Soccer

Subterms

    More stories

    • 213 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Emma Louise Jones launches ‘helpline for DM deviants’ as BBC presenter reads out inappropriate messages from fans

      by

      EMMA LOUISE JONES had fun making a serious point – by launching an Instagram helpline group for “DM deviants”.The popular sports presenter mocked fans who sent inappropriate messages – but offered advice on how they can improve their behaviour.Emma Louise Jones delivered a powerful messageCredit: https://www.instagram.com/eljonesuk/?hl=en-gbThe broadcaster blended mockery with a more earnest noteCredit: https://www.instagram.com/eljonesuk/?hl=en-gbThe social media star revealed some of the shocking stuff she has to deal with online, particularly in direct messages (DMs).And she won praise from her followers for the innovative way she has chosen to deal with it.With an office for her support group in the background, Jones posted a jokey video which she rounded off with words of wisdom.And some DMs she shared showed why she treats the matter gravely.READ MORE SPORT NEWSThe Leeds supporter, best known for her BBC and Raceday TV work, did end up admitting her new helpline was fake and just for fun.But she equally confirmed that her point was important, especially by sharing some DM examples.Jones opened the video by saying: “Very first DM helpline help group.”She then added the caption: “Introducing you all to the DM Helpline Help group.Most read in FootballShe’s previously also shared some of her rare wardrobe problemsCredit: Instagram / @eljonesukBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UK”A weekly session for all our DM deviants. Dave, Ian, Simon…See you next week. *This is not a real help group.”Next came a selection of the unwanted messages she gets.BBC presenter Emma Louise Jones stuns in low cut dress as she shows off ‘new talent’ to adoring fansOne read: “Can I lick ur m****”.Jones commented light-heartedly on the punctuation by saying: “It isn’t the lack of a question mark that is the issue.”She also joked that using m**** rather than vagina didn’t stop the message “still being inappropriate”.But after teasing the authors of those messages, Jones was then deadly earnest.She said: “Because we don’t send vulgar messages like this to women on the internet, you wouldn’t say it in real life.”And she finished the video with some advice.She added: “Next week we’re going to discuss why women don’t want to see your penis in their DMs.”In the meantime, get yourselves outside, touch some grass and stay off your phones.”Jones’ online fans believe she hit the right note with her presentation.One wrote: “Love this, you are a superstar Jones.”READ MORE SUN STORIESAnother added: “You’ve got a great way of doing this.”And a third wrote: “Well done Emma for putting your point across using wit and intelligence.”She wore this impressive outfit to horse racing at YorkCredit: INSTAGRAM @eljonesuk More

    • 238 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Inside Ruben Amorim’s long ball revolution as big money Man Utd star is ordered to completely change his game

      by

      IN THE modern game, it seems all the best teams play out from the back.But Ruben Amorim is going the other way – by getting his goalkeeper to hoof it long.Andre Onana is being asked to kick the ball long moreCredit: ReutersRuben Amorim has clearly identified it as a new tacticCredit: EPAAndre Onana was signed from Inter in 2023 due to his ability to play out from the back.Yes, there have been some high-profile blunders along the way.But by and large, Onana is confident with the ball at his feet.However, the stats show he is being asked to kick it long far more – that passing short when under pressure is simply not worth the risk.READ MORE MAN UTD NEWSAfter all, United have lost the ball 142 times in their own defensive third this season – the sixth-most of the 20 top-flight teams. As reported by The Athletic, Opta stats show only five goalkeepers have done more “launches” in the Premier League this season.A “launch” is defined as a high ball – 40 yards of longer – into space or an area for players to chase or challenge. Of those, only Dean Henderson has completed fewer than Onana’s 25.8 per cent of 380 punts upfield. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSOnana – a transfer target for Saudi Arabia – played most of his passes short in Amorim’s first game in charge, against Ipswich in November.And even against Everton on February 22, he only made three launches.Roy Keane fears Man Utd will get WORSE and reveals biggest red flag that could spell the end for Ruben AmorimBut when United faced Arsenal on March 9, a team who press more than Everton, the Cameroonian stopper produced a whopping 29, the most under Amorim. He has now averaged 20.4 launched passes in United’s last five matches – as opposed to six per game in the early days of Amorim’s reign. In February, Amorim insisted he is not too regimented and set in his ways – and may have had his arm somewhat twisted by Lisandro Martinez’s injury. The Portuguese said: “It’s not that I won’t adapt. “We adapt. “Sometimes we have short goal kicks and then sometimes long balls, because the opponent is pressing a lot. “I try to adapt to the players we have.”But are the long balls working? Well, not massively.READ MORE SUN STORIESUnderfiring strikers Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee have won just 22 and 29 per cent of their aerial duels this season – a drop on previous campaigns.And Alejandro Garnacho, often a target for Onana’s hopeful kicks out wide, wins just nine per cent of his aerial challenges, one of the worst figures in the division for wingers. Joshua Zirkzee and Rasmus Hojlund have struggled to retain possession from the long ballsCredit: GettyAlejandro Garnacho wins just nine per cent of his aerial duelsCredit: ReutersOnana was brought in because of his ability to play out from the backCredit: GettyThis is a far more common sight in recent matchesCredit: Getty More

    • 225 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      Kylian Mbappe rages as remote control car interrupts crucial France clash before taking matters into his own hands

      by

      KYLIAN MBAPPE was left baffled after a remote control car BROKE DOWN on the pitch before France took on Croatia in the Nations League.Just before the match was about to kick off, the ball was delivered to Mbappe with a small remote control car.Kylian Mbappe was baffled when a remote control car broke down on the pitchThe Frenchman took matters into his own hands by carrying it awayThe forward picked it out of the vehicle and prepared to place it on the centre spot.But as the car attempted to drive off, it stopped after travelling less than a metre.Mbappe then decided to take matters into his own hands – by picking up the remote control car.However, before he could carry it over to the sidelines, the person that was meant to be controlling the car frantically ran over to collect it.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLOnce the brief moment of chaos was over, the match started as normal.France went on to win the match 2-0, making the score 2-2 on aggregate in the Nations League quarter-final.Les Bleus eventually progressed to the next round by winning 5-4 on penalties.They will now face Spain, who progressed by defeating Netherlands on penalties in the last-eight following a 5-5 draw, in the semi-final on June 5.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSIn the other semi-final, Germany face Portugal on June 4.The semi-finals are scheduled to take place just over a week before the Club World Cup is due to start in the United States.They will also take place just four days after the Champions League final.Real Madrid fan BURNS Kylian Mbappe shirt and fumes ‘my hopes and support for him is over’ More

    • 200 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Harry Kane claims players are being ignored over burnout fears as Thomas Tuchel shares break concerns

      by

      HARRY KANE claims the world’s top stars are being ignored over burnout fears.England captain Kane faces another summer without a proper break as Fifa’s month-long Club World Cup starts five days after the Three Lions’ friendly with Senegal on June 10.Harry Kane has expressed concerns about player burnoutCredit: GettyThomas Tuchel is also concernedCredit: PAThe Bayern Munich striker, 31, is one of at least a dozen England stars who are due to play in the revamped £600million 32-team tournament in the US — with boss Thomas Tuchel also  concerned.Players’ unions, including the PFA, have filed a legal complaint against Fifa over the tournament amid  welfare worries.But Kane said: “There’s nothing we can really do about it. I don’t think the players are listened to that much, if I’m honest.“We’re getting used to it but it’s another summer where you do not have a break.  There are arguments from the clubs — to generate more money.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“But there’s also a player welfare point where there’s only so much you can do without more injuries. It is a really hard balance.”Kane, who had less than four weeks off after Euro 2024, previously urged Prem chiefs to bring back a winter break to combat the crazy calendar.While Manchester City’s Ballon d’Or winner Rodri, 28, warned stars were close to going on STRIKE before his heartbreak ACL injury in September.He insisted: “Someone has to take care of us. We are the main characters of this sport.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSRodri’s City team-mates Manuel Akanji and Bernardo Silva, Liverpool keeper Alisson and Aston Villa boss Unai Emery have also pleaded for a reduction in the number of games.City and Chelsea are England’s representatives in the Club World Cup, while Kane’s Bayern and Jude Bellingham’s Real Madrid will also take part.Harry Kane scores from a distance in Bayern Munich training And Kane added: “If we get to the Champions League final on May 31, you’ll go straight into England then straight into the Club World Cup. So there won’t be any time.”England boss Tuchel also expressed his fears about the tournament, which runs from June 15 to July 13.Tuchel’s side face Andorra in a World Cup qualifier on June 7, then Senegal three days later.And the German boss admitted: “I am worried about the players being able to have a break.“I am not so concerned about the amount of games they play, I am more concerned they never have a real break of four weeks. That’s the problem.”PFA chief Maheta Molango wants players limited to a MAXIMUM of 60 games per season.And Tuchel added: “The Fifa June window is not ideal for anyone, especially the players. Maybe Fifa can put this window somewhere else for the benefit of players.”Rodri previously claimed that players could go on strikeCredit: Getty More

    • 200 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Leah Williamson to use memorable Arsenal defeat of Bayern Munich as fuel for Real Madrid duel

      by

      LEAH WILLIAMSON hopes Arsenal’s Champions League knockout of Bayern Munich can fuel their battle for a semi-final spot. Her side are 2-0 down after losing their first-leg quarters game away at Real Madrid last Tuesday.Leah Williamson and her Arsenal team-mates aim to overcome Real Madrid in the second leg of the Champions League quarter-finalsCredit: PAThe Gunners need to overcome a two-goal deficit in order to reach the contest’s semi-finals this yearCredit: PAThe last time Williamson’s side reached the contest’s last four was back in March 2023. Back then they overturned a 1-0 deficit to beat Bayern 2-1 on aggregate. And the Arsenal centre-back, 27,  hopes they can repeat this feat against Real Madrid in one of their biggest games this season. Williamson said: “The experience of overturning the quarter-final against Bayern Munich – that comes in handy for anybody that played in that game. That was a great memory. Read More Football Stories “Anybody that was involved in that game will take confidence from that knowing that we know how to do it.”Good things happen in football, bad things happen in football. “And when the good things happen you keep them in your pocket and just as much as the bad but you call them when you need them.”Arsenal’s game this evening will take place on pristine turf at the Emirates – a stark contrast to the muddy pitch they played on in Spain last week. Most read in FootballHeavy rain in Madrid left the turf at Alfredo Di Stefano stadium in a shabby state with players on sides getting covered in mud. However Williamson refused to blame the conditions for the Gunners’ first-leg defeat. She adds: “We were frustrated but more so at ourselves than anything else.Rainy weather ruined the condition of the pitch Arsenal and Real played on in Spain in the first leg of their quarters clashCredit: Getty”Whether pitch, weather, whatever it is, the standards of Arsenal are higher than they were last week.”The last time Arsenal won the Champions League was back in 2007 when they became the first English club to do so. Lifelong Gunners supporter Williamson, who dreams of helping them win again, said: “I’m an Arsenal fan and grew up at this club so that’s the dream.” More

    • 300 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      From Arsenal & Man City to Leicester & Leeds Utd – do you fit into AI’s idea of how a stereotypical football fan looks?

      by

      ARTIFICIAL intelligence is ­everywhere – even taking on the ­terraces of our top football clubs.  That’s because these images are all computer-generated ­likenesses of terrace stereotypes – based on the fans of a string of top clubs. It’s all the work of social media site Reimagine UK.  Do you and your club’s fans match up to how AI sees you? Find out hereCredit: GettyTheir tech wizards get ’bots to scour thousands of fan pictures and descriptions of supporters to analyse the defining traits of each. Then the site, which has tens of thousands of followers online, uploads the results, and no, they’re not real people – before you think you recognise that bloke from down the pub.  The Newcastle entry is a nod to Toon legend Paul Gascoigne’s pal Jimmy “Five Bellies” Gardner, the Brighton bloke gets a seagull, and the West Ham man has an, er, food-stained shirt.  Here, Mike Ridley reveals the full line-up so you can compare them to your footie-loving pals.  READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSWest Ham  With spilt gravy and beer belly, AI gives West Ham fans a hammeringCredit: ReimagineUKHAMMERS fans eat all the pies and spill gravy down their shirts, the bots would have you believe – and this gent looks like he’s had his fill of steak-and-kidneys.  This Blades fan is all smiles as Sheffield United eye Premier League promotionCredit: ReimagineUKTHIS Blades bloke comes across as a cheerful chappie – and maybe rightly so, as they are looking like contenders for promotion to the Premier League.  Tottenham fan keeps snapping selfies to distract from his team’s tough season, perhaps?Credit: ReimagineUKWHAT’S with the constant selfies, lad? Maybe it’s to take his mind off the latest disappointing results, as his side languish downtable in the top flight.  This Chelsea fan loves the bling, but can he really afford it with those ticket prices at the Bridge?Credit: ReimagineUKLOVING the bling as much as the Blues’ megabucks players, is this fella. Most read in FootballBut you have to wonder how he can afford it, given the price of tickets nowadays.  This trendy Arsenal fan’s too cool for a red and white scarf, according to AICredit: ReimagineUKTHIS one’s been to a hipster North London hair salon – and maybe that’s why AI reckons he’s too trendy to team his shirt with a red and white scarf.  Five bellies and two chins in tribute to Gazza’s pal – but he’s still smiling. Could Europe be calling next season for this Toon fan?Credit: ReimagineUKNewcastle fans take over Covent Garden ahead of Carabao Cup final against Liverpool and bid to end 70-year trophy waitOF course, it had to be – five bellies and two chins, in tribute to Gazza’s portly pal. But he looks pretty pleased. Maybe he fancies boozing in Europe next season?  The topknot hunk with shades and a hipster beard is a Seagulls fan – and he’s got the bird to prove itCredit: ReimagineUKTHE topknot hunk with the shades and hipster beard is a big fan of the Seagulls and can often be seen with one perched on his shoulder. Like you do.  This surfer dude really Leeds the way as his team pushes for promotion to the Premier LeagueCredit: ReimagineUKA SURFER dude beard, headband and neckerchief suggests someone feels like the cock of the north, merrily eyeing up promotion to the Prem.  After analysing thousands of Reds fans, AI couldn’t find a smile – no surprise after this season’s disastersCredit: TikTok/@reimagineukAFTER crunching thousands of pictures of Reds fans, AI couldn’t come up with anything more upbeat than this – little surprise given this season’s calamities.  They may be struggling at the bottom of the Premier League, but the bling and thoughtful look show they’ll always remember their 2016 gloryCredit: ReimagineUKTHEY may be at the wrong end of the Premier League but the proud bling, and philosophical face, suggest topping it way back in 2016 will never be forgotten.  Sporting a bit of a 1970s Paul McCartney lookCredit: ReimagineUKKOP a load of this! There’s maybe a bit of a 1970s Paul McCartney hair thing going on here, in tribute to the Beatles legend. Love, love yourself, fella.  Man City may not be on top right now, but AI says their fans are still smiling from years of successCredit: ReimagineUKCITY are, for once, not bossing things – but AI has seen so many of their happy fans in recent years it reckons they are still smiling from ear to ear.  More

    • 225 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      How Myles Lewis-Skelly could be Tuchel’s secret weapon as Harry Kane shows he’s England’s best finisher AND passer

      by

      THOMAS TUCHEL got his reign as England boss underway with two wins and two clean sheets. Victories over Albania and Latvia at Wembley ensured the Three Lions made the perfect start to their World Cup 2026 qualifying campaign. Myles Lewis-Skelly became the youngest senior England debutant to scoreCredit: GettyThomas Tuchel made the perfect start to life as England managerCredit: GettyHarry Kane found the net in both wins while Reece James’ free-kick and an Eberechi Eze finish was enough to see of Latvia.Against Albania, meanwhile, Myles Lewis-Skelly became the youngest player to score on his senior England debut aged just 18 years and 176 days. But what else did we learn from the German boss’ opening fixtures in charge?SunSport’s tactical guru Dean Scoggins gives the breakdown in the latest episode of Tactics Exposed…READ MORE ON FOOTBALL1. COVERING THE MYLESIt was a brave call but I expected Lewis-Skelly to start at left-back. He has been fantastic for Arsenal.He played two different roles in the two matches. In the first, he played as a conventional left-back, much more up the outside.That allowed the wingers to come off the wing and that’s where he got his goal, overlapping and latching on to Jude Bellingham’ magical pass.Against Latvia, Lewis-Skelly played a bit more like he does for Arsenal as an inverted left-back, getting on the ball more in midfield positions.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKLewis-Skelly played two different full-back rolesCredit: SunSportAgainst Albania he stayed wide – which is how he got his goalCredit: SunSportHe played inverted against LatviaCredit: SunSportThat saw him pick the ball up in midfieldCredit: SunSportReece James can do both on the other sideCredit: SunSportTuchel trusted an 18-year-old to do that – he is confident in Lewis-Skelly.On the other side, Tuchel loves Reece James and he is a player comfortable coming inside or around the outside. ‘I don’t expect anything’ Roy Keane savages England star after below-par display in Thomas Tuchel’s first gameI love his dynamism, physicality and he can be as good as Trent Alexander-Arnold from a dead-ball situation. 2. RICE… NAUGHTY AND NICEDeclan Rice is a fabulous football and one of the first names on the team sheet but it was a bit of a conundrum in these games. He became almost a bit of a problem where the midfield gets so congested and the two No10s are in the areas where he likes to run forward into.He becomes the bonafide No6 but the best parts of his game are not his quick one-touch passes through the lines.Declan Rice played as the solo No6Credit: SunSportHe struggled to have the impact he would have wantedCredit: SunSportRice often found himself in the wayCredit: SunSportThe Arsenal man could not play to his strengthsCredit: SunSportThe spaces he usually runs into were already occupiedCredit: SunSportHis underlapping run teed up Harry Kane’s goalCredit: SunSportIt felt like Rice was playing a bit-part role, sitting there in case England lost possession. He was wasted and I was shouting, ‘Get out of the way!’In the second match, though, he makes the driving underlap run for that brilliant assist for Kane. Tuchel is thinking about his team at the World Cup and obviously Rice plays – but they need to figure out how to use him against lesser opposition. 3. IMPERFECT TENSTuchel has to shape the team around the talisman Bellingham – he is the best English player in Europe. Bellingham showed his quality to unlock Albania with that amazing pass. He grew up playing football with Morgan Rogers but that chemistry between them at international level needs a bit of work. They were getting in each others’ way and there was a lot of pointing – it was like a traffic jam. Albeit that was against teams that parked the bus. The No10s lacked fluency with lots of players taking up similar positionsCredit: SunSportThey were often in each others’ wayCredit: SunSportJarrod Bowen tends to drift infieldCredit: SunSportThe central areas got overoccupied – even without Cole Palmer in the teamCredit: SunSportPhil Foden came out of the congested area for the Eze goal which was very clever.Plus you have to throw Cole Palmer in there when he is fit and Bukayo Saka will be on the right.Tuchel knows he cannot take them all but it’s not a bad problem to have as a manager choosing between Bellingham, Foden, Palmer and Rogers. 4. GIVE PACE A CHANCEObviously Saka will come back in. He is England’s best winger and he was really missed.I was a bit disappointed by Marcus Rashford’s ambition and that may be to do with confidence.He had a lot of tactical instructions to deal with and he did them. The interchange with Bellingham and Lewis-Skelly was really good. The enormous frustration with Rashford is that he doesn’t beat his man – he is one-v-one against a Latvian full-back with a massive space in behind.Either play a one-two and go or beat him with his first touch. Tuchel gave him two opportunities by starting him in both matches – he needed the wingers to keep their width against Latvia to allow space for the inverted full-backs to come inside. His darting run stretches the defence which allows Rice to set up the Kane goal. Marcus Rashford, Jude Bellingham and Lewis-Skelly rotated down the leftCredit: SunSportThe on-loan Aston Villa refused to take on his full-backCredit: SunSportHe stretched the Latvia defence before the Kane goalCredit: SunSportIt was half good and half not quite so positive from Rashford. Bowen and Rashford naturally come inside with their first touch but I was impressed by Eze, he ran at his full-back and we saw what happened. 5. KEEP CALM AND HARRY ONKane is my favourite ever footballer and I marvel at him. Anyone who has the nerve to suggest he shouldn’t play for England doesn’t watch enough football.Yes, he scores lots of goals against Albanians and Latvians. But away from his ability to finish – who else is scoring those goals? – it is his movement that is why he scores all those goals. The finish against Latvia is easy but it’s the movement before anybody else that makes it – it is top level. Kane appeared to have a simple tap-inCredit: GettyIt was his movement that made the goal look easyCredit: SunSportHe drifted out at the back post to create spaceCredit: SunSportKane produced a stunning finish against AlbaniaCredit: AlamyHe knows where the ball will end up and is the only one around the back post to tap it in.The goal against Albania was utter genius.Most people take the shot early and it hits the defender. Not Harry Kane.He pauses for a split second and he side-foots it into the corner. If we are going to win a major tournament, it will be with Kane in the team.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe played more as an out-and-out No9 in these games but his natural instinct is still to link the play. He is the best passer in the team. He is the best finisher in the team. More

    • 213 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Wales World Cup qualifier STOPPED after 59 minutes in emotional tribute to North Macedonia nightclub fire victims

      by

      THE World Cup qualifier between North Macedonia and Wales was briefly paused in the 59th minute while both teams and fans paid tribute to the victims of a nightclub fire.Earlier this month, 59 people were killed in a blaze that ripped through Club Pulse in Kocani.North Macedonia vs Wales was paused while players and fans paid tribute to the Club Pulse fire victimsCredit: BBC IplayerFans stopped for a minute of applause, with some shining their phone lightsCredit: BBC IPlayer59 people died in a devastating fire at Club Pulse in KocaniCredit: ReutersThe fire, sparked by on-stage pyrotechnics, also injured 155 others.Citizens of North Macedonia were deeply affected by the tragedy so a tribute was prepared for the nation’s first home match of the year.During the World Cup qualifier against Wales, referee Jerome Brisard temporarily stopped play on the 59-minute mark in honour of the 59 victims of the nightclub disaster.Players joined fans at the Tose Proeski Arena in stopping for a minute of applause.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSome fans also turned their phone lights on to illuminate the stands.The match continued with a drop-ball for Wales after the tribute.Discussing the impact of the tragedy before the match, Wales head coach Craig Bellamy said: “We haven’t spoke about it but the players are aware of it.”I’d like to send my condolences to the families and also the people of North Macedonia.Most read in Football”It’s difficult to talk about football when moments like this happens, but we’re here for it and I completely respect the situation.”We’ve had our own tragedies and we know as a country what they’re going through. I’d like them to know that everyone in Wales is fully behind them.”I hope for just 90 minutes that we and North Macedonia are able, maybe just a tiny bit, to take one or two minds off what’s happened.”Only for a tiny bit. I want that because life is the most important. We just get to play football.”North Macedonia were moments away from winning the match thanks to a 91st-minute strike from Bojan Miovski.However, David Brooks levelled things up with just a few seconds left on the clock to steal a point. More