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    Jude Bellingham’s stunning girlfriend Ashlyn Castro spotted in stands with England star’s mum Denise for Andorra clash

    JUDE BELLINGHAM’S stunning girlfriend has been spotted at her first England game.Ashlyn Castro, 27, beamed next to Bellingham’s mum Denise as Thomas Tuchel’s side struggled to break down Andorra in Spain.Ashlyn Castro was spotted watching boyfriend Jude Bellingham play for England for the first timeCredit: PACastro looked sun-kissed before England faced AndorraCredit: PACastro fixed her hair before kick-offCredit: PABellingham started in the middle for England’s narrow 1-0 win over Andorra in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.The Real Madrid star had three of England’s four shots on target in the first-half, before Harry Kane found a breakthrough from six yards in the 50th minute.And Instagram model and influencer Castro was among the few supporters in the near empty RCDE stadium in Barcelona as England were BOOED on Saturday.The beauty looked sun-kissed in a casually chic red Adidas dress, with white stripes down the side and denim jacket.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSCastro, who went public with Bellingham in January, also wore understated make-up and hooped earrings.She is continuing to build her relationship with Bellingham’s mum Denise, after the pair were spotted watching Madrid in February. Castro has been understandably taking time away from the spotlight after a series of vile rumours about her dating history.She has just returned from a four-month break from Instagram, with her first picture being captioned: “Long time no see” last Saturday.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSBellingham started for England against AndorraCredit: GettyAshlyn, originally from Los Angeles, has more than 533,000 followers on the platform.The stunning brunette has previously been romantically linked to US basketball star Terance Mann, actor Michael B. Jordan and LaMelo Ball.Andorra v England match played in near empty stadiumBut in March, she was forced to release a video debunking rumours about her dating life.In the statement, she claimed that she has only had three boyfriends and that people have “made up” a lot of things about her.Ashlyn also shot down false claims she was in another country with a potential partner and one that suggested she was on a boat when it was not even her.Stunning Ashlyn has amassed a huge following on social mediaAshyln and Bellingham started dating earlier this year More

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    Andorra vs England LIVE SCORE: Three Lions look to continue winning run in World Cup qualifier – latest updates

    ENGLAND’S World Cup qualifier against Andorra is now UNDERWAY as Tuchel’s side look to build on their winning run.The Three Lions sit top of Group K after beating Albania and Latvia 2-0 and 3-0 respectively, back in March.Thomas Tuchel will take charge of England for the first time on foreign soil, but the clash won’t take place in Andorra.The World Cup qualifier will be staged at Espanyol’s RCDE Stadium in Barcelona, as Andorra’s national stadium is unavailable after the Games of the Small States of Europe.Tuchel’s men are looking to keep up their 100 per cent record as they face the lowest-ranked side in their group.TV channel: ITV1FREE live stream: ITVXAndorra team: Alvarez, Borra, San Nicolas, Llovera, Olivera, Garcia, Rodrigo, Guillen, Babot, Cervos, Fernandez.England team: Pickford, James, Konsa, Burn, Henderson, Bellingham, Jones, Rogers, Madueke, Palmer, Kane.CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSFollow our live blog below…Andorra vs England4 – From midfield, Bellingham advances and attempts a pass to Madueke, but it is intercepted at the cost of a corner.First of the game. Copy linkCopiedAndorra vs England2 – After England kicked off, the whole Andorra team fell back to the outside of their own box. The defensive approach presented Bellingham the chance to have the game’s first chance, which he obliged, 20 yards out, straight at the home keeper. Copy linkCopiedKICKOFF – Andorra vs EnglandAnd we’re underway. England kicks us off from right to left in their traditional white kit. Copy linkCopiedAndorra vs EnglandThe teams are out of the tunnel, and the substitutes are on the bench. National anthems are all done. Scattered supporters across the Barcelona stadium join in for both team’s formalities. It’s almost time for kickoff! Copy linkCopiedWhy are England playing Andorra in Spain?Following the recent Games of the Small States of Europe, Andorra’s national stadium is not accessible.Rather, the RCDE Stadium in Barcelona, Spain will host England’s World Cup qualifying match versus Andorra on Saturday, June 7.The European regulatory body of football, Uefa, stated that there were no available stadiums in Andorra.Although the Andorran Football Federation constructed a new stadium in the Encamp neighbourhood, it was not ready to host this game before the Uefa deadline.More England supporters can go since Espanyol’s home stadium, the RCDE Stadium, can accommodate 40,000 spectators, more than ten times the 3,306 that can attend games at Andorra’s national stadium. Copy linkCopiedPre-match reading Includes Dave Kidd’s column on the state of international football for England and everyone else involvedCopy linkCopiedHow to watch the game for FREEOf course, we recommend you stay with SunSport’s coverage of the game tonight.But the clash will be available for free in the UK.The game will be shown live on ITV1, with a stream available on ITVX.Copy linkCopiedFast approachingThanks for the early take-off, Josh; I’ll drive us into our main spate of action now! England, two for two under Thomas Tuchel, will play minnows Andorra at the RCDE Stadium in Barcelona tonight as they return to World Cup 2026 qualifying.The Three Lions have already taken the lead in Group K, while their “hosts,” who have lost both of their first games, are at the bottom of the standings.A portion of the offensive duty will go to Fernandez, given five-goal striker Albert Rosas Ubach’s absence. Given the significance of the three points, Tuchel’s team selection sparks question ahead of the friendly against Senegal on Tuesday. Ollie Watkins withdrew on Friday afternoon, hence his lack of involvement. For many of the England players, it is their last match of the season, and they hope to end it on a high note.Copy linkCopiedWhat the boss had to sayThomas Tuchel spoke on the importance of this game, saying: “It is a World Cup qualifier and we will not devalue it to an exhibition game.“It will be a very serious approach. It will be an offensive line-up and an attacking line-up.“We anticipate a match where we have the majority of the ball.“We are huge favourites. “We want to be fully committed to a World Cup qualifier.”Credit: ReutersCopy linkCopiedAbsentees We have already shared the team news but there were a few names who had previously withdrawn from the squad ahead of the clash.Ollie Watkins, Bukayo Saka and Conor Gallagher will all be absent.Tuchel has already confirmed he is not replacing Watkins in the squad, instead deciding to stick with Ivan Toney and Harry Kane as striker options.The German manager also said he will pick an “attacking line-up” and take a “very serious approach.”Credit: GettyCredit: ReutersCopy linkCopiedA double away dayTonight marks England’s first away trip under Thomas Tuchel… But it will also be an away day for Andorra with the match taking place at Espanyol’s home ground across the border in Barcelona, Spain.Tuchel is two from two at Wembley and will be confident of maintainig his perfect record tonight.Copy linkCopiedHow the group looksEngland currently top their qualifying group, while Andorra sit bottom with two losses from two games.Serbia are yet to play with zero points, so Andorra’s -4 goal difference sees them bottom of thegroup.England…6ptsAlbania…3ptsLatvia…3ptsSerbia…0ptsAndorra…0ptsCopy linkCopiedEngland’s road to the World CupIt has been so far so good for Thomas Tuchel and the Three Lions in regard to their World Cup qualifiers.The Tuchel era kicked off at Wembley with a qualification clash, a 2-0 victory over Albania thanks to Myles Lewis-Skelly and Harry Kane goals.The Three Lions then followed that up with another comfortable evening at Wembley.Reece James, Harry Kane and Eberechi Eze were the scorers as England won 3-0 against Latvia.After two games, they top the group with six points, and are the only side to have won all their matches in the group, although Serbia are yet to play any qualifiers.Copy linkCopiedEngland team confirmedAnd there we have it.The Engand starting XI is in… with starts for Ezri Konsa, Dan Burn and Morgan Rogers.England: Pickford, Jones, Konsa, Burn, James, Henderson, Jones, Rogers, Bellingham, Palmer, Kane, MaduekeCredit: X @EnglandCopy linkCopiedHendo for starters?Jordan Henderson could be handed his first England start since November 2023 against Andorra.The former Liverpool captain, now at Ajax, is set to be named in the starting XI for the World Cup qualifier at Espanyol’s stadium.Henderson,  34, has 83 caps, could start while Declan Rice is expected to be rested.Reece James could play out of position at left-back with midfielder Curtis Jones at right-back.Chelsea’s Noni Madueke may well start up front with Harry Kane and Cole Palmer.Atletico Madrid’s Conor Gallagher has been left out of the matchday squad but could face Senegal in Nottingham on Tuesday. Ollie Watkins is injured and has returned home. Bukayo Saka has a thigh problem but could also face Senegal.Credit: GettyCredit: PACredit: GettyCopy linkCopiedHello and welcomeThe club season may be over… or about to start again, who knows.But one thing we do know if that it is international week.And England have two fixtures.The first of those is a World Cup qualifier against Andorra, with kick-off in Barcelona at 5pm.Copy linkCopied More

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    Man Utd gave Zinedine Zidane a blank cheque to take over as manager.. he’s not in it for money, says Premier League icon

    ZINEDINE Zidane rejected a blank cheque to join Manchester United as manager, according to his old team-mate. Former Chelsea centre-back Marcel Desailly also revealed that Zidane is NOT driven by cash – which is something the ex-Ballon d’Or winner proved this week.Zinedine Zidane has not worked as a manager since his time at Real MadridCredit: GettyMarcel Desailly revealed that Zidane turned down a ‘blank cheque’ from Man UtdZidane and Desailly won the 1998 World Cup with France, with Laurent Blanc also picturedZidane has been approached by some of the biggest clubs in the world since quitting Real Madrid after failing to win a trophy in 2021.The World Cup icon, 52, was heavily linked with a move to Man Utd before, during and after Erik ten Hag’s rollercoaster two years.One of the reasons the French tactician supposedly turned Old Trafford chiefs down was because he didn’t feel confident speaking English.A few years on, and ahead of the upcoming 32-team Club World Cup, Zizou was offered an eye-watering £84million to commit to a one-year contract at Saudi Pro League runners-up Al-Hilal.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSAnd Desailiy, who won the 1998 World Cup with Zidane, has explained how difficult it is for club’s to persuade him to join, and where he’s likely to go next.Desailly, 56, said:”Will Zinedine Zidane be tempted by Saudi Arabia? “Well he had a blank cheque on the table from Chelsea and a blank cheque from Manchester United and turned them down.”He isn’t in it for the money. I don’t see why money will change anything, I know privately that he won’t change his lifestyle. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”He likes to travel and always keeps an eye on the France national team. He’s ready because Didier Deschamps has started the transition. “France will be one of the favourites for the World Cup and win or lose it’s not the end of this era for France.”Zinedine Zidane suffers embarrassing wardrobe malfunction as he brings out Champions League trophy at WembleyZidane is the only manager in the world to have won a staggering three Champions League titles in a row during his first spell with Real.And he followed that up by lifting two LaLiga titles during his second stint, having only managed the Spanish giants.Desailiy believes that Zidane is most attracted to the France job because they have a new generation of superstars, including Champions League hero Desire Doue. He added: Since 2016, France have been growing and growing. New players have come into the team constantly and now they have the right guys.”Rayan Cherki is one of them alongside Ousmane Dembele, Kylian Mbappe is still there and on top of his game.”There is a real dynamic. William Saliba is in defence with Ibrahima Konate, Bayern have Dayot Upamecano.Read More on The Sun”There is a squad and a philosophy and Zidane will know how to take that on to rebuild his own team. For another eight years at least France will be at the top level in Europe.”Zidane made a £4MILLION investment into a new sport project in February, which turned out to be a new padel centre in France.Zidane won three Champions League titlesZidane’s managerial careerZizou spent 18 months in charge of Real Madrid Castilla before being given his shot at the big time following the sacking of Rafael Benitez.Zidane, 51, took charge of the first team in January 2016 and guided them to a second-place finish in his maiden season at the Bernabeu helm.But he went one better in the Champions League, sealing Real’s 11th European Cup triumph with a shootout victory over Atletico Madrid.The former Los Blancos star went one better in the league in the 2016-17 season, in which they also won the Uefa Super Cup and Club World Cup.A second successive Champions League triumph also followed, with Real beating Italian giants Juventus at the Principality Stadium.He would create history the following season by becoming the first manager to win the tournament three times on the bounce.A 3-1 win over Liverpool saw Real become the first team to win Europe’s elite club competition three times in a row.Zidane announced his resignation five days after the final, insisting the club needed a “change” of direction.He would return to the Bernabeu in March 2019 following Santiago Solari and Julen Lopetegui’s short reigns.A return to the summit of Spanish football would follow in the 2019-20 season, in which Real also scooped the Spanish Super Cup.Zidane would leave the Bernabeu again in June 2021 after overseeing Real’s first trophyless season in 11 years.Zinedine Zidane’s Honours:- La Liga: 2016–17, 2019–20- Supercopa de España: 2017, 2019–20- UEFA Champions League: 2015–16, 2016–17, 2017–18- UEFA Super Cup: 2016, 2017- FIFA Club World Cup: 2016, 2017 More

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    ‘What a mess’ – England fans fume at Tuchel for bizarre experimental XI with Henderson picked over Rice vs Andorra

    ENGLAND fans have been left less than impressed by Thomas Tuchel’s experimental starting lineup for the Three Lions clash with Andorra today.England take on Andorra in a World Cup qualifier at 5pm and Tuchel has decided to shake things up with an unusual XI.Thomas Tuchel has chosen to start Jordan Henderson against AndorraCredit: GettyHenderson will make his first start for England since November 2023Credit: GettyThe England boss has rested star midfielder Declan Rice in favour of Jordan Henderson from the off.Henderson, 34, makes his first start for the national team since November 2023.It’s thought that Rice is being rested with a view to starting against Senegal on Tuesday evening instead.Other unusual choices appear to include Reece James starting at left-back and Liverpool midfielder Curtis Jones being deployed as a make-shift right-back.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAlthough, some have speculated that Jones could be playing in midfield with Tuchel opting to play a back three.Big names like Jordan Pickford, Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham and Cole Palmer all start from the off too.While there’s starts of Ezri Konsa, Dan Burn, Morgan Rogers and Noni Madueke as well.Fans aren’t keen on the unusual lineup and took to social media to vent their frustrations.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSOne wrote: “What a mess of an XI”.While another added: “It’s 2025 and Jordan Henderson is starting for England”.Roy Keane leaves Ian Wright laughing after ITV pundit’s joke about Thomas Tuchel following England’s win over Latvia A third fumed: “That is horrific”.And a fourth joked: “Can someone tell me the formation we’re playing? I’m confused. Who is playing in defence?”There’s no place in the starting lineup for Ivan Toney, who Tuchel has recalled to the England setup despite his controversial move to Saudi Arabian side Al-Ahli.While Bukayo Saka misses out on a place in the matchday squad entirely after struggling with an injury he suffered while with Arsenal.Saka is yet to feature under Tuchel after he withdrew from the German’s first camp with injury too.Speaking on Friday, Tuchel said of Saka: “He came into camp with a little bit of discomfort from the last match against Southampton, so we took care of him and treated him individually until today basically.“It was the first training session that he started and finished with the group. Yesterday, he started with the group but did not finish with the group, so let’s see.”I’m not sure if we take the risk for tomorrow’s game.Read More on The Sun”The decision has not been taken, but he will be available for the Senegal match, and he plays a major role in our thoughts how to build a competitive team.“I think just that he grew in his personality with every season that he played so consistently for his club, and the club grew with him and became so competitive.”Ivan Toney starts on the bench for EnglandCredit: PABukayo Saka is unavailable against Andorra through injuryCredit: Getty More

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    Arsenal set to seal shock £5m transfer for Chelsea’s Kepa Arrizabalaga with keeper set to fight David Raya for No1 spot

    ARSENAL are on the verge of signing Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga, reports claim.And the Gunners will pay just a £5m release clause to their London rivals, who once made Kepa the world’s most expensive goalkeeper.Gunners are on the verge of finalising a deal to sign Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa ArrizabalagaCredit: GettyArsenal had made Kepa their top target as they look to recruit a deputy to No 1 goalkeeper David Raya.But the 30-year-old Spanish stopper, who just enjoyed a solid season as Bournemouth’s first-choice stopper, won’t settle for a No 2 spot under Mikel Arteta.According to The Athletic, Arsenal are “close” to activating Kepa’s £5m release clause, after he kept nine clean sheets in 31 Prem appearances this term.Kepa has just 12 months left on his contract at Stamford Bridge, having made 35 appearances at Bournemouth in all competitions.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSThe Spaniard joined Chelsea for a £71.6m fee from Athletic Club in 2018 and has featured 163 times for the West London side, winning four major honours.Arsenal will pay 14 TIMES less than former Blues owner Roman Abramovich paid for Kepa, who was also loaned out to play 20 games for Real Madrid last season. Kepa fared much better at Bournemouth as Andoni Iraola’s side registered the joint sixth-best defensive record in the Prem.Bournemouth keeper Neto has returned to the Vitality stadium after spending last season on loan with Arsenal, making just one appearance across the entire campaign.Most read in FootballDavid Raya has won consecutive Golden Glove awards since joining ArsenalJoin SUN CLUB for the Arsenal Files every Friday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from The EmiratesThe Gunners had been linked with a move to sign Espanyol goalkeeper Joan Garcia this summer, but the La Liga gloveman now looks set for a move to Barcelona.Arteta has been a fan of Kepa for some time, valuing his ability to play out from the back, although there are doubts over whether Kepa would settle for a back-up option.Thierry Henry hits out at Mikel Arteta as trophyless Arsenal are shown up by ‘the Man Utd that everyone laughs at’But ousting Raya from his established No 1 role will be difficult, even though he can’t beat Athletic Bilbao keeper Unai Simon to between the sticks for Spain.The fellow Spaniard has won consecutive Golden Glove awards since his arrival from Brentford, forming the base of the Premier League’s most formidable defence.Arsenal do have two young keepers on their books – 16-year-old Jack Porter and 18-year-old Tommy Setford both made their senior debuts in the Carabao Cup this season. More

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    ‘People don’t know this’ – Michael Owen breaks silence on ‘well done he’s 13’ meme 26 years on from humiliating teenager

    IT IS probably the cringiest moment from Michael Owen’s long list.But now he has broken his silence on the infamous “well done, he’s 13” gag from Neville Southall.Michael Owen showed his ruthless finishing in the 1999 videoCredit: YouTubeHe famously celebrated the goalsCredit: YouTubeNeville Southall quipped the famous phrase ‘well done, he’s 13’Credit: YouTubeOwen featured in a Michael Owen Soccer Skills video in 1999 where he faced a young goalkeeper at an empty Stoke City stadium.The former England striker did his best to humiliate the 13-year-old Jamie Hutchinson, who was given goalkeeping tips from Southall.To his credit, Hutchinson did make some saves.But the video is remembered for Owen chipping, rounding and firing past the helpless child between the sticks – before shamelessly celebrating each finish.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe laughing ex-Liverpool man clenched his fists, ran away with his arms aloft, mocked the goalkeeper for nutmegging him and pointed to his name on the back of his shirt. But it was his embarrassing shout of “get in there – game, set and match, Owen” that triggered Southall’s brilliant quip.Southall said: “Well done, he’s 13,” a comment which remains a viral sensation and etched into British football heritage. But now, 26 years on, Owen has opened up on the clip – and revealed not all was quite as it seemed because he was told to play up for the cameras.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSHe told talkSPORT: “I was only a couple of years older than him myself. It’s probably funny now.“I got back from the World Cup in 98 and there were loads of commercial opportunities, things like that. Virgil van Dijk ‘destroys’ Michael Owen with brutal 13-word put-down on live TV after Liverpool beat Everton “I was asked to do a soccer skills video and a soccer skills book. So I had to explain, talk through finishing, volleying, heading, whatever the skill was. Inevitably, you need a goalkeeper there.“I never picked them and so I turned up to do the show and to talk through how I see scoring a goal and what I think in certain scenarios and whatever. “There was a kid in goal that I had to score past and when I scored they’re like, ‘Come on, no, you need to show a bit more animation. Like celebrate when you score, this is going on a video.'”talkSPORT host Andy Goldstein clarified: “So people don’t know this, right?”And Owen continued: “People just laugh at you no matter what. Then they take a little extract of anything.“There’s loads of things like that on the internet on me.”’NOT EXACTLY IDEAL’Hutchinson spoke about the viral video in 2016 and admitted he knew it would not come out too well for him. He said: “Being the goalkeeper on a programme headlined by a striker wasn’t exactly ideal for me.“It was made clear that it wouldn’t make good filming if the goalkeeper was saving all the shots taken by the other kids after they had been coached by Michael.”And even Southall himself did defend Owen’s actions earlier this year.The 92-cap Wales goalkeeper – who reunited with Hutchinson a few years ago – added: “I think he was being ironic to be fair, but I think he was enjoying himself and being ironic.“But the poor kid, he scored a squillion goals past him and I was thinking ‘give him a break’.Read More on The Sun“On the day, Michael was OK and he’s always OK. “People judge him on that and that’s not him.”Owen pointed to the name on his shirtCredit: YouTubeThe ex-striker revealed he was told to give it bigCredit: talkSPORTSouthall and Hutchinson were reunited a few years agoCredit: X More

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    Tottenham clear decks for Thomas Frank as Spurs sack THREE of Ange Postecoglou’s coaching team hours after boss axed

    TOTTENHAM have sacked three members of Ange Postecoglou’s coaching staff following the Aussie manager’s dismissal yesterday.Postecoglou was relieved of his duties in North London yesterday despite leading Spurs to a first trophy in over 17 years this season.Ange Postecoglou was sacked by Tottenham yesterdayCredit: PAAssistant coach Nick Montgomery has been axed tooCredit: GettyFormer Crystal Palace star-turned-Spurs assistant Mile Jedinak has also been dismissedCredit: GettyThe 59-year-old said his “overriding emotion is one of pride” following his dismissal, while Spurs claimed the decision to sack the former Celtic boss was one the “toughest” the board has had to make.Now the search for a new manager is underway and Spurs are already clearing the decks for their number one target – Brentford gaffer Thomas Frank.The Telegraph have revealed that Postecoglou’s assistants Nick Montgomery, Sergio Raimundo and Mile Jedinak have all been axed too.However, senior assistant coach Matt Wells and goalkeeper coach Rob Burch have remained in their roles.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSporting director Johan Lange is leading the search for Spurs’ new boss with Bees gaffer Frank, 51, thought to be the front-runner for the position.It’s claimed that Frank is keen on taking the job at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and would want to bring members of his coaching staff along with him.Although the Dane is Spurs’ preferred candidate, the club are reportedly “carefully assessing” their options with Fulham’s Marco Silva and Bournemouth’s Andoni Iraola also in the frame.It’s widely understood that Spurs would have to fork out around £10m to release Frank from his current deal with Brentford, which runs until 2027.Most read in FootballThomas Frank is Tottenham’s number one target to replace PostecoglouCredit: GettyCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSSpurs have already had to splash the cash to get rid of Postecoglou, with the Aussie pocketing a rumoured £4m compensation fee on top of his £2m bonus for leading the club to Europa League glory.One BBC star has offered a theory as to why Spurs waited 16 days after that night in Bilbao to axe him.Sporting director Lange and Frank have history, with the pair coaching together at Danish club Lyngby and maintaining a good relationship since those days.Ange Postecoglou’s BEST Press Conference MomentsTottenham told fans in a statement that “news on the appointment of a new Head Coach will be announced in due course”.Fans have hit back at Spurs for their decision to dismiss Postecoglou after winning the Europa League.While club is also facing a dressing room revolt with players more likely to leave after Postecoglou’s exit, according to reports.But the Spurs hierarchy reiterated that they cannot base their decisions off their performance in just one competition.Their statement read: “Whilst winning the Europa League this season ranks as one of the club’s greatest moments, we cannot base our decision on emotions aligned to this triumph.”It is crucial that we are able to compete on multiple fronts and believe a change of approach will give us the strongest chance for the coming season and beyond. Read More on The Sun”This has been one of the toughest decisions we have had to make and is not a decision that we have taken lightly, nor one we have rushed to conclude. “We have made what we believe is the right decision to give us the best chance of success going forward, not the easy decision.”Ange Breaks Silence On Tottenham SackingANGE Postecoglou issued a statement just moments after being axed.It read: “When I reflect on my time as manager of Tottenham Hotspur, my overriding emotion is one of pride.”The opportunity to lead one of England’s historic football clubs and bring back the glory it deserves will live with me for a lifetime.”Sharing that experience with all those who truly love this club and seeing the impact it had on them is something I will never forget.”That night in Bilbao was the culmination of two years of hard work, dedication and unwavering belief in a dream.”There were many challenges to overcome and plenty of noise that comes with trying to accomplish what many said was not possible.”We have also laid the foundations that means this club should not have to wait 17 more years for their next success.”I have enormous faith in this group of players and know there is much more potential and growth in them. I sincerely want to thank those who are the lifeblood of the club, the supporters.”I know there were some difficult times, but I always felt that they wanted me to succeed and that gave me all the motivation I needed to push on.”It’s important to acknowledge the hard working people at Spurs who gave me encouragement on a daily basis.”And finally, I want to thank those who were with me every day for the last two years.”A fantastic group of young men who are now legends of this football club and the brilliant coaches who never once doubted we could do something special. “We are forever connected. Audere est Facere.” More

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    BBC star shares shock theory as to why Tottenham waited exactly 16 days after Europa League win to sack Ange Postecoglou

    ANGE POSTECOGLOU was sacked 16 days after winning the Europa League – and now a theory has emerged as to why Spurs waited til then.Spurs chief Daniel Levy axed the boss last night – just over two weeks after that glorious night in Bilbao.Ange Postecoglou was sacked after exactly two years at SpursCredit: GettyDaniel Levy held fire for 16 days after the finalCredit: GettyVictory over Manchester United in Spain ended the club’s 17-year wait for a trophy.But after leaving Postecoglou in the dark over his future, Spurs finally announced he was relieved of his duties on Friday afternoon.It marked exactly two years to the day from when the Australian landed the job in North London.BBC senior football reporters Ian Dennis and Sami Mokbel discussed the sacking on the Football Daily Podcast.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBoth were adamant that the move to get rid of Postecoglou was made before the final.They said league form was seen as the “true barometer” and Europa League success was just a “bump in the road” to their ultimate decision.Dennis shared a theory that explained the over two-week wait for the confirmation.He tweeted: “Interesting his departure was timed after he had completed two years and on the first day of his third year. Significant in any settlement?”Most read in Europa LeaguePostecoglou has reportedly pocketed £4m after being shown the exit door by Levy.JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSHe already collected a £2m bonus for getting the club into the Champions League.Brentford’s Thomas Frank is the leading candidate to take over and he has a £10m release clause in his contract.Who could replace Ange Postecoglou as Tottenham manager?Fulham’s Marco Silva and Bournemouth’s Andoni Iraola remains in contention.On Postecoglou’s departure, Dennis said: “It was such an inevitability that it was going to happen.”They got off to an absolutely flying start when he first arrived and it’s funny how perceptions can change through results.”If they had started slowly and finished well, you would not be referring to the 78 points from the last 66 games.”It seems there has not been an improvement in their league form.”Ange Breaks Silence On Tottenham SackingANGE Postecoglou issued a statement just moments after being axed.It read: “When I reflect on my time as manager of Tottenham Hotspur, my overriding emotion is one of pride.”The opportunity to lead one of England’s historic football clubs and bring back the glory it deserves will live with me for a lifetime.”Sharing that experience with all those who truly love this club and seeing the impact it had on them is something I will never forget.”That night in Bilbao was the culmination of two years of hard work, dedication and unwavering belief in a dream.”There were many challenges to overcome and plenty of noise that comes with trying to accomplish what many said was not possible.”We have also laid the foundations that means this club should not have to wait 17 more years for their next success.”I have enormous faith in this group of players and know there is much more potential and growth in them. I sincerely want to thank those who are the lifeblood of the club, the supporters.”I know there were some difficult times, but I always felt that they wanted me to succeed and that gave me all the motivation I needed to push on.”It’s important to acknowledge the hard working people at Spurs who gave me encouragement on a daily basis.”And finally, I want to thank those who were with me every day for the last two years.”A fantastic group of young men who are now legends of this football club and the brilliant coaches who never once doubted we could do something special. “We are forever connected. Audere est Facere.” More