Soccer

Subterms

    More stories

    • 225 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      England’s Marc Guehi admits he’s still suffering from Euro 2024 hangover after Crystal Palace’s dismal start to season

      by

      MARC GUEHI admits he is suffering from a hangover after a summer of ‘oh so nears’.The Crystal Palace defender was a mainstay of Gareth Southgate’s England team who were defeated by Spain in the Euros final before a proposed mega-money move to Newcastle failed to materialise.Marc Guehi believes England can go on to win the World CupCredit: EPAThe Palace star has struggled this season domesticallyCredit: RexNow Palace, who finished last season on a massive high with six wins and a draw from their final seven Premier League games, are without a victory in seven matches and stuck in the relegation zone.And Guehi has struggled through not having had a proper summer break or a pre-season.Here in the Finnish capital tonight, he will attempt to lift his battered national side after Thursday’s shock home defeat by Greece.Guehi is set to reprise his central-defensive partnership with John Stones, 30, for the first time since the Euros.READ MORE ENGLAND NEWSHe said: “I’d have to say it’s been quite tough not having a pre-season, not having much of a break and going straight back into it. I’ve handled it as best as I can.“The Euros was such an amazing experience.“Since then, I just tried to get my head down and get to work.“It’s been a tough start for us at Palace but everyone’s pulling in the right direction to try to get ourselves back to where we want to be.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS“And then for myself to be called up again. England’s amazing. It’s always a privilege to play for my country.”Despite the Wembley debacle, when interim boss Lee Carsley suffered a tactical brain freeze, Guehi, 24, claims England have the talent and winning mentality required to lift a first major trophy since 1966.Lee Carsley appears to admit staggeringly short amount of time England practised bold new tactic before Greece shockerAsked about the Three Lions’ wealth of attacking players, Guehi added: “It’s really tough to play against these boys.“We’re talking about world-class players. For myself and the rest of the defenders I can proudly say that it is a really tough ask to come up against them.“Their quality shines through, their intelligence of the game.“Our goal is to win a trophy. So when you do come that close in the summer, it’s important you find ways to improve.“The manager coming in has definitely seen something and we, as players, want to be as receptive as possible.“We want to  close the gap, to have that final push to get a trophy.”Like many of England’s emerging players, Guehi has enjoyed international success at age-group level — lifting the Under-17s World Cup seven years ago.And he said: “I think that sort of experience is massive. It’s a really big thing for so many of the players on the team.“It’s such a valuable experience to have won something with your country and try to bring that into senior football.READ MORE SUN STORIES“Even the players here that haven’t done it at international level at the younger ages but have in the Premier League, in the Champions League.“It’s massive to have a group that have won things before and can continue to win.”England player ratings vs GreeceBy Tom BarclayLEE CARSLEY’S tactical experiment of playing no strikers backfired as Vangelis Pavlidis’ double secured an emotional shock win for Greece at Wembley.Interim England boss Carsley played all three of our nation’s gifted No10s – Phil Foden, Jue Bellingham and Cole Palmer – in varying positions.But it did not work and the Greeks took a deserved lead thanks to Pavlidis’ belting second-half finish.The visitors then held up a shirt in celebration bearing the name Baldock – in reference to their team-mate George Baldock, whose passing at the age of just 31 on Wednesday rocked the world of football.Bellingham looked to have ensured the points were shared with a thunderous strike with three minutes to go.But there was still time for Pavlidis to expose some woeful defending deep into injury time by firing past Jordan Pickford.Here are SunSport’s player ratings from a dire night for England under the arch.Jordan Pickford: 4Wandered into no-man’s-land territory outside his box early on and lost the ball, allowing Greek skipper Tasos Baksetas a free shot at goal – only to be saved by Levi Colwill’s last-gasp clearance. Did not instil confidence, despite his experience.Trent Alexander-Arnold: 6Some tasty passes – they are his speciality, after all – but not great at the back. He, John Stones and Cole Palmer were weak in their attempt to close down Vangelis Pavlidis before the Benfica man smashed home the opener.John Stones: 5Made captain for what was his 82nd cap, surpassing Rio Ferdinand’s haul. But it was a shaky display from his defence and Stones should have done better to stop Pavlidis.Levi Colwill: 7Greece would have been ahead far sooner were it not for Colwill’s athletic hack away to deny Bakasetas. Replays showed it would have crossed the line had the Chelsea man been a split second later with his incredible intervention.Rico Lewis: 6Tried to bomb up the left flank where he could but, just like Kieran Trippier at the Euros, was hamstrung by constantly having to cut back onto his favoured right foot.Declan Rice: 6Played as England’s only holding midfielder, as fans had been imploring Gareth Southgate to use him for years. It was not like he was overrun but his side did look vulnerable on the counter.Phil Foden: 4Spent most of the game pressing the Greek backline as a false nine without really getting on the ball and causing any damage. Ineffective. Cole Palmer: 6Deployed in a deeper, central-midfield role which at least meant he saw plenty of the ball, though he blazed England’s best chance of the first half over the bar. Remarkably, his first competitive England start, despite being named on Tuesday as Three Lions player of the 2023-24 season. Bukayo Saka: 5Struggled to get into the game and then was forced out of it, worryingly limping off early in the second half. The last thing Arsenal fans wanted to see.Jude Bellingham: 7 STAR MANPlayed in a false nine position and had a belting early shot well saved. The system did not work but Bellingham still so nearly emerged as the saviour by banging in his first goal of the season for club and country.Anthony Gordon: 5Caused Greece few problems and his touch looked off it. Had a decent chance from Alexander-Arnold’s peach of a delivery but headed over.SUBS: Noni Madueke (for Saka 52): Played out on the left, rather than his natural right, when coming on. Went down in the box deep into injury time but no penalty was given. 6Ollie Watkins (for Gordon 60): Almost scored with his first touch when played through by Palmer, but smashed just over. 7Dominic Solanke (for Foden 72): Grabbed an assist when laying the ball back to Bellingham who thumped in the leveller. 7Manager Lee Carsley: 4Seemed to gamble unnecessarily with this experimental system instead of playing it safe to add another win to boost his case to earn the job full-time. Carsley played without a natural centre-forward when winning the Under-21 Euros because he had to after Flo Balogun switched the USA and Rhian Brewster got injured, but here he did it by choice and it did not work. Bellingham looked to have saved his bacon – but then Pavlidis struck again. More

    • 275 Shares119 Views

      in Soccer

      Lee Carsley reveals how England can win World Cup as he warns ‘we can’t just do the same and expect something different’

      by

      LEE CARSLEY believes England can win the 2026 World Cup — but only if the Three Lions embrace change.Interim boss Carsley saw his gamble to play without a recognised No 9 backfire in the shock 2-1 defeat to Greece at Wembley on Thursday.England interim boss Lee Carsley claims the national team can win the 2026 World CupCredit: GettyEngland can only end their trophy drought if they embrace change, claims CarsleyCredit: AlamyEngland’s men have not won a major tournament since 1966. But after two Euro final defeats, Carsley is on a mission to find the magic formula that will see Harry Kane and Co finally end 60 years of hurt.Carsley said: “I’m really wary of the fact that the last time we won something was 1966, so we have to have that ability to try something different. We’re not that far away. We have been close twice.“It was important that I put my own stamp on the team and the squad and tried something different because the understanding is that, unless it changes, it won’t change.”Predecessor Gareth Southgate took England to the last two Euros finals, losing to Italy on penalties in 2021 and 2-1 against Spain in the summer.Read More on FootballHe also oversaw World Cup campaigns that ended at the semi-final stage in 2018 and last eight two years ago.But Southgate was often criticised for being too cautious tactically.Now Carsley, who takes charge for the fourth time as caretaker on Sunday’s Nations League clash with Finland, added: “Your human instinct is to be safe, to go with things that you’re comfortable with.“But I felt it was important to be out of my comfort zone.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS“I have to try something because we’ve got to put ourselves in a position where we can win.“To think that we can just do the same again and expect something different is naive.Lee Carsley appears to admit staggeringly short amount of time England practised bold new tactic before Greece shocker“I don’t want to sit back in a month’s time with regrets that I was safe. This is a great opportunity, not only for myself but for the rest of the staff and players to try something different.“We’re also looking bigger picture in terms of World Cup qualification and then hopefully the World Cup — that we’ve got a good understanding of the player capabilities.”Some reports claim Carsley has doubts over taking the job long-term but he refuses to rule himself out completely.He said: “I don’t see this as an audition. I don’t see it as the biggest chance I have ever had.“I see it as a privilege. I see it as an unbelievable responsibility.“I have got three more games left and I want to try to make sure that the squad are in a really good position.The youth paves the way“That we have seen players play in different positions and we are in a healthy position.”Carsley, 50, wants to adopt a more attacking brand of football, having triumphed at last year’s Under-21 Euros playing that way.It was the latest in a number of youth competitions won by England in the last decade.And Carsley believes it will pave the way to senior success — just like it has for Germany and Spain in recent decades.Asked if he really felt England can win the next World Cup in USA, Canada and Mexico, the former Everton midfielder replied: “Yeah.“The past is a good indicator of the future and we’ve got quite a few players now that have won a lot with England. They’ve felt that before.England stars ‘used to winning’“They come to St George’s, they come on England camps, and they’re used to winning.“They’re used to being in the latter stages of competitions and being successful. That can only be a good thing for us.“If you think back to that Germany team, and the Spain team, that were really successful at the younger age groups that came through.“I think potentially we could be coming into a period of that ilk.READ MORE SUN STORIES“We’ve been so close in the past and with a bit more luck, or belief, on our side it could have been different.“But as we stand at the minute it’s not, so I believe that we could be coming into a phase of that kind of success.” More

    • 188 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      Bullish Lee Carsley happy to take the flak for England meltdown so players don’t suffer

      by

      DEFIANT and selfless, Lee Carsley finally went on the front foot yesterday.The England interim boss saw his team, without a recognised striker, crash to Greece at Wembley — before delivering his own muddled performance in front of the media after the embarrassing 2-1 defeat.Lee Carsley is prepared to make changes so he doesn’t have ‘regrets’Credit: EPAEngland stars like Cole Palmer, centre, failed to gel against GreeceCredit: SplashYet here in Finland, Carsley spoke positively and insisted he was happy for the s**t to be flying in his direction rather than at the players.It is clear he will put the team before himself and that’s why nobody should rule him out of replacing Gareth Southgate on a permanent basis.Carsley was upset by the shock result and a dreadful defensive show against the  Greeks.But the Brummie  is able to put it  in perspective.READ MORE ENGLAND NEWSThe 50-year-old’s son Connor has Down’s syndrome and, while he is happy to take criticism on board, he is not going to let it  turn him off.Carsley, who takes charge of England for the fourth time in ­Helsinki on Sunday, said: “I definitely have to accept the criticism.“I am glad it was directed towards me, not the players, and we move on.“The last thing that is  important to me in this whole process is me.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS“The reason I believe I have done so well in coaching is because people know that it’s not about me.“It’s about the players, it’s about the environment, it’s about the culture.Lee Carsley’s slip of the tongue after Greece nightmare hints he wants England U21s job back and not replace Southgate“It is something that I’m totally accepting of in terms of the changes I made the other night and trying something different. I’m not put off by that.“I understand the interest and the criticism, which is fine.“I wouldn’t describe it as a setback . . . Connor made a big difference to our lives in terms of having a child born with Down’s Syndrome, so that puts things into perspective.“After the other night, I felt bad for a couple of days — of course I did.“But it’s a game of football, I’m realistic about the understanding that it is a game. I have tried my best, it didn’t come off, I am here to fight again.“Having watched the game back two or three times, as you can imagine, it’s never as bad or as good as you think.“I would change the result. But it’s not put me off. “I don’t want to sit back in a month’s time with regrets that I was safe. This is a great opportunity, not only for myself . . . for the rest of the staff and the players to try something different.”Dominic Solanke and Ollie Watkins only came on as subs vs GreeceCredit: RexCarsley did not help himself after the defeat by claiming he would “hopefully” be back with the Under-21s.What he meant, as he said when being unveiled as interim manager, was he would look to get his old job back if he did not get this one permanently.When pressed on his comment again, he said last night: “Hopefully is a word and a phrase I use quite a bit. There are no guarantees in life.“It’s a job, the Under-21s, that I’m really proud of and massively invested in.“The plan is to give this job for three camps the best I can do along with the rest of the staff and, hopefully, we can be in a good position.”He must make sure he does not get flustered quite so quickly in future. Equally, we should not forget that even in the caretaker days of Southgate, not everything went to plan.In his second game, England scraped a 0-0 with Slovenia — Joe Hart making a brilliant late save to prevent a defeat.Southgate suffered fierce criticism afterwards and was always prepared to take the flak.Carsley left Ollie Watkins and Dominic Solanke out of his starting line-up even though star striker Harry Kane was injured and fielded a glut of attacking midfielders with Jude Bellingham as a false nine.I have tried to remove myself from the emotion of, ‘It’s my job to lose or get’.Lee CarsleyCarsley added: “I spoke with Ollie after I had named the team. I didn’t speak to Dom but I have spoken to Dom. I have got a good relationship with Dom. He can understand we were trying something different.“They all could see that. With the personalities they have got, they are very much team orientated, as opposed to selfish.“If I try something different, they can see I’m trying to get the best out of the team or the individual rather than myself.”On whether he feared defeats to average opposition could impact his chances of the job, Carsley replied: “I wouldn’t say that. That would be reckless.“There’s probably a reason why I have not got into senior football, managing at club level, because I enjoy the player development and the journey they go on.“I have tried to remove myself from the emotion of, ‘It’s my job to lose or get’. It was totally clear when I came in, the remit.READ MORE SUN STORIES“That’s what I have tried to do to the best of my ability, with the understanding I want to try something different at times.“It is good I have the trust of the staff we have got.”England player ratings vs GreeceBy Tom BarclayLEE CARSLEY’S tactical experiment of playing no strikers backfired as Vangelis Pavlidis’ double secured an emotional shock win for Greece at Wembley.Interim England boss Carsley played all three of our nation’s gifted No10s – Phil Foden, Jue Bellingham and Cole Palmer – in varying positions.But it did not work and the Greeks took a deserved lead thanks to Pavlidis’ belting second-half finish.The visitors then held up a shirt in celebration bearing the name Baldock – in reference to their team-mate George Baldock, whose passing at the age of just 31 on Wednesday rocked the world of football.Bellingham looked to have ensured the points were shared with a thunderous strike with three minutes to go.But there was still time for Pavlidis to expose some woeful defending deep into injury time by firing past Jordan Pickford.Here are SunSport’s player ratings from a dire night for England under the arch.Jordan Pickford: 4Wandered into no-man’s-land territory outside his box early on and lost the ball, allowing Greek skipper Tasos Baksetas a free shot at goal – only to be saved by Levi Colwill’s last-gasp clearance. Did not instil confidence, despite his experience.Trent Alexander-Arnold: 6Some tasty passes – they are his speciality, after all – but not great at the back. He, John Stones and Cole Palmer were weak in their attempt to close down Vangelis Pavlidis before the Benfica man smashed home the opener.John Stones: 5Made captain for what was his 82nd cap, surpassing Rio Ferdinand’s haul. But it was a shaky display from his defence and Stones should have done better to stop Pavlidis.Levi Colwill: 7Greece would have been ahead far sooner were it not for Colwill’s athletic hack away to deny Bakasetas. Replays showed it would have crossed the line had the Chelsea man been a split second later with his incredible intervention.Rico Lewis: 6Tried to bomb up the left flank where he could but, just like Kieran Trippier at the Euros, was hamstrung by constantly having to cut back onto his favoured right foot.Declan Rice: 6Played as England’s only holding midfielder, as fans had been imploring Gareth Southgate to use him for years. It was not like he was overrun but his side did look vulnerable on the counter.Phil Foden: 4Spent most of the game pressing the Greek backline as a false nine without really getting on the ball and causing any damage. Ineffective. Cole Palmer: 6Deployed in a deeper, central-midfield role which at least meant he saw plenty of the ball, though he blazed England’s best chance of the first half over the bar. Remarkably, his first competitive England start, despite being named on Tuesday as Three Lions player of the 2023-24 season. Bukayo Saka: 5Struggled to get into the game and then was forced out of it, worryingly limping off early in the second half. The last thing Arsenal fans wanted to see.Jude Bellingham: 7 STAR MANPlayed in a false nine position and had a belting early shot well saved. The system did not work but Bellingham still so nearly emerged as the saviour by banging in his first goal of the season for club and country.Anthony Gordon: 5Caused Greece few problems and his touch looked off it. Had a decent chance from Alexander-Arnold’s peach of a delivery but headed over.SUBS: Noni Madueke (for Saka 52): Played out on the left, rather than his natural right, when coming on. Went down in the box deep into injury time but no penalty was given. 6Ollie Watkins (for Gordon 60): Almost scored with his first touch when played through by Palmer, but smashed just over. 7Dominic Solanke (for Foden 72): Grabbed an assist when laying the ball back to Bellingham who thumped in the leveller. 7Manager Lee Carsley: 4Seemed to gamble unnecessarily with this experimental system instead of playing it safe to add another win to boost his case to earn the job full-time. Carsley played without a natural centre-forward when winning the Under-21 Euros because he had to after Flo Balogun switched the USA and Rhian Brewster got injured, but here he did it by choice and it did not work. Bellingham looked to have saved his bacon – but then Pavlidis struck again. More

    • 250 Shares169 Views

      in Soccer

      Man Utd consider ex-Dortmund boss Edin Terzic to replace Ten Hag – with Tuchel and Van Nistelrooy also in contention

      by

      EDIN TERZIC is the shock name on Manchester United’s shortlist to replace Erik ten Hag.German Terzic took Borussia Dortmund to the Champions League final last season before surprisingly quitting.Edin Terzic is the latest name in contention if Erik ten Hag departsCredit: GettyTen Hag is still under pressure, days after the club’s seven-hour summitCredit: RexOld Trafford assistant boss Ruud van Nistelrooy could be promotedCredit: GettyHe has many admirers at Old Trafford and it would he a smart but unexpected move to go for him if they sack under-fire Ten Hag.Terzic, 41, did his coaching badges in England, where he was friends with fellow United target Graham Potter, and then worked as Slaven Bilic’s No 2 at West Ham.He rose to the top in Germany during two spells at Dortmund before he walked away in June.United are currently reviewing Ten Hag’s position and have looked at the likes of Potter and Gareth Southgate, while former Chelsea and ex-Bayern Munich boss Thomas Tuchel has been on their radar.READ MORE MAN UTD NEWSThe option of promoting club legend and current coach Ruud van Nistelrooy is also a possibility.Terzic graduated from the FA’s  coaching course alongside former United players Nicky Butt and Nemanja Vidic in 2018.United are 14th in the Prem and Ten Hag  is clinging on to his job after club chiefs held a SEVEN-HOUR summit in London last Tuesday to  discuss his future.The Dutchman, 54, is having a short holiday and confident he will still be in charge for Saturday’s visit of Brentford.Most read in FootballThomas Tuchel holds an interest in both the United and England jobsCredit: AFPFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSBut there has been no confirmation from the club yet on whether that will be the case.Two current Prem bosses are also tipped to be in contention should the Red Devils call time on Ten Hag.Thomas Tuchel Eyes England Manager Role Amid Man Utd SpeculationIpswich’s Kieran McKenna, who was an Old Trafford coach under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, and Bees’ manager Thomas Frank have caught the eye of Old Trafford chiefs.Inter Milan’s Simone Inzaghi and Sporting Lisbon boss Ruben Amorim have been mentioned too. More

    • 238 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Harry Kane fit to face Finland after Jude Bellingham false nine plan leads to England horror show against Greece

      by

      HARRY KANE is fit to face the Finns as England try to get back on track.The Three Lions captain, 31, missed the 2-1 defeat to Greece with groin and ankle issues.Harry Kane is fit to return for England against Finland on SundayCredit: ReutersInterim boss Lee Carsley is hoping to bounce back from Thursday’s defeat to GreeceCredit: ReutersBut the Bayern Munich striker looks set to earn his 101st cap, while Jack Grealish, 29, is also available after suffering a knock.Interim boss Lee Carsley said: “It was important to give Harry and Jack plenty of time to recover.“They trained, so in terms of their fitness, everything’s fine.”Kane has a record 68 goals for England and Carsley added: “He leads by example, is a really good captain and is a great positive person to have around.READ MORE ENGLAND NEWS“When we’ve got something really good in front of us, we’re always looking for the next big thing.“We should appreciate what we’ve got in front of us with Harry.“He’s still got a lot of games and goals in him, hopefully.”Carsley admitted it is vital Jude Bellingham, 21, gets plenty of love.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSHe said: “Jude’s totally different in the way he plays to everyone else.“We have to embrace that and make sure we support him.”Lee Carsley’s slip of the tongue after Greece nightmare hints he wants England U21s job back and not replace SouthgateWinger Bukayo Saka has stayed at Arsenal for treatment on the right leg injury he picked up against Greece.Fellow 23-year-old, Liverpool midfielder Curtis Jones, has withdrawn due to  a personal commitment.Jack Grealish has also recovered from a knock in time for the match in HelsinkiCredit: PAEngland player ratings vs GreeceBy Tom BarclayLEE CARSLEY’S tactical experiment of playing no strikers backfired as Vangelis Pavlidis’ double secured an emotional shock win for Greece at Wembley.Interim England boss Carsley played all three of our nation’s gifted No10s – Phil Foden, Jue Bellingham and Cole Palmer – in varying positions.But it did not work and the Greeks took a deserved lead thanks to Pavlidis’ belting second-half finish.The visitors then held up a shirt in celebration bearing the name Baldock – in reference to their team-mate George Baldock, whose passing at the age of just 31 on Wednesday rocked the world of football.Bellingham looked to have ensured the points were shared with a thunderous strike with three minutes to go.But there was still time for Pavlidis to expose some woeful defending deep into injury time by firing past Jordan Pickford.Here are SunSport’s player ratings from a dire night for England under the arch.Jordan Pickford: 4Wandered into no-man’s-land territory outside his box early on and lost the ball, allowing Greek skipper Tasos Baksetas a free shot at goal – only to be saved by Levi Colwill’s last-gasp clearance. Did not instil confidence, despite his experience.Trent Alexander-Arnold: 6Some tasty passes – they are his speciality, after all – but not great at the back. He, John Stones and Cole Palmer were weak in their attempt to close down Vangelis Pavlidis before the Benfica man smashed home the opener.John Stones: 5Made captain for what was his 82nd cap, surpassing Rio Ferdinand’s haul. But it was a shaky display from his defence and Stones should have done better to stop Pavlidis.Levi Colwill: 7Greece would have been ahead far sooner were it not for Colwill’s athletic hack away to deny Bakasetas. Replays showed it would have crossed the line had the Chelsea man been a split second later with his incredible intervention.Rico Lewis: 6Tried to bomb up the left flank where he could but, just like Kieran Trippier at the Euros, was hamstrung by constantly having to cut back onto his favoured right foot.Declan Rice: 6Played as England’s only holding midfielder, as fans had been imploring Gareth Southgate to use him for years. It was not like he was overrun but his side did look vulnerable on the counter.Phil Foden: 4Spent most of the game pressing the Greek backline as a false nine without really getting on the ball and causing any damage. Ineffective. Cole Palmer: 6Deployed in a deeper, central-midfield role which at least meant he saw plenty of the ball, though he blazed England’s best chance of the first half over the bar. Remarkably, his first competitive England start, despite being named on Tuesday as Three Lions player of the 2023-24 season. Bukayo Saka: 5Struggled to get into the game and then was forced out of it, worryingly limping off early in the second half. The last thing Arsenal fans wanted to see.Jude Bellingham: 7 STAR MANPlayed in a false nine position and had a belting early shot well saved. The system did not work but Bellingham still so nearly emerged as the saviour by banging in his first goal of the season for club and country.Anthony Gordon: 5Caused Greece few problems and his touch looked off it. Had a decent chance from Alexander-Arnold’s peach of a delivery but headed over.SUBS: Noni Madueke (for Saka 52): Played out on the left, rather than his natural right, when coming on. Went down in the box deep into injury time but no penalty was given. 6Ollie Watkins (for Gordon 60): Almost scored with his first touch when played through by Palmer, but smashed just over. 7Dominic Solanke (for Foden 72): Grabbed an assist when laying the ball back to Bellingham who thumped in the leveller. 7Manager Lee Carsley: 4Seemed to gamble unnecessarily with this experimental system instead of playing it safe to add another win to boost his case to earn the job full-time. Carsley played without a natural centre-forward when winning the Under-21 Euros because he had to after Flo Balogun switched the USA and Rhian Brewster got injured, but here he did it by choice and it did not work. Bellingham looked to have saved his bacon – but then Pavlidis struck again. More

    • 200 Shares149 Views

      in Soccer

      Lee Carsley confirms that he did NOT apply for England manager’s job following bombshell ‘hopefully’ comments

      by

      LEE CARSLEY has confirmed that he did not apply for the England job.The interim coach has overseen three games for the Three Lions since Gareth Southgate stepped down after Euro 2024.Lee Carsley did not apply for the England jobCredit: EPACarsley has taken charge of England since Gareth Southgate stepped downCredit: AlamyThe FA closed applications for the role on August 2 as they searched for Southgate’s successor.Carsley, 50, was appointed as the interim coach seven days later.However, he had revealed that he did not send a formal application for the role.He said: “I didn’t apply for it.READ MORE ENGLAND NEWS”Because hopefully… I have been doing the Under-21s and I am really happy with my job.”I am an employee of the FA and I was asked to take the senior team which is a privilege, it was the proudest moment of my career.”I am really honoured with the chance to manage the senior team.”I am in a really fortunate position in that I am on the inside and I can see how much potential this team’s got.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”It is one of the best jobs in world football. There aren’t many jobs where you’ve got a chance of winning.”I believe the coach that comes in has got a really good chance of winning and we deserve the best one that’s out there.”Lee Carsley appears to admit staggeringly short amount of time England practised bold new tactic before Greece shockerHe will lead the team against FinlandCredit: GettyEngland’s shocking stats against GreeceHere are the shocking stats that were set in England’s defeat to Greece…- Lowest ranked side to beat England in a competitive match in 19 years.- The lowest-ranked side ever beat England on home soil.- Greece had never beaten England in their history.- Greece had never scored a goal at Wembley before.- Pavlidis’ strikes were his first since June 2022 vs Cyprus.- Bellingham’s 87th-minute equaliser was England’s first shot on target since the third minute (also Bellingham)Carsley also claimed that he is not treating his interim job as an audition with a view to taking the job full time.He added: “Definitely not. I don’t see this as an audition at all.”I see it as simple as I was asked to take the team for three camps, it wasn’t with a view to anything, it was literally do your best try as hard as you can and look after the players and that is what I am doing.”When asked if he would take the job if it was offered to him, Carsley insisted he is just trying to do his best for the team.He said: “It’s hypothetical. I think it’s important that we are in a position where, hopefully, we have had a brilliant campaign.”That will be in a good position going into World Cup qualifying and I would see that as a success.”The revelation follows his comments in which he suggested he was “hopefully” returning to his role with the Under 21s.Carsley has since clarified his statement and suggested that he and his team are aiming to be in a “good position” after their three camps with the senior team.He will be in charge of the team for the Nations League clash against Finland on Sunday.So far, he has won two of his three games, with the only defeat coming against Greece on Thursday.READ MORE SUN STORIESFormer Chelsea and Bayern Munich manager Thomas Tuchel has reportedly held talks with the FA over the job.If the German was to land the job with the Three Lions, then he could hand a shock return to the team to at least one player.Thomas Tuchel is believed to have had negotiations over the England jobCredit: GettyEngland player ratings vs GreeceBy Tom BarclayLEE CARSLEY’S tactical experiment of playing no strikers backfired as Vangelis Pavlidis’ double secured an emotional shock win for Greece at Wembley.Interim England boss Carsley played all three of our nation’s gifted No10s – Phil Foden, Jue Bellingham and Cole Palmer – in varying positions.But it did not work and the Greeks took a deserved lead thanks to Pavlidis’ belting second-half finish.The visitors then held up a shirt in celebration bearing the name Baldock – in reference to their team-mate George Baldock, whose passing at the age of just 31 on Wednesday rocked the world of football.Bellingham looked to have ensured the points were shared with a thunderous strike with three minutes to go.But there was still time for Pavlidis to expose some woeful defending deep into injury time by firing past Jordan Pickford.Here are SunSport’s player ratings from a dire night for England under the arch.Jordan Pickford: 4Wandered into no-man’s-land territory outside his box early on and lost the ball, allowing Greek skipper Tasos Baksetas a free shot at goal – only to be saved by Levi Colwill’s last-gasp clearance. Did not instil confidence, despite his experience.Trent Alexander-Arnold: 6Some tasty passes – they are his speciality, after all – but not great at the back. He, John Stones and Cole Palmer were weak in their attempt to close down Vangelis Pavlidis before the Benfica man smashed home the opener.John Stones: 5Made captain for what was his 82nd cap, surpassing Rio Ferdinand’s haul. But it was a shaky display from his defence and Stones should have done better to stop Pavlidis.Levi Colwill: 7Greece would have been ahead far sooner were it not for Colwill’s athletic hack away to deny Bakasetas. Replays showed it would have crossed the line had the Chelsea man been a split second later with his incredible intervention.Rico Lewis: 6Tried to bomb up the left flank where he could but, just like Kieran Trippier at the Euros, was hamstrung by constantly having to cut back onto his favoured right foot.Declan Rice: 6Played as England’s only holding midfielder, as fans had been imploring Gareth Southgate to use him for years. It was not like he was overrun but his side did look vulnerable on the counter.Phil Foden: 4Spent most of the game pressing the Greek backline as a false nine without really getting on the ball and causing any damage. Ineffective. Cole Palmer: 6Deployed in a deeper, central-midfield role which at least meant he saw plenty of the ball, though he blazed England’s best chance of the first half over the bar. Remarkably, his first competitive England start, despite being named on Tuesday as Three Lions player of the 2023-24 season. Bukayo Saka: 5Struggled to get into the game and then was forced out of it, worryingly limping off early in the second half. The last thing Arsenal fans wanted to see.Jude Bellingham: 7 STAR MANPlayed in a false nine position and had a belting early shot well saved. The system did not work but Bellingham still so nearly emerged as the saviour by banging in his first goal of the season for club and country.Anthony Gordon: 5Caused Greece few problems and his touch looked off it. Had a decent chance from Alexander-Arnold’s peach of a delivery but headed over.SUBS: Noni Madueke (for Saka 52): Played out on the left, rather than his natural right, when coming on. Went down in the box deep into injury time but no penalty was given. 6Ollie Watkins (for Gordon 60): Almost scored with his first touch when played through by Palmer, but smashed just over. 7Dominic Solanke (for Foden 72): Grabbed an assist when laying the ball back to Bellingham who thumped in the leveller. 7Manager Lee Carsley: 4Seemed to gamble unnecessarily with this experimental system instead of playing it safe to add another win to boost his case to earn the job full-time. Carsley played without a natural centre-forward when winning the Under-21 Euros because he had to after Flo Balogun switched the USA and Rhian Brewster got injured, but here he did it by choice and it did not work. Bellingham looked to have saved his bacon – but then Pavlidis struck again. More

    • 263 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Well done, Annie Kilner for taking control over cheat Kyle Walker – now it’s time to hit him where it hurts

      by

      ANNIE KILNER has consulted divorce lawyers over wayward husband Kyle Walker.And I couldn’t be happier for her.Annie Kilner has consulted divorce lawyers over her husband Kyle WalkerCredit: GettySince he first got together with wife Annie, Walker has been unfaithful many timesCredit: Refer to CaptionIf you are not au fait with Kyle Walker, let me explain.On the pitch for England and Manchester City, he is an amazing, talented footballer.Off it, his life is an absolute car crash, which could be turned into a Carry On film.Since he first got together with Annie, he has romped in a car with Ex On The Beach’s Laura Brown and fathered two children with reality TV star Lauryn Goodman.READ MORE FROM JANE ATKINSONHe exposed himself in a bar and snogged another woman.During Covid he had a party with two sex workers.And he has been caught twice urinating in the street after a session in the pub — most recently just two weeks ago.He has run rough­shod over his relationship with Annie. And I don’t know how she has held it together.Most read in FootballShe always appears to look steely, strong and determined when she is out with their four children — the youngest of whom was born in April — or watching him on the pitch.But her confidence must have been absolutely crushed over the years. Imagine the anguish and pain she has gone through.Drama at Kyle Walker’s Home: Annie Kilner vs Lauryn GoodmanThis is a woman who was a normal working-class girl from Sheffield when she fell for local lad Kyle at the age of 16.He was playing football but he wasn’t the megastar he is now.She fell in love with him, knowing he could one day play for England or get injured and end up on benefits.He hit the jackpot in his career — with the salary to go with it — but Annie has been the one to pay the price.Terrible behaviourShe has tried to deal with it and chucked him out of the house — and taken him back. Multiple times.She has slated Lauryn, had public spats with her, apologised to her and told friends she wishes Lauryn was dead.Annie bravely admitted that his terrible behaviour even became “acceptable”.And some have said that his wealth has cushioned his behaviour while others have slammed her for not leaving before now.But leaving any man — rich or poor — isn’t easy when you’ve spent half your life with him and have four kids together.Any woman who has been cheated on knows that it takes a long while to regain your strength afterwards and come out fighting. Now Annie has. She is finally, thankfully, taking control.She recently sought advice to make sure she could get half of his £150,000-a-week salary and this week she has gone a step further and met with lawyers to discuss legal proceedings to end her marriage.Strength and courageI bet those who love her are proud of her.Annie has shown strength and courage.She has also given an important message to all those kids who idolise her husband — that there must be consequences for your actions.This summer, a survey of 1,306 children aged six to 17 across the UK revealed that almost a fifth wanted to be a footballer.They rank second only to parents as the people that youngsters admire the most.You could argue that Kyle is only a role model on the pitch but thanks to sponsorship deals and five million followers on social media, he is a role model, and influencer, off it too.Children across the country this summer stuck his picture into Euro 2024 albums.They stayed up late to watch him play and, week in week out, they idolise him at Manchester City.Nobody wants to see a marriage end.But nobody wants to see a woman cheated on and humiliated either.Now Annie can have the greatest revenge of all by hitting him where it truly hurts — his wallet.The England defender also secretly fathered TWO kids with reality TV star Lauryn GoodmanCredit: AlamyRihanna at the reddyLESS is more – unless you’re Rihanna.In a new promotional photoshoot, she sports amazing scarlet hair, blue fur coat and a red snakeskin outfit that involves a skirt attached loosely to a bustier to show off her bum.Rihanna posed with amazing scarlet hair, a blue fur coat and a red snakeskin outfitCredit: savagex.comThe singer and businesswoman completes the style with a smouldering pout and terrifying long talons.Most of us would look like we had walked out of the local brothel but she somehow manages to pull it off.BORIS JOHNSON has insisted refurbishing his Downing Street flat was necessary because it looked like a “crack den” once he had pulled the carpets out.You have to wonder how he knows what a crack house looks like.50 still niftyI COULDN’T be happier for the newly married Miranda Hart.But I do wish everyone would stop being so shocked that she tied the knot at the age of 51.I do wish everyone would stop being so shocked that Miranda Hart tied the knot at the age of 51Credit: GettyThe actress was 49 when surveyor Richard Fairs came to her £2million home to deal with mould.It was during the pandemic and she was struggling with chronic fatigue syndrome after being diagnosed with Lyme disease.In her new book, she says she was so ill that she never thought she would find love and was “fading away”.I get that.But now a million relationship experts have taken to social media to discuss how to find love over 50 as if she is some dinosaur.We are no longer living in the dark ages and no woman should be written off in their 50s – or think that they are either.Rights bill so wrongREMEMBER a time when we were all desperate to get out of the house, mingle and live a normal life when Covid struck.Now, thanks to the Government’s new Employment Rights Bill, we can all return to that because flexible working, including working from home, will be made the “default for all” where possible.So no mingling in the office, no chatting by the coffee machine when you are feeling down, no making lifelong friends.And forget office flirting because Zoom and Teams really don’t cut it for the fun things in life.I’ve worked from home for more than a decade because I live hundreds of miles from head office.If I could go in every day, I would.I’ve grown sick of the amount of times people have said: “Oh, but you work from home,” as though I spend my life on the sofa watching This Morning or baking banana bread.In fact, unless you are a grade A skiver you end up working more because your home is your office and you can’t get away from it.Plus there is no free coffee and the heating bills are a fortune.We should be careful what we wish for.Tash leaves KittenWHEN Natasha Hamilton announced on Friday that she had quit Atomic Kitten, I was in utter shock.Natasha Hamilton announced on Friday that she had quit Atomic KittenCredit: RexI didn’t even know the band was still going.Ticket farce unfareI HAVE sympathy for train passenger Sam Williamson, who mistakenly underpaid for his ticket by £1.90 and now fears a criminal record and huge fine.He used the Northern Trains app to buy an Anytime ticket to central Manchester last month and used his 16-25 railcard for a discount without realising it can only be used under certain conditions.Sam Williamson mistakenly underpaid for his ticket by £1.90 and now fears a criminal record and huge fineCredit: SWNSWhen an inspector grilled him and told him the mistake, he immediately offered to buy a new ticket or pay a penalty.Instead, the jobsworth reported him and now Sam faces prosecution.Sam says it isn’t even clear on the app how you can use the railcard.I had the misfortune of using Northern last month and had a similar experience.I wanted to buy a cheaper ticket from the app but was told I had to buy one from an employee who, when I explained that the app ticket was cheaper, told me: “Northern don’t care what the customers pay.”Super. Maybe if the train firms did care and explained their baffling price structures, we wouldn’t hate travelling with them so muchSpice boy hitMY new motto is: Don’t buy things after drinking wine.My latest credit card purchase is Brooklyn Beckham’s chilli sauce.My latest credit card purchase is Brooklyn Beckham’s chilli sauceCredit: GettyI saw his mum Victoria plugging Cloud23 on Instagram (obviously) and forked out £30 on two bottles of it as I love spicy food.He’s been slated for his choice of careers but I can confirm Brooklyn, below, is actually pretty good at this one.READ MORE SUN STORIESThink Tabasco but not as harsh, with a lovely smoky hit.I just hope that he ditches the fancy box it comes in and gets it on a super­market shelf to avoid the big price tag. More

    • 238 Shares199 Views

      in Soccer

      Former Wales boss Rob Page lined up for shock Conference League job – but faces competition from Gary Rowett

      by

      ROBERT PAGE and Gary Rowett are shock contenders for the vacancy at Hearts.Former Wales coach Page is interested while Rowett, who has worked widely in England, could be tempted north of the border.Rob Page was sacked by Wales earlier this yearCredit: ReutersGary Rowett was caretaker boss at Birmingham last yearCredit: GettyThe Edinburgh club are about to bring in Brighton owner Tony Bloom as an investor.Page, 50, has been out of work since being sacked by Wales back in June.He had been in the job for three-and-a-half years, having led Wales to Qatar 2022, their first World Cup in 64 years.Subsequent failure to qualify for Euro 2024 put Page under pressure, however.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSAnd he was axed following a June international break that saw Wales draw 0-0 with Gibraltar and lose 4-0 to Slovakia.Prior to managing his country, Page took charge of Port Vale and Northampton in the English lower leagues.Rowett, meanwhile, last managed Birmingham City.The 50-year-old came in as interim boss for the final eight games of last season after Tony Mowbray stepped aside due to health reasons.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSRowett won three of his eight games at the helm, but this proved not to be enough to save Blues from relegation to League One.Prior to his return to Birmingham, Rowett had spent four years in charge of Millwall.Dinamo Minsk 1 Hearts 2 – SunSport’s Robert Martin reacts as Yan Dhanda’s stoppage time winner in Azerbaijan finally ends Jambos’ losing streakHe left The Den in October last year, being replaced by Joe Edwards.Hearts sacked Steven Naismith last month following a dismal start to the season.Naismith, who had been in charge at Tynecastle for 17 months, oversaw a shocking run of eight consecutive defeats following a Premiership opening day stalemate with Rangers.Steven Naismith was sacked by Hearts following a dismal run of formCredit: SNS More