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      Uefa ready to open talks over shock rule change after controversial Julian Alvarez penalty disallowed vs Real Madrid

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      UEFA ready to open talks over a shock rule change after Julian Alvarez’s penalty was controversially disallowed against Real Madrid.The Spanish derby went to a shootout in the Champions League last 16 after Atletico won 1-0 on the night to level 2-2 on aggregate.Julian Alvarez’s penalty was disallowed in the shootoutCredit: GettyBut controversy struck when former Manchester City star Alvarez slipped while taking his spot-kick. His effort went in but was soon chalked off and overturned to a miss after replays revealed the slip caused him to twice touch the ball before it went in.It violated Uefa’s rules on penalties but, after Atletico launched an appeal, the governing body ruled the stipulation could be looked at and changed.Uefa said in a statement: “Atletico de Madrid enquired with UEFA over the incident, which led to the disallowance of the kick from the penalty mark taken by Julian Alvarez at the end of yesterday’s UEFA Champions League match against Real Madrid.READ MORE IN football “Although minimal, the player made contact with the ball using his standing foot before kicking it, as shown in the attached video clip. “Under the current rule (Laws of the Game, Law 14.1), the VAR had to call the referee signalling that the goal should be disallowed.”UEFA will enter discussions with FIFA and IFAB to determine whether the rule should be reviewed in cases where a double touch is clearly unintentional.” Madrid progressed 4-2 on penalties with ex-Chelsea defender Antonio Rudiger scoring the deciding spot kick.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSBut, had Alvarez’s kick have counted, Atletico would have had one final penalty to take the contest to sudden death.Atletico manager Diego Simeone fumed in the post-match press conference. Fans can’t believe what Antoine Griezmann swapped his shirt for with fan after Atletico winHe said: “Don’t be afraid to speak. Are you afraid because you’re going to be punished? “If you’re afraid, don’t say anything. Raise your hand if you think Julian knocked twice. No one? No one. Okay.”Honestly, I won’t lie to you, being eliminated the way we’ve been is not an easy thing to accept.”Simeone continued: “I just saw the image of the penalty. “The referee said that when Julian stepped and kicked, he touched the ball with his foot, but the ball didn’t move. “That’s something to discuss about whether it was a goal or not, but I’m proud of my players.”When he plants his foot and kicks, the ball doesn’t move even a little bit. But if VAR called it, I’ve never seen a penalty called by VAR, but it’s still valid, and they’ll have seen that he touched it. “I want to believe they’ll have seen that he touched it.”READ MORE SUN STORIESMadrid manager Carlo Ancelotti said: “I think they had detected it already at the VAR when we were hesitating. “We haven’t warned them, not me at least because I didn’t realise. I’ve seen the replay and I think he touches it with his left foot, the second touch.”Real Madrid won the shootout in very controversial circumstancesCredit: Alamy More

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      Why Cole Palmer is struggling and how Enzo Maresca can help Chelsea’s star find his form with three tactical tweaks

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      COLE PALMER’S form has dropped off a cliff in recent weeks.So far this season, he has 20 goals and assists in all competitions for Chelsea.Enzo Maresca’s tactics are preventing his best player, Cole Palmer, from thrivingCredit: RexWe have looked at three ways Maresca can get Palmer back to his bestCredit: GettyBut Palmer has failed to net since January 14 and has not set up a team-mate since December 1.Palmer, 22, even missed a penalty for the first time in his senior career when his spot kick was saved in the Blues’ 1-0 win over Leicester last weekend.His previously perfect record of 15 spot-kicks for club and country was KO’d by Mads Hermansen.And to make his embarrassment even worse, manager Enzo Maresca then revealed the England star was suffering from stomach cramps.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIt’s a far cry from a year ago, when Palmer was unstoppable in his breakthrough season at Chelsea following a £42.5m transfer from Manchester City.He flourished under Mauricio Pochettino, with 25 goals and 15 assists in 46 appearances, winning the club’s Player of the Season award and also being named PFA Fans’ Player of the Year. So how can tactical guru Maresca switch things up to make Palmer the player he was just a few months ago?Tactics expert Chris Beaumont of We Scout Strikers has three solutions that could unlock the Palmer puzzle.Most read in FootballCheltenham Festival betting offers and free betsSpeed it upLast season, when Palmer really broke out and became a dominant attacking force, the England star played for the most part as a right-sided winger. However, he was very much more of a threat when he came inside and played in the channels or even the central areas.So far this season Maresca has used Palmer more as an orthodox No.10.Cole Palmer branded ‘gift that keeps on giving’ after Chelsea star reveals his meal deal sandwich Maresca favours a slow build-up style with a very structured system with players understanding the passing patterns he wants. There is very little freedom in the system as the coach favours control over individuality. This means Chelsea have struggled when they have found it difficult to progress the ball through the middle and into the areas where Palmer would have ideally been positioned. As such Palmer has started to drop deeper and deeper to get on the ball.By coming deep to get on the ball, you are immediately taking Palmer out of the positions and the areas in which he can cause the most threat. Here we see Chelsea’s slow build up forcing Palmer to drop deep to get the ballThe system Maresca favours sees Chelsea form a box midfield as they attack with the right-back – or left-back – typically tucking inside to the midfield. This is designed to give Chelsea control over the centre of the pitch.The problem for Chelsea is the the opposition are able to close down ball progression by pressing tight to the two players at the base of the midfield.They then close down gaps the advanced midfielders can take up. Here Palmer drops even deeper and is so deep that he is pressed by the Brighton forwards taking him far away from his best zonesThe solution to prevent Palmer from feeling he has to keep dropping into deeper areas is to improve the ball progression from deeper areas.Maresca has to release the restrictions on his team and allow them to play more quickly if he is to get Palmer back to his best.At the moment everything from Chelsea is too slow and predictable. The players need more freedom to get on the ball and play forward quickly in order to affect the opposition.Spread the game outPalmer is playing as a more central attacking midfielder for Chelsea this season but still typically comes to the right into the channels when his side are in possession. While Palmer is very, very good when it comes to finding pockets of space he can occupy in order to receive the ball, he has been less effective in doing so in recent weeks.One of the biggest issues he has faced is teams becoming more aware of his danger.Consequently, they are taking away the spaces in their own defensive thirds where Palmer would have previously got on the ball and created most of his threat. With Chelsea looking to overload the midfield with a box shape, the opposition respond by defending tight in the centre and leaving more space in the wide areas.With the opposition defending more effectively in the central areas of the pitch there is a real need for Chelsea to take advantage of the spaces elsewhere. Here there are no spaces centrally so we see Palmer constantly having to come out from the attacking positionsWith Palmer now playing more centrally the spaces Chelsea have to exploit are in the wide areas. If Chelsea become more effective in getting the ball into the wide areas and having players who can attack their opponent 1v1 then they will create more penetration and space centrally.If the likes of Palmer cannot find space centrally, and given he is one of the best attackers in the squad, then Chelsea need to create him the space. The issue they currently have is because possession-hungry Maresca wants his wingers receiving the ball wide.But where they could look to be aggressive and to attack the opposition fullback, instead they are turning back and looking to play back or into the centre of the pitch.If Maresca wants to create more space centrally in the final third for the likes of Palmer then he needs to unlock the wingers. Here Palmer has no space centrally to receive the ball but there are spaces in the wide areas for Chelsea to exploit, but they are too slow to find themIf the wide attackers are more likely to attack 1v1 then the opposition will have to release defenders out wide to double up and provide cover.This will immediately create more space centrally for Palmer.Give Palmer more freedomIt is natural when a young player starts to see his form slip for them to start to look for ways to force the game more. When Palmer was playing well at the start of the season the game looked easy for him and he always seemed to have time and space on the ball to create and make things happen. Now, we are seeing far more examples of Palmer taking possession and almost trying to force the game around him by playing too quickly instead of playing with composure.To an extent Palmer is also finding it more difficult to create space for himself and find shooting angles because Chelsea are lacking a genuine striker with Nicolas Jackson out injured. Here we see Palmer, again dropping deeper looking to force the play with a cross into an easily defended areaPalmer and Jackson have an excellent understanding and partnership.The forward’s runs and power create space in the defensive line for Palmer to exploit, often to devastating effect in the first-half of the season. But with Christopher Nkunku being played centrally, out of position, in Jackson’s absence the spaces simply have not been the same.As Palmer is willing to stand up and take responsibility for the attacking structure and play in the final third we often see him isolated on the ball and trying to beat players.Instead he should have been looking for more options around him to combine.Palmer has the ball wide with little space centrally for the attacking players but cannot create a clear cut chance with two defenders on him and the box fully defendedThis is more of a coaching point than a tactical point and it touches on the fact Maresca is a more tactically focused than one who has a close personal relationship with his players. Palmer needs to go back to playing with more freedom on the ball as opposed to trying to force things to happen.ConclusionChelsea are on the brink of falling out of the Champions League places in the Premier League.For them to achieve their sporting ambitions this season they need to become more effective again in the final third.READ MORE SUN STORIESThis means they need to get back to creating the structure around Palmer to allow him to thrive. If he can go back to finding and creating goals as the season draws to a close then there is every chance Chelsea will finish in the top five and possibly land a trophy to go with it.Chelsea ratings vs Leicester as Cucurella causes chaos all-game long but Nkunku just can’t find his feetCHELSEA marked their 120th birthday with a hard-earned win against Leicester.Enzo Maresca’s side keep their place in the Champions League spots ahead of a tough run of games with a much-needed 1-0 victory.Chelsea were by far the most threatening side and it didn’t take long for Cole Palmer to get a golden chance to break his eight-game goal drought.Referee Tim Robinson pointed to the spot this time after Jadon Sancho was brought down in the box.Palmer stepped up, but his effort was brilliantly saved by Leicester keeper Mads Hermansen.Chelsea continued to dominate but Maresca left ruing his lack of a target man up top as crosses were swung aimlessly with Pedro Neto in the wars trying to reach them. With no real threat coming towards Robert Sanchez from Leicester, it looked as though it could be one of those games where they struggle to break down a side despite having the lion’s share of the ball. A moment of magic was needed as frustrations were growing and Marc Cucurella produced it on the hour mark.A peach of a strike from outside the area as he lit up Stamford Bridge, as he has on numerous occasions this season, scoring for the second game in a row. With chances coming and going for both sides, the nervousness among the home support was tangible as the game drew to it’s conclusion, with the relief at the full-time etched on Maresca’s face.Here is how SunSport’s Lloyd Canfield rated the Chelsea players…CHELTENHAM FESTIVAL 2025 LIVE: LATEST TIPS AND RESULTS FROM THE GREATEST SHOW ON TURF More

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      ‘I’m not playing for you’ – Wayne Rooney could’ve played for different country before breaking England goal record

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      WAYNE ROONEY says he was close to playing for the Republic of Ireland.But the England icon – second on the all-time caps and goals for the Three Lions – snubbed Ireland boss Mick McCarthy because he was called up by the U21s and not the seniors.Wayne Rooney appeared on the latest episode of The OverlapCredit: YouTube @The OverlapRooney, 39, sat alongside Gary NevilleCredit: YouTube @The OverlapRooney, then at Everton, was approached by team-mate Lee Carsley through McCarthy as he qualified through his paternal grandparents.Asked which other country he would have played for, ex-Manchester United striker Rooney, speaking on the Stick to Football podcast, brought to you by Sky Bet, said: “Mine would be Ireland. Mick called me up.”I spoke to Lee Carsley, and he spoke to Mick and I was close to doing it.”Then they called me up for the 21s. I was like, ‘I’m not playing for Ireland U21s’. I can play for England 21s.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”It obviously never happened, and I went to play for England.”I would have probably went [if they put me in the first team].”Ex-United team-mate Roy Keane quipped: “That was another one of your big mistakes.”You could have played for Ireland. You live to regret it!”Most read in FootballCheltenham Festival betting offers and free betsRooney went on to be an England legend, winning 120 caps and scoring 53 goals in a 15-year international career where he was captain for three years.He made history as the youngest player to play for his country when he won his first cap in a friendly defeat to Australia at the age of just 17-years and 111 days.I get the same text from Sir Alex Ferguson every time I get sacked from a job, admits Wayne Rooney Rooney also went on to become to the youngest player to score for England when he netted against Macedonia at the age of 17.He also made history as the youngest scorer in European Championship history when he netted a brace against Switzerland at Euro 2004, however the record was broken just four days later by Swiss midfielder Johan Vonlanthen.Rooney is one of England’s greatest ever playersCredit: Times Newspapers Ltd More

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      Cole Palmer’s girlfriend Connie Grace opens up on their relationship for the first time in new documentary

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      CHELSEA star Cole Palmer’s girlfriend Connie Grace has lifted the lid on their relationship for the first time.Palmer, 22, and Connie, 22, met when they were 17 years old but only went public together in November at the GQ Men of the Year Awards.Chelsea star Cole Palmer’s girlfriend Connie Grace lifted the lid on their relationshipCredit: Amazon PrimePalmer and Connie took part in a special documentaryCredit: Amazon PrimeThe pair have known each other since they were 17 but went public with their relationship in NovemberCredit: SplashConnie met Palmer when they were both teenagersCredit: instagram @conniegrace_The couple are taking part in England’s Lions: A New Generation documentary, which will be out on Amazon Prime from Saturday, and were filmed dining in a swanky London restaurant.The Three Lions star’s partner, who is a nail technician and Instagram influencer with 34,000 followers, opened up about their special bond.Connie said: “We met when we were 17. I think he knew me through mutual friends so I think he probably had his eye on me.Read More on Chelsea”Oh, he’s warm and cuddly. Well, with me, hopefully with no one else.”When you know how much someone wants something and you know that’s someone’s dream, you just feel so proud.”Palmer is known for his ice-cold demeanour but he let his guard down while filming the documentary as he tried his luck with some new food.The Blues winger experimented by dunking some bread in oil and balsamic vinegar for the first time.Most read in FootballConnie warned her boyfriend he wouldn’t like the taste and she was proven right as he recoiled and cried “ew!”Cheltenham Festival betting offers and free betsAnd Connie couldn’t help but laugh as she explained how Palmer hasn’t changed at all since his humble beginnings at Wythenshawe.That is despite going on to play for Manchester City, where he won the treble, before his £42.5milion move to Chelsea in 2023 since when he has turned into one of the Premier League’s biggest stars.Cole Palmer branded ‘gift that keeps on giving’ after Chelsea star reveals his meal deal sandwich Connie added: “Cole now is still the same Cole that I met when I was 17. “Obviously, he’s changed, he’s grown up, and his life now is completely different, but he’s still the same boy, he’s still laid-back Cole.”Cole will adapt to whatever situation he’s in. He’s not bothered that he’s that far from home because all he wants to do is play football and if it means leaving home and being in a place which is completely different to where he’s from, he’ll do it.”He’s not bothered about the whole fame side of it and he’s not bothered what people think of him. “He is only just bothered about scoring goals and doing well for his team, doing well for his country, and you’ve got to love him for that.”Connie is a nail technician with thousands of followers on InstagramCredit: instagram @conniegrace_Connie spoke about her relationship with Palmer for the first timeCredit: InstagramConnie insists Palmer hasn’t changed at all despite his immense fameCredit: instagram @conniegrace_ More

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      Ruben Amorim breaking one of football’s unwritten rules to turn around Man Utd’s fortunes and stats show it could work

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      RUBEN AMORIM is breaking rank by going against one of football’s most respected underwritten rules, and it’s working.Manchester United have had a pretty torrid time this season, lying 14th in the Premier League table.Ruben Amorim is gambling on breaking a football rule to change Man Utd fortunesCredit: PAThe tactic came up trumps against Arsenal as they led at home in the first half for the first time in over three monthsCredit: GettyMan Utd also drastically increased their goal tally using the tactic against IpswichCredit: AlamyNowhere has this lack of form been more evident than at Old Trafford, where the Red Devils have lost seven times at home in the league.The ignominy of the run saw United equal an unwanted 132-year-old record, while it also placed a bad relegation omen over them; being their worst record since the club last went down in 1974.One of the most damning stats has been their slow starts at home, with only Bournemouth scoring fewer than United’s 18 goals in the first half since the start of the 2023/24 season.Many clubs prefer to shoot towards their most vocal fans in the second half of games, with United traditionally attacking the Stretford End.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHowever, in an effort to address United’s current shortcomings, Amorim has reversed the usual trend and has turned his own team around in the last three home games.According to The Athletic, Amorim believes shooting towards the Stretford End in the first half – or right-to-left for TV viewers – can help improve their slow starts.While this superstition is based purely on psychology, United have previously found success with the change even before Amorim’s arrival.Since the 2016/17 season, United have shot towards the Stretford End in the first half 30 times, winning 21 games and losing just twice, while scoring 2.2 goals per game and conceding just 0.8.Most read in FootballCheltenham Festival betting offers and free betsThe sample size is naturally far lower than the 137 times they have not been turned around, with that resulting in 72 wins and 30 defeats with 1.7 goals scored per game and 1.1 conceded.Crucially, United register 0.5 MORE points when shooting at the Stretford End in the first half.Roy Keane fears Man Utd will get WORSE and reveals biggest red flag that could spell the end for Ruben AmorimThe curious benefits of this usually disruptive change have been seen in recent weeks under Amorim.Heading into their clash with Ipswich two weeks ago, United’s two first-half goals were as many as they had managed in the previous 19 games combined.Even last weekend’s match against Arsenal yielded results, as Bruno Fernandes’ free-kick on the stroke of half-time saw United go into half-time with the lead at home for the first time in over three months.The Red Devils could have counted themselves unfortunate to draw that game considering the chances they had.But ultimately they preserved their historic record of being unbeaten at home when winning at the interval.On the tactic, Amorim said: “We score near the half-time, that helped us a lot in the end.”In the second half, we had more space and more energy also because of the result and our fans, to score another goal.”However, the tactic is not fool-proof, with United coming unstuck when they were eliminated in the FA Cup against Fulham following an end switch.READ MORE SUN STORIESUnited next face Real Sociedad at home in the second leg of their Europa League last 16 tie.They took a 1-1 draw away from the first leg, but they have never beaten the Spanish side in England.Man Utd ratings vs Arsenal as De Ligt shows exactly why Red Devils signed him but Zirkzee is as frustrating as everIT was a performance that would have pleased Ruben Amorim but a 1-1 draw with Arsenal does little to paper over the cracks at Manchester United.On a day when the Old Trafford crowd protested the owners, the players stood up to show their remains life in a club that fans say is experiencing a “slow death”.There was a lack of clear-cut chances in the opening 45 minutes as both sides goalscoring troubles continued.A moment of magic was needed and Fernandes stepped up as he so often does.Arsenal’s wall was full of man mountains, but Fernandes found the power, dip and accuracy to beat David Raya with his free-kick – even if the wall was marched 11.2 yards back instead of the regulated ten.Mikel Arteta’s side came out swinging in the second-half with their makeshift No9 up top, and it took a brilliant effort from Declan Rice to level the scores.United were able to frustrate them and remain a threat on the counter but eventually had to settle for a point in a much-improved performance.Here is how SunSport’s Martin Blackburn rated the United performances.CHELTENHAM FESTIVAL 2025 LIVE: LATEST TIPS AND RESULTS FROM THE GREATEST SHOW ON TURF More

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      Birmingham’s League One clash postponed at just nine days’ notice and fans have NO idea when they can play it

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      BIRMINGHAM are facing a fixture congestion nightmare after their League One clash with Stevenage has been postponed.Birmingham were scheduled to take on the Boro on March 22 at the Lamex Stadium.Birmingham announced their League One clash with Stevenage has been postponedCredit: RexHowever, Blues stated the game – which was scheduled to take place in nine days – has been postponed due to international call-ups.The League One outfit haven’t announced a new date in which the game will be played but promised a confirmation will be made “in due course”.Birmingham issued the following statement: “The League One fixture was set to take place at the Lamex Stadium on Saturday, 22 March, kick-off at 3pm.”A new date for this fixture, as well as Blues’ trip to Blackpool, will be announced in due course.”Read More on FootballStevenage confirmed the postponement was at Birmingham’s request.This raises questions as to when the sides can fit their postponed match in a packed schedule.Birmingham already have to fit in the Blackpool clash, which has to be moved due to their participation in the Vertu Trophy final against Peterborough on April 13.And, with games already scheduled every midweek between the international break and Easter, there seems to be only be ONE available date to fit in a game before the end of the season.Most read in EFLCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThat would be between the final two weekends of the campaign, which finishes on May 3.Birmingham appear all-but guaranteed to seal automatic promotion to the Championship, sitting 14 points clear of 3rd-placed Wrexham with 11 games to go.Wrexham clash descends into huge brawl at full-time as tempers flare after fiery League One clashAnd fans were convinced the club should have just played the game despite the international call-ups.Fans were left perplexed as they took to social media looking for answers.One fan tweeted: “We should have just played it.”I don’t know when we are going to fit it in now.”Another asked: “Are we gonna have to play one of the postponed games after the final day?”A third wondered: “Genuinely when are we playing this?”READ MORE SUN STORIESThis fan joked: “We’ll be playing this game in 2028 at this point.”And that one said: “Where are we fitting this in?” More

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      ‘Vinicius Jr is a player who makes me think, if you work hard, you’re going to get things’, says Man City’s Kerolin

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      BRAZIL star Kerolin Nicoli makes no bones about what fuels her big ambition with Manchester City.Becoming the best player in the world and winning a Ballon d’Or is among her targets. Kerolin believes Manchester City have enough talent within their ranks to overcome Chelsea in this year’s Women’s League Cup finalCredit: AlamyAside from helping her club add to their silverware collection the Brazil forward is eager one day win the Ballon d’OrCredit: GettyCity will take on unbeaten Chelsea four times this month in the hope of becoming the first team to defeat them this seasonCredit: ReutersAnd helping her new club to win their fifth Women’s League Cup is on her immediate to-do list.On March 15 the Paris Olympics silver medallist, 25, could play in her first cup contest final since her January transfer from US side North Carolina Courage. A first trophy win for City in three years is up for grabs when they battle Chelsea at Pride Park , with the gifted forward eager to make her mark.It is one of their strongest hopes of domestic silverware this term with title chances slim due to their foes’ 12-point lead at the WSL’s summit.  Read More Football StoriesThe 45-capped Brazil forward said: “Before I came here, when I was talking with Man City, this was one thing I was really excited [about]. “It’s a challenge but to play against Chelsea at this moment, it’s really good for us. “They are playing well but we know how we can beat them. “We can take advantage of that and try to win the game. Most read in Football”We have enough players to do that. I know we’re going to do something really special on Saturday.”Whilst chatting to reporters in Man City’s football academy Kerolin jokes about swapping North Carolina’s warmer climes for chilly England.Despite the cold weather the move was no-brainer for a driven player determined to reach the top. We can do our best to win and have the final in our handsKerolin NicoliKerolin adds: “When I was looking for the list of the Ballon d’Or (nominees), I was looking at where the players were playing.”Most of them were here or in Spain. So I was like, why not (move to City)?”I want to be at the top of the list. It’s not going to be easy, but dreams are for that, right?”Fulfilling dreams by being special on the pitch is not unusual for Kerolin, who grew up playing football barefoot against men on the streets of Sao Paulo, in southeast Brazil. Six years after a bone infection led to doctors warning her to avoid contact sports, the forward burst onto the scene at 17 with Brazilian side Ponte Preta. Last August she thrilled Brazil fans at the Paris Olympics  nutmegging goalkeeper Cata Coll before scoring in a 4-2 defeat of Spain in the Games’ football semi-finals. The year before she became the first South American to be named the Most Valuable Player in the United States’ women’s top-flightsTomorrow Kerolin could become the first Brazilian to play for Man City in a Women’s League Cup decider. And she has no fear about this prospectThe forward adds: “I don’t feel pressure to be the first one because at some point I think it’s good. “Also sometimes I don’t remember I’m the first Brazilian here.“We can do our best to win and have the final in our hands. My mind is like, ‘I want to make history’. “We want to take Chelsea (off the top). They are at the top, so why not go for them?” The duel between the WSL giants will be the first of four high-stakes battles between the sides this month. It also comes five days after the club sacked Gareth Taylor, 52, with former boss Nick Cushing, 40, replacing him in the interim. Sandwiched between a City-Chelsea Champions League quarters knockout tie is a WSL clash, with all four fixtures to be played in ten days. For a forward who counts compatriot Vinicius Junior, 24, among the players she likes to watch, these games are a chance to show the strength of Brazilian football. Kerolin said: “Football from Brazil, it’s a little different and Brazilian players have a different style of play. “They have something different. I was thinking, ‘Maybe I could bring this to Manchester and be me.”Playing on the streets is what brought some different things, because we were playing with men. Kerolin says her compatriot and Real Madrid star Vinicius Junior is one of the players she likes to watchCredit: Getty”You need more power, to be faster, stronger, and that really means a lot to me. READ MORE SUN STORIES”One player now I’m really excited to keep on watching is Vinicius Jr. “He’s one player who makes me think, ‘if you work hard, you’re going to get things back to you’, because that is what he did.” More

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      Conor Gallagher showed why he must be part of Tuchel’s England plans after upstaging Bellingham with ‘feral’ display

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      CONOR GALLAGHER had started just one game in almost two months before Wednesday’s Madrid derby.He may have, brutally, ended on the wrong side of things, as Atletico Madrid always do against Real.Conor Gallagher stole the show in a match that was expected to be all about Jude BellinghamCredit: GettyBellingham cut a frustrated figure as he was unable to take the game by the scruff of the neckCredit: ReutersBut Bellingham would end up on the winning side as Real Madrid prevailed on penaltiesCredit: GettyThomas Tuchel will name his first England squad this weekCredit: GettyBut the midfielder showed exactly why he must and will be a key part of Thomas Tuchel’s England plans ahead of his first squad announcement.Gallagher’s standout 85 minutes in the thunderous Metropolitano is worthy of praise for far more than his record breaking goal.The second leg opener, bagged after just 27 seconds, is the fastest Champions League goal ever scored by an Englishman.That was a moment to cherish, but everything which came after was equally as important.READ MORE ON JUDE BELLINGHAMAll English eyes will have been on Jude Bellingham at the start, but Gallagher grabbed the spotlight and helped Atletico’s midfield frustrate the life out of his Three Lions teammate and the rest of the Real Madrid side.While the two were on the pitch together, Gallagher was easily the more impressive.What will have been even more encouraging for Tuchel, however, was how Bellingham grew in stature as everyone else faded and was the stand-out in extra time before burying a confident penalty.Carlo Ancelotti’s men had plenty of joy down their right-hand side during the first leg, so Diego Simeone tasked Gallagher with blocking them.Most read in Champions LeagueCheltenham Festival betting offers and free betsHe carried it out magnificently. With his usual feral energy Gallagher shut down Brazilian Rodrygo and made some fine challenges on Kylian Mbappe, including one which stooped a rare dangerous break.It was just his second start in the last 11 games for Atletico, but Simeone clearly trusts him with the big ones. Wednesday night showed that Tuchel can too.Jude Bellingham says ‘The Referee Made a Mistake’ giving red card Gallagher’s previous start was against Barcelona in the Copa del Rey and you would not bet against him being tasked with shutting down Lamine Yamal in La Liga this weekend.Tuchel, who has been in touch with Gallagher and spoke with his former Chelsea player ahead of the first-leg, must harness his undervalued quality.The German has options galore in the attacking areas.But finding someone to do the dirty work is equally important as to whether you can fit Bellingham, Phil Foden and Cole Palmer in the same team.Tuchel is in the England job for one reason – to win the World Cup. To do so will require shades of light and dark within his side.Gallagher showed his adaptability by moving out to the left of the pitch to deal with the threat posed by the likes of Bellingham and RodrygoWith Gallagher’s help, Atletico were very successful in playing on the counter-attackConor Gallagher was a safe pair of hands on the ballGallagher had just one touch in the opposition box but it resulted in the only goal of the gameThe prowess of Bellingham and the other star names is a must, but at holders Argentina proved you need some dogs in there too.There was just one start for England in the Euros, a nightmare against Slovenia which lasted just 45 minutes, but he looked a different player here.Gallagher is learning from the best when it comes to doing anything and everything for the team and has fully bought into Simeone’s ways.Even out on the left, not his favourite position, Gallagher gave everything and left the pitch to a standing ovation.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe would, it is true, rather have played terribly and been looking forward to a quarter-final with Arsenal.But given the cruel nature of Real Madrid’s latest Champions League victory over their rivals, the England midfielder can take nothing but immense pride from his performance.Bellingham was forced to play in areas outside the Atletico box where he couldn’t have his usual devastating impact on the gameWhile Real Madrid took up more attacking positions than their counterparts, it was Atletico who appeared to have greater control of the gameBellingham spent much of his time camped outside the Atletico box, but his opponents deprived him of the space to make use of the positions he took up More