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    Huge Arsenal injury blow as Riccardo Calafiori forced off after ‘feeling something strange’ in Italy clash

    ARSENAL are sweating over a fresh injury blow to Riccardo Calafiori after the star “felt something strange” while playing for Italy.The defender, 22, picked up the potential problem in his side’s 2-1 defeat to Germany last night.Riccardo Calafiori has suffered another injury scare for ArsenalCredit: RexThe ace jarred his knee during Italy’s 2-1 defeat to GermanyCredit: GettyCalafiori lined up on the left side of a three-man defence and enjoyed a good performance.But towards the end of the match, disaster struck.The £42million Arsenal man slipped and twisted awkwardly as he attempted to re-angle his body while running backwards.The jarring movement results in one leg flying out as the other remained stationary.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLCalafiori managed to see out the rest of the game, despite initially being forced off the field.But he looked to be moving awkwardly.And speaking afterwards, Italy boss Luciano Spalletti revealed Calafiori will need to undergo tests to determine the extent of his problem.Spalletti said: “We still don’t know if he’s injured.Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Arsenal Files every Friday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from The Emirates“Ricky felt something strange in his knee but we still don’t know.”Calafiori was also asked about the problem but was equally cryptic.Arsenal star Riccardo Calafiori reveals he learned English through Netflix and drill music The Gunner said: “I still don’t know…”Should Calafiori have suffered a knee injury, it would already be the THIRD of his Arsenal career following last summer’s move from Bologna.He missed a month of action between October and November with a similar issue, leaving him absent for eight matches.He missed a further three games in December with knee problems.While calf and muscle issues have resulted in another five games missed, making for a total of 16 games out injured so far. More

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    Harry Kane: People have got bored with my goals as they did with Ronaldo and Messi – I can win Ballon d’Or this year

    HARRY KANE claims he is under-appreciated as fans have become “bored” with his stunning scoring stats.The England skipper faces Albania tonight with an incredible international record of 69 goals in 103 appearances, while he has also struck 76 times in just 82 matches for Bayern Munich.Harry Kane says fans got bored of his goalsCredit: GettyCristiano Ronaldo, pictured in 2018, was a goal machine at Real MadridCredit: Getty Images – GettySo too was Lionel Messi, pictured here in 2019, during his Barcelona daysCredit: Getty Images – GettyKane, 31, said: “It’s like when Ronaldo and Messi were throwing these crazy numbers out there.“The next season, they’d score 40 goals instead of 50 and it was like they were having a bad season.“People take it for granted and maybe it’s a little bit for me with England as well.“I’ve scored 69 goals and when you score against Albania or Latvia, people just expect it, so it’s not spoken about so much.READ MORE IN football “If I was 25 now and doing what I’m doing, the excitement around me would be a bit different.“Again, that’s part of where we are with football and I’ve seen it with some other players as they get into their 30s.“Maybe people just get a little bit bored of what you do but I’m certainly not bored. I’m excited for the games ahead.”The striker, back at former club Tottenham’s training ground yesterday, was asked whether he can win the Ballon d’Or this year. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSHe said: “One hundred per cent.“I felt that last season as well, I scored over 40 goals but I was never going to win the Ballon d’Or because we didn’t win the team trophies.How Tuchel will excite England fans by unleashing high press footballHarry Kane reveals his favourite England goalsHARRY KANE is already England’s all-time record goalscorer.But the Three Lions skipper will NOT be stopping there.To mark his 100th cap for his country, Kane spoke to SunSport’s CHARLIE WYETT about some of his special England goals….FIRST ENGLAND GOAL“My debut v Lithuania. March 2015.”There was a lot of talk in the build-up to that camp because I was playing well for Spurs.“I got a great reception and within a couple of minutes I scored a goal.“I don’t think I could have dreamed it any better.“My friends and family were there. That was a really special night.”FAVOURITE ENGLAND GOAL“It’s between two, for me.“Against Germany, the one at Wembley in Euro 2020.“Also, the header against Tunisia at the World Cup in 2018.“That moment of scoring a last-minute winner at my first World Cup was special.”BEST ENGLAND GOAL“The one I scored in Poland away in a World Cup qualifier in 2021. It was from 25 yards.”(Kane picked up the ball from Kyle Walker, advanced towards goal and put his foot through it.)“It kind of drifted away and it was a good strike, probably my furthest-out goal for England.”“I finished tenth in the Ballon d’Or while at Spurs and that was as high as I could have finished.”Thomas Tuchel takes charge of his first game as England manager in what is the start of a new era following the reign of Sir Gareth Southgate.It was Tuchel who persuaded Kane to leave Spurs for Bayern in 2023.The German’s assistant in Munich was Englishman Anthony Barry and he is now the Three Lions’ No 2.Kane, set to win his first major title this season with Bundesliga leaders Bayern, said: “We had conversations before the transfer happened.“Gareth and Thomas are different characters. In terms of coaching, Thomas takes a bit more on the pitch.”I finished tenth in the Ballon d’Or while at Spurs and that was as high as I could have finished.Harry Kane Kane is also delighted that Jordan Henderson is back in the England squad after 16 months out.There is no doubt the Three Lions missed the influence of Hendo, 34, during Euro 2024 with skipper Kane not the loudest of characters.Kane added: “Whenever you go to tournaments, I don’t think it’s just about having the best players.“It’s about creating an environment where you allow other people to thrive. I would say we were a little bit light on leadership in the summer.“Especially when things are not going well, that’s when you need me and Jordan — experienced players to take that responsibility on.READ MORE SUN STORIES“Hendo brings that experience as good as anyone I’ve played with.“Thomas has been clear on trying to build that environment. And it starts from this camp.”Tuchel persuaded Kane to leave Spurs for Bayern in 2023Credit: AP More

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    Inside the rise of Ethan Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly as Arsenal pal reveals what England wonderkids are really like

    WHILE Prem stars Myles Lewis-Skelly and Levi Colwill are ready to do battle for England, two old team-mates are fighting the drop to League Two.Crawley midfielder Bradley Ibrahim, 20, was captain of the Arsenal team which got to the FA Youth Cup final two years ago and featured Lewis-Skelly as well as Ethan Nwaneri.Crawley ace Bradley Ibrahim played with Myles Lewis-Skelly and Ethan Nwaneri at ArsenalArsenal ace Myles Lewis-Skelly is eyeing an England debutCredit: GettyEthan Nwaneri has enjoyed quite the breakout season with ArsenalCredit: EPAMeanwhile, Burton midfielder Charlie Webster, 21, came through the ranks at Chelsea with 22-year-old Colwill and worked with England boss Thomas Tuchel at Stamford Bridge.Ibrahim, on loan from German club Hertha Berlin, believes this England call-up for Lewis-Skelly, 18, will be the first of many.The pair grew up together at Arsenal, and Ibrahim told SunSport: “I spoke to Myles on Friday after his selection was announced while on the way to Cambridge. He was buzzing.”Ibrahim says Lewis-Skelly’s aggression, strength, fearlessness, self-confidence and humility drove him to the top.Read More on ArsenalHe said: “Myles was always brave — he’ll never play with fear. No matter where he is or who he’s against, Myles has a belief in himself that he’s one of the best and is going to be the best.”But Ibrahim insists off the field the teenager is humble because of his family roots.He recalled how the Arsenal star’s mum, Marcia, always kept him on the straight and narrow. He said: “His progress has been helped by having great parents.“His mum is a strong character and always kept him well disciplined.“He was never one to go out. His mum sometimes didn’t let him.Most read in SportJoin SUN CLUB for the Arsenal Files every Friday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from The Emirates“He’s well-spoken and talks to everyone exactly the same — whether it’s the kitchen staff, cleaners or manager. He’s so humble.”Lewis-Skelly, who could make his senior debut on Friday’s World Cup qualifier against Albania, only made his Prem bow in September at Manchester City. He was red-carded against Wolves and West Ham this season.’It’s like Messi… there I said it’ – Pundits rave about Arsenal ace Nwaneri as Shearer dubs him ‘potential superstar’And Gunners boss Mikel Arteta had to sub him after 35 minutes at PSV Eindhoven this month to safeguard him after the teenager picked up an early booking. Although the dismissal against Wolves was rescinded, there have been concerns raised about his aggression.But Ibrahim said: “If you take a bit of his aggression away, you take a big thing out of his game.“If he was an older player, people wouldn’t talk about it but because he’s young, people spin it negatively. Even in training and mini-games he’d take it seriously.”He’s well-spoken and talks to everyone exactly the same — whether it’s the kitchen staff, cleaners or manager. He’s so humble.Bradley Ibrahim on Myles Lewis-SkellyIbrahim’s favourite memory of his pal was his last-gasp extra-time winner in the FA Youth Cup semi-final against Manchester City in 2023.However, the Gunners lost 5-1 to West Ham in the final.Part of that team was Nwaneri, 18 today, who incredibly broke into the Under-18s side at 14.The Arsenal whizkid has already clocked up 21 top-flight appearances since making his debut two-and-a-half years ago, aged 15 years and 181 days, the youngest in Prem history.Ibrahim, whose third-from-bottom Crawley side host Bristol Rovers on Friday, said: “It’s not like he’s overhyped. He’s unbelievable and one of the best I’ve played with.”Ibrahim now turns out for Crawley in League OneCredit: RexHe has been shining for Crawley in a tough seasonWebster signed for Burton in the summer after 12 years at Chelsea.The midfielder first joined the Blues at Under-10 level and says he will be forever grateful for Tuchel naming him on the bench for a Carabao Cup game against Brentford in December 2021 when he was 17.He said: “Tuchel will be unbelievable for England. He’s intense in terms of how he focuses on key details, he never misses anything.”READ MORE SUN STORIESCentre-back Colwill, now a first-team regular, was a team-mate of Webster for the Blues’ youth teams.Webster, whose Brewers side are not in action due to international call-ups, added: “Every player’s journey is different but he has been given his chance and taken it. That’s all down to him. He’s a brilliant footballer.” More

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    Barcelona forced into major stadium decision as Nou Camp reopening delayed AGAIN

    BARCELONA’S move to their new stadium has been delayed AGAIN.Barca left the Nou Camp in 2023 and have since been playing at the Catalan city’s Olympic Stadium.Barcelona’s return to the Nou Camp has been delayed once moreCredit: BARCELONABarcelona left the Nou Camp in 2023 and have since been playing at the Olympic StadiumCredit: BARCELONABarcelona fans were informed they will play the rest of their LaLiga and Champions League matches at the Olympic StadiumCredit: BARCELONABarcelona were expected to return to the Nou Camp in NovemberCredit: RexThe legendary ground, which will be renamed the Spotify Camp Nou, is undergoing reconstruction that will see it hold a capacity of around 105,000 – the highest in Europe.The Blaugrana were initially expected to return in time for the club’s 125th anniversary last November.Barcelona president Joan Laporta then claimed the club would be back in the stadium by March.According to ESPN, however, the Catalan giants have now informed fans the club will finish the season at the Olympic Stadium, where they will play all remaining LaLiga and Champions League matches.Read More on FootballSupporters got the news via email on Thursday.Things have slowed down due to the fact more work is required on the second tier than initially planned.This comes after a recent report from Relevo claimed the earliest the Catalans could move would be October 2025.The same source added the stadium’s roof will not be installed until summer of 2026.Most read in FootballBarcelona are pushing for the LaLiga title despite playing away from their home.They currently top LaLiga, but bitter rivals Real Madrid are second with the same amount of points.Delayed Camp Nou appears far from completion as new video shows slow progress of £1Atletico Madrid are four points behind the El Clasico foes amid an exciting season.Hansi Flick’s side are also in the Champions League quarter-finals where they will face Borussia Dortmund. More

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    Moment Scotland hero Scott McTominay has LASER pen flashed in his eyes by Greece fans before coolly opening scoring

    SCOTT McTOMINAY was coolness personified as he ignored LASER pens being shone in his eyes to give Scotland a Nations League playoff lead in Athens. The penalty award was debatable as the Napoli midfielder appeared to stand on the ball and accidentally initiate the contact himself – but there was no arguing about the finish as he notched his 12th goal for his country.McTominay ignores the laser pen i his eyesMcTominay ignores the laser pensThat’s despite BBC footage clearly showing fans attempting to shine a green laser in the midfielder’s eye as he prepared to take the penalty.Scotland boss Steve Clarke last night hailed his talisman for holding his nerve in the cauldron. He said: “It’s something that happens but it didn’t put him off. We are delighted with the result, 1-0 coming away to a difficult place. We had to dig in throughout the second half.”We saw two sides to the team tonight.”The first half we were excellent and played the ball around really well.”We created some good chances and could maybe have been a little further in front at half-time.”In the second half, to be fair to the Greeks, they came out and got about us. They stopped us playing and we went too long.”We didn’t get a hold of the ball enough. Then we were asked to defend and we defended quite well.Most read in Football”We defended our box and coped with what felt like a lot of pressure.”But Craig Gordon didn’t have too many saves to make. It was credit to the team defensively in the second half.Steve Clarke likes Lennon Miller’s stated ambition to become one of Scotland’s top players”It’s now game on for Sunday. I don’t see the game being closed at all. I was impressed with the Greeks in the second half.”Their away record is good too. They went to Ireland and Finland and won comfortably, while also going to Wembley and winning. The game is still wide open.”BBC pundit Steven Naismith said: “The laser pens are brought out frequently there too so Scotty was probably used to it.”McTominay has been a massive hit out in Italy, where they currently sit 2nd, three points ahead of Atalanta but three behind leaders Inter Milan.But excelling in a much more attack-minded role, McTominay has struck seven times in Serie A this season – with one of them coming against Inter in a 1-1 draw back in November.And there’s been reports in Italy that the midfielder is already a target for Napoli’s title rivals Inter.Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page More

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    David Moyes set to stand witness in Lucas Paqueta spot-fixing trial with West Ham star facing LIFETIME ban

    DAVID MOYES is expected to provide a witness statement as part of Lucas Paqueta’s spot-fixing hearing.Part of the Brazil international’s defence is that he asked boss Moyes to be left out of a game at Bournemouth in August 2023.Lucas Paqueta’s spot-fixing trial is due to beginCredit: RexDavid Moyes will provide a witness statementCredit: RexPaqueta was booked in the game against the Cherries, one of the four yellow cards he is accused of deliberately picking up.The midfielder’s team claim that he asked to be left out of the opening game of the season so as not to harm the possibility of an £85million move to Manchester City that month.Moyes instead started the former Lyon man, who was booked for handball in the 94th minute before then being replaced by Maxwel Cornet.Paqueta’s FA hearing began this week and could lead to a lifetime ban from football if found guilty, though he has denied all charges.READ MORE IN football The Hammers playmaker is expected to call a number of witnesses as part of his defence, including gambling experts.Suspicious betting patterns around Paqueta being booked in Premier League games were flagged by numerous bookmakers, including West Ham’s main sponsor, Betway.Paqueta has played 28 times this season – scoring four goals – having missed only four games with three of those down to injury. Boss Graham Potter said earlier in March: “He’s fine. Most read in Football”He’s been disappointed because he’s missed games with injury, but he’s worked hard and trained well this week. “I’ve found him no problem whatsoever.Dani Dyer reveals whether she will take West Ham captain Jarrod Bowen’s surname after marriage “The other stuff is out of my hands, but with us he’s been really good.”The Hammers went into the international break 16th in the league – but still 17 points clear of safety. More

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    England star’s limited edition Bentley Continental could be yours for £70,000 and is one of only 710 ever produced

    FOOTBALL fans have the chance to live like an England superstar after captain Harry Kane put his Bentley on sale.And the stunning limited edition motor could be theirs for just under £70,000.Bayern Munich superstar Harry Kane has put his Bentley Continental up for saleCredit: C.Neocleous and Auto Trader
    England captain Kane’s ride is now up for grabs for £69,995Credit: C.Neocleous and Auto Trader
    Kane’s limited edition beauty is only one of 710 ever producedCredit: C.Neocleous and Auto Trader
    Kane is enjoying a stunning season with BayernCredit: PAThe Three Lions’ record goalscorer is flogging his white Bentley Continental on Auto Trader.This limited edition beauty is only one of 710 ever produced and has previously been photographed pulling up to the England captain’s London home after his daughter’s birth.It comes with an eight-speaker audio system, heated and ventilated seats with massage function, an electric rear spoiler and 21-inch Black alloy wheels as well as 25,400 miles on the clock. And the swanky car could end up belonging to a lucky fan in the near future.Read More on FootballThat’s if they can part with £69,995.Auto Trader editorial director Erin Baker said: “It’s not every day that a car with such star appeal comes onto the market. “Harry Kane’s former Bentley Continental is a rare example of luxury craftsmanship, and with its celebrity connection, it’s sure to turn heads. “With over 80million visits to our site each month, we expect this unique vehicle to attract plenty of attention from football fans and car enthusiasts alike.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSBayern Munich star Kane, 31, is back on England duty ahead of the World Cup qualifiers against Albania and Latvia.Thomas Tuchel’s side take on the Albanians on Friday and the Latvians on Monday – both fixtures take place at Wembley.BBC pundit names England’s long-term successor to Harry Kane after Premier League star’s ‘bullying’ performance Kane has once again been in fine form this season with a whopping total of 32 goals and 11 assists in 37 appearances.And the Tottenham legend is likely to finally break his trophy duck with Bayern top of the Bundesliga table with six points separating them from second-placed Bayer Leverkusen. More

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    Model pupil Ethan Nwaneri handed in HOMEWORK on morning after Arsenal debut and scored 98 per cent on maths test

    ETHAN NWANERI is not one for unnecessary fuss or over-the-top celebrations.Less than 24 hours after becoming the Prem’s youngest player – making his Arsenal debut on Sunday September 18, 2022 aged 15 years and 181 days off the bench at Brentford – he was handing in GCSE English homework at St John’s Senior School in Enfield.Arsenal wonderkid Ethan Nwaneri continues to focus on schoolCredit: GettyArsenal’s Nwaneri scored 98 per cent in a maths’ test for his school entrance examsCredit: Jamie McPhilimeyNwaneri handed in GCSE English homework right after his historic Arsenal debutCredit: Jamie McPhilimeyNwaneri spent time diligently studying in hotel rooms alongside Myles Lewis-SkellyCredit: GettyTeacher Elle Bewley revealed: “I’m not joking, he just walked into school on Monday, gave me his homework, sat down and got on with it. No discussion, no distraction. Nothing.”So, it is no surprise that Nwaneri will not be celebrating his 18th birthday on Friday like any normal teenager would. Instead, he is part of Lee Carsley’s England Under-21 camp taking on France in Lorient.The Hale End wonderboy – already with eight goals across all competitions in his breakthrough season under boss Mikel Arteta – is now technically a man.This landmark day also means he can finally get changed in the same dressing room as Arsenal’s seniors at the Emirates and their London Colney training base – safeguarding restrictions prevented him from doing so until now.Read More on ArsenalBut those that know Nwaneri best will tell you he has been a wise old head on young shoulders for some time, such is his eye-catching maturity and humble personality.It is assumed he gets that from his father, a guiding figure in his life on and off the pitch so far.At the Under-17 European Championships in Hungary back in May 2023, Nwaneri spent time diligently studying in hotel rooms – alongside pal and fellow academy grad Myles Lewis-Skelly – for his GCSE exams as his father had warned that education comes before football.At St John’s, he would ask teachers for extra revision papers to take home. For a GCSE English spoken language project, he avoided basing it on football, instead researching and presenting it on conspiracy theories.Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Arsenal Files every Friday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from The EmiratesHis speciality was mathematics, scoring 98 per cent in his school entrance exams. His headteacher Alexander Tardios commented: “He is a very academic boy. He could have easily ended up at King’s College or UCL.”Nwaneri would order Ubers from London Colney back to his school to ensure he did not miss any tests.Ethan Nwaneri’s rise at Arsenal under Mikel Arteta’s guiseAnd on days off, Nwaneri would have childhood friend Lewis-Skelly – who lived nearby – cycle over so they could get in some extra training.Even now, as a first-team regular, he has remained down-to-earth. After training, he is often seen waiting in the car park to be picked up while his team-mates drive off in luxury sports cars.Nwaneri was first introduced to the Arsenal fans as an eight-year-old in May 2015 when the Under-9s were paraded around the pitch at half-time of a 4-1 Premier League victory over West Brom.I’m not joking, he just walked into school on Monday, gave me his homework, sat down and got on with it. No discussion, no distraction. Nothing.Nwaneri’s teacher, after his Arsenal debutFour-and-a-half years later, a 12-year-old Nwaneri was on the radar of newly-appointed manager Arteta. The Spaniard asked academy coach Dan Micciche for videos of his progress.Soon, Nwaneri was training with boys much his senior, scoring on his Arsenal Under-18s debut aged 14 having played for the Under-14s aged 12.He was also encouraged to play in numerous positions to enhance his development, toughen him up: No10, a left-sided No8, a centre-forward and winger.’Continues to develop’Ex-Arsenal midfielder Steve Morrow was the Gunners’ head of youth development when Nwaneri arrived at Hale End after a brief stint in Chelsea’s youth set-up.Morrow told SunSport: “We always had that philosophy that the players needed to be at a level where they were being more challenged than their actual age group.“The traits that he had from 11 and 12 years old, you still see. That balance, that drop of the shoulder, that power, that acceleration. How he is so direct as well.“It’s incredible how all those super-strengths that he had have continued to develop.Arsenal ratings vs ChelseaARSENAL collected three points at the Emirates with a comfortable display as they fight to keep their fading title hopes alive.“Going down to Hale End and watching him on a Sunday, he was scoring goals for fun every week with pure skill and intelligence and technique, not just physical qualities.“He didn’t always play wide, he often played centrally. That really helped his development because it gave him spacial awareness of what was going on around him.Seizing his chance“It is quite rare for young players to be such good decision-makers. He had it early and you can see it today. Ethan can go as far as he wishes.“Sometimes you see players that you think have similar levels of talent but it’s always the ones that have the right attitude, character and focus, the ones who are brave and able to deal with disappointments, who make it.”At the end of his scholarship year in the summer of 2023, he was linked with a move back to Chelsea, with Manchester United and Manchester City also sniffing around, but eventually committed to the club with his first senior contract signed in March 2024.It has paid off, seizing his chance with Bukayo Saka out for three months this term following hamstring surgery in December, shining both in the Prem and the Champions League so far.It is quite rare for young players to be such good decision-makers. He had it early and you can see it today. Ethan can go as far as he wishes.Steve MorrowCurrent Under-18s coach Adam Birchall said: “We treated him like any other person. And the parents were outstanding in understanding the importance of that.“That’s such a key thing, because it really helped in values — in everything, as people.READ MORE SUN STORIES“What I’ve seen throughout is [Nwaneri’s] application to be the best he can be, that mentality, just being relentless.“That’s what being a Strong Young Gunner is all about — that real strength as a person and understanding yourself to be able to go into that environment.” More