Soccer

Subterms

    More stories

    • 250 Shares46 Views

      in Soccer

      Man Utd star reveals Casemiro gave him FA Cup winner’s medal despite polite protest Real Madrid legend should keep it

      by

      TYRELL MALACIA has revealed that Casemiro gave him his FA Cup winners’ medal and refused to take it back.The Manchester United star, 25, has not played since the 2022/23 campaign after suffering a knee injury.Casemiro gave his FA Cup winners’ medal to Tyrell Malacia after last year’s finalCredit: GettyCrocked Malacia tried and failed to return the medal to CasemiroCredit: GettyMalacia was a £13million signing from Feyenoord over two years ago.And with 39 games under his belt in his first season, the Dutch left-back looked set to become a vital member of the side.However, his recovery from surgery saw Malacia miss the entirety of last term.It meant he was only a spectator as Erik ten Hag masterminded United’s FA Cup final win over Manchester City.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut Malacia still ended up with a winners’ medal after being given the one belonging to Casemiro.United’s veteran midfielder, 32, struggled for form last season.He was expected to start in the Wembley showdown against City.But Casemiro was dropped to the bench at the final moment due to a mysterious “late injury issue.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe Brazilian then skipped United’s FA Cup party later that night, instead opting to jet off for a family holiday.And Malacia has now revealed that Casemiro even gave up his winners’ medal on the day, insisting the defender take it despite his protests.Sky Sports pundits announce never-before-seen broadcast for huge Arsenal vs Man Utd clash Malacia has opened up over being included in celebrations despite not playing due to injuryCredit: GettyMalacia told The Athletic: “I wanted to be there (at the final) to support everyone.“But the most difficult part was to be up there with the guys (for the trophy), because I wasn’t part of the team during the whole process.“I was like, ‘I’m staying down here then I’ll see you in the dressing room’. Casemiro was like, ‘Nah you have to go up there as well’.“And if someone with that kind of experience tells you that, you’re listening. They (the squad) said, ‘At the end of the day you’re still part of the team’.“They know how hard I’ve been working to come back so they said you deserve it as much as we do.“(Getting Casemiro’s medal) Like I said before, if he gives you that, you just listen!”Man Utd ratings v LeicesterHere’s how SunSport’s Martin Blackburn rated the Red Devils.ANDRE ONANA – 7Stood tall when Ndidi went through on goal and a decent tip round the post from Ayew as Leicester tried to get back in it.NOUSSAIR MAZROUAI – 6Lucky to escape tackle on Buonanotte without any punishment. Supplied the cross from the left which led to United’s second goal.MATTHIJS DE LIGT – 6Made a key second half clearance when the Foxes were trying to find their way back into the game. Fairly comfortable afternoon for home defenders.LISANDRO MARTINEZ – 7Spent the first hour at centre half then showed his versatility by switching to left-back when Dalot was forced off.DIOGO DALOT – 6Did a steady job keeping the Foxes at bay but then taken off on the hour – presumably due to injury as United had to reshuffle their defence.CASEMIRO – 7Better from the veteran Brazilian who helped United take command of the game before getting the chance to put his feet up late on.MANUEL UGARTE – 6Great challenge on Soumare showed what he is all about and some signs he is finding his feet. Will be looking forward to arrival of former boss Amorim.AMAD DIALLO – 7Delightful backheel for Fernandes to curl home the opener and could have scored himself. The Ivorian has had a good week.  BRUNO FERNANDES – 8Presented with a shirt to mark his 250th appearance before the game and will be getting more plaudits for his performance here. Involved in all three goals.MARCUS RASHFORD – 5Given the nod to start ahead of Garnacho but did not do enough to justify the faith of Van Nistelrooy. No surprise when he was replaced by the Argentine on the hour.RASMUS HOJLUND – 5A largely ineffective afternoon for the Danish forward before he was subbed late on. Nothing wrong with his work-rate but does he have the quality Amorim will want? More

    • 175 Shares83 Views

      in Soccer

      Incredible moment Ruben Amorim gatecrashes Man Utd stadium tour and personally greets every fan

      by

      RUBEN AMORIM has been hailed by fans for his incredible gesture during a stadium tour.The new Manchester United manager is getting started in his role after replacing Erik ten Hag.Ruben Amorim surprised a stadium tour group at Old TraffordCredit: MUFCHe shook the hands of each fan as he introduced himselfCredit: MUFCAmorim, 39, is now in the country having finished off his duties with Sporting Lisbon.The Portuguese coach spent time getting to know his way around Old Trafford.And in an incredible gesture, he popped in to see the public tour of the historic stadium.The club shared a video in which Amorim joined the crowd in the dressing room and made sure to give each fan a handshake.READ MORE MAN UTD NEWSHe said a couple of words to the fans in which he joked one would be playing and one would be on the bench.The moment has been compared to Klopp’s politeness to fans during his tenure at Liverpool.Fans have hailed Amorim on social media and are backing to surpass the German’s achievements.One posted: “Already more handshakes and hugs than Klopp during his first week in club. We are so clear!”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSA second commented: “Could be their Klopp if they get their s**t together to be honest.”A third wrote: “What a guy.”Ruben Amorim arrives in Manchester ahead of starting role as Man United managerThree Sporting stars Amorim could swoop for after joining Man UtdRUBEN AMORIM has ruled out poaching any of his Sporting Lisbon players in the January transfer window.But the Portuguese side’s chiefs expect Amorim will come calling in the summer – with his cheque book wide open.Here’s are three Sporting starts United could swoop for… but they won’t come cheap:VIKTOR GYOKERESAge: 26Position: StrikerCost: £84millionSwede has shone since joining Sporting last summer from Coventry — catching the eye of all Europe’s top clubs.Hit 43 goals in 50 games last season and boasts 18 strikes already this term.GONCALO INACIOAge: 23Position: DefenderCost: £50millionBall-playing centre-back was handed his debut by Amorim and has since become a key figure in Sporting’s recent title successes.Can also slot in at left-back if required and has 12 caps for Portugal.MORTEN HJULMANDAge: 25Position: MidfieldCost: £40millionDane is one of the top holding midfielders in Portugal — and made skipper by Amorim.He could be the man to replace Casemiro.A fourth said: “May he take the club to new heights.”Another added: “An Old Trafford tour just got even more exciting—never know who you’ll meet!”Amorim started his role with the Red Devils on Monday with the international break to prepare his side.However, he has already been dealt a blow as Lisandro Martinez suffered a hip injury against Leicester City.The defender’s injury is said to be “significant” and he has been added to the club’s treatment room.Amorim will also be without Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw.But he has been boosted by the return of Leny Yoro to training this week as he nears full recovery from a metatarsal injury.Ruben Amorim leaves Sporting on a highBy Charlie WyettRUBEN AMORIM would have preferred to leave Lisbon in a blaze of glory after winning a third Primeira Liga title.Yet football does not work like that. And in what was surely his final game before taking charge of Manchester United, Amorim prepared to say his goodbyes at a half-empty Estadio Jose Alvalade in a League Cup quarter-final against Nacional.Sporting won 3-1 thanks to  second-half goals by captain  Morten Hjulmand and Viktor Gyokeres, who scored two.Luis Esteves pulled back for Madeira-based Nacional.The stadium  will be a good deal more lively on Tuesday when Manchester City are here for  a Champions League match — although Amorim should by then have his feet firmly under his desk at Old Trafford.Liverpool and Aston Villa were both interested in Europe’s most sought-after coach. Even City could have been a possible destination post-Pep Guardiola.Yet the United job is one Amorim, 39,  could not turn  down — even if not everyone saw it that way at Sporting last night.There is clearly a huge split in the Portuguese club’s fan base over their coach leaving at this stage of the season with many believing he should have seen the job through.Yet Amorim, along with the three-man coaching team who are expected to follow him, leaves a club in a much better state than when he arrived here in 2020.Inside the stadium, there was applause — albeit muted — when his name was read out before the game along with the line-ups.And there did not appear to be any jeers when Amorim shuffled out from the tunnel awkwardly towards the dugout.So, while his departure is hard to take for some, none of the fans will forget his legacy.This is a club which is back as the dominant force in Portugal. Even this term, Sporting have won their first nine league games, scoring 30 goals and conceding just two.They are also eighth in the Champions League table, which is one hell of an effort.In contrast, Lisbon was not exactly hit by League Cup fever last night.Amorim made lots of changes, which saw Sporting’s star man Gyokeres, the former Coventry striker, start on the bench.There was, however, a first appearance in six weeks for former Tottenham winger Marcus Edwards. He is certainly one player who has been transformed by Amorim since arriving at the club from Vitoria in 2022 and will be sorry to see the coach leave.While he changed his team, Amorim stuck with his tried and trusted formation of a back three.It will certainly be something Manchester United’s fans will have to get used to over the  coming months.But looking at the Premier League table, none of them will be complaining about the change. More

    • 213 Shares50 Views

      in Soccer

      Ten-man Venezuela accused of ‘world class s***housery’ as SPRINKLERS go off in stoppage time of Brazil draw

      by

      THE Venezuelan national team have been accused of using the dark arts to get over the line in their World Cup qualifier against Brazil.Venezuela had managed to keep the scores level against Brazil despite the five-time World Cup champions strong favourites in the match and dominating the ball.Venezuela vs Brazil was interrupted by a sprinkler mishapCredit: APThe sprinklers turned on while Brazil delivered in a cornerCredit: xThe referee stopped play as Brazil tried to start a new attackCredit: xBrazil players were fuming that the game had been delayedCredit: xThe frustrated players waited until the issue was resolvedCredit: AFPRaphinha’s first-half strike was cancelled out by an early goal in the second spell by Telasco Segovia.While Vinicius Junior missed a chance to put to the visitors ahead when he failed to score a 62nd minute penalty.But as Venezuela held on to what was a valuable point against one of the Conmebol’s strongest outfits, their chances of keeping it all level were handed a blow.Referee Andrés José Rojas Noguera sent off Venezuela winger Alexander Gonzalez in the 89th minute.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe dismissal left Venzuela with 10 men and another six minutes to play including added time.But before Brazil were able to take full advantage of their extra man, the sprinklers went off on the Estadio Monumental de Maturin pitch.The unbelievable moment killed Brazil’s momentum as they pinned Venezuela in their own box and delayed the game until the issue was resolved.And football fans have suggested that Venezuela could have even set the sprinklers off ON PURPOSE to help them grind out a point.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSOn social media, one fan wrote: “Venezuela brought out the sprinklers to make the referee end the game against Brazil”.While another added: “93rd minute, 1-1 in a WC Qualifier. Brazil about to attack again and Venezuela set off the water sprinklers. South American s***housery of the highest order…”ITV ‘do England stars dirty’ as live footage of national anthem singing leaves fans in hystericsA third joked that the incident was: “World class s***housery”.And a fourth commented: “Bruh, this dark arts stuff is out of hand”.There is no evidence or suggestion that Venezuela did in fact set off the sprinklers on purpose.The game ended 1-1 with the result meaning Brazil now sit third in the Conmebol World Cup qualifying standings and Venezuela are down in seventh.Brazil’s Vinicius Junior missed a crucial penalty in the second halfCredit: APVenezuela celebrated a hard-earned pointCredit: Getty More

    • 250 Shares60 Views

      in Soccer

      England fans tear gassed & shoved against fences by ‘heavy handed’ riot cops before Greece clash as FA launch probe

      by

      ENGLAND fans were tear gassed and shoved against fences by riot cops before last night’s clash with Greece.The FA is now launching a probe into the Nations League match in Athens with officers accused of being heavy handed with Three Lions supporters.The Football Supporters Association accused Greek police of creating a ‘dangerous’ situationCredit: PARiot cops met England fans outside Athens Olympic Stadium on Thursday nightCredit: PAEngland fans eventually made it inside to watch the team win 3-0Credit: GettyAround 3,000 supporters had tickets for the game, but some were not inside Olympic Stadium by kickoff. The travelling crowd were held up by the officers wearing helmets, gas masks, and holding shields.England fan Jack Loftus said: “They [police] went to adjust the queue at the front to make it narrower and longer, and just did it with force.”They were pushing the crowd amongst the fence.”Read more on footballThe FA said: “We are aware that some of our fans had a difficult experience outside the ground and are obtaining more information on exactly what happened.”The Football Supporters’ Association accused Greek officers of of creating an “unjustifiably dangerous” situation.They said: “Unfortunately, once again, we are having to ask England supporters to send in their witness accounts to ourselves regarding the situation outside of the Athens Olympic Stadium.”To see the treatment of our fans by local police using shields and tear gas to do something as simple as rearrange a queue, is so incredibly frustrating.Most read in Football”On a night where we had a great result on the pitch, there is still clearly so much needed to do off it to ensure our supporters aren’t put in unjustifiably dangerous situations.”England trounced Greece 3-0 moving the Three Lions to the top of group B2 and avenging the shock 2-1 loss to the side back in October.ITV ‘do England stars dirty’ as live footage of national anthem singing leaves fans in hystericsBut the players faced a hostile atmosphere on the pitch with lasers shone in their face during the clash.Jude Bellingham and Jordan Pickford were hit in the face by the green lights, which plagued England throughout the first half.Despite Greek fans’ crooked efforts, England were able to keep their focus and earn an important win in Athens.An own goal from keeper Odysseas Vlachodimos, followed by Curtis Jones’ stunning backheel flick, in the second half saw the Three Lions win 3-0.England ratings vs Greece as Madueke and Jones steal the show after Kane benchedIT IS difficult to remember an England starting XI which, on paper at least, looked as totally underwhelming as this one.Yet manager-in-waiting Thomas Tuchel, presumably watching the game at his home in Bavaria, will have been hugely encouraged by this performance from what appeared to be a complete mish-mash of a team – and one which was awfully short of experience.Here’s how SunSport’s Tom Barclay rated England’s stars…Jordan Pickford – 8Back in after being dropped for Finland last month – and showed a good response. Great stop to deny Kostas Tsimikas at the near post and alive to danger throughout.Earned his first-ever booking in 72 England caps for time wasting in the first half.Kyle Walker – 7Captain in Harry Kane’s absence and passionately conveyed his side’s frustration to ref Daniel Siebert when Pickford was booked.Moved to centre-back after the break when Ezri Konsa went off.Marc Guehi – 7Another solid performance from the Crystal Palace man who you would think would be a first-choice starter for Thomas Tuchel when the German begins work.Ezri Konsa – 7One of several players targeted by a laser in the crowd, along with Pickford and Belligham.Limped off just before half-time and was replaced by Lewis Hall at the break.Rico Lewis – 7Filled in at left-back over newbie Hall, before moving to the right when the Newcastle man came on.Almost had his first England goal early in the second half but was denied by a fine stop from Hall’s club-mate Odysseas Vlachodimos.Curtis Jones – 9Sparkled on debut in the heart of midfield, not looking overawed in the slightest. Played deeper than he does for Liverpool, but in the same position where he shone for Lee Carsley in England’s triumphant Under-21 Euros last summer.Gorgeous backheel to cap his bow with the third goal.Conor Gallagher – 7Started brightly next to Jones, though gave the ball away a few times after the break. Booked for stopping a quick free-kick early on.Arrived just too late to poke in the rebound from Bellingham’s strike as it had already crossed the line for an own goal.Noni Madueke – 9A blistering first start from the Chelsea man who put real pressure on Bukayo Saka’s place with this performance.He took on his man at every opportunity, at pace, and had excellent end product too, setting up Watkins’ opener and a header for Bellingham which hit the post.Jude Bellingham – 8Some sublime touches and passes from the talisman, including a wonderful ball round the corner to release Madueke in the build-up to the opener.Seemed to thrive with pace all around him and killed off the game with his late strike which hit the post and bounced in off the keeper.Anthony Gordon – 7Provided a threat down the left with his pace and trickery, even if he was outshone by Madueke. A decent display but not one that demanded he start at left wing every game.Ollie Watkins – 7The surprise starter over Harry Kane. He took his early chance well, converting from the edge of the six-yard box.Could have had another when sent clean through but the ball got stuck under his feet.SubsLewis Hall (for Ezri Konsa half-time) – 7Came on at half-time for his debut and did not put a foot wrong.Harry Kane (for Ollie Watkins, 66) – 6Had a curling effort well stopped after exchanging passes with fellow sub Morgan Rogers.Morgan Rogers (for Anthony Gordon, 66) – 8Some exciting touches from the Villa debutant, including one to release Bellingham in the lead-up to the second goal.Jarrod Bowen (for Noni Madueke, 66) – 7Clever nutmeg to free Morgan Gibbs-White, who then teed up Jones.Morgan Gibbs-White (for Gallagher, 79) – 7Cutback for Jones was on the money.One fan said a queue was forcibly shoved to the sideCredit: PAEngland players like Jude Bellingham were hit with lasers during the matchCredit: RexMore to follow… For the latest news on this story keep checking back at The Sun OnlineThesun.co.uk is your go-to destination for the best celebrity news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video.Like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/thesun and follow us from our main Twitter account at @TheSun. More

    • 238 Shares92 Views

      in Soccer

      Gary Lineker reveals why he’s leaving Match of the Day and says it’s ‘right time’ as BBC plans changes

      by

      GARY Lineker has revealed why he’s leaving Match of the Day and says it’s the “right time” – as the BBC is planning changes to the show.Lineker said hosting Match Of The Day for more than two decades has been “an absolute joy and privilege”.But he said it is “the right time” for him to exit and “someone else to take the helm” as the BBC look to make changes to the programme.The star will step down as host of the BBC’s flagship football show at the end of the season.He will continue to present coverage of the FA Cup in 2025/26 and the World Cup in 2026, the BBC said.Speaking on The Rest is Football, Lineker said: “It has been an absolute joy and privilege to present such an iconic show for the BBC, but all things have to come to an end.Read More Football”It came at a point where really the BBC and Match Of The Day, they’ve got the rights for another three years.”The cycle starts from next season so it felt like if I just do one more year it would be a bit weird. I feel this is now the right time.”I think the next contract they’re looking to do Match Of The Day slightly differently.”Lineker added: “So I think it makes sense for someone else to take the helm.”Most read in FootballBut the 63-year-old refused to speculate who would be taking his place.He said: “Obviously I don’t know who it’ll be, and I would never tell publicly my preference.”I don’t think that’d be the right thing to do – but whoever it is, I would say be yourself.”I had to fill the ginormous shoes of certain Des Lynam. I would say just be yourself and enjoy it.”It’s a wonderful programme to be a part of. It was brilliant before I took over, and it will be brilliant after I leave.”Lineker has hosted Match Of The Day since taking over from Lynam in 1999.Gary Lineker is quitting Match of the DayCredit: PA More

    • 238 Shares75 Views

      in Soccer

      England fans call for Thomas Tuchel to be SACKED before he starts job as FA accused of ‘bottling it’

      by

      ENGLAND fans called for Thomas Tuchel to be SACKED before he even starts his new job.And some even accused The FA of “bottling it” over the appointment.Lee Carsley inspired a 3-0 win in Greece in his penultimate match in interim chargeCredit: GettyFans reckon they do not need Thomas Tuchel to come in after allCredit: GettyTuchel, 51, accepted a £5million-a-year, 18-month contract to succeed Gareth Southgate as England manager with the objective of leading his new team to 2026 World Cup glory. But despite signing on the dotted line in October, the German will not take over until January.And that has seen a final farcical November international break with Lee Carsley in charge – and nine players dropping out for the two must-win clashes with Greece and Ireland.Carsley is set to return to his role as Under-21s boss when Tuchel comes in.READ MORE ENGLAND NEWSBut after inspiring his inexperienced side to a stylish, emphatic 3-0 win in Athens, plenty of supporters piled in on The FA’s decision to let Tuchel wait until the New Year to begin his reign. And instead, they want Carsley to stay in charge of the senior team permanently after all. One said: “Send Tuchel home and give Carsley the job!”Another wrote: “Is it too late to sack off Tuchel if Carsley has them scoring goals like that?”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSA third added: “Lee Carsley is a genius isn’t he? Who needs Thomas Tuchel?”A fourth joked: “Who needs Tuchel?”Thomas Tuchel gives his first message to fans as England manager England ratings vs Greece as Madueke and Jones steal the show after Kane benchedIT IS difficult to remember an England starting XI which, on paper at least, looked as totally underwhelming as this one.Yet manager-in-waiting Thomas Tuchel, presumably watching the game at his home in Bavaria, will have been hugely encouraged by this performance from what appeared to be a complete mish-mash of a team – and one which was awfully short of experience.Here’s how SunSport’s Tom Barclay rated England’s stars…Jordan Pickford – 8Back in after being dropped for Finland last month – and showed a good response. Great stop to deny Kostas Tsimikas at the near post and alive to danger throughout.Earned his first-ever booking in 72 England caps for time wasting in the first half.Kyle Walker – 7Captain in Harry Kane’s absence and passionately conveyed his side’s frustration to ref Daniel Siebert when Pickford was booked.Moved to centre-back after the break when Ezri Konsa went off.Marc Guehi – 7Another solid performance from the Crystal Palace man who you would think would be a first-choice starter for Thomas Tuchel when the German begins work.Ezri Konsa – 7One of several players targeted by a laser in the crowd, along with Pickford and Belligham.Limped off just before half-time and was replaced by Lewis Hall at the break.Rico Lewis – 7Filled in at left-back over newbie Hall, before moving to the right when the Newcastle man came on.Almost had his first England goal early in the second half but was denied by a fine stop from Hall’s club-mate Odysseas Vlachodimos.Curtis Jones – 9Sparkled on debut in the heart of midfield, not looking overawed in the slightest. Played deeper than he does for Liverpool, but in the same position where he shone for Lee Carsley in England’s triumphant Under-21 Euros last summer.Gorgeous backheel to cap his bow with the third goal.Conor Gallagher – 7Started brightly next to Jones, though gave the ball away a few times after the break. Booked for stopping a quick free-kick early on.Arrived just too late to poke in the rebound from Bellingham’s strike as it had already crossed the line for an own goal.Noni Madueke – 9A blistering first start from the Chelsea man who put real pressure on Bukayo Saka’s place with this performance.He took on his man at every opportunity, at pace, and had excellent end product too, setting up Watkins’ opener and a header for Bellingham which hit the post.Jude Bellingham – 8Some sublime touches and passes from the talisman, including a wonderful ball round the corner to release Madueke in the build-up to the opener.Seemed to thrive with pace all around him and killed off the game with his late strike which hit the post and bounced in off the keeper.Anthony Gordon – 7Provided a threat down the left with his pace and trickery, even if he was outshone by Madueke. A decent display but not one that demanded he start at left wing every game.Ollie Watkins – 7The surprise starter over Harry Kane. He took his early chance well, converting from the edge of the six-yard box.Could have had another when sent clean through but the ball got stuck under his feet.SubsLewis Hall (for Ezri Konsa half-time) – 7Came on at half-time for his debut and did not put a foot wrong.Harry Kane (for Ollie Watkins, 66) – 6Had a curling effort well stopped after exchanging passes with fellow sub Morgan Rogers.Morgan Rogers (for Anthony Gordon, 66) – 8Some exciting touches from the Villa debutant, including one to release Bellingham in the lead-up to the second goal.Jarrod Bowen (for Noni Madueke, 66) – 7Clever nutmeg to free Morgan Gibbs-White, who then teed up Jones.Morgan Gibbs-White (for Gallagher, 79) – 7Cutback for Jones was on the money.A fifth quipped: “Enjoying watching England tonight. Tuchel out.”A sixth tweeted: “England with good patterns of play and attractive football. Yes defensively not well but if the football is this good who cares? Tuchel will be such a bad appointment.”A seventh blasted: “FA totally bottled it with Carsley. Taking England in the right direction.”And a final user simply typed: “Tuchel out!!”England’s starting XI featured senior heads in Jordan Pickford, Jude Bellingham and stand-in skipper Kyle Walker – with Harry Kane surprisingly benched.The remaining eight had just 78 caps between them.They got off on the wrong notes, with an awkward rendition of the national anthem leaving ITV viewers hilariously covering their ears.But the Three Lions were on song on the pitch as Noni Madueke teed up Ollie Watkins to break the deadlock inside seven minutes.England weathered the Greece storm and got the all-important second goal when Bellingham’s shot came back off the post and bounced in off the hosts’ goalkeeper Odysseas Vlachodimos.Curtis Jones rounded off his superb debut with a delicious, cheeky flick as England leapfrogged Greece at the top of their Nations League group ahead of the final fixture against the Irish at Wembley on Sunday.After his penultimate game in interim charge, Carsley said: “The most pleasing thing was the amount of control we had. We had a lot of possession and created a lot of chances.“It was brilliant for Ollie to get a goal. It’s important that if we want to put these players in a position to win the World Cup, they need to have as many experiences as they can, so it’s no slight on Harry. He’ll start the next game.READ MORE SUN STORIES”Harry understands that it’s important that other players experience that kind of experience we had tonight. He’s a great example to the rest of the players. I expect him to start on Sunday and play well.”Curtis was outstanding, played with quality and a matureness that we saw in the summer (at the Under-21 Euros). He showed he can adapt and he’s intelligent enough to know where the space is.”Curtis Jones’ sumptuous flick rounded off the 3-0 winCredit: GettyANDY DILLON: Thomas Tuchel has all the ingredients to become a classic England manager – tactical nous, drive and a tangled love lifeBy Andy DillonTHOMAS TUCHEL possesses all the ingredients to become a classic England manager.Tactical nous, drive, energy, experience – a tangled love life.English football should welcome back the most explosive, dynamic, charismatic and impossibly tall and gangly coach to have lit up the Premier League.Chelsea’s colourful former boss has been leading a settled life in Munich of late.Far enough away from ex-wife Sissi but close enough to see his two daughters.Walking his dog in the streets in the east of Germany’s most fashionable city, residing in the posh Bogenhausen area. Living relatively quietly with his Brazilian girlfriend.Tuchel is a vastly different personality to the man who led England quietly but assuredly to the brink of World Cups and European Championships.An excitable nature can make him hard to handle for those seeking calm and who like to impose their way on a manager they view very much as an underling.Read more on why Tuchel REALLY IS the best man for the England job More

    • 188 Shares101 Views

      in Soccer

      Portugal star takes swipe at Cristiano Ronaldo after captain revealed he was ‘disappointed’ in team-mates

      by

      NUNO MENDES hit back at Cristiano Ronaldo’s moan about Portugal stars crying off international duty.Roberto Martinez’s side lead group A1 by three points going into Nations League finales against Poland and Croatia.Portugal defender Nuno Mendes hit back at Cristiano Ronaldo’s commentsCredit: EPARonaldo said he was disappointed in his team-mates dropping outCredit: AFPLike England, Portugal have had a number of drop-outs and Ronaldo, 39,  raged: “There’s nothing better than representing your country, your culture, your children.“That’s why I’m disappointed by some players.”Bayern Munich’s Joao Palhinha is the latest to withdraw, heading back to his club for treatment on a muscle injury.But Paris Saint-Germain defender Mendes, 22, is expected to play alongside Ronaldo against Poland.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe said: “I’m very proud to represent Portugal.“I think it shows, I give my all on the pitch and in training. Ronaldo has his opinion. I have mine.”England captain Harry Kane shared Ronaldo’s view, arguing Three Lions duty should come before anything.He said: “I think England comes before anything. It comes before club and it is the most important thing you play as a professional footballer.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS“Gareth was hot on that and he wasn’t afraid to make decisions if that started to drift from certain players.“It’s a shame this week obviously. I think it’s a tough period of the season and maybe that’s been taken advantage of a little bit.England ratings vs Greece (1)“I don’t really like it if I’m totally honest. I think England comes before anything, any club situation.“The joy to play for England. I think Gareth brought that back. Every camp, people were excited to come, every camp people wanted to play for England.” More

    • 238 Shares75 Views

      in Soccer

      England ratings: Noni Madueke and Curtis Jones steal show after Harry Kane benched to give Thomas Tuchel a headache

      by

      NONI MADUEKE repaid Lee Carsley by inspiring England to a vital win over Greece – after the England boss left Harry Kane on the bench.The Three Lions required a victory by at least two goals to put Nations League promotion in their hands.Noni Madueke inspired England to victoryCredit: GettyCurtis Jones marked his debut with a brilliant goalCredit: GettyJordan Pickford kept England ahead with some key savesCredit: APOllie Watkins put England ahead in the seventh minuteCredit: AFPThey got off to a dream start when Ollie Watkins, deputising for captain Kane, opened the scoring in the seventh minute, after Madueke and Jude Bellingham linked brilliantly.England players were targeted by lasers throughout but they did not let it affect them as they finished the first half on top.Greece had a period of dominance after the break and Jordan Pickford kept England ahead, before Bellingham took control.The Real Madrid star is yet to hit his heights of last season but he proved class is permanent as he bore down on goal before striking the post, only for the ball to rebound off goalkeeper Odysseas Vlachomidos and into net.READ MORE IN ENGLANDCurtis Jones then added the third which was the best of the match, rounding off a brilliant move with a delightful flicked finish into the bottom corner.Here is how SunSport’s Tom Barclay rated the England display…Jordan Pickford – 8Back in after being dropped for Finland last month – and showed a good response. Great stop to deny Kostas Tsimikas at the near post and alive to danger throughout. Earned his first-ever booking in 72 England caps for time wasting in the first half.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSKyle Walker – 7Captain in Harry Kane’s absence and passionately conveyed his side’s frustration to ref Daniel Siebert when Pickford was booked. Moved to centre-back after the break when Ezri Konsa went off.ITV ‘do England stars dirty’ as live footage of national anthem singing leaves fans in hystericsMarc Guehi – 7Another solid performance from the Crystal Palace man who you would think would be a first-choice starter for Thomas Tuchel when the German begins work.Ezri Konsa – 7One of several players targeted by a laser in the crowd, along with Pickford and Belligham. Limped off just before half-time and was replaced by Lewis Hall at the break.Rico Lewis – 7Filled in at left-back over newbie Hall, before moving to the right when the Newcastle man came on. Almost had his first England goal early in the second half but was denied by a fine stop from Hall’s club-mate Odysseas Vlachodimos.Curtis Jones – 9Sparkled on debut in the heart of midfield, not looking overawed in the slightest. Played deeper than he does for Liverpool, but in the same position where he shone for Lee Carsley in England’s triumphant Under-21 Euros last summer. Gorgeous backheel to cap his bow with the third goal.Conor Gallagher – 7Started brightly next to Jones, though gave the ball away a few times after the break. Booked for stopping a quick free-kick early on. Arrived just too late to poke in the rebound from Bellingham’s strike as it had already crossed the line for an own goal.Noni Madueke – 9A blistering first start from the Chelsea man who put real pressure on Bukayo Saka’s place with this performance. He took on his man at every opportunity, at pace, and had excellent end product too, setting up Watkins’ opener and a header for Bellingham which hit the post.Jude Bellingham – 8Some sublime touches and passes from the talisman, including a wonderful ball round the corner to release Madueke in the build-up to the opener. Seemed to thrive with pace all around him and killed off the game with his late strike which hit the post and bounced in off the keeper.Anthony Gordon – 7Provided a threat down the left with his pace and trickery, even if he was outshone by Madueke. A decent display but not one that demanded he start at left wing every game.Ollie Watkins – 7The surprise starter over Harry Kane. He took his early chance well, converting from the edge of the six-yard box. Could have had another when sent clean through but the ball got stuck under his feet.SubsLewis Hall (for Ezri Konsa half-time) – 7Came on at half-time for his debut and did not put a foot wrong.Harry Kane (for Ollie Watkins, 66) – 6Had a curling effort well stopped after exchanging passes with fellow sub Morgan Rogers.Morgan Rogers (for Anthony Gordon, 66) – 8Some exciting touches from the Villa debutant, including one to release Bellingham in the lead-up to the second goal.READ MORE SUN STORIESJarrod Bowen (for Noni Madueke, 66) – 7 Clever nutmeg to free Morgan Gibbs-White, who then teed up Jones.Morgan Gibbs-White (for Gallagher, 79) – 7Cutback for Jones was on the money. More