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    Tottenham and Wales star Brennan Johnson is tipped to stuff Turkey

    BEN DAVIES wants Brennan Johnson to show his red-hot Spurs form for Wales.Johnson, 23, has eight goals in his last 14 games for club and country, including a stunning run of six in a row for Tottenham.Ben Davies will captain Wales in their Nations League clash with Turkey on SaturdayCredit: AlamyDavies attended a McDonald’s Fun Football session at Cheshunt FCThe forward has netted just four times in 31 caps at international level.But defender Davies reckons his Spurs pal is ready to transfer his dazzling club displays to the Dragons. Wales take on Turkey in the Nations League today and Davies, 31,said: “When you come into the team at international level it does take a bit of time to get going.“You make a few substitute appearances at the start but now Brennan’s got a pretty settled position in the team.read more in football“We know how dangerous he can be and if we want to be successful,he’s definitely going to be a big part of that.“He’s blessed with pace and that’s a nightmare for defenders — he’s a proper difficult opponent. “I’d much prefer to have him on my team. “He’s a player that the moment you switch off, he can take advantage because he’s so disciplined in his positioning and timing.”Most read in FootballDavies added: “It was a matter of time before it all clicked. “He creates chances and always looks threatening. He works hard, he’s a great guy and he deserves his success. I’m absolutely delighted for him. “If he keeps putting the ball in the back of the net, then that’s all we can ask for.”With Kieffer Moore out with a calf injury, Johnson will spearhead Craig Bellamy’s attack for the Group B4 tie.Defender Davies is set for his 91st Wales cap when he leads out his country in Turkey today — one behind legendary keeper Neville Southall.But he has never forgotten his Swansea roots.Davies says life has not always been glitz and glamour after he recalled how he used to train on local parks and beaches when he was in the Swans’ academy.The Tottenham defender, with nearly 300 Prem appearances, was one of SEVEN past and present Swansea stars who played in the 1-0 Nations League win over Montenegro last month.He was joined by Ben Cabango, Joe Rodon, Josh Sheehan and Liam Cullen in the starting line-up, while Ollie Cooper and Joe Allen came on as substitutes.That impressive figure is up to NINE in Craig Bellamy’s squad for the crunch trip to Kayseri, with the additions of Connor Roberts, Rhys Norrington-Davies and fit-again Dan James. It would be TEN but for midfielder Cooper’s foot injury. Davies, who has lived in London for a decade, says the strength of feeling for where it all started is highlighted by the fact his son Ralph has a Swansea kit. The Neath-born ace said: “It’s important not to forget your roots and remember where you are from.”Most of us came through that academy and it wasn’t like the one they have today or a lot of the clubs in England.“We were training a couple of times a week in the evening, anywhere we could get a pitch.“We were on Astroturf pitches, in local parks or even down the beach some days. “It wasn’t the luxury that some of the academy facilities are now.“But it was an amazing time. We had some great coaches who gave us every opportunity.“The club has done pretty well and managed to make some sales because of the quality of the boys out of the academy.“And you are also seeing those boys still there are now the heart of the Swansea team.“The guys have done an incredible job. It’s a proud place to come out of.”Davies, who attended a McDonald’s Fun Football session in Cheshunt near Spurs’ training ground, will skipper Wales in the absence of the injured Aaron Ramsey.He will go level with Southall — fourth in Wales’ all-time appearance list — when Iceland visit Cardiff on Tuesday night. Davies is well short of Gareth Bale’s 111-cap record but he reckons another Dragons star will smash all before him.He added: “I’m proud about my number of caps. Playing for Wales is a big honour.“When I started as a 19-year-old, it would have been an absolute dream to get this many.“I’m definitely looking at 100 but I still have the perspective of how good it is to have as many as I have already.“It’s nice to see the core of us that have been the mainstays of the team for the last eight to ten years.“When you get close to these milestones we will look back and say it was a good time for Welsh football.“Injuries permitting, I want to play for Wales as much as I can. That’s my mentality. I love playing for my country.” On beating Bale’s record, he added: “We will see where we get to. But you can’t dwell on things like that.“Even if I do get there then Ethan Ampadu is coming at 24 with 54 caps and he will demolish us all!”Wales are unbeaten in four matches under new boss Bellamy. Victories today and against Iceland will seal promotion to League A.READ MORE SUN STORIESDavies added: “It’s been a successful campaign so far. We’re going into the games looking to try and win the group — that has to be the aim.”l Ben Davies was celebrating the latest McDonald’s Fun Footballsessions this autumn, available to all children aged 5-11. Sign upnow for your nearest free session at mcdonalds.co.uk/football More

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    Cristiano Ronaldo hailed as ‘insane’ by fans after scoring ‘mind-blowing’ goal for Portugal in Poland thrashing

    CRISTIANO RONALDO scored a magnificent overhead kick for Portugal against Poland in the Nations League.Ronaldo, 39, led his national team to a stunning 5-1 triumph over Michal Probierz’s side at the Dragao Stadium just three months before his 40th birthday.Portugal superstar Cristiano Ronaldo scored a stunning overhead kick against PolandCredit: AFPRonaldo led Portugal to a 5-1 victory over Poland in the Nations LeagueRonaldo scored a wondergoal just three months before his 40th birthdayAnd the star forward scored a brace as he was on target from the penalty spot and rounded up the hosts’ dominant victory with a marvellous bicycle kick soon after.Vitinha stole the ball from Poland’s half and passed to Trincao who then switched the ball back to the Paris Saint-Germain star.The midfielder delivered a pinpoint cross from the right flank and found Ronaldo who smashed it to the back of the net with an expertly-taken overhead three minutes before full-time.Fans were left in awe of the Manchester United legend’s latest wondergoal as they stormed social media to once again praise their “GOAT”.Read More on FootballOne fan tweeted: “Insane!”Another commented: “Bro’s 40 and Still Doing this.”A third wrote: “He turns 40 in February. Is he even human?”This fan said: “Mind blowing.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAnd that one stated: “GREATEST THERE WAS, GREATEST THERE IS, GREATEST THERE EVER WILL BE.”Ronaldo is showing no signs of retirement before turning 40, which is usually the maximum age when professional footballers hang up their boots.’Cristiano Ronaldo got quicker, stronger and learned after being humiliated by AC Milan and that game changed his career’ says Paul Scholes Instead, the Real Madrid legend currently counts 10 goals and three assists in 15 appearances with Al-Nassr this season.The ex-Juventus star has now scored 135 goals in 215 games for Portugal.Ronaldo is still going strong for Al-Nassr and PortugalPortugal captain Ronaldo received immense praise on social mediaCredit: GettyRonaldo scored a brace for Portugal against PolandCredit: AP More

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    Uefa Nations League clash ABANDONED after fight breaks out and one of teams walks off pitch in protest

    A NATIONS LEAGUE match was ABANDONED as one team stormed off in protest after fighting on the pitch and chants from fans.Kosovo players reportedly took offence at controversial taunts from the Romanian home crowd in stoppage time.Kosovo players showed their anger and decided to walk offCredit: EPARomania players were left bemused and alone on the pitchCredit: EPARiot police moved in front of the stands in a chaotic finish to the nightCredit: EPAConfusion reigned as Kosovo players and staff went offCredit: ReutersFlares were seen amongst Romanian fansThe Romanian team waited for nearly 40 minutes to see if their opponents would return at the National Arena.Kosovo were then given an ultimatum to return within five minutes.And when that didn’t happen, it’s understood the home team were told to get back out in full kit – so the final whistle could be blown in a farcical finish.Meanwhile, the Kosovo players remained in their dressing room.READ MORE TOP STORIESIt’s uncertain what football chiefs will do now.But although the score was locked at 0-0 four minutes into injury time when play stopped, there’s a chance the home side could be awarded the match 3-0.Friction on the pitch whipped up the late tension in a traditionally-heated clash.Players scuffled on the edge of the box and Romania’s Denis Alibec and Kosovo defender Amir Rrahmani had to be pulled apart.Most read in FootballTottenham defender Radu Dragusin, a main man for the hosts, tried to intervene in the flare-up.Home players returned to warm up before the match was abandonedCredit: EPARomania’s Spurs star Radu Dragusin intervened as things heated upCredit: EPAAnd more drama then erupted soon after, with the away team and staff striding off after chants from the stands.Officials failed to dissuade the Kosovans from going all the way back into the dressing room.Top 10 highest paid footballersCue chaos – and eventually the match being called off.The last clash between the sides – two months ago – also led to play being halted.But on that occasion action resumed as Romania notched a 3-0 away win in the same competition. More

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    Man Utd wonderkid eyed by Premier League rivals Aston Villa for shock transfer after missing out on signing before

    MANCHESTER UNITED wonderkid Harry Amass is being targeted by Premier League rivals Aston Villa, reports suggest.Amass, 17, has been considered as a very promising young prospect at United ever since his arrival from Watford in 2023.Aston Villa are keeping tabs on Manchester United wonderkid Harry AmassCredit: GettyVilla have been monitoring Amass, front, third left, since last year, before Man Utd signed himCredit: GettyThe left-back impressed former manager Erik ten Hag, who called him up to train with the first team in February.Ten Hag also issued the England Under-18 international his first ever senior call-up with the Red Devils.Amass was included in the matchday squad against Liverpool in April but remained an unused substitute.However, the teenage sensation has yet to play for the senior squad and mostly featured for Man Utd’s Under-18s and Under-21s last season.Read More on Man UtdAccording to TEAMtalk, that has led to to interest from Villa who are monitoring developments around the young defender.The Villans have been keeping tabs on Amass since last year when they missed out on his signature by losing the bidding war to United.The full-back is under contract until 2027 and the Manchester giants would probably not welcome any interest in the youngster.However, reports suggest Man Utd may look to strengthen at left-back despite Amass impressing during pre-season.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSPlus, both Ten Hag and former interim boss Ruud van Nistelrooy wouldn’t use him despite injuries to Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia.But Ten Hag was sacked last month and Van Nistelrooy will not be included in new manager Ruben Amorim’s coaching staff.Man Utd fans claim Ruben Amorim could be ‘new Jurgen Klopp’ after heartwarming gesture on stadium tourAmorim is planning to try new things at Old Trafford and could continue the same tactics he used at Sporting Lisbon that saw him fielding three defenders at the back.But in order for that formation to work the Portuguese tactician will need very capable wing-backs, which could create an opportunity for Amass. More

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    Bethany England backs ‘underdogs’ Tottenham to find their mojo in derby duel with Arsenal

    BETHANY ENGLAND would love nothing more than a return to Sarina Wiegman’s England fold. But on Saturday the Tottenham captain’s focus will be on attempting to lead her team-mates to a derby victory over Arsenal. Tottenham hope to pick up their third win in the league this term when they host Arsenal at Spurs StadiumCredit: GettySpurs’ last WSL outing ended as a 4-0 away loss to Man City following a derby win against West HamCredit: GettyArsenal won their last league encounter against Tottenham at the Emirates avenging their first loss to their neighbours in the WSL last DecemberCredit: GettyThe 1:45pm clash at Spurs Stadium will take place three days before Wiegman’s squad announcement ahead of the Lionesses’ two final matches this year. Up first is a November 30 friendly clash with the United States at Wembley followed by a Bramall Lane match against Switzerland on December 3. The last time England, 30, featured for the Lionesses was as a substitute last August, when they competed in a World Cup final for the first time. A hip injury following the team’s 1-0 loss to Spain in that game, kept the striker sidelined for the first three months of last seasonRead More Football StoriesEngland, who was part of Wiegman’s 2022 Euros winning side, has not featured for the national side since. And while an international return before next year’s European Championships would be “amazing”, the Spurs’ skipper’s focus is on her club’s performance. England, who has 26 senior caps, said: “Obviously I’d love nothing more than to be named in that squad. “The next international camp is coming up and it’s up to Sarina (Wiegman) . Most read in Football”I can only control what I can control and make sure when I am on the pitch with Tottenham, I’m doing the best that I can. “We all know how football works and I’ve had a really amazing time with England. “Whether there will be more time in the future, I would welcome that with open arms. “All I can do now is control my own performances at my club.”Since joining Tottenham from Chelsea last January for a then British-record WSL transfer fee England has been influential in their recent history-making moments. Among them is captaining the side to a first North London derby victory in the top tier last December and leading them to an FA Cup final for the first time in May. The beauty of the game is so many things can happen and being the underdog isn’t always a bad thing. Bethany England Tottenham’s 1-0 win against Arsenal last December was preceded by England’s return to action from her hip injury in an away clash with Manchester United. A duel that Spurs, who are seventh, lost 4-0 before winning their next four games across all competitions. England, whose side have one win from their last four games, adds: “We were able to come off the back of an even worse defeat last year and turn it around. “I don’t see why it’s not impossible to do it this time. Both teams are going in (to this game) in different situations. “Arsenal haven’t had the best of runs (in the WSL) either but they’re going into the game off the back of a 5-0 win (against Brighton). “It’s going to be a completely different mindset for them coming to this compared to us. It’s not an impossible task.”Under Renee Slegers, the Gunners’ form has improved with the team having won four of their five games under their stand-in boss. However, England, who has scored twice in seven WSL games this term, said: “We’ve beaten them before. “We have the calibre of players to be able to do it again. But we won’t underestimate them.”Hopefully this week we can show we can step up our form and get the win.”With six points currently separating third-placed Brighton from Tottenham, England feels the competition this term is an exciting one for neutrals. And the striker who recorded a Transport for London announcement for fans arriving at White Hart Lane station tomorrow, believes a Spurs win could be a turning point for their season. She said: “For me it’s nice to see different teams being near the top. “It shows how much the game is growing and it’s not always going to be the same teams in (third or) fourth. “It makes it more exciting and interesting to the fans who watch us.”The beauty of the game is so many things can happen and being the underdog isn’t always a bad thing going into a game like this one. “If this can be the turning point for us, it will change the trajectory of our season. “We’ve just got to find our mojo again. Hopefully we can bring that this weekend.”Since head coach Robert Vilahamn took charge of the team last July, Tottenham have undergone a bit of an overhaul.Among the seven players who sealed Spurs transfers this summer are Australia forward Hayley Raso, 30, and Spain midfielder Maite Oroz, 26, who like Raso, joined from Real Madrid. And young Lionesses defender Ella Morris, 22, made a June move from Southampton. Morris’ England Under-23’s team-mate Lenna Gunning-Williams, is among the promising prospects to have come through Tottenham’s academy ranks in recent years. Lenna Gunning-Williams has made four top-flight appearances for Tottenham so far this termCredit: AlamyThe London-born forward, who joined Spurs at 16 and scored 38 goals in 39 games for their Under-21s, has made four substitute appearances for their WSL side. This followed her making her senior Tottenham debut two years ago ahead of a season-long loan move to Ipswich last term England said: “I also want that family environment for the youth coming through.”It’s important for the youngsters to know they’re having to work just as hard because this league is getting harder and harder every year.”You look at Lenna – she’s coming on in a lot more games and was on loan last year. Arsenal have gone five games unbeaten across all competitions following Renee Slegers taking charge of the team last monthCredit: Getty”She’s come in this season, put in some good performances and helped us get the win at West Ham. READ MORE SUN STORIES”You’ve seen the youth development here and this club has got huge ambition. “To be a part of that ambition and the history going forward is a huge honour for me.” More

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    Ruben Amorim says Man Utd are ‘the engine of the Premier League’ and reveals how his team will play under his management

    RUBEN AMORIM vowed to lead Manchester United into a new era of no-fear football.And the boss, 39, promised not to hang around in making it full steam ahead for the Red Devils — who he branded “the engine of the Premier League”.Ruben Amorim vowed to lead Manchester United into a new era of no-fear footballCredit: GettyAmorim described Man Utd as the ‘engine of the Premier League’Credit: GettyAmorim is the sixth manager to try and haul United to their feet after the dismal decade since Sir Alex Ferguson retired in 2013Credit: GettyAmorim takes charge of 13th-placed United for the first time at Ipswich on November 24.The Portuguese gaffer, whose deal runs to June 2027, said: “We know it will take time and we will try to win time with the games.“But from day one we have to play without fear, without thinkingthey are not used to playing like this. This is not on my mind. They will start on the first day with our idea, no matter what.”Amorim is the sixth manager to try and haul United to their feet after the dismal decade since Sir Alex Ferguson retired in 2013.Read More on Man UtdJose Mourinho and Louis van Gaal were among those post-Fergie gaffers to fall short.And there was more fear than flair in two-and-a-bit seasons under Erik ten Hag.Yet Amorim is not fazed by the weight of history.He added: “It’s a great responsibility but you feel honoured and excited to be part of that.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS“If the team plays well and wins games, everything looks so much better. We are the engine of football — Manchester United is the engine of the Premier League in my opinion.“For a long time we haven’t won the Premier  League but United is the biggest club in England.Man Utd fans claim Ruben Amorim could be ‘new Jurgen Klopp’ after heartwarming gesture on stadium tour“This is part of the history but it isn’t now, so we have to address that and try to win again.“All the people are hungry for success and this is the place I want to be because of that — because you can be part of something special.”That opportunity convinced Amorim to leave Sporting Lisbon — where he ended a 19-year title drought with two in four years.He leaves the Portuguese giants with a perfect record of 11 wins from 11 league games this season — yet the lure of Old Trafford was too good to turn down. And for all he was on the radar of others at times — including Liverpool and Chelsea — he claims he would not have left his homeland for anyone else.Amorim added: “I’m really honoured to be here. It was my only choice because I feel how big this club is. I will do everything for the team.READ MORE SUN STORIES“I will defend my players if I have to and I will do everything to put this club in the place it belongs. And I believe we are going to succeed.”For the full interview check out manutd.com, MUTV and the club’s social-media outlets. More

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    When choosing Match of the Day’s new host, BBC must take a good look at Football Focus & do the EXACT opposite

    SOME advice for the BBC team choosing the new Match Of The Day presenter and their team.Take a good look at Football Focus and then do the exact opposite. Gary Lineker will be replaced as host of Match of the DayCredit: BBCAlex Scott sees it as her divine mission to re-educate the herd and often punctuates her speeches with the phrase: ‘Football is for everyone’Credit: GettyI promise them, if they go in the polar opposite direction, the show won’t go far wrong.For, on the face of it, both shows should be performing the same basic task.They show some football highlights and then the host engages in some tactical analysis and light-hearted banter with two knowledgeable ex-pros.It’s almost impossible to screw up, yet this is precisely what the BBC has achieved by allowing Football Focus to be captured by host Alex Scott and the cult of woke.Read More on SportTo the extent that football is no longer even the chief focus of the show.Despite the title, it’s now a political propaganda exercise which would much rather tell you about Black History Month, a trans referee or Russell Martin’s veganism than look forward to the weekend’s games and back at the previous week’s goals.Last Saturday, for instance, the Chelsea v Arsenal preview was left to an obscure Afro beats jazz group called the Ezra Collective and there were updates from the England women’s amputee team and the performance of England’s partially sighted futsal squad at the European championships, but not a word about the Scottish League Cup semi-finals.And in case you think this is just the fringe carping of a bitter Tartan Army obsessive, it’s not. Most read in FootballWell, not entirely, because Alex and her woke agenda have crushed everything in their path, including the giants of the game and even ignored the 30th anniversary of Bobby Moore’s death last year, because they were too busy covering the Football v Homophobia awards and updating viewers on the mental health struggles of a random French female footballer, Wendie Renard.Alex Scott, who’s rarely off her high horse, sees it as her divine mission, of course, to re-educate the herd and often punctuates her speeches with the phrase: “Football is for everyone.”Gabby Logan backed to replace Gary Lineker on Match Of The Day by Lorraine Kelly saying she’d be ‘fantastic and amazing’She doesn’t mean it, obviously. Watch Football Focus with its new generation of tedious young female pundits who’ve all swallowed the coaching manual, and out-of-their-depth reporters like Love Island’s Jordan Mainoo-Hames, and you’ll quickly realise, as a middle-aged bloke, you’re the last person the BBC wants to watch the showWe’ve taken the hint as well and Football Focus viewing figures have fallen from 849,000, in 2019, to 564,000, by 2023. Alex Scott’s over-entitled reaction to this “go woke go broke” disaster is perhaps telling.Rather than realise the viewers have a point and change the show accordingly, she has threatened to quit hosting Football Focus and move to America due to a perceived lack of support from management.The BBC should use her threat as guidance during their MOTD recruitment process and as an opportunity to pull its sport content back from the brink of total destruction.READ MORE SUN STORIESIf Mark Chapman and Gabby Logan both want to replace Gary Lineker, choose the better candidate.And if Alex Scott threatens to quit and go to America if she doesn’t get it, drive her to the airport. More

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    Paul Pogba finally free to make Prem return as Juventus rip up ex-Man Utd star’s contract with blunt 34-word statement

    JUVENTUS have ripped up Paul Pogba’s contract after his recent doping ban.Pogba, 31, was initially handed a four-year ban from football for a doping offence, before the suspension was reduced to 18 months by the Court of Arbitration for Sport.Paul Pogba and Juventus reached a mutual agreement to terminate his contractCredit: GettyEx-Manchester United star Pogba’s future is currently uncertainCredit: APIt meant he was able to return to training with Juve from January and could have played as soon as March.However, the Bianconeri and the former Manchester United star have mutually decided to terminate his contract.The Serie A giants confirmed the news with a short and blunt 34-word statement that stated Pogba will become a free agent on November 30.It read: “Juventus Football Club and Paul Pogba announce that they have reached a mutual agreement for the termination of their contract as of 30 November, 2024.Read More on Football”The club wishes Paul the very best for his professional future.”Pogba, 31, tested positive for banned substance DHEA — which naturally boosts testosterone production — in August 2023.The former Manchester United star claimed he took it by accident.But the Anti-Doping Prosecutor’s Office dismissed Pogba’s pleas and handed him a four-year ban in February — effectively ending the French World Cup winner’s playing career.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHowever, Pogba was handed a major lifeline this month after taking his case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.They reduced his ban from four years to 18 months.Paul Pogba ban reducedPogba’s future is currently unknown but the ex-France star appears keen to return at top level and that has sparked immense speculation about a potential Premier League return.And Arsenal heroes Emmanuel Petit and Bacary Sagna have urged their former club to sign the midfielder.Petit claims his fellow Frenchman would make a perfect addition to Mikel Arteta’s side due to his motivation to “wash his name”.Sagna, on the other hand, argues Pogba would be bringing a lot of Premier League experience combined with a “desire” to start fresh.The ex-France captain issued a touching farewell message to Juventus fans after his contract was terminated.Pogba posted on Instagram: “There are moments when things don’t go the way we want, but one thing is certain: the bond I have with you, dear fans, will remain unforgettable. READ MORE SUN STORIES”You have given me so much, more than I can put into words, and I will always carry with me all the affection you gave me. “You’ll be in my heart, aways. Good luck @juventus.”What is DHEA?PAUL POGBA tested positive for elevated levels of DHEA, a hormone that naturally occurs in the adrenal gland, in August 2023.DHEA, or dehydroepiandrosterone, can be used to naturally boost testosterone production. It does not produce testosterone itself.It is on the world anti-doping banned substances list and carries a maximum of four years if the athlete took it deliberately to enhance their performance.DHEA can legally be sold over-the-counter in the US as a dietary product, known as prasterone.It is also taken as an anti-ageing therapy, and to treat depression and the symptoms of menopause, although there is little evidence to suggest it is effective, and it can cause serious side effects.In 2022, UFC fighter Bobby Green received a six-month ban after testing positive for a DHEA.Green said he had not realised that DHEA was banned after seeing a video on YouTube, and took the supplement after his wife bought it from a supermarket. More