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    Lauren Hemp insists England ‘have respect’ for Spain but will be ready for tough pre-Euros test against world champions

    LAUREN HEMP reckons England are ready to go toe-to-toe with Spain after their six-goal Nations League pummelling of Portugal. Following her international comeback yesterday evening the fit-again forward admitted she missed playing in front of Lionesses fans.Lauren Hemp says England are feeling confident ahead of their clash with Spain on June 3Credit: AlamyHemp and her team-mates are second in their Nations League group behind Spain following their rivals’ 5-1 defeat of BelgiumCredit: GettyEngland’s clash with Spain in June will be their last competitive match ahead of the July 2 start of this year’s Women’s EurosCredit: GettyBefore her side’s pivotal pre-Euros duel with Spain the Lioness, 24, made a successful return to England action for the first time since last October. Their 6-0 humbling of Portugal involved four different players scoring for the reigning European champions. They include Chelsea’s Aggie Beever-Jones who registered her first international hat-trickDefeat of their Nations League group A3 rivals would put England in the contest’s finals.Read More Football Stories It would also fire a warning to their foes’ at this year’s Euros, with World Cup winners Spain likely to be one of the biggest threats. Before their Tuesday duel in Barcelona, Hemp said: “The confidence (in the squad) is high. “We’ve got a lot of respect for Spain and we’ve had so many great games against them. “We’re going to make sure we’re ready and rested for that game and we’ll make sure we start that match as we did this one (against Portugal).”Most read in FootballHemp’s England shift at Wembley last night was her first in seven months and follows her recovery from a knee injury. Her last Lioness game before then was a 2-1 friendly defeat of South Africa last October.A match that was followed by Hemp undergoing a knee op a month later that would leave her sidelined until her Man City return in April.In front of a 48,531-strong crowd, it looked as if she had never been away as she, Beever-Jones and Beth Mead terrorised Portugal’s woeful defence. Hemp added: “It’s been a long journey and there have been times when I’ve thought, ‘when am I actually getting back on the pitch’ after having a few setbacks. “But it’s great to be back in an England shirt and doing what I love doing. Hopefully there is still more to come.””It’s been a long seven months but coming back felt great. “The fans are great and they’re always great and I’ve missed that as well with not being in the mix for a little while (due to injury).”Defeat of Spain would see England register their second victory over the World Cup winners in the Nations League this year. The last duel between the sides resulted in 1-0 win for Sarina Wiegman’s players at Wembley in February. On whether victory would serve as a warning to the Lionesses Euros’ rivals, Hemp said: “There’s still a little while to go. “It’s important that we still put in the performances leading up to the Euros. “But at the moment we feel we’re in a great place.”With Beever-Jones notching her first senior England hat-trick and Mead and Chloe Kelly scoring, Sarina Wiegman feels she has a Euros selection headache with her forwards. On June 5 the England boss, 55, will announce who has made it into her 23-player squad for the tournament that starts on July 2 in Switzerland.Wiegman has backed Lauren James to battle her way into contention with the Chelsea forward’s recovery from a hamstring injury progressing. She said: “We have so many options up front in the England squad right now. Sarina Wiegman believes deciding which England forwards to take to this year’s Euros will be a tough decision to makeCredit: Getty”What we also hope for is LJ (Lauren James) coming back too. She’s still in rehab and doing good. Read More on The Sun”I hope every striker will be fit including those who we have now in the squad with LJ added to that. “Then it’s going to be really hard for me to make decisions for the Euros squad.” More

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    Chelsea to give Liam Delap major dilemma with £30million striker at risk of being in middle of club vs country row

    LIAM DELAP’S first major test at Chelsea won’t be on the pitch – it’ll be navigating a club versus country row.Chelsea are closing in on the £30million striker having already agreed personal terms.Liam Delap is closing on on a big-money move to ChelseaCredit: AlamyHe scored 12 goals this season but his over all impact was sensationalDelap is closing in on reuniting with his former City mates at ChelseaAnd they want him available for the Fifa Club World Cup this summer.But that tournament clashes with England’s plans to include him in their squad for the Uefa Under-21 European Championship, which kicks off on June 12.Delap scored 12 goals and provided two assists for relegated Ipswich last season and his performances look to have secured a move to the capital.But he’s about to get mixed up in some of the unwanted politics of the Beautiful Game.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS Delap reportedly had offers from Manchester United, Everton, and Chelsea.But journalist Ben Jacobs is reporting that that Thomas Tuchel convinced him a Champions League platform would boost his chances of making England’s 2026 World Cup squad.Chelsea, fresh off winning the Europa Conference League, have wasted no time splashing the cash on Delap.United were believed to be front-runners to land the England Under-21 star.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKBut a disastrous end to their season – in contrast to Chelsea’s strong finish – is understood to have tipped the balance.Delap was also coached by Enzo Maresca during his time at Manchester City’s academy, while Joe Shields – now at Chelsea – played a key role in bringing him from Derby to City back in 2019.Painful moment cheeky Chelsea star grabs team-mate’s privates in X-rated celebration after Conference League triumphSunSport understands all these factors played a key role in convincing one of England’s brightest young talents to join Chelsea.But, as with every top club, Delap will need to get used to being at the heart of club vs country tug-of-wars whenever international and domestic duties overlap.Chelsea have had Nicolas Jackson leading the line over the last two seasons but he has failed to fully convince fans he is the man to take them forward.Join SUN CLUB for the Chelsea Files every Tuesday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Stamford Bridge More

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    ‘With you, I started to smile again’ – Tearful Antony announces Real Betis exit as £86m flop forced to return to Man Utd

    ANTONY hailed his Real Betis loan spell as “one of the most beautiful chapters of my life” as he prepares for his return to Manchester United.The Brazil winger scored nine goals and provided five assists in 26 appearances for Betis in his reviving six-month loan move.Antony said goodbye to Real Betis with an emotional videoThe winger must return to Man Utd this summerBut Antony and Betis endured a painful last dance, losing 4-1 to Chelsea in the Uefa Conference League final in Poland.He is set to return to Man Utd, who would not accept a cut-price deal or another loan move.The 26-year-old was grateful for his time at Betis as he penned an emotional open letter on Instagram.Antony said in Spanish: “Today is the day to give thanks for one of the most beautiful chapters of my life.READ MORE MAN UTD NEWS”As I write this page of my story, I need to tell you why you have been —and always will be —so special to me. “Since I was a child, football wasn’t just a dream, it was my only chance to change my life. “Life took me far, from the favela to the world. I left Brazil, played in the Netherlands, played in England, and went from being a boy to becoming a father.”A lot has changed, but football has always been there, always my safe harbour. Until one day, everything collapsed. Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old Trafford”From heaven to hell. The ball stopped going in, the joy faded, my world darkened, and I began to doubt myself, my talent, and my passion for the game.”That’s when football gave me one last gift: Real Betis. From the first step into this club, I felt something different. ‘Leaving Man Utd works wonders’ – Fans love Antony’s wild Real Betis celebrations as he goes topless and waves huge flag”It was like coming home, like finding a piece of myself that I thought I had lost. With you, I started to smile again.”Thank you for welcoming me as one of your own. Thank you for giving me back the joy of playing football. “And thank you for reminding me why I fell in love with the game. My home, my people, thank you so much.”Antony captioned the heartwarming post with: “My world. My people.”The video started with Antony walking around an Villamarin Stadium, soaking his final days with the club who desperately wanted to keep him.Football gave me one last gift: Real Betis.AntonyThe goodbye video showed Antony’s best moments in a Betis shirtHe was wearing his Betis jersey, with his young kids popping up in the green and white kits too.It then showed his best match highlights, including his incredible goal against former Man Utd team-mate David de Gea at Fiorentina. Dramatic Hans Zimmer-like piano music played in the background throughout.Read More on The SunAntony endured a torrid first half of the season in the Premier League, compounding what had been a frustrating two seasons at Old Trafford following his £86million from Ajax in 2022.While he might not be accepted back into the fold at Old Trafford, Antony attracted interest from Bayer Leverkusen, now managed by former United boss Erik ten Hag. More

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    Why are Inter wearing black armbands in the Champions League final?

    INTER take on Paris Saint-Germain in the final of the Champions League TONIGHT.Simone Inzaghi’s side will be looking to lift the famous trophy aloft for the first time since 2010.Inter Milan take on PSG in the Champions League final tonightCredit: Spada/LaPresse via APThey beat one of the tournament favourites, Barcelona, in a thrilling 7-6 clash, that needed extra-time at the San Siro.They also KO’d Bayern in the quarters.PSG knocked out Liverpool, Aston Villa and Arsenal on their way to Munich. Inter will be looking to add a fourth Champions League to their impressive trophy collection, almost 61 years since their first triumph in 1964.Read more Champions LeagueThe side will have a little extra on their kit tonight, wearing black armbands for the HUGE Champions League final, and SunSport can share why.Champions League final 24-25 LIVEWhy are Inter wearing black armbands in the Champions League final?Inter will be wearing black armbands to pay tribute to their former president, Ernesto Pellegrini, who died ahead of the Champions League final.A statement from Inter on X read: “President Ernesto Pellegrini has left us. “For eleven years he led Inter with wisdom, honor and determination, leaving an indelible mark on the history of our ClubMost read in Champions League”FC Internazionale Milano and all the Nerazzurri people rally around his family.”The Milan native owned the Serie A side from 1984 to 1995, overseeing a record-breaking Scudetto, the Supercoppa Italiana and two Uefa Cup titles.Inter Milan will wear black armbands in tribute to former owner Ernesto Pellegrini, who passed away just hours before the finalCredit: GettyWhat TV channel will the Champions League final 2025 be on and can it be live streamed? More

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    Champions League travel chaos erupts as fans block train and throw rocks and tear gas is deployed on board

    CHAOS erupted in Munich with fights reported between fans travelling for the Champions League final.Dramatic footage shows fights kicking off between crowds of fans as they made their way to the match on public transport.Fans were seen crowded into disrupted trains in MunichCredit: TNT sports via XInter fans shout slogans outside the San Siro stadiumCredit: AFPFans were even spotted throwing stones at each other at Fröttmaning station near the Allianz Arena, Bild reported.Fights erupted between groups of PSG and Inter fans making their way to the final on Saturday.They also reportedly caused travel disruption by making their way on to the train tracks.Some present were injured in the scuffle, with several even visibly covered in blood.Most read on the SunChampions League final REACTION – PSG 5-0 InterA fence between the tracks stopped the incident becoming worse, Bild’s reporters added.Tear gas was also reportedly used on a train at the U6 “Universität” stop.The emergency brake was pulled on the train, and the guard couldn’t get through the crowd to reset the lever.Munich police reported that delays were expected on certain lines following the incident.Most read in FootballGerman cops have also threatened fans with their batons in efforts to keep tonight’s final as peaceful as possible.Munich police said on X: “Currently, many police officers are at Marienplatz to separate the opposing fan camps.”L’Equipe has reported that at least one PSG supporter was injured at the Universitat subway station.A Munich police spokesperson said: “Physical clashes took place in the Universitst subway station, during which pepper spray was used. “The investigation into the circumstances is ongoing.”Some lines on Munich’s public transport system reportedly struggled to deal with the volume of fans.Shops in Paris have been seen putting up barricades to protect themselves in case unrest hits the city’s streets tonight.It comes as PSG claimed the Champions League trophy for the first time in the club’s history.Paris St Germain and Inter Milan fans gather in MunichCredit: ReutersInter fans gather at the fan zone at Odeonsplatz square prior to the UEFA Champions League FinalCredit: EPA More

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    Kevin De Bruyne ‘to join Napoli within days with Serie A winners to snap up Man City legend in stunning free transfer’

    KEVIN DE BRUYNE is reportedly on the brink of joining Italian champions Napoli.The Belgian midfielder is a free agent after his Manchester City contract came to an end.Kevin De Bruyne is on the verge of a free transfer to NapoliCredit: GettyDe Bruyne bid farewell to fans after a decade of silverware at the Etihad.But reports claims he has already found a new club just days after leaving the Premier League.According to Di Marzio, De Bruyne has struck a deal to join newly-crowned Serie A kings Napoli.Antonio Conte and Scott McTominay pipped Champions League finalists Inter Milan to Italian football’s greatest prize by a single point.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd to celebrate, Napoli are now looking to quickly wrap up a move for De Bruyne on Sunday.Negotiations are said to be a formality, with paperwork expected to be finalised tomorrow.De Bruyne will then undergo a medical before penning a contract, with an official announcement to follow afterwards.And the transfer will see him link up with striker Romelu Lukaku, with the pair already enjoying a fine partnership together for Belgium.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSNapoli have already been toasting their success win by keeping hold of boss Conte.The Italian’s future was cast into immediate doubt just hours after Napoli won their fourth title. Kevin De Bruyne given emotional Etihad send off as Man City take huge leap towards return to Champions LeagueBut after assurances that he will be properly backed in the transfer market, Conte is staying put.As well as De Bruyne, Napoli are also thought to be targeting moves for Inter Milan midfielder Davide Frattesi and Juventus defender Federico Gatti.Lille striker Jonathan David is wanted on a free transfer.And there have even been links with Man City’s £100million out-of-favour forward Jack Grealish. More

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    Barcelona ‘don’t want to pay for Marcus Rashford’ in blow to Man Utd with two other Prem wingers on their shortlist

    MANCHESTER UNITED have been dealt a blow after Barcelona reportedly declared they do NOT want to pay for Marcus Rashford.The England forward’s future is in the spotlight following a half-season loan at Aston Villa.Barcelona do not want to pay to sign Marcus Rashford this summerCredit: GettyRashford scored two goals in 14 outings under Unai Emery while helping Villa reach the Champions League quarters.But their failure to qualify for next season’s competition means they are unlikely to sign Rashford permanently for an already-agreed £40million.SunSport exclusively revealed the 27-year-old wants to play in the Champions League.And he has now set his sights on a move to Spanish champions Barcelona.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHansi Flick’s men are indeed interested in Rashford.However, German outlet Bild claims they do not want to sign him permanently and are only willing to discuss a loan deal.It leaves United in a precarious position, with the Red Devils hoping to cash in on Rashford to fund new signings.It’s believed they would give the OK to one more loan move for Rashford.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSBut it requires Barcelona to cover the entirety of his £315,000-a-week wages while also paying a loan fee between £5m and £10m.United also want to agree an option fee for a permanent deal in the summer of 2026.Marcus Rashford sells Lamborghini supercar for £450,000 and buys incredibly rare £177,000 Audi However, Barcelona’s reluctance to hand over any money for Rashford could see them look elsewhere.If they are to spend hard cash, the Catalans would reportedly prefer to sign Liverpool’s Colombian star Luis Diaz.Arsenal’s Gabriel Martinelli is also in their sights.While Flick remains a fan of Bayern Munich’s Kingsley Coman. More

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    Bruno Fernandes sends cryptic 11-word message with Man Utd future in doubt after ‘making promise to fan’

    MANCHESTER UNITED star Bruno Fernandes has left fans baffled after leaving an 11-word cryptic message on social media.The Portuguese midfielder is being eyed by Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal who are looking to make him their marquee signing this summer.Bruno Fernandes has been the best Man United player in the last two seasonsCredit: PABruno looked to have promised a fan he would stay at UnitedThe Man United captain could not stop them losing to Spurs in the Europa League finalCredit: GettySunSport understand that the Saudi club is looking to pay around £100million for his services and Fernandes’ recent social media posts have left fans scratching their heads.He posted on his Instagram story: “Se voce tentou e falhou, parabens! Tem gente que nem tenta”This translate to: “If you tried and failed, congratulations! There are people who don’t even try.”The post has left fans thinking he could leave with one fan reacting to it by saying: “In the context I’m putting it in my head it sounds like he’s leaving. READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS”Literally means he tried his best and still failed at United.”Another United fan said: “I tried to win trophies and I did it, congratulations! Some don’t even have one in their last five seasons, we will miss you Bruno!”Then a third fan under his post said: “Another great midfielder who failed to win things at Manchester United.”BEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UK More