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      Copenhagen 1 Chelsea 2: Blues take slender lead back to Stamford Bridge but left ruing late goal to give Danes hope

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      REECE JAMES came to Chelsea’s rescue again with a goal worthy of a bigger stage.Captain James broke the deadlock with a cracking 25-yarder that dragged his team out of the doldrums as they struggled to get into gear in the C-List Conference League.Reece James broke the deadlock with a great strikeCredit: GettyEnzo Fernandez netted Chelsea’s second of the nightCredit: ReutersGabriel Pereira headed one in for CopenhagenCredit: ReutersChelsea’s longest serving player was drafted into midfield as a tactical experiment by boss Enzo Maresca and popped up a minute into the second half with only his second goal of the season.In January, he salvaged a point for The Blues with the last kick of the game at home to Bournemouth and showed his value again just when Maresca needed it.The head coach was forced to make a triple substitution at half time to ignite his team and gain a narrow advantage to make next week’s last 16 second leg in London a bit more comfortableBy the end of the game, a reshuffled Chelsea line up had a more familiar look with Marc Cucurella, Levi Colwill, Jadon Sancho and Enzo Fernandez on the pitch.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLAnd vice-captain Fernandez doubled their lead with 25 minutes left with a well-placed shot across goal from inside the box.Maresca’s side should have cruised it from there but suffered a nervy final ten minutes when the Danish league leaders pulled one back from a set-piece with a header by Gabriel Pereira cashing in on slack marking at the back post.James has to be carefully managed these days after a string of hamstring injuries which have plagued his recent career.Good job the renowned full back was on the ball despite being out of position in the heart of the team as Maresca tinkered with his line up.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSCredit must also go to Cucurella, forced to come on earlier than expected when Malo Gusto came off injured after only 24 minutes.The Spaniard was an attacking force down the left and claimed the assist for James’ opener and the key pass to Tyrique George which ultimately allowed Fernandez to claim the winner.Cole Palmer branded ‘gift that keeps on giving’ after Chelsea star reveals his meal deal sandwich Malo Gusto suffered an injury in the first halfCredit: EPAHe was subbed off as a resultCredit: GettyCurly-tops Cucu provided a neat cut-back for James to unleash a screamer into the back of the net from outside the box not long into the second half.And from there a much more confident Chelsea pressed the advantage and rookie winger George played a short pass from the byline for Fernandez to pick his spot from inside the six yard box.With his eyes on Sunday’s Premier League clash at home to his former club Leicester, Maresca rejigged his line-up and also took off Cole Palmer early to rest legs for the weekend game.Greenhorn striker Shumaira Mheuka became the youngest starter for Chelsea in a major European tournament at the age of 17 years and 137 days but was taken off at half time.Enzo Maresca will be frustrated by the late goalCredit: GettyChelsea ratings vs CopenhagenREECE JAMES ensured Chelsea will have a lead to defend at Stamford Bridge next week despite not being at the races.Enzo Maresca would have been scratching his head at half-time after the Blues put in one of their worst first half performances of the season.The Chelsea boss wrung the changes at the break and they paid off instantly as James opened the scoring from 30 yards.It was a stroke of genius from Maresca to play James in the midfield – and he would not have been in a position to score otherwise.The skipper battled brilliantly in the middle of the park and his ability to pick out a pass meant his display was one of few positives to take from this clash.Cole Palmer again looked lethargic while Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall looked out of his depth – as did Shim Mheuka making his full debut.Fellow youngster Tyrique George looked bright while Christopher Nkunku and Marc Cucurella made impacts from the bench.But in truth Chelsea were lucky to escape Parken with a win.Here is how SunSport’s Kealan Hughes rated the Blues’ players. More

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      Bayern Munich star Manuel Neuer ‘out for the forseeable future’ after suffering freak injury celebrating goal

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      MANUEL NEUER has been ruled out for the “foreseeable future” – after injuring his calf celebrating a goal.The Bayern Munich goalkeeper, 38, hobbled off soon after Jamal Musiala’s goal in their 3-0 win over Bayer Leverkusen in the Champions League last-16.Manuel Neuer was forced off with a calf injury in Bayern Munich’s 3-0 win over Bayer LeverkusenCredit: GettyThe club have now confirmed Neuer is out for the ‘foreseeable future’Credit: RexNeuer, who was replaced by debutant Jonas Urbig, is set to be sidelined until after the international break – and will definitely miss Tuesday’s return leg.Bayern said: “Manuel Neuer suffered a torn muscle fibre in his right calf. “The diagnosis was confirmed by the medical unit. “He will be out for the foreseeable future.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBoss Vincent Kompany said: “It happens sometimes. “It’s a pity, but we’ve always talked about the squad.“That’s how we’ve come so far, in the league and where we are, and that’s how it’s going to stay.”Fans called on Neuer to retire following the injury, with one saying: “He’s 39 in 3 weeks time surely this is going to be a career ending injury.”Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSA second said: “Time for retirement.”A third added: “Time to retire buddy.”Harry Kane scores from a distance in Bayern Munich training Neuer’s replacement on the night, 21-year-old Urbig, was making his debut for the Bavarians.Urbig was signed from Cologne in January for £5.9million, though that could rise depending on performances.Prior to last night he had never played in the Champions League before, but had experience in the Uefa Youth League with Cologne.Bayern won the game thanks to a Harry Kane brace sandwiching a Jamal Musiala tap-in.Kompany’s side were by far the better team even before Nordi Mukiele was sent off, managing 17 shots to Leverkusen’s three. More

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      Moment Rangers star WIPED OUT by Jack Butland and forced off after just 28 minutes as team mates look on worried

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      THIS is the moment Robin Propper was left lying on the floor in a heap after a horrifying head-on clash with Jack Butland.The Rangers star collided with his team mate in the 24th minute of the Europa League match against Fenerbahce in Turkey.Robin Propper was flattened by Jack ButlandCredit: PAHe was forced off the pitch as a resultCredit: Willie VassPropper was running back towards goal to defend a ball in behind for Dusan Tadic to chase.The Dutch centre-back managed to get his body in between Tadic and the ball on the edge of the Rangers box but Butland had came rushing out and seemingly there was a break down in communication between the two.While Propper was under pressure, if Butland had stayed on his line he could have headed the ball back to him or hooked it clear.Butland didn’t want to risk anything so instead he charged out to head the ball (as he was outside the area so couldn’t catch it) but in doing so he inadvertently headbutted Propper.The defender was barged to the ground and writhed in pain as docs were immediately concerned with a possible concussion – or worse.Gers were leading 1-0 at the time thanks to an early goal from Cyriel Dessers.The head knock forced Propper to be subbed off (he was able to walk to the sideline unaided) for Leon Balogun, with Rangers playing a back three in Istanbul.Within a few minutes of Propper going off, Gers conceded from a corner.Most read in FootballAlexander Djiku, who had came on as a sub for Çağlar Söyüncü, finished with aplomb at the back post to level things up for the hosts.The collision left Gers fans hoping Propper wasn’t seriously injured.How key tactical change can see Rangers ‘do a Walter Smith’ on Mourinho’s FenerbahceOne said: “Seriously I hope Propper is okay, looked a sore one.”Another said: “Reckless play from Butland. Just hope no damage to Propper.”A third said said: “Glad to see Propper walk off after that. Lucky boy!”Before this supporter commented: “Clearly accidental and no malice towards Propper but I have no idea what Butland is doing there. Wild.And a fifth said: “Propper made for these games too. Sore one.”After the game, boss Ferguson gave an update on Propper’s status.He revealed: “I think he got knocked out for a minute or two. The big man’s up a lot so he should be okay but you’ve got to be wary of that.READ MORE SUN STORIES”It’s a bit of a concussion so we’ll see how he is in the next couple of days.”The TV cameras caught the moment Propper was upended by his team mateKeep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page More

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      ‘Feel sorry for him’ – Fans spot Hojlund going ‘ballistic’ at Man Utd team-mate as Paul Scholes brands him ‘criminal’

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      RASMUS HOJLUND was left fuming with one of his team-mates during the clash with Real Sociedad.The striker is enduring a barren run of form in which he has not scored since his brace against Viktoria Plzen in December.Rasmus Hojlund could have had a great chance to score if Diogo Dalot passed to himCredit: xThe full-back opted to take his time and messed up the chanceCredit: xHojlund was left fuming after he was ignoredCredit: APThe striker made his feelings clear to DalotCredit: GettyManager Ruben Amorim opted to use Hojlund in his attack in the Europa League round of 16 first leg clash in Spain.Hojlund, 22, had a great chance to break his duck but was not allowed the moment as Diogo Dalot failed to find him with a pass.The Dane was left fuming as he went ballistic at the defender.And fans even felt sorry for the goal-shy former Atalanta striker.READ MORE ON MAN UTDOne posted: “Right there is your difference between a right back and a right wing back.”A second commented: “Hojlund went crazy at Dalot for failing to pass to him when there was opportunity in that attack. Rightly so.”A third wrote: “Hojlund’s gone ballistic at Dalot there for not crossing and has every right to.”Ball had to be delivered first time and he ignored Hojlund.”Most read in Europa LeagueCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSA fourth said: “I feel sorry for Hojlund as finally he made a good run inside the box and Dalot couldn’t put the ball into the box with ease.”A fifth pointed out: “Just a simple ball to Hojlund and it’s one on one with a keeper.”‘We’ve broken the poor man, he must hate us’ – Ruben Amorim bizarrely stands on different pitch as Man Utd flops trainPaul Scholes called Dalot’s decision not to pass ‘criminal’Credit: GettyKaren Carney insisted Hojlund was right to ‘dig out’ hit team-mateCredit: AlamyAnother added: “Feel sorry for Hojlund. Simple cross for dalot to give him a chance and doesn’t play the pass.”Robbie Savage labelled the decision from Dalot as “unacceptable” on TNT Sports commentary.Man United legend Paul Scholes also claimed that the defender should have passed the ball.He said: “They should be ahead, Dalot should have squared it to Hojlund.”They have dangerous players but haven’t been a threat.”That is exactly what they were practicing, for Dalot not to see that is criminal.”Any right back not to see that in world football, it is criminal.”Karen Carney also slammed the defender as she added: “He [Hojlund] is absolutely right to be frustrated.”Dalot has to give him that pass and it is a tap in.”Hojlund has every right to go to Dalot and dig him out.”Hojlund was given the chance to start as promising striker Chido Obi was not eligible to play in the Europa League.The £72million has only scored seven times in 35 appearances this season, ahead of the game against Sociedad.Only two of these goals have come in the Premier League, while he has enjoyed more success in the Europa League.Hojlund has scored five times and is the club’s leading scorer in the tournament.His struggles in front of goal have even seen retired striker Wayne Rooney suggest that the club sign 34-year-old Danny Welbeck.The Brighton and Hove Albion forward played alongside Roonye at Old Trafford and has excelled this term on the South Coast.READ MORE SUN STORIESMan Utd did take the lead when Joshua Zirkzee fired home his first ever European goal after being squared the ball by Garnacho.But Bruno Fernandes’ handball saw Mikel Oyarzabal earn the Basques a draw from the penalty spot. More

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      Sidemen Charity Match 2025: Date, kick-off time, live stream FREE and confirmed line-ups for Wembley Stadium showpiece

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      THE Sidemen Charity match returns THIS WEEKEND, as KSI and the Sidemen take on the YouTube Allstars in HUGE clash at Wembley Stadium.The sixth iteration of the match takes place at the home of English football, with the Sidemen having visited many stadiums around England throughout the history of the event.KSI will play with YouTube group the Sidemen of Sidemen FCCredit: Richard Sellers/PA WireSidemen FC vs YouTube Allstars is an event to raise money for charityCredit: Kieran Cleeves/PA WireDespite taking the game to the 90,000 capacity stadium, Sidemen sold out the stadium in just THREE HOURS.The Sidemen are taking on the YouTube Allstars, and currently hold a 4-1 record in five matches, ranging back to 2016.How to watch Sidemen FC vs YouTube Allstars?In previous years, the game has been shown via a live stream on the Sidemen YouTube channel, and this year is expected to be the same.The match will take place on Saturday, March 8, 2025.Kick-off will be at 3pm.The match will take place at Wembley Stadium in London.Who is playing in the Sidemen Charity Match?Sidemen FC:Olajide Olatunji aka KSISimon Minter aka MiniminterTobi Brown aka TBJZLJoshua Bradley aka ZerkaaHarry Lewis aka W2SVikram Barn aka VikkstarEthan Payne aka BehzingaJMELogan PaulGeorge ClarkeyJoe WellerCalluxXQCLazarbeamRandolphMark RoberMannyJasontheweenYouTube Allstars:SketchWillNEKai CenatMax FoshIShowSpeedChrisMDAngryGingeTheo BakerCarryminatiChunkzFanumLachlanDanny AaronsStable RonaldoJynxziNiko OmilanaDejiHistory of the Sidemen Charity MatchThe group first took to the pitch against the YouTube Allstars in Southampton at St Mary’s Stadium in 2016. Most read in FootballSidemen FC won the game 7-2.KSI announces Wayne Bridge replacement for Misfits Boxing after ex-Chelsea star pulled out over John Terry jibeYouTube Allstars picked up their first win against Sidemen FC in a much closer contest a year later at The Valley, home ground of Charlton Athletic.Goals from streamer Castro and YouTuber Chris MD were the difference in an anomaly 2-0 win for the Allstars.To date, the 2017 YouTube Allstars are the only team to keep a clean sheet in any iteration of this match, and the only version of the team that have a win over Sidemen FC.The Valley became a regular spot for the Sidemen to host these games, as they played there again in 2018 and 2022.In 2023, the YouTube group dared to go bigger, and sold out the London Stadium in a thrilling 8-5 win over the Allstars, having won 8-7 the year prior.In short, don’t be a goalkeeper in the Sidemen Charity Match.Are tickets still available for Sidemen Charity Match?In short, no, tickets are now officially sold out on the Sidemen FC website.Despite upgrading to the 90,000 seater stadium, the YouTube sensations had no problem selling out the match.READ MORE SUN STORIESWembley has hosted YouTube events before, with Hashtag United owner Spencer Owen, otherwise known as Spencer FC, hosting the EE Wembley Cup there.An early iteration of Sidemen FC actually faced Spencer FC in the first game in 2015. The EE Wembley Cup was played four times in 2015, 16, 17 and 18. More

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      Mason Greenwood asks to switch international allegiance with ex-Man Utd star set to be blocked from England duty

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      MASON GREENWOOD has officially asked to switch allegiances from England to Jamaica.Football Association chief executive Mark Bullingham has confirmed that the former Manchester United striker, now playing for Marseille, has asked to represent the Reggae Boyz.Mason Greenwood has switched his allegiance away from EnglandCredit: RexHe has enjoyed his football in FranceCredit: AFPBullingham said: “My understanding is that he’s asked to switch.“That’s happened formally, so he wouldn’t be able to (play for England again) because you can only switch once.“It’s a personal decision by him.”The 23-year-old has qualified to represent Jamaica through his father, who was born in the Caribbean nation.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLGreenwood’s only appearance for the Three Lions came when he was still under the age of 21 in 2020, which allows him to switch allegiances as per Fifa rules.That game was against Iceland but his international career has been in limbo since he was arrested on suspicion of rape and assault in January 2022.He was later charged with attempted rape, engaging in controlling and coercive behaviour, and assault occasioning actual bodily harm, but all charges were dropped in February 2023.Jamaica, now managed by former England boss Steve McClaren, are all set to play two matches next month.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSHowever, Marseille won’t let Greenwood leave as the matches will be friendlies.He is expected to make his debut for Jamaica during their World Cup qualifiers in June.Ex Man Utd star Mason Greenwood welcomes 2nd child with partner Harriet Robson after starting new life in FranceSteve McLaren would be coaching GreenwoodCredit: GettyGreenwood will be hoping to continue his club form as he returns to international football.During his debut campaign in France, he has scored 15 goals in just 24 league appearances.Manager Roberto de Zerbi has claimed that the former Red Devil can improve in one area, his corner technique.He said: “Greenwood is not a specialist on corners.”He could become one, but he is focused on the goal.”When he goes to take a corner, he goes a bit like….. And that annoys me.” More

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      Thomas Tuchel has FIFTY-FIVE players on the list for his first England squad ahead of World Cup qualifiers

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      THOMAS TUCHEL is working off a massive 55-man list ahead of naming his first England squad.The new Three Lions manager will name his first squad tomorrow week for the home World Cup qualifiers against Albania and Latvia.Thomas Tuchel has a pool of 55 players he will pick his squad fromCredit: PAAnd Tuchel is keeping an open mind over who to select by looking at such a vast number of stars at home and abroad.The German has spoken to the vast majority of the players with Football Association chief executive Mark Bullingham impressed with the former Chelsea manager who officially started on January 1.Tuchel, who is based in London, has been working at St George’s Park this week while he also went to Nottingham Forest vs Ipswich in the FA Cup on Monday.The 51-year-old succeeds Gareth Southgate and has signed an 18-month contract which will end after the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBullingham said: “I think Gareth was very, very connected and very smart culturally, as well.“I think Thomas is the same and he realised early on that you don’t build those connections with players in the 60 days you get together [over the course of the year], so he’s put a lot of effort into that.“I think he’s got 55 on this long list and makes sure that he’s got a strong connection with them, that they know that he’s seen them. “It’s not only the players in England, it’s players playing abroad as well, and I think that that will only stand [him] in a good stead in the long run.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS“He’s made a really strong impact and has hit the ground running. I think you’ve seen him in a number of games. “He’s also integrated a small number of his sports team he brought with him into SGP. Thomas Tuchel sends 27-word Christmas message to England fans with new job to start in days”He’s been up there a lot and spent a lot of time with people.“We’ve already started looking at some of the challenges ahead in terms of America and the different dynamics that that presents in terms of climate, distance, altitude, and that type of thing.“But yes, we all want to get the first game, don’t we? And we are looking forward to that.”Incredibly, Tuchel’s first game against Albania on March 21 is already a Wembley sell-out. The game against Latvia three days later is expected to attract a crowd of at least 70,000.Bullingham also hinted that Tuchel could stay beyond his current deal.He added: “I think Thomas always said ‘I might be here for 10 years, but I’ll only ever sign up in two-year cycles’ effectively. “And the reason for that is he just wants his sole focus to be on the next tournament and be really single-minded with the players on that, but it’s very early to judge, but I can say that he’s made a brilliant impact already, so we’re very happy with them.READ MORE SUN STORIES“We had a brilliant team before, so he had a hard act to follow, but it is just the way he’s integrated into SGP and the impact he’s made on the team up there has been really positive.“He’s an incredibly charismatic and energetic individual, so I expected that positive impact and have just been pleased with it.” More

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      ‘Won’t be able to look him in the eye’ – Christine Lampard and MOTD’s Kelly Cates in hysterics over ‘Frank’s hot sauce’

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      KELLY CATES and Christine Lampard were left in hysterics over a gag about Frank’s hot sauce.The pair were speechless as they laughed with Hayley McQueen on their podcast, Not Just Football.Hayley McQueen made a comment about Frank’s hot sauce that left her co-hosts in stitchesChristine Lampard found the reference to her husband Frank hilariousKelly Cates was left in hystericsMcQueen was referencing Frank’s RedHot sauceCredit: Getty – ContributorMcQueen joked she would not be able to look Frank Lampard in the eyeCredit: PAThey had been discussing places to watch women’s sports while chomping down on chicken wings.That led McQueen to bring up wing sauces, and her faux pas derailed the whole episode after a mention of Lampard’s famous footy husband Frank.She said: “Frank’s hot sauce mmm, not your Frank, the actual…”That sparked laughter from her colleagues with Cates replying: “That means something else to Christine.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe trio were in hysterics after that as McQueen covered her face and attempted to retain composure.She said: “I meant from that fast food chain, the famous sauce.”Lampard responded: “Alright Hayley…Frank’s fiery hot sauce I mean it’s something else.”After a moment Cates said: “That’s one of those things that later on tonight I’m just going to be sitting and that’s going to make me laugh.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSAnd just when it looked like the moment had passed, all three were left laughing again after McQueen said: “Don’t tell Frank.”I’ll never be able to look at him in the eye properly again.”Wayne Bridge recalls ‘unbelievable’ fight between two Chelsea teammates which left one KO’d All three hosts were left wiping tears from their eyes as Cates called for calm and attempted to steer the episode back on course. More