Philippa Kaur

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    Liverpool would be BOTTOM of Premier League table for English stars’ playing time without Trent Alexander-Arnold

    LIVERPOOL are the champions-elect of England — yet have never given less playing time to English players.And now homegrown hero Trent Alexander-Arnold looks set to leave Anfield for Real Madrid on a free transfer this summer.Trent Alexander-Arnold and Curtis Jones are one of five first team players eligible to play for England at LiverpoolBut Alexander-Arnold is the only regular starter in Arne Slot’s XIWhich means  the Reds could find themselves bottom of the table next season when it comes to footballers qualified to play for Three Lions boss Thomas Tuchel.In Kop chief Arne Slot’s debut season, Liverpool’s English contingent have racked up the second-highest total of minutes in all competitions — behind his fellow Dutchmen Virgil van Dijk, Cody Gakpo and Ryan Gravenberch.But although Slot has fielded 11 different English players, Alexander-Arnold’s 2,869 minutes represents almost 35 per cent of the total.In the Premier League, Englishmen have played 4,258 minutes for the Reds,  the fifth-lowest figure in the top flight.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSAnd Alexander-Arnold, despite his injury issues, accounts for 2,157 of them  — more than half.Take the right-back out of the team and the total falls to 2,101, only slightly more than the 2,075 that puts Wolves in 20th place.If Alexander-Arnold does leave and his replacement is not English — current understudy Conor Bradley is a Northern Ireland international — Liverpool’s English presence could be the lowest in the Prem  next season. The Reds are set for their lowest number of English minutes in the Premier League era, unless Alexander-Arnold regains fitness fast or Curtis Jones, Jarell Quansah and Harvey Elliott can feature prominently in their nine remaining league games.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSOf course, the fact Liverpool’s five- highest totals came in the first five seasons of the revamped competition demonstrates a wider trend.The situation at Anfield is one example of the challenge that Tuchel — and any England manager — has in finding English players operating at the top level.Top 10 highest-paid Premier League starsAs things stand, this season is on course to be one of the lowest overall shares of Premier League minutes for Englishmen, dipping below 30 per cent for only the second time.If Champions League football is the gold standard of club football, then the figures do not make great reading for Tuchel — or for Liverpool’s Englishmen, either. The club gave 1,684 minutes of action to English players in Europe’s premier competition, the lowest of the Prem’s four entrants across the same number of games — and only slightly more than Italian giants AC Milan.And Aston Villa, who are in the quarter-finals unlike Liverpool, have given nearly twice as much time to Englishmen in their campaign so far (3,318 minutes).Joe Gomez is not a regular starter for Liverpool, even though he’s currently out injuredCredit: The Mega AgencyAlexander-Arnold, “the Scouser in our team”, is England’s only representative in Slot’s first XI.The Reds have always looked beyond the country’s borders for players, dating back to their foundation.When John Houlding left Everton to set up a rival club in 1892, he drafted in a lot of Scots, leading to newly-formed Liverpool being nicknamed “Team of all the Macs”.Current left-back Andy Robertson is just the latest legend in a proud Scottish heritage that includes Kop heroes like Billy Liddell, Bill Shankly, Ron Yeats,  Ian St John, Kenny Dalglish, Alan  Hansen and Graeme Souness.When Dalglish led Liverpool to the Double in 1986 as manager, none of the starting XI in the FA Cup final against Everton were English.However, in Liverpool’s six European Cup/Champions League wins, there were as many as nine and never fewer than two English starters.The trophy was lifted by an English captain every time —  except in 1984 when Souness did the honours.Alexander-Arnold was the other Englishman in Jurgen Klopp’s starting XI on a Madrid night in 2019 that ended with Jordan Henderson collecting the silverware after a 2-0 win over Tottenham.READ MORE SUN STORIESLiverpool have never started a European Cup or Champions League game without an English player.If Alexander-Arnold leaves, that proud tradition could well end.How Trent could look at the Bernabeu next season More

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    Seven players have reached double figures for goals and assists this season… and four of them play for Spurs!

    TOTTENHAM are currently 14th in the Premier League having lost 15 of the 29 games in the top flight.Ange Postecoglou’s side remain active in the Europa League but if they fail to win that competition then the 2024/25 campaign will be deemed an abject failure on all fronts.Despite this, Spurs players have generally performed very well in Dream Team this season.Postecoglou is under pressure but the Dream Team Stats Centre tells another storyCredit: AlamyThis is best evidenced by a remarkable statistic; of the seven players to have reached double figures for both goals and assists in all competitions this season, FOUR of them ply their trade at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.PLAYERS WITH 10+ GOALS AND 10+ ASSISTS IN DREAM TEAM THIS SEASON:Mohamed Salah (£8m) – 32 goals, 22 assistsBruno Fernandes (£6.7m) – 16 goals, 17 assistsOllie Watkins (£5.2m) – 14 goals, 13 assistsSon Heung-min (£4.7m) – 11 goals, 14 assistsJames Maddison (£4.2m) – 11 goals, 10 assistsDominic Solanke (£4m) – 11 goals, 10 assistsDejan Kulusevski (£4.4m) – 10 goals, 11 assistsIt’s almost beyond belief that the other 19 clubs have just three players who qualify for this exclusive group between them while Spurs boast four representatives.This serves as a timely reminder for Dream Team bosses that while Postecoglou’s side may be flawed in some aspects, they pack a punch in attack.The aforementioned list doesn’t even include the club’s top scorer this season, Brennan Johnson (£3.3m), who has 14 goals to his name but just six assists.Maddison’s output can’t be deniedCredit: APA closer look at the league table reveals that only runaway leaders Liverpool have scored more goals than Spurs at this stage.Most read in FootballIt was a similar story in the league phase of the Europa League too when only Galatasaray scored more goals from their eight fixtures.Add in 13 goals from the domestic cups and it’s clear Spurs have more than enough firepower – it’s the defensive side of the game (and overall balance) that needs addressing.The great thing for Dream Team bosses who don’t support Spurs is they don’t have to worry one bit about the club’s real-world fortunes.As long as their top assets continue to provide plentiful points it’s happy days, regardless of the results.Son hasn’t always been at his best this season but 25 goal involvements represents a healthy returnCredit: ReutersA quick examination of the schedule suggests Gameweeks 30 and 31 could yield bountiful returns.UPCOMING TOTTENHAM FIXTURESGW29: Chelsea (a)GW30: Southampton (h), Frankfurt (h)GW31: Wolves (a), Frankfurt (a)Son, Solanke and Maddison should all be considered viable options for this run of games.READ MORE SUN STORIESAnd Kulusevski may be the best selection of the lot if he is declared fit but gaffers will need a positive update from Postecoglou before bringing the Swedish playmaker back into the mix.It should also be noted that Pedro Porro (£4.5m) has amassed 223 points – a tally only bettered by three players in his position – despite Spurs’ defensive woes.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 NOW More

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    Man Utd protest group The 1958 to hold rally at home of rebel club in joint attack on hated owners The Glazers

    PROTEST GROUP The 1958 will stage a rally at the home of rebels FC United of Manchester in a joint attack on the Glazer family.A “United United Day” will take place at the home of the Northern Premier League side.A protest is set to be held at FC United’s Broadhurst Park ground on SaturdayCredit: PABoth sets of fans will come together to take aim at the GlazersCredit: GettyThe Glazer family took over Man Utd 20 years agoCredit: AFPThe club was formed as a breakaway against Manchester United’s American owners after they took over in 2005.And on Saturday at the Broadhurst Park home of FC United, thousands of fans plan to come together in one symbolic protest.FC United declared: “The Glazer family has pillaged Manchester United and divided the fanbase for two decades. This cannot go on.”FC United of Manchester was born from frustration with the Glazers’ control of Manchester United.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“Twenty years later, we continue to stand as an alternative – offering a fan-owned, affordable football experience.“Our message remains the same: We stand together in solidarity, demanding responsible ownership at Manchester United.”The “Red Rebels” add: “FC United of Manchester has always been a 100 per cent fan-owned club, offering affordable football and a true community atmosphere.“Whether you are priced out of Old Trafford or seeking something different, FC United offers a place for supporters to make their own choices.”Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKThe demo will take place before FC United’s clash with Stockton Town.The 1958 stress: “For over 20 years the United fanbase have been fractured. The ‘United United Day’ protest is a show of intent.Man Utd fans launch foul-mouthed protest at Sir Jim Ratcliffe and call him a ‘c—‘ over ticket price decision“It’s a stand for affordable football. It’s a stand for fan culture. It’s a stand for responsible ownership.“It’s also a stand to show who the enemy really is; the Glazers. For too long Reds have been pitted against Reds. No more.“For twenty years the Glazers have treated Manchester United as a personal cash cow, draining over £1billion from the club while lining their own pockets.“This has led to a club in disrepair, supporters priced out, and a future under their control that looks increasingly bleak.”United fans have stepped up their protests this year after Glazer debt hit the £1bn mark.New co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has brutally cut costs by slashing jobs and axing funding to player charities as he feared the club would run out of money.Ticket prices have also been raised with season tickets up 5 per cent and the cheapest single matchday seat available at £66. More

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    Kai Havertz and wife Sophia welcome baby boy in adorable post as Arsenal star becomes dad for first time

    KAI HAVERTZ and wife Sophia have welcomed their first child.The Arsenal star, 25, confirmed the birth of their baby boy on Instagram.Kai Havertz posted this picture on his Instagram pageCredit: kaihavertz29/InstagramHavertz has been with wife Sophia since 2018The German posted an adorable photo of him and his wife holding their newborn’s hand.Havertz captioned it: “Welcome to the world our little boy. We love you so much!”The forward’s post received more than 50,000 likes in just half an hour.While plenty of Havertz’s pals left nice comments.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLOleksandr Zinchenko and Arsenal’s official Instagram account left heart emojis.While Havertz’s former club Bayer Leverkusen wrote: “Congratulations to the entire Havertz family!”His former Chelsea team-mate Marcos Alonso added: “Wowww! Congratz!!!”And Blues goalkeeper Marcus Bettinelli left heart-eyes and heart emojis.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKHavertz and Sophia have been together since 2018Credit: GettySophia has watched her man from the stands at matchesCredit: GettyHavertz has been with influencer Sophia since 2018.The pair got engaged in 2023 and wed last July.Kai Havertz ruled out for rest of SEASON with torn hamstring in devastating blow to Arsenal’s title dreamsThey subsequently announced that they were expecting their first child in November last year, calling it their “biggest blessing”.At the time Helene Spilling, partner of Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard, said: “We can’t wait to meet your little one.”While Bukayo Saka’s girlfriend Tolami Benson added: “SO EXCITED!!!!”Havertz is currently sidelined for the season after tearing his hamstring last month.The former Chelsea star suffered the injury during Arsenal’s warm weather training trip to Dubai.Havertz has been forced to watch games from the sidelines in recent weeksCredit: Getty More

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    Trent Alexander-Arnold will be forced to break from nine-year tradition at Real Madrid thanks to little-known rule

    TRENT ALEXANDER-ARNOLD will not be able to wear his No66 shirt at Real Madrid due to a little-known rule.The Liverpool star’s contract expires this summer and he is ready to leave Anfield for free.Trent Alexander-Arnold is set to leave Liverpool for Real Madrid this summerCredit: GettyHe will be forced to ditch his No66 shirt due to a LaLiga ruleCredit: AlamyAlexander-Arnold will reportedly sign a five-year deal at Real Madrid and pocket £240,000-a-week.His move to Spain sees his spell at boyhood club Liverpool come to an end and his nine years wearing the No66 is also over.That is because a LaLiga rule prevents players having kit numbers above No25, corresponding to the size of a team’s squad.Only youngsters who are not registered in the senior squad, but can still play, are allowed to wear a higher digit on their back.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHis future Real Madrid team-mate Raul Asencio is an exception to the rule amid a breakthrough season in the No35 shirt.The No66 has become synonymous with Alexander-Arnold after he was given it when he first started training with the first-team in 2016.It was handed to him as it was a free number and not low enough to think he was an established part of the Liverpool side.But Alexander-Arnold quickly broke into the starting XI in the unique number and has decided to keep it ever since.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKWhile playing for England, he has donned the No2, No7, No8 and No10 shirts.Despite him seemingly leaving Liverpool on a free, the club are still set to rake in cash from Real Madrid.’He’s going to Tranmere after this’ – Roy Keane rips into Trent Alexander-Arnold after ‘school boy’ defending vs Man UtdThe Champions League holders want to complete the signing in time for the revamped Club World Cup, which starts on June 15.Alexander-Arnold’s deal does not expire until June 30 and Real Madrid are therefore willing to pay around £5million to break the contract early so he can join his new team in the US for the tournament. More

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    ‘You’re the worst f***ing signing I’ve ever made’, said ruthless manager to new player and wanted to ‘give him back’

    STEVE CLARIDGE has revealed how “merciless” Barry Fry begged to send a Birmingham star back to his former club – after just one game. Journeyman forward Claridge, 57, played for over 25 clubs over his long and illustrious career.Steve Claridge has revealed Barry Fry’s epic rant about Birmingham striker Kevin FrancisCredit: X @UndrTheCoshThe former Posh chairman managed Birmingham between 1993 and 1996Credit: News Group Newspapers LtdFrancis was the target of a Fry meltdown after a poor display early in his Brum careerCredit: GettyHe joined Birmingham in 1994 after impressing for Cambridge United. The Blues were managed by the outspoken Fry, who would later become Peterborough United’s chairman-manager. Birmingham had been relegated to Division Two under Fry the previous season. And Claridge arrived alongside a host of new faces, including 6ft 7in striker Kevin Francis.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLBut in an early season away game, Francis had a stinker – and Fry let rip in the dressing room.Speaking to the UndrTheCosh podcast, Claridge said: “With Baz, if you weren’t strong, you were done.”[After the loss] he said to Francis ‘You are the f*cking worst signing, I have ever made.'”Bearing in mind, we signed 54 players that season.”Most read in FootballClaridge continued: “We paid £800,000 for Kev. [Fry] was raging ‘Is there anything left on this transfer? What do we have to pay?'”‘Give this f***er back. I can’t have him here, he’s the worst f***ing player I’ve ever seen.”EFL club owner gives update on new £2bn ‘spaceship’ stadium included in mega plans for state-of-the-art complex Claridge went on to reveal what he said to Francis when Fry’s rant was finally over.He laughed: “I told him ‘I think he quite likes you, mate! I’ve heard far worse’.”Francis – who for a time was the tallest player in the EFL – found his shooting boots after Fry’s meltdown. The striker went on to net 21 goals in 94 games for the Blues, helping them win the Division Two title. He would later go on to play for Hull City, Exeter and Stockport County.Fry also helped Blues lift the Football League Trophy alongside promotion back to Division One, now the Championship. The 79-year-old guided Birmingham to the semi-finals of the League Cup a year later, but was sacked after finishing 15th. More

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    Everton’s new 53,000-capacity stadium selected to host historic tournament in middle of Premier League season

    EVERTON’S new 53,000-seater stadium has been selected to host a historic tournament in the middle of the Premier League season.The Toffees will leave Goodison Park and move into their new home this summer.Everton’s new stadium will play host to a historic tournament next seasonCredit: GettyThe Toffees move into the 53,000-seater arena this summerCredit: GettyThe Everton Stadium is based at the scenic Bramley-Moore Docks.The bumper new arena will allow even more Everton fans to enjoy David Moyes’ football.And some lucky supporters have already been treated to several ‘test’ outings at their new home ground.However, the Everton Stadium will not just host the Toffees’ football matches.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIt has now been confirmed that it will play host to a major tournament game during the middle of the next campaign.Everton announced that the Second Test of the Rugby League Ashes will take place at their new stadium on November 1.The historic competition between England and Australia has not taken place in 22 years.But it will finally return in a blockbuster three-series event.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSThe first match takes place on October 25 at Wembley Stadium.Everton then host the Second Test a week later.Former Everton manager Sean Dyche lands new job two months after Toffees sacking The opening match of the Rugby League Ashes takes place at Wembley StadiumCredit: GettyIt then heads to Everton before ending at Leeds’ Headingley StadiumCredit: PAAnd on November 8, the Third Test will take place at Headingley Stadium in Leeds.Everton’s interim CEO Colin Chong said: “We are delighted to welcome the Rugby League Ashes series to Everton Stadium this autumn.“As well as being home to Everton, our new stadium was built to also host world-class sporting and entertainment events. “Securing an international fixture of this magnitude demonstrates Everton Stadium’s status as one of the UK’s leading venues.“The rivalry between England and Australia in rugby league has a rich history, and we are excited to welcome fans of the sport to our city and our stadium which will offer an unforgettable experience in a state-of-the-art setting on the banks of the River Mersey.” More

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    Bastian Schweinsteiger went from zero to hero while getting jeered by own fans after Trent Alexander-Arnold-style saga

    BAYERN MUNICH legend Bastian Schweinsteiger faced a saga similar to that of Liverpool star Trent Alexander-Arnold in 2011.Alexander-Arnold, 26, has reportedly agreed to join Real Madrid in June when his Anfield contract expires and is expected to sign a five-year deal worth in excess of £220,000 per week.Liverpool star Trent Alexander-Arnold has reportedly agreed to join Real MadridCredit: PABayern Munich legend Bastian Schweinsteiger faced a similar predicament as Alexander-ArnoldSchweinsteiger was linked with an exit but he ultimately signed a new contract with BayernThis comes after months of intense speculation regarding the full-back’s future that even led to a section of the Reds’ faithful booing him at times, claiming his mind was focused on Real.Schweinsteiger, 40, faced the same problem 14 years ago when his Bayern contract was coming to an end.Just like Alexander-Arnold, he also came out of his esteemed club’s academy and was adored by fans as one of their own.The likes of Chelsea, Manchester United and – funnily enough – Real all tried to take advantage of the situation and lure the then Germany international.Read More on FootballAnd after a 3-0 victory over St Pauli on January 2, 2011, the German took the microphone from the stadium announcer to speak to the live crowd at the Allianz Arena.Schweinsteiger was met with a chorus of boos from the Bayern faithful, who thought he was about to announce his imminent departure.However, the crowd was swerved as the fan favourite instead confirmed he had signed a new contract.Schweinsteiger said: “I’ve been playing here at FC Bayern Munich for 12 years now.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”And I wanted to tell you, I have extended my contract and will stay at FC Bayern until 2016. Long live Bayern!”Schweinsteiger spent another four years with Bayern where he amassed a total of 500 appearances and won every title available until his departure for Man Utd.Trent Alexander-Arnold has agreed terms on a move to Real Madrid this summer, according to reports It’s not too late for Alexander-Arnold – who could become the seventh Englishman to play at the Bernabeu – to deliver a similar swerve to Liverpool fans as nothing has been finalised yet.However, the latest reports indicate that the Enland international is closer to an exit than he is to a new contract with Arne Slot’s side.Liverpool are also at risk of losing Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk at the end of the season as their deals also run out in three months. More