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    Why isn’t Harry Kane starting for England tonight?

    HARRY KANE has been on fire for the Three Lions of late, scoring a brace against Finland last time out.But the England captain and talisman will not be starting against Greece when the match kicks off at 7.45 pm on October 10 — here we take a look at why.Harry Kane went down in the 72nd minute during Bayern’s 3-3 draw with FrankfurtCredit: GettyThe England skipper requred treatment and was replaced by Mathys TelCredit: GettyWhy isn’t Harry Kane starting against Greece?Harry Kane will not be starting the match as a precaution because of a minor knock he picked up while playing in the Bundesliga.He sustained the injury during Bayern Munich’s 3-3 draw with Eintracht Frankfurt on Sunday, October 6, 2024.The Three Lions’ skipper needed 72nd-minute treatment and was replaced by Mathys Tel — just days ahead of two Nations League ties.This came came after Kane hurt his ankle late in a 1-1 home draw with Bayern Leverkusen the week before.read more on harry kaneThe injury prevented him from training with Lee Carsley’s England squad in the run-up to the Greece game, leading to his exclusion from the starting lineup for the Nations League match.The exact nature of the injury has not been reported.What Lee Carsley said about KaneInterim England manager Lee Carsley is taking a cautious approach with Kane’s fitness.He also confirmed Kane was doing individual training sessions on the Tuesday and Wednesday before the match.Most read in FootballCarsley said: “Harry’s nursing an injury, a small knock. Something that we won’t take a chance with.””We’re not ruling him out yet of the game, but he won’t start the game.”Hopefully he’ll be in contention then for Sunday (against Finland) but, again, time will tell.”It’s not something I think we should be rushing.”So while Kane won’t be starting the match, he hasn’t been ruled out completely.I think it’s important that we put them [the players] first rather than ourselvesLee CarsleyThere’s still a possibility he could be available as a substitute, though this remains uncertain.The team is hopeful that Kane may be able to play against Finland on October 13.Importance of cautionThis careful management of Kane’s injury is particularly important given his history of injuries.Over the years, Kane has dealt with various issues, including ankle, knee and hamstring problems.The team’s cautious approach aims to protect his long-term fitness and ensure he’s available for crucial matches in the future.What else do we know about the squad?Carsley confirmed that John Stones will step in to captain England for the first time as he picks up his 82nd cap.He also mentioned that Tino Livramento and Curtis Jones have been moved up from the under-21s and will be in the squad.The FA gave an update on Kane, and also Jack Grealish: “Harry Kane continued his individualised programme at St George’s Park on Wednesday [October 9] while Jack Grealish also sat out of training as a precaution with a minor knock.”Carsley emphasised a cautious approach with player fitness, stating: “I think it’s important that we put them [the players] first rather than ourselves.”READ MORE SUN STORIESHe also mentioned the abundance of options the national side is currently blessed with: “There were a lot of players who were close to this squad. With the talent we have available, it would have been possible to pick a 40-man squad and justify having them all in.”The challenge is making sure we pick a competitive squad and a squad that can win the two games.” More

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    Dwight Yorke’s former ‘pub team’ club hit by transfer ban until they pay Man Utd legend small fortune in compensation

    AUSTRALIAN club Macarthur FC have been placed on a transfer ban until they pay former boss Dwight Yorke over £100,000 in compensation.Yorke, 52, was appointed manager of the A-League club back in July 2022 and spent just six months in New South Wales.Macarthur FC have been told to pay Dwight Yorke over £100,000 in compensationCredit: GettyDuring that time, he led Macarthur to victory in the Australia Cup and won 10 out of 18 matches.But he was sacked in January 2023 after a huge dressing room clash.Yorke compared his squad to a “pub team” and claimed the club was “run by muppets” in the wake of a 1-0 defeat to Adelaide United.He later took Macarthur to a FIFA tribunal and the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).READ MORE ON MAN UTDIt was ruled that Yorke had been sacked without just cause, meaning the club would have to pay him A$212,500 (£109,000) in compensation.FIFA have now banned Macarthur from signing any new players until they settle the fee.Club officials are now exploring legal alternatives.A statement from the Bulls read: “The club is not concerned of the immediate effect of FIFA’s decision and is exploring further legal avenues available.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”The club is confident the matter will be resolved between now and January 2025.”The club will be making no further comment on the matter.”How Erik Ten Hag finally got something right at Man Utd but selfish runners may still get him sackedCEO Sam Krslovic added: “This transfer ban is a non-event. We’re in the process of resolving this issue by the start of the January transfer window.”The club is currently exploring its legal options in regards to defamation following stories and interviews which have stemmed from the event.”Meanwhile, Yorke said: “I have maintained dignity throughout this and will continue to do so. FIFA and CAS have found in my favour.”As of now, I’m awaiting my settlement. I wish the players, the supporters and the club all the best.” More

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    Adama Traore reveals what Pep Guardiola said to him after Man City’s rollercoaster win over Fulham

    ADAMA TRAORE has revealed what Pep Guardiola said to him after Manchester City’s rollercoaster win over Fulham.The two sides played out a thrilling Premier League clash at the Etihad last weekend.Adama Traore has lifted the lid on his conversation with Pep GuardiolaCredit: GettyThe pair linked up after Man City narrowly beat Fulham 3-2Credit: ReutersAndreas Pereira fired the visitors ahead before a double from Mateo Kovacic saw City take a 2-1 lead.The champs then looked to have sealed all three points with Jeremy Doku’s 81st minute effort.But Fulham left City sweating over their win as a late hit from Rodrigo Muniz saw the final score end 3-2 to the hosts.One man who had a whale of a time on the pitch was ex-Wolves winger Traore.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe lined up on the left instead of his usual right side, allowing him to get at Kyle Walker and leave the England star trailing in the wake of his even faster pace.But Traore was unable to bury any of his chances, which included a simple one-on-one against Ederson.At the final whistle, City boss Guardiola made a beeline for Traore before embracing the winger in a hug.They could be seen talking with great joy before parting ways.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSTraore and Guardiola know each other from their time together at Barcelona, with the midfielder working his way through the youth ranks while Pep managed the senior side.And Traore admitted Guardiola gave him finishing advice while also hailing his performance.Man City director of football Txiki Begiristain discusses transfer strategy Traore said: “I’ve known him for a few years but it’s always appreciated.“I met him at Barcelona. When I arrived at Aston Villa I also had a call with him and he has always been friendly.”Meanwhile, Guardiola also talked about Traore, adding: “Adama, he was unstoppable in that game.“We couldn’t control when he had the ball. You have to defend in your 18-yard box.” More

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    I was earning £10,000 a week at Newcastle before I went to jail – I’d still be in the Premier League now if I’d behaved

    NILE RANGER has been in prison twice and gone from a £10,000-a-week Premier League star to non-league – but insists he still “could play in any team”.And the 33-year-old is adamant he still has “one big move left in me” as he aims to use the FA Cup to fire himself back into the limelight.Nile Ranger is playing for Kettering Town these daysCredit: Instagram / @nilepowerrangerThe former Newcastle United striker played under both Kevin Keegan and Chris Hughton during his time at St. James’ Park as well as England’s youth sides.These days he is banging them in for Kettering Town and hoping to add to his impressive tally of five goals in five appearances when they travel to Farsley Celtic on Saturday to battle for a place in the FA Cup first round proper.Ranger signed a five-year contract worth £10,000-a-week with Newcastle but both Keegan and Chris Hughton could not get him away from his off-field issues.He had already served time for his role in an armed robbery as a teenager, and he revealed how extreme the latter manager’s warnings were.READ MORE IN football Discussing Hughton, Ranger explained: “He said: ‘Listen, if you’re late again I’ll make you pull out your gold tooth and sell it’. He still named me on the bench. It was a different world.“I’d not been long out of the young offenders’ institute – now I was getting changed next to Michael Owen. People would cut their leg off for the opportunity I had.“I would bring all my friends up to Newcastle [from London] for parties. “I had more money than sense. There was no discipline from me. I was living life in the fast lane.Most read in Football“Chris Hughton would say to me ‘you need to focus, you need to tell all your friends to go back to London’ because we used to cause havoc in Newcastle.Ranger runs his own football academy these days but wants others to learn from his own mistakes after serving time in a young offenders’ institute for his part in a robbery, although he denies using weapons. Former Premier League bad boy Nile Ranger returns to football with non-league club after two years unemployedHe ended up back in jail in 2017 for fraud following a spell at Southend.Ranger admitted: “Looking back I’ve realised the many silly decisions that led to the situations I found myself in. I messed up.”However, he still believes that his chance to reach the top has not passed him by as he prepares for FA Cup action.He added: “I could play in any team at my age if I’m fit – any team.“It has to be a fit me, not a rusty me. But the rust is coming off.“I still feel there is one big move left in me. I’m going to roll the dice one more time.”Ranger used to play for NewcastleCredit: Getty More

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    Alvaro Morata reveals depression battle and says ‘I couldn’t lace up my boots, and when I did my throat would close up’

    FORMER Chelsea striker Alvaro Morata has opened up about his battle with depression.The 31-year-old captained Spain to Euro 2024 glory this summer, but recently admitted he almost didn’t make it to Germany.Alvaro Morata has opened up about his battle with depressionCredit: RexThe striker also revealed he has suffered from panic attacksCredit: GettyMorata admitted he almost couldn’t play at Euro 2024Credit: GettyMorata had received heavy criticism from both fans and journalists in the build-up to the tournament – so much so that it made him want to leave the country.The AC Milan striker experienced some mental health troubles as a result which made him question if he would ever be able to step onto a football pitch again.Speaking to El Partidazo, Morata revealed: “When you have really tough times, depression, panic attacks, it doesn’t matter what job you do, what situation you have in life, you have another person inside that you have to fight against every day and every night.”The Spaniard began doubting his future during the latter stages of his time with Atletico Madrid – just months before Euro 2024. Read More in FootballHe continued: “For me, leaving Spain was the best option; I couldn’t stand it.”I had a really bad time. I thought I wouldn’t be able to put my boots on and go out on the pitch again.”But hey, thanks to a lot of people, from Simeone, Koke, Miguel Ángel Gil last year, my psychiatrist, my coach… we are what you see on TV and on social media but often it’s not real.”You have to give an image because it’s your job. I had a really bad time, I exploded and there came a time when I couldn’t lace up my boots, and when I did I would run home because my throat would close up and my vision would start to blur.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”Three months before the Euros I was wondering if I would be able to play another match. I didn’t know what was happening to me but it’s very complicated and delicate.”At that moment you realise that what you like most in the world is what you hate the most, it’s complicated.”Every time I went out with them I always had some episode, sometimes without malice, with people about something that had happened in previous games. “And, in the end, they didn’t want to go shopping either, things that a normal father does with his children. “There came a time when they said so many things to me in front of them that I was embarrassed to be with them. I was an easy joke, a joke to make the person next to you laugh.”Earlier this year, Morata announced that he had split from wife Alice Campello.The couple had been together for seven years and share four children.Morata left Atletico to join AC Milan in a £10.9million transfer in July.The striker has since scored two goals in five Serie A appearances.If you are affected by any of the issues raised in this article, please call the Samaritans for free on 116123. More

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    Croatia vs Scotland prediction: Back our 4/1 Bet Builder and get £50 in free bets with Betfred

    SCOTLAND are in Croatia this Saturday, looking to bring their six-game winless run to an end.Our team of betting experts have selected a Bet Builder for the top-flight encounter, which Betfred have priced up at 4/1.Not just that! New Betfred customers who register an account and stake a tenner on football will receive £50 in sports free bets!Find The Sun’s betting publishing principles hereHow to claim..Betfred welcome offerVisit the Betfred website HERE*Register an account using the Promo Code: BETFRED50Deposit £10 using a Debit CardPlace your first bet of £10 or more on any qualifying Sportsbook markets, at odds of Evens or greaterOnce that bet has settled, Betfred will credit your account with £50 in Free BetsBetfred: Get your £50 in free bets – Claim here*Croatia vs Scotland tipsOur Bet Builder selections: Both teams to score, over 2.5 goals and Che Adams to score anytime.Back our 4/1 Bet BuilderHere’s why we’ve made those selections:Both teams to score: Both teams have scored in five of Scotland’s last six games. Three of Croatia’s last four have also had both teams scoring – and also when the sides met in Euro 2020.Over 2.5 goals: Eight goals scored in Scotland’s last two games and similar to above, there’s a winner in this and both teams will score.Che Adams to score: Has scored in three of last four games for Torino before the break – only failing to score when coming off the bench in final half hour at San Siro. Back to lead the line and needs to nail place.Remember to gamble responsiblyA responsible gambler is someone who:Establishes time and monetary limits before playingOnly gambles with money they can afford to loseNever chase their lossesDoesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry, or depressedGamcare – www.gamcare.org.ukGamble Aware – www.gambleaware.orgFind our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to www.gamstop.co.uk*New customers only. Register with BETFRED50. Deposit £10+ via Debit Card and place first bet £10+ at Evens (2.0)+ on Sports within 7 days to get 3 x £10 in Sports Free Bets & 2 x £10 in Acca Free Bets within 10 hours of settlement. 7-day expiry. Eligibility & payment exclusions apply. T&Cs apply. More

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    Croatia vs Scotland odds: Price boosts and specials offers for Saturday’s Nations League clash

    THE Nations League returns again this week and Scotland are in League A1 action at Croatia on Saturday.It’s a big week for Steve Clarke’s side, who have struggled in recent months following a dismal Euros in the summer and need a positive result here.Find The Sun’s betting publishing principles hereCroatia have just ended their own winless run last time out and will see this as a big opportunity to make it back-to-back wins in the group ahead of a trip to Poland in midweek.At SunSport, we’ve carefully selected some of the best price boosts and special offers for existing customers from our betting partners for tonight.Price boosts and specials offers for Croatia vs ScotlandWilliam HillOur partners over at William Hill have some top price boosts. We’ve selected our favourites which you can back below!Scott McTominay to score anytime – was 4/1, NOW 5/1 – CLAIM HERECroatia to win both halves – was 11/4, NOW 10/3 – CLAIM HEREtalkSPORT BETtalkSPORT BET also have a selection of price boosts for the game and here’s some of those on offer:Scotland to win 1-0 – was 13/1, NOW 16/1 – CLAIM HEREOver 9.5 Corners – was 11/8, NOW 29/20 – CLAIM HERERemember to gamble responsiblyA responsible gambler is someone who:Establishes time and monetary limits before playingOnly gambles with money they can afford to loseNever chase their lossesDoesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry, or depressedGamcare – www.gamcare.org.ukGamble Aware – www.gambleaware.orgFind our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to www.gamstop.co.uk More

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    Dwight McNeil and Cole Palmer start for our England XI determined by Dream Team points

    THERE would be widespread outroar if Lee Carsley selected his latest England team based on Dream Team points.But it’s a fun hypothetical to wile away the international break hours.Justice for Dwight McNeil!Credit: Dream TeamBefore we get to the XI, a quick note to acknowledge a crucial limitation of our methodology.Since Dream Team only covers Premier League players, we’re forced to omit English players who ply their trade abroad, such as Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham – it’s only a bit of fun anyway.GOALKEEPERNewcastle’s custodian edges out Dean Henderson by nine points with a total of 42 to the Crystal Palace man’s 33.Pope ranks seventh overall among assets in his position but he’s fourth for saves with 32, just one behind joint-leaders Mark Flekken, Mads Hermansen and Robert Sanchez.His clean sheet away at Everton in Gameweek 7 was just his second of the campaign.England’s No1… for the purposes of this exerciseCredit: GettyDEFENDERSMost read in FootballTrent Alexander-ArnoldRico LewisTyrick MitchellNot only is Liverpool’s creative right-back the highest-scoring defender among his compatriots, he’s the outright top performer in his position overall with 72 points.Alexander-Arnold and Virgil van Dijk are the only players to have contributed to six clean sheets (as per Dream Team’s definition) and the former leads the way in his position with six big chances created.It’s no surprise to see Manchester City’s teenage talent make the cut having plundered 64 points across the first seven Gameweeks via four assists.Carsley may well select Alexander-Arnold and Lewis as starting full-backs against Greece this evening – it’s an exciting prospect.Dream Team’s reigning king among defendersCredit: GettyWhile the aforementioned inclusions are first and third respectively among Dream Team defenders right now, Crystal Palace’s diligent left-back is down in joint-13th with 44 points to his name.Only three defenders have made more tackles than Mitchell this term.The 25-year-old is the first player mentioned who doesn’t feature in the Three Lions’ actual squad this break – he was capped twice back in 2022.Given the lack of specialist left-backs available to Carsley at present, Mitchell could count himself a tad unlucky.No need to spend not too much time wondering how a back three comprised exclusively of fairly attack-minded full-backs/faux midfielders would work in reality.Score PredictorPlay Score Predictor with Dream Team this season!FREE to play£250 weekly prizePredict scores of five selected Premier League fixtures and earn points for accuracyMost points wins weekly cash prizePLAY NOWMIDFIELDERSBukayo SakaCole PalmerEberechi EzeDwight McNeilJames MaddisonAgain, forget about balance and just enjoy the sheer fun of this combination.Arsenal’s ‘Star Boy’ and Chelsea’s blooming superstar have a whopping 22 goal involvements between them already this season.Saka is Dream Team’s top midfielder on 102 points with Palmer not far behind on 87.The latter was recently voted England’s Player of the Year for the 2023/24 season despite his relatively limited involvement.With every week that goes by, it’s becoming increasingly clear that the 22-year-old will be a pivotal figure for the Three Lions in the years to come.England’s Player of the YearCredit: GettyRemarkably, Eze completes an all-English podium of Dream Team midfielders.Crystal Palace’s talisman has squandered a few chances in the league this season but he fully capitalised against Championship opposition in the Carabao Cup, taking Norwich and QPR for a combined 31 points – he’s amassed 75 overall.McNeil has never played senior international football but the Dream Team Stats Centre suggests he should be starting at Wembley later today!Everton’s No7 has been the brightest source of optimism for the Goodison Park faithful having scored four goals and provided two assists for a return of 73 points in nine outings this season.The ex-Burnley midfielder has also earned 11 bonus points, mostly because he’s delivered 26 accurate crosses – only one other player (Andreas Pereira) has registered more than 16 at this stage.Should Maddison have played more for England in recent years?Credit: ReutersTottenham’s playmaker-in-chief completes our midfield quintet with 68 points.A few eyebrows were raised when Maddison was omitted from Carsley’s squad as he’s rediscovered something close to his best form at the start of this season – as evidenced by the fact he leads the way with 16 bonus points.Given the 27-year-old’s undeniable talent, it’s notable that he’s played just 374 minutes for England at senior level.FORWARDSJarrod BowenMarcus RashfordWith Kane out of the picture, the door is open for two players desperate to regain their place in real life – Dream Team have got your backs, lads!Bowen has been a consistent performer for a few years nowCredit: PAThe reliable Bowen (65 points) has quietly notched three goals and three assists despite West Ham’s largely underwhelming results.A 16-point haul against Ipswich last weekend helped him leapfrog several forwards to jump up to fourth in the rankings, including Ollie Watkins who consequently misses out.As for Manchester United’s long-serving No10, he’s still a way off his blistering form of 2022/23 but he looks much more threatening than he did last season when he lost his place in the England squad.READ MORE SUN STORIESRashford has mustered a respectable 64 points via four goals and two assists – although he was rather fortunate not to suffer some minus points last time out when he narrowly avoided a second yellow card against Aston Villa.A bonkers XI in reality but we’d happily have a look at it – over to you, Lee!BetMGM sign up offerBetMGM: Get £40 in free bets — HERE**New cust only. 7 days to opt in by placing a £10 qualifying bet at 1/1 (2.0) odds or greater to receive 4x Free Bets: 1 x £10 horse racing, 1 x £10 Bet Builder, 1 x £10 Acca and 1 x £10 football. 7 day expiry. Exclusions apply. Stake not returned. 18+. T&Cs apply.Commercial content notice: Taking one of the bookmaker offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. 18+. T&Cs apply. gambleaware.org More