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      Premier League referee Anthony Taylor lands bizarre new job in Europe as fans say ‘ain’t no way’

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      PREMIER League referee Anthony Taylor has landed a bizarre new role in the Albanian Superiore.The 45-year-old will be the man in charge of the league’s final on May 26 in Tirana.Premier League referee Anthony Taylor will take charge of the Albanian Superiore final on May 26Credit: ReutersAlbania Superiore, also known as Kategoria Superiore, is Albania’s top-tier professional football league.This Superiore is the first that will feature the four highest-placed teams facing each other in a knockout tournament to decide the 2023/24 champion.The clubs in the current running for the title are KF Egnatia, Partizani, Vllaznia and Skenderbeu.And English referee Taylor will lead the final at the end of the month in the Albanian capital. READ MORE IN FOOTBALLFans were puzzled when they heard the news of the FIFA official’s new role.As one said: “Ain’t no way.”While another added: “April fools was a month and 2 days ago lads.”A third then put: “It’s over.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSTaylor has worn the FIFA crest for over a decade and has a rich career in the world of football after presiding over high-level meetings in the Premier League, Champions League and Europa League.He has also refereed several important finals, with the Uefa Europa League final last year between Sevilla and Roma.Europa Conference League clash SUSPENDED as referee calls a halt moments into second-halfAnd also the final match of the FIFA Club World Cup in 2022-2023, Real Madrid against Al-Hilal.Not to mention the Nations League final meeting of the 2020-2021 season – Spain against France.Taylor also recently led the first Champions League semi-final meeting between Borussia Dortmund and Paris Saint-Germain.And it set to be the man in charge for Manchester City’s away game at Craven Cottage against Fulham on Saturday. More

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      PSG ‘lining up mega-money replacement for Kylian Mbappe’.. and it’s bad news for Man Utd, Arsenal and Chelsea

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      PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN have identified their priority target to replace departing superstar Kylian Mbappe in the summer.Mbappe, 25, will be leaving PSG at the end of the season after seven years at Parc des Princes and is expected to join Real Madrid.Paris Saint-Germain have found their top target to replace Kylian MbappeCredit: GettyPSG have prioritised Napoli star Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and talks have been heldCredit: RexAccording to RMC Sport, the Parisians are now prioritising Napoli star Khvicha Kvaratskhelia as the star forward’s replacement.And this poses as a major transfer blow for Chelsea, Arsenal as well as Manchester United who are also eyeing Kvaratskhelia.PSG boss Luis Enrique sees the winger as the perfect candidate to fill in for Mbappe down the left wing and discussions have already taken place.Club chiefs have travelled to Italy to meet the Georgia international’s camp.Read More on FootballThe negotiations have been described as “positive” and Kvaratskhelia was left “enthusiastic”. However, there has been no agreement between the two sides and PSG will have to splash a significant sum for the Georgian’s signature.Napoli are notoriously tough negotiators who slap a hefty fee on their top stars, such as Victor Osimhen, and are not known to budge.Kvaratskhelia has set the world alight during his two-year stint with the Partenopei.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe forward led the Serie A giants to their first Scudetto in 33 years during his maiden campaign.He now counts a total of 24 goals and 26 assists in 85 appearances across all competitions.Thierry Henry slammed for ’embarrassing take’ on Kylian Mbappe after PSG defeated in Champions League semi-finalBarcelona are also keeping tabs but Kvaratskhelia’s father Badri recently dealt all of his suitors a major blow as he suggested his son wants to stay at Napoli where he has a contract until 2027. More

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      Man Utd outcast Jadon Sancho is ‘sticking his middle finger up at one or two people at the club’ says Gary Lineker

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      GARY LINEKER joked Jadon Sancho may be sticking his middle finger up at certain individuals at Manchester United after reaching the Champions League final.The winger has featured in every game of the knock-out round for Borussia Dortmund on their route to Wembley.Gary Lineker claimed Jadon Sancho may be sticking his middle finger up at one or two people at Man UtdCredit: YouTube @The Rest Is FootballJadon Sancho has helped Borussia Dortmund reach the Champions League finalCredit: GettySancho impressed in the first leg of the semi-final against Paris Saint-Germain and put in a battling display in Paris as Dortmund won 2-0 on aggregate.The England star is now set to feature in the Champions League final – months after being frozen out at Old Trafford by Erik ten Hag.Lineker remarked on his change of fortunes while hosting The Rest is Football podcast.He said: “He was at Dortmund, went to Man Utd with big fanfare. It didn’t happen for him because of all sorts of issues and problems.READ MORE ON MAN UTD”Now he’s back at Dortmund and he’s in a Champions League final. He might be sticking his middle finger up at one or two people at United.”Sancho’s success at Dortmund has also benefitted the Red Devils, who are set to pick up £3.4million from performance-related add-ons.And United could decide to fully cash in on Sancho with the 24-year-old reportedly unwilling to return to the club while Ten Hag remains manager.Sancho fell out with the Dutchman after a defeat at Arsenal in September when he took to social media claiming he was being made a scapegoat for the team’s failures.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSChelsea made two of the biggest transfers ever in January 2023SunSport understands Dortmund are ready to offer £35m to make his loan deal permanent this summer.United are willing to accept a loss to sell Sancho could even try to pinch Donyell Malen off Dortmund in an exchange deal.Jadon Sancho belts out Adele as he leads Dortmund’s Champions League dressing room celebrations More

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      Champions League blunder ref ‘STRIPPED’ of Euro 2024 tournament opener following Real Madrid vs Bayern Munich scandal

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      REFEREE Szymon Marciniak may be REMOVED from the Euro 2024 opener between Germany and Scotland after his controversial officiating in the Champions League semi-finals.Marciniak, 43, made headlines around the world after Real Madrid’s 2-1 victory over Bayern Munich this week as an erroneous offside flag cost the Germans a last-gasp equaliser.Referee Szymon Marciniak may be removed from the Euro 2024 openerCredit: GettyMarciniak made headlines after his controversial officiating in the Champions LeagueCredit: GettyBayern star Matthijs de Ligt thought he had sent the tie to extra-time when he hit the back of the net in the 13th minute of stoppage time.But Polish ref Marciniak had blown his whistle for offside before he got the shot that beat Real goalkeeper Andriy Lunin.Assistant referee Tomasz Listkiewicz had deemed that Noussair Mazraoui was marginally offside during the build-up as he challenged for a header before the ball dropped to De Ligt to lash in.Linesmen are advised to delay raising their flags, particularly when margins are so tight.Read More on FootballReplays proved to be inconclusive and De Ligt revealed that the official APOLOGISED to him on full-time.The decision enraged Bayern, who saw Alphonso Davies’ opener getting cancelled out by a late brace from Joselu.And it appears Marciniak is facing punishment for acknowledging the flag and not allowing play to continue.And, according to Przegląd Sportowy, Marciniak has now been AXED from his scheduled appearance in Euro 2024 hosts Germany’s first match of the tournament.Most read in Champions LeagueBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe Polish publication claims the experienced referee was pencilled down for the encounter between Julian Nagelsmann’s men and Scotland on June 14 at Bayern’s Allianz Arena in Munich, of all places.However, the chances of that happening are now “close to zero” after the scenes that unfolded in Madrid.Fans stunned after seeing Champions League final referee’s bizarre dressing room routine in never-before-seen footageThis one will have stung Kane the most… what’s the German for schadenfreude?, says Dave KiddBy Dave Kidd
      OF all the trophies Harry Kane has missed out on, the Bundesliga will have stung the most.
      This was supposed to have been a dead cert. This was nailed-on.
      Bayern Munich had won 11 successive Bundesliga titles, so when the England captain signed for the great Bavarian powerhouse last summer, we all said: “Well, at least he’ll finally win something.”
      Yet on Sunday evening, there were Bayer Leverkusen — known in Germany as ‘Neverkusen’ because they hadn’t previously won the league thanks to several late implosions — cavorting around, 16 points clear, unbeaten in all competitions and confirmed as champions with five games to spare.
      And so the greatest trophy curse in footballing history continues.
      And this one really is freakish because Leverkusen’s story is almost as extraordinary as Leicester City’s miracle title in 2015-16 — the season when Kane won his first Premier League Golden Boot and Tottenham ended up ‘third in a two-horse race’ behind Arsenal.
      Kane is always the runner-up, always the nearly man, always the fall guy, too often a figure of fun for those taking pleasure in the misfortune of others.
      Does anyone know the German word for schadenfreude…?
      Read Dave Kidd’s column in full.
      Or read more from Dave Kidd.

      Bayern’s departing boss Thomas Tuchel didn’t hold back on his assessment of Marciniak as he accused him of breaking “every rule”.Tuchel said after full-time: “I think it’s pretty clear and [there] cannot be in my opinion any doubt that it is against every rule of modern football.”The first big mistake is from the linesman, he did it in an action in overtime in an action with Alphonso Davies he did it also, he raised his flag straight away.”I don’t know if he was offside. I got a strange feeling. To raise your flag in a situation like this when you can never be sure that this is offside, to have the guts to raise the flag in a situation like this is a huge call. And it’s the wrong call.”The referee has the chance when he sees that we win the second ball and we win the rebound and we get the shot away within five seconds, he has the chance not to whistle. He takes the decision to whistle – it is against every rule.”We accept we lost. It is what it is but that would not have happened on the other side.”Who are these famous footballers? More

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      Champions League’s most glamorous presenter looks stunning in elegant dress as fans gush ‘this beauty burns this place’

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      CHAMPIONS LEAGUE presenter Eva Murati has dazzled fans in another stunning outfit as she took on hosting duties.Eva, 28, is a talented TV personality that is lighting up screens in Albania.Eva Murati stunned with a pink dress while covering the Champions LeagueCredit: Instagram @tring_albaniaEva took social media by storm once moreCredit: https://www.instagram.com/evamurati/?hl=enEva presents the Champions League in AlbaniaEva covered the Champions League semi-finalsMeet Eva Murati, Albania’s answer to Laura Woods
      MEET Albania’s answer to Laura Woods.
      Glamorous Eva Murati, 28, has been fronting Champions League coverage in the country since 2017.
      Boasting nearly one million Instagram followers, gorgeous Eva is a triple threat – actress, host and model.
      Eva is fluent in Italian studied law at the University of Tirana.
      But her passion for showbiz led her into presenting at just 18.
      Eva is mad Juventus fan and was thrilled to meet legendary defender Fabio Cannavaro.
      As if she didn’t have enough strings to her bow, Eva is also a great singer and has hinted she might even release a song one day.
      Until then, she’ll continue lighting up screens with her Champions League coverage, in between modelling for lingerie brand Yamamay.
      Click here to see more of the glamorous Eva Murati…

      And the Albanian presenter has attracted a large audience of 938,000 followers on Instagram alone thanks to a raft of glam pics.This time she posed in an elegant pink dress ahead of the Champions League semi-finals.Previous snaps led to a series of compliments from her fans on the comments’ section.One fan previously posted: “This beauty burns this place.”Read More on FootballAnother commented: “Beautiful.”A third said: “The queen.”This fan wrote: “That smile.”And that one gushed: “Wonderful.”Most read in Champions LeagueEva has also made a name for herself as an actress, host and model in her homeland.The Elbasan-born star, who is fluent in Italian, has been presenting all the biggest European action for Tring TV since 2017.Meet Eva Murati, the Albanian Laura Woods who is glamorous Champions League presenter and lingerie modelPrior to launching her career in showbiz, Eva actually majored in law at the University of Tirana.She began her TV career aged just 18, utilising her linguistic skills on an Albanian-Italian programme.Having made her first steps in the world of presenting, Eva took time away to pursue acting.Eva starred in a series of films and TV shows, before returning to hosting duties on “Finding Miss Universe” in 2016.Scroll down for more from Eva MuratiEva is always joined by an all-star panelCredit: INSTAGRAM / @evamuratiEva also works as a modelCredit: INSTAGRAM / @evamuratiThe Albanian star is a Juventus fan and recently met Fabio CannavaroCredit: INSTAGRAM / @evamuratiEva is a fans’ favourite on Champions League nightsCredit: INSTAGRAM / @evamuratiShe also hosts magazine show Sports WeekCredit: INSTAGRAM / @evamuratiThe popular star also works as a lingerie modelCredit: INSTAGRAM / @evamuratiEva has a huge following on social mediaCredit: INSTAGRAM / @evamuratiEva building a huge fanbase across the globe thanks to her many talentsCredit: INSTAGRAM / @evamuratiThe presenter has nearly one million Instagram followersCredit: INSTAGRAM / @evamuratiShe has been presenting Champions League action since 2017Credit: INSTAGRAM / @evamuratiEva has also tried her hand at actingCredit: INSTAGRAM / @evamuratiWhile she would also like a go at singingCredit: INSTAGRAM / @evamuratiEva loves to share snaps from her holidaysCredit: INSTAGRAM / @evamuratiDuring her time off she can be found on the beachCredit: INSTAGRAM / @evamurati More

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      Why Tuchel’s Harry Kane blunder isn’t only reason Sir Jim Ratcliffe may fancy Southgate or Potter at Man Utd instead

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      THOMAS TUCHEL blew his tryout to take over at Manchester United after his Champions League substitution blunder.Bayern Munich boss Tuchel’s call to bring off both Harry Kane and Jamal Musiala at 1-0 up with five minutes of the semi-final second leg left gave the Germans no out-ball or attacking threat.Thomas Tuchel is one of the names in the frame for the Man Utd jobCredit: RexHarry Kane was taken off with Bayern Munich leading Real MadridCredit: GettyHis decision backfired as Real Madrid sub and ex-Stoke striker Joselu scored twice to seal a final spot against Borussia Dortmund at Wembley on June 1.The substitution was slammed by ex-Bayern midfielder Owen Hargreaves, who fumed: “You cannot take Kane off. That’s the biggest call ever. How can you make that call?”Afterwards, Tuchel insisted Kane was injured when he added: “His back had gone, he couldn’t go on.”Yet the sight of the England captain and Musiala leaving the pitch at the Bernabeu ended any realistic way of Bayern hurting Real and emboldened Carlo Ancelotti’s 14-time Kings of Europe.READ MORE ON MAN UTDNow ex-Chelsea manager Tuchel, who is leaving Bayern at the end of the season, will ponder the next step in his managerial career.Red Devils co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe looks to have decided what everyone expected him to — Erik ten Hag simply has to go. The question is, who will come in?United need a boss who can deal with the pressure of expectations at England’s biggest club.Someone who can handle the egos of a squad full of players who think blaming everybody else for their errors is acceptable. And who can forge a winning mentality.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSIt was not Tuchel’s fault Manuel Neuer, outstanding for the first 85 minutes of Wednesday’s tie, suddenly dipped his gloves in olive oil.Or the Polish linesman flagged too early to cancel out Matthijs De Ligt’s late, late ‘equaliser’.Man Utd legend David Beckham arrives on red carpet for premiere of Prime Video docu-series ’99’Tuchel’s career record, at Dortmund, PSG, Chelsea and Bayern says he can tick all those boxes.Silverware at every club and nine trophies in total — including Champions League glory at Stamford Bridge — as well as just getting Munich over the line in the Bundesliga last term.Yet if Ratcliffe and Sir Dave Brailsford want someone who is easy to deal with, then the combustible and ceaselessly demanding Tuchel may not be that man.Contrast him with the likes of Graham Potter and Gareth Southgate, two men who would be far more accommodating of the demand to fit a “United blueprint”.Tale of the gaffer tapeTHOMAS TUCHEL is fighting Graham Potter and Gareth Southgate for the Manchester United job
      The German has won 36 of 59 matches in the Bayern hotseat but oversaw the end of their domestic dominance.
      He lifted the Champions League with Chelsea in 2021 and has won league titles in Germany and France.
      Graham Potter’s spell as Chelsea manager was a disaster as he lasted just 31 matches.
      But heroics with Brighton earned him plenty of fans and he enjoyed similarly successful spells with Swansea and Ostersunds.
      His Stamford Bridge failure could lead to doubts about his performance at the highest level.
      Southgate’s club experience came with a stint at Middlesbrough between 2006 and 2009 that ended with relegation.
      But he rebuilt his reputation with England’s Under-21s and has since won 59 of 93 games with the senior side.
      With a World Cup semi-final and European Championship final to his name, as well as a long spell in a notoriously intense post, he brings big-game experience.

      There is ZERO chance that, in the same situation in this summer’s Euros, Southgate would take off his skipper.Brailsford’s previous incarnation at Team Sky and Team GB cycling was all about “marginal gains” and calmness under pressure, not panicking when the key moments came.Tuchel had his key moment in Madrid. Brailsford and Ratcliffe may choose to weigh everything up — and determine it was a costly one. More

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      Dortmund set for win-win Champions League final and will rake in millions even if they lose to Real Madrid

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      BORUSSIA DORTMUND are guaranteed a bumper windfall even if they LOSE the Champions League final.The Bundesliga outfit will go into the Wembley clash as massive underdogs on June 1.Borussia Dortmund stunned PSG in the semi-finalsCredit: RexJude Bellingham will face his former sideCredit: GettyFormer star Jude Bellingham, 20, is the jewel in Los Blancos’ crown and could well return to haunt his former club on the field.But even if Bellingham inspires a Real victory, Dortmund’s bank balance will be a big winner.The England superstar became the most expensive English player ever when he moved to Spain in a £115million deal.And thanks to add-ons, Dortmund are set to cash in again.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBild claim they are due £4.3m due to to Real making the final and another £1.7m if he is named in the Champions League Team of the Season.With eight goals in 10 games in this season’s competition and a huge reputation, it seems likely the full £6m will be heading to Germany.But Dortmund know the real bonus would be an elusive European title.They were beaten by bitter rivals Bayern Munich, who controversially lost to Real in this season’s semi-finals, in the 2013 showpiece and their only triumph came in 1997.Most read in Champions LeagueCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSParis Saint-Germain staff had allegedly been told to prepare for Wembley before suffering Champions League heartbreak at the hands of Dortmund in their last-four clashThe French side were fancied to overturn a 1-0 first-leg deficit but hit the woodwork FOUR TIMES in a 1-0 defeat.Dortmund fans’ tifo is set alight after ‘flares are thrown at it’ during Champions League semi-final vs PSG L’Equipe claimed that certain departments of the club had been told to begin preparing for the trip to London.The confidence of everyone at the club seemed to be summed up by boss Luis Enrique pre-match.The Spaniard said that he only knew one phrase in French, “on va gagner” – which translates to “we’re going to win.”  More

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      Thomas Tuchel could face Uefa BAN handing Man Utd major dilemma over managerial target

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      THOMAS TUCHEL could face a Uefa ban for his Real Madrid ref rage.And that might mean the German is unable to take charge of Manchester United’s next European game if he gets the Old Trafford job.Thomas Tuchel was fuming over a late offside flag in Bayern’s defeat at MadridCredit: ReutersTuchel was left fuming last night after Real Madrid produced a stunning late comeback to beat Bayern Munich 2-1 to reach the Champions League final where they’ll face Borussia Dortmund.The former Chelsea chief is still the bookies’ favourite to replace Erik ten Hag despite Bayern Munich’s failure to win a trophy for the first time since 2012.And the threat of a Euro ban is now hanging over him after he launched a post-match attack on the Polish officials after Wednesday’s controversial exit.Assistant ref Tomasz Listkiewicz raised the flag against Noussair Mazraoui when the ball was lofted into the Madrid box in stoppage time.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLAs the ball was nodded down by Thomas Muller for Matthijs de Ligt to fire home, 2022 World Cup Final ref Szymon Marciniak blew the whistle, ruling out the goal.Video images suggest the Bayern player was onside but the call was so tight that the flag should not have gone up so soon.Bayern players were flabbergasted, with Dutch defender de Ligt revealing both officials had apologised to him.In his post-match press conference, Tuchel said “It’s against every rule of modern football.Most read in Champions LeagueBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”He did it against Alfonso Davies as well, when he could never be sure.”To have the balls, the guts, to raise the flag was a huge call and the wrong call.Watch Antonio Rudiger bring back iconic Chelsea chair celebration in wild scenes after Real Madrid win vs Bayern Munich”Then the referee had the chance not to whistle but took the decision to whistle.”That would not have happened on the other side.”Uefa’s Control and Disciplinary Body could now step in and charge Tuchel for accusing the two officials of bias against his side.A decision is likely by the start of next week, although the fact that both officials did admit to an error is likely to see Tuchel avoid any action.Even if he were to be punished, it still might not affect him next season if he takes over at United.The Red Devils are currently sitting eighth in the Premier League table and face a fight to qualify for European football via the league.But they do also have the opportunity to reach the Europa League when they take on Man City in the FA Cup Final at Wembley on May 25.Meanwhile, fans joked that Tuchel had “passed his Man Utd audition” after a number of substitutions backfired spectacularly at the Bernabeu.Bayern looked to be going through after a rocket from Alphonso Davies put them ahead with just 22 minutes to go.Pundits’ verdict on Ten Hag’s futureWhere do the pundits stand on Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United future?
      Michael Owen – He has to go
      “He cannot, simply cannot, manage this team next season. He’s not good enough.”
      Teddy Sheringham – Might stay if he wins Cup but should go
      “If United win the FA Cup, he could stay. But, for me, changes are needed and United need to get it done sooner than later.”
      Jamie Carragher – Sacked
      “I don’t see how Erik ten Hag stays. It’s just performance after performance.”
      Gary Neville – Stay if he wins the FA Cup
      “To sack a manager who’s won two trophies in his first two seasons at the club I think would be extreme.”
      Louis Saha – On the fence
      “I don’t see it as clearly but they need changes from the players but they need changes from him as well.”
      Alan Shearer – Sacked
      “I believe the future of the Man Utd manager is already determined. Even if they win the FA Cup I think he’s gone.”

      They looked to be comfortable heading towards full time and holding Madrid at bay until disaster struck.Real sub Joselu grabbed an 88th-minute equaliser after latching on to a mistake from Bayern goalkeeper Manuel Neuer.Then seconds later the ex-Stoke City and Newcastle flop finished from six yards to win it 2-1.The 34-year-old Spaniard’s introduction proved to be a masterstroke – but that was not the only substitution that proved to be a major talking point.Firstly, Tuchel brought on Kim Min-jae for attacker Leroy Sane on 76 minutes despite the South Korean’s nightmare in last week’s first leg, switching to three at the back.But it was the decision to replace 44-goal top scorer Kane, who is still waiting for his first-piece of silverware, with Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting on 86 minutes that left everyone baffled.However, Tuchel told TNT Sports afterwards that the controversial changes were due to injury.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe said: “We started with a front four and all four has to go out with injury or cramp.“Kane was having back problems, it was no longer possible. The front four all said they had to go.”His decision to replace Harry Kane led to fierce criticismCredit: Getty More