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    Bukayo Saka and Dani Carvajal’s nine-month feud explained with tunnel bust-up not Arsenal and Madrid pair’s first clash

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    BUKAYO SAKA’S tunnel battle with Real Madrid’s Dani Carvajal was not the first time they had clashed, with a feud between the pair dating back NINE months.Saka, 23, and Carvajal, 33, collided at half-time during Arsenal’s incredible 2-1 win at the Bernabeu on Wednesday.Dani Carvajal and Bukayo Saka’s clash came nine months after a previous incidentCredit: TNT SportsCarvajal wasn’t happy when Saka failed to score a Panenka penalty against Real MadridCredit: GettyThe crocked captain grabbed Arsenal’s star man by the neck at half-timeCredit: TNT SportsWords were exchanged in a feud simmering over for the past nine monthsCredit: TNT SportsThe result saw Mikel Arteta’s Gunners set up a Champions League semi-final against Paris Saint-Germain with a 5-1 aggregate victory.And Saka was front and centre in the Spanish capital as his goal helped pave the way to glory.However, the first half saw Arsenal’s star winger fluff his lines from the penalty spot.Saka attempted a Panenka chip which was saved by Thibaut Courtois.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd this incensed Real Madrid icon Carvajal, who was not in the squad due to injury.As the teams headed down the tunnel at half-time, Real’s right-back confronted Saka before grabbing his neck in heated scenes.Arsenal’s key man went on to have the last laugh as he netted a 65th minute opener, with Gabriel Martinelli sealing victory on the night in the third minute of stoppage time.But it has now come to light that Saka and Carvajal do have history on the pitch.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSTheir beef dates back a whole nine months to the Euro 2024 final between England and Spain.Both players lined up for their respective nations in the crunch showdown, which Spain won 2-1 with an 86th minute decider.Gabriel goes wild with friends and family celebrating Arsenal’s epic win over Real Madrid Saka and Carvajal first clashed at the Euro 2024 finalCredit: GettySaka felt Carvajal should have been booked for a cynical foul as Spain beat EnglandCredit: AFPCarvajal mocked Saka with a ‘crybaby gesture’Credit: BBCSaka had the last laugh as he scored in Arsenal’s 2-1 win at Real Madrid, sealing a 5-1 aggregate victoryCredit: GettyBut just 20 minutes into the final, Saka and Carvajal collided on the field.A mazy run from England’s right-sider saw him go down under pressure from his Spanish opponent.The referee did not judge it to be a foul, despite Saka’s protests.Indeed, the winger even called for a booking after Carvajal’s cynical challenge.And this led the Real Madrid to mock Saka by waving his hands over his eyes while saying the word “crybaby.”Carvajal had clearly not forgotten the incident as he tried to wind Saka up on Wednesday.But the veteran’s antics did not result in Saka losing his cool.And the rest is history after Arsenal’s star player guided them to the last four of Europe.Fans reacted to their tunnel clash last night.One said: “Carvajal aggravating Saka at halftime.”Another declared: “Playing mind gamesssss.”Read More on The SunOne noted: “Does he know his team are losing 3-0?”Another added: “You are getting [are] destroyed, hence you make a fuss off the pitch. It’s so embarrassing LMAO.”Arsenal ratings v Real MadridARSENAL’S heroes dumped the Kings of Europe out of the Champions League in dramatic fashion. More

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      Ex-England boss Gareth Southgate changes career as he turns back on football, according to paperwork seen by The Sun

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      GARETH Southgate looks to have retired as a football manager — by changing his profession on paper to “company director”.His last match in charge of England was last summer, when Spain beat the Three Lions 2-1 in the Euro 2024 final.Gareth Southgate looks to have retired as a football manager — by changing his profession on paper to ‘company director’Credit: GettyThe 54-year-old said after leaving the England job that he would not return to a coaching role for at least a year.Now former England defender Gareth has given his clearest indication yet that he is packing in football management for good.Documents for MAS Inv­estment Holdings Limited — the business that handles his £6.2million property portfolio — reveal he has changed his profession from “football manager” to “company director”.The move seems to back up Gary Lineker, who said after the Euro 2024 final: “I suspect this might be his last game in management.”Read More on SportGareth, who lives in North Yorkshire with wife Alison, had been tipped for a Premier League job, and was linked with Man United before they hired Ruben Amorim.Instead, he has been taking on temporary roles. Gareth is a technical observer for European football’s ruling body Uefa and a visiting lecturer at Harvard Business School in the US.He is also writing a self-help book, which is to focus on leadership.Most read in FootballIt is expected to feature some of the lessons he learned while guiding the Three Lions to two successive European Championship finals.Sir Gareth Southgate fears boys are watching too much porn instead of ‘expressing their emotions’ More

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      Cheeky moment England star STEALS opposition’s tactics instructions sparking fury with referee forced to step in

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      AGGIE BEEVER-JONES literally took note of Belgium’s attempts to change tack during England’s dramatic Nations League home defeat.The Lioness cheekily swiped a tactical note handed to Belgium’s Amber Tysiak during her side’s 3-2 loss to the Red Flames.Aggie Beever-Jones cheekily swiped a note being handed to a Belgium playerCredit: ITVBeever-Jones and Amber Tysiak’s began tussling for the piece of paperCredit: ITVThat moment of amusing light relief on a tough night for the Euros titleholders was captured on camera by ITV Sport.Tysiak, who also plays for West Ham, was spotted reading from a scrap of paper in the 91st minute of the match in Leuven.The note, which had been passed to Tysiak from the Red Flames’ bench, looked as if it may have contained some tactical guidance for the hosts.At that point the defender and her Belgian team-mates were battling to hang on to their 3-2 lead.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSAnd eagle-eyed Beever-Jones, who noticed Tysiak reading the piece of paper, swiped it from her hands, with the Irons ace quickly snatching it back seconds later. Former Man United goalkeeper Siobhan Chamberlain, on commentary duty for ITV, spotted the moment as cameras zoomed in.She said: “You see there Aggie Beever-Jones taking the note with the slight tactical change.”England, who had mounted a second-half back at the King Power, after going three goals down in the first, were pressing hard for a late equaliser.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSBelgium were pinned back for large spells of the latter stages of the game with Tysiak and her pals coming under the cosh from the Lionesses’ pressSarina Wiegman’s decision to make five second-half substitutions which included young striker Michelle Agyemang coming on for Jess Park, almost paid off.Top 10 highest paid footballersAgyemang, who is just 19, scored a stunning senior international debut goal just 41 seconds after her 80th minute entrance.The young Lioness star, on loan at Brighton from Arsenal this season, netted for England with nine minutes of normal time remaining.Before then her side found themselves 3-0 down within half an hour of kick-off with Belgium’s Tessa Wullaert wreaking havoc down the left.The Red Flames skipper scored twice with the Lionesses stunned early on as Belgium sought to avenge a 5-0 drubbing they suffered on Friday in Bristol.They did so with Wullaert breaking the deadlock with a bottom-corner third-minute strike after jetting past full-back Niamh Charles.And their lead was doubled with Justine Vanhaevermaet heading home 13 minutes later before Wullaert scored again in the 29th minute.Read More on The SunBeth Mead’s first-half penalty conversion made it 3-1 before Agyemang’s late stunning volley took the scoreline to 3-2.But Belgium held on to claim their first win in this year’s Nations League with England dropping down to second in their group after Spain thrashed Portugal 7-1. More

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      England’s legendary Euro 96 coach Terry Venables leaves eye-opening sum to his wife after his death at 80

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      FORMER England boss Terry Venables left his wife a £3.3million fortune following his death at the age of 80.The charismatic Three Lions coach, who reached the semi-finals of Euro 96, died in 2023.Terry Venables and his wife YvetteCredit: RexTerry with Yvette at their Hotel La Escondida in Alicante, SpainVenables died at the age of 80His probate details were published today and showed that he left a sum of £4,765,370.But once debts and bills were accounted for the value of this estate was recalculated at £3,289,952.His will, which was written six years before his death, left the entire sum to his beloved wife Yvette.Known as ‘El Tel’, Venables’ colourful career spanned decades.Read More in FootballThe father of two had a successful playing career at Chelsea, Spurs and QPR, but it was in the dug-out where he sparkled.After successful stints as boss of Crystal Palace and QPR, he took Barcelona to the La Liga title in 1985 and a European Cup final the following year.And he guided Spurs to FA Cup victory in 1991 – a game which saw Paul Gascoigne taken off injured after just 15 minutes.But Venables’ defining moment came in 1996 when he masterminded England’s thrilling Euro campaign on home soil.Most read in FootballHis Three Lions played with a swagger – demolishing the Dutch 4-1 and giving a nation hope before bowing out on penalties to Germany, with Gareth Southgate’s now famous missed spot kick.Off the pitch, Venables was co-author of crime novels, and a businessman, TV pundit, and even pop star.Following his death, ex England boss Sir Gareth Southgate said: “Any player will have great affinity with the manager that gave them their opportunity, but it was quickly evident playing for Terry Venables that he was an outstanding coach and manager.”He was open minded, forward thinking, enjoyed life to the full and created a brilliant environment with England that allowed his players to flourish and have one of the most memorable tournaments in England history.”A brilliant man, who made people feel special, I’m very sad to hear of his passing and my thoughts are with Yvette and all of his family.”And Match of the Day host Gary Lineker said: “Devastated to hear that Terry Venables has died. The best, most innovative coach that I had the privilege and pleasure of playing for.”He was much more, though, than just a great manager, he was vibrant, he was charming, he was witty, he was a friend.”He’ll be hugely missed. Sending love and condolences to Yvette and the family. “RIP Terry.”Terry Venables’ life outside footballBy Michael HamiltonTERRY Venables was a larger-than-life footie legend — but also found time to write a TV detective series, release a board game and run a private members’ club and boutique hotel.An accomplished singer, he also made it to 23 in the charts with Elvis Presley song If I Can Dream, backed by a choir and recorded for The Sun’s World Cup advert in 2010.Terry’s agent and long-time friend Jonathan Harris said after his passing: “The song is appropriate because he always took the view that, if you had dreams, you should pursue them to the best of your ability.“He was an extraordinary man — charismatic, quick-witted, innovative and incredibly loyal.”A long illness meant that one of his last contributions to public life was penning an open letter to Gareth Southgate and his team — published in The Sun — on the eve of the Covid-delayed Euro 2020 final.He wrote: “Football is just like life. You have to give it your best shot. Take the best and survive the rest.”Terry was born in bomb-blitzed Dagenham, East London, in 1943.He was the only child of Royal Navy petty officer Fred Venables and Welsh wife Myrtle.As a child he moved in with his nearby grandparents Ossie and Milly so that his parents could run a pub in Romford.Midfielder Terry became an apprentice at Chelsea aged 15. Two years later he entered a singing contest at Butlin’s in Clacton-on-Sea, but Chelsea did not allow him to compete in the final stages.After his footballing career, Terry wrote five novels. And, with Gordon Williams, he co-wrote the popular detective novels Hazell — later turned into a successful ITV series starring Nicholas BallWheeler-dealer Terry opened a West End tailor’s shop with his then-Chelsea teammates George Graham and Ron “Chopper” Harris.He married Christine McCann in 1966 and they had two daughters before splitting.He met second wife Yvette Bazire in his father’s pub in Chingford in 1984 and she went with him when he went to manage Barcelona that year.The couple ran Scribes West private members’ club in Kensington — where Terry mixed with an array of “colourful” characters — before selling it for close to £1million in 1997.Terry and Yvette also set up a boutique hotel and restaurant La Escondida in Alicante before he retired in 2019.It has been revealed he left a fortune to herCredit: GettyVenables with Alan Sugar during his days managing TottenhamCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdVenables consoling Gareth Southgate at Euro 96Credit: Action Images More

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      Man Utd legend Ryan Giggs’ son, 18, making his own way in football after fifth international call-up

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      RYAN GIGGS’ son Zach has made a major step in his career after earning his fifth cap for Wales at under-19 level.Zach, 18, featured in Wales’ 3-1 win over Turkey at the Belle Vue in Rhyl during their final Euro Qualifying Elite Round match.Ryan Giggs’ son Zach played five games for Wales’ under-19sZach is following in his father’s footstepsGoals from Plymouth starlet Freddie Issaka, Manchester United striker Gabriele Biancheri and Norwich City’s Elliot Myles were enough to seal victory for the young Dragons.After slumping to defeats at the hands of England and Portugal, Chris Gunter’s under-19s side finished third in Group G, with three wins and three defeats. England, by virtue of winning the group, have booked their place in the finals in Romania in June.Zach, who can play as a centre-back or full-back, was named in the starting XI and received a yellow card just before the final whistle.READ MORE ON MAN UTDHe is also eligible for England, but has so far progressed through the age grades with Wales.Zach didn’t feature in Wales’ 2-0 defeat to England last week, but played the full 90 minutes in their 1-0 loss to Portugal.He is one of several young Welsh stars hoping to follow in their fathers footsteps.Others include, Robbie Savage’s son Charlie and Jason Koumas’ boy Lewis, who have already featured at senior level.Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old TraffordZach has been on the books at Sheffield United since leaving Man Utd’s academy in 2023.His mum is Gigg’s first wife Stacey Cooke, who also has daughter Libby with the former footballer.Ryan Giggs helps with training session for Salford CityDad Ryan previously managed Wales’ senior side but stood down due to off-pitch issues.At the time, Giggs Sr was facing trial for alleged abuse of his ex-girlfriend, but was since cleared of all charges.The Premier League legend always denied assault and controlling or coercive behaviour towards his former partner.Giggs was replaced by his assistant Robert Page for Euro 2020, who has since been sacked for Craig Bellamy.He spent 25 years at Old Trafford and helped the club to win every major trophy, including 13 titles and the Champions League twice.Giggs also set an incredible record of scoring in 23 consecutive campaigns playing in the Premier League.But he has personally lost £100,000 after a trendy restaurant he backed went bust in recent weeks. More

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      ‘Mind your business’ – Roy Keane fumes at Jordan Pickford after England nearly suffer ultimate embarrassment

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      ROY KEANE blasted Jordan Pickford after the goalkeeper’s mix-up with Marc Guehi left England on the cusp of conceding against Latvia.The Three Lions overcame a frustrating low block to beat the visitors 3-0 in their 2026 World Cup qualifier at Wembley.Roy Keane blasted Jordan Pickford after his mix-up with Marc Guehi at 0-0Pickford came flying out to the edge of his box and distracted GuehiBut with the score at 0-0 in the 18th minute, England almost conceded in embarrassing fashion after a horrendous mix-up.Latvian striker Vladislavs Gutkovskis raced through on goal after a fine run while duelling with Guehi.But Pickford raced out to the edge of his box to intercept him and instead put Guehi off after a miscommunication.The ball ran between the pair of them and Gutkovskis got away with no-one in the England net. READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSBut Gutkovskis missed an open goal after hitting the side netting from an angle after rounding Pickford.When analysing the confusion at half-time, Keane blamed the Everton keeper and had some strong words for his part in the kerfuffle.Speaking on ITV, Keane said: “Poor from England. Goalkeepers get bored sometimes.”But Pickford comes up, and you feel like saying to Pickford ‘mind your own business, let the defender deal with it’, so I’d be looking at Pickford there.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS“He’s obviously had his hand up there at the end saying ‘it’s my fault’, but he doesn’t have to come up that far.”Ian Wright was on the same wavelength and said Pickford should have “trusted” Guehi to deal with it.Here’s what has happened to England’s lost football groundsBut despite Keane’s comments, it was a great night for Pickford who drew level with Joe Hart and David Seaman on 75 caps.As such, only Peter Shilton has more caps for England than the former Sunderland stopper.Elsewhere, Keane said England’s performance was nothing special.The Manchester United legend added: “If this was a school report it would be a C-plus.”It’s a good start for the manager to get two wins on the board. But the end product wasn’t great.”There’s lots more to come from them. It was OK.”The Ireland legend also couldn’t resist a dig at Arsenal at half-time.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe praised Myles Lewis-Skelly for winning the free-kick from which Reece James opened the scoring with.Keane said: “Lewis-Skelly here…he’s obviously learned that well at Arsenal over the years. It’s 50-50.” More

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      Gareth Southgate was close to Man Utd job but now England’s most successful manager in decades looks done with football

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      HE was England’s most successful manager in half a century and was only a couple of penalty kicks away from being regarded as the greatest of all time.He has represented the Three Lions, as a player and manager, more often than any other man.Sir Gareth Southgate appears unlikely to return as a manager, nor become a consultant, despite the wishes of the FACredit: GettySouthgate has major interests, such as the challenges facing young men in the social media age, which he addressed in his Dimbleby lectureCredit: BBCHe is a knight of the realm, who is respected in wider society to such a degree that he delivered the prestigious Dimbleby Lecture at the BBC last week.Yet, at the age of 54, Sir Gareth Southgate may be finished with football.The former defender was closer than many would believe to becoming Erik ten Hag’s successor at Manchester United.Dan Ashworth, United’s short-lived sporting director, pushed his candidacy strongly and left the club soon after he failed to persuade United’s ownership.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLMeanwhile, Southgate’s advisor Jimmy Worrall also has close links to Ineos chief Sir Jim Ratcliffe.But the United job was an outlier.If Southgate did look to return to club management, he would be unlikely to land a job at a higher level than his previous club role at Middlesbrough almost two decades ago.Despite leading England to successive Euros finals, as well as a World Cup semi and quarter-final — and despite transforming the once-rotten culture around the national team — Southgate’s stock as a manager has not risen  significantly.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKWhile the FA are keen to employ Southgate as a consultant, that doesn’t appeal to the former manager, who believes his presence on the payroll would not be beneficial to Thomas Tuchel nor any future Three Lions boss.The idea of returning to media punditry is regarded similarly.Sir Gareth Southgate fears boys are watching too much porn instead of ‘expressing their emotions’ New England chief Tuchel may have criticised the performance of Southgate’s team at last summer’s Euros — although he only really echoed Southgate’s own public comments during that tournament.But Sir Gareth will not be responding in kind. He is too classy and decent to give it back to Tuchel.There is also a feeling that international management, rather than the club game, suited Southgate perfectly.Most great club managers are single-minded football obsessives.Southgate has a more curious mind and the England role allowed him a wider remit, which he relished. The themes he expressed in his Dimbleby Lecture — on the challenges facing young men in the social media age — are dear to him.He helped many England players greatly, as people as well as footballers.And if Southgate headed back into football management any time soon, he would do so without his hugely-trusted No 2 Steve Holland — who is keen to make it as a manager in his own right and is currently the boss of Japanese club Yokohama F Marinos.Southgate always regarded his England role as a partnership with Holland, believing the pair counteracted each other’s strengths and weaknesses. He may feel isolated in management without Holland’s presence.Southgate’s old sidekick Steve Holland now bosses Yokohama F MarinosCredit: GettyA boardroom job in football isn’t on the agenda either.He may have looked good in a  waistcoat during the 2018 World Cup but, professionally speaking, a tracksuit is more Southgate’s style.So what next, if there is no return  to football?The Dimbleby Lecture — given on  the personal request of BBC director-general Tim Davie — wasn’t his first weighty speech since his exit.Southgate showed during his England reign he is a more effective politician than most politicians. His ‘Dear England’ letter before the Euros in 2021 spoke to the nation better than anyone in the House of Commons could.But there is apparently no chance of a bid for Parliament.Despite being branded as ‘woke’ — an insult which shouldn’t even be an insult — Southgate isn’t party political. He’d probably have more in common with Sir John Major than Jeremy Corbyn.That Dimbleby Lecture championed traditional family values as well as Southgate’s deep respect for the military.He is a quiet patriot, not a raving lefty and not even close friends could tell you which way he votes.As for a  job in business, Southgate is said to be equally uninterested.Unlike many in football he isn’t  an obsessive chaser of the next five-pound note.He doesn’t need to work but equally recognises that even a senior job in industry would only pay a fraction of that on offer in managing a lowly Premier League club. And anyway Southgate is patriotic and old-school enough to have regarded the England job as the pinnacle of his profession.Should his journey of self-discovery lead him away from the game which made him, he would be a great loss to football.Fighting relegation, as he did unsuccessfully at Middlesbrough in 2009, isn’t currently on his wish-list either.Had Southgate landed the United job he wouldn’t have been a popular appointment among supporters — despite doing the kind of transformative job with England that they are crying out for at Old Trafford.And the sad truth is he wouldn’t be welcomed with widespread jubilation at any top-flight club.His image as an overly-cautious manager is overstated but not entirely untrue.He never played for nor managed clubs which expected to win  silverware and never quite shook off that mindset as expectations rose with England.So what next for a man who is significantly younger than most who have just departed England’s ‘impossible job’?Having succeeded the likes of Bill Clinton, Bill Gates and King Charles in giving that Dimbleby Lecture, Sir Gareth is yet to find his calling, post-England.But should his journey of self-discovery lead him away from the game which made him, he would be a great loss to football.Flair’s fair for AngeTHERE was much online merriment when a Tottenham legends team — featuring Dimitar Berbatov, Jermain Defoe, Robbie Keane and Aaron Lennon — hammered  AC Milan’s old boys 6-2.The obvious joke, that the veterans could still beat Ange Postecoglou’s first team, was barely even funny because it is possibly true.Robbie Keane bagged a hat-trick as Spurs legends beat Milan 6-2Credit: GettyYet the flair of some of those Spurs players of the not-too-distant past also showed that Postecoglou’s devil-may-care style was more in tune with the club’s ethos than most of his recent predecessors.The expectation is that Spurs will wilt in a hostile atmosphere against Eintracht Frankfurt in next month’s Europa League quarter-final and that will spell the end for Big Ange.If so, that would be a shame. Spurs might not be very good under Postecoglou but at least they are recognisably Spurs.IT was so sad  to see Scotland relegated from the top tier of the Nations League by virtue of a 3-0 loss at home to Greece.And the poor old  Tartan Army couldn’t even get a drink at Hampden Park.Despite their great national thirst, booze is still banned inside grounds north of the border, as it has been since 1981 — just about the last time the Scots were any good at football.Lennox all HartTHE warm tributes to The Sun’s legendary ‘Voice of Boxing’ Colin Hart — who died on Saturday aged 89 — were rich, poignant and greatly appreciated by his family.Lennox Lewis says he was inspired by Colin Hart’s viewsCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdIt was especially interesting to read the words of Lennox Lewis and  how he felt driven to win over a sceptical Harty on his journey to becoming heavyweight champion of the world.The media landscape has changed hugely since Lewis and Colin enjoyed their verbal sparring en route to an immense mutual respect.READ MORE SUN STORIESThere are now often too many obstructive PR people between elite  athletes and journalists.As Lewis agrees, that is to the detriment of sportsmen and women, as well as to the media and the public. 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      England ratings: Frustrated Jude Bellingham very fortunate not to see red as Reece James has return to remember

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      REECE JAMES made history in his first international start in over two years as England sunk Latvia 3-0 in their second World Cup qualifier.James became the first defender to score a direct free kick for the Three Lions at Wembley since Stuart Pearce against Turkey way back in 1992.Reece James super free-kick broke the deadlock in the 38th minuteJames barely celebrated scoring his first-ever England goalHarry Kane scored his 71st goal for EnglandCredit: GettyCrystal Palace star Eberechi Eze scored his first-ever England goal late onCredit: PABut the Chelsea star didn’t celebrate his curling strike – perhaps something to do with the mixed response from fans questioning his inclusion in the squad.England had been frustrated by a low Latvian block for much of the opening stages.Visiting forward Vladislavs Gutkovskis failed to capitalise on the error from a mix-up at the back between Marc Guehi and Jordan Pickford.Before England’s top goal-getter Harry Kane notched his 71st international strike with a tap-in from Declan Rice’s squared ball.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSWith Latvia tiring and trying to push up the pitch, England carved them open before Eberechi Eze’s deflected strike saw the Crystal Palace star score his first goal for England, too.England are now sitting pretty at the top of Group K, with six points from their opening two games under Thomas Tuchel – who became the first boss since Fabio Capello to win his first back-to-back games.Here’s how SunSport’s Alex Smith rated the Three Lions in their final World Cup qualifying match before facing Andorra on June 7.CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSJordan Pickford –  5Only really had one thing to do and made a mess of it. Didn’t need to sprint out of his goal. Most read in FootballClearly a lack of communication with Marc Guehi and Latvia should have gone 1-0 up. Could have got his deck chair out for most of the game. In typical Pickford fashion though, still constantly barking orders to those in front of him.Reece James – 8An outstanding free-kick that brought audible gasps from the Wembley crowd when replayed on the big screens.It was a timely reminder of his quality after recent seasons were ruined by injury.Tucked into a back three at times, looking comfortable with the ball at his feet and had the recovery pace to produce a great sliding tackle in the second-half.Ezri Konsa – 7 Looking more and more settled in an England shirt.Nice dribble out from the defence when he saw the space and was physical with the Latvia centre-forward.Deserves more chances ahead of the World Cup against stronger nations to see if he can make the spot his to lose.Marc Guehi – 5Usually looks so composed at the back for the Three Lions but had a night to forget.A horror mix-up with Pickford presented the visitors with a golden chance to score, only for them to somehow miss an open goal and spare Guehi’s blushes. Thankfully, it was Gutkovskis and not Kylian Mbappe or Erling Haaland.Also made a rash challenge in the first-half and got pressured into running the ball out of play after failing to deal with a hopeful punt up the pitch.Myles Lewis-Skelly – 7It was a dream debut for the Arsenal wonderkid on Friday night, capping his debut with a goal.It was always going to be impossible to match the heights of the last game, but he was still impressive when drifting into midfield versus Latvia.Brilliant close control, winning free-kicks and getting stuck in as usual. A top talent.Myles Lewis-Skelly operated as an inverted full-backCredit: RexDeclan Rice – 7 A simple yet effective performance in midfield.England had the ball for long periods but when Latvia regained possession he was often there to break up play.Runs from deep are important to break down low block defences and he did that to set up Kane for his simple finish with a smart ball across the goal, putting it on a plate.Declan Rice was the engine during his 79 minute spellCredit: GettyJude Bellingham – 5 Was lucky to avoid a second yellow card after a wild and unnecessary lunge.In truth, the ref saved him from an embarrassing red card against a poor opponent.The Real Madrid star was eventually subbed off early to prevent England from going down to ten-men.Needs to control his aggression or could end up costing his side in important moments.Showed his undoubted quality on the ball with some wonderful touches and he never ducks a 50/50.Jude Bellingham was subbed off after avoiding a red cardCredit: PAJarrod Bowen – 6 Worked hard but didn’t quite take his chance with Bukayo Saka out injured.Some decent moments but did not have the creativity to unlock a stubborn Latvia defence.Bowen is way more effective when he has space to run into. Suits playing against stronger sides that will go toe-to-toe with England.Morgan Rogers – 7 Making his first England start after three previous substitute appearances.A delight to watch when working in tight spaces and seemingly impossible to knock off the ball.Drifted into positive positions and always wanted to receive the ball but will be disappointed not to score or assist. Marcus Rashford – 6 Tuchel said his performance against Albania lacked “impact” and was “not aggressive enough”.He clearly took the criticism on board and was more direct tonight, looking to take defenders on with a burst of acceleration and doing so regularly. But the final ball was lacking with crosses either overcooked or hit into a Latvian defender, which started to become incredibly frustrating. Marcus Rashford created the most chances (six) against LatviaCredit: GettyHarry Kane – 6 A real passenger for much of the game despite his goal. Rarely threatened and was crowded out by the Latvian defence.Began to pick up the ball in better areas in the final 30 minutes and eventually showed why he is a natural goalscorer with nice movement for the tap-in.SUBSEberechi Eze (for Bowen ’60) – 8A real bright spark when he came on and got a deserved goal.His trickery caused havoc for Latvia and his ability to go either way helped wrap up the game.Phil Foden (for Bellingham ’67) – 6 Not on the wing this time. Hooray!Looks better in the No10 role but besides some tidy passes did not do much.His run of not scoring or assisting for England since 2023 continues. Jordan Henderson (for Rice ’79) – 6 Another cap to add to his collection. Bossed his team-mates around to help see the game out. If he continues to make Tuchel’s squads, that will be as far as his role goes.READ MORE SUN STORIESCurtis Jones (for Rashford ’79)- 6 No real time to impact the game with it all wrapped up by the time he came on for a midfield stroll.Kyle Walker (for Lewis-Skelly’ 79) – 6 Did nothing wrong but like Henderson, is an ageing player the answer given all England’s young talent? Give the ten minutes to the future. More

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      England 3 Latvia 0: Reece James spares Tuchel’s blushes as Three Lions labour to win over minnows ranked 140th in world

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      REECE JAMES saved Thomas Tuchel from a seriously uncomfortable night by bending home a David Beckham-esque free-kick on his England return. And referee Orel Grinfeeld rescued Jude Bellingham from disgrace as he allowed the Real Madrid Galactico to escape a needless second yellow card. Reece James scored a stunning free-kick to break the deadlock for England against LatviaCredit: PAJames’ goal was compared to David BeckhamCredit: GettyHarry Kane scored again as he doubled the score after the breakCredit: GettyEberechi Eze put the cherry on top after scoring off the benchCredit: PAAs England laboured against the 140th best national team in the world and the Latvia penalty box resembled an extension of the London congestion zone, Chelsea full-back James ended years of injury torment with a spectacular 25-yard opener. James had been Tuchel’s man of the match with an outstanding marking job on Raheem Sterling when his side defeated Manchester City in the 2021 Champions League Final. But since then he has suffered an extraordinary run of injuries and had not started a match for England since September 2022. Yet James lit up Wembley with a dead-ball effort which out-bent Beckham and rivalled the famous ‘banana kick’ effort by Brazilian superstar Roberto Carlos back in 1997. READ MORE IN FOOTBALLLate strikes from Harry Kane and Eberechi Eze gave the scoreline a respectable look. But it might have been very different had Bellingham received his just desserts for a stamp before half-time and a reckless lunge after the break. There have long been fears of Bellingham’s frustration boiling over, earning him a sending off in an England shirt – and this was as close as we’ve come. The Brummie was dismissed for swearing at a ref while playing for Real against Osasuna last month – and this was a serious let-off. Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKThat second ‘bookable’ offence was ludicrous as it took place just outside the Latvian and could have proved costly with England just 1-0 up at the time.  There were four changes from Friday’s routine defeat of Albania – Morgan Rogers given a full debut in place of Curtis Jones, with Jarrod Bowen replacing the underwhelming Phil Foden on the right flank.I plucked Thomas Tuchel out of his job working in a bar in Stuttgart before he became England boss, reveals Man Utd flopIn defence, Tuchel selected two of his Chelsea old boys – Marc Guehi, who he sold to Crystal Palace, as well as James.England had never previously played Latvia but our Lionesses defeated their women 20-0 and on balance of play, this was almost as one-sided.Still, this was a ‘top-of-the-table’ clash given that Latvia’s little-hopers had defeated the no-hopers of Andorra 1-0 on Friday.In case you weren’t excited enough by that prospect, there were massive orange fireworks and a rendition of a drum-and-bass tune called Thomas Tuchel’s Army, which doesn’t sound as if it is going to catch on.While Latvia is crying out for more NATO military presence in case of Russian aggression, there were dozens of British servicemen in the Wembley centre circle wobbling a giant flag.From the start, it was one of those qualifying fixtures which resembled not so much a football match as an obstacle course with Latvia largely impassive and sitting deep.Which made it all the more surprising when the first goalscoring chance went to the visitors.A speculative ball down the right caused a bizarre mix-up between Guehi and Jordan Pickford but Vladislavs Gutkovskis shot into the side-netting.Pickford was winning his 75th cap, drawing level with Gordon Banks and Joe Hart, leaving only Peter Shilton ahead of him in terms of England keepers.But, like his panicky collision with Dan Burn against Albania on Friday, this wasn’t his finest hour.Soon, though, England were peppering the Latvian goal. From a Declan Rice corner, Bellingham’s header cannoned off Marcus Rashford’s back and Ezri Konsa’s follow-up effort was pushed over by Krisjanis Zviedris.Kane headed over from a James centre when he ought to have scored and Bowen might have had a penalty when Zviedris brought him down while trying to collect a cross – but VAR said ‘no’.Rogers was lively on his first England start and Rashford was looking a little more menacing than he had against Albania, again without end product.But there was heavy traffic inside the Latvian box and, as the shots rained down, more ricochets than tin-pan alley.The answer to all these bodies in the way was to wallop one over their heads from 25 yards – and James duly did so.Myles Lewis-Skelly was fouled and James stepped up to fire home with power and what the pros like to call ‘swaz’.Just before the break, Konsa needed treatment after a spiteful barge from Gutkovskis and Rogers had a snap-shot well saved.It was unconvincing again and at the interval, Tuchel asked Rashford and Bowen to switch wings.Then came Belingham’s moment of madness. Booked for a lunge on Dmitrijs Zelenkovs before half-time, he leapt in on Raivis Jurkovskis near the corner and caught the Latvian’s leg.It looked to be a clear yellow-card offence but Israeli ref Orel Grinfeeld showed clemency.Tuchel sent on Eberechi Eze for Bowen as the paper planes began to rain down on the Wembley turf.Kane drilled one narrowly wide but it was becoming a tough watch before Kane put the result beyond doubt with England’s second, and his 71st in international football.Foden had just replaced Bellingham when Rashford and Rogers combined on the right and Rice made an artful run to square low for Kane to tap in.READ MORE SUN STORIESThen Eze jinked down the left and cut inside before his shot took a massive deflection off Antonijs Carnomordoijs.All’s well that ends well but there is little doubt that Bellingham dodged a bullet. More