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    Crystal Palace plot £20million transfer raid on Sunderland for Chris Rigg, 17, after stunning start to new season

    CRYSTAL PALACE are targeting a £20million-plus for Sunderland’s teenage sensation Chris Rigg.The 17-year-old midfielder has established himself as a regular starter for Sunderland this season after becoming the second-youngest player in the club’s history whilst still at school last year.Chris Rigg is being eyed by Crystal Palace in a £20m dealCredit: GettyThe teenager has broken records since bursting onto the scene last seasonCredit: PAPalace have watched Rigg play for the Black Cats several times this season.The teenager has impressed for the promotion chasers, bagging three goals in 12 games.And Palace sporting director Dougie Freedman is convinced he will prove good enough for the Premier League.The London club could even make a move in January, as they did last season in signing Adam Wharton from Blackburn for £18m.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe 20-year-old made such an impact at Palace that he was named in the England squad for last summer’s European Championship.But after making his debut in a warm-up game against Bosnia he did not play a game during the tournament in Germany.Sunderland gave Rigg a new three-year contract last summer and will resist any attempt to lure him away from the Stadium of Light during the season.Rigg impressed for England under-18s over the summer following his breakthrough campaign.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSHe made 21 appearances last term and has been with the Black Cats since he was at primary school.Rigg is under contract at the Stadium of Light until the summer of 2027.Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner had expected a better start to the season After signing the new deal, he beamed: “I want to develop as a player and improve as a person.”And I believe this is the best place for me to do that.”The Black Cats have been the surprise package of the Championship season so far under new French manager Regis Le Bris.They are currently top of the table, ahead of chasing pack Sheffield United, Leeds and Burnley.Failure to win promotion this season however could lead to Sunderland seeking to cash in on Rigg next summer, when he will have just two years left on his deal.Palace are keen to find another bargain like Adam WhartonCredit: Getty More

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    Star sent off for sickening flying kick to the face as fans compare it to a ‘FIFA glitch’

    A BRAZILIAN football star has seen red after an X-rated scissor kick went badly wrong. Criciuma striker Felipe Vizeu was sent off in his team’s 2-0 loss to Internacional in Serie A last night.Felipe Vizeu was sent off following a painful incident in Criciuma’s game with InternacionalCredit: AlamyThe 27-year-old scissor-kicked his opponent square in the faceVizeu led the line for relegation-threatened Criciuma as they travelled to Porto Alegre in Brazil’s top flight. The 27-year-old was searching for an equaliser after Alan Patrick put the hosts ahead on the stroke of half-time.A cross sat up nicely for Vizeu, who was chasing a third goal in as many games.He opted to go for an audacious scissor kick, thrashing hard at the ball with his left boot. READ MORE ON FOOTBALLInternacional defender Agustin Rogel read the danger, putting his head in harm’s way to direct the ball away.Vizeu caught Rogel square in the face, sending him crashing to the turf.Referee Felipe Fernandes de Lima immediately brandished the red card, to the horror of the Criciuma striker and his teammates. One fan gasped in response to the footage: “Nothing but face! Yikes, that must have hurt.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAnother argued: “The attacker was clearly making an attempt on the ball and didn’t mean it and the defender just caught a full force kick in the face.While a third laughed: “This looks like a FIFA glitch.”Argentine footballer Walter Bou scores Puskas contender with last-minute overhead kick goal And a fourth added: “If the defender weren’t there probably would be a Puskas award contender.”Criciuma are based in Santa Catarina and were promoted to the top flight from Serie B last season. Vizeu joined the club in the summer of 2023 but has spent a large portion of his career in Europe.The Brazilian has played for Udinese in Italy, as well as Sheriff Tiraspol in Moldova and Japan’s Yokohama FC. More

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    Tottenham star Pedro Porro has everyone utterly baffled with bizarre fact about how he empties his BINS

    TOTTENHAM right-back Pedro Porro left fans totally confused after revealing the bizarre way he sorts out his bins.Spurs often ask their players random questions on their way into training as a form of social media content.Pedro Porro baffled fans with a claim about his binsCredit: X @SpursOfficialFans could not get their head around it despite him explaining it three timesCredit: X @SpursOfficialBut Porro’s latest remark on his way in left viewers utterly baffled.The Tottenham players were asked to spill an interesting fact about themselves.Various responses included Dominic Solanke revealing he could wiggle his ears and Djed Spence claiming he has six toes.However, nobody confused Lilywhites supporters quite as much as Porro.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe Spaniard said: “I put the rubbish bin inside the rubbish bag instead of putting the bag inside the bin.”Porro made the comment in Spanish – and when he returned it was still unclear what he meant.He translated it on his phone and still it made no sense.Porro then pulled up a picture of a bin and insisted he puts it in a bag.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHe then returned for a second time with another fact, translating it on his phone once more.It said: “I put liquid from the bat in the dishwasher.”Chelsea fans LOVE Eden Hazard’s reaction as Blues legend is pranked by barber with Tottenham shirtBut it was the comments about putting his bin in a bag that left those on social media completely turned around.One replied: “I’m going to need answers from Pedro Porro.”Another joked: “Is Porro on drugs 😭😭😭.”A third said: “He tried to explain it 12 times I’m still so confused.”While a fourth responded: “Every time you see Pedro, it’s impossible not to love him even more.”Earlier this week, it was revealed Porro will donate part of his salary to help with the clean-up of Valencia following horrendous floods. More

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    Inside Viktor Gyokeres’ glamorous life, from dating fellow footballer and actress to luxury holidays around world

    VIKTOR GYOKERES loves a holiday almost as much as he loves scoring goals.The Sporting striker, 26, has gone from Championship striker to one of the world’s best in a whirlwind year.Viktor Gyokeres is living his best life on and off the pitchCredit: GettyThe striker makes sure to soak up plenty of sunrays at any opportunityCredit: InstagramAnd his start to the 2024-25 season saw the Swedish star bang in a whopping 23 goals in his first 17 games.That included three hat-tricks – with four against Estrela Amadora backed up with his emphatic treble past Manchester City four days later.His third goal on the night, his second from the penalty spot, wrapped up a memorable 4-1 win over Pep Guardiola’s side in Ruben Amorim’s final home game in charge of Sporting.And it was even more special for Gyokeres – because his glamorous girlfriend was in the stands to cheer him on.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLACTING UPEx-Brighton flop Gyokeres swapped Coventry for Lisbon in 2023 when he completed a club-record £16million transfer.And within a few months, he had seemingly found love.By early 2024, rumours started swirling around that he had started dating famous Portuguese actress Ines Aguiar.The brunette, two months younger than Gyokeres, has appeared in various TV shows over the years and even has a twin sister Joana who is also a star on screen.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSGyokeres and Aguiar had kept their relationship under wraps but were spotted together at an airport in April, when the footballer allegedly came to pick her up.However, she broke their cover on the famous night in November when she posted a video on her Instagram story to her 164,000 followers of her man firing home his spot-kick in the Champions League.Who is Sporting’s masked man Viktor Gyokeres Gyokeres is dating Portuguese actress Ines AguiarCredit: InstagramThe couple kept their relationship under wraps for monthsCredit: InstagramAguiar posted a video on Instagram of Gyokeres scoringCredit: Instagram @inesvarzeaaguiarPREVIOUS STRIKE PARTNERBefore getting together with Aguiar, Gyokeres previously dated a fellow footballer.He was with Amanda Nilden as the pair started out their professional careers in their homeland of Sweden.And when Gyokeres signed for Brighton in January 2018, Nilden also made the transfer to England’s south coast as she joined the women’s team.However, two years later, Nilden – ironically born five days before Aguiar – left Sussex for Eskilstuna United back in Sweden.In 2021, though, she headed to Italian giants Juventus and then in 2024 returned to England with Tottenham.Gyokeres used to date Amanda Nilde and they even moved to Brighton at the same timeCredit: @bpfotbollThe pair are both from Sweden and became professional footballersCredit: InstagramNilden is now playing for Tottenham in the Women’s Super LeagueCredit: RexThat came after a stint in Italy with JuventusCredit: InstagramGYOK THE JET-SETTERGyokeres has already played in Sweden, England, Germany, Wales and Portugal during his footballing career.But he can tick plenty more countries off his checklist thanks to his plethora of luxury holidays.The forward regularly takes to Instagram to give his fans a glimpse at all his downtime trips.He headed to Mykonos with his friends in the summer of 2023 but tends to keep the location of his vacations secret.Although for one stunning snap of him topless posing in the sea in his swimming trunks and sunglasses, Gyokeres hilariously tagged the location as Solihull in the West Midlands.But in the background is a Rixos Hotel – with the upmarket chain only found in Turkey, Egypt, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Spain, Kazakhstan, Croatia, Montenegro and Mexico.Gyokeres regularly posts snaps from his holidaysCredit: InstagramHe hilariously tagged this stunning photo as in SolihullCredit: InstagramThe footballer enjoyed a boys’ trip to Mykonos in the summer of 2024Credit: InstagramGyokeres posted this idyllic photo from another vacationCredit: InstagramFRIENDS AND FAMILY MANAs mentioned, Gyokeres tries to spend as much time with his friends as possible.He came through the same IF Brommapojkarna youth academy as Tottenham star Dejan Kulusevski but is particularly close with Isac Lidberg – another Swedish forward.The pair were team-mates in the Sweden youth set-up, with Lidberg now playing his club football in Germany with Darmstadt 98.But Gyokeres – the long-term national team successor to Zlatan Ibrahimovic – also heads back to Sweden whenever he can, including his hometown Stockholm.He has a special bond with his father Stefan who worked as a youth-team coach when Gyokeres was younger and learning his trade as a junior footballer.Gyokeres came through at Aspudden-Tellus before breaking through at BrommapojkarnaCredit: Aspudden-TellusViktor is very close with his dad and mentor Stefan GyokeresHe enjoys catching up with friends over dinner in LisbonCredit: InstagramThe striker heads back to Stockholm whenever he canCredit: InstagramSECRET CELEBRATIONWhile Gyokeres’ cover may have been blown over his relationship with Aguiar, he remains coy over his trademark celebration.After hitting the net time and time again, the goal machine covers his mouth with both hands interlocking.Former Coventry team-mate Josh Eccles appeared to expose the meaning, suggesting it was a reference to film character Hannibal Lecter.However, Gyokeres revealed that theory was incorrect.He told a Swedish newspaper: “There were lots of guesses… There was Hannibal Lecter and Batman and everything possible, but nobody got it right.“No-one came close. Yes, it’s a secret. I can clarify that, but not today.”Other suggestions include a nod to comic character Bane, especially because he has quoted the masked DC superhero.READ MORE SUN STORIESBut Gyokeres is yet to go public with the real explanation.And he may well do so when playing in the Premier League – with Amorim potentially going to lure his star man with him to Old Trafford once he has taken over as Manchester United boss.Gyokeres celebrates with this trademark move – but has kept the meaning a secretCredit: GettyHe denied it has anything to do with Hannibal LecterCredit: Alamy More

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    Neymar at risk of being made UNEMPLOYED as Al-Hilal ‘consider ripping up his £2.5million-a-week contract’

    NEYMAR is at risk of having his contract ripped up by Al-Hilal, according to reports.The superstar has struggled since his blockbuster move to Saudi Arabia.Al-Hilal could rip up Neymar’s contractCredit: GettyHe has been hit by injuries with an ACL tear keeping him sidelined for a year.Neymar, 32, made a return to action last month but featured in just two matches, for a grand total of 42 minutes, before picking up another injury.He has now been ruled out for three weeks with a muscle problem.And now Al-Hilal are considering getting rid of the Brazilian in January, six months before his contract expires, according to Brazilian outlet UOL.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAl-Hilal splashed £77.6million on Neymar but could be keen to get rid of his astronomical salary, understood to be worth £2.5m-a-week.If Neymar leaves he could return to Brazil, and possibly to Santos where he began his career.Al-Hilal club chiefs have been left frustrated and “fed up” with some of his off-field behaviour, with a club source revealing of it had been seen as “unprofessional” – a suggestion Neymar is yet to respond to.During his time out Neymar focused on things off the pitch, adding to his property portfolio by buying a £7m private island off the coast of Brazil.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHe is said to be closing in on a deal to snap up Japao Private Island.Its Canadian owner is said to have sparked Neymar’s interest after slashing the asking price by more than £3million to get a quick sale.Chris Eubank Jr and Conor Benn square up as Neymar ‘acts like guest referee’ in baffling scenes More

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    Andoni Iraola is everything you’d want in a manager… after horror start Spaniard has Cherries on fast-track to Europe

    WHEN Andoni Iraola failed to win any of his first nine Premier League games as Bournemouth boss, some critics claimed he was on the verge of the sack.But Cherries chiefs believed in Iraola so much that they considered giving him a new contract to shut the doubters up – and their faith has been justified in spades.Andoni Iraola is leading a revolution on the South Coast with BournemouthCredit: GettyThe Cherries continued their fine form with a win over champions Man City last weekCredit: GettySince Bournemouth lost 2-1 at home to former boss Gary O’Neil and Wolves on October 21, 2023 – with 10 men and to an 88th-minute goal, by the way – their form has been excellent.Across 39 games, in other words just over a season, they have won 60 points – the sixth-highest total.Only Manchester City, Liverpool, Arsenal, Chelsea and Aston Villa are ahead of them in that table, which means Newcastle, Manchester United and Tottenham are all behind.The Cherries’ success is a vindication of their early trust in Iraola and the way he and they have transformed the team into one of the most exciting in the Premier League.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLAnd they are continuing to evolve this season.Statistics show that Bournemouth are developing as an attacking force. They have generated the fourth most shots, crosses and overall passes into the box, and are joint top for high turnovers leading to shots.Their goal tally of 13 is a bit off their xG of 16.42.Most read in FootballBut the finish by club record signing Evanilson to put them 2-0 up against champions City last weekend suggests Bournemouth are capable of putting the cherry on top of their attacking intensity more often.BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAnd having failed to beat any of last season’s top six in 2023/4, they have won against City and Arsenal, and drawn with Aston Villa, in their last three games.How has Iraola done it? By all accounts, through the winning combination of being a top coach and a top bloke.Meet the new Wags of the Premier League season, from a Belgian interior designer to a Portuguese modelTo stop afternoon team meetings and video analysis sessions becoming too intense, he breaks them up with outbreaks of fun.Players enjoy games of football bingo in which a website generates a card with categories like “played under Jose Mourinho” or “won the top flight in England”, and then produces names of players which have to be matched.Iraola seems to have the full house of qualities you would want in a manager and coach.On the training ground, ably assisted by coaches Tommy Elphick and Shaun Cooper, he is hands-on and full-on.He helps lay out the cones and boxes for drills and then takes charge, with balls under his arms and a whistle to his lips.It’s fair to say Iraola’s methods and style of play were a culture shock in the pre-season of summer 2023.At least one player confessed he was finding it all too different and too difficult.But now that same player is one of the top performers.Although you would expect the mood to be good in the current situation, Iraola’s squad seem genuinely to enjoy the high-intensity, risk-and-reward football he preaches.The head coach himself also acknowledges the stability and quality of his environment.Iraola has been given the support he needs, both to weather the early storm and to recruit the kind of players he wants.The loss of technical director Richard Hughes to Liverpool this year was not a surprise to the club and former captain Simon Francis stepped up to implement successfully a summer spree that had been well planned.Owner Bill Foley and the board have sanctioned more than £200m of spending since Iraola’s arrival.This year’s signings were offset in large part by the sale of Dominic Solanke to Tottenham for an initial £55m.Yet even without their top scorer from last season, the Cherries continue their rise towards the top.Beating the record top-flight points tally of 48 set in May already looks like a realistic aspiration.But no-one at Bournemouth is getting carried away, least of all Iraola.His first statement win as Cherries boss was a 3-0 victory at Manchester United in December last year – the club had never triumphed at Old Trafford before.Iraola knew how big it was because when he got home, his wife and two children, who didn’t usually get too caught up in football, were well aware of what had happened.But last weekend after the victory over City, he went back to an empty house because the family were back in Spain for half term.READ MORE SUN STORIESFamily man Iraola is in many ways a very normal guy. But what he has done in the last year at Bournemouth feels special.Despite the loss of Dominic Solanke, the Cherries continue to impressCredit: Rex More

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    Fears Cole Palmer will miss Arsenal clash as he’s absent from Chelsea training after Martinez’s horror challenge

    COLE PALMER remains a doubt for Chelsea’s crunch home clash against rivals Arsenal on Sunday.The Blues’ brightest spark Palmer is yet to train this week after he was cut down by Lisandro Martinez in Chelsea’s drab 1-1 draw with Man Utd.Lisandro Martinez escaped a red card for his high tackle on Cole PalmerThe challenge could gave caused a serious injuryPalmer hasn’t trained with Chelsea this weekCredit: GettyIn stoppage time, Red Devils defender Martinez lived up to his “Butcher” name after he lunged into a tackle with Blues playmaker Palmer and caught him on the knee with this studs.Martinez escaped a red card following a review by VAR after Robert Jones’ initial on-field decision of a yellow card was upheld.Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca was fuming with the decision and confirmed that Palmer was handed an ice pack in the dressing room.Palmer has not trained since the reckless challenge.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSThe club organised a precautionary scan for the England star to get official confirmation ahead of their meeting with Arsenal.But there could be an easy explanation for Palmer’s absence at Cobham.Palmer was never going to be involved in Thursday night’s Conference League tie due to not being named in the squad for the league phase.Nevertheless Maresca has offered some clarity in his pre-match press conference on Wednesday ahead of their clash against FC Noah.Most read in FootballEnzo Maresca was left fuming as Martinez avoided a red cardFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAsked if playing Palmer on Sunday would be a risk, Maresca said: “Yes, for sure. He didn’t train the last two days.”Hopefully he can be fit. The tackle, it is quite clear it was not a normal one. Hopefully he can be back.Cole Palmer’s reaction to being compared to Zola will make you feel old as fans say ‘he actually said that out loud?'”Cole didn’t train yesterday, we will see today if he is able to train with us. “Will he be fit for Arsenal? We hope so, we need to wait and seen and then decide.”Jadon Sancho, the summer signing from United, remains unavailable after suffering a knock in training.While Palmer’s absence would no doubt be huge, several stars could now be handed their chance at impressing in his place.One of those is Joao Felix, who is yet to start in the Premier League since rejoining the club for £45m from Atletico Madrid over the summer. Maresca said: “I feel a shame about Joao, but not only about Joao.READ MORE SUN STORIES”I would like to give him more minutes in the Premier League. We need defensive balance.”We cannot play with Joao, Cole and Christopher Nkunku. I like to put all of them on the pitch but then you also have to defend.”Chelsea player ratings vs Man UtdCHELSEA came from a goal down to rescue a point at Old Trafford.Robert Sanchez brought down Rasmus Hojlund with 20 minutes remaining and Bruno Fernandes rolled in what looked to be a decisive spot kick.But Chelsea hit back swiftly as Moises Caicedo’s sweet strike flew into the bottom corner.Here is how SunSport’s Lloyd Canfield saw the performances of the Chelsea players in the 1-1 draw…Robert Sanchez – 3Made a few really good saves in the first half, and was much improved after a poor performance last time out against Newcastle.That was until he gave away a reckless penalty on Rasmus Hojlund, which was easily dispatched by Bruno Fernandes.His mistakes are starting to cost Chelsea time after time.Malo Gusto – 2Got in good positions in the first half, but was often wasteful when he got there.Was booked for a late challenge on Manuel Ugarte, before being hooked for Cucurella at half-time after an awful overall showing.Wesley Fofana – 6A strong performance at the back was marred only by the Frenchman letting Rasmus Hojlund escape him before winning a penalty for his side.Showed brilliant recovery pace throughout the game, and made some crucial challenges too.Levi Colwill – 6That was a strong defensive showing from the Chelsea number 6.For a player with a passing range as impressive as his is, it would’ve been nice to see him use it more as Chelsea looked for a goal.Reece James – 5Improved this week, but still showed signs of rustiness as he gave the ball away in dangerous positions a few times.More effective on the right side in Malo Gusto’s position, and more comfortable there as expected with Marc Cucurella on the left.Another 90 minutes in the tank is fantastic news for Chelsea fans.Moises Caicedo – 9Scored a certain contender for goal of the month with a sensational volley from the edge of the box to level the scoring for his side.Effective in breaking up play for the Blues once more, and showed why he is worthy of the £100m price tag Chelsea paid for him.Romeo Lavia – 8Another impressive midfield performance from the Belgian, who shows prowess beyond his years on and off the ball.Seems the perfect pivot partner for Moises Caicedo, and people need to start talking about how Manchester City let him go for peanuts.Noni Madueke – 6Unfortunate to hit the post in the 13th minute with a header following a corner.Worked hard defensively throughout the game too, but was unable to really put his creative abilities to the test.Cole Palmer – 7In the first half, his signature ‘Palmer touch’ got the away supporters off their feet, and he was Chelsea’s most creative outlet on the day.Unable to add another goal or assist to his impressive tally this season, but still had a solid showing.Pedro Neto – 5Showed flashes of brilliance on the left-hand side, and came close with a shot across goal in the second half.Was moved to the right-hand side in the second half, but it was much of the same from there.Nicolas Jackson – 5Pretty invisible up front for Chelsea today.Worked hard and tracked back well when required to, but fans were left confused as to why Christopher Nkunku was left on the bench.In fairness to him, could’ve had an assist if Enzo Fernandez could finish his dinner.SubsMarc Cucurella (for Gusto, 46 mins) – 5A solid showing on the left-hand side. Chelsea look a better team with him in the 11.Mykhailo Mudryk (for Madueke, 70 mins) – 4Tried to light things up on the left hand side, but his spark wasn’t enough to win the game for his side.Enzo Fernandez (for Lavia, 70 mins) – 2Missed an absolute sitter which would have won his team the game after coming on. Looks very short on confidence.Click here to read more Chelsea stories. More

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    Uefa make final decision over England punishment after fans’ controversial act during Ireland clash

    BOTH the FA and the Football Association of Ireland have been fined following England’s Nations League clash with Ireland.The Three Lions won the match 2-0 in September thanks to goals from Jack Grealish and Declan Rice.The FA and FAI have both been hit with fines after Ireland’s game with EnglandCredit: GettySeptember’s game in Dublin was marred by several fan incidentsCredit: GettySupporters from both nations also booed the national anthemsCredit: GettyUefa have dished out fines after fans from both teams booed the national anthems at the Aviva Stadium.England supporters were deemed to have jeered throughout Amhran na bhFiann.The FA has been slapped with a £10,500 fine as a result. Ireland fans drowned out God Save The King, with the FAI being told to pay £8,400.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLEngland’s fine was greater because the booing was deemed a repeat offence.Both associations were also hit with further fines after disorder plagued the fixture in Dublin.Uefa hit the FAI with bills of £7,800 for lighting flares and £5,000 after a fan ran on to the field of play.The FA was also fined £4,150 after an England fan dashed onto the pitch. Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSEngland’s win was their first under interim boss Lee Carsley.Irish fans had prepared a hostile welcome for the returning Rice and Grealish.Jack Grealish opens up on ‘one of the worst summers of my life’ after scoring against England over former side IrelandThe £100m stars had played for the country before switching allegiance to England.A banner at the Irish end of the ground proclaimed “The snakes are back” alongside pictures of the pair.Jack Grealish and Declan Rice both found the net in DublinCredit: GettyCarsley is set to take charge of the Three Lions’ games with Greece and Ireland later this month.He will then finish his interim job and return to his former role with the England under-21s.Thomas Tuchel has been hired as a full-time replacement for Gareth Southgate and will start his new role in January. More