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    Football cult hero Adebayo Akinfenwa handed surprise new job in completely different sport

    FOOTBALL cult hero Adebayo Akinfenwa is set for a shock boxing debut.However, Akinfenwa won’t be joining a series of other senior athletes that have tried their luck in the ring.
    Football cult hero Adebayo Akinfenwa is set for a new role in a different sportCredit: PA:Empics Sport
    Adebayo Akinfenwa is crossing over to boxing for a non-fighting roleCredit: Rex Features
    According to talkSPORT, the Beast will be Wasserman Boxing’s MC and ring announcer for Friday night’s show on Channel 5.
    The striker will attend the boxing event, which will be headlined by Lyndon Arthur and Boris Crighton.
    This won’t be the first time the Islington-born star crosses over to the fight game.
    Akinfenwa also appeared on British promotion PROGRESS Wrestling last year.
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    The 40-year-old accompanied Olympic boxing star Anthony Ogogo for his fight against Malik at PROGRESS Chapter 145 – Wrestling Witch Face – Trick or Treat.
    The centre-forward announced his retirement from football in May after the League One play-off final, which saw his Wycombe Wanderers side lose 2-0 to Sunderland at Wembley.
    However, Akinfenwa returned to action less than a year later when he signed for Isthmian League side Faversham Town.
    The club stated: “Faversham Town F.C have landed a major coup, signing a hugely popular former professional striker.
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    “Adebayo Akinfenwa 40, joins the Lilywhites to further help bolster their frontline in their battle against relegation as he comes out of retirement.”
    The former Wimbledon star made his debut earlier this month against Lancing. More

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    Channel 4 host Jules Breach brutally taunts Gerrard and Cole in opening line to coverage of England’s win over Italy

    ENGLAND heroes Steven Gerrard and Joe Cole were savagely taunted by Channel 4 host Jules Breach on live TV.Gerrard and Cole teamed up with Breach as well as legendary Lioness Jill Scott to cover the Three Lions’ 2-1 victory over Italy in Naples.
    Jules Breach trolled Steven Gerrard and Joe Cole before England vs ItalyCredit: Rex
    Jules Breach was joined by Steven Gerrard, Joe Cole and Jill ScottCredit: Rex
    The Liverpool legend and the ex-Chelsea star found themselves subjected to some brutal banter when the presenter introduced all three pundits before the Euro 2024 qualifier.
    The journalist presented the two golden generation stars and then pointed out how Scott is the only member of the panel that actually won something for England after last year’s women’s Euros triumph.
    Breach said: “I’m here alongside two members of the England golden generation…
    “And someone who has actually won something in an England shirt, Jill Scott!”
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    But Gerrard and Cole took it on the chin as they started laughing at Breach’s quip.
    The former Aston Villa boss hit back by explaining how the reference was not in relation to Scott’s I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here win last year.
    The former Everton and Manchester City star in turn quipped: “That’s fine, I’ll just take the Euros. That’s fine.”
    That interaction left fans in stitches as they took to social media to join in on all the fun.
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    One supporter tweeted: “I thought Steven Gerrard was going to headbutt Jules Breach when she said ‘we’re joined by two players of the golden generation, and a player that’s actually won something for England’.”
    Another commented: “Class! That made me chuckle.”
    A third posted: “Introduction they wasn’t expecting.” More

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    Aston Villa and Everton in Moussa Dembele transfer battle with Lyon’s outcast striker available on cut-price deal

    ASTON VILLA and Everton are reportedly battling it out for the signature of Lyon’s Moussa Dembele. According to Foot Mercato the two Premier League sides are hoping they can attract the Frenchman after seeing him fall out of favour across the Channel.
    Moussa Dembele has made 159 appearances for Lyon, scoring 69 goals, but has found himself out of the team
    Dembele, 26, has only managed two goals in the Ligue 1 this season so far and has not been able to live up to his previous heights.
    The former Celtic man – who has long been linked with Manchester United – is available for a cut-price free with his contract set to expire in the summer.
    Everton are struggling for goals this season and have had long-standing injury issues with striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin, who himself has only scored once this season in the league.
    Dembele would offer a different attacking option for Frank Lampard’s side who are languishing in the relegation zone.
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    Meanwhile, Aston Villa are in talks to sell Danny Ings to West Ham for around £15million.
    Unai Emery’s side did secure the signing of Colombian teen Jhon Duran this week.
    But Dembele would represent a ready-made replacement for Ings as the Villans look to continue to progress under the former Villarreal boss.
    Villa are rumoured to prefer a free transfer for the Lyon forward in the summer when is contract expires, but may have to change their opinion in light of Everton’s interest.
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    Lyon are said to be open to allowing Dembele to move away from the club in a transfer.
    The 26-year-old had a loan spell with Atletico Madrid in 2021, but failed to impress, making only seven appearances and failing to score.
    Former Arsenal striker Alexandre Lacazette is currently the starting forward for Lyon, taking Dembele’s place, and has impressed on his return to the French outfit with 11 goals in 19 league appearances this season. More

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    England fan fury as Channel 4 website and app goes DOWN during Germany clash with supporters unable to watch

    ENGLAND fans were left fuming with Channel 4 as coverage of tonight’s clash with Germany went down.The Three Lions were looking to end their miserable run of results, which has seen them relegated in the Nations League, against their old foes.
    Channel 4’s coverage of England’s clash with Germany went down on MondayCredit: Getty
    Those trying to tune in were met with this playback error messageCredit: Channel 4
    A jam-packed crowd was in attendance at Wembley to see Gareth Southgate’s team in action.
    However, the rest of England’s supporters unable to get to the national stadium were tuning into Channel 4.
    But just minutes into the first half of the game those that were watching via the Channel 4 website and app were no longer able to watch as both went down.
    Viewers online and on the All4 app were greeted with an unwelcome error message.
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    The broadcaster replaced ITV for coverage of Three Lions matches this year.
    But frustrated viewers took to Twitter to vent their anger at being unable to watch Southgate’s men in action. 
    One fan moaned: “Fancy sorting your app out so we can watch the game?”
    Another wrote: “Let’s just hope Channel 4 hasn’t got the rights to any of the World Cup games. All4 can’t handle it.”
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    And a third complained: “Dear Channel 4 why have you got the England game if your app doesn’t work? Please give it back to a proper channel.”
    As a fellow frustrated viewer tweeted: “One thing this international break has shown us is that @Channel4 should be nowhere near showing the football. Class app team!”
    And another joked: “Channel 4 certainly made a difference with English football. Now nobody can watch it!”
    A C4 spokesman said: “We apologise for the temporary technical issue that affected some viewers this evening.
    “The issue was resolved just after 9pm. 
    “The England vs Germany match is available to watch on catch-up.” More

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    England fans fuming as Channel 4 cut away from Gareth Southgate interview after fans boo Italy loss to show GOGGLEBOX

    ENGLAND fans were left fuming after watching their side suffer a dismal defeat to Italy.And it wasn’t just about the result.
    Gareth Southgate’s post-match interview was interrupted by GoggleboxCredit: Getty
    England were dismal as they suffered Nations League RELEGATIONCredit: Getty
    Channel 4 cut away from their post-match interview with Gareth Southgate to instead air GOGGLEBOX.
    The Three Lions put in another shoddy performance as their winless run extended to five matches.
    England watched on helplessly as Giacomo Raspadori’s 86th minute strike sealed the win for Italy.
    And the result condemned England to relegation in Nations League A, setting up a horror draw for Euro 2024.
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    Three Lions fans waited with bated breath for Southgate’s interview after the final whistle.
    With the World Cup on the horizon, supporters wanted to know what his thoughts on the performance were.
    But just before Southgate was due to speak, Nations League broadcaster Channel 4 ended their football programme.
    And they instead booted up an episode of reality TV show Gogglebox.
    England fans who had been waiting for answers from Southgate were left fuming.
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    Many blasted Channel 4 for the bizarre decision to cut away from the Three Lions gaffer.
    And it means that Monday’s dead rubber against Germany will be the final time fans can hear Southgate’s thoughts before the World Cup boots up in November.
    One tweeted: “Pretty stunned Channel 4 don’t have a post-game interview with Southgate. So many questions after that.”
    Another boomed: “Channel 4 not showing Southgate’s post-match interview until gone midnight because they’ve got to show Gogglebox?
    “Put it back on the BBC where it belongs ffs.”
    One yelled: “Just when you don’t think it could get worse, Channel 4 don’t show us the interview with Southgate.
    “We’ve got to go straight to people stroking their dogs and eating muffins in front of the TV.”
    GATE KEEPER
    Another cried: “Finishing before any interview with Southgate having to talk live about that dire match, purely for Gogglebox, is nothing short of a disgrace.”
    Southgate still managed to deliver his interview despite the cameras not being on.
    After being booed by travelling fans at the final whistle, he said: “There’s going to be a lot of noise but that will be around me and that’s absolutely fine. It’s my job to take that pressure for them.
    “I understand the reaction at the end because that’s the results we’ve had in this competition. It’s an understandable emotional reaction.
    “It is difficult for me to be too critical of the performance. We had more possession, more shots, more shots on target. For large parts we played very well.
    “We didn’t deal with the decisive moment defensively and we had moments to be more decisive in their final third and our quality wasn’t quite right.
    PRESSURE MOUNTING
    “It’s a spell where ultimately results are going to be the thing everyone reacts to but I thought there were a lot of positives for us as a team. A lot of good individual performances.
    “I personally thought the performance was a step in the right direction but I perfectly understand that because of the result that’s not going to be the reaction.
    “It is really difficult to pinpoint why we’re not scoring. I think we’re getting into the right areas and we had the moments we would have had in the past. People just didn’t deliver that final piece of quality.
    “We’ve said we’re not in an ideal situation in terms of numbers of players playing at a high level regularly. But we’ve got to keep working on it and make sure we stay on track. 
    “The players in the dressing room know this was a game they could have won. And if they take their chances and defend the goal better, then we do win.
    “It’s fine margins. We’re playing some of the biggest football nations and the fine margins are decisive.
    Read More on The Sun
    “We can’t say there’s no value to these games. These were important matches against top level teams. As I said there were a lot of reasons for the results in the summer.
    “Here, we haven’t got the result we needed or wanted. So we are in a run of bad results. It’s for us to put that right.”
    England fans at the San Siro BOOED off the team after the 1-0 defeatCredit: Getty More

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    Gazza made Gazzetta Football Italia primetime viewing as Channel 4 celebrates 30 years since Serie A football came home

    THIS week marks the 30th anniversary of Channel 4 bringing Italian footy to British and Irish TV screens — as Serie A gained a cult following.Saturday mornings were all about highlights show Gazzetta Football Italia, while Football Italia featured live action from the biggest names in world football every Sunday and a chance to watch Paul Gascoigne.
    Gazza with a snake wrapped around his neckCredit: YouTube
    Gascoigne spent time in Italy’s capital playing for LazioCredit: Getty
    Gullit in action for AC MilanCredit: Getty
    Baggio was one of Italy’s biggest starsCredit: Getty
    Jonathan Grade was a producer when the iconic Gazzetta Football Italia took over our televisions.
    In his new book Golazzo: The Football Italia Years, he talks Gazza, snakes and the finest footballers of the 1990s.
    In those days Serie A was in a class of its own.
    Fans had to pay a subscription to watch Premier League football, but over on Channel 4 the best league in the world had a new home, and you did not have to pay a penny.
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    And while Ruud Gullit, Marco van Basten, Roberto Baggio, Gabriel Batistuta and Co were thrilling viewers every week, it was the arrival of a certain Geordie who took centre stage, as Gazza finally signed for Lazio.
    His three years in the eternal city were a rollercoaster.
    There were some unforgettable times — the highlight being a last-minute equaliser in the Rome derby — but there were lows too, as he suffered repeated injury setbacks.
    Gazza’s weekly appearances on Gazzetta Football Italia were legendary, as he and presenter James Richardson hit it off from the start.
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    James would have him up to all sorts — one week doing links with a giant chocolate Easter egg over his head and the next with a snake around his neck!
    On the field viewers were treated to the finest football in Europe.
    A six-goal thriller between Sampdoria and Lazio was the perfect way to start and set the tone for a thrilling first season.
    Any idea that Serie A was dull was well and truly swept away.
    Football Italia was the first live football programme to not have commentators inside the stadium.
    Instead, Peter Brackley would be based in a voiceover booth — usually alongside Ray Wilkins. The viewer would be none the wiser.
    Brackers would always tell us that when he returned home after a live game that nobody could believe he’d got back so quickly!
    While the show was an enormous success it was not always plain sailing behind the scenes.
    There were times when we’d lose the match feed — on one occasion for a match between Parma and Juventus.
    Thankfully we started filming just in time for a Filippo Inzaghi goal, so the viewers didn’t miss anything!
    The pictures coming from our host broadcaster in Italy may not have been Prem quality, but the football was from another planet.
    Before long C4 would expand the coverage. Both legs of Italy’s crucial World Cup qualifier with Russia in 1998 were shown live, attracting a huge audience.
    The channel’s commitment to Football Italia got stronger. Saturday night’s primetime viewing one week was the Milan derby, as we were able to keep showing the biggest games.
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    Sadly, at the turn of the millennium crowd trouble and racism came to the fore in Serie A and in 2002 Channel 4 decided not to renew its Football Italia contract.
    But the memories still remain of one of the greatest eras in Italian football history — and viewers over here got the chance to see it all. 
    l Golazzo: The Football Italia Years by Jonathan Grade is available on Amazon for €13.57 and the Kindle store for €10.31. More

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    ‘It’s happened again’ – England fans moan Channel 4 ‘curse’ to blame as Gareth Southgate’s side slump to dire Italy draw

    ENGLAND fans have bemoaned a Channel 4 “curse” after Gareth Southgate’s side produced another dire performance.The Three Lions were held to a dismal 0-0 bore draw by Italy at Molineux on Saturday.
    England fans reckon the team is in the grips of a ‘Channel 4 curse’Credit: EPA
    Despite dominating possession, England failed to create any meaningful chances in a replay of the Euro 2020 final.
    And Southgate’s men have now gone three games without victory in the Nations League – all on Channel 4 – this month.
    England lost their first match 1-0 in Hungary before drawing 1-1 away to Germany on Tuesday.
    Southgate came under heavy fire for his negative approach in both matches.
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STORIES.css-1gojmfd{margin-bottom:16px;}.css-gmec1d{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;height:auto;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-align-content:center;-ms-flex-line-pack:center;align-content:center;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:start;-ms-flex-pack:start;-webkit-justify-content:flex-start;justify-content:flex-start;margin-left:calc(-20px/2);margin-right:calc(-20px/2);}.css-fh9577{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;margin-left:calc(20px/2);margin-right:calc(20px/2);}.css-65fvqt{max-width:302px;max-height:294px;}.css-1exhbll{box-sizing:border-box;overflow:hidden;background-color:rgba(237,245,242,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;position:relative;display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;max-width:302px;max-height:294px;}.css-bk55po{box-sizing:border-box;display:block;position:relative;margin-bottom:0;}.css-1shocxe{box-sizing:border-box;}.css-1a2irou{box-sizing:border-box;padding:0;}.css-1a2irou 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    But little changed against a new-look Italy side.
    And some England fans decided to take aim at broadcaster Channel 4.
    The TV channel has hosted all three Nations League matches in June.
    And more supporters are starting to feel that a “curse” has been placed upon England due to Channel 4 broadcasting their matches.
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    One declared: “Channel 4 curse happening again with England tonight??”
    Another said: “The curse of Channel 4!”
    One asked: “Are we calling this the Channel 4 curse?”
    Another noted: “I’m starting to believe in a Channel 4 curse for England.”
    One added: “Is it too early to call this a Channel 4 curse? We used to win games before they got the coverage.” More

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    Hungary 0 England 0 LIVE: Stream, TV channel, team news as Three Lions get Nations League campaign UNDERWAY in Budapest

    ENGLAND take on Hungary TODAY in their Nations League opener as the Three Lions step up preparations for the Qatar World Cup.And three points will be vital as the Three Lions have Germany and Italy to navigate around shortly after.

    Start time: 5pm GMT
    TV/Live stream: Channel 4
    Hungary XI: Gulacsi; Lang, Orban, Szalai; Nego, Schafer, A.Nagy, Z.Nagy; Sallai, Szoboszlai
    England XI: Pickford; Walker, Coady, Maguire; Alexander-Arnold, Bellingham, Rice, Justin; Bowen, Mount; Kane

    Follow ALL the action with our live blog below…
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    Hungary 0-0 England
    5. The vuvuzela is making a big comeback in Hungary it seems.
    Times like these makes you wish it was a ‘closed doors’ game.
    England are probing, trying to find weakness in their opponents.
    Hungary 0-0 England
    3. England are switching the ball from one flank to the other.
    Looking to stretch their opponents.
    Justin is caught offside, making a run for Coady to look for.
    Hungary 0-0 England
    1. It is a warm, humid night in Budapest.
    That will prove energy sapping through the game.
    England are looking comfortable in possession, knocking the ball around.
    Kick-off: Hungary vs England
    We are underway at the Puskas Arena.
    Hungary get us started in this 28 degree heat.
    The fans are making themselves heard.

    Fans enjoying chance to see stars
    Despite the thoughts of some quarters about the attendance here today, it is good to see the young fans enjoying the occasion.
    With England visiting, they are able to see some of their footballing heroes in the flesh tonight.
    Nobody wants to see the ground empty so credit to the Hungarian FA for offering the tickets to the children and guardians.

    Take a chance on me
    There are many players in Southgate’s starting line-up today that will be looking to make a good impression on the manager.
    James Justin gets a chance to show if he can replicate some of his Leicester City form on the international stage.
    Conor Coady and Mason Mount also have the chance to make themselves starting regulars in this England side.
    Alexander-Arnold will be looking to show fans and manager alike what his game is all about in Budapest this evening.

    Picking ‘form players’ key to success
    Jarrod Bowen has had an impressive season that has seen him score 12 Premier League goals which has earned him his starting place, and first England cap, in a three-pronged attack with Kane and Mount.
    Kane is keen to continue his fine form in an England shirt and chip away at the four goals needed to break Wayne Rooney’s record.
    Jude Bellingham will be looking to take his chance and try put himself in contention for the flight to Qatar.
    Ex-Chelsea striker setting Italy alight
    Tammy Abraham scored 17 goals in Serie A this season.
    This is the most scored by an Englishman in a single Italian top-flight campaign.
    He will be keen to get some game time and Kane can expect his minutes to be managed by Southgate as a result.

    Southgate to look at his options
    The England manager has many questions he needs to answer before he picks his squad for the World Cup.
    One such player keen to make an impression is Trent Alexander-Arnold with Liverpool’s young full-back having been heavily criticised for some costly mistakes.
    The 23-year-old was most recently blamed for Vinicius Junior’s winner for Madrid in the Champions League final and will be keen to get some game time to change opinion.
    England subs:
    12. Trippier, 13. Pope, 14. Stones, 15. James, 16. Grealish, 17. Ward-Prowse, 18. Gallagher, 19. Phillips, 20. Sterling, 21. Saka, 22. Ramsdale, 23. Abraham
    England starting XI:
    1. Pickford, 2. Walker, 5. Coady, 6. Maguire, 7. Alexander-Arnold, 8. Bellingham, 4. Rice, 3. Justin, 10. Bowen, 9. Kane, 11. Mount
    Hungary subs:
    3. Kecskés, 5. Fiola, 11. Sallói, 12. Dibusz, 14. Bolla, 15. Kleinheisler, 16. Vancsa, 17. Styles, 19.Ádám, 21. Spandler, 22. Szappanos, 23. Vécsei
    Hungary starting XI:
    1. Gulácsi, 2. Lang, 6. Orban, 4. Szalai, 7. Nego, 13. Schäfer, 8. Nagy, 18. Nagy, 20. Sallai, 10. Szoboszlai, 9. Szalai
    Change of focus much needed
    Hungary will be looking to perform well on the pitch today with a performance against this highly-rated England side.
    It would take focus from their recent off-field controversy.
    The home fans have a huge part to play in all aspects of the game at the Puskas Arena today.

    Rossi’s side not firing on all cylinders
    Hungary have had real issues creating chances at home of late.
    They have failed to score in five of their last eight games.
    Their only wins in that time have come against Andorra and San Marino.
    Bulletproof England show the way
    England have won 15 of their last 20 international matches in 90 minutes across all competitions.
    13 of those games have seen England keep clean-sheets.
    Avoiding defeat today would see The Three Lions extend their unbeaten run to 10 games.
    All roads lead to Qatar
    On the pitch there isn’t much of a contest between these two teams.
    England however will still be smarting from their third-placed finish in the Nations League last time out.
    The surge of games in the competition in the lead up to the World Cup will offer many players a chance to catch the manager’s eye before that squad for the plane to Qatar is decided.
    Tough challenge in Budapest for Southgate
    It is never easy to win on the road in football at any level.
    The Puskas Arena can be an intimidating atmosphere when the fans are getting behind their team.
    England were expecting a covid-style empty stadium for tonight’s game but will have to deal with what some are saying will be around 35,000 fans.

    Records are made to be broken
    England’s captain spoke about the pressure of breaking the England goalscoring record:
    It seems like a long time ago when I made my debut now, at the time it was just about playing for England, that was one of the best feelings, still is one of the best feelings every time I pull on that shirt. It’s great to be close to 50, obviously I am still a few goals behind Wazza but the most important thing is to go out there and perform for my team and that is what I’ll try and do.Harry KaneEngland captain
    I’m coming for Roo
    England captain Harry Kane has scored 49 goals for his country.
    He is keen to break Wayne Rooney’s record before this winter’s World Cup in Qatar.
    Rooney scored 53 goals for his country and the Nations League hectic fixture schedule will give Kane six games to achieve that goal.
    Loopholes makes the world go around
    Due to children and guardians being able to attend today’s game in line with UEFA’s ruling, the Puskas Arena can expect to see in excess of 30,000 fans for the game.
    It will be a very different proposition from the ‘closed doors’ game England were expecting.
    Southgate will have to ensure his players stayed focussed on the task at hand.
    Welcome to Hungary vs England
    England travel to Budapest for their Nations League opening game against a familiar foe with these two sides having met in World Cup qualifying in the last 12 months.
    The Three Lions took four points from those two encounters, despite Hungary gaining a creditable 1-1 draw at Wembley, England winning comfortably 4-0 in Budapest.
    The game was marred by reports of racism towards England’s players which led initially to the game being planned to be played behind closed doors, although it is now reported that around 30,000 fans will be in attendance.
    Phil Foden will miss the games with Hungary and Germany after testing positive for Covid-19, the Man City midfielder has been sent home but boss Southgate says he should be available got the games against Italy and Hungary at Molineux.
    Defenders Fikayo Tomori and Marc Guehi are injured and will miss out, while Raheem Sterling has missed some training sessions but should be fit.
    England’s only real injury worry was the withdrawal of Arsenal centre-back Ben White as he struggles to shake off a muscular injury.
    James Justin continues his positive comeback from a long injury lay-off and is hoping to push for his first England cap.
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