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      Ruthless Postecoglou tells Werner ‘I’m not worried about bruised egos’ after slamming ‘unacceptable’ Tottenham star

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      ANGE POSTECOGLOU doubled down on his “assessment” of Timo Werner’s “unacceptable” display at Rangers and then told his squad: I don’t care about bruising your egos.The Australian manager hooked off the German star at half-time of the 1-1 draw at Ibrox in the Europa League on Thursday night.Ange Postecoglou has doubled down on his criticism of Timo WernerCredit: SNSWerner was hooked off at half-time against Rangers for not reaching the desired level of ‘application’Credit: GettyIn his post-match press conference, Postecoglou slammed Werner, claiming: “He wasn’t playing anywhere near the level he should”.The fact his second-half replacement Dejan Kulusevski scored the equaliser with 15 minutes remaining only proved it was the right call.Asked if any had any regrets the next morning about the public nature of the criticism, the former Celtic boss replied: “No, it wasn’t criticism. It was assessment.“If we played poorly, we played poorly. With Timo it wasn’t about whether he played well or not.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“It was a difficult game last night. I’m asking 18-year-olds to do some massive jobs and you want senior players, he’s a senior player. “He’s an international and he’s won the Champions League, there’s a level of application and performance you need to rise to, to help the team.“He didn’t reach that. I think me taking him off at half-time was a statement enough.“The same way I won’t be hiding behind poor team performances, the same with and no different for the players or anyone else.Most read in Europa LeagueFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS“It wasn’t criticism, it was just an assessment of his performance and on a really challenging night for us, which we knew going into it, it needs to be better.”Former Chelsea forward Werner is on-loan from Bundesliga side RB Leipzig but there does not seem any plans to cancel that arrangement in January because the club have such a long injury list.Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou blasts ‘unacceptable’ Timo Werner Asked how had Werner, 28, responded internally to the comments, Postecoglou said: “I’ve got no time for that sort of stuff anymore.“We’re in a fight here, collectively we’re in a fight. I’m not going to go around worrying about people’s bruised egos.“This football club want to achieve things and be successful.“We’re down to the bare bones in players. If there’s somebody in the dressing room who’s fit, able to contribute but who feels he needs something extra in this moment, he’s probably not the right type.“I need guys who, and we had some last night, understand the situation we’re in.“We’ve 15 fit players and in some positions we’ve only got two players.“I’m not going to go around trying to get extra out of people. “If they’re not able to give extra now, it kind of gives me an indication of where they’re at.”This week, Argentine centre-back Cristian Romero lamented the lack of investment by the club in recent times during an interview with Spanish broadcaster Telemundo Deportes.This followed Spurs’ disappointing 4-3 loss at home to Chelsea, but he later apologised for those remarks.Asked if the Werner episode tied into a wider issue in the past at the club, Postecoglou said: “I’m sick of that. That’s an excuse for me.“And that’s why even with Cristian Romero’s comments, I just think that’s an excuse.We’re in a fight here, collectively we’re in a fight. I’m not going to go around worrying about people’s bruised egos.Ange Postecoglou“At the moment I’m here, I take responsibility. These players, we’re here.“If we think something mythical exists in this club that prevents success then change it.“What’s the point otherwise? Don’t come here. I just don’t buy into that.“At the moment we’re in a difficult situation because of where we are squad-wise and team-wise.READ MORE SUN STORIES“You either embrace this challenge. If you want excuses there are a million of them.“There are a million excuses why we cannot be successful but if that’s what your clutch is, particularly in tough moments, then what’s the point? Move on then and go somewhere else.” More

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      Football legend reveals he turned down big money I’m A Celebrity offer – but hints he could appear in 2025 ‘for a price’

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      A FOOTBALL legend has revealed he turned down an offer to appear on I’m a Celebrity – but confessed he could be persuaded. In recent years ex-footballers including Dennis Wise and Wayne Bridge have taken on the I’m a Celebrity jungle. Roy has revealed he previously turned down an I’m a Celeb offer – but he’s got ‘a price’Credit: YouTubeFormer Man Unt ace Roy retired in 2005Credit: Press AssociationRoy’s podcast co-host Ian was a campmate in 2019Credit: ITVNow former Manchester United ace Roy Keane has told how he previously declined an offer from show bosses, but confessed he can be bought. Speaking during an episode of his Stick To Football podcast with Gary Neville, Jamie Carragher, Jill Scott and Ian Wright, the 53-year-old insisted the jungle is “not his scene”. But asked by Jamie, 46, if he’s “got a price”, Roy replied: “Of course.” Jill, 37 – who won the show in 2022 – asked him if he’d been offered a spot in the jungle and he said: “I think everyone’s been asked.” More on I’m a Celebrity He added: “I don’t think it’s for me. I’d like to think I’m open to new adventures, but the jungle…”Turning to Ian, 61 – who was a campmate in 2019 – he said: “You didn’t enjoy it, did you?”Ian bluntly replied: “I didn’t enjoy it, no, but the money was good.” And Roy isn’t the only iconic player who has hinted at an I’m a Celebrity appearance in recent weeks. Most read in FootballWayne Rooney, whose wife Coleen, 38, came runner-up during last week’s final, admitted he’d love to do the show when he spoke to Joel Dommett on the I’m a Celeb spin-off Unpacked. He said: “We always said that if we were ever going to do one, that’s the one we’d do. And obviously Coleen’s gone out there to test herself.”Catching the “we” comment, Joel pushed further, asking if Wayne, 39, would ever head to Australia and try out the show himself.”Maybe, if I’m not working, it’s something I would like to do, but at the minute, obviously, that’s not possible.”I’m a Celeb hosts Ant and Dec are no strangers to having footballers in the campCredit: ITV More

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      Guardiola admits he ‘doesn’t know what to do’ and reveals he’s considering radical tactical switch for Manchester derby

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      MANCHESTER CITY boss Pep Guardiola has made a stark admission ahead of this weekend’s Manchester derby.The Spaniard currently finds himself in uncharted territory – with just one win under his belt in 10 games.Pep Guardiola has revealed he ‘doesn’t know’ what to do ahead of the Manchester derbyCredit: Manchester City FCMan City have endured a terrible run of formCredit: ReutersCity have plummeted down both the Premier League and Champions League table as a result.And they face another big challenge on Sunday at the Etihad.The reigning Prem champions play host to local rivals Manchester United in a huge derby clash.But Guardiola himself has claimed he does not even know where to begin when it comes to his starting line-up. Read More in FootballJohn Stones, Nathan Ake and Manuel Akanji are all injured, while Rico Lewis will be forced to serve a one-match suspension at the weekend.That leaves City with few defensive options.Asked about having limited defenders available during his pre-match press conference, Guardiola said: “I don’t know what I have to do. We have three and we will see what happened.”Maybe some winger has to play as a full-back or Matheus [Nunes] can play as a full-back, can play five at the back.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”We are thinking what to do with a situation with just three central defenders. The soul and spirit of this team is there.”We are sad for the players because the way they run and fight – Bernardo [Silva] played a lot of minutes, Gundo [Ilkay Gundogan] played alone in that position, arrive in the final third.Pep Guardiola ‘proud’ of his Man City team despite 2-0 loss to Juventus “Rico [Lewis] our most consistent player of the season for our referee cannot play there.”I think I know. This group of players can make an era in eight, nine ten years that nobody has done.”The positive records this group have done, we all encourage them to support them until the end.”It’s unbelievable what they have done to compete in the calendar with more games than ever and maybe reflect that today.”It is more difficult financially but today we are going to play the World Cup in the summer, three weeks, start again the Premier League and maybe we have to have a deeper squad when people say what is the problem.”The problem is the schedule – sooner or later the players will come back… We will see.” More

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      Football ultras ARRANGING Fight Club-style brawls in forests away from cops’ prying eyes…with brutal rules of engagement

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      VIOLENT football ultras have been organising sick Fight-Club style brawls in forests across Europe to avoid detection by police.Now there are signs the bloody rise in well-organised footie violence sweeping the continent could be creeping back into this country.England fans run from tear gas thrown by cops after they were ambushed by Russian supporters at the 2016 EurosCredit: Getty Images – GettyA member of the Cracovia Ultras, a football hooligan firm from Kraków, PolandCredit: GettyA picture posted to social media ahead of the brawl between Manchester United fans and Twente fans in September, allegedly showing Manchester United fansCredit: FacebookTen Manchester United fans were arrested in a string of dawn raids on Wednesday following a massive organised bust-up with Dutch team Twente in September.September’s mass brawl, involving around 80 men, happened in an area of wasteland in Salford, around four miles from Old Trafford.Photos went round social media apparently showing masked mobs posing for pics before the fight.One had the caption: “Manchester United vs FC Twente, 40×40 fair fight, win Manchester United, Twente run”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe fight spilled over into a pub after Dutch supporters were allegedly followed, prompting terrified staff to ring the police.In the aftermath, fans congratulated themselves on a “fair fight” – although one Dutch man complained the England “side” was bigger than agreed.The following night, United played out a 1-1 draw with FC Twente at Old Trafford in the Europa League.A major police investigation followed, with specialist officers scouring CCTV from around the stadium and Most read in FootballGreater Manchester Police arrested the “high risk” supporters, aged 20-64, on suspicion of violent disorder for their alleged involvement in the clash.The investigation into the brawl and more arrests could follow.Shock moment Scottish football ultras clash on busy Glasgow street as fans chased by rival hooligans into pub doorwayA police spokesman said Wednesday’s arrests were part of a crackdown ahead of Sunday’s Manchester derby.Chief Superintendent Colette Rose, of GMP, said: “Our proactive and positive action today has been targeted to highlight that organised violence of any kind has no place in Greater Manchester.A bloodied supporter being escorted away by police during the FA Cup clash between West Brom and Wolves, January 2024Credit: GettySupporters of TS Wisla, a football team from Kraków, PolandCredit: AlamyPolish football hooligans, who are notoriously dangerous and organisedCredit: HooliganstvFootball hooliganism, glorified in books, on film and around pub tables, has been steadily declining in the UK since its bloody height in the ‘80s.The law was tightened in 1989 to allow harsher punishments for brawling fans, more CCTV meant and cops had eyes everywhere, and attitudes slowly shifted against the violence.Recently, Europe has seen a rise in ultras who arrange scraps on the web, before meeting up in real life to tear chunks out of each other.Violence has occasionally marred England’s international fixtures on the continent, such as the carnage that unfolded when Russian ultras launched a barbaric assault on Brit fans during the 2016 Euros.The culture spread deep through countries like Poland, the Netherlands, France and Germany – whilst the UK looked on, shaking its head.But do Wednesday’s arrests represent a return to old ways – is England once again becoming infected by the English disease?Geoff Pearson, a professor of law at the University of Manchester and an expert on the subject, told the Mail that pre-arranged fights between rival footie fans are common in eastern and southern Europe – but rare in this country.Another significant example he noted was an arranged fight between Brentford and Millwall in August 2018, when one side went shirtless so they could be told apart.The grisly pre-match brawl, filmed on mobiles and uploaded to YouTube, led to six Brentford fans being charged and sentenced to a mixture of community service and suspended jail terms.The most severe punishment was for a 28-year-old who acted as “referee” for the fight – stopping things when someone was knocked down so the sides could “reset”.The man from Pinner received 12-month suspended prison sentence and 200 hours unpaid work.A group of restless Manchester United fans outside Old TraffordCredit: AFPPolice line up as fans celebrate winning the Scottish Premiership title in Glasgow in 2021 in GlasgowCredit: GettyThis level of organisation is increasingly seen in fan bust-ups, according to Dr Pearson.He said the scuffles are usually planned on WhatsApp, away from the eyes of the police, and footage uploaded to social media afterwards boasting of the violence.Hooliganism has surged in the Netherlands since February 2022 when Covid restrictions were lifted.Dutch criminologist Tom van Ham, who researched organised hooligan fights for his PhD, has learned how the fights over there are planned.He said that the fighters involved might not learn the details until the last minute, while the leaders of the “firms” refer to the plans in code – such as “going to a birthday party”.The location is often rural to minimise the chance of detection.In an article for the European Journal of Criminology in 2020, Dr van Ham wrote that “clear terms are set in advance about the number of people that will participate” and a decision over whether weapons are allowed is made.He added: “Our data suggests that the use of weapons is generally not accepted and that other ‘rules of engagement’ are used (for example, when someone is lying on the ground they are to be left alone).”In December last year, Turkey temporarily pulled the plug on all footie fixtures after a referee was punched to the ground by a raging club president.Also last year, Greece banned fans from top-flight football games for two months after violence erupted between rival volleyball supporters in Athens, severely injuring a police officer.The opening game for both sides has already been labelled as a “very high risk” match by German cops with 1,300 extra officers being deployed on matchday as well as heavily increased surveillance.READ MORE SUN STORIESThis year, England fans were warned that a 500-strong army of “violence-seeking ­Serbian ­hooligans” were planning to swarm their Euros clash om Germany.The opening game for both sides was labelled as a “very high risk” match by German cops with 1,300 extra officers being deployed on matchday as well as heavily increased surveillance.An English supporter injured after a street brawl ahead of England’s 2016 Euros clash with RussiaCredit: AFP – Getty More

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      Thomas Tuchel tells England fans not to get used to his outfit as he vows to ditch ‘nice’ look

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      NEW England manager Thomas Tuchel ditched his trademark tracksuit for a shirt and tie ahead of today’s World Cup qualifying draw.But the 51-year-old has told fans he will return to his old ways before his first match in charge.Thomas Tuchel ditched his tracksuit for a shirt and tie ahead of Friday’s World Cup qualifying drawCredit: AFPThe German has told fans he will wear clothes that make him comfortable while in the dugoutCredit: AFPTuchel, who will officially take charge of the Three Lions on January 1, was in Zurich this morning to find out who his new team will face in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.England were drawn against Serbia, Albania, Latvia and Andorra ahead of next year’s campaign, which will kick off in March.After learning his team’s fate, Tuchel said: “I have huge respect for Serbia and Albania.”They can always surprise they have a strong history of technical football, of emotional players and groups.READ MORE ON ENGLAND”They have two very famous ex-players as coaches so we should be very aware of that.”Latvia… England never played them so this is a new experience for all of us.”We are huge favourites and we have to qualify, this is where all the focus goes. There can’t be any other approach than take it seriously and with respect and make it happen before we can dream the dream.”Tuchel’s attire caught the attention of his German compatriot, Rudi Voller, at the event.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSEngland’s qualifying groupThe former Chelsea boss, who favours a tracksuit top and bottoms as well as a baseball cap and trainers while in the dugout, donned a suit and tie at the FIFA event.Asked if he will consider wearing the smart attire for England, and if he would wear a tie much like his predecessor Gareth Southgate, the German said: “Things change. An FA tie as well.The Sun’s Charlie Wyett reacts to World Cup 2026 qualifying draw as Thomas Tuchel’s England are placed in group full of controversy”It feels comfortable. It will not be my look on the sidelines. I need a bit more freedom to move around but for the occasion it’s a nice look.”You will see me stadiums from January. Work starts from the signature. Today was the kick off for the World Cup campaign so it is obvious we have to be there.”Tuchel is on a mission to prove himself as England manager after accepting his appointment has not been universally popular.The ex-Bayern Munch manager, aware that many fans believe an Englishman should have been appointed to succeed Southgate, said: “There’s no hard feelings for that. Of course, it will always be mixed.”So now I have to prove myself to the people who are maybe a bit concerned. I must prove to them how much it means to me and that it’s a dream job for me that I will give my everything – I’m the man for the job.”England will face Serbia for only the second time with the only other match coming at Euro 2024 when Jude Bellingham scored the winner.Serbia were fined £25,000 for racist abuse during that game and other matches at the tournament so there will be genuine concerns over potential problems when the team heads to Belgrade.England’s under-21s also suffered horrific racial abuse when they played in the country in 2012 with Danny Rose attacked.The Three Lions have never played 140-ranked Latvia before while they faced Albania and Andorra in the last set of World Cup qualifiers.Tuchel added: “A difficult group is my first impression. Serbia and Albania, for me, are always known for good individual players and emotional groups, emotional fans, so they are difficult opponents.“It is the first time England play Latvia, so it is a new experience for all of us and, of course, we are favourites against Andorra, but we need to prove it. We have now eight matches to play, whatever comes we want to be ready for it.”The draw was incredibly complicated and England could have been put in a group of four which would have meant no qualifiers until September.READ MORE SUN STORIESTuchel added: “It was very likely that we got a group five. I want to adapt to everything that is coming, not complain, not look for excuses and not expect or wish for something.“The most important thing is we focus fully on the qualification and we take it seriously and give it our respect and prove a point that we want to go to the USA.”Tuchel suggested he will have a different style to Gareth Southgate in the dugoutCredit: The Times More

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      West Ham U15s keeper Oscar Fairs dies after brave cancer battle as tributes pour in for boy who had ‘bright future’

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      WEST HAM youngster Oscar Fairs has passed away aged 15.The academy goalkeeper died following a battle with cancer.Oscar Fairs has sadly passed awayCredit: West HamThe young goalkeeper bravely battled cancerCredit: SWNSHe was described as a ‘friendly, happy, well-mannered and polite young man’Credit: SWNSFairs was diagnosed with an ependymoma in August 2023.In the eight month prior, he experienced heart palpitations, right-sided weakness, headaches and sickness, but he was initially misdiagnosed with mental health problems and migraines.His condition began to deteriorate, with West Ham telling his worried parents how he was struggling in training as his “right hand and leg weren’t right”.Fairs eventually went for an MRI scan and they found a 9cm tumour on the left side of his brain, attached to his motor system, with three cysts on the outside.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLFollowing several successful surgeries, his tumours had shrunk, but he could unfortunately not be saved. West Ham legend Mark Noble said in a statement: “On behalf of everyone at West Ham United, it is with deep and profound sadness that I confirm the tragic passing of our U15s Academy goalkeeper Oscar Fairs, following his brave battle with cancer.”Oscar was adored by everyone at the Academy – not only was he a great goalkeeper, he was a true Hammer and a fantastic young person, who will be deeply missed by everyone who had the pleasure to know him.”I have wonderful memories of Oscar playing in my garden – Lenny [his son] and his team-mates all loved him. Most read in Football”He was a friendly, happy, well-mannered and polite young man, who had such a bright future ahead of him, and it is just so unimaginably devastating that he has been taken from his family and friends at this age.”As a mark of respect, all scheduled academy fixtures this weekend have been postponed, including this evening’s PL2 Under-21 match against Stoke City. “In due course, the club will also share information on our plans to pay tribute to Oscar, and we will ensure that his name is never forgotten at West Ham United.”The thoughts and sincere condolences of everyone at the Club are with Oscar’s parents, Natalie and Russell, and his brother Harry, and we kindly ask that the family’s privacy is respected at this extremely difficult time.”Rest in peace, brave Oscar.”Tributes from fans also flooded in, with one reading: “Incredibly sad news, my heart goes to out his family.”Another added: “RIP Oscar you were a true fighter and a little warrior. I send all my love to your family. Rest easy little man! Xx.”A third wrote: “Life really is unfair sometimes. Rest in peace Oscar.” More

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      Injuries & suspensions update ahead of Gameweek 15: Latest news on Gabriel, Ollie Watkins and others

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      DREAM TEAM brings you all the latest injury, suspension and availability news ahead of Gameweek 15 in one easily digestible dose.Mikel Arteta was characteristically vague when discussing player availability in his Friday press conference.Arsenal’s head coach said one defender has a “possibility” of featuring against Everton on Saturday having trained and when pushed with a follow-up question he confirmed Gabriel as the player.This weekend comes too soon for Riccardo Calafiori.Gabriel is a “possibility”Credit: AlamyOn the other side of North London, Tottenham are once again without first-choice centre-backs Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven.Plus, Yves Bissouma is suspended for the Lilywhites’ trip to Southampton.A late decision will be made on Ollie Watkins after the Aston Villa striker picked up a “small injury” in Leipzig last time out.Unai Emery and his team will assess the England international after Friday’s training session.Diogo Jota and Federico Chiesa are in contention to feature for Liverpool in some capacity when Fulham visit Anfield on Saturday.Alisson returned against Girona in the Champions League, leaving only Ibrahima Konate, Kostas Tsimikas and Conor Bradley on the injured list for certain.Most read in FootballWatkins was substituted at half-time in midweekCredit: Dream TeamChelsea have no fresh concerns as Wesley Fofana and Reece James remain injured while Mykhailo Mudryk may still be ill – Pedro Neto is suspended.Rico Lewis is suspended for Sunday’s Manchester derby having been shown two yellow cards last weekend.Manchester City will also be without defenders John Stones, Manuel Akanji and Nathan Ake, as well as long-term absentees Rodri and Oscar Bobb.Phil Foden and Mateo Kovacic are expected to make the matchday squad having been named on the bench against Juventus in midweek.Bournemouth centre-back Marcos Senesi may be sidelined for as long as four months having undergone surgery to address a quadriceps injury.Cherries midfielder Marcus Tavernier is also expected to be out for the next few weeks.Score PredictorPlay Score Predictor with Dream Team this season!FREE to play£250 weekly prizePredict scores of five selected Premier League fixtures and earn points for accuracyMost points wins weekly cash prizePLAY NOWARSENALInjuries: Takehiro Tomiyasu, Ben White, Gabriel (doubt), Riccardo Calafiori, Oleksandr Zinchenko (doubt)Suspensions: NoneASTON VILLAInjuries: Jacob Ramsey, Leon Bailey, Ollie Watkins (doubt)Suspensions: NoneBOURNEMOUTHInjuries: Luis Sinisterra, Alex Scott, Julian Araujo, Marcos Senesi, Marcus Tavernier, Suspensions: NoneBRENTFORDInjuries: Aaron Hickey, Josh Dasilva, Gustavo Nunes, Rico Henry, Kristoffer Ajer, Vitaly Janelt (doubt), Mathias Jensen (doubt)Suspensions: NoneBRIGHTONInjuries: Solly March (doubt), James Milner, Adam Webster, Ferdi Kadioglu, Jack Hinshelwood, Joel Veltman (doubt)Suspensions: NoneCHELSEAInjuries: Reece James, Wesley Fofana, Mykhailo Mudryk (doubt)Suspensions: Pedro NetoCRYSTAL PALACEInjuries: Matheus Franca, Chadi Riad (doubt), Adam Wharton (doubt)Suspensions: NoneEVERTONInjuries: Youssef Chermiti, Tim Iroegbunam, James GarnerSuspensions: NoneFULHAMInjuries: Harrison Reed, Joachim Andersen, Reiss NelsonSuspensions: Tom Cairney, Calvin BasseyIPSWICHInjuries: George Hirst, Chiedozie Ogbene, Axel TuanzebeSuspensions: NoneLEICESTERInjuries: Jakub Stolarczyk, Ricardo Pereira, Abdul Fatawu, Harry Winks, Wilfred NdidiSuspensions: Boubakary SoumareLIVERPOOLInjuries: Ibrahima Konate, Conor Bradley, Kostas TsimikasSuspensions: Alexis Mac AllisterMANCHESTER CITYInjuries: Oscar Bobb, Rodri, John Stones, Nathan Ake, Manuel AkanjiSuspensions: Rico LewisMANCHESTER UNITEDInjuries: Luke ShawSuspensions: NoneNEWCASTLEInjuries: Jamaal Lascelles, Emil Krafth, Sven Botman, Nick Pope (doubt), Callum Wilson, Joe Willock (doubt)Suspensions: NoneNOTTINGHAM FORESTInjuries: Danilo, Ibrahim SangareSuspensions: NoneSOUTHAMPTONInjuries: Gavin Bazunu, Ross Stewart, Aaron Ramsdale, Adam Lallana, Will Smallbone, Juan LariosSuspensions: Jack StephensTOTTENHAMInjuries: Micky van de Ven, Cristian Romero, Wilson Odobert, Richarlison, Guglielmo Vicario, Mikey Moore, Ben DaviesSuspensions: Rodrigo Bentancur, Yves BissoumaWEST HAMInjuries: Michail AntonioSuspensions: EmersonWOLVESREAD MORE SUN STORIESInjuries: Sasa Kalajdzic, Enso Gonzalez, Boubacar Traore, Bastien Meupiyou (doubt), Yerson Mosquera, Pablo Sarabia (doubt), Jose Sa (doubt)Suspensions: Joao GomesBetMGM sign up offerBetMGM: Get £40 in free bets — HERE**New cust only. 7 days to opt in by placing a £10 qualifying bet at 1/1 (2.0) odds or greater to receive 4x Free Bets: 1 x £10 horse racing, 1 x £10 Bet Builder, 1 x £10 Acca and 1 x £10 football. 7 day expiry. Exclusions apply. Stake not returned. 18+. T&Cs apply.Commercial content notice: Taking one of the bookmaker offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. 18+. T&Cs apply. gambleaware.org More

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      Thomas Tuchel to hold talks with Ben White over ending England exile and promises ‘clean start’ for outcast players

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      THOMAS TUCHEL has promised England’s players a clean slate when he takes over as England manager.This will include speaking to Arsenal’s Ben White over whether he wants to end his self-imposed exile from international football.Thomas Tuchel has promised a clean state to all England playersCredit: PAThe news boss will speak to Ben White about his international futureCredit: GettyAnd it will also be good news for the likes of Jadon Sancho, Marcus Rashford, Mason Mount and Raheem Sterling who could potentially return if they are able to rediscover their top form on a consistent basis in the Premier League.Tuchel was at FIFA’s HQ in Zurich for the 2026 World Cup qualifying draw even though he does not officially start work until the New Year.The German’s full-time predecessor, Gareth Southgate, had an ability to cast a spell over the draws for both qualifying and major tournaments as he always ended up with easy groups.And it looks as though Southgate has passed his secret on to Tuchel.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe former Bayern Munich manager drove to Switzerland as it is only 160 miles from his Bavaria home. And his team will surely cruise into the 2026 tournament to be staged in the United States, Canada and Mexico.Tuchel said: “It should be a clean start and a clear narrative. It starts from January. I will be in the stadiums from January. The players should just know, ‘okay, the boss is there from January’.“Then I will of course try to speak to them, but also be respectful to the schedule that they have, because the schedule is busy in January, especially in the Premier League.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAsked about White, Tuchel said: “Yes. I will reach out to him.”Although the German has about a little chance of success in persuading the player to deliver a U-turn. The Sun’s Charlie Wyett reacts to World Cup 2026 qualifying draw as Thomas Tuchel’s England are placed in group full of controversyHe left the squad during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar due to personal reasons.It is also likely that Tuchel, who loved Mount when he was in charge at Chelsea, is also likely to deliver a shock in the same way interim manager Lee Carsley sprung a surprise by parachuting Angel Gomes into the squad for the Uefa Nations League games.While Tuchel talks about a fresh start, he is still likely to stick with Harry Kane as captain.There is a valid argument that No9s do not make great captains although considering Tuchel is the man who persuaded his Bayern Munich bosses to sign Kane from Tottenham, it would be a huge shock if the skipper’s armband was suddenly handed to Jude Bellingham or Declan Rice.Tuchel said: “There is no need to think about the change. I am in charge from January and Harry was also a top captain for England, so why even think about it at the moment? We will cross the river when we get to the river.“We will first get to January and then we will be in touch with everyone and get a feeling for St George’s and also for the players.”Until March, there is still a lot of football to be played and then we will try to find the best group for the games that wait.”Mason Mount could get back in England contentionCredit: GettyThomas Tuchel is unlikely to take the captain’s armband off Harry KaneCredit: APEngland have not lost a World Cup qualifier since a 1-0 loss to Ukraine in 2009 which was a dead rubber.Serbia, ranked 32 in the world, are not a bad side but you still worry more about the behaviour of their fans rather than the team.Albania’s supporters also caused issues at Euro 2024, and we are not talking about the fans who snapped spaghetti in front of a group of Italians before their group stage match.England had few problems against the Albanians in qualifying for Qatar and it is also tedious that this set of matches also includes games against hopeless Andorra who, according to Southgate, had the worst plastic pitch in European football.World Cup qualifying draw in fullGroup A: Winner GER/ITA, Slovakia, Northern Ireland, LuxembourgGroup B: Switzerland, Sweden, Slovenia, KosovoGroup C: Loser POR/DEN, Greece, Scotland, BelarusGroup D: Winner FRA/CRO, Ukraine, Iceland, AzerbaijanGroup E: Winner SPA/NED, Turkey, Georgia, BulgariaGroup F: Winner POR/DEN, Hungary, Ireland, ArmeniaGroup G: Loser SPA/NED, Poland, Finland, Lithuania, MaltaGroup H: Austria, Romania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Cyprus, San MarinoGroup I: Loser GER/ITA, Norway, Israel, Estonia, MoldovaGroup J: Belgium, Wales, North Macedonia, Kazakhstan, LiechensteinGroup K: England, Serbia, Albania, Latvia, AndorraGroup L: Loser FRA/CRO, Czechia, Montenegro, Faroe Islands, GibraltarTuchel yesterday responded to criticism that he has not been at any Premier League games or was in the stands for the final two England games under interim manager Lee Carsley in November as he had been confirmed as manager.He said: “Why would I sit on the stands? It was my wish to let Lee finish this campaign, because obviously the FA had the agreement with Lee, more or less, to go through this Nations League campaign.”Why have the cameras on me? Why have the focus on me? What about Lee and his team and his nomination? It’s for me, a way to show my respect and to show my trust, to not be there and sit on the tribune and have all the media attention.”Curiously, Tuchel has still not spoken to Carsley.READ MORE SUN STORIESWith tongue in cheek, he added: “The famous handover is not done yet – we will do this very naturally when I am at St George’s in January.”From there on, we will have very close communication, hopefully, and open doors because he is the U21s coach and I am responsible for the first team.”Forgotten England stars could benefit from Tuchel appointmentWITH Thomas Tuchel announced as the next England manager, a few forgotten stars might be hopeful of a return to the international set up.The former Chelsea and Bayern Munich manager usually uses a 3-4-3 formation.That could provide an opening for Mason Mount, who’s not been involved in the England set-up since the World Cup in 2022.The now Manchester United star enjoyed his most successful spell under Tuchel while the pair were at Stamford Bridge.Tuchel could also offer lifelines to other previously capped players such as Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Eric Dier.RLC has excelled since his move to AC Milan and with England struggling to find a partner for Rice, he could be the surprise answer.Meanwhile, Dier played for Tuchel at Bayern Munich as part of a back-three last season.The defender did enough to convince the club to make his loan move permanent after he had fallen out of favour at Tottenham.Click here to see the full England XI who could play under Tuchel. 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