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      Bellingham and Kane share hug as beaming England stars arrive at St George’s Park ahead of Nations League double-header

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      ENGLAND stars were all smiles as they returned for international duty ahead of two crucial Nations League clashes.The Three Lions will be hoping to seal first place in their League B group when they host Greece on Thursday before travelling to Finland on Sunday.Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane exchanged a warm hug as they returned for England dutyCredit: GettyBellingham has returned to England after missing the previous international break to injuryCredit: GettyEngland captain Harry Kane showed up for duty despite a recent knockCredit: GettyTottenham star Dominic Solanke received his first England call-up in seven yearsCredit: GettySolanke greeted Marc Guehi as he reunited with the England set-upCredit: GettyJack Grealish and other England stars were all smiles ahead of the Nations LeagueCredit: GettyInterim manager Lee Carsley is hoping to win all matches of Group B to earn the top job full-time after already winning his first two games in charge against the Republic of Ireland and the Fins.And it seems that Carsley will have his captain Harry Kane available as he showed up at St George’s Park with a big smile on Monday.Kane hobbled off in the dying minutes of Bayern Munich’s 3-3 draw at Eintracht Frankfurt on Sunday.But the star striker appeared to be in a great mood as he hugged fellow superstar Jude Bellingham and it was later confirmed he will be fit and ready following tests.Read More on FootballReal Madrid star Bellingham missed the previous international break due to a foot injury, which he has now fully overcome and is set to play under Carsley for the first time this week.There were also worries about Chelsea duo Noni Madueke and Levi Colwill after Sunday’s Premier League match against Nottingham Forest but they were both present in Staffordshire.Tottenham star Dominic Solanke received his first England call-up in seven years and was all smiles upon returning to the international fold.Manchester City ace Jack Grealish and Arsenal star Declan Rice exchanged a warm embrace as they put their Premier League title rivalry on hold.Most read in FootballBukayo Saka was also in his usual positive mood as he walked through the doors.And the same goes for John Stones who will be hoping to start in defence against Greece and Finland.Lee Carsley welcomes back Cole Palmer to the England team England received a boost earlier today as the Greek national team will be without their top scorer in the Nations League, Fotis Ioannidis.Ioannidis fractured his adductor during Panathinaikos’ crunch derby against rivals Olympiacos on Sunday and will be out for a month.That means the striker will also miss PAO’s Conference League clash with Chelsea on October 24 at Athens’ Olympic Stadium, which will host the second leg between Greece and England on November 14.Grealish and Declan Rice had a warm embrace in StaffordshireCredit: GettyRice will play a major role in England’s games against Greece and FinlandCredit: GettyBukayo Saka was in high spirits as he showed up for England dutyCredit: GettyJohn Stones showed up at St George’s Park amid a busy season with Manchester CityCredit: GettyChelsea ace Noni Madueke appeared despite a recent knockCredit: GettyLevi Colwill also showed up despite suffering a knock of his own for ChelseaCredit: Getty More

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      Premier League star mysteriously arrives to international duty with face fully covered in bizarre fashion statement

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      LIVERPOOL star Ibrahima Konate has turned heads after mysteriously hiding his identity with an eccentric fashion statement.Konate arrived at France’s Clairefontaine base to join up with his team-mates ahead of their upcoming Nations League matches.Ibrahima Konate wore a green mask while reporting for France dutyCredit: AFPKonate left the photographers guessing with his bizarre fashion statementCredit: AFPThe Liverpool ace looked happy as he unzipped his long mask for the pressCredit: GettyHe struck a pose before heading into France’s Clairefontaine training baseCredit: GettyThe 25-year-old, known for his solid defensive partnership in the Premier League with Virgil van Dijk, has showcased his personality off the pitch.Konate has received attention on social media after rocking up to training in a green hood zipped up to conceal his face.The centre-back had the waiting photographers guessing as they couldn’t identify who had proudly stepped out of the car.Konate took a few steps towards the photographers before he laughed and said: “You don’t know who I am? Try to guess.”READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSHe wore a checked black flannel suit over the top of the green underlay with chunky black shoes as he posed for pictures.Konate then unzipped the bold face mask before he headed up the stairs and turned to pose again while sticking a “peace” V-sign up along the way.He then escaped into the France HQ reception area with a camera man following him.Unlike England stars, who all wear team tracksuits with the odd flash bag to St George’s Park, France players often show off their eccentric fashion tastes while reporting for international duty.Most read in FootballFrance forward Bradley Barcola also reported for international duty in styleCredit: AFPFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSBarcelona star Jules Kounde again wore an extravagant outfit in the pouring rain after rocking up to Euro 2024 duty in heels earlier this year.While Paris Saint-Germain winger Bradley Barcola joined them with his more toned down statement of a French beret shortly after.Dominic Solanke handed first England call-up in seven years as Lee Carsley leaves Jarrod Bowen and Harry Maguire out France face Israel in Hungary due to the security situation in the Middle East before travelling to Belgium next Monday.Kylian Mbappe has been left out of the squad after spending time on the Real Madrid sidelines with a hamstring issue.Liverpool are looking to get Konate tied down to a new contract, with initial talks having taken place with his representatives. The France international’s current deal runs until the summer of 2026.Konate has made 99 appearances since arriving from RB Leipzig for £36m in 2021, and scored his first Prem goal at Wolves a fortnight ago. More

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      Andres Iniesta breaks down in tears as Barcelona legend confirms retirement after one of finest careers ever

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      ANDREAS INIESTA broke down in tears as he confirmed his retirement from football as one of the sport’s all-time greats.Reports that the Barcelona icon, 40, was set to hang up his boots emerged last week, but now he has ended speculation with a video on social media.Andres Iniesta got emotional as he announced his retirement from footballCredit: Instagram @andresiniesta8He teared up when he was asked what football means to himCredit: Instagram @andresiniesta8Pep Guardiola paid tribute to Iniesta in the retirement videoCredit: Instagram @andresiniesta8Luis Enrique also hailed the legendary midfielderCredit: Instagram @andresiniesta8The Spaniard, who spent six years in Japan and one in the UAE after leaving Barcelona, brought to a close a 22-year career with a social media post on Monday afternoon.It included tributes from some of his former managers including Pep Guardiola, Louis van Gaal and Luis Enrique.But it was right at the start of the video when Iniesta got choked up.He was asked: “Andreas, what does football mean to you?”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLInstantly, Iniesta became emotional as he wiped away a tear, before he only managed to say: “For me football has been…”It then cut to a montage of his old coaches praising him.Guardiola even revealed during his early days at Barcelona that Iniesta gave him the “boost of energy to keep going” and that he will “always be grateful” to the midfielder.Iniesta made his Barcelona debut in 2002 and went on to appear in 674 games for the Blaugrana, scoring 57 goals and adding 135 assists.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSLouis van Gaal was another of Iniesta’s former managers to appear in the videoCredit: Instagram @andresiniesta8His trophy haul includes nine La Liga titles and four Champions Leagues.Playing alongside Xavi and Sergio Busquets, Iniesta is also considered to have been part of one of the greatest midfield trios football has ever seen.Eight of the greatest players to never win the Ballon d’Or despite their incredible careersIniesta played 131 times for Spain and scored 14 goals, winning the World Cup and two European Championships.He left Barcelona in 2018 to join Japan’s Vissel Kobe on a free transfer.He would go on to spend five years in the J-League, winning the league, Japanese Cup and Japanese Super Cup.UAE side Emirates Club, whom he joined in 2023, would prove to be his final team as he made 23 appearances for them, scoring five goals and providing one assist. More

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      Mario Balotelli thrown shock career lifeline after three months unemployed after nasty injury to Serie A side’s captain

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      MARIO BALOTELLI is set to be thrown a career lifeline by Torino, according to reports.The former Manchester City and Liverpool striker has been a free agent for three months.Mario Balotelli could join Serie A side TorinoCredit: GettyItaly international Balotelli ended his second spell with Turks Adana Demirspor, and has yet to find a new club.But Torino’s captain and striker Duvan Zapata suffered a serious knee injury at the weekend that could sideline him for months.And the Turin club is now reportedly set to offer 34-year-old Balotelli a deal as temporary cover for the Colombian.Torino would become the 12th different club of his career, having previously played in Serie A for Inter, AC Milan, Brescia and Monza.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLCapped 36 times, Balotelli has been linked with clubs in Brazil, India and Spain since returning home from Turkey.But 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.Torino, currently seventh in Serie A, could now come to the former City madcap’s rescue.Most read in FootballBest new sign-up offersSunSport exclusivesManaged by Paolo Vanoli, their squad includes Scotland’s ex-Southampton striker Che Adams.They lost 3-2 at Inter on Saturday, with Zapata scoring before going off injured late in the game.Former Premier League bad boy Mario Balotelli takes up new sport as he ‘calls out former UFC champion’ More

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      Ronaldinho’s son, 19, moves to England with influencer girlfriend as he follows in Barcelona legend’s footsteps

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      RONALDINHO’S son has moved to England and is set to play for Burnley.Joao Mendes, 19, has made a permanent move to the UK with his girlfriend Giovanna Buscacio, 24.Ronaldinho’s son Joao Mendes has moved to England with his girlfriendCredit: @giobuscacio/NewsflashMendes is following in his father Ronaldinho’s footsteps in footballCredit: @_mendesjoao_/NewsflashMendes is set to play for Burnley in the ChampionshipCredit: @_mendesjoao_/NewsflashMendes has moved to the UK with his influencer girlfriend Giovanna BuscacioCredit: @_mendesjoao_/NewsflashGiovanna has over 131,000 followers on InstagramCredit: @giobuscacio/NewsflashMendes was pictured with a Clarets shirt in August after reportedly signing with the Championship outfit.Reports now suggest the winger, who could start out in Burnley’s Under-21 side, has now moved to Manchester.The Brazilian has reportedly been living in Manchester since September with his influencer girlfriend with whom he’s been with for two years.Giovanna has over 131,000 followers on Instagram and has been sharing several snaps on social media showing their new life in England.Read More on FootballMendes has been following in his father’s footsteps since the age of 13 when he started playing club football in Brazil.The led the forward to Barcelona’s famous La Masia academy where he played until June.Mendes’ contract with Burnley will reportedly run for the next two years.Ronaldinho, 44, burst onto the scene in the 2002 World Cup when he helped Brazil lift the trophy by beating Germany in the final.Most read in ChampionshipThat led to a lucrative move to Barcelona in 2003 where he amassed a staggering total of 94 goals and 71 assists in 207 appearances.The star forward also won two LaLiga titles, the 2005 Ballon d’Or and the 2006 Champions League during his five-year stint with Barca.Watch as Lamine Yamal, 17, stars alongside Ronaldinho and Barcelona legends in incredible new kit advertThe Brazil legend rolled credits on his 17-year career, which also saw him playing for Paris Saint-Germain and AC Milan, in 2015 with 33 goals in 97 caps.Giovanna has already started sharing snaps from their new life in EnglandCredit: @giobuscacio/NewsflashMendes is set to start playing for Burnley’s Under-21 sideCredit: @_mendesjoao_/NewsflashGiovanna shares a series of glam pics on social mediaCredit: @giobuscacio/NewsflashGiovanna will be rooting for Mendes from the standsCredit: @giobuscacio/Newsflash More

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      Job advert for VAR replay operator appears online with surprising salary and qualifications revealed

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      HAWK-EYE are hiring for a VAR Replay Operator to join their team and assist in the use of VAR in the Premier League.The controversial technology continues to divide opinion in England’s top flight and the company behind it all are looking for someone new to join their ranks.Hawk-Eye are hiring for a VAR Replay OperatorCredit: PA:Press AssociationThe new hire would be responsible for showing replays of incidents to officials in the Premier League and other high profile competitionsCredit: Sky SportsHawk-eye, who provide the VAR tech used by the Prem, have listed their job opening online – leading fans to have a nosey at what qualifications they would need to be part of the team.The job, which would be based out of Stockley Park, would cover the Premier League, Uefa and FIFA competitions including the World Cup and Champions League.While the candidate’s responsibilities would include “operating systems during matches” and “setting up Hawk-Eye technology in the Replay Centre”.That would effectively mean that the new hire would be the person showing the referees and VARs replays of the incidents.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLAnd according to the job advert that role will earn £25,800 per year – around £10,000 less than the average salary in the UK.But before you start readying your CV and marching it straight to the Hawk-Eye offices, there’s a lengthy list of qualifications that any potential candidate is supposed to have.Hawk-Eye want their new employee to hold a full driving licence, have a strong technical grounding, a proactive attitude, attentive listening skills and excellent problem-solving skills amongst a myriad of other requirements. However, there’s no requirement to have had any experience refereeing or officiating at any level.Most read in FootballVAR Replay Operator job in fullHere’s a look at the key responsibilities and required qualifications to become a VAR Replay Operator…Key ResponsibilitiesPre-match planning and administration in the days building up to your gamesSetting up Hawk-Eye technology in the Replay CentreConducting pre-match checks of the systems in accordance with standard proceduresLiaising with all members staff, match officials and supervisors on-siteOperating the systems during the matchMonitoring hardware and software performances, being able to troubleshoot and report encountered issuesTaking full responsibility for our system on-site and being an ambassador for Hawk-EyeCompleting post-match reports for client delivery and improving future operationsDuring the off-season, building and maintaining our hardware and equipmentAssisting with installation and testing of new products and servicesSkills, Knowledge and ExpertiseEssential: A strong technical grounding, with an interest in technologyBright and enterprising with excellent problem-solving skills and an inquisitive mindsetProactive attitude and ability to work on your own initiativeTime management skills and ability to work in a high-pressure, live broadcast environmentAbility to liaise with clients and customers in a professional and approachable mannerStrong attentive listening skills, particularly under extreme pressureFull valid driving licence required, willingness to drive our vansWillingness to travel domestically and to work overseasFlexible and adaptable to a schedule that is dedicated by the fixture list and can change at short noticeAcceptance that the nature of our business means that work will be carried out over weekends/bank holidaysPreferred:A keen interest in football; an understanding of the laws of the game is preferredA degree in a science, technology, mathematics or engineering course or relevant equivalent experienceFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSWhile a “keen interest in football and understanding of the laws of the game” is only listed as “preferred” for the job.The surprising revelation would mean that someone could be operating the Premier League VAR systems without prior knowledge of the rules of football.How Arsenal and Liverpool benefitted from VAR failures AGAIN | Ex-Premier League referee reactsThat’s perhaps less shocking when remembered alongside last season’s biggest VAR error being spotted by another Replay Operator – who wasn’t a qualified referee either.The Replay Operator for Tottenham’s win over Liverpool last September appeared to be the only person at Stockley Park to realise that Luis Diaz was actually onside when his goal was ruled out for offside.Hawk-Eye don’t require interest or knowledge of football rules for their new hire in the positionCredit: Getty More

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      Chelsea legend’s daughter puts on busty display in low-cut top for stunning holiday snaps as fans call her ‘radiant’

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      JADE LEBOEUF stunned in the sun while on holiday in Morocco.The daughter of Chelsea legend Frank is enjoying some time away with her mum.Jade Leboeuf stunned during a trip to MoroccoCredit: INSTAGRAM @jade_leboeufThe model drew many compliments for her lavish lookCredit: INSTAGRAM @jade_leboeufThe pair visited the Ourika Valley in the Atlas Mountains region of Morocco.Jade loved her trip and she dazzled in a low-cut top which helped her soak up the sun.She flashed the camera a smile as she showed off her tattoos and slim figure.Fans loved the look with one writing: “Too beautiful ❤️”READ MORE IN SPORTAnother added: “Amazing 😍”A third wrote: “Very classy Jade.”And another commented: “Sublime photo 🤩”Jade, 33, often dresses to impress and last month sent fans wild as she posed in black see-through lingerie.Most read in FootballThat came just days after the model went braless as she showed off in a white top.Jade has a big presence on social media with more than 240,000 Instagram followers.Chelsea legend’s daughter puts on busty display in low-cut top for stunning holiday snaps as fans call her ‘radiant’She is married to French reality TV personality Stephane Rodrigues and the pair have a three-year-old son together.Take a look inside Jade’s glamorous life…Jade has built up a loyal following on social mediaCredit: Instagram @jade_leboeufThe stunning model is followed by over a quarter of a million peopleCredit: Instagram @jade_leboeufShe regularly shares risque contentCredit: Instagram @jade_leboeufThe French national works as a modelCredit: Instagram @jade_leboeufShe was used to the limelight from an early age as the daughter of Chelsea legend Frank LeboeufCredit: Instagram @jadeleboeufJade describes herself as a digital creatorCredit: Instagram @jade_leboeufHer posts tend to draw hoards of comments with fans often describing her as ‘beautiful’ and ‘sexy’Credit: instagram @jade_leboeufShe’s not afraid to wear revealing outfitsCredit: jade_leboeuf/instagramSee-through outfits are a favouriteCredit: Instagram @jade_leboeufHer father Frank played for Chelsea from 1996 to 2001Credit: Instagram @jadeleboeufHe won two FA Cups during his time in West London when Jade was still a kidCredit: Instagram @jade_leboeufHe was also a World Cup winner with France in 1998, giving him legendary status in his home countryCredit: INSTAGRAM @jade_leboeufJade is now making her own wayCredit: Instagram @jade_leboeuf More

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      Gary Neville gives behind-the-scenes tour of new job as he misses Sky Sports’ coverage of Aston Villa vs Man Utd

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      GARY NEVILLE gave fans a tour of his US studio as he missed Sky Sports’ Premier League coverage to start his new job on Sunday.The Manchester United legend, 49, would usually have been expected to be part of Sky’s broadcast as they aired Aston Villa’s draw with The Red Devils and Brighton’s thrilling 3-2 win over Tottenham.Gary Neville gave fans a tour of his new NBC Sports studioCredit: TikTokHe showed off the huge area where they broadcast fromCredit: TikTokNeville showed a few members of the crew as he walked onto setCredit: TikTokHis role in America meant he was not on Sky Sports’ coverage over the weekendCredit: TikTokInstead, Neville was over in America working for NBC Sports for the entire weekend as his punditry took him across the Atlantic.And he shared a video on TikTok giving fans a behind-the-scenes look at the inner workings of his new workplace on Saturday.Neville walked from the hallway into the studio and showed off his surroundings ahead of his NBC debut.Speaking as he walked onto the set, he said: “Hi everyone. So here we are, it’s a big old studio.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”Have a little bit of a look behind the scenes.”After spotting the title odds on one of the screens, he added: “Arsenal favourites over here in America”.Neville, wearing a suit, then ended the video by looking ahead to the opening match of his NBC career.He said: “First game is Crystal Palace vs Liverpool, so I’ll see you all later.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHe wore a suit for his first NBC appearanceCredit: TikTokNeville showed the huge cameras in operationCredit: TikTokFans gave Neville positive feedback as he embarks on a new roleCredit: TikTokReacting to the clip, one fan replied: “This is exciting!”While another added: “Good luck Gary 👏”.Gary Neville admits he made an EPIC blunder as his wife Emma went through early menopause in her 30sA third responded: “Shirt and tie combo 🔥”.And a fourth said: “GNev and Oasis breaking into the USA”.Neville is still expected to be a part of Sky Sports’ Premier League coverage this season as he balances his UK responsibilities with his new US role.Why NOBODY is the right man to replace Erik ten Hag at Man UtdSunSport’s DAVE KIDD says Erik ten Hag’s time at Man Utd is up… and explains what’s wrong with all the potential candidates to replace him.THIS is a mid-table squad at an underachieving club, with a lot of unwanted players on big money.And Ratcliffe is an instinctive cost-cutter who may not pay top dollar to the next manager.If this club wasn’t called ‘Manchester United’, it wouldn’t be an especially desirable job.The good news for United is that their new sporting director, Dan Ashworth, is a very decent judge of a manager.He has been instrumental in three previous managerial appointments — Gareth Southgate for England, Graham Potter for Brighton and Eddie Howe for Newcastle.None were wildly popular at the time, all were conspicuous successes.Interestingly, Ashworth’s No 1 choice for the Newcastle job was Unai Emery, who turned him down to stay at Villarreal but has since proved that judgment right by excelling at Aston Villa.Emery may well deliver the coup de grace to Ten Hag on Sunday — especially with Bruno Fernandes suspended and Kobbie Mainoo an injury doubt.And the Spaniard would be an excellent fit for United — yet there is next to no chance that he would abandon Villa’s Champions League campaign to take the Old Trafford job, not least because he isn’t a stark raving madman.Howe would be another good candidate to succeed Ten Hag but, although he has become frustrated on Tyneside, the Saudis would surely not allow Ratcliffe to poach Howe, as they reluctantly did with Ashworth.Potter is available but his Chelsea experience and lack of charisma would make him a tough sell.Which brings us to Southgate, who remains close with Ashworth and is an excellent man-manager who was seriously considered by United last spring.Yet, despite having led England to two of their three major finals, Southgate’s reputation for over-caution was only enhanced during the Euros.Mauricio Pochettino, passed over twice by United, is out of the equation having taken the United States job.Thomas Tuchel would be a popular and gettable option but, despite being a fine coach and a very engaging man, he is considered something of a loose cannon.Likewise, Roberto De Zerbi, now at Marseille after his brief Brighton stint sparkled then fizzled out.Kieran McKenna — a gifted former United coach who has won back-to-back promotions with Ipswich Town — is an intriguing candidate but the imminent vacancy may come a year or so too soon.Marco Silva, the extremely under-rated Fulham boss, has been on United’s radar and should not be discounted.Sporting Lisbon’s Ruben Amorim, last season’s ‘next big thing’, was passed over by West Ham as well as Liverpool this summer and is not an easy man to pin down.Zinedine Zidane, who has taken over from Alan Curbishley as a 20-1 shot for every Premier League job, is a ‘figurehead’ manager and not an Ashworth type.Ruud van Nistelrooy, the former United goal machine who joined Ten Hag’s coaching team in the summer is the bookies’ favourite. Simply because he’s in the building and he’s Dutch.So, yes, getting rid of Ten Hag is the easy part. More