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      World Cup 2026 qualifying draw in full as Thomas Tuchel’s England are placed in group full of controversy

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      ENGLAND have discovered who they will face in order to qualify for the 2026 World Cup.The Three Lions, who will be led into the tournament by new German boss Thomas Tuchel, were among the top seeds alongside France and Spain.England and Thomas Tuchel have learned who they will face in World Cup qualifyingCredit: AFPTuchel was in attendance in Zurich to discover England’s fateFormer Arsenal star Robert Pires drew England into Group KWith Tuchel watching on at the draw in Zurich, England discovered they were in Group K and their first opponent was Serbia from pot two.Pot three saw them draw Albania, while the teams out of pot four and five were Latvia and Andorra respectively.Serbia and Albania have controversial history behind them, with Uefa slapping Albanian forward Mirlind Daku with a two-game ban for anti-Serbian chants earlier this year.Uefa also fined Serbia for trying to burn an Albanian flag.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSerbia even threatened to QUIT Euro 2024 over chants directed at them by Albania and Croatia.Having pitted them against each other in Group K, there will be fears of fireworks in England’s group.Elsewhere, Wales landed in Group J with Belgium, North Macedonia, Kazakhstan and Liechtenstein.Scotland were put in Group C against the Uefa Nations League losing quarter-finalist between Portugal and Denmark, as well as Greece and Belarus.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSNorthern Ireland were pit against the winner of Germany vs Italy, as well as Slovakia and Luxembourg in Group A.England’s first games during this campaign will come over the spring international break on March 21-25.Among England’s opponents, Serbia will serve as the toughest test for Tuchel.Thomas Tuchel England Press ConferenceThe Three Lions last faced the team led by Alexander Mitrovic at the Euros during the summer. England prevailed 1-0 in a dour match, with Jude Bellingham scoring the only goal after 13 minutes.Albania and Andorra were in England’s most recent World Cup qualification group and proved easy opponents.Gareth Southgate’s side beat Albania 5-0 at Wembley and 2-0 away, whil Andorra put up even less opposition, with England winning 4-0 at home and 5-0 away.The Three Lions have never played Latvia.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, GibraltarFans were over the moon at the draw, judging by reactions on X.One wrote: “Tuchel could literally play himself and three lions and still win the group.”Another said: “Serbia is the only challenging opponent, the rest should be easy.”And another wrote: “With Tuchel’s tactics and style of football we should smash all these.”READ MORE SUN STORIESThe actual World Cup will start on June 11 2026 with Mexico City hosting the opener, while New Jersey will host the final on July 19 following a record 39 day tournament.The World Cup’s new format will see 12 four-team groups and will also feature a last-32 knockout round for the first time to accommodate the expansion to 48 teams.Thomas Tuchel on a missionFrom Charlie Wyett in ZurichTHOMAS TUCHEL is on a mission to prove himself as England manager after accepting his appointment has not been universally popular.The Three Lions were today given an easy World Cup 2026 qualifying group as they were pitted against Serbia, Albania, Latvia and Andorra.Tuchel, aware that many fans believe an Englishman should have been appointed to succeed Gareth 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, whose qualifiers start in March, 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.England have never played 140-ranked Latvia before while they faced Albania and Andorra in the last set of World Cup qualifiers.Tuchel, who officially starts work on January 1, 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.Tuchel 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.”How will the 2026 World Cup work?By Martin LiptonThe 2026 World Cup will be something of a logistical nightmare.Three countries, not one city. In 16 venues, split across four time zones and thousands of miles — rather than the distance between Selhurst Park and Kenilworth Road.With 48 teams, as opposed to the 32 that has been the norm since 1998. More from Africa, Asia, and the Americas. Even, for the first time, a guaranteed slot for Oceania.And, almost certainly, a record 104 MATCHES and 33 days as well.It will be 12 groups of four but the real issues are over the next stage.The easiest way would be the top two in each group, plus the eight best third-place teams, reaching the final 32 and eight games, instead of seven, required to win.Read all about it here. More

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      Huge Everton takeover update as Premier League makes decision over Friedkin Group

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      EVERTON’s prolonged takeover saga has moved a huge step closer to finally ending.American billionaire Dan Friedkin has been trying to purchase the Merseysiders for several months.The Premier League has made a ruling on the proposed takeover at EvertonCredit: GETTYCurrent Blues owner Farhad Moshiri has been eager to sell up shop for some timeCredit: PAAmerican billionaire Dan Friedkin recently agreed a £800m takeover of the clubCredit: GETTYThe Premier League has given the Friedkin Group its blessing to complete the takeoverCredit: GettyThe Friedkin Group tabled an £800million offer for the Toffees in July but it fell apart due to the club’s debt to investment firm 777.Talks, however, resumed in September as current owner Farhad Moshiri is keen to sell up shop and an agreement was reached.And the Premier League has given Friedkin its blessing to purchase the club.That’s according to Sky Sports, who claim the Friedkin Group has “secured approval” from Prem chiefs to become the club’s new owners. READ MORE ON EvertonAnd it’s claimed the Merseysiders are set to have new owners by the end of “next week”. News of The Friedkin Group’s imminent takeover was music to the ears of the Goodison Park faithful.One wrote on X: “Put the world on notice, my club’s back baby.”Another said: “Good for the club.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSFarhad Moshiri is set to suffer a massive financial loss once the takeover is completedCredit: GETTYAnd another said: “A long dream becoming true.”One remarked: “New era, new hope.”Everton fans say ‘I feel sick just looking at it’ as new video of Bramley Moore Dock stadium go viral Another chimed in: “Absolute good.”The Friedkin Group, who also own Serie A giants Roma, are set to acquire the entirety of Moshiri’s 94.1 per cent stake in the club.Mosiri, 69, is set to lose a huge amount of cash in the sale. The British-Iranian businessman purchased a 49.9 per cent stake in the club in 2016 just days after selling over £200m worth of shares to associate Alisher Usmanov. He’s plundered hundreds of millions of pounds into the club over the last eight years. He will, however, only walk away from his time on Merseyside with a paltry £25million.Everton will be back in action on Saturday afternoon, travelling to the Emirates to take on Arsenal. More

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      World Cup 2026 draw LIVE: England qualifying campaign CONFIRMED as Thomas Tuchel learns Group K opponents

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      THOMAS TUCHEL now knows EXACTLY who England will be facing during qualification for the 2026 World Cup.Tuchel will officially begin his role as the new head of the England on January 1, but was in attendance to see his side drawn into Group K.The draw took place at Fifa HQ in Zurich, Switzerland, with nations placed into 12 groups of four and five teams.As they were drawn into a group of five teams, England will start their campaign in March 2025 – those drawn in a group of four start in September 2025.FREE live stream: Fifa YouTube / BBC Sport websiteTV channel: Not available on UK TVFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSFollow ALL the action from the World Cup 2026 qualifying draw with our live blog below…That’s all folks!Here’s the World Cup qualifying draw in full as England face the likes of Serbia in Group K:Copy linkCopiedEngland v AndorraWorld ranking: 171And the final team in Group K is Andorra.And that is completely understandable as their nation is made up of just over 80,000 people.England HAVE played the independent principality before and you might not be surprised to hear that it hasn’t gone too well for Andorra.England have won all SIX previous meetings with an aggregate score of 25-0…Copy linkCopiedEngland vs LatviaWorld ranking: 140Latvia are viewed by Fifa as the 140th-best national team in the world.This is only eight places higher than their lowest-ever ranking of 148 in September 2017.England have NEVER played Latvia, so they will have the chance to add another feather to their well-stocked cap.Copy linkCopiedEngland v AlbaniaWorld ranking: 65Albania finished bottom of Group B at Euro 2024 but had, by far, the hardest group alongside winners Spain, Italy and Croatia.And they were not heavily beaten in any of those three matches, losing by the odd goal against Spain and Italy either side of snatching a point against Croatia.They will be no pushover in 2026 World Cup qualifying.That said, England have won all six previous meetings against Albania with an aggregate score of 19-1.Copy linkCopiedEngland’s opponents analysed: SerbiaWorld ranking: 32Serbia are England’s greatest competitor for the top spot in Group K having been drawn from Pot 2.They have a squad packed with current and former Premier League players and it is a team that England know well having beaten them 1-0 at Euro 2024 earlier this year.They put up a stern fight in that game, though, with Jude Bellingham’s 13th-minute header being the only goal of the game.Copy linkCopiedEngland’s World Cup qualifying draw in fullCopy linkCopiedThe story of the World Cup qualifying draw?Serbia and Albania have been drawn together into England’s Group K.But the two nations have controversial history behind them,.Uefa slapped Albanian forward Mirlind Daku with a two-game ban for anti-Serbian chants at Euro 2024.Uefa also fined Serbia for trying to burn an Albanian flag.No geopolitical restrictions were put in place before the draw for those two nations.But for political reasons, Ukraine and Belarus cannot be in the same group, and neither can Gibraltar and Spain. Kosovo must be kept apart from Serbia and Bosnia-Herzegovina.Copy linkCopiedBut Scotland given grievance period to prepareAs the Scots have been drawn in to a group of four, they won’t begin qualifying matches until September.That’s because Portugal play Denmark the Nations League quarter-finals in March, with the loser being placed into Group C.The winner goes into Group F to face Hungary, Republic of Ireland, Armenia.The other confirmed teams in Scotland’s group are Greece and Belarus.Copy linkCopiedWhen will England play their first qualifying game?England’s first games during this campaign will come over the spring international break on March 21-25.Although the draw is pleasing, Tuchel won’t be eased into his game as England boss with a friendly.No. His first game will count. It’s a must win.The fixture list hasn’t been confirmed yet. But it will be one of Serbia, Albania, Latvia and Andorra.Copy linkCopiedTuchel learns Three Lions path to World Cup 2026England have been a favourable draw as they bid to confirm a place at the next World Cup.Serbia, Albania, Latvia and Andorra stand between England and qualification for the finals in the United States, Canada and Mexico.Copy linkCopiedThe groups in full…The either/ors in the list below are due to the Nations League quarter-finals.Group A: Winner of Germany/Italy, Slovakia, NORTHERN IRELAND,LuxembourgGroup B: Switzerland, Sweden, Slovenia, KosovoGroup C: Loser of Portugal/Denmark, Greece, SCOTLAND,BelarusGroup D: Winner of France/Croatia, Ukraine, Iceland, AzerbaijanGroup E: Winner of Spain/Netherlands, Turkey, Georgia, BulgariaGroup F: Winner of Portugal/Denmark, Hungary, Republic of Ireland, ArmeniaGroup G: Loser of Spain/Netherlands, Poland, Finland, Lithuania, MaltaGroup H: Austria, Romania, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Cyprus, San MarinoGroup I: Loser of Germany/Italy, Norway, Israel, Estonia, MoldovaGroup J: Belgium, WALES, North Macedonia, Kazakhstan, LiechtensteinGroup K: ENGLAND, Serbia, Albania, Latvia, AndorraGroup L: Loser of France/Croatia, Czech Republic, Montenegro, Faroe Islands, GibraltarCopy linkCopiedENGLAND’S GROUP K IS COMPLETEAndorra have a travel restriction with Kazakhstan so they join England, Serbia, Albania and Latvia in Group K.Happy, England fans?Copy linkCopiedPot 5 results…Moldova join Group I Malta join Group GSan Marino join Group HAndorra join England in Group KGibraltar join in Group LLiechtenstein join Wales, Belgium, North Macedonia and Kazakhstan in Group J.Copy linkCopiedSmallest Pot 5 left to go…MoldovaMaltaAndorraGibraltarLiechtensteinSan MarinoCopy linkCopiedEngland are joined by LatviaReminder, if I didn’t say so before, England are a group of five.So their qualifying matches begin in March or June.Group K: ENGLAND, Serbia, Albania, Latvia…Copy linkCopiedWales face trip to Asian border as Kazakhstan drawn into Group JGroup J: Belgium, WALES, North MacedoniaCopy linkCopiedBulgaria in Group EGroup E: Winner of Spain/Netherlands, Turkey, GeorgiaCopy linkCopiedEstonia join Group I (group of five)Group I: Loser of Germany/Italy, Norway, IsraelCopy linkCopiedCyprus join Group HGroup H: Austria, Romania, Bosnia-HerzegovinaCopy linkCopiedLithuania join Group G (five teams)Group G: Loser of Spain/Netherlands, Poland, FinlandCopy linkCopiedAzerbaijan is the final name drawn into Group DGroup D: Winner of France/Croatia, Ukraine, IcelandCopy linkCopiedBelarus complete Group CGroup C: Loser of Portugal/Denmark, Greece, SCOTLANDCopy linkCopiedKosovo complete Group BGroup B: Switzerland, Sweden, SloveniaCopy linkCopiedLuxembourg complete Group AGroup A: Winner of Germany/Italy, Slovakia, NORTHERN IRELANDCopy linkCopiedNames drawn from Pot 4Some restrictions here now… travel and geopolitical ones.Here are the teams… which one to you fancy for England?Bulgaria, Luxembourg, Kosovo, Belarus, Armenia, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, Estonia, Cyprus, Faroe Islands, Latvia, LithuaniaCopy linkCopied More

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      Football team-mates’ best fights, from Le Saux punching Batty, Hartson kicking Benayoun to brutal Bowyer vs Dyer scrap

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      WHEN tensions run high and the pressure is on, these footballers could not help but fall out with one another.Man Utd were the latest club to see two of their stars get in a barney on the pitch.Rasmus Hojlund and Amad Diallo got into a row after Man Utd’s Europa League clashCredit: TNT SPORTSTeammates stepped in to break it up but it’s not the first time footballers have foughtCredit: TNT SPORTSTeam-mates Rasmus Hojlund and Amad Diallo were involved in a furious row after full-time in Plzen after their Europa League clash.Substitute Hojlund, 21, was United’s game-winning hero but was left raging as he accused Amad of wrecking his chance at a first club hat-trick by refusing to pass to him when in front of goal deep into injury time.While Amad was also angry that Hojlund did something similar moments before.However, United boss Amorim could only see positives in their actions. Read more football newsAmorim said: “It’s a positive thing, a healthy thing, perfect. In this moment, we need to feel something, if we need to fight each other it’s like a family, for me it’s a very, very good sign.“When you don’t care, you do nothing, when you care, you fight with your brother, with your father, with your mother.“It’s a normal thing, so I leave it to the players and captain to calm things down.“If it’s too much I will go inside the dressing room. But it’s their space, they have to talk, to fight — it’s very important.Most read in Football“I am happy we win the game and still fight each other, that is a very good thing.Club mascot provokes opposition players, starts a fight, gets sent off and then does Ronaldo’s siu celebration“When you win and you fight with your team-mate because you want to score one more. It’s a very good day for us.”While Hojlund and Amad’s row was just a squabble, there have been times when things have got further out of hand, as SunSport explains.White and ZinchenkoBack in January, Ben White and Oleksandr Zinchenko had to be held back by set-piece coach Nicolas Jover following Arsenal’s 2-1 win over Nottingham Forest.Gunners boss Mikel Arteta revealed why they fell out after the match.Taking the Amorim approach, Arteta said: “I love it. They are demanding more from each other. They are not happy with the way they conceded and they are just trying to resolve it.”It got a bit heated. But that means that it’s enough. Playing the way we played the result has to be bigger and the clean sheet has to be there.”Ben White and Oleksandr Zinchenko are separated by Arsenal coach Nicolas JoverCredit: TNT SPORTSMings and El-GhaziAt the beginning of the 2019-2020 season, Aston Villa’s Tyrone Mings and Anwar El-Ghazi locked horns during a game against West Ham.The Aston Villa bad-boys’ disagreement was put to bed at half-time, according to then captain Jack Grealish.Ming was said to be livid with El-Ghazi for not tracking back, and shouted at him on the pitch.The Dutchman retaliated by pushing his head into the face of Mings.Anwar El Ghazi feels Tyrone Mings’ wrath after not tracking backCredit: Getty – ContributorEl Ghazi leans his head towards Mings after their war of wordsCredit: AFP or licensorsBatty and Le SauxOne of the infamous, and most shocking, saw a Blackburn Rovers Champions League game momentarily halted.David and Graeme Le Saux accidentally collided when going for the same ball in a match against Spartak Moscow in 1995.The game was just four minutes in when Le Saux aimed a punch at the tigerish midfielder.Tim Sherwood stepped in to separate them, but Le Saux had already broken his hand at that point.Tim Sherwood has to step in to stop David Batty and Graeme Le Saux scrappingCredit: PAThe pair made up pretty quickly after their fisticuffsCredit: PA:Press AssociationMitrovic and KamaraYou could say it all started when Aboubakar Kamara snatched the ball off regular Fulham penalty taker Aleksandar Mitrovic and missed a vital spot-kick against Huddersfield in a 2019 Premier League match.Then, just two weeks later during a supposedly calming yoga session, the pair got into a heated row as boss Claudio Ranieri looked on.Mitrovic believed Kamara had insulted the yoga teacher, and he let Kamara know about it.Talk about holding a grudge.Fulham’s Aboubakar Kamara and Aleksandar Mitrovic’s argument began over a squabble over a penaltyCredit: PA:Press Associationread more sport featuresHartson and BerkovicWhile a lot happens during in the heat of a game, this astonishing fight happened in a training session!John Hartson and Eyal Berkovic, as centre forward and playmaker respectively, are supposed to tee each other up for goals.However, that seemed far-fetched when Hartson lost his temper with Berkovic and kicked his West Ham team-mate in the head in 1998.The training ground outburst was caught on film and Hartson, who was fined £20,000, called it his “biggest regret”.John Hartson’s infamous kick to Eyal Berkovic’s face was caught on cameraCredit: SkyBerkovic and Hartson soon made up after their bust-upCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdBowyer and DyerAnother to be filed under the Batty and Le Saux category, Lee Bowyer’s scrap with Kieron Dyer also escalated to punches being landed.In a match their Newcastle team would lose to Aston Villa 3-0, Dyer reportedly called Bowyer “s***”.The outrageous melee saw players from both sides try to intervene as they ripped each other to shreds.They were sent off and tried to get at each other in the changing rooms but stopped when boss Graeme Souness allegedly offered to fight them both!Lee Bowyer and Kieron Dyer have to be held back by players after a furious fightCredit: GettyBellamy and Arne RiiseCraig Bellamy often lost his cool.While, John Arne Riise was an uncompromising defender who didn’t suffer fools.But, they were supposed to be letting their hair down on a team bonding trip with Liverpool to the Algarve in 2007.A row over Riise’s refusal to take part in karaoke led to Bellamy attacking the Norwegian in his hotel room with a golf club. Bellamy later used it in his goal celebration.Craig Bellamy made fun out of his incident with a golf celebrationCredit: GettyAdebayor and BendtnerAdebayor wasn’t going to let Arsenal’s departure out of the Carling Cup go without growling at a team-mate in 2008.And it was Danish star Bendtner who was on the receiving end of the Togo-born striker’s frustrations.Arsenal had a corner, but rather than concentrate on making space Adebayor and Bendtner began shoving each other.Bendtner was left with a cut above his nose, and they had to be separated by club captain William Gallas.Allegedly, Adebayor – a second half substitute – told the starting Bendtner, “I’m on because you’re s***.”Emmanuel Adebayor confronts Nicklas Bendtner and slams his performanceCredit: MARC ASPLANDSon and LlorisFormer team-mates Hugo Lloris and Son Heung-min got particularly aggy at half-time in Spurs’ 1-0 loss to Everton in a match in 2020.The two were spotted on Sky Sports’ cameras in an angry exchange – shouting and pushing each other,READ MORE SUN STORIESIt was later revealed the Frenchman was livid that the Korean wasn’t tracking back.They made up during the interval, but didn’t face the wrath of boss Jose Mourinho who applauded their passion, even calling the moment “beautiful.”Hugo Lloris and Son Heung-Min argued over the Korean allegedly not tracking backCredit: Sky Sports More

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      Fans fume ‘it’s a shambles’ as England’s feed for World Cup 2026 qualifying draw CUTS OUT just as Tuchel’s team picked

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      ENGLAND fans were left fuming as the Three Lions’ live feed of the World Cup 2026 qualifying draw cut out.Thomas Tuchel’s side learned their fate at the draw in Zurich.England learned their fate at the draw in ZurichAt the crucial moment, the screen went blankThomas Tuchel travelled to Zurich for the drawCredit: APProceedings were streamed live on England’s official YouTube channel.But the stream was struck by technical difficulties.Incredibly, it cut out as the Three Lions were drawn.When pictures returned, England had been drawn into Group K.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLFans following along in the comments section were not happy.One fumed: “A shambles as usual. When the sound AND picture go how do we know what’s going on here!”While a second grumbled: “ffs just as England got pulled.”And a third moaned: “As if it went off when we got pulled.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe revamped 48-team tournament is set to take place in the United States, Canada and Mexico during the summer of 2026.Fifty-four Uefa nations entered the draw, with six groups of four and six groups of five drawn.Lee Carsley hailed for ‘best football England have ever played’ as fans say ‘can we rip up Tuchel’s contract-‘England being plucked into Group K means that Tuchel’s men will be in a group of five.All group winners will qualify automatically for the World Cup finals, while the 12 runners-up will join four teams from the Nations League in the play-offs.England have been joined in Group K by Serbia, Albania, Latvia and Andorra.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, Gibraltar More

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      Former Everton star and Wayne Rooney team-mate Li Tie sentenced to 20 years in jail for bribery

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      FORMER Everton star Li Tie has been sentenced to 20 years in prison for bribery.Li, 47, confessed to giving and receiving bribes, while also helping to fix matches.Li Tie was Chinese national team manager between 2020 and 2021Credit: AFPLi, 47, played for Everton between 2002 and 2006Credit: GettyThe former China midfielder was appointed manager of his homeland in January 2020, before resigning in December 2021.An investigation into Li’s conduct between 2015 and 2021 was launched by the Communist Party in November 2022.In March he pleaded guilty to giving and taking more than £12.6million in bribes.Featuring in a documentary aired by state broadcaster CCTV, Li said: “I’m very sorry. I should have kept my head to the ground and followed the right path.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”There were certain things that at the time were common practices in football.”Li is even said to have offered bribes in order to land the China national team job.His conviction comes as part of President Xi Jinping’s efforts to crack down on corruption in Chinese sport.Earlier this year, former Chinese Football Association president Chen Xuyuan was sentence to life in prison after pleading guilty to taking bribes worth £8.9m.Most read in FootballThe CFA’s two-year investigation has seen a further 38 players and five club officials slapped with lifetime bans.Per Reuters, they found that 120 matches involving 41 clubs under their jurisdiction had been fixed.Abandoned stadium bigger that the Emirates left to rot just four years after club ‘offered Gareth Bale £1m per week’President Xi is a big football fan, and in 2011 revealed his “three wishes” for the game in China; to qualify for a second World Cup, to host the tournament, and then to win it.The national team have underachieved badly in recent years, and were eliminated from World Cup 2026 contention in March following defeats to Japan, Vietnam and Oman.During the last decade, clubs in China went on a huge recruitment drive that included the likes of Hulk, Mousa Dembele, Axel Witsel, Marko Arnautovic and Ramires.Following a crisis that saw several Chinese Super League clubs land themselves in significant debt, however, a salary cap was introduced in 2020.Not many high-profile foreign exports have since remained, with former Chelsea star Oscar saying a tearful farewell earlier this month having been one of the last.Oscar bid an emotional farewell to Shanghai earlier this monthThe Brazilian, 33, played 248 times for Shanghai PortCredit: GettyLi, meanwhile, was part of the only China side to play at a World Cup in 2002.He earned 92 caps, and went on to play alongside Wayne Rooney at Everton.Following 40 appearances during an injury-hit four-year spell with the Toffees, Li moved to Sheffield United before returning to China.He began his coaching career as Marcello Lippi’s assistant with Guangzhou Evergrande.READ MORE SUN STORIESLi also assisted Alain Perrin with the China national team in 2014, before moving to Hebei China Fortune, initially as an assistant and then as boss in 2015.Following another stint as national team No2 he worked as Wuhan manager between 2017 and 2019, before taking on the China job.Li was appointed China boss in January 2020Credit: AFP More

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      How to watch World Cup 2026 qualifying draw for FREE live and who can England face?

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      THE World Cup 2026 qualifying draw is taking place TODAY – and you can watch it for FREE.The draw – which is for the European section of qualification – will not be broadcast live in the UK but that does not mean that England fans will miss any of the action.New England manager is expected to attend the drawSunSport will live blog the draw as it happens but anyone with a decent internet connection will also be able to stream it.New England boss Thomas Tuchel – who officially starts his new role on January 1 – will be watching with a keen eye.Here’s how to follow the 54-team draw from Fifa HQ in Zurich, Switzerland, as it happens.Read More on World Cup 2026How can I watch the World Cup 2026 qualifying draw for FREE?In the UK, the draw will be shown for free on England’s own YouTube channel, the BBC Sport website and the Fifa website.Anyone can watch on the YouTube channel, although to watch on the BBC website you will need to have a TV licence.What time is the World Cup 2026 qualifying draw?The 2026 World Cup qualification draw takes place on Friday, December 13 at approximately 11am GMT (12pm CET).However, Fifa usually like to also spend a while introducing guests and giving speeches so names may not be pulled out of the pot until closer to 11.30am GMT.Most read in SportSouthgate vs Tuchel records comparedTHOMAS TUCHELAugsburg II 2007-2008P34 W 20 D8 L6 Win percentage: 58.82%Mainz 05 2009-2014P184 W72 D46 L66 Win percentage: 39.13%Borussia Dortmund 2015-2017P107 W67 D23 L17 Win percentage: 62.62%Honours: DFB Pokal Paris Saint Germain 2018-2020P127 W95 D13 L16 Win percentage: 74.8%Honours: Ligue 1 X2, Coupe de France, Coupe de la Ligue, Trophee des Champions x2Chelsea 2021-2022P100 W60 D24 L16 Win percentage: 60%Honours: Champions League, Super Cup, Club World CupBayern Munich 2023-2024P61 W37 D8 L16 Win percentage: 60.66%Honours: BundesligaGARETH SOUTHGATEMiddlesbrough 2006-2009P151 W54 D43 Win percentage: 35.76%England U21 2013-2016P37 W27 D5 L5 Win percentage: 72.97%Honours: Toulon tournamentEngland 2016-2024P102 W61 D24 L17 Win percentage: 59.8%Honours: Euros runners up, 2020, 2024What is the format for the World Cup 2026 qualifying draw?There are 54 teams in the European section of the draw with Russia suspended from entering the competition due to the invasion of Ukraine.Teams are seeded into five pots, with pots one to four containing 12 teams and pot five with six teams.They will be drawn into 12 groups – six groups of four (A-F) and six groups of five (G-L)Those drawn in the five-team groups will begin their qualification campaigns in March 2025, while those in four-team groups will start their campaign in September 2025.Because of the Nations League – which also plays matches in March – five-team groups can only contain one team participating in those March matches.The other four teams will then play among themselves during that international break.The draw will start with Pot 1 and finish with Pot 5 – a team will be drawn and assigned to the first available group. There are certain restrictions that will be applied to the draw, firstly due to the Nations League, which means certain teams cannot be drawn into certain groups due to scheduling conflicts.Other restrictions include teams that cannot be drawn together for political reasons – Kosovo and Serbia, for example – and only two teams with medium/high risk of severe winter conditions can be drawn together.Certain teams, such as Kazakhstan, cannot be drawn with multiple teams if the travel is deemed to excessive.ANDY DILLON: Thomas Tuchel has all the ingredients to become a classic England manager – tactical nous, drive and a tangled love lifeBy Andy DillonTHOMAS TUCHEL possesses all the ingredients to become a classic England manager.Tactical nous, drive, energy, experience – a tangled love life.English football should welcome back the most explosive, dynamic, charismatic and impossibly tall and gangly coach to have lit up the Premier League.Chelsea’s colourful former boss has been leading a settled life in Munich of late.Far enough away from ex-wife Sissi but close enough to see his two daughters.Walking his dog in the streets in the east of Germany’s most fashionable city, residing in the posh Bogenhausen area. Living relatively quietly with his Brazilian girlfriend.Tuchel is a vastly different personality to the man who led England quietly but assuredly to the brink of World Cups and European Championships.An excitable nature can make him hard to handle for those seeking calm and who like to impose their way on a manager they view very much as an underling.Read more on why Tuchel REALLY IS the best man for the England jobWho can England face in World Cup 2026 qualifying?The Three Lions are in Pot 1 due to their excellent performances in recent major tournaments.That means Tuchel and Co will not face the likes of Spain, France, Germany and other European heavyweights.Pot 2 contains the likes of Ukraine, Sweden and Turkey, while there is the potential for local derbies against any of the other home nations.Wales are in Pot 2, while Scotland, the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland are all in Pot 3.The pots are in full here: Pot One: Spain, Germany, Portugal, France, Italy, Netherlands, Denmark, Croatia, England, Belgium, Switzerland, Austria.Pot Two: Ukraine, Sweden, Turkey, Wales, Hungary, Serbia, Poland, Greece, Romania, Slovakia, Czech Republic, Norway.Pot Three: Scotland, Slovenia, Republic of Ireland, Albania, North Macedonia, Georgia, Finland, Iceland, Northern Ireland, Montenegro, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Israel.READ MORE SUN STORIESPot Four: Bulgaria, Luxembourg, Kosovo, Belarus, Armenia, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, Estonia, Cyprus, Faroe Islands, Latvia, Lithuania.Pot Five: Moldova, Malta, Andorra, Gibraltar, Liechtenstein, San Marino. 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      World Cup 2026 qualifying draw simulated with England pitted against familiar foe in tough test for Tuchel

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      ENGLAND have been handed a familiar foe in our 2026 World Cup qualifying draw simulation.With England winning their group in the Nations League it meant the Three Lions were likely to be drawn in a five-team group.Thomas Tuchel has been handed a familiar foe in our simulated World Cup drawCredit: SplashAnd that is exactly what has happened to England in SunSport’s simulated qualifying draw for the Uefa nations.The games will be Thomas Tuchel’s first in charge of the Three Lions.In our draw, England came out of pot one into Group I.Follow the draw LIVE as it happens with SunSport’s blogREAD MORE IN FOOTBALLPot two included Wales, with pot three containing Scotland, the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland.And England have been booked into playing Wales after the Dragons were taken out of pot two.However, Tuchel and co managed to avoid any other home nation sides, with both Scotland and the Republic of Ireland being put in four-team groups.Instead, pot three drew out Montenegro for Group I, while pots four and five drew Estonia and Andorra respectively.Most read in FootballA maximum of 16 Uefa teams will qualify for the expanded 48-team 2026 World Cup being held across the United States, Canada and Mexico.These groups have been divided into six groups of four and six groups of five, with the top from each automatically qualifying for the tournament.BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSMeanwhile, the runner-ups will go into the play-offs with four Nations League teams.Five-team groups will start their campaigns in March while the four-team groups containing the winning Nations League quarter-finalists will start in September.Thomas Tuchel England Press ConferenceThe winning teams in the Nations League quarter-finals must go into one of the four-team groups, but due to the draw taking place before the games are played they are put into the draw as placeholders.A maximum of one losing quarter-finalist or one Nations League promotion-relegation play-off team can go in one group.The real draw for the World Cup qualifying pots begins at 11am TODAY.You will be able to keep up with the draw live with SunSport’s live blog.World Cup qualifying draw simulatedGroup A: Spain or Netherlands* (Pot 1), Sweden (Pot 2), SCOTLAND (Pot 3), Belarus (Pot 4)Group B: Italy or Germany* (Pot 1), Ukraine (Pot 2), Slovenia (Pot 3), Luxembourg (Pot 4)Group C: Denmark or Portugal* (Pot 1), Turkey (Pot 2), Republic of Ireland (Pot 3), Kosovo (Pot 4)Group D: Croatia or France* (Pot 1), Czech Republic (Pot 2), Albania (Pot 3), Bulgaria (Pot 4) Group E: Italy or Germany* (Pot 1), Hungary (Pot 2), North Macedonia (Pot 3), Armenia (Pot 4)Group F: Spain or Netherlands* (Pot 1), Serbia (Pot 2), Georgia (Pot 3), Kazakhstan (Pot 4)Group G: Denmark or Portugal* (Pot 1), Poland (Pot 2), Finland (Pot 3), Azerbaijan (Pot 4), Moldova (Pot 5)Group H: Croatia or France* (Pot 1), Greece (Pot 2), Iceland (Pot 3), Cyprus (Pot 4), Malta (Pot 5)Group I: ENGLAND (Pot 1), WALES (Pot 2), Montenegro (Pot 3), Estonia (Pot 4), Andorra (Pot 5)Group J: Belgium (Pot 1) , Slovakia (Pot 2), Northern Ireland (Pot 3), Faroe Islands (Pot 4), Gibraltar (Pot 5)Group K: Switzerland (Pot 1), Romania (Pot 2), Bosnia-Herzegovina (Pot 3), Latvia (Pot 4), Liechtenstein (Pot 5)Group L: Austria (Pot 1), Norway (Pot 2), Israel (Pot 3), Lithuania (Pot 4), San Marino (Pot 5)*Nations League quarter-finalists More