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      Watch highlights of Lewis Hall’s MOTM-display for England U21s as fans call him ‘left-back we’ve been crying out for’

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      NEWCASTLE ace Lewis Hall put together a man-of-the-match performance for England Under-21s and hinted he could be the one to solve Lee Carsley’s left-back problem.The Three Lions have been crying out for a left-back since Euro 2024 when former manager Gareth Southgate only had Luke Shaw to call upon at a time when the Manchester United ace was still injured.Newcastle ace Lewis Hall put together a man-of-the-match performance for England Under-21Credit: GettyHall produced two assists for England Under-21 against AustriaCredit: X @EnglandEngland fans believe Hall is the answer to the seniors’ left-back problemsCredit: X @EnglandInterim boss Carsley used centre-back Levi Colwill in the position in his first match in charge against the Republic of Ireland on Saturday with Rico Lewis the only other alternative on the bench.That means the seniors still need a natural full-back to cover the left flank.Hall, 20, made a strong case on Monday when he helped the Young Lions beat Austria 4-1 in a friendly at Kenilworth Road.The Newcastle ace produced two assists with a dominant display at the left wing.Read More on FootballThe defender set up James McAtee in the 59th minute and Tom Fellows nine minutes before full-time with low crosses from the left.England fans were left absolutely stunned as they insist they found the solution to the seniors’ biggest problem.Some even went as far as to compare Hall to the legendary Ashley Cole.One fan tweeted: “Baller. The best young left-back in the country.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAnother commented: “The left-back @England have been crying out for since Ashley Cole.”A third wrote: “He’s such an exciting young full-back.”Harry Kane’s favourite England goalsThis fan said: “Class.”And that one stated: “Hall will be one of the best left-backs in the world no question.” More

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      Man Utd legend Rio Ferdinand reveals Sir Alex Ferguson’s advice on how to beat ex-Liverpool star Luis Suarez

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      RIO FERDINAND has revealed the advice that Sir Alex Ferguson gave to him on how to beat Luis Suarez.The Manchester United defender and Liverpool ace faced off with each other in five matches when at the respective clubs.Rio Ferdinand revealed advice he was given to deal with Luis SuarezCredit: XHe revealed how Sir Alex Ferguson told him what to do against the Liverpool aceCredit: Getty Images – GettyFerdinand allowed just one goal when starting a game for Man Utd against Suarez at LiverpoolCredit: EPASuarez, who now stars alongside Lionel Messi for Inter Miami, became one of the world’s best strikers with the Reds.He endured a slow start to his time in England with 15 league goals in his first season and a half, but he soon began terrorising opponents, scoring 54 league goals in his final two seasons.Legendary manager Ferguson recognised the danger of facing the Uruguayan and handed out special advice to Ferdinand to try and deal with him.Speaking on FIVE, Ferdinand said: “There’s maybe a couple things in my 12-13 years at the club, [that] he showed me as a defender.READ MORE ON MAN UTD”I remember Luis Suarez was in crazy form when he was at Liverpool, one of the best strikers on the planet at the time, so obviously that was a detail we needed to address.”And he just said to me, when you get him he get you one v one because that’s what he’s good at, getting an isolated defender somewhere, you’ll get that at some point. Do not nibble.”Do not go in and try and nibble the ball, make him have to beat you. So wait, delay, say come on now you make a decision.”And more times than not he got the ball and turned out and played to someone.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”Whereas if I went to nibble – he’s a bit like Nani, they were reactive dribblers – he’d react to you nibbling to then go on your weakness from there and he was brilliant and the ricochets he would get.”He was brilliant”.Rio Ferdinand blasts ‘highly disrespectful’ Jamie Carragher for brutal eight-word assessment of Man Utd star CasemiroFerguson’s advice to Ferdinand seemed to work for the most part, with Suarez starting matches against the centre-back on four occasions and conceding just one goal from him.Suarez never won a game for Liverpool with Ferdinand in the starting XI, with three defeats and one draw. His first goal against Ferdinand came in the 2011/12 season in a 2-1 defeat at Old Trafford.One game in 2012 saw Suarez leave Ferdinand red faced as he caused him to collide with team-mate Patrice Evra while marking him, something fans pointed out.It came during the first meeting of the teams after the Suarez-Evra racism storm, which saw Suarez banned for eight matches and fined £40,000 before refusing to shake Evra’s hand.Ferdinand reflected on that incident last year, saying: “That Suarez one wasn’t Suarez. It was Evra! Evra absolutely mangled him!”We got into the game and I said to Pat as the game started ‘Stay calm, Pat, stay calm’ and the guy tried to f***ing kill me, bruv, he tried to take me out and nearly snapped me in half.”All of a sudden, I’m chasing and going along with Suarez and all of a sudden out the corner of my eye I see a red shirt thinking ‘he ain’t coming to me, Suarez is going to be in a sandwich right now’, and he missed Suarez and took me out bruv, I couldn’t believe it.“And then when I looked at the picture after, no wonder my back was in trouble for the next five years, I took L4 and L5 right out. “My lumbar spine is in all sorts of bother. I needed yoga, pilates, the lot straight after, it was unbelievable.READ MORE SUN STORIES”But that’s how upset Patrice was. He was so upset, Patrice, so I understand it and at the end, I said ‘You know what I’ll let you off, but you almost ended my career man, but I understand why’.”In the 2013/14 season – after Ferguson had left and Ferdinand was in his final year at United – Suarez led Liverpool to a 3-0 win at Old Trafford as the 81-cap England star played three minutes off the bench. More

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      Mario Balotelli incredibly snubbed by Indian Super League side Kerala Blasters over two key concerns

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      FORMER Premier League star Mario Balotelli has reportedly been snubbed by Indian Super League side Kerala Blasters over two key concerns.The former Manchester City and Liverpool star is a free agent after leaving Turkish side Adana Demirspor for a second time.Mario Balotelli is still without a club after being snubbed by Kerala BlastersCredit: GettyBalotelli, 34, is yet to find any takers after a rollercoaster career that’s seen him play for 12 different clubs.But reports in India claimed Kerala Blasters were lining up a surprise move.They were tempted to offer a proposal making Balotelli the biggest name in the Indian Super League.However, Kerala Blasters eventually decided to pull the plug on a deal for two reasons.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLGoal claims the first was that chiefs believed it to be an unrealistic move, with Balotelli’s standing in the game “intimidating.”And the second was that the Italian’s bad-boy image was also too hot to handle.It now means Balotelli, who won a Premier League title with City after scoring 30 goals in 80 games, remains on the hunt for a new home.His travels around Europe have seen him play in Italy, France, England, Turkey and Switzerland.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAnd Balotelli is yet to try his luck further afield, with Saudi Arabia proving to be a popular destination for ageing stars.His transfer dilemma comes after footage emerged of him in July falling over in the street during a boozy night out.Footage of Mario Balotelli falling in street during boozy night out with palsBalotelli, a Treble winner with Inter Milan in 2010, was caught on camera enjoying himself with pals.But he appeared to have had a bit too much to drink, with Balotelli seen lying on the floor as friends attempted to lift him up,And after getting criticised for his behaviour, 36-time Italy international Balotelli fired back on social media.He said: “I wanted to tell you that I saw the video where I fall down with my friends, we roll around, joke, run.”I don’t see the problem with having a night out with friends, having fun and joking around, without hurting anyone.”What am I being judged for? Why didn’t you show all the photographs and videos I made with people? I was open to everyone.”Instead, after Italy play like that, the news that goes around is that I’m drunk… Come on, let’s think about important things.”Mario Balotelli’s career statsThose numbers in full:Lumezzane, 2005-2006: 2 games, 0 goalsInter Milan, 2006-2010: 86 games, 28 goalsMan City, 2010-2013: 80 games, 30 goalsAC Milan, 2013-2014: 54 games, 30 goalsLiverpool, 2014-2015: 28 games, 4 goalsAC Milan, 2015-2016: 23 games, 3 goalsNice, 2016-2018: 76 games, 43 goalsMarseille, 2018-2019: 15 games, 8 goalsBrescia, 2019-2020: 19 games, 5 goalsMonza, 2020-2021: 14 games, 6 goalsAdana Demirspor, 2021-2022: 35 games, 19 goalsSion, 2022-2023: 19 games, 6 goalsAdana Demirspor, 2023-2024: 16 games, 7 goalsItaly, 2010-2018: 36 games, 14 goalsTrophies: Serie A x3, Italian Cup, Italian Super Cup, Champions League (Inter Milan); Premier League, FA Cup (Man City) More

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      Arsenal fans raging as ‘smug’ Norway boss ‘cracks joke’ about Martin Odegaard’s devastating injury on live TV

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      ARSENAL fans have been left fuming after Norway manager Stale Solbakken made a joke about Martin Odegaard’s injury.The club captain is a huge doubt for the North London derby against bitter rivals Tottenham on Sunday.Martin Odegaard hobbled off and looked in agonyCredit: RexStale Solbakken made a joke when discussing the injuryCredit: XMikel Arteta is likely to be without his captain for the trip to SpursCredit: EPAOdegaard was in action for Norway in their 2-1 Nations League win over Austria last night when he picked up a devastating injury. The 25-year-old was left in agony and had to be subbed off just after the hour mark, appearing to hurt his ankle following a tussle with Christoph Baumgartner.Norway boss Solbakken gave an update on the player’s injury after the game and he made a joke that surely made Mikel Arteta rage.He said: “It looked very painful in the locker room. I saw that he was sitting with the physios around him and he had no chance to continue.READ MORE ON ARSENAL”We know that it is an ankle sprain. “Those of us who have played football know with luck it can turn out OK – if the ligaments are not torn.”But I am not really sure Arteta will call me tonight to praise me.”Solbakken delivered his bizarre joke with a cheeky grin on his face.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe remarks made Arsenal fans fuming, with one saying: “It looks bad. Even cracking a joke at the end – smug.”Another added: “That’s an absolutely disgusting attitude.”‘Arsenal’s Declan Rice should NEVER have been sent off vs Brighton’ | The Whistleblower, Mark HalseyA third commented: “Why the f*** is he smirking at the end?”More reacted: “Sounds like a Man City fan.”Arsenal face a crucial run of games, with the trip to Spurs coming before their Champions League opener against Atalanta and Premier League clash against title rivals City.Arteta has a midfield selection headache to deal with as he is already without Declan Rice for the North London derby due to his red card last time out against Brighton.And new signing Mikel Merino looks set to be injured for another month.In defence, Riccardo Calafiori returned home from international duty early after picking up a minor calf strain and Takehiro Tamiyasu has a knee problem.Up front, Gabriel Jesus has a chance of returning from a muscle issue. More

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      How Arsenal could line up without Odegaard, Rice and Merino as Arteta faces midfield injury crisis in derby vs Spurs

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      ARSENAL could be forced into a new-look midfield against Tottenham after Martin Odegaard became the latest star to suffer a blow.Mikel Arteta was already without Declan Rice and Mikel Merino for the upcoming derby in north London.Arsenal could have a new look against Spurs following Martin Odegaard’s injuryCredit: RexRice is suspended after being sent off in Arsenal’s draw with Brighton before the international break.While new signing Merino is out for several months after injuring his shoulder in a freak training ground fall.But Arsenal are now set to be without Odegaard as well after he picked up an injury on international duty.The Gunners captain was carried off the field in tears after hurting his ankle in Norway’s 2-1 win over Austria.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe 25-year-old went down after a 50/50 tussle as replays showed his ankle rolled out from beneath his body.Odegaard looked distraught as he was forced off the field.And it means Arteta is likely to be without him for Arsenal’s crunch clash at Spurs.Thomas Partey and Jorginho were already likely starters in the absence of both Rice and Merino.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSBut with Odegaard going too, Kai Havertz could be forced from his striker’s role into a deeper position.Arsenal do not have many other options in that creative 10 position, with Fabio Vieira loaned to Porto and Emile Smith Rowe sold to Fulham.’Arsenal’s Declan Rice should NEVER have been sent off vs Brighton’ | The Whistleblower, Mark HalseyArteta could take a gamble by moving Leandro Trossard as a false nine, presenting an opportunity for Raheem Sterling to make his debut on the left.While Gabriel Jesus and Gabriel Martinelli will also be hoping to take advantage if Havertz is indeed dropped deeper.An even more rogue choice would be the inclusion of teen sensation Ethan Nwaneri, who only made one appearance last season following his debut in the 2022/23 campaign.Arteta could also decide to field one of his versatile defenders in midfield, with the likes of Oleksandr Zinchenko and Jurrien Timber capable of stepping in.However, he is already without Takehiro Tomiyasu for one of his full-back positions.And with Riccardo Calafiori taken off injured for Italy too, he may not want to leave himself light on defensive options by using a back-liner further forward. More

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      Harry Kane picks his favourite England goals on eve of his 100th Three Lions cap as skipper vows he’s NOT done yet

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      HARRY KANE is targeting 100 England goals ahead of reaching a century of caps.The Three Lions skipper will receive a special golden cap for making 100 appearances in tonight’s Nations League clash against Finland.Harry Kane revealed his favourite England goalsCredit: GettyThe striker trained in his gold boots ahead of his 100th capCredit: GettyKane, 31, is England’s all-time top scorer with 66 goals but wants an even more extraordinary record.Asked about getting a ton of international goals, the Bayern Munich striker replied: “It is definitely possible. I am in a good place and this is a good target to try to reach.“Some may see it as unrealistic but I would rather go for it and not quite make it than be comfortable saying, ‘I will be happy with 70 or 80 goals’.”Kane, who trained in golden boots yesterday, will join Peter Shilton, Wayne Rooney, David Beckham, Steven Gerrard, Bobby Moore, Ashley Cole, Bobby Charlton, Frank Lampard and Billy Wright in the England centurion club.READ MORE ON HARRY KANEThe ex-Tottenham star added: “Getting 100 caps has come around so quickly, especially the last few years when playing three major tournaments in a short space of time.“In those years I’ve earned around 15, 16, 17 caps a year.“It is similar with the goals. I was on 30 goals and then, bam, I went to 50 and then 60.”So on 66 goals from his first 99 senior England games, Kane revealed to SunSport’s CHARLIE WYETT some of his most special Three Lions strikes…Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSFIRST ENGLAND GOAL“My debut v Lithuania. March 2015.“There was a lot of talk in the build-up to that camp because I was playing well for Spurs.Boy Wonders: Spurs star Will Lankshear the next Harry Kane?Kane got his first England goal on his debut against Lithuania in 2015Credit: -“I got a great reception and within a couple of minutes I scored a goal.“I don’t think I could have dreamed it any better.“My friends and family were there. That was a really special night.”FAVOURITE ENGLAND GOAL“It’s between two, for me.“Against Germany, the one at Wembley in Euro 2020.His header against Germany at Wembley during Euro 2020 was a huge momentCredit: ReutersKane came up with a crucial goal against Tunisia to secure a last-gasp World Cup winCredit: Darren Fletcher – The Sun“Also, the header against Tunisia at the World Cup in 2018.“That moment of scoring a last-minute winner at my first World Cup was special.”BEST THREE LIONS GOAL“The one I scored in Poland away in a World Cup qualifier in 2021. It was from 25 yards.”READ MORE SUN STORIES(Kane picked up the ball from Kyle Walker, advanced towards goal and put his foot through it.)“It kind of drifted away and it was a good strike, probably my furthest-out goal for England.”He let fly from 25 yards to power home against Poland in 2021Credit: Richard Pelham / The SunEngland Player Ratings vs IrelandDECLAN RICE silenced his Irish critics with a dominant display in England’s Nations League opener.Lee Carsley’s players handed him a debut win as interim manager of the Three Lions.Rice starred in the first half as he netted the opener and then set up England’s second goal.Jack Grealish doubled up for England after being set up by Rice 15 minutes later.Anthony Gordon however faded in the match as he was not able to have as much success as Grealish.SunSport’s Charlie Wyett has rated England’s players’ performance against Ireland…JORDAN PICKFORD – 6Pushed away a half decent shot from Sammie Szmodics at the start of the game but as England took control, he had a stress-free game.After a difficult couple of weeks with Everton, he would have been grateful for this. TRENT ALEXANDER-ARNOLD – 7Looked more at home at right-back compared to the disastrous midfield experiment at the Euros.Stunning pass in a move that eventually led to the first goal. He has to remain as England’s right-back. MARC GUEHI – 7Enjoyed a decent Euros and switched over to the right of central defence as John Stones was named on the bench.Looks increasingly like a top-drawer defender. HARRY MAGUIRE – 7Was left devastated after failing to make the Euro 2024 squad but he has enjoyed a decent start with Manchester United and looked solid here.When he is not in the team, England do miss his aerial presence. 7LEVI COLWILL – 7Second appearance for England and was deployed at left-back.Unlike the Euros, England have much better balance in defence with a natural left footer in this position. 7DECLAN RICE – 9Enjoyed an absolute stormer in what could have been a difficult afternoon.Booed every time he touched the ball, the former Irish international quietened the boisterous home fans with a brilliant finish although refused to celebrate.He then set up the second for Grealish. KOBBIE MAINOO – 7Fits perfectly into Carsley’s style of play. Some of his passing was excellent, particularly in the final third of the pitch, and this included his part in the outstanding second goal. BUKAYO SAKA – 7Enjoying a terrific start to the season with Arsenal – he has been nominated as their player of the month – and played with plenty of confidence here.Was involved in the second goal.JACK GREALISH – 8Left out of the Euros squad, but loved every minute of this.A decent finish for 2-0 and unlike Rice, celebrated in front of the visiting fans by raising both arms in triumph.ANTHONY GORDON – 6Looked really lively early on but faded.He should have put England ahead when clean through but was lucky that seconds later, Rice hammered his shot into the corner. 6HARRY KANE – 6Missed with a header and despite working hard, did not actually have that many chances despite England having so much possession. SubsGibbs-White (for Grealish 77 mins) 6, Gomes (for Mainoo 77) 6, Eze (for Gordon 77 mins) 6, Bowen (for Kane 84 mins) 6, Stones (for Maguire 85) 6.Subs not used: Henderson, Pope, Lewis, Gallagher, Livramento, Konsa, Madueke. More

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      Montenegro 1 Wales 2: Watch Harry Wilson’s wondergoal as Dragons net twice in first THREE MINS to earn Bellamy first win

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      CRAIG BELLAMY promised goals would come after his first game in charge ended in stalemate – but he probably didn’t expect them to arrive this quickly.His Wales team struck twice in the first 147 seconds in soaking-wet Niksic – and it was enough to give him his first win as a coach.Wales beat Montenegro in the Nations LeagueCredit: ReutersIt was Craig Bellamy’s first game in charge of WalesCredit: GettyKieffer Moore opened the scoring for Wales in 36 secondsCredit: ReutersHarry Wilson doubled the lead with a brilliant strikeCredit: GettyKieffer Moore and Harry Wilson were on target as the Dragons continued their encouraging start to life under the new boss.A frenetic start saw Moore take advantage of a lucky bounce off a defender after just 36 seconds to slot his 13th goal for his country in off the post.It was the fastest Wales goal in 20 years – although a certain ex-striker called Bellamy holds the record from a game against Azerbaijan back in 2003.Yet their amazing start got better still as Neco Williams smuggled the ball back to Wilson.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLHe took a touch before thumping a rising 25-yard shot that was still rising as it flew past the home keeper.The travelling Red Wall could not believe what they were seeing – it was 1961 last time their team scored twice in the opening three minutes.Wales looked to be cruising but the torrential rain meant mistakes were coming regularly and the home side had chances to hit back.Nikola Krstovic fluffed a golden chance while Ben Davies stretched to clear a shot from Driton Camaj off the line.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSMeanwhile, former Manchester City forward Stevan Jovetic almost caught out debutant keeper Karl Darlow with an outrageous effort from the half-way line which hit the top of the bar.Jovetic is 34 now but still posed the biggest threat to the visitors – making light of the conditions to cross for Stefan Mugosa who headed wide.The 25 top-rated footballers in EA FC25At the other end, Moore fluffed a golden chance to make the game safe when he somehow blazed a cross from Davies over the bar from just a couple of yards out.And it gave Montenegro renewed hope, with Jovovic seeing a long-range effort to beat Darlow but come back off the post.Krstovic raced clear and crossed for Camaj to tap home and set up a tense finale – but the visitors held firm to take the points.Former Man City ace Stevan Jovetic almost scored from the half-way lineCredit: ReutersWales are joint-top of their Nations League group after the winCredit: Getty More

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      Footballer scores winning goal before being arrested and hauled off pitch by cops

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      A SEMI-PRO footballer scored a winning goal — before being arrested and hauled off by cops.Striker Jordan Evans, 31, came on as a sub for Baglan Dragons when they were 3-1 down.Striker Jordan Evans was arrested on the pitch after coming and scoring a goal – he was later released without chargeCredit: facebook.comThe 31-year-old footballer is escorted off the pitch by two copsCredit: TwitterTwo police officers are seen walking across the pitchCredit: TwitterHe then laid on a goal before putting them 4-3 up over Cwmbran Celtic in Saturday’s JD Cymru South League clash.But with five minutes left, fans were stunned when two cops marched on and escorted him out of the ground in Port Talbot, South Wales.He was arrested on suspicion of theft but released without charge four hours later.Evans later joked it was sparked by his team’s “criminal performance” in the first half.READ MORE FOOTBALL STORIESBemused fans applauded the semi-pro striker off and chanted his name as he was led away, while others captured the moment on camera and posted it on social media.Nick Simmo tweeted: “Not many footballers can claim a goal, assists and an arrest in one match!”Jac added: “Just a casual game in the Welsh leagues. A lad gets subbed on, scores a goal and gets an assist. Then gets arrested in the 85th minute.Only in south wales.”Most read in FootballHowever, one supporter blasted the police, saying: “The establishment could have waited ten minutes to not bring this to everyone’s door!”Watch ‘best sending off you’ll ever see’ as forward sees red for lashing out over piggy-in-the middle ‘s***housery’ More