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      England’s next home World Cup qualifier set to be moved to 42,785-seater Premier League stadium due to Coldplay clash

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      ENGLAND are set to play their next home World Cup qualifier at Villa Park in September.Thomas Tuchel’s side host Andorra on the sixth of that month but are not due to play at Wembley.Villa Park will host an England match in SeptemberCredit: RexThomas Tuchel will take his side to the MidlandsCredit: AlamyThat is because world-famous band Coldplay are due to play ten gigs between August 22 and September 8 at the Home of Football.That has led Aston Villa’s ground to be prepped as their alternative venue for the Group K qualifier.The last time Villa Park hosted the national senior men’s team was for a 2005 friendly against the Netherlands.Tuchel has six points out of six so far from England’s qualifying campaign, having beaten Albania and Latvia in his first two games in charge over the last week.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSEngland play Senegal in a friendly on June 10 at Nottingham Forest’s City Ground.Tuchel, 51, has gotten off to a perfect start as Three Lions boss.England defeated Albania 2-0 on Friday night courtesy of goals by Harry Kane and Myles Lewis-Skelly.They then dispatched of Latvia 3-0 last night via Reece James, Kane and Eberechi Eze strikes.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKFollowing the Latvia win, boss Tuchel said: “It is good, because I learn about my team and my team learn about me.”We will get there.”Roy Keane leaves Ian Wright laughing after ITV pundit’s joke about Thomas Tuchel following England’s win over Latvia England will next be in action away to Andorra on June 7.They will then play Senegal three days later. More

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      Alejandro Garnacho accused of ‘letting his family down’ as former Man Utd star says ‘what is he actually good at?’

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      FORMER Manchester United full-back Paul Parker has berated Alejandro Garnacho, claiming he needs to “work harder” if he wants to succeed at the top level.The 20-year-old has endured a difficult season with United, scoring just nine goals across all competitions.Alejandro Garnacho has been slammed by a former Man Utd playerCredit: RexPaul Parker boldly claimed the winger has ‘let his family and club down’Credit: GettyHaving also clashed with head coach Ruben Amorim on at least two occasions, he is now at risk of being sold when the transfer window opens.The winger’s attitude has come into question several times this season, with the latest concerns expressed after he stormed down the Old Trafford tunnel mid-match after being substituted last month.Club legend Paul Scholes slammed him for “sulking” in the wake of the incident.And now ex-full-back Parker has given his brutal verdict on the youngster.Read More on Man UtdSpeaking to SpilXperten, he said: “We can’t keep using the excuse that Garnacho is young. He is not young anymore, at least not in football.”He turns 21 in the summer and before he knows he will be 30. He needs to understand that and start performing.”The best players, like Ryan Giggs, were not considered young when he was 21.”Garnacho might be immature but he is not young anymore, and it is a massive disappointment that he is not performing at all.Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old Trafford”He is not playing like an adult and he is certainly not acting like an adult, and he has to have a good look in the mirror, to tell himself that he needs to stop thinking about being the next [Cristiano] Ronaldo.”He will never be that, so he has to accept the fact that he needs to work hard to get a decent career.”Alejandro Garnacho’s punishment for Man Utd tunnel strop revealed as Ruben Amorim sheds light on controversyParker then continued: “I liked him when he came through and he had that Argentinian fire in his belly, which he has lost completely. He has let himself and his family down. He has let his club down, because he is not taking advantage of the talent he was supposed to have.”I am not seeing anything from him. The most important thing for him now is to understand what he is good at and what he is bad at.”He can’t take on people, he is not quick enough and he doesn’t want to work hard. So, what is he actually good at? He needs to figure that out and show it, rather than just wanting to be the next Ronaldo.”Because at the moment, to me, he just seems like a Ronaldo fanboy, who would rather make a few highlights to post them on social media rather than winning football matches and make this club great again.”Garnacho was left out of the Argentina squad for the international break.Instead, manager Lionel Scaloni called up Bologna winger Benjamin Dominguez.He explained: “We decided to call up Benjamin Dominguez over Garnacho to be able to see him, he brings something we didn’t have.READ MORE SUN STORIES”He is a guy who is doing well, he can play as a winger on the right or left, he easily gets past defenders.”As a result of his omission, Garnacho enjoyed a week away from the pitch but returned to Carrington on Monday.Man Utd ratings vs LeicesterMANCHESTER UNITED leapfrogged Tottenham into 13th in the Premier League by beating Leicester.Rasmus Hojlund was left to run in behind and shoot low into the bottom corner from an angle to open the scoring on 28 minutes.The Danish striker had not found the net since December 12 – a run of 21 matches.Alejandro Garnacho saw a goal chalked off for offside but there was no taking his snap-shot finish off him on 67 minutes.And skipper Bruno Fernandes rounded off the comfortable 3-0 win in style in the closing stages.Here’s how SunSport’s Graham Hill rated the Man Utd stars. More

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      ‘I am really scared’ – Former Man Utd star Jesse Lingard filmed eating LIVE octopus as it wriggles on his plate

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      JESSE LINGARD ate a live octopus while filming his latest YouTube video.The former Manchester United star has embraced life in South Korea since signing for FC Seoul last year.Jesse Lingard struggled with his octopusLingard, eventually gave the octopus a goLingard recently headed to Gwangjang Market with pals to try Korean street food, sharing the results on his YouTube channel.During the tasting, the midfielder gasped as he saw that the octopus on his plate was still moving.The ex-England ace visibly squirmed as he contemplated eating the meal.Lingard said: “Why are you moving? I can’t eat because I’m scared.”READ MORE MAN UTD NEWSThe Mancunian kept repeating that he was “scared”, before adding: “I can’t do it.”After eventually eating the octopus, Lingard began to calm down.He then grinned as he said: “It’s easy. I was just playing around.”Lingard even claimed that the food was “not bad”.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKWhile Lingard struggled with the octopus, he enjoyed much of the other food, which included sweet and sour chicken.He said: “I love Korean street food. It’s 10 out of 10.”Jesse Lingard reels off FIVE different celebrations after ex-Man Utd star scores bizarre goal in South KoreaHaving quit English football last year, Lingard has enjoyed his time in Asia.He swiftly earned the captain’s armband at FC Seoul, becoming a fans’ favourite.After losing against Jeju United on the opening day, Lingard’s side have since put together a run of four matches undefeated.Lingard scored his first goal of the season against Anyang, reeling off five celebrations in one.Lingard was thrilled after his goal against AnyangCredit: Rex More

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      ‘I couldn’t believe it’ – Ronaldo still stunned by how Brazil team-mate drank his £8,000 bottle of wine

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      RONALDO has a vintage reason for remembering a jaw-dropping incident with a team-mate.The former Barcelona and Real Madrid striker played alongside Vampeta for both Brazil and Inter Milan.Ronaldo has told of his shock when his pal opened some special wineCredit: GettyVampeta had an unusual reaction to spotting the bottleCredit: AP:Associated PressAnd even though the midfielder played only eight games for the Italians, he still made a special mark on Ronaldo – or at least his wine collection.The 98-cap legend had spent 10,000 euros – about £8,000 – on a bottle of Petrus wine.Arguably the most famous ‘plonk’ in the world, the brand from Bordeaux originated in the 18th century.Petrus wine takes three or four decades to reach its best – but Vampeta needed just a few seconds to do his worst!READ MORE IN FOOTBALLRonaldo, 48, told Brazilian podcast Charla what unfolded when the 51-year old saw the bottle.He said: “I bought a bottle of Petrus wine. I brought it home more for its symbolic value, being the most famous wine in the world. “I had no intention of opening it because the bottle dated back to the year of his birth – 1500.BEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UK”They had told me it hadn’t even been a good year! Most read in Football”Well, Vampeta opened it, took some plastic glasses, poured it, drank it and made a disgusted face saying, ‘It’s damn hot, is there ice in it?'”Erling Haaland’s salary is only ninth biggest in football with Chelsea flop Koulibaly earning more than Man City starIf that wasn’t enough for poor Ronaldo to deal with, he explained that Vampeta wasn’t quite finished.The ex-PSV Eindhoven hero added: “Then he started putting an ice cube in each glass.”And I couldn’t believe it because, as I said, it was just a wine for display.”There was no suggestion Vampeta was aware of the wine being so special.And it’s also unclear what Ronaldo meant by the date “1500”.That’s because the earliest trace of the Petrus vineyards in Pomerol, Bordeaux, appears to be the 1750s.Interestingly, however, the 19 years of especially fine vintages for the elite brand include 2000… the year Vampeta was making his own unique contribution to its history! Wine connoisseur Ronaldo twice won the World Cup with BrazilCredit: AFP More

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      Man Utd rejected offer for FREE 80,000-seater stadium before Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s £2billion plan, MP claims

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      MANCHESTER UNITED turned down the chance to move into a new 80,000-seater stadium for FREE, according to an MP.The club announced two weeks ago that they plan to build a new state-of-the-art venue at a cost of £2billion.Man Utd unveiled plans to build a new £2bn stadiumCredit: AFPThe new ground will be able to hold 100,000 fansCredit: APSir Jim Ratcliffe wants a ground to rival WembleyCredit: GettyLabour MP Graham Stringer slammed the new plans and said it was ‘ironic’ after they rejected a new home for freeCredit: FreeSir Jim Ratcliffe wants a “Wembley of the North” with a bold umbrella-style design to replace Old Trafford, which has been in decay for several years.It comes after a Manchester MP claimed United missed the opportunity to move out their deteriorating spiritual home free of charge.The area hosted the Commonwealth Games in 2002 and the council decided to build a new venue for the event.When Manchester was announced as the host city in 1995, United were supposedly spoken to about moving into the brand new stadium.READ MORE ON MAN UTDThe club would not have had to pay a penny as the council were desperate for the Games to have a legacy – but United still declined.Their bitter rivals City grasped the chance and moved into the City of Manchester Stadium, now the Etihad, in 2003.Labour politician Graham Stringer, who represents Blackley and Middleton South, claims the decision helped the blue side of city get mega-rich new owners and subsequently rise to success. He wrote in the Manchester Confidential: “I find deep irony in the current situation. Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UK”It could have been avoided if United had accepted an offer from Manchester City Council when we were planning the 2002 Commonwealth Games.”We were determined that the Games’ stadium would not become a white elephant. Our plan was to be able to convert the Games’ venue into an 80,000+ replacement or competitor for Wembley. Man Utd reveal first pics of redeveloped 100,000-capacity Old Trafford in ‘biggest regeneration scheme ever seen'”United were the only club with sufficient support to make this viable. “I had meetings with Roland Smith, who then chaired United’s board. He rejected the offer.”There were then meetings with Manchester City, who bit our hand off. “Given City’s smaller fan base, the size of the ground had to be reduced but City’s new home in a state-of-the-art stadium made them attractive to the Abu Dhabi United Group, effectively the Abu Dhabi state. “This and the subsequent investment in the team has led to City’s recent spectacular success and then improvements in the ground. Irony or what?!”Stringer, who is a Man Utd fan, went on to slam the idea of building a “New Trafford”.He criticised Ratcliffe’s grand plans as an “ill-thought-out concept and wrong in principle”.READ MORE SUN STORIESAn umbrella design has been proposedCredit: PAThe new stadium is part of a regeneration of the entire areaCredit: PAStringer wrote: “Am I the only person to think there is a distinctly fishy smell when the part owner of United predicts imminent bankruptcy while simultaneously launching an ill-defined scheme costing £2billion.”He blamed the glory days disappearing on the poor recruitment of players and a focus on “commercial deals” rather than football.Man City took the chance to move into the stadium for free and made it the EtihadCredit: Getty More

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      Man Utd and Arsenal in transfer battle for two Olympiacos wonderkids but face fight with host of European giants

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      MANCHESTER UNITED and Arsenal are keeping tabs on two Olympiacos wonderkids ahead of the summer transfer window.Both teenage sensations are part of the Greek giants’ exciting new generation that won the Uefa Youth League with the Under-19s last season.Manchester United and Arsenal are keeping tabs on Olympiacos wonderkid Babis KostoulasCredit: GettyChristos Mouzakitis is also being eyed by Man Utd and Arsenal along with a host of European giantsCredit: GettyBabis Kostoulas and Christos Mouzakitis were among the main protagonists of that historic triumph that saw them become part of the first ever Greek team to win a European title, shortly before the seniors conquered the Europa Conference League.Both of them were quickly promoted into Olympiacos’ first team under manager Jose Luis Mendilibar last summer.Highly-rated forward Kostoulas, 17, has so far amassed a total of six goals and two assists in 33 appearances with the Piraeus outfit this season.And rising midfield star Mouzakitis, 18, has registered two goals as well as four assists in 30 appearances across all competitions.Read More on FootballSunSport understand that their ongoing rise to prominence has led to interest from Man Utd and Arsenal, but both Premier League giants are facing competition from a host of European rivals.The pair are also being monitored by Aston Villa, Borussia Dortmund, AC Milan and Juventus.Tottenham, Chelsea and Bayern Munich are reportedly keen on Kostoulas, while SunSport can reveal that the Greece Under-21 international – soon to be a senior – has received interest from Spain.We can also report that Brighton, Wolves, Villarreal and Atletico Madrid are eyeing Mouzakitis.Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old TraffordThe midfielder stood out during the international break as he made his first ever start with Greece in Scotland and helped his team climb up to League A in the Nations League with a stunning 3-0 win.Kostoulas missed out on a call-up by manager Ivan Jovanovic due to a hamstring injury he suffered three weeks ago.’He’s got a sense of humour’ – Sky Sports panel in stitches after Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta’s stunt in live TV interviewBut he is in contention for Sunday’s crunch derby against rivals Panathinaikos. More

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      Sarina Wiegman facing ‘hard decision’ over England goalkeeper choice ahead of push to retain Euros crown

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      SARINA WIEGMAN admits deciding who will be England’s first choice goalkeeper for this year’s Euros is a very “tough decision”.  Khiara Keating, 20, is among four stoppers called up ahead of the Lionesses’ Nations League clashes with Belgium next month. Khiara Keating has returned to the England squad for the first time since their Nations League defeat and draw with the Republic of Ireland and SwedenCredit: GettyMaisie Symonds has received her first call-up to the Lionesses senior squad after featuring in England Under-23’s wins against Germany and FranceCredit: AlamySarina Wiegman side will take on Belgium on April 4 at Ashton Gate and in Leuven on April 8Credit: GettyThe Manchester City starlet’s recall announced today, after an eight-month absence, follows her return to top-flight action. And Brighton midfielder Maisie Symonds has received her first senior international call-up.  In February Symonds and Keating starred England’s Under-23’s friendly wins against Germany and France Keating, who is yet to make her senior England debut, pulled off some standout saves during City’s 2-1 loss to Chelsea on March 23. Read More Football StoriesHowever the WSL star, who was named player-of-the-match, has faced a battle for minutes this term with Japan keeper Ayaka Yamashita also starring for City. This season Keating, who won the top tier’s Golden Glove last year, has so far started in seven of her club’s 17 WSL games.England boss Wiegman, 55, said: “She’s a very talented goalkeeper. We saw that again last weekend. “We’re getting closer to the Euros and so looking at this camp now we’re bringing in four goalkeepers.Most read in Football”In the tournament you can only bring three and we just want to have those four in our squad next week.”In addition to Keating, Wiegman has named Mary Earps, 32, and Hannah Hampton, 24, in her 25-strong group, and Orlando Pride’s Anna Moorhouse. Chelsea’s Hampton and Earps, who plays for French side Paris Saint-Germain are both seen as solid number one contenders.In February Earps played in goal during England’s 1-1 away draw with Portugal in the Nations League. Meanwhile Hampton featured in their 1-0 defeat of Spain at Wembley, their first clash with the world champions since their meeting in the World Cup final in Australia in 2023.  Wiegman adds: “It’s a very, very hard decision to make, because now we have four very good goalkeepers. “You’re talking about Hannah and Mary who are really competing for the number-one position. They’re both world-class. “They both bring different things, but that makes it really hard.”We haven’t decided. If we make the decision, we’ll first have the conversations with them. Then we move forward.”England’s bid to retain the Euros title which they won in 2022 comes six weeks after the start of a new seven-a-side women’s football competition. The World Seven Series competition, which will commence in Europe, is reportedly set to involve eight teams. Clubs taking part in the contest, which is also due to be held in a different continent later this year, are yet to be named. The winning sides in each competition will be awarded £1.9million in prize money. World Seven Series matches will take place just over a month after England’s double header Nations League duel with Belgium on April 4th and 8th. On July 5 the Lionesses begin their Euros campaign when they take on France in Zurich, Switzerland. On if she has concerns about the contest taking place weeks before the Euros, Wiegman added:  “I think in the longer term, you see the planning a bit, I don’t see how you can get that (to) fit in the schedule. “For some players, I think when they play and there’s collaboration with clubs, we have a very good contact with clubs, they would get some, I would say, meaningful minutes to get prepared for the Euros. “Then in this short term, for some it would not be too bad, but in the longer term I don’t see how we can fit that in the schedule in the calendar.”Wiegman’s latest squad selection includes Beth Mead and Fran Kirby with the duo set for international duty following their returns from injury. Fran Kirby has scored five goals in 12 WSL games for Brighton this seasonCredit: GettyAnd Chloe Kelly has also been named among the six forwards in the group which includes Nikita Parris. READ MORE SUN STORIESThe England chief said: “Fran brings lots of experience and good football vision. “In her position there is a lot of competition but she knows exactly what’s expected at this level.” More

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      Rangers hit with suspended stadium CLOSURE over racist/discriminatory banner as club warns fans about ‘illicit songs’

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      RANGERS have been hit with a suspended stadium CLOSURE by Uefa following the recent clash with Fenerbahce.The punishment, suspended for a period of two years, has been handed down in relation to ‘racist and/or discriminatory behaviour.’Uefa have come down hard over this bannerCredit: GettyIt was displayed during the Fenerbahce match at IbroxCredit: GettyRangers have also been charged over the throwing of objectsCredit: ReutersRangers won the tie after a penalty shoot-outCredit: Willie VassLast week, Rangers released a ferocious statement where they blasted sections of their OWN support over behaviour.They revealed that Uefa sanctions were incoming following the match against Fenerbahce, held at Ibrox on Thursday, March 13.After a dramatic encounter, the Gers emerged victorious after a penalty shoot-out.But in the aftermath, Rangers raged at the ‘saddening and frankly embarrassing behaviour’ in the stands and hit out at the display of a banner in the Union Bears section.A banner displayed by the ultras read: “Keep woke foreign ideologies out. Defend Europe.”Rangers subsequently hit out at the “racist and/or discriminatory banner” as they revealed they had been hit with a number of Uefa charges.Now, the exact punishment from that charge has been handed down.Rangers have been hit with a partial stadium CLOSURE over the banner.Most read in Europa LeagueThat punishment would see the Copland Stand will SHUT for a Uefa match at Ibrox.However, it will NOT be the upcoming clash with Athletic Bilbao in the Europa League quarter-finals.That’s because the punishment is suspended for a probationary period of two years.Rangers ultras barred from Celtic ParkThat does, however, mean any Rangers have also been fined £25,000 in relation to the ‘racist and/or discriminatory behaviour.’The fuming club have unleashed a blistering statement, warning fans that any further discriminatory behaviour – including the singing of what they call ‘illicit songs’ – could result in the closure coming into force.Rangers also revealed they are issuing LIFETIME BANS to those responsible for the banner.In a statement, Rangers said: “Rangers notes the outcome of the UEFA disciplinary case, and the respective sanctions imposed upon the club for several issues at the recent Ibrox match with Fenerbahce.”Most notably, the club has been served with a suspended closure of the Copland Stand should there be any repeat of racist and/or discriminatory behaviour within the next two years.”This punishment must serve as a severe and significant reminder to the small minority of supporters who bring the name of Rangers into disrepute. Any repeat of any discriminatory behaviour (and this also includes the singing of illicit songs) may result in the famed ‘Rangers end’ of our home being closed for a UEFA match.”Not only will the reputation and finances of the club be harmed by such a punishment, but the chances of the team in a potentially key European match will also suffer enormously, while thousands of innocent fans will be unable to attend a massive fixture.”In response to the displaying of the racist and/or discriminatory banner at the Fenerbahce game, the club can confirm that it is in the process of issuing lifetime bans to the individuals responsible.”Rangers’ Uefa finesImproper conduct of the team (5 players or more), Art. 15(4) DR – Fine: £6,680Throwing of objects, Art. 16(2)(b) DR – Fine: £3,755Blocking of public passageways, Art. 38 UEFA Safety & Security Regulations – Fine: £5,000Racist and/or discriminatory behaviour, Art. 14(2) DR – Fine: £25,000; Partial stadium closure (i.e. the Copland Stand) during the next one UEFA club competition match it will play as host club. Said partial stadium closure is suspended during a probationary period of two years.Rangers were also hit with THREE further Uefa fines.They were hit with a fine in relation to improper conduct of the team of around £6,750, £3,750 for throwing of objects and £5,000 for blocking of passageways.Meanwhile, Rangers have also revealed that the groups responsible for the pyrotechnics charge relating to the recent Old Firm game will be directly hit.Rangers – as well as Celtic – will receive a ticket reduction of 500 supporters at their next Premier Sports Cup match at Hampden in relation to pyro use.The statement continued: “Further, following the use of pyrotechnics at Parkhead in the Old Firm game, the club can confirm the groups responsible for their discharge will be directly impacted by the 500 ticket reduction issued as a sanction the next time the club appears in the latter stages of the Premier Sports Cup at Hampden.”The club again stresses a future use of pyrotechnics at any SPFL match may lead to a further reduction of 800 tickets at a latter-stage Premier Sports Cup match.”The strongest asset this football club has is our support, and the club knows the overwhelming majority of our supporters will be angered by these episodes and the consequences they have for the club and its supporters.”We reiterate our call for all supporters to back the team in the correct manner, and to challenge those who seek to further damage the good name of Rangers.”Celtic were also hit with three Uefa charges in the latest round of sanctions, including a suspended one-match ban for manager Brendan Rodgers.READ MORE SUN STORIESAll three sanctions stem from the Champions League tie against Bayern Munich.Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page More