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      Who is in Thomas Tuchel’s England squad and when are the games?

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      THOMAS Tuchel has named his first squad as England manager.He is the England manager and announced his first Three Lions squad on March 14, 2025.Thomas Tuchel is the new England football managerCredit: Getty ImagesThomas has managed some of the world’s biggest teams, including ChelseaCredit: AFP – GettuBecoming the England managerTuchel was announced as the head coach of the England national team on October 16, 2024.He brought some of his former staff with him, including his Chelsea assistant coach Anthony Barry and his Chelsea goalkeeping coach Hilario. It is hoped that Thomas’ distinctive training style – renowned for its innovative and analytical methods – will help push the England team further, after they came second at the Euros in 2024. Tuchel’s first England squadTuchel announced his first England squad for the 2026 World Cup with a double-header at Wembley against Albania and Latvia on Friday, 21 and Monday, 24 March (both 7.45pm GMT kick-offs).Read More on Thomas TuchelMarcus Rashford and Jordan Henderson returned to the Three Lions set-up for the matches.Rashford earned an England recall after a year out following his loan move from Manchester United to Aston Villa.He has not scored for his new side yet but has started four games since his January switch.Tuchel also made a bold move in bringing 34-year-old Jordan Henderson back into the fold.Most read in FootballThe former Liverpool captain, now with Dutch side Ajax, has not played for the Three Lions since November 2023.Uncapped Arsenal 18-year-old Myles Lewis-Skelly earned his first call-up.Goalkeepers: Dean Henderson (Crystal Palace), Jordan Pickford (Everton), Aaron Ramsdale (Southampton), James Trafford (Burnley)Defenders: Dan Burn (Newcastle United), Levi Colwill (Chelsea), Marc Guehi (Crystal Palace), Reece James (Chelsea), Ezri Konsa (Aston Villa), Myles Lewis-Skelly (Arsenal), Tino Livramento (Newcastle United), Jarell Quansah (Liverpool), Kyle Walker (AC Milan, loan from Manchester City)Midfielders: Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid), Eberechi Eze (Crystal Palace), Jordan Henderson (Ajax), Curtis Jones (Liverpool), Cole Palmer (Chelsea), Declan Rice (Arsenal), Morgan Rogers (Aston Villa)Forwards: Jarrod Bowen (West Ham United), Phil Foden (Manchester City), Anthony Gordon (Newcastle United), Harry Kane (Bayern Munich), Marcus Rashford (Aston Villa, loan from Manchester United), Dominic Solanke (Tottenham Hotspur) More

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      Arne Slot ready to play Curtis Jones in brand new position with Liverpool facing Carabao Cup final crisis

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      CURTIS JONES is set to start at RIGHT-BACK for Liverpool in the Carabao Cup final.Arne Slot was dealt a double blow on Tuesday night as the Reds crashed out of the Champions League after Trent Alexander-Arnold limped off with a worrying injury.Curtis Jones could start at right-back for the Carabao Cup final, according to Liverpool boss Arne SlotCredit: GettyTrent Alexander-Arnold suffered a nasty-looking injury in the Champions League loss to PSGCredit: AlamyThe seemingly Real Madrid-bound England right-back, 26, appeared to hurt his ankle badly against PSG – and took four minutes to walk around the pitch and into the tunnel.The injury sparked fears he’d played his last game for Liverpool – but Slot has allayed those concerns, claiming he should return as the Reds push for only their second Premier League crown.Jarell Quansah – who was today named in Thomas Tuchel’s first England squad – came off the bench to fill in at right-back, with Alexander-Arnold’s talented understudy Conor Bradley already on the physio’s table.Versatile Joe Gomez is another star more than capable of playing in that position who’s also nursing a long-term injury.READ MORE SPORT STORIESBut Slot has hinted he may start Jones – a regular in Liverpool’s attacking midfield trio – on the right of a back-four as Newcastle aim to end their 70-year major trophy drought.Ahead of the Wembley showdown, Slot said: “Maybe Curtis (Jones) can play [at right-back].”Trent (Alexander-Arnold) is not available;,he won’t be there.”He is still to be assessed, but we do expect him back before the [end of the] season.”Most read in FootballCheltenham Festival betting offers and free betsJones has played 169 times for Liverpool – largely in attacking areas of the pitch, including left wing and as a No10.However, he has filled in THREE times at right-back before.Liverpool boss Arne Slot left with sense of shock after Champions League penalty shoot-out exit against PSG Arne Slot has lifted the lid on injuries to Alexander-Arnold and Konate ahead of the Wembley showdownCredit: PAJones started the 3-1 Carabao Cup win over Leicester in that position – when he captained the side – while also having two appearances off the bench, both in 2020, including the Community Shield penalty shootout defeat to Arsenal.Slot will be buoyed slightly by the absence of Newcastle’s star left-winger, Anthony Gordon, taking the edge of Trent’s absence.The Kop boss said: “I don’t go along with [the final being bigger for Newcastle]. If you reach a final, it is always a big moment for them and also for us.”In this part of the season – in England – it is almost impossible to have everyone fit. We have two or three injuries and that is minimum you can expect after four months of non-stop football.”So it is big compliment for us and Newcastle to have so many fit. Trent and Gordon are big players for both clubs but there are a lot of quality players for both.”Meanwhile, Liverpool have been handed an injury boost after Ibrahima Konate trained on Friday, having also hobbled off against PSG. More

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      Captaincy options for Gameweek 28: Red-hot Bruno Fernandes set to take on hapless Leicester

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      DREAM TEAM managers have until 1:30pm on Saturday to select their captain for Gameweek 28.There are no double headers to target this coming Gameweek so it’s simply a case of identifying the player most likely to cash in this weekend.Salah has an excellent record against NewcastleCredit: ReutersMohamed Salah (£8m) has been the most popular captain for the last 12 Gameweeks and Liverpool’s main man is set to maintain that status ahead of Sunday’s Carabao Cup final.The Reds will meet Newcastle at Wembley to determine the first trophy winners of the season.Salah has racked up 454 points via 32 goals and 22 assists in what will go down as one of the all-time great Dream Team campaigns; clearly he is a strong captaincy option.Furthermore, he boasts a fantastic record of ten goals and eight assists in 17 games against the Magpies.Will Alexander-Arnold’s absence hinder Salah at Wembley?Credit: GettyHowever, cup finals are often cagey affairs and Eddie Howe’s side will do everything in their power to frustrate the Egyptian superstar, who wasn’t at his best in either leg of the Champions League round of 16.Additionally, Arne Slot is expected to be without Trent Alexander-Arnold at Wembley and it’s the talented right-back who often finds Salah in promising positions with his wide range of passing.Many Dream Team bosses will be tempted to captain Bruno Fernandes (£6.4m).Manchester United’s captain is red hot right now having earned a whopping 39 points in Gameweek 27!Most read in FootballThe Portuguese midfielder scored a superb free-kick against Arsenal at the weekend before a clutch hat-trick against Real Sociedad on Thursday night to ensure his side’s progression to the Europa League quarter-finals.Hat-trick heroCredit: GettyGranted, two of his goals came from the penalty spot but what’s more relevant is that Fernandes is hoarding almost every point available at present.He must therefore be considered a viable skipper ahead of the Red Devils’ trip to Leicester this weekend.The Foxes have lost six consecutive games in all competitions, including a 2-1 defeat at Old Trafford in the FA Cup.Fernandes banked nine points from that encounter but it wouldn’t be a surprise if he notched double digits this time around given he averages 12.6 points-per-game across his last eight outings!A wildcard optionCredit: GettyManchester City are at home to Brighton and so Erling Haaland (£8.1m) is in the captaincy conversation.The prolific No9 has scored 28 goals in all competitions this term but the Seagulls are in great form and so this match-up can’t be considered a friendly one – Fabian Hurzeler’s side won the reverse fixture on the south coast.But if you want to strap the armband to a big centre forward with a favourable fixture this Gameweek then perhaps Chris Wood (£3.9m) fits the bill.READ MORE SUN STORIESNottingham Forest’s target man has plundered 18 league goals and he will be hopeful of adding to that tally at Portman Road on Saturday.Ipswich are 18th in the table having conceded 58 goals, only Southampton and Leicester have shipped more to date.Score PredictorPlay Score Predictor with Dream Team this season!FREE to play£250 weekly prizePredict scores of five selected Premier League fixtures and earn points for accuracyMost points wins weekly cash prizePLAY NOW More

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      Inside £49m ‘Stadium of the Year’ which set world record & is more popular than Bernabeu despite hosting 4TH-TIER club

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      A FOURTH-TIER club has been crowned proud owner of “Stadium of the Year” in an incredible poll.A recent survey – which attracted over 10,000 votes – has revealed the best ground on the planet.The Ernst-Abbe-Sportfeld has won ‘Stadium of the Year’ in a new pollCredit: GettyThe Bernabeu ranks only second despite a recent renovationCredit: GettyThe iconic Mas Monumental stadium in Argentine came just fifth in the pollCredit: RexAnd iconic grounds like Real Madrid’s Bernabeu and River Plate’s iconic Mas Monumental have been left in the dust of a German side’s tiny, bargain of a stadium.The ad hoc Arena im Ernst-Abbe-Sportfeld, which plays host to Carl Zeiss Jena in Germany’s Regionalliga – the fourth tier – has battered the competition to be crowned the world’s best ground.The stadium holds just 15,432 spectators – around 90,000 FEWER than the soon-to-be-completed revamped Nou Camp.Despite that, voters of StadiumDB.com’s poll have bestowed the incredible honour upon the ground, which was built in 1974 and completely renovated in 1995.READ MORE SPORT STORIESThe arena – used by Gareth Southgate’s England ahead of their Euro 2024 campaign – earned 15,329 points, narrowly edging out the £1billion, 80,000-seater Bernabeu (15,081 points) – which is set for yet another expansion just one year after it’s latest upgrade.The £400m, 51,000-seater Stade Hocine Aït Ahmed in Algeria came in third, with the Stade Ali La Pointe – also in the North African nation – ranked fourth, with those grounds the only others in the survey to attract over 10,000 points.The intimidating Mas Monumental – which hosts 85,000 passionate River Plate fans – was good only for fifth, garnering just shy of 8,000 points.Atalanta’s Gewiss Stadium was a surprise name in seventh – Europe’s third-top-ranking ground, with no Premier League stadiums making the list.Most read in FootballCheltenham Festival betting offers and free betsThat’s despite Tottenham’s £850m home largely being considered one of the best around.The likes of Anfield, the Emirates and Old Trafford are also big-name snubs, with Wembley also ignored.Man Utd confirm Old Trafford decision with club set to build £2bn 100,000-seater ‘Wembley of the North’ Man Utd have recently unveiled plans for a new £2bn stadiumCredit: PAHowever, Manchester United recently announced plans for a stunning £2bn new home – attracting largely negative reviews from fans.Yet experts reckon United will go way over budget and say the cornerstone of the plans are unlikely to ever see the light of day.What we know about the ‘new’ Old TraffordMANCHESTER UNITED plan to build a new stadium rather than redevelop Old Trafford.The decision was made after a number of fact-finding missions to other stadiums including the Bernabeu and Nou Camp.The cost of the project is expected to be a staggering £2billion.A capacity of 100,000 is expected.It is felt that a club of United’s standing should have a new state-of-the-art facility.The new stadium will be built on land adjacent to the Red Devils’ current home.United are looking to not only build a stadium but regenerate the area of Trafford where the ground will stand.There had been plans to KEEP Old Trafford rather than demolish it, and use it as a scaled down second venue.However, it’s looking increasing likely that it will in fact be entirely demolished.The club consulted with 30,000 fans about what to do and believe there is roughly a 50-50 split on staying or moving.The club have appointed the architects Foster + Partners to come up with a “masterplan”. The company were behind Wembley Stadium.Old Trafford has been United’s home since 1910.The target is for completion by 2030. More

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      ‘How much you paid the ref’ – Man Utd star writes on Bruno Fernandes’ hat-trick ball after Europa League hat-trick

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      A MANCHESTER UNITED star left a cheeky message on Bruno Fernandes’ match ball after he scored a Europa League hat-trick on Thursday night.Fernandes dragged United to victory against Real Sociedad at Old Trafford, scoring two penalties on his way to a match-winning trio of goals.Fernandes shows off his match ball with the cheeky message alongside GarnachoCredit: INSTAGRAMIt was a vintage performance from the United captainCredit: GettyDorgu collides with Aritz to win United’s second spot kick of the nightCredit: PAHe scored his third from open play in the 87th minute before Rasmus Hojlund teed up Diogo Dalot to put the final nail in the coffin.As Fernandes posed with the match ball signed by the United squad at full-time, eagle-eyed fans spotted the message “How much did you pay the ref?”The jab comes as United were awarded three controversial penalties on the night.The first came as Hojlund was tackled after getting his shot away, leading some fans to argue that the foul was irrelevant.Read more footballThe second was more an accidental coming together than a foul, as Patrick Dorgu clattered into a stationary Aritz Elustondo.The third penalty of the night came in the second half when Dorgu was taken out again, this time by Hamari Traore, but it was overruled after the United player admitted his marker won the ball.It is not known which United player wrote the message on the ball.Fans were also quick to criticise the referee for his trigger-happy card policy, dishing out nine yellow cards and sending off Sociedad substitute Jon Aramburu just seven minutes after he was introduced.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSFernandes’ brace of penalties were the 58th and 59th of his career. Ruben Amorim hits back at Roy Keane after Man Utd legend’s explosive Bruno Fernandes rant He has missed just six, making his career conversion rate a healthy 91 per cent.They take his penalty tally for the season to five, also scoring from the spot in a loss to Brighton, win at rivals Manchester City and draw to Chelsea.United’s captain has gone from strength to strength since signing in 2020, scoring 94 goals in 276 appearances.The Red Devils will now face Lyon in the Europa League quarter-finals after the French side eased past FCSB in the round of 16.Man Utd player ratingsCAPTAIN Fantastic rescued Manchester United once again – scoring a hat-trick as the Red Devils overcame an early scare to beat Real Sociedad and advance in the Europa League.He was the coolest man inside Old Trafford twice as he slotted home penalties either side of half-time to put his side in control against the Spaniards.Joshua Zirkzee was another who impressed as Manchester United secured a tie against Lyon in the quarter-finals.But it wasn’t all positive.Rasmus Hojlund drew a blank yet again. That’s now 21 games and no goals – the equivalent of over THIRTY HOURS without the £72m striker hitting the net.Check out our full Man Utd player ratings. More

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      Thomas Tuchel’s masterplan to win England a second World Cup revealed by Jordan Henderson’s shock inclusion in squad

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      PERHAPS Thomas Tuchel was looking for maturity and experience when he handed Jordan Henderson a shock England recall in his first squad as Three Lions boss.That’s the same Ajax captain Henderson who missed Thursday’s nights Europa League thrashing by Eintracht Frankfurt through suspension after telling a referee to “f*** off”.Thomas Tuchel has named is first England squadCredit: GettyAjax captain Jordan Henderson is a shock inclusionCredit: GettyOr perhaps it was Henderson’s dedication to the England cause which inspired Tuchel.That’s the same Henderson who appeared to give up on his country by making a shock move to Saudi club Al Ettifaq when leaving Liverpool in 2023, taking the money rather than continuing in elite football.That Saudi experiment lasted just six months before Henderson headed to Amsterdam – where he has been frequently criticised in the Dutch media for a salary which hasn’t been matched by performance levels. Henderson is 34 and will be 36 by the time of next year’s World Cup in the United States so this is hardly one for the future from Tuchel – who is only likely to be in the post as England boss until next summer.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSThe new boss has shown short-term thinking by selecting Henderson, as well as 34-year-old right-back Kyle Walker – on loan at AC Milan from Manchester City, where his form fell of a cliff earlier this season.Even Dan Burn, one of two uncapped players in Tuchel’s squad for the home World Cup qualifiers against Albania and Latvia, is 32.But Henderson’s inclusion in a 26-man squad is perhaps the most surprising of the lot.Henderson has won 81 caps, the last of which came against Malta in November 2023, when Gareth Southgate surprisingly included him despite that controversial move to Saudi. Most read in FootballCheltenham Festival betting offers and free betsHe was not involved with England in 2024, missing last summer’s Euros, along with Marcus Rashford – another surprise inclusion from Tuchel.The former Liverpool skipper has benefitted from an injury to Manchester United’s Kobbie Mainoo to earn his call-up.Thomas Tuchel’s first day at St. George’s Park as he meets England staff and coaches But Henderson’s inclusion is proof positive that Tuchel will rely on experience rather than youth in his short-term mission of attempting to win England a second World Cup. More

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      Sack him immediately’ – Jordan Henderson leads list of stars fans can’t believe Thomas Tuchel named in England squad

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      ENGLAND fans have expressed their shock at the inclusion of Jordan Henderson in Thomas Tuchel’s first Three Lions squad.The German tactician surprised with his selection for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Albania and Latvia.Thomas Tuchel has included a few surprises in his first England squadCredit: GettyThe inclusion of Jordan Henderson has shocked many Three Lions fansCredit: GettyThere were new call-ups in the cases of Myles Lewis-Skelly and Dan Burn.However, it was the recall of others that seemed to cause the biggest stir amongst supporters.Following his Man Utd exile, Marcus Rashford is back in the St George’s Park set-up.But, even more fans were stunned with Jordan Henderson making the cut.Read more England newsPlenty seemed annoyed that the former Liverpool man was picked ahead of younger stars who have been impressing in the Premier League.While another called for Tuchel to be removed from his post.One fan posted on X: “Jordan Henderson, sack him immediately.”A second shared: “Jordan Henderson over Adam Wharton? Jesus Christ, is Southgate back?”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSA third wrote: “4 keepers. Walker over spence. Henderson over Wharton. Quansah over Branthwaite. Burn over Maguire.”A fourth opined: “Henderson over Wharton is already a sackable offence.”And fifth added: “Would never pretend to be non-partisan, but Jordan Henderson in that England squad over Elliot Anderson and Morgan Gibbs-White is unfathomable to me. Not sure how much more MGW could do.”England manager Thomas Tuchel reacts to Three Lions’ World Cup 2026 qualifying drawHenderson, 34, has been playing in the Netherlands for Ajax, since terminating his multi-million-pound contract with Al-Ettifaq last year.Back in January, he was involved in a heated exchange with a Dutch journalist who told him a club chief revealed the midfielder wanted to leave the club.That came after a move to Monaco during the January transfer window failed to materialise.According to reports, Henderson had agreed terms with the French club – only for Ajax to block the move.Further reports claimed Henderson showed his frustrations to the Eredivisie giants by refusing to wear the captain’s armband in a Europa League clash against Galatasaray. More

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      Kylian Mbappe moves into new sport as Real Madrid star expands growing business empire

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      KYLIAN MBAPPE has made a shrewd investment in one of the most high-tech sports in the world.Real Madrid and France star Mbappe, 26, and his investment arm Coalition Capital have today been announced as new investors in the France SailGP Team.Kylian Mbappe celebrates after scoring Real Madrid’s first penalty during the Champions League last-16 second legCredit: GettyMbappe has been confirmed as a new investor in SailGPThe French team already hold the speed record in the Sail GP series, reaching just shy of 100km/hCredit: Bob Martin for SailGPSailGP is a high-tech, high-speed sailing league, featuring 12 national teams each competing in 50-foot catamarans.The season kicked off in Dubai in January, before heading to Auckland and then on to Sydney.Though the French team sat out the first two events, they returned to the competition in Sydney.Going into this weekend’s Grand Prix in Los Angeles, the French sit seventh in the league table, with the British team proudly leading the way.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe event series was founded by five-time America’s Cup winner and Olympic gold medalist Sir Russell Coutts in 2019.Real Madrid star Mbappé and his ‘Inspired by KM’ foundation will become the French team’s official charity partner, and he hopes to open countless more doors for young people and give them a voice they might not have otherwise had.Reacting to the announcement, Mbappé said: ““We are excited to be on board with this new adventure with the France SailGP Team, alongside Accor and other investors.”I’m also proud that IBKM has the opportunity to engage more young people around the world through this relationship.”Most read in FootballCoutts welcomed the announcement and the impact it might have on SailGP.He said: “We couldn’t be more excited to welcome Kylian Mbappé into our growing SailGP family of partners and investors – he’s undeniably one of the most influential athletes of our time, and an inspiration to sports fans across the globe.”Cheltenham Festival betting offers and free betsSpeed-merchant Mbappe will hope to inspire the French team, dubbed Les Bleus, to new heights. They already hold the record for the highest speed in a SailGP event – reaching a staggering 99.94 km/h (62.1 mph) in season 3.His investment in SailGP becomes the latest in a series of business ventures for the Frenchman, on top of his reported £26.3million salary at Real Madrid.Inside Kylian Mbappe’s private suite at Real Madrid training ground with fingerprint scanner and huge balconyJust last year, Coalition Capital acquired a majority stake in Ligue 2 side Caen, who sit rock bottom of the second tier of French football.They also acquired a minority stake in Loewe Technology – a German electronics company specialising in home cinemas and top-of-the-range televisions.Mbappe – alongside Lionel Messi and Serena Williams – is also an investor in cryptocurrency-based fantasy football game Sorare, and he has a further investment in luxury watch trading platform Wristcheck.And he now has a Champions League quarter-final against Arsenal to look forward to after Wednesday’s controversial win over Atletico Madrid. More