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      UEFA opens investigation into Premier League ref David Coote over video of him snorting white powder during Euro 2024

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      UEFA have opened an investigation into suspended Premier League referee David Coote after he was filmed snorting white powder in a shocking video taken while he was on duty at Euro 2024.In the eight second Whatsapp film the under-fire VAR specialist is wide-eyed as he uses a rolled up US bank note to snort a four inch line of what appears to be cocaine.David Coote was filmed snorting the white powderThe video was filmed during Euro 2024Coote is expected to quit as a referee before he’s sackedCredit: GettyCoote, 42, was suspended by the PGMOL, governing body for professional referees, this week after a separate video emerged of him, again wide-eyed,  calling former Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp a “German c**t”.The Sun’s exclusive new video was taken on July 6 – a day after the Euro 2024 quarter final clash between France and Portugal, where he acted  as a support VAR official.UEFA confirmed in a statement today they have now opened an investigation into the ref for a potential violation of its regulations.It read: “A UEFA Ethics and Disciplinary Inspector has been appointed to evaluate a potential violation of the UEFA Disciplinary Regulations by the referee, Mr. David Coote.”Further information regarding this matter will be made available in due course.”UEFA have already taken action against the Prem ref by removing him from their list of officials for the upcoming international fixtures.In the viral video, the bedside table alongside the white powder are seen scattered with packets of prescription drugs, a credit card, and the Terry Hayes novel The Year of The Locust.He sent the clip to a pal and it’s believed he filmed himself in his Uefa-funded hotel room he used during the tournament.Most read in FootballNo referees have EVER been tested for drugs as David Coote faces end of Premier League careerEXCLUSIVE by Martin LiptonNO referees or match officials have ever been tested for drugs – as David Coote’s apparent “cocaine shame” is set to end his career.While all players and other athletes in British sport are subject to drug testing rules, including post-match and out of competition action, the regulations do not apply to match officials.That is the case globally across not just football and throughout the world rather than only in the UK.All sports follow the World Anti-Doping Authority code, aimed at preventing athletes gaining an advantage by using performance-enhancing substances.The Wada banned list also includes recreational drugs.But the Wada provisions, also followed by UK Anti Doping, which conducts tests across British sport, makes no reference to match officials.UKAD explains: “Any UK athlete subject to the anti-doping rules of their sport and non-UK athlete staying, training, residing, entering a competition,”Or named as a member of a team participating in a competition at any level within the UK is eligible for testing as part of UKAD’s national anti-doping programme.“Any athlete eligible for testing can be tested anytime, anywhere.”But the regulations do not apply to match officials – because of the “performance enhancing” provision of the world code.The PGMOL have revealed they are aware of the video of him sniffing a white powder.They told The Sun: “We aware of the allegations and are taking them very seriously. David Coote remains suspended pending a full investigation.”David’s welfare continues to be of utmost importance to us and we are committed to providing him with the ongoing necessary support he needs through this period.”We are not in a position to comment further at this stage.”The ref sent another photo from Frankfurt on July 1 which showed his credit cards on a saucer either side of six chopped-up lines of suspicious white powder. He was staying in hotel rooms appointed by tournament organiser UEFA.The pal, who wishes to remain anonymous, also reveals that the referee made other remarks about Everton football club and Liverpool player Andy Robertson.Coote’s previous comments about Klopp are now at the centre of both a PGMOL and FA investigation into his conduct.As the scandal grew this week, Uefa also took him off their roster for games during this weekend’s international break.Other videos were sent over the summer from France, where Coote officiated at three football matches at the Paris Olympics. They included the Israel versus Japan clash on July 30, where he was in charge of VAR.Coote also branded Goodison Park – the ground of Liverpool’s rivals Everton – as the worst place to referee due to the fans “shouting abuse so close to the pitch”.He hates officiating at Bournemouth games because it’s “too far away” and moaned he was “too big” to have to ref at Coventry’s Ricoh Arena for their Championship clash against Oxford United on August 16.The pal is speaking out to highlight Coote apparently bragging of taking drugs repeatedly during tournaments and big Prem matches.Shocking David Coote video in fullFirst videoFirst man: “What did you think of the Liverpool game earlier when you were fourth official?”Second man (allegedly Coote): “Erm Liverpool were s***.”First man: “What did you think of Jurgen Klopp?”Second man (allegedly Coote): “C***, absolute c***.”First man: “Why would you say that Jurgen Klopp is a c***?”Second man (allegedly Coote): “Erm, aside from having a right pop at me when I reffed them against Burnley in lockdown.”Then, he accused me of lying and then just had a right f***ing pop at me – and I’ve got no interest in speaking to somebody whose f***ing arrogant.”So I do my best not to speak to him. [James] Milner is alright, I get on with Milner.”First man: “James Milner, he gets on with James Milner.”Second man (allegedly Coote): “You can see me there with mask on.”First man: “Mask on, obviously.”Second man (allegedly Coote): “Yea Covid, got to be done. Social distancing right? We’re two meters apart.”First man: “We have to social distance.”Second man (allegedly Coote): “Yep, so but [exhales] my God. German c***, f*** me.”First man: “Long story short, Jurgen Klopp’s a c***, Liverpool are all f***ing b******s, we hate Scousers.”Second videoSecond man (allegedly Coote): “Right just to be clear, that f***ing last video cant go anywhere, seriously.”First man: He’s a Premier League referee, let’s not f***ing ruin his career.”Like let’s face we’re good blokes but we can’t ruin a bloke’s career. We’re not that bad. Also he’s a f***ing legend.”Second man (allegedly Coote): “So, yeah.”First man: “So lets not ruin his career.”A PGMOL spokesperson told The Sun: “We aware of the allegations and are taking them very seriously. David Coote remains suspended pending a full investigation.”David’s welfare continues to be of utmost importance to us and we are committed to providing him with the ongoing necessary support he needs through this period.”We are not in a position to comment further at this stage.”Coote was suspended by PGMOL bosses earlier this week after a leaked video showed the ref abusing Liverpool and their ex manager Jurgen Klopp.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe footage was said to have been taken during the Covid-19 pandemic.An investigation is now taking place and the FA are also initiating their own probe, as Coote could be charged with an aggravated breach of FA rules after mentioning Klopp’s nationality in the initial leaked video. More

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      Moment scandal-hit Premier League ref David Coote snorts white powder in shocking video during Euro 2024

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      SUSPENDED Premier League ref David Coote snorts white powder in a shocking video taken while he was officiating at this summer’s Euros.In the eight second Whatsapp film the under-fire VAR specialist is wide-eyed as he uses a rolled up US bank note to snort a four inch line of what appears to be cocaine.David Coote was filmed snorting the white powderCoote is expected to quit as a referee before he’s sackedCredit: ReutersThe video was filmed during Euro 2024Coote, 42, was suspended by the PGMOL, governing body for professional referees, this week after a separate video emerged of him, again wide-eyed,  calling former Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp a “German c**t”.The Sun’s exclusive new video was taken on July 6 – a day after the Euro 2024 quarter final clash between France and Portugal, where he acted  as a support VAR official.On the bedside table alongside the white powder are scattered packets of prescription drugs, a credit card, and the Terry Hayes novel The Year of The Locust.He sent the clip to a pal and it’s believed he filmed himself in his Uefa-funded hotel room he used during the tournament.Read More David CooteThe ref sent another photo from Frankfurt on July 1.  It showed his credit cards on a saucer either side of six chopped-up lines of suspicious white powder. He was staying in hotel rooms appointed by tournament organiser UEFA.The pal, who wishes to remain anonymous, also reveals that the referee made other derogatory remarks about Everton football club and Liverpool player Andy Robertson.Coote’s previous comments about Klopp are now at the centre of both a PGMOL and FA investigation into his conduct.As the scandal grew this week, Uefa also took him off their roster for games during this weekend’s international break.Most read in FootballOther videos were sent over the summer from France, where Coote officiated at three football matches at the Paris Olympics. They included the Israel versus Japan clash on July 30, where he was in charge of VAR.His pal has told how Coote said in video chats that table toppers Liverpool “will not win the Premier League” this season.Shocking David Coote Klopp video in fullFirst man: “What did you think of the Liverpool game earlier when you were fourth official?”Second man (allegedly Coote): “Erm Liverpool were s***.”First man: “What did you think of Jurgen Klopp?”Second man (allegedly Coote): “C***, absolute c***.”First man: “Why would you say that Jurgen Klopp is a c***?”Second man (allegedly Coote): “Erm, aside from having a right pop at me when I reffed them against Burnley in lockdown.“Then, he accused me of lying and then just had a right f***ing pop at me – and I’ve got no interest in speaking to somebody whose f***ing arrogant.“So I do my best not to speak to him. [James] Milner is alright, I get on with Milner.”First man: “James Milner, he gets on with James Milner.”Second man (allegedly Coote): “You can see me there with mask on.”First man: “Mask on, obviously.”Second man (allegedly Coote): “Yea Covid, got to be done. Social distancing right? We’re two meters apart.”First man: “We have to social distance.”Second man (allegedly Coote): “Yep, so but [exhales] my God. German c***, f*** me.”First man: “Long story short, Jurgen Klopp’s a c***, Liverpool are all f***ing b******s, we hate Scousers.”Second videoSecond man (allegedly Coote): “Right just to be clear, that f***ing last video cant go anywhere, seriously.”First man: He’s a Premier League referee, let’s not f***ing ruin his career.“Like let’s face we’re good blokes but we can’t ruin a bloke’s career. We’re not that bad. Also he’s a f***ing legend.”Second man (allegedly Coote): “So, yeah.”First man: “So lets not ruin his career.”Coote also branded Goodison Park – the ground of Liverpool’s rivals Everton – as the worst place to referee due to the fans “shouting abuse so close to the pitch”.He hates officiating at Bournemouth games because it’s “too far away” and moaned he was “too big” to have to ref at Coventry’s Ricoh Arena for their Championship clash against Oxford United on August 16.The pal is speaking out to highlight Coote apparently bragging of taking drugs repeatedly during tournaments and big Prem matches.They told The Sun: “I believe that the FA and the governing body of the referees have to make sure that the sport we all love is protected and being officiated by the right people. My message to David Coote is…there’s help out there.”The pal added: “The video of him bad-mouthing Klopp didn’t surprise me at all.“He said to me Liverpool would definitely not win the Premier League. It just makes me question the kind of people running the Prem. He also described Andy Robertson as a ‘Scottish prick’.“He did say that the worst place to referee was Goodison Park due to the young Scousers screaming, shouting, swearing at him and calling every name under the sun before the games had even started. And he mentioned he hated going to Bournemouth because it was just such a long way away.“He did mention about Coventry City versus Oxford United on a Friday night on Sky Sports. He couldn’t really be a**** with this game…the fact that he had to go and referee in front of an empty Ricoh Arena. He said ‘I’m a bit too big for this’.”A PGMOL spokesperson told The Sun: “We aware of the allegations and are taking them very seriously. David Coote remains suspended pending a full investigation. “David’s welfare continues to be of utmost importance to us and we are committed to providing him with the ongoing necessary support he needs through this period. “We are not in a position to comment further at this stage.”Coote was suspended by PGMOL bosses earlier this week after a leaked video showed the ref abusing Liverpool and their ex manager Jurgen Klopp.The footage was said to have been taken during the Covid-19 pandemic.An investigation is now taking place and the FA are also initiating their own probe, as Coote could be charged with an aggravated breach of FA rules after mentioning Klopp’s nationality in the initial leaked video.Outside of England, UEFA has also taken action against the Prem ref by removing him from their list of officials for the upcoming international fixtures.READ MORE SUN STORIESIf Coote decides to quit, or is sacked, he is set to lose over £1m over the next few years.Referee David Coote was caught in an earlier video labelling ex-Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp a ‘German c***’Credit: XCoote unleashed an astonishing rant at ex-Liverpool boss KloppCredit: AP More

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      Man City plan £50m transfer swoop for LaLiga star and Euros winner – six months after he snubbed Liverpool move

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      MANCHESTER CITY are planning a £50.3million January swoop for Martin Zubimendi — six months after he turned his back on Liverpool.The 25-year-old Real Sociedad midfielder was on Anfield’s summer hitlist  and was close to sealing a deal before a U-turn meant he stayed put.Martin Zubimendi has emerged as a transfer target for Man City in JanuaryCredit: GettySpain’s Euros winner also insisted last month he wanted to remain at boyhood club Sociedad, saying: “The best solution is staying. “I want to grow and develop here.”But sources insist Zubimendi has had a change of heart and is keen to play in the Premier League after all. And that has put City on high alert.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLTheir failure to cope with the long-term absence of crocked Ballon d’Or winner Rodri continued with last night’s 2-1 defeat at Brighton — their fourth loss in a row. And Zubimendi — who came on for Rodri at half-time in Spain’s 2-1 Euros final win over England — would be an ideal replacement.Rodri, 28, is out for the season after rupturing his ACL during September’s 2-2 draw with Arsenal.The pair have played together for their nation, giving City the potential of a mouthwatering defensive midfield partnership when Rodri returns.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe release clause in Zubimendi’s contract would not be a problem, although manager Pep Guardiola was initially not keen on making any major moves in the January market.City’s injury pile-up and dismal form could signal a rethink, as Guardiola is equally reluctant to pile too much pressure on his younger players.Top 10 best paid managers in world as sacked Roberto Mancini is knocked off No1 spotOne potential stumbling block could be ongoing uncertainty about the Spaniard’s own future.There is still no sign of a definite decision over his plans beyond the summer. More

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      Wolves lining up £20million transfer for Watford Euro 2024 star to help rescue them from Prem relegation

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      WOLVES will make Watford’s Georgian star Giorgi Chakvetadze a top target in January as they seek a Premier League saviour.Gary O’Neil’s men need new attacking inspiration and lively Chakvetadze, 25, has been on top form this season.Wolves are eyeing a January move for Watford midfielder Giorgi ChakvetadzeCredit: RexScouts watched the midfielder against Leeds on Tuesday and he is short-listed as a buy if the Molineux club can wheel and deal in the window.Wolves have been sellers recently but a purchase may save their top-flight skins.Watford would want up to £20million for a player who signed a fresh five-year deal only a month ago, however, and other Prem clubs have an eye on Chakvetadze.The Georgian international initially joined the Hornets on loan from Gent last summer.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHis loan move was then made permanent in February for around £2million.As well as penning a new deal, he has scored once and provided two assists in 12 Championship appearances this term.Meanwhile, the midfield ace also has nine goals in 33 caps for Georgia.He made his international debut in 2018 aged just 18 and was part of the Crusaders’ Euro 2024 squad.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSWilly Sagnol’s side were one of the surprise packages of the tournament in Germany during the summer.Chakvetadze played in all four of their matches as they reached the last 16, losing to eventual winners Spain.I watched Cristiano Ronaldo play for Al-Nassr, the atmosphere and standard had me shocked… but he didn’t seem botheredHis arrival would boost Wolves’ survival hopes after a difficult start to the season.O’Neil’s side are currently 19th following Saturday’s dramatic 2-2 draw at Brighton.However, they have yet to win any of their opening nine Premier League fixtures. More

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      Gareth Southgate set for knighthood for his England heroics after he is CLEARED over controversial tax scheme

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      GARETH Southgate has been cleared over a controversial tax scheme — paving the way for a knighthood in the New Year Honours List.The former England boss, who got the men’s side to two Euro finals, was under Whitehall scrutiny over film investment deals.Former England boss Gareth Southgate is set for a knighthood after being cleared over a controversial tax schemeCredit: GettySouthgate with Prince William ahead of the 2024 Euro finalCredit: AFPA spokesman for Southgate said he was a ‘proud Englishman’ who had ‘always paid his taxes’Credit: GettyHe still needs official approval but a source said: “Now he’s cleared the checks, people are talking about him becoming ‘Sir Gareth’.”It would see him follow in the footsteps of Three Lions greats Sir Alf Ramsey and Sir Bobby Robson.Tax bosses have cleared the way by ruling he did not break rules by investing in a controversial film investment scheme.The decision came after intensive talks between HM Revenue & Customs executives and Whitehall mandarins in recent weeks.READ MORE ON GARETH SOUTHGATESouthgate, 54, stepped down as manager in July after steering the Three Lions to two Euro finals and a World Cup semi-final in eight years.A source said: “Gareth deserves the knighthood and people in high places want to honour him.“He was a tremendous servant to England and came close to leading the team to their first silverware since 1966.“Gareth has also been a great role model and is a hugely respected public figure.”Most read in FootballGareth Southgate drops biggest hint yet over next job amid Man Utd links after stepping down as England managerPlans to knight him if England had won the 2020 Euro final against Italy were reportedly shelved as he had been placed at “amber” on a “tax risk list”.Ministers are traditionally extremely cautious when putting together honours lists.Ex-England captain David Beckham’s tax issues are said to have been a factor in him not receiving a knighthood.A source said: “Now it seems he has cleared all the checks, and people at Westminster are talking about him becoming ‘Sir Gareth’.”Southgate — in charge of England for 102 matches, and pictured with FA patron Prince William before this year’s final against Spain — was among stars to plough cash into Ingenious Media, which invested in fledgling films.But the deals were probed by the taxman over fears that the scheme was simply an artificial way of reducing tax bills.Last year, a spokesman for Southgate said he was a “proud Englishman” who had “always paid his taxes and complied with HMRC throughout his career”.The dad of two is also understood to have put aside the disputed funds “on account” as soon as HMRC challenged the scheme.READ MORE SUN STORIESLast night we approached an agent for Southgate. A Cabinet Office spokesman said: “It would be inappropriate to comment on potential honours recipients.”Stars stumped upGARETH Southgate was among hundreds of high-profile clients to plough cash into Ingenious MediaDavid Beckham, Gary Lineker and Wayne Rooney were other sports stars to have invested with the firm between 2002 and 2010.Film-maker Guy Ritchie, actor Sacha Baron Cohen and Ant and Dec also did so.All were advised that their millions would be boosting Britain’s film industry in a tax-efficient way.Ingenious did fund 60 movies, including Avatar and Life of Pi , but was also found by HMRC to have run tax-avoidance schemes.More than 400 investors ultimately found themselves embroiled in a £434million tax avoidance dispute.And following a tax tribunal ruling, HMRC demanded that investors with Ingenious repaid them.None of those involved was guilty of any wrongdoing.Many of the stars ultimately settled financially with HMRC, while others took legal action against advisers.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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      Man Utd star Rasmus Hojlund slammed as ‘rubbish’ and ‘poor’ by Ben Foster for injuring team-mate in training

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      MANCHESTER UNITED ace Rasmus Hojlund was dubbed “rubbish” and “poor” by ex-England goalkeeper Ben Foster after breaking a team-mate’s tooth during training.The incident took place last summer before Euro 2024 when Hojlund, 21, linked up with Denmark to prepare for the tournament in Germany.Man Utd ace Rasmus Hojlund knocked a team-mate’s tooth out during trainingCredit: GettyLeicester goalkeeper Mads Hermansen was injured by Hojlund during training with DenmarkCredit: RexEx-Man Utd keeper Ben Foster branded Hojlund ‘rubbish’ and ‘poor’ after the incidentCredit: AlamyThe Danish national team organised an “optional” set-piece training that would see them working on corner-kicks with Leicester goalkeeper Mads Hermansen, 24, between the sticks.A cross was whipped in from the corner and Hermansen was set to pick the ball up in the air.However, Hojlund got a little overzealous as he went for the ball with full force and accidentally elbowed the keeper in the mouth.That led to the Leicester ace losing a tooth just before the European Championship.Read More on Man UtdHermansen discussed the incident in Foster’s Fozcast podcast: “You know as a goalkeeper sometimes when you have set-piece practice. It’s like, ‘Are we going 100 per cent? Are we just a bit easy?'”So we were with the national team just before the Euros, it was optional training, you could come in and train if you want. “So let’s do some corners. I go: ‘Keepers!’ And he just comes in with everything, elbow straight to my tooth.”Foster, 41, was not at all impressed with Hojlund after hearing the story and didn’t hold back on his assessment as he insisted the striker should have “taken it easy” considering it was just a training session.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe ex-United goalkeeper responded: “Cheers Rasmus, appreciate that. That’s rubbish that. I’m not having that, it’s poor.”When you’re doing it in a bit of practice set-piece thing, you’ve got to take it easy. You can’t go full blooded like that.”Rasmus Hojlund hailed for opening up on acne issue as Man Utd striker shows before and after pics after laser treatmentHowever, Hermansen defended Hojlund and insisted he is a real “professional”.The Danish shot stopper replied: “He is that kind of guy and I love that about him.”He’s giving everything, always. He’s just got an exceptional way of being a professional.” More

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      Thomas Tuchel to SURPASS Southgate at first attempt as supercomputer predicts how England will do at World Cup 2026

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      A SUPERCOMPUTER has predicted how England will get on at the 2026 World Cup under the management of new boss Thomas Tuchel.Tuchel has penned an 18-month contract with the Three Lions that will see him take charge of the nation for the 2026 tournament.Thomas Tuchel has been unveiled as the new England managerCredit: GettyA supercomputer has tipped Tuchel to surpass Gareth Southgate on his first attempt at a World CupCredit: GettyThe former Chelsea and Bayern Munich gaffer will have the hopes of the nation on his back as he looks to go one better than Gareth Southgate’s efforts at the Euros last summer.And he seems pretty calm about that pressure, insisting he “doesn’t feel” the weight of expectation – even in the hot-seat for the England national team.That may be because he’s confident that he will be able to build upon the foundations laid by Southgate over the past eight years.And a World Cup simulation on a supercomputer has the exact same idea, predicting that Tuchel will surpass Southgate’s best ever World Cup effort on his first attempt.READ MORE ON ENGLANDThe whizzes behind SimWorldCup have suggested that England will manage a THIRD PLACE finish at the 2026 World Cup in North America.Their simulation sees Tuchel’s men breezing through the group stages and pushing all the way to the semi-final before suffering heartbreak to a familiar foe – Spain.A 1-0 defeat to the Spaniards in the semi-final would set up a third-place play-off against Uruguay – a match which England are predicted to win 1-0 themselves.That would be one step better than Southgate managed during his first tournament in the 2018 World Cup.Most read in FootballGareth Southgate led England to a fourth-placed finish at the 2018 World CupCredit: ReutersThe Three Lions bravely bowed out to Croatia in the semi-finalCredit: AFP or licensorsANDY DILLON: Thomas Tuchel has all the ingredients to become a classic England manager – tactical nous, drive and a tangled love lifeBy Andy DillonTHOMAS TUCHEL possesses all the ingredients to become a classic England manager.Tactical nous, drive, energy, experience – a tangled love life.English football should welcome back the most explosive, dynamic, charismatic and impossibly tall and gangly coach to have lit up the Premier League.Chelsea’s colourful former boss has been leading a settled life in Munich of late.Far enough away from ex-wife Sissi but close enough to see his two daughters.Walking his dog in the streets in the east of Germany’s most fashionable city, residing in the posh Bogenhausen area. Living relatively quietly with his Brazilian girlfriend.Tuchel is a vastly different personality to the man who led England quietly but assuredly to the brink of World Cups and European Championships.An excitable nature can make him hard to handle for those seeking calm and who like to impose their way on a manager they view very much as an underling.Read more on why Tuchel REALLY IS the best man for the England jobFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSSouthgate’s brave lions managed to reach the semi-finals in Russia, where they were knocked out by Croatia in extra-time.But the former England manager didn’t manage to get the better of Belgium in the third place play-off, ultimately taking fourth in his debut tournament.England interviewed ten candidates before appointing Thomas Tuchel, admits FA chief in German’s first press conferenceOf course, Southgate went on to reach two European Championship finals in 2021 and 2024 as well.Tuchel appears to have been brought in by the FA with the goal of securing World Cup glory in 2026 and a third place finish may not be enough to get him an extension on his 18-month deal.However, the supercomputer’s prediction did see the German pulling off some impressive victories throughout the tournament.The Three Lions topped their group with three wins from three over South Korea, Paraguay and South Africa.While their knockout efforts included wins over Panama, host nation the USA and Belgium.And Tuchel’s men are in line for some attractive football if the simulation is to be correct, as England netted 17 times and conceded just three across the supercomputer’s predictions. READ MORE SUN STORIESIn the remainder of the tournament the supercomputer predicted that Argentina would win their second World Cup on the bounce – defeating Spain 1-0 in the final.While home nations Wales and Scotland both made it out of their groups before being knocked out in the last-32 to Belgium and France respectively. Here’s how the tournament knockouts were predicted by the supercomputerEngland World Cup 2026 supercomputer predictionsHere’s a look at how every England game was predicted by the supercomputer…Group stageEngland 3 Paraguay 0England 2 South Korea 0South Africa 0 England 4Round of 32England 2 Panama 1Last 16USA 0 England 3Quarter-finalBelgium 1 England 2Semi-finalSpain 1 England 0Third place play-offUruguay 0 England 1 More

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      Watch Romania U21s’ ‘disrespectfully glorious’ team goal to qualify for Euros as fans ask ‘is this Brazil?’

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      ROMANIA’S Under-21 side left fans in disbelief with a “disrespectfully glorious” goal.The nation were taking on Switzerland during a Euro U21 qualification match, the winner of which would seal qualification to the tournament next year.Ianis Stoica rounded off a brilliant Romania Under-21 team goalCredit: EPARomania won the game 3-1 and secured their spot at Euro 2025Credit: EPADaniel Pancu’s side got off to a flying start after Ianis Stoica scored after 16 minutes.A red card for Vladislav Blanuta in the 29th minute threatened to undo that, but those fears were soon placated as Stoica, 21, netted again ten minutes before the break.However, it was the remarkable nature of the goal that left fans in awe.After Louis Munteanu won the ball back, Octavian Popescu picked up the loose ball on the left wing.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe then dribbled to the touchline before playing a one-two with 22-year-old Munteanu.With two defenders closing him down, Popescu, 21, then chipped the ball over the pair.Munteanu controlled the ball with his head before volleying the ball down the wing for his team-mate who had made a move.Popescu then got the ball back, beat his marker at the byline to then cut the ball back to team-mate Constantin Grameni.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe 21-year-old then back-heeled the ball to Munteanu, who then threaded a pass towards Stoica just outside of the six-yard area.He then rifled a shot into the top corner of the net to out his nation 2-0 ahead and complete the stunning sequence.Watch fan’s incredible goal in half-time competition that saw him win life-changing jackpotReacting on social media, one fan said: “Well that’s just disrespectfully glorious.”A second said: “Is this Brazil?”A third added: “That is team football!! Wonderful to watch.”Another said: “PlayStation.”A fifth said: “Am I watching at an eFootball action in real life?”Switzerland managed to rally after the break and halve the deficit through Albian Hajdari.Although just three minutes later Umit Akdag scored a third goal to give Romania some safety.Three red cards were shown throughout the game, with Pancu and a substitute from the team being sent to the stands.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe result saw Romania top Group E of the Euro 2025 qualifying campaign.However, in defeat Switzerland were eliminated as they dropped to third place as Finland recorded a win over Montenegro to climb into second. More