Philippa Kaur

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    England’s Greece horror show was a stark reminder World Cup 2026 is out of reach with so little quality at the back

    ALTHOUGH this was the night when England’s embarrassment of riches in attack was put on full show, here was a stark reminder that the nation remains unbelievably thin in quality at the back.Central defenders, full-backs and even the goalkeeper. Right across the board, England have some major issues.England had a defensive nightmare against GreeceCredit: AlamyIt saw an experimental Lee Carsley team fall to a shock 2-1 defeat at WembleyCredit: ReutersJohn Stones captained England for the first time in the absence of Harry Kane and this is not a night he will look back at with any fondness.Stones was one of three players – along with Trent Alexander-Arnold and Cole Palmer – who could have done better for Greece’s opening goal through Vangelis Pavlidis.Along with Levi Colwill, he was also lucky that Pavlidis’ strike towards the end was ruled offside as both players were at fault.Yet right at the end, when Pavlidis struck again for the winner, Stones – along with Rico Lewis – could have done much better.READ MORE ON ENGLANDThe options for Lee Carsley – and whoever takes this team forward over the next two years – are not exactly mind-blowing when it comes to strength in depth across the back.Over the last couple of years, we should have seen this issue coming. But there has been too much focus on what we could do at the other end of the pitch.This was Stones’ 82nd cap, meaning he has now overtaken former defender Rio Ferdinand in England appearances. He is now joint 17th on the all-time list with Raheem Sterling.The Yorkshireman is even more important to the England team than Ferdinand ever was purely because the former Manchester United defender had John Terry, Sol Campbell, Ledley King and Jamie Carragher as international colleagues.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSWith Harry Maguire axed from the squad before suffering an injury, and Ezri Konsa also forced to withdraw with a knock, Stones played next to Chelsea’s Levi Colwill who did OK.Yet Stones’ lack of games for Manchester City is a huge worry and this could harm England over the next two seasons.England and Greece stars in emotional minute’s silence to pay tribute to George Baldock after tragic death at 31He enjoyed a decent Euros in Germany even though this followed the most difficult season of his club career when form and injuries limited him to just 12 starts in the Premier League.And this season, despite playing a part in other competitions for Pep Guardiola, Stones has only started one top-flight match this term.There were times against the Greeks when Stones found himself exposed as England did their Harlem Globetrotters impression. It was a mix-up between Stones and Jordan Pickford which presented a chance to Tasos Bakasetas yet Colwill dashed back to deliver a heroic goal-line clearance.But as for the goals – along with the disallowed ones – Wembley witnessed some Car-crash.Here was the proof, not that we needed it, that left-back is also a huge problem.England player ratings vs GreeceBy Tom BarclayLEE CARSLEY’S tactical experiment of playing no strikers backfired as Vangelis Pavlidis’ double secured an emotional shock win for Greece at Wembley.Interim England boss Carsley played all three of our nation’s gifted No10s – Phil Foden, Jue Bellingham and Cole Palmer – in varying positions.But it did not work and the Greeks took a deserved lead thanks to Pavlidis’ belting second-half finish.The visitors then held up a shirt in celebration bearing the name Baldock – in reference to their team-mate George Baldock, whose passing at the age of just 31 on Wednesday rocked the world of football.Bellingham looked to have ensured the points were shared with a thunderous strike with three minutes to go.But there was still time for Pavlidis to expose some woeful defending deep into injury time by firing past Jordan Pickford.Here are SunSport’s player ratings from a dire night for England under the arch.Jordan Pickford: 4Wandered into no-man’s-land territory outside his box early on and lost the ball, allowing Greek skipper Tasos Baksetas a free shot at goal – only to be saved by Levi Colwill’s last-gasp clearance. Did not instil confidence, despite his experience.Trent Alexander-Arnold: 6Some tasty passes – they are his speciality, after all – but not great at the back. He, John Stones and Cole Palmer were weak in their attempt to close down Vangelis Pavlidis before the Benfica man smashed home the opener.John Stones: 5Made captain for what was his 82nd cap, surpassing Rio Ferdinand’s haul. But it was a shaky display from his defence and Stones should have done better to stop Pavlidis.Levi Colwill: 7Greece would have been ahead far sooner were it not for Colwill’s athletic hack away to deny Bakasetas. Replays showed it would have crossed the line had the Chelsea man been a split second later with his incredible intervention.Rico Lewis: 6Tried to bomb up the left flank where he could but, just like Kieran Trippier at the Euros, was hamstrung by constantly having to cut back onto his favoured right foot.Declan Rice: 6Played as England’s only holding midfielder, as fans had been imploring Gareth Southgate to use him for years. It was not like he was overrun but his side did look vulnerable on the counter.Phil Foden: 4Spent most of the game pressing the Greek backline as a false nine without really getting on the ball and causing any damage. Ineffective. Cole Palmer: 6Deployed in a deeper, central-midfield role which at least meant he saw plenty of the ball, though he blazed England’s best chance of the first half over the bar. Remarkably, his first competitive England start, despite being named on Tuesday as Three Lions player of the 2023-24 season. Bukayo Saka: 5Struggled to get into the game and then was forced out of it, worryingly limping off early in the second half. The last thing Arsenal fans wanted to see.Jude Bellingham: 7 STAR MANPlayed in a false nine position and had a belting early shot well saved. The system did not work but Bellingham still so nearly emerged as the saviour by banging in his first goal of the season for club and country.Anthony Gordon: 5Caused Greece few problems and his touch looked off it. Had a decent chance from Alexander-Arnold’s peach of a delivery but headed over.SUBS: Noni Madueke (for Saka 52): Played out on the left, rather than his natural right, when coming on. Went down in the box deep into injury time but no penalty was given. 6Ollie Watkins (for Gordon 60): Almost scored with his first touch when played through by Palmer, but smashed just over. 7Dominic Solanke (for Foden 72): Grabbed an assist when laying the ball back to Bellingham who thumped in the leveller. 7Manager Lee Carsley: 4Seemed to gamble unnecessarily with this experimental system instead of playing it safe to add another win to boost his case to earn the job full-time. Carsley played without a natural centre-forward when winning the Under-21 Euros because he had to after Flo Balogun switched the USA and Rhian Brewster got injured, but here he did it by choice and it did not work. Bellingham looked to have saved his bacon – but then Pavlidis struck again.Although happy to play there, Lewis considers himself as a midfielder. Colwill can also play in that spot but he is more comfortable in central defence.Even at right-back, where we seemed to be spoilt for choice, there are concerns. Carsley clearly considers Alexander-Arnold as the team’s first-choice right-back even though Gareth Southgate listed him as a midfielder.Alexander-Arnold, though, was guilty of allowing Pavlidis to brush past him too easily for the opening goal and it was not the only time he was caught out.Kyle Walker, who did not make the England squad last month, will probably start against Finland but he will be 36 at the next World Cup.While Pickford has been England’s best keeper by some distance over the years, he was properly dodgy in this Greek humiliation.READ MORE SUN STORIESYet the alternatives are Dean Henderson and Nick Pope, along with Aaron Ramsdale. All are decent keepers but neither are going to challenge the Everton keeper.Now, there is a real chance England might have to go into a Nations League play-off in March as they might not win the group. More

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    Enzo Maresca’s doing the unthinkable at Chelsea by dumping Todd Boehly’s showpiece signings and introducing common sense

    AS MESSAGES go, it was pretty clear.None of those subtle mind games journalists must turn to when they have failed to shoehorn a line out of some dullard manager who has said nothing in a press conference.Enzo Maresca could finally be the tough manager Chelsea needCredit: AlamyCo-owners Todd Boehly and Behdad Eghbali had chopped and changedCredit: RexBut then Enzo Maresca doesn’t do dodging and weaving in the public eye. He says it how it is in a calm, clipped manner.And it’s straight to the point.Like his curt and curious response to one innocent questioner asking whether Chelsea is his chance to forge a reputation for himself as a Premier League manager.Neither Maresca’s tone nor his expression wavered as he replied: “I have a wife, four kids and a  mum and dad. I have a reputation already.”READ MORE TOP STORIESBlunt if a little weird, right?So when Chelsea’s fifth manager in 2½ years declared his steadily rejuvenating team are nowhere near as good as Manchester City or Arsenal because they have stuck by their respective managers, he was simply talking sense.He was also telling his bosses at Stamford Bridge in no uncertain terms the sackings must stop if they want to get the club back to where they enjoyed so many trophy-laden seasons.Some of his predecessors said the same and everyone else in the room rolled their eyes.Most read in FootballMykhailo Mudryk has had little Prem action under Maresca and even saw Jadon Sancho arrive in effect as a like-for-like replacementCredit: RexFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSWhen Maresca declared just a couple of weeks into the job that “I call the shots”, we yawned.Yet there is a growing sense Maresca might be the man to finally tame Chelsea’s Wild West owners — the American-led posse of investment specialists and financiers who think they know everything but know very little about actual football.Chelsea legend’s daughter puts on busty display in low-cut top for stunning holiday snaps as fans call her ‘radiant’He is spot on that his team is a long way back from City and Arsenal.Sunday’s scrambled 1-1 draw at home to ten-man Nottingham Forest confirms that.Chelsea occupy fourth place in the Premier League mainly by default because Tottenham, Newcastle and particularly Manchester United, are so unpredictable. Yet it doesn’t take 20-20 vision to catch a glimpse of Maresca’s hand at work as he backs up his strong words with deeds.Nowhere is that more noticeable than in Mykhailo Mudryk’s plight.The winger is expected to start Ukraine’s Nations League game with Georgia tonight.Yet he has started only one Premier League game for Chelsea since the back end of August and is slowly but surely sliding down the ladder of importance under Maresca.It happens to most players at some point.Only Mudryk, 23, was a symbol of the new Chelsea — an expensive showpiece signing snared after a protracted chase at the behest of Todd Boehly and Behdad Eghbali, when they were feeling their way in the transfer market.The cynical view is that the main attraction was purely that Arsenal wanted Mudryk too.Thus starry-eyed Chelsea swooped simply to beat a rival, because that’s how they perceived business should be done.Whatever the truth, it cost an upfront £62million, plus add-ons.A new manager ditching a chairman’s marquee signing so unceremoniously takes balls.But now Mudryk can’t get anywhere near the first team for ­Premier League games.Ironically, he has played more minutes under Maresca than any other Chelsea boss . . . just not in the games that matter.Instead it has been the Conference League and a starring role against Barrow in the Carabao Cup.For a new manager to ditch a chairman’s marquee signing so unceremoniously takes balls.Not only that, he brought in Jadon Sancho to play in Mudryk’s position.A one-two combo Sugar Ray Robinson would have been proud of.No subtle psychology either. Mudryk’s out and my man’s in — so Behdad and Boehly must suck it up.And they seem to be.Maresca has since gone on to surgically dissect his entire squad — one for the Premier League and one for everything else.It’s up to those in the cup squad to impress their way on to Maresca’s A-list and for those in it to do enough to stay there. Simple and effective.Common sense at Chelsea? It will never catch on.It’s a win-winWE have finally reached a point in football where both sides claim to have won.The hubris-driven reactions of Manchester City and the Premier League to their latest courtroom battle over dodgy dealings added to the confusion for many.Pep Guardiola’s Man City and the Prem both claimed victoryCredit: GettyYet it may well have inadvertently opened up a whole new approach to the beautiful game in  a world where winning means big-time wonga.Imagine a sport where nobody loses? Where the result doesn’t matter because you can simply say ‘I won’ and everybody else is so bloody confused that they can’t be a***d to argue.Sounds ludicrous. But a few years ago we’d have said that about VAR, a Champions League where you don’t have to be a champion to play in it, the 39th game, kick-offs at 8pm on a Saturday, £100 a ticket, cup competitions loaded to favour the big teams, players on £500k a week and half- and-half scarves.Oh, and £25 for a bobble hat in some club shops, which I saw a few weeks back. Still only one winner there.Judges out in a blazer gloryWIMBLEDON dole office will be busier than usual in July when queues of redundant line judges start signing on.The All England Club’s switch over to automated, eagle-eyed, infallible technology to spot whether a ball is in or out means it’s curtains for around 300 of them.Wimbledon line judges might be queuing up elsewhere next summerCredit: APWimbledon say they are behind the times when it comes to moving over to AI instead of actual humans to make the big calls and stress they will do their best to find the officials alternative employment.Even so, look out next summer for a Centre Court full of second-hand £900 Ralph Lauren official Wimbo blazers being offered for sale on Vinted.Pore decisionI’M all for revolting fans — but the daftest demo  must go to the Spanish couple who got themselves in bother in Singapore for having a pop at Valencia owner Peter Lim by holding up a ‘Lim Go Home’ banner outside his house. Er . . .   No-one else up to scratchIT’S farewell to Rafa Nadal, the man who made wedgie-wiggling a sport in its own right.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe Spaniard retires next month after 22 Slam wins.When we’re no longer able to focus on his bizarre habit of sticking his fingers into his backside and his nose-pulling and ear-scratching routine, we’ll just have to watch the tennis. Grim.Rafa Nadal is bowing out at the top of tennisCredit: Getty More

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    George Baldock’s devastated fiancee pays heart-breaking tribute to ‘love of her life’ after ex-Prem star’s death

    GEORGE Baldock’s heartbroken fiancee has paid a touching tribute to the footballer describing him as her “soulmate” and the “perfect dad”.The Greece international, 31, was found dead at home in Athens on Wednesday evening after drowning in his swimming pool – leaving behind a devastated Annabel Dignam and their son Brody.George Baldock’s cause of death has been revealed as drowningCredit: RexBaldock’s heartbroken fiancee Annabel Dignam has paid a touching tribute to the footballer describing him as her ‘soulmate’ and the ‘perfect dad’Credit: Facebook/ Annabel DignamBaldock with his son Brody saying farewell to Sheffield United fans last seasonCredit: GettyTributes have been laid for the ex-Sheffield United player outside Bramall LaneCredit: GettyGreece players holding up a shirt in memory of George Baldock at Wembley tonightCredit: PAAnnabel broke her silence with an Instagram post dedicated to Baldock just hours after his cause of death was confirmed.She wrote: “George, the love of my life, my soulmate. The perfect dad to our beautiful boy. “You completed me. You were my world and I know we were yours.”You are here with me in Brody’s smile, giggle and infectious personality.read more in George Baldock”My world will never be the same but I will find a way for Brody. I promise.”I love you forever and always G. Your Neen. X”You completed me. You were my world and I know we were yours.You are here with me in Brody’s smile, giggle and infectious personalityAnnabel DignamGeorge Baldock’s fianceeThe post was followed by a loving snap of the couple together smiling.His family also revealed the football star, who moved to Greece to play for Panathinaikos FC, was due to return to the UK on Thursday to celebrate his birthday.Most read in FootballA separate tribute hours earlier by his family described Baldock as the “most special person”.It continued: “You were the most special father, fiancee, son, brother, uncle, friend, teammate and person.”Your enthusiasm and infectious personality brought so much love to those that were fortunate enough to know you and those that adored you from the stands.”We will forever cherish the special memories we have of you and you will continue to live on in your beautiful son.”You were due to fly home today for us to celebrate his first birthday together, but instead we mourn your loss.”George Baldock one minute silenceThe family also confirmed his cause of death as drowning in his swimming pool at his Greek home.Investigations into Baldock’s shock death revealed the ex-Sheffield United player died in the water.Annabel first raised the alarm after not hearing from her soon-to-be husband.After failing to track him down, she told the owner of the house in Glyfada to check the property.The full-back, who joined Athens side Panathinaikos from Sheffield United this summer, was found at the bottom of the pool by his landlord who jumped over the fence to get into the home.The Greece international, who was born in Buckingham but qualifies for the team via his grandmother, was found wearing swimming trunks and was pulled out of the water by emergency services.They tried to resuscitate him but sadly could not revive him.Baldock’s body was pulled from the bottom of his pool on WednesdayCredit: LNPBaldock was known to English fans as one of Sheffield United’s key men as they bounced between the Premier League and ChampionshipCredit: GettyEngland and Greece paid tribute to Baldock during tonight’s Nations League clashForensic scientists who conducted the autopsy on Baldock at Athens’ University Hospital on Thursday say he was dead for five hours before he was discovered.The family’s touching statement ended with them saying: “As a family it has been incredibly touching, but equally so very difficult to read the huge number of tributes written by those that knew George and from those whose life he touched.”It was impossible not to love him. We ask that you please continue to respect our privacy at this devastating time as we begin to process our grief.”Cops said it would be ” several weeks, if not months” before the full autopsy and toxicology results were released.A half-empty bottle of vodka and two glasses were found next to the pool – with police initially investigating whether another person was present at the time.Officials have since ruled out any criminality was at play in his death.TRIBUTES POUR INOther heartfelt tributes have continued to be made for Baldock after his death was confirmed.Panathinaikos said: “We are shocked, we are shocked by the loss of our George.”The family of Panathinaikos mourns his untimely death. We stand with the family and loved ones of George Baldock.”Baldock played for his club side on Sunday during a 0-0 draw with fierce rivals Olympiacos.He played 75 minutes before being subbed off.The club have confirmed he last trained with them on Wednesday before driving home to his €15,000-a-month apartment.They will be shocked. I remember him at Sheffield United. He had huge energy and was always up for a battle.Roy Keaneex-footballer and ITV punditFormer side Sheffield United also paid tribute saying: “Sheffield United Football Club is shocked and extremely saddened to learn of the passing of former player, George Baldock.”The defender left the club in the summer after seven years at Bramall Lane and was extremely popular with supporters, staff and team-mates who pulled on a red and white shirt alongside him.”The sincere condolences of everyone associated with Sheffield United are extended to George’s family and friends.”England and Greece stars also held a minutes silence ahead of their Nations League clash tonight.Pundits on ITV paid tribute Baldock ahead of the game on live TV.Ian Wright said: “Terrible news, shocking news. You cannot help but think about his friends and family, I spoke to Karl Robinson [former MK Dons manager] last night who was devastated.”He was hard-working and strong minded, You always thought, the way he applied himself, he was always going to get to where he wanted to go in the Premier League.”I’m very sorry and all my condolences go to his family.”The Arsenal and England legend worked alongside Baldock during a coaching stint MK Dons, where the British-born Greece international graduated through the academy.READ MORE SUN STORIESManchester United and Republic of Ireland icon Roy Keane added: “They will be shocked. I remember him at Sheffield United. He had huge energy and was always up for a battle.”The players will react, be professional and go and put on a performance for him.”Dominating Mbappe, Premier League Iron Man, promotion hero: A tribute to George BaldockBy Kostas Lianos, Digital Sports ReporterIT was back in 2019 when Greece legend Vasilis Torosidis – the heir to Euro 2004 hero Giourkas Seitaridis – retired from international duty after 101 caps.A giant void was left behind at right-back, many talented players tried to step up – and none of them could fill those big boots.But, soon enough, I started to hear whispers about a Premier League ace with Greek heritage who’s a starter week-in and week-out…That was none other than George Baldock, born in Buckingham on March 9, 1993, to English parents but qualified for Greece through his grandmother.And what a season he was having. The right-back starred for Sheffield United as they surprised the Prem in the 2019-20 campaign – their first in 12 years – by finishing in the top half of the table.Baldock was among their standout players as he registered a staggering 3,420 minutes played – the joint highest along with the likes of Declan Rice and Virgil van Dijk.The defender was keen to make the big step to the international stage with his grandmother’s homeland – and it didn’t take long until he shook hands with the Greek football federation (EPO) chiefs.However, a long and arduous paperwork slog stood in the way – with the then Sheffield United star claiming Covid-19 and Brexit slowed things down.Greece finally got the right-back they were begging for for years as Baldock made his debut on June 2, 2022 in a Nations League clash at Northern Ireland as a late substitute.It didn’t take long until the English-born ace owned the right flank at the back and impressive performances followed.Perhaps none compare to the Euro 2024 qualifier against France in June 2023 when Baldock did the unthinkable and kept Kylian Mbappe quiet for 104 MINUTES, despite being injured and playing through “unimaginable” pain.I still remember speaking to then-Greece manager Gus Poyet about his player’s stunning performance, and I will never forget the big smile the Chelsea legend had on his face.Poyet reminded me of a proud father as he took me through the injury hell the full-back endured before squaring up against perhaps the world’s best player for his country.A beaming Poyet told me: “Against the Republic of Ireland [three days beforehand] – and now that it is finished I can say it – after 20 minutes he had a very bad twist in his ankle, very bad. He was very close to come out. I asked him, ‘Can you hold until half-time?'”At half-time his ankle was very, very swollen. He asked for a strapping and he asked me for five minutes. Give me five minutes and we’ll let you know. And he had an unbelievable second half running up and down and being outstanding.”You don’t imagine the ankle after the game. You don’t imagine the ankle the day after, after the flight to France. Black and blue – swollen. And a day-and-a-half later you need to play against Mbappe.”Ninety per cent of people will think, no chance. And I keep talking to him, individually. And he keeps saying to me, ‘Coach I’m gonna be there no worries’.”And he didn’t play 20 minutes, he didn’t play 60 minutes, he played 104 minutes because the referee gave 14 minutes of injury time against Mbappe.”It’s easy to understand how loyal Baldock was to every team he ever played for during his 15-year career, just by looking at his stats.The Greek ace started his career at MK Dons in 2009 where he amassed a staggering 125 appearances throughout an eight-year stint that also saw him playing on loan for Northampton Town, Tamworth, IBV and Oxford United.The defender joined Sheffield United in 2017 and registered a whopping 219 appearances in seven years that also saw him helping his team achieve two Premier League promotions.Baldock’s work ethic and commitment was no different in Greece as he proudly stated two years ago: “To play for the national side is a great honour and a lot of pride involved for me and my family.”Representing my country through my late grandmother, it’s a very proud moment for me and my family. I love the country and I will fight for every success”Baldock never played for England at any level, but he always competed like a lion and he proved it on Sunday in his last ever match when he started for Panathinaikos, whom he joined in the summer, against eternal rivals Olympiacos in perhaps the most intense derby in Europe.He served his team with honour as he helped them pick up a valuable point in a goalless draw against their in-form foes, who had just played their best game of the season with a 3-0 win over Braga in the Europa League a few days earlier.He only managed 12 caps for Greece before his sudden and tragic death at the age of 31 on Wednesday in Athens.But his fighting spirit and charisma at right-back with the white and blue, as well as his remarkable run in the Premier League and the Championship, show that he is leaving a legacy behind for many Greek and English fans to look up to.Baldock was loved by Greece fans after he played a key role in shutting out Kylian Mbappe and France last yearCredit: GettyBaldock had moved to Panathinaikos FC at the start of this seasonCredit: Rex More

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    England ratings: Bellingham so nearly the saviour despite new position not working but Pickford has a nightmare

    LEE CARSLEY’S tactical experiment of playing no strikers backfired as Vangelis Pavlidis’ double secured an emotional shock win for Greece at Wembley.Interim England boss Carsley played all three of our nation’s gifted No10s – Phil Foden, Jude Bellingham and Cole Palmer – in varying positions.Lee Carsley went without a striker for the clash against GreeceCredit: PAJude Bellingham was almost the saviour on the night, but his late goal was cancelled out by an injury time winnerCredit: GettyJordan Pickford had one of his worst England gamesCredit: RexBut it did not work and the Greeks took a deserved lead thanks to Pavlidis’ belting second-half finish.The visitors then held up a shirt in celebration bearing the name Baldock – in reference to their team-mate George Baldock, whose passing at the age of just 31 on Wednesday rocked the world of football.Bellingham looked to have ensured the points were shared with a thunderous strike with three minutes to go.But there was still time for Pavlidis to expose some woeful defending deep into injury time by firing past Jordan Pickford.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHere are SunSport’s player ratings from a dire night for England under the arch.Jordan Pickford: 4Wandered into no-man’s-land outside his box early on and lost the ball, allowing Greek skipper Tasos Baksetas a free shot at goal – only to be saved by Levi Colwill’s last-gasp clearance.Did not instil confidence, despite his experience.Trent Alexander-Arnold: 6Some tasty passes – they are his speciality, after all – but not great at the back. Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHe, John Stones and Cole Palmer were weak in their attempt to close down Vangelis Pavlidis before the Benfica man smashed home the opener.John Stones: 5Made captain for what was his 82nd cap, surpassing Rio Ferdinand’s haul. Lee Carsley nailed on to land England manager job with bookies with Pep Guardiola second favourite at massive 10-1 But it was a shaky display from his defence and Stones should have done better to stop Pavlidis.Levi Colwill: 7Greece would have been ahead far sooner were it not for Colwill’s athletic hack away to deny Bakasetas. Replays showed it would have crossed the line had the Chelsea man been a split second later with his incredible intervention.Rico Lewis: 6Tried to bomb up the left flank where he could but, just like Kieran Trippier at the Euros, was hamstrung by constantly having to cut back on to his favoured right foot.Declan Rice: 6Played as England’s only holding midfielder, as fans had been imploring Gareth Southgate to use him for years. It was not like he was overrun but his side did look vulnerable on the counter.Phil Foden: 4Spent most of the game pressing the Greek backline as a false nine without really getting on the ball and causing any damage. Ineffective. Cole Palmer: 6Deployed in a deeper, central-midfield role which at least meant he saw plenty of the ball, though he blazed England’s best chance of the first half over the bar. Remarkably, his first competitive England start, despite being named on Tuesday as Three Lions player of the 2023-24 season. Bukayo Saka: 5Struggled to get into the game and then was forced out of it, worryingly limping off early in the second half. The last thing Arsenal fans wanted to see.Jude Bellingham: 7 STAR MANPlayed in a false nine position and had a belting early shot well saved. The system did not work but Bellingham was nearly the saviour by banging in his first goal of the season for club and country.Anthony Gordon: 5Caused Greece few problems and his touch looked off it. Had a decent chance from Alexander-Arnold’s peach of a delivery but headed over.SUBS: Noni Madueke (for Saka 52): 6Played out on the left, rather than his natural right, when coming on. Went down in the box deep into injury time but no penalty was given. Ollie Watkins (for Gordon 60): 7Almost scored with his first touch when played through by Palmer, but smashed just over. Dominic Solanke (for Foden 72): 7Grabbed an assist when laying the ball back to Bellingham who thumped in the leveller. Manager Lee Carsley: 4Seemed to gamble unnecessarily with this experimental system instead of playing it safe to add another win to boost his case to earn the job full-time. READ MORE SUN STORIESCarsley played without a natural centre-forward when winning the Under-21 Euros because he had to after Flo Balogun switched the USA and Rhian Brewster got injured, but here he did it by choice and it did not work. Bellingham looked to have saved his bacon – but then Pavlidis struck again. More

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    England 1 Greece 2: Lee Carsley’s bold tactic badly backfires as howler gifts visitors first ever win over Three Lions

    APPLY the handbrake, throw on the shackles, make England boring again. Because here was a night to remember why Gareth Southgate used to pick balanced teams. And how he led the Three Lions to two major finals. England were shell shocked by GreeceCredit: GettyVangelis Pavlidis opened the scoring at Wembley in the 49th minuteCredit: GettyJordan Pickford conceded for the first time since the Euro finalCredit: GettyJude Bellingham equalised for England in the 87th minuteCredit: GettyMan of the Match Pavlidis then scored the winner in the 94th minuteCredit: ReutersBecause this was a tactical omnishambles from interim chief Lee Carsley – who may have gambled himself out of a job with a bizarre team selection and an embarrassing defeat, the first time England have ever lost to Greece.   Carsley started with NO recognised centre forwards, then ended up with what Mike Bassett referred to as four-four-f***ing-two.A flawed attempt at trying to crowbar all of England’s attacking midfield talent into the same team ended in misery. If this is ‘Carsball’, it looked suspiciously like a car crash. READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSThis was the sort of line up the public urged Southgate to play during the Euros, and for some time before that. It didn’t work.And against better teams than the Greeks, ranked 48th in the world, it will work even less well.Even after Jude Bellingham’s 87th-minute equaliser, England were beaten by Vangelis Pavlidis completing his double to snatch the winner in injury time. England will now struggle to win promotion from the second tier  of the Nations League, given that the Greeks are top with a 100 per cent record.Most read in FootballPavlidis paid tribute to former Premier League star George Baldock at WembleyCredit: ReutersGreece stars held up a shirt of Baldock before the matchCredit: AFPBut Bellingham couldn’t believe his eyes after England were pegged back again at the deathCredit: GettyMore importantly for the long term, the FA’s plan to promote former Under-21 boss Carlsey as permanent manager may have been holed beneath the waterline.It was not just that England lost, it was that they lost with such an unconventional line-up, as the Greeks ensured the interim boss came acropolis in spectacular style.FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSCarsley played Bellingham and Phil Foden as a pair of false nines, in a starting line-up which included two flying wingers and Cole Palmer playing too deep in central midfield, alongside a horribly exposed Declan Rice. The former Republic of Ireland player abandoned this experiment after an hour and soon had two authentic centre forwards on the field in Dominic Solanke and Ollie Watkins. That didn’t work either.The scoreline could have looked far worse, given that Greece had THREE efforts ruled out for offside as Jordan Pickford suffered a personal horror show and Carsley’s side appeared hopelessly naive. England and Greece stars in emotional minute’s silence to pay tribute to George Baldock after tragic death at 31With Wembley sold out on a school night, Carsley decided to give the public what they’ve wanted for some time. Got a load of exciting attacking midfielders? Well why not play the whole lot of them. Indeed, given that John Stones, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Rico Lewis all often double up in the centre of the park for their clubs, you could argue that Carsley had selected nine midfield players. It promised to be entertainingly chaotic and right from the off, it was. Bellingham swivelled and shot from 20 yards, Odysseas Vlachodimos tipping over and after the Real Madrid man was hacked down, Palmer curled a free-kick onto the roof of the net.Pickford wasn’t up to his best throwing the ball straight to Greece for their THIRD disallowed goalCredit: RexPickford showed plenty of frustration as he faced 12 shots by full-timeCredit: RexThe damning stats that underline England horror showGreece are the lowest ranked side to beat England in a competitive match in 19 years.The away side were the lowest ranked side to ever beat England on home soil.It was the first time Greece had never beaten England in their history.Greece had never scored a goal at Wembley before tonight (the famous 2-2 with Becks free kick was at Old Trafford)Vangelis Pavlidis’ strikes were his first since June 2022 vs Cyprus.Jude Bellingham’s 87th-minute equaliser was England’s first shot on  target since the third  minute (also Bellingham).Yet at the other end, England were defending with legs akimbo – and they were not helped by Pickford looking as if he had clown music playing in his head. After Pavlidis curled a shot wide with England completely exposed, Pickford and Stones were involved in a horrible mix-up and the keeper passed straight to Greek skipper Anastasios Bakasetas, whose lob was spectacularly cleared off the line by Levi Colwill.Yet from the resulting corner, Pickford completely missed a punch, allowing West Ham’s Konastantinos Mavropanos to head into the net – only for a linesman’s flag to save England. Next, Stones made an excellent block to deny Bakesatas and people were beginning to understand why boring old Southgate used to pick balanced teams. Bellingham was impressive, though and when he cut back for Palmer, England’s Player of the Year put his foot through the ball from eight yards out and skied a chance he would rarely have missed in a Chelsea shirt. Anthony Gordon sent a free header over before Bukayo Saka ended the half with a booking for tripping Giorgios Masouras to stop a Greek break. It had been a madcap, and somehow goalless first half. But within five minute of the restart, England were behind.Konstantinos Koulierakis ploughed straight through the heart of Carsley’s team before Vangelis Pavlidis, surrounded by three defenders, was able to stab past Pickford. Saka was forced off through injury and replaced by Noni Madueke and soon Rice was booked for clattering Manolis Siopis before the resulting free-kick caused more mayhem. Lee Carsley’s free following forward plan with NO No.9 horribly backfiredBukayo Saka came off moments after Greece’s openerCredit: RexPavlidis had another effort ruled for offside before the false nine idea was chucked away on the hour mark, Watkins arriving in place of Gordon before Solanke came on for the hapless Foden, who never carries his Manchester City form into England duty.The Greeks thought they had it sown up when Pavlidis tucked home a low centre from Tzolis after a dozy pass from Pickford – but VAR ruled out the effort for offside. It was huge let off for Carsley before Solanke cut back and the ball ran for Bellingham to ram home from 20 yards.Even then England subsided, Lewis at the centre of a mass defensive cock-up which allowed Pavlidis to drill into the far corner.  READ MORE SUN STORIESIt was a scene which summed up the whole night — England shambling and humiliated.In the technical area, Carsley fell to his haunches in despair. Surely the FA can’t appoint him after this. More

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    England 1-2 Greece LIVE RESULT: Disaster for woeful Three Lions as Pavlidis seals win with last-gasp strike at Wembley

    ENGLAND have been STUNNED at Wembley after being beaten by a courageous Greece side for the first time in their entire history.Pavlidis’ delightful double fired the visitors to an incredible win over the Three Lions.Not even Jude Bellingham’s 20-yard strike could save Lee Carsley’s woeful side from such a humiliating defeat.RESULT: England 1-2 GreeceTV channel: ITV 1Live stream: ITV XEngland XI: Pickford; Alexander-Arnold, Stones, Colwill, Lewis; Rice, Bellingham; Saka, Foden, Palmer; GordonGreece XI: Vlachodimos; Rota, Mavropanos, Koulierakis, Giannoulis; Koubelis, Siopis, Masouras, Bakasetas Tzolis; PavlidisFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSFollow ALL the action from Wembley with our live blog below…Will to winDespite the bruising loss, Chelsea’s Levi Colwill came out of the game with plenty of plaudits after a stunning goal-line clearance.With the game locked at 0-0, the 21-year-old somehow prevented a shot from Anastasios Bakasetas going into an empty net after a Jordan Pickford error. Watch the incredible clearance here. Copy linkCopiedRemembering GeorgeIt was an emotional night at Wembley as fans and players came together to remember George Baldock. The Greek international died earlier this week after being found to have drowned in his swimming pool at his home in Athens.Following a minute’s silence before the game, Greek scorer Vangelis Pavlidis dedicated his brace to his teammate.Pavlidis said: “It was a really special game for us. Because of George.”We gave everything for him and his family. It is a great win but its a special night for him.”He has been in our thoughts. He was part of the team and was a special guy.”Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedSunSport’s ratingsEngland’s post-game ratings are in – and it’s not happy reading. One player impressed at the back despite a horror show defensively, while it was another poor night for Phil Foden.Click here to see SunSport’s full run-down from Wembley. Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedCarsley’s futureLee Carsley remains the bookies’ overwhelming favourite to take over the Three Lions job full-time.Asked about his future following the game, he said: “It doesn’t change [the situation]. “My remit is [take] the three camps, so it doesn’t change in that respect.”Copy linkCopiedSystem woesCarsley has been challenged on the False 9 system he employed during tonight’s loss.The interim boss opted for no striker in the starting XI, before bringing Ollie Watkins and Dominic Solanke off the bench.Incredibly, he appeared to suggest the players had spent just “20 minutes” working on the system. He told ITV: “With the quality that we’ve got, all the goals tonight were from mistakes. Even at 1-1, we were quite fortunate.”[On the formation] it’s definitely an option. We tried something tonight and we’ve got to have that ability and courage to do that.”Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedCarsley fronts upEngland boss Lee Carsley has just spoken for the first time after tonight’s 2-1 loss.”I think we were second best for a lot of tonight.”It is disappointing. We need to respond well against Finland.”We tried something different. We tried to overload the midfield, play a bit differently.”I think it’s unrealistic to expect too much. It’s a case of just trying again.”Copy linkCopiedAngry RoyMan Utd legend Roy Keane couldn’t believe what he was seeing as the Three Lions went behind at Wembley. Four England defenders surrounded Pavlidis, but nobody could get a tackle in to prevent the shot. Keane raged on ITV: “It’s an unbelievable goal to concede.”If this happened in training, you’d stop the training and ask ‘Are you taking this seriously?'”You have got to do the basics of football. Where was the urgency?”Credit: APCopy linkCopiedStones speaksEngland’s stand-in captain John Stones is fronting up to the media first.He told ITV: “It’s hard to put into words. We prepared how we usually do, it didn’t come off.”We have to give credit to them. From the start they put us under pressure. They were very compact.”Disappointing from us. A lot was riding on tonight for me personally. We’ve got to look back on this game and move forward.”Copy linkCopiedEngland 1-2 GreeceWhat a fantastic performance from the visitors.They rode on a wave of emotion from the first whistle and had the ball in the England net FIVE times. All this without their first-choice striker. Credit: ReutersCopy linkCopiedFULL TIME: ENGLAND 1-2 GREECEThe Three Lions are beaten at Wembley. Players sink to their knees.Not even Bellingham could rescue England this time. Copy linkCopiedEngland 1-2 Greece90+7. We’re still playing at Wembley.VAR did check that penalty, but nothing given. Pavlidis is down with a head injury. Lee Carsley has a very different kind of headache. This has been a tough watch. Copy linkCopiedEngland 1-2 Greece90+5. Desperate calls for a penalty as Solanke goes down in the box!Nothing given…. Copy linkCopiedEngland 1-2 Greece90+4. A defensive horror show as England fail to clear their lines. Pavlidis has been a thorn in their side all night.And there he is, at the right place at the right time. He smashes it into the bottom corner past a stricken Pickford.Carsley sinks to his knees on the touchline. Copy linkCopiedGOAL! Greece – Vangelis PavlidisFootball, eh? And this is fully deserved. Copy linkCopiedEngland 1-1 Greece90+2. Calls for a back pass as Koulierakis awkwardly plays it back to his keeper. The ref having none of it.England attempt to get things going again, but Greece slow it down with niggly fouls. Pelkas the latest in the book. Copy linkCopiedEngland 1-1 Greece90. Neither team are finished here.What a crazy last few minutes. Greece looked to have sealed a famous win, only to be denied by the linesman’s flag. Seconds later, Bellingham has leveled it up. We will have 5 minutes of added time.Credit: PACopy linkCopiedEngland 1-1 Greece88. Who else?Bellingham does it again with time running out.A pull back is missed by everyone, falling to the Madrid man on the edge of the box.He hammers it towards the far corner, beating Vlachodimos. Copy linkCopiedGOAL! England – Jude BellinghamHave England just avoided their first competitive defeat at Wembley in four years?Copy linkCopiedEngland 0-1 Greece85. So unlucky for Greece.They exploited England’s weakness at the back again, breaking at pace after sloppy distribution from Pickford. Pavlidis was there to turn it home, but he was just in front of Stones.That’s four times Greece have had the ball in the England net tonight. Copy linkCopiedEngland 0-1 Greece84. NO GOAL!For a third time tonight, Greece have a goal ruled out.Pavlidis just strayed off before tapping past Pickford. Copy linkCopiedGOAL! Greece – Vangelis PavlidisGame over? Copy linkCopiedEngland 0-1 Greece80. A crazy goalline scramble, but Greece hold on.No England player can get a good connection on the ball, with Watkins closest. Still just one shot on target for the Three Lions. They’ve created very little in this second half. Copy linkCopiedEngland 0-1 Greece78. England load players in the box. Trent with the cross to the far post, but it floats harmlessly out for a goal kick. Greece still a threat on the counter, but they’re getting deeper and deeper. Credit: ReutersCopy linkCopiedEngland 0-1 Greece76. Great run from Madueke, but four Greek players manage to halt his progress into the box. England camped in the Greece half and looking to force a leveller in the last 15.Copy linkCopiedEngland 0-1 Greece73. Half a chance for Bellingham, but he picks the wrong option.The Madrid man tries to lob the keeper, only to see his shot land miles wide. Watkins was free in the middle. England rolling the dice again. Here comes Dominic Solanke – back for his first cap since November 2017. He replaces Phil Foden. Copy linkCopied More

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    Former Brighton Premier League wonderkid Aaron Connolly bravely reveals all about alcohol addiction and treatment

    EX-PREMIER LEAGUE wonderkid Aaron Connolly has bravely revealed his alcohol addiction fight.The Irish international forward, 24, completed a free transfer to Championship promotion chasers Sunderland last month as he looks to resurrect his career.Sunderland’s new signing Aaron Connolly has bravely revealed all about his alcohol addictionCredit: AlamyConnolly famously burst on the scene in the top-flight aged 19 at Brighton with a brace against Tottenham.He left the Amex – following disappointing loan spells at Luton, Middlesbrough and Italian side Venezia – four years later having featured more on the gossip pages than sport ones.Connolly did score eight times for Hull City last term but that was not enough to stop him from getting released.Now he has decided to tell his story to coincide with World Mental Health Day on Sunderland’s website.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLConnolly had left home for the South Coast aged 16 but he says everything changed after that day against Spurs.He said: “I remember it – 5th of October, 2019, it was a 12.30 kick-off. I’m never going to forget that day. It was one of the best days of my life, but also one of the worst because the following five years was from that.“I just stopped working, stopped doing the things I should have kept doing. I started to believe the hype, and I just didn’t turn into a good person after that. I was tough to be around.“I didn’t know how to deal with it, if I’m being honest. My parents tried, but they weren’t living with me. I was living with my ex-girlfriend at the time, and it’s hard because I didn’t ever feel like I had that authoritative figure to keep me grounded.Most read in ChampionshipIf you are affected by any of the issues raised in this article, please call the Samaritans for free on 116123.“My parents did try, but I just let myself believe everything people were saying online and it just took over. I always say to my parents, I started to live the life of a footballer without the football side of it.“That was the hardest thing to admit at the time, that I wasn’t doing all the things that had got me to the position where I could go and get my house and treat my family, and do all that sort of stuff.Brits are more likely to open up at the pub or on a walk than on the phone or over text, study finds“It hurts to look back and speak about it because I know if I had done everything right, maybe I would still be in the Premier League. Maybe I wouldn’t, but at least I’d know I’d given it all I could to try to stay at that level.”Connolly explained how both his on and off-field life began to spiral as alcohol became a bigger and bigger problem.He said: “It was obvious I had a problem with alcohol for a good few years.“I had my parents, who never drank before and were always telling me when I was younger to stay away from alcohol. That was always their thing because of addiction to alcohol in my family.“I didn’t listen, clearly. It got me into a lot of trouble and a lot of problems, and it just became something that I relied on.”It felt like my buzz used to come from football, and winning games and scoring goals, and it got to a point where the buzz was more from drinking alcohol than going out on a football pitch.“I used to look forward to the games finishing so I could have time to go and have a drink and socialise.”I say socialise, but it was just an excuse to go and get drunk, to go straight to alcohol, and that was where I got my buzz from, whereas before, it was always the buzz of football and being around an environment like I am now.”For three or four years, that just wasn’t there.”The star burst on the scene with two goals against Tottenham in 2019Credit: ReutersConnolly managed to rediscover some form at Hull despite his “life being a mess” but he finally realised he needed to take drastic action after he was released in June by the Tigers.He explained: “I couldn’t do it, I couldn’t live the way I was living. It was killing people round me, to be honest. My family, my friends. Mainly, it was killing me, really.“I had one of my best seasons last year at Hull, but off the pitch, my life was a mess. The manager at Hull, to be fair, always looked after me, and always tried to help.”But it just got to a point where, it wasn’t like life wasn’t worth living, it wasn’t a big dramatic thing, but it was just that my life was so unmanageable and I couldn’t control what I could do and couldn’t control my alcohol.“It just got to a point where I had to make a decision where I needed to go to a treatment clinic, and I spent a month there in the summer.”I just said to my agent, ‘I don’t want you to contact any clubs. I’m not doing this for football, I’m doing this so I can get my life back, and if stuff in football comes with that, then that’s a bonus’.“It wasn’t even the football that was taking the biggest battering in the end, it was my life, my relationships, my friends. Everything was just failing and falling apart.”When your parents are calling you and you’re not answering calls because you know you’re breaking their hearts, it’s time to realise that you’ve got a problem.”Now after sealing himself an opportunity at Sunderland, Connolly wants to tell his story in the hope that it might help at least one other person struggling.He added: “It’s an addiction, and the toughest thing I ever had to do was go in there. The PFA helped me pay for my treatment, and I know some people might not be able to afford it, but it’s important to know it’s not just park bench, vodka bottle. Anybody can get affected by it.READ MORE SUN STORIES“There’s no price tag or no amount of money in the world that can cure it. It’s a disease, an illness. But going to the clinic was the best and worst month of my life.“I just hope this might help people. I had everything every young boy would dream, but I couldn’t get hold of my addiction without that help.”The Irish ace was released by Hull City in the summer and decided to check into rehabCredit: PA More

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    Watch Levi Colwill make ‘one of the greatest goal line clearances ever’ with miracle recovery for England vs Greece

    LEVI COLWILL spared Jordan Pickford’s blushes by making a sensational goal line clearance.The Chelsea star was named in Lee Carsley’s starting XI as England took on Greece at Wembley.Levi Colwill produced a sensational goal line clearanceCredit: ITVColwill’s brilliant clearance kept the score levelCredit: RexThe Chelsea star was immediately congratulated by Jordan PickfordCredit: RexWithin the first 10 minutes he was forced to strain every sinew in order to keep the score-line level.Three Lions No1 Pickford came racing out of his goal to intercept a Greek long ball.After doing so, the Everton star dawdled in possession.In a nightmare moment for the experienced stopper, Pickford miscontrolled, gifting the ball to Greece star Anastasios Bakasetas.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe Greek skipper lofted the ball towards the unguarded net, and looked almost certain to have scored.But Colwill went haring after it, before showing supreme athleticism to somehow keep the ball out.Replays showed that the ball had been just inches from crossing the line.And fans were left in awe of Colwill’s amazing clearance.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSOne wrote on social media: “Clearance of the year.”While a second posted: “Honestly thought no chance he makes it!”New dad Jack Grealish reveals why he would never ask Bukayo Saka to babysit and which England pal he’ll go to for tipsA third commented: “Levi Colwill just pulled off a goal-line clearance that defied physics.”And another added: “One of the best goal-line clearances you will ever see!”Colwill was earning just his fourth England cap, having featured just once under Gareth Southgate.He lined up at the back alongside John Stones, with Trent Alexander-Arnold and Rico Lewis at full-back.Carsley fielded Declan Rice ahead of the back four in midfield, with attacking stars Jude Bellingham, Anthony Gordon, Bukayo Saka, Cole Palmer and Phil Foden all squeezed into a line-up featuring no traditional No9.Just moments after Colwill’s clearance, Greece had the ball in the net.West Ham star Konstantinos Mavropanos headed the ball beyond Pickford following more unconvincing work from the England goalkeeper, only for the offside flag to come to the Three Lions’ rescue.There would be no reprieve in the 49th minute, however, when Greece took the lead via Vangelis Pavlidis.READ MORE SUN STORIESThings then went from bad to worse for the Three Lions moments later, with Bukayo Saka limping off with an injury.Jude Bellingham appeared to have rescued England with a late strike but Pavlidis struck again injury time to seal Greece’s first ever win in ten attempts against the Three Lions.Pickford, 30, endured a night to forget at WembleyCredit: Getty More