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      George Baldock: Greece star’s classy gesture to tragic footballer caught on live TV after shock win over England

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      GREECE ace Lazaros Rota paid a touching tribute to his late great team-mate George Baldock after a famous victory over England.Baldock was found dead in his home in Glyfada on Wednesday night when he drowned in his swimming pool at the age of 31 plunging the football community into mourning.Greece right-back Lazaros Rota dedicated the win over England to George BaldockBaldock played ahead of Rota at right-back in the Greek national teamCredit: RexA devastated Greek national team found the strength to put on a heroic performance and snatch an emotional 2-1 win in London, which they dedicated to their team-mate and his family.Benfica star Vangelis Pavlidis commemorated the Sheffield United legend by raising his black armband in the air and pointing to the heavens after scoring both of his goals.And after the match Ivan Jovanovic’s men lined up in front of the away end with Baldock’s jersey in an emotional scene that led to many breaking down in tears.That was when right-back Rota, 27, who played behind Baldock in Greece’s pecking order, pointed at the ITV camera and dedicated the win to his former team-mate.Read More on FootballThe AEK Athens ace cried: “Georgie, for you.”This was Greece’s first ever win over England and the team became the first ever Greek side to win at Wembley.That was after the visitors’ captain Tasos Bakasetas issued a spine-tingling pre-match speech urging his team-mates to “sacrifice” themselves on the pitch for Baldock.The full-back was so passionate that he often risked his physical well-being on the pitch, such as against France last year in Paris where he played with a swollen ankle and still silenced Kylian Mbappe.Most read in FootballThere were no celebrations from the Greek national team, who were still overwhelmed by the horrific news, after the game.Watch Greece captain’s spine-tingling speech about George Baldock in dressing room that inspired win over England Instead, Bakasetas and Pavlidis opted to use that time to reflect on their friend and his family.Baldock was found dead in the swimming pool of his Greek apartment on Wednesday evening.His family has now confirmed his cause of death as drowning in his swimming pool.They have released a touching statement saying: “We are heartbroken with the sudden passing of our beloved George.Ex-Sheffield United full-back Baldock was supposed to fly back to the UK on Thursday to celebrate his son Brody’s birthday.Baldock moved to Greece after joining Athens side Panathinaikos from Sheffield United this summer.His heartbroken fiancee Annabel Dignam hailed him the “love of my life” and “my soulmate” in an emotional tribute.She said: “The perfect dad to our beautiful boy.”You completed me. You were my world and I know we were yours.”You are here with me in Brody’s smile, giggle and infectious personality.”My world will never be the same but I will find a way for Brody. I promise.”I love you forever and always G. Your Neen. X”His fiancee Annabel Dignam said her ‘world will never be the same’Credit: Facebook/ Annabel DignamGeorge Baldock waves to fans at Bramall Lane on May 19, 2024Credit: GettyA minute’s silence was held in his memory at Wembley before England and Greece’s Nations League clashCredit: ReutersCops said it would be “several weeks, if not months” before the full autopsy and toxicology results were released.Officials have ruled out any criminality was at play in his death.Baldock played for his club side on Sunday during a 0-0 draw with fierce rivals Olympiacos.He played 75 minutes before being subbed off.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe club confirmed he last trained with them on Wednesday before driving home to his €15,000-a-month apartment.England and Greece stars held a minute’s silence ahead of their Nations League clash.Dominating Mbappe, Premier League Iron Man, promotion hero: A tribute to George BaldockBy Kostas Lianos, Digital Sports ReporterIT was back in 2019 when Greece legend Vasilis Torosidis – the heir to Euro 2004 hero Giourkas Seitaridis – retired from international duty after 101 caps.A giant void was left behind at right-back, many talented players tried to step up – and none of them could fill those big boots.But, soon enough, I started to hear whispers about a Premier League ace with Greek heritage who’s a starter week-in and week-out…That was none other than George Baldock, born in Buckingham on March 9, 1993, to English parents but qualified for Greece through his grandmother.And what a season he was having. The right-back starred for Sheffield United as they surprised the Prem in the 2019-20 campaign – their first in 12 years – by finishing in the top half of the table.Baldock was among their standout players as he registered a staggering 3,420 minutes played – the joint highest along with the likes of Declan Rice and Virgil van Dijk.The defender was keen to make the big step to the international stage with his grandmother’s homeland – and it didn’t take long until he shook hands with the Greek football federation (EPO) chiefs.However, a long and arduous paperwork slog stood in the way – with the then Sheffield United star claiming Covid-19 and Brexit slowed things down.Greece finally got the right-back they were begging for for years as Baldock made his debut on June 2, 2022 in a Nations League clash at Northern Ireland as a late substitute.It didn’t take long until the English-born ace owned the right flank at the back and impressive performances followed.Perhaps none compare to the Euro 2024 qualifier against France in June 2023 when Baldock did the unthinkable and kept Kylian Mbappe quiet for 104 MINUTES, despite being injured and playing through “unimaginable” pain.I still remember speaking to then-Greece manager Gus Poyet about his player’s stunning performance, and I will never forget the big smile the Chelsea legend had on his face.Poyet reminded me of a proud father as he took me through the injury hell the full-back endured before squaring up against perhaps the world’s best player for his country.A beaming Poyet told me: “Against the Republic of Ireland [three days beforehand] – and now that it is finished I can say it – after 20 minutes he had a very bad twist in his ankle, very bad. He was very close to come out. I asked him, ‘Can you hold until half-time?'”At half-time his ankle was very, very swollen. He asked for a strapping and he asked me for five minutes. Give me five minutes and we’ll let you know. And he had an unbelievable second half running up and down and being outstanding.”You don’t imagine the ankle after the game. You don’t imagine the ankle the day after, after the flight to France. Black and blue – swollen. And a day-and-a-half later you need to play against Mbappe.”Ninety per cent of people will think, no chance. And I keep talking to him, individually. And he keeps saying to me, ‘Coach I’m gonna be there no worries’.”And he didn’t play 20 minutes, he didn’t play 60 minutes, he played 104 minutes because the referee gave 14 minutes of injury time against Mbappe.”It’s easy to understand how loyal Baldock was to every team he ever played for during his 15-year career, just by looking at his stats.The Greek ace started his career at MK Dons in 2009 where he amassed a staggering 125 appearances throughout an eight-year stint that also saw him playing on loan for Northampton Town, Tamworth, IBV and Oxford United.The defender joined Sheffield United in 2017 and registered a whopping 219 appearances in seven years that also saw him helping his team achieve two Premier League promotions.Baldock’s work ethic and commitment was no different in Greece as he proudly stated two years ago: “To play for the national side is a great honour and a lot of pride involved for me and my family.”Representing my country through my late grandmother, it’s a very proud moment for me and my family. I love the country and I will fight for every success”Baldock never played for England at any level, but he always competed like a lion and he proved it on Sunday in his last ever match when he started for Panathinaikos, whom he joined in the summer, against eternal rivals Olympiacos in perhaps the most intense derby in Europe.He served his team with honour as he helped them pick up a valuable point in a goalless draw against their in-form foes, who had just played their best game of the season with a 3-0 win over Braga in the Europa League a few days earlier.He only managed 12 caps for Greece before his sudden and tragic death at the age of 31 on Wednesday in Athens.But his fighting spirit and charisma at right-back with the white and blue, as well as his remarkable run in the Premier League and the Championship, show that he is leaving a legacy behind for many Greek and English fans to look up to. More

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      Former Arsenal star Lukas Podolski breaks down in tears as he retires aged 39… but has kebab empire to keep him busy

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      LUKAS PODOLSKI made an emotional farewell to football as he hung up his boots for the last time.The former Arsenal star announced his retirement after a testimonial game in front of 50,000 fans in Cologne, Germany.Lukas Podolski has retired from footballCredit: APHe was emotional as he said goodbye to the sport in CologneCredit: GettyHis last game was a testimonial at his boyhood clubCredit: Getty50,000 fans turned up to show their appreciation for the forwardCredit: GEttyPodolski, 39, most recently played for Gornik Zabrze in Poland but returned to his boyhood club for his final game.The forward opened the scoring for “Team Poldi” who won the game 5-3 against a Cologne XI.After the match, Podolski was given a standing ovation at the RheinEnergieStadion.The former German international shed a few tears as he addressed the crowd afterwards.READ MORE ON ARSENALHe said: “It’s over on the pitch now, but we’ll definitely see each other again off the pitch – whether in the stands or on the road.”Once a Cologne fan, always a Cologne fan.”He added: “It really touches me that so many fans would like to come to enjoy this special evening with me.”It is an honour for me to wear the Billygoat on my chest once more in front of a full house.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”It’s a final declaration of love for this special city, the club with its fantastic fans, my team-mates for so many years and other people who have accompanied my path.”Podolski was joined in the match by multiple legends of the game, such as Mats Hummels, Manuel Neuer and his former Arsenal team-mate Per Mertesacker.Watch Thierry Henry awkwardly admit ‘I saw Bukayo Saka at the Arsenal academy and didn’t think he’d be that good’He spent three years at Arsenal during his careerCredit: Getty Images – GettyHe won the FA Cup at the clubCredit: GettyHe won the World Cup with Germany in 2014Credit: Getty – ContributorManagers Joachim Low and Hansi Flick were also involved in the evening.Podolski previously spent three years with the Gunners between 2012 and 2015.During his spell in North London, he won the FA Cup in 2014 and featured in 82 games, scoring 31 goals and providing 15 assists.He will be busy in retirement as he will continue to work in his business empire.He has opened multiple food shops, including a Manal Doner kebab shop in Cologne.It has been reported that his investments have helped his net worth rise to £177.5million.Podolski owns a kebab shop in CologneCredit: Getty – ContributorIt has helped him raise his net worth to a reported £177mCredit: Getty More

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      Meet Ahmed Alsanawi: A Star Barbers owner & stylist to Premier League footballers Grealish, Foden, Solanke & James

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      AHMED Alsanawi is the founder and owner of A Star Barbers, a high-profile barbershop in Chessington, Surrey.It has become the go-to destination for many professional footballers in need of a new style.Ahmed Alsanawi is the owner of A Star Barbers, which boasts a clientele including some of the biggest footballing stars in the worldCredit: Oliver Dixon – The SunWho is Ahmed Alsanawi?Nicknamed “A-Star”, Ahmed Alsanawi’s journey from a self-taught barber to a stylist for football’s elite is a remarkable story of talent, hard work, and relationship-building.His journey into the world of barbering began with a passion for hairstyling and an entrepreneurial spirit after emigrating to the UK from Iraq in the 2000s.Alongside his wife Tanya, he opened A Star Barbers with the goal of creating a welcoming space where clients could receive quality haircuts and grooming services.Since its establishment in 2013, it has gained a reputation for providing top-notch grooming services.read more on a star barbersThe barbershop quickly became known for its skilled stylists and exceptional service, making it a favourite among local residents and professional athletes alike.It has attracted high-profile clientele — including some of the biggest names in football.A hub for footballersA Star Barbers has established itself as a go-to destination for footballers, particularly those associated with Chelsea due to its proximity to the club’s Cobham Training Centre.Alsanawi cut so many Blues players hair that he earned the nickname “Chelsea’s official barber”.Most read in FootballThe shop’s reputation has grown significantly over the years, thanks to Alsanawi’s talent and ability to connect with his clients.Many players trust him not just for haircuts — but also for styling advice.High-profile clientsJack GrealishJack Grealish is a regular at A Star BarbersCredit: TikTok / @astarbarbersJack Grealish was filmed getting his hair styled at the hairdressers in October 2024.A TikTok clip shared by A Star Barbers shows the star having dye applied, before blonde highlights are unveiled and his hair is blow-dried.Grealish has been a regular client, with Alsanawi regularly maintaining his signature style.In May 2022, he also visited for a trim before Manchester City’s Premier League title celebrations.The playmaker also visited in February of the same year, subsequently sharing a video of the barber shaving his hair, showcasing their close relationship.Romeo BeckhamRomeo Beckham dropped in for a cut in October 2022Credit: InstagramIn October 2022, David Beckham’s son Romeo visited A Star Barbers for a haircut.A clip of the Inter Miami forward was posted on social media after his trim was completed.The barbers’ Instagram account added the caption: “Nice to meet you bro @romeobeckham.”Paul PogbaPaul Pogba flies Alsanawi around the world to cut his hairCredit: Instagram / @paulpogbaPaul Pogba is a long-time client of Alsanawi.The Juventus man stopped by in September 2022 for a new look shocked his former Man U teammate Jesse Lingard.Pogba shared a clip of his haircut on Instagram alongside the caption: “No limit for the new look yeassirr! 🙌🏾🔥.”After A-Star was finished, Pogba jokingly put him in a headlock and gave him a noogie — the barber didn’t look too pleased.Lingard replied in the comments to poke fun at the ex-United star, joking that Pogba was a bully.He said: “Shock A-Star getting bullied again! Fresh trip PP.”In June 2022, Alsanawi gave Pogba a haircut just before his transfer from Manchester United to Juventus, hinting at the move on social media.He also visited the shop in May 2022 for a fresh cut, and there have been reports of Pogba being a client since 2017.The midfielder has even been known to fly Alsanawi to various locations for trims, including to the French national team’s training camp before the 2018 World Cup.Eden HazardAlsanawi flew to Madrid to style HazardIn November 2022, Alsanawi posted a video of himself flying to Madrid to give Hazard a haircut.This wasn’t the first time Alsanawi had travelled for Hazard.In April 2021, during the coronavirus pandemic, he flew to Spain to cut Hazard’s hair.This move unsurprisingly caused some controversy due to travel restrictions.Other notable clientsFoden had his hair cut by Alsanawi during the 2022 World Cup in QatarCredit: InstagramOther superstars of the footballing world to visit A Star Barbers include:Expansion of A Star BarbersAs A Star Barbers gained popularity among professional athletes, Alsanawi decided to expand his business.He opened additional locations while maintaining the same level of quality service that made the original shop successful.The brand now includes multiple outlets catering to a wider clientele while still being closely connected to the world of professional football.Alsanawi hopes to expand the brand globally, with a chain of A Star Barbers located all around the worldCredit: Oliver Dixon – The SunInnovative product rangeIn addition to providing exceptional grooming services, Alsanawi launched a line of haircare products called Fini by A-Star in May 2018.These products are designed specifically for men and feature unique formulations.This expansion into product development showcases Alsanawi’s commitment to enhancing men’s grooming experiences beyond just haircuts.Social media presenceAlsanawi’s work extends beyond the barbershop — he has cultivated a significant social media, where he shares photos of his work and interactions with high-profile clients.His Instagram account often features images of footballers sporting fresh cuts, giving fans an inside look at their favourite players’ grooming routines.Ahmed Alsanawi and his team (left to right) — Huw West, Abdullah Alsanawi, Ahmed Alsanawi and Jake McCoy.Credit: Oliver Dixon – The SunAs of October 11, 2024, Alsanawi’s account @astarbarbers has over a million followers. Chelsea banIn 2017, there were reports that Chelsea had banned Alsanawi from their training ground due to his frequent posting of selfies with players on social media.However, this setback didn’t deter Alsanawi, who continued to build his brand and clientele beyond Chelsea.One of Alsanawi’s proudest achievements was working with the French national team at the 2018 World Cup finals and receiving a shout-out from the players after their victory.He also served as the England team’s on-hand barber in Qatar for the 2022 World Cup.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe futureAlsanawi hopes to expand the brand globally, with a chain of A Star Barbers located all around the world.He continues to work on growing his product line and maintaining his status as one of the most sought-after barbers in the world of sport. More

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      Nottingham Forest slapped with staggering fine after shocking tweet following defeat to Everton

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      NOTTINGHAM FOREST have been hit with a huge fine after their shocking tweet following last season’s defeat to Everton.Forest lost 2-0 at Goodison Park in April’s potential relegation clash.Nottingham Forest have been fined after their tweet following last season’s defeat at EvertonCredit: GettyBut chiefs were left fuming as they felt Forest were denied three clear penalties.The club then published a wild post on X claiming that the VAR ref on the day was “a Luton fan”, with the Hatters also battling for safety at the time.It read: “Three extremely poor decisions – three penalties not given – which we simply cannot accept.”We warned the PGMOL that the VAR is a Luton fan before the game but they didn’t change him.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”Our patience has been tested multiple times. NFFC will now consider its options.”Forest were then hit with misconduct charges by the FA.And they have now been fined a massive £750,000.A statement read: “Nottingham Forest have been fined £750,000 and warned for misconduct in relation to comments posted on social media after their Premier League game against Everton on Sunday 21 April.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”The club denied that the comments posted on social media imply bias and/or question the integrity of the match officials and/or the video assistant referee and/or bring the game into disrepute.”An independent Regulatory Commission found the charge to be proven following a hearing and imposed the club’s sanctions.”Football icons’ strange hobbiesNottingham Forest have confirmed that they will appeal the decision.A club statement read: “Nottingham Forest Football Club is extremely disappointed with the decision of the Regulatory Commission to impose a £750,000 fine in relation to comments posted on social media following our Premier League fixture against Everton on Sunday 21 April.”We are particularly concerned that The FA, in its submissions, sought a sanction ‘in excess of £1,000,000’. “We believe that this request, along with the subsequent fine, is wholly disproportionate and the Club will be appealing the decision.”Following their initial tweet in April, Forest demanded the VAR audio from the game against Everton was released.Refs chief Howard Webb even went as far as to admit mistakes were made in the match.But that still didn’t save Forest from their FA charge.Thankfully for Nuno Espirito Santo’s side, they ended up beating the drop last season.READ MORE SUN STORIESInstead it was Luton who dropped to the Championship.And Forest are now looking solid in 10th place this term. More

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      US Presidential hopeful Kamala Harris bizarrely using Premier League legend’s catchphrase for campaign

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      FOOTIE fans were baffled after discovering a video of US Presidential hopeful Kamala Harris utilising a Premier League legend’s iconic commentary.Harris is in the final stages of campaigning for the White House ahead of next month’s election, which takes place on November 5.Kamala Harris is duking it out with Donald Trump to become the next President of the United StatesCredit: AFPHarris is utilising social media platforms to ensure the Democrats are re-electedCredit: GETTYHer social media team have utilised some iconic commentary from Alan Shearer in one of their campaign clipsCredit: BBCThe Harris campaign has bizarrely used Shearer’s unforgettable commentary after England’s Euro 2024 shootout win over SwitzerlandCredit: TIKTOK@KAMALAHQThe Democrats’ candidate has been utilising social media in her bid to prevent Donald Trump from becoming a two-time president.Several of the TikToks from her official campaign page have gone viral, including a montage with Alan Shearer’s iconic commentary after England’s penalty shootout victory over Switzerland at Euro 2024.The video starts with unflattering pictures of Trump and his running mate JD Vance as Shearer says: “[Cole] Palmer, [Jude] Bellingham, [Bukayo] Saka, [Ivan] Toney, Trent [Alexander Arnold]. Pressure?”The TikTok then transitions to snaps and clips of Harris and her running mate Tim Walz as Shearer says: “What pressure?”READ MORE ON SHEARER”Pressure is for tyres! It’s a different generation. They don’t feel it.”How confident were they? They had the belief [and] they somehow found the energy.”Scores of footie fans commented on the post after it spread like wildfire, with one saying: “Not the Shearer audio.”Another said: “Great sound choice.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAlan Shearer joked that Kamala Harris’ must have “loved” his co-commentaryCredit: TIKTOK@THERESTISFOOTBALLAnd another said: “Admin for President.”One remarked: “Brilliant.”Alan Shearer’s gives an iconic line with his commentary for England v Switzerland Euro 2024 match Another chimed in: “Alan being used in Kamala’s 2024 Presidential campaign was not on my bingo card.”Shearer was informed of the Harris campaign’s use of his iconic commentary by Gary Lineker during a recent episode of the Rest is Football podcast.And the 54-year-old joked: “She must have loved the co-comms, eh?”Lineker sparked intense laughter by responding: “She likes a bit of Geordie, apparently.”Moments after he finished cracking up, fellow podcast host Micah Richards said: “That was one of the great lines, that is.”It’s unbelievable.” More

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      Ollie Watkins told to confront Lee Carsley after not starting for England despite Harry Kane missing game through injury

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      OLLIE WATKINS will be “raging” and “knocking on Lee Carsley’s door” after not starting for England against Greece, says Alan Shearer.Three Lions’ interim boss Carsley, 50, suffered his first defeat as national team coach on Thursday night as his side suffered a shock 2-1 loss to Greece at Wembley.Ollie Watkins came off the bench after an hour against GreeceCredit: PAEngland were without captain Harry Kane as he was not declared fit in time for the clash.Yet instead of replacing him with second-choice striker Watkins, 28, Carsley opted to line up without a striker.Cole Palmer, Phil Foden and Jude Bellingham rotated as the most advanced player, before Watkins came on after an hour.The Aston Villa forward’s place on the bench comes after he scored 27 goals in 53 games for Unai Emery’s men last season.READ MORE ON ENGLANDHe went to the Euros under Gareth Southgate and scored a 90th-minute winner against Holland in the semi-finals.Ex-England striker Shearer, 54, feels Watkins should be furious and demand a start against Finland on Sunday.Speaking on The Rest is Football podcast: “You would be absolutely raging if you were Ollie Watkins, wouldn’t you?”Your main centre-forward is injured and you’ve been crying out for an opportunity.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”When you’ve come on, you’ve actually done alright… and he’s doing well at club level.”Yet when Kane is out, the manager comes to you and says, ‘Well, I’m not going to play you tonight at home against Greece, I’m going to try something different’.Lee Carsley appears to admit staggeringly short amount of time England practised bold new tactic before Greece shocker”He’s got every right to be [raging], he should be knocking on his door, tonight or tomorrow, saying: ‘I have to play the next game if Kane is not fit’.”Watkins has earned 15 England caps, scoring four goals.Just five of those have been starts – the last of which came in a 3-0 win over Bosnia in June.It is not yet known whether record scorer Kane will be available for the trip to Finland.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

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      Which fixtures should Dream Team managers target after the international break?

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      DREAM TEAM managers should be using this international break to plan their strategy for the weeks ahead.A quick look at the schedule reveals some key fixtures to target throughout the rest of October.Squeeze the schedule for every point available!Credit: Dream TeamFor starters, only seven of the 20 Premier League clubs have four fixtures to fulfil before Halloween, those with European commitments: Liverpool, Manchester City, Arsenal, Aston Villa, Tottenham, Manchester United and Chelsea.Six teams have three games in the same time frame: Newcastle, Crystal Palace, Brighton, Southampton, Brentford and Leicester.While the remaining seven sides will play just twice across the next two Gameweeks: Bournemouth, West Ham, Everton, Wolves, Fulham, Nottingham Forest and Ipswich.Given that more fixtures usually equals more points, it might be wise to avoid players who have just two games left this month as they are likely to slip down the rankings – although Dwight McNeil’s (£4.1m) owners will understandably be reluctant to let him go.Let’s take a closer look at the seven teams with four fixtures in an attempt to identify which match-ups will produce the most points.Liverpool have some testing fixtures coming up but Salah’s record speaks for itselfCredit: AFPLIVERPOOLChelsea (h)RB Leipzig (a)Arsenal (a)Brighton (a)The Reds face a tough run after the break and Dream Team bosses may be torn about whether to stick or twist with the likes of Mohamed Salah (£7.6m), Luis Diaz (£4.9m) and Trent Alexander-Arnold (£6.2m).Most read in FootballHowever, it’s important to remember that Arne Slot’s side are top of the league and the aforementioned players have provided plenty of points across the first seven Gameweeks.MANCHESTER CITYWolves (a)Sparta Prague (h)Southampton (h)Tottenham (a)Spurs away has historically been a bogey fixture for Pep Guardiola but that road trip comes in the Carabao Cup and so a certain degree of rotation is possible, depending how both coaches prioritise the competition.The fact City’s next two league games are against the teams currently 20th and 19th in the table, either side of a favourable Champions League home game, suggests there may be some big hauls for Erling Haaland (£9.1m) in the coming weeks.It will be interesting to see whether Phil Foden (£5.9m) comes to the party now he’s getting plenty of minutes again – the 24-year-old was Dream Team’s top performer in 2023/24.Haaland could feast against the league’s basement boysCredit: ReutersARSENALBournemouth (a)Shakhtar Donetsk (h)Liverpool (h)Preston (a)That meeting with Liverpool jumps out as a must-see game in the context of the Premier League title race but Mikel Arteta won’t be overly concerned about the other match-ups – Shakhtar are yet to score in the Champions League this season.Bukayo Saka (£6.5m) limped off during England’s defeat to Greece on Thursday night and a huge number of gaffers will be nervously awaiting an update – the Gunners’ No7 is second only to Haaland in the Dream Team rankings right now.CHELSEALiverpool (a)Panathinaikos (a)Newcastle (h)Newcastle (a)Enzo Maresca’s men face a tricky spell across the next six weeks or so, starting with a daunting trip to Anfield.The Carabao Cup draw conspired to give them a double header against the Magpies which promises to be competitive – both teams have lost just once in the top flight this campaign.It’s worth remembering that points machine Cole Palmer (£6.5m) was not selected in the Blues’ Conference League squad so his backers can forget about that trip to Greece in Gameweek 8.Palmer won’t be active in Europe throughout the league phaseCredit: ReutersASTON VILLAFulham (a)Bologna (h)Bournemouth (h)Crystal Palace (h)The Villains produced a lacklustre display against Manchester United last time out but the overall outlook remains positive – their win over Bayern Munich will live long in the memory.Fulham aren’t to be underestimated on current form – they gave Man City a scare in Gameweek 7 – but the rest of October is relatively favourable for Villa.It’s early days but it wouldn’t be a surprise if Jhon Duran (£3.3m) started against the Eagles in the last 16 of the Carabao Cup at the end of the month.TOTTENHAMWest Ham (h)AZ Alkmaar (h)Crystal Palace (a)Manchester City (h)Spurs tossed away a 2-0 lead at Brighton in their most recent outing which may have tempered expectations among Dream Team managers somewhat.That being said, goals and assists are flowing freely for the likes of James Maddison (£4.5m), Brennan Johnson (£3.8m) and Dominic Solanke (£4.4m).Three home games out of four should help Ange Postecoglou’s side after the break.Johnson is a popular man among gaffers at the momentCredit: GettyMANCHESTER UNITEDBrentford (h)Fenerbahce (a)West Ham (a)Leicester (h)Given the Red Devils have endured their worst start to a Premier League campaign, Dream Team bosses will hardly be queuing up to recruit their assets.But it’s simply true that all their remaining domestic opponents this month are currently bottom-half sides.READ MORE SUN STORIESSomebody like Marcus Rashford (£4.1m) is worthy of consideration at the very least – he notched 52 points in six outings between Gameweeks 4 and 6 earlier this season.The Gameweek 8 deadline is a while away yet but it’s never too early to get your plans in place!BetMGM sign up offerBetMGM: Get £40 in free bets — HERE**New cust only. 7 days to opt in by placing a £10 qualifying bet at 1/1 (2.0) odds or greater to receive 4x Free Bets: 1 x £10 horse racing, 1 x £10 Bet Builder, 1 x £10 Acca and 1 x £10 football. 7 day expiry. Exclusions apply. Stake not returned. 18+. T&Cs apply.Commercial content notice: Taking one of the bookmaker offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. 18+. T&Cs apply. gambleaware.org More

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      Flooded pitch causes chaos in Argentina’s draw with Venezuela as Lionel Messi rants about ‘ugly’ match

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      LIONEL MESSI ranted about the waterlogged pitch after Argentina drew with Venezuela.Nicolas Otamendi’s early opener was cancelled out by a goal from former Everton and West Brom striker Salomon Rondon.Lionel Messi complained about the condition of the pitchCredit: AFPRain meant parts of the surface were waterloggedCredit: GettyKick-off was delayed by 30 minutes as staff cleared waterCredit: ReutersAfter the match Messi complained his side had to ditch their gameplan because of the pitch conditions.Rain left the ground soaked and inhibited the ball’s movement during the match.A clip of Messi warming up showed the ball stopping dead after he hit a shot against the bar, with water preventing it from bouncing at all.Messi believes the conditions made for an “ugly” match as it prevented passes from being made with players having to “battle” instead.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe said: “It was very difficult, it makes for very ugly matches.”We could not complete two passes in a row. In the second half we did it on the right a little more, but it is difficult to play like that. Very little is played.”We tied because the pitch didn’t help us do what we wanted, we had to play a different game than the one we prepared for.”But we were prepared because we fought, won the battles, played with the error of the rival. We couldn’t risk much by playing with passes to the back. Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”In the first half we made a couple passes to the back and the water would stop it, and complicate it. We did the game we could with the water.”Kick-off was delayed by 30 minutes due to the pitch conditions before the referee judged it okay to play.David Beckham rewarded as Lionel Messi leads Inter Miami to second trophy by knocking reigning champions off their perch More