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      Newcastle and England’s Dan Burn’s ex-team mates recall his ‘baptism of fire’ pro debut that ended in 5-0 hammering

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      DAN BURN is still pinching himself after celebrating a shock England call-up by scoring and then lifting the Carabao Cup at Wembley.The boyhood Newcastle fan is living his football fairytale at long last – but it’s all a far cry from his first senior professional appearance.Dan Burn’s Wembley heroics against Liverpool were a million miles away from his EFL debutCredit: GettyHis big breakthrough in pro football came with struggling Darlington in League TwoCredit: XBurn’s EFL debut came as a 19th minute substitute aged 17 on December 12, 2009 for bottom of League Two Darlington in a 5-0 thumping at Torquay United.Mark Bower was the man Burn replaced at the back that day and is now the manager of seventh tier Guiseley.The 45-year-old, who was later a team-mate of another future England and Prem star, told SunSport: “I remember him coming on for me but I’d never twigged that it was his debut. I did my ankle and needed an operation after that.“He was a big boy back then but obviously he’s filled out a bit now and has done brilliantly.READ MORE ON DAN BURN“I remember it was December and it was a very long drive down there. We got there quite late on Friday. That was possibly his first experience of an overnight stay.“He managed to get himself on but it was a bit of a baptism of fire for him. We were on a bad run, couldn’t score any goals and conceding plenty.“Then to lose 5-0. But stuff like that builds character. You learn lessons from it and he has learned some lessons and done really well.”Ex-midfielder Nathan Mulligan, now a coach at Northern Premier League Premier Division play-off hopefuls Stockton Town, was on the bench alongside Burn at Plainmoor.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSThe 38-year-old said: “It was a real bad time for us. I think we’d lost four in a row.“I don’t remember being particularly worried when Dan had to come on. Even though he was a scholar at the time, he had been in and around the first team squad and because of his size you had no worries about him stepping in physically. He was very slim but was tall as he is now. Thomas Tuchel shares hug with Dan Burn and Lewis-Skelly as England stars arrive at St George’s Park for double-header“He was a quiet lad. Really nice too and kept his head down.”Bower, part of the Bradford side that won promotion to the Premier League in 1999, admits that it was not Burn’s playing abilities that first caught the eye after the then scholar was brought into the first-team.He said: “He just sort of kept himself to himself pretty much and did his job as a young lad and was just trying to make his way in the game and was pretty quiet.“His size was a standout thing for someone so young. He’s obviously a big unit now and has filled out a lot but back then he was very skinny. Really tall and maybe a little bit awkward too, but a really good left foot on him and he could obviously win headers.The star is now hoping to win his first England cap on FridayCredit: Getty“You always feel when young players have got them kind of tools that they’ve got a chance but I don’t think anyone back then would have thought he’d have been playing in major cup finals, playing the Premier League and potentially England.”Burn played three more times that season, losing on each occasion, as Darlington were relegated out of the EFL.But after making more appearances in the National League it appeared his dream had already come true when Premier League Fulham brought him in.Mulligan admitted: “It was a surprise but it just shows you that you never know who could be watching you.“Dan is a good example for anyone to show that you have to give everything you’ve got every single time you go on the pitch.“We’ve seen it a few times in football. Someone could spot you at any time and that one person’s opinion can change everything.”Burns journey has taken him to the likes of Yeovil, Birmingham, Wigan and Brighton before he realised his ultimate ambition when signing for Newcastle three years ago.He would have retired a happy man with just that, let alone helping them to end their 70-year wait for domestic silverware.But Burn now has the opportunity to add the cherry on top to an already magical week by winning his first England cap on Friday.Something that his old team-mates admit they would never have thought possible in a million years.Mulligan said: “No, I’d never have thought that back then. But it’s a great reward for him. He is one of them that gets an eight out of ten every week and doesn’t have a bad game and now he’s got his chance with England due to injuries.“But this isn’t the end. He can still keep this going. He might get this first cap and once he’s in he could be for a long time.“Another year or so of hard graft and he might make the World cup squad. What an extreme that would be to go from the bottom of League Two with Darlo to a World Cup.”Burn’s journey is the second football fairytale that Bower has seen from close quarters.He added: “Just a year after I played with Dan Burn at Darlington I went to Halifax and played with Jamie Vardy. I’ve seen it firsthand twice how you can come from the bottom and work your way up. It is inspirational to young lads who get knockbacks early on.READ MORE SUN STORIES“But in all honesty, I don’t think you’d have predicted him to have done so well and when you listen to him on TV now he’s probably surprised himself a little bit. “Fair play to him. He’s used what he’s got and has become a really good player. And, due to his size, he probably doesn’t get credit for how good of a footballer he is.”How ‘big angel’ Joelinton rescued boss after he fainted in SubwayNEWCASTLE cult hero Joelinton rescued his old boss after he fainted in Subway.And coach Pellegrino Matarazzo still calls the Brazilian his ‘angel’.Matarazzo was Joelinton assistant manager during the midfielder’s spell in Germany with Hoffenheim.Recalling the scary incident, the Matarazzo revealed: “I was standing in the queue and I wasn’t feeling well.“I tried to go over to the Coca-Cola machine to quickly get a drink.”I realised I was about to faint, and I did faint.“When I opened my eyes I saw Joelinton! ‘Rino, Rino, are you okay?'”He was like a small, no a big, angel – Joelinton, what are you doing here?”Read the full story… More

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      All 44 players to win a trophy since leaving Tottenham as Trippier picks up second… but still none for Harry Kane

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      IT has been 17 years since Tottenham got their hands on silverware.And while serial winners Antonio Conte and Jose Mourinho have been unable to end the drought, a horrible trend has emerged of players leaving Spurs and winning trophies elsewhere.Luka Modric has won the lot since heading to Real MadridCredit: GettyKieran Trippier picked up his second trophy as he helped Newcastle end their 70-year wait for successCredit: RexHarry Kane is yet to end his trophy drought but Bayern are closing in on the titleCredit: GettyKieran Trippier picked up his second since moving on by helping Newcastle to Carabao Cup glory on Sunday.The “curse” remains on Harry Kane, for now, but a whopping 44 others have shook off the “Spursy” jibe.To make this list, a player must have gone trophyless at Spurs and lifted a cup since the last time the club did in 2008.Winning something while on loan doesn’t count (sorry, Bryan Gil) and nor do international trophies (sorry, Giovani Lo Celso).READ MORE IN FOOTBALLOnly league titles, major domestic cups and continental competitions count – as it is only fair to ignore Spurs’ pre-season Audi Cup win in 2019.Luka Modric Lifted four LaLiga titles and six Champions Leagues at Real Madrid.Kyle WalkerMost read in FootballTreble winner at Manchester City with six Prem crowns to his name.BEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSKieran TrippierAdded a Carabao Cup to his LaLiga with Atletico Madrid in 2021.’So long as they’ve got NFL and Beyonce they’re happy’, Jamie Redknapp slams Spurs owners in brutal live Sky Sports rantLucas MouraCult hero has won three trophies since going back to his boyhood club Sao Paulo in Brazil.Toby AlderweireldSpurs icon won the double with Royal Antwerp in 2023.Jan VertonghenAlderweireld’s partner at the back came top of the league with Benfica in Portugal two years ago.Christian EriksenLifted the FA and Carabao Cups at Manchester United. Christian Eriksen has won two trophies at Man UtdCredit: GettyDavinson SanchezHelped Galatasaray to Super Lig glory last season.Tanguy NdombeleFrench midfielder was in the Galatasaray squad with Sanchez.Carlos ViniciusThe third and final ex-Spurs man in that team. Erik LamelaScored a penalty in the shootout as Sevilla won the 2023 Europa League final against Roma.Etienne CapoueWon the Europa League with Villarreal in 2021, beating Man Utd in the final.Etienne Capoue lifted the Europa LeagueCredit: Getty – PoolJuan FoythFoyth was Capoue’s team-mate at the Spanish club.Roman PavlyuchenkoStriker returned to Russia after his spell in North London and won the cup with Lokomotiv Moscow.Vedran Corluka Also went on to play for Lokomotiv Moscow, winning one league title and four major domestic cups.Rafael van der VaartHad a brief spell at Danish outfit FC Midtjylland before retiring and won the Superliga in 2018.Joe Hart Lifted seven trophies at Celtic. Cameron Carter-Vickers Also tasted glory under Ange Postecoglou at Celtic.DeAndre Yedlin Won the Championship with Newcastle in 2017 and the Leagues Cup alongside Lionel Messi at Inter Miami two years ago.DeAndre Yedlin won the Leagues Cup and lifted the trophy with MessiCredit: GettyPaulinhoFlopped at Spurs but won trophies at Barcelona and with Guangzhou Evergrande in China.Harry WinksEarned promotion to the Premier League with Leicester last season, topping the Championship.Georges-Kevin NkoudouScored just once for Tottenham but did the Turkish double at Besiktas.Fernando LlorenteWon the Coppa Italia at Napoli five years ago.Vincent JanssenLeague glory at Monterrey and Royal Antwerp in Mexico and Belgium respectively. Paulo GazzanigaWon the Championship at Fulham.Josh OnomahWas part of Marco Silva’s title-winning team.Benjamin StambouliGot his hands on the Ligue 1 title at PSG.Kevin Prince-BoatengTrophies added to his collection at AC Milan, Eintracht Frankfurt and Barcelona.Clint DempseySupporters’ Shield glory with the Seattle Sounders.Clint Dempsey won trophies with Seattle Sounders in his homelandCredit: APSteven PienaarEnded his career by winning the South African Cup.Vlad ChirichesThree-time league winner with Romanian outfit FCSB.Pierluigi GolliniPart of the squad that won the 22/23 Serie A with Napoli.Adam SmithSpurs academy graduate won the Championship with Bournemouth.Zeki Fryers League Two glory at Swindon Town.Fraizer CampbellLifted the Championship with Cardiff.Fraizer Campbell fired Cardiff to promotion to the Premier LeagueCredit: AFPJimmy Walker Did not play but won the National League with Lincoln before retiring. Hossam GhalyAfrican Champions League winner in 2012 with Egyptian club Al Ahly.Paul-Jose M’PokuNever played a senior game. Went on to win the Belgian Cup at Standard Liege.Tomislav GomeltWon the Romanian Cup at CFR Cluj.Simon Dawkins MLS Supporters’ Shield winner at San Jose Earthquakes.Tomas Pekhart League champion at AEK Athens, Hapoel Be’er Sheva and Legia Warsaw.Bongani Khumalo Decorated player in his homeland of South Africa after leaving Spurs.Nathan OduwaDid the league and cup double in Slovenia with Olimpija Ljubljana.Nathan Oduwa has played in Slovenia, Ireland and Azerbaijan since leaving SpursCredit: SportsfileTom GloverGoalkeeper was part of the first-team on Spurs matchdays. Later won three Aussie titles a Melbourne City.READ MORE SUN STORIESAnton WalkesTragically passed away in 2023 aged 25 after winning the EFL Trophy with Portsmouth in 2019. More

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      ‘In the bottom of my heart’ – Mauricio Pochettino makes Tottenham return admission with Ange Postecoglou under pressure

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      MAURICIO POCHETTINO is among the bookies’ favourites to replace Ange Postecoglou at Spurs in what would be a hugely emotional return.Sacked by Tottenham in 2019, Pochettino still feels he has unfinished business in North London — and he has a good relationship with owner Daniel Levy despite that axe.Mauricio Pochettino has opened the door to an emotional Spurs returnCredit: GettyTottenham manager Ange Postecoglou is under pressureCredit: Richard Pelham / The SunBut Spurs fans should avoid putting a few quid on the Argentine, 53, as he will not be heading back there anytime soon.Because the one person you would not want to upset in the world right now is Donald Trump.The US President expects Poch to deliver in his new job as manager of the country’s men’s football team.After leaving Chelsea last May, he was appointed as the States’ manager in September and will be in charge for the 2026 World Cup, which the nation is co-hosting.READ MORE IN football And he will hope for better luck next year . . . as the only time Poch played at a World Cup he lost to England in 2002.His seventh game as boss is tomorrow night against Panama in the CONCACAF Nations League semi-finals.Smiling, Pochettino said: “I was listening to a conversation between our President Donald Trump and Gianni Infantino from Fifa.“The President asked, ‘Can we win the World Cup?’ And Gianni said, ‘Yes’. But I was disappointed with this answer. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”He should have said, ‘You need to ask your great coach, Pochettino! He can give a better opinion’.“Pressure is there as we’re a host country. It’s also a country where the mentality is about winning.Ange Postecoglou snaps at journalist over question ahead of Tottenham vs AZ Alkmaar“Now with our President that likes to put pressure on, that is good. So, yes, we are ready to deliver.”Pochettino spent just one season at Chelsea after arriving in 2023.He led them to sixth spot — they were 12th the previous season — before leaving by “mutual consent”.Being diplomatic, Pochettino said: “It was very positive to join a project different to anything we’d done in the past. We learned a lot.“We already knew before we signed it was going to be a big challenge. In the circumstances, we can be proud of how we finished.”At the start, the team had many, many problems and even then were performing well without getting the results that we wanted.”But if you see the table in the last six months, you can see the progression was massive.Despite managing the US team, Poch has not had special treatment so is without a fabled green card — a permanent resident card.In the bottom of my heart I still feel the same. I would like one day to come back.Mauricio Pochettino on Spurs It means he must queue for ages at passport control like all other overseas visitors.Laughing, he said: “Last time in LA, we were waiting 1½ hours in the queue. Maybe one day they will give me the green card.”Yet you get the impression that after the next World Cup, Pochettino could return to club football.So could it be Spurs?He said: “In the bottom of my heart I still feel the same. I would like one day to come back. “Not because of my ego but as I’d like to win with Spurs. We were so close and it was so painful.“We spent nearly 5½ years at Tottenham. We not only played in the Champions League but were a Premier League contender.’I feel empty’“We improved the facilities — the training ground, the stadium. We did not sign a player for 18 months as the focus was on other things.“The problem was this type of journey creates a lot of friction. Also, I made mistakes. “But when you are clever, you learn from mistakes. When a relationship finishes, I feel empty.“I didn’t always manage well and that was part of my responsibility.“Now Tottenham is a club with an expectation to win because if you see the facilities — training ground and stadium — you can see it is about winning trophies.“That is why I would like one day to come back. It’s six years since we left and it’s always going to be a special club for me.”Poch still has a bond with Levy, who got rid of him following a poor start to the 2019-20 campaign.The Argentine added: “It’s true after nearly six years with all that we lived together, it was tough.READ MORE SUN STORIES“It’s difficult in football that that doesn’t affect your relationship.“For us, we split very well. Now, like the day after I left Tottenham, we have a very good relationship.”Poch still has a bond with Spurs chairman Daniel LevyCredit: Getty – Contributor More

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      Man Utd legend’s trendy restaurant shuts suddenly after going bust with eye-watering debts

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      A RESTAURANT owned by former Man United star Ryan Giggs has gone bust.George’s Dining Room and Bar, which shut suddenly last month, was wound up with debts of £563,600.George’s Dining Room and Bar was wound up with debts of £563,600Credit: Jim Clarke – The SunFormer Man United star Ryan Giggs owned the restaurantThe restaurant closed its doors last month, blaming ‘unforeseen circumstances’Credit: SplashThat included £129,357 owed to traders, £75,616 in taxes and £44,095 in bank loans and overdrafts, according to the last set of accounts for the business.Giggs, 51, opened George’s in Worsley, Greater Manchester, with old school pals Kelvin Gregory and Bernie Taylor in 2014.Last month, the restaurant closed its doors, blaming “unforeseen circumstances”.On March 7, the RKB Ventures Ltd company set up by Giggs and his mates to run the business was officially liquidated.READ MORE ON RYAN GIGGSWhen George’s shut, staff were sent text messages telling them bosses “regret to announce that with a heavy heart we have no alternative but to close George’s effective immediately”.The message added: “This is due to the obvious reduction   in trade and business against   the huge increases in costs of operating the business and the ongoing cost of ­living crisis.”A staff member said then: “It came totally out of the blue.”We were all supposed to be working today and then we got the text messages through, we are all stunned.” Most read in FootballFormer Man Utd stars Bryan ­Robson, Nicky Butt and Gary Neville were all at the opening of George’s.At the time Giggs, director of football at Salford City, said of his fellow owners: “We’ve known each other for 30 years and we always said it would be great to do something like this together.Man Utd legend Ryan Giggs talks about his relationship with Sir Alex Ferguson “We’re all local lads and have lived in this area all our lives so we wanted to do something in Worsley and we think we’ve got a really different offering for the area.”Giggs is involved in property development, hospitality and fashion.Last year girlfriend Zara Charles, 36, gave birth to daughter Cora. More

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      Jean-Philippe Mateta wears enormous bandage after horror ear injury so bad doctor wouldn’t show him picture

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      CROCKED Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta wanted to carry on playing despite suffering a gruesome gashed ear in the FA Cup win over Millwall.Lions goalkeeper Liam Roberts was sent off for a horror kung-fu kick to the head which resulted in the Frenchman needing 25 stitches.Jean-Philippe Mateta wanted to carry on playing despite suffering a gruesome gashed earMateta showing off his injured earBut Mateta was unaware of the seriousness of his injury and told Palace’s doctor he wanted to continue before being rushed to hospital.Mateta, 27, declared: “When the keeper kicked me, I was on the floor waiting for him to get the red card.“I was good to go. I thought, ‘just get the blood off and keep going’.“I was arguing with the doctor for 30 seconds, saying I wanted to play. The doctor saw the injury, but I couldn’t see it.READ MORE IN football “I couldn’t feel pain. The blood, for sure. But I thought it was a little cut.“My ear was like this (dangling). But it was not painful. I remember everything, I was not concussed.”Yet, despite Mateta insisting he wanted to carry on – the plastic surgeon who repaired his ear was left totally stunned.Mateta recalled the doc “didn’t know how he would start”, adding: “They showed me, the doc showed me three days after. He didn’t want to show me. But I was like, “show me the picture.Most read in Football”Everything was open, cut here, cut open, behind was worse, cut everywhere. It was crazy.”Mateta insisted his “reflex” head turn away from Roberts’ kick “saved me.”’Endangered his life’ – Crystal Palace owner gives Mateta injury update live on BBC and slams ‘reckless’ Millwall starRef Michael Oliver sent off the keeper – but only after a VAR intervention.Roberts – who suffered online abuse – has since been handed an extended six-match ban.Mateta underwent a successful operation in Paris last month to save his left ear.And, wearing a huge white bandage on the side of his head, he told Sky Sports: “Liam texted me while I was in hospital and I told him, ‘it is OK, it is football.’ He apologised. He was worried.“I don’t think he woke up and thought: ‘I want to cut the head of JP.’ There is a lot of pressure. “He wanted to do good, too much emotion makes you do crazy things. It was just a mistake. You learn from it.”Mateta, who has scored 15 goals in 33 appearances for Palace this season, has set his sights on an FA Cup quarter-final return against Fulham on March 29.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe added: “I will need to wear a mask, the best one, but, hopefully, I can play.“I feel great and can’t wait to come back. But the doc is the boss. He will decide.”Liam Roberts was sent off for a horror kung-fu kickCredit: GettyMateta underwent a successful operation in ParisCredit: GettyMateta remarkably wanted to carry on playingCredit: PA More

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      ‘He’d kick his granny if he needed to’ – Man who kickstarted Dan Burn’s career reveals what England star’s really like

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      WEMBLEY winner Gary Johnson has seen both sides of Dan Burn’s “passionate and aggressive” personality.Johnson kickstarted the Newcastle defender’s career when taking him on loan at Yeovil from Fulham in 2012.Gary Johnson has managed Dan Burn beforeCredit: GettyBurn played for Yeovil on loanCredit: PABurn helped fire the Glovers into the Championship for the first time in their history — notably scoring a header against Brentford in the League One play-off final.But just three months later, Johnson and Burn were squaring up to each other when he was playing for Birmingham in a Carabao Cup tie.Johnson, 69, now sporting director at Cheltenham, said: “Dan is unbelievably competitive, he would kick his granny if he needed to.”He was a main player for us because, at 6ft 7in, we’d set-up free-kicks and long throws for him.READ MORE IN football “He was quick for someone that tall, had a great left foot and could play anywhere down the left side which is what England has seen in him.“It was a great loan for everybody and it put him on the map.“Dan was a great lad but I remember after he left us it was World War 3 when we played against him and Birmingham.“Burn was in my face when Byron Webster scored a goal for us after Birmingham had put the ball out of play after an injury and expected us to give it back to them.Most read in SportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS“I decided at first that we shouldn’t give it back and there was this kid, whose career I had helped, going nose to nose screaming at me.“That was the only lack of respect I saw from him — but I understood why he did it.”Thomas Tuchel shares hug with Dan Burn and Lewis-Skelly as England stars arrive at St George’s Park for double-headerJohnson has long forgotten that spat and has nothing but admiration for the Blyth boy, 32, who ended 70 years of hurt for Newcastle at Wembley on Sunday.Days after being called up by England Burn, was in dreamland heading the opener against Liverpool in the Carabao Cup final.Johnson said: “Not long after watching the final I got a text from Fulham’s academy keeping coach Vic Bettinelli saying: ‘You were the making of Big Dan Burn’.“That was kind of Vic but it was strange seeing Burn score with his head — and it was in the same goal. Our one was a bit closer but it put us 2-0 up just before half-time and it helped give us Championship football.“It brought back some fantastic memories. I am proud that me and the Yeovil supporters saw the early success of a young Dan Burn.”Burn has been called up by England for the first timeCredit: Rex More

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      ‘Reminded me of Gerrard at Liverpool’ – Cole Palmer told he needs to LEAVE Chelsea and has outgrown the club already

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      JAMIE CARRAGHER and Paul Scholes have urged Cole Palmer to leave Chelsea.The pundits were appearing on The Overlap Fan Debate, where they agreed that Palmer, 22, has outgrown the Blues.Cole Palmer has been urged to leave Chelsea after outgrowing the clubCredit: GettyCarragher also compared Palmer’s struggles to Steven Gerrard’s early years at Liverpool, when the Reds couldn’t match their talisman’s ambitions.Carragher said: “He played two great passes early on [against Brighton], but as the game went on, you could see his frustration.”It reminded me of Stevie at Liverpool because he was so much better than everyone else.”Palmer, who has a contract at Stamford Bridge until 2033, has scored 39 goals and registered 21 assists in 78 appearances for the West London giants.Read more football newsHowever, there are concerns about Chelsea’s lack of competitive edge following a poor display against rivals Arsenal over the weekend.Citing his long-term deal, Carragher added: “If he should be playing for a team looking to win the Champions League, how does he get out?”Meanwhile, Man Utd legend Paul Scholes was in full agreement with Carragher over Palmer’s plight.He agreed the attacking midfielder needs a bigger challenge.Most read in FootballScholes said: “It’s almost been too easy for him at Chelsea.Cole Palmer branded ‘gift that keeps on giving’ after Chelsea star reveals his meal deal sandwich “He knows he’ll play every week and be the best player. I don’t get the impression they are desperate to win anything.”Palmer missed the game at the weekend against Arsenal with an injury.His manager Enzo Maresca said: “He needs a scan, it is planned for Monday morning. It’s a muscle problem.”Probably in Cole’s case it will give him some rest physically and mentally. It could be good.”Palmer was unable to link up up with the England squad for the World Cup qualifiers against Albania and Latvia. More

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      ‘Are you still upset with me’ – Thomas Tuchel’s awkward call to England star he snubbed before dramatic U-turn

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      THOMAS TUCHEL asked Morgan Gibbs-White whether he still had the hump after an initial England snub.The in-form Nottingham Forest midfielder was not included in Tuchel’s initial squad last Friday but was drafted in on Sunday due to fitness concerns over Chelsea’s Cole Palmer.Thomas Tuchel asked Morgan Gibbs-White if he wanted to be part of the squad after his initial snubCredit: GettyGibbs-White was added to the squad to replace Cole PalmerCredit: PAGibbs-White could feature in Tuchel’s first game versus Albania on FridayCredit: GettyGibbs-White said: “It was about 4 or 5 o’clock on Sunday. The manager, Thomas, sent me a message to say ‘are you free to talk?’ And I replied within seconds ‘yeah’.“He phoned me up and said ‘are you still upset with me, or do you want to come and join us and fancy training tomorrow?’“I said ‘I’d obviously love to come and join and train with the boys’, so, yes, I found out Sunday late afternoon-ish and I was just smiling from ear to ear.”Asked about his initial disappointment at not being in the squad, Gibbs-White told BBC Radio 5Live: “Obviously I was upset. Yes, a little bit disappointed. READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”But at the same time, you also have to look at the quality of players that England have at the minute, so obviously I took that into consideration.“But when he told me, I respected his decision. The standard of players is top level.“I said to him ‘I feel like I’ve done enough to get the call up, considering the form level that I am in, but obviously you’re the manager, you make the decisions, and I respect that totally’.”Incredibly, it was a year ago yesterday when Nottingham Forest were deducted four points by the Premier League for breaking profit and sustainability rules.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSThey still escaped relegation but now, are flying high in third spot.Gibbs-White said: “It’s been a remarkable year, yes. Just to see where we’ve come from, from this time last year is incredible. I think the Forest fans deserve that the most.Thomas Tuchel names his first England squad for upcoming match with Albania “Obviously, getting back into the Premier League was one thing, and then scrambling away from relegation for the two years that we were in the Prem obviously wasn’t nice. It wasn’t good, it wasn’t enjoyable.“But now, obviously, we’ve given the fans something to sing about, to cheer about”. More