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      Lee Carsley confirms that he did NOT apply for England manager’s job following bombshell ‘hopefully’ comments

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      LEE CARSLEY has confirmed that he did not apply for the England job.The interim coach has overseen three games for the Three Lions since Gareth Southgate stepped down after Euro 2024.Lee Carsley did not apply for the England jobCredit: EPACarsley has taken charge of England since Gareth Southgate stepped downCredit: AlamyThe FA closed applications for the role on August 2 as they searched for Southgate’s successor.Carsley, 50, was appointed as the interim coach seven days later.However, he had revealed that he did not send a formal application for the role.He said: “I didn’t apply for it.READ MORE ENGLAND NEWS”Because hopefully… I have been doing the Under-21s and I am really happy with my job.”I am an employee of the FA and I was asked to take the senior team which is a privilege, it was the proudest moment of my career.”I am really honoured with the chance to manage the senior team.”I am in a really fortunate position in that I am on the inside and I can see how much potential this team’s got.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”It is one of the best jobs in world football. There aren’t many jobs where you’ve got a chance of winning.”I believe the coach that comes in has got a really good chance of winning and we deserve the best one that’s out there.”Lee Carsley appears to admit staggeringly short amount of time England practised bold new tactic before Greece shockerHe will lead the team against FinlandCredit: GettyEngland’s shocking stats against GreeceHere are the shocking stats that were set in England’s defeat to Greece…- Lowest ranked side to beat England in a competitive match in 19 years.- The lowest-ranked side ever beat England on home soil.- Greece had never beaten England in their history.- Greece had never scored a goal at Wembley before.- Pavlidis’ strikes were his first since June 2022 vs Cyprus.- Bellingham’s 87th-minute equaliser was England’s first shot on target since the third minute (also Bellingham)Carsley also claimed that he is not treating his interim job as an audition with a view to taking the job full time.He added: “Definitely not. I don’t see this as an audition at all.”I see it as simple as I was asked to take the team for three camps, it wasn’t with a view to anything, it was literally do your best try as hard as you can and look after the players and that is what I am doing.”When asked if he would take the job if it was offered to him, Carsley insisted he is just trying to do his best for the team.He said: “It’s hypothetical. I think it’s important that we are in a position where, hopefully, we have had a brilliant campaign.”That will be in a good position going into World Cup qualifying and I would see that as a success.”The revelation follows his comments in which he suggested he was “hopefully” returning to his role with the Under 21s.Carsley has since clarified his statement and suggested that he and his team are aiming to be in a “good position” after their three camps with the senior team.He will be in charge of the team for the Nations League clash against Finland on Sunday.So far, he has won two of his three games, with the only defeat coming against Greece on Thursday.READ MORE SUN STORIESFormer Chelsea and Bayern Munich manager Thomas Tuchel has reportedly held talks with the FA over the job.If the German was to land the job with the Three Lions, then he could hand a shock return to the team to at least one player.Thomas Tuchel is believed to have had negotiations over the England jobCredit: GettyEngland player ratings vs GreeceBy Tom BarclayLEE CARSLEY’S tactical experiment of playing no strikers backfired as Vangelis Pavlidis’ double secured an emotional shock win for Greece at Wembley.Interim England boss Carsley played all three of our nation’s gifted No10s – Phil Foden, Jue Bellingham and Cole Palmer – in varying positions.But it did not work and the Greeks took a deserved lead thanks to Pavlidis’ belting second-half finish.The visitors then held up a shirt in celebration bearing the name Baldock – in reference to their team-mate George Baldock, whose passing at the age of just 31 on Wednesday rocked the world of football.Bellingham looked to have ensured the points were shared with a thunderous strike with three minutes to go.But there was still time for Pavlidis to expose some woeful defending deep into injury time by firing past Jordan Pickford.Here are SunSport’s player ratings from a dire night for England under the arch.Jordan Pickford: 4Wandered into no-man’s-land territory outside his box early on and lost the ball, allowing Greek skipper Tasos Baksetas a free shot at goal – only to be saved by Levi Colwill’s last-gasp clearance. Did not instil confidence, despite his experience.Trent Alexander-Arnold: 6Some tasty passes – they are his speciality, after all – but not great at the back. He, John Stones and Cole Palmer were weak in their attempt to close down Vangelis Pavlidis before the Benfica man smashed home the opener.John Stones: 5Made captain for what was his 82nd cap, surpassing Rio Ferdinand’s haul. But it was a shaky display from his defence and Stones should have done better to stop Pavlidis.Levi Colwill: 7Greece would have been ahead far sooner were it not for Colwill’s athletic hack away to deny Bakasetas. Replays showed it would have crossed the line had the Chelsea man been a split second later with his incredible intervention.Rico Lewis: 6Tried to bomb up the left flank where he could but, just like Kieran Trippier at the Euros, was hamstrung by constantly having to cut back onto his favoured right foot.Declan Rice: 6Played as England’s only holding midfielder, as fans had been imploring Gareth Southgate to use him for years. It was not like he was overrun but his side did look vulnerable on the counter.Phil Foden: 4Spent most of the game pressing the Greek backline as a false nine without really getting on the ball and causing any damage. Ineffective. Cole Palmer: 6Deployed in a deeper, central-midfield role which at least meant he saw plenty of the ball, though he blazed England’s best chance of the first half over the bar. Remarkably, his first competitive England start, despite being named on Tuesday as Three Lions player of the 2023-24 season. Bukayo Saka: 5Struggled to get into the game and then was forced out of it, worryingly limping off early in the second half. The last thing Arsenal fans wanted to see.Jude Bellingham: 7 STAR MANPlayed in a false nine position and had a belting early shot well saved. The system did not work but Bellingham still so nearly emerged as the saviour by banging in his first goal of the season for club and country.Anthony Gordon: 5Caused Greece few problems and his touch looked off it. Had a decent chance from Alexander-Arnold’s peach of a delivery but headed over.SUBS: Noni Madueke (for Saka 52): Played out on the left, rather than his natural right, when coming on. Went down in the box deep into injury time but no penalty was given. 6Ollie Watkins (for Gordon 60): Almost scored with his first touch when played through by Palmer, but smashed just over. 7Dominic Solanke (for Foden 72): Grabbed an assist when laying the ball back to Bellingham who thumped in the leveller. 7Manager Lee Carsley: 4Seemed to gamble unnecessarily with this experimental system instead of playing it safe to add another win to boost his case to earn the job full-time. Carsley played without a natural centre-forward when winning the Under-21 Euros because he had to after Flo Balogun switched the USA and Rhian Brewster got injured, but here he did it by choice and it did not work. Bellingham looked to have saved his bacon – but then Pavlidis struck again. More

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      Wales promise review after farcical admin blunder sees SIX players ruled out of Euro U21 qualifier

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      MATTY JONES promised a review into the admin blunder that saw SIX Wales Under-21 players ruled out of their Euro qualifier with the Czech Republic.A paperwork error meant only those registered to face Iceland last month could take to the field.Coach Matty Jones spoke about his side’s chances going forwardCredit: AlamyThat meant the likes of Owen Beck and Rubin Colwill were made unavailable just hours before Friday’s costly 2-1 defeat.Wales now need the Czechs to fail to beat Lithuania on Tuesday to secure a play-off place for next summer’s finals.Under-21s boss Jones said: “There will be a review to get to the bottom of it and make sure it doesn’t happen again.“It has caused disruption and unnecessary noise.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS“I think I managed it the best I could but ultimately it’s at the back of your mind and at the back of players’ minds as well.“We know we have the strength in the squad to cater for players when they’ve been missed, when they’ve been good enough to go up to the first team.“Of course everyone wants a Rubin Colwill and Owen Beck in the team but we’ve shown before we can manage without them.“It wasn’t a major concern, but how it came about was disappointing.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS“We will stick together and take the responsibility as a whole.“It’s a ‘we’ problem rather than about pointing fingers.”Top 10 highest-paid Premier League starsWales’ Euros qualiying group Here is the state of play in Group I…1. Germany U-21 – 18pts2. Belgium U-21 – 13pts3. Bosnia and Herzegovina U-21 – 11pts4. Wales U-21 – 9pts5. Moldova U-21 – 7ptsJones also revealed that he was feeling emotional and “really fragile” at the possibility of their Euros campaign ending.The last time the Under-21s last reached the finals was with the likes of Aaron Ramsey and Joe Allen in 2008.A victory against the Czechs would give them a chance of qualifying.Jones did admit his emotions were “really fragile” at the prospect of the end of a campaign that had impressed and threatened to create history.He said: “My emotions are really fragile because it’s been a lot of hard work for two years, and to see it come to an end like that – even though we’re hanging onto a string – is tough.“We know these teams qualify for major tournaments and do it consistently, we know what it looks like, but we need to know how it feels.“They know how to find a way to qualify and we need to get there.” More

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      ‘Mamma Mia, I wet my pants,’ admits Marc Cucurella after Chelsea star’s controversial moment at Euro 2024

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      CHELSEA star Marc Cucurella admits he “wet my pants” when he handled the ball in Spain’s Euro 2024 quarter final against Germany.Cucurella stopped Jamal Musiala’s goalbound shot with an outstretched arm when the score was 1-1 early in the second half of extra time.Marc Cucurella admitted he wet his pants after his controversial handballGermany’s Jamal Musiala fires the ball against Cucurella’s armBut English referee Anthony Taylor did not award a penalty.The Chelsea left back said: “Mamma mia, what a shock. I wet my pants.“I looked at the referee and saw him say firmly: ‘No penalty!’“I told myself, ‘Relax’, but I couldn’t do that until the game resumed.”Most read in FootballVAR Stuart Attwell chose not to intervene, much to the fury of the German players, crowd and media.Cucurella and Spain got away with it, and Mikel Merino, now of Arsenal, grabbed a late winner for Luis de la Fuente’s side, who went on to beat England in the final.In September, Uefa’s Referee Committee ruled Germany should have been awarded a spot kick.But that was no consolation for the host nation and also left Cucurella bemused.Most read in FootballHe told Gazzetta dello Sport: “And now they come and say it was a penalty. Who benefits from that?”Marc Cucurella sings his own song in advert after viral post-Euros video but unimpressed fans say ‘I physically cringed’Uefa said both Taylor and Attwell were at fault.Who are these famous footballers?The RC report said: “Following the latest UEFA guidelines, hand-to-ball contact that stops a shot on goal should be punished more strictly, and in most cases, a penalty kick should be awarded, unless the defender’s arm is very close to the body or on the body.“In this case, the defender [Cucurella] stops the shot on goal with his arm, which is not very close to the body, making itself bigger, so a penalty kick should have been awarded.”Cucurella was booed for the rest of the tournament by German fans, but had the last laugh when Spain were crowned European champions.Meanwhile, Cucarella has sparked a banter battle of “Stamford Fringe” – with an odd comment about Chelsea team-mate Cole Palmer’s hair.The wing-back said of Palmer: “There’s not much strength in the hair, but if that’s his only problem, then he’s all right.” More

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      Marc Cucurella takes bizarre swipe at Chelsea team-mate Cole Palmer and says ‘there’s not much strength in his hair’

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      MARC CUCURELLA has sparked a banter battle of “Stamford Fringe” – with an odd comment about Chelsea team-mate Cole Palmer’s hair.The Euro 2024 winner reckons England’s brightest hope has just one flaw – but it’s a mane weakness.Cole Palmer has been singled out for praise, but also an eccentric comment, by Chelsea pal Marc CucurellaCredit: RexSuper-sub Palmer gave England hope with a late leveller against Cucurella and Co in the Euro 2024 final before Spain triumphed 2-1Credit: GettyIf Cucurella is to be believed, there’s plenty of dazzle in Palmer’s footwork, but not much frazzle in his mop.The Spaniard himself sports one of football’s most lavish, curly barnets.And he’s courted controversy before, singing “Haaland trembles, Cucurella is coming” in his Euros celebration – with the Manchester City striker responding by scoring against him in the Premier League.In fact, with the Norwegian appearing to take the wing-back’s warbling as a jibe, it was Palmer who calmed things by telling him Cucurella was actually a good guy.READ MORE TOP STORIESNow the ex-Brighton ace has said of the former Manchester City starlet: “There’s not much strength in the hair, but if that’s his only problem, then he’s all right.”But Cucurella’s verdict came amid glowing praise to The Guardian for the 22-year-old.Palmer came off the bench for the fifth time at the Euros to revive England with a classy late equaliser in the final, only for Spain to win 2-1.And Cucurella’s admiration has soared further since then.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSPalmer has notched six goals and five assists in seven Prem matches so far this term.That means from a career total of 59 top-flight games he’s netted 28 times and notched 17 assists.Marc Cucurella sings his own song in advert after viral post-Euros video but unimpressed fans say ‘I physically cringed’Cucurella said: “If you see him not in his kit you would never in your life say he was a footballer, but then on the pitch … he shoots and it doesn’t seem like he is hitting it hard but he scores them all. “He’s very different. I don’t know how to explain it: he’s special. We’re very lucky we have him. “We’re lucky he didn’t play much in the Euros either because he came on and almost messed it up for us. “If he carries on like this, he’ll be among the best.”And despite Cucurella’s misgivings about Palmer’s hair, it was the Mancunian’s parting – albeit from the Etihad in September 2023 – that super-charged his rise.It also means he’s suddenly regarded as a key Three Lions player.Interim chief Lee Carsley is expected to hand Palmer his fourth England start in Sunday’s Nations League clash away to Finland, following Thursday’s 2-1 Wembley defeat against Greece.England player ratings vs GreeceBy Tom BarclayLEE CARSLEY’S tactical experiment of playing no strikers backfired as Vangelis Pavlidis’ double secured an emotional shock win for Greece at Wembley.Interim England boss Carsley played all three of our nation’s gifted No10s – Phil Foden, Jue Bellingham and Cole Palmer – in varying positions.But it did not work and the Greeks took a deserved lead thanks to Pavlidis’ belting second-half finish.The visitors then held up a shirt in celebration bearing the name Baldock – in reference to their team-mate George Baldock, whose passing at the age of just 31 on Wednesday rocked the world of football.Bellingham looked to have ensured the points were shared with a thunderous strike with three minutes to go.But there was still time for Pavlidis to expose some woeful defending deep into injury time by firing past Jordan Pickford.Here are SunSport’s player ratings from a dire night for England under the arch.Jordan Pickford: 4Wandered into no-man’s-land territory outside his box early on and lost the ball, allowing Greek skipper Tasos Baksetas a free shot at goal – only to be saved by Levi Colwill’s last-gasp clearance. Did not instil confidence, despite his experience.Trent Alexander-Arnold: 6Some tasty passes – they are his speciality, after all – but not great at the back. He, John Stones and Cole Palmer were weak in their attempt to close down Vangelis Pavlidis before the Benfica man smashed home the opener.John Stones: 5Made captain for what was his 82nd cap, surpassing Rio Ferdinand’s haul. But it was a shaky display from his defence and Stones should have done better to stop Pavlidis.Levi Colwill: 7Greece would have been ahead far sooner were it not for Colwill’s athletic hack away to deny Bakasetas. Replays showed it would have crossed the line had the Chelsea man been a split second later with his incredible intervention.Rico Lewis: 6Tried to bomb up the left flank where he could but, just like Kieran Trippier at the Euros, was hamstrung by constantly having to cut back onto his favoured right foot.Declan Rice: 6Played as England’s only holding midfielder, as fans had been imploring Gareth Southgate to use him for years. It was not like he was overrun but his side did look vulnerable on the counter.Phil Foden: 4Spent most of the game pressing the Greek backline as a false nine without really getting on the ball and causing any damage. Ineffective. Cole Palmer: 6Deployed in a deeper, central-midfield role which at least meant he saw plenty of the ball, though he blazed England’s best chance of the first half over the bar. Remarkably, his first competitive England start, despite being named on Tuesday as Three Lions player of the 2023-24 season. Bukayo Saka: 5Struggled to get into the game and then was forced out of it, worryingly limping off early in the second half. The last thing Arsenal fans wanted to see.Jude Bellingham: 7 STAR MANPlayed in a false nine position and had a belting early shot well saved. The system did not work but Bellingham still so nearly emerged as the saviour by banging in his first goal of the season for club and country.Anthony Gordon: 5Caused Greece few problems and his touch looked off it. Had a decent chance from Alexander-Arnold’s peach of a delivery but headed over.SUBS: Noni Madueke (for Saka 52): Played out on the left, rather than his natural right, when coming on. Went down in the box deep into injury time but no penalty was given. 6Ollie Watkins (for Gordon 60): Almost scored with his first touch when played through by Palmer, but smashed just over. 7Dominic Solanke (for Foden 72): Grabbed an assist when laying the ball back to Bellingham who thumped in the leveller. 7Manager Lee Carsley: 4Seemed to gamble unnecessarily with this experimental system instead of playing it safe to add another win to boost his case to earn the job full-time. Carsley played without a natural centre-forward when winning the Under-21 Euros because he had to after Flo Balogun switched the USA and Rhian Brewster got injured, but here he did it by choice and it did not work. Bellingham looked to have saved his bacon – but then Pavlidis struck again. More

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      Jurgen Klopp’s new job shows why England fans should NOT expect a big name manager to replace Gareth Southgate

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      JURGEN KLOPP is banking around £9million as Red Bull’s ‘head of global soccer’.The German’s salary for his cushy new job is half of the £18m of what he was earning at Liverpool – yet it is still nearly double what Gareth Southgate received for managing England.Jurgen Klopp halved his Liverpool pay but it’s double what Southgate gotCredit: PADefeat against Greece undermined Lee Carsley’s chances of landing the permanent England job but it’s unclear if or how much he wants itCredit: AlamySaudi Arabia chief Roberto Mancini is the top earner on £21m a yearCredit: AFPAnd this tells you everything you need to know about the current economics of international football.Klopp’s past and current wages illustrate why it is a pointless exercise playing fantasy manager in terms of who the Football Association should be looking to appoint as the next boss of England.Lee Carsley, who has been earning about £300,000 a year as manager of the Under-21s, has not exactly enhanced his prospects as manager.Equally, although the 2-1 defeat to Greece on Thursday was an embarrassment, it would be unwise to take Carsley out of the equation.READ MORE TOP STORIESIf England are still able to win their next three games, including a comfortable win over Greece in Athens to top the group, then – potentially – the job could still be his.If he wanted it, naturally, and even that is up for debate.After this six-game Nations League programme is complete, FA chief executive Mark Bullingham will sit down with the organisation’s technical director, John McDermott, who is the man charged with recruiting the next head coach, to discuss the next appointment.Although the FA want the best man for the job, basic economics come into play.Most read in FootballPep Guardiola seems interested in the England role but maybe not yetCredit: AlamyFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSWhen the FA appointed Sven Goran Eriksson and Fabio Capello, they were able to recruit who they felt were the best coaches in the world at that time.Yet club football has moved on in terms of cash. Southgate was the top earning coach at Euro 2024 on £5m, with Germany’s Julian Naglesmann close behind on £4m.Lee Carsley’s slip of the tongue after Greece nightmare hints he wants England U21s job back and not replace SouthgateEngland player ratings vs GreeceBy Tom BarclayLEE CARSLEY’S tactical experiment of playing no strikers backfired as Vangelis Pavlidis’ double secured an emotional shock win for Greece at Wembley.Interim England boss Carsley played all three of our nation’s gifted No10s – Phil Foden, Jue Bellingham and Cole Palmer – in varying positions.But it did not work and the Greeks took a deserved lead thanks to Pavlidis’ belting second-half finish.The visitors then held up a shirt in celebration bearing the name Baldock – in reference to their team-mate George Baldock, whose passing at the age of just 31 on Wednesday rocked the world of football.Bellingham looked to have ensured the points were shared with a thunderous strike with three minutes to go.But there was still time for Pavlidis to expose some woeful defending deep into injury time by firing past Jordan Pickford.Here are SunSport’s player ratings from a dire night for England under the arch.Jordan Pickford: 4Wandered into no-man’s-land territory outside his box early on and lost the ball, allowing Greek skipper Tasos Baksetas a free shot at goal – only to be saved by Levi Colwill’s last-gasp clearance. Did not instil confidence, despite his experience.Trent Alexander-Arnold: 6Some tasty passes – they are his speciality, after all – but not great at the back. He, John Stones and Cole Palmer were weak in their attempt to close down Vangelis Pavlidis before the Benfica man smashed home the opener.John Stones: 5Made captain for what was his 82nd cap, surpassing Rio Ferdinand’s haul. But it was a shaky display from his defence and Stones should have done better to stop Pavlidis.Levi Colwill: 7Greece would have been ahead far sooner were it not for Colwill’s athletic hack away to deny Bakasetas. Replays showed it would have crossed the line had the Chelsea man been a split second later with his incredible intervention.Rico Lewis: 6Tried to bomb up the left flank where he could but, just like Kieran Trippier at the Euros, was hamstrung by constantly having to cut back onto his favoured right foot.Declan Rice: 6Played as England’s only holding midfielder, as fans had been imploring Gareth Southgate to use him for years. It was not like he was overrun but his side did look vulnerable on the counter.Phil Foden: 4Spent most of the game pressing the Greek backline as a false nine without really getting on the ball and causing any damage. Ineffective. Cole Palmer: 6Deployed in a deeper, central-midfield role which at least meant he saw plenty of the ball, though he blazed England’s best chance of the first half over the bar. Remarkably, his first competitive England start, despite being named on Tuesday as Three Lions player of the 2023-24 season. Bukayo Saka: 5Struggled to get into the game and then was forced out of it, worryingly limping off early in the second half. The last thing Arsenal fans wanted to see.Jude Bellingham: 7 STAR MANPlayed in a false nine position and had a belting early shot well saved. The system did not work but Bellingham still so nearly emerged as the saviour by banging in his first goal of the season for club and country.Anthony Gordon: 5Caused Greece few problems and his touch looked off it. Had a decent chance from Alexander-Arnold’s peach of a delivery but headed over.SUBS: Noni Madueke (for Saka 52): Played out on the left, rather than his natural right, when coming on. Went down in the box deep into injury time but no penalty was given. 6Ollie Watkins (for Gordon 60): Almost scored with his first touch when played through by Palmer, but smashed just over. 7Dominic Solanke (for Foden 72): Grabbed an assist when laying the ball back to Bellingham who thumped in the leveller. 7Manager Lee Carsley: 4Seemed to gamble unnecessarily with this experimental system instead of playing it safe to add another win to boost his case to earn the job full-time. Carsley played without a natural centre-forward when winning the Under-21 Euros because he had to after Flo Balogun switched the USA and Rhian Brewster got injured, but here he did it by choice and it did not work. Bellingham looked to have saved his bacon – but then Pavlidis struck again.In contrast, even the inexperienced Kieran McKenna earns £5m a season at Ipswich after he signed a new deal due to interest from Manchester United and Chelsea.The best paid manager in the world is Roberto Mancini who is scooping up £21m a year in Saudi Arabia but the mega-rich state is on a different level to everyone else.Interestingly, the next 14 best-paid managers in the world are all with club teams.This includes Pep Guardiola who earns about £20m a year at Manchester City.The England job does appear to interest him although this is one for the future. Whether the Spaniard would take a monumental pay cut remains to be seen.The FA is a not-for-profit organisation and they plough all their spare money into the game. This includes a commitment to deliver 4,000 quality pitches and to increase FA Cup prize money for the men’s and women’s game.Even if the FA decide to back away from Carsley, financial considerations will dictate who they appoint.Eddie Howe would be a popular choice and he would be interested in the England job.While the FA could give him an increase from his £4m salary at Newcastle, the north-east club would demand a huge amount in compensation which the FA would be unwilling to pay.Thomas Tuchel would be keen on taking charge of the Three Lions – with reports in Germany claiming he is ready for talks.He last earned £8m at Bayern Munich and would take a pay cut but he remains an outsider.READ MORE SUN STORIESGraham Potter was on £10m at Chelsea but would clearly love to take charge of the national team and money would not be an issue.So, while some fans might still dream of seeing Guardiola or Klopp lead the team into the next World Cup, they have to get real. It will be either Carsley or Potter.Thomas Tuchel would like to boss the Three Lions but is an outsiderCredit: Rex More

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      ‘Referees are going after me because I’m playing in their home and they’re hurt’

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      MARC Cucurella believes English crowds and referees are out to get him – after his exploits at Euro 2024. The Chelsea full-back helped Spain to a 2-1 win over Gareth Southgate’s Three Lions in July’s Euros final. Marc Cucurella believes England is still “hurting” after Euro 2024 heartbreakCredit: GettyThe Chelsea full-back has picked up five bookings in just seven games this seasonCredit: AFPThe 26-year-old helped Spain beat England in July’s Euro 2024 finalCredit: ReutersCucurella proved to be a divisive figure in the Spanish camp during their run to glory. German fans roundly booed him throughout the knockout stages after a penalty incident in the quarter-finals.The 26-year-old began the Euros being branded Spain’s “weak link” by Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville.But he had the last laugh, being named in Uefa’s Team of the Tournament and assisting Mikel Oyarzabal’s dramatic late winner against England. READ MORE ON CHELSEAVideo of Cucurella singing during Spain’s raucous celebrations quickly went viral after taming the Three Lions. He stood on top of a table, serenading his teammates with a fan song about drinking beer and besting Man City striker Erling Haaland.Since returning for the new season, Cucurella has made just seven appearances for Chelsea. He has picked up five yellow cards in the process – as well as receiving plenty of lip from the terraces – leaving him convinced the English game holds a grudge.Most read in FootballThe Blues star told Spanish outlet COPE: “You have more impact – people know you more [after winning the Euros]. CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”Being champion of the Euros is historic and you will always take it with you.“I’ve already been suspended for five yellow cards and I’ve committed [only a] few fouls.Marc Cucurella sings his own song in advert after viral post-Euros video but unimpressed fans say ‘I physically cringed'”They’re going after me a bit. They jump on me quickly, especially when we play away. “It’s normal, we won, I was involved in the goal, I’m playing at their home.”It’s normal, they’re hurt.”Cucurella began his career at Barcelona, but failed to break into the first team at the Nou Camp. He forged a career at Getafe before moving to the Premier League in 2021 to join Brighton. Cucurella was filmed dancing and singing following Spain’s historic winCredit: XHis lightning-fast counter-attacks and flowing locks made him an instant cult hero on the South Coast.And the Seagulls made a huge profit on the full-back as Chelsea swooped with a £55million offer in August 2022. READ MORE SUN STORIESCucurella picked up his most recent booking in Chelsea’s 1-1 draw with Nottingham Forest. He will now miss the Blues Premier League clash with Liverpool on October 20. More

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      George Baldock: Greece star’s classy gesture to tragic footballer caught on live TV after shock win over England

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      GREECE ace Lazaros Rota paid a touching tribute to his late great team-mate George Baldock after a famous victory over England.Baldock was found dead in his home in Glyfada on Wednesday night when he drowned in his swimming pool at the age of 31 plunging the football community into mourning.Greece right-back Lazaros Rota dedicated the win over England to George BaldockBaldock played ahead of Rota at right-back in the Greek national teamCredit: RexA devastated Greek national team found the strength to put on a heroic performance and snatch an emotional 2-1 win in London, which they dedicated to their team-mate and his family.Benfica star Vangelis Pavlidis commemorated the Sheffield United legend by raising his black armband in the air and pointing to the heavens after scoring both of his goals.And after the match Ivan Jovanovic’s men lined up in front of the away end with Baldock’s jersey in an emotional scene that led to many breaking down in tears.That was when right-back Rota, 27, who played behind Baldock in Greece’s pecking order, pointed at the ITV camera and dedicated the win to his former team-mate.Read More on FootballThe AEK Athens ace cried: “Georgie, for you.”This was Greece’s first ever win over England and the team became the first ever Greek side to win at Wembley.That was after the visitors’ captain Tasos Bakasetas issued a spine-tingling pre-match speech urging his team-mates to “sacrifice” themselves on the pitch for Baldock.The full-back was so passionate that he often risked his physical well-being on the pitch, such as against France last year in Paris where he played with a swollen ankle and still silenced Kylian Mbappe.Most read in FootballThere were no celebrations from the Greek national team, who were still overwhelmed by the horrific news, after the game.Watch Greece captain’s spine-tingling speech about George Baldock in dressing room that inspired win over England Instead, Bakasetas and Pavlidis opted to use that time to reflect on their friend and his family.Baldock was found dead in the swimming pool of his Greek apartment on Wednesday evening.His family has now confirmed his cause of death as drowning in his swimming pool.They have released a touching statement saying: “We are heartbroken with the sudden passing of our beloved George.Ex-Sheffield United full-back Baldock was supposed to fly back to the UK on Thursday to celebrate his son Brody’s birthday.Baldock moved to Greece after joining Athens side Panathinaikos from Sheffield United this summer.His heartbroken fiancee Annabel Dignam hailed him the “love of my life” and “my soulmate” in an emotional tribute.She said: “The perfect dad to our beautiful boy.”You completed me. You were my world and I know we were yours.”You are here with me in Brody’s smile, giggle and infectious personality.”My world will never be the same but I will find a way for Brody. I promise.”I love you forever and always G. Your Neen. X”His fiancee Annabel Dignam said her ‘world will never be the same’Credit: Facebook/ Annabel DignamGeorge Baldock waves to fans at Bramall Lane on May 19, 2024Credit: GettyA minute’s silence was held in his memory at Wembley before England and Greece’s Nations League clashCredit: ReutersCops said it would be “several weeks, if not months” before the full autopsy and toxicology results were released.Officials have ruled out any criminality was at play in his death.Baldock played for his club side on Sunday during a 0-0 draw with fierce rivals Olympiacos.He played 75 minutes before being subbed off.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe club confirmed he last trained with them on Wednesday before driving home to his €15,000-a-month apartment.England and Greece stars held a minute’s silence ahead of their Nations League clash.Dominating Mbappe, Premier League Iron Man, promotion hero: A tribute to George BaldockBy Kostas Lianos, Digital Sports ReporterIT was back in 2019 when Greece legend Vasilis Torosidis – the heir to Euro 2004 hero Giourkas Seitaridis – retired from international duty after 101 caps.A giant void was left behind at right-back, many talented players tried to step up – and none of them could fill those big boots.But, soon enough, I started to hear whispers about a Premier League ace with Greek heritage who’s a starter week-in and week-out…That was none other than George Baldock, born in Buckingham on March 9, 1993, to English parents but qualified for Greece through his grandmother.And what a season he was having. The right-back starred for Sheffield United as they surprised the Prem in the 2019-20 campaign – their first in 12 years – by finishing in the top half of the table.Baldock was among their standout players as he registered a staggering 3,420 minutes played – the joint highest along with the likes of Declan Rice and Virgil van Dijk.The defender was keen to make the big step to the international stage with his grandmother’s homeland – and it didn’t take long until he shook hands with the Greek football federation (EPO) chiefs.However, a long and arduous paperwork slog stood in the way – with the then Sheffield United star claiming Covid-19 and Brexit slowed things down.Greece finally got the right-back they were begging for for years as Baldock made his debut on June 2, 2022 in a Nations League clash at Northern Ireland as a late substitute.It didn’t take long until the English-born ace owned the right flank at the back and impressive performances followed.Perhaps none compare to the Euro 2024 qualifier against France in June 2023 when Baldock did the unthinkable and kept Kylian Mbappe quiet for 104 MINUTES, despite being injured and playing through “unimaginable” pain.I still remember speaking to then-Greece manager Gus Poyet about his player’s stunning performance, and I will never forget the big smile the Chelsea legend had on his face.Poyet reminded me of a proud father as he took me through the injury hell the full-back endured before squaring up against perhaps the world’s best player for his country.A beaming Poyet told me: “Against the Republic of Ireland [three days beforehand] – and now that it is finished I can say it – after 20 minutes he had a very bad twist in his ankle, very bad. He was very close to come out. I asked him, ‘Can you hold until half-time?'”At half-time his ankle was very, very swollen. He asked for a strapping and he asked me for five minutes. Give me five minutes and we’ll let you know. And he had an unbelievable second half running up and down and being outstanding.”You don’t imagine the ankle after the game. You don’t imagine the ankle the day after, after the flight to France. Black and blue – swollen. And a day-and-a-half later you need to play against Mbappe.”Ninety per cent of people will think, no chance. And I keep talking to him, individually. And he keeps saying to me, ‘Coach I’m gonna be there no worries’.”And he didn’t play 20 minutes, he didn’t play 60 minutes, he played 104 minutes because the referee gave 14 minutes of injury time against Mbappe.”It’s easy to understand how loyal Baldock was to every team he ever played for during his 15-year career, just by looking at his stats.The Greek ace started his career at MK Dons in 2009 where he amassed a staggering 125 appearances throughout an eight-year stint that also saw him playing on loan for Northampton Town, Tamworth, IBV and Oxford United.The defender joined Sheffield United in 2017 and registered a whopping 219 appearances in seven years that also saw him helping his team achieve two Premier League promotions.Baldock’s work ethic and commitment was no different in Greece as he proudly stated two years ago: “To play for the national side is a great honour and a lot of pride involved for me and my family.”Representing my country through my late grandmother, it’s a very proud moment for me and my family. I love the country and I will fight for every success”Baldock never played for England at any level, but he always competed like a lion and he proved it on Sunday in his last ever match when he started for Panathinaikos, whom he joined in the summer, against eternal rivals Olympiacos in perhaps the most intense derby in Europe.He served his team with honour as he helped them pick up a valuable point in a goalless draw against their in-form foes, who had just played their best game of the season with a 3-0 win over Braga in the Europa League a few days earlier.He only managed 12 caps for Greece before his sudden and tragic death at the age of 31 on Wednesday in Athens.But his fighting spirit and charisma at right-back with the white and blue, as well as his remarkable run in the Premier League and the Championship, show that he is leaving a legacy behind for many Greek and English fans to look up to. More

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      Watch Greece captain’s spine-tingling speech about George Baldock in dressing room that inspired win over England

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      GREECE captain Tasos Bakasetas delivered a spine-tingling speech dedicated to the late George Baldock that inspired his team-mates to victory against England before stepping out at Wembley.Baldock was found dead at his home in Glyfada on Wednesday night at the age of 31 plunging the English and Greek football community into mourning.Greece captain Tasos Bakasetas delivered a spine-tingling pre-match speech before the win over EnglandCredit: instagramBakasetas inspired his Greece team-mates to fight for George Baldock after his tragic deathCredit: EPAGreece dedicated their famous win over England to Baldock after the whistleCredit: AlamyThe former Sheffield United star’s team-mates were in London when the news broke and were left devastated ahead of Thursday’s crunch Nations League clash with the Three Lions.However, Bakasetas, 31, took it upon himself to lift his team-mates’ spirits with a powerful pre-match speech in the dressing room.The Panathinaikos star, who also played with Baldock for the Athenian club, described the Buckingham-born ace as an “example” that would even sacrifice his physical well-being for the team. The playmaker then went on to order his team-mates to return the favour by stepping onto England’s hallowed Wembley turf and “sacrificing” themselves.Read More on FootballBakasetas stated: “We know very well what kind of team we are because we earned our way.”We have no one to fear and we should show it from the first minute. We know the game’s importance. Many of us know who George is and what kind of a man he was.”George was always an example for this team. Because many times he left his soul on the pitch. He prioritised the team above all else and he even sacrificed his physical wellbeing.”And tonight in this game he will be our example. Each and everyone of us will sacrifice ourselves to honour him exactly as he deserves. Let’s all be ready. Let’s go!” Most read in FootballGreece went on to produce an incredible performance as they beat England for the first time ever and picked up their first ever victory at Wembley.Vangelis Pavlidis scored a stunning brace to break Three Lions hearts and deliver a hammer blow to interim boss Lee Carsley’s hopes of replacing Gareth Southgate full-time.England and Greece stars in emotional minute’s silence to pay tribute to George Baldock after tragic death at 31Pavlidis and his team-mates dedicated both goals to Baldock as they lifted their black armbands and pointed to the heavens.However, there was no celebration at full-time, instead the visitors lined up in front of the away end with Baldock’s jersey in an emotional scene that saw many break down in tears.Pavlidis refused to talk about the game in his post-match interview and instead paid tribute to the ex-MK Dons ace.The Benfica star said: “It was a very peculiar day. Our thoughts are with George. The game was not postponed, we are here and [we are] professionals, we played, we gave our souls for him. “[These are] Very difficult times, it was a peculiar match because of that happened with George. It’s not a day to talk about football, he was part of our team and all I can say is he’s going to be sorely missed, we wish strength to his family.”The whole day was silent, even now, we can’t say much. A picture is worth a thousand words, there are no words.”Paying tribute to BaldockBakasetas, who was reduced to tears at full-time, echoed is team-mate’s statement as he paid homage to Baldock’s character and professionalism.The ex-Trabzonspor star even shared two anecdotal stories that showed how dedicated the defender was to the national team.Bakasetas said: “I’m very proud to have these team-mates. We want to dedicate this game to George and his family This way we will try and give them some strength.”It’s a game that shouldn’t have happened in my opinion. It’s not a day we can talk more about football. George today was our guide. He always put the team above all else.”In France last summer he played with an ankle banged up and still delivered for the team.”And against Georgia [in the final of the Euro 2024 play-off qualifying round] he was hurt and knew he would get injured but fought with doctors so that he can play and left it all on the pitch.”We thank him for everything. We wish strength to his family.”Fiancee’s tributeBaldock’s fiancee released a statement last night hailing him the “love of my life” and “my soulmate” in an emotional tribute.She said: “The perfect dad to our beautiful boy.”You completed me. You were my world and I know we were yours.”You are here with me in Brody’s smile, giggle and infectious personality.”My world will never be the same but I will find a way for Brody. I promise.”I love you forever and always G. Your Neen. X”Baldock was found in the pool by his landlord, who jumped over the fence.Emergency crews pulled the footballer from the water, but were unable to resuscitate him.Forensic scientists who conducted the autopsy on Baldock at Athens’ University Hospital on Thursday said he was dead for five hours before he was discovered.READ MORE SUN STORIESCops said it would be “several weeks, if not months” before the full autopsy and toxicology results were released.Officials have ruled out any criminality was at play in his death. More