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      Rangers hit with suspended stadium CLOSURE over racist/discriminatory banner as club warns fans about ‘illicit songs’

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      RANGERS have been hit with a suspended stadium CLOSURE by Uefa following the recent clash with Fenerbahce.The punishment, suspended for a period of two years, has been handed down in relation to ‘racist and/or discriminatory behaviour.’Uefa have come down hard over this bannerCredit: GettyIt was displayed during the Fenerbahce match at IbroxCredit: GettyRangers have also been charged over the throwing of objectsCredit: ReutersRangers won the tie after a penalty shoot-outCredit: Willie VassLast week, Rangers released a ferocious statement where they blasted sections of their OWN support over behaviour.They revealed that Uefa sanctions were incoming following the match against Fenerbahce, held at Ibrox on Thursday, March 13.After a dramatic encounter, the Gers emerged victorious after a penalty shoot-out.But in the aftermath, Rangers raged at the ‘saddening and frankly embarrassing behaviour’ in the stands and hit out at the display of a banner in the Union Bears section.A banner displayed by the ultras read: “Keep woke foreign ideologies out. Defend Europe.”Rangers subsequently hit out at the “racist and/or discriminatory banner” as they revealed they had been hit with a number of Uefa charges.Now, the exact punishment from that charge has been handed down.Rangers have been hit with a partial stadium CLOSURE over the banner.Most read in Europa LeagueThat punishment would see the Copland Stand will SHUT for a Uefa match at Ibrox.However, it will NOT be the upcoming clash with Athletic Bilbao in the Europa League quarter-finals.That’s because the punishment is suspended for a probationary period of two years.Rangers ultras barred from Celtic ParkThat does, however, mean any Rangers have also been fined £25,000 in relation to the ‘racist and/or discriminatory behaviour.’The fuming club have unleashed a blistering statement, warning fans that any further discriminatory behaviour – including the singing of what they call ‘illicit songs’ – could result in the closure coming into force.Rangers also revealed they are issuing LIFETIME BANS to those responsible for the banner.In a statement, Rangers said: “Rangers notes the outcome of the UEFA disciplinary case, and the respective sanctions imposed upon the club for several issues at the recent Ibrox match with Fenerbahce.”Most notably, the club has been served with a suspended closure of the Copland Stand should there be any repeat of racist and/or discriminatory behaviour within the next two years.”This punishment must serve as a severe and significant reminder to the small minority of supporters who bring the name of Rangers into disrepute. Any repeat of any discriminatory behaviour (and this also includes the singing of illicit songs) may result in the famed ‘Rangers end’ of our home being closed for a UEFA match.”Not only will the reputation and finances of the club be harmed by such a punishment, but the chances of the team in a potentially key European match will also suffer enormously, while thousands of innocent fans will be unable to attend a massive fixture.”In response to the displaying of the racist and/or discriminatory banner at the Fenerbahce game, the club can confirm that it is in the process of issuing lifetime bans to the individuals responsible.”Rangers’ Uefa finesImproper conduct of the team (5 players or more), Art. 15(4) DR – Fine: £6,680Throwing of objects, Art. 16(2)(b) DR – Fine: £3,755Blocking of public passageways, Art. 38 UEFA Safety & Security Regulations – Fine: £5,000Racist and/or discriminatory behaviour, Art. 14(2) DR – Fine: £25,000; Partial stadium closure (i.e. the Copland Stand) during the next one UEFA club competition match it will play as host club. Said partial stadium closure is suspended during a probationary period of two years.Rangers were also hit with THREE further Uefa fines.They were hit with a fine in relation to improper conduct of the team of around £6,750, £3,750 for throwing of objects and £5,000 for blocking of passageways.Meanwhile, Rangers have also revealed that the groups responsible for the pyrotechnics charge relating to the recent Old Firm game will be directly hit.Rangers – as well as Celtic – will receive a ticket reduction of 500 supporters at their next Premier Sports Cup match at Hampden in relation to pyro use.The statement continued: “Further, following the use of pyrotechnics at Parkhead in the Old Firm game, the club can confirm the groups responsible for their discharge will be directly impacted by the 500 ticket reduction issued as a sanction the next time the club appears in the latter stages of the Premier Sports Cup at Hampden.”The club again stresses a future use of pyrotechnics at any SPFL match may lead to a further reduction of 800 tickets at a latter-stage Premier Sports Cup match.”The strongest asset this football club has is our support, and the club knows the overwhelming majority of our supporters will be angered by these episodes and the consequences they have for the club and its supporters.”We reiterate our call for all supporters to back the team in the correct manner, and to challenge those who seek to further damage the good name of Rangers.”Celtic were also hit with three Uefa charges in the latest round of sanctions, including a suspended one-match ban for manager Brendan Rodgers.READ MORE SUN STORIESAll three sanctions stem from the Champions League tie against Bayern Munich.Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page More

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      What happened to the six Englishmen who played for Real Madrid with Trent Alexander-Arnold set to join exclusive club

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      TRENT ALEXANDER-ARNOLD is set to become just the seventh Englishman to play for Real Madrid in the professional era.The Liverpool full-back, 26, has agreed terms with the Spanish giants.Trent Alexander-Arnold is set to seal his Liverpool exitCredit: GettyAlexander-Arnold has reportedly sealed a five-year contract worth £240,000 a week.The England star will link up with international team-mate Jude Bellingham in the Spanish capitalOver the last four years playing for the Three Lions together, the duo have forged a strong friendship.So they will be thrilled to team up at club level for arguably the biggest team in the world.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLPrior to the professional era, Englishmen Charles Wallace, Guillermo Linney and Arthur Johnson played for Los Blancos.While a further trio – Lindsey, Stampher and Vickerstaff – also played for Real Madrid in the club’s early years, although their first names are not known.The six England stars to have played for Real Madrid in the modern era have had mixed fortunes.Ahead of Alexander-Arnold’s blockbuster free transfer, SunSport takes a look at how each of his English Real Madrid predecessors have fared.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKLAURIE CUNNINGHAM (1979-1984)Real Madrid splashed out £950,000 to sign Cunningham from West Brom in 1979.As one of the “Three Degrees” alongside Cyrille Regis and Brendon Batson, Cunningham had left an unforgettable mark at the Hawthorns.’He’s going to Tranmere after this’ – Roy Keane rips into Trent Alexander-Arnold after ‘school boy’ defending vs Man UtdThe left winger became an instant hit in the Spanish capital, scoring twice on his debut.Cunningham helped his side to the LaLiga title in 1980, and played in the European Cup final against Liverpool the following year.Following a loan spell with Manchester United, Cunningham moved to Marseille in 1984.Having played for Leicester, Charleroi and Wimbledon, Cunningham returned to Madrid with Rayo Vallecano in 1988.The following year he tragically died in a car crash in the city aged just 33.Laurie Cunningham signed for Real Madrid in 1979Credit: PA:Empics SportCunningham had achieved legend status at West BromCredit: GettySTEVE MCMANAMAN (1999-2003)Like Alexander-Arnold is set to, McManaman left boyhood club Liverpool for the bright lights of Madrid in 1999.A silky winger, McManaman proved to be a hit in Madrid.The Bernabeu crowd immediately took to their new English hero, with his floppy hair and nonchalant flair.McManaman helped Real win six trophies in four years, and scored his side’s second goal in their victorious 2000 Champions League final.He went on to leave Madrid in 2003, spending the final two years of his career with Manchester City.After hanging up his boots, McManaman worked as a pundit for Setanta Sports, BT Sport and ESPN.Now 53, he can regularly be seen on TNT Sports’ football coverage, especially when Liverpool or Real Madrid are playing.Steve McManaman was popular with Real Madrid’s fansCredit: AFPMcManaman, 53, is now a TNT Sports regularCredit: GettyDAVID BECKHAM (2003-2007)In 2003, Real Madrid made Manchester United superstar Beckham their latest Galactico.Golden Balls joined a squad boasting the likes of Ronaldo, Raul, Zinedine Zidane and Roberto Carlos in the Spanish capital.Despite his love for high-end fashion and the celebrity lifestyle, Beckham became much beloved in Spain for his incredible work rate, professionalism and of course, quality.Despite boasting a star-studded squad, the fabled La Decima – a tenth Champions League triumph – eluded Real Madrid during his four-year stint.He didn’t leave empty-handed, however, winning the LaLiga title in 2007 before leaving for LA Galaxy.Since Beckham hung up his boots in 2013 he has continued to have several endorsement deals; including the likes of Adidas, Armani, Pepsi and the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.Beckham, 49, also owns MLS side Inter Miami, and played a big role in their groundbreaking deal for Lionel Messi in 2023.David Beckham spent four years as a GalacticoCredit: AFPBeckham brought Lionel Messi to Inter MiamiCredit: APMICHAEL OWEN (2004-2005)Like McManaman before him, Owen quit Liverpool for Real Madrid.But the former Ballon d’Or winner endured a frustrating season at the Bernabeu, finding himself stuck behind Ronaldo and Raul.Twelve months on from Owen’s £8million switch, Real Madrid doubled their money by flogging him to Newcastle.Owen then spent three years with Liverpool’s rivals Man Utd, before one final year at Stoke.Immediately after hanging up his boots, Owen signed up to be BT Sport’s primary co-commentator upon the channel’s launch.In addition to his punditry work, the former striker has enjoyed several other ventures.Owen, 45, has his own clothing range with Peacocks, while he also appeared on The Masked Singer.Michael Owen scored 16 goals for Real MadridCredit: AP:Associated PressOwen, 45, appeared on The Masked SingerJONATHAN WOODGATE (2004-2007)Woodgate endured one of the most infamous debuts of all time after switching Newcastle for Real Madrid in 2004.The luckless defender went through injury hell following the £13.4m transfer, having to wait 17 months before playing his first game.Just 25 minutes in, the England international headed into his own net. Things then got even worse when he was sent off just after the hour mark.Woodgate played just 14 times that season, before a loan move to Middlesbrough effectively ended his Real Madrid career.After signing permanently for Boro, Woody earned a move to Tottenham in January 2008. He won the League Cup barely a month later, and remains the last Spurs player to score a winning goal in a cup final.Following spells with Stoke and back at Middlesbrough, Woodgate retired in 2016.He has since gone into coaching, managing Boro and Bournemouth.Woodgate, 45, returned to Middlesbrough once again in 2022, where he works as a first team coach under Michael Carrick.Jonathan Woodgate signed for Real Madrid in 2004Credit: EPAWoodgate now works as a first team coach under Michael Carrick at MiddlesbroughCredit: AlamyJUDE BELLINGHAM (2023-present)England superstar Bellingham sealed a blockbuster £115m transfer from Borussia Dortmund to Real Madrid in the summer of 2023.The move has been a resounding success, with the midfielder immediately excelling in Spain.Bellingham scored on his debut, and went on net five times in his first four LaLiga matches.The image of the 21-year-old with his arms outstretched has quickly become an iconic one.READ MORE SUN STORIESBirmingham’s finest has already won LaLiga and the Champions League during his young career.And with Alexander-Arnold soon to be alongside him, Bellingham will feel that he can add plenty more to his already impressive trophy tally.Jude Bellingham’s celebration is already iconicCredit: GettyBellingham is close friends with Alexander-ArnoldCredit: AP More

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      Disgraced Joey Barton GUILTY of pushing wife to ground then kicking her in head as their kids slept upstairs

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      DISGRACED Joey Barton has been found guilty of shoving his wife to the ground and kicking her in the head as their kids slept upstairs.The former footballer attacked Georgia Barton at their home in Kew, South West London, after a drunken night with two other couples.Joey Barton has been found guilty of attacking wife GeorgiaCredit: PAThe ex-footballer, pictured today, shoved his wife to the groundCredit: PABarton, 42, has now been found guilty of assault following a trial at Westminster Magistrates’ Court.The court heard Barton and Georgia, who are still married, had both drunk “four or five bottles of wine” before the sickening attack.The ex-Man City star threatened to fight his wife’s brother and father in a “verbal disagreement about a family matter”.Barton then “grabbed [Georgia] and pushed her to the ground and kicked her in the head”.Read more newsAs a friend tried to intervene, Barton “threw” him off and said “don’t disrespect me”.Georgia, who was left with a lump on her forehead and a bleeding nose, called police shortly after 11pm to “report she had been hit by her husband”.During a tearful 999 call played to the court, she said: “Me husband’s just hit me in the house.”He’s in the house, I’m outside.”Most read in FootballAsked if anything similar had happened before, she said: “No, it’s the first time,” adding that she had been hit “in the face”.When police arrived at around 11:30pm, Georgia told them: “I’ve been pushed down and kicked about and stuff.”He said he was going to fight with my brother and my dad.”Barton was arrested at about midnight in his bedroom, where he had been asleep, and was still drunk.Giving evidence, Barton admitted he had drunk “six to eight” drinks when the alleged attack unfolded.He told the court there had been a “disagreement” and he “stupidly took me mate’s side”.Barton continued: “We just got into petty name calling.”We ended up getting a bit more agitated and were close to each other.”The former footballer admitted he was someone that “on occasion” might lose his temper.But he denied the claims against him, saying: “If I kicked someone in the head there would be a lot more damage than what’s alleged in this case.”In her own evidence, Georgia told the court she and her husband had been “nose to nose” at one point but had not come to blows.She claimed she felt a “collision” to her head that “stunned me and made me fall backwards”.Georgia, who said she had drunk a lot of wine that day, added: “It couldn’t have been Joe, he was too far away.”Barton was due to face trial in 2022 after pleading not guilty to assault by beating but this was halted when Georgia retracted her claims.The High Court ruled last year that the trial could go ahead and that the previous decision to drop the case was “wrong in principle”.Barton married his childhood sweetheart in a lavish ceremony in 2019 at a country house in Oxfordshire.The couple have two children together – a son born in 2011 and a daughter born in 2014.Barton started his football career with Manchester City in 2002 after going through their youth system and went on to make 150 appearances for the club.He then moved to Newcastle United in a £5.8million transfer in July 2007 before leaving for Queens Park Rangers in August 2011.The midfielder was then put on loan to French side Marseille during the 2012-13 season before making his way to Burnley for one season – helping promote them to the Premier League.Barton made one appearance for England in 2007 – despite criticising some of his fellow players.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe footballer later attempted a management career with stints at Fleetwood Town and Bristol Rovers.Barton denied a single charge of assault and will be sentenced later.He attacked his wife, seen with Barton in 2011, after drinking up to five bottles of wineCredit: Getty – ContributorBarton married childhood sweetheart Georgia in 2019Credit: Instagram / Georgia McneilHe had denied a single count of assaultCredit: Alamy More

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      The best Dream Team XI of the season using no more than one player from each club

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      IN true this-international-break-is-dragging fashion, we have assembled the best Dream Team XI of the season.But with a twist.Credit where it’s dueCredit: Dream TeamThis is the best XI of the season using no more than one player from each club.GOALKEEPERDavid Raya (£4.4m)Bukayo Saka (£6.6m) and Declan Rice (£4.9m) are Arsenal’s top two performers but with ample options in midfield it makes sense to use the Gunners’ only spot in this composite XI filling the gap between the sticks.Having kept 16 clean sheets in all competitions, Raya is the only keeper on 200+ points at this stage of the season.The Spaniard is 39 points clear of his closest rival, Emi Martinez (£3.9m).He also ranks joint-second for bonus points (13) in his position and fourth for total saves (98).Double centurionCredit: GettyDEFENDERSDaniel Munoz (£5.4m)Pedro Porro (£4.5m)Ola Aina (£3.5m)Trent Alexander-Arnold (£5.7m) misses out as our Liverpool representative is best used elsewhere – no prizes for guessing.Most read in FootballAnd so Crystal Palace’s all-action wing-back leads the way in our backline with 230 points.Arguably, Munoz has been the best surprise package of the season having contributed 11 goal involvements (five goals, six assists) on top of his 12 clean sheets.The Colombia international also ranks third among all players for tackles (114).Munoz does it allCredit: GettyPorro has earned more bonus points (37) than any other defender this term.The Tottenham right-back, who has 223 points overall, also ranks inside the top three in his position for assists, shots on target and tackles.Given they’re currently third in the Premier League table, it’s no surprise to see Nottingham Forest represented.Only Liverpool and Arsenal defenders have registered more clean sheets than Aina’s 12.The 28 year-old right-back averages 5.7 points-per-game this season, a rate only bettered by the aforementioned Alexander-Arnold and Munoz among assets in his position.Aina has amassed 170 points from 30 appearances.Aina has been a regular for high-flying ForestCredit: GettyMIDFIELDERSBruno Fernandes (£6.7m)Cole Palmer (£5.4m)Bryan Mbeumo (£4.7m)Morgan Rogers (£3.9m)Dream Team’s leading midfielder also happens to be 125 points ahead of his nearest team-mate, Alejandro Garnacho (£3.1m).Fernandes has racked up 345 points via 16 goals and 17 assists.The Portuguese playmaker has been on a tear of late with 11 goal involvements in his last seven outings, not to mention plenty of tackles and bonus points.Palmer has struggled in recent weeks but his overall tally of 268 points remains highly impressive.No other Chelsea player is yet to reach the 180-point mark.The Blues’ talisman is currently the most transferred-out player ahead of Gameweek 29 due to availability concerns but many gaffers will quietly reverse their changes if Enzo Maresca declares him fit this week.Dream Team’s most in-form playerCredit: PABrentford haven’t had European fixtures to bolster their schedule but Mbeumo has been a Dream Team favourite this season because of his blistering domestic form.The Cameroon international has scored 15 goals, all in the league, on his way to a mighty total of 259 points.Last but not least, Rogers completes our four-man midfield on 231 points.The classy dribbler takes advantage of the fact there’s no place for Dejan Kulusevski (£4.4m) after Porro’s inclusion in defence.Rogers has scored 12 goals and provided nine assists in 2024/25.Rogers is enjoying a breakout seasonCredit: GettyFORWARDSMohamed Salah (£8m)Erling Haaland (£7.8m)Alexander Isak (£6.1m)It’s nothing but heavy hitters up front with these three prolific goalscorers ranked first, third and fourth respectively among all players.Liverpool’s No11 is the game’s runaway leader on a whopping 456 points, 111 more than second-placed Fernandes.Salah has scored 32 goals and provided 22 assists in all competitions, which boils down further to a goal involvement every 68.4 minutes!Haaland (343 pts) has bagged another 29 goals this season despite Manchester City’s broader problems.Like some other names in this XI, he’s over 100 points clear of his next-best team-mate, Phil Foden (£6m), in a league of his own.The Norwegian No9 tops the chart for shots on target with 81 – only one other player (Salah) has registered more than 45!Top dogsCredit: AFPIsak completes our star-stuffed forward line having plundered 282 points at an average of 8.5 per game.READ MORE SUN STORIESNewcastle’s top scorer is on 23 goals and will have his eyes set on the 30 milestone with ten league games remaining.Anthony Gordon (£4.8m) is the only other St James’ Park resident on 200+ points at the time of writing.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 NOW More

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      Arsenal Fan TV presenter Robbie credits ‘nature’s ozempic’ for incredible body transformation

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      ARSENAL Fan TV host and founder Robbie Lyle has credited ‘nature’s ozempic’ for his incredible body transformation.Lyle, 52, has undergone an impressive change in recent weeks and his put it down to the help of supplement berberine.Robbie Lyle has credited ‘nature’s ozempic’ for his incredible body transformationCredit: Instagram @robbielyleofficialLyle has undergone a sensational transformation in recent weeksCredit: Instagram @robbielyleofficialLyle has been praised for his weight lossCredit: Instagram @robbielyleofficialBerberine – dubbed ‘nature’s ozempic’ – is a chemical compound which is said to strengthen the heartbeat, kill bacteria, reduce swelling and regulate how the body uses sugar in the blood.Berberine is used as an ingredient in lots of supplements, including those made by wellness company Oxford Natural – which Lyle claims helped him lose weight and undergo his sensational transformation. Speaking in a video on Oxford Natural’s Instagram account, Lyle said: “Robbie here! Listen, I just want to big up Dr Andre and also big up all of the guys over there at Oxford Natural Clinic. “These supplements have really been helping me! The Optimum Day, the Optimum Night. This one really helps me to get a good night sleep.READ MORE ON ARSENAL”This one’s really been helping me balance my diet, helping me with my metabolism and I tell you what, I’ve lost a lot of weight.”I feel really good. I’m training, I’m eating well and these supplements have really, really helped me. So, big up to them!”Fans noticed Lyle’s dramatic transformation during a public appearance recently, prompting loads of positive comments online.While he continues to build his impressive online empire too.Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Arsenal Files every Friday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from The EmiratesArsenal Fan TV has become one of the most popular fan-channels in English football and boasts an impressive 1.72MILLION subscribers on YouTube and millions more across other social media platforms.And Lyles isn’t the only recognisable face from football that has gushed about the benefits of the supplements.Myles Lewis-Skelly lost for words after finding out he has broken England recordFormer Liverpool, Real Madrid and England star Michael Owen has also endorsed the Oxford Natural products.In a clip discussing the supplements, Owen said: “Hey guys, I just want to say thanks to Oxford Natural Clinic. “Since I’ve been on their programme with Dr Andre, I’ve lost 15kg. Quite a transformation!”Micheal Owen has endorsed the supplements tooCredit: Alamy More

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      England regulars left fearing they may need summer transfer to win place in Thomas Tuchel’s World Cup squad

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      SIX England hopefuls fear they may need to make a summer transfer to book their spot in Thomas Tuchel’s World Cup squad.The former Chelsea boss started life in the Three Lions dug-out with successive Wembley wins in the past week.Six England stars are considering their future to become regulars under Thomas TuchelCredit: AlamyThe aces are all desperate to be on the plane for next year’s World CupCredit: ReutersEngland first beat Albania 2-0 on Thursday.And Tuchel’s men then cruised past Latvia 3-0 on Monday to begin their World Cup qualifying campaign with six points.The German manager made a series of big calls when deciding his squad, giving nods to the likes of exiled Ajax veteran Jordan Henderson and Arsenal teen sensation Myles Lewis-Skelly.But four stars who were not initially called up now reckon they may need to join new clubs to catch Tuchel’s eye.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLElsewhere, two players who did make the cut are also reportedly considering fresh starts to seal their World Cup spots.The Telegraph claims Manchester City misfit Jack Grealish is considering his options after a dismal season at the Etihad.The winger has started just six league games after being axed by Gareth Southgate for last summer’s Euros.And he has been “warned” by Tuchel to “take responsibility off the pitch” to get his career back on track.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSElsewhere, Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite is another mulling his options.The centre-back has been in fine form recently but still missed out on a spot to Newcastle’s uncapped 32-year-old Dan Burn.Roy Keane leaves Ian Wright laughing after ITV pundit’s joke about Thomas Tuchel following England’s win over Latvia Jack Grealish has started just six league matches for Man CityCredit: GettyEverton’s Jarrad Branthwaite missed out on a spot to 32-year-old Dan BurnCredit: GettyAston Villa’s Jacob Ramsey could be on the move after almost making the cut.He is yet to nail down a regular spot under Unai Emery, and could opt for first-team football elsewhere despite being a fan favourite.Finally, Morgan Gibbs-White is flying high with Nottingham Forest but was still left out of England’s squad.Jacob Ramsey is yet to nail down a starting spot at Aston VillaCredit: AlamyNottingham Forest’s Morgan Gibbs-White was initially left out of the squadCredit: AlamyHe was eventually called up when Cole Palmer withdrew through injury.But the playmaker still failed to make it onto the pitch against Latvia – having been axed completely from the Albania matchday squad.And he would reportedly consider joining a more established side to help make the plane next summer.Finally, the two stars who did make the squad but are still considering permanent transfers are Marcus Rashford and Aaron Ramsdale.Marcus Rashford hopes to get a permanent move away from Man UtdCredit: GettyAaron Ramsdale will push to leave all-but-relegated SouthamptonCredit: GettyManchester United winger Rashford is on loan at Aston Villla and has no future at the Theatre of Dreams.But despite a decent showing in the Midlands, his future at his loan side is not guaranteed.And Rashford is open to another club where he would be guaranteed minutes as a regular starter.Meanwhile, goalkeeper Ramsdale will push to leave Southampton with their relegation to the Championship all-but-confirmed.READ MORE SUN STORIESRamsdale will likely have to be playing in the Premier League to be considered as one of England’s three stoppers.But like the players above, he too craves nothing more than a solid spot in a club’s starting XI. More

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      Pep Guardiola brainwashed me at Man City – I realised I played football completely the wrong way

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      A FORMER Manchester City star has claimed Pep Guardiola “brainwashed” him into becoming a better footballer.Guardiola revolutionised the beautiful game with his tiki-taka style of football during his historic stint at Barcelona.Pep Guardiola took charge of Manchester City back in 2016Credit: GETTYThe Spaniard has guided City to six Premier League titles and one Champions LeagueCredit: GETTYFormer City defender Danilo has claimed Guardiola “brainwashed” him into becoming a better playerCredit: GETTYHe would somewhat implement his ethos when he took charge of City in the summer of 2016, although he’d have to adapt it for the physicality of the Premier League.Adapt it he would, so much so that City would win SIX of the last seven Premier League titles and the last four in a row.And former Sky Blues defender Danilo, who spent two seasons at the Etihad, is among the players whose games were transformed by the Catalan.The Flamengo star and Brazil skipper said of his former gaffer during an interview with The Guardian: “Pep Guardiola educates his players.READ MORE SPORTS NEWS“That’s the most important thing about his work. He makes all players think about football in the same way.”Time, space, movement, possession, taking care of the ball.“He makes you understand the spaces on the pitch like no other coach and he lives the game emotionally like no other coach.”I was brainwashed by Guardiola, but in a good way.”Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSDanilo reckons he’d be a much better player if he’d been managed by Pep Guardiola earlier in his careerCredit: REUTERSDanilo, 33, believes he would’ve been a far better player had he played under Guardiola earlier in his career.He said: “It was like I was at university. What I experienced with him allowed me to raise my level and keep that level to this day.Pep Guardiola admits ‘best team won’ as Real Madrid knock Man City out of Europe “It’s not that I was an idiot before I arrived at Manchester City but I realised that I played football in completely the wrong way.”If I had met him before, he would have made my life a lot easier. I’m so glad I was able to play under him and was able to learn from him.”The 2024/25 season has been City’s worst since Guardiola replaced Manuel Pellegrini at the Etihad helm.City are currently fifth in the table and a whopping 22 POINTS behind runaway table-toppers Liverpool.Danilo isn’t surprised by his former side’s slump, saying: “We have to remember that football is cyclical.“There are a lot of players who are now 33, 34 years old and have been at the top of their game for eight, nine, ten years.Pep Guardiola has endured a torrid season, with City currently 22 points behind LiverpolCredit: GETTY”This drop in performance is natural. You have to look at the mental aspect as well.”When I talk about age, it’s not even physical. It’s the experience of being under so much pressure for so many years, the pressure of winning and winning all the time.“When you lose, the feeling is that everything has gone wrong and you feel less valuable, incapable. It’s difficult to balance these feelings.”That’s why when you win, you only feel relief. READ MORE SUN STORIES”However, with age comes a better understanding and it is easier to reflect on some of the defeats and victories.”City will be back in action on Sunday, travelling to the Vitality Stadium to take on Bournemouth in the quarter-finals of the FA Cup. More

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      Jack Grealish dances like Michael Flatley on night out in Dubai as he gets over England snub heartache

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      JACK GREALISH showed off his nifty footwork as he staged a Michael Flatley-style Riverdance jig on a night out in Dubai.The England ace headed for the sunshine to lick his wounds after being snubbed from new Three Lions boss Thomas Tuchel’s squad.Jack Grealish showed off his best dance moves on a night out in DubaiThe Man City ace danced like Michael Flatley after enjoying his time at an Irish barGrealish posed with fans after jetting off for the international breakThe £100million-man has endured a tough season with limited game timeCredit: GettyRiverdance star Michael Flatley and his shows featuring Irish dancing became international phenomenons in the 1990sCredit: PA:Press AssociationHe has spent a large part of the international break working away with a personal trainer to get in top shape for the remainder of the season.And helping him put a smile on his face in the Dubai sunshine were partner Sasha Attwood and daughter Mila in what was their first foreign holiday together.The trio were joined by another family on the sunshine jaunt – and the £100m Manchester City ace performed a merry jig for one of the kids at Irish bar McGettigans JLT.A source said: “Jack was gutted to be ditched from the England squad. READ MORE ON FOOTBALL”He has been struggling for form in Manchester too. “So a sunshine break with family and friends was just what he needed to put a spring back in his step for the rest of the season.”Grealish and pin-up businesswoman Sasha welcomed their daughter last September and declared the arrival of Mila Rose Grealish as ‘the most special moment of their lives’.Tuchel has kept the door open for Grealish to return to the England fold.Most read in FootballThe City star has started just six Premier League games this season and is without a goal in the top-flight since December 2023. Grealish missed out on Gareth Southgate’s Euro 2024 squad but returned to the side under interim boss Lee Carsley.England boss Tuchel said: “I love Jack. I love everything about him. I love his personality, I love his quality.BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”Is he a player that should be available and can have an impact in our squad? “Yes, 100 per cent. But lately, he simply has no rhythm and he and I agree 100 per cent with this.Man City boss Pep Guardiola apologises to Jack Grealish with England man playing just 604 Premier League minutes “He said ‘Listen Thomas, I’m not a start-stop player. “It is so hard for me to influence a match from the bench and then be on the bench again, and then two weeks later I start again’.“I’m not judging anyone, not at all, but it’s just a characteristic of Jack. He gets better with every minute.”Grealish opened up on the “most difficult year of his life” in an emotional interview last month. The former Aston Villa star welcomed baby Mila Rose in September with girlfriend Sasha Attwood.But his Euros snub and loss of form for City led the £100m-man into a tough place.Inside Sasha Attwood and Jack Grealish’s relationshipSasha Attwood and Jack Grealish have become parents for the first time, but their relationship started well over a decade ago…The pair met as teens in Solihull, West Midlands at secondary school, with Sasha previously saying they have been together since she was 15. Jack was already on his way to becoming a professional footballer when he met Sasha.Despite the long-term nature of their relationship, she remained on the sidelines when his career took off.However, intense interest in Jack’s private life came to a head in 2021 when England reached the final of Euro 2020, delayed a year because of the Covid-19 pandemic. Because of their romance, Sasha was cruelly targeted by trolls on TikTok and Instagram, receiving 200 death threats a day from “young girls”. The pair were spotted on holiday together following the tournament and slowly began showing more of their relationship on social media when the vile trolling died down. In 2022, they celebrated their 10-year anniversary and purchased a seven-bed mansion set in 24 acres worth £5.6 million.They moved in to the home in late 2023, but Sasha and members of Jack’s family were subject to a terrifying robbery while cheering on the Manchester City star during a televised match just after Christmas. Their latest milestone is Sasha’s pregnancy, which they announced on social media on July 7, and the birth of daughter Mila Rose on September 27.Grealish stunned punters at a boozer in Washington, Tyneside by buying a £500 roundCredit: X @footballbreakzGrealish admitted: ” Last year, the whole year itself, it was weird because my little daughter was born, but apart from that it was one of the most difficult years.”Probably the most difficult year of my life for many reasons, on and off the pitch.”Grealish was the toast of the North East earlier this month after walking into a social club and getting a round in.The winger bought 200 PINTS for lucky punters at the North Biddick Social Club in Washington.Grealish posed for photos and chatted with locals on a visit to Richard Logan, 37, brother of fellow Three Lions star Jordan Pickford.One local punter told The Daily Mail: “Jack was a total gentleman.READ MORE SUN STORIES”£500 is enough to keep the whole bar in pints for a good few hours.”What a star he was, he can come back any time.” More