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      Chelsea and Man City boost as Club World Cup to be shown on free-to-air TV in the UK after landmark deal

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      CHANNEL Five will screen more than 20 games at this summer’s expanded Club World Cup after teaming up with the terrestrial partner of streamer DAZN.DAZN were announced as the global broadcaster of the tournament, with their £770m TV deal providing Fifa’s record cash pot.Chelsea chief Enzo Maresca and Man City rival Pep Guardiola will again be in the USA, for the Club World Cup, from June 15 to July 13Credit: GettyThis trophy will be a stake when some of the planet’s best teams meetCredit: GettyIt was anticipated that DAZN would find a broadcast partner in all major territories to ensure the widest possible access to supporters.But with BBC and ITV both opting out, Five emerged as the sub-licence partner.The DAZN deal means Chelsea and Manchester City are guaranteed around £30m up front with a further potential £67m if they go all the way to win the Final in New York in July.But now fans without access to streaming services will be able to watch 23 of the 63 games free of charge on terrestrial TV after the Five agreement.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThose games include 15 group stage matches, likely to include the games of the two Prem giants, two quarter-finals, one semi-final and the Final.The newly- expanded 32-team competition also includes Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, Paris Saint-Germain, Inter Milan and Juventus.Fans with smart TVs will be able to watch all 63 matches for free via DAZN.The British streaming platform has come to an arrangement with Fifa, who had gone into the new year reportedly still struggling to find a broadcaster. Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKAt one stage, Fifa president Gianni Infantino is understood to have held an emergency meeting in an attempt to bolster interest. ITV had hoped to tempt football’s ruling body into giving them broadcasting rights for FREE.Roy Keane cracks joke live on Sky Sports as he tells De Bruyne to join Man UtdIn exchange, ITV would have shown the games on their main channels – giving the event a high profile. But Fifa have now agreed a deal with smaller broadcaster Channel Five.The tournament runs from June 15 to July 13, across venues in the USA, including Charlotte, Cincinnati and Los Angeles. More

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      ‘That doesn’t happen’ – Gary Lineker broke down in tears over Ian Wright’s public show of support over MOTD axing

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      GARY LINEKER has opened up on his emotional response to Ian Wright’s Match of the Day boycott following his BBC suspension.Lineker, 64, was taken off air in March 2023 after the Beeb claimed that he had “breached their guidelines” regarding social media.Gary Lineker has opened up on his 2023 Match of the Day suspensionCredit: BBCLineker, 64, has struck up a close bond with his MOTD colleaguesThe veteran presenter had posted on X, comparing the Government’s plans to ban migrants arriving on small boats from settling in Britain with “1930’s Germany”.This sparked a “free speech row” as Lineker’s BBC colleagues Wright, Alan Shearer, Jermaine Jenas, Alex Scott, Mark Chapman and Micah Richards all refused to step in.Commentators subsequently also went on strike, leading to the programme going out with no punditry or analysis.Reflecting on the episode while speaking to the BBC’s Amol Rajan, Lineker said: “I was just having late lunch and Ian Wright went public saying… (that he would boycott)”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAsked if Wright called him in advance, Lineker continued: “No, but we have a group chat.”And the day before, I said this might result with them taking me off air.”And he went: ‘That’s so ridiculous’. And he said: ‘If they do, I’m not doing the show’.”It’s one thing saying that, it’s a very much different thing actually doing it.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UK”I was in the back of a cab on the way home when that happened and I was crying, because that doesn’t happen, that show of support, it’s incredible.”Lineker was later reinstated by the BBC, with Director General Tim Davie apologising for the “difficult period” for staff, presenters and audiences.Gary Lineker says BBC wanted him to quit MOTD to ‘change programme’ – despite star ‘um-ing & ah-ing’ about stayingLast November, The Sun revealed that Lineker would be stepping down as Match of the Day host at the end of the season.The former striker will be replaced by a rotating cast of Kelly Cates, Mark Chapman and Gabby Logan.Lineker will continue to present live coverage of FA Cup matches for the BBC during the 2025-26 season, before leaving the public broadcaster following the 2026 World Cup.Reflecting on the decision during his conversation with Rajan, Lineker admitted: “Well, perhaps they want me to leave. There was the sense of that.’A CHANCE TO CHANGE THE PROGRAMME'”I always wanted one more contract, and I was umm-ing and ahh-ing about whether to do three years [more].”In the end, I think there was a feeling that, because it was a new rights period, it was a chance to change the programme.”I think it was their preference that I didn’t do Match of the Day for one more year, so they could bring in new people.”Lineker has ruled out becoming a regular on another TV channel.Read More on The SunThe former England captain told FourFourTwo: “I don’t think you’ll see me doing much football, apart from the podcast.”I’ll do the odd thing, but I don’t think you’ll see me appearing regularly on another channel.”Kelly Cates, Mark Chapman and Gabby Logan will replace Gary Lineker on Match of the DayCredit: PA More

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      Gary Lineker says BBC wanted him to quit MOTD to ‘change programme’ – despite star ‘um-ing & ah-ing’ about staying

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      GARY Lineker has said he felt the BBC wanted him to leave Match Of The Day to “change the programme”.Lineker, 64, stepped down from MOTD in May last year and will leave the Beeb altogether in 2026 after next season’s FA Cup final and World Cup.Gary Lineker has said he felt the BBC wanted him to leave Match of the DayThe pundit stepped back from the show in May last yearCredit: BBCSpeaking to the BBC’s Amol Rajan, the pundit was asked why he would choose to leave.”Well, perhaps they want me to leave. There was the sense of that,” Lineker said.”I always wanted one more contract, and I was umm-ing and ahh-ing about whether to do three years [more].”In the end, I think there was a feeling that, because it was a new rights period, it was a chance to change the programme.Read More on Lineker”I think it was their preference that I didn’t do Match of the Day for one more year, so they could bring in new people.”But Lineker said the new set up “suits me perfectly”.There were questions previously regarding the England legend’s future and many wondered if he would sign with another channel amid intense speculation involving Sky Sports.However, the former hitman insisted he will not be seen on any TV rival and will instead be doing podcasts.Most read in FootballLineker told FourFourTwo: “I don’t think you’ll see me doing much football, apart from the podcast.”I’ll do the odd thing, but I don’t think you’ll see me appearing regularly on another channel.”David Beckham set sights on becoming next Gary Lineker as he lands TV chat show & lines up host of A-list pals as guestsLineker admitted that there were talks with Sky but he was too loyal to the BBC.The ex-Barcelona star will be focusing on his esteemed Goalhanger Podcasts, which consists of shows including The Rest Is Football, which he hosts alongside MOTD pals Alan Shearer and Micah Richards, The Rest Is Politics and The Rest Is History.Astonishingly, all 13 pods collectively achieve more than 40million downloads a month.And according to Podwatch, who get their data from iTunes and Spotify, Goalhanger Podcasts occupy the top four spots in the UK.Lineker added: “We’ve had talks with Sky at various points, but I always wanted to stick with the BBC.”I could have earned a lot more, though I know I’ve been well paid anyway, obviously.”I’ve had offers to go elsewhere but I just loved being with the BBC, and also how it helps everything else you do.”It’s not only the kudos, the audience is much bigger. More people still watch Match of the Day than probably the biggest live game on Sundays.”Also, I’m quite loyal. I’ve had the same guy cut my hair for 40 years, the same guy training me in the gym for 30 years, the same agent since I was 18…”David Beckham set sights on becoming next Gary Lineker as he lands TV chat show & lines up host of A-list pals as guestsBy Andy RobinsonFOOTBALL legend David Beckham has his sights set on becoming the next Gary Lineker after landing his first TV chat show.The ex-England captain will host Beckham & Friends Live on Paramount+ and guests may include his pals Gordon Ramsay, Tom Cruise and Ryan Reynolds.Viewers in the UK and US can watch as Golden Balls sips wine with the A-list stars and chats about the action during Champions League matches.The first two episodes will be live from London ­covering the semi-final second legs between Inter Milan and Barcelona, and PSG and Arsenal on May 6 and 7.Becks, 49, will then fly out to Germany, for the final at Munich’s Allianz Arena on May 31, but he is tight-lipped about who might join him.Speaking from his Miami home in Florida, he told America’s CBS Golazo sports network: “I’m really looking forward to turning up with a few mates, a few glasses of wine, watching the game and great conversation.”He previewed rehearsals for the show, anchored by UCL Today’s Kate Scott, in a cosy studio featuring house plants, armchairs, books on coffee tables and a homely rug.Another Instagram clip had him being embraced by Arsenal and Barcelona legend Thierry Henry, who teased him about his old club Real Madrid losing to Arsenal.A lucrative move into punditry could see Golden Balls replace Lineker, who is stepping down from Match of the Day, as Britain’s favourite football broadcaster.It comes off the back of his hugely successful Netflix documentary series Beckham, which offered a never-before-seen insight into his life and playing career.An insider said: “It is a huge deal for the channel and shows just how big David is in America.“He has become a global icon.“Both sides are winners. “It is a big money deal but will raise his profile even higher in America.“It will also bring a lot of viewers in.“David has shown with his Netflix docs that he is comfortable in front of the camera but this will see him live and unedited. “It will make for great television.”It was announced in January he will be replaced by a three-person presenting team consisting of Kelly Cates, Mark Chapman, and Gabby Logan.Asked why a trio are needed, Lineker previously told FourFourTwo: “That’s probably down to the fact it’s a massive commitment.“Those three have all got families, and if you’re saying someone is going to do it for the next ten or 20 years, then your weekends are gone.“That might be it, I don’t know. I didn’t get involved in any of that.”I take it as a compliment that they’ve named three, but I suspect it’s not due to that.“I haven’t seen them yet to speak to them, but I will do.”They’ll be fine and they’ll do a great job. I’ve known them all for years, they’re top presenters.”Lineker also opened up about his BBC suspension in March 2023 after he posted comments on X.He took to social media to hit out at the then Illegal Migration Bill, which banned migrants who arrive on small boats from settling in Britain.Lineker’s former co-hosts on Match of The Day, Ian Wright and Alan Shearer have also stepped back from the show in a sign of solidarity to Lineker.He told Rajan: “I don’t regret saying them publicly, because I was right – what I said, it was accurate – so not at all in that sense.”But, Lineker said he would not do it again “in hindsight” – despite dubbing the fallout “nonsense” and “a ridiculous overreaction”.He said: “I wouldn’t do it again because of all the kerfuffle that followed, and I love the BBC, and I didn’t like the damage that it did to the BBC… But do I regret it and do I think it was the wrong thing to do? No.”Read More on The SunThe BBC updated its social media guidance in 2023 after a review sparked by Lineker’s tweet controversy.A spokesperson said at the time that presenters of flagship programmes, such as Match Of The Day, “carry a particular responsibility to respect the BBC’s impartiality, because of their profile on the BBC”.Thanks for the matchday memories, GaryBy Joshua Jones, Sports ReporterFOR as long as I can remember, Gary Lineker has been the No1 football presenter. Born a few years after his retirement as a player, I have no memories of my own of Lineker on the pitch – for Leicester, Everton, Barcelona, Tottenham or England.Instead, I grew up with him as a regular in our lounge on a Saturday night, hosting Match of the Day. For more than two decades, it has been Lineker, the increasingly silver fox, who provided a sense of continuity and stability, an ever-present regardless of which pundits joined him in the studio and which teams made up the Premier League season after season. An astute understanding of the game, his charming persona and his consistency over the years have made him a firm favourite. It is telling that MOTD continues to be such a success and must-watch viewing for so many in an era when all the goals and incidents from Premier League matches are available well before 10.30pm on a Saturday night. He always seemed to hit the right note, too – whether he was required to make a sombre, serious announcement live on air or signing off the show with one of his trademark quips.In recent years, he has not been afraid to speak his mind more and more, thanks in part to his platform as the top-paid BBC presenter and his huge profile outside of the MOTD studio – namely on social media and on his own podcast.His long run in the Match of the Day hot seat means, for many football fans of my era, our whole football journey has been accompanied by Lineker – from the heights of Premier League title wins and FA Cup upsets to the depths of relegation and, of course, heartbreak with England.Because while the bread and butter Match of the Day is the Saturday night highlights, Lineker has also been the main man for the Three Lions’ major tournaments, having to console millions of BBC viewers after gut-wrenching defeats to Croatia, Italy, France and Spain in recent years while he himself, as big a football fan as any of us, mourned another missed opportunity.There is one Lineker moment that stands out above the rest, though. Of course, Lineker Road in my hometown of Leicester beside the old Filbert Street stadium got its name thanks to his goalscoring exploits for his beloved Foxes.But he deserved a far greater honour for what he did on August 13, 2016, famously presenting MOTD in his (very baggy!) pants, coming good on a promise he vowed should Leicester win the title. And somehow he kept a straight face through it all. Ironically, the biggest compliment many people can pay Lineker as MOTD host is that they didn’t know he was a footballer – he is not just an ex-pro who has made a smooth transition from the stadium to the studio but is instead a brilliant TV presenter in his own right, regardless of his status in football.That is proven by the very fact Lineker succeeded the iconic Des Lynam in 1999 as MOTD host so successfully.It will require another fine presenter and plenty of time to follow in his footsteps as a new era begins.They may well succeed, too, but no one will ever really replace Lineker – what he means to so many football fans and the role he plays in countless memories over the last 25 years. Thank you for everything, Gary. Gary Lineker has outlined plans for after Match of the DayCredit: YOUTUBE / The Rest Is FootballThe former footie legend is set to focus on his podcastsCredit: PA More

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      ‘My heart sank’ – BBC legend reveals she ‘had to drink a lot of vodka’ to deal with nerves of making MOTD history

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      FOOTIE commentator Jacqui Oatley has opened up about overcoming the backlash she faced when she made telly history.It’s been EIGHTEEN years since Oatley became the first woman to commentate on Match of the Day.Jacqui Oatley became the first woman to commentate on Match of the Day in 2007Credit: Getty Images – GettyThe announcement that Oatley would cover Fulham’s 1-1 draw against Blackburn Rovers in the Premier League on April 21, 2007 made headline news.In an interview with The Athletic, Oatley explained how she had honed her craft while offering live commentary and reports on radio for several years before that.And the Match of the Day gig would involve an editor clipping Oatley’s 90-minute commentary, recorded ‘as live’ at Craven Cottage.It would be cut into an eight-and-a-half-minute audio package to air over the match footage for the BBC highlights show.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut Oatley recalled the “stomach-drop moment” when she realised that her history-making commentary job had received a lot of negative coverage and fan fury.The Wolves fan told The Athletic: “My heart sank. That’s when it really grew legs with the sexism element.”Three days before her big job, Oatley’s radio alarm woke her up at 7am with the sound of Radio 5 Live talking about it.Presenter Rachel Burden, who Oatley “loves to bits”, was introducing vox pops from members of the public who had been asked whether Oatley should be allowed to do it.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSBy the Friday, the day before the match, Oatley admitted to hardly having slept or eaten. The 50-year-old added: “My only regret was that I couldn’t be at my best for the most-watched game of my life. Unseen Match of the Day footage shows how pundit analysis really works as BBC boss looks to cut highlightsOatley’s career went from strength-to-strength as she became a leading figure in the world of sport journalismCredit: Getty“I’d love for it all to have stopped and just gone away. But that was never an option.“I was really conscious that if I’d commentated and people hated the sound of my voice, or they just didn’t trust me to convey what was going on.“It was purely the judging of my gender. I wanted to do a good job, but also hang around and stay around, not just do it on that day. “Because people do make assessments of an entire gender based on that kind of thing, which is hilarious and ridiculous at the same time.”And during the commentary itself, Oatley admitted to feeling like a bag of nerves and that she needed a strong drink afterwards.It was purely the judging of my gender.Jacqui OatleyIn his post-match interview, the then-Blackburn manager, Mark Hughes, asked her how it went.She then walked to her car in a daze, drove home and called Alison Mitchell, the cricket commentator, and 5 Live presenter Phil Williams to arrange a night out.Oatley said: “I wanted to drink a lot of vodka to make it possible to deal with the final thing.”She paced the hallway of Mitchell’s flat decided her efforts “didn’t sound too horrendous. I just needed to get through it”.Jacqui Oatley and Stuart Pearce presenting the FA Cup Youth Cup in 2017Credit: GettyMOTD presenter Gary Lineker – who is leaving the flagship show after 25 years at the end of this season – introduced Oatley’s segment.Lineker said: “After all the publicity this week, the moment has finally come for a little piece of history on Match of the Day. “For the first time ever, Lawrie Sanchez took charge of his Fulham side at Craven Cottage. Also making her debut, commentator Jacqui Oatley.”And now Kelly Cates and Gabby Logan will join Mark Chapman as part of a trio of presenters to front MOTD from next season.Oatley’s career went from strength-to-strength as she became a leading figure in the world of sport journalism. She was also the UK’s first female darts presenter, covering major tournaments for ITV.Read More on The SunThe BBC legend is an Ambassador for Women in Football and was awarded an MBE in the New Year Honours in 2016 for services to broadcasting and diversity in sport.At the 2022 Qatar World Cup, Oatley became the first female to offer play-by-play commentary of a World Cup match in the United States. More

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      ‘Really underrated pundit’ – Gary Lineker reveals left-field pick for favourite Match of the Day pundit ahead of exit

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      GARY LINEKER has revealed which pundit he will miss working with the most after quitting Match of the Day.The 64-year-old is stepping down as presenter of the highlights show at the end of this season.Gary Lineker has revealed which pundit he will miss the mostCredit: PALineker was full of praise for Danny MurphyCredit: The SunLineker will cover FA Cup games next campaign and the 2026 World Cup for the BBC before retiring.After 26 years as Match of the Day host, the ex-striker has worked with many of the best pundits in the game.Asked for his favourite, Lineker told FourFourTwo: “I don’t like any of the others… that’s a joke.”I’ll miss Danny Murphy, a really underrated pundit, analytically good, and always fun to be around.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLLineker ruled out Alan Shearer and Micah Richards as he will still be working with them on their Rest Is Football Podcast.Former England midfielder Murphy first appeared on Match of the Day in August 2013 before he officially hung up his boots.The ex-Liverpool and Fulham star’s broadcasting career also extends to the radio, with him regularly on BBC 5Live and talkSPORT.Lineker’s replacement as Match of the Day host was revealed in January.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSThe Beeb announced that Mark Chapman, Gabby Logan and Kelly Cates will share the role on a rotating basis.Asked why a trio are needed, Lineker explained: “That’s probably down to the fact it’s a massive commitment.’Early retirement for you-‘ – Danny Murphy makes cheeky comment to departing Match of the Day presenter Gary Lineker“Those three have all got families, and if you’re saying someone is going to do it for the next ten or 20 years, then your weekends are gone.“That might be it, I don’t know. I didn’t get involved in any of that. “I take it as a compliment that they’ve named three, but I suspect it’s not due to that.“I haven’t seen them yet to speak to them, but I will do.”They’ll be fine and they’ll do a great job. I’ve known them all for years, they’re top presenters.” More

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      All 30 of BBC pundits’ Premier League predictions from start of season with Liverpool not backed by ANYONE

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      THE BBC pundit’s predicitons for the Premier League have resurfaced with one glaring issue.England’s top-flight already appears to be wrapped up with the champions and relegated trio practicially confirmed.Liverpool are set to win their second Premier League titleCredit: ReutersBBC pundits had only backed Arsenal or Man City for the titleCredit: AFPManchester United have suffered a shockingly bad season in the leagueCredit: AlamyOne Beed pundit backed West Ham for a top four finishCredit: AlamyLiverpool are on course to seal their second Premier League title – but not one pundit saw it coming.Arne Slot has built on the foundations laid by Jurgen Klopp and has them fully in the driving seat for the title.The Reds are just two wins away from confirming themselves as the league winners and snatch the crown away from Manchester City.The Citizens have not put up a fight to defend theiur title and are battling to stay in the top four.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLArsenal have been the closest competitors to Slot’s side but failure to convert draws into wins has seen them fall well off the pace.The Premier League has also seen some shock teams challenge for the European spots this season.Nottingham Forest have been a breath of fresh air with their surprise contention for the Champions League spaces.Under Nuno Espirito Santo the East Midlands side have consistantly remained in the top four this campaign.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSForest are in a good position to see the club return to the top European competition that they have previous won twice.However, regular top four contenders Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United have been languishing in the bottom half.Peter Crouch reveals wife Abbey Clancy mistook Liverpool star for another woman Fara Williams was one of two pundits to back Liverpool to come secondCredit: GettyThe BBC pundit predicitons did not relfect what would ultimately happen as not one backed Liverpool to win the title.Punidts were split between Arsenal and Man City for first place with only Stephan Warnock and Fara Williams backing the Reds to come at least second.There were some calls from the pundits that have turned out to be wide of the mark.Ellen White called for West Ham to finish fourth but they are 17th whil Steve Sidwell expected Manchester United to come second, they are 14th.BBC Pundits Premier League predictionsEllen White – Arsenal, Man City, Liverpool, West HamStephen Warnock – Man City, Liverpool, Arsenal, Aston VillaRachel Brown-Finnis – Man City, Arsenal, Liverpool, Aston VillaFara Williams – Arsenal, Liverpool, Man City, ChelseaSteve Sidwell – Man City, Man United, Arsenal, ChelseaNedum Onuoha – Arsenal, Man City, Liverpool, TottenhamSue Smith – Arsenal, Man City, Liverpool, TottenhamDanny Gabbidon – Arsenal, Man City, Liverpool, TottenhamLeon Osman – Arsenal, Man City, Newcastle, TottenhamMatt Upson – Arsenal, Man City, Liverpool, ChelseaChris Waddle – Arsenal, Man City, Liverpool, ChelseaGlenn Murray – Arsenal, Man City, Liverpool, ChelseaJermaine Beckford – Arsenal, Man City, Tottenham, LiverpoolAshley Williams – Man City, Arsenal, Chelsea, LiverpoolPat Nevin – Man City, Arsenal, Newcastle, ChelseaMicah Richards – Man City, Arsenal, Liverpool, Man UnitedKaren Bardsley – Man City, Arsenal, Liverpool, Man UnitedJoe Hart – Man City, Arsenal, Liverpool, Man UnitedDion Dublin – Man City, Arsenal, Liverpool, Man UnitedRob Green – Man City, Arsenal, Liverpool, Man UnitedTroy Deeney – Man City, Arsenal, Liverpool, NewcastleAnita Asante – Man City, Arsenal, Liverpool, NewcastleLindsay Johnson – Man City, Arsenal, Liverpool, NewcastleShay Given – Man City, Arsenal, Liverpool, NewcastleDanny Murphy – Man City, Arsenal, Liverpool, TottenhamClinton Morrison – Man City, Arsenal, Liverpool, TottenhamPaul Robinson – Man City, Arsenal, Liverpool, TottenhamChris Sutton – Man City, Arsenal, Liverpool, TottenhamRead More on The SunMichael Brown – Man City, Arsenal, Liverpool, TottenhamTheo Walcott – Arsenal, Man City, Liverpool, Tottenham More

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      ‘The concern is great’ – Red Bull advisor issues worrying Max Verstappen update as contract clause emerges

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      MAX VERSTAPPEN could leave Red Bull due to a clause in his contract, the team’s motorsport advisor Helmut Marko has revealed.The reigning Formula One world champion sits third in the World Drivers Championship standings and eight points off of top spot after a disappointing sixth-place finish at the Bahrain Grand Prix.Helmut Marko has said there is ‘great concern’ about Max Verstappen leaving Red BullCredit: GettyVerstappen has a clause in his contract stating he can leave if they do not provide a winning carCredit: GettyRed Bull have long suffered with pace problems compared to constructor champions McLaren, whose drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri – the winner in Bahrain – sit first and second in the drivers championship.Verstappen had one of his greatest-ever drives in F1 to win the Japanese Grand Prix earlier this month.But that performance was largely propped up by claiming pole position while a lack of tyre degradation and the narrow Suzuka track meant overtaking was next to impossible in the race.Regardless, performance issues this season – which Verstappen has highlighted as balance issues making the car unpredictable on corner entry and giving it mid-corner understeer – have left the Dutchman fuming.READ MORE IN F1And it could prompt the 27-year-old to consider his future with the team.According to BBC Sport, a clause written into his contract, which runs until 2026, says they have to provide him with a winning car or else he is free to leave.Team advisor Marko has suggested there is currently “great concern” over Verstappen’s future in F1 with Red Bull owing to the performance issues they are facing.Marko, 81, told Sky Germany: “The concern is great. Improvements have to come in the near future so that he has a car with which he can win again.Most read in MotorsportBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UK”We have to create a basis with a car so that he can fight for the world championship.”Verstappen has won four titles in a row with Red Bull but appears to have an uphill task to score an unprecedented fifth this season.Verstappen’s excruciating reaction to Jack Whitehall gag at F1 new season launch event Speaking to the BBC in March, Marko said: “We have this huge motivation to achieve this fifth title.”We also know that if we don’t deliver for Max, all the top drivers have performance clauses in their contract…”The whole team is focused to achieve this fifth title which we didn’t make with [Sebastian] Vettel but this time there is a possibility.”After Verstappen’s P6 finish in Bahrain, senior figures at Red Bull including team principal Christian Horner, technical director, Pierre Waché, chief engineer, Paul Monaghan and advisor Marko held a crisis meeting.It was also reported by Sky Sport’s Ted Kravitz that Verstappen’s manager, Raymond Vermeulen, was seen angrily confronting Marko in the team’s garage after the race. The Bahrain race was also underlined by two slow pit stops for Verstappen, something Red Bull are usually top of the class for.Verstappen has been linked to both Mercedes and Aston Martin, with the latter being forced to deny a report in January suggesting they would offer the F1 ace a package worth £1billion.Read More on The SunWith new engine and chassis regulations set to come into play in 2026, Verstappen could jump ship from Red Bull during a pivotal time for F1.Aston Martin have recruited former Red Bull designer Adrian Newey into their ranks for the era, while Mercedes are widely accepted to currently be in the best position to take advantage of the new rules. More

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      Thomas Tuchel made England stars play Traitors game in first camp prompting love cheat Kyle Walker into shock admission

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      ENGLAND boss Thomas Tuchel got his Three Lions stars to play a version of BBC TV hit The Traitors at their first training camp.And this time love-rat defender Kyle Walker was telling the truth when he said he was a Faithful.Thomas Tuchel got his Three Lions stars to play a version of BBC TV hit The Traitors at their first training campLove-rat defender Kyle Walker was telling the truth when he said he was a FaithfulThe AC Milan star has two children by his former mistress — and was forced to admit that finding wrong ’uns is harder than he imagined.Real Madrid star Jude Bellingham was quickly outed as a Traitor, soon followed by skipper Harry Kane.But goalie Jordan Pickford, midfielder Morgan Gibbs-White and striker Dominic Solanke all went under the radar.Kyle said: “You get to see a few of the characters.Read more on Thomas Tuchel“And I think, for Tuchel as well, it was more of a squad-building exercise. He could see who was vocal and stuff like that.“It’s a good bit of fun, trying to convince people if you are a Faithful or a Traitor. It brought the squad together.”He revealed the inside story of German Tuchel’s first England camp in the second episode of The Kyle Walker Podcast on the BBC.The footie star, below, who has won 95 England caps, explained: “I sat next to Harry Kane and Jordan Pickford — next to two Traitors.Most read in Football“And I’m talking to them, saying, ‘You’re not a Traitor, are you?’ Harry Kane’s like, ‘No, I’m not a Traitor’. I believed him.“Pickers, normally when he’s the Traitor he goes bright red. When I asked him, he was bang still. He’s lost his redness, so he’s become better at lying.”’That was missing’ – Brutally blunt Thomas Tuchel reveals disappointment in Rashford and Foden’s England performancesKyle, who has an elbow injury and could be out for the rest of the season, also told of his desperation to reach 100 England caps.He said: “The hundred is getting closer, which is a massive objective.“I look back to when I first started with Fabio Capello and to think all those years ago, I probably said I wanted to get to 25 caps.“Then you surpass 25 caps, you’re looking for the 50. And I was on 49 and got sent off. And then you’re thinking it’s all over.“So to get these caps in the last two games, it was great.”He praised former England boss Sir Gareth Southgate, but said with Tuchel, it was “a new way”.And he warned: “Like they say, Rome wasn’t built in a day. So it’s going to take a little bit of time.” More