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    Former Champions League star who ‘changed club’s world image’ with goal vs Barcelona now playing in non-league at 33

    A CHAMPIONS LEAGUE hero has left elite football to return to his roots for a non-league club in Greece.The famous defender stood out in Serie A playing for Roma and Napoli as well as Salernitana most recently.Kostas Manolas has left elite football for non-league club PannaxiakosCredit: Getty – ContributorManolas is remembered for his legendary goal for Roma that eliminated BarcelonaCredit: Getty The ex-Greece international’s performances in Italy attracted the interest of Manchester United, Arsenal and Chelsea in 2018 and 2019.Reports at the time suggested the Premier League trio was willing to splash over £30million before the centre-back joined Napoli in 2019 and embarked on a three-year stint in Naples.That is none other than Kostas Manolas, who made headlines around the world in the Champions League six years ago when his late header led Roma to a famous 3-0 win over Barcelona at the Olimpico.It was thanks to the Greek star that the Giallorossi qualified for the semi-finals where they faced Liverpool, who moved on to the final.Read More on FootballManolas is now 33 years old and it looks like top-level football is over for him as he surprised the world with his decision to play for his local club Pannaxiakos in the Cyclades’ First Division until June.The Olympiacos legend returns to his place of birth in the isle of Naxos where he and his family have now settled to play in the fourth division, with his new team now hoping for promotion to the third division.The ex-AEK Athens star decided to help the team after a few training sessions with Giorgos Mostratos’ side.Pannaxiakos announced: “The President, the members of the Board of Directors and Pannaxiakos FC’s great family announce the arrival of Kostas Manolas to the men’s team with great joy, emotion and pride.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”The player who wore the shirt of AEK, Olympiacos, Roma, Napoli, the player who honored the shirt of Greece’s Youth and Men’s National Team, the Greek central defender who has been admired by Europe, the Naxos native who has chosen his place of birth to reside with his family, will strengthen Pannaxiakos’ effort in this year’s championship. Welcome Kostas!”Manolas joined Roma in 2014 following two stunning years at Olympiacos in the Champions League and went on to amass a total of eight goals in 206 appearances before joining Napoli.Kostas Manolas shows off his football skills playing for Salernitana 1919 However, none of his goals are more famous than the one against Lionel Messi and co, which he claimed “changed Roma’s image in the world”.The ex-Greece star, who stood out in the 2014 World Cup and helped his country make it to the knockouts for the first time ever, claimed the Italian giants could have even made it to the Champions League final if VAR was available.Manolas said two years ago: “It changed Roma’s image in the world.“Yes, it was important. Not only because it was a 3-0 scoreline to qualify for a Champions League semi-final. “But because the whole world understood that Roma are a great team. Before, Roma had another image in Europe, another story.“But we too could have reached the final of that Champions League, if there had been VAR. READ MORE SUN STORIES”They didn’t give us a penalty on [Edin] Dzeko for an offside that wasn’t there. “They didn’t see a handball by [Trent] Alexander-Arnold which would have been a penalty and red card. A goal would have been enough to beat Liverpool.” More

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    New Man Utd stadium compared to ‘dishwasher tablet’ as club set to submit plans for £2bn 100,000-seater venue

    MANCHESTER UNITED’S new stadium has been compared to a “dishwasher tablet” as the club prepare to submit plans for the £2billion project.Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s vision for a 100,000-seater ground has been laid out in a series of pictures showing their ideas.Fans have compared the new 100,000-seater stadium plans to a dishwasher tabletCredit: AFP or LicensorsIt is a £2billion project encompassing the stadium and regeneration in the areaCredit: Man Utd websiteIt could be open by 2028 and finished by 2030Credit: Man Utd websiteMan Utd chiefs are looking to submit their plans before the end of the year in the hope work can began in early 2025.But some football fans were quick to mock the images as they compared the venue to various less-than-impressive objects.One social media user said: “It looks like a dishwasher tablet.”While another added: “Why does it look like a boiled sweet.”READ MORE ON MAN UTDA third replied: “From the top it’s a dishwasher tablet. From the side it’s a cheesecake.”And a fourth responded: “Looks like a one of those toilet bowl you get while you’re in hospital and can’t walk to the bathroom 💀💀.”It is thought that the work could take up to three years to complete.This would mean that the earliest the Red Devils would be playing in their new ground would be 2028.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSWhat we know about the ‘new’ Old TraffordMANCHESTER UNITED plan to build a new stadium rather than redevelop Old Trafford.The decision was made after a number of fact-finding missions to other stadiums including the Bernabeu and Nou Camp.The cost of the project is expected to be a staggering £2billion.A capacity of 100,000 is expected.It is felt that a club of United’s standing should have a new state-of-the-art facility.The new stadium will be built on land adjacent to the Red Devils’ current home.United are looking to not only build a stadium but regenerate the area of Trafford where the ground will stand.There had been plans to KEEP Old Trafford rather than demolish it, and use it as a scaled down second venue.However, it’s looking increasing likely that it will in fact be entirely demolished.The club consulted with 30,000 fans about what to do and believe there is roughly a 50-50 split on staying or moving.The club have appointed the architects Foster + Partners to come up with a “masterplan”. The company were behind Wembley Stadium.Old Trafford has been United’s home since 1910.The target is for completion by 2030. Computer-generated images show “New Trafford” to be circular in shape with a huge roof.It will be built adjacent to Old Trafford, with the plans also including a regeneration of the Trafford Park region around the brand new ground. Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s plans for Manchester United’s stadium, Old Trafford, could be a new ground for the cost of an old ground refitNew houses, commercial areas and improved transport links have all been proposed.Mayor of Manchester Andy Burnham said: “This could be the biggest regeneration scheme ever seen in this country.”The club consulted with 30,000 fans about what to do and believe there is roughly a 50-50 split on staying or moving.Old Trafford, which has been criticised for its leaky roof and ageing infrastructure, has been United’s home since 1910.The target is for completion by 2030. More

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    Watch Chelsea star Cole Palmer make a cup of tea that has fans changing their own technique

    COLE PALMER’S quali-tea technique has wowed fans time and time again.But now even the way he makes a cup of tea left them lost for words – but not necessarily for the right reasons. Cole Palmer made his perfect cup of tea for a Burberry videoCredit: TikTok @BurberryThere was contention over the footballer’s methodCredit: TikTok @BurberryThe Chelsea star picked out the ‘World’s Best Actor’ mug for his brewCredit: TikTok @BurberryPalmer, 22, kicked off the new season with a mug-nificent six goals and five assists in his first seven Premier League appearances.His boiling-hot return of a goal involvement every 54 minutes this term is a vast improvement on last season – despite taking fewer touches per 90 minutes.Excitement is certainly brewing among Chelsea fans dreaming of just how many cups he can fire Enzo Maresca’s team to as he thrives in his new role. However, he stepped into a very different spotlight in a very different field to show off how he prepares a cuppa. READ MORE ON CHELSEAAs part of his filming with Burberry, which also included sitting in silence fishing for nine minutes for an ad, the England star was tasked with making his brew.Decked out in a £2,490 long brown coat at the table outside against the backdrop of a bunch of trees, Palmer started off by picking his tea bag and opted for classic English breakfast from the jar.He then selected the ‘World’s Best Actor’ mug “because I’ve just been acting and I’m the world’s best actor”. The footballer dropped the teabag into the mug and added the boiling water from the kettle – disappointing avoiding the ice-cold water to match his trademark celebration. Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSPalmer declared: “I don’t like mine strong.”And that was clear to see as he poured in a load of milk.Cole Palmer has fewer touches but is more deadly thanks to Enzo Maresca’s Chelsea tactics He was quick to point out, though, when the milk goes in.He said: “Some milk in while the teabag’s in though.”Then I give it a squeeze and then I’m done.”Then the smiling star proudly announced: “This is my brew,” before taking a sip.And he gave himself the seal of approval, finishing the video by confirming: “Yeah, top.”But the decision to add the milk before removing the bag was a cause of contention and inspiration among fans on social media.One said: “I’m changing how I make a cup of tea now.”Another wrote: “I don’t like removing my teabag until I’m done. But I’ll try your style too.”READ MORE SUN STORIESAnd a third in Uruguay added: “Starting today I’m going to start drinking milk tea for breakfast like Cole Palmer.”But a fourth simply joked: “Bless him.”Palmer has been keeping his cool in front of goalCredit: EPAHe has made the ice-cold celebration his trademarkCredit: Getty More

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    F1 organisers confirm change to track after Max Verstappen complained as title race set to come down to the wire

    ORGANISERS of the US Grand Prix have confirmed a major change has been made for this year’s Formula One race.After a three-week break, F1 returns with the title battle well and truly on between Max Verstappen and Lando Norris.US Grand Prix organisers have confirmed they have completed a major change to the trackCredit: APThey said it came in light of a complaint made by Max Verstappen last yearCredit: GettyIt comes with Verstappen and Lando Norris fighting for the titleCredit: GettyThe rivals are separated by just 52 points with six grand prix weekends to go.However, as the Drivers’ Championship heads into crunch time, track chiefs at this weekend’s race of Circuit of the Americas in Texas, have confirmed the course has been fully resurfaced with new asphalt.It follows a complaint Verstappen made last year.The Austin track has always been a bumpy ride for drivers, however, last year’s edition proved particularly problematic.READ MORE IN F1Both Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc were disqualified following the race when they were found to have excessive wear on the planks underneath their cars.Meanwhile, Fernando Alonso was forced to retire mid-event after smashing up his car floor.Verstappen, 27, won both the sprint and feature race at COTA last year on route to his third F1 title, but was very vocal about the problems he and his fellow drivers endured during the race.The flying Dutchman said at the time: “It needs to be redone because at the moment it feels like it’s better suited to a rally car. I’m jumping and bouncing around.Most read in MotorsportBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”In an F1 car probably you don’t even see it as much because, of course, we are glued to the ground because of the downforce, but the bumps and jumps that we have in some places, this is way too much. “I don’t think it’s F1 level. I love this track. Drive to Survive and F1 legend runs B&B with rooms named after iconic tracks”Honestly, the layout is amazing but we definitely need new tarmac and it needs to be a lot smoother for the coming years, because we already asking for this for I think quite a few years, and it’s not really been done.”Fast forward to this weekend, and race promoter Bobby Epstein has revealed the Red Bull driver’s complaint was a factor in finally getting the much-needed work done.He said: “It was mainly to get rid of the bumps. Some of that track was 12 years old, so it was time. “I know Max gave it a pretty poor review last year, so I hope we hear something positive. I’m certain we’re going to hear, ‘This is like a totally new track. It’s fantastic’.”As well as a resurfaced track, some of the verges have been narrowed and replaced with turf in an effort to reduce track limit violations.🏁 Complete F1 2024 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix and start time this year 🏁Like last year, Verstappen is in the drivers seat to win the title.However, this time he is at a disadvantage due to the fact that Norris, 24, has a quicker car and has hit a strong run of form that has seen the Brit win two of the last four races.That being said, Norris needs to outscore Verstappen by almost nine points (8.67) every weekend to complete the greatest comeback in the sport’s history.COTA will kick off a second series of three sprint and feature race double headers to finish the season.A standard one-race weekend in Mexico will follow a week later before Brazil sees the penultimate sprint and feature race weekend.READ MORE SUN STORIESThis will give way to another two-week break before F1 returns in Las Vegas.Vegas will then be followed by the final sprint weekend of the season in Qatar, before the season finale plays out in Abu Dhabi on December 8.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. F1 2025 gridHere are the confirmed driver line ups for the F1 2025 season so far:Red Bull: Max Verstappen and Sergio PerezFerrari: Charles Leclerc and Lewis HamiltonMercedes: George Russell and Kimi AntonelliMcLaren: Lando Norris and Oscar PiastriAston Martin: Fernando Alonso and Lance StrollWilliams: Alex Albon and Carlos SainzSauber: Nico Hulkenberg and TBCAlpine: Pierre Gasly and Jack DoohanRB: Yuki Tsunoda and TBCHaas: Ollie Bearman and Esteban Ocon More

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    Transfer recommendations ahead of Gameweek 8: Caoimhin Kelleher – cheat code or trapdoor?

    THAT’S quite enough Thomas Tuchel discourse for now, it’s time to refocus on Dream Team.Gameweek 8 features a full round of Premier League games followed by seven European fixtures in midweek and it’s imperative you tailor your XI to the schedule if you want to pocket plentiful points.Allow us to propose some transfer recommendations for your consideration – as usual we won’t insult your intelligence by listing obvious names such as Erling Haaland (£9.1m), Mohamed Salah (£7.6m), etc.Bargain or bust?Credit: Dream TeamCaoimhin Kelleher (£2.3m)Liverpool’s second-choice goalkeeper has suddenly become a main character in the world of Dream Team.With Alisson (£5m) expected to be sidelined with injury until the next international break in November, Kelleher is in line to start between the sticks for the league leaders.The Reds have seven fixtures to fulfil across the next four Gameweeks and so the Irishman may be among the busiest players in the game, with ample opportunities to notch points.Kelleher would be an absolute no-brainer if the schedule was on his side but his run in the team is set to coincide with a tricky run of games.Gameweek 8 brings a double header against Chelsea and RB Leipzig with Arsenal, Brighton (x2), Bayer Leverkusen and Aston Villa to follow.Given the standard of his upcoming opponents, Kelleher may struggle to keep clean sheets but at the bargain price of £2.3m he might be worth a punt.Most read in FootballIt’s a difficult one to judge but it’s not often a starter for a top-tier team is available at such a cheap price.Mr PopularCredit: RexBrennan Johnson (£3.8m)We mentioned the Tottenham winger among our transfer recommendations for Gameweek 7 but it’s worth repeating after he extended his scoring streak to six consecutive games (seven if you include international football).Johnson is by far and away the most transferred-in player ahead of Gameweek 8 – he’s been the subject of over three times as many transfers as the next most-popular recruit to this point.The Welshman is currently ranked fourth among Dream Team midfielders, just one point shy of third-placed Eberechi Eze (£4.9m).Spurs have the luxury of back-to-back home games in Gameweek 8 in the form of West Ham and AZ Alkmaar.It should be noted that Ange Postecoglou has rotated his squad in the Europa League so far and Johnson only got 25 minutes against Ferencvaros last time out – such is his hot streak he still managed a goal in that time.James Maddison (£4.5m) and Dominic Solanke (£4.4) remain good options.Score PredictorPlay Score Predictor with Dream Team this season!FREE to play£250 weekly prizePredict scores of five selected Premier League fixtures and earn points for accuracyMost points wins weekly cash prizePLAY NOWTime to shineCredit: PAPhil Foden (£5.9m)Manchester City’s double header in Gameweek 8 looks hugely appealing on paper.The defending champions travel to Molineux this weekend and while they did suffer defeat there last season, Wolves are currently bottom of the table having conceded 21 goals in seven league outings.Pep Guardiola’s side will then host Sparta Prague in the Champions League on Wednesday night – the Czech outfit have conceded their fair share of goals this season too.Dream Team bosses will obviously be expecting big things from Haaland but the Norwegian poacher’s returns tend to have relatively little impact on Mini Leagues and overall ranks because he’s so widely owned – he’s also the most-selected captain every Gameweek.Perhaps Foden will offer an secondary route into City’s point this coming Gameweek?The reigning Player of the Year has seemingly regained his place in the starting XI and a return of 19 points from his last two outings served as a reminder of his pedigree.READ MORE SUN STORIESBernardo Silva (£4.2m) and Jeremy Doku (£4.1m) are viable options in a more affordable price range – the latter looked lively for Belgium during the break.Lock in your transfers for Gameweek 8 before Saturday’s 11am deadline.BetMGM sign up offerBetMGM: Get £40 in free bets — HERE**New cust only. 7 days to opt in by placing a £10 qualifying bet at 1/1 (2.0) odds or greater to receive 4x Free Bets: 1 x £10 horse racing, 1 x £10 Bet Builder, 1 x £10 Acca and 1 x £10 football. 7 day expiry. Exclusions apply. Stake not returned. 18+. T&Cs apply.Commercial content notice: Taking one of the bookmaker offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. 18+. T&Cs apply. gambleaware.org More

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    Inside Fulham’s new stand as ‘mad’ prices revealed including £12,000 ticket with sommelier service and alfresco dining

    FULHAM’S new Riverside Stand includes an eye-watering £12,000 corporate ticket that boasts a sommelier service and even alfresco dining.Fulham’s new £100million stadium development will be ready for business in December.Fulham’s new Riverside stand will boast expensive corporate tickets when openCredit: AFPThe incredible development has cost £100millionCredit: GettyIt boasts various levels of luxury on matchdayCredit: Fulham FCAnd it will see Craven Cottage’s capacity rise from 25,678 to 29,589.Fans have already hit out at regular ticket prices for the Riverside, with a single seat costing between £120-125 and season tickets going for £3,000 each.But those figures pale in comparison with the fees being charged for the new stand’s corporate facilities.Various VIP experiences are on offer for those with cash to splash, ranging from a rooftop bar and fine dining area to a SWIMMING POOL.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe Riverside also boasts of its unrivalled views of west and central London.But it will cost a pretty penny to experience the full package, according to Fulham Focus.The cheapest corporate season ticket is the Matchday Plus Tier, which will set punters back £3,250.Guarantees must be made to keep the ticket for two seasons, with a 5 per cent cost rise in the second.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSIt comes with a seat in the Riverside Stand, plus three drinks and a half-time snack in the lounge area.The next ticket is The Dugout, which is located at the bottom of the stand behind the benches.Mum shares thoughts on expensive football shirtsThe ‘cheapest’ upgrade is the Matchday Plus tierCredit: Fulham FCThe Dugout allows fans to get near the benchCredit: Fulham FCThe Thames Bar Room will have a Fulham legend at every gameCredit: Fulham FCFor £4,500 – plus VAT – fans are served “traditional small plates” and drinks up to half-time.Moving up to Level 01 is the Thames Bar Room, which costs £5,250 plus VAT.Bizarrely there are no views of the pitch or river here.But it includes drinks throughout the day and past the final whistle, as well as an appearance from a Fulham legend.For £6,000 plus VAT, fans can experience networking hub The Originals.Styled as a bar for business people, it boasts inclusive drinks, roaming plates and chef stations.The Originals is a place for networking and nibblesCredit: Fulham FCThe Sky Deck boasts a swimming pool – but nobody can go in itIt also boasts plenty of food optionsCredit: Fulham FCHowever, the next stage is where things get truly exciting.For those who fancy a swimming pool with their football matches, the Sky Deck will set you back £7,750 plus VAT.It covers the top three levels of the stand while providing experimental grub and drinks pop-ups.However, the swimming pool is merely for decoration purposes only, with punters not allowed to take a cheeky dip on matchday.The second-highest ticket is priced at £8,500 plus VAT and gives fans access to The Brasserie.This area is based around the halfway line and includes an a la carte menu designed and curated by a Michelin Starred Chef.A Michelin experience awaits at The BrasserieCredit: Fulham FCThe top level boasts fine dining and a first-team player taking questionsFans will be able to eat alfresco and have their own wine waiterCredit: Fulham FCFinally, the Riverside’s top ticket costs a staggering £10,000 plus VAT – making for a round £12k.The Gourmet boasts the “best seats in the house”, includes a sommelier service to keep wine glasses filled, and rotates menus from various Michelin Starred Chefs for an alfresco dining experience.Not only that, a first-team player will also be available to interact with fans and answer questions on match days.Regular fans appeared to be less than impressed with the Riverside’s corporate offerings.One said: “The people’s game is over.”Another declared: “These numbers are mad.”READ MORE SUN STORIESOne noted: “Put me down for a few, just selling a few body parts to fund it.”Another added: “It’s the world of football these days, not for the true fan.” More

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    Cristiano Ronaldo sits in on son Cristiano Jr’s training session as 14-year-old looks to follow in dad’s footsteps

    CRISTIANO RONALDO can’t seem to get enough of football, after he was seen watching his son’s training session.Ronaldo, 39, continues to break records on the pitch, recently hitting the unprecedented 900-goal mark.Cristiano Ronaldo was seen watching an Al-Nassr training session with his sonCredit: TikTok / @.zonex3Cristiano Jr has vowed to play with his fatherCredit: TikTok / @.zonex3Ronaldo was filmed attending a session to watch earlier this monthCredit: TikTok / @.zonex3And while the five-time Ballon d’Or winner is now aiming to be the first in history to reach 1,000 goals, he is also keeping an eye on his son’s fledgling career.Cristiano Jr, aged 14, is looking to follow in his father’s footsteps by pursuing a career in the beautiful game and has vowed to even play alongside his dad.He has one of the sport’s most driven figures behind him, and that includes training.A video shared on social media earlier this month showed Ronaldo standing by the side of the pitch watching an Al-Nassr academy training session.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe was later seen sitting down during the session. Reacting to the clip, one fan said: “Imagine your game being watched by the best player of all time.”A second said: “He’s going to make a good coach.”A third added: “That’s a father and a legend.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAnother said: “Like son like father.”A fifth said: “I would drop a 12/10 performance that day If I was in any of those teams.”Cristiano Ronaldo says ‘I’ve always dreamed of this’ as he bags own luxury watch collection with £120,000 showstopper Former Manchester United, Real Madrid and Juventus star Ronaldo revealed how his son sometimes does not speak to him for days after they play padel against one another.Ronaldo was back in action for Portugal over the international break, scoring in the 3-1 win over Poland while he could not conjure up a winner in their goalless draw with Scotland.Ronaldo previously revealed how his son shares his intensely competitive streakCredit: Getty More

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    Harry Kane gets stunning new £82k Audi as England star enjoys day out with Bayern Munich team-mates

    HARRY Kane is living life in the fast lane at Bayern Munich. The England star showed off his new £82,000 electric Audi during a team bonding trip on Wednesday. Harry Kane joined his Bayern teammates at the Audi factory in MunichCredit: https://fcbayern.com/enThe England striker was gifted a company car, opting for a £82k SUVCredit: https://fcbayern.com/enEvery year Audi gives Bayern players a free ride for the seasonCredit: https://fcbayern.com/enKane and his Bayern team-mates enjoyed a day out at the Bayern factoryCredit: https://fcbayern.com/enKane joined his teammates to select a new company motor at Audi’s headquarters in Ingolstadt. Every year Audi gifts each Bayern player a car to drive throughout the upcoming season.The partnership has become an annual tradition at the Bavarian club, with Kane opting for a £53,000 black Q8 e-tron during his debut campaign.This year, the former Tottenham ace has gone sporty and upgraded his wheels to a state-of-the-art model.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLKane selected the £82,000 Audi SQ8 SUV e-tron2, one of the newest cars in the company’s fleet of electric vehicles. A premium SUV, the stylish ride has more than enough space and power for Kane’s growing family. The 32-year-old lives in Munich with his wife Katie and their four children.And they’ll ride in comfort thanks to an electric motor pumping out 496bhp, taking the family from 0-60mph in just 4.5 seconds. Most read in FootballKane can also open the taps on the Autobahn, with the car reaching a limited top speed of 130mph. FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe SQ8 proved a popular choice among Bayern’s players and staff on the day.Manager Vincent Kompany selected the same ride, along with Eric Dier, Manuel Neuer and Joshua Kimmich.Inside Harry Kane’s life in MunichSome of Kane’s other teammates including Thomas Muller and Alphonso Davies opted for more brute power. The pair selected the £121,000 RS e-tron GT, a rapid car able to propel drivers from 0-60mph in just 3.1 seconds.Bayern have made a strong start to the season as they look to claim back the Bundesliga title from Bayer Leverkusen. Kane and Co are currently top of the table after picking up 14 points from their opening six matches. Forgotten England stars could benefit from Tuchel appointmentWITH Thomas Tuchel announced as the next England manager, a few forgotten stars might be hopeful of a return to the international set up.The former Chelsea and Bayern Munich manager usually uses a 3-4-3 formation.That could provide an opening for Mason Mount, who’s not been involved in the England set-up since the World Cup in 2022.The now Manchester United star enjoyed his most successful spell under Tuchel while the pair were at Stamford Bridge.Tuchel could also offer lifelines to other previously capped players such as Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Eric Dier.RLC has excelled since his move to AC Milan and with England struggling to find a partner for Rice, he could be the surprise answer.Meanwhile, Dier played for Tuchel at Bayern Munich as part of a back-three last season.The defender did enough to convince the club to make his loan move permanent after he had fallen out of favour at Tottenham.Click here to see the full England XI who could play under Tuchel.Kane selected a Q8 e-tron during his first season at the clubCredit: ReutersThe England striker scored 44 goals in all competitions last season after his £100million transfer from Spurs.He has already netted five times this campaign, as well as laying on five assists in Kompany’s new-look attack.Kane missed out on England’s 2-1 loss to Greece last week but returned for their win over Finland. The Three Lions skipper was full of praise for new boss Thomas Tuchel after the German’s role was confirmed on Wednesday. England player ratings vs FinlandENGLAND secured a commanding 3-1 win over Finland following their horror show at home to GreeceHere’s how SunSport’s Tom Barclay assessed the Three Lions’ stars performances.Dean Henderson – 6Only his second cap after long-time No1 Jordan Pickford was dropped. Not a lot to do, but pretty assured when he was called into action, including a smart, first-half stop to repel a Benjamin Kallman strike – even if the Finn was later flagged offside. Could do little to prevent Finland’s goal.Kyle Walker – 6After the calamity against Greece, it was no surprise to see Lee Carsley turn to his most experienced defender. Now just nine caps shy of a century, Walker was solid. Could have had an assist late on but his cushioned down header was poor.John Stones – 6England’s more conventional system meant the defence was far less exposed – though Carsley’s attacking approach did still see the Finns create chances. Stones made a good early block to deny Kallman after Angel Gomes gave the ball away.Marc Guehi – 6Our best defender in the Euros group stages, Guehi was back in here with Levi Colwill dropping out. Pretty assured for a player who by his own admission has not started the season particularly well for his club.Trent Alexander-Arnold – 7We saw him in midfield at the Euros, and here the Liverpool right-back was shunted to left-back. Looked vulnerable defensively at times but who cares when he produces such quality on the ball – epitomised by his terrific free-kick to kill off this game.Angel Gomes – 8The big success story of the Carsley era, however long it lasts, has been bringing Gomes into the fold. He created Jack Grealish’s opener with a beautiful, flicked-pass round the corner and was excellent in possession – barring one sloppy early pass.Declan Rice – 7Looked far more comfortable with Gomes playing in behind him, as opposed to the one-man defensive operation he was forced to put up against the Greeks. Looked proud as punch after stroking home England’s third from Watkins’ cross.Cole Palmer – 5Played in a more familiar wide right position compared to his central-midfield experiment against Greece. Yet it reduced him to a peripheral figure, adding more questions than answers as to where best to deploy him, Jude Bellingham and Phil Foden.Jude Bellingham – 6The Real Madrid superstar played off Harry Kane and had the occasional, exciting link-up with Grealish, but this was not one of his more memorable games overall.Jack Grealish – 8No doubt will be hoping Carsley does get the job full-time as his fellow Brummie seems to appreciate his talents. His composed finish was his second goal in three games under Carsley – doubling his overall haul from 39 caps.Harry Kane – 6Cap 101 for the captain but not one he will remember particularly fondly. He offered the presence the team lacked against Greece when they played with no striker, but did not get much of a sniff in front of goal.SubsNoni Madueke (for Palmer, 69) – 7This game was made for him to make an impact off the bench and he almost teed up Watkins after one fine run but the Finns cleared.Ollie Watkins (for Kane, 69) – 7Low cross for Rice’s third was right on the money.Rico Lewis (for Gomes, 80) – 6Slotted in at centre midfield when coming on and looked busy.Phil Foden (for Bellingham, 80) – 5Embraced the post ruefully after Madueke opted to shoot instead of crossing to him for a tap-in seconds after Finland’s goal. Was marking Arttu Hoskonen when the Finn headed home a consolatio.Conor Gallagher (for Rice, 89) – 6His first appearance under Carsley but too late to make an impact.Lee Carsley – 7His tactical gamble backfired against Greece but he held his hands up and went more conventional here. It paid off as England were relatively comfortable – although his teams have looked defensively vulnerable at times in all four of his games and this was no different. But the three best players, Gomes, Grealish and Alexander-Arnold, were all given starring roles by Carsley when used sparingly or not at all by predecessor Gareth Southgate – and for that, the interim boss should take credit.Kane wrote on app Cleats Club: “I think it’s a really great appointment. “I worked closely with him last season and think he’s a really top, top coach and also a great person.READ MORE SUN STORIES”He’ll bring a lot of energy to the squad and experience. I’m really looking forward to starting with him next year.”But for now I’m here in Munich looking forward to the big game with Stuttgart at the weekend.”Kane’s teammate Thomas Muller opted for the same family-friendly wheelsCredit: https://fcbayern.com/en More