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    England’s St George’s Park training HQ to get multi-million pound refurbishment with brand new features

    ENGLAND’S new era under Thomas Tuchel will come alongside a major revamp at the St George’s Park training centre.The FA have announced plans for the training facilities to undergo a “radical refurbishment” over the next three years.Thomas Tuchel will have a state-of-the-art training ground to use in the near futureCredit: GettyThe FA have announced plans for a ‘radical refurbishment’ of St George’s ParkCredit: thefa.comThe project, dubbed ‘SGP 2.0′, will completely reimagine the Staffordshire training ground which is home to the men’s, women’s and para teams.St George’s Park only opened in 2012, but is already being overhauled thanks to the need for high quality facilities across all teams.The project is set to get underway early this year with the aim of being completed in time for the Euros in 2028.The FA are hoping that the new look will give England the edge when they use St George’s Park as their basecamp for the 2028 tournament being held across England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe changes will include three key areas of improvement according to a statement released by the FA.Firstly is “competitive advantage”, which will see all pitch surfaces upgraded, pitch-side hub buildings added with new screens and improvements to the performance and recovery facilities.Secondly is “player and coach expectations”, a project that aims to modernise the hotel bedrooms in the 228-room on-site Hilton hotel.As well as adding permanent downtime activities, upgraded spaces around the building and “new features to maximise SGP’s accessibility for elite talent”.Most read in FootballAll outdoor pitches are in line to be upgraded in the refurbCredit: thefa.comArtist’s impressions show what some of the communal areas could look likeCredit: thefa.comCoaching staff will have access to brand new training and meeting roomsCredit: thefa.comThe FA plan to have the refurbished facilities ready in time for the Euro 2028 in England, Wales, Scotland and IrelandCredit: PAThe Lionesses will still be able to use the facilities for their preparations for Euro 2025 this summerCredit: GettyCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe final area for improvement is “football innovation”.That project will aim to add “inspirational” new meeting rooms and bespoke areas and technology for performance innovation by the coaching staff at the FA.England manager Thomas Tuchel reacts to Three Lions’ World Cup 2026 qualifying drawThe ambitious plans come alongside the incredible facilities already in place at St George’s Park.The home of England, which cost £105m to build in 2012, already has 13 outdoor pitches, a replica of the Wembley surface, a full size indoor 3G pitch, a huge gym, swimming pools and a futsal arena.That is alongside a state of the art 30m outdoor training and fitness hill positioned at a 20 degree angle for fitness and conditioning.Goalkeepers also have access to the Peter Shilton Goalkeeping area, a dedicated practice and training area for shot-stoppers.John McDermott, the FA men’s technical director, said: “With the honour of hosting a home Euros on the horizon alongside other exciting pathway activities, SGP 2.0 will level up our capacity to deliver an elite experience for players and to give ourselves every possible chance for success.”Development of the site over the next three years helps us to build towards performing at our best in every aspect.”For our players to train, perform and recover in a second-to-none environment and for us to build a legacy of coaching excellence supported by the very latest in technology and innovation.”The plans are not thought to be likely to hinder the preparation for any of England’s teams during the refurbishment.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe FA confirmed that St Georges’s Park will still host the squads for the build up to this summer’s Women’s Euros and qualification for the 2026 Fifa World Cup – when Tuchel’s contract is due to expire.St George’s Park was built for £105m in 2012Credit: GettyThe training ground has 13 outdoor pitchesCredit: GettyThe refurbishment is set to take three yearsCredit: PA:Press AssociationSGP already has full size Indoor 3G pitchCredit: PA:Press AssociationIt also has a futsal arenaCredit: GettyThe FA plan to improve the recovery and performance facilitiesCredit: The FA – Getty ImagesThere is an on-site Hitlon hotel at the training groundCredit: GettyThe rooms will be part of the refurbCredit: PA:Press AssociationOne pitch is a replica of the Wembley surfaceCredit: Getty More

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    Tottenham loanee Mathys Tel ‘eyeing summer Man Utd transfer’ as debut ends in Anfield humiliation

    TOTTENHAM loanee Mathys Tel is reportedly eyeing a summer move to Manchester United.The 19-year-old’s hopes of a dream debut went up in smoke after Spurs were humiliated by Liverpool at Anfield.Mathys Tel is reportedly eyeing a summer move to Manchester UnitedCredit: GETTYLiverpool set up a League Cup final with NewcastleHolding a shock 1-0 lead from the first leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final, Spurs went onto lose 4-0 in the return leg last night.Ange Postecoglou’s side couldn’t lay a glove on Arne Slot’s men – and failed to register a single shot on target.Tel – who came on for Richarlison on the stroke on half-time – may already be left questioning his move to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.He was expected to lead the line, as the Brazilian had done, centrally, and there were sparks of intelligent play from the Bayern Munich star.READ MORE MAN UTD NEWSThe Frenchman provided a key pass amongst 18 touches of the ball, though failed to do much else of note beyond firing into the side netting in the second half.While reports suggested that he’d secretly agreed to sign a permanent deal with Tottenham, Tel might now be drawn to Old Trafford.But Tel would be swapping one car crash for another, as United sit 13th in the Prem and have lost to Spurs twice already this season.United expressed an interest in loaning Tel before he joined Tottenham, who have the option to buy him, on deadline day.Most read in FootballThey ultimately decided against it after the clubs couldn’t agree on a fee.CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSBut Ruben Amorim will get a “second chance” to sign Tel as the French starlet was open to a move to Manchester in January, according to German football expert Christian Falk.If the Red Devils – who are depleted in forward areas – do want him in the summer they’ll have to fork out around £50m to Bayern.Mathys Tel completes dramatic Tottenham loan transfer after making shock U-turn Tel had initially rejected a switch to Spurs when a straight £50m deal was on the table.Spurs fans worried about paying £10MILLION for a three-and-a-half-month loan deal, but Postecoglou adamantly claimed the French teenager was going to be at the club for years to come.In all, Tel – the centre-forward Ange so desperately wanted – had just ONE touch of the ball in the box against Liverpool.Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club. More

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    When is the FA Cup fifth round draw? Live stream, TV channel and start time

    IT’S FA Cup fourth round weekend! Which also means the draw for the fifth round of the Cup will take place after the fixtures are done.Ruud van Nistelrooy returns to Manchester United on Friday nightCredit: RexOn Friday night, Manchester United kick off the action against Leicester City as Ruud van Nistelrooy returns to his old stomping ground.There will be 10 fixtures taking place on Saturday – including the likes of Leyton Orient vs Manchester City – and a further three on Sunday afternoon.Doncaster Rovers host Crystal Palace on Monday, February 10 and Nottingham Forest then travel to Exeter City on Tuesday, February 11.Before those two matches are over, the teams will already know exactly who they will be facing in the next round.When is the FA Cup fifth round draw?The draw is set to take place on Monday, February 10.It will be broadcast live on BBC One and live streamed on iPlayer.It will be conducted at 7.10pm GMT during The One Show.SunSport will also live blog the draw with all the build-up and reaction.When are FA Cup fifth round fixtures?Fixtures are set for the weekend of March 1 & 2.However, like with this weekend, fixtures are expected to be placed in various time slots from Friday to Monday.Both BBC and ITV have broadcasting rights to the competition.What teams are in the hat for the FA Cup fifth round?At the time of writing, no FA Cup fourth round fixtures have been played. The fixture list is below – this will be updated over the course of the weekend.Most read in FA CupFriday, February 7Manchester United vs Leicester City – 8pm – ITV1 / ITVXSaturday, February 8Leyton Orient vs Man City – 12.15pm – BBC1 / iPlayerLeeds United vs Millwall – 12.15pm – not televisedCoventry City vs Ipswich Town – 3pm – not televisedPreston North End vs Wycombe Wanderers – 3pm – not televisedStoke City vs Cardiff City – 3pm – not televisedSouthampton vs Burnley – 3pm – not televisedEverton vs Bournemouth – 3pm – not televisedWigan Athletic vs Fulham – 3pm – not televisedBirmingham City vs Newcastle United – 5.45pm – BBC1 / iPlayerBrighton & Hove Albion vs Chelsea – 8pm – ITV4 / ITVXSunday, February 9Blackburn Rovers vs Wolverhampton Wanderers – 12.30pm – BBC Red Button / iPlayerPlymouth Argyle vs Liverpool – 3pm – ITV1 / ITVXAston Villa vs Tottenham Hotspur – 5.35pm – BBC1 / iPlayerMonday, February 10Doncaster Rovers vs Crystal Palace – 7.45pm – BBC Red Button / iPlayerREAD MORE SUN STORIESTuesday, February 11Exeter City vs Nottingham Forest – 8pm – ITV1 / ITVX More

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    Captaincy options for Gameweek 23: FA Cup specialist or Salah safety?

    DREAM TEAM managers need to select their captain (and vice captain) for Gameweek 23 before today’s 6:30pm deadline.It’s an interesting conversation this week as the FA Cup fourth round makes up the bulk of the action, meaning the threat of rotation looms large.Points machineCredit: APIt would be a huge surprise if Mohamed Salah (£8m) featured against Plymouth on Sunday but Liverpool’s main man is still a viable captain because he will surely start at Goodison Park on Wednesday.Had the Merseyside derby not been postponed earlier in the campaign, the Egyptian superstar would probably be staring at a zero-pointer for Gameweek 23 but as it is, gaffers are able to keep the armband on Salah, very much the safe option as the game’s leading points scorer.Any Liverpool players that start against both Plymouth and Everton would have to be considered strong captaincy options by default but it’s difficult to identify who that might be – Arne Slot is expected to name a second-string side in Devon this weekend.A similar logic applies to Erling Haaland (£7.9m), who may not be unleashed upon Leyton Orient but will almost certainly lead the line against Real Madrid in midweek.However, unless you consider Manchester City stronger favourites over the La Liga giants than Liverpool against Everton (for some reason), there’s little sense in backing the Norwegian No9 over Salah.Haaland will probably be saved for the Champions League play-offsCredit: RexAlternatively, instead of overlooking the FA Cup games, why not target one of them?The following match-ups all have considerable potential if the right players can be identified:Leyton Orient v Manchester CityWigan v FulhamBirmingham v NewcastlePlymouth v LiverpoolDoncaster v Crystal PalaceExeter v Nottingham ForestMost read in FootballAlexander Isak (£6.4m) and Anthony Gordon (£5.3m) would be tempting options had Newcastle not fulfilled an intense contest against Arsenal on Wednesday night.Will Eddie Howe start his two main attackers against League One opposition on Saturday? Hard to say.It might be the case that there’s an excellent captain lurking in Crystal Palace’s ranks this Gameweek.Mateta is in fine formCredit: ReutersOliver Glasner tends to name relatively strong teams in the domestic cups and so there’s every chance Daniel Munoz (£4.6m) starts against the Eagles’ League Two opponents on Monday night, as he did against Stockport in the third round.The Colombian wing-back ranks fourth among defenders overall and no player in his position has taken more points from their last three outings.Jean-Philippe Mateta (£4.1m) will fancy his chances of continuing his fine form if selected against Rovers.The Frenchman has amassed 47 points in his last four games via FIVE goals.Bradley could easily cash in against PlymouthCredit: PASalah probably won’t be risked against Championship basement boys Plymouth but Diogo Jota (£4.4m) is seemingly in line to start.Luis Diaz (£3.5m) played just the last ten minutes or so against Spurs on Thursday night and so he might be given a decent run out against the team that have conceded the most goals in the second tier this season.READ MORE SUN STORIESHarvey Elliott (£3.4m), Conor Bradley (£2.6m) and Kostas Tsimikas (£3.3m) are all likely starters too and should all flourish in what is a very favourable fixture.Captaining an FA Cup specialist is fraught with risk but the potential rewards are substantial – gaffers in need of drastic action should consider rolling the dice.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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    Ryan Giggs’ brother Rhodri reveals he made £1million off ex-Man Utd star’s affair with wife Natasha

    RHODRI GIGGS has claimed he made “about £1million” from his brother Ryan’s much-publicised affair with wife Natasha.The Giggs family was torn apart after Natasha’s eight-year relationship with the Manchester United star came to light in 2011.Rhodri Giggs has hit back at critics on social media – and declared he’s happier than everCredit: Lee Thompson – The SunRhodri’s ex-wife Natasha had an affair with his brother and Man Utd legend RyanCredit: Getty – ContributorGiggs and Natasha’s affair was made public in 2011Credit: RexNatasha and Ryan first began dating secretly in 2003.Their affair was conducted behind the backs of both Rhodri and Ryan’s then-wife Stacey.Natasha admitted the infidelity in 2011, with the pair since divorcing and moving on with new partners. Rhodri, 49, currently runs a podcast and works in recruitment. READ MORE ON FOOTBALLWhile Natasha recently got married to fireman Haroon Headley.In a recent social media exchange, Rhodri indicated he had profited financially from the scandal. Responding to one user, Rhodri wrote per GB News: “Mate, it was over 14 years ago and I’ve got 2 kids with someone else and made s*** load of money from it.”He added: “I buzz off it. It was 14 years ago and I made about 1 million from it.Most read in Football”Can’t be on X and not expect a little bit of shrapnel coming your way. All part of the fun.”Rhodri has previously claimed his ex-wife Natasha bedded several other footballers during their marriage. GIGGS BABY JOY New dad Ryan Giggs, 50, beams as he pushes baby girl in pram alongside girlfriend Zara Charles, 36Speaking to The Sun in 2021, he said: “I could name ten footballers she had been with.“After it had all happened I went to Portugal with two naughty lads and as I walked into one of the bars, one of the guys was stood behind the door with his mate.“And as I walked in and I walked to the bar, I turned around. And all you could see was the door shutting. I could go on and on.“They are all it. Everyone is s****ing everyone. It could be your mate. It is warped.“One of his mates said, ‘Ryan, this is your kid’s wife – what are you doing?’ But no. “Ryan deserved to be on a pedestal because of his career. But he ruined his legacy by doing what he did.”Natasha – who has two children with Rhodri – appeared on Celebrity Big Brother in 2012.She told her housemates: “I had a really long affair with a footballer who happened to be my brother-in-law.”United legend Giggs recently indicated he would like to return to management.The 51-year-old became Wales boss in 2018, before being arrested on assault charges two years later.He has always denied any wrongdoing.Giggs stepped down from the Wales role in June 2022 ahead of his trial, where a jury failed to reach a verdict.He returned to the touchline earlier this season as part of the backroom staff at Salford City, where he is Director of Football. READ MORE SUN STORIESGiggs was recently spotted beaming as he pushed his new baby girl in her pram alongside girlfriend Zara Charles.The ex-Wales international and Zara, 36, made their first appearance with baby Cora near Old Trafford in Manchester last November.Giggs recently had his first child with model girlfriend Zara CharlesCredit: Getty More

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    Inside 84,567-capacity ‘Colosseum’ stadium that enjoys world’s best attendances despite lying unfinished

    RIVER PLATE’S fans are known across the globe for their phenomenal, die-hard support.The Argentine giants helped nurture the talents of some of the best players in the world down the years, with Alfredo Di Stefano, Hernan Crespo and Javier Mascherano just three esteemed alumni.The Estadio Mas Monumental is still undergoing improvement worksCredit: GettyDespite having nearly 85,000 seats, River Plate’s stadium has an average a 99.4 per cent capacityCredit: GettyThe club hope to one day add a roof to the stadium having spent four years improving its capacityCredit: AFPThe club also boast one of the most iconic stadiums in the world: Estadio Mas Monumental – or simply El Monumental.Taking inspiration from Rome’s Colosseum when it was built in the late 1930s, it looks as breathtaking from the outside as it does inside, bathed in the red and white of tens of thousands of fans.However, good doesn’t necessarily mean perfect – so River Plate chiefs decided to kick-off improvements to the stadium in 2020.Despite a capacity of nearly 70,000, the stadium in Buenos Aires was a constant sell-out with hoards of fans denied the chance to watch their heroes up close.READ MORE SPORT STORIESWork is STILL ongoing to keep adding to the already-impressive arena, which also serves as home of the Argentina national team.However, the capacity is now up to a jaw-dropping 84,567 seats – making it the biggest in South America.Incredibly, the club still average a world-record-breaking attendance rate of 99.4 per cent per game.Most-recently, the athletics track which one stood inside the hallowed walls has been ripped up.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSIt’s been replaced to make room for more fans, including standing areas behind the goals and additional seating alongside the pitch.And work is not due to end any time soon, with the club dreaming of adding a ROOF to the impressive stadium.Inside most bonkers league in Europe with former Champions League giants flirting with relegation and 8-3 scorelinesHowever, River Plate president Jorge Brito admitted in October they lacked the funds to make any moves right now.Brito claimed: “In River we are used to being able to dream, but I have to be honest…”As of today there is no specific project that we are working on to be able to roof the stadium.”River Plate are the best team in Argentina’s history, boasting a record 38 titles – three more than bitter rivals Boca Juniors. More

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    ‘It’s not fair’ – League One manager bites back at Wrexham and says success down to Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney

    WREXHAM have been told their success is only down to “billionaire owners” Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney.Shrewsbury boss Gareth Ainsworth bit back at the Red Dragons, calling their financial advantage “not fair”.Wrexham have been told their success is only down to owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenneyShrewsbury boss Gareth Ainsworth bit back at the Red Dragons, calling their financial advantage ‘not fair’Wrexham have enjoyed a meteoric rise up the EFL since Hollywood stars Reynolds and McElhenney purchased the club for around £2m in 2021.The Red Dragons are on course for an astonishing third successive promotion after clambering out of the National League, through League Two and towards the Championship.Their American co-owners have helped to make all of that possible, with nearly £6.2m spent on transfer fees since the summer of 2021.Wrexham splashed more than £4m in the January window, including £1m on proven ex-Reading striker Sam Smith, 26, who is a product of Manchester United’s academy.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSBut Ainsworth – who is against the National League’s three up, three down proposal – has taken issue with the Welsh outfit after becoming frustrated at being unable to compete on a level playing field.He told BBC 5 Live Sport: “If a team just can’t keep up financially for no other reason than the other teams have got billionaires coming in and millionaires, it’s not fair that they just sink out of the league and out of obscurity. It then all becomes all about money.“Wrexham have only done that because of the money they’ve had, you know. “And of course they’re competing well but they’ve had billionaire owners and it’s not fair. I don’t think that it should just be about that.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS“And I’m speaking as an advocate from a club with a local businessman who’s put his money in and he just can’t compete with Wrexham because we’re not bringing American billionaires in. “So my argument would be, yes, these teams have done well, but have a look at the money that they’ve had invested in them as well.”Danny Devito celebrates Wrexham’s last-gasp win over Barnsley as he watches from virtual stadium in LATo clarify, actor Reynolds is an estimated net worth of £280m, while McElhenney is worth around £40m.Shrewsbury sit second bottom of League One but one of their six wins of the season came in a 2-1 victory against Phil Parkinson’s side in January.Smith’s deal marked the third time Wrexham had broken their own transfer record in six months – first signing Ollie Rathbone and then Modou Faal in a £590,000 deal last summer.Wrexham are fighting for promotion alongside League One’s biggest spenders Birmingham City, who count NFL legend Tom Brady as a minority investor.All 72 clubs in the National League have signed a letter to EFL chiefs asking them to back a vote of member clubs over changing to a three-up, three-down system between League Two and the fifth tier.National League clubs argue that the current system, where only one club gets automatic promotion to the EFL with a second place available through the play-offs, is inconsistent with the rest of the pyramid.Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club. More

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    How Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou abandoned principles in Anfield rout as Mathys Tel plays in baffling position

    JAMIE REDKNAPP put it best: “I cannot remember a team in my lifetime go down with less of a fight than Spurs did today.”Yes indeed, Tottenham were brutally dismembered by a rampant Liverpool in Thursday night’s Carabao Cup semi-final humiliation.Tottenham looked lost, clueless and hopeless against LiverpoolCredit: GettyAnge Postecoglou endured arguably the worst night of his career with his confused tactics absolutely taken advantage of by a brutal Reds teamCredit: GettyLiverpool had plenty to celebrate on Thursday… Tottenham, not a thingCredit: PAHolding a shock 1-0 lead from the first leg, Spurs were never truly in the tie at Anfield.And when Cody Gakpo poked home the Reds’ opener to level the scoreline on aggregate, everyone just seemed to know the writing was on the wall.Mohamed Salah converted a penalty early in the second half to take the aggregate lead, before Dominik Szoboszlai and Virgil van Dijk made it 4-0 to shovel salt in Spurs’ seeping wound.Liverpool were at their scintillating best: winning the ball back on the high press, pinging pinpoint passes and breaking with terrifying pace. They made Spurs look non-league at times.READ MORE SPORT STORIESArne Slot inherited a squad many believed would struggle to crack the top-four.Yet the Reds won the 36-team Champions League group, are six points clear at the top of the Premier League with a game in hand, are into the Carabao Cup final and are preparing for their FA Cup fourth round tie with Plymouth.But for as good as Liverpool were on the night, my goodness Tottenham allowed them to look like 2010-11 Barcelona with a dash of heavy metal Gegenpress.In fact, Spurs looked like a team with no tactics, no structure, no clue…Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSWhen Ange Postecoglou took over at Tottenham, he was quick to implement his own style and did enjoy initial success.The Australian boss had a plan and wouldn’t turn his back on that for instant success.However, against Liverpool at Anfield, Spurs were all over the place – quite literally.Ange lined up his XI in his usual 4-3-3, with a decent amount of width with two full backs and two wingers.Despite that, the average positions of all 11 players were desperately central.Tottenham played bizarrely narrow with just one player averaging in Liverpool’s halfSon Heung-min was the widest player on the night – averaging just left of the centre-circle.But ‘full-backs’ Djed Spence and Archie Gray ended up playing bafflingly central.That was, in part, caused by Spence playing – as Redknapp put it – “14 different positions” on the night.But Gray is a central midfielder played constantly out of position due to injuries. Credit to the 18 year old for his adaptability, versatility… and general ability!Son was also the player who ventured the furthest forward… averaging a fraction over the halfway line.Liverpool, of course, don’t allow teams time to breathe and are rarely out-possessed, while their counter-attacking speed and prowess can lead to some lack of shape.But the average position map makes for embarrassing reading.And then there’s the Mathys Tel problem…Where was centre forward Mathys Tel playing? Left-wing-back? Right wing? Certainly not strikerThe stats make for grim reading for Tottenham fansThe January loan signing from Bayern Munich, 19, hasn’t scored a single goal this season.Yet the striker was in demand, with Spurs battling the likes of Manchester United and Arsenal for his signing.Spurs fans worried about paying £10MILLION for a three-and-a-half-month loan deal, but Postecoglou adamantly claimed the French teenager was going to be at the club for years to come.Tel climbed off the bench late in the first half following an injury – yes another Spurs injury – to Richarlison.Tel was expected to lead the line, as the Brazilian had done, centrally.Tel took just one touch in the Liverpool box – from a fairly innocuous positionAnd yet, according to his heat map and touch map, spent the majority of the night in the left-wing-back position… and a small chunk on the right wing.In all, Tel – the centre-forward Ange so desperately wanted – had just ONE touch of the ball in the box, in a not-so-dangerous position wide on the right and barely made it into the centre of the pitch.Again, Liverpool’s stellar play led to some backs-against-the-wall stuff from Tottenham – as proved by their “inexcusable” effort of ZERO shots on target.READ MORE SUN STORIESBut chasing the game, with a cup final on the line, after nearly three decades without a trophy, with millions of people watching…To just seemingly give up? It’s inexcusable… and it will surely lead to a major debrief in North London in the coming days.Tottenham’s top 10 biggest signings: Hit or miss?1) Tanguy Ndombele – £52.7mNdombele joined from Lyon in 2019 with huge expectations after shattering Tottenham’s transfer record.But he would go on to play just 91 times for the club, scoring 10 goals and is now set to leave one year before the end of his contract.2) Richarlison – £49.3mRicharlison almost broke the £50m mark when he arrived from Everton in 2022 as Harry Kane’s back-up.And while his tally of 12 goals this season was a significant increase on the three from his opening Spurs campaign, he is being linked with a departure this summer.3) Brennan Johnson – £46.8mJohnson was signed by Ange Postecoglou last summer and has impressed in patches during his first season in North London.He scored five goals and 10 assists in 38 games and will look to build on that in the 2024/25 campaign.4) Cristian Romero – £44.2mRomero initially joined on loan from Atalanta in 2021, before his impressive displays saw him secure a permanent deal the following year.He is two games shy of 100 for Spurs and, while he can be reckless with his tackling at times, is beginning to form a promising partnership with Micky van de Ven.5) James Maddison – £39.4mMaddison was handed Kane’s No10 shirt after arriving at Spurs and hit the ground running with three goals and five assists in his opening 11 matches.But after getting injured against Chelsea in October, he failed to return with the same sharpness – managing just five goal contributions in 15 league matches as he missed out on England’s final 26-man squad for the Euros.6) Davinson Sanchez – £35.7mSanchez joined Spurs from Ajax in 2017 and played more than 200 games across a six-year spell.But he was always considered a somewhat erratic defender who did not play more than 20 games in a Premier League season from 2020 onwards.7) Pedro Porro – £34mPorro was another signing who originally arrived on loan in January 2023, before he signed permanently last summer.He has 54 appearances for Spurs under his belt, scoring seven goals and impressing under Postecoglou this season.8) Micky van de Ven – £34mRapid Dutch centre-back Van de Ven was named Spurs Player of the Season in his first campaign at the club.His pace, athleticism, and technical ability on the ball have made him arguably Postecoglou’s best signing to date.9) Moussa Sissoko – £29.8mSissoko came to North London for a substantial fee after being relegated with Newcastle and went on to enjoy five years at Tottenham, playing more than 200 games.Unfortunately for the French midfielder, he is best-known for giving away a controversial penalty for handball in the first minute of Spurs’ 2-0 Champions League final defeat to Liverpool in 2019.10) Giovani Lo Celso – £27.2mLo Celso joined on loan from Real Betis in 2019 – a deal that was made permanent the following season.He has 10 goals and eight assists in 108 games, with some Spurs fans still unsure about the Argentine. More