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      How England could line up under Thomas Tuchel with brand new formation and return for forgotten man

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      ENGLAND could be set for a new look team should Thomas Tuchel be appointed as manager.The German is reportedly in negotiations with the FA over the role vacated by Gareth Southgate earlier this year.Thomas Tuchel is reportedly in talks to become the next England managerCredit: GettyHe could offer a recall to Mason Mount should he be appointedCredit: GettyRuben Loftus-Cheek could be given another chance in a England shirtCredit: GettyThe Three Lions are currently under the charge of interim boss Lee Carsley, who has won two of his three games.Last time out, though, England were uninspiring and humbled by Greece 2-1 at Wembley.Carsley experimented with his team due to Harry Kane’s absence but could not get a tune out of his attacking line-up, whch included Jude Bellingham and Phil Foden, with Cole Palmer behind them.Tuchel, however, could opt for a very different style to the interim boss should he be appointed.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe former Chelsea and Bayern Munich manager usually uses a 3-4-3 formation, which could provide an opportunity for one forgotten star.Mason Mount has not been involved in the England set-up since the World Cup in 2022.However, he enjoyed his most successful spell under Tuchel while the pair were at Stamford Bridge.While playing under Tuchel, Mount scored 19 goals in 87 appearances in all competitions and won the Champions League in 2021.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSShould Tuchel land the England job, then he could get the best out of Mount for the national team.However, the midfielder would need to bounce back and improve his form at Manchester United, having missed a lot of football due to injury since joining the club.Lee Carsley’s slip of the tongue after Greece nightmare hints he wants England U21s job back and not replace SouthgateBen Chilwell could return to the England teamCredit: AlamyTuchel could reinstate Eric Dier to the Three Lions’ backlineCredit: GettyMount’s reintroduction could be the first of former England players to get another crack at the whip on the international stage.Although if Mount returns then it could be in the place of Phil Foden or Cole Palmer.Tuchel could also offer lifelines to other previously capped players such as Ben Chilwell, Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Eric Dier.Luke Shaw is considered the nation’s best left-back, but due to his injury struggles Tuchel could opt for Chilwell in his place.The full-back starred for the German during his time at Stamford Bridge and has already earned 21 caps for England.Loftus-Cheek could come back into the team to partner Declan Rice in the midfield.The midfielder has excelled since his move to AC Milan, scoring ten goals in his 48 appearances.The Three Lions have struggled to find a partner for Rice, with Kobbie Mainoo, Adam Wharton and Angel Gomes all being given chances.Dier played for Tuchel at Bayern Munich as part of a back-three last season.The defender did enough to convince the club to make his loan move permanent after he had fallen out of favour at Tottenham.Reece James could also be a beneficiary of Tuchel’s potential appointment.Should the Chelsea star regain his fitness, then he would certainly be a shoo-in over Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold in the right-wing-back role.Tuchel has also often used a 4-2-3-1 formation during his time as a manager.READ MORE SUN STORIESThis could see the likes of Mount, Dier, Chilwell and James keep their spots in the team but in more traditional roles.Dier could be used in the pivot alongside Rice, while James and Chilwell could line up a back four.Reece James excelled under TuchelCredit: APEngland player ratings vs GreeceBy Tom BarclayLEE CARSLEY’S tactical experiment of playing no strikers backfired as Vangelis Pavlidis’ double secured an emotional shock win for Greece at Wembley.Interim England boss Carsley played all three of our nation’s gifted No10s – Phil Foden, Jue Bellingham and Cole Palmer – in varying positions.But it did not work and the Greeks took a deserved lead thanks to Pavlidis’ belting second-half finish.The visitors then held up a shirt in celebration bearing the name Baldock – in reference to their team-mate George Baldock, whose passing at the age of just 31 on Wednesday rocked the world of football.Bellingham looked to have ensured the points were shared with a thunderous strike with three minutes to go.But there was still time for Pavlidis to expose some woeful defending deep into injury time by firing past Jordan Pickford.Here are SunSport’s player ratings from a dire night for England under the arch.Jordan Pickford: 4Wandered into no-man’s-land territory outside his box early on and lost the ball, allowing Greek skipper Tasos Baksetas a free shot at goal – only to be saved by Levi Colwill’s last-gasp clearance. Did not instil confidence, despite his experience.Trent Alexander-Arnold: 6Some tasty passes – they are his speciality, after all – but not great at the back. He, John Stones and Cole Palmer were weak in their attempt to close down Vangelis Pavlidis before the Benfica man smashed home the opener.John Stones: 5Made captain for what was his 82nd cap, surpassing Rio Ferdinand’s haul. But it was a shaky display from his defence and Stones should have done better to stop Pavlidis.Levi Colwill: 7Greece would have been ahead far sooner were it not for Colwill’s athletic hack away to deny Bakasetas. Replays showed it would have crossed the line had the Chelsea man been a split second later with his incredible intervention.Rico Lewis: 6Tried to bomb up the left flank where he could but, just like Kieran Trippier at the Euros, was hamstrung by constantly having to cut back onto his favoured right foot.Declan Rice: 6Played as England’s only holding midfielder, as fans had been imploring Gareth Southgate to use him for years. It was not like he was overrun but his side did look vulnerable on the counter.Phil Foden: 4Spent most of the game pressing the Greek backline as a false nine without really getting on the ball and causing any damage. Ineffective. Cole Palmer: 6Deployed in a deeper, central-midfield role which at least meant he saw plenty of the ball, though he blazed England’s best chance of the first half over the bar. Remarkably, his first competitive England start, despite being named on Tuesday as Three Lions player of the 2023-24 season. Bukayo Saka: 5Struggled to get into the game and then was forced out of it, worryingly limping off early in the second half. The last thing Arsenal fans wanted to see.Jude Bellingham: 7 STAR MANPlayed in a false nine position and had a belting early shot well saved. The system did not work but Bellingham still so nearly emerged as the saviour by banging in his first goal of the season for club and country.Anthony Gordon: 5Caused Greece few problems and his touch looked off it. Had a decent chance from Alexander-Arnold’s peach of a delivery but headed over.SUBS: Noni Madueke (for Saka 52): Played out on the left, rather than his natural right, when coming on. Went down in the box deep into injury time but no penalty was given. 6Ollie Watkins (for Gordon 60): Almost scored with his first touch when played through by Palmer, but smashed just over. 7Dominic Solanke (for Foden 72): Grabbed an assist when laying the ball back to Bellingham who thumped in the leveller. 7Manager Lee Carsley: 4Seemed to gamble unnecessarily with this experimental system instead of playing it safe to add another win to boost his case to earn the job full-time. Carsley played without a natural centre-forward when winning the Under-21 Euros because he had to after Flo Balogun switched the USA and Rhian Brewster got injured, but here he did it by choice and it did not work. Bellingham looked to have saved his bacon – but then Pavlidis struck again. More

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      Liverpool legend and Champions League winner announces shock retirement aged just 33 after three months unemployed

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      FORMER Liverpool star Joel Matip has retired from football at the age of 33.The centre-back quits football after spending the last three months unemployed.Joel Matip has retired from footballCredit: GettyThe defender won six trophies in his time at AnfieldCredit: GettyMatip joined Liverpool in 2016 and spent a glittering eight years at Anfield.He made 201 appearances for the club and formed a formidable partnership with Virgil van Dijk.Matip helped fire Jurgen Klopp’s men to six trophies including the Premier League, Champions League and FA Cup.The Cameroon international left Merseyside at the end of last season when his contract expired.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHis last appearance came in a 4-3 win over Fulham in December 2023 after he suffered an ACL injury.Matip did not find a new club over the summer despite reports linking him with moves to West Ham and Bournemouth.And the ex-Schalke star has now decided to hang up his boots for good.Liverpool said in a statement: “Everybody wishes Joel and his family the very best for the future.”Most read in Champions LeagueFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSFans reacted: “This is way too soon, he could still play at the top level.”Another added: “One of the most underrated centre-backs in the Premier League over the past five seasons.”How Liverpool’s Jude Bellingham plan backfired with Trent Alexander-ArnoldMore commented: “No way, he was genuinely a top top player just two seasons ago.”Klopp praised Matip before he left Liverpool, saying: “In all the years that I have been involved in football, I am not sure I have come across too many players who are more loved than Joel Matip.”I’m not even sure it would be possible to say anything bad about him.“A wonderful professional, a wonderful footballer and a wonderful human being – we have been blessed to have him with us for as long as we have and now all we can do is wish him well as he heads off in a new direction.“Joel’s qualities as a player are there for all to see and as a club, we have benefited from them since the first moment that he joined.Joel Matip’s careerCareer2009-16 | Schalke: 258 appearances, 23 goals2016-24 | Liverpool 201 appearances, 11 goals2010-15 | Cameroon: 27 appearances, 1 goalHonoursSchalke DFB-Pokal: 2010–11DFL-Supercup: 2011LiverpoolPremier League: 2019–20FA Cup: 2021–22EFL Cup: 2021–22Community Shield: 2022Champions League: 2018–19Super Cup: 2019″I don’t think he has had too many headlines over the years but he has only ever been a very famous figure within our group.READ MORE SUN STORIES“I have said before that if there was one person who wouldn’t care if he was underrated it would be Joel, but the truth is we could not have rated him more highly.”Not only has he set the standards for himself, he has set them for others and this is one of the main reasons why his time here has been so successful.” More

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      Premier League champion and Champions League winner, 33, considering shock RETIREMENT after three months unemployed

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      JOEL MATIP is considering a shock retirement from football aged just 33, according to reports.The Liverpool hero, who helped the club win the Premier League and Champions League, left Anfield in the summer.Joel Matip is said to be considering retirement from football after leaving LiverpoolCredit: AlamyHe formed a formidable defensive partnership with Virgil van Dijk at LiverpoolCredit: GettyEx-club Schalke and Hamburg had both been linked with a move for the centre-back, while Prem sides Bournemouth and Southampton also considered moves.However, the defender has ultimately been without a club since his Liverpool contract expired.And, after three months unemployed, he is now said to be considering a shock retirement from the beautiful game.According to German outlet Ruhr Nachrichten, Matip has personally ruled out a return to football.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLMatip also called it quits for the Cameroon national team back in 2015 at the age of just 24.He played 258 times for Schalke and 201 times for Liverpool.His exploits in Germany saw him land the German Cup and Super Cup.But it was in England where Matip managed to really flesh out his trophy cabinet under Jurgen Klopp – whose own next move to Red Bull was recently revealed after he left Liverpool.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSMatip – who formed a formidable partnership with Virgil van Dijk – helped the Reds win their first-ever Premier League title in 2020, while also landing the Champions League the year before.He also helped them to win the Uefa Super Cup, FA Cup, two League Cups and the Community Shield.XI amazing players worth £78m available for freePaying tribute to Matip after he left Liverpool, Klopp said: “In all the years that I have been involved in football, I am not sure I have come across too many players who are more loved than Joel Matip. “I’m not even sure it would be possible to say anything bad about him.“A wonderful professional, a wonderful footballer and a wonderful human being – we have been blessed to have him with us for as long as we have and now all we can do is wish him well as he heads off in a new direction.“Joel’s qualities as a player are there for all to see and as a club, we have benefited from them since the first moment that he joined. “I don’t think he has had too many headlines over the years but he has only ever been a very famous figure within our group.“I have said before that if there was one person who wouldn’t care if he was underrated it would be Joel, but the truth is we could not have rated him more highly. READ MORE SUN STORIES”Not only has he set the standards for himself, he has set them for others and this is one of the main reasons why his time here has been so successful.”Matip was named in SunSport’s stunning free agent XI worth £78million on transfer deadline day. More

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      Which fixtures should Dream Team managers target after the international break?

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      DREAM TEAM managers should be using this international break to plan their strategy for the weeks ahead.A quick look at the schedule reveals some key fixtures to target throughout the rest of October.Squeeze the schedule for every point available!Credit: Dream TeamFor starters, only seven of the 20 Premier League clubs have four fixtures to fulfil before Halloween, those with European commitments: Liverpool, Manchester City, Arsenal, Aston Villa, Tottenham, Manchester United and Chelsea.Six teams have three games in the same time frame: Newcastle, Crystal Palace, Brighton, Southampton, Brentford and Leicester.While the remaining seven sides will play just twice across the next two Gameweeks: Bournemouth, West Ham, Everton, Wolves, Fulham, Nottingham Forest and Ipswich.Given that more fixtures usually equals more points, it might be wise to avoid players who have just two games left this month as they are likely to slip down the rankings – although Dwight McNeil’s (£4.1m) owners will understandably be reluctant to let him go.Let’s take a closer look at the seven teams with four fixtures in an attempt to identify which match-ups will produce the most points.Liverpool have some testing fixtures coming up but Salah’s record speaks for itselfCredit: AFPLIVERPOOLChelsea (h)RB Leipzig (a)Arsenal (a)Brighton (a)The Reds face a tough run after the break and Dream Team bosses may be torn about whether to stick or twist with the likes of Mohamed Salah (£7.6m), Luis Diaz (£4.9m) and Trent Alexander-Arnold (£6.2m).Most read in FootballHowever, it’s important to remember that Arne Slot’s side are top of the league and the aforementioned players have provided plenty of points across the first seven Gameweeks.MANCHESTER CITYWolves (a)Sparta Prague (h)Southampton (h)Tottenham (a)Spurs away has historically been a bogey fixture for Pep Guardiola but that road trip comes in the Carabao Cup and so a certain degree of rotation is possible, depending how both coaches prioritise the competition.The fact City’s next two league games are against the teams currently 20th and 19th in the table, either side of a favourable Champions League home game, suggests there may be some big hauls for Erling Haaland (£9.1m) in the coming weeks.It will be interesting to see whether Phil Foden (£5.9m) comes to the party now he’s getting plenty of minutes again – the 24-year-old was Dream Team’s top performer in 2023/24.Haaland could feast against the league’s basement boysCredit: ReutersARSENALBournemouth (a)Shakhtar Donetsk (h)Liverpool (h)Preston (a)That meeting with Liverpool jumps out as a must-see game in the context of the Premier League title race but Mikel Arteta won’t be overly concerned about the other match-ups – Shakhtar are yet to score in the Champions League this season.Bukayo Saka (£6.5m) limped off during England’s defeat to Greece on Thursday night and a huge number of gaffers will be nervously awaiting an update – the Gunners’ No7 is second only to Haaland in the Dream Team rankings right now.CHELSEALiverpool (a)Panathinaikos (a)Newcastle (h)Newcastle (a)Enzo Maresca’s men face a tricky spell across the next six weeks or so, starting with a daunting trip to Anfield.The Carabao Cup draw conspired to give them a double header against the Magpies which promises to be competitive – both teams have lost just once in the top flight this campaign.It’s worth remembering that points machine Cole Palmer (£6.5m) was not selected in the Blues’ Conference League squad so his backers can forget about that trip to Greece in Gameweek 8.Palmer won’t be active in Europe throughout the league phaseCredit: ReutersASTON VILLAFulham (a)Bologna (h)Bournemouth (h)Crystal Palace (h)The Villains produced a lacklustre display against Manchester United last time out but the overall outlook remains positive – their win over Bayern Munich will live long in the memory.Fulham aren’t to be underestimated on current form – they gave Man City a scare in Gameweek 7 – but the rest of October is relatively favourable for Villa.It’s early days but it wouldn’t be a surprise if Jhon Duran (£3.3m) started against the Eagles in the last 16 of the Carabao Cup at the end of the month.TOTTENHAMWest Ham (h)AZ Alkmaar (h)Crystal Palace (a)Manchester City (h)Spurs tossed away a 2-0 lead at Brighton in their most recent outing which may have tempered expectations among Dream Team managers somewhat.That being said, goals and assists are flowing freely for the likes of James Maddison (£4.5m), Brennan Johnson (£3.8m) and Dominic Solanke (£4.4m).Three home games out of four should help Ange Postecoglou’s side after the break.Johnson is a popular man among gaffers at the momentCredit: GettyMANCHESTER UNITEDBrentford (h)Fenerbahce (a)West Ham (a)Leicester (h)Given the Red Devils have endured their worst start to a Premier League campaign, Dream Team bosses will hardly be queuing up to recruit their assets.But it’s simply true that all their remaining domestic opponents this month are currently bottom-half sides.READ MORE SUN STORIESSomebody like Marcus Rashford (£4.1m) is worthy of consideration at the very least – he notched 52 points in six outings between Gameweeks 4 and 6 earlier this season.The Gameweek 8 deadline is a while away yet but it’s never too early to get your plans in place!BetMGM sign up offerBetMGM: Get £40 in free bets — HERE**New cust only. 7 days to opt in by placing a £10 qualifying bet at 1/1 (2.0) odds or greater to receive 4x Free Bets: 1 x £10 horse racing, 1 x £10 Bet Builder, 1 x £10 Acca and 1 x £10 football. 7 day expiry. Exclusions apply. Stake not returned. 18+. T&Cs apply.Commercial content notice: Taking one of the bookmaker offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. 18+. T&Cs apply. gambleaware.org More

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      Real Madrid in dispute with neighbours amid claims their stadium is operating without a licence to show FOOTBALL

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      REAL MADRID have allegedly been holding FOOTBALL matches at the Bernabeu with an expired licence, according to furious residents.Los Blancos have been locked in ongoing rows with a local group called the ‘Residents’ Association of People Affected by the Bernabeu’ for many years.Real Madrid’s ongoing dispute with its Bernabeu neighbours has taken a fresh turnAfter the residents group have claimed that the stadium does not have a licence to hold frequent concertsThe residents group’s latest claim is that both football matches and music concerts have been held at the Bernabeu Stadium without a valid licence.The association claims that they have found evidence that the current licence expired in 2001, according to Spanish outlet El Confidencial.It claims that members of the group came across the small print when they requested a copy of the licence during their legal battle with the LaLiga giants.But Real Madrid adamantly deny all allegations.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSA section of angry residents have also claimed that the Bernabeu should only be holding sporting fixtures and the odd “extraordinary event”, according to the the Madrid City Council.Group spokesperson Jose Manuel Paredes told The Times that “extraordinary events” do not include showing frequent concerts.The Association’s complaint has reportedly been presented to a judge, according to El Pais.The group also argue that in order for Madrid to have a valid licence, both the stadium and the exterior development work must be finished – which it is not.Most read in FootballConstruction work continues at the BernabeuCredit: AFPFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe Bernabeu has entered the final stages of its £843million, five-year reconstruction.But the iconic European venue hosted a string of high-profile concerts over the spring and summer.Real Madrid’s iconic stadium looks unrecognisable with underground greenhouse below pitchRecent headliners have included Taylor Swift, Luis Miguel and Colombian star Karol G.This comes after Madrid were forced to postpone all concerts at the Bernabeu to comply with the capital city’s noise regulations.The group reportedly requested a copy of the licence on four occasions before receiving a response.Residents have also lodged complaints about the noise from the ongoing construction which started in 2019.Angry residents of apartment buildings near the stadium have put up banners on their balconies that read: “NO concerts.”The stadium has gone from hosting some 35 events per year before the refurbishment to planning more than 300.A club statement read: “Real Madrid has, and has always had, the corresponding municipal licence for activity and operation, which fully covers the holding of sporting events at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium.”Furthermore, it is absolutely untrue that Real Madrid carries out or has carried out its sporting activity under an expired licence.”Nor is it true that this licence has been used by third parties misleadingly before any public administration.”The concerts that have been held at the Bernabeu do not require the granting of a municipal licence.”READ MORE SUN STORIESSunSport has reached out to Real Madrid for comment.Football matches returned to the Bernabeu in September, after Real Madrid were forced to play at the nearby Estadio Alfredo Di Stefano ground for 18 months.Plans unveiled a swanky new bar for fansCredit: room 1804 Design More

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      Red Bull ‘invest in sleeping European giant’ just hours after Jurgen Klopp hired as they target France domination

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      RED BULL are reportedly set to invest in another European football club.The energy drinks company already own clubs in Austria, Germany, Brazil and the US.Jurgen Klopp is the new Global Head of Football at Red BullCredit: PARed Bull are reportedly interested in Paris FCCredit: GettyThe club plays at the 20,000 seater Stade CharletyCredit: AlamyRed Bull appointed former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp to the company this week.The German will start his role as the new Global Head of Football on January 1.He will oversee the operations at RB Leipzig, Red Bull Salzburg, New York Red Bull, Red Bull Bragantino and Red Bull Brasil.Klopp could have an additional club to manage according to reports after it emerged Red Bull is interested in taking over Paris FC.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe French outfit currently competes in Ligue 2 and are battling for promotion to the top division.L’Equipe has reported that the club is on the “verge” of being sold to Red Bull and the Arnault family.The current club president and majority shareholder, Pierre Ferracci, is preparing the club to move on from his control.The report suggests that he would keep hold of 30 per cent of his shares until 2027.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSIt would be in this year that he would make his permanent exit from the club.It is thought that Red Bull would take control of 15 per cent of the club while the Arnault family would become the majority shareholder with 55 per cent.Jurgen Klopp set for shock return to dugout just months after quitting as Liverpool bossRed Bull also own RB Leipzig in GermanyCredit: AFPThe company also controls New York Red Bull and two clubs in BrazilCredit: ReutersIt is also a minority shareholder in LeedsCredit: AlamyThe report claims that Paris FC’s perspective owners are aiming to make the club a staple in the Champions League.They last competed in the French top flight in the 1978-79 season.Ambitions of taking them into Europe would mean pumping the club with money.Its main rivals are current French champions Paris Saint-Germain, who have yet to win the Champions League despite their best efforts.Red Bull is also a minority investor in Championship side Leeds after completing their purchase in May earlier this year.All about Paris FC Where: Paris, FranceStadium: Stade Charlety (20,000 capacity)League: Ligue 2Rivals: Paris Saint-GermainEstablished: 1969Current manager: Stephane GilliNotable former players: Jean-Francois Beltramini, Lamri Laachi, Omar da FonsecaNicknames: “The Blues” and “The Parisians” More

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      Former England star heartbreakingly reveals he REJECTED Champions League winner’s medal as he ‘didn’t feel part’ of team

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      CHRIS Kirkland has revealed he never received a Champions League winners medal – despite appearing in Liverpool’s iconic 2005 run. The former Three Lions goalkeeper will be a guest of honour at this week’s Nations League clash with Greece. Chris Kirkland played four Champions League games for Liverpool in 2004-05Credit: AlamyInjury meant the stopper wasn’t in the matchday squad for the final against AC MilanCredit: AlamyKirkland hung up his gloves in 2016 following a near two-decade career. The 43-year-old won a single cap for England in 2006 and played for 10 clubs including Wigan, Sheffield Wednesday, and Coventry.Kirkland moved from the Sky Blues to Liverpool in 2001, initially as an understudy to Jerzy Dudek.He took the starting role three years later, before being sidelined by a lingering back injury. READ MORE ON FOOTBALLKirkland played four times in Liverpool’s iconic 2004-05 Champions League campaign. But he was unable to play in the final, with Dudek getting the start and Scott Carson taking his place on the bench. Liverpool went on to beat AC Milan on penalties in Istanbul following a dramatic fightback from 3-0 down. Carson has since revealed he tried to give Kirkland his winners medal, as he had “played more games in the group stages”. Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSHe told The Guardian: “When we got the medals, I tried to give mine to Chris. “He played more games in the group stages than me. So I felt that he deserved it more.’Brain-breaking’ intro to Champions League MOTD divides fans as BBC decision shows ‘game has never been more gone'”But Chris, as anyone who knows him will say, is a really nice lad and he said: ‘No. You were on the bench, you played your part as well.’”Kirkland will receive an honorary cap from the FA on Thursday as England take on Greece. According to The Athletic, the goalkeeper “never received the traditional cap to commemorate his international debut” in 2006.He had also turned down the Champions League medal because he “didn’t feel part of it, sidelined by a back operation and unable to see a future under Rafael Benitez.”Kirkland didn’t receive a Champions League winners medalCredit: AFPScott Carson, who was on the bench in Instanbul, offered to give Kirkland his own medalCredit: GettyKirkland’s dad famously landed a 100/1 bet he’d placed while his son was a teenager on him playing for England. READ MORE SUN STORIESSpeaking to the outlet, Kirkland laughed: “If I’d gone into the bookies’ with my dad, and they’d seen me, I’m sure he would have got a lot better odds than 100/1.”I was very gangly. I wasn’t in the best shape.” More

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      Man City targeting Premier League flop to take over as sporting director after Txiki Begiristain bombshell

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      MANCHESTER CITY have allegedly earmarked former Newcastle midfielder Hugo Viana as a potential replacement for outgoing chief Txiki Begiristain.Sporting director Begiristain will step down from his position at the end of the season.Man City chief Txiki Begiristain is set to leave at the end of the seasonCredit: PAFormer Newcastle midfielder Hugo Viana is believed to be in the frame for the jobCredit: EPAViana spent four years at St James’ ParkCredit: PA:Press AssociationSunSport revealed this week that he will play a key role in identifying and appointing his replacement.Begiristain aims to have a new man in place by January and will then spend six months helping the new chief settle into their new role.While Begiristain’s successor is yet to be revealed, ex-Newcastle star Viana is believed to be in the frame.The 41-year-old spent four years at St James’ Park as a player following his move from Sporting Lisbon in 2002 and made 61 appearances.Read More in FootballSince retiring, Viana has taken up a senior position in football.He is currently director of football at Sporting Lisbon, having accepted the job in 2018.Manchester United identified him as a potential candidate for the position of chief operating officer at Old Trafford earlier this year.He caught the attention of Sir Jim Ratcliffe by assisting the transfer of Bruno Fernandes in 2020.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSBut taking over from Begiristain at Man City would be an even harder job.City have won 14 major trophies under the guidance of the Spaniard, including the Champions League and six Prem titles.But they are currently in the midst of a huge legal battle with the Premier League.A hearing is underway into allegations that City broke PL rules more than 100 times in relation to sponsorship deals, player and manager contracts and failure to cooperate with the investigation.City deny all the charges. An initial verdict is expected in the spring, but the saga is unlikely to end there and Begiristain will be gone before everything is resolved.Man City vs the Premier League: Q&ABy Martin LiptonBOTH Manchester City and the Premier League were claiming a win after their legal scrap over Associated Party Transactions.SunSport sifts the claims to try to explain the latest issues.What was the case about?City were furious that Prem bosses brought in new tougher regulations – by the smallest possible majority under League rules – in February. They were aimed at blocking clubs bypassing financial controls by earning “unfair” amounts via sponsorship from a company with the same owners, or selling players on the cheap to teams under the same ownership umbrella.Why were City so upset?The Etihad club argued that the rules were illegal and had been deliberately aimed at them by rivals and were both flawed and politically driven. They also branded the “two thirds support” rule that has been part of Prem regulations since its inception as a “tyranny of the majority”This was an Arbitration Tribunal – explain that?Under Prem rules, any club has the right to ask for Arbitration if they are unhappy about the regulations or due process. The three retired judges heard evidence in June and their full ruling was distributed to the 20 Prem clubs on Monday afternoon.And what did they say?Depending on who you listen to, they either totally vindicated one side or the other. The actual answer is that there were “wins” for both City and the Prem. But it’s your choice which ones meant more.OK, what were City’s wins?Maybe the most important one in terms of the repercussions. That both the new rules and the previous version – brought  in after Saudi Arabia’s PIF bought Newcastle in 2021 –  were “unlawful” as they exclude shareholder loans to clubs in any APT calculations.  City also won over their claims that the rulebook prevented them from responding to Prem decisions over whether two proposed deals with Abu Dhabi companies represented “Fair Market Value”, access to the “databank” of comparable deals and the time it took for decisions to be reached.That sounds pretty big. So what about the Prem’s side?The key finding as far as the League is concerned is that the Tribunal backed the concept of APT rules as well as the Fair Market Value tests. Additionally, City’s challenges to the actual decisions on the two proposed deals “failed”. Prem bosses insist the “rulebook has been found to comply with competition and public law standards and is an effective and necessary system”.Is that it, then?Of course not. That shareholder loan issue is a big deal, given that it is believed owners have loaned around £1.5bn at low or preferential rates across the Prem. Those loans will almost certainly have to be calculated at commercial rates now, unless the owners convert them into shares. But the League is convinced the main thrust of the rules remains valid.And what will be the impact on the “115 charges” case?Probably nothing. That is an allegation of breaking the rules, while this matter was City questioning whether one small element of the current rulebook was legitimate. But City are using the same legal team, headed by £10,000 per hour Lord Pannick KC. And the stakes on the bigger case are a great deal higher. More