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    ‘They should talk to Luke Littler’ – Man Utd legend says squad should turn to darts teenager for advice

    MANCHESTER UNITED hero Jaap Stam believes that the Red Devils’ current crop should talk to Luke Littler about handling pressure.Ruben Amorim’s side have endured an awful season and sit 13th in the Premier League.Luke Littler continues to go from strength to strengthCredit: RexMan Utd have endured a difficult seasonCredit: RexLittler, meanwhile, has continued to thrive since bursting onto the scene as a 16-year-old at the World Darts Championship in December 2023.After being beaten in the Ally Pally final on that occasion, the darts wonderkid went one better to become world champion earlier this year.Stam, who hails from a proud darts nation in the Netherlands, believes that United’s new young core could do with taking a leaf from Littler’s book.Chatting to Makthavare, the former centre-back, 52, said: “I’ve been so impressed with how Luke Littler has been performing, he is doing such an amazing job at a young age and I spoke to him at Old Trafford last season.READ MORE ON MAN UTD”I told him how impressive it was that he can still perform with all the noise and the shouting behind him at tournaments, it’s so hard to have that concentration and that focus.”I think it’s different for certain personalities in how you approach certain situations and how you deal with that, Luke’s been doing a great job at that.”For young footballers who are going from the academy to the first team at a big club it can be very difficult, you have to think about all the social media attention and pressure put on these players.”I think it would be good for these young players to talk to Luke about his experience and how he handles high pressure situations.Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old TraffordJaap Stam played for Man Utd between 1998 and 2001Credit: AFP”I have seen players in the past who go from the academy to the first team and then they seem to struggle.”It’s so important to have people within the club who can help that transition and make it easier for those young people to handle it and reach their potential.”Luke Littler celebrates win after his victory at Premier League night seven in Cardiff Man Utd have not lost a match in 90 minutes since their 1-0 defeat at Tottenham on February 16, although they did exit the FA Cup to Fulham on penalties during the subsequent seven-match stretch.Littler, meanwhile, has continued to thrive.On Thursday the 18-year-old claimed victory on Night Seven of the 2025 Darts Premier League in Cardiff.Luke the Nuke will face winless Stephen Bunting in the quarter-finals on Night Eight in Newcastle next Thursday. More

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    Thomas Tuchel scraps Gareth Southgate’s England tradition but move splits fans with some branding it ‘nonsense’

    THOMAS TUCHEL divided fans with numbers – after ditching one of Gareth Southgate’s England traditions.The new boss used squad numbers for his starting team, whereas predecessor Southgate had preferred the good old one to 11.Goalscorers Myles Lewis-Skelly and Harry Kane did a number on AlbaniaCredit: RexEngland lined up for the World Cup qualifier with their squad numbersThe only figure Tuchel might care about is the 2-0 margin by which the Three Lions saw off Albania in their World Cup qualifying opener.But many supporters were split after he abandoned Southgate’s nostalgic numbering, having also opted not to sing the national anthem before the match.It meant history-making Myles Lewis-Skelly wore the No 23 – which is five above his age.And England’s other full debutant, 32-year-old Dan Burn, was at 12.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLOne fan demanded a return to Southgate’s simplicity.He wrote: “England need to go back to 1-11 numbers on their shirts. What is this number 12, 17 & 23 in the starting XI nonsense?”Another said: “Why squad numbers? Should be 1-11.”But other viewers reckons it all just adds up to Tuchel going with the flow – by assigning squad numbers and keeping them for the games.Most read in FootballEngland 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…BEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSOne even claimed: “By far the most encouraging sign for England’s future under Thomas Tuchel is that they appear to have adopted permanent squad numbers instead of the starters always wearing 1-11.”Meanwhile, a few fans were more intrigued by irked.Thomas Tuchel prefers the highs and lows of squad numbersCredit: RexOne such observer posted: “Interesting seeing #England not wearing numbers 1-11!”In the end the debate didn’t subtract from an important victory, albeit one that was far more solid than scintillating.And apart from the scoreline, only two figures really stood out.The first was Lewis-Skelly scoring aged only 18 years and 176 days.So by 33 days he surpassed Marcus Rashford as the youngest player to net on his England debut.And the second noteworthy number was skipper Harry Kane rounding off the Wembley triumph with his 70th international goal.That takes Kane 17 clear of second-placed Wayne Rooney in the all-time list of Three Lions’ scorers. More

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    Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis sends fans bold Champions League prediction

    NOTTINGHAM FOREST owner Evangelos Marinakis shared an ambitious Champions League prediction ahead of next season.Forest have been the Premier League’s surprise package this term as they are third in the table ahead of the likes of Chelsea and defending champions Manchester City.Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis predicted his team can win the Champions LeagueCredit: PAMarinakis also believes his other team Olympiacos can win the Champions LeagueCredit: RexNottingham are pushing for their first ever Champions League qualification after almost three decades away from any European competition despite barely surviving the drop the last two seasons.The Tricky Trees are seven points above sixth-placed Newcastle and thus pose among the Prem’s favourites to play in Europe’s elite competition next season.Forest may be joined by Marinakis’ other club Olympiacos, who made history last season by becoming the first ever Greek team to win a European trophy when they lifted the Europa Conference League.The Greek giants are top of the Super League and need to win the title to practically seal a place in the league phase – they will then hope Aston Villa or Borussia Dortmund don’t win the Champions League.Read More on FootballMarinakis, 57, has more ambitious goals after doing the unthinkable by helping Olympiacos win a European trophy and guiding Forest into an almost certain top-five finish.The Greek businessman took part in a documentary commemorating Olympiacos’ 100-year anniversary where he addressed both of his teams’ path in next season’s elite comeptition.And the shipping magnate expressed his confidence that one of his teams will “surely” win the Champions League soon.Marinakis told Mega: “I’m sure you’ve heard many things, what I have to say is that since both clubs will compete in the Champions League one of them is sure to win it.”Most read in FootballNeither of his two teams have sealed a place in the competition yet as they still face some tough matches ahead.Forest have nine Premier League games to go against the likes of Manchester United, Villa, Tottenham and Chelsea.Nottingham Forest star serenades team-mates after being bizarrely gifted guitar by Ed Sheeran following Ipswich win Nuno Espirito Santo’s side are also in the FA Cup where they will visit Brighton in the quarter-finals next week.Olympiacos, on the other hand, are seven points ahead of second-placed AEK Athens in Greece.Jose Luis Mendilibar’s men are facing six tough play-off matches against title foes AEK, defending champions PAOK and eternal rivals Panathinaikos.The reigning Conference League winners will also have the chance to win their first Double in five years when they take on either OFI or Asteras Tripolis in the Greek Cup final.Nevertheless, steps are already being taken to comply with UEFA competition regulations in case both of Marinakis’ clubs make it to the Champions League.The rules prohibit clubs controlled by the same ownership structure from competing in the same European competition and thus a club reshuffle commenced last month.READ MORE SUN STORIESDocuments were recently filed on the Companies House website that confirm Forest co-owner Sokratis Kominakis and Ioannis Vrentzos are no longer directors at the City Ground.Both Vrentzos and Kominakis will retain their positions at Olympiacos. More

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    Emotional moment Myles Lewis-Skelly’s nan is spotted going wild in Wembley crowd after his historic England goal

    MYLES LEWIS-SKELLY’S family were spotted emotionally celebrating his record-breaking debut England goal.The Arsenal star was given his first senior cap by new Three Lions boss Thomas Tuchel – against Albania at Wembley.Myles Lewis-Skelly scored on his England debutCredit: GettyHe became England’s youngest debut scorerCredit: GettyLewis-Skelly’s grandmother and sister were spotted hugging after his goalMembers of the family cheered on from the stands at WembleyAnd it took just 20 minutes for left-back Lewis-Skelly to repay Tuchel’s faith as he latched onto Jude Bellingham’s stunning pass and slotted past keeper Thomas Strakosha.And 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.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLLewis-Skelly’s family were seen going wild in the Wembley stands after the opening goal.ITV cameras picked up the wonderkid’s grandmother and sister cheering and hugging.Lewis-Skelly said after the game: “I’m lost for words. I am so grateful for the manager to put trust in me. I am so happy.”The fans made me feel at home so thank you to them.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSTuchel said: “Amazing player. Amazing personality.”He came into camp and showed straight away that it’s normal to fall in love with him. It is well deserved.”Myles Lewis-Skelly lost for words after finding out he has broken England recordCaptain Harry Kane sealed a 2-0 win as Declan Rice also hailed his Gunners team-mate Lewis-Skelly.Rice said: “He 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.”Declan Rice hailed Gunners team-mate Lewis-SkellyLewis-Skelly and Rice pose after the winCredit: Getty More

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    England ratings: Myles Lewis-Skelly in dream debut but Thomas Tuchel has same Phil Foden issue as Gareth Southgate

    MYLES 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. Myles Lewis-Skelly broke the deadlock with a landmark goalCredit: ReutersHarry Kane confirmed victory with a smooth finish on 78 minutesCredit: GettyLewis-Skelly helped Thomas Tuchel taste victory in his opening gameCredit: GettyNew 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.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHere’s how SunSport’s Tom Barclay rated the Three Lions in German manager Tuchel’s opening match…JORDAN PICKFORD – 6WITH Tuchel naming four goalkeepers in his first squad, you wondered if the long-serving stopper’s position in goal may be under threat. But Pickford started and looked fairly assured with what little he had to do.BEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSWas not afraid to go long with his passes at times, compared to the obsession in the Premier League of playing out from the back no matter what.Most read in FootballHad one nervy moment when Dan Burn’s block looped up against the crossbar in the first half, before the Geordie headed it away.Myles Lewis-Skelly lost for words after finding out he has broken England recordKYLE WALKER – 6STARTED despite his underwhelming season at Manchester City and now on loan at AC Milan.His passing was OK for the most part, albeit not super crisp.But the veteran, earning his 94th cap, had an excellent moment shortly before half-time when he fired in a cross which Bellingham headed goalwards, only to be denied by an excellent Thomas Strakosha save.Vital interception in the second half when sub Armando Broja had got in behind Burn.EZRI KONSA – 7MADE double figures for England caps with this appearance.Was pretty solid alongside Burn, having plenty of the ball as all the England defensive players did.Made an excellent last-ditch tackle after the ball was played in behind his centre-back partner in the final 20 minutes.Interesting to see Konsa selected over Marc Guehi, given the Crystal Palace man was England’s best defender at the Euros.DAN BURN – 7ALMOST had another Wembley dream moment in the space of a week.The giant defender was making his England debut six days on from helping Newcastle win their first domestic trophy in 70 years.Burn’s bullet header from a corner sent the Magpies on their way to victory then – and he nearly repeated the trick here when nodding the ball against the crossbar in the first half.He put his body on the line and made a number of brave blocks, including the one that looped up against his own woodwork.Had more of a difficult time of it when the speedier Broja came off the bench in the second half, and also managed to kick Myrto Uzuni in the face with one whack clear.England debutant Dan Burn hit the bar with a headerCredit: AlamyMYLES LEWIS-SKELLY – STAR MAN 8SIX months ago the 18-year-old had not even played for Arsenal.Now he has not only made his senior debut for England – but has his first goal too.The left-back raced in down the left to meet Bellingham’s inch-perfect pass, before poking it through the keeper’s legs.Looked to have tears in his eyes as he celebrated his magic moment – and was accomplished in the rest of his display.CURTIS JONES – 6THE Liverpudlian was one of many success stories of youngsters brought through by Tuchel’s interim predecessor Lee Carsley.Here he played a bit further forward at times, interchanging with Bellingham when allowed.Had plenty of the ball as England dominated possession, though did give it away with a poor early pass.Jones managed to wriggle in down the right on 14 minutes, but his decent cut-back was cleared.Curtis Jones played the first 74 minutes on FridayCredit: AFPDECLAN RICE – 7SO many touches for the Arsenal man as England patiently probed for opportunities. Southgate’s favourite system involved two pivots.But Rice here was generally alone in his deep-lying role, suggesting Tuchel will be a bit more ambitious in his attacking approach.Having said that, there were a lot of passes backwards from England, underpinning a dominant, if not overly exciting display.Though one such Rice chip over to Kane brought about the crucial second.PHIL FODEN – 5SOUTHGATE was never able to get the best out of Phil Foden, while Carsley only started him once in his six interim games.The fact that the City star was starting here suggested Tuchel is keen to find a way of unlocking his talent.But Foden struggled to make much of an impact again.He was deployed wide right, and did try to dribble forward when he could, but with little effect.JUDE BELLINGHAM – 8ENGLAND’S best moments involved the Real Madrid superstar.Albania’s low block was difficult to break down, but Bellingham’s inventive passing was Tuchel’s best method of doing so.His delicious pass for Lewis-Skelly provided the opener, while he had a neat cross that Kane nodded wide near the hour.Was denied a goal on two occasions by two top Strakosha saves, first from a toe-poke, then a close-range header.MARCUS RASHFORD – 7SEEMED to relish being back playing for England after his surprise recall by Tuchel.Was full of energy and looked to spin in behind at every opportunity, even if he did not always receive the pass from his team-mates.A beautiful diagonal pass over to Foden early on showed his technical quality.England lacked willing runners at the Euros, but here, a motivated Rashford provided one.Recalled attacker Marcus Rashford evades Ivan BalliuCredit: ReutersHARRY KANE – 7REGULARLY dropped deep in the early stages, despite his manager saying in the week that he wanted his star man to stay up top.It did allow him to display his impressive passing range though and he had a few quality balls through for Rashford.Had a goal-bound shot brilliantly blocked by Albanian captain Berat Gjimshiti in the first half.But Kane’s clinical finish into the far corner in the second half saw him reach 70 goals for his country – and his fifth in three games against this opposition.SUBSANTHONY GORDON (on for Rashford, 74) – 6Was left limping for the final few minutes after taking a whack on his hip in injury time. Concerningly, was down on the turf in pain as the final whistle went.JARROD BOWEN (for Foden, 74) – 6Mainly ensured the 2-0 scoreline stayed that way.MORGAN ROGERS (for Jones, 74) – 6Played a bit deeper than he does for Aston Villa, filling in at No8 like Jones had.READ MORE SUN STORIESJORDAN HENDERSON (for Rice, 82) – 6ON for his first England appearance since 2023, and his 82nd in total, to help see it out. Crunched Adrion Pajaziti with a poor challenge.REECE JAMES (for Lewis-Skelly, 90) – 6Main role was allowing debutant Lewis-Skelly to get a standing ovation. First international in two years, coming on at left-back. Lewis-Skelly is mobbed after his history-making openerCredit: Getty More

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    Undercover cops wear Liverpool kit to arrest Newcastle Utd fan suspected of drug-dealing

    UNDERCOVER cops wore Liverpool kit to bust a Newcastle United fan suspected of drug-dealing.Their sting proved sweet revenge four days after the Toon won the Carabao Cup final 2-1.Thai undercover cops donned Liverpool shirts to bust a drug dealer who was wearing a Newcastle topCredit: Three cops in Liverpool shirts who visited the man’s meatballs stall were each sold £200 bags containing 200 methamphetamine tablets.They arrested him then posed for a photo in Krabi, Thailand, where many locals support the Reds. The accused, Aphichat Nayaw, 33, faces the death penalty or a long jail term if found guilty depending on the amount of drugs he had.Liverpool are the most popular Premier League team in Thailand and thousands of fans flock to bars to watch their games – including many police officers.READ MORE ON CARABAO CUPDistrict Police Chief Preecha Saingthong, who led the drug bust, said:“Me and most of my colleagues are Liverpool supporters. Of course I watched the cup final, I would not have missed it.“It was a shame we did not win but I was not that sad because Liverpool have already won this cup 10 times and Newcastle have not won any cup for 70 years.”And at the end of the season I am confident we will be celebrating when Liverpool win the league.Most read in Football“We have a Liverpool fan club here and are preparing for a celebration – hopefully there will be no case on that day.”Ant & Dec scream with joy and Alan Shearer loses his hat as Geordies go wild after Newcastle win Carabao CupNewcastle United stunned Liverpool to win the Carabao Cup final 2-1 last weekendCredit: GettyLiverpool players and fans were left in agony at their defeat to Newcastle at WembleyCredit: AP More

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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