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    England regulars left fearing they may need summer transfer to win place in Thomas Tuchel’s World Cup squad

    SIX England hopefuls fear they may need to make a summer transfer to book their spot in Thomas Tuchel’s World Cup squad.The former Chelsea boss started life in the Three Lions dug-out with successive Wembley wins in the past week.Six England stars are considering their future to become regulars under Thomas TuchelCredit: AlamyThe aces are all desperate to be on the plane for next year’s World CupCredit: ReutersEngland first beat Albania 2-0 on Thursday.And Tuchel’s men then cruised past Latvia 3-0 on Monday to begin their World Cup qualifying campaign with six points.The German manager made a series of big calls when deciding his squad, giving nods to the likes of exiled Ajax veteran Jordan Henderson and Arsenal teen sensation Myles Lewis-Skelly.But four stars who were not initially called up now reckon they may need to join new clubs to catch Tuchel’s eye.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLElsewhere, two players who did make the cut are also reportedly considering fresh starts to seal their World Cup spots.The Telegraph claims Manchester City misfit Jack Grealish is considering his options after a dismal season at the Etihad.The winger has started just six league games after being axed by Gareth Southgate for last summer’s Euros.And he has been “warned” by Tuchel to “take responsibility off the pitch” to get his career back on track.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSElsewhere, Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite is another mulling his options.The centre-back has been in fine form recently but still missed out on a spot to Newcastle’s uncapped 32-year-old Dan Burn.Roy Keane leaves Ian Wright laughing after ITV pundit’s joke about Thomas Tuchel following England’s win over Latvia Jack Grealish has started just six league matches for Man CityCredit: GettyEverton’s Jarrad Branthwaite missed out on a spot to 32-year-old Dan BurnCredit: GettyAston Villa’s Jacob Ramsey could be on the move after almost making the cut.He is yet to nail down a regular spot under Unai Emery, and could opt for first-team football elsewhere despite being a fan favourite.Finally, Morgan Gibbs-White is flying high with Nottingham Forest but was still left out of England’s squad.Jacob Ramsey is yet to nail down a starting spot at Aston VillaCredit: AlamyNottingham Forest’s Morgan Gibbs-White was initially left out of the squadCredit: AlamyHe was eventually called up when Cole Palmer withdrew through injury.But the playmaker still failed to make it onto the pitch against Latvia – having been axed completely from the Albania matchday squad.And he would reportedly consider joining a more established side to help make the plane next summer.Finally, the two stars who did make the squad but are still considering permanent transfers are Marcus Rashford and Aaron Ramsdale.Marcus Rashford hopes to get a permanent move away from Man UtdCredit: GettyAaron Ramsdale will push to leave all-but-relegated SouthamptonCredit: GettyManchester United winger Rashford is on loan at Aston Villla and has no future at the Theatre of Dreams.But despite a decent showing in the Midlands, his future at his loan side is not guaranteed.And Rashford is open to another club where he would be guaranteed minutes as a regular starter.Meanwhile, goalkeeper Ramsdale will push to leave Southampton with their relegation to the Championship all-but-confirmed.READ MORE SUN STORIESRamsdale will likely have to be playing in the Premier League to be considered as one of England’s three stoppers.But like the players above, he too craves nothing more than a solid spot in a club’s starting XI. More

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    Pep Guardiola brainwashed me at Man City – I realised I played football completely the wrong way

    A FORMER Manchester City star has claimed Pep Guardiola “brainwashed” him into becoming a better footballer.Guardiola revolutionised the beautiful game with his tiki-taka style of football during his historic stint at Barcelona.Pep Guardiola took charge of Manchester City back in 2016Credit: GETTYThe Spaniard has guided City to six Premier League titles and one Champions LeagueCredit: GETTYFormer City defender Danilo has claimed Guardiola “brainwashed” him into becoming a better playerCredit: GETTYHe would somewhat implement his ethos when he took charge of City in the summer of 2016, although he’d have to adapt it for the physicality of the Premier League.Adapt it he would, so much so that City would win SIX of the last seven Premier League titles and the last four in a row.And former Sky Blues defender Danilo, who spent two seasons at the Etihad, is among the players whose games were transformed by the Catalan.The Flamengo star and Brazil skipper said of his former gaffer during an interview with The Guardian: “Pep Guardiola educates his players.READ MORE SPORTS NEWS“That’s the most important thing about his work. He makes all players think about football in the same way.”Time, space, movement, possession, taking care of the ball.“He makes you understand the spaces on the pitch like no other coach and he lives the game emotionally like no other coach.”I was brainwashed by Guardiola, but in a good way.”Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSDanilo reckons he’d be a much better player if he’d been managed by Pep Guardiola earlier in his careerCredit: REUTERSDanilo, 33, believes he would’ve been a far better player had he played under Guardiola earlier in his career.He said: “It was like I was at university. What I experienced with him allowed me to raise my level and keep that level to this day.Pep Guardiola admits ‘best team won’ as Real Madrid knock Man City out of Europe “It’s not that I was an idiot before I arrived at Manchester City but I realised that I played football in completely the wrong way.”If I had met him before, he would have made my life a lot easier. I’m so glad I was able to play under him and was able to learn from him.”The 2024/25 season has been City’s worst since Guardiola replaced Manuel Pellegrini at the Etihad helm.City are currently fifth in the table and a whopping 22 POINTS behind runaway table-toppers Liverpool.Danilo isn’t surprised by his former side’s slump, saying: “We have to remember that football is cyclical.“There are a lot of players who are now 33, 34 years old and have been at the top of their game for eight, nine, ten years.Pep Guardiola has endured a torrid season, with City currently 22 points behind LiverpolCredit: GETTY”This drop in performance is natural. You have to look at the mental aspect as well.”When I talk about age, it’s not even physical. It’s the experience of being under so much pressure for so many years, the pressure of winning and winning all the time.“When you lose, the feeling is that everything has gone wrong and you feel less valuable, incapable. It’s difficult to balance these feelings.”That’s why when you win, you only feel relief. READ MORE SUN STORIES”However, with age comes a better understanding and it is easier to reflect on some of the defeats and victories.”City will be back in action on Sunday, travelling to the Vitality Stadium to take on Bournemouth in the quarter-finals of the FA Cup. More

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    Jack Grealish dances like Michael Flatley on night out in Dubai as he gets over England snub heartache

    JACK GREALISH showed off his nifty footwork as he staged a Michael Flatley-style Riverdance jig on a night out in Dubai.The England ace headed for the sunshine to lick his wounds after being snubbed from new Three Lions boss Thomas Tuchel’s squad.Jack Grealish showed off his best dance moves on a night out in DubaiThe Man City ace danced like Michael Flatley after enjoying his time at an Irish barGrealish posed with fans after jetting off for the international breakThe £100million-man has endured a tough season with limited game timeCredit: GettyRiverdance star Michael Flatley and his shows featuring Irish dancing became international phenomenons in the 1990sCredit: PA:Press AssociationHe has spent a large part of the international break working away with a personal trainer to get in top shape for the remainder of the season.And helping him put a smile on his face in the Dubai sunshine were partner Sasha Attwood and daughter Mila in what was their first foreign holiday together.The trio were joined by another family on the sunshine jaunt – and the £100m Manchester City ace performed a merry jig for one of the kids at Irish bar McGettigans JLT.A source said: “Jack was gutted to be ditched from the England squad. READ MORE ON FOOTBALL”He has been struggling for form in Manchester too. “So a sunshine break with family and friends was just what he needed to put a spring back in his step for the rest of the season.”Grealish and pin-up businesswoman Sasha welcomed their daughter last September and declared the arrival of Mila Rose Grealish as ‘the most special moment of their lives’.Tuchel has kept the door open for Grealish to return to the England fold.Most read in FootballThe City star has started just six Premier League games this season and is without a goal in the top-flight since December 2023. Grealish missed out on Gareth Southgate’s Euro 2024 squad but returned to the side under interim boss Lee Carsley.England boss Tuchel said: “I love Jack. I love everything about him. I love his personality, I love his quality.BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”Is he a player that should be available and can have an impact in our squad? “Yes, 100 per cent. But lately, he simply has no rhythm and he and I agree 100 per cent with this.Man City boss Pep Guardiola apologises to Jack Grealish with England man playing just 604 Premier League minutes “He said ‘Listen Thomas, I’m not a start-stop player. “It is so hard for me to influence a match from the bench and then be on the bench again, and then two weeks later I start again’.“I’m not judging anyone, not at all, but it’s just a characteristic of Jack. He gets better with every minute.”Grealish opened up on the “most difficult year of his life” in an emotional interview last month. The former Aston Villa star welcomed baby Mila Rose in September with girlfriend Sasha Attwood.But his Euros snub and loss of form for City led the £100m-man into a tough place.Inside Sasha Attwood and Jack Grealish’s relationshipSasha Attwood and Jack Grealish have become parents for the first time, but their relationship started well over a decade ago…The pair met as teens in Solihull, West Midlands at secondary school, with Sasha previously saying they have been together since she was 15. Jack was already on his way to becoming a professional footballer when he met Sasha.Despite the long-term nature of their relationship, she remained on the sidelines when his career took off.However, intense interest in Jack’s private life came to a head in 2021 when England reached the final of Euro 2020, delayed a year because of the Covid-19 pandemic. Because of their romance, Sasha was cruelly targeted by trolls on TikTok and Instagram, receiving 200 death threats a day from “young girls”. The pair were spotted on holiday together following the tournament and slowly began showing more of their relationship on social media when the vile trolling died down. In 2022, they celebrated their 10-year anniversary and purchased a seven-bed mansion set in 24 acres worth £5.6 million.They moved in to the home in late 2023, but Sasha and members of Jack’s family were subject to a terrifying robbery while cheering on the Manchester City star during a televised match just after Christmas. Their latest milestone is Sasha’s pregnancy, which they announced on social media on July 7, and the birth of daughter Mila Rose on September 27.Grealish stunned punters at a boozer in Washington, Tyneside by buying a £500 roundCredit: X @footballbreakzGrealish admitted: ” Last year, the whole year itself, it was weird because my little daughter was born, but apart from that it was one of the most difficult years.”Probably the most difficult year of my life for many reasons, on and off the pitch.”Grealish was the toast of the North East earlier this month after walking into a social club and getting a round in.The winger bought 200 PINTS for lucky punters at the North Biddick Social Club in Washington.Grealish posed for photos and chatted with locals on a visit to Richard Logan, 37, brother of fellow Three Lions star Jordan Pickford.One local punter told The Daily Mail: “Jack was a total gentleman.READ MORE SUN STORIES”£500 is enough to keep the whole bar in pints for a good few hours.”What a star he was, he can come back any time.” More

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    ‘Tensions always arise’ – Tuchel questioned by Germany icon who says his chemistry with Kane at Bayern was ‘not perfect’

    THOMAS TUCHEL has often faced tension in previous jobs and he was not the best fit for Harry Kane at Bayern Munich, according to Germany legend Philipp Lahm.The England boss has held six managerial jobs but only lasted more than three years in one role – as Mainz boss.Thomas Tuchel has often faced tension in the past, claims Philipp LahmCredit: AlamyHarry Kane has already been given a big instruction by the England bossCredit: PAAnd Lahm believes that is often because Tuchel’s relationships can prove fractious, either with players or his superiors.Lahm claims Tuchel lacked connection with Bayern’s leading stars, including England captain Kane.He told the New York Times: “It does not always go well for him and when it fails, it’s never because of tactics, but rather interpersonal relationships.“His departure from Mainz was fractious. In Dortmund, there were conflicts with the club management, in Paris, with Neymar and Kylian Mbappe, and at Chelsea, with Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital after they bought the club.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“No matter where he works, tensions seem to arise at some point. “Apart from Mainz (2009 to 2014), Tuchel has never stayed anywhere for three years.“His biggest problem at Bayern was also not a sporting one, but the lack of connection with leading players such as Thomas Muller or Leon Goretzka, and the chemistry with Kane was probably not perfect either.”Tuchel is already making his mark on the Three Lions squad and after winning his first two matches he has issued an instruction to Kane.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSThe striker has been told to stop dropping deep into midfield as Tuchel believes he came too deep to collect the ball during the Euros.Tuchel said: “I know Harry as a top, top professional who does what is asked of him and he does it now with Bayern Munich.Roy Keane leaves Ian Wright laughing after ITV pundit’s joke about Thomas Tuchel following England’s win over Latvia “They play with a very high press – they almost man-mark.“I saw him here for England dropping deeper and deeper in his game and this is maybe not exactly what we want with Harry.“Making him drop as a No.9 is not a problem, but it should not be the No.6 position.“Dropping as a No10, turning and shooting from range and delivering from outside the box is not a problem.”But then we need to make sure that around him is enough speed and high position to take advantage of the space.“We have the highest expectations when we bring him in. He is our captain.“He will maybe never be the most outspoken person, never be the most emotional leader out there on the pitch.READ MORE SUN STORIES“But in the group, we have high expectations he has to live up to.”And, of course, in terms of intensity in the game, pressing, closing down players, we will not take any exceptions of the rule.”Southgate vs Tuchel records comparedTHOMAS TUCHELAugsburg II 2007-2008P34 W 20 D8 L6 Win percentage: 58.82%Mainz 05 2009-2014P184 W72 D46 L66 Win percentage: 39.13%Borussia Dortmund 2015-2017P107 W67 D23 L17 Win percentage: 62.62%Honours: DFB Pokal Paris Saint Germain 2018-2020P127 W95 D13 L16 Win percentage: 74.8%Honours: Ligue 1 X2, Coupe de France, Coupe de la Ligue, Trophee des Champions x2Chelsea 2021-2022P100 W60 D24 L16 Win percentage: 60%Honours: Champions League, Super Cup, Club World CupBayern Munich 2023-2024P61 W37 D8 L16 Win percentage: 60.66%Honours: BundesligaGARETH SOUTHGATEMiddlesbrough 2006-2009P151 W54 D43 Win percentage: 35.76%England U21 2013-2016P37 W27 D5 L5 Win percentage: 72.97%Honours: Toulon tournamentEngland 2016-2024P102 W61 D24 L17 Win percentage: 59.8%Honours: Euros runners up, 2020, 2024 More

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    Man Utd make contact with Olympiacos over wonderkid also chased by Arsenal but pair face stiff transfer competition

    OLYMPIACOS wonderkid Babis Kostoulas is being eyed by Manchester United and Arsenal amid a stunning breakout season in Greece.Kostoulas, 17, burst onto the scene last term when he led the Piraeus outfit’s Under-19s to the Uefa Youth Cup.Manchester United made contact with Olympiacos over Arsenal target Babis KostoulasCredit: GettyKostoulas also received interest from Spain after Premier League, Bundesliga and Serie A linksCredit: APThat made Olympiacos’ youth team the first ever Greek club to win a European title shortly before the seniors made history by conquering the Europa Conference League.The versatile forward was quickly promoted to the first team under manager Jose Luis Mendilibar and earned a place in the starting line-up.The Greece Under-21 international, who will soon be joining the senior national team, has so far amassed a total of six goals and two assists in 33 appearances with Olympiacos this season.That has led to interest from several Premier League clubs, including Manchester United, Arsenal, Chelsea, Tottenham and Aston Villa.Read More on FootballUnited have even made contact with the Greek giants, who are not keen to sell their most promising prospect this summer.Man Utd and other interested Premier League sides face competition from Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund, Juventus and AC Milan.SunSport also understand there is interest from Spain for Kostoulas.This comes after last month’s reports suggesting Real Madrid are keeping tabs on the Greek teenage sensation.Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old TraffordSunSport can’t confirm any interest from Real but the striker has certainly turned heads in LaLiga.Kostoulas was set to join Greece during the current international break for the Nations League play-offs against Scotland.’He’s got a sense of humour’ – Sky Sports panel in stitches after Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta’s stunt in live TV interviewHowever, the youngster didn’t make the cut due to a hamstring injury he suffered three weeks ago in the Europa League’s Last 16 first leg against Bodo/Glimt.However, SunSport understand the rising star will be in contention for Sunday’s crunch play-off derby against rivals Panathinaikos at Georgios Karaiskakis. More

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    Mason Greenwood ‘faces being SOLD by Marseille as former Man Utd striker is handed two-month ultimatum’

    MASON GREENWOOD could be sold by Marseille after being handed a two-month ultimatum, it’s claimed.The former Manchester United striker, 23, moved to France in a £25million deal last summer.Mason Greenwood reportedly has two months to save his Marseille careerCredit: ReutersAnd he has since scored 15 goals in 26 Ligue 1 appearances under Roberto De Zerbi.However, Greenwood found himself dropped for Marseille’s last two matches against Lens and Paris Saint-Germain.The forward has come under fire from his boss for a lack of effort.And reports in France claim Greenwood now has two months to save his Marseille career.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIt’s reckoned the forward has until the end of the season to show he is capable of cutting it at the highest level.Greenwood has been told he must start showing more intensity in all aspects of his game.And it seems the message is already getting through after La Provence claimed he returned to training early during the international break.Greenwood’s efforts are sure to go down well with his manager.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSDe Zerbi did not hold back when assessing the Englishman’s form at a press conference earlier this month.The ex-Brighton boss said: “No one can have more respect for him that I do.Mason Greenwood to switch allegiance to Jamaica“But that doesn’t change anything: I expect more from him. He has to do more, because what he is currently showing is not enough.“If he wants to achieve his ambition of becoming a champion, he has to be more consistent, sacrifice more and be more determined.”RMC reporter Florent Germain said separately: “Greenwood is a player that can make a big difference.“But honestly, if he doesn’t react, questions will be asked about a departure for him this summer.”Greenwood has in the past been linked with a transfer to Barcelona.PSG and Bayern Munich have also been credited with an interest.READ MORE SUN STORIESWere he to move this summer, Manchester United would be in line for a heft financial windfall.It’s understood they will receive 50 per cent of any transfer fee thanks to a clause agreed hen he left Old Trafford. More

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    Dan Ashworth closing in on shock return to football just four months after being brutally sacked by Man Utd

    DAN ASHWORTH is in line to return to football with a senior role at the FA, according to reports.Ashworth, 54, was surprisingly sacked by Manchester United in December after just five months at Old Trafford.Dan Ashworth is set to return to football in a senior role with the FACredit: PANow the former Newcastle and Brighton chief is set to return to the FA, where he spent five years as Director of Development between 2013 and 2018.According to The Telegraph, Ashworth has been in talks with the FA over the role for some time – long before Thomas Tuchel’s opening two games during the international break.It’s claimed that Ashworth would be joining in a role that would see him oversee the “St George’s Park 2.0 project” – a huge redevelopment project of England’s training ground facilities announced last month.It’s thought that Ashworth would also look after both the men’s and women’s senior and junior teams, looking closely at coach development.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAt present, it appears that Ashworth’s appointment would have no impact on the the current technical director roles within the FA.Ashworth has been without a job since his dismissal at Old Trafford, but has been considered for a number of different roles in the meantime.It was revealed that he was one of many candidates considered by Arsenal for their sporting director job, before the North London club landed on former Atletico Madrid chief Andrea Berta.Ashworth has been praised for his role with England and the FA in the past – spearheading a period of change with the national team.Most read in FootballAshworth will oversee the ‘radical refurbishment’ of St George’s ParkCredit: thefa.comAll outdoor pitches are in line to be upgraded in the refurbCredit: thefa.comCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe Telegraph has claimed that there’s concern within the FA about the state of British coaching pathways with very few home nation bosses in top flight football and German national Thomas Tuchel in charge of the national side.There are just two English coaches currently working in the Premier League – Eddie Howe at Newcastle and Graham Potter at West Ham.Dan Ashworth leaves Man Utd after just five months with Sir Jim Ratcliffe ordering shock boardroom shake-upHowe’s recent Carabao Cup success with Newcastle saw him become the first Englishman to guide a team to a major English trophy since Harry Redknapp won the FA Cup with Portsmouth in 2008.It was revealed last month that Ashworth’s exit from Manchester United had cost the club £4.1MILLION.Ashworth has also taken up an advisory role with Warwickshire County Cricket Club since leaving the Red Devils, according to The Times.He has been involved with the cricket club since 2021, having held an honorary role on their audit committee for over three years.That role is said to have involved oversight of what Warwickshire call their “elite teams and high-performance structure”.England ratings vs Albania as Lewis-Skelly enjoys dream debut but Tuchel fails to solve Foden issue By Tom BarclayMYLES LEWIS-SKELLY made history and Harry Kane extended his own record-breaking as England sunk Albania in Thomas Tuchel’s first game.Lewis-Skelly became the youngest player to score on his Three Lions debut and top goal-getter Kane notched his 70th international strike as Tuchel began his World Cup qualifying campaign with a modest 2-0 win.New boy Dan Burn partnered Ezri Konsa in central defence at Wembley, while Marcus Rashford and Curtis Jones were also handed starts.Meanwhile, Tuchel wrestled with the same issue faced by predecessor Sir Gareth Southgate – deciding where to fit in Phil Foden.Left-back Lewis-Skelly, 18, slotted home on 20 minutes following a delightful turn and even better pass from Jude Bellingham.But England stuttered after the break – until skipper Kane classily took down a Declan Rice pass and curved home the clincher.Here’s how SunSport’s Tom Barclay rated the Three Lions in German manager Tuchel’s opening match… More

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    North Macedonia vs Wales: Get £30 in free bets and £10 casino bonus with BoyleSports, plus 25% boost on your winnings

    WALES can make it two wins from two in World Cup qualifying when they head for North Macedonia tonight.Punters who register an account with BoyleSports and stake a tenner on the game will be rewarded with £30 in football free bets plus an extra £10 casino bonus!BoyleSports are also offering customers an extra 25% boost on their Bet Builder winnings!Find The Sun’s betting publishing principles hereHow to claim…BoyleSports offerVisit the BoyleSports website HERE*Register a new account and depositPlace a qualifying bet of £10 or more at odds of Evens or greaterRemember, your qualifying bet must be placed within 30 days of account openingOnce that’s settled, you will receive £30 in free bets and a £10 casino bonusBoyleSports: Get £30 in free bets and a £10 casino bonus HERE*Not got a BoyleSports account? No Problem!Simply visit the BoyleSports website and register for your brand new account.Deposit at least a tenner and then place a tenner or more on any football betting market at odds of Evens or greater.Once that’s settled, you will receive £30 in free bets and a £10 casino bonus.You will also be eligible for BoyleSports’ amazing special, which offers all customers an extra 25% on their Bet Builder winnings – claim that HERE*BoyleSports: Get £30 in free bets and a £10 casino bonus HERE**18+. New UK customers (Excluding NI) only. £40 in FREE Bets (FB) as £30 in sports bets & a £10 casino bonus (CB). Min Deposit €10. Min stake €10. Min odds Evs. FB applied on 1st settlement of any qualifying bet. FB 7-day expiry. 1 FB offer per customer, household & IP address only. Account & Payment restrictions. 14 days to accept £10 CB, then active for 3 days. CB 5x wagering & max redeemable £100. Game restrictions apply. Cashed out/Free Bets won’t apply. 30 days to qualify. 18+. Digital customers only. Min Odds of (3/1). Max stake 20. Available on one bet per selected event. 25% Boost. Boost will be added once all selections have settled. Max boost payout £/€1,000. Offer does not apply to multiple bets. Free/void/cashed out bets won’t qualify. T&Cs apply.Remember to gamble responsiblyA responsible gambler is someone who:Establishes time and monetary limits before playingOnly gambles with money they can afford to loseNever chase their lossesDoesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressedGamcare – gamcare.org.ukGambleAware – GambleAware.orgRead our guide on responsible gambling practices. For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to gamstop.co.uk to be excluded from all UK-regulated gambling websites. More