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    I’m a Premier League cult hero who played for England opponents Latvia, now I’m working for Arsene Wenger

    FRESH off Thomas Tuchel’s bow against Albania, England have another first on Monday when they face minnows Latvia.The Baltic state have been competing as their own nation ever since the fall of the Berlin Wall and yet have never faced the Three Lions.Marian Pahars has warned England they face a tough test against LatviaCredit: AFPThe ace made his name in the Premier League with SouthamptonCredit: GettyBut that will change at Wembley when Italian boss Paolo Nicolato and his side take on superstars like Jude Bellingham, Harry Kane and Marcus Rashford.It is a daunting task and one that left Latvian legend Marian Pahars admitting: “It’s difficult to even describe them facing that kind of opponent . . . I’m quite happy just to be a spectator!”Latvia have always been up against it when facing Europe’s big beasts — including in Pahars’ heyday — but now more than ever.On Friday night, a 58th-minute Dario Sits goal gave them a 1-0 away win over Andorra to put them second behind England in World Cup qualifying Group K.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut their current Fifa world ranking is 140th, sandwiching them between Burundi and the Dominican Republic.Just seven European sides are ranked below them — Lithuania, Moldova, Malta, Andorra, Gibraltar Liechtenstein and, officially the worst footballing nation on the planet, San Marino.Latvia have been as high as 45th and even qualified for Euro 2004.While an 18-year-old Wayne Rooney was ripping it up at that tournament in Portugal, Latvia were recording their greatest-ever result with a 0-0 against  Germany, even if they did fail to make it out of their group.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSTheir squad contained four  players who were either playing or had played in the Premier League.But  there is no one of their standard in Nicolato’s squad now.Emotional moment Myles Lewis-Skelly’s family spotted going wild in Wembley crowdPahars now works under Arsene Wenger at FifaCredit: GettyFormer Southampton forward Pahars was possibly the biggest success story of that contingent, having made 129 Premier League appearances for Saints between 1998-2005, scoring 42 goals.Igors Stepanovs could also lay claim to that title, having won the Double with Arsenal in 2002, even if he only played 17 times in England’s top flight.Pahars, 48, is now working for legendary Gunners boss Arsene Wenger as one of Fifa’s high- performance specialists, focusing on Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan and Lithuania.He said: “I don’t like comparisons between generations but we had characters in the team. Now it’s less, unfortunately.“We had bigger names than me in that team, guys who were winning European trophies, Stepanovs representing Arsenal at the time.“We had leaders in every line, in goal, defence, midfield and strikers.“We were very confident because we played in good clubs, in good leagues.“So we didn’t have any fear. We played against the same level of opponents in each game.It’s difficult to even describe them facing that kind of opponent . . . I’m quite happy just to be a spectator!Marian Pahars, on Latvia facing England“Whereas now, a lot of them are from the local league, they don’t have big international experience.“They don’t have confidence to compete on that level and it is why we don’t see the big players yet.”Captain Kristers Tobers, 24, who plays for Aberdeen, is probably Latvia’s most high-profile player — but he is out with a leg injury.Nicolato’s side have won just three of their last 21 games since November 2022, when they were playing in the Baltic Cup while England were at the World Cup.And two of those victories came against the Faroe Islands, with the other versus Armenia.Pahars added: “We understand who we play. We’re not stupid.READ MORE SUN STORIES“We know a good game would give us appreciation from the fans, a good fight, not conceding as long as possible, to be in the game.“That also can make England nervous a little bit, if they don’t score for a long time.” More

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    Wales 3 Kazakhstan 1: James, Davies and Matondo get Craig Bellamy’s side off to dream start in World Cup qualifying

    BEN DAVIES got Wales off to a World Cup qualifying flier in Cardiff.The Tottenham defender powered home a vital second half header just when Craig Bellamy’s Dragons feared Group J embarrassment against world No 110 Kazakhstan.Wales kicked off their World Cup qualifying campaign with a 3-1 win over KazakhstanCredit: PACraig Bellamy’s men have started the group in buoyant moodCredit: GettyWales play North Macedonia next on TuesdayCredit: ReutersIt was only Davies’ third Wales goal on his 93rd cap but the 31-year-old’s close-range effort could prove crucial for his country in their bid to reach the finals in USA, Canada and Mexico next year.In-form Leeds attacker Dan James got the hosts – bidding for a second successive World Cup appearance – off to a positive start.Bellamy saw his side pegged back after Askhat Tagybergen’s penalty before unlikely goalscorer Davies and substitute Rabbi Matondo – with his first Wales goal – claimed maximum points.The rookie 45-year-old manager is now unbeaten in his opening seven matches as national boss ahead of Tuesday’s tricky trip against North Macedonia in Skopje.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLWithout creative pair Harry Wilson and Aaron Ramsey sidelined through injury, Wales looked for another star to step up to the plate with James stating pre-match he would thrive on the responsibility of being the Dragons’ main man.And the 27-year-old, who has netted ten times for Daniel Farke’s Championship leaders this season, stuck to his word with the opening goal inside nine minutes.After David Brooks saw his back-flick lose possession, Liam Cullen quickly pressed and regained the ball.The ball broke to Spurs’ Davies, who slipped in James, whose left-footed strike beat Kazakhstan goalkeeper Alexandr Zarutskiy via the aid of a deflection.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSIt was James’ eighth goal for his country and handed boss Bellamy the perfect start in front of a 32,473 crowd at the Cardiff City Stadium.Wales wasted a decent chance to double the lead when Brooks’ pass intended for Sorba Thomas was cut out after the lively James put the Bournemouth attacker clear into space.Top ten greatest Premier League players of all time as Kevin de Bruyne and Cristiano Ronaldo both miss out on top spotThe hosts suffered a sucker punch when Kazakhstan captain Tagybergen scored from the penalty spot on 32 minutes.Donatas Rumsas pointed to the spot after the Lithuanian referee deemed Connor Roberts had handled Islam Chesnokov’s cross.Tagybergen went down the middle and hit Wales keeper Karl Darlow with his spot-kick but the ball squirmed over the line.Dan James opened the scoring in the ninth minuteCredit: RexThe visitors soon pulled one back from the penalty spotCredit: ReutersKazakhstan’s equaliser was the visitors’ first competitive goal since November 2023 against Slovenia.There was a bizarre incident five minutes before half-time when ref Rumsas was sent to the pitchside monitor for a VAR red card check.Maxim Samorodov caught the back of Roberts’ calf but replays suggested the foul did not seem worthy of a sending off and Rumsas agreed as he issued a caution following a lengthy delay.Ben Davies restored Wales’ lead moments after the breakCredit: RexRabbi Matondo made sure of the result with a late strikeCredit: ReutersWales were level at the break and the opening 45 minutes left Bellamy with much to ponder in this must-win qualifier.But the Dragons chief got exactly the response he wanted as his men regained the lead just two minutes into the second half.Nantes winger Thomas, on loan from Huddersfield, forced a corner and his right-footed inswinger set up Wales’ crucial second.READ MORE SUN STORIESKeeper Zarutskiy totally missed the ball, allowing Davies to emphatically head home powerfully from close-range.Then Rangers forward Matondo, on a temporary spell at Hannover in Germany, put the gloss on the win by sweeping home Thomas’ cross in injury-time. More

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    Man Utd keeper Andre Onana set for Saudi Arabia transfer as Ruben Amorim eyes two of Europe’s hottest young goalies

    MANCHESTER UNITED are ready to flog Andre Onana to Saudi Arabia as Ruben Amorim eyes two of Europe’s hottest young keepers.But the Red Devils boss will have to slug it out with Pep Guardiola with Man City also set to be on the hunt for a new stopper.Man Utd goalie Andre Onana is set for a summer move to Saudi ArabiaCredit: GettyHe could be joined in the Middle East by Man City stopper EdersonCredit: AlamyBoth Manchester clubs could lose their first-choice No 1 to the Saudi Pro League at the end of the season — with United’s Onana and City’s Ederson set for the Middle East.Guardiola and Amorim have started checking out potential replacements — and the same names top each wanted list.Royal Antwerp’s highly-rated stopper Senne Lammens is on the radar of a host of Premier League clubs, with Newcastle and West Ham also keen.Lille’s brilliant 23-year-old goalkeeper Lucas Chevalier has been tracked by United and City for months.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLLammens, 22, is rated around £30million after bursting on to the scene.He recently made Belgium’s squad despite making less than 50 first-team appearances. His distribution and ability with the ball at his feet make him an ideal “Guardiola-style” keeper, while Chevalier boasts similar qualities.City have made regular checks on Lammens, who broke into Lille’s first team as a teenager, and was outstanding in the recent Champions League loss to Borussia Dortmund.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSChevalier — like Lammens — is contracted until 2027 but sources claim French club Lille would be willing to do business for around £40m.Ederson, 31, has long been linked with a move to Saudi, and City will not stand in the Brazilian’s way if he wants to leave after eight years.How Ruben Amorim’s genius tweak unleashed Mazraoui to give Man Utd new attacking threatUnited and City both like Lille’s Lucas ChevalierCredit: ReutersSenne Lammens of Royal Antwerp is another goalie in the sights of both teamsCredit: GettyAlthough that would open the door for Stefan Ortega to finally establish himself as Etihad first choice, the German stopper has admitted he will also consider his options.Ortega has just broken into the international squad at 32, and wants to consolidate that with regular football — which is never guaranteed at City.While City were always going to be hunting another keeper in the summer, it was not an obvious position United planned to fill.Yet Onana has made a string of errors this term.And if Saudi interest turns into a firm offer, Amorim would make it a priority. More

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    James McClean has furious bust-up with rival fan after angry rant at linesman earns Wrexham controversial penalty

    JAMES McCLEAN had a furious bust-up with a Stockport fan and was slammed over his role in Wrexham’s controversial winner.The Irish winger’s rant at linesman Abbas Khan resulted in ref Simon Mather overturning his decision to award a corner in favour of a penalty.Jay Rodriguez scored the rebound from his penalty to fire Wrexham to a 1-0 win over StockportCredit: GettyJames McClean won the peanlty for Wrexham after heading the ball onto Ibou Touray’s hand in the boxCredit: XMcClean was adamant he had won a penalty after the referee initially awarded a cornerCredit: RexMcClean had leapt up for a header inside the area and nodded the ball onto the back of Stockport defender Ibou Touray’s raised hand.The ball made contact with Touray – but from point-blank range – and ref Mather awarded a corner. Video then showed McClean, 35, raging at Khan, berating the linesman for not giving a penalty.The lino then beckoned Mather over and, following a chat, the ref changed his decision.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLWell over a minute had passed since the incident.Former Stoke star McClean was furious after an initial decision to award a corner, waving his arms in the air and berating the linesman for not giving a penalty.That decision left Stockport fans seething, taking to social media to vent after conceding in a huge promotion fight in League One.One wrote: “Great refereeing by James McClean”.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSWhile another added: “Didn’t create nearly enough to warrant getting anything. Doesn’t help that James McClean was officiating the game!”A third fumed: “How is that a pen?!”Wrexham’s James McClean involved in car crash on way to training ahead of League One table-topping clash with BirminghamThe Wrexham star furiously questioned the decisionCredit: RexAnd another jokingly replied: “It is when McClean is officiating”.Other posts accused McClean of “reffing” the game and “bullying”. Jay Rodriguez took the 29th-minute spot-kick and saw it saved by Stockport keeper Corey Addai.But the former Premier League striker tucked away the rebound to earn a 1-0 win in the League One promotion clash.McClean was then involved in a heated row with a fan as he made his way down the Racecourse Ground tunnel at half-time before the supporter was led away by police.SunSport understands that the supporter in question has alleged that McClean attacked him.However, both Wrexham and the Police have reviewed CCTV and there appears to be no evidence of the incident happening and McClean has not been arrested.Stockport manager Dave Challinor bit his tongue when it came to the decision.”I am not going to get myself in trouble by saying what I really believe”, he said.”It has never been a penalty. There were arguments for a potential penalty on the decision before with Sam Smith but that was more of a penalty than the one that was given.”And for a linesman to get involved on the far side of the pitch and do nothing else in the game cost us a point.”It flipped the momentum in the first half and was another poor decision.”READ MORE SUN STORIESThe League One clash was certainly feisty with 10 yellow cards and one red card dished out by the referee over the course of 90 minutes.Wrexham’s victory sends the Red Dragons three points clear of third-placed Wycombe who have a game in hand and also takes them nine clear of the Hatters in fifth.James McClean had an interaction with the fans as he was leaving the pitchCredit: GettyMcClean gestured towards the crowdCredit: Getty More

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    ‘I don’t do tactics’ – Former Newcastle star claims he had conversation with Steve Bruce that left him ‘in shock’

    FORMER Newcastle United ace Dwight Gayle was left shocked by Steve Bruce after sensational claims that his former manager told the team: “I don’t do tactics”.Gayle, who played under Bruce for over two years, has suggested that his old gaffer didn’t put enough focus on the tactical side of the game while at St James’ Park.Dwight Gayle has said he was left shocked by something Steve Bruce said during his time as Newcastle managerCredit: X/MagpieMediaXGayle has claimed Bruce said he ‘doesn’t do tactics’ during a 5-0 defeat to Man CityCredit: Getty Images – GettyBruce was in charge of Newcastle from July 2019 to October 2021, ultimately being replaced by Eddie Howe following the club’s Saudi Arabian takeover.Gayle, 35, played 45 times under Bruce during his time on Tyneside, scoring five goals and registering three assists.And the striker, who now plies his trade with Hibernian, has spoken about being left shocked by Bruce’s comments during a 5-0 defeat to Man City in 2020.He told the Open Goal podcast: “I remember like some of the boys got chucked into the Man City shift, basically.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”We had like a three-game week, and I think the gaffer sort of chucked a few of the boys under the bus in terms of who had to play against Man City away. “And me and Matty Ritchie were asking for tactical improvements for weeks or months or whatever.”And then we come in at half-time, and I think we were 2-0 or 3-0 down, and he’s like, ‘Boys, you keep asking for tactics – I don’t do tactics! Just put your boots on and work hard.'”[Against] Man City, that’s not good enough to be like, ‘Just run about!’ I was just in shock, but yeah, that’s what he said.”Most read in FootballGayle played 45 times under Steve BruceCredit: PACASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSGayle also lifted the lid on training sessions under Bruce, telling the podcast that he “didn’t really do much” before the Saudi takeover.He explained: “He didn’t really do much on the training pitch. But then, obviously, when the Saudi owners came in, he stuck his boots on and the whistle and was like, ‘If I’m going, then I’m going to run you into the ground’, or something like that.Alan Shearer is wild with celebration as Newcastle win the Carabao Cup “So, we’re doing some running drills and he’s just running us and he’s blowing his whistle and it’s just, like, making it into a little bit of a joke and stuff. He’s like, ‘They’re over there watching you’.”Adding: “[Training] was okay. I felt that he didn’t perhaps spend enough time on working on a lot of things with us.”I think he was trying to go game by game rather than perhaps develop us as a team. I just felt like we could have improved with a lot of things.”Bruce had had an impressive career as a top manager, taking charge of over 475 Premier League games with five different top flight teams.The retired Manchester United star is now manager of League One outfit Blackpool.The Tangerines are currently 10th in division this season, having won 13, drawn 13 and lost six league games under Bruce this term.SunSport have contacted Blackpool for comment from Steve Bruce.Gayle also discussed how Bruce would help keep spirits high with funny comments in the dressing room and press conferences.He said: “Oh mate, [there were] some classics, we used to die.READ MORE SUN STORIES”He used to say some crackers in the interviews, man. ‘How’s the bacon?’ That was so funny.”We used to just giggle about it. Again, me and Karl Darlow used to just be dying.”Gayle opened up on training under BruceCredit: GettyBruce is now boss at Blackpool in League OneCredit: GettyDwight Gayle is playing for Scottish side HibernianCredit: Alamy More

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    Football chief ‘strikes up secret romance’ with glamorous TV presenter who covered Luke Littler’s World Championship win

    BORUSSIA DORTMUND chief Sebastian Kehl has reportedly struck up a secret romance with glamorous TV presenter Katharina Kleinfeldt.German outlet Bunte claims the pair are yet to make their relationship public.Borussia Dortmund chief Sebastian Kelh has reportedly found love with a TV presenterCredit: GettyKatharina Kleinfeldt is a glamorous host who is a regular on German sport showsCredit: InstagramBut they have allegedly been an item for several months.Kehl, 45, is a former Dortmund midfielder and 31-time Germany international who is now Sporting Director at his old club.He was married to wife Tina Kruger for 26 years and the pair share three children together.However, they had an amicable split in 2023.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd the ex-couple are now in the process of finalising their divorce.It’s reckoned Kehl is now “newly in love” with presenter Kleinfeldt, 31.She works for German TV channel Sport1.And Kleinfeldt is also a regular on football talk show Doppelpass.Most read in BundesligaKleinfeldt is a regular on a popular football talk showCredit: InstagramShe has also covered live darts, including Luke Littler’s World Championship winCredit: InstagramBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSNot only that, she even enjoys a spot of darts.Kleinfeldt led German coverage of Luke Littler’s amazing World Darts Championship win earlier this year.Dortmund star Nico Schlotterbeck rushed to hospital after horror injury leaving manager in ‘shock’ But she now appears to be infatuated with Kehl.As a player, he won three Bundesliga titles as a Dortmund player.Kehl became their Sporting Director in 2022 and has overseen some impressive transfers including Marcel Sabitzer, Karim Adeyemi and Serhou Guirassy. More

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    Robbie Savage wins promotion at first attempt as TNT Sports pundit takes Macclesfield FC into National League North

    TNT SPORTS pundit Robbie Savage has won promotion with Macclesfield FC at the first attempt.A 2-1 win against Bamber Bridge on Saturday afternoon saw the Northern Premier League side seal their place in next season’s National League North.Robbie Savage has got Macclesfield FC promoted on his first attemptCredit: GettyThe phoenix club of Macclesfield Town have won the Northern Premier League titleCredit: GettyThey will play in the National League North next seasonCredit: X/ thesilkmenIt marks an incredible debut campaign from ex-Manchester United midfielder Savage, who has done the job with six league games still to play.Macclesfield FC, the phoenix club of now-defunct side Macclesfield Town, are 20 points clear of closest challengers Worksop.Savage’s side have won 29 of their 36 games so far, scoring 88 goals and conceding just 26.And it means they will finish the term as Northern Premier League champions even if they go on to lose all six of their remaining matches.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSavage described it as the highlight of his career in football because during his illustrious playing days he never won a league.He said: “I’ve been lucky enough to captain four teams in the Premier League, play nearly 350 games in the top-flight, appear in Wembley finals and win 39 caps for my country.“But Macclesfield being crowned champions of the Northern Premier League was my proudest moment of all.”Savage added it was especially sweet as there were many people in football who were longing for him to fail.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSHe said: “For all the haters, doubters and keyboard warriors, they have fuelled my fire and that of my players.“I have answered every single person who spoke negatively about us.Where are they now: The unusual careers of former footballersThe Silkmen won the title with six games to spareCredit: GettySavage only took charge of the club last summerCredit: The Times“I have proved people wrong all my life. I am a fighter as you have to be after being released by the biggest club in the world [Manchester United] as a youngster.”Savage took charge of the Silkmen last summer after predecessor Michael Clegg finished second before losing the play-off final.He was already a part-owner of Macclesfield FC, who were only created in 2020.And it means Savage could stay on as boss after revealing he would SACK himself if the club failed to go up.He said in August: “If I fail, I know my time will be up. “I won’t be able to go back to being a director of football, sitting in the stands and judging other people if I’ve come up short. I know everything is on the line.“Some of the stuff that was said when I took on the job was unpleasant to say the least. It was a horrible summer. “But this team will get in the play-offs, and I believe we will go up, but if we don’t win promotion I will walk away from the dugout, take a back seat as a part-owner and watch from afar. “There will be people who hope I fall flat on my face, but if that happens it won’t be for a lack of effort.”However, Macclesfield FC owner Robert Smethurst reckons Savage could end up being hired by a bigger side.He told the BBC: “How long he’ll stay here at Macclesfield, God only knows.READ MORE SUN STORIES”Maybe we’ll be lucky enough to keep him for another year. He’s already getting clubs coming for him now, higher up in the league.”It’ll only be a matter of time before he proves himself and will no longer be here at Macclesfield. I’m aware of that.” More

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    Dennis Wise squares up to Jay Spearing in legends game as clash turns ugly with Chelsea icon wagging finger in his face

    DENNIS WISE squared up to Jay Spearing in a charity legends match between Liverpool and Chelsea.The former midfielders collided in the friendly at Anfield on Saturday, with all proceeds going to the LFC Foundation plus supporting beneficiaries including Forever Reds, Chelsea FC Foundation and Chelsea Players’ Trust.Dennis Wise squared up to Jay Spearing in a charity legends matchCredit: YouTube / LFCThe pair collided as Liverpool hosted Chelsea at AnfieldCredit: YouTube / LFCBoth teams saw plenty of ex-stars turn out, with Liverpool boasting big names like Steven Gerrard, Jerzy Dudek and Dirk Kuyt.Visitors Chelsea gave starts to aces including Claude Makelele, Florent Malouda and Ramires.And it was Liverpool who emerge victorious in a 2-0 win thanks to a brace from super-sub Peter Crouch.But despite the peaceful nature of the game, things got a bit heated during the first half when Wise and Spearing had a collision.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe duo were both combatative midfielders in their prime.And neither man was willing to back out when trying to win the ball in the 27th minute.But Wise, 58, was not happy with Spearing, 36.The former Chelsea captain, who won two FA Cups and a Uefa Cup Winners’ Cup among others, squared up to Spearing following their duel.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSWise eyeballed the Liverpool League Cup winner as player from both sides intervened.And he even wagged a finger in Spearing’s face as verbal blows were traded.’This is a joke’ – Danny Drinkwater reveals moment he was told he had ONE HOUR to leave ChelseaWise won several trophies during his time as Chelsea captainCredit: ReutersJay Spearing came through the academy at LiverpoolCredit: GettyHowever, the pair eventually parted ways as the referee broke thing up before continuing with the good-natured game.Spearing played 55 times for Liverpool after coming up through their academy.He left for Bolton in 2013 and also played at Blackpool and Tranmere before taking up a player-coach role with Liverpool’s youth teams in 2022.As for Wise, he started life at Wimbledon in 1985 and won the FA Cup three years later.Wise then became Chelsea’s record signing at £1.6million in 1990  and ended up playing 446 times for the Blues.The 21-time England international also featured for Leicester, Millwall, Southampton and Coventry before retiring in 2006.READ MORE SUN STORIESWise spent time as a player-manager with Millwall and moved into the dugout full-time with both Swindon Town and Leeds.Later he took up executive roles at Newcastle and and Italian side Como, who are now managed in Serie A by Cesc Fabregas. More