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      Champions League giants ‘ready to WITHDRAW 70,460-seater stadium from hosting World Cup’

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      ATLETICO MADRID are prepared to pull out of hosting games at the 2030 World Cup, reports claim.As many as 23 venues have been proposed for the biggest show in sport in five years’ time- which will be held across a record SIX countries.Atletico Madrid are prepared to withdraw from hosting games at the 2030 World CupThe club won’t push for the Metropolitano to be one of the 32 stadium venuesSpain, Portugal and Morocco will be the main hosts in 2030 in a year where the World Cup will celebrate its 100th anniversary. It is the first time the competition will be played in Spain for 48 years, and its first time ever in the latter two.For its centenary celebrations, the first three matches of the 2030 World Cup will be held in Uruguay, Argentina and Paraguay.This is to commemorate the first World Cup final in 1930, where hosts Uruguay beat Argentina 4-2 in the final.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSThe final venues for the tournament have not been confirmed, although most grounds are bidding for a spot.But Atletico Madrid are reportedly shelving their 2030 World Cup hosting bid.The LaLiga club won’t push for the Metropolitano to be one of the 32 stadium venues, according to Spanish outlet Relevo.It comes as Fifa requires stadiums to be available more than a month before the 2030 tournament for its preparations.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSBut Atletico are keen to exploit the commercial benefits of hosting concerts and events during the peak summer calendar.Reports claim that Atletico would lose around £20million by not being able to use its stadium during June and July.Inside £49m ‘Stadium of the Year’ which saw world record set and is more popular than the Bernabeu And club believe that hosting one or two group stage matches is not worth losing out on the concert money.Meanwhile, Atletico are also predicting that they’ll likely play second fiddle to fierce city rivals Real Madrid in 2030.The new and iconic Bernabeu will compete with Barcelona’s Nou Camp to host the World Cup final. Meanwhile, Valencia’s Nou Mestalla Stadium is set to have its World Cup hosting rights restored after work restarted following 16 years.The skeleton of what had been dubbed “the world’s best stadium” had been lying dormant as construction work halted in 2009.The aim is to complete the 70,000-capacity stadium by the summer of 2027 after the club unveiled its sixth set of plans since the original announcement in 2006.READ MORE SUN STORIESAnd the president of the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), Rafael Louzan, has now suggested the ground will be one considered for 2030.Meanwhile. the Metropolitano has all-but been confirmed as the host stadium for the 2027 Champions League final, according to the president of the Spanish football federation (RFEF).2030 FIFA World Cup venues – proposed full listAnoeta Donostia, SpainCamp Nou Barcelona, SpainGran Canaria, SpainLa Cartuja, SpainLa Rosaleda SpainRiyadh Air Metropolitano, SpainNueva Romareda, SpainRCDE Stadium, SpainEstadio Riazor, SpainSan Mamés, SpainSantiago Bernabéu, SpainEstádio da Luz, PortugalEstádio do Dragão, PortugalEstádio José Alvalade, PortugalAdrar Stadium, MoroccoHassan II Stadium, MoroccoFez Stadium, MoroccoMarrakesh Stadium,MoroccoPrince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, MoroccoIbn Batouta Stadium, MoroccoEstadio National del Paraguay, ParaguayEstadio Monumental, ArgentinaEstadio Centenario, Uruguay More

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      I made Champions League debut against Real Madrid and scored winner against Barcelona – now I make a living cutting hair

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      DANNY HOESEN made his name with his ability to cut in and finish.Now he is proving his worth with a very different cut and finish.Danny Hoesen scored against Borussia Dortmund and Barcelona in the Champions LeagueCredit: Getty Images – GettyHe has taken on a new career as a barberCredit: MAESONSHoesen is honing his skills away from the football fieldCredit: MAESONSHoesen, 34, enjoyed the best night of his football career when he scored the winner for Ajax in the Champions League against Barcelona in front of Johan Cruyff – in the stadium named after his legendary compatriot.He also played against Real Madrid on his Ajax debut, found the net against Borussia Dortmund and won both the Eredivisie and KNVB Dutch Cup. But after being forced to retire aged just 32 with a hip injury that plagued his career, Hoesen has launched himself into a new job as a barber.The ex-forward is now working part-time at his brother-in-law’s salon Maesons in Utrecht after going through their very own academy to get trained up in his clipping skills.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHoesen told SunSport: “I had no cartilage left in my hip. My level and the pain were getting worse and worse. I couldn’t finish one training session and decided to quit football.“I needed something to do, needed to have goals and was looking to invest. My brother-in-law’s business was a golden opportunity.“In the beginning as a co-owner, I was just in the office trying to understand and help the business but it was kind of boring.“I always enjoy watching the barbers when they cut hair because it looks satisfying. I wanted to try it myself.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS“I really enjoyed it. There’s not a lot of football players that started doing this.“I never really had that big ego or thought I was bigger or better than anybody else. So the transition for me wasn’t that hard.Football Fixers | Cutting it with Premier League Football Stars“I always had respect for people because every job is hard – especially at the club, even the cleaners or the chefs or physios.”Hoesen played against some of the best footballers of his generation on big European nights with Ajax – including Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi and Neymar.He named Xabi Alonso as his toughest opponent but reckons a shift at the barbers is even harder work.But getting out of the football “bubble” has been a breath of fresh air for Hoesen, who was on Fulham’s books from 2009 to 2012 but didn’t make a first-team appearance amid his hip struggles and a revolving door of managers.He added: “In the beginning, I was thinking it would be quite easy but you notice it’s hard work because you have customers all day.“If you’re a bit late, then you need to catch up, miss your break and paying customers are waiting. It’s a huge focus.“I said to my brother-in-law, ‘I feel like I played two games.’ I was just completely tired, which is funny because you’re standing still but you also have to realise that every customer comes and wants to tell their story.“So not only are you cutting hair but you’re also talking all the time.“I always say as a footballer, you live in a bubble. You’re only around other football players.“If I stayed working in football, then I would be in the exact same world again with the exact same things. I wanted to do something completely different.Hoesen had a stint with Fulham as a youngster but did not make a first-team appearanceCredit: AlamyHis strike against Barcelona in front of Johan Cruyff proved to be the winnerCredit: GettyThe forward spent six years in America but struggled with his ongoing hip issueCredit: Kenny Ramsay – The Sun GlasgowHe ‘signed’ for his brother-in-law’s barbers in 2024Credit: MAESONS“It’s really interesting hearing other people’s stories as well. That’s probably what I like the most.“It doesn’t matter what you do, you always have something in common with other people: work, relationships, kids or whatever.“I have customers who are lawyers or pilots or in the government. As a football player, you just don’t talk to these people.“I get very positive reactions because for some people this is the closest they will get to a footballer.“Apparently people thought I was very arrogant as a player so it’s nice for me to show people that I’m a normal human being and always was.”Hoesen’s brother-in-law Maeson launched the company and has a long list of footballer clients – plus ex-Prem goalkeeper Michel Vorm as another co-owner – with plans to franchise abroad.Maeson travels to London to cut Jurrien Timber’s hair every couple of weeks, does a few Tottenham players and looks after the Holland national team squad, even flying out to Brazil to keep their fades fresh throughout the 2014 World Cup.When “super nice and relaxed” Timber’s Arsenal played at PSV Eindhoven in the Champions League, the Gunners defender got in touch and his barber sorted out the entire squad’s trims for the 7-1 demolition.Hoesen, though, admits he hasn’t got to the level of being trusted to cut any player’s hair just yet.And part of the reason is because he understands the intrinsic link between footballers and hair.’LOOK GOOD, FEEL GOOD’He explained: “You’re on TV, a lot of people are watching, so you want to look good. I truly believe in look good, feel good.“So the days before a game, all the players get treatments and ice baths just to feel as good as possible.“You don’t leave one bit behind to have a good game.“Everybody feels better after going for a haircut or a shave. You look in the mirror and you’re happy with what you see and ready.“I do believe it helps confidence on the field for sure.”SunSport quizzed Hoesen on some of the best and worst haircuts he has seen in football.He replied: “It’s funny because like Brazilian Ronaldo at the 2002 World Cup, that was a terrible haircut but it became so iconic. That was cool at the same time.“So sometimes you see that a haircut can be funny or silly and at first people are like, ‘Nah, this doesn’t look good.’ But now everybody over 15 who sees that haircut knows it’s R9.”But while he refused to heap praise on any team-mates for their hair, he was quick to point out two Premier League players for their ability.Hoesen said: “It has always been Mousa Dembele and Christian Eriksen. Those two were pure talent.READ MORE SUN STORIES“Different type of players, but so good. Even in bad moments, those two always wanted the ball.“Sometimes the fans sometimes don’t understand Dembele but if you saw that guy day in, day out in training, how he can handle the ball, that’s something you don’t see a lot.”Hoesen’s brother-in-law Maeson cuts Jurrien Timber’s hairCredit: MAESONSHoesen has not been trusted to do any footballers’ trims yetCredit: MAESONSThe former striker is enjoying being out of the football bubble and meeting new peopleCredit: MAESONS More

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      Champions-elect Liverpool face most important transfer window in club history with TWELVE stars facing uncertain future

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      LIVERPOOL are facing a seismic summer exodus – whatever happens in the remaining weeks of the season.The Reds are still odds-on favourites to welcome the Premier League title back to Anfield, but within weeks could also wave goodbye to up to a whole team’s worth of players in the busiest and most important transfer window in recent club history.Mo Salah is poised to lead an exodus of star names from Liverpool this summerCredit: GettyLiverpool fans have told owners FSG to pay their stars whatever they want to stayCredit: ReutersThe future of Mo Salah, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Virgil Van Dijk, the out-of-contract big three, has been a sub-plot for the whole of Arne Slot’s debut campaign.And it is no longer unthinkable that all three will leave and be followed out of the Anfield exit door by a number of others.Kop boss Slot and Anfield chiefs are also on alert as European rivals circle around first-teamers like Ibrahima Konate and Luis Diaz. Then there are bit-part players like back-up goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher, Harvey Elliott and Joe Gomez who want regular football.Read more in footballAnd even if the Reds would welcome offers for underperforming stars such as Darwin Nunez and Diogo Jota, they would still need to find high-quality replacements to give Slot the chance to maintain momentum.Despite Liverpool’s Champions League exit and defeat in the Carabao Cup Final, the Dutchman’s season will be judged a huge success if he delivers the Premier League crown that would put the club level with Manchester United But Slot has relied on the core of players who revived the Reds under Jurgen Klopp.If this is to be the start of a glorious new era at Anfield, Slot will need chief executive of football Michael Edwards and sporting director Richard Hughes to deliver a new-look squad that is fit for purpose.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSOn his way – Mo Salah is one of three key men yet to sign a new Reds dealCredit: AlamyMOHAMED SALAHWhether the Egyptian King opted to join a European rival like Inter Milan or to take the money from Saudi Arabia, he would be absolutely irreplaceable.With 27 goals and 17 assists, Salah has been involved in 63.7 per cent of Liverpool’s Premier League goals this season.Mo Salah appears to confirm Liverpool transfer exit live on Sky Sports after ripping Man Utd to shredsThere is no like-for-like option to step into the shoes of the third highest scorer in club history and a legend of English and world football. The Reds pulled a rabbit out of the hat when they signed Kenny Dalglish to succeed Kevin Keegan as their main man in 1977. This is a bigger task.Down and out – Trent Alexander-Arnold is set to leave Liverpool for Real MadridCredit: GettyTRENT ALEXANDER-ARNOLDMost Liverpool fans accept that “the Scouser in our team” is going to Real Madrid to join new bestie Jude Bellingham.Supporters also know that recruiting a right back with the same passing range and potency going forward will be impossible. There is a reason why TAA is the most prolific assist provider from his position in Premier League history, with 62 at the age of only 25. The trick will be finding someone who can defend better yet still deliver enough at the other end of the field to give some compensation for his absence. Good luck.Stand off – Van Dijk and Liverpool are yet to agree terms to keep the skipper at AnfieldCredit: MatchDay Images LimitedVIRGIL VAN DIJKThe accepted wisdom on Merseyside remains that captain Van Dijk is the one of the big three who will sign a new deal to keep him at Anfield.The man himself, though, has given that opinion little support in recent weeks, as rumours of interest from Real Madrid, Saudi Arabia and elsewhere re-emerge, die down and then return.But for Salah’s incredible numbers, the Dutchman would be a leading candidate for player of the year. He is generally regarded as one of the best central defenders to play in England in recent decades.Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi and Bournemouth’s Dean Huijsen are among those touted as successors. Neither is currently at the same level. But then again, who is?It’s all kicking off as Real Madrid, PSG and others plot moves for Ibrahima KonateCredit: GettyIBRAHIMA KONATEApart from the defeats by Paris Saint-Germain and Newcastle, the most alarming and unexpected development of recent weeks has been the emergence of doubt about the future of Van Dijk’s centre back partner.You could dismiss talk that the France international would welcome a summer battle for his signature as mischief-making by the clubs with their friends in the local  media or the product of a slow news day. But it may well not be.Konate’s susceptibility to injury has been an issue in the past but the Reds could ill afford to lose him, regardless of what happens with Van Dijk.Luis Diaz has had a poor second half of the season and could be on his way outCredit: GettyLUIS DIAZThe links between Diaz and Barcelona are as long-standing as the La Liga giants’ financial problems that make any such deal challenging.Yet amid talk of a busy summer at the Camp Nou, with Barca allegedly willing to cash in on bankable stars like Frenkie De Jong and Raphinha, Diaz will be on their radar.Liverpool would not necessarily be averse to selling the Colombian after he failed to maintain his early season form and Cody Gakpo became first-choice on the left flank.Yet Slot would want someone of high calibre and/or versatility to push Gakpo and whatever other forwards he has after the summer.Darwin Nunez is one of FIVE Liverpool forwards who could leave Anfield this summerCredit: GettyDARWIN NUNEZCaptain Chaos’ time at Anfield is surely up after another season of occasional highs but even bigger lows.Liverpool are said to have turned down a bid of £62m plus add-ons from Al-Nassr in January only because they did not have enough time to find a suitable replacement for the Uruguayan.Al-Nassr signed Jhon Duran from Aston Villa instead, but other Saudi clubs remain keen on the Reds’ No 9.Rumours about Atletico Madrid won’t go away, either. Whatever fee Liverpool are able to get for Nunez will need to be re-invested more wisely than the initial £64m they spent on him three years ago.Caoimhin Kelleher is set to take his destiny in his hands and leave LiverpoolCredit: GettyCAOIMHIN KELLEHEREnough is surely enough for the goalkeeper who is the Republic of Ireland’s No 1 yet deserves to be first choice for a club, too.That’s not going to happen at Liverpool, with Georgian stopper Giorgi Mamardashvili due to arrive this summer to push Alisson for his place and, if all goes well, take it in the not-too-distant future.The Reds have turned down bids from Nottingham Forest and others in recent transfer windows and Kelleher filled in well for Alisson while the Brazilian was injured earlier in the season.But with Bournemouth now joining the ranks of clubs ready to give the Irishman his big chance, he will surely be on his way in the summer.Harvey Elliott’s winner in the Champions League at PSG was a rare highlight this seasonCredit: PAHARVEY ELLIOTTBrighton and Borussia Dortmund were among the clubs who were reported to be looking at a move for Elliott in January.The player himself was quick to play down talk of a winter move, stressing that he had had talks with Slot about his lack of game time and understood how hard it was to break into a team that was doing so well.Yet Elliott’s resolve to stay – and the Reds’ determination to keep him – would be tested by sizeable summer offers for a player with just over two years left on his contract.The attacking midfielder/forward – and doubt about his most effective position is a factor – has made just 21 appearances this season, compared to 53 in Klopp’s final campaign, with not a single start in the Premier League.Joe Gomez has never scored in 10 years at Liverpool and may leave before he canCredit: EPAJOE GOMEZGomez has gone from being a key player in Klopp’s farewell season to an outsider under Slot, although he seemed to be returning to favour before a hamstring injury sidelined him.The Reds allegedly included Gomez as a makeweight in the proposed deal to sign Anthony Gordon from Newcastle last year.Eddie Howe will not be the only manager interested in Gomez this summer. Aston Villa, Chelsea and Fulham have all been linked with him, along with clubs in Europe.A move back to London for the former Charlton Academy star, after 10 years at Anfield, looks a good bet. The Reds would want a replacement who matched his versatility but not his injury record.Wataru Endo is Arne Slot’s favourite late sub but other clubs would offer him moreCredit: GettyWATARU ENDOFulham, AC Milan and even Barcelona are just some of the club believed to have an interest in the defensive midfielder, who arrived for a cut-price £16m in the summer of 2023.The Japan captain has become a cult hero at Anfield because of his no-nonsense style and cameo roles in closing out games for Slot’s side.Yet sentimentality will count for little if the Reds could recoup a decent amount of their initial outlay and put it towards securing someone who might put more pressure on Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister for a starting place.Diogo Jota has struggled for fitness and form this season and could be availableCredit: AlamyDIOGO JOTAAs the Kop song goes, the man from Portugal wears the No 20 but if Liverpool win title No 20, his contribution will not have been significant.Jota’s injury issues have been glossed over in the past because of his tendency to have scoring streaks at important times.But like Nunez, the 28 year old has not done enough this season to share the burden of scoring with the incredible Salah.Despite that and his physical frailty, a number of clubs at home and abroad would be prepared to offer Jota a chance to make a new start, perhaps including former employers Wolves.FEDERIO CHIESASerie A title rivals Inter Milan and Napoli were both interested in bringing Chiesa back to Italy on loan in January, after his injury-affected lack of game time at AnfieldUntil what was only a consolation goal in the Carabao Cup final, Chiesa’s most memorable contribution to the season was his manic celebration of Nunez’s late goals at Brentford.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe potential departure of other forward options might make it worth Liverpool’s while to give the Euro 2020 winner another season to prove his worth.But after spending only an initial £10m on the Italy international, the chance to recoup that cash or even make a profit would also be tempting, probably for the player, too. 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      Dream Team bosses quickly crawling back to Aston Villa stars ahead of Gameweek 29

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      MANY Dream Team managers have wasted no time in bringing Aston Villa players back into the mix after their annoying blank.There’s still an entire international break to navigate before the Gameweek 29 deadline but at this early stage, Morgan Rogers (£3.9m), Marco Asensio (£4.1m) and Ollie Watkins (£5.2m) are the three most popular recruits.Gaffers are eagerly recruiting Rogers this weekCredit: Dream TeamThe schedule has conspired to force gaffers into a hokey-cokey with Unai Emery’s favourites.The Villains were immensely popular in Gameweeks 26 and 27, when they played Cardiff and Brentford around a Champions League last 16 tie against Club Brugge in consecutive double headers.But Dream Team bosses were forced to get rid ahead of Gameweek 28 as Rogers and company blanked, a knock-on effect of the Carabao Cup final.The reason gaffers are now eagerly crawling back is that Villa are the only team with six fixtures across the next three Gameweeks, starting with Preston and Brighton immediately after the break.Villa will be busy after the breakCredit: ReutersHowever, two of the upcoming fixtures come in the form of PSG in the Champions League quarter-finals.Based on the Parisians’ impressive performance over two legs against Liverpool, Villa assets may find points hard to come by but there’s no doubt the calendar broadly favours them for the next month or so.Watkins is the top performer among his team-mates with 250 points to his name.The 29 year-old striker will not feature for England over the international break as he’s resting his troublesome knee but he is expected to be available in Gameweek 29.Most read in FootballWatkins has scored 14 goals and provided 13 assists this season – only Erling Haaland (£7.8m) and Mohamed Salah (£8m) have registered more shots on target in all competitions.Back in vogueCredit: GettyAt a more affordable price, Rogers is the most popular Villa player at present.The former Middlesbrough midfielder ranks fifth in his position having amassed 231 points via 12 goals and nine assists.Asensio is an interesting one as it’s not all that easy to predict his minutes but his impact since joining on loan in January has been sizeable.The Spain international has scored seven goals in his first eight games for the club at a strike rate of one every 54.7 minutes!Asensio averages 8.3 points-per-game since arriving on these shores.Among midfielders, only Bukayo Saka (£6.6m) and Cole Palmer (£5.4m) boast superior averages this season.Asensio has hit the ground running at Villa ParkCredit: GettyDream Team bosses should be aware that Asensio is allowed to play against parent club PSG in the Champions League next month as Uefa’s ruling on such matters differs to the Premier League.READ MORE SUN STORIESASTON VILLA’S THREE CONSECUTIVE DOUBLE HEADERS:Gameweek 29: Preston (a) & Brighton (a)Gameweek 30: Nottingham Forest (h) & PSG (a)Gameweek 31: Southampton (a) & PSG (h)Score PredictorPlay Score Predictor with Dream Team this season!FREE to play£250 weekly prizePredict scores of five selected Premier League fixtures and earn points for accuracyMost points wins weekly cash prizePLAY NOW More

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      Nottingham Forest star serenades team-mates after being bizarrely gifted guitar by Ed Sheeran following Ipswich win

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      NOTTINGHAM FOREST star Callum Hudson-Odoi celebrated the victory at Portman Road with a guitar given to him by Ipswich Town super fan Ed Sheeran. Forest are one step closer to realising their dream of Champions League qualification after beating Ipswich 4-2 on Saturday and maintaining third place in the Premier League table.Ed Sheeran gifted Nottingham Forest star Callum Hudson-Odoi a guitarCredit: Instagram @olaainaHudson-Odoi played the guitar after Forest beat Ipswich TownCredit: Instagram @olaainaIpswich super fan Sheeran had a special signed inscription for Hudson-OdoiCredit: Instagram @olaainaHudson-Odoi, 24, handed pop star Sheeran, 34, a rather unpleasant evening as the Tractor Boys’ minority stake holder watched his beloved team plunge into deeper relegation trouble.According to The Athletic, however, the singer remains a big fan of the Nottingham star and gave him a special gift after the final whistle.Sheeran was absent at Ipswich as he is currently in the US for business.However, the artist had pre-arranged to have a guitar gifted to Hudson-Odoi in exchange for a match-worn shirt.Read More on FootballAnd Forest team-mate Ola Aina shared a clip showing the ex-Chelsea star serenading Nuno Espirito Santo’s men with his musical abilities.The winger paid tribute to Sheeran as he attempted to play his popular Shape of You song in the visitors’ dressing room.Aina then focused the camera on the signed inscription the singer left for the England international.It read: “Callum, loads of love mate.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSHudson-Odoi and Co had a very good reason to celebrate after the final whistle.Forest are now seven points ahead of sixth-placed Newcastle, who have a game in hand.Nuno thanks the fans after solid defensive performance against ArsenalNuno’s side have a strong chances of qualifying for Europe’s elite competition for the first time in three decades.Sheeran, who is a fan of Hudson-Odoi, was gracious in defeatCredit: GettyHudson-Odoi helped Forest get one step closer to Champions League qualificationCredit: Rex More

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      Virgil van Dijk issues fierce warning to Liverpool team-mates to avoid the ‘world sinking’ after disastrous week

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      VIRGIL VAN DIJK warned Liverpool must “work our a**es” off to stop the “world sinking”.Sunday’s Carabao Cup final defeat to Newcastle ended a miserable week in which Arne Slot’s side were also dumped out of the Champions League by Paris Saint-Germain.Virgil van Dijk sent a rallying call out to his Liverpool team-matesCredit: ReutersAlexander Isak struck for Newcastle in the finalCredit: GettyOusmane Dembele helped knock Liverpool out of the Champions LeagueCredit: GettySkipper Van Dijk wants the Reds to react with five straight wins that would likely see them secure the Prem title by beating Tottenham on April 27.He said: “We have to turn this around. If you lose twice in five days it feels like the world is sinking. Two weeks before, everything was sunshine and rainbows.“In the Champions League, we couldn’t get it done, we lost this final and we got knocked out of the FA Cup.“We have nine games to go and I don’t think there’s any motivation needed to try to get the job done. We have to work our a**es off.READ MORE IN football“But now everyone goes to their respective countries and will all play and hopefully stay fit.“We then have a couple of days to settle down and be ready for Everton at home.“If we win five games — obviously a very difficult job — we’ll be champions of England.“If you keep these things in your mind it also can benefit you to make sure you’re working hard.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS“I can guarantee you right now there will be so many difficult moments in all of those games.”Liverpool are 12 points clear of Arsenal. The Reds need 16 points to be sure but five wins should be enough due to their better goal difference.Ant & Dec scream with joy and Alan Shearer loses his hat as Geordies go wild after Newcastle win Carabao CupYet inconsistent Arsenal are likely to drop points in their next few games, meaning Arne Slot’s team — who last won the Premier League in 2020 — could wrap up the title even sooner.Van Dijk, whose team face rivals Everton on April 2, revealed how Slot tried to pick up his stars.Dutchman VVD added: “He said everyone should be disappointed by not winning the cup — but that there is a title to win and, when we come back, we have a big game.”The centre-back insisted that the Euro loss to PSG on penalties had nothing to do with Liverpool’s lacklustre Wembley display.He said: “No, I don’t think there was any impact from that. We gave it all, I don’t think PSG had anything to do with it.” More

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      Champions League superstar, 22, turns up at Wembley to support Newcastle ace Tino Livramento

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      NEWCASTLE found themselves a shock new fan at Wembley as a Champions League superstar turned up to support the club.Eddie Howe’s men ran out shock 2-1 winners over runaway Premier League leaders Liverpool to claim a first domestic trophy in 70 years.Jamal Musiala posted a picture of himself travelling to Wembley with Burnley’s CJ Egan-RileyCredit: Instagram @jamalmusiala10The Bayern Munich star revealed he was there to watch Newcastle’s Valentino LivramentoCredit: Instagram @jamalmusiala10Musiala is still in with a chance of winning a Champions League and Bundesliga double with Bayern this seasonCredit: AlamyLivramento helped Newcastle to a first domestic trophy in 70 yearsCredit: GettyAnd enjoying the Magpies’ success in the Wembley stands was Bayern Munich star Jamal Musiala.The Germany international posted a picture of himself travelling to Wembley with Burnley defender CJ Egan-Riley.And he was quick not to get Newcastle fans’ hopes of a bombshell transfer up, as he made clear on Instagram that he was there to watch one player in particular.Musiala tagged full-back Tino Livramento in a second Instagram post of himself watching the final at Wembley stadium.READ MORE NEWCASTLE NEWSThe pair became close friends during eight years together in the Chelsea academy.And Blues fans may well be wondering what might have been if the club had retained the players.Musiala left Chelsea in 2019 at the age of just 16, as he joined Bayern Munich.And Livramento joined Southampton in 2021 in a £5m deal after failing to agree a new contract with the West Londoners.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSBoth men also played for England U21s, though Musiala made just two appearances in 2020 before being picked for the Germany senior team.Winger Musiala was not the only player representing another club who went to support Newcastle in the huge Wembley final.Fans think the Wealdstone Raider is a time traveller after his incredible Newcastle Carabao Cup prediction goes viral Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson rocked up in a Newcastle scarf and was even applauded by the players as he watched them lift the trophy with the Toon faithful.Newcastle reluctantly allowed Whitley Bay-born Anderson to join Nuno’s Forest side in a £35m deal in order to ease spending constraints caused by PSR rules.Tino Livramento lifts the Carabao Cup trophyCredit: Getty More

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      Thomas Tuchel shares hug with Dan Burn and Lewis-Skelly as England stars arrive at St George’s Park for double-header

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      THOMAS TUCHEL shared a hug with England newbies Dan Burn and Myles Lewis-Skelly as the stars arrived at St George’s Park.Tuchel – who famously led Chelsea to the Champions League in 2021 – prepares for his first two Three Lions games in charge. Thomas Tuchel hugs Jordan Henderson as Dan Burn laughsCredit: GettyTuchel greets Arsenal’s Myles Lewis-SkellyCredit: GettyMyles Lewis-Skelly hugs Aston Villa’s Morgan RogersCredit: GettyBellingham also embraces Lewis-SkellyCredit: GettyEngland play Albania on Friday and Latvia next Monday – both at Wembley – in World Cup qualifying matches. And the players beamed as they reported to training for life under their new boss. Newcastle’s Burn – who was no doubt still on cloud nine after heading home in the historic League Cup final win over Liverpool – and Arsenal’s Lewis-Skelly were greeted with big hugs by Tuchel.The defensive pair are in line for senior debuts in what could be a new-look England backline. READ MORE IN football There was also old faces in Jordan Henderson and Marcus Rashford – both left out of Gareth Southgate’s Euro 2024 squad last summer. Rashford is without a goal since joining Aston Villa on loan from Manchester United but he has four assists to his name. His last England cap came off the bench against Brazil in a March 2024 friendly – which ended in a 1-0 loss. Henderson – who has captained Ajax this season – has not played internationally since November 2023. Most read in FootballCaptain Harry Kane reports to trainingCredit: GettyBellingham flew in from Spain for international dutyCredit: GettyMorgan Gibbs-White got a late call upCredit: GettyKeeper James Trafford made the squadCredit: GettyLewis-Skelly looked stylish on his way inCredit: GettyJordan Henderson rocked an all-grey tracksuitCredit: GettyCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe former Sunderland midfielder was seen sharing a laugh with Newcastle’s Burn. And Tuchel previously said: “I truly believe that Dan Burn and Jordan Henderson have every chance to be with us at the World Cup.Dan Burn’s gone from pushing trolleys at Asda to potential England glory – he fully deserves his call-up”Football in general and maybe even more international football is about team spirit, it is about building a team that loves to play with each other, that transports the spirit to the fans, the nation and the country.“It is about building a brotherhood so we cannot only do it with young players and we cannot only do with experienced players. “It has to be a good balance and a good mix in my opinion and that’s what we’re trying to do. “Without doubt, players like Dan Burn and Jordan Henderson bring something to a group from leadership and devotion and being humble and from setting the standards and taking care about the respect in the group. “I am surprised that Dan was never called up. He is such a tall guy but obviously it is easy to overlook him.”Eyebrows were initially raised when Nottingham Forest’s Morgan Gibbs-White was left out by Tuchel. But Gibbs-White joined up with the squad in place of injured Chelsea star Cole Palmer – with the Forest man twice capped at senior level already. READ MORE SUN STORIESChelsea captain James – not capped by England since 2023 – reunited with ex-Blues boss Tuchel after making a return to club competition.The human tuchENGLAND’S new boss Thomas Tuchel has announced his first squad – to mixed reaction.Reece James, with his old Chelsea coach Anthony Barry, was also named by old Chelsea boss TuchelCredit: GettyBurn is ready for his first England capCredit: GettyBurn and skipper KaneCredit: Getty More