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      Thomas Tuchel brutally axes THREE England players on day of first World Cup qualifier including Cole Palmer replacement

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      THOMAS TUCHEL has axed Morgan Gibbs-White, Jarell Quansah and Aaron Ramsdale from his first matchday squad as England boss.The Three Lions take on Albania this evening in a World Cup qualifier.Thomas Tuchel has run the rule over his England stars in trainingCredit: GettyMorgan Gibbs-White was a late call-upCredit: GettyJarell Quansah is yet to earn his first capCredit: GettyAaron Ramsdale has endured a difficult season at club levelCredit: GettyNew boss Tuchel, 51, last week named a 26-man squad for this international window.Due to Uefa rules, however, tonight’s matchday squad can only include 23 players; 11 starters and 12 substitutes.This means that Tuchel has been forced omit three players from contention to play.Gibbs-White, 25, missed out on the initial squad but was drafted in due to fitness concerns over Cole Palmer.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLOpening up on his late call-up, the Nottingham Forest star said: “It was about 4 or 5 o’clock on Sunday. The manager, Thomas, sent me a message to say ‘are you free to talk?’ And I replied within seconds ‘yeah’.“He phoned me up and said ‘are you still upset with me, or do you want to come and join us and fancy training tomorrow?’“I said ‘I’d obviously love to come and join and train with the boys’, so, yes, I found out Sunday late afternoon-ish and I was just smiling from ear to ear.”Quansah, meanwhile, was called up ahead of Everton standout Jarrad Branthwaite.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSThe 22-year-old has been named in two previous squads, but is yet to earn his first cap.Aaron Ramsdale is the unfortunate goalkeeper to miss out.Thomas Tuchel blasts Gareth Southgate’s England as ‘more afraid to drop out of Euro 2024 than hungry to win it’ Jordan Pickford is expected to start between the sticks, with Dean Henderson and James Trafford on the bench.Tuchel has confirmed that Harry Kane will remain his captain.While Jude Bellingham and Declan Rice are likely to start in midfield.The German made some surprise decisions when naming his first squad.Veterans Kyle Walker, Jordan Henderson and Marcus Rashford all earned call-ups.While Dan Burn and Myles Lewis-Skelly are in contention to earn their first caps.Jordan Henderson was Tuchel’s most surprise call-upCredit: Getty More

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      Incredible moment Panama stars celebrate with Thierry Henry in stands after dramatic last-minute winner over USA

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      PANAMA stars celebrated with Thierry Henry in the stands after a dramatic last-minute winner against USA.The pundit was at the SoFi Stadium in LA, California, providing analysis of the match for CBS Sports.Cecilio Waterman celebrated with Thierry Henry after his dramatic winner against USACredit: GettyPanama stars swamped Henry after the goalCredit: ReutersHenry was providing punditry for CBS Sports and spoke to the striker after the gameCredit: ReutersWaterman’s last-minute strike gave Panama a 1-0 winCredit: ReutersBut he was dealt a surprise after Cecilio Waterman broke the deadlock by firing into the bottom left corner.As soon as the ball hit the net the striker took off sprinting, jumping over the advertising hoardings and onto the makeshift stage where the CBS Sports team were situated.He immediately put his arms around Henry and began hugging the Arsenal legend.Waterman pointed in the pundit’s face and shouted: “You’re my idol! You’re my idol!”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAfter the match the Panama star gifted Henry his signed match shirt, and the pair embraced again.Henry promised to send him an Arsenal shirt in return as fans heaped praise on the iconic forward.One fan reacted to the moment saying: “Titi had bigger influence than Messi and Ronaldo.”Another added: “Aura that will last a lifetime this guy😭😭”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSA third wrote: “Thierry Henry’s influence is unmatched.”And another commented: “This is what the game all about.”Waterman, 33, is a journeyman striker who has played for ten different clubs across South America during his 15-year career.He has scored 11 goals for Panama in 41 appearances but missed out on the squad for the 2018 World Cup in Russia.After the game, he said: “Many good things have happened to me in my career, but this one is different. This one was incredible.”Watch Arsenal legend Thierry Henry’s hilarious reaction after being called out by boxing champ Oleksandr UsykWaterman gifted Henry his signed match shirtCredit: Reuters More

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      I plucked Thomas Tuchel out of his job working in a bar in Stuttgart before he became England boss, reveals Man Utd flop

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      A MANCHESTER UNITED flop has revealed how he plucked England boss Thomas Tuchel out of his job working in a bar in Stuttgart.Champions League winner Tuchel, 51, is preparing for his first match in the Three Lions dugout against Albania at Wembley tonight.Thomas Tuchel could still be pulling pints in a pub if not for a Man Utd flopCredit: GettyThe ex-Chelsea gaffer could unleash a new formation after handing out some big call-ups, with the likes of Jordan Henderson and Marcus Rashford involved again.And Tuchel has already excited fans by insisting England will play to win, not to avoid losing — unlike their performances at last summer’s Euros.However, the tactician could have ended up in a completely different field had it not been for one infamous Man United boss.Ralf Rangnick, 66, took charge of the Red Devils as an interim following Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s exit in November 2021.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe Austria boss led United to 11 wins in 29 matches and declared that the squad needed “open-heart surgery.”At the end of his short spell, Rangnick did not move into a behind-the-scenes role as previously agreed.While successor Erik ten Hag appeared to ignore his words of wisdom by splashing out huge sums on duds including Antony and Casemiro.Now, Rangnick claims that Tuchel would never have got his big break as a manager if it wasn’t for him.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSThe pair worked together during Tuchel’s playing days with German minnows SSV Ulm.Rangnick had long suspected his former star would eventually move into coaching.How Tuchel will excite England fans by unleashing high press footballRalf Rangnick gave Tuchel his big break in coaching after managing him as a playerCredit: GettyThe pair enjoy a close bond as Tuchel prepares for his England debutCredit: GettyBut the Austrian was left shocked when he discovered that upon retiring, Tuchel had ended up working behind a bar pulling pints.Rangnick, now manager of Stuttgart, quickly got in touch with his former pupil and insisted he join him at his new club as a youth coach.The rest is history, with Tuchel going on to work his way up the rankings before managing Mainz, Borussia Dortmund, Paris Saint-Germain, Chelsea, Bayern Munich — and now England.Rangnick told the BBC: “He was always interested in why we were doing certain things.“After a couple of weeks, you can tell what player could become a coach — he was always asking questions.“When I became head coach of Stuttgart, I found out he was working in a bar to earn a living. I could hardly believe it.READ MORE SUN STORIES“I called him and said, ‘Why don’t you come to us and work as a youth team coach?’ That’s how his coaching career started.“It was clear he shouldn’t be working in a bar and would much rather be on a pitch with a team.” More

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      Huge Arsenal injury blow as Riccardo Calafiori forced off after ‘feeling something strange’ in Italy clash

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      ARSENAL are sweating over a fresh injury blow to Riccardo Calafiori after the star “felt something strange” while playing for Italy.The defender, 22, picked up the potential problem in his side’s 2-1 defeat to Germany last night.Riccardo Calafiori has suffered another injury scare for ArsenalCredit: RexThe ace jarred his knee during Italy’s 2-1 defeat to GermanyCredit: GettyCalafiori lined up on the left side of a three-man defence and enjoyed a good performance.But towards the end of the match, disaster struck.The £42million Arsenal man slipped and twisted awkwardly as he attempted to re-angle his body while running backwards.The jarring movement results in one leg flying out as the other remained stationary.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLCalafiori managed to see out the rest of the game, despite initially being forced off the field.But he looked to be moving awkwardly.And speaking afterwards, Italy boss Luciano Spalletti revealed Calafiori will need to undergo tests to determine the extent of his problem.Spalletti said: “We still don’t know if he’s injured.Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Arsenal Files every Friday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from The Emirates“Ricky felt something strange in his knee but we still don’t know.”Calafiori was also asked about the problem but was equally cryptic.Arsenal star Riccardo Calafiori reveals he learned English through Netflix and drill music The Gunner said: “I still don’t know…”Should Calafiori have suffered a knee injury, it would already be the THIRD of his Arsenal career following last summer’s move from Bologna.He missed a month of action between October and November with a similar issue, leaving him absent for eight matches.He missed a further three games in December with knee problems.While calf and muscle issues have resulted in another five games missed, making for a total of 16 games out injured so far. More

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      Harry Kane: People have got bored with my goals as they did with Ronaldo and Messi – I can win Ballon d’Or this year

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      HARRY KANE claims he is under-appreciated as fans have become “bored” with his stunning scoring stats.The England skipper faces Albania tonight with an incredible international record of 69 goals in 103 appearances, while he has also struck 76 times in just 82 matches for Bayern Munich.Harry Kane says fans got bored of his goalsCredit: GettyCristiano Ronaldo, pictured in 2018, was a goal machine at Real MadridCredit: Getty Images – GettySo too was Lionel Messi, pictured here in 2019, during his Barcelona daysCredit: Getty Images – GettyKane, 31, said: “It’s like when Ronaldo and Messi were throwing these crazy numbers out there.“The next season, they’d score 40 goals instead of 50 and it was like they were having a bad season.“People take it for granted and maybe it’s a little bit for me with England as well.“I’ve scored 69 goals and when you score against Albania or Latvia, people just expect it, so it’s not spoken about so much.READ MORE IN football “If I was 25 now and doing what I’m doing, the excitement around me would be a bit different.“Again, that’s part of where we are with football and I’ve seen it with some other players as they get into their 30s.“Maybe people just get a little bit bored of what you do but I’m certainly not bored. I’m excited for the games ahead.”The striker, back at former club Tottenham’s training ground yesterday, was asked whether he can win the Ballon d’Or this year. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSHe said: “One hundred per cent.“I felt that last season as well, I scored over 40 goals but I was never going to win the Ballon d’Or because we didn’t win the team trophies.How Tuchel will excite England fans by unleashing high press footballHarry Kane reveals his favourite England goalsHARRY KANE is already England’s all-time record goalscorer.But the Three Lions skipper will NOT be stopping there.To mark his 100th cap for his country, Kane spoke to SunSport’s CHARLIE WYETT about some of his special England goals….FIRST ENGLAND GOAL“My debut v Lithuania. March 2015.”There was a lot of talk in the build-up to that camp because I was playing well for Spurs.“I got a great reception and within a couple of minutes I scored a goal.“I don’t think I could have dreamed it any better.“My friends and family were there. That was a really special night.”FAVOURITE ENGLAND GOAL“It’s between two, for me.“Against Germany, the one at Wembley in Euro 2020.“Also, the header against Tunisia at the World Cup in 2018.“That moment of scoring a last-minute winner at my first World Cup was special.”BEST ENGLAND GOAL“The one I scored in Poland away in a World Cup qualifier in 2021. It was from 25 yards.”(Kane picked up the ball from Kyle Walker, advanced towards goal and put his foot through it.)“It kind of drifted away and it was a good strike, probably my furthest-out goal for England.”“I finished tenth in the Ballon d’Or while at Spurs and that was as high as I could have finished.”Thomas Tuchel takes charge of his first game as England manager in what is the start of a new era following the reign of Sir Gareth Southgate.It was Tuchel who persuaded Kane to leave Spurs for Bayern in 2023.The German’s assistant in Munich was Englishman Anthony Barry and he is now the Three Lions’ No 2.Kane, set to win his first major title this season with Bundesliga leaders Bayern, said: “We had conversations before the transfer happened.“Gareth and Thomas are different characters. In terms of coaching, Thomas takes a bit more on the pitch.”I finished tenth in the Ballon d’Or while at Spurs and that was as high as I could have finished.Harry Kane Kane is also delighted that Jordan Henderson is back in the England squad after 16 months out.There is no doubt the Three Lions missed the influence of Hendo, 34, during Euro 2024 with skipper Kane not the loudest of characters.Kane added: “Whenever you go to tournaments, I don’t think it’s just about having the best players.“It’s about creating an environment where you allow other people to thrive. I would say we were a little bit light on leadership in the summer.“Especially when things are not going well, that’s when you need me and Jordan — experienced players to take that responsibility on.READ MORE SUN STORIES“Hendo brings that experience as good as anyone I’ve played with.“Thomas has been clear on trying to build that environment. And it starts from this camp.”Tuchel persuaded Kane to leave Spurs for Bayern in 2023Credit: AP More

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      Inside the rise of Ethan Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly as Arsenal pal reveals what England wonderkids are really like

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      WHILE Prem stars Myles Lewis-Skelly and Levi Colwill are ready to do battle for England, two old team-mates are fighting the drop to League Two.Crawley midfielder Bradley Ibrahim, 20, was captain of the Arsenal team which got to the FA Youth Cup final two years ago and featured Lewis-Skelly as well as Ethan Nwaneri.Crawley ace Bradley Ibrahim played with Myles Lewis-Skelly and Ethan Nwaneri at ArsenalArsenal ace Myles Lewis-Skelly is eyeing an England debutCredit: GettyEthan Nwaneri has enjoyed quite the breakout season with ArsenalCredit: EPAMeanwhile, Burton midfielder Charlie Webster, 21, came through the ranks at Chelsea with 22-year-old Colwill and worked with England boss Thomas Tuchel at Stamford Bridge.Ibrahim, on loan from German club Hertha Berlin, believes this England call-up for Lewis-Skelly, 18, will be the first of many.The pair grew up together at Arsenal, and Ibrahim told SunSport: “I spoke to Myles on Friday after his selection was announced while on the way to Cambridge. He was buzzing.”Ibrahim says Lewis-Skelly’s aggression, strength, fearlessness, self-confidence and humility drove him to the top.Read More on ArsenalHe said: “Myles was always brave — he’ll never play with fear. No matter where he is or who he’s against, Myles has a belief in himself that he’s one of the best and is going to be the best.”But Ibrahim insists off the field the teenager is humble because of his family roots.He recalled how the Arsenal star’s mum, Marcia, always kept him on the straight and narrow. He said: “His progress has been helped by having great parents.“His mum is a strong character and always kept him well disciplined.“He was never one to go out. His mum sometimes didn’t let him.Most read in SportJoin SUN CLUB for the Arsenal Files every Friday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from The Emirates“He’s well-spoken and talks to everyone exactly the same — whether it’s the kitchen staff, cleaners or manager. He’s so humble.”Lewis-Skelly, who could make his senior debut on Friday’s World Cup qualifier against Albania, only made his Prem bow in September at Manchester City. He was red-carded against Wolves and West Ham this season.’It’s like Messi… there I said it’ – Pundits rave about Arsenal ace Nwaneri as Shearer dubs him ‘potential superstar’And Gunners boss Mikel Arteta had to sub him after 35 minutes at PSV Eindhoven this month to safeguard him after the teenager picked up an early booking. Although the dismissal against Wolves was rescinded, there have been concerns raised about his aggression.But Ibrahim said: “If you take a bit of his aggression away, you take a big thing out of his game.“If he was an older player, people wouldn’t talk about it but because he’s young, people spin it negatively. Even in training and mini-games he’d take it seriously.”He’s well-spoken and talks to everyone exactly the same — whether it’s the kitchen staff, cleaners or manager. He’s so humble.Bradley Ibrahim on Myles Lewis-SkellyIbrahim’s favourite memory of his pal was his last-gasp extra-time winner in the FA Youth Cup semi-final against Manchester City in 2023.However, the Gunners lost 5-1 to West Ham in the final.Part of that team was Nwaneri, 18 today, who incredibly broke into the Under-18s side at 14.The Arsenal whizkid has already clocked up 21 top-flight appearances since making his debut two-and-a-half years ago, aged 15 years and 181 days, the youngest in Prem history.Ibrahim, whose third-from-bottom Crawley side host Bristol Rovers on Friday, said: “It’s not like he’s overhyped. He’s unbelievable and one of the best I’ve played with.”Ibrahim now turns out for Crawley in League OneCredit: RexHe has been shining for Crawley in a tough seasonWebster signed for Burton in the summer after 12 years at Chelsea.The midfielder first joined the Blues at Under-10 level and says he will be forever grateful for Tuchel naming him on the bench for a Carabao Cup game against Brentford in December 2021 when he was 17.He said: “Tuchel will be unbelievable for England. He’s intense in terms of how he focuses on key details, he never misses anything.”READ MORE SUN STORIESCentre-back Colwill, now a first-team regular, was a team-mate of Webster for the Blues’ youth teams.Webster, whose Brewers side are not in action due to international call-ups, added: “Every player’s journey is different but he has been given his chance and taken it. That’s all down to him. He’s a brilliant footballer.” More

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      Barcelona forced into major stadium decision as Nou Camp reopening delayed AGAIN

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      BARCELONA’S move to their new stadium has been delayed AGAIN.Barca left the Nou Camp in 2023 and have since been playing at the Catalan city’s Olympic Stadium.Barcelona’s return to the Nou Camp has been delayed once moreCredit: BARCELONABarcelona left the Nou Camp in 2023 and have since been playing at the Olympic StadiumCredit: BARCELONABarcelona fans were informed they will play the rest of their LaLiga and Champions League matches at the Olympic StadiumCredit: BARCELONABarcelona were expected to return to the Nou Camp in NovemberCredit: RexThe legendary ground, which will be renamed the Spotify Camp Nou, is undergoing reconstruction that will see it hold a capacity of around 105,000 – the highest in Europe.The Blaugrana were initially expected to return in time for the club’s 125th anniversary last November.Barcelona president Joan Laporta then claimed the club would be back in the stadium by March.According to ESPN, however, the Catalan giants have now informed fans the club will finish the season at the Olympic Stadium, where they will play all remaining LaLiga and Champions League matches.Read More on FootballSupporters got the news via email on Thursday.Things have slowed down due to the fact more work is required on the second tier than initially planned.This comes after a recent report from Relevo claimed the earliest the Catalans could move would be October 2025.The same source added the stadium’s roof will not be installed until summer of 2026.Most read in FootballBarcelona are pushing for the LaLiga title despite playing away from their home.They currently top LaLiga, but bitter rivals Real Madrid are second with the same amount of points.Delayed Camp Nou appears far from completion as new video shows slow progress of £1Atletico Madrid are four points behind the El Clasico foes amid an exciting season.Hansi Flick’s side are also in the Champions League quarter-finals where they will face Borussia Dortmund. More

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      Moment Scotland hero Scott McTominay has LASER pen flashed in his eyes by Greece fans before coolly opening scoring

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      SCOTT McTOMINAY was coolness personified as he ignored LASER pens being shone in his eyes to give Scotland a Nations League playoff lead in Athens. The penalty award was debatable as the Napoli midfielder appeared to stand on the ball and accidentally initiate the contact himself – but there was no arguing about the finish as he notched his 12th goal for his country.McTominay ignores the laser pen i his eyesMcTominay ignores the laser pensThat’s despite BBC footage clearly showing fans attempting to shine a green laser in the midfielder’s eye as he prepared to take the penalty.Scotland boss Steve Clarke last night hailed his talisman for holding his nerve in the cauldron. He said: “It’s something that happens but it didn’t put him off. We are delighted with the result, 1-0 coming away to a difficult place. We had to dig in throughout the second half.”We saw two sides to the team tonight.”The first half we were excellent and played the ball around really well.”We created some good chances and could maybe have been a little further in front at half-time.”In the second half, to be fair to the Greeks, they came out and got about us. They stopped us playing and we went too long.”We didn’t get a hold of the ball enough. Then we were asked to defend and we defended quite well.Most read in Football”We defended our box and coped with what felt like a lot of pressure.”But Craig Gordon didn’t have too many saves to make. It was credit to the team defensively in the second half.Steve Clarke likes Lennon Miller’s stated ambition to become one of Scotland’s top players”It’s now game on for Sunday. I don’t see the game being closed at all. I was impressed with the Greeks in the second half.”Their away record is good too. They went to Ireland and Finland and won comfortably, while also going to Wembley and winning. The game is still wide open.”BBC pundit Steven Naismith said: “The laser pens are brought out frequently there too so Scotty was probably used to it.”McTominay has been a massive hit out in Italy, where they currently sit 2nd, three points ahead of Atalanta but three behind leaders Inter Milan.But excelling in a much more attack-minded role, McTominay has struck seven times in Serie A this season – with one of them coming against Inter in a 1-1 draw back in November.And there’s been reports in Italy that the midfielder is already a target for Napoli’s title rivals Inter.Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page More