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    Thomas Tuchel blasts Gareth Southgate’s England as ‘more afraid to drop out of Euro 2024 than hungry to win it’

    THOMAS TUCHEL has claimed that England lacked “hunger” and “identity” at the European Championship last summer.The Three Lions reached the Euro 2024 final in July but failed to impress performance-wise throughout the tournament, leaving many fans disappointed.Thomas Tuchel gave a brutal assessment of England’s Euro 2024 campaignCredit: ITV SPORTTuchel claimed that Gareth Southgate’s England lacked ‘hunger’Credit: ReutersGareth Southgate stepped down as manager in the days that followed, putting an end to his eight-year spell at the helm.The 54-year-old was eventually replaced by Tuchel in October, although the German did not officially start his new role until January.Now, ahead of his first match in charge, Tuchel has given his damning verdict on England’s recent form.Asked by ITV Sport if England had a clear playing style during Euro 2024 last summer, the former Chelsea boss responded: “Not last summer, no.”READ MORE ON ENGLANDProbed on what was lacking, he continued: “The identity, the clarity, the rhythm, the repetition of patterns.”The freedom of player, the expression of player, the hunger.”They were more afraid to drop out of the tournament, in my observation, than having the excitement and hunger to win.”Tuchel was then asked what the missing piece was, to which he responded: “Excitement.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”The view that people feel that the team’s to beat. That we arrive with a group to beat.”That we know already when we arrive, once we qualified, everyone knows this is the team to beat.”Thomas Tuchel shares hug with Dan Burn and Lewis-Skelly as England stars arrive at St George’s Park for double-headerTuchel faces his first test with England on Friday.The Three Lions kick off their World Cup qualifying campaign against Albania at Wembley Stadium.They then host Latvia on Monday.Southgate vs Tuchel records comparedTHOMAS TUCHELAugsburg II 2007-2008P34 W 20 D8 L6 Win percentage: 58.82%Mainz 05 2009-2014P184 W72 D46 L66 Win percentage: 39.13%Borussia Dortmund 2015-2017P107 W67 D23 L17 Win percentage: 62.62%Honours: DFB Pokal Paris Saint Germain 2018-2020P127 W95 D13 L16 Win percentage: 74.8%Honours: Ligue 1 X2, Coupe de France, Coupe de la Ligue, Trophee des Champions x2Chelsea 2021-2022P100 W60 D24 L16 Win percentage: 60%Honours: Champions League, Super Cup, Club World CupBayern Munich 2023-2024P61 W37 D8 L16 Win percentage: 60.66%Honours: BundesligaGARETH SOUTHGATEMiddlesbrough 2006-2009P151 W54 D43 Win percentage: 35.76%England U21 2013-2016P37 W27 D5 L5 Win percentage: 72.97%Honours: Toulon tournamentEngland 2016-2024P102 W61 D24 L17 Win percentage: 59.8%Honours: Euros runners up, 2020, 2024The human tuchENGLAND’S new boss Thomas Tuchel has announced his first squad – to mixed reaction. More

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    ‘My daughter thought I was a referee’ says England legend Ashley Cole as he’s inducted into football Hall of Fame

    ASHLEY COLE was an Arsenal Invincible, a European champion at Chelsea, a record seven-time FA Cup winner and a member of England’s exclusive 100 Club, once recognised as the best left-back on the planet. But ask him to reflect on that glorious career, after being inducted into the National Football Museum’s Hall of Fame, and Cole highlights his regret at the “silly bitterness” which overshadowed a large part of his career.Ashley Cole was inducted into the National Football Museum’s Hall of FameCredit: PAEngland Under-21 assistant boss Cole won major awards with Arsenal and ChelseaCredit: Getty Images – GettyCole, now a well-respected assistant to England Under-21 boss Lee Carsley, insists he is a very different person now to the hot-headed player who left Arsenal under a cloud after being tapped up by Chelsea.Back then he infamously wrote in his autobiography that he “almost swerved off the road” when being informed that Arsenal were offering “only £55,000 a week”.And Cole, 44, admits: “I’ve grown up since then, from making silly mistakes, silly words, bitter words, feuds – I’m so grown and so over that now.“I respect the both clubs I was at, they gave me a lot, they gave me opportunities.Read More on Arsenal “There isn’t one memory that sticks out, I’ve won Premier Leagues, Champions League, created history in the FA Cup, I look back and say, ‘Yeah you’ve done well and they were your rewards’.“And competing for my country at World Cups and Euros was really important to me.”Cole’s career was one of English football’s finest but after his tumultuous high-profile marriage to pop star Cheryl Tweedy and the controversy over his move to Jose Mourinho’s Chelsea, he shied away from speaking to the media.As a result he is often under-appreciated and it turns out that even extends to his own home.Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Chelsea Files every Tuesday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Stamford BridgeCole, who won 107 England caps, said: “I’ve got two young kids who are always asking me, ‘Was I a good player?’ My daughter thought I was a referee!“Getting this award did open my eyes as to what an achievement it was to get to the level I got to.Ashley Cole picks his all-time team-mates XI… but does it boast more Arsenal or Chelsea stars?“Working with these young [England Under-21] lads, I can see a lot of me in them. They are a very humble, hard-working group. It’s inspirational for me to watch these players grow and hopefully get into the senior team.“I look back at the journey from where I was as a 14, 15, 16-year-old, all the hard work and sacrifice. Then to make my debut for my boyhood club [Arsenal] and to win trophies and to grow as a player is something I won’t take lightly.“I really enjoyed the journey. There’s a message for the kids – keep working hard on the training pitch, keep persevering and hopefully you have a career like me.”Cole has urged patience with Arsenal’s teenage duo, Myles Lewis-Skelly and Ethan Nwaneri.I’ve grown up since then, from making silly mistakes, silly words, bitter words, feuds – I’m so grown and so over that now.Ashley ColeLeft-back MLS has gone straight into the England senior squad, while Nwaneri will make his Under-21 debut away to France under Carsley and Cole on his 18th birthday on Friday.Cole said: “I’ve seen Myles in the last year and a half. I’ve seen it with Ethan too. When you have so much talent, there is sometimes an urge to play them and do they sometimes fall short? These two haven’t.“Now he [Lewis-Skelly] is in the seniors, he has just got to continue to play well for Arsenal and continue to get himself in the senior squad.“But you’ve got to be careful with these young players. They are special and precious so you have to take your time sometimes.”After winning the last Under-21 Euros two years ago, Cole believes England are capable of retaining their crown in Slovakia this summer.Cole said: “That group two years ago, they had real pride in playing for the Three Lions, working for the badge.I’ve got two young kids who are always asking me, ‘Was I a good player?’ My daughter thought I was a referee!Ashley Cole“They were a great bunch and what they did in the last Euros showed a great team spirit and belief.READ MORE SUN STORIES“We’ve told this group that they have left a legacy for you and we want to continue that and hopefully do well in the Euros and leave a legacy for the next generation.“Every day I watch them train, I see the hunger and desire and if we don’t win the Euros, I know they will have given everything.” More

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    Lost lads are filling void with callous, manipulative & toxic influencers like Andrew Tate, warns Sir Gareth Southgate

    FORMER England manager Sir Gareth Southgate has lashed out at “manipulative and toxic influencers” — and insisted young males need better role models.He said teenage boys are spending too much time gaming, gambling and watching pornography, and risk falling under the spell of internet personalities like vile Andrew Tate.Sir Gareth Southgate has lashed out at ‘manipulative and toxic influencers’Credit: BBCHe said teenage boys risk falling under the spell of internet personalities like the vile Andrew TateCrossbow killer Kyle Clifford was under the influence of misogyny ‘poster boy’ TateCredit: PASir Gareth, 54, spoke out after it was revealed crossbow killer Kyle Clifford was under the influence of misogyny “poster boy” Tate, 38, when he murdered his ex-girlfriend, her mum and her sister.His comments, at the BBC’s annual Richard Dimbleby Lecture, also come as Netflix hit Adolescence, starring Stephen Graham and teen Owen Cooper, highlights toxic masculinity.The Centre for Social Justice also released a “Lost Boys” report about the problem.Sir Gareth said many young men end up “searching for direction” and fill the void with a “new kind of role model who do not have their best interest at heart”.read more on gareth southgateHe said: “These are callous, manipulative and toxic influencers, whose sole drive is for their own gain.“They willingly trick young men into believing that success is measured by money or dominance, never showing emotion, and that the world, including women, is against them.“They are as far away as you could possibly get from the role models our young men need in their lives.”Sir Gareth delivered the 46th Richard Dimbleby Lecture at the University of London.Most read in FootballIt has been held in honour of the broadcaster most years since 1972.Previous speakers have included King Charles and Bill Gates.In his speech, Sir Gareth continued: “As real-world communities and mentorship declines, young men end up withdrawing, reluctant to talk or express their emotions.Stephen Graham and Ashley Walters’ acclaimed drama Adolescence smashes huge Netflix record by DOUBLE after taking world by storm“They spend more time online searching for direction and are falling into unhealthy alternatives like gaming, gambling and pornography.“And this void is filled by a new kind of role model who do not have their best interest at heart.”Sir Gareth, who led England to two Euros finals, added: “Young men are suffering. “They’re feeling isolated. “They’re grappling with their masculinity and with their broader place in society.“We need leaders to set the right tone — to be the role models we want for our young men.“We have to show young men that character is more important than status; that how you treat others is more important than how much money you make.“That values matter — courage, humility and integrity over selfishness, greed, arrogance. “The culture we create today will shape the kind of men that we inherit tomorrow.”During his speech, the former centre-back spoke about his penalty miss in England’s 1996 Euros semi-final defeat to Germany.Gareth consoles Jude Bellingham after England’s loss to Spain in the Euro 2024 finalCredit: AlamyHe said: “Missing that penalty was undoubtedly a watershed moment that made me a stronger, better man. “It forced me to dig deep and revealed an inner belief and resilience I never knew existed.”Sir Gareth stepped down as England boss last July, two days after England lost to Spain in the Euro 2024 final in Germany.He was credited with reviving the Three Lions’ flagging fortunes and was then knighted in the New Year Honours for services to football.Sir Gareth also referred to the Centre for Social Justice report, which warned young men were “in crisis” amid an increase in those not in education, employment or training.He said: “Too many young men are isolated. Too many feel uncomfortable opening up to friends or family. “Many don’t have mentors — teachers, coaches, bosses — who understand how best to push them to grow.“And so, when they struggle, young men inevitably try to handle whatever situation they find themselves in alone. “Young men end up withdrawing, reluctant to talk or express their emotions.”The former Aston Villa, Crystal Palace and Middlesbrough star also warned that young men are often denied the chance to fail — and learn from their mistakes.He said: “If we make life too easy for young boys now, we will inevitably make life harder when they grow up to be young men.“Too many are at risk of fearing failure, because they’ve had too few opportunities to experience and overcome it. “They fail to try, rather than try and fail. “If I’ve learned anything from my life in football, it’s that success is much more than the final score.“True success is how you respond in the hardest moments.”Sir Gareth recently visited the “brilliant” OnSide youth zone in Oldham. He said: “I saw children from all backgrounds playing, talking, having fun. READ MORE SUN STORIES”There was online gaming but no one was on it.“If we can create the right environments for [youngsters] they will still want to go and play and that might be a very important message.”Owen Cooper in Netflix’s Adolescence, which highlights toxic masculinityCredit: Courtesy of Netflix. More

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    Three Lions boss Thomas Tuchel reveals he’ll sing national anthem on one condition as he prepares to lead out England

    NEW England boss Thomas Tuchel will sing the national anthem — but only after we win a few games.The new German manager revealed yesterday that he will not be belting out God Save The King when he takes charge for the first time at Wembley next week.Thomas Tuchel will sing England’s national anthem when he gets the Three Lions winningCredit: ReutersHarry Kane, Jordan Pickford and Harry Maguire sing the anthemCredit: The TimesTuchel revealed he was proud to receive the royal seal of approval from Prince WilliamCredit: Andrew Parsons / Kensington PalaceBut he promised he will join in with the players when they get a few wins under his leadership, and he has “earned the right”.His revelation comes after England’s then-interim manager Lee Carsley sparked controversy last year by refusing to sing the national anthem.Tuchel, 51, also revealed he was proud to receive the royal seal of approval from Prince William, who told The Sun he is the “best manager for the job” and could even win us the World Cup.As he unveiled his first England squad yesterday, Tuchel joked the heir to the throne had been “pushing hard” for him to include players from his beloved Aston Villa.Read More on SportFA patron William and Tuchel have met twice since the former Chelsea and PSG boss took on the England job, including at Windsor Castle last month.But they did not discuss the national anthem. Tuchel said yes­terday: “I didn’t tell him at this point. “It didn’t come up. Most read in Football“But I made my decision.“I think first of all, you have a very powerful, emotional and meaningful national anthem, and I could not be more proud to be on the sideline and be in charge of the English national team.Dan Burn’s gone from pushing trolleys at Asda to potential England glory – he fully deserves his call-up“It means everything. “It means a lot to me, I can assure you. “But I can feel because it’s that meaningful and it’s that emotional and it’s so powerful the national anthem, that I have to earn my right to sing it.“I feel that it’s not just a given. “You cannot just sing it. “That’s why I decided that I will not sing it in my first matches.”Tuchel will therefore be keeping silent when it is played at a sold-out Wembley Stadium before the 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Albania on Friday night, and Latvia next Monday.But he said: “I will earn it with results, with building a group, with doing my job properly and by creating a feeling where maybe even you guys say at some point, ‘Now it’s time you sing it, it feels like you proper earn it and you’re a proper English guy now’!“Maybe I have to dive more into the culture and earn my right from you, from the players, from the supporters, so everyone feels like, ‘He should sing it now, he’s one of our own, he’s the English manager, he should sing it’.”Speaking exclusively to The Sun this week, William said the former Bayern Munich manager is the “best person for the job” and winning the World Cup next summer is “definitely possible”.Opening up about their meetings, Tuchel said yesterday he was honoured to get the prince’s backing, adding: “It makes me very proud.”Asked if William’s prediction that a German could end 60 years of hurt “adds pressure”, he said: “Yeah, of course. “The pressure comes with the job, and the pressure is a privilege to be in this role.”He went on: “I met His Royal Highness once during a match and we then had another meeting in Windsor Castle and it was just nothing but impressive the way he speaks and how emotional he supports Aston Villa and of course the national team.Tuchel said: ‘It is so powerful the national anthem that I have to earn my right to sing it’Credit: GettyJordan Henderson has been recalled to the England squadCredit: GettyMarcus Rashford has been called up for dutyCredit: Getty“It’s just so impressive. “It was so nice to speak to him about football. “He has a strong opinion.”Tuchel then joked: “He was pushing hard for the Aston Villa players, which was not needed because we admire them a lot and we admire a lot what is happening there in the club.“But it means a lot and it’s just something very, very special that comes with the role and it’s an honour and a privilege and comes with big responsibility.”Aston Villa stars Ezri Konsa and Morgan Rogers plus Marcus Rashford, currently on loan from Manchester United, all made Tuchel’s first 26-man squad.Rashford’s recall was not the only surprise — as there was also a return for Ajax midfielder Jordan Henderson, who last played for England in November 2023.Newcastle defender Dan Burn got his first call-up at the age of 32 while Arsenal starlet Miles Lewis-Skelly, 18, also features for the first time. But Manchester City’s Jack Grealish has been left out.William, FA president for 19 years before stepping down after Euro 2024, recalled consoling the players immediately after their heartbreaking loss to Spain at the final in Berlin. He told The Sun it was “the hardest changing room atmosphere I’ve ever walked into”.After boss Gareth Southgate quit, he hailed his “humility, compassion and true leadership under the most intense pressure and scrutiny”.Appointing a foreign replacement sparked criticism for the FA but William told The Sun this week Tuchel was the right candidate.He said: “I understand the debate around having an English manager but, to me, it should be the best person for the job — and Thomas is exactly the right person.Tuchel’s first England match is against Albania next FridayCredit: Reuters“He’s one of the top five managers in the world. “It would be amazing if he could win the World Cup — it’s definitely possible.”The prince also described his love for Aston Villa before watching them beat Club Brugge on Wednesday to reach the Champions League quarter-finals.He also revealed he goes undercover on online fan forums. And he was praised for his admission that he found the TV blackout on 3pm games on Saturdays “irritating” as he cannot always get to Villa Park.One fan on the Reddit AVFC forum said: “Truly the people’s prince.”Another added: “Nice bit of humility there from him especially as he can’t get to Villa Park easily.“I imagine his entourage is huge. “You know around him are many bodyguards and there’s a reason he’s always at the back.”Another joked: “I wonder what his Reddit handle is.” On fan forum Heroes And Villains, even non-royalists were delighted he was there to see Villa. One, Rob Bridge, said: “Good. Regardless of my preference for an elected head of state it is excellent PR for the club.”And Villa Tim added: “He loves the Villa. “Great to see it and him enjoying himself.”A third — called Brazilian Villain — referred to the club’s glory days when they won the 1982 European Cup. He quipped: “He was born in June 82. “Who else could he choose but the reigning European champions?”Another, Purple Trousers, joked: “I am Prince William.”READ MORE SUN STORIESThe prince is planning to travel to France for Villa’s quarter-final first leg against PSG next month.But he is set to miss Tuchel’s first England match next week due to commitments in Estonia, where he will be supporting British troops on Nato’s western frontier.Jack Grealish has been left out of the Three Lions squadCredit: The Times More

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    Walking into England dressing room after Euros final defeat was so hard – but we CAN win World Cup, says Prince William

    PRINCE William revealed one of his toughest tasks as FA ­President was consoling England’s crushed players shortly after the gut-wrenching defeat in the final of Euro 2024.The royal joined the deflated stars following the shattering 2-1 loss to Spain in Berlin and admitted: “That was the hardest changing room atmosphere I’ve ever had to walk into.After the whistle blew at the Olympic Stadium, the future king consoled the stars including captain Harry KaneCredit: EPAWilliam and George collapsing back into their seats, hands over their faces, as Spain’s Mikel Oyarzabal bagged the late winnerCredit: EURO 2024 News Pool (ENP)Prince William and England manager Thomas TuchelCredit: Andrew Parsons / Kensington Palace“They were really down. They realised they’d given it their all and they’d been on such a journey.“It felt like the culmination should have been a successful ­victory for them.”However, footie-mad Wills is still quietly hopeful for the future and feels the Three Lions will be “as close as we’ve ever been” to winning a World Cup in two years.The Prince had taken on the FA presidency 18 years before the shattering defeat against Spain which he shared with son Prince George, then ten, who sat by his side.READ MORE ON PRINCE WILLIAMHe famously marked his appointment by turning up at England training and asking beanpole striker Peter Crouch to perform his robot goal celebration for him. The foundations are very strong, and we’ve got good leadership with Thomas having arrived.Prince WilliamEngland sadly failed to get past the quarter-finals that summer and, ever since, William has been as frustrated as any other England supporter at their continuing inability to lift a trophy.His hopes had been high in the Euro 2020 decider at Wembley, but Italy won that on penalties.“Do you know, I thought it was our time at the first final,” he said.Most read in FootballThat result made last year’s further disappointment doubly difficult to take, he said — as was evident from the images of him and George collapsing back into their seats, hands over their faces, as Spain’s Mikel Oyarzabal bagged the late winner and shattered English dreams.William said: “To go and see it again and be so close when the guys had really given it their all was very difficult.”Prince William picks Messi vs Ronaldo winner and gives David Beckham a huge boost | Big Shot BattleAfter the whistle blew at the Olympic Stadium, the future king consoled the stars including captain Harry Kane, Bukayo Saka and Jude Bellingham as well as long-term manager Gareth Southgate.Like Southgate, he too stepped down after that final, but he has since taken on the role of FA patron instead of president and is as big an England fan as ever.The appointment of the German Thomas Tuchel as manager attracted criticism from those who felt the job should have gone to an Englishman.And William himself was involved in the development of the FA’s national training centre at St George’s Park, which was supposed to provide a pathway for English coaches.In fact, he opened the facility, which is just outside Burton-on-Trent, Staffs, back in 2012.He well understands that concern about an English coach being denied the top job this time round but is enthusiastic about what former Chelsea boss Tuchel can bring to the table.And he is optimistic that England have a real chance of getting their hands on the 2026 World Cup.He said: “I’m still linked to the FA but as a patron rather than president now. However, I loved my time as president.Prince William with former England manager Gareth SouthgateCredit: GettyWilliam is optimistic that England have a real chance of getting their hands on the 2026 World CupCredit: Dan Charity“I learned an awful lot about the football world and the England set-up. I was trying to do my bit to work out how to bring the best minds in so that England could win a World Cup.“We’re now as close as we’ve ever been, I really do feel that. The foundations are very strong, and we’ve got good leadership with Thomas having arrived. It’s a fantastic opportunity for us.”He went on: “The FA is in quite a stable place which it hasn’t always been in the past when I was involved when I was younger.“It’s all coming together nicely. We just need the results on the pitch to go our way. We are going to see how Thomas sets up and who he picks.”He’s only got two years so it’s a short turnaround but I am quietly confident we are in a good position.”’Right person for job’Tuchel is due to announce his first England squad today. William was informed about the decision to hire him before it became public knowledge and he has had no reason to doubt it was the right move.The dad of three went on: “Having met him, I’m definitely happy about that decision.“I think he will bring serious detail and experience and wisdom to the role. Gareth Southgate was an incredible manager who did brilliantly and really laid the foundations for success.“He was very unlucky that he just didn’t quite manage to get us over the line. He gave it his all.“Of course I was sad to see him leave. He’s a lovely guy who did an incredible job.“He was the manager for nearly nine years, which is a long time.READ MORE SUN STORIES“But, as regards finding his successor, I’m excited by what Thomas might bring.“I think he is exactly the right person for the job.”WILLING ENGLAND ONPRINCE William’s tenure as FA President has been marked by a huge upturn in form.May 2006: He takes over from uncle Prince Andrew.June 2006: He cheers on England and meets fans at the World Cup in Germany.2010: He and Prince Harry visit the England camp in South Africa.2012-2014: The future King stays home for the disappointing Euro 2012 and the dismal 2014 World Cup in Brazil.2016: Wills says the FA’s governance structure needs reform, at a lunch commemorating his ten-year anniversary as president.2018: The Prince does not attend the World Cup in Russia but he tweeted after the 2-0 win over Sweden in the quarter finals: “You wanted to make history England and you are doing just that.”2021: The president continues his hands-on approach to the Three Lions during the Covid-delayed Euro 2020.He gave a dressing room speech after England’s final defeat to Italy, which he watched alongside wife Kate and son George at Wembley.2022: Wills and Kate cheer the Lionesses on to England’s first trophy since 1966 at the Euro 2022 final at Wembley.2024: He roars England to victory over Switzerland at Euro 2024 — months after the double cancer diagnosis shock of Kate and dad Charles. He steps down after loss in final. More

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    Real Madrid and Germany legend Toni Kroos ready to come out of retirement to play for his brother’s team

    TONI KROOS is set to return to football for a special match just eight months after his retirement.Toni, 35, rolled credits on a glittering 17-year career that saw him win almost everything with the likes of Bayern Munich, Real Madrid and Germany.Toni Kroos is set to return to football just eight months after his retirementCredit: GettyToni will be playing for his brother Felix’s team Two Stripes United in the ICON LeagueCredit: GettyThe midfielder’s last game took place at Euro 2024 in his homeland when his national team was eliminated by eventual European champions Spain in a controversial quarter-final.According to Marca, however, the German legend is set to lace up his boots for just one more match.But it won’t be for a top-tier competition or an elite club, like everyone is used to seeing him.Instead, Toni will play for his brother Felix’s team named Two Stripes United in the ICON League.Read More on FootballThe competition is mostly consisted of streamers, content creators and footballers – similar to the Kings League in Spain.The six-time Champions League winner agreed to cross over to the non-pro competition, but he had one demand.And that was to play side by side with Felix, 34, with whom he started his professional career.The Kroos brothers cut their teeth together at Hansa Rostock but their paths were separated in 2006 when Bayern came knocking for Toni.Most read in FootballCheltenham Festival betting offers and free betsFelix stayed in Germany where he played for the likes of Werder Bremen, Union Berlin and Eintracht Braunschweig until his retirement in 2021.Toni’s addition to Two Stripes United works as a major boost for the younger brother.Toni Kroos shows his skills at Real Madrid training Felix’s team only managed six points out of 13 matches last season.Toni will be the most successful and experienced player in the league after 465 appearances with Real, 205 games with Bayern and 114 caps with Germany. More

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    Will Still reveals Sky Sports presenter partner was ‘in a coma’ and lifts lid on heartache of leaving her in hospital

    WILL STILL has revealed his partner Emma Saunders was “in a coma” as he lifted the lid on her health battle.The Lens football manager started dating the Sky Sports presenter in 2024 and went public with their relationship during the Euros.Will Still is dating Sky Sports presenter Emma SaundersCredit: Instagram / @wrstillThey went public with their relationship during Euro 2024Credit: Instagram / @wrstillStill, 32, has paid emotional tributes to Emma after she was treated for thyroid cancer at the start of the season.The presenter has also recently had to overcome the brain infection encephalitis.However, he did have to leave her in the hospital as he had to take charge of Lens’ Ligue 1 match against Marseille.His side sealed an important win as Neil El Aynaoui scored the winner in the 94th minute.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSDespite the win, Still told L’Equipe that he is still mostly thinking about his partner.He said: “It’s tough.”We realise that there are more important things in life than a football match or a shot that goes into the top corner.”I was honest with the guys. My girlfriend was in a coma. We had to be with her, we had to take care of her. Most read in Football”The group reacted admirably well. My girlfriend is stable, she’s fine.”That’s the most important thing. When I came back last Saturday, I knew she was in the best possible place to get treatment.”I asked her the question openly: ‘Do I go, do I not go?’ She said to me: ‘You have to go.'”I thank the staff and my brothers who were there to do the work when I wasn’t there.Will Still goes public with Sky Sports girlfriend Emma Saunders”I felt like I had to give something back, hence the frustration and disappointment last week.”Emma recently thanked Still in a heartwarming post on Instagram as she shared a health update for her 71,5000 followers.It read: “Hi folks.Still had to leave Saunders in hospital to take charge of Lens’ win over MarseilleCredit: ReutersNeil El Aynaoui scored the winning goal in the 94th minuteCredit: AFP”Unfortunately life took a bit of an unexpected turn a couple of weeks ago and I’m now off work while I recover from Encephalitis – an infection of the brain.”I hope it won’t be long until I’m back to see out the end of 2024/25 – especially after missing part of the start of the season before this when I was treated for Thyroid cancer.”So, as I spend time now recovering and rebuilding again – I just wanted to thank my family & friends for their rock solid support, my colleagues at Sky for their patience allowing me the time to heal, and our wonderful NHS for their extraordinary kindness and care.”And of course you Will Still just for being you and being there for me.”The message accompanied a picture of Emma holding a toy giraffe while lying in her hospital bed.Plenty of her fans flooded the comment section to send her their well wishes.In her career, Emma has also worked for the likes of BBC Sport, fronting women’s football on the channel alongside her work at Sky.Seen as a trailblazer for women’s broadcasting in sport and football, she’s also worked as a stadium presenter for the World Cup, Six Nations Rugby matches, and the first-ever MLB game in the UK.Still made a name for himself as the youngest manager in Europe’s top five leagues.He was just 30 when he took over at Reims – even before getting his Uefa Pro Licence, costing the club £22,000 per match.Still guided the club to ninth in Ligue 1 last season before announcing his exit to take over at RC Lens in May 2024.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe was born in Belgium to English parents and began his managerial career aged 24.The English gaffer admitted that his love of coaching was born through playing Football Manager.She shared this picture from her hospital bedCredit: https://www.instagram.com/emmasaunds/?hl=enShe works for Sky SportsCredit: Instagram / @emmasaunds More

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    Sky Sports presenter reveals she’s battling brain infection after fighting cancer and pays tribute to manager boyfriend

    SKY Sports presenter Emma Saunders bravely revealed she has been struck down with a brain infection after fighting cancer.Emma told fans she treated for thyroid cancer at the start of the 2024-2025 season in an emotional Instagram post.Emma Saunders is a regular face on Sky SportsBut the talented presenter has given her fans an update on her healthSaunders is dating English football manager Will StillAnd talented football journalist explained she’s off work at the moment while recovering from a brain infection called encephalitis.Emma began dating English football manager Will Still, 32, last year and went public with their relationship during Euro 2024.And the life-long Watford fan thanked him for his support as she has opened up on her health battle.She posted a picture from her hospital bed, while holding a mini giraffe stuffed animal.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSShe captioned her heartwarming post with: “Hi folks 🤍, unfortunately life took a bit of an unexpected turn a couple of weeks ago.”I’m now off work while I recover from Encephalitis – an infection of the brain. “I hope it wont be long until I’m back to see out the end of 2024/25 – especially after missing part of the start of the season before this when I was treated for Thyroid cancer.””So, as I spend time now recovering and rebuilding – I just wanted to thank my family & friends for their rock solid support, my colleagues at Sky for their patience allowing me the time to heal, and our wonderful NHS for their extraordinary kindness and care🤍.Most read in Football”And of course you @wrstill just for being you & being there for me ❤️.”Still made a name for himself as the youngest manager in Europe’s top five leagues.Will Still goes public with Sky Sports girlfriend Emma SaundersHe was just 30 when he took over at Reims – even before getting his Uefa Pro Licence, costing the club £22,000 per match.Still guided the club to ninth in Ligue 1 last season before announcing his exit to take over at RC Lens in May 2024.He was born in Belgium to English parents and began his managerial career aged 24.The English gaffer admitted that his love of coaching was born through playing Football Manager.In her career, Emma has also worked for the likes of BBC Sport, fronting women’s football on the channel alongside her work at Sky.Seen as a trailblazer for women’s broadcasting in sport and football, she’s also worked as a stadium presenter for the World Cup, Six Nations Rugby matches, and the first-ever MLB game in the UK.Meanwhile, her Sky Sports colleagues flooded her post with well-wishes.Soccer Saturday presenter Simon Thomas wrote: “So sorry to hear you’ve gone through this Emma. “You’re missed! Look after yourself and hope you’re feeling much better soon.”READ MORE SUN STORIESWhile England star Kyle Walker replied: “Sending you love.”Premier League presenter Olivia Buzaglo added: “Sending you all the love in the world ♥️.”The couple posed together in Frankfurt at Euro 2024 More