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      Astonishing XI of England stars who could have played for Ireland including Harry Kane, Wayne Rooney and Jack Grealish

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      LEE CARSLEY will be hoping to get one over his former side the Republic of Ireland in the Nations League on Saturday.Interim England boss Carsley has wasted no time stamping his mark on the senior squad after including four stars from his European Championship-winning U21 side.Jack Grealish was allowed to switch allegiance from Ireland to EnglandCredit: GettyEngland icon Wayne Rooney was eligible to play for IrelandAs was Harry Kane through his paternal grandparentsDeclan Rice might be the subject of boos on Saturday after he switched allegiance in 2019Ireland have often played second-fiddle to players who are eligible for both the Boys in Greens and the Three Lions.Carsley himself was born in Birmingham but after failed attempts to break into the England, he was called up to Ireland, earning 40 caps.But who else from England could have played for Ireland?Let’s start with a current Three Lions superstar who actually represented Ireland’s senior side – Declan Rice.READ MORE ENGLAND NEWSThe London-born midfielder qualified for Ireland through his Irish-born parental grandparents and his three appearances came in friendlies, but if Rice had played in ONE more game he wouldn’t have been able to switch allegiance.He then elected to play for England to the dismay of Irish fans, earning 35 caps and becoming a midfield staple for Gareth Southgate.Jack Grealish is another player who was in the Irish system and had represented the underage teams for several years.The Birmingham-native qualified for Ireland as three of his grandparents were Irish and he was named the U21 Player of the Year.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSGrealish would switch also allegiance and initially play for England’s U21 team before making his senior debut in September 2020.Wayne Rooney, Harry Kane and Paul Scholes all have strong Irish roots through their paternal grandparents.Kyle Walker shows his true colours as he reveals conversation with Lee Carsley after being dropped from England squad The Bayern Munich star surpassed Rooney’s scoring record with 53 goals for England in March 2023.Meanwhile, Real Madrid midfield star and Ballon d’Or nominee Jude Bellingham is eligible to play for Ireland through his father, Mark.Jude Bellingham wearing an Ireland top as a toddlerAaron Lennon was entitled to play for Ireland through his mother, but a some glittering early-career performances earned him a call-up to England’s 2006 World Cup squad while still a teenager.Chelsea legend Gary Cahill could have starred for the Green Army through his Irish grandmother, but the Derby-born legend only had eyes for England.The Champions League winning centre-back went on to earn 60 caps for England between 2009-2018.While 81-capped Rio Ferdinand turned down the opportunity to play for Ireland through his Irish grandmother.Harry Maguire, who missed out on Euro 2024 through injury but broke back into Carsley’s squad last week, could have worn the green jersey through both sets of grandparents.READ MORE SUN STORIESWhile Southampton goalkeeper Alex McCarthy’s one England cap in 2018 prevented him from playing for those across the Irish Sea.Rio Ferdinand said was always going to choose EnglandGary Cahill could have played for IrelandPaul Scholes perhaps did not have the England career he wanted, but earned 66 caps More

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      How England lined up last time they faced Ireland with forgotten Arsenal star coming off bench and hero making debut

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      ENGLAND face the Republic of Ireland for the first time in four years this weekend.But the team set to face The Boys in Green in the Nations League on Saturday night will be drastically different to the one fielded by former manager Gareth Southgate during Covid.England face Ireland in Dublin this weekend, four years on from their last meetingCredit: GettyFormer Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate chose quite the starting XI for the matchCredit: APThe Three Lions welcomed the Irish to Wembley for the first time in seven years in November 2020.And just ONE of the starting XI deployed that night by Southgate is still a regular on the teamsheet.Southgate opted to go for a 4-3-3 for the visit of the Irish, during which he called on the services of goalkeeper Nick Pope.Harry Maguire skippered the side in a defence which also included Michael Keane, Tyrone Mings and Reece James.READ MORE ON ENGLANDThe midfield that night comprised of Bukayo Saka, Mason Mount and Harry Winks.And Southgate opted to go for a front three of Jack Grealish, Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Jadon Sancho.The bench that night at Wembley, which was empty due to Covid, makes for interesting viewing. Dean Henderson, Phil Foden, Tammy Abraham and Ainsley Maitland-Niles were all subs but were introduced at various points in the second half.Most read in FootballA future Real Madrid star was also on the bench that night.BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThat Real star, of course, is none other than Jude Bellingham – who came off the bench in the 73rd minute to replace Mason Mount.Southgate said of the then-17-year-old’s display: “We wanted to give Jude Bellingham 20 minutes or so to give him a feel of it.England appoint Lee Carsley interim boss”He was nervous at the start, it’s a huge occasion to come with the team at his age and be as mature as he has been with us.”You saw as it developed he settled and got into the game. That’s the experience we wanted to give him.”The inclusion of former Arsenal star Maitland-Niles will come as a shock to Three Lions fans.But the current Lyon ace looked like a promising defensive prospect four years ago, although he hasn’t lived up to his early potential and has only made five appearances for his country.England dispatched of the Irish with ease that night, running out 3-0 winners thanks to goals from Maguire, Sancho and Calvert-Lewin.READ MORE SUN STORIESEngland’s trip to Dublin this weekend will mark their first outing since Southgate resigned from his role following their Euro 2024 final defeat to Spain.Under-21s coach Lee Carsley is in interim charge of The Three Lions while the FA searches for a permanent successor for Southgate.Former Arsenal star Ainsley Maitland-Niles came off the benchCredit: MARC ASPLANDAs did future Real Madrid star Jude BellinghamCredit: MARC ASPLAND More

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      Inside England stars’ shocking start to the season including Pickford horror shows, Rice red card and transfer turmoil

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      THE final of Euro 2024 was 53 days ago in Berlin but England’s stars are still suffering from the hangover.SunSport’s CHARLIE WYETT looks at how fitness issues, poor form or a lack of game time are affecting an alarming number of players who featured in the Three Lions’ final loss to Spain.Jordan Pickford reacts to Everton’s ludicrous defeat to BournemouthCredit: GettyDeclan Rice was sent off for Arsenal against BrightonCredit: GettyOllie Watkins missed a glorious chance against Arsenal and is now injuredCredit: ReutersNo 1 JORDAN PICKFORD has had a shocking start to the season. The Everton keeper apologised to team-mates for gifting Son Heung-min a goal in Everton’s 4-0 loss at Tottenham and was among players who suffered abuse from fans when boarding a train at London Euston.Things did not get any better for Pickford at home to Bournemouth on Saturday when Everton collapsed to a 3-2 loss.As for England’s defence in Berlin, KYLE WALKER has played just three minutes for Manchester City this season, so is not in interim boss Lee  Carsley’s squad.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLJOHN STONES scraped in this week despite managing  just 40 minutes of action this term.MARC GUEHI impressed at the Euros but, after a transfer saga involving Newcastle, had a tough start with Crystal Palace.Injury-jinxed LUKE SHAW missed the start of Manchester United’s campaign with a calf problem.Moving up the pitch, Red Devils midfielder KOBBIE MAINOO made a howler during  Liverpool’s 3-0 win at Old Trafford on Sunday.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSBUKAYO SAKA is one in superb form for Arsenal and TRENT ALEXANDER-ARNOLD helped Liverpool win their first three.COLE PALMER had a hand in all six of Chelsea’s goals as they thrashed Wolves 6-2 away but he has withdrawn due to an injury.Inside Angel Gomes’ rise from Man Utd wonderkid to England starAt Euro 2024, DECLAN RICE ran further than any other player and now he looks knackered for Arsenal. He’ll get a break though as he is about to serve a one-match ban for his Brighton red card.JUDE BELLINGHAM still suffers from a shoulder issue and the Real Madrid star is now out for a month with a leg injury.Manchester City’s PHIL FODEN has a stomach problem which stopped him linking up with England.HARRY KANE boasts two goals in three games for Bayern Munich but is still not at his sharpest.Cole Palmer has enjoyed a good start to the season with ChelseaCredit: Not known, clear with picture deskAs for the subs who featured in the July 14 final, other than Palmer, IVAN TONEY pressed the self-destruct button on his England career, moving to Saudi Arabian club Al-Ahli from Brentford.Aston Villa’s OLLIE WATKINS is struggling with form and on Tuesday left the  St George’s Park group with an injury.Of those who remained on the bench KIERAN TRIPPIER, 33, has retired from internationals and ADAM WHARTON joined the Under-21s but withdrew with a groin issue.READ MORE SUN STORIESLEWIS DUNK, JOE GOMEZ and AARON RAMSDALE have all been axed for Carsley’s squad.But DEAN HENDERSON, EZRI KONSA, EBERECHI EZE, CONOR GALLAGHER, ANTHONY GORDON and JARROD BOWEN are in. More

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      Man City ace Rico Lewis reveals workouts with Muay Thai champion dad as he’s set to star for Lee Carsley’s England

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      RICO LEWIS reckons England can turn into Manchester City.New interim manager Lee Carsley told the squad at his first team meeting that he wants the Three Lions to play attacking, expansive football.Rico Lewis has been called up to Lee Carsley’s first England squadRico learnt Muay Thai with his professional dadSunSport’s Isabelle Barker trained with dad Rick Lewis in Manchester in MayCity teenager Lewis believes England – criticised for their style of play under previous boss Gareth Southgate – have the individuals to deliver fantasy football like Pep Guardiola’s Premier League champions.Lewis, 19, who faces the Republic of Ireland in Dublin on Saturday, said: “I am obviously biased because I play for City.”But the way we play is the best way to play – I think it’s definitely possible to do that with England because of the quality of players we have.“Even though we are only here for a week, we are with some of the best teams in the world for the rest of the season.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS”I don’t think that the stuff that we are trying to do here is completely opposite to what we do at our club.“We want to dominate pretty much every game we play. That is the intention.”Referring to Carsley’s first team meeting, Lewis said: “He spoke to everyone and just introduced himself to people. “Most of the younger players know him from the under-21s.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”He said ‘we are here to get the best out of every player’. He was emphasising that there is a lot of pressure on us but we also need to put that pressure on ourselves.“Even when I was with Carsley in the under-21s, he wanted to control the games and he wanted to win and be exciting.England interim manager Lee Carsley speaks to the media as he announces his first squad since taking over from Gareth Southgate“I don’t think it will take long for the rest of the team to get used to him. Obviously Gareth was there for such a long time so naturally, it will feel like a new beginning.”England then host Finland at Wembley next Tuesday, before the Premier League resumes on September 14.Lewis also revealed that he was delighted England reached the Euro 2024 final because it boosted his chances of starting the season for City.He has played all three of City’s Premier League games at right-back with Kyle Walker having yet to feature – while John Stones only came on as a substitute against Ipswich.Lewis also kept fit in the summer sparring with his dad, Rick, a two-time Muay Thai boxing champion.The youngster said: “I knew that England were doing really well in the Euros and that meant that the lads like John and Kyle would be coming late and that would give me opportunities on the tour and then the first few games.”As for the kickboxing, he said: “I think there’s stuff that I have done with my dad which I can implement into football. “So this pre-season, before we came back, I was doing stuff with my dad, just to get my fitness back.”READ MORE SUN STORIESMeanwhile, Lewis revealed his grandfather Dave toured with rock legend Eric Clapton as a bass player – having previously said it was with Oasis.He said: “Yes, my granddad was with Eric Clapton. I got it wrong when I said Oasis. He didn’t like that!” More

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      How Spain’s Euro 2024 win over England is ‘at centre of Alvaro Morata’s divorce from wife Alice’

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      SPAIN’S Euro 2024 final win over England is reportedly at the centre of Alvaro Morata’s divorce from wife Alice Campello.The glamorous former couple, who met in 2016, announced last month that they are going their separate ways after tying the knot seven years ago.Alvaro Morata and Alice Campello’s divorce was reportedly sparked by Spain’s Euro 2024 winReports claim Alice did not want Morata’s family celebrating on the pitchCredit: GettyShe only wanted their children and her friends to be present, it is claimedCredit: GettyThe alleged incident reportedly let to a major deterioration in their relationshipCredit: RexMorata, 31, and Alice, 29, share four children — twins Alessandro and Leonardo, 6, Edoardo, 4, and Bella, 1.And Marca claims an argument over family after the Euro final was the catalyst for their shock split.It’s alleged that Alice only wanted herself, their four children and her friends to be on the pitch following Spain’s 2-1 win against England.That meant Morata’s parents and other family members were not welcomed onto the field to celebrate at full-time, leading to a major deterioration in their relationship.READ MORE ON WAGSMeanwhile, the Mail also claims Morata was “accused of being in explicit photographs with another woman.”But this was all apparently described as “bulls**t” by Alice, with her and Morata insisting they remain on the best of terms.New AC Milan star Morata, who quit Atletico Madrid after the Euros, said: “I am tired of people saying that I was unfaithful to Alice because I didn’t even go to the national team party so that this type of rumour wouldn’t arise.“Since then I haven’t spoken to anyone out of respect for her and so that this type of news doesn’t arise.Most read in Football“I am devastated. I have fled Spain because I cannot bear the pressure and criticism any longer.“[Alice and I] have a very good relationship because of our four children.”Alvaro Morata throws cup at fan during Spainb’s trophy parade after Euro 2024 winAlice and Morata met in 2016 and got married a year laterCredit: AFP or licensorsThey share four young children togetherCredit: Instagram / alicecampelloThe former couple have dismissed rumours that Morata was unfaithfulCredit: Instagram @alvaromorataAdditionally, Vamos a Ver claims the couple’s earnings during the marriage will be divided equally between them as Morata and Alice had previously signed a community property agreement.It’s reported that Morata has no issue with giving up half his salary from that time, and is not looking to take any profits from Alice’s business with both parties eager to avoid court.Morata stunned fans with his shock divorce announcement last month.He wrote on Instagram: “After a period of reflection, Alice and I have taken the decision to take separate paths.”It was a marvellous relationship with mutual respect in which we have loved and helped each other so much.”We have had some wonderful years and have our four children to show for it, which is without doubt the best thing we have ever done.”It is a painful decision, after which we ask for respect and empathy.Alice and Morata are set to split their earnings received during the seven-year marriageCredit: InstagramMorata is happy for Alice to take half his salary from that timeHe does not want to take any profits from her business”Please don’t invent any rumours, because I repeat – there have been no breaches of trust, just a lot of continuous misunderstandings that have little by little worn things down.”Alice will always have a special place in my heart and the time that we have spent together has been incredible and a great learning experience.”Alice added: “Alvaro and I have decided to separate, and it is the most difficult decision we have ever made in our lives.”I want to make it clear, as he has, that there have been no third parties or any kind of disrespect from either of us.”I can only say that in these eight years, I have had a person by my side who has done nothing but prioritise me, take care of me, and respect me, and for that reason, I cannot allow any kind of false speculation.”I don’t want you to think that anything you have seen in the Instagram photos we’ve been posting is a lie.”We couldn’t have loved each other more, and we continue to do so, but there comes a time when many misunderstandings accumulate, are poorly managed, and things gradually deteriorate and explode.READ MORE SUN STORIES”We have always promised each other to respect everything we have lived through, to never reach the point of hurting each other or being toxic, and to end things before that happens, and that is what we’ve done.”I just want to thank Alvaro for everything he has done for me, for how he has taken care of me, for being the father and husband he has been, and to wish him the best always.” More

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      Tottenham flop Steven Bergwijn BANISHED from Netherlands team as Koeman blasts ‘his book with us is closed’

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      STEVEN BERGWIJN has been dropped from the Netherlands national team after manager Ronald Koeman said his “book is closed with us.”On Monday Ajax confirmed the departure of 26-year-old attacker to Saudi Pro League side Al-Ittihad for £17.6million.Steven Bergwijn has been dropped from the Netherlands squadCredit: AFPThe former Ajax star recently signed for Saudi Pro League side Al-Ittihad for £17.6millionCredit: Instagram @ittihadclub.saNetherlands boss Ronald Koeman said the Tottenham flops ‘book is closed with us’Credit: PAKoeman has selected many of the stars who went to Euro 2024 to face Bosnia & Herzegovina in Eindhoven on Saturday and Germany in Amsterdam on Tuesday.But Tottenham flop Bergwijn has been left out of the squad ahead of the international break.During a Tuesday press conference, Koeman brutally told reporters that Bergwijn’s international career is over after moving to Saudi Arabia.He said: “Steven Bergwijn goes to Saudi Arabia at age 26. READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS”It’s clear that this has nothing to do with sporting ambition.”His book with the Dutch National Team is closed. He probably knows what I would have said this.”Bergwijn came up through the youth ranks and Ajax and PSV Eindhoven before beginning his senior career with the latter.And in January 2020 the winger completed a £27m transfer to Spurs but he failed to make an impact and two years later headed back to Ajax in a £26.4m deal.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSBergwijn scored 29 goals and provided 12 assists in 80 games in the Dutch capital before making a move to Al Ittihad.In Jeddah, the 26-year-old will play alongside the likes of Karim Benzema, N’Golo Kante, Moussa Diaby and Fabinho.What’s new this season? It comes after striker Ivan Toney was left out of Lee Carsley’s England squad as he joins Saudi side Al-Ahli. More

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      Lamine Yamal’s proud father shows off TWO world records set by 17-year-old during Spain’s Euro 2024 triumph

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      LAMINE YAMAL’S proud dad showed off two of his son’s world records after a breathtaking European Championships.The Barcelona superstar, 16, broke numerous records during Spain’s triumph in Germany over the summer.Lamine Yamal was instrumental in Spain’s Euro 2024 triumphCredit: GettyYamal’s dad, Mounir Nasraoui, has shown off two of his son’s world recordsCredit: instagramHe became the youngest player to feature at the Euros, to play in a knockout stage game, score a goal, and play in the final.All of these were achieved between the age of 16 years and 338 days and 17 years and one day.As a result, Yamal is listed in the Guinness World Records.And the teenage prodigy’s dad, Mounir Nasraoui, shared an image on social media of him holding up two framed records.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAlongside the picture, he added the caption: “Making history.”Yamal, who has netted eight times and assisted 11 for Barcelona, scored a stunning goal in Spain’s semi-final victory over France.He also set up four and was a key player in his country’s fourth Euros triumph.But just weeks after the tournament, Yamal’s dad suffered a major scare when he was stabbed.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSYamal registered five goal contributions at the EurosMounir was rushed to hospital after he was allegedly lured into a trap.He had argued with the father of a boy who had thrown water over him from a balcony.Euros star Lamine Yamal’s dad breaks silence after horror stabbing & shares health update as he gives ‘big hug’ to fansThe attackers turned up at a “clear the air” meeting in a car park, where Mounir was punched, kicked and knifed.He was discharged from hospital two days later, before he spoke out about the incident as four people were arrested.He told Spanish TV: “I suffered fear like any other person. I have to be calm and think the courts will do their job.” More

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      Lee Carsley’s first England squad revealed as he hands surprise call-ups to four young Lions and Jack Grealish returns

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      LEE CARSLEY made some surprise selections as he named his first England squad for next month’s Nations League fixtures.The 50-year-old was appointed interim manager by the FA earlier this month following Gareth Southgate’s departure.Lee Carsley has named his first England squadCredit: ReutersMorgan Gibbs-White is one of four players to earn his first senior call-upCredit: PAFormer Man Utd star Angel Gomes has also been called upCredit: PAAnd he will kick off England’s new era with a new-look squad.Four players have earned a maiden Three Lions senior call-up – Tino Livramento, Morgan Gibbs-White, Angel Gomes and Noni Madueke.Manchester City youngster Rico Lewis – who has one cap – has secured a place following a strong start to the Premier League season.Jack Grealish returns to the fold after being cut from Southgate’s Euro 2024 line-up.Read More on EnglandHarry Maguire is also back in the squad following his calf injury.As expected, the likes of Bukayo Saka, Declan Rice, Cole Palmer, Phil Foden and captain Harry Kane have all been included.Ben White remains unavailable having ruled himself out of contention for Euro 2024 earlier this year.FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSLee Carsley’s first senior England squadNewcastle full-back Kieran Trippier is also absent.Most read in FootballThe 33-year-old announced his retirement from international football earlier today – just hours before Carsley revealed his squad.Inside Gareth Southgates love life with wife Alison.Aaron Ramsdale, Kyle Walker, Lewis Dunk, Joe Gomez, Adam Wharton and Ivan Toney – who all travelled to Germany for Euro 2024 – have been left out.Jarrell Quansah, Marcus Rashford and James Maddison are absent, with Luke Shaw, Jude Bellingham, Jarrad Branthwaite and Curtis Jones out due to injury.Interim manager Carsley has been in charge of England’s U21s since 2021.He led the Young Lions to European Championship glory last year in Georgia.Three of the four uncapped players – Gibbs-White, Gomes and Madueke featured for England at that tournament.Gomes, 23, who currently stars for Lille in Ligue 1 after leaving Manchester United in 2020, has not played since he suffered a horrific head injury against Reims two weeks ago.For Madueke, the call-up continues his amazing start to the season that has seen him score a hat-trick for Chelsea at Wolves last weekend.The blues ace, 22, has 20 caps for the Under 21 team.Lee Carsley’s England omissionsSNUBSAaron RamsdaleKyle WalkerLewis DunkJarrell QuansahJoe GomezAdam WhartonMarcus RashfordJames MaddisonIvan ToneyINJURIESLuke ShawJude BellinghamCurtis JonesJarrad BranthwaiteCarsley has named Ashley Cole as his assistant for the foreseeable future.England have two Nations League games scheduled for next month.The Three Lions first travel to Ireland before hosting Finland at Wembley.Discussing his new role, Carsley said: “It is a real proud moment for my family and myself. It has been a hectic few weeks to get my head around the job and to see as many players as I can.READ MORE SUN STORIES”I understand I am in a really privileged position. Getting the squad out today was important. “It was important we put some fresh faces in.” More