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    Liverpool vs Chelsea legends: CONFIRMED line-ups with Gerrard and Zola among stellar names for Anfield charity match

    LIVERPOOL AND CHELSEA legends will clash at Anfield THIS WEEKEND for a charity match.Liverpool will host an enthralling legends charity match with the likes of Steven Gerrard and Gianfranco Zola among the stellar names in action.Liverpool hero Steven Gerrard will play in the matchChelsea icon Gianfranco Zola is going to be back in action for the BluesOld rivalries will be rekindled 20 years on from the astonishing 2004-05 season. That year was the memorable Champions League semi-final between these two teams, which ended in a 1-0 win for the Reds after Luis Garcia’s controversial ‘ghost goal’.Rafa Benitez’s team went on to win the competition that year, with the Spaniard back in the dugout for Liverpool on Saturday.Gerrard will also return to Anfield and is looking to roll back the years on Saturday.read more fooball newsThe midfield icon enjoyed a glistening career making over 700 appearances for the Reds, bagging 186 goals and winning nine major trophies.Fans will also be excited by the prospect of Gianfranco Zola starring.The Italian maestro is best remembered for his incredible close control and dribbling skills and helping transform Chelsea in the late 1990s.With Benitez in Liverpool’s dugout, Chelsea will also have a Champions League-winning manager guiding them.Most read in FootballClub legend Roberto Di Matteo was the man responsible for Chelsea’s first ever Champions League in 2012 and he takes charge of the legends again.One hundred per cent of the money raised from the charity fixture will support the LFC Foundation, Forever Reds, Chelsea Foundation and Chelsea Players’ Trust.Rafa Benitez won the Champions League with Liverpool in 2005Credit: Getty – ContributorRoberto di Matteo took Chelsea all the way in Europe in 2012.Other players making an appearance for the sides include Robbie Keane, Jerzy Dudek, Dirk Kuyt, Ramires, Eidur Gudjohnsen, Florent Malouda and many more.Football fans are in for a treat and will not want to miss this one with all these phenomenal names taking part – it’s due to be a cracker of a game and a great event. What are the lineups?More names could well be announced but here are the current confirmed names:Liverpool legends:Jerzy DudekSander WesterveldFabio AurelioDjimi TraoreMartin SkrtelRagnar Klavan Mark GonzalezSteven GerrardJay SpearingDirk KuytDjibril CisseRobbie KeaneSami HyppiaDavid JamesBjorn Tore KvarmeGregory VignalMohamed SissokoIgor Biscan Florent Sinama PongolleNatasha DowieRafa Benitez (Manager)Chelsea legends:READ MORE SUN STORIESCarlo CudiciniGary Cahill RamiresJohn Obi MikelGianfranco Zola Loic Remy Florent MaloudaJesper GronkjaerJimmy Floyd HasselbankRyan BertrandKatie ChapmanRoberto Di Mateo (Manager)When is Liverpool vs Chelsea legends and how can I watch it?Liverpool Legends vs Chelsea Legends will take place at Anfield on Saturday, March 22.Kick-off is at 2pm.The game will be screened on LFCTV which is an additional subscription.The match can also be watched on the Chelsea app or Chelseafc.com, with fans paying a pay-per-view fee of £5.99.Alternatively, all the action will be live blogged by SunSport. More

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    Premier League clubs on red alert as cash-strapped Barcelona face losing TEN wonderkids on free transfers

    PREM clubs are on alert amid reports Barcelona could lose ten wonderkids on free transfers.The cash-strapped club are in still in a perilous financial situation and face another difficult transfer window.Hansi Flick could lose players he has earmarked for the first-teamCredit: GettyThey have been forced to let a number of key assets leave in recent years and have had to juggle the books to register signings like Dani Olmo in the last few months.But now Barcelona could be forced to let go up to ten academy stars, according to SPORT.That is how many players in La Masia are out of contract at the end of June.Barcelona are yet to offer them new deals and that may remain the case due to their lack of money.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe likes of Arnau Pradas, Hugo Alba and Jan Virgili are big academy talents and have been earmarked by Hansi Flick for promotion to the first-team.But if Barca fail to drum up cash they face losing all three – putting Prem clubs on high alert.One player who was of particular interest is Pau Cubarsí, but Barcelona managed to tie him down to a long-term deal last month after he turned 18.But striker Marc Guiu left for Chelsea last summer and other stars could follow suit.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSBarcelona’s dire financial situation has not stopped them from identifying transfer targets however, with Alexander Isak and Liverpool’s Luis Diaz of interest.Despite their woes off the pitch, Flick has led Barca to the top of Laliga and to the Champions League quarter-final.Benfica fans furiously brawl with Barcelona stewards with limbs everywhere during Champions League KO More

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    ‘Like I’ve never seen before’ – Thomas Tuchel’s ‘aura’ blowing England stars away as new era begins

    THOMAS TUCHEL has an “aura” unlike anything Morgan Rogers has seen in a manager.Aston Villa star Rogers revealed England’s new boss has laid down “some serious ideas” in his bid to win the 2026 World Cup.England boss Thomas Tuchel has an “aura” unlike anything Morgan Rogers has seen in a managerCredit: PAEngland manager Tuchel is determined to win the 2026 World CupCredit: PAAston Villa star Morgan Rogers praised new England boss TuchelCredit: GettyTuchel will kick off the Three Lions’ new era on Friday with a World Cup qualifier against Albania at a sold-out Wembley.Rogers is managed by Unai Emery at Villa and worked under Pep Guardiola at Manchester City.But he said of Tuchel: “His aura is one I’ve not experienced before. Certain managers have different ways about them. It is hard to describe but he has such a level of confidence.“He has been so chilled and calm. But when it is time to work, it is time to work. That is the vibe I have got off him.Read More on Football“You know what he has done in the game and the respect he has got from managers and players he has worked with. You know he is coming in with some ­serious ideas.”Ex-Bayern Munich, Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain boss Tuchel, 51, laid out his plans to win next year’s World Cup at his first team meeting at St George’s Park.Rogers, who won two England caps under interim boss Lee Carsley, added: “That’s the only goal. He was very clear and transparent with what we need to improve. It was very straight-up, no cutting corners.“It’s definitely been taken on board and a first message to carry us on and lead us on through the camps.”Most read in FootballRogers and the Three Lions squad will prepare at Tottenham’s training ground on Thursday ahead of the Albania game, with a clash at home to Latvia following on Monday.The attacking midfielder, 22, discovered he was in the squad when waking up to a text early on Friday before training with Villa.Thomas Tuchel names his first England squad for upcoming match with Albania The human tuchENGLAND’S new boss Thomas Tuchel has announced his first squad – to mixed reaction.And he is fully prepared for Tuchel’s standards due to the high bar Emery sets.He said: “There’s never a moment’s rest. When you least expect it, Unai will catch you out, telling you about yourself.“I can think of the best games I’ve had and he’ll batter me for one little thing I did in the 20th minute. But once you understand why he’s doing it, you take it on board.”Inside 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. More

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    ‘Just incredible’ – Harry Kane blows Liam Delap away with what he did in first England training session

    LIAM DELAP has hailed Harry Kane as “the best I’ve ever seen” after meeting his role model for the first time.The Ipswich centre-forward is widely tipped to be Kane’s long-term successor as England’s No9 after a breakthrough season in the Premier League.Ipswich star Liam Delap praised England captain Harry Kane after training togetherCredit: GettyDelap has been called up by England manager Thomas TuchelCredit: GettyDelap is widely tipped to be Kane’s long-term successor at EnglandCredit: APDelap, 22, has impressed with his physicality in his first full top-flight campaign – which is little wonder considering he grew up watching his dad Rory playing for Stoke City under Tony Pulis.On Tuesday, the England Under-21 striker joined Thomas Tuchel’s senior squad for a training session at St George’s Park.And Delap, 22, said: “That was the first time I’ve trained with Harry. He is someone I’ve looked up to for ages and he’s got everything.“He’s had the most amazing career and he’s still flying so there’s someone as young as me to look up to him and then be able to watch him live is an incredible experience.Read More on Football“I had a little chat with him, he’s a really nice guy. I watched him enough in the shooting drill to take so much from him and he’s just incredible. What I noticed was that just everything goes in!“His all-round game is incredible and he’s played at the top level for so long now but as a striker it’s something I really enjoy doing, to watch the best practice and it’s the best I’ve seen.”Delap is an old-school target man and admits: “I’ve always loved a battle and loved putting myself about.”That mentality was honed during bruising sessions in the garden with his dad, now coaching under Robbie Keane at Hungarian club Ferencvaros, who was the long-throw merchant for Pulis’ fearsome Stoke side.Most read in FootballDelap said: “When dad was playing at Stoke I used to go to all the games. He’s working now but at the start of the season he wasn’t, so he was able to get to all my Ipswich games. He’s been there and I’ve watched, now I’m there so he can watch me.“I’ve got a little brother as well so it was always football and rugby in the garden with dad and wrestling each other.Liam Delap talks about joining Ipswich Town “He’s even tougher than me so it taught me a lot and where I got most of it from as a kid.“Obviously there was no mercy from dad. Me and my brother loved that side of it, being aggressive. It was fun.”Former Manchester City kid Delap has netted ten times in the Premier League, despite Ipswich’s struggles – and is being followed by several top clubs for a summer move.Delap, who will lead the line for England Under-21s in France on Friday, said: “It’s my first full season in the Premier League and you’re always going to learn and improve.“The manager and players at Ipswich have really helped with that and I like to think I’m learning as much as I can and trying to implement that into the next game.“It’s the quality and physicality of the Premier League that’s so intense. I’ve got fitter as the games have gone along. It’s making the most out of every moment because the quality, if you make a mistake in this league, they punish you.”His all-round game is incredible and he’s played at the top level for so long now but as a striker it’s something I really enjoy doing, to watch the best practice and it’s the best I’ve seen.Delap on KaneAsked to name his toughest opponents, Delap said: “Liverpool was really tough. Virgil Van Dijk and [Ibrahima] Konate, they are two monsters. And the possession Liverpool have and the quality they have it is tough for anyone to go there.“I’ve always had the belief that I could [play at the highest level] and there is so much I can improve on – my hold-up play, being more consistent. I can score more headers. My overall game can be tweaked to improve.”And Delap has not given up hope of Ipswich avoiding relegation despite a run of one point from nine matches leaving Kieran McKenna’s side nine points adrift of safety.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe said: “Yes we can stay up, 100 per cent. A couple of wins and it’s a different story.“We all have the belief in the changing room. Outside the club, maybe not but we’ve got a really good group and everyone is confident.” More

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    Powers of new football regulator could be scaled back amid concerns it will ruin Premier League

    DOWNING Street may clip the wings of the new Independent Football Regulator amid concerns that it will ruin the ­Premier League.The powers of the planned watchdog could be scaled back to avoid hampering investment, Bloomberg reported.Keir Starmer may clip the wings of the new Independent Football Regulator amid concerns that it will ruin the ­Premier LeagueCredit: GettyThat followed The Sun’s revelation that there are growing fears the project is duff, amid PM Sir Keir Starmer’s clampdown on red tape.On Monday a top ­minister refused three times to confirm if the regulator will go ahead.Legislation to set it up is currently working through Parliament.Officials are said to fear it could dissuade foreign investors from buying football clubs, which in turn would restrict growth in the footy sector.read more on Premier LeagueThe Prem is the most watched football league in the world, broadcast into 900 million homes in 189 countries.In February Reform UK MP Rupert Lowe, former chairman of Southampton FC and FA Board member, warned the organisation would destroy the Premier League.Speaking to The Sun’s Never Mind The Ballots show, he said: “The Premier League’s an unbelievable success.“It brings huge soft power to Britain, it brings huge amounts of tax revenue to the Exchequer.”Most read in FootballHe then warned that London’s once world-beating financial centre was “destroyed by regulation”.He asked: ““Will the Government take responsibility if football goes the same way as our financial markets after they introduce a regulator?“Light touch self-regulation built the Premier League. Regulation will destroy it.”Officials are said to fear it could dissuade foreign investors from buying football clubsCredit: GettyUnlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club. More

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    ‘My daughter thought I was a referee’ says England legend Ashley Cole as he’s inducted into football Hall of Fame

    ASHLEY COLE was an Arsenal Invincible, a European champion at Chelsea, a record seven-time FA Cup winner and a member of England’s exclusive 100 Club, once recognised as the best left-back on the planet. But ask him to reflect on that glorious career, after being inducted into the National Football Museum’s Hall of Fame, and Cole highlights his regret at the “silly bitterness” which overshadowed a large part of his career.Ashley Cole was inducted into the National Football Museum’s Hall of FameCredit: PAEngland Under-21 assistant boss Cole won major awards with Arsenal and ChelseaCredit: Getty Images – GettyCole, now a well-respected assistant to England Under-21 boss Lee Carsley, insists he is a very different person now to the hot-headed player who left Arsenal under a cloud after being tapped up by Chelsea.Back then he infamously wrote in his autobiography that he “almost swerved off the road” when being informed that Arsenal were offering “only £55,000 a week”.And Cole, 44, admits: “I’ve grown up since then, from making silly mistakes, silly words, bitter words, feuds – I’m so grown and so over that now.“I respect the both clubs I was at, they gave me a lot, they gave me opportunities.Read More on Arsenal “There isn’t one memory that sticks out, I’ve won Premier Leagues, Champions League, created history in the FA Cup, I look back and say, ‘Yeah you’ve done well and they were your rewards’.“And competing for my country at World Cups and Euros was really important to me.”Cole’s career was one of English football’s finest but after his tumultuous high-profile marriage to pop star Cheryl Tweedy and the controversy over his move to Jose Mourinho’s Chelsea, he shied away from speaking to the media.As a result he is often under-appreciated and it turns out that even extends to his own home.Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Chelsea Files every Tuesday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Stamford BridgeCole, who won 107 England caps, said: “I’ve got two young kids who are always asking me, ‘Was I a good player?’ My daughter thought I was a referee!“Getting this award did open my eyes as to what an achievement it was to get to the level I got to.Ashley Cole picks his all-time team-mates XI… but does it boast more Arsenal or Chelsea stars?“Working with these young [England Under-21] lads, I can see a lot of me in them. They are a very humble, hard-working group. It’s inspirational for me to watch these players grow and hopefully get into the senior team.“I look back at the journey from where I was as a 14, 15, 16-year-old, all the hard work and sacrifice. Then to make my debut for my boyhood club [Arsenal] and to win trophies and to grow as a player is something I won’t take lightly.“I really enjoyed the journey. There’s a message for the kids – keep working hard on the training pitch, keep persevering and hopefully you have a career like me.”Cole has urged patience with Arsenal’s teenage duo, Myles Lewis-Skelly and Ethan Nwaneri.I’ve grown up since then, from making silly mistakes, silly words, bitter words, feuds – I’m so grown and so over that now.Ashley ColeLeft-back MLS has gone straight into the England senior squad, while Nwaneri will make his Under-21 debut away to France under Carsley and Cole on his 18th birthday on Friday.Cole said: “I’ve seen Myles in the last year and a half. I’ve seen it with Ethan too. When you have so much talent, there is sometimes an urge to play them and do they sometimes fall short? These two haven’t.“Now he [Lewis-Skelly] is in the seniors, he has just got to continue to play well for Arsenal and continue to get himself in the senior squad.“But you’ve got to be careful with these young players. They are special and precious so you have to take your time sometimes.”After winning the last Under-21 Euros two years ago, Cole believes England are capable of retaining their crown in Slovakia this summer.Cole said: “That group two years ago, they had real pride in playing for the Three Lions, working for the badge.I’ve got two young kids who are always asking me, ‘Was I a good player?’ My daughter thought I was a referee!Ashley Cole“They were a great bunch and what they did in the last Euros showed a great team spirit and belief.READ MORE SUN STORIES“We’ve told this group that they have left a legacy for you and we want to continue that and hopefully do well in the Euros and leave a legacy for the next generation.“Every day I watch them train, I see the hunger and desire and if we don’t win the Euros, I know they will have given everything.” More

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    Roy Keane tried putting me in a high chair when he approached me to sign for Sunderland, says EFL cult hero

    ROY KEANE may be known for being a straight-laced professional who never mucks about, but he certainly has a funny side too.Now, one of his former team-mates and players has opened up about the hilarious prank he played on him during his days a manager – giving an insight into Keane’s lighthearted side.Roy Keane took the opportunity to tease a former team-mate in a hilarious prank during his days in managementCredit: GettyRoss Wallace has revealed the prank Keane played on him when he signed for SunderlandCredit: Youtube/Undr the COshEFL cult hero Ross Wallace, 39, played alongside Keane during his stint in Scotland with Celtic – before playing under the iconic midfielder at Sunderland too.The pair shared the pitch just three times as team-mates for The Hoops, but it was Keane who signed Wallace for Sunderland after taking charge at the Stadium of Light.Manchester United icon Keane couldn’t help but take a cheeky swipe at his former teammate when heading into contract negotiations too, seemingly poking fun at Wallace’s 5ft 6in stature.Speaking to Undr the Cosh, Wallace recalled: “We went and met – Roy was staying at the Ramside hotel – but I think he had a farmhouse right at the back of it.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”So you’ve got me, my agent and obviously Roy and Tony Loughlan, the first team coach.”He’s got like three chairs and I’m like (arms outstretched). So my agent has sat down, Roy and Tony.”So he’s like ‘ah, sorry Ross, I’ll get you a chair.'”He goes through to the kitchen and brings through a highchair.Most read in FootballWallace played under Keane at SunderlandCredit: RexCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”It was just pure straight face, he just carries it through and then he tries to lift me into it.”He picks me up and he’s trying to put me in it!”Roy Keane makes heartfelt gesture to hometown Cork club as he teaches Sky Sports pals about anniversary Wallace never let his height impact his playing career, going on to make over 500 career appearances across the EFL, Premier League and Champions League – as well as earning a cap for Scotland.The retired midfielder hung up his boots in 2020 at St Mirren, having played for the likes of Sunderland, Burnley, Preston and Sheffield Wednesday.Roy Keane’s angriest momentsWhat really ticks off Roy Keane?The Irishman is known for his no-nonsense approach to football.And some particular things really do get on Keane’s wick.It all makes for great entertainment for fans, who love the Man United legend’s take on the beautiful game.But is Keane being a bit too sensitive himself?From smiling players to ABBA, nothing is sacred.And we all know about his dislike for a prawn sarnie…Here are the things that really make Roy Keane angry. More

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    Lost lads are filling void with callous, manipulative & toxic influencers like Andrew Tate, warns Sir Gareth Southgate

    FORMER England manager Sir Gareth Southgate has lashed out at “manipulative and toxic influencers” — and insisted young males need better role models.He said teenage boys are spending too much time gaming, gambling and watching pornography, and risk falling under the spell of internet personalities like vile Andrew Tate.Sir Gareth Southgate has lashed out at ‘manipulative and toxic influencers’Credit: BBCHe said teenage boys risk falling under the spell of internet personalities like the vile Andrew TateCrossbow killer Kyle Clifford was under the influence of misogyny ‘poster boy’ TateCredit: PASir Gareth, 54, spoke out after it was revealed crossbow killer Kyle Clifford was under the influence of misogyny “poster boy” Tate, 38, when he murdered his ex-girlfriend, her mum and her sister.His comments, at the BBC’s annual Richard Dimbleby Lecture, also come as Netflix hit Adolescence, starring Stephen Graham and teen Owen Cooper, highlights toxic masculinity.The Centre for Social Justice also released a “Lost Boys” report about the problem.Sir Gareth said many young men end up “searching for direction” and fill the void with a “new kind of role model who do not have their best interest at heart”.read more on gareth southgateHe said: “These are callous, manipulative and toxic influencers, whose sole drive is for their own gain.“They willingly trick young men into believing that success is measured by money or dominance, never showing emotion, and that the world, including women, is against them.“They are as far away as you could possibly get from the role models our young men need in their lives.”Sir Gareth delivered the 46th Richard Dimbleby Lecture at the University of London.Most read in FootballIt has been held in honour of the broadcaster most years since 1972.Previous speakers have included King Charles and Bill Gates.In his speech, Sir Gareth continued: “As real-world communities and mentorship declines, young men end up withdrawing, reluctant to talk or express their emotions.Stephen Graham and Ashley Walters’ acclaimed drama Adolescence smashes huge Netflix record by DOUBLE after taking world by storm“They spend more time online searching for direction and are falling into unhealthy alternatives like gaming, gambling and pornography.“And this void is filled by a new kind of role model who do not have their best interest at heart.”Sir Gareth, who led England to two Euros finals, added: “Young men are suffering. “They’re feeling isolated. “They’re grappling with their masculinity and with their broader place in society.“We need leaders to set the right tone — to be the role models we want for our young men.“We have to show young men that character is more important than status; that how you treat others is more important than how much money you make.“That values matter — courage, humility and integrity over selfishness, greed, arrogance. “The culture we create today will shape the kind of men that we inherit tomorrow.”During his speech, the former centre-back spoke about his penalty miss in England’s 1996 Euros semi-final defeat to Germany.Gareth consoles Jude Bellingham after England’s loss to Spain in the Euro 2024 finalCredit: AlamyHe said: “Missing that penalty was undoubtedly a watershed moment that made me a stronger, better man. “It forced me to dig deep and revealed an inner belief and resilience I never knew existed.”Sir Gareth stepped down as England boss last July, two days after England lost to Spain in the Euro 2024 final in Germany.He was credited with reviving the Three Lions’ flagging fortunes and was then knighted in the New Year Honours for services to football.Sir Gareth also referred to the Centre for Social Justice report, which warned young men were “in crisis” amid an increase in those not in education, employment or training.He said: “Too many young men are isolated. Too many feel uncomfortable opening up to friends or family. “Many don’t have mentors — teachers, coaches, bosses — who understand how best to push them to grow.“And so, when they struggle, young men inevitably try to handle whatever situation they find themselves in alone. “Young men end up withdrawing, reluctant to talk or express their emotions.”The former Aston Villa, Crystal Palace and Middlesbrough star also warned that young men are often denied the chance to fail — and learn from their mistakes.He said: “If we make life too easy for young boys now, we will inevitably make life harder when they grow up to be young men.“Too many are at risk of fearing failure, because they’ve had too few opportunities to experience and overcome it. “They fail to try, rather than try and fail. “If I’ve learned anything from my life in football, it’s that success is much more than the final score.“True success is how you respond in the hardest moments.”Sir Gareth recently visited the “brilliant” OnSide youth zone in Oldham. He said: “I saw children from all backgrounds playing, talking, having fun. READ MORE SUN STORIES”There was online gaming but no one was on it.“If we can create the right environments for [youngsters] they will still want to go and play and that might be a very important message.”Owen Cooper in Netflix’s Adolescence, which highlights toxic masculinityCredit: Courtesy of Netflix. More