More stories

  • in

    Man Utd fans tell Berbatov ‘give Rooney your anti-ageing cream’ as he stuns with youthful looks in ‘odd couple’ snap

    DIMITAR BERBATOV wowed fans as he reunited with his old Manchester United team-mates.Berbatov and co got back together for a legends match against Celtic at Old Trafford, which they lost on penalties following a 1-1 draw, to raise funds for the Man Utd Foundation.Dimitar Berbatov and Wayne Rooney posed for a selfie together at the Man Utd v Celtic legends gameCredit: https://www.instagram.com/berbo9/Legendary top scorer Wayne Rooney showed class is permanent by curling a sumptuous free-kick into the top corner.Berbatov, 43, caught a picture with Rooney, 38, in the dressing room before sharing the selfie to Instagram.The Hungarian captioned his post: “The Odd Couple.”However, Red Devils fans were left stunned at his youthful appearance.READ MORE ON MAN UTDReacting to the post on Instagram, one said: “Berba, give Wazza your anti-ageing cream…”A second said: “Give him your workout routine.”A third said: “Funniest part is Berba is older but looks younger than Rooney.”A fourth added: “What we’d give to have these pair back in their prime at OT.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSAnother said: “Can you both comeback from retirement please?”Between them, the pair have 708 appearances for United and scored 309 times. Man Utd hero Lee Sharpe opened up about the most unforgettable hairdryer treatment he ever received from legendary manager Sir Alex FergusonOther former stars including Danny Simpson and Phil Bardsley returned to Old Trafford as well, with the former teasing a 3v3 boxing fight alongside Bardsley and Rooney.The return of a number of club legends also prompted fans to ask for them to come out of retirement. With the likes of Michael Carrick and Darren Fletcher putting in a stunning midfield display, and some going as far as saying the former could start in their midfield now.United’s next game takes them away to Southampton, where Erik ten Hag’s side will be desperate to get back to winning ways after back-to-back defeats. More

  • in

    Erik ten Hag has until Christmas to prove he’s right man for Man Utd or he will be sacked, says Red Devils legend

    MANCHESTER UNITED legend Nicky Butt believes Erik ten Hag has until Christmas to prove himself at Old Trafford.Butt admits United’s start to the season has been a shocker — losing to Brighton and Liverpool to kick off the Prem with two defeats in three.Man Utd legend Nicky Butt reckons Erik ten Hag has until Christmas to prove he is the right person for the jobCredit: GettyButt believes the backing showed to the Dutchman means he will have at few months at leastCredit: AlamyThe ex-midfielder, a six-time Red Devils title winner, feels Ten Hag should get until the end of 2024 to prove he is making progress.And Butt is convinced he WILL get that time after chief Sir Jim Ratcliffe opted not to axe him in the wake of beating Manchester City in the FA Cup final, then backed him in the summer transfer market.Butt, 49, said: “It’s not been great. I’m a big Man United fan but I can’t lie to people and say it’s been amazing — because it hasn’t.“Hopefully it will turn and change. At United you’re always under pressure and Ten Hag knows that.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“Nobody is going to say that they are going to win the title this year — anyone who claims that are jokers — so they will have to bide their time and stick with the manager.“If they’re not going to do that, then they’d have got rid in the summer.“There’s no point sacking somebody if there is just nobody to come in. Clubs all over the world do it — and it’s crazy.“They sack a manager because it’s not going well and they don’t have any reasonable targets coming in.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS“Then, they bring another wrong one in and it’s a knock-on effect.“They’ve got to give him a few months now. You can’t just start a season, get three of four games in and get rid of the manager.’Will you let me finish’ snaps Gary Neville live on Sky Sports as Man Utd legend refuses to answer Carragher’s question“If United were going to do this then they should have done that in the close season.“So you have to now stand by him and get to Christmas — then see where we’re at.“To me, it’s right down the spine of the team, it’s wide open and people are just coming right through the middle of us.”Butt’s ex-United team-mate Teddy Sheringham has also slammed Ten Hag’s two-year reign  — claiming the Dutchman is “not good enough” and will be gone by Christmas.But former Ajax chief Ten Hag has tried to add much-needed bite to United’s midfield with the £42.3million signing of Manuel Ugarte from Paris Saint-Germain.And Butt, part of that iconic 1999 Treble-winning Red Devils side, added: “The new lad Ugarte has come in and can fill a gap.Nine managers Man Utd considered before keeping Erik ten HagERIK TEN HAG appears to be safe as Man Utd manager, but the Dutchman edged dangerously close to the sack.Here are nine managers Red Devils chiefs are reported to have considered for the job and what allegedly happened with each.Gareth SouthgateEnjoys plenty of support among Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s Ineos chiefs but made clear he wouldn’t talk to any clubs until after Euro 2024. There is yet to be any suggestion that contact was made with the England boss.Kieran McKennaTalks were opened with McKenna’s representatives before the FA Cup final, but the former Man Utd coach opted to sign a new deal with Ipswich after Ten Hag’s Wembley win.Roberto De ZerbiAllegedly sounded out before the FA Cup final with salary expectations discussed. But Ineos chiefs concluded ex-Brighton boss was not the right fit for the project.Thomas FrankBrentford boss met Man Utd representatives the day before the FA Cup final. The Dane also dined with Ratcliffe, Roy Hodgson and Frank Lampard at the launch of a new Ineos car in February.Marco SilvaFulham boss reportedly met Man Utd representatives face-to-face two days before the FA Cup final, around the same time as Ten Hag was conducting his press conference.Mauricio PochettinoFell out of Man Utd’s thinking in the first week of June, despite being a favourite of Sir Alex Ferguson.Thomas TuchelMade a very strong impression and came across well during a Monaco meeting. Personal terms were discussed before the ex-Chelsea and Bayern Munich boss decided to step back from the process.Ruben AmorimSporting boss was discussed by the Man Utd hierarchy but did not make the final reckoning.Roberto MartinezPortugal manager was considered in the early stages.“We have some very talented players, so hopefully the manager can get them playing the way he wants and get some results.“You have to get the players and new signings into the spirit of what Man United is all about.“That’s a big thing. Years ago you were able to watch United and know what you were going to get.“You see it at City and Liverpool but with United, you still struggle to see what style of football it is.”It must have stung Butt and his fellow Class of 92 graduates to watch Pep Guardiola’s City rack up a record four consecutive titles.The ex-England star added: “City are way ahead. What we need to do is get a squad together who can challenge next season.READ MORE SUN STORIES“This season, it’s about getting back into Champions League football and having a run in the cups. If people think it is about winning the league title this year, they are dreaming.“The international break came at a good time as the boss can get players back fit, hopefully, and go again.”Man Utd player ratings vs LiverpoolMANCHESTER UNITED had a horror show against Liverpool as they lost 3-0.Casemiro was so bad he was taken off at half-time.But were there any positive performances at Old Trafford?Andre Onana – 5Nothing he could do about any of Liverpool’s goals and made a few saves to prevent the scoreline from getting worse.Noussair Mazraoui – 5Came close to scoring in the first half and looked solid enough against Diaz although he did push up too high before Liverpool’s opener.Matthijs de Ligt – 4Left Diaz and Domink Szobozslai in acres of space for the opening goal but was left in a tricky spot thanks to Casemiro’s error. Booked for a shocking late tackle on Diaz.Lisandro Martinez – 3Lost Diaz for the second goal which meant the Colombian was able to score unmarked from the penalty spot.Also guilty of giving away the ball too easily and was not tight enough with his marking.Diogo Dalot – 4Was caught out pushing up too quickly for the first goal and did not do enough to stop Mo Salah’s cross in the build-up to Liverpool’s second.Looked dangerous in attack at times but too infrequently as he had plenty of defensive work to do since Rashford did not track Trent Alexander-Arnold.Casemiro – 2A horror show in the first half as he gave the ball away in the lead up to both of Liverpool’s goals.He was caught on the ball for the second after a shocking misplaced pass left his defence vulnerable for the opening goal. Hooked at half-time.Kobbie Mainoo – 4Fell victim to the Casemiro curse as he was shrugged off the ball in a terrible position, allowing Liverpool to add a third with ease.Bruno Fernandes – 5Was United’s most creative spark but that is not saying much. Tried to get his side going in the first half but looked short of ideas and inspiration after the break.Alejandro Garnacho – 4Still appears to be a little rusty and is yet to hit the heights he reached last season.Marcus Rashford – 3Nothing came off for the out-of-sorts forward who must be running out of chances before he is dropped.Joshua Zirkzee – 4Quiet up-front and had little influence on the wing as well, but missed a clear-cut chance with his head and should have turned in Rashford’s cross which he met at the far post.SubsToby Collyer (for Casemiro, HT) – 5A difficult game for the youngster to make his Premier League debut but he put himself about and won a few tackles.Harry Maguire (for De Ligt, 69mins) – 5Shored things up at the back as Liverpool took their foot off the pedal.Amad (for Garnacho, 69mins) – 5Provided a spark on the right and looked more lively than Garnacho.Christian Eriksen (for Zirkzee, 86mins) – N/ANot on long enough to make an impact. More

  • in

    Harry Kane is England’s only option for World Cup 2026 with no real alternative as struggling captain set for 100th cap

    HE is England’s all-time record goalscorer and Tottenham’s most prolific marksman, too.He is a Golden Boot winner in the World Cup, Premier League and Bundesliga — and tomorrow night brings another personal accolade for Harry Kane, as he joins England’s 100 club.Harry Kane was arguably England’s least-effective performer in IrelandCredit: GettyIvan Toney may struggle to force his way back into contention for England while Ollie Watkins, currently injured, is a different type of player to KaneCredit: GettyWhether Kane is knackered, struggling for full fitness or simply feeling the effects of footballing old age, there still is every chance he will break Peter Shilton’s long-standing record of 125 appearances to become his nation’s most-capped footballer.At 31, the captain is here to stay — due to lack of any obvious rival to be England’s first-choice No 9, as well as his own uncanny ability to defy ­public opinion.Interim boss Lee Carsley insists Kane continues to be essential to England as he prepares to become only the tenth player to win a century of caps for the Three Lions in the Nations League clash with Finland at Wembley. Kane is the only specialist centre-forward in the current England squad and there is no genuine long-term rival for his shirt.READ MORE TOP STORIESDespite a disappointing Euros — in which he never looked fully match sharp — the greatest footballer never to win a trophy is on course to surpass goalkeeper Shilton at some point in 2026.If you’re supremely optimistic, then there’s a chance he could even do it in a World Cup Final in New Jersey the summer after next.Kane netted after just 79 seconds of his England debut having just replaced Wayne Rooney during a 4-0 victory over Lithuania.When Kane scored that header at Wembley, with only his third touch as a full international, Gary Lineker tweeted: “Fifty more touches and Harry Kane will beat Sir Bobby Charlton’s goalscoring record.”Most read in FootballInterim chief Lee Carsley says Kane remains integral on and off the pitchCredit: GettyFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSIn fact, Rooney would   break Charlton’s 49-goal mark before Kane swiftly replaced the Scouser as England’s leading scorer with his 54th strike for his country in a 2-1 victory over Italy in Naples last year.Nine-and-a-half years after his debut, Kane stands on 66 goals from 99 matches. Roy Keane slams ‘arrogant’ England as ‘awful’ despite interim boss Lee Carsley winning on debut against IrelandAnd yet there was little in Saturday’s 2-0 victory over Ireland in Dublin to suggest that Kane is over the summer malaise which saw him operating well below his best in Germany and being hauled off after an hour of the final defeat by Spain.The striker failed to convert a free header from an early Trent Alexander-Arnold cross.And while he looked slightly more mobile than in the Euros, he remained way short of his sharpest — arguably the least convincing player in an impressive team performance.The Bayern Munich star is adamant no physical issues were holding him back during the tournament, despite a back problem at the tail of the Bundesliga season.Few people believe him.But Carsley insists Kane will continue to be a crucial member of the England side way beyond his own six-match autumn audition to become Gareth Southgate’s full-time successor.Carsley said: “On and off the pitch he’s a really good example.“Every single day, he is highly motivated to do well and you can see that from how he conducts himself.“He will be invaluable in my short space of time but also moving ­forward.” And where would Carsley — or whoever else might manage England in next year’s World Cup qualifiers — look to replace Kane?Had Ivan Toney made a summer transfer to a leading Premier League club, he may have become a genuine alternative.But his move from Brentford to Al-Hilal in the Saudi Pro League removes any serious chance of that.There is no young gunslinger looking to bring down Kane and so there look certain to be many more caps after he wins his 100th.Ollie Watkins — currently injured — provided England’s moment of the summer with a stunning 90th-minute winner in the Euros semi-final against Holland.But the Aston Villa striker turns 29 this year and is a very different sort of player to Kane. It is difficult to imagine him usurping the skipper.While Carsley is introducing the next ­generation of England talent, based around the Under-21 team he led to the European Championship crown last year, there is no authentic centre-forward among that crop. In the final victory over Spain, Carsley employed Cole Palmer and Anthony Gordon as a pair of ‘false nines’.There is no young gunslinger looking to bring down Kane and so there look certain to be many more caps to come after he wins his 100th against the Finns at Wembley.That 100 club — with the addition of Manchester City right-back Kyle Walker, who is joint 11th on the all-time appearance list with 90 caps — works into a perfect fantasy XI in a 4-4-2 formation.Shilton would be in goal with Walker, Bobby Moore, Billy Wright and Ashley Cole making up the back four.David Beckham, Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard and Charlton would be in front of them, with Rooney and Kane making up the front two.Kane will surely break his trophy duck this season, his second at BayernCredit: GettyThat would be quite some team — even if we would still have to solve the conundrum of Gerrard and Lampard playing together.  But among such company, Kane’s lack of silverware becomes even more glaring.Moore and Charlton were World Cup winners, eight of those players have won the European Cup, eight have been champions of England and most have shed-loads of winner’s medals.Kane will surely break his duck with ­Bayern this season.Although we said that last term, when he arrived at a club which had won 11 consecutive Bundesliga crowns, yet drew a spectacular blank.A runner-up in the European Championships (twice), the Champions League, the Premier League and the League Cup (twice), Kane has walked past more major trophies than he would care to remember without ever actually lifting one.READ MORE SUN STORIESHis personal achievements, and the absence of a major team honour, make his an extremely unusual career.But a career which is set to run and run. Even if Kane is never able to run and run quite like he used to.England 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

  • in

    ‘Our vision is to be the best in England. This is just the start’, says London City Lionesses’ Kosovare Asllani

    KOSOVARE ASLLANI hopes London City Lionesses’ can one day claw their way to the top of club football in England. The Sweden forward was on target in her first Women’s Championship game, with her side drawing 1-1 with Newcastle. Kosovare Asllani scored her first competitive goal for London City Lionesses in her first Women’s Championship gameCredit: GettyAsllani and Newcastle skipper Demi Stokes captained their sides in their season opener at Hayes LaneCredit: GettyLondon City will visit Blackburn next whilst Newcastle will host Sheffield United in their second Championship game this termCredit: GettyThe London City skipper, who made her first competitive appearance following a June move from AC Milan, said: “The vision is to be the best in England and this is just the start.”Even though we are a Championship team, we don’t want to be treated as one.”We demand one hundred per cent professionalism. That’s why I am here and the other girls as well.”Asllani’s 39th-minute strike, which cancelled out Shania Hayles’ opener for the visitors, was her first goal in her first competitive game for her side.Read More Football Stories London owner Michelle Kang was among the football powerbrokers watching from the stands at Hayes Lane Stadium.The American businesswoman, who also owns Washington Spirit and Lyon Women was joined by Women’s Professional Leagues Ltd (WPLL) chief Nikki Doucet and WPLL chair Dawn Airey.Asllani added: “It was great to score my first goal and help the team when we were 1-0 down. I think we have even more in us.”We’re in the beginning of building something here.Most read in Football”We still have a lot to do in terms of building the facilities and it’s an ongoing project which will be done as soon as possible to give us the best resources.”I feel it’s something special that we won’t have to demand things in the future. “Michelle understands what we need and will give us everything we need to create a successful team.”I think that’s the coolest part, that it’s a woman investing.”Of the journey London City are embarking on, head coach Jocelyn Precheur said: “It’s not a new chapter, it’s a new book that we are writing.”With all the respect I have for London City before Michele bought the club, we cannot be compared to a club like Newcastle, it’s like the two opposites.”We have everything to build, we have fans to seduce and convince to follow us, a history to create, so it was the first page of the new story.”It could have been better, it could have been worse, but anyway the first match is done and I hope the journey will be long and beautiful.”Newcastle’s first appearance in the Championship saw Becky Langley hand competitive debuts to Lasses captain Demi Stokes, defender Deanna Cooper and goalscorer Hayles.The trio are among the club’s new signings this summer with Stokes joining after nine-years at Manchester City, and Cooper moving from Reading following their relegation to the third tier last season.Newcastle boss Langley said: “Shania is an exciting player and she took her chance really well. “I thought Demi and Deanna were both phenomenal. They bring a calmness to the group.”Deanna handled the threat in behind really well. “They’re great and very experienced, including Deanna in terms of her time at Chelsea.”It’s great to learn from her and she tells me a lot about when she worked with Emma Hayes. “And Demi is phenomenal in terms of how she leads the group and the quality she brings on the pitch.”Both London City and Newcastle have undergone some changes in recent years following the teams benefitting from financial backing after coming under new ownership.London City Lionesses boss Jocelyn Precheur wants his team to create a new story togetherCredit: GettyAnd Langley hailed the investment that has been sunk into her side and their rivals with both among the teams tipped for WSL promotion.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe Newcastle gaffer added: “It’s fantastic for both teams to have that financial and emotional investment.”We’re excited by our investment and that we’re still pumping money into the women’s team to get to the WSL as quickly as possible.” More

  • in

    Lee Carsley admits he doubted whether he could be England manager but now believes he could take job permanently

    LEE CARSLEY is now convinced he has what it takes to be England boss — having doubted he could do the job.The Three Lions interim manager switches his attention to Tuesday’s Nations League game with Finland at Wembley following Saturday’s morale-boosting 2-0 win over the Republic of Ireland.Lee Carsley is starting to think he’s more than just a ‘safe pair of hands’Credit: GettyJack Grealish and Declan Rice bagged the goals in England’s 2-0 winCredit: GettyCarsley, who led the Under-21s to Euros glory last year, said: “You always think it’s easy to be the England manager when you’re sat in the house but there have been times where I’ve thought, ‘I’m not sure I could do it’.“It’s done my confidence good (against Ireland). And the rest of the staff.“That, actually, we’re OK, we’ll be all right. I spoke about it at the first press conference, that I am a safe pair of hands.“We’re in a good position with the players.”READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSAsked whether he doubted himself, Carsley said: “You always think about it.”It’s natural to have our doubts — going into the Euros with the 21s, with the record that we’d had, there was a worry we could have gone home in ten days.“But I’ve learnt with experience, and dealing with setbacks.“Having good people around you, it gets easier.”The former Everton  midfielder also insisted he has been helped by  FA technical director John McDermott, who is leading the search for Gareth Southgate’s successor.Most read in FootballGrealish finished off hosts Ireland as early as the 26th minuteCredit: GettyFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSCarsley added: “We’ve got a really good relationship. I’m highly supported by John.“The fact he trusts me to take the job on an interim basis was a massive boost to my confidence.Lee Carsley goes to WRONG dugout before England clash with Ireland“He just said to me, ‘Well done, it’s a good start — make sure we win on  Tuesday’.”Carsley, 50, is likely to remain in charge for the five remaining Nations League games this year.If England avoid defeat and continue to perform, he then looks set to get the job permanently.The Three Lions’ World Cup qualifying bid is due to start in March but  they could still be involved in Nations League play-offs or end up having to play at least one friendly.The draw for the 2026 qualifiers is in  December.England 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

  • in

    Watch moment pitch invader joins Portugal attack before ‘trying to hug Cristiano Ronaldo’… and steward has a nightmare

    A PITCH invader tried to hug Cristiano Ronaldo as he joined the Portgual attack in a win over Scotland.Ronaldo bagged the winner for his country for the second time in four days to maintain their 100 per cent start to their Nations League campaign.A pitch invader tried to reach Cristiano RonaldoCredit: ReutersThe superstar remained unfazed moments after he notched Portugal’s winnerCredit: ReutersThe pitch invader appeared to join in the Portugal attack late in the gameBefore eventually being tackled by security before making it to his idol RonaldoThe superstar tapped in from Nuno Mendes’ low cross to seal a win in the 88th minute. A few minutes later with the clock winding down in stoppage time a fan entered the pitch in a bid to reach Ronaldo.It happened when Portugal were on the attack with CR7 looking to add a third goal.The pitch invader missed Ronaldo at his first attempt but was given another opportunity to reach his idol thanks to some misfortune from his pursuer.READ MORE ON RONALDOA steward chased the supporter on the grass but slipped onto his backside at a crucial moment.That allowed the fan the chance to get closer to Ronaldo, but the former Real Madrid star was having none of it and made sure to keep his distance.Fans found the incident amusing, though some were annoyed it prevented Ronaldo from being able to add to his goal tally after notching the 901st goal of his career against the Scots.One supporter said: “The way the steward fell down when running after the pitch invader 😭😭😂”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSAnother added: “Shocking dive from the steward.”A third wrote: “The pitch invader just stopped Ronaldo from scoring 902 goals. He should be jailed for life.”Jude Bellingham follows Cristiano Ronaldo in launching YouTube channel with behind-the-scenes footage of England starRonaldo hit the 900-goal milestone against Croatia and his follow-up against Scotland sends Portugal to the top of their Nations League group.Scott McTominay opened the scoring for the visitors before his former Manchester United team-mate Bruno Fernandes levelled with a long-range effort. More

  • in

    Premier League star SENT HOME by international team for ‘breaking rules’ but fumes decision was ‘not fair at all’

    IPSWICH keeper Aro Muric was dismissed from Kosovo duty for ‘breaking team rules’.Muric, who signed from Burnley for £8million this summer, played in his nation’s 3-0 defeat to Romania in his homeland on Friday.Aro Muric was sent home from Kosovo dutyCredit: RexBut he has been sent home — along with team-mates Edon Zhegrova and Florent Muslija — ahead of today’s trip to Cyprus.The trio are claimed to have stayed out late at a bar.Muric said: “The decision for us was not fair at all and the rumours that are circulating are not true at all.”Kosovo confirmed  in a statement: “Arjanet Muric, Edon Zhegrova and Florent Muslija, have left the national team gathering due to breaking the regulations of the national team established by the manager and the federation.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe Kosovo Executive Committee will decide whether or not to take further action against Muric and his team-mates.Reports claimed the trio were dropped as it is not the first time they were found to be in nightclubs later than allowed.Muric, 25, has had a good start to his Ipswich career after being nominated for the Premier League Save of the Month award for August.The keeper was recognised for his effort to keep out an Erling Haaland header from point-blank range.Most read in FootballChanges to the Premier League for 2024/25NOTHING stays the same forever.And that includes the Premier League, which is making a number of tweaks this season.Team news will now be released 75 MINUTES before kick-off, 15 minutes earlier than had been the case before.Things could get crowded on the touchline, with the number of substitutes permitted to warm-up boosted from three players per team to FIVE.There’s also a change to how added time is calculated when a team scores a goal, an update to the ‘multiball’ system and the introduction of semi-automated offsides – but not straight away.Go here to read about all the changes to the Premier League for 2024/25.Muric missed Ipswich’s Prem opener but started against Manchester City and Fulham, with the Tractor Boys picking up their first point against the latter.He previously made 55 appearances for Burnley and was their No1 when they lifted the Championship in 2022-23.Meet the new Wags of the Premier League season, from a Belgian interior designer to a Portuguese model More

  • in

    Heavy metal fan Jurgen Klopp soundproofs new £6million mansion in ‘German Beverly Hills’

    FORMER Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp is shoring up his defence at home — by getting it soundproofed.Klopp, 57, a big heavy metal fan who loves rockers Kiss, is having a £6million mansion built in a posh area dubbed Germany’s Beverly Hills.Kiss fan Jurgen Klopp is soundproofing his new home in GermanyKlopp is having a £6million mansion built in a posh area dubbed Germany’s Beverly HillsCredit: Dan CharityAnd he and wife Ulla are looking to be considerate to their well-to-do neighbours, which include German pop star Helene Fischer, the country’s equivalent of Britney Spears.One local said: “We have seen all the sound-proofing going in. They are being incredibly thorough with the build.“The new house is totally modern so we expect it to have every noise-cancelling, energy-saving feature going.”With Helen Fischer, this has got to be the No 1 celebrity street in Germany now.”READ MORE ON KLOPPKlopp, who quit Anfield last season, is moving to the area to be near family.It is also close to Mainz, where he began his managerial career.However, the Champions League and Prem winner has not indicated if or when he will return to football, saying only: “Change is good, you just never know what to expect.”Jurgen Klopp set for shock return to dugout just months after quitting as Liverpool boss More