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      England fans say ‘music to my ears’ after Lee Carsley’s ‘refreshing’ take on how he wants to play

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      ENGLAND fans are warming to Lee Carsley for his refreshing tactics after the interim manager promised “exciting” football.Carsley, 50, began life after Gareth Southgate with a 2-0 win over Republic of Ireland on Saturday thanks to goals from Declan Rice and Jack Grealish.Lee Carsley has vowed to play attacking football during his time as bossThe Three Lions will continue to play attack minded footballIt was the first of six matches Carsley has been guaranteed as he looks to make the case for him to be given the job permanently.England fans have been craving exciting and entertaining football, which wasn’t necessarily a top priority for the defensive minded Southgate.And Carsley’s latest comments have ignited optimism and joy among the Three Lions faithful who were keen to move away from the conservative tactics employed under the old regime.Before England face Finland on Tuesday, Carsley said: “I made a decision when I went into coaching that I wanted to play attacking football.READ MORE ON ENGLAND”I want us to be playing with control but it’s important we’re exciting to watch.”I think when fans come to watch England play at home they expect attacking football, they expect chances to be created and to play with a tempo and us to be on the ball. It’s entertainment.”One happy England fan wrote on X: “This is music to our ears.”While another wrote: “How refreshing is that!”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSA third said: “Carsley’s football is fast and forward-thinking build up play. What’s not to love? 🙌”Carsley played a 4-2-3-1 formation when he lifted the Euros with the U21s in 2023, placing emphasis on dominating the ball and taking chances.Jack Grealish opens up on ‘one of the worst summers of my life’ after scoring against England over former side IrelandBut his first senior game at the helm was not without its controversy as Irish fans booed and abused Rice and Grealish after they switched allegiances under Southgate.Carsley then refused to sing ‘God Save the King’ after earning 40 Irish caps during his career, before accidentally taking a seat in Ireland’s dugout.But former England striker Gary Lineker, 63, hailed the inclusion of Anthony Gordon, Grealish and Trent Alexander-Arnold in Saturday’s win.Speaking on The Rest is Football, he said: “It’s interesting as well, isn’t it, that perhaps some of the things fans were most disappointed about in the Euros – well, probably three things, maybe more.”But everyone wanted Gordon to play on the left because we all saw a weakness and an unbalance on that side. Grealish was left out entirely which bemused fans and Southgate never really trusted Trent.”In the first game Carsley has come up with all these things and a lot of us are going ‘you see? We told you’.”The Three Lions host Finland on Tuesday in Carsley’s first game at Wembley as boss.England Player Ratings vs IrelandDECLAN RICE silenced his Irish critics with a dominant display in England’s Nations League opener.Lee Carsley’s players handed him a debut win as interim manager of the Three Lions.Rice starred in the first half as he netted the opener and then set up England’s second goal.Jack Grealish doubled up for England after being set up by Rice 15 minutes later.Anthony Gordon however faded in the match as he was not able to have as much success as Grealish.SunSport’s Charlie Wyett has rated England’s players’ performance against Ireland…JORDAN PICKFORD – 6Pushed away a half decent shot from Sammie Szmodics at the start of the game but as England took control, he had a stress-free game.After a difficult couple of weeks with Everton, he would have been grateful for this. TRENT ALEXANDER-ARNOLD – 7Looked more at home at right-back compared to the disastrous midfield experiment at the Euros.Stunning pass in a move that eventually led to the first goal. He has to remain as England’s right-back. MARC GUEHI – 7Enjoyed a decent Euros and switched over to the right of central defence as John Stones was named on the bench.Looks increasingly like a top-drawer defender. HARRY MAGUIRE – 7Was left devastated after failing to make the Euro 2024 squad but he has enjoyed a decent start with Manchester United and looked solid here.When he is not in the team, England do miss his aerial presence. 7LEVI COLWILL – 7Second appearance for England and was deployed at left-back.Unlike the Euros, England have much better balance in defence with a natural left footer in this position. 7DECLAN RICE – 9Enjoyed an absolute stormer in what could have been a difficult afternoon.Booed every time he touched the ball, the former Irish international quietened the boisterous home fans with a brilliant finish although refused to celebrate.He then set up the second for Grealish. KOBBIE MAINOO – 7Fits perfectly into Carsley’s style of play. Some of his passing was excellent, particularly in the final third of the pitch, and this included his part in the outstanding second goal. BUKAYO SAKA – 7Enjoying a terrific start to the season with Arsenal – he has been nominated as their player of the month – and played with plenty of confidence here.Was involved in the second goal.JACK GREALISH – 8Left out of the Euros squad, but loved every minute of this.A decent finish for 2-0 and unlike Rice, celebrated in front of the visiting fans by raising both arms in triumph.ANTHONY GORDON – 6Looked really lively early on but faded.He should have put England ahead when clean through but was lucky that seconds later, Rice hammered his shot into the corner. 6HARRY KANE – 6Missed with a header and despite working hard, did not actually have that many chances despite England having so much possession. SubsGibbs-White (for Grealish 77 mins) 6, Gomes (for Mainoo 77) 6, Eze (for Gordon 77 mins) 6, Bowen (for Kane 84 mins) 6, Stones (for Maguire 85) 6.Subs not used: Henderson, Pope, Lewis, Gallagher, Livramento, Konsa, Madueke. More

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      Who is Harry Kane’s wife Katie Goodland, and how many children do the couple have?

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      HARRY KANE married Katie Goodland in June 2019 after meeting his childhood sweetheart while at school.And the couple are now loving life in Germany following Kane’s stunning transfer to Bayern Munich in August 2023. Katie supported Harry Kane and England at Euro 2024Credit: Paul EdwardsHere is what SunSport know about Kane’s wife Katie Goodland.Who is Katie Goodland?Katie Goodland, 31, is a fitness instructor who has dated England striker Harry Kane since meeting in school. Goodland is a sports science graduate who is said to find her husband’s fame a little “crazy”. They have two dogs called Brady and Wilson, named after NFL quarterbacks Tom Brady and Russell Wilson. Speaking to Esquire, Harry said of Katie: “We went to school together, so she’s seen my whole career. Of course, she’s finding it a little crazy. I think she’s even been in the papers a couple of times taking the dogs out.” Kane and Goodland at BBC Sports Personality of the Year 2018Credit: PA The pair got engaged during July 2017 on a holiday to the BahamasCredit: InstagramWhen did Katie Goodland meet Harry Kane?Katie and Harry are childhood sweethearts who have been together since they met in their school days. The pair got engaged during July 2017, when Kane was aged 23, on a holiday in the Bahamas. Kane, who is England’s captain, got down on one knee on a beach to ask the question – then revealed on Twitter that “she said yes!” Harry Kane’s wife Kate joins star in Germany after Wag spent time ‘hunting for houses & schools for their three kids’ Katie dazzled in a stunning green dress on holiday with Harry and their baby daughter Ivy, who was born in January 2017Credit: InstagramWhen was the wedding?The pair married in the summer of 2019, with Kane announcing that he had married his “best friend”. He had previously joked that he would not cry on his wedding day and only if England won a trophy. The Bayern striker celebrated his joyous day by posting this message: “Finally got to marry my Best Friend! I love you.” And in a wedding photo on Instagram, he planted a tender kiss on his new wife’s forehead.Do Katie Goodland and Harry Kane have any children?Harry and Katie currently have four children together, Ivy (7), Vivienne (5), Louis (3) and Henry (ten months). Baby boy Henry was the latest addition to the family born on August 20, 2023. Harry Kane with his family after becoming England’s all-time record scorerCredit: GettyIn January 2017, the loved-up couple announced the birth of their first daughter to fans with a touching social media post. In the heartwarming snap, Kane and Goodland both kissed little Ivy with Kane writing alongside the photo: “Our beautiful baby girl Ivy.” The England hitman told fans back in July 2016 that he and Katie were expecting their first child, and that their baby was due to be born after Christmas.Kate, who was famously snapped alongside Harry and David Beckham when they were kids, went into more detail about her labour on her Instagram page, revealing she had a water birth. She wrote: “Our beautiful hypnobirthed [sic] baby girl Ivy. “Being a first time mum, I was very scared about labour and was recommended to try hypnobirthing [sic]. “We had an amazing water birth with no pain relief or gas and air and Harry was an incredible birthing partner.” In January 2018, Kane revealed on Twitter the couple were expecting their second child. Their second daughter was born in August 2018 with the couple again taking to social media to announce the new arrival. And the Kane family announced the birth of their first son, Louis Harry Kane, on December 29, 2020. On April 8, 2024, Louis, three, Vivienne, five, and Ivy, seven, were involved in a car crash in Germany on the day the Bayern Munich ace landed in England for his side’s 2-2 Champions League quarter-final first leg against Arsenal. Kane, 30, played and scored in the game — the day after the Monday afternoon crash. A Renault driver, 20, smashed into a black Mercedes Vito while trying to turn onto a motorway slip road, as reported by Bild. Three of the top striker’s children – Louis three, Vivienne, five, and Ivy, seven – were travelling in the Mercedes and were taken to hospital as a precaution.Meet England’s Euro 2024 WagsEngland Wags range from childhood sweethearts to recently blossoming love stories.Katie Goodland (Harry Kane’s wife)The fitness instructor has been married to the England captain since 2019 and joined him in Germany with their four children after he joined Bayern Munich.Laura Celia Valk (Jude Bellingham’s girlfriend)The stunning Dutch model, 25, has more than half a million Instagram followers and is said to be absolutely smitten with the Real Madrid star.Rebecca Cooke (Phil Foden’s girlfriend)Foden’s childhood sweetheart and the mother of his two kids tends to keep out of the spotlight, but is a regular at England games.Dani Dyer (Jarrod Bowen’s girlfriend)England’s most famous Wag, former Love Island winner and daughter of Eastenders’ Danny Dyer.Iris Law (Trent Alexander-Arnold’s girlfriend)Dani Dyer isn’t the only actor’s daughter dating an England star. Iris’ dad is Hollywood legend Jude Law.Megan Davison (Jordan Pickford’s wife)Megan has been with Pickford since he was 14 years old. The couple married in 2022 and have one son.Olivia Naylor (John Stones’ girlfriend)The 33-year-old former beautician has stepped back from her role after giving birth to a baby son.Read more about the Wags supporting England at Euro 2024 hereA spokesman for Kane said: “There was a crash, but the kids are fine, and none were injured. “No injuries at all. “They went to hospital for a routine check-up.” Kane’s wife and his youngest child Henry, seven months, were not in the car. The Mercedes was driven by a 24-year-old woman from the district and there were three passengers in the Renault, aged three, 43 and 48. The Land Rover driven by a 63-year-old woman was also caught in the shocking collision. All eight people caught up in the smash suffered minor injuries and were transported to hospital via ambulance and helicopter, police said. In a statement Munich police said: “On Monday, 8 April 2024, around 5:15pm, a 20-year-old resident of Munich was driving a Renault on state road 2071 towards the A95. “A 48-year-old, a 43-year-old and a three-year-old were also passengers in the 20-year-old’s car. “At the same time, a 24-year-old resident of Munich was also driving a Mercedes on the state road of 2071 in the opposite direction. “There were three children between five and seven in the 24-year-old’s vehicle. “At the junction of the A95 the 20-year-old wanted to turn left on the motorway access road there. “The 20-year-old’s car collided with the 24-year-old’s on-coming car. “As a result, the 20-year-old’s car began to skid and collided with another Land Rover car belonging to a 62-year-old woman who lives in the Munich district and was on the exit of the A95 slip road. “All occupants of the vehicles involved suffered minor injuries as a result of the collision. “They were taken to hospital via helicopter and emergency services. “The 62-year-old went to the doctor herself. “There was material damage amounting to tens of thousands of euros.”How old are Harry Kane and Katie Goodland?The England captain is 31-years-old and he made his professional Tottenham debut in 2011 when he was just 18. His wife Katie is 31. Their eldest child is daughter Ivy who is seven years old. Vivienne Jane is the middle child who is five, Louis who is three years old and Henry was born on August 20, 2023. More

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      Watch highlights of Lewis Hall’s MOTM-display for England U21s as fans call him ‘left-back we’ve been crying out for’

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      NEWCASTLE ace Lewis Hall put together a man-of-the-match performance for England Under-21s and hinted he could be the one to solve Lee Carsley’s left-back problem.The Three Lions have been crying out for a left-back since Euro 2024 when former manager Gareth Southgate only had Luke Shaw to call upon at a time when the Manchester United ace was still injured.Newcastle ace Lewis Hall put together a man-of-the-match performance for England Under-21Credit: GettyHall produced two assists for England Under-21 against AustriaCredit: X @EnglandEngland fans believe Hall is the answer to the seniors’ left-back problemsCredit: X @EnglandInterim boss Carsley used centre-back Levi Colwill in the position in his first match in charge against the Republic of Ireland on Saturday with Rico Lewis the only other alternative on the bench.That means the seniors still need a natural full-back to cover the left flank.Hall, 20, made a strong case on Monday when he helped the Young Lions beat Austria 4-1 in a friendly at Kenilworth Road.The Newcastle ace produced two assists with a dominant display at the left wing.Read More on FootballThe defender set up James McAtee in the 59th minute and Tom Fellows nine minutes before full-time with low crosses from the left.England fans were left absolutely stunned as they insist they found the solution to the seniors’ biggest problem.Some even went as far as to compare Hall to the legendary Ashley Cole.One fan tweeted: “Baller. The best young left-back in the country.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAnother commented: “The left-back @England have been crying out for since Ashley Cole.”A third wrote: “He’s such an exciting young full-back.”Harry Kane’s favourite England goalsThis fan said: “Class.”And that one stated: “Hall will be one of the best left-backs in the world no question.” More

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      England vs Finland preview: Free betting tips, odds and predictions for Tuesday’s Nations League contest

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      ENGLAND are looking to make it two wins from two to start the Nations League when Finland meet Wembley on Tuesday.SunSport betting experts have previewed the contest and selected the best bets, tips and exclusive sign-up bonuses from our leading betting partners.Best new sign-up offersSunSport exclusivesEngland vs Finland previewOne game, one win, no goals conceded.The perfect start for Lee Carsley you’d have to say after England’s win in Ireland on Saturday.A scriptwriter wouldn’t even mark down Declan Rice and Jack Grealish as the goal scorers on the night, playing against the nation they previously represented.Grealish himself was handed a free, number ten role and looked a constant menace when on the ball.Carsley was also able to introduce some new faces into the fold in a good opening night of the Nations League.Attention turns to Finland, who they haven’t faced in over 20 years, with the last meeting coming in a World Cup qualifier in 2001.The Finns were thumped 3-0 by Greece in their opening contest over the weekend.When is England vs Finland?England vs Finland will take place on Tuesday, September 10It is scheduled to kick off at 19:45pm BSTThe encounter will take place at Wembley What TV channel is England vs Finland on?England vs Finland will be broadcast LIVE on ITV1The Nations League encounter can also be live-streamed for free via the ITVX appAlternatively, SunSport will have minute-by-minute coverage of the whole matchEngland vs Finland oddsOdds are correct at the time of publication and are subject to change.How to claim..William Hill £60 welcome bonusVisit the William Hill website HERE*Register an account using the Promo Code: T60Once your account is registered, click ‘opt in’ on the ‘Vegas Promotion’ pageDeposit a minimum of £10 in your main account to receive a £20 Vegas Bonus for use on Selected GamesThen place a bet with a minimum stake of £10 at odds of 1/2 or greater on any football marketOnce that’s settled, your account will be credited with £40 in free betsWilliam Hill: Claim £60 welcome bonus – click here*England vs Finland betting tips and predictionsGoals aplentyTwo goals scored and none conceded represents a solid start.But the England supporters always want more – as Southgate himself will attest to.So more goals is a necessity if he wants the backing of the Three Lions support and a home game against Finland – thumped by Greece last time out – can provide the perfect opportunity.England to win and five or more goals in the game at 5/2 with William Hill – CLAIM HEREEze peasyEberechi Eze was given the final 15 minutes in Dublin but can expect more game time here.Crystal Palace star scored in last two games for his club and can add to this season’s tally here.Eberechi Eze to score at 17/10 with William Hill – CLAIM HERE*William Hill. 18+. Play Safe. New players only, using promo code T60. Valid from 13/04/2022. Online play. Get £60 Bonus split between Vegas & Sports in the following manner – (i) Deposit £10 to unlock £20 Vegas Free Bet on Selected Games (72hr expiry, wagering reqs apply); then (ii) bet £10+ (odds 1/2+) with cash (excl. £10 deposit) or Vegas winnings (after wager reqs met). Once settled, receive £40 Sports Free Bets excluding Virtual Markets (4x £10, 7 days expiry). Payment methods & country restrictions apply. Full T&Cs apply.*Betfred. New customers only. Register with BETFRED50. Deposit £10+ via Debit Card and place first bet £10+ at Evens (2.0)+ on Sports within 7 days to get 3 x £10 in Sports Free Bets & 2 x £10 in Acca Free Bets within 10 hours of settlement. 7-day expiry. Eligibility & payment exclusions apply. T&Cs apply.*BetMGM. New cust only. 7 days to opt in by placing a £10 qualifying bet at 1/1 (2.0) odds or greater to receive 6x Free Bets: 1 x £10 horse racing, 2 x £10 Bet Builder, 2 x £10 Acca and 1 x £10 football. 7 day expiry. Exclusions apply. Stake not returned. 18+. T&Cs apply.*talkSPORT BET. 18+ New customers only. Opt in & bet £10+ via mobile on any football market at 2.00+ odds within 7 days. No Cash out. Get 6x £5 Free Bets on selected markets. Free bets expire in 7 days. Card payments & Apple Pay only. T&Cs apply, see below. GambleAware.org | Please gamble responsibly*Tote. New customers online only. Eligibility restrictions apply. Only valid with code B10G40 on registration. £10 min qualifying bet at 1/1 (2.0) odds or greater across sports or racing (if EW then min £10 Win + £10 Place). Receive £20 Tote Credit, £10 Free Sports Bet and 50 Free Spins on Big Bass Bonanza within 48 hours of qualifying bet settlement. 7-day expiry on free bets & Tote Credit. Your first bet will be your qualifying bet. One per customer. UK & ROI customers only. 18+. Full T&Cs apply. Gambleaware.org. Full T&Cs apply.Remember to gamble responsiblyA responsible gambler is someone who:Establishes time and monetary limits before playingOnly gambles with money they can afford to loseNever chase their lossesDoesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry, or depressedGamcare – www.gamcare.org.ukGamble Aware – www.gambleaware.orgFind our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to www.gamstop.co.uk More

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      I snubbed Man Utd because I didn’t like the atmosphere and once fled a BEAR – now I’m out to beat England for Finland

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      DOWNING a fan’s beer, running for his life from a bear and singing Sweet Caroline on live TV – Finland captain Lukas Hradecky ticks all the boxes for a typically madcap goalkeeper. But the player England must try to score past tomorrow at Wembley is also a history maker.Lukas Hradecky will be in Finland’s goal for their Nations League clash with EnglandThe 34-year-old is the goalkeeper at Bayer LeverkusenHradecky led Finland to their first and only major tournament at Euro 2020. And earlier this year he became the first Finnish footballer to win a title in any of the big five European leagues when he skippered Bayer Leverkusen’s Invincibles to glory.No wonder Slovak-born Hradecky, 34, is one of Finland’s most beloved athletes.He moved to the country from Bratislava before he was two because dad Vladimir had a contract to play semi-pro volleyball in the city of Turku.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHradecky came through the academy of eight-time Finnish champions Turun Palloseura but never played a league game before moving to second-tier Danish side Esbjerg.He earned a week’s trial at Manchester United and was offered the chance to stay on and fight for a permanent deal.But he explained: “I didn’t like the way British clubs worked with their academy teams. And I didn’t really like that atmosphere there.“I don’t mean it in any bad way, but I just didn’t see myself playing at United. So I ended up rejecting the offer.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAfter an impressive spell at Danish giants Brondby, Hradecky joined Eintracht Frankfurt in 2015. He was named Bundesliga goalkeeper of the year in 2017/8 and was the hero of Eintracht’s German cup triumph, saving four penalties across three shootouts on the way to a 3-1 win over Bayern Munich in the final.West Ham vs Bayer Leverkusen descends into chaos with huge brawls on pitch and touchline with COACH sent off Leverkusen snapped Hradecky up on a free transfer and a few weeks later he enjoyed a cheeky drink while on international duty.As he thanked fans after a friendly win over Belarus, he noticed a supporter had a pint, grabbed it – and downed it.But Hradecky tracked down the man he had left thirsty and gave him a full crate of beer, commenting on social media: “The debt is paid.”Finland certainly owe him and his team-mates a lot. For the best part of a 100 years, the country had tried and failed to reach the finals of a major tournament.But a 3-0 win over Liechtenstein in Helsinki in November 2019 broke the curse – and captain Hradecky made good on his vow to sing Sweet Caroline, his go-to karaoke song, in celebration.Ahead of Finland’s opening Euro 2020 game, Hradecky said it would be the most emotional match of his career, especially because he knew the Parken Stadium in Copenhagen so well after making his name in Denmark.But in the first half those emotions changed when Denmark’s Christian Eriksen collapsed after suffering a cardiac arrest.Hradecky managed to keep his composure and saved a penalty after the game resumed as Finland won 1-0.Hradecky knows how to interact with fansGreece beat Finland 3-0 on SaturdayHe represented Finland at Euro 2020Hradecky waved as he wore a T-shirt referring to Denmark’s Christian EriksenBut his greatest achievement is surely last season’s Double with Xabi Alonso’s Leverkusen.Although if Hradecky had not been quick on his feet during pre-season in the summer of 2019, he might not have been around to lead the club to glory.The keeper was back in Slovakia visiting relatives and went for a jog wearing a heart monitor provided by Leverkusen – only to run into a bear.He told leading German tabloid Bild: “I saw a movement in the distance. I didn’t stay there to see if it was a bear or a big dog.”I wouldn’t try to play dead if a bear was chasing me. I trusted my feet and, thank God, everything ended happily – it was actually a bear.“Our physical department can confirm that I had the highest pulse in all runs this summer.”After escaping a grisly fate, Bundesliga strikers hold a little fear for Hradecky.He kept 15 clean sheets in 33 appearances in Leverkusen’s unbeaten league campaign, but just as important was his leadership on and off the field that made him so popular in the dressing room and in the stands.After a 3-0 home win in February over Bayern, who had won 11 titles in a row, Hradecky climbed into the north end of the BayArena to conduct the ultras in celebration chants.And after lifting the Bundesliga trophy a few months later, Hradecky repeated the stunt and let the fans touch the precious metal.Leverkusen also won the German Cup and completed a 2024 Treble by claiming the Super Cup last month.Phillip Arens, who covers Leverkusen for Bild, describes Hradecky as “normal but special”, a thoroughly down-to-earth bloke with a sparkling personality as well as a great sporting talent.Arens added: “Lukas always says what he thinks, he’s open-minded, he can be funny and he can be serious.READ MORE SUN STORIES“He is a true original, one of a dying breed like Thomas Muller.”Goalkeepers are renowned for being characters. But Hradecky is a class apart.Lukas Hradecky with the Super Cup trophy last monthHe skippered a star-studded Leverkusen team to their first Bundesliga title More

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      Gareth Southgate ‘was left miffed’ by England star Anthony Gordon at Euro 2024 over two incidents

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      GARETH SOUTHGATE was reportedly “left miffed” by Anthony Gordon twice at Euro 2024.The England star played just five minutes in Germany but started in Lee Carsley’s first match in charge against Ireland on Saturday.Anthony Gordon left Gareth Southgate miffed twice at the EurosCredit: GettySouthgate was left bemused after Anthony Gordon fell off his bike in GermanyCredit: GettyGordon caused problems with his run in behind leading to Declan Rice’s opener in Dublin.The Newcastle winger is not short of confidence and he praised the “freedom” he and his team-mates were given by the new Three Lions boss.Gordon may be grateful for Carsley’s interim appointment as he won the Under-21s Euros under him last year, while this summer he was overlooked by Southgate.He impressed in a substitute appearance against Slovenia in the final Euros group game but that ended up being his only participation in the tournament.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThat might have been because Gordon fell from his bike a day later as the squad enjoyed a team ride.He was left with facial injuries and Southgate was said to be left “miffed” by the incident, as Gordon was using his mobile phone.Gordon also ruffled feathers with comments he made about the media which appeared to imply that England’s style of play was predictable.He said: “I know I am a nightmare for anyone that I play against.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”‘I’m positive. Every time I get the ball, I always try to make something happen.”I’m not a very safe player. I am always trying to put people on the back foot. I think I add a different element to the team. It (my style) brings a sense of unpredictability.”England player ratings against IrelandGordon, 23, doubled down on those comments ahead of the Ireland clash.Asked what England missed at the Euros, he said: “I think that expression, that freedom to express yourself.”You could say we controlled all our games, but I don’t think we were very dynamic. We weren’t killing teams, we weren’t relentless in trying to score goals. We lacked a bit of excitement.” More

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      France vs Belgium free betting tips: Back our 15/1 Bet Builder and claim £50 in free bets with Betfred

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      FRANCE and Belgium meet in a competitive fixture once again, just a couple of months after their Euro 2024 quarter final in Dusseldorf.Our team of betting experts have selected a Bet Builder for the Nations League encounter, which Betfred have priced up at a generous 15/1.Not just that! New Betfred customers who register an account with Betfred and stake a tenner on football will receive £50 in sports free bets!Find The Sun’s betting publishing principles hereHow to claim..Betfred welcome offerVisit the Betfred website HERE*Register an account using the Promo Code: BETFRED50Deposit £10 using a Debit CardPlace your first bet of £10 or more on any qualifying Sportsbook markets, at odds of Evens or greaterOnce that bet has settled, Betfred will credit your account with £50 in Free BetsBetfred: Get your £50 in free bets – Claim here*France vs BelgiumOur Bet Builder selections: France to win, Antoine Griezmann to score and Timothy Castagne to be booked.Back our 15/1 Bet BuilderHere’s why we’ve made those selections:France to win: Started this campaign poorly with thumping 3-1 defeat to Italy. Have beaten Belgium the last three times they’ve met, including in that Euros knockout clash just a couple of months ago. Must bounce back.Antoine Griezmann to score: The 33-year-old has always been a key player for France but has only scored once just end of March for club and country. Will come good and should be in from the start here to lead that bounce back.Timothy Castagne to be booked: Will fill full back role which included a tough assignment up against Griezmann, Bradley Barcola or Ousmane Dembele. Tough night for defender who hasn’t had many minutes in Fulham team.Back our 15/1 Bet BuilderRemember to gamble responsiblyA responsible gambler is someone who:Establishes time and monetary limits before playingOnly gambles with money they can afford to loseNever chase their lossesDoesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry, or depressedGamcare – www.gamcare.org.ukGamble Aware – www.gambleaware.orgFind our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to www.gamstop.co.uk*New customers only. Register with BETFRED50. Deposit £10+ via Debit Card and place first bet £10+ at Evens (2.0)+ on Sports within 7 days to get 3 x £10 in Sports Free Bets & 2 x £10 in Acca Free Bets within 10 hours of settlement. 7-day expiry. Eligibility & payment exclusions apply. T&Cs apply. More

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      BBC MOTD pundit slammed by international manager for ‘talking s*** all the time’

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      NEW Wales manager Craig Bellamy once berated pundit Micah Richards for “talking s*** all the time”.The Match of the Day analyst was speaking about the Nations League with pals Alan Shearer and Gary Lineker on the Stick to Football podcast.Pundit Micah Richards recalled the time he was “mugged off” by Craig BellamyThe former Man City defender’s story left Gary Lineker in stitchesWales boss Bellamy told Micah Richards to up his punditry gameAfter dissecting England’s 2-0 win over Ireland, attentions turned to Wales, who kicked off their international break with a goalless draw against Turkey. Bellamy left Burnley after two years as an assistant to take charge of the Welsh national team, following the departure of Rob Page after the nation failed to qualify for Euro 2024.It prompted Richards to recall a “quick story” about visiting Bellamy – or “Bells” – before Burnley’s 3-0 defeat to Manchester City last season.Richards said: “Bellers is Marmite. You either love him or you hate him. He worked his socks off when he was at Man City.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”But he would tell you how it is. If you played rubbish he would tell you. “So I’ve gone to see Vincent Kompany last season before Burnley’s first game of the season last year, I went to a training session and I went to the game.”And I’m walking into Turf Moor and I see Bellamy come up and he goes ‘F*** me, you’re f***ing everywhere talking s*** all the time’.””And I said ‘Bellers what do you mean?’.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”You boys on analysis don’t know what you’re talking about. You’ve got basic analysis. It’s ABC, 123 stuff. If you want proper analysis come to a Burnley training and I will show you how it is done.”I was thinking to myself whether or not he was being serious or if he was having banter. But he was being deadly serious. I did not know how to take it.Where are they now: The unusual careers of former footballers”I didn’t say nothing, I got in my car and drove home and just thought he’s just mugged me right off there and I’ve basically just taken it.”The brutal anecdote left Lineker and Shearer in stitches as they both burst out in laughter.Richards then admitted that he’ll be pulling Bellamy up on certain bits and pieces when he sees his former Man City team-mate again.Man City signed the former Welsh winger back in January 2009 from West Ham for £14m.Bellamy also formed a successful strike partnership with Shearer at Newcastle between 2001-2005 under Bobby Robson.Meanwhile, the appointment of Bellamy as Wales manager was to push for a rebrand before the 2026 World Cup and Euro 2028, when Cardiff will stage matches. Bellamy, who won 78 Welsh caps, scoring 19 goals, never qualified for a major finals and hopes for his first win as boss against Montenegro tonight. More