Philippa Kaur

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    Race for Europe is hotting up and table shows Premier League is a meritocracy with likes of Brentford and Palace in mix

    THE RACE for Europe is really hotting up as teams chase the dream of a trip to Munich, Bilbao or Bratislava.This season though looks very different as a side as low as 11th in the Premier League could qualify for continental competition.Teams will look to emulate West Ham’s success in the Europa Conference LeagueCredit: GettyMan Utd’s failures show that the Premier League is a meritocracyCredit: GettyOK, it would take a set of circumstances more complex than the welfare benefits system.But what the current table does show is that the Premier League is every inch a meritocracy.Rubbish, I hear you say. The same big teams keep winning the league.That may or may not be true — 2016 champions Leicester being a case in point — but just one look at the table and it struck me that plenty of the so-called “smaller” clubs are doing remarkably well.Nottingham Forest, Brighton, Fulham, Bournemouth, Brentford and Crystal Palace are all vying for those vaunted European places and only one of them has ever won the English title — Forest under the late, great Brian Clough.Read more football newsIndeed, this season has shown above many others that reputations mean precious little with big clubs such as Manchester United, Spurs and Everton all at the wrong end of the table.At West Ham we know only too well how a European competition can light up your season.No one will ever forget that remarkable night in Prague two years ago when Jarrod Bowen’s late winner clinched us the Uefa Conference League crown.So for those chasing the coveted European places, there is a real incentive to give their fans something to get excited about.Most read in FootballWith only a few games to go this scrap is the most exciting element left to play out, with Liverpool 12 points clear at the top of the Prem and the bottom three seemingly cast adrift from the rest.Michail Antonio given hero’s welcome as he returns to West Ham for 1st time since escaping death in horror Ferrari crashYou’ll have to bear with me as the late Professor Stephen Hawking would have struggled with the mathematics — but it is theoretically possible for the 11th-placed team in the Premier League to qualify for Europe. Very unlikely, but possible.So, here goes.Liverpool, Arsenal, Forest and Manchester City qualify for the Champions League by finishing in the top four.Newcastle end fifth but collect the extra Champions League place awarded due to our teams doing so well in Europe this season.So far, so good.What this underlines for me is that the Premier League is both the strongest in the world — and the most competitive. It also has little respect for previous achievements and stature.Karren BradyBrighton finish sixth and qualify for the Europa League, while Bournemouth end seventh but win the FA Cup, thus qualifying for the Europa League as well.Chelsea finish eighth and win the Conference League, therefore also qualifying for the Europa League.Phew. But here is where it gets a bit complicated.Aston Villa end the season in ninth but win the Champions League, giving them the right to defend their trophy.Carabao Cup winners Newcastle could find themselves in the Champions LeagueCredit: RexNottingham Forest are on the brink of European qualification for the first time in 30 yearsCredit: AlamyMeanwhile Manchester United or Spurs finish tenth, but by winning the Europa League they also qualify for next season’s Champions League.With fifth-place Newcastle in the Champions League, their Conference League slot for winning the Carabao Cup would go to the 11th-placed side in the table — with the top ten already in Europe.It was a long and winding road, but we got there in the end.Of those “smaller” clubs vying for those qualification places, two-times European champions Forest were last in Europe 30 years ago.Fulham reached a European final 15 years ago while Brighton got to the Europa League round of 16 in 2024. The others never had a sniff at sipping coffee in Copenhagen, or biting into a Bratwurst in Berlin.What this underlines for me is that the Premier League is both the strongest in the world — and the most competitive.READ MORE SUN STORIESIt also has little respect for previous achievements and stature.But between now and the end of the season on May 25, there promises to be more twists and turns than at Silverstone as clubs race for the finishing line. More

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    England 2 Albania 0: Myles Lewis-Skelly and Harry Kane get Thomas Tuchel’s Three Lions reign off to flying start

    IT wasn’t exactly the thrilling white-knuckle ride we’d been promised by Thomas Tuchel. But England set off on their journey to the United States with one goal from debutant Myles Lewis-Skelly and one from their all-time record goalscorer Harry Kane to see off a limited Albania.   Thomas Tuchel got off to winning ways as England bossCredit: ReutersMyles Lewis-Skelly opened the scoring for EnglandCredit: GettyLewis-Skelly became England’s youngest debut scorerCredit: GettyArsenal’s 18-year-old left-back got the Tuchel era under way with a bang by becoming the youngest England player ever to score on his debut – rewarding a ballsy selection from the new German manager.Lewis-Skelly is a modern full-back, frequently popping up in attacking midfield positions and showing excellent industry and footwork. But in the hour of football between their two goals, England toiled and showed some familiar problems. Phil Foden was anonymous on the right, and still doesn’t look as though he can fit convincingly into the same team as Jude Bellingham, whose brilliant assist teed up Lewis-Skelly’s dreamy start. READ MORE IN football Marcus Rashford, selected after just one Premier League start on loan at Aston Villa, was a willing runner with little end product. While Dan Burn, Tuchel’s other debutant, was unconvincing in defence despite crashing a header against the bar shortly before half-time. Had Gareth Southgate still been in charge the nation would have yawned at it all. But then that is the problem with tournament qualifying campaigns.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSEngland will be up against a succession of teams who will pack their defence and play with little ambition and none of it will mean very much by the time Tuchel’s men get to the World Cup in America. With the only two friendlies this year having been scheduled against Senegal and Wales, England are not going to face any truly elite opposition for at least 12 months.  Roy Keane says Thomas Tuchel’s criticism of Gareth Southgate’s England was ‘harsh’This was, Tuchel and his team hoped, the first step on a glorious journey towards a World Cup Final in New Jersey next July. And the new boss wants all of us cheerleading on his bandwagon. Good luck with that. But having talked a good game about boldness and positivity, Tuchel selected a bold and positive line-up – giving debuts to Lewis-Skelly and man-of-the moment Burn, as well as recalling Rashford. With a back four and a positive-looking midfield selection, it felt that the much-mentioned Southgate ‘handbrake’ had been consigned to the breakers’ yard. Still, England had humped Albania 5-0 here under Southgate four years ago. The most successful Three Lions boss in half a century wasn’t as negative as history is now rewriting him. England started quietly, dominating the ball but doing little with it until the 19th minute when Lewis-Skelly’s moment arrived.It was a moment of instinctive brilliance from Bellingham which created it, the Real Madrid dropping deep, spinning his man and taking out five defenders with one slicing pass which located Lewis-Skelly on the overlap. England ratings vs Albania as Lewis-Skelly enjoys dream debut but Tuchel fails to solve Foden issue By Tom BarclayMYLES LEWIS-SKELLY made history and Harry Kane extended his own record-breaking as England sunk Albania in Thomas Tuchel’s first game.Lewis-Skelly became the youngest player to score on his Three Lions debut and top goal-getter Kane notched his 70th international strike as Tuchel began his World Cup qualifying campaign with a modest 2-0 win.New boy Dan Burn partnered Ezri Konsa in central defence at Wembley, while Marcus Rashford and Curtis Jones were also handed starts.Meanwhile, Tuchel wrestled with the same issue faced by predecessor Sir Gareth Southgate – deciding where to fit in Phil Foden.Left-back Lewis-Skelly, 18, slotted home on 20 minutes following a delightful turn and even better pass from Jude Bellingham.But England stuttered after the break – until skipper Kane classily took down a Declan Rice pass and curved home the clincher.Here’s how SunSport’s Tom Barclay rated the Three Lions in German manager Tuchel’s opening match…The Arsenal kid needed just one touch to nutmeg keeper Thomas Strakosha and ignite the Tuchel era. Kane was soon dropping deep and pinging a sweet pass on to the chest of the on-rushing Rashford but he failed to control when he ought to have troubled the keeper. Soon there was panic in the England defence when Dan Burn sliced an attempted clearance from Qasim Laci’s cross and the ball looped up onto the top of the bar before the big Newcastle defender challenged Pickford for the same ball. Tuchel had been talking up the importance of England’s players talking to each other all week. And here wasn’t an example of that. It took 34 minutes for the first paper plane to reach the Wembley turf but Bellingham soon livened things up again, racing on to Rashford’s through-ball but having his shot blocked by Strakosha. England were largely unconvincing but Kane was everywhere, winning several tackles and Bellingham was generally the creative spark. Foden was anonymous on the right wing, while Curtis Jones was eager with little end product. Harry Kane wrapped up the winCredit: ReutersKane proved why he is still England’s No9Credit: ReutersFive minutes before the break, Kyle Walker darted down the right and cut back for Bellingham, whose diving header was blocked by Straoksha, Kane’s follow-up effort deflected over.Then from a Declan Rice corner, Burn leapt to a height of approximately 12 feet and nutted against the crossbar – so close to a second Wembley goal in the space of five days during this ridiculous week of his.Early in the second half, the great Geordie giraffe was lucky to escape at least a yellow card for booting Myrto Azuni in the head on the follow-through.   Lewis-Skelly popped up in central to start a decent England attack, Rashford haring forward but losing his footing before Kane headed wide from a Bellingham cross. Albania boss Sylvinho sent on Armando Broja and the Everton loanee soon toasted Burn for pace twice without managing to threaten Pickford. And Ezri Konsa – arguably England’s best player – soon had to make an excellent interception to deny Jasir Asani a clear sight of goal., Tuchel responded with his first three subs – Jarrod Bowen, Anthony Gordon and Morgan Rogers on for Rashford, Foden and Jones, none of whom had set the world ablaze. READ MORE SUN STORIESAnd soon Rice was curling a cross to Kane, who plucked the ball out of the air with his right foot, then took a second to compose himself before he slotted home the second on 78 minutes.It was Kane’s 70th goal for England and if they are to rule the world in the States next summer, he and Bellingham will have to run the show. Dan Burn’s a great story but we may not see much more of him in an England shirt By Charlie Wyett ALTHOUGH it was the teenage new boy who got the Thomas Tuchel show on the road, the night was just as memorable for the 32-year-old who took the long route to an England cap.Dan Burn, raised 285 miles away in Blyth and who never looked like he would be a regular visitor to Wembley at any stage during his career, has just completed a truly extraordinary week.To lift a trophy with Newcastle on your 487th professional appearance is one thing. But then being unable to celebrate properly on the Sunday evening because you are reporting for England the following morning at St George’s Park is just extraordinary.But there is no doubt that Burn’s inclusion in Tuchel’s first squad was arguably the most popular.Before the game, Burn looked like the proudest man in this country as he belted out the national anthem with three lions on his shirt. Remarkably, he hit the woodwork at both ends on a night so scoring for both teams is not something he would have wanted to be remembered for.For the games in June against Andorra and Senegal, both John Stones and Harry Maguire will be back.So whether the Toon defender to next year’s World Cup remains up for debate but right now, he really will not give two hoots. He will just be savouring every minute with the national team before he eventually comes back down to earth.Tuchel is clearly one of those managers who believes you don’t win anything with kids. And that is why he has recalled Jordan Henderson who returned for England as a late sub.Surprisingly, it looks as though Tuchel has reservations over Marc Guehi which is why he chose not to partner him with Ezri Konsa. But rather than start Levi Colwill, Tuchel decided to give Burn his surprise start .Understandably, there were nerves and an early pass towards Phil Foden which drifted out for a throw.There was one bit of confusion at the back when Burn blocked a cross from Qazim Laci. The  ball looped into the air and Burn headed the ball out for the corner with Pickford not calling for the ball and seeming unsure whether to try and collect it.Just before half-time, Burn hammered a header against the bar from Declan Rice’s corner and for two defenders to score on their debuts would have been a record breaker.Burn started the second half by booting Myrto Uzini in the head and then slipped badly to allow Albania space to attack but they failed to make the most of it.Standing at 6 ft 7ins, Burn towers over most people and this was certainly the case with 5 ft 10 ins Lewis-Skelly next to him in Tuchel’s back four.The pair stood next to each other at  a SGP photo shoot during the week and, looking at Burn, Lewis-Skelly said: “Nah, this is too much! Oh my goodness. This is a joke.”Lewis-Skelly, born a couple of months after Italy won the 2006 World Cup in Germany, is not known for his goalscoring and had only managed six for Arsenal, and that also includes under-18s and Premier League Two.But he took his goal superbly and played with confidence throughout even though he did seem under orders not to wander too deep into enemy territory unless it was totally necessary.On this evidence, we might not see too much more of Burn but that is certainly not the case for MLS. More

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    Ayden Heaven injury update as Man Utd handed huge boost over promising 18 year old

    AYDEN HEAVEN is tipped to give Manchester United’s defence a rare fitness boost.Ruben Amorim’s Red Devils have been blighted with backline injuries this season.Starlet Ayden Heaven could be set for a swift recoveryCredit: RexHeaven himself has been optimistic about his conditionAnd the jinx hit 18-year-old Heaven at Leicester last Sunday.The January deadline day recruit from Arsenal went down clutching his leg and needed lengthy treatment, before being carried off on a stretcher. The England Under-19 star had arguably been United’s best player at the King Power Stadium as they led 1-0 on the way to a 3-0 win.But after the match he was seen leaving Leicester with his foot in a brace.READ MORE ON MAN UTDNow, however, the Londoner’s injury is reportedly “not thought to be serious”.And that appears to confirm Heaven’s own verdict on his progress.He posted on social media earlier in the week: “Thank you guys for all the support.”Have read all your messages, and I’m doing really well and recovering fast.”Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old TraffordNonetheless, the international break has come at a handy time for Heaven.United, in 13th spot, are out of action until their Prem clash at third-placed Nottingham Forest on Tuesday April 1.Ayden Heaven injury update with Man Utd ace ‘unable to explain how he’s feeling’ as he is seen with foot in braceAmorim has already revealed his delight at Heaven’s fast start to life at Old Trafford.The former Sporting Lisbon chief said: “I really like his confidence. “I like his pace, I think he is good in defending the box and I think he is quite complete.”However, Amorim added: “He has a lot of work to do in the Premier League. “We will face a different kind of player and he will be tested in a different kind of way, so we are trying to manage all of this because he is still really young.” More

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    England vs Albania LIVE SCORE: Thomas Tuchel gets off to the PERFECT start thanks to Kane and Lewis-Skelly goals

    THOMAS TUCHEL becomes the 11th permanent England manager to win his opening game in charge. Goals from Myles Lewis-Skelly and Harry Kane were enough to topple Albania as the Three Lions got their World Cup 2026 qualifying underway. Jude Bellingham played a superb through-ball to set up the Arsenal teen, who became England’s youngest-ever debut scorer. Twelve minutes from time, captain Kane controlled the ball expertly before placing his finish into the bottom corner from a few yards out to score his 70th England goal. Full-time result: England 2 Albania 0CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSFollow our live blog below…Further down the lineHere’s a glance at England’s next five matches, by which point Tuchel will be in his third international camp and will have put his stamp on this group of players.Copy linkCopiedWhat’s next?So that’s the first game down on a run that Tuchel himself has said is a push to lift the World Cup in 2026.What’s up next for the Three Lions?England will be back at Wembley on Monday night to take on Latvia in their second World Cup qualifier.Latvia managed a 1-0 win over Andorra last night and, as such, have effectively set up a top of the table clash.Copy linkCopiedTuchel honest on wingersThomas Tuchel didn’t hold back in his assessment of the performances from Marcus Rashford and Phil Foden in the wide areas for England tonight.We hope for more impact in these positions. More dribbling and more aggressive runs towards the box. In general that was missing.The chances come from the little runs behind the line.There was a bit missing they were not as decisive as they can be.Thomas TuchelITV SportCopy linkCopiedPlayer of the MatchAs if his debut couldn’t get any better, Lewis-Skelly has been named as the Player of the Match.Copy linkCopiedRice on Lewis-SkellyDeclan Rice had nothing but good things to say about his Arsenal teammate Myles Lewis-Skelly after a debut goal.He told ITV: “He [Lewis-Skelly] is fearless. He does everything right off the pitch and he is only 18.”I knew he was going to play like that tonight because of the confidence he has.”He has kept his feet on the ground and it is only the start for him.”Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedThe boss’ thoughtsThomas Tuchel has given an honest breakdown of England’s first performance under his control.He said: “We can do better. We have to do better. We started quite well, we had lots of passes, high energy and lots of possession. But the opponent is hard to break down with a deep, deep block.”Second half I felt we were too slow and not making enough runs off the ball to make more runs behind the line.”Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedMatch reportTake a read of what SunSport’s Dave Kidd thought of Tuchel’s first match in charge…Copy linkCopiedBellingham pleasedJude Bellingham has weighed in on the positives and negatives of a first victory under the new boss. He said: “It was pretty good. We had clear ideas on what we wanted to do and how to play, but It’s difficult against a team that plays so compact, but generally we stuck to the plan well.”Adding: “[We still need to work on] Keeping rhythm and tempo in the second half. Maybe a bit more clinical too. There’s still plenty to work on. We want to be able to kill these games off earlier”.Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedLewis-Skelly speaksMyles Lewis-Skelly has spoken to ITV about his dream debut in an England shirt.I’m lost for words. I’m so grateful that the manager put trust in me and the players too. Great pass from Jude. All I had to do was put it in the back of the net.The fans made me feel at home. Thanks to them. [You’re England’s third youngest goalscorer behind Rooney and Owen]. That’s incredible! Amazing!Myles Lewis-SkellyITV SportCopy linkCopiedMatch statsCopy linkCopiedFT – England 2-0 AlbaniaFULL TIME.It wasn’t a giant leap towards adding a second star to the England shirt, but maybe a baby step in the right direction.Thomas Tuchel’s era has begun, and thanks to Myles Lewis-Skelly and Harry Kane it’s begun with a victory.Full focus will now be on Monday’s clash with Latvia when England can build on this.Job done.Credit: PACopy linkCopied90′ England 2-0 AlbaniaWe’re now into five minutes of added time and Thomas Tuchel will be very pleased.They say the best win is one where there’s plenty for the manager to work on, and that’s exactly what Tuchel has tonight.Glimpses of quality, a clean sheer and lots to change in the coming months.Copy linkCopied89′ England 2-0 Albania – England sub Just moments away from a first win under the Thomas Tuchel era now. England are making one more change, a chance to give Lewis-Skelly some appreciation.ON – Reece JamesOFF – Myles Lewis-SkellyCopy linkCopiedKane’s finishCredit: GettyCredit: ReutersCopy linkCopied85′ England 2-0 AlbaniaYou certainly wouldn’t bet on this game going any other way than an England victory now.It’s been straight forward for Thomas Tuchel’s men, who haven’t had to get out of second gear for the most part.The new boss will be very please, but will still know there’s plenty to work on.Copy linkCopied81′ England 2-0 Albania – plenty of changesStraight after that goal there was two more changes for Albania. Goalkeeper Strakosha was then forced off with an injury just a minute or so later, unable to continue with his earlier knock.ON: Arber HoxhaON: Adrion PajazitiON: Elhan KastratiOFF: Jasir AsaniOFF: Qazim LaciOFF: Thomas StrakoshaEngland have also introduced Jordan Henderson.ON: Jordan HendersonOFF: Declan RiceCopy linkCopiedEngland 2-0 Albania – Kane scoresIs it England playing at Wembley if Harry Kane doesn’t score? The Three Lions captain put his side two goals ahead with a world class touch and finish.Declan Rice played a speculative ball to the back post, which Kane plucked out of the air before waiting for his moment and bending a shot into the bottom corner.Lovely goal.Copy linkCopiedGOAL!!HARRY KANE WITH A LOVELY TOUCH AND FINISH!ENGLAND LEAD BY TWO!Copy linkCopied76′ England 1-0 AlbaniaEngland have a corner, but we’re waiting for it to be taken.Albania keeper Strakosha is down injured and receiving treatment.Copy linkCopied75′ England 1-0 Albania – England subsThree changes for Tuchel, and they’re ALL attacking minded.Anthony Gordon and Jarrod Bowen are both coming on to try and shake things up in the wide areas, while Morgan Rogers is coming on to add some spark in the middle of the park.ON: Jarrod BowenON: Anthony GordonON: Morgan RogersOFF: Phil FodenOFF: Marcus RashfordOFF: Curtis JonesCopy linkCopied72′ England 1-0 AlbaniaAlbania come once again! Broja wins a header that send through Asani to run on to the loose b ball.Fortunately Ezri Konsa comes across to make a great sliding challenge and deal with the danger.England are readying some changes.Copy linkCopied70′ England 1-0 AlbaniaBroja gets the better of Burn once again.The Toffees talisman rolls the Newcastle defender after he tried to get too tight.Unfortunately for Albania, Broja’s ball was picked off easily by Walker.Warning signs for England.Copy linkCopied66′ England 1-0 AlbaniaBroja makes an instant impact as he gets goalside of Dan Burn and makes a run into the box by the byline.He can’t quite make a chance out of it, but it took Burn needing a handful of his shirt to stop the Everton striker.Copy linkCopied64′ England 1-0 Albania – Albania subit’s the first change of the game and it’s for the visitors.A familiar face to Premier League fans, on comes Armando Broja.ON: Armando BrojaOFF: Nedim BajramiCopy linkCopiedKnocking on the doorCredit: GettyCredit: ReutersCopy linkCopied More

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    Fans shocked as Premier League legend is spotted on bench for England’s clash against Albania

    ENGLAND fans were left stunned after spotting a Premier League legend on the Albania bench.The Three Lions take on the Albanian national team in their opening 2026 World Cup qualifier at Wembley, which marks their first match under new manager Thomas Tuchel.Manchester City legend Pablo Zabaleta was spotted in Albania’s benchCredit: ReutersZabaleta is Albania’s assistant manager in the match against EnglandCredit: Getty Images – GettyAnd during the national anthems the camera panned to the visitors’ bench, where former Arsenal and Manchester City ace Sylvinho is manager.However, it was another familiar Man City figure who really caught the viewers’ eyes.That was none other than the Citizens’ legendary right-back Pablo Zabaleta.Zabaleta, 40, joined Albania in 2023 alongside Sylvinho and helped them reach Euro 2024.Read More on FootballBut England fans were still surprised to see the ex-Argentina international as an assistant boss for the Euro minnows.One supporter tweeted: “Nice to see Pablo Zabaleta.”Another commented: “Albania vs. England is on. Pablo Zabaleta is Albania’s assistant coach. I just found out. Random fact of the day.”A third wrote: “Zabaleta is the Albanian assistant manager. Your learn something new.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThis fan said: “PABLO ZABALETA IS ON THE COACHING STAFF OF ALBANIA?!!?!? I know who I’m rooting for.”And that one gushed: “Was that Pablo Zabaleta I just saw?”Rio Ferdinand threatens to leave the studio while talking to Pablo Zabaleta in the studioZabaleta amassed 333 appearances with Man City where he won two Premier League titles, two League Cup trophies and the FA Cup.He left the club after a nine-year stint at the Etihad in 2017. More

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    Arsenal star Myles Lewis-Skelly sets incredible new record after scoring stunning goal on England debut against Albania

    MYLES LEWIS-SKELLY celebrated a goal on his England debut – and a piece of history. The Arsenal full-back opened the scoring against Albania on his first senior Three Lions appearances.Myles Lewis-Skelly scored a goal on his England debutCredit: RexLewis-Skelly became England’s youngest debut scorerCredit: PAAnd at the age of 18 years and 176 days, he became the youngest player EVER to score on his his first England cap.Lewis-Skelly surpassed the record set by team-mate Marcus Rashford – who did so at 18 years and 209 days against Australia in May 2016.Rashford, 27, was coincidentally making his first international appearance in a year in England’s World Cup qualifying opener.Lewis-Skelly’s goal was the first of Thomas Tuchel’s reign as England boss – with the German having succeeded Sir Gareth Southgate.READ MORE IN football Tuchel spoke highly of Lewis-Skelly amid a lack of options at left-back.He said: “With injuries lately and the latest injury form Lewis Hall we ran out a little bit of left footers who can play left back.”We were always impressed with Myles since he started he came so quick, a regular player for Arsenal, second best team in the country at the moment, quarter finalist in Champions League so huge concurrence in his club and Mikel Arteta picks him regularly so this is very impressive from the very start.”ITV pundits Ian Wright and Roy Keane were also full of praise. Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Arsenal Files every Friday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from The EmiratesWright said: “It was a good goal – in fact it was an excellent goal where you look at where it came from. “Roy, you was talking about it there [Jude] Bellingham.” Myles Lewis-Skelly lost for words after finding out he has broken England recordKeane said: “The movement, listen you’ve got to take risks in this game. I thought it was an absolutely brilliant goal. “The pass, the weight of the pass, the timing of the run. The finish from your full-back, I thought it was absolutely fantastic.” Lewis-Skelly admitted he was expecting to get a call up by Tuchel – but hilariously mistook his new manager for Uber Eats. He told his Declan Rice and Dan Burn: “I was on the phone with my friend the day before the big announcement.”Then I got a call from a number so I was like, ‘Oh bro, I’ve got to call you back, let me take this call’.England ratings vs Albania as Lewis-Skelly enjoys dream debut but Tuchel fails to solve Foden issue By Tom BarclayMYLES LEWIS-SKELLY made history and Harry Kane extended his own record-breaking as England sunk Albania in Thomas Tuchel’s first game.Lewis-Skelly became the youngest player to score on his Three Lions debut and top goal-getter Kane notched his 70th international strike as Tuchel began his World Cup qualifying campaign with a modest 2-0 win.New boy Dan Burn partnered Ezri Konsa in central defence at Wembley, while Marcus Rashford and Curtis Jones were also handed starts.Meanwhile, Tuchel wrestled with the same issue faced by predecessor Sir Gareth Southgate – deciding where to fit in Phil Foden.Left-back Lewis-Skelly, 18, slotted home on 20 minutes following a delightful turn and even better pass from Jude Bellingham.But England stuttered after the break – until skipper Kane classily took down a Declan Rice pass and curved home the clincher.Here’s how SunSport’s Tom Barclay rated the Three Lions in German manager Tuchel’s opening match…”So I hung up with my friend and put on my good voice. I was getting ready and then the person that speaks is, ‘we’ve got your food, it’s outside’. “It’s Uber Eats for my mum.”Rice and Burn were left in hysterics by the story but Lewis-Skelly added: “I was just over the moon, running around the house. “It was a good moment for me and my family. I was just so happy because it’s such a big step and a big achievement. READ MORE SUN STORIES”I was just so proud of myself and so grateful that I’ve been given the opportunity.”Harry Kane helped wrap up a 2-0 win in what was a memorable debut for Lewis-Skelly. Lewis-Skelly had the dream debutCredit: Getty More

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    ‘Bunch of robots’ – Ex-Premier League star stopped watching top-flight because big clubs lack mavericks like Gazza

    DAVID McGOLDRICK has branded Premier League and other elite footballers such as Jude Bellingham a bunch of robots.And the Notts County striker — who played in the top-flight for Sheffield United — says our crown jewels of English football have become so devoid of mavericks that get you off your feet he does not bother watching.David McGoldrick believes many players at the top are ‘robots’Credit: PAThe striker is still delivering the goods and won Goal of the Month for FebruaryThis weekend there is a break in Premier League football because of the international break — and McGoldrick believes more fans are turning to the EFL because it is more exciting and less predictable.McGoldrick, 37, played most of his career outside the top flight playing for the likes of Southampton, Bournemouth, Nottingham Forest, Sheffield Wednesday, Derby, Coventry, Port Vale and Ipswich.But he made the big time when the Blades got promoted in 2019 and played 63 games at the top level during two seasons.Asked how the game has changed from when he first made his debut as a teenager for County 21 years ago, he told SunSport: “It’s like a different sport.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“Twenty-odd years ago there weren’t all these stats, we weren’t wearing GPS vests and worrying about all the things they do now.“We used to do meetings about oppositions but not as much. A lot of it was 4-4-2, play in their half, win your duels.“That is still in the game now but there are so many patterns of play, it’s so robotic, especially the top teams.“When you watch football in the Premier League or other top divisions, it’s so robotic.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERS“In my day there was Ronaldinho, Paul Gascoigne and those kinds of players who were great to watch.“I don’t watch as much football as I used to, not because I don’t love it but because some of the top games are not enjoyable to watch anymore because there are no mavericks.”EFL star, 24, ‘REFUSES to show up for game’ over transfer speculation weeks after shocking Premier League sideMcGoldrick believes top football clubs have sanitised the game with the way they educate and bring through their talent — almost programming them like machines.And he fears the days of top stars playing off the cuff and showing their personality both on and off the field will not return.He said: “I wish to see more mavericks playing but I’m not sure if there will be.“The way kids get brought up in the academies these days with the running stats, how hard they’ve got to run and certain things like that, I can’t see it.We’ve got some great English players like Phil Foden and Bellingham, who is a fantastic player but even he is half a robot!David McGoldrick“Back in the day you had the likes of George Best and not too long ago even someone like Abel Taarabt at QPR — these players were mavericks.“We’ve got some great English players like Phil Foden and Bellingham, who is a fantastic player but even he is half a robot!“Bellingham will cover the most distance and score goals — but he won’t get you off your seat and make you go and buy a ticket. And that’s two of our top players right now.“Erling Haaland is a machine but again not a maverick but that’s just how the game has changed while I’ve been playing it.”The break in Premier League football suits McGoldrick fine as he prefers watching EFL games instead because they are more entertaining.The County ace — whose promotion-chasing fifth-place team host Crewe in League Two this weekend — believes more fans are turning away from the Prem.Erling Haaland is a machine but not a maverick, says McGoldrickCredit: GettyHe said: “If you go down the leagues, you see players who are more free spirited and that is probably why they’re in the EFL and not at the top because they have that side to them. It’s a bit more off the cuff.“There are some good players in the EFL and maybe some will get their move to the top and if it doesn’t work out they end up back down again.“We have some good quality players in the lower leagues and a lot of people tell me they would rather watch the EFL than a top game nowadays.”McGoldrick freely admits he has never been a maverick but during his two seasons in the top flight played the best football of his career.And that includes when he went TWENTY-FIVE Prem games without scoring for the Blades but the team finished an expectation-defying ninth in 2019-20 following their promotion from the Championship.He said: “I enjoyed playing in the Premier League. I was at the perfect club at the perfect time. I wasn’t a maverick, I was a link player, but was given the freedom to express myself.If you go down the leagues, you see players who are more free spirited and that is probably why they’re in the EFL and not at the top because they have that side to them. It’s a bit more off the cuff.David McGoldrick“I might have gone 25 games without scoring but the input I was giving to the team and the manager was important. The manager Chris Wilder never dropped me while the fans took to me and kept me going during the time I wasn’t scoring.“I was playing some of the best football I’d ever played and that was because the team and club looked after me. They let me be a free spirit to go out and enjoy myself.”McGoldrick joined his boyhood club County in June 2023 and has scored an impressive 26 league goals from 52 starts.His two recent goals took most people’s breath away. His strike in a 2-1 win at Gillingham in February won him the SkyBet Goal of the Month gong – and his goal at Grimsby in a 2-0 win had boss Stuart Maynard calling him “Superman”.While McGoldrick does not feel he possesses super-hero qualities, he is looking after his body by sometimes ducking out of running during training and working on exercise bikes or doing gym work instead.The striker’s contract expires in the summer but is open to penning a new one and prolonging his career.McGoldrick’s contract at Notts County expires in the summerCredit: PAHe said: “I’m relaxed. It might depend on what league we’re in or finances. I’m not oblivious and deluded.“But the club are happy with me, I’m happy being here and want to carry on playing. I’m thinking with nine games left, the main objective is to secure promotion.”And McGoldrick certainly will not be feeling any pressure during the business end of the season.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe said: “You’ve got to trust yourself and play your normal game. “Pressure is for tyres. It’s just a game of football. Give it your all and be free spirited.” More

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    Becoming Match of the Day host was like finding out I was PREGNANT, says Kelly Cates as she reveals how she landed job

    WHEN Kelly Cates was told she and Gabby Logan would become the first female Match Of The Day hosts in the show’s 60-year history, she wanted to shout it from the rooftops. But unfortunately for the new presenter, she was ordered by BBC bosses to keep quiet about her new role — a scenario which felt ­familiar to the mum of two. Kelly Cates wanted to shout with joy after making history as one of Match Of The Day’s first female hosts – but the BBC told her she’d need to keep it quietCredit: RexThe appointment of Kelly, who is the daughter of Celtic, Liverpool and Scotland great Kenny Dalglish, above, was widely welcomed by the football worldCredit: AlamyKelly will be joining Mark ‘Chappers’ Chapman and Gaby Roslin as the lead MOTD presenter teamCredit: PABecause, for Kelly, sitting on the enormous secret felt just like ­hiding a pregnancy. Speaking in depth for the first time about taking over from Gary Lineker next season, Kelly, 49, said: “I’m not good at secrets — it killed me! Genuinely, once the news was announced I could have slept for two days. “I found the stress of ­keeping it a secret so hard and even though it is a nice secret, it was a little bit like the early stages of pregnancy where you feel terrible that you can’t tell anybody. “It was awful lying to genuinely good friends. I hated it.” READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSKelly will be part of a new three-strong presenting team, alongside Gabby and Mark Chapman, both 51. And she is thrilled she can now share how she managed to land the biggest job in British sports broadcasting. An industry veteran of nearly 30 years, Kelly had been working for the BBC as part of 5 Live’s football coverage, as well as anchoring live games for Sky Sports, when she was called into a meeting by Beeb executives. ‘Ego-filled world’ It had been rumoured for some time that new BBC Director of Sport boss Alex Kay-Jelski wanted to shake up Match Of The Day, the world’s longest-running football highlights show. Most read in FootballBut Kelly had not bargained for being a part of his plans. Speaking on the White Wine Question Time podcast, she explains: “I had the conversation early on but in very vague terms. ‘Won’t be able to look him in the eye’ – Christine Lampard and MOTD’s Kelly Cates in hysterics over ‘Frank’s hot sauce’“I was already doing radio for the BBC, already working on 5 Live so it was natural for me to have meetings when a new boss came in, and everything was being changed so that was quite natural. “But in the course of one of those meetings it was, ‘Well, we’re rethinking how we’re going to do Match Of The Day and would you be interested to be in the mix?’ Inside I couldn’t wait for the meeting to end so I could shout ‘Oh my God! This is incredible’Kelly Cates“And I was trying really hard to keep a ‘not bothered’ face, saying, ‘Yeah, that would be great’. “But inside I couldn’t wait for the meeting to end so I could shout ‘Oh my God! This is incredible’.” Kelly added: “And they were brilliant around the whole thing — trying to balance the two and the fact I can keep doing live football, which I think is really important because if you don’t do that you forget why you’re covering it, you forget about those big moments and what it is like.” It was only when Kelly’s new gig was officially unveiled in January that the enormity began to sink in. She added: “Suddenly friends of mine who don’t even like football were phoning me saying, ‘Oh my God, this is so exciting — congratulations’. I didn’t even think it would be on their radar. “They’re not in that sports world and then you realise something like Match Of The Day goes past all of that. It’s in people’s lives — it’s in the background.” The appointment of Kelly, who is the daughter of Celtic, Liverpool and Scotland great Kenny Dalglish, along with Gabby and Mark — aka Chappers — was widely welcomed by the football world. All three are hugely respected figures within the industry and there was a general consensus they had done their time, working up the ranks and honing their craft over several decades. Kelly believes landing the gig came at the perfect time for all of the new line-up. She explains: “That was the big draw for the three of us. Kenny with wife Marina, Kelly and brother Paul in 1980Credit: Getty“To be in the mix with Chappers and Gabby, who I really like as people, first of all, but really admire as broadcasters as well . . . it’s just a really lovely group to be in. “People have this perception that it is a massive ego-filled world, and it is at times and you need a certain sort of ego to feel like you can do the job because you need a certain amount of confidence. “But you don’t want to be in a position where we’re all trying to scramble over each other. “The fact we’re all the same age, we’re at the same stage of our careers, we’ve all got other things outside of Match Of The Day that we’re all passionate about and really invested in, it means none of us are treading on each other and preying on each other’s insecurities. “We’re all really comfortable about who we are and where we are in our careers, so it really works for all of us. “We’re all at a stage in our lives as well where we want to spend time with our families. “We have kids of different ages and different things going on in our home lives as well. “It’s really nice to be able to keep all that in the mix.” Kelly’s grounding in sports broadcasting came in the early days of Sky Sports News, a rolling news channel launched in 2010. ‘Kicked up a fuss’ The female-heavy list of anchors, including Kirsty Gallacher, who is godmother to one of Kelly’s daughters, became synonymous with the channel. However, the presenters were often sexualised by viewers and when that attitude seeped into the brand marketing, Kelly was the one who put a stop to it. Don’t start undermining us from inside the organisation because we can take it from other people — we’re used to that — but we thought you had our backs here, that’s the way it should beKelly on sexualisation of female sports presentersThe star has always taken her position as a role model for women in sport seriously. She explained: “It was seen as ‘fruit on the barrow’, where you would put your juiciest fruit on the barrow — there was that attitude to it. “But we didn’t feel like that from the inside. That was very much an external thing. “Then I remember there was an ad put out with four female Sky Sports News presenters on, saying ‘There’s always something worth watching on Sky Sports News’. “I remember it happened on the Sunday and I think by the Tuesday or Wednesday I’d gone into the office and said, ‘No. I get that this comes from the outside but don’t do that to us from the inside’. “Don’t start undermining us from inside the organisation because we can take it from other people — we’re used to that — but we thought you had our backs here, that’s the way it should be’.” She added: “The reaction was they didn’t think I would be the person who came in and kicked up a fuss. “I was like, ‘That says something. If you think I’m easy-going and it upset me then you should probably read something into that’.” Kelly took an extended break from sports broadcasting to concentrate on bringing up her children. She returned to work in 2013 at Radio 5 Live where she hosted the station’s famous 606 football phone-in on Sundays alongside ex-Arsenal striker Ian Wright. She later returned to Sky Sports to anchor live games and previously made history as the first female presenter on talkSPORT. Glasgow-born Kelly, whose brother Paul was a professional footballer for Newcastle, is now separated from Tom Cates, the father of her two daughters. Like most working mums, Kelly admits taking care of her career and their teenage daughters can be challenging. She added: “It’s juggling lots of diaries, and I’ve got a really good relationship with my ex-husband. “He’s great with the girls in terms of being flexible because we have to be around my job. “You just make it work. I’m really lucky — I have a great job. “People do this and work three jobs and are stressed about putting food on the table and heating the house. “Although it’s tricky to do everything and all problems are relative, it’s manageable.” READ MORE SUN STORIESSaturday nights are about to get a whole lot busier for Kelly. Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club.Kelly will be one of the team taking over when Gary Lineker leaves MOTD at the end of the current seasonCredit: BBC More