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    How 11th place in the Premier League could get into Europe thanks to Newcastle’s Carabao Cup win

    THE Premier League could have as many as 11 teams competing in Europe next season.Newcastle secured a place in the Europa Conference League on Sunday after winning the Carabao Cup at Wembley.Newcastle secured a space in the Europa Conference League by winning the Carabao CupCredit: GettyHowever, Eddie Howe and Co are aiming for the Champions LeagueCredit: GettyShould Newcastle qualify for Europe’s elite competition, as many as 11 Prem teams could get European footballCredit: GettyThe Magpies beat Liverpool 2-1 to end their 70-year trophy drought and take home the first piece of silverware on offer this season.Although Conference League qualification is already in the bag, Eddie Howe and Co will be hoping to go one better come the end of the Premier League campaign.Newcastle currently sit sixth in the Prem table, just one point behind fifth-placed Manchester City.As things stand, five clubs are set to earn Champions League football due to the performance of English teams in Europe this term.Read More in FootballConsequently, if the Magpies do earn a spot in Europe’s elite competition in May, their Conference League place will be passed down.It is part of a domino effect that could see up to 11 clubs qualify for European football ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.How could 11 teams qualify for Europe?There are a few varying scenarios that could lead to the 11th-placed team in the Premier League earning European qualification.For example, Liverpool, Arsenal, Nottingham Forest and Man City may all qualify for the Champions League as the top four teams, leaving Newcastle as the fifth.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSBournemouth could qualify for the Europa League by winning the FA CupCredit: GettyMeanwhile, Man Utd could finish 10th and still qualify for the Champions League if they win the Europa LeagueCredit: GettyBrighton could then find themselves taking a Europa League place by finishing sixth.Bournemouth may earn a spot in the Europa League by winning the FA Cup one week before the Prem season concludes.Eddie Howe fights back tears as he dedicates Carabao Cup to late mum as Newcastle hero Dan Burn says ‘don’t wake me up’In addition, Chelsea could bag a place in the competition by winning the Conference League.And by finishing eighth or lower in the Prem, that would likely open up another place.Should Aston Villa finish even lower but win the Champions League, they would retain their spot in the elite competition without costing any other English team a place.And finally, if all of the above were to happen and either Manchester United or Tottenham finish 10th and qualify for the Champions League by winning the Europa League, the team in 11th would be allocated the final Conference League place.In that scenario – although it is unlikely – the top 10 teams would have all qualified for Europe themselves, leaving the 11th-placed club with the final position.Carabao Cup final ratingsNEWCASTLE ended their 70-year trophy drought in style by beating Premier League champions-elect Liverpool in the Carabao Cup final.The 2-1 scoreline flattered the Reds in truth, with Eddie Howe’s Toon having produced a sensational performance to flatten runaway league leaders.Local lad Dan Burn, fresh off his first England call-up, rose highest to head his boyhood club into the lead on the stroke of half-time.Alexander Isak then deservedly doubled Newcastle’s lead shortly after the break.The Toon could have further increased their advantage, only for forgotten man Federico Chiesa to hand Liverpool a late lifeline on 94 minutes.But that goal was unable to spur a further comeback as Newcastle saw out the remaining added time.Here’s how SunSport’s Lloyd Canfield rated the Liverpool players and Gary Stonehouse rated the Newcastle players. More

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    ‘That’s a crime’ – Fans can’t believe what Ant and Dec were spotted doing at Carabao Cup final

    FANS are shocked by what they saw from Ant and Dec at the Carabao Cup final.The iconic TV pair cheered on their side Newcastle to a first domestic trophy for 70 years against Liverpool.Fans could not believe Ant and Dec were stood in the wrong positionCredit: XAnt and Dec celebrate Newcastle’s Carabao Cup winCredit: InstagramThe pair have always stood with Ant McPartlin on the left and Declan Donnelly on the rightCredit: GettyHowever their behaviour unnerved a few as they were shown standing in the wrong order.Stars of I’m a Celeb, Britain’s Got Talent and Ant & Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway, the pair have always lined up in the same formation, with Ant McPartlin on the left and Declan Donnelly on the right.But at Wembley they were the opposite way round and even more concerningly, at one point were stood metres apart.Fans were not too pleased with the switch up and made their feelings clear.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLOne reacted saying: “That’s a crime from Dec and Ant.”Another added: “Smh. Outright blasphemous.”A third wrote: “Standing the wrong way round. Just saying it’s very confusing.”And another commented: “Don’t know who they are if they stand that way around.”Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSAnt also attracted attention for the Newcastle scarf he was wearing as it was decorated with the faces of Magpies boss Eddie Howe and his assistant Jason Tindall.The TV duo shared a video screaming for joy as Toon got their hands on the trophy, with Dec describing it as one of the best days of his life.Alan Shearer’s daughter Chloe and Newcastle stars go wild at Boxpark as they celebrate famous Carabao Cup final winAnt joked “I’ve lost my voice” while Dec said “I cannot believe it!”He then added “this is amazing” while Dec said: “This is the best day of my life, apart from the wedding and the kids and all that.”But it’s the best day of my life!” More

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    Premier League star announces birth of ‘precious’ baby daughter as couple say they ‘couldn’t be more in love’

    A PREMIER league star has announced the birth of his “precious” baby daughter.Leicester City midfielder Harry Winks and his partner Lowri Algar revealed the heartwarming news on Instagram today.Marlowe Otilia WinksCredit: InstagramHarry Winks pictured with his babyCredit: InstagramLowri lying with Marlowe in hospitalCredit: InstagramMarlowe was born last Wednesday March 12.Lowri posted sweet snaps of their newborn along with the caption: “Marlowe Otilia Winks 12.03.25.”Our precious girl, couldn’t be more in love.”The heartwarming post included pictures of Marlowe sleeping peacefully with her mother Lowri.Another emotional snap showed Winks lovingly embracing his newborn child.The 29-year-old simply commented with a love heart on the Insta post.Family, pals and fans were quick to pay tribute to the beautiful couple after the latest addition to their family.One wrote: “Ohhh precious angel, congratulations gorjy xxxx.”Most read in FootballA second user posted: “Congratulations Lowri & Harry. What a beautiful baby girl Marlowe is, love her name.””Looking forward to my cuddle,” said another pal. ‘Best day of our lives’ – Lisandro Martinez announces birth of baby girl AuroraWinks left boyhood club Tottenham Hotspur to join Leicester in 2023.He signed a three-year-contract at The Foxes for an undisclosed fee reported to be around £10 million.Winks made his debut for the club in the opening game of the season, a 2–1 win against Coventry City in the EFL Championship.He played a pivotal role as the Foxes bounced straight back to the Premier League for the current season.Winks went on to score twice in 45 Championship appearances playing both as a defensive midfielder and a No.8 in Enzo Maresca’s team before the Italian quit for Chelsea.The former Spurs star is still at Leicester who are plying their trade in the Premier League this season.READ MORE SUN STORIESWinks has made 23 appearances and scored one goal across all competitions.But Leicester look to be destined for relegation after being thumped 3-0 at home by Manchester United yesterday.The Prem star and his partner announced the birth of their childCredit: InstagramWinks joined Leicester City for £10millionCredit: Rex More

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    How Eddie Howe’s tactical masterclass restricted Mo Salah to ONE TOUCH in Newcastle box during Carabao Cup final

    MO SALAH was restricted to just ONE TOUCH inside the box as Newcastle beat Liverpool in the Carabao Cup final.The forward has been in a rich vein of form this season but his threat was completely nullified at Wembley.Mo Salah had just one touch in the Newcastle penalty boxCredit: The Mega AgencyEddie Howe pulled off a tactical masterclassCredit: GettyIn fact, Liverpool were blunted as a whole as Arne Slot’s side mustered just two shots on target, one of which was Federico Chiesa’s stoppage time goal.Despite just 34 per cent possession, Newcastle had 17 shots to Liverpool’s seven as goals from Dan Burn and Alexander Isak either side of half-time earned an historic win.Eddie Howe pulled off a tactical masterclass that restricted Salah to just 23 touches and 13 passes. Crucially the Egyptian failed to have a shot and had just one touch in the Newcastle penalty box.That was mostly thanks to the Toon duo of Joelinton and Tino Livramento, who nullified the space down Liverpool’s right flank.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLJoelinton’s heat map shows he spent a lot of time on the left, covering the space when Livramento went on the attack to prevent the Liverpool counter-attack – a key weapon for the Reds this season.Between them Joelinton and Livramento won 13 duels, while it was the latter’s cross that was headed down to Isak to fire in.Livramento got the better of Jarrell Quansah on more than one occasion and was able to isolate the defender thanks to Harvey Barnes dragging Dominik Szoboszlai and Ryan Gravenberch centrally with clever movement.Barnes was Newcastle’s most advanced player on average across 90 minutes, which ensured Quansah was pinned back and unable to support Salah like Trent Alexander-Arnold so often does.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThat meant Salah was left isolated as he remained high up the pitch without receiving the ball, making it impossible for his side to create chances on goal.Another adjustment Howe made paid off when Burn rose highest to head in Kieran Trippier’s corner.Alan Shearer’s daughter Chloe and Newcastle stars go wild at Boxpark as they celebrate famous Carabao Cup final winIt took plenty of skill from the 6ft6in giant but his task was made easier by the fact he did not have to battle Virgil van Dijk or Ibrahima Konate in the air.Trippier’s back post corner meant Burn could steal in for a free header to score Newcastle’s first Wembley goal in 25 years. More

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    ‘Best day of our lives’ – Man Utd star Lisandro Martinez announces birth of baby girl Aurora

    MANCHESTER UNITED ace Lisandro Martinez and his partner announced the birth of their daughter.Martinez, 27, and his girlfriend Muri Lopez Benitez announced in October they were pregnant with their first child.Manchester United ace Lisandro Martinez and his partner Muri Loopez Benitez welcomed their first childCredit: InstagramMartinez and Muri named their daughter Aurora and shared snaps on InstagramCredit: InstagramMartinez and Muri are childhood sweetheartsThe happy couple announced they were pregnant in OctoberCredit: Instagram @lopezbenitezmuriAnd the happy couple took to Instagram on Sunday to officially welcome their daughter Aurora to the world.The centre-back and Muri shared pictures of themselves hugging each other and the baby as well as a clip of him kissing the mother of his child.And the childhood sweethearts talked about how this is the happiest day of their lives.Muri added the following caption: “3/14/25 OFFICIALLY THE BEST DAY OF OUR LIVES!!! Welcome Aurora.”Read More on Man UtdThe snap amassed over 300,000 likes and a raft of comments from happy fans.One posted: “Welcome Aurora to the family!!!”Another commented: “Congrats, Mom and Dad!!! Enjoy these precious moments with family. I hope everyone is doing well.”A third wrote: “What a beautiful family you are building.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThis fan said: “God bless you, what wonderful news.”And that one gushed: “We love you so much Auroraaaaaa.”Adorable moment Lisandro Martinez’s mum helps Man Utd star with rehabMartinez has been sidelined since last month when he suffered a devastating cruciate ligament injury during United’s 2-0 home defeat to Crystal Palace.And Man Utd boss Ruben Amorim received some devastating news soon after as it is likely the Argentina international will miss the rest of the season.Muri announced the happy news on social mediaCredit: Instagram/@lopezbenitezmuriMuri has followed Martinez throughout his careerCredit: Instagram @lopezbenitezmuriMuri and Martinez also shared a clipCredit: Instagram @lopezbenitezmuri More

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    Chelsea ‘willing to let Geovany Quenda play AGAINST them next season despite spending £42m on transfer’

    CHELSEA new boy Geovany Quenda could find himself playing AGAINST the Blues next season due to Uefa rules.The 17-year-old agreed to join Chelsea in a £42million transfer from Sporting Lisbon last week.Geovany Quenda could face Chelsea next season despite signing for the Blues last weekCredit: AFPQuenda is set to pen a seven-year deal with the option for an eighth, but will not make his debut until next year at the earliest.The Blues have agreed to loan him back to Sporting for the 2025-26 campaign.And should both teams qualify for the Champions League this season, the winger could find himself playing against his new club.In Uefa competitions, parent clubs have no say on whether or not a loan star can play against them.Read More in FootballTherefore, if Sporting do face Chelsea then manager Rui Borges can decide to play him.Rules in the Champions League and Europa League differ to those in the Premier League, where loan players are not permitted to face their parent clubs.Quenda has made 44 appearances for Sporting this season, contributing to 10 goals.Manchester United were heavily linked with a move for him given Ruben Amorim’s links to the Portuguese club, but the Red Devils never submitted a bid.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSQuenda has made 10 appearances in the Champions League this seasonThey had even sent scouts to watch the teenager.But Quenda is now set to join fellow wonderkids Estevao Willian and Kendry Paez in West London.Enzo Maresca defends lacklustre Chelsea after Conference League progress More

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    Newcastle stars in wild Carabao Cup final celebrations as they are joined by Alan Shearer and daughter Chloe at Boxpark

    NEWCASTLE stars celebrated their Carabao Cup win at Boxpark Wembley and were joined by club legend Alan Shearer.The Magpies created history as they ended their 70-year trophy drought by beating Liverpool 2-1 in the final.Alan Shearer and daughter Chloe pose with goalscorer Dan BurnCredit: InstagramBruno Guimaraes led the celebrations at Boxpark WembleyCredit: InstagramThere were jubilant scenes inside the venueCredit: InstagramShearer got his hands on Mark Gillespie’s medalCredit: InstagramGuimaraes shared a pic with his wife Ana Lidia Martins inside BoxparkCredit: InstagramShearer and Joelinton posed togetherCredit: InstagramThere were wild scenes in the stands and on the pitch as Shearer cheered on his beloved side, as did the likes of Ant & Dec.After the match Shearer and his daughter Chloe celebrated in Boxpark, a stone’s throw from the national stadium.They were joined by hoards of happy Toon fans before the Newcastle squad also showed up.Bruno Guimaraes could be seen dancing along to ‘Hey Jude’ as he climbed a seat with his winners’ medal draped around his neck.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe Brazilian shared a snap showing off his medal inside Boxpark alongside his wife Ana Lidia Martins.His compatriot Joelinton was also in attendance and posed for a photo with Shearer and his son Will, along with a few mates.While Shearer and Chloe got a pic together with goalscorer and Geordie hero Dan Burn.Shearer said of the defender: “He is from f***ing Blyth man. The Geordie hero. What a week Big Dan Burn 🖤🤍🖤🤍”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSChloe also danced along to ‘Pump It Up!’ while Shearer got his hands on a medal by posing with goalkeeper Mark Gillispie.Meanwhile Nottingham Forest star Elliott Anderson also joined in on the celebrations as the ex-Newcastle midfielder bagged himself a ticket to watch the match with his fellow fans inside Wembley. Premier League star, 22, seen celebrating Carabao Cup final triumph in the Newcastle end as fans say ‘give him a medal’Sandro Tonali shows off his medal alongside his partner Giulia PastoreCredit: https://www.instagram.com/juliette_pastore/Ant and Dec were elated inside WembleyCredit: Instagram More

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    Premier League star, 22, seen celebrating Carabao Cup final triumph in the Newcastle end as fans say ‘give him a medal’

    A PREMIER LEAGUE footballer was spotted celebrating in the Newcastle end at Wembley.The Magpies ended their 70-year wait for a major trophy on an emotional day.A Nottingham Forest star was in the Newcastle end at WembleyCredit: X/ itvfootballEddie Howe and Nick Pope spotted the midfielderCredit: X/ itvfootballEddie Howe’s men beat Liverpool 2-1 thanks to goals from Dan Burn and Alexander Isak before Federico Chiesa’s injury-time consolation. The full-time whistle sparked wild celebrations among the Newcastle players and fans alike.And that included one Nottingham Forest player joining in among the Toon Army. Elliot Anderson left his boyhood club Newcastle to join Forest in a £35million transfer last summer.READ MORE NEWCASTLE NEWSBut he is a Toon supporter through and through. Born in Whitley Bay, North Tyneside, Anderson joined Newcastle’s academy aged eight and progressed through to the first team.He spent 14 years with the St James’ Park club and racked up 55 senior appearances.And 24 hours after grabbing an assist in Forest’s 4-2 win at Ipswich, Anderson was wearing a black-and-white scarf in amongst the Newcastle fans at Wembley. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSHe was filmed in the front rows hugging a bloke and pumping his fist towards the jubilant team.And it seemed as though his former gaffer Howe and team-mate Nick Pope spotted Anderson by copying the gesture back towards him. Inside Newcastle’s wild dressing room celebrations as Burn does trademark dance and Longstaff drinks out of Carabao CupThe clip, shared on X by ITV, led to plenty of brilliant reactions on social media.One said: “Fair play. What a player and deserves to see his club lift the trophy.”Another wrote: “Always a Geordie.”A third joked: “Steal a medal and give it to him my boy.”And a final user added: “Great to see a lifelong fan celebrating and as a Forest fan, I don’t see anything wrong with him being there.”Anderson was not the only famous face cheering in the stands at Wembley. Ant, Dec and Alan Shearer were all in the stands at Wembley to witness their beloved club lifting their first trophy since the FA Cup in 1955.And Ant had viewers in stitches as he wore a Jason Tindall scarf.READ MORE SUN STORIESHowe’s infamous No2 even managed to be the fourth person of the Newcastle contingent to get his hands on the trophy in hilarious scenes.The players’ delight sparked more crazy scenes in the dressing room – including Burn dancing and one player drinking from the trophy – while Toon fans took over Covent Garden once more. Newcastle ended their 70-year wait for a trophyCredit: ReutersAnderson grabbed an assist in Saturday’s 4-2 win at IpswichCredit: ReutersThe midfielder came through with the Magpies but left in the summer for PSR reasonsCredit: Getty More