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    England rugby coach Steve Borthwick issues foreign manager warning as he reacts to Thomas Tuchel appointment

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    ENGLAND rugby manager Steve Borthwick welcomed Thomas Tuchel into the international club – but warned that foreign managers do not tend to produce winning sides.Borthwick suggested that the testimonials of Tuchel’s former club players represent the biggest reasons to believe he can be a Three Lions success.England rugby head coach Steve Borthwick has welcomed Thomas Tuchel into the international clubCredit: PATuchel has been unveiled as the new England football managerCredit: GettyBut the Red Rose chief, who worked under Eddie Jones with Japan and England and then succeeded the Aussie, pointed to the history of top level sport to suggest Tuchel will have to break the mould of history.Borthwick said: “I’ve not met Thomas, although I’ve read a lot about him – and probably in the last 12 hours read even more about him.“I would look forward to hopefully having the opportunity at some stage to learn more from him.“The players speak really well of him and they are the best judges.READ MORE ON ENGLAND“You hear them and read what they say. Good players say good things about him.”Hopefully I will have an opportunity to meet him in the future.”Asked whether a coach’s nationality matters, Borthwick added: “First and foremost it is about having the best coach for the team that you have.“Different coaches are needed for different teams and what a team needs at any one point in time is going to be really, really clear.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS“But what we have also seen is that not too many major trophies have been won by teams coached by a coach from another nation.“That is just fact. The key point is, get the right coach. That is the most important thing.” Watch Thomas Tuchel’s awkward reaction when asked why he chose England over Man UtdANDY DILLON: Thomas Tuchel has all the ingredients to become a classic England manager – tactical nous, drive and a tangled love lifeBy Andy DillonTHOMAS TUCHEL possesses all the ingredients to become a classic England manager.Tactical nous, drive, energy, experience – a tangled love life.English football should welcome back the most explosive, dynamic, charismatic and impossibly tall and gangly coach to have lit up the Premier League.Chelsea’s colourful former boss has been leading a settled life in Munich of late.Far enough away from ex-wife Sissi but close enough to see his two daughters.Walking his dog in the streets in the east of Germany’s most fashionable city, residing in the posh Bogenhausen area. Living relatively quietly with his Brazilian girlfriend.Tuchel is a vastly different personality to the man who led England quietly but assuredly to the brink of World Cups and European Championships.An excitable nature can make him hard to handle for those seeking calm and who like to impose their way on a manager they view very much as an underling.Read more on why Tuchel REALLY IS the best man for the England job More

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      England clash risks being first in DECADES not to be shown on live TV amid frantic rush to agree deal

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      ENGLAND’S clash with Japan next month is in danger of becoming the first Red Rose men’s Test not televised live in decades.Rugby chiefs are reportedly scrambling to agree a deal for the clash with ex-boss Eddie Jones’ new team in Tokyo on June 22.Eddie Jones might yet find his Japan team’s long-awaited home clash with England in Tokyo in June not shown live on TVCredit: RexRed Rose coach Steve Borthwick will take on Japan twice this yearCredit: GettyThe Times say negotiations have yet to result in a solution.And if no answer is found, the RFU could end up streaming England’s summer opener on its website.Japan – coached by ex-Red Rose boss Jones – will travel to Britain this winter.After playing New Zealand, Australia and South Africa, Steve Borthwick’s men will finish their packed November schedule against the Brave Blossoms.READ MORE TOP STORIESBut the fixture before that, in the Japanese capital in five weeks’ time, is causing concern off the pitch.Sky Sports signed a deal with Southern Hemisphere rugby chiefs (Sanzaar) to show England’s two summer tests against New Zealand.The Red Rose face the All Blacks in Dunedin and Auckland on July 6 and 13.But Sanzaar does not cover Japan, meaning there is currently a broadcasting hole for that matchMost read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSEngland last played the Brave Blossoms in November 2022, registering a 34-12 win in a World Cup pool game at Nice Stadium.Japan have not visited Twickenham since a 52-13 defeat in November 2022.Meet the Six Nations WAGs cheering England, Ireland, Wales and Scotland stars onRed Rose chief Jones was sacked just a month after thatHe took charge of home country Australia for a second time in January 2023 – but resigned 10 months later after a dire World Cup saw the Wallabies slump to ninth in the world rankings.Jones then made it two spells leading Japan when they appointed him coach last December. More

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      Alan Shearer’s daughter Hollie puts on leggy display as she enjoys desert holiday with England rugby star boyfriend

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      ALAN SHEARER’S daughter Hollie put on a leggy display as she enjoyed a desert holiday alongside England rugby boyfriend Joe Marchant.Glamorous singer Hollie, 29, dazzled as she jetted off to Marrakech this week.
      Hollie Shearer put on a leggy display as she enjoyed a holiday in the desertCredit: https://www.instagram.com/hollieshearer/
      Hollie is currently dating England rugby star Joe MarchantCredit: https://www.instagram.com/hollieshearer/
      The pair have been dating since February 2022Credit: https://www.instagram.com/hollieshearer/
      The blonde bombshell wore a grey dress as she posed on a mountain dune.
      Hollie completed her chic look with a pair of sunglasses.
      And later she enjoyed a night on the tiles with Marchant, who was not selected for England’s current Six Nations campaign.
      The loved-up pair have been dating since February 2022.
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      And they gazed into the camera while enjoying a drink amid the setting sun.
      Fans were certainly left blown away by Hollie’s epic holiday snaps.
      One said: “Looks beautiful, is on my list of places to visit.”
      Another declared: “Looks amazing there, beautiful photos.”
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      Hollie often dazzles her 83,000 followers on Instagram.
      Last month she struck a pose in Paris while showing off her latest designer gear.
      Alan Shearer’s daughter Hollie shows off her beach body in series of bikinis as she models outfits on holiday
      Hollie has also been known to pose in a crop top while showing off her toned tummy.
      And she greeted the start of 2024 by showing off a selection of her finest snaps from last year.
      Hollie is believed to be working on new music as she lives her best life.
      The hit-maker has produced numbers including ‘Leave Right Now’, ‘Love You Better’ and ‘Sauvignon Blanc’.
      Inside Hollie’s glamorous life as singer, model, football icon’s daughter and rugby Wag…
      Hollie Shearer is the glam daughter of Newcastle legend and World Cup pundit Alan Shearer
      Father and daughter; Hollie with dad Alan
      Hollie has become a celebrity in her own right
      Hollie boasts over 80,000 followers on Instagram
      Singer Hollie dreams of living in Nashville, Tennessee
      She supported Sam Fender at her father’s foundation nightCredit: Instagram
      Hollie dazzled in glittery fishnet stockings as she performed on stageCredit: Instagram
      Hollie, left, posed with brother Will and sister Chloe, right on a recent holidayCredit: Instagram/@chloeshearer1
      Hollie has been dating England rugby star Joe Marchant since 2022Credit: Instagram @hollieshearer
      Hollie cheered on partner Joe from the stands at the World Cup in France Credit: Instagram @hollieshearer
      Hollie wowed in this revealing bikini… but she stole it from her sisterCredit: Instagram / @hollieshearer
      Hollie often leaves fans swooning with her incredible toned bodyCredit: Instagram
      Hollie showed off her beach body on a swanky holiday to Greece
      Hollie cuts an elegant figure in a stunning red dress
      Hollie turned into a biker girl as she posed in a crop top and leather trousersCredit: Instagram
      She has accumulated a substantial following on InstagramCredit: Instagram
      Hollie frequently posts pictures to her adoring fans on social mediaCredit: @blackboughswim
      She treats fans to regular glimpses into her lifestyleCredit: Instagram
      The singer-songwriter loves being on the water in an array of colourful bikinisCredit: INSTAGRAM / @hollieshearer
      She loves maintaining her impressive tan on holidayCredit: INSTAGRAM / @hollieshearer
      Hollie shares the same confidence in front of the camera that her dad showed in front of goal
      Hollie posed in a pink bra and thong for PrettyLittleThing Valentine’s Day shootCredit: PrettyLittleThing
      Hollie’s posts regularly have fans hailing her as a ‘stunning princess’Credit: Instagram / @hollieshearer
      Hollie looks equally as glamorous when not just in a bikiniCredit: instagram @hollieshearer More

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      Harry Maguire has finally snapped over Man Utd snub.. but maybe he thinks he can last longer at club than Erik ten Hag

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      HARRY MAGUIRE, it appears, has finally grown sick of getting splinters in his backside.Finally cracked, after months of keeping his head down and working his nuts off to try and reclaim a regular place in Manchester United’s wafer-thin defence.
      Manchester United ace Harry Maguire snapped about the lack of minutesCredit: Alamy
      Finally his frustration has replaced the silent fortitude which won him such respect for the dignified way he battled to reignite his career.
      Unfortunately for Harry, the one thing it didn’t win was the favour of Erik ten Hag. As the months passed, it became more obvious it was never going to.
      Which brought us to that media conference ahead of England’s what’s-the-point friendly against Australia on Friday, when Maguire admitted enough is enough.
      If he continues to play no more than a cameo role for the club, he told us, then it may well be time to look for another.
      Read More on Man Utd
      All very understandable, of course. Horses for courses and all that, and Maguire clearly doesn’t suit the Ten Hag stable.
      Yet as he sat there, some questions nagged away . . . Why now, Harry? What’s changed? Wasn’t summer the ideal opportunity for all this?
      It’s not as if he has only just slipped into the wilderness. He went into this season knowing he was fourth-choice centre-back — at best.
      Maguire isn’t stupid, he’s been in the game at the highest level for long enough. He knows where he  features in Ten Hag’s thinking.
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      Last season told him that, when he began only eight Premier League games. Moving left-back Luke Shaw to the middle was a more attractive option for the manager.
      So what made him think he was suddenly about to turn into a  regular? Two Prem starts prove he won’t. Had it not been for injuries, he might still be awaiting his first.
      Last week was one of them, and you couldn’t disguise the irony of him being United’s best defender against Brentford, for all it was a pretty low bar.
      It was Maguire’s flick which teed up Scott McTominay for the 97th-minute winner. Two men Ten Hag has  frozen out ended up saving his skin.
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      Maguire has fallen down the pecking order at Manchester UnitedCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
      It was almost unbelievable . . . just like the idea he hasn’t already had plenty of meetings with the United manager to discuss his future.
      Which brings us back to why he suddenly feels the need to mention moving now. If he is worried about it affecting his England chances, surely he was in the summer.
      A summer, remember, when he could have joined West Ham had a deal gone through.
      The Hammers were keen, Ten Hag would have all but driven him there himself, yet the apparent stumbling block was the size of the pay-off Maguire demanded.
      There were those on the London side of the proposed transfer, though, who had doubts about whether Harry was ever really that keen on joining them at all.
      He would clearly have preferred a move to Newcastle or Tottenham, that’s hardly a shock, but neither was interested.
      Maguire may think he can last longer than Ten Hag at Manchester UnitedCredit: Alamy
      So he stayed put, that pay-off stalemate actually providing a handy and eminently plausible excuse.
      Yet there is another, more  devilish, thought over why he wasn’t in a great rush to leave which springs to mind here. The next couple of months will not only show whether Maguire is going to become a regular name on the teamsheet, they will also decide much about United’s season.
      With no points from two Champions League games, it will be a brief return to Europe’s top table should things not pick up.
      With Newcastle in the Last 16, the Old Trafford club’s defence of the Carabao Cup may be a brief one.
      And with City, Chelsea, the Toon and Liverpool on the horizon for a team which went into the international break in tenth, United may soon only have a distant view of the top four.
      Had they not pulled it out of the fire against Brentford last week, there was no danger Ten Hag’s job would have been under threat. But, make no mistake, the inquests wouldn’t have been far away.
      Maguire is still being called up for England action by Gareth SouthgateCredit: Getty
      So perhaps, just perhaps, Maguire — who has shown plenty of patience thus far — is happy to play the long game.
      Perhaps, just perhaps, he believes if he sits tight, he could actually end up outlasting his manager in Manchester.
      You couldn’t blame him for thinking so.
      CITY WEAK TO FORGET
       MANCHESTER CITY have lost two league games in a row for the first time in five years, so it is ludicrous to mention the word “crisis”.
      It is still far from that, and says much about the standards City set for anyone to even whisper as much.
      They will bounce back and remain favourites to make it four titles in a row.
      Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola can’t afford more injuriesCredit: Reuters
      But what is hard to get away from is the feeling Pep Guardiola’s  Treble winners are a weaker unit than 12 months ago.
      Ilkay Gundogan and Riyad Mahrez have gone while Kevin De Bruyne remains injured.
      They have depth to cope  and are far from weak — but most definitely weaker.
      And Guardiola will be sweating rather more than normal this time should any others join the casualty list.
      SQUEAKY BRUM TIME
      OF all the stars to emerge over the last 20 years, few have shone quite as brightly as Wayne Rooney.
      Manchester United’s 253-goal all-time top scorer, a setter of milestones, smasher of records and a genuine great.
      Wayne Rooney is facing his biggest managerial challenge at Birmingham CityCredit: Getty
      Sacking John Eustace and replacing him with Rooney was certainly a bold move by Birmingham City.
      Yet it is perhaps an even bolder one by the new boss.
      Rooney did a fair job in impossible circumstances at Derby. He could not say the same after 15 months in the MLS with DC United.
      Now he inherits a team punching above their weight, not one in freefall. Taking Birmingham into the play-offs is the minimum demand.
      Succeed and the next step is upwards. But flop and the only way is down. Make no mistake, the pressure is on.
      RAM JAM
      AARON RAMSDALE was  Arsenal’s No 1 a month ago with hopes of being the same for England. Now he is on the bench for both.
      Mikel Arteta’s bizarre claim he would chop and change with David Raya always looked dubious. The truth is Ramsdale’s chances of being England’s top dog have been stiffed by his boss.
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      IF England  beat Fiji today, one of the worst Red Rose sides to contest the World Cup will be 80 minutes from the final.
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      After a kind draw, England must go beyond the semis to justify any sort of celebration. Yet one thing is guaranteed . . . 
      Given the axing of George Ford and Freddie Steward, and naming a 23 with three fly-halves and a makeshift full-back, Steve Borthwick will find his neck on the block if they fail. More

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      Meet England’s rugby Wags including daughter of MOTD pundit who will be cheering team on at the Rugby World Cup 2023

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      THE Rugby World Cup is upon us.England’s rugby team kick off their campaign against Argentina on September 9.
      Meet England rugby’s stunning WagsCredit: INSTAGRAM
      Beautiful Beth Dolling will be cheering on the RosesCredit: Instagram @bethdolling
      Beth is the partner of Marcus Smith
      The squad is currently in turmoil with captain Owen Farrell and Billy Vunipola missing the start of the tournament after receiving bans.
      Add to that a dismal run of defeats to Ireland and Fiji that mean the Roses are low in confidence.
      But, there’s plenty of talent in the squad to cause a dent in France.
      Off the pitch, the Wags will be cheering their partners on. From a stunning model to a co-founder of an online community for mums, meet the Wags cheering on our boys…
      Read more England rugby news

      Beth Dolling
      Beautiful Beth, 23, is the girlfriend of Marcus Smith.
      She has appeared in campaigns for online fashion giants PrettyLittleThing.
      She’s also embracing a career as a singer and has an Instagram account dedicated to her music.
      The pair have been together for four years.
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      Hollie Shearer
      Gorgeous Hollie, 28, is the daughter of England legend and Match of the Day pundit Alan Shearer.
      Like Beth, she is a singer and songwriter – so surely a collaboration is on the cards.
      Hollie Shearer shows off her stunning bikini body to her 83,000 Instagram followers
      Hollie is the daughter of England legend Alan ShearerCredit: Instagram
      Joe Marchant and Hollie Shearer togetherCredit: https://www.instagram.com/hollieshearer/?hl=en
      She dates Joe Marchant, and they have been together for a year.
      Hollie’s Instagram has drawn 83,000 followers to her account, who are wowed by the incredible lifestyle she lives.
      Olivia Thomas
      Not much is known about very private Olivia Thomas, who is engaged to Harlequins hooker Jack Walker.
      The brunette beauty keeps her cards close to her chest by making her Instagram private.
      Brunette beauty Olivia keeps a private profileCredit: https://www.instagram.com/jwacker96/
      Jack Walker and Olivia recently got engagedCredit: https://www.instagram.com/jwacker96/
      However, she appears on Walker’s social media – often looking glam and fashionable.
      They share a dog they affectionately nickname ‘The Queen’, and revealed they are expecting a baby.
      Megan Ely
      Toulouse flanker Jack Willis is in a long term relationship with Meg, who lives in the South of France with her beau.
      They have a son together called Enzo, who was born in 2021.
      Meg Ely lives in the South of France, where her beau playsCredit: https://www.instagram.com/meganely_/?hl=en-gb
      Jack Willis and Meg are in a longterm relationshipCredit: https://www.instagram.com/meganely_/?hl=en-gb
      She is often seen at the Stadium de Toulouse – cheering on Willis and his team.
      No doubt she will be there supporting him in France.
      Annie Knowles
      Sadly, model Annie won’t at this year’s Rugby World Cup.
      The Wag of Sales Sharks star Ben Curry, he is a notable absentee after suffering a hamstring injury.
      Gorgeous Annie Knowles is a model with agencies in London and ManchesterCredit: https://www.instagram.com/anniekknowles/?hl=en-gb
      Ben Curry and Annie pose for a selfieCredit: https://www.instagram.com/anniekknowles/?hl=en-gb
      Annie is signed to J’adore Models in Manchester and BMA models in London.
      Her Instagram is full of glam images showcasing her beauty.
      Michelle Daly
      In 2021, Michelle and Elliot Daly said their ‘I do’s’ in a glitzy wedding ceremony.
      They posted a series of photos of their big day on Instagram, accompanied with the caption: “One month ago today I got to marry my soulmate. 10 years of knowing each other, four years engaged and now finally married.”
      Michelle Daly runs her own photography studio
      Michelle and Elliot Daly got married in 2021Credit: https://www.instagram.com/elliotdaly/?hl=en
      Michelle runs her own photography studio called Michelle Sylvia Photography.
      She is a graduate of the London School of Photography.
      Jessica Lawes
      Jessica is married to Northampton Saints star Courtney Lawes.
      They have four children together, and she is the co-founder of online community The Mum Club, which connects mums to various events close to them.
      Read More on The Sun
      She said on social media: “We honestly can’t believe the journey that The Mum Club has been on.
      “To think we started this driving across the country hosting brunches to 2.5 kids, and now we’ve six kids between the two of us, over 40 franchises, hosted over 500 plus events, a team of seven at HQ and now we’re entering international territory with a franchise opening in Dubai. Madness!”
      Jessica Lawes runs an online community for mums
      Jessica and Courtney Lawes have four children together More

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      Gary Lineker and Marcus Rashford show footballers are a better opposition to the government than the actual Opposition

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      FOOTBALLERS, eh? What a bunch of loony-left woke snowflakes.Well, not really, no.
      Gary Lineker has been a vocal critic of the governmentCredit: EPA
      During Gary Lineker’s playing days, the overwhelming majority of professional footballers voted Conservative.
      And even now, here are a group of self-made men, many of them who grew up in deprived areas, who have fought their way up in a cut-throat industry, an absolute meritocracy, and become multi-millionaires through their own talent and willpower.
      What could be more Thatcherite than that?
      And in an export market damaged by Brexit, the Premier League — “the greed is good” league — is perhaps Britain’s most successful global business model.
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      It’s hardly a breeding ground for dangerous leftist militants.
      But as the Gary Lineker affair has underlined, footballers past and present are increasingly able to oppose Government policy more stridently and successfully than the actual Opposition in Westminster.
      Before Lineker’s suspension from Match of the Day and the remarkable near-blackout of BBC Sport, we had Marcus Rashford campaigning against child poverty and the determination of footballers to “take the knee” in support of racial equality.
      These are extraordinary times because, until recently, the stereotype of footballers as monosyllabic morons was a staple of comedy sketch shows. They were widely portrayed, unfairly, as a bunch of thickos.
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      But in the social media age, footballers have found their voices — and many are intelligent, socially conscious, opinionated and extremely good at delivering messages.
      Premier League dressing rooms are some of the most racially diverse and cosmopolitan workplaces in the country.
      And the league itself is a success story for multiculturalism and internationalism, in an age when England has become insular and isolationist after Brexit.
      When footballers feel strongly about uniting to oppose, for example, racism, they do so from a position of knowledge.
      Likewise, Rashford experienced child poverty first-hand.
      Tory MPs enjoy kicking footballers and ex-pros in the media but it is not a popular strategy.
      After Rashford’s miss in the Euros final penalty shoot-out against Italy in 2021, Dover MP Natalie Elphicke claimed the Manchester United forward “should have spent more time perfecting his game and less time playing politics”.
      During that same tournament, several Tory MPs criticised the England team for taking the knee.
      And the opposition to that gesture centred around the Black Lives Matter organisation being “Marxist”
      Again, the idea of Premier League footballers, some of the nation’s highest earners, following the Communist Manifesto is laughable.
      You’d do well to find any coming out for post-match interviews and declaring: “At the end of the day, the proletarians have nothing to lose but their chains, Clive.”
      And Lineker himself is fighting the HMRC over a £4.9million tax demand — as part of a wrangle over his employment status.
      Marcus Rashford forced a government U-turn regarding child povertyCredit: Getty
      That debate over whether Lineker should be regarded as a BBC employee or a freelancer came up again after his “Nazi” tweet last week.
      Did he have to abide by the BBC’s vague impartiality guidelines, or was he free to speak his mind?
      When peace broke out, and Lineker’s return to Match of the Day was confirmed for next weekend, the unapologetic former England striker repeated his support for refugees.
      The whole fiasco has been a PR disaster for the BBC hierarchy.
      Thankfully it is now over and the public will be able to watch a proper BBC Match of the Day next weekend, including live coverage of two FA Cup quarter-finals.
      There are many football fans who cannot afford subscription TV and they have been let down badly by the Beeb’s ham-fisted approach to Lineker.
      But with the solidarity of his colleagues, Lineker has “won” his argument with the BBC.
      Just as Rashford forced government U-turns on child hunger and ended up being awarded an MBE.
      Neither Lineker or Rashford has ever come out as Labour Party supporters and it’s very possible they might vote for somebody else.
      But while Keir Starmer is too scared to speak freely about immigration or Brexit for the fear of losing votes, footballers have become the outspoken voices of reason in a fractured and angry nation.
      Maybe they should form a party of their own and stand at the next election. They’d probably win it.
      BOYLE IN THE BAG
      AFTER Chelsea beat Borussia Dortmund, I sat next to an elderly Scottish gentleman on the District Line, who was chatting to a couple of match-going tourists from America.
      They asked the man sitting next to me whether he’d been to the States and he certainly had.
      His name was John Boyle who, as well as winning a European trophy with Chelsea, had captained and then managed Tampa Bay Rowdies in the 1970s in the North American Soccer League.
      I asked him whether he’d played against Pele and it turns out Boyle had marked the great man, who was “still a fit lad in his mid-30s” when playing for New York Cosmos.
      Boyle sounded totally enthused by Chelsea’s performance against Dortmund.
      And coming from a man who marked Pele, that’s probably a more ringing endorsement than Blues boss Graham Potter might have imagined receiving a week or two ago.
      SOUL FAR AWAY
      ENGLAND’S record 53-10 defeat by France at Twickenham — after head coach Steve Borthwick had benched skipper Owen Farrell — was the equivalent of England’s footballers losing 7-1  to Germany in a  competitive match at Wembley after Gareth Southgate had dropped Harry Kane.
      But while there was isolating booing at the final whistle, the response of the 81,000 crowd was generally one of mild indifference.
      The Twickenham crowd, dominated by corporate day-trippers, will get behind England if they’re winning but it doesn’t actually seem to matter to them if their team loses.
      And that makes the whole experience feel pretty soulless.
      HORSING AROUND
      ANYONE keen on cutting public expenditure might ask why so many mounted police were deployed to the “posh derby” between Fulham and Arsenal.
      It is the least menacing fixture in the Premier League.
      And the Met’s horses were getting so much friendly attention, Craven Cottage felt like a petting zoo.
      BRAIN GAME
      ANTONIO CONTE claimed Spurs were “too soft” in their Champions League exit against AC Milan.
      Read More on The Sun
      But wasn’t his defensive general Cristian Romero sent off for two reckless challenges — the second of which scuppered an attempted late rally?
      Tottenham were too soft? Too brainless, more like. More

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      I played in the 2007 Rugby World Cup final for England… now I’ve bought a non-league football team

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      A FORMER England Rugby player is one of the surprise people involved in the takeover of non-league club Yeovil Town. The National League side have finally changed ownership after weeks of speculation.
      Ex-Rugby star Paul Sackey (right) and Matt Uggla are among the main faces heading up the Yeovil takeoverCredit: Rex
      The SU Glovers group confirmed it had “taken on the stewardship” of the club earlier this week.
      And former England World Cup star Paul Sackey is among the group involved, it has emerged.
      The ace was a part of England’s rugby union side who got to the 2007 World Cup Final before losing to South Africa.
      But now he has moved onto pastures new and is looking to help turn Yeovil’s fortunes around after a difficult few years.
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      The bid is believed to be headed up Sackey, businessman Matt Uggla and his mother Julie-Anne.
      Sackey and Uggla were interviewed about their intentions for the club in a video uploaded to Yeovil’s social media channels.
      Sackey, 43, said: “We love the history of the club. We’ve done a lot of research and background on the club and we love it.
      “It’s got such a passionate fanbase. It’s a big club but the position it’s in now, it’s probably too big for this place, so we want to bring [the club] back to where it needs to be.”
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      Uggla added: “We’re really excited. It’s taken some time to get to this point but we’re really excited to be here and we’re hoping that we can move the club forward and bring it back to where it belongs.”
      Yeovil were relegated out of the EFL in 2019 after 16 consecutive seasons in the football league.
      Their mission for the rest of the season is to avoid being relegated again with the Glovers only out of the National League bottom four on goal difference. More

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      Fans blaming Jonny Wilkinson for Harry Kane miss as video of him teaching England ace to kick ball OVER bar resurfaces

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      ENGLAND fans are doing their best to see the funny side as they try get over Saturday’s painful World Cup quarter-final defeat to France.Supporters have joked that Jonny Wilkinson is to blame for the 2-1 loss after a video of the rugby legend teaching Harry Kane to kick the ball OVER the bar resurfaced online.
      The England sporting heroes came together in 2018 to film a skit for Sport ReliefCredit: BBC
      Jonny Wilkinson taught Harry Kane how to take a penalty – insisting that you have to kick the ball OVER the crossbarCredit: BBC
      Kane then copied Wilkinson’s techniqueCredit: BBC
      Fans have jokingly blamed Wilkinson for Kane’s penalty miss against FranceCredit: Getty
      Kane skied a late penalty over the crossbar for the Three Lions that would have made the game 2-2, having earlier netted perfectly from the spot.
      The two England heroes came together in 2018 to film a skit for Sport Relief, which also included comedian John Bishop.
      It saw Wilkinson, who won the 2003 Rugby World Cup with a last-gasp drop goal, teach Kane how to score a penalty.
      After the Three Lions skipper buried a perfect spot-kick, Wilkinson said: “No, no… you’ve got it all wrong.”
      Read More On England
      Wilkinson then proceeded to place the ball on a tee and smash it over the bar, rugby style.
      He turned to Kane and said: “That’s how you do it.”
      The confused football star replied: “You just put it over by a mile.”
      But Wilkinson hit back: “Yes, but that’s how I won a World Cup though with England.”
      Most read in Football
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      Kane then lined up and smashed an effort over the bar, drawing applause from Wilkinson.
      And devastated England fans, desperate for some light-hearted relief, have joked that the ex-rugby ace is to blame for Kane’s miss.
      After the video resurfaced, one wrote on Twitter: “I blame Jonny Wilkinson!”
      Another quipped: “This is why Harry Kane missed the penalty! We have to blame Jonny Wilkinson.”
      Ans a third added: “Definitely blame Jonny.”
      England football legends rallied around Kane after his penalty miss on social media.
      The brave Three Lions captain admitted it will “take some time” for him to get over last night’s defeat.
      He wrote on Twitter: “Absolutely gutted. We’ve given it everything and it’s come down to a small detail which I take responsibility for.
      “There’s no hiding from it, it hurts and it’ll take some time to get over it but that’s part of sport.
      Read More on The Sun
      “Now it’s about using the experience to be mentally and physically stronger for the next challenge.
      “Thanks for all the support throughout the tournament – it means a lot.”
      A devastated Kane is consoled by James MaddisonCredit: Getty More

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      in Soccer

      Alan Shearer’s daughter Hollie ‘confirms’ romance with rugby hunk Joe Marchant in loved-up Dubai pics

      by

      ALAN SHEARER’S daughter Hollie appears to have confirmed her romance with England rugby star Joe Marchant after sharing more pics of the couple online. The 25-year-old singer has posted numerous shots with the popular Harlequins centre, who first appeared on her Instagram during a trip to Dubai in March.
      Hollie and Marchant were first pictured together in DubaiCredit: INSTAGRAM
      Hollie described the getaway with Marchant as ‘the best holiday’Credit: INSTAGRAM
      The popular Harlequins and England Centre wrapped his arms around the 25-year-oldCredit: INSTAGRAM
      The pair were also snapped with friends in front of the iconic Jumeirah HotelCredit: INSTAGRAM
      Singer Hollie is the second oldest of Shearer’s three childrenCredit: INSTAGRAM
      Marchant, 25, who has played for England four times since his 2019 debut, can be seen wrapping his arms around Hollie on a yacht.
      In another picture, the pair can be seen drinking with friends in front of the iconic Jumeirah Hotel.
      Hollie, daughter of Blackburn Rovers, Newcastle United and England legend Shearer, described the getaway with Marchant as “the best holiday”.
      Marchant also appeared on Hollie’s Instagram over the weekend, wearing a flamboyant outfit in honour of Burning Man Project.
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.nk-headline-heading{color:rgba(71,30,121,1);}.css-1uyse24:before{content:”;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;left:0;overflow:hidden;position:absolute;z-index:1;}.css-n392go{border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(155,201,183,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-1p5s3t0{padding:0;border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(155,201,183,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-124tga5{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-5jzxpx{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-i1acvs{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,99,73,1);text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The 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      The Burning Man Project is an annual event held in August at Black Rock City in the Nevada desert.
      Hollie often gives her 50,000 Instagram followers an insight into her lavish lifestyle.
      Last November, Hollie took a trip to the Maldives, and shared snaps of her in a skimpy blue bikini whilst also wearing a snorkel.
      But when she’s not jetting around the globe, she’s busy working on her music career.
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      Last May, she released her first track Love You Better and records just over 30,000 monthly listeners on Spotify.
      Hollie’s 2020 single Leave Right Now has been streamed 516,000 times.
      Her music is a big hit with fellow Geordies Ant and Dec, who gave it the stamp of approval on Instagram.
      On her song Love You Better, Dec said: “Love it! Nice work Hol! Dx.”
      Marchant and Hollie wearing flamboyant outfits in honour of Burning Man ProjectCredit: INSTAGRAM
      Marchant in action against France last monthCredit: REX FEATURES More