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    Roy Keane’s stunned reaction as he discovers Fifa are trialling bold rule change he suggested

    ROY KEANE provided a brilliant response when Howard Webb revealed that Fifa are trialling a bold rule change that he suggested.Former Premier League referee Webb, 53, joined Keane and Co for a wide-ranging conversation on officiating.Roy Keane provided a brilliant responseCredit: Stick to FootballHoward Webb discussed a potential rule changeCredit: Stick to FootballKeane’s response had the panel in stitchesCredit: Stick to FootballHaving hung up his whistle in 2014, Webb became the chief refereeing officer for the PGMOL in 2022.In his job, the Yorkshireman has had a hands on role in the implementation of VAR in the Premier League.This week he joined Keane, Gary Neville, Jill Scott, Ian Wright and Wayne Rooney on Stick to Football, brought to you by Sky Bet.During the conversation, Neville brought up that Keane had recently suggested changing the implementation of technology in officiating to a system in which coaches would receive one challenge per match.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAsked if this was something that could be feasible, Webb revealed: “We’ll only really know by seeing it in practice.”Interestingly enough, at the moment is the Under-17 Women’s World Cup, England are playing there, we talked about it earlier Jill, and we’ve just finished the Under-20 Women’s World Cup in Colombia, the 17s is in Dominican Republic.”They’re using this on trial, so each coach has two challenges a game, it’s called…”At this point, Webb was interrupted as Wright slapped Keane on the arm and joked: “You’re wasted here!”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSKeane, 53, then joked: “I’m wasted here! I should be working for Fifa or something.”Through laughter, Scott quipped: “Can you imagine Roy, head of Fifa?”Roy Keane reveals he has ‘given up’ with Man Utd as he, Rooney and Neville lay into Ten Hag’s ‘disgusting’ flops The former Man Utd skipper then put on a pretend stern face as he replied: “What’s wrong with that Jill? What’s wrong with that?”As Neville howled with laughter, Keane continued: “I’ve worked at the highest level, I’ve played at the highest level… I’m sitting here eating chocolate.”Webb went on to boldly claim that there have only been two VAR errors so far this season, a significant reduction on the number recorded at this time a year ago.He said: “I don’t think we managed expectations well in terms of VAR. We knew it was always going to be a situation where it was going to do well on those clear situations, the ones where you think, ‘That’s clearly wrong on first view’.”We have this independent panel which has got ex-players on it, and they judge each decision each week, and according to the panel there has only been two VAR errors this season compared to 10 at the same time last year.”We’ve been better at hitting the mark but that can change and we’re not going to get complacent, but it’s been better. For me, the biggest thing of all is that it’s been quicker.READ MORE SUN STORIES”The average delay last season through VAR was 70 seconds per game and this year it’s 25 seconds.”I said to the guys, ‘Don’t ponder for too long, if you see a situation that jumps off the screen then get involved, but if you’re having to think about it too much then just say check complete because we’ll leave it with the referee on the field’. That’s why the term, ‘Referee’s call’ is useful.”Ultimate sports presenters rich listTV sports presenters make a mint.The biggest and best are signed up on yearly deals with the likes of the BBC, ITV and Sky for your viewing pleasure.Laura Woods is dominating the media landscape at the moment, leading TNT Sports’ coverage and ITV’s.Alex Scott and Jermaine Jenas are two of the fresher faces for the BBC’s sporting output.Then, it’s the old guard of Gary Lineker and Mark Chapman who also command hefty fees for their Match of the Day programmes.SunSport has taken a look at how those big names rank and compiled a list of the top 10 highest earning stars that grace our TV screens.With number one worth a whopping £29.4million more than number 10!Read the story and see the full list here. More

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    F1 axe fastest lap bonus point rule just weeks after Red Bull ‘cheating’ claims sparked controversy

    FORMULA ONE is bringing in a new rule change – just weeks after claims of collusion amongst teams. The FIA has announced it will scrap the awarding of a bonus point for the fastest lap from next season. Daniel Ricciardo took the fastest lap bonus point in Singapore – despite being in 18th placeCredit: GettyLando Norris won the race, cutting the lead of Red Bull’s Max Verstappen (pictured) in the Driver’s ChampionshipCredit: ReutersIt follows controversy at the Singapore Grand Prix involving RB driver Daniel Ricciardo.McLaren team principal Andrea Stella was left baffled after Ricciardo posted the fastest lap at the Marina Bay Street Circuit on September 22. Ricciardo, who drives for Red Bull’s junior RB team, pitted to go onto soft tyres when back in 18th place.He thundered around the circuit, denying a point to McLaren’s Lando Norris who would go on to win the race. READ MORE ON F1The bonus point is only awarded if a driver finishes inside the top 10, meaning Ricciardo’s own standing did not benefit from the move.Norris reduced Red Bull driver Max Verstappen’s lead at the top of the Drivers’ Championship to 52 points thanks to his victory – but it would have been even tighter were it not for Ricciardo’s flying lap.Stella called for the issue to be “addressed,” but stopped short of accusing Red Bull of colluding with sister team RB. He said: “As soon as you invoke the sportsmanship, I think you need to approach this with a sense of responsibility that I want to have.Most read in MotorsportBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”I don’t know the facts, I just saw that Racing Bulls went for the fastest lap and they achieved it. I just find it a little peculiar.”The FIA has since announced the awarding of a bonus point for the fastest lap will be scrapped in 2025. Mercedes made ‘clear mistake’ that ‘ruined’ Lewis Hamilton’s chances in Singapore GP and left him ‘so angry’But no official reasoning for the change has yet been given. A statement read: “Minor changes for 2024 and 2025 Sporting and Technical regulations were approved by the World Council, including the removal of the point awarded for setting the fastest lap.”The rule returned to the sport after a 60-year absence in 2019.Savage sackings in F1THE world of F1 can be savage, with employees discarded like used tea bags.Danish driver Kevin Magnussen was a rising star of the McLaren team when he made his debut in 2014 alongside Jensen Button.But when he finished the season trailing in eleventh place, he was swiftly replaced by two-time World Champion Fernando Alonso.Instead of breaking the bad news to him in a face-to-face meeting, boss Ron Dennis got his assistant to send Magnussen a short and impersonal email.Worst still, the curt message landed in Kevin’s inbox on his 23rd birthday.Read more tales of F1’s brutal world including one boss who was labelled an ‘executioner’ and a driver dumped by a brisk TEXT.Red Bull boss Christian Horner denied any collusion between the teams following last month’s race in Singapore. He said: “Daniel obviously wanted to finish the race on a high.”You’d have to ask VCARB about that.”RB chief Laurent Mekies later clarified the team’s own position, claiming Ricciardo was sent out for one last hurrah.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe 35-year-old looks set to be replaced with reserve driver Liam Lawson in Austin. Mekies said: “Given this may have been Daniel’s last race, we wanted to give him the chance to savour it and go out with the fastest lap.”F1 reporter Isabelle Barker’s predictionI EXPECT Max Verstappen to go all guns blazing over the next six-rounds. I also think his experience and aggression could give him the edge.It seems too little too late for Norris showing consistency, despite that dominant win in Singapore last time out.You can’t help think what could have been had he sorted out his first-lap issues sooner.Norris needs to prove he has the mental fortitude, because we all know he’s got the speed, the team and the fastest car.Verstappen has endured an eight-race winless streak, but he has still managed to score points, with three second-places during that time.So I think the Dutchman will lift his fourth world-title this season, by the skin of his teeth.  More

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    Arsenal tipped to sign former Man Utd star, 24, they could get on a free transfer next summer

    ARSENAL legend Lee Dixon tipped his former club to sign ex-Manchester United ace Angel Gomes, whom they could get for free in the summer.Gomes, 24, has been turning heads ever since rolling credits on his 11-year stint at United where he started out at the age of 6 in the academy.Arsenal legend Lee Dixon tipped his former club to sign Lille star Angel GomesCredit: GettyDixon predicted Arsenal could get ex-Manchester United ace Gomes for free in JuneCredit: AFP or licensorsDixon insists England star Gomes would be a ‘superb’ fit for Arsenal boss Mikel ArtetaCredit: GettyThe versatile midfielder moved to France in 2020 and has since amassed a staggering 123 appearances, despite spending a season on loan at Boavista.That earned the defensive midfielder an England call-up by interim boss Lee Carsley and he proved he can play an integral part in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.Gomes has been so good he left United fans scratching their heads and wondering why he was let go.Dixon, 60, urged his former club to capitalise on the Red Devils’ inability to hold on to the England international, whom he described as a “superb” fit and the perfect partner for Declan Rice in midfield.Read More on ArsenalThe former full-back predicted the North Londoners could indeed sign the United academy graduate for next season as his contract with Lille runs out in June.Dixon told plejmo.com: “I think Angel Gomes would fit in at Arsenal superbly.”His qualities are clear to see, he’s a very good link-up player and we’ve seen that he can play alongside Declan Rice.”He’s got a lot of potential and although there will be plenty of clubs looking at him, I could see him at Arsenal next season.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSArsenal keep strengthening in their bid to win their first Premier League title since the Invincibles’ campaign in 2004.Dixon believes it is important to end that duck and urged his former club to also work on finally winning their first ever Champions League title.Mikel Arteta lauds Arsenal’s win over PSG The England international is adamant that titles need to be won and even claimed that manager Mikel Arteta would be deemed a “failure” if he failed to win any major trophies at the Emirates.Dixon added: “If Mikel Arteta leaves Arsenal without winning the Premier League or Champions League at Arsenal you’d have to say it’s been a failure because that’s what he is there to do, to win the biggest trophies.”He would be the first to say that and of course we don’t know how long he will be in the job, but not winning one of those would be a massive disappointment.”It’s a tough competition to win of course, but Arsenal’s defence could be the key to winning the Champions League for the first time.”It’s so tough to win, as Arsenal have proved over the years since they got to the final, they haven’t come anywhere close since.”It’s tough with all the big teams and you do need a bit of luck, but you have to have a firm base and they have got that with their defence now.”They’ve got that solidarity to build on and they need to get through the winter months with few injuries, that is the challenge for all the clubs in Europe.”Arsenal legend Dixon believes Gomes would be a stunning partner for Declan Rice in midfieldCredit: Getty More

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    Man Utd flop Donny van de Beek shuts down reporter when asked about struggles under Ten Hag

    DONNY VAN DE BEEK was evasive when asked about his struggles at Manchester United under Erik ten Hag.The Dutchman, 27, left Old Trafford in the summer after four difficult years.Donny van de Beek scarcely played for United under Erik ten HagCredit: GettyThe midfielder also worked under Ten Hag at AjaxCredit: GettyVan de Beek had excelled at Ajax under Erik ten Hag, earning rave reviews for his performances in the Eredivisie and Champions League.United shelled out £39million to sign him in September 2020, but the move did not work out.Having struggled for game time under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Ralf Rangnick, Van de Beek returned to Old Trafford in the summer of 2022 following a loan spell at Everton, with his old boss Ten Hag having joined.His fortunes scarcely improved, however, as he started just one Premier League match under his Dutch compatriot before suffering a devastating knee injury in January 2023.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLVan de Beek went on to make just two more appearances for United before being loaned to Eintracht Frankfurt in January, then leaving permanently for Girona in the summer.While speaking to The Athletic from his new club’s Catalan training ground, Van de Beek was asked about the differences between his experiences under Ten Hag at Ajax and Man Utd.Shying away from the question, he said: “I don’t know… I think it’s difficult. Should we move on to the next subject?”Van de Beek denied that pressure is the root cause of United’s struggles, but did express sympathy for his former team-mates.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHe said: “I think it’s difficult. I was there, so I know it’s not easy for the players. They are still very good players when you see them all. It’s not easy to see them in this situation.”I know they can do it, but it is not easy with everyone, and for the players… I hope they can change this situation.”Frank Lampard praises Van de Beek for ‘keeping his counsel’ through Man Utd nightmareVan de Beek joined Girona in the summer for an initial £417,000, although this fee could potentially rise to £7.5million.Having been eased in at first by boss Michel, he has begun to establish himself at Montilivi, playing his first full 90 minutes as Girona beat Athletic Bilbao before the international break.He also recently scored his first goal in more than two years during his side’s Champions League home debut against Feyenoord.On how he felt as the ball hit the net, Van de Beek admitted: “It was so good. It gives you confidence as a player to live these kinds of moments. You feel again the adrenaline in your body and feel that if you were tired before, now you are not any more.”‘DIFFICULT TIMES’Asked about how his new home differs from his previous clubs, Van de Beek said: “Here, everyone is really close, they all know each other, this is quite different from what I’ve seen in the past.”It’s nice to see how they all try to help and make you feel as if you were at home. They have the ambition to improve. I think all this helps me, too.”The football part always has to be right, but this was also a very important element given the moment of my career. I have had some difficult times in recent years.”Van de Beek now plays alongside plenty of players that Premier League fans will be familiar with at Girona.His fellow ex-United star Daley Blind is among their ranks, as well as former Tottenham quartet Paulo Gazzaniga, Arnaut Danjuma, Bryan Gil and Pau Lopez.READ MORE SUN STORIESHaving not been picked for his country since 2021, Van de Beek will return to club action against Real Sociedad tomorrow, following the conclusion of the international break.He will then have another opportunity to shine in Europe on Tuesday, as Girona host Slovan Bratislava in the Champions League.Van de Beek recently scored his first goal in more than two yearsCredit: RexNine managers Man Utd considered before keeping Erik ten HagERIK TEN HAG appears to be safe as Man Utd manager, but the Dutchman edged dangerously close to the sack.Here are nine managers Red Devils chiefs are reported to have considered for the job and what allegedly happened with each.Gareth SouthgateEnjoys plenty of support among Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s Ineos chiefs but made clear he wouldn’t talk to any clubs until after Euro 2024. There is yet to be any suggestion that contact was made with the England boss.Kieran McKennaTalks were opened with McKenna’s representatives before the FA Cup final, but the former Man Utd coach opted to sign a new deal with Ipswich after Ten Hag’s Wembley win.Roberto De ZerbiAllegedly sounded out before the FA Cup final with salary expectations discussed. But Ineos chiefs concluded ex-Brighton boss was not the right fit for the project.Thomas FrankBrentford boss met Man Utd representatives the day before the FA Cup final. The Dane also dined with Ratcliffe, Roy Hodgson and Frank Lampard at the launch of a new Ineos car in February.Marco SilvaFulham boss reportedly met Man Utd representatives face-to-face two days before the FA Cup final, around the same time as Ten Hag was conducting his press conference.Mauricio PochettinoFell out of Man Utd’s thinking in the first week of June, despite being a favourite of Sir Alex Ferguson.Thomas TuchelMade a very strong impression and came across well during a Monaco meeting. Personal terms were discussed before the ex-Chelsea and Bayern Munich boss decided to step back from the process.Ruben AmorimSporting boss was discussed by the Man Utd hierarchy but did not make the final reckoning.Roberto MartinezPortugal manager was considered in the early stages. More

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    Max Verstappen vs Lando Norris: F1 star has James Bond car collection and dates Brazil beauty but rival to inherit £205m

    MAX VERSTAPPEN and Lando Norris are going head-to-head in the F1 Drivers’ World Championship.This weekend, the motorheads face off against each other at the United States Grand Prix.Max Verstappen is the current F1 world championLando Norris is the pretender to Verstappen’s throne and his biggest challengerYoung pretender Norris, 24, trails the current world champion by 52 points with just six rounds remaining.The Bristol-born driver can’t afford any slips as he aims to close the gap at the top.Away from the track, the pair live glam lives you would expect from two of the world’s best boy racers.Verstappen, worth a reported £165million, has splashed his cash on a £5million car collection and boasts a stunning partner in Brazilian beauty, Kelly Piquet.Read more F1 newsWhile playboy Norris, the heir to a £205million fortune, enjoys a jet-set life and has dated a string of the world’s most beautiful women.SunSport compares the champ and the challenger’s lifestyles.Money, money, moneyOne thing the two aren’t short of is money.Since making his debut in F1 in 2015, Verstappen has established himself as the highest paid driver on the circuit.Most read in MotorsportIn 2022, he signed a five-year deal with Red Bull, described as one of the most lucrative in the history of the sport.Max Verstappen threatens to quit F1 after being forced to do ‘community service’ in bizarre punishment for swearing According to reports his contract is worth £45million a year, and is likely to increase if his winning streak continues.Max also benefits from endorsement deals from brands like G-Star RAW, Red Bull and EA Sports.The Dutch driver also has his own MV merchandise company, selling caps, clothing and accessories.Back in 2022, Norris inked a longterm deal with McLaren that will keep him with the team till 2026.It is believed to be worth around £15million-per-year, which puts him behind Verstappen by some way.However, he was born into wealth as the second child of businessman Adam Norris, who boasts a £205million fortune.He grew up in Glastonbury, Somerset with his older brother Oliver and younger sisters Flo and Cisca, and went to nearby Millfield public school, where boarding fees cost more than £40,000 a year.Verstappen is F1’s highest paid driver on £45m-per-yearNorris is also paid handsomely – earning around £15m-per-yearNorris stands to inherit some of his father’s £210m fortuneVerstappen is heavily sponsored by the likes of Red Bull and EA SportsFast carsF1 drivers are renowned for their incredible car collections.And Max Verstappen’s garage would leave some with envy.After becoming the youngest ever racer to score a podium finish at the Spanish Grand Prix, aged just 18, Max splashed out on a Porsche 911 GTS R3 worth around £190,000.His car collection has been heavily inspired by James Bond – he owns a 007-type Aston Martin DB11, a follow-up to the DB10, driven in the movie Spectre that cost around £200,000.Alongside a 2018 Vantage and a DBS Superleggerais, Verstappen also reportedly bought an Aston Martin Valkyrie that carries a price tag of £2.2million.Astonishingly, various reports say that Norris doesn’t own a car.As is one of the perks of the job, McLaren has loaned him several over the years.Speaking to Scott Mills and Chris Stark on their BBC Sounds podcast, however, he confessed he is not materialistic.Lando said: “I don’t own many things. I’ve not really treated myself.”Verstappen is believed to own a Aston Martin Valkyrie worth a whopping £2.2mA Porsche 911 GTS worth around £190k sits in Verstappen’s garage
    read more sport featuresLadies’ menNotoriously, F1 drivers are linked to the world’s most beautiful women.Verstappen is in a longterm romance with Brazilian model Kelly Piquet.They began dating in 2020, and have been inseparable since – reportedly living in Monte Carlo together.She is the daughter of Nelson Piquet, who won three world titles in the 1980s with Brabham.Kelly was previously in a romance with former Russian F1 star Daniil Kvyat, who she shares a daughter with.Kelly Piquet is the longterm partner of Max VersappenBrazilian beauty Kelly is the daughter of F1 legend Nelson PiquetNorris recently split with Portuguese supermodel Margarida CorceiroBefore Margarida, Norris dated another Portuguese stunner called Luisinha OliveiraNorris is currently single, after splitting with Portuguese supermodel Margarida Corceiro.The break-up came months after he joked he had “many girlfriends” during a lie detector test for a Sky Sports segment.A source told The Sun: “”Lando and Margarida had a fun time together and hung out a lot. But it wasn’t working out so they cooled off. He’s free and single and just wants to focus on his sport.”Before Margarida, he dated another Portuguese beauty Luisinha Oliveira.However, she suffered death threats, forcing Lando to say: “Whether it’s about my personal life, me and my girlfriend, especially the amount of hate pages dedicated to Luisa now, it is pretty horrific.”They are on Instagram and Twitter, they are the main ones.”Jet setAccording to reports, Verstappen lives in a £13million apartment overlooking the Mediterranean sea.Norris also moved to Monaco, admittedly for financial reasons, where many of his F1 rivals call home.Verstappen shared glimpses of his home during the coronavirus pandemic, which he and Kelly also share with their two Bengal cats, Jimmy and Sass.In his spare time he likes to take the water on a Red Bull-branded jet ski, said to be worth around £16,000.For all his travels around the world, Max is said to have bought a Falcon-900EX private jet from Sir Richard Branson, worth £12million, which costs over £830,000 to maintain.Norris also loves to fly privately, sometimes bringing along his DJ decks – his favourite pastime – along for the ride.READ MORE SUN STORIESHis need for speed is also fuelled by watersports like water-skiing.While both boast similarities in their lives, only one can be the next world champion. So, who will it be?Verstappen lives in a £13m Monaco home overlooking the Mediterranean seaVerstappen, pictured with dad Jos, also owns a private jet worth £12mNorris is a keen DJ and takes his decks with him when he flies privatelyLike Verstappen, Norris is keen on watersports and likes to water ski More

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    Infamous Jabulani could return with ball that caused mayhem at 2010 World Cup recently seen selling for £415

    ADIDAS could re-release the infamous Jabulani football, according to reports.The Jabulani was memorably used in the 2010 Fifa World Cup in South Africa.The Jabulani was unveiled ahead of the 2010 World CupCredit: AP:Associated PressThe Jabulani famously gave goalkeepers nightmaresCredit: AP:Associated PressDiego Forlan was the forward who truly mastered the JabulaniCredit: AFPIt is best remembered for violently swerving and dipping, with many players struggling to master it.According to Footy Headlines, the Jabulani could go back on sale in the coming years.They point to the fact that Adidas have been re-releasing iconic footballs from the 2000s.The Roteiro used at Euro 2004 was re-released back in March.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSWhile the Teamgeist used at the 2006 World Cup in Germany is set to return in March 2025.Footy Headlines reckon that if this trend continues, the Jabulani could make its return in 2026 or 2027.The original version can sometimes be found on various resale sites for as much as £415 – more than four times its price upon release.Its unusual design is what made it so difficult for players to predict.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe Teamgeist used at the previous World Cup, for example, was built with a 14-panel structure – while the Jabulani consisted of just eight panels.One player who did master it was Uruguay’s former Manchester United star Diego Forlan.World Cup winner and 137-cap legend Antoine Griezmann shockingly retires from international duty The forward, who has dabbled with a career in tennis since retirement, lit up the tournament, scoring several brilliant goals as his country reached the semi-finals.They went on to lose 3-2 to the Netherlands in the semis, however, with the Dutch then falling 1-0 in the final courtesy of Andres Iniesta’s winner for Spain.Who are these famous footballers? More

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    ‘You’ve got to earn it’ – Ex-Man Utd star who played for two foreign England managers brushes off Tuchel criticism

    MICHAEL CARRICK insists the pathway for English coaches isn’t broken and does not care if it’s a German or not in charge of the Three Lions as long as they “earned it”.Thomas Tuchel’s appointment as England manager on an 18-month deal has caused huge debate amongst former players and supporters.Michael Carrick believes the pathway for English coaches is not brokenCredit: AlamyGerman Thomas Tuchel was named England’s new manager this weekCredit: PAMiddlesbrough boss Carrick’s ex-Manchester United team-mate Gary Neville believes it will have a damaging impact for our homegrown coaches and says there are “difficult questions for the FA to answer”.When asked what he thought the problem was regarding a so-called lack of English candidates for the role, Carrick said:  “I don’t think that anything has gone wrong particularly.“It’s not for me to really say. As an Englishman I fully support the team and the manager and I hope that he does really well.“The FA have had a decision to make, they’ve made that and good luck to them.”READ MORE ON FOOTBALLCarrick continued: “It’s just like playing being a coach, whatever it is it comes down to what you are achieving really.“What’s right or wrong? There’s not a duty really.“It’s up to every club really to pick who they want as players and managers. In the end, you have to be good enough.“It would be nice if there were more [English coaches] at the top level for sure and over time hopefully that will happen. But you’ve got to earn it.”Most read in ChampionshipFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSInside FA’s thrilling chase for TuchelTHE FA’s path to securing Thomas Tuchel’s signature was not a straightforward one.They tried to lure Pep Guardiola from Manchester City over the summer.They even made contact with Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti after deciding to target trophy-laden foreign gaffers.The FA’s determination to go international was summed up by their decision NOT to interview Newcastle boss Eddie Howe.Initial talks with Tuchel saw him express a slight interest in replacing Gareth Southgate.But he was waiting to see what would happen at Manchester United, with Erik ten Hag’s future under the spotlight.Man Utd owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe eventually decided to stick with Ten Hag – and that opened the door to the FA getting their man.Read the full story on England’s thrilling pursuit of Thomas Tuchel.Carrick played under England’s first two foreign coaches, the late Sven-Goran Eriksson and Fabio Capello, and says having someone from overseas in charge made no difference.The 43-year-old, who celebrates two years in charge of Boro next week, added: “I played under two. Sven gave me my debut and Fabio after that.Five things you may not know about Thomas Tuchel from younger Brazilian girlfriend to former modelling career“From a players point of view, when you play for your country and you are representing yourself, your family and your nation and you give what you can.“I think that there is a respect for the coach and staff but then you’ve got your own responsibility and duty to try and perform, and I don’t think that really changes [whoever is in charge].”ANDY DILLON: Thomas Tuchel has all the ingredients to become a classic England manager – tactical nous, drive and a tangled love lifeBy Andy DillonTHOMAS TUCHEL possesses all the ingredients to become a classic England manager.Tactical nous, drive, energy, experience – a tangled love life.English football should welcome back the most explosive, dynamic, charismatic and impossibly tall and gangly coach to have lit up the Premier League.Chelsea’s colourful former boss has been leading a settled life in Munich of late.Far enough away from ex-wife Sissi but close enough to see his two daughters.Walking his dog in the streets in the east of Germany’s most fashionable city, residing in the posh Bogenhausen area. Living relatively quietly with his Brazilian girlfriend.Tuchel is a vastly different personality to the man who led England quietly but assuredly to the brink of World Cups and European Championships.An excitable nature can make him hard to handle for those seeking calm and who like to impose their way on a manager they view very much as an underling.Read more on why Tuchel REALLY IS the best man for the England job More

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    Premier League claims VAR has IMPROVED with just two mistakes since start of season

    REFS’ chief Howard Webb believes Prem whistlers HAVE got better this season — and he has stats to prove it.The first two months of this campaign have seen more moans and even allegations of bias from fans and managers.The Premier League has claimed VAR and refereeing has improved this seasonCredit: AlamyRefereeing chief Howard Webb told the Stick to Football podcast what has changedCredit: YouTubeSo far, there have been 15 on-field decisions overturned by VAR — the same number as at this stage last term.But only five of those have seen refs’ rulings changed, compared to nine after the first 70 games in 2023-24.Part of that is a switch to “referee’s call”, meaning there must be clear evidence of a mistake for VAR to intervene.Yet Webb also pointed to the verdicts of the Prem’s Key Match Incidents panel of former players, managers and referees.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe PGMOL boss told Sky Bet’s Stick to Football podcast: “We didn’t manage expectations well over VAR. “It was always going to be [the case that] it did well on situations when you think, ‘That’s clearly wrong on first view’.“We have this panel now with ex-players on it and they judge each decision each week.“According to the panel, there have only been two VAR errors this season, compared to ten at the same time last year. We’re not complacent but it’s better.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThose errors were disallowing Dango Ouattara’s “winner” for Bournemouth against Newcastle for a handball — and Bruno Fernandes’ red against Spurs.SunSport analysis shows VAR has had little impact on the table. We looked at the “result” of every match if the original call, before VAR intervention, stood.Gary Lineker makes bold prediction on Match of the Day that his ‘good idea’ to fix VAR will eventually come inThe only big change sees Bournemouth go up to sixth from 13th. Newcastle, Brighton and Fulham would have two fewer points, while Wolves while Wolves move off the bottom on goals scored.Dango Ouattara saw his goal wrongfully ruled out against NewcastleCredit: YouTube/Sky Sports Premier LeagueBruno Fernandes was incorrectly dismissed against SpursCredit: Reuters More