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      Marc Cucurella takes bizarre swipe at Chelsea team-mate Cole Palmer and says ‘there’s not much strength in his hair’

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      MARC CUCURELLA has sparked a banter battle of “Stamford Fringe” – with an odd comment about Chelsea team-mate Cole Palmer’s hair.The Euro 2024 winner reckons England’s brightest hope has just one flaw – but it’s a mane weakness.Cole Palmer has been singled out for praise, but also an eccentric comment, by Chelsea pal Marc CucurellaCredit: RexSuper-sub Palmer gave England hope with a late leveller against Cucurella and Co in the Euro 2024 final before Spain triumphed 2-1Credit: GettyIf Cucurella is to be believed, there’s plenty of dazzle in Palmer’s footwork, but not much frazzle in his mop.The Spaniard himself sports one of football’s most lavish, curly barnets.And he’s courted controversy before, singing “Haaland trembles, Cucurella is coming” in his Euros celebration – with the Manchester City striker responding by scoring against him in the Premier League.In fact, with the Norwegian appearing to take the wing-back’s warbling as a jibe, it was Palmer who calmed things by telling him Cucurella was actually a good guy.READ MORE TOP STORIESNow the ex-Brighton ace has said of the former Manchester City starlet: “There’s not much strength in the hair, but if that’s his only problem, then he’s all right.”But Cucurella’s verdict came amid glowing praise to The Guardian for the 22-year-old.Palmer came off the bench for the fifth time at the Euros to revive England with a classy late equaliser in the final, only for Spain to win 2-1.And Cucurella’s admiration has soared further since then.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSPalmer has notched six goals and five assists in seven Prem matches so far this term.That means from a career total of 59 top-flight games he’s netted 28 times and notched 17 assists.Marc Cucurella sings his own song in advert after viral post-Euros video but unimpressed fans say ‘I physically cringed’Cucurella said: “If you see him not in his kit you would never in your life say he was a footballer, but then on the pitch … he shoots and it doesn’t seem like he is hitting it hard but he scores them all. “He’s very different. I don’t know how to explain it: he’s special. We’re very lucky we have him. “We’re lucky he didn’t play much in the Euros either because he came on and almost messed it up for us. “If he carries on like this, he’ll be among the best.”And despite Cucurella’s misgivings about Palmer’s hair, it was the Mancunian’s parting – albeit from the Etihad in September 2023 – that super-charged his rise.It also means he’s suddenly regarded as a key Three Lions player.Interim chief Lee Carsley is expected to hand Palmer his fourth England start in Sunday’s Nations League clash away to Finland, following Thursday’s 2-1 Wembley defeat against Greece.England player ratings vs GreeceBy Tom BarclayLEE CARSLEY’S tactical experiment of playing no strikers backfired as Vangelis Pavlidis’ double secured an emotional shock win for Greece at Wembley.Interim England boss Carsley played all three of our nation’s gifted No10s – Phil Foden, Jue Bellingham and Cole Palmer – in varying positions.But it did not work and the Greeks took a deserved lead thanks to Pavlidis’ belting second-half finish.The visitors then held up a shirt in celebration bearing the name Baldock – in reference to their team-mate George Baldock, whose passing at the age of just 31 on Wednesday rocked the world of football.Bellingham looked to have ensured the points were shared with a thunderous strike with three minutes to go.But there was still time for Pavlidis to expose some woeful defending deep into injury time by firing past Jordan Pickford.Here are SunSport’s player ratings from a dire night for England under the arch.Jordan Pickford: 4Wandered into no-man’s-land territory outside his box early on and lost the ball, allowing Greek skipper Tasos Baksetas a free shot at goal – only to be saved by Levi Colwill’s last-gasp clearance. Did not instil confidence, despite his experience.Trent Alexander-Arnold: 6Some tasty passes – they are his speciality, after all – but not great at the back. He, John Stones and Cole Palmer were weak in their attempt to close down Vangelis Pavlidis before the Benfica man smashed home the opener.John Stones: 5Made captain for what was his 82nd cap, surpassing Rio Ferdinand’s haul. But it was a shaky display from his defence and Stones should have done better to stop Pavlidis.Levi Colwill: 7Greece would have been ahead far sooner were it not for Colwill’s athletic hack away to deny Bakasetas. Replays showed it would have crossed the line had the Chelsea man been a split second later with his incredible intervention.Rico Lewis: 6Tried to bomb up the left flank where he could but, just like Kieran Trippier at the Euros, was hamstrung by constantly having to cut back onto his favoured right foot.Declan Rice: 6Played as England’s only holding midfielder, as fans had been imploring Gareth Southgate to use him for years. It was not like he was overrun but his side did look vulnerable on the counter.Phil Foden: 4Spent most of the game pressing the Greek backline as a false nine without really getting on the ball and causing any damage. Ineffective. Cole Palmer: 6Deployed in a deeper, central-midfield role which at least meant he saw plenty of the ball, though he blazed England’s best chance of the first half over the bar. Remarkably, his first competitive England start, despite being named on Tuesday as Three Lions player of the 2023-24 season. Bukayo Saka: 5Struggled to get into the game and then was forced out of it, worryingly limping off early in the second half. The last thing Arsenal fans wanted to see.Jude Bellingham: 7 STAR MANPlayed in a false nine position and had a belting early shot well saved. The system did not work but Bellingham still so nearly emerged as the saviour by banging in his first goal of the season for club and country.Anthony Gordon: 5Caused Greece few problems and his touch looked off it. Had a decent chance from Alexander-Arnold’s peach of a delivery but headed over.SUBS: Noni Madueke (for Saka 52): Played out on the left, rather than his natural right, when coming on. Went down in the box deep into injury time but no penalty was given. 6Ollie Watkins (for Gordon 60): Almost scored with his first touch when played through by Palmer, but smashed just over. 7Dominic Solanke (for Foden 72): Grabbed an assist when laying the ball back to Bellingham who thumped in the leveller. 7Manager Lee Carsley: 4Seemed to gamble unnecessarily with this experimental system instead of playing it safe to add another win to boost his case to earn the job full-time. Carsley played without a natural centre-forward when winning the Under-21 Euros because he had to after Flo Balogun switched the USA and Rhian Brewster got injured, but here he did it by choice and it did not work. Bellingham looked to have saved his bacon – but then Pavlidis struck again. More

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      Liverpool star Mo Salah sent home from Egypt duty early amid fears over ‘dangerous’ pitch and ‘violent’ opponents

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      MO SALAH is set to return to Liverpool after withdrawing from the Egypt camp ahead of their clash with Mauritania on Tuesday night.Egypt captain Salah, 32, headed to Cairo earlier this week to link up with his national team.Mo Salah was in action for Egypt last nightCredit: RexThe Egypt skipper celebrates his latest goal for his countryCredit: EPAHe started their Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Mauritania last night, scoring in his side’s 2-0 win.The Pharoahs are set to face the same opposition away from home on Tuesday, but will have to do so without their star man.An Egyptian FA statement read: “The technical staff of Egypt’s senior football team led by manager Hossam Hassan held a meeting with Mohamed Salah, the captain of the Pharaohs.”It was agreed during the meeting to rest the player from the upcoming match.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSalah’s withdrawal comes amid concerns regarding Mauritania’s pitch and style of play.Tuesday’s game is set to take place at the 8,200 capacity Cheikha Ould Boidiya Stadium in Nouakchott, which possesses a plastic pitch.After last night’s victory, Egypt manager Hassan admitted the possibility of being without his key man on Tuesday, while also calling his side’s opponents “violent”.He said: “If any player asks me not to play on artificial turf, I will agree.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”The Mauritanian team plays hard and with violent interventions, and their field is not the best.”If Salah specifically asks me to do so, I will agree.”Mo Salah appears to confirm Liverpool transfer exit live on Sky Sports after ripping Man Utd to shredsAfter last night’s game, the Liverpool star admitted that his side had to really earn their win.He said: “The Egyptian team must play with a different, fast and offensive rhythm. The Mauritania match is difficult and the team is very heavy. We did not win by chance.”Egypt are top of their Afcon qualification group with nine points from three games – already six points clear of Mauritania, Cape Verde and Botswana.Ahead of Tuesday’s test, Hassan added: “I was very worried about the Mauritania match, and the pitch there is very difficult.”Even if I don’t win there, it doesn’t matter. What matters to me is that I don’t lose.”Liverpool boss Arne Slot will expect to have Salah fit and available to face Chelsea in the Premier League next Sunday. More

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      Legendary stadium ‘doesn’t comply with regulations’ to host World Cup final, claims politician who demands rivals get it

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      THE Santiago Bernabeu is not fit to host the 2030 World Cup final, according to a Barcelona-based politician.Reports suggested that Fifa wanted the showpiece to be held Real Madrid’s iconic stadium.Real Madrid’s Santiago Bernabeu does not meet requirements to host the World Cup showpieceMorocco’s proposed 115,000-capacity Stade Hassan II in Casablanca, Morocco could host the finalBarcelona’s Camp Nou is also in contention to host the 2030 World Cup finalWhile, Morocco are planning on building the 115,000-capacity Grand Stade Hassan II that’s also a consideration.However, David Escudé, the Councillor for Sports at Barcelona City Council, has revealed Barcelona would be a more favourable venue instead.”As of today, according to Fifa’s requirements, the Bernabéu could not host a World Cup final,” he said on ‘Tot Costa’ on Catalunya Ràdio.”However, the new stadium being built in Morocco and the Spotify Camp Nou do have the capacity to host the final.Read more football news”Our rival would not be the Bernabéu, which would be too small, but Morocco.”The councillor for sport was also asked if Spain would accept the Spotify Camp Nou hosting the final.He answered: “With the current Government there would be no problem, things are changing.”The 2030 World Cup will be held in SIX countries across THREE continents.Most read in FootballIn a remarkable deal stitched together by Fifa President Gianni Infantino, the opening three matches of the tournament will be played in South America.That will see the first match played in the Uruguayan capital Montevideo, followed by Argentina hosting a game in Buenos Aires, before the third fixture is held in Asuncion, Paraguay.Everton fans say ‘I feel sick just looking at it’ as new video of Bramley Moore Dock stadium go viral The six teams involved in those games will then fly across the Atlantic, with the rest of the tournament shared between Morocco, Portugal and Spain.England could be one of the teams involved, meaning the Three Lions would have to travel approximately 6,500 miles to South America for their first match.They would then have to travel the same distance back to Europe and Africa for their remaining group games either in Spain, Portugal or Morocco.Who are these famous footballers? More

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      Six managers Man Utd could turn to now if they sack Ten Hag as Southgate rules himself out and Tuchel eyes ENGLAND job

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      ERIK TEN HAG appears to have avoided the chopping block at Manchester United, at least for now.A SEVEN-HOUR meeting with club chiefs on Tuesday came to an end with no movement on the future of the United boss despite the intense pressure and speculation surrounding him.Erik ten Hag remains under pressure at Man Utd despite appearing to survive talks in LondonCredit: GettyThomas Tuchel looks to be out of the running after entering talks for the England jobCredit: GettyUnited could possibly turn to other candidates such as Graham PotterCredit: PAHowever, the pursuit of other possible targets took a twist on Friday after it was reported that Thomas Tuchel was in talks for the England job.Tuchel, 51, has been heavily linked with replacing Ten Hag at Old Trafford.But according to Bild, he could now replace Gareth Southgate as the Three Lions’ next permanent head coach.Southgate himself played down his links to the Red Devils’ job by saying he would be taking a full year out of work.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd that has left the pool of potential successors to Ten Hag even more drained than it was in the summer. SunSport have looked at six options who could still be considered if Ten Hag’s time at United does ultimately come to a mid-season end.Graham PotterFormer Chelsea and Brighton boss Potter has been without a job since he was sacked by the Blues, but was known for his fluid brand of football and development of young players at the Seagulls, elements United want to champion.However, he directly addressed the speculation when appearing on Sky Sports last month, saying: “I am the only coach in world football to be linked with Stoke City and Napoli in the same week. I have had lots of conversations with lots of people and I think out of respect to those people it’s best those are kept private.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSKieran McKennaA coach at Man Utd during Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s time in charge, McKenna made his first move into management with Ipswich and has impressed ever since by getting them promoted to the top flight.He was consequently linked with a move to another club in the summer, but snubbed interest by signing a new contract. There are concerns whether he would be ready to take on the mammoth United job anyway.Thomas Tuchel Eyes England Manager Role Amid Man Utd SpeculationSimone InzaghiInter Milan manager Inzaghi is reported to have already rejected an approach from Man Utd.He was viewed as an ideal candidate given his experience at the top level and previous success, leading the Italians to the Serie A title, two Coppa Italias and a Champions League final.Ruben AmorimSporting Lisbon manager Amorim has caught the eye of many of Europe’s top sides as a potential new boss.Fresh reports have linked him with a move to Old Trafford should Ten Hag leave, with his Portuguese connections set to do wonders for the likes of Bruno Fernandes and Diogo Dalot.Thomas FrankFrank has long been praised for how well he has done with Brentford, in terms of buying into their recruitment plan and getting the best out of players on the pitch.Indeed, Pep Guardiola said it was only a “question of time” before he lands a job at one of European football’s powerhouses.READ MORE SUN STORIESRuud Van NistelrooyLike Inzaghi and Potter on this list, Ruud van Nistelrooy seems to have squashed rumours about taking over the Man Utd job, with reports suggesting he does not want to betray Ten Hag.However, in the event Ten Hag is let go, Van Nistelrooy is likely to be offered the job at least on an interim basis. He impressed as a manager for PSV.Ruud van Nistelrooy would likely be offered the job on an interim basis but has expressed doubts over taking itCredit: Alamy More

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      How England could line up under Thomas Tuchel with brand new formation and return for forgotten man

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      ENGLAND could be set for a new look team should Thomas Tuchel be appointed as manager.The German is reportedly in negotiations with the FA over the role vacated by Gareth Southgate earlier this year.Thomas Tuchel is reportedly in talks to become the next England managerCredit: GettyHe could offer a recall to Mason Mount should he be appointedCredit: GettyRuben Loftus-Cheek could be given another chance in a England shirtCredit: GettyThe Three Lions are currently under the charge of interim boss Lee Carsley, who has won two of his three games.Last time out, though, England were uninspiring and humbled by Greece 2-1 at Wembley.Carsley experimented with his team due to Harry Kane’s absence but could not get a tune out of his attacking line-up, whch included Jude Bellingham and Phil Foden, with Cole Palmer behind them.Tuchel, however, could opt for a very different style to the interim boss should he be appointed.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe former Chelsea and Bayern Munich manager usually uses a 3-4-3 formation, which could provide an opportunity for one forgotten star.Mason Mount has not been involved in the England set-up since the World Cup in 2022.However, he enjoyed his most successful spell under Tuchel while the pair were at Stamford Bridge.While playing under Tuchel, Mount scored 19 goals in 87 appearances in all competitions and won the Champions League in 2021.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSShould Tuchel land the England job, then he could get the best out of Mount for the national team.However, the midfielder would need to bounce back and improve his form at Manchester United, having missed a lot of football due to injury since joining the club.Lee Carsley’s slip of the tongue after Greece nightmare hints he wants England U21s job back and not replace SouthgateBen Chilwell could return to the England teamCredit: AlamyTuchel could reinstate Eric Dier to the Three Lions’ backlineCredit: GettyMount’s reintroduction could be the first of former England players to get another crack at the whip on the international stage.Although if Mount returns then it could be in the place of Phil Foden or Cole Palmer.Tuchel could also offer lifelines to other previously capped players such as Ben Chilwell, Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Eric Dier.Luke Shaw is considered the nation’s best left-back, but due to his injury struggles Tuchel could opt for Chilwell in his place.The full-back starred for the German during his time at Stamford Bridge and has already earned 21 caps for England.Loftus-Cheek could come back into the team to partner Declan Rice in the midfield.The midfielder has excelled since his move to AC Milan, scoring ten goals in his 48 appearances.The Three Lions have struggled to find a partner for Rice, with Kobbie Mainoo, Adam Wharton and Angel Gomes all being given chances.Dier played for Tuchel at Bayern Munich as part of a back-three last season.The defender did enough to convince the club to make his loan move permanent after he had fallen out of favour at Tottenham.Reece James could also be a beneficiary of Tuchel’s potential appointment.Should the Chelsea star regain his fitness, then he would certainly be a shoo-in over Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold in the right-wing-back role.Tuchel has also often used a 4-2-3-1 formation during his time as a manager.READ MORE SUN STORIESThis could see the likes of Mount, Dier, Chilwell and James keep their spots in the team but in more traditional roles.Dier could be used in the pivot alongside Rice, while James and Chilwell could line up a back four.Reece James excelled under TuchelCredit: APEngland player ratings vs GreeceBy Tom BarclayLEE CARSLEY’S tactical experiment of playing no strikers backfired as Vangelis Pavlidis’ double secured an emotional shock win for Greece at Wembley.Interim England boss Carsley played all three of our nation’s gifted No10s – Phil Foden, Jue Bellingham and Cole Palmer – in varying positions.But it did not work and the Greeks took a deserved lead thanks to Pavlidis’ belting second-half finish.The visitors then held up a shirt in celebration bearing the name Baldock – in reference to their team-mate George Baldock, whose passing at the age of just 31 on Wednesday rocked the world of football.Bellingham looked to have ensured the points were shared with a thunderous strike with three minutes to go.But there was still time for Pavlidis to expose some woeful defending deep into injury time by firing past Jordan Pickford.Here are SunSport’s player ratings from a dire night for England under the arch.Jordan Pickford: 4Wandered into no-man’s-land territory outside his box early on and lost the ball, allowing Greek skipper Tasos Baksetas a free shot at goal – only to be saved by Levi Colwill’s last-gasp clearance. Did not instil confidence, despite his experience.Trent Alexander-Arnold: 6Some tasty passes – they are his speciality, after all – but not great at the back. He, John Stones and Cole Palmer were weak in their attempt to close down Vangelis Pavlidis before the Benfica man smashed home the opener.John Stones: 5Made captain for what was his 82nd cap, surpassing Rio Ferdinand’s haul. But it was a shaky display from his defence and Stones should have done better to stop Pavlidis.Levi Colwill: 7Greece would have been ahead far sooner were it not for Colwill’s athletic hack away to deny Bakasetas. Replays showed it would have crossed the line had the Chelsea man been a split second later with his incredible intervention.Rico Lewis: 6Tried to bomb up the left flank where he could but, just like Kieran Trippier at the Euros, was hamstrung by constantly having to cut back onto his favoured right foot.Declan Rice: 6Played as England’s only holding midfielder, as fans had been imploring Gareth Southgate to use him for years. It was not like he was overrun but his side did look vulnerable on the counter.Phil Foden: 4Spent most of the game pressing the Greek backline as a false nine without really getting on the ball and causing any damage. Ineffective. Cole Palmer: 6Deployed in a deeper, central-midfield role which at least meant he saw plenty of the ball, though he blazed England’s best chance of the first half over the bar. Remarkably, his first competitive England start, despite being named on Tuesday as Three Lions player of the 2023-24 season. Bukayo Saka: 5Struggled to get into the game and then was forced out of it, worryingly limping off early in the second half. The last thing Arsenal fans wanted to see.Jude Bellingham: 7 STAR MANPlayed in a false nine position and had a belting early shot well saved. The system did not work but Bellingham still so nearly emerged as the saviour by banging in his first goal of the season for club and country.Anthony Gordon: 5Caused Greece few problems and his touch looked off it. Had a decent chance from Alexander-Arnold’s peach of a delivery but headed over.SUBS: Noni Madueke (for Saka 52): Played out on the left, rather than his natural right, when coming on. Went down in the box deep into injury time but no penalty was given. 6Ollie Watkins (for Gordon 60): Almost scored with his first touch when played through by Palmer, but smashed just over. 7Dominic Solanke (for Foden 72): Grabbed an assist when laying the ball back to Bellingham who thumped in the leveller. 7Manager Lee Carsley: 4Seemed to gamble unnecessarily with this experimental system instead of playing it safe to add another win to boost his case to earn the job full-time. Carsley played without a natural centre-forward when winning the Under-21 Euros because he had to after Flo Balogun switched the USA and Rhian Brewster got injured, but here he did it by choice and it did not work. Bellingham looked to have saved his bacon – but then Pavlidis struck again. More

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      Premier League cult hero Mario Balotelli angrily says ‘I’ll f***ing smash Serie A’ in fiery live stream argument

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      MARIO BALOTELLI asserted that he is still capable of tearing up Serie A in an impassioned rant.The veteran striker is on the search for the 12th club of his career after leaving Turkish side Adana Demirspor in the summer.Mario Balotelli claims he could still ‘smash up’ Serie AThe striker is unemployed after leaving Adana Demirspor in the summerCredit: GettyHe has been linked with several moves including the Spanish third-tier side Alicante.While Torino were tipped to snap up the former Manchester City star this week as a replacement for the injured Duvan Zapata.Balotelli would likely be keen to return to playing in his native Italy and he is confident he would score goals in Serie A.He appeared on a stream where the host compared him to Venezia frontman Joel Pohjanpalo, which Balotelli took exception to.READ MORE IN FOOTBALThe former Liverpool man said: “What the f*** are you saying?”Just because I wasn’t in Serie A (in recent years), what I did doesn’t count? F*** off, you and Serie A.”It’s a promise, I’ll smash Serie A when I sign (for a new club), I’ll smash this f***ing Serie A.”Balotelli, 34, has also been linked with a move to Serie A strugglers Genoa, who are managed by former Italy striker Alberto Gilardino.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThey could become the 12th different club of his career, having previously played in Serie A for Inter, AC Milan, Brescia and Monza.Capped 36 times, Balotelli has been linked with clubs in Brazil, India and Spain since returning home from Turkey.Footage of Mario Balotelli falling in street during boozy night out with palsBut he has chosen to bide his time, recently stating his intent to play in Italy once more.The frontman has trained by himself in Brescia to keep up his fitness. More

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      George Baldock’s old club hold emotional minute’s applause for tragic star before FA Cup clash vs Wayne Rooney’s brother

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      GEORGE BALDOCK’S former club Tamworth paid a touching tribute to the late Greece, Premier League and EFL hero after his tragic death.Baldock was found dead on Wednesday night at his home in Athens after drowning in his swimming pool at the age of 31.Tamworth held a minute’s applause for ex-player George Baldock before their FA Cup matchBaldock was found dead at his home on Wednesday at the age of 31Credit: APThis tragic loss has seen the British and Greek football community come together in mourning with tributes pouring in for the popular full-back, who moved from Sheffield United to Panathinaikos last summer.National League side Tamworth also paid their respects to the Greece international and his family ahead of Saturday’s fourth qualifying round match in the FA Cup at The Lamb Ground.The Lambs lined up in the centre of the pitch along with opponents Macclesfield, where Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney’s younger brother John, 33, plays.The two teams and the crowd then held an emotional minute’s applause for Baldock, who played for Tamworth on loan from MK Dons in 2012.Read More on FootballThat moment of solidarity moved the fans, who took to social media to also pay tribute to the defender.One fan tweeted: “For you, George Baldock.”Another commented: “Once a Lamb, always a Lamb.”A third wrote: “That’s for George.”Most read in FA CupThis fan said: “Dedicating it to George.”And that one stated: “That’s for you George.”Watch Greece captain’s spine-tingling speech about George Baldock in dressing room that inspired win over England Baldock made 18 appearances during his brief stint with Tamworth, where he also scored a goal.The Sheffield United legend then moved to Bramall Lane in 2017 and enjoyed tremendous success as he amassed 219 appearances and helped the team reach two Premier League promotions.The Buckingham-born ace also played a big part in the Blades’ stunning 2019-20 campaign that saw them finishing in the top half of the Prem table in their return to the top flight after 12 years.Ex-Sheffield United team-mate David McGoldrick didn’t forget that as he pointed to the heavens to dedicate his dramatic late equaliser for Notts County during Saturday’s 2-2 draw at Chesterfield.Baldock died the day before Greece, which is the homeland of his late grandmother, faced England, the country of his birth, at Wembley in the Nations League.The Greek national team went on to pick up an upset 2-1 win over the Three Lions and his team-mates dedicated the victory to their fallen brother in arms and his family.Dominating Mbappe, Premier League Iron Man, promotion hero: A tribute to George BaldockBy Kostas Lianos, Digital Sports ReporterIT was back in 2019 when Greece legend Vasilis Torosidis – the heir to Euro 2004 hero Giourkas Seitaridis – retired from international duty after 101 caps.A giant void was left behind at right-back, many talented players tried to step up – and none of them could fill those big boots.But, soon enough, I started to hear whispers about a Premier League ace with Greek heritage who’s a starter week-in and week-out…That was none other than George Baldock, born in Buckingham on March 9, 1993, to English parents but qualified for Greece through his grandmother.And what a season he was having. The right-back starred for Sheffield United as they surprised the Prem in the 2019-20 campaign – their first in 12 years – by finishing in the top half of the table.Baldock was among their standout players as he registered a staggering 3,420 minutes played – the joint highest along with the likes of Declan Rice and Virgil van Dijk.The defender was keen to make the big step to the international stage with his grandmother’s homeland – and it didn’t take long until he shook hands with the Greek football federation (EPO) chiefs.However, a long and arduous paperwork slog stood in the way – with the then Sheffield United star claiming Covid-19 and Brexit slowed things down.Greece finally got the right-back they were begging for for years as Baldock made his debut on June 2, 2022 in a Nations League clash at Northern Ireland as a late substitute.It didn’t take long until the English-born ace owned the right flank at the back and impressive performances followed.Perhaps none compare to the Euro 2024 qualifier against France in June 2023 when Baldock did the unthinkable and kept Kylian Mbappe quiet for 104 MINUTES, despite being injured and playing through “unimaginable” pain.I still remember speaking to then-Greece manager Gus Poyet about his player’s stunning performance, and I will never forget the big smile the Chelsea legend had on his face.Poyet reminded me of a proud father as he took me through the injury hell the full-back endured before squaring up against perhaps the world’s best player for his country.A beaming Poyet told me: “Against the Republic of Ireland [three days beforehand] – and now that it is finished I can say it – after 20 minutes he had a very bad twist in his ankle, very bad. He was very close to come out. I asked him, ‘Can you hold until half-time?'”At half-time his ankle was very, very swollen. He asked for a strapping and he asked me for five minutes. Give me five minutes and we’ll let you know. And he had an unbelievable second half running up and down and being outstanding.”You don’t imagine the ankle after the game. You don’t imagine the ankle the day after, after the flight to France. Black and blue – swollen. And a day-and-a-half later you need to play against Mbappe.”Ninety per cent of people will think, no chance. And I keep talking to him, individually. And he keeps saying to me, ‘Coach I’m gonna be there no worries’.”And he didn’t play 20 minutes, he didn’t play 60 minutes, he played 104 minutes because the referee gave 14 minutes of injury time against Mbappe.”It’s easy to understand how loyal Baldock was to every team he ever played for during his 15-year career, just by looking at his stats.The Greek ace started his career at MK Dons in 2009 where he amassed a staggering 125 appearances throughout an eight-year stint that also saw him playing on loan for Northampton Town, Tamworth, IBV and Oxford United.The defender joined Sheffield United in 2017 and registered a whopping 219 appearances in seven years that also saw him helping his team achieve two Premier League promotions.Baldock’s work ethic and commitment was no different in Greece as he proudly stated two years ago: “To play for the national side is a great honour and a lot of pride involved for me and my family.”Representing my country through my late grandmother, it’s a very proud moment for me and my family. I love the country and I will fight for every success”Baldock never played for England at any level, but he always competed like a lion and he proved it on Sunday in his last ever match when he started for Panathinaikos, whom he joined in the summer, against eternal rivals Olympiacos in perhaps the most intense derby in Europe.He served his team with honour as he helped them pick up a valuable point in a goalless draw against their in-form foes, who had just played their best game of the season with a 3-0 win over Braga in the Europa League a few days earlier.He only managed 12 caps for Greece before his sudden and tragic death at the age of 31 on Wednesday in Athens.But his fighting spirit and charisma at right-back with the white and blue, as well as his remarkable run in the Premier League and the Championship, show that he is leaving a legacy behind for many Greek and English fans to look up to. More

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      Brazil stars including Vinicius Jr and Raphinha face ban from national team in bizarre proposal

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      BRAZIL’S Europe-based heroes  would be banned from international football under a radical idea from the country’s president.Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva claims “there are no stars” abroad – which might surprise fans of Vinicius Junior, Endrick, Ederson and Co.Real Madrid winger Vinicius Jr would be among a string or Europe-based superstars affected by the type of ban Brazil president Lula wantsCredit: GettyMan Utd duo Casemiro and Antony are others that would be shut outCredit: GettyThe Brazilian president says he’s discussed the idea with his nation’s football chief.And if such a proposal was ever activated it would mean the end of World Cup dreams for a host of top performers in Europe’s major leagues.Arsenal have three leading Brazilians – all Gabriels – in Magalhaes, Jesus and Martinelli.Two come from Manchester United, although Casemiro and Antony have been under almost as much pressure for their efforts as their struggling Old Trafford boss Erik ten Hag.READ MORE TOP STORIESMeanwhile, a couple of the world’s best goalkeepers are with the Prem’s top two sides.Alisson is currently out injured for leaders Liverpool, while fellow stopper Ederson has won six titles in seven seasons with champs Manchester City, who now also have compatriot Savinho in their bulging squad.Spain offer arguably Brazil’s hottest talent in Vinicius Jr, as well as the brightest prospect in 18-year-old Real Madrid team-mate Endrick.And don’t forget Barcelona wideman Raphinha.Most read in FootballArsenal have three top Brazilians in their squad, including attackers Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel JesusCredit: GettyFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSLula was emboldened to speak out on his hopes after Botafogo duo Igor Jesus and Luiz Henrique netted in Friday’s vital 2-1 comeback win in a World Cup qualifier away to Chile.It means Dorival Junior’s Brazil have edged up to fourth after disappointing performances in the South American group.Vinicius Jr breaks down in tears in emotional moment during press conference after three questions about racismLula argued Brazil lack overseas players as good as legends like “Garrincha or Romario”.He insisted their contingent abroad instead contains just “a bunch of young players who are not yet stars”.Lula added: “In Brazil, there are good players of the same quality (as those abroad). So [the national team should] give opportunities to those who are here.”However, even if his proposal gained any traction in Brazil, it would almost certainly get nowhere thanks to Fifa rules.Football’s global chiefs ban political interference in team matters.Lula has reportedly mentioned his beliefs to Brazilian Football Confederation president Alejandro Dominguez.But any political attempts to formally stop overseas stars from playing for the country could even lead to Dominguez being suspended.And other possible sanctions include what would surely be the greatest one for the country’s football supporters – being banned from the World Cup.However, Lula’s leap into the country’s main sport did lead to an equally bizarre but more light-hearted suggestion.READ MORE SUN STORIESOne fan on X reckons the 78-year-old is a dead ringer for one of Britain’s most famous businessmen, a former Tottenham co-owner of The Apprentice fame, who is 18 months younger.He posted: “Sir Alan Sugar needs to leave the Brazilians to it.”Brazilian president Lula da Silva has been compared to Sir Alan SugarCredit: ReutersLondon entrepreneur Alan Sugar has a famous Brazilian look-alikeCredit: BBCWho are these famous footballers? More