Soccer

DUNCAN FERGUSON has revealed he was “battered” in a training fight by a current England player.The former striker built a hardman image during his career and it is a reputation he is still known for.Duncan Ferguson challenged one of his players to a boxing fightCredit: ReutersAnthony Gordon got the better of the ex-Everton bossCredit: GettyFerguson handed Gordon his Everton debut while in interim chargeCredit: GettyFerguson has previously fought off intruders in his own home and picked up nine red cards, often for thuggery, but one England star got the better of him.The Scot fought Anthony Gordon in a boxing match while the pair were at Everton.Ferguson was a big admirer of the youngster and handed Gordon his Everton debut while interim manager, but he wanted to teach the winger a lesson to persuade him to quit sparring – one of his big hobbies.But after donning the gloves to take on Gordon, Ferguson was taught a lesson of his own – not to challenge the quick and nimble winger.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLFerguson revealed the incident in his book, Big Dunc: The Upfront Autobiography.He said: “I made sure Gordon got his debut at Limassol, I then gave Anthony his second game against Leicester,’ Ferguson wrote.”I loved his appetite to improve, he wanted to learn and practice, practice, practice.”He was as fit as a fiddle and took diet seriously but was still going to different boxing gyms and sparring. ‘You have to stop,’ I told Anthony, “You can’t go to them, you’ll get hurt”.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERS”He battered me once in the Finch Farm gym. I had a pair of boxing gloves on, he didn’t. And I didn’t do it again. “Anthony’s a bright lad, knows what he wants and is dedicated and lightning quick.”Duncan Ferguson gets public apology from non-league club after he’s caught on camera throwing drink away More

ARSENAL and Liverpool have a “huge advantage” in next season’s Premier League title race — according to Thomas Tuchel.The England boss reckons the upcoming Club World Cup could seriously affect the chances of Manchester City and Chelsea.Thomas Tuchel feels Liverpool and Arsenal could benefit from not playing in the Club World CupCredit: GettyLiverpool stars will get a full pre-seasonCredit: GettyArsenal will be amongst the favourites to win the titleCredit: GettyThe Fifa tournament in the US begins this weekend and the final is on July 13, just five weeks before the start of the new Prem season.Chelsea and City stars will go on holiday after the Club World Cup and have no pre-season before the domestic campaign kicks off.Tuchel, preparing for the friendly with Senegal at the City Ground in Nottingham, said: “It will have a huge impact and it will give Liverpool and Arsenal a huge advantage next season to not be there.“It will be a very nice experience for the players who are there to play this tournament for the first time so there are mixed feelings about it.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“I have decided not to worry too much because why should I? No one knows the outcome of it.“We will deal with the effect when the effect comes.”Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane is set to start for the Three Lions tonight despite being involved in the Club World Cup.Tuchel added: “If you go and ask the players, you would get 25 who say ‘I want to start’.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERS“The clubs are concerned and I get that after a long season.”Crystal Palace keeper Dean Henderson could win his third England cap against Senegal.’They looked bored’ – Roy Keane slams England’s ‘poor attitude’ as Thomas Tuchel admits ‘I didn’t like’ Andorra effortJude Bellingham missed training yesterday to attend a family funeral but is set to be on the bench.Al-Ahli striker Ivan Toney will have to wait to see if he gets any action after failing to feature in Saturday’s 1-0 win over Andorra.Tuchel said: “He has every chance to play.” More