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    Prince William meets new England boss Thomas Tuchel at Windsor Castle ahead of German’s first match in charge

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    FOOTY fan Prince William gave the new England boss a winning start at Windsor Castle – as he gave a warm handshake to Thomas Tuchel.William, 42, spent an hour chatting about football and, of course, his favourite football team Aston Villa’s Champions League form.Prince William shakes hands with new England boss Thomas Tuchel at Windsor CastleCredit: InstagramTuchel’s first game in charge is against Albania at Wembley on March 21Credit: GettyWills with England ace Harry Kane at the Euros last summerCredit: EPAThe Prince of Wales cheered Gareth Southgate’s Three Lions from the stands in Germany as they went all the way to final at Euro 2024 only to agonisingly lose against Spain.And he took Prince George to games at Wembley during their run to the final in Euro 2021.Tuchel, 51, who won the Champions League with Chelsea, officially took on the ‘Impossible Job’ in January.Wills and Tuchel first met in the stands when Villa beat Celtic 4-2 last month.Read More on SportSources close to William, who is Patron of the FA, said yesterday’s royal welcome was an opportunity for the German boss to share his views on the team since taking over and his hopes for the future.While William was highly likely to speak about Villa’s European campaign and last 16 clash with Club Brugge next week, they said.Tuchel’s first game in charge is against Albania at Wembley on March 21 and his contract runs out after the 2026 World Cup.Thomas Tuchel’s first day at St. George’s Park as he meets England staff and coaches More

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      Bournemouth star, 21, switches international allegiance to play under ex-Premier League boss after representing England

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      BOURNEMOUTH star Daniel Jebbison has switched his national allegiance away from England.The 21-year-old striker has agreed to represent Canada, according to reports.Daniel Jebbison has switched his national allegiance away from EnglandJebbison was born in Oakville, Ontario, but is eligible to represent England and Jamaica through his parents.He has been capped 13 times across three different age groups in England’s youth set up.The Prem star was part of the Three Lions side that won the 2022 Under-19 Euros, where he scored against Serbia in the group stage.But he has swapped his allegiance as Canada Soccer has landed one of the most sought-after dual-nationals in the programme’shistory. READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSJebbison has started the process of his Fifa one-time change of association.An official announcement from Canada Soccer is expected soon, reports The Athletic.Should that be completed in time, he would likely attend his first Canada training camp in March as part of the Concacaf Nations League finals.Canada will face Mexico in the semifinals, with the winner advancing to meet either the U.S. or Panama.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSEx-Leeds boss Jesse Marsch has managed Canada since May 2024.Marsch attended Bournemouth’s 1-0 loss to Wolves at the Vitality Stadium to see Jebbison come on in the 89th minute.Bournemouth star Dean Huijsen couldn’t be happier being nominated for Premier League player of the month Marsch had several conversations with the striker and stressed the importance of Canada being one of three host nations for the 2026 World Cup.Jebbison has been a regular substitute for Bournemouth in the second half of this season, since returning from a loan to Championship side Watford.He has two goals in two FA Cup appearances this term and previously starred for Sheffield United in 2019.Jebbison last played for England’s Under-20 side in May 2023 at the Fifa U-20 World Cup.He was also partly convinced of how he could thrive with Canada thanks to a video Marsch and his staff created.Canada turned to three top stars in Alphonso Davies, Jonathan David and Alistair Johnston, to record video messages expressing their interest in having Jebbison join.Marsch also put a personal touch in his recruitment plan by creating a one-off Canada-themed pair of Air Jordans to gift to Jebbison.Ex-Leeds boss Jesse Marsch has managed Canada since May 2024 More

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      ‘I cannot explain it to this day’ – Gary Neville admits biggest regret of his football career still haunts him now

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      GARY NEVILLE won the lot with Manchester United – but claims there’s one huge “disappointment” on the pitch he’ll never get over.The 1999 Treble winner won eight Premier League titles, three FA Cups and 85 England caps.Gary Neville revealed the one huge huge frustration of his playing daysCredit: GettyBrothers Gary and Phil Neville celebrated after Man Utd beat Bayern Munich in the European Cup final to complete the Treble in 1989-99Credit: Allsport – GettyThe former right-back, who will be 50 on Monday, admits opposition players “absolutely despised him”.But that’s not what bothers him – especially as he even reckons they were RIGHT to hate him!Nev is now a Sky Sports pundit, successful businessman and one of the United Class of 92 group who helped take over Salford in 2014.And he believes a vow he made at the age of 36, to enjoy the second half of his life even more than the first, is proceeding well.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHowever, he is haunted by his record with the Three Lions.Neville played under Glenn Hoddle, Kevin Keegan, Sven Goran Eriksson and Steve McClaren for England from 1995-2007.He was part of the “Golden Generation” – an era launched with a 5-1 World Cup qualifying victory away to Germany in September 2001.That squad also included Ashley Cole, Rio Ferdinand, John Terry, David Beckham, Steven Gerrard, Paul Scholes, Frank Lampard and Michael Owen.Most read in FootballGary Neville & Co exited the 2006 World Cup to Portugal on penaltiesCredit: GettyBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSEriksson took that incredible selection of individual talents to the quarter-finals of three major tournaments in a row.But their failure to get beyond that stage in the 2002 World Cup, Euro 2004 and the 2006 World Cup is regarded as a wasted opportunity. ‘It’ll become so toxic’ – Gary Neville pinpoints exact date he thinks Tottenham will sack Ange PostecoglouAbove all, England never quite worked out how to use their clutch of world class midfielders – or whether to drop some to ensure a better balance to the team.And Neville, arguably the most unsung member of the side, expects his frustration over his international CV to remain forever.Even more so because he was a coach under Roy Hodgson when the Three Lions flopped at Euro 2012 and the World Cup two years later.Nev told The Times: “It’s one of my biggest disappointments.”I’ve been to eight tournaments as a player, and then a coach, and I think in five we were knocked out on penalties. “I look at the current team, who have got through on penalties, and the mentality, what they’ve done in preparation terms, and think it could have been so different for us.“I was playing with an exceptional group of players at times but we didn’t know how to get over the line. I cannot explain it to this day.”Neville accepts that club rivalries – in particular with United and Liverpool – might have played a part in the Golden Generation under-achieving.He said: “We carried something into the games because there was such animosity at times. “I think I carried it as a player: anti-everybody else, siege mentality; United, or everyone else can do one. There was no doubt that Alex Ferguson created that at the club and we bought into it, carried that with us.”Nev added: “To be fair I look back and think I’d absolutely despise me if I was playing against me!READ MORE SUN STORIES“For me the idea of being despised was a trophy. I want to be despised, I didn’t want you to like me. “But maybe at times [with England] there was something of a hangover. You’re kicking lumps out of each other and then, all of a sudden, you rock up and you’ve got to be team-mates.” More

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      Jude Bellingham showed why is England’s best player in 50 years – with wonderfully un-English winning mentality

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      WHEN Jude Bellingham rescued England’s Euros campaign from humiliation with a spectacular overhead-kick, his celebration caused a stir.After that 95th-minute equaliser in the last-16 clash with Slovakia, Real Madrid’s Brummie was seen yelling: ‘Who else?’Jude Bellingham scored an added-time winner for Real Madrid at Manchester CityCredit: AFPBellingham goaded the City fans with his trademark celebrationCredit: APBellingham rescued England’s Euros campaign with his spectacular injury-time overhead kick against SlovakiaCredit: GettyHe also netted TWO injury-time Clasico winners last season, this one at the BernabeuCredit: AFPAnd this one was in Barcelona last seasonCredit: EPADid it indicate arrogance? An over-inflated ego? A desire for individual glory over team success?Not really. It was probably just the instinctive reaction of a player who seizes big moments so frequently, that he simply expects them to happen.When Bellingham poked home in the 92nd minute at Manchester City on Tuesday, it was the sixth time in his 75-match Real career that he had netted an injury-time winner.“Who else?”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLTwo of those previous efforts arrived in Bellingham’s first two Clasicos against Barcelona – the most prestigious and ferocious club fixture on Earth.Bellingham had been quiet in the first half at the Etihad. He hadn’t illuminated the place like his fellow Galacticos – especially Vinicius Jr, his club’s spurned unofficial ‘winner’ of last year’s Ballon d’Or.But in the second half his influence grew, although he missed a couple of very presentable chances.And when Vinicius lobbed Ederson in the dying seconds, it was Bellingham who found the killer touch which allowed Real to carry a 3-2 advantage into the second leg of their Champions League play-off.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSBecause that’s what Bellingham does.This time, it was his trademark celebration – standing with his arms outstretched in front of the seething City faithful. Like Christ the Redeemer peering down over Rio.Man City player ratings vs Real MadridIf there is an element of arrogance about this then, well, Bellingham has plenty to be arrogant about.Bellingham is England’s best and most influential footballer in more than half a century, since Sir Bobby Charlton was in his pomp.Paul Scholes, one of England’s finest since Charlton, says Bellingham is ‘better than anything we’ve seen’.And he is also quite unlike any other English footballer we have known.He can often seem other-worldy because, despite the Premier League’s global financial dominance, the 21-year-old has never played in England’s top flight.Leaving Birmingham as a 16-year-old for Borussia Dortmund then snubbing Liverpool, most notably, before joining Madrid and firing the world’s famous club to the Spanish title and their 15th European Cup in his maiden campaign as Real’s top scorer and La Liga’s Player of the Season.We don’t see all that much of him, and we hear even less.Bellingham rarely speaks to the media. After 40 caps, he is yet to be interviewed by the written press. During the Euros, a set-piece TV interview was suddenly cancelled at the last minute to the disappointment of the FA.In an era of openness and accessibility around the England camp, Bellingham’s fiercely-protective father Mark – who seems constantly angry at the world his son inhabits – keeps the 21-year-old wrapped in cotton wool.This contributes towards the feeling that, while Bellingham is admired in England, he isn’t loved.It adds to the idea of detachment, of difference, of ‘otherness’.Bellingham has inherited some of his father’s anger. That irrational belief that the world is against him.Last weekend, he was heard F-bombing a linesman who had failed to award Real a throw-in during the Madrid derby against Atletico and earlier this season he called a referee a ‘piece of s***’ during a victory over Espanyol.While at Dortmund, Bellingham was fined for bringing up the match-fixing past of referee Felix Zwayer.Since joining Real 18 months ago, Bellingham has clocked up 22 yellow cards for club and country, as well as one red for dissent after the final whistle robbed him of another injury-time winner against Valencia.This is no Mr Nice Guy. In truth, winners rarely are.And then there is that supreme self-belief, which seems, rather wonderfully, un-English.England players, even the best of them, so often end up as plucky losers.The idea of heroic failure is a national characteristic. But it’s not for Bellingham.Bellingham keeps on winning games in injury-time.He was widely perceived to have suffered a disappointing Euros last summer.And yet he dominated the first half of England’s tournament opener against Serbia, scoring the only goal, he saved the summer with that extraordinary leveller against Slovakia and he assisted Cole Palmer’s equaliser in the final defeat by Spain.There is that supreme self-belief, which seems, rather wonderfully, un-EnglishDAVE KIDD ON BELLINGHAMThis despite being shunted out to the left wing for much of the campaign to accommodate Phil Foden, who has never seized the momentum and turned international matches in England’s favour as Bellingham has often done.There were mutterings about Bellingham’s character. Suggestions he didn’t fit into Gareth Southgate’s team ethos.And yet even in that tournament, with Bellingham physically and mentally drained after an all-conquering campaign in Spain, he was able to bend big occasions to his will.For Real last season, despite no previous experience in the role, he played much of the campaign as a ‘false nine’.READ MORE SUN STORIESSince the arrival of Kylian Mbappe, he has reverted to his preferred midfield role and yet when Real needed an injury-time winner at the Etihad, who was in the right place at the right time?Bellingham, who else?SAVED BY THE BELLJUDE Bellingham’s injury-time winners for Real MadridGetafe (h) Sept 2 2023 – 2-1 winUnion Berlin (h) Sept 20 2023 – 1-0 winBarcelona (a) Oct 28 2023 – 2-1 winBarcelona (h) Apr 21 2024 – 3-2 winValencia (a) Jan 3 2025 – 2-1 winMan City (a) Feb 11 2025 – 3-2 win  More

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      Gareth Southgate’s next career move revealed as former England boss agrees lucrative deal

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      GARETH SOUTHGATE has announced his next career move – and it’s not a job in football.The 54-year-old stepped down from his role as England manager following the Euro 2024 final last July.Gareth Southgate is releasing a new bookCredit: EPAHe is yet to accept another full-time job in football but has been taking up some temporary roles.Southgate is a technical observer for Uefa and recently became a visiting lecturer at Harvard Business School. But now he is set for a completely new challenge – writing a book.But for those hoping it will be a tell-all book revealing what happened behind the scenes in the England camp could be disappointed. Read More in FootballThe former England manager’s new book is set to focus on leadership.It is expected to feature some of the lessons he learned while guiding the Three Lions to successive European Championship finals.Southgate’s book is titled ‘Dear England’ and is scheduled to be released in October.The ex-England boss said: “After stepping down as England manager following eight very special years, I’ve been reflecting on what I have lived through and what comes next.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”Coaching top players and playing against some of the best teams in the world pushed me to operate at the highest level in football.”Rather than write a memoir of those times I decided to share my experiences in a different way, through the lens of leadership which I hope will provide lessons for anyone who wants to discover their own authentic leadership style.”From Gareth Southgate receiving a knighthood to Keely Hodgkinson’s MBE, all the stars who got gongs in New Year honoursPublishing director Ben Brusey went on to add: “Just as Gareth inspired the nation with his England leadership, every page of his book will inspire readers with his characteristic sense of purpose, honesty, resilience and integrity. “This will be a landmark leadership book, which I know will be enjoyed by readers for years to come.”Southgate received a knighthood in the New Year’s Honours list at the start of 2025.He followed in the footsteps of Sir Bobby Robson and Sir Alf Ramsey in being knighted for services to sport.Southgate’s highs and lows as England bossGARETH Southgate took charge of 102 games for England before quitting in the aftermath of the Euro 2024 final defeat to Spain.But what were the best – and worst matches – from the popular gaffer’s eight-year reign before that devastating Sunday night in Berlin? Here we take a look.THE HIGHS:Colombia 1-1 England (3-4 on pens,) 2018 World CupThis was the night that long-suffering supporters finally started to believe that it was coming home.Despite conceding a late equaliser, England held their nerve to advance to the quarter final of the World Cup 2018 on penalties.It was our first shootout victory for 22 years.Spain 2-3 England, 2018 Nations LeagueFollowing on from the World Cup, England won in Spain for the first time in 31 years with a brilliant Uefa Nations League victory.Southgate’s boys stunned the Seville crowd into silence with a thrilling performance that saw them lead 3-0 at the break thanks to a Raheem Sterling brace and Marcus Rashford.Although the hosts scored two after the break, the way the Three Lions tore La Roja apart excited every fan.England 2-1 Denmark, Euro 2020 semi-finalSouthgate led England to their first major final in 55 years as they beat Denmark after extra-time in the Euro 2020 semi-final.Having fallen behind after half an hour, the Three Lions battled back to send it to extra-time courtesy of an own goal.Then it was captain Kane who converted a rebound after Kasper Schmeichel originally saved his penalty in extra-time to win it.England 3-0 Sengal, 2022 World Cup last 16England had already blown Iran and Wales, 6-2 and 3-0 respectively, away in the World Cup 2022 group stages before they breezed past Senegal.The free-scoring Three Lions recorded another big win to set-up a mouthwatering quarter-final against France – what could go wrong?Italy 1-2 England, Euro qualifiers, 2023On a night when Harry Kane became England’s all-time top scorer, the Three Lions recorded a first away win over Italy since 1961.It was the first game since their 2022 World Cup exit, and it ensured a perfect start to their Euro 2022 qualifying campaign.England 2-1 Holland, Euro 2024 sem-finalThe nation doubted Southgate’s men in the semis of Euro 2024, but they responded with a barnstorming display.Xavi Simons opened the scoring for the Dutch but Harry Kane’s penalty drew us level.And Ollie Watkins slotted in a brilliant winner in injury time to see the Three Lions into their second successive Euros final.AND THE LOWS….Croatia 2-1 England, World Cup semi-final, 2018Having led England to a first World Cup semi-final since 1990, Southgate men made a dream start as Kieran Trippier put them ahead in the early exchanges.But Ivan Perisic equalised as the Croats began to take control.Some of Southgate’s substitutions were then questioned after his team were beaten in extra-time, although many gave him the benefit of the doubt as he returned a hero.Italy 1-1 England (3-2 pens) Euro 2020 finalWill probably never get a better chance to have secured a trophy for the Three Lions than this final of the last European Championship.Luke Shaw gave us the lead after just seconds, but just like against Croatia three years earlier, we sat back and let our rivals back into it.Leonardo Bonucci duly equalised in the second half and the game eventually went to penalties.The unfortunate Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho and Bukayo Saka were all brought on to take a spot-kick, but the brave trio all missed as the Azzurri broke our hearts to take the prize.England 0-4 Hungary, Nations League 2023A year on from the Euros and it was utter embarrassment for Southgate in this Nations League game at Molineux.It was our biggest home defeat since 1928 and the result led to England being relegated from the top group of the Nations League and back to one that contained the Republic of Ireland, Finland and Greece.England 1-2 France, World Cup 2022 quarter-finalsAnother case of what could have been.Having been free-scoring throughout Qatar 2022, many fancied us to go all the way at the World Cup despite taking on the holders in the quarters.We fought back from going behind to level through Kane and many believe that France were then there for the taking had Southgate deployed a more attacking approach.Instead, they seemed content with what they had until Olivier Giroud pounced 12 minutes from time to win it.But there was still one more twist of the knife for England as the usually-reliable Kane skied a late penalty over the bar uncharacteristically as we crashed out. 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      Ridiculous scorelines, bizarre gaffes, fanatical fans & celebrations with a GOAT… inside Europe’s most bonkers league

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      IT’S the most bonkers league in Europe… one that makes even our Championship look predictable.A division where the team currently sitting third haven’t won a home game all season.Fans at Schalke vs FC Nurnberg showed it’s a cracker of a divisionCredit: RexMagdeburg fans haven’t seen their high-fliers win at home all seasonCredit: GettyFans let off firebombs when Schalke faced Magdeburg at the Veltins-ArenaCredit: GettyWhere 8-3 scorelines are not considered unusual.And where one club hands out free tickets to its fans.Welcome to the wacky world of the German Second Division.While Harry Kane’s Bayern Munich have made an unsurprising return to the Bundesliga summit, the division below is once again conjuring its unique brand of chaos and craziness.In 20 matchdays this season, the team leading at the top of the table has changed nine times and in mid-December the gap between first and ninth was just three points.Magdeburg, who are now third, have not won a single league game at home this season in nine attempts – yet they topped the division in late January.Cologne currently lead the way. A city famous for its twin-spire cathedral, Lukas Podolski kebab house and bizarre love of Tony Woodcock – they don’t do things by halves when it comes to football.JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSThis month they will bring out another outrageous kit to celebrate carnival time (they once finished a season with seven different shirts) and the fans will embark on a week-long party in fancy dress.But for Cologne, that is pretty much the norm. This is the club that has a live billy goat mascot, who arrives for every match with the Rocky theme tune blaring and a line of cheerleaders… and then spends the game grazing on the touchline.Cologne star Anthony Ujah celebrates goal by grabbing horns of goat mascot Anthony Ujah once ‘celebrated’ a goal by grabbing the horns of Cologne’s famous goat mascot, HennesHamburg supporters see the famous club languishing in the second tierCredit: GettyHe even unwittingly joined in a goal celebration when former striker Anthony Ujah memorably grabbed his horns a decade ago.Anywhere other than Germany, and you would probably raise an eyebrow.But that is the beauty of the 2. Bundesliga, where every week something bizarre seems to happen.This season, in a match between Magdeburg and Greuther Furth, two penalties were awarded for players inexplicably picking up the ball, believing the whistle had blown.A few years back, VAR awarded a spot-kick to Bochum after a Kiel sub warming up behind the goal put out a leg to stop a wayward shot before it had left the field of play.And Brentford keeper Mark Flekken needs no reminding about the time he turned his back on the action to have a drink, thinking his Duisburg team had scored, only for the goal to be ruled out and Ingolstadt to run down the other end and net themselves.But don’t be fooled into thinking there is a lack of quality. Far from it.Rudi Voller, Jurgen Klinsmann, Marco Reus and Joshua Kimmich are among a host of star names who have all cut their teeth in the German second tier.And a certain Jurgen Klopp made his name there both as a player and manager with Mainz.As for the clubs, it is not just Cologne who are a powerhouse.Brentford keeper Mark Flekken was playing for MSV Duisburg when he famously conceded a goal while getting a drink of waterFlekken was left embarrassed when Ingolstadt scoredHamburg, Kevin Keegan’s old outfit, are second in the table and the other week took 20,000 away fans to another giant Hertha Berlin, resulting in a staggering attendance of 71,500 at the Olympiastadion – which hosted England’s Euro 2024 final against Spain.Former Bundesliga winners Kaiserslautern had plummeted into the third division but are now pushing for a return to the top flight, having gone from ninth to third in the space of a week in early December.Hannover are also knocking on the door, just behind Fortuna Dusseldorf, a club that is once again handing out free tickets to its matches as part of its Fortuna For All initiative.Last season, Dusseldorf trialled it for three games and received 350,000 ticket applications. This season, they extended it to four matches, with the Hamburg game in October attracting 135,000 requests for its 52,000-capacity stadium.And then there’s Schalke.Having reached the Champions League in 2019, they were trounced 7-0 at Manchester City and have lurched from one crisis to another ever since.Schalke, who still count former Everton defender Jonjoe Kenny among their ranks, sat top of the table after the first match of this season.But within a month they were flirting with relegation to the third tier of German football.To put that into perspective, they are the third biggest club in the country, akin to an Arsenal or a Tottenham. And when was the last time you saw Spurs mentioned in the same breath as relegation…England legend Kevin Keegan was with Hamburg from 1977-1980Credit: GettyAnother ex-Three Lions striker, Tony Woodcock, has icon status at CologneCredit: GettyDespite Schalke’s woes, their attendances still average just over 60,000.In fact, six clubs average more than 41,000 and as of last weekend, a whopping 5.5million fans had watched a match this season in the division.And where there are German football fans, there is beer and bratwurst – and lots of it.Schalke’s stadium, sponsored by brewers Veltins, has its own three-mile long beer pipeline so their long-suffering supporters are never short of a pint, while the club is still backed by a sausage magnate.The fans aren’t starved of entertainment either.Ridiculous scorelines and incredible comebacks are a regular occurrence, with the second tier averaging 3.19 goals a game. Even our wildly unpredictable Championship has managed only 2.48.On 13 of the 20 matchdays, at least one club scored five goals in a match, and on one of the weeks when it didn’t happen, five teams still netted four each.Nuremberg’s 8-3 win over Regensburg – a match that was 3-3 in the 58th minute – is still the highest scoring this season.But there has also been a 5-3 and a 4-4, while 4-3s are as common as a love of lederhosen.Throw in the fact the average season ticket costs you £170 and you can see the appeal.So if you like your football fast and frenetic, your beer strong and cheap and your sausages a foot long, you know exactly where to go.Magdeburg are dreaming of promotion to the elite domain of Bayern and CoCredit: Getty More

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      Phil Foden swipes at Gareth Southgate for playing him out of position at Euros as England star says ‘we never got going’

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      PHIL FODEN has finally got his spark back and is now aiming to light up the rest of Manchester City’s season.The Premier League’s Player of the Year in 2023-24 felt burnt out when he returned to the club following last summer’s European Championship.Phil Foden opened up on his Euro 2024 heartacheCredit: GettyAlthough England reached the final in Germany, it was a difficult tournament for Foden.The hangover from that disappointment lasted several months and it is only since the start of 2025 we have begun to see the old Foden again.It cannot be a coincidence that six goals in the last four Prem games have coincided with a mini-revival for Pep Guardiola’s team.And they need their homegrown star to continue to shine to help save their Champions League skins tonight.READ MORE IN football Only a win over Club Brugge will be enough for the 2022-23 winners to avoid an embarrassing early exit.Yet with Foden back in form, most expect them to get the job done.The hopes of a fifth straight Prem title may be all but gone but the midfielder insists City have plenty to play for — and he intends to be at the centre of it.Foden, 24, said: “Even though it’s been a challenging season, we’ve still got things to look forward to.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS“Because we’re having a bit of a blip, we can’t lose belief in that.“I still believe we can do good things and come back from this. I want to try to show I’m a leader by turning up in big moments and help the team when I can. Kyle Walker opens up on ‘uncomfortable’ conversation with Guardiola as he admits ‘things weren’t going well’ at Man City“We need to look at finishing at least top four in the Premier League — aiming to win the Champions League and the FA Cup as well.”Foden has been pivotal to City’s recent success which has seen them win six of the last seven Prem titles.It is only 19 months ago they did the Treble but Foden feels all the exertions of recent years finally caught up with him in August.He could not find the energy which has been such a key feature of his game — leaving fans wondering what was wrong.Foden said: “For me, football is played with the brain and when the brain is mentally fatigued you’re not going to see a player for who he is.“I’m normally itching to get back but when I came back my body and my mental state was low.“I’ve been playing since the age of five pushing myself every day to be the best I can.“When you add up all the games and all the travelling it is a lot for the body. “I wasn’t feeling 100 per cent when I was training, and there were a few niggles. There were times when I was getting frustrated.“My body didn’t feel how I was used to and it’s something I’ve had to deal with.“I feel that’s the reason why I had a slow start to the season. I had a bit of rest, just to give my body time to recover.“I took the start of the season very slowly, I didn’t play much. I was resting and trying to get back to myself.“When you start the season good, I feel you have the rest of the season good. I feel frustrated I didn’t get out what I wanted to. The position I was put in on the left was very difficult to influence the game.Phil Foden “But I missed periods at the start of the season so I think that’s why it’s taken me so long to get going.”Foden is looking much more like his old self now — as City have started to go through the gears since Christmas.But the regrets over his time at the Euros with the Three Lions — when so much was expected of him — still linger.The England faithful even came up with a song — an adaptation of Bruce Springsteen’s Dancing in Dark.But Foden was stuck out on the left by former boss Gareth Southgate and never really got going — even though he played every game as the Three Lions reached the final.He said: “I feel frustrated I didn’t get out what I wanted to. The position I was put in on the left was very difficult to influence the game.“Coming off last season — being the best player in the Premier League and playing centre midfield — I do feel the position was quite difficult to get used to.READ MORE SUN STORIES“I’m one who can play multiple positions and I had to try to deal with it the best I could. “I don’t feel like England ever got going or performed to our potential.”Gareth Southgate played Foden on the leftCredit: Alamy More

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      ‘That was incredibly kind of him’ says Harry Kane as he reveals what Wayne Rooney told him that would ‘change his life’

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      HARRY KANE has opened up on Wayne Rooney’s efforts to include him in the England set-up.The former Tottenham Hotspur hitman was called up to the Three Lions senior team in March 2015 by Roy Hodgson.Harry Kane was called up to the England squad in March 2015Credit: TIMES NEWSPAPERS LTDWayne Rooney gave the then 21-year-old some words of encouragement ahead of his debutCredit: TIMES NEWSPAPERS LTDKane is still grateful for Rooney’s welcomingCredit: PAKane was a million miles away from being the lethal striker he now is when he was called up for the Euro 2016 qualifiers against Lithuania and Italy.The then 21-year-old was incredibly nervous ahead of his debut, although some words of wisdom from Rooney helped quell those nerves.The Bayern Munich ace said: “I remember, when Wayne Rooney received an award for the greatest number of goals scored for England, he said he expected me to be the next.””I found that incredibly kind of him. It’s Wayne Rooney, one of the greatest strikers in history, he didn’t have to have a word for me.READ MORE ON FOOTBALL NEWS”You know, Wayne was the captain when I started in 2015, and he welcomed me personally.”He explained a lot of things to me about what it meant to represent England, how it would change my life forever.”It obviously helped me to understand this stage and I use it in turn today to integrate the new talents who arrive here.”Rooney’s chat with Kane had the desired effect as the former Spurs star opened his account for his country in a 4-0 romp over the Lithuanians.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHarry Kane reveals his favourite England goalsHARRY KANE is already England’s all-time record goalscorer.But the Three Lions skipper will NOT be stopping there.To mark his 100th cap for his country, Kane spoke to SunSport’s CHARLIE WYETT about some of his special England goals….FIRST ENGLAND GOAL“My debut v Lithuania. March 2015.”There was a lot of talk in the build-up to that camp because I was playing well for Spurs.“I got a great reception and within a couple of minutes I scored a goal.“I don’t think I could have dreamed it any better.“My friends and family were there. That was a really special night.”FAVOURITE ENGLAND GOAL“It’s between two, for me.“Against Germany, the one at Wembley in Euro 2020.“Also, the header against Tunisia at the World Cup in 2018.“That moment of scoring a last-minute winner at my first World Cup was special.”BEST ENGLAND GOAL“The one I scored in Poland away in a World Cup qualifier in 2021. It was from 25 yards.”(Kane picked up the ball from Kyle Walker, advanced towards goal and put his foot through it.)“It kind of drifted away and it was a good strike, probably my furthest-out goal for England.”Kane hasn’t looked back since that memorable night at Wembley, scoring a further 68 goals to surpass Rooney as the nation’s all-time leading goalscorer.And his sights are firmly set on bagging 100 goals for his country.’It felt like the beginning of the end for Harry Kane’ says Man Utd legend as he admits fears for England captain In March 2023, he said: “Getting 100 will be tough for sure, but I never count out anything.”I am still young – I am 29, I am still fit and strong. I want to play for England for as long as I can.”He added: “A hundred is not out of the question.”It will be extremely tough but we will have to see how the next few years go.”Kane and his England team-mates will be back in action in March, welcoming Albania to Wembley for their first 2026 World Cup qualifier. More

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      Meet Jude Bellingham’s rumoured new flame as Spanish pop star ‘spotted wearing England ace’s T-shirt’ and liking pics

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      JUDE BELLINGHAM has been romantically linked with a pop star by Spanish press.The Real Madrid star’s performances have improved on the pitch, scoring seven league goals in eight games.Singer Aitana has been romantically linked with Jude Bellingham by Spanish pressCredit: Instagram @aitanaxAitana at the LOS40 Music Awards in 2022Credit: GettyShe was recently spotted watching Real Madrid playCredit: Instagram @aitanaxThe singer and Bellingham follow each other on InstagramCredit: GettyThey have liked each others’ postsCredit: RexBut his personal life has been subject to speculation in Spain after being linked with musician Aitana. According to Madrid-based reporter Laura Roige, the pair could be dating after following each other on Instagram. They are also said to have “liked” each others’ posts on the social media app. That is despite Aitana being born in Barcelona and claiming to be a fan of the side. READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAlthough she watched the El Clasico from Madrid and called it “home”.But the performer – full name Aitana Ocana Morales – had been in Miami just before so she could have been referring to returning to Spain. Bellingham played in the match but it ended in a disastrous 4-0 defeat.Spanish outlet ElDesmarque also pointed out that Aitana and Bellingham were both spotted wearing the same white Acne Studios T-shirt.Most read in FootballSpanish outlet ElDesmarque spotted that the two wore the same topCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSAlthough they say it’s impossible to know whether it was Bellingham’s or just a coincidence.Bellingham, 21, was linked with Dutch model Laura Celia Valk during the summer when England reached the Euro 2024 final.But Laura herself recently confirmed to her followers that she is not in a relationship.Bellingham has eight goals in 22 games this season with Madrid topping LaLiga – with rivals Atletico two points behind but with a game in hand. Dutch model Laura Celia Valk was linked with BellinghamCredit: Instagram / @lauraceliavRomance rumours swirled in the summerCredit: InstagramBut Laura revealed she does not have a boyfriendCredit: Instagram More