedro and ‘invite Jeremie Frimpong’s agent to Anfield’

    LIVERPOOL are interested in launching transfer swoops for Joao Pedro and Jeremie Frimpong, according to reports.The Reds are set to be active in the market following a quiet summer window.Joao Pedro has impressed while playing for BrightonCredit: RexJeremie Frimpong has attracted plenty of interestCredit: GettyArne Slot’s men only recruited Federico Chiesa during the Dutchman’s first transfer window at the helm.The Italian, 27, has since struggled desperately for fitness, playing just 18 minutes in the Premier League.Liverpool are top of the Premier League after 14 games, with Slot having made excellent use of Jurgen Klopp’s squad.And the Reds boss is expected to be handed further reinforcements in the coming windows.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAccording to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Liverpool are interested in Brighton star Joao Pedro.He claims that the Reds are “closely monitoring” the Brazilian’s situation.Liverpool would face stiff competition for Pedro’s signature, with several teams interested.Brighton would be unlikely to sell in January, with a summer switch more likely.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe Reds are also monitoring Bayer Leverkusen star Frimpong.His contract is said to possess a release clause of around £33million.Brighton unveil £30m signing Joao Pedro as fans demand he is subbed ON with Seagulls 3-0 down to Everton According to Bild’s Christian Falk, Liverpool invited Frimpong’s agent Dirk Hebe to Anfield for a recent match.Wing-back Frimpong may be seen as a potential replacement for Trent Alexander-Arnold.The homegrown star, 26, is set to be out of contract at the end of the season.Alexander-Arnold’s future remains unclear, with Real Madrid having signalled their intention to sign him on a free transfer.The Spanish giants will be allowed to begin negotiating with Alexander-Arnold on January 1.Also set to be out of contract at the end of the season are Mo Salah and Virgil van Dijk.The former caused a stir last month by claiming that he is “more out than in” at Anfield. More

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    Premier League strugglers strip midfielder of captaincy after he started huge brawl and shoved team-mate and coach

    WOLVES ace Mario Lemina has been stripped of the captain’s armband after brawling with West Ham star Jarrod Bowen.Manager Gary O’Neil confirmed Lemina, 31, has been replaced by Nelson Semedo, who will don the armband starting on Saturday against Ipswich Town at Molineux.Wolves have stripped Mario Lemina of the captaincy after sparking a brawl with West HamCredit: GettyLemina and West Ham captain Jarrod Bowen wrestled to the groundCredit: GettyAn enraged Lemina even pushed his own team-mate Toti Gomes and Wolves coach Shaun DerryCredit: RexWolves boss Gary O’Neil decided to replace Lemina with Nelson SemedoCredit: AFPThe midfielder remains part of the squad and will maintain a leading role as a senior player.O’Neil said: “We have a large amount of respect for each other but after the discussions we decided to move the captaincy to Nelson.”So Nelson will captain the group from now on, but discussions were good.”These things sometimes they can be tough to deal with and sometimes you can come out of them in a really good spot and I feel like we have.Read More on Football”I have a lot of respect for Mario and what he’s still going to be able to do for us as well as what he’s done for us before.”When we get the best out of him on the pitch, his level is so high that he’s still going to play a very big part for us which he’s still extremely keen to do.”And he’ll still be around that group of senior players that will lead the team but at this moment we feel it’s best for Nelson to lead the group.”Lemina was demoted after Wolves’ tense 2-1 Premier League loss to fellow strugglers West Ham on Monday at the London Stadium.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe gloves came off at full-time after Lemina appeared to refuse to shake the hand of his Hammers counterpart Bowen.That caused both captains to square up to each other and get involved in a grappling contest.Huge brawl erupts after West Ham beat Wolves with Bowen thrown to ground as tensions boil over following El SackicoThe England international appeared to say “Shake my hand” several times, before shoving his counterpart back and grabbing him by the scruff of the neck.Lemina in turn snatched onto Bowen’s shirt and flipped the winger onto the grass.Players from both sides rushed in and Bowen, as well as the Gabon international, were subsequently booked by referee John Brooks after VAR had checked for violent conduct.An enraged Lemina even pushed his own team-mate Toti Gomes and Wolves coach Shaun Derry.Toti and Derry tried to calm the defensive midfielder down as was West Ham ace Jean-Clair Todibo, who played with him at Nice.Wolves enter a crucial period with fixtures against fellow strugglers Ipswich and Leicester in their next two games.O’Neill is under huge pressure to deliver results.READ MORE SUN STORIESSunSport understands Wolves’ leadership team continue to back their beleaguered boss and do not blame him totally for their poor run of results which has seen them win just twice in 15 league games.But defeats in the coming days could lead to a dramatic twist in the situation. More