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      Michael Owen bizarrely compares himself to family pet

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      ENGLAND ace Michael Owen has bizarrely likened himself to his pet Staffordshire bull terrier as he revealed he tries to teach them “good manners” and what’s “right and wrong”.The former footy ace turned TV pundit has three dogs – a Staffordshire bull terrier called Kaiser, an Italian greyhound called Zola and Belle, a French bulldog.
      England ace Michael Owen has bizarrely likened himself to his pet Staffordshire bull terrierCredit: PA
      Owen has three dogs – a Staffordshire bull terrier called Kaiser, left, an Italian greyhound called Zola, right, and Belle, a French bulldogCredit: Instagram
      Owen, 43, said Belle was “typically French”, saying: “If you want a slight upgrade on a cat then a French bulldog is for you, and so we have a third dog, Belle.
      “French bulldogs don’t bother you when you come home. They will look at you and maybe walk up to you.
      “They’re typically French – Belle has an arrogance about her.
      “You go on a walk and she’s 200 yards behind you, just sniffing in her own world.
      READ MORE ON Michael Owen
      “There could literally be a bomb blasting five metres away and she wouldn’t have a care in the world.
      “And the other thing with French bulldogs is breaking wind. God almighty, she doesn’t stop.”
      He added: “I would like to think I’m similar to a Staffy.
      “I’m definitely a happy person, very rarely get down or depressed or in a mood so I feel I’m quite a bubbly character.
      Most read in Football
      “I try to give the dogs good manners because they have to know what’s right and wrong so I think they see me as the dominant person who shouts the rules out.” More

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      in Boxing

      Tyson Fury missing out on millions from WWE PPV extravaganzas amid US visa problems

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      TYSON Fury’s immigration problems in the US are costing him millions – from wrestling and not boxing.The world heavyweight champion’s WWE return is hanging by the balance amid problems at the border.
      Tyson Fury, pictured in 2019 squaring off with Braun Strowman, is losing millions from WWE over his visa problemsCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Tyson Fury won on his WWE debut against Braun Strowman in 2019Credit: Reuters
      WWE executives had been plotting for Fury to make an appearance at the Royal Rumble at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas in January.
      And they had an eye on a match at Wrestlemania 39 in Los Angeles in April.
      Fury, 34, won his WWE debut in October 2019, beating Braun Strowman, and made a surprise cameo at the Clash of the Castle in Wales in August.
      Now those hopes are looking slim and complicated, The U.S. Sun has learned.

      Fury, 34, is banned from entering the US after links to alleged Irish mob boss Daniel Kinahan emerged.
      The boxer’s team is responsible for ensuring he fulfills the credentials needed to work in the USA, while WWE’s lawyers have expertise in dealing with foreign athletes.
      Recently, Fury’s younger brother Tommy confirmed they are still being refused permission to enter the country.
      Tommy, who was due to fight Jake Paul in New York City, said it was apparently due to connections to Kinahan.
      Most read in Boxing
      Fury was being wooed by show bosses to appear in 2023 shows as full-time CEO and chairwoman Stephanie McMahon and creative director – her husband Paul “Triple H” Levesque are huge fans of the ‘The Gypsy King’.
      An insider told The U.S. Sun: “Tyson is well loved at the WWE and him popping up in any match and a run to Wrestlemania would generate huge headlines and fan interest.
      “However his immigration status is proving tricky to deal with.
      “Tyson and the legal team or getting this whole grey and tricky area resolved. But non-entry, quite simply put, means non-payment.
      “And people may not believe this but turning up for a match or being part of the shows, not even fighting, earns him several million dollars.
      “So this issue with his working visa in the States is costing him a large amount of cash.
      “The WWE works with foreign athletes all the time in aiding their visa processing for appearances.
      “The legal team are on the sidelines offering support in this matter, but ultimately getting approval is on Tyson’s head and how US immigration assesses his case.”
      The source added: “It is not all bad news for Tyson, because there are other options for WWE through their premium live events outside of the US.
      Fury recently defended his WBC belt against Derek ChisoraCredit: Jamie McPhilimey
      Triple H (L) and Stephanie McMahon (R) are reportedly fans of FuryCredit: AP:Associated Press
      “It’s likely that they will go to Saudi Arabia twice a year for those bigger nights and of course, there are often European battles.
      “But having a potential invite to feature in something special at Wrestlemania is a huge deal, and currently those shows are only in the USA.”
      In October, Tommy confirmed he and Tyson are banned from entering the United States.
      The 2019 Love Island star was unable to fight rival Paul amid a US visa issue in August.
      The Sun also revealed in June that Tyson was also denied access to a Stateside flight.
      The bans are believed to be in connection to links with alleged Irish mob boss Kinahan, who in April was hit with sanctions.
      Kinahan was the co-founder of boxing management company MTK Global – who represented Fury following his 2018 comeback – but the organization cut ties with the 44-year-old Dubai-based Dubliner in 2017 and ceased existence in April, just as Kinahan was hit with sanctions.
      Tommy, who along with Tyson has no links to criminality, revealed he is still unable to enter America.
      He said on The MMA Hour: “Me and Tyson just can’t get into America at the minute and that’s the way it is.”
      The US Treasury imposed sanctions on Kinahan and the US Department of State is also offering rewards of up to $5million for information leading to the arrest and/or conviction of three members of the criminal family.
      A list of over 600 people, all connected to Kinahan, are understood to be banned from entering the US.
      It has left Tommy, who was never advised or managed by Kinahan or his former MTK boxing stable, seemingly caught up in it all.
      Read More on The Sun
      Directly asked about “the Kinahan situation” by host Ariel Helwani, Tommy, 23, said: “I don’t know (what’s happening), that’s what I pay my lawyers for and my legal team every day, they’re sorting it and I said please get this resolved as soon as possible and that’s where I’ve left it at the moment.
      “I’m hoping it gets resolved asap because I want to come to America not just for boxing and of course for the big one to get this fight over the line but if it doesn’t get resolved for a long time I can’t speak on how long this is going to take.” More

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      Man City believe Jude Bellingham will snub £100m transfer to Real Madrid and Liverpool to work with Pep Guardiola

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      PEP GUARDIOLA and the Manchester City hierarchy are determined to win the fight for Jude Bellingham.Real Madrid believe they are leading the race for the £100million-plus rated England midfielder, as SunSport revealed on Wednesday.
      Jude Bellingham is a transfer target for a number of the world’s top clubsCredit: Getty
      Manchester City reckon Bellingham will snub Real Madrid and Liverpool to work with Pep GuardiolaCredit: Getty
      But Etihad sources reckon the prospect of working with Guardiola will swing the Dortmund star’s decision in their favour.
      Bellingham, 19, is wanted by the biggest clubs on the planet — including Liverpool, Manchester United, Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain.
      Trent Alexander-Arnold and Jordan Henderson tried to convince Bellingham Anfield was the place for him while they were in Qatar for the World Cup.
      The Birmingham City youth product has been the top target for Kop boss Jurgen Klopp for more than a year and is aware how much the German wants to work with him.
      Read More in Football
      Asked about a January move, Klopp said: “I’m the wrong person to ask about whether Jude is available in January.
      “The January window? We are looking and if something happens, we’ll see. From a sports side, we are always prepared.”
      SunSport also told how United boss Erik ten Hag is plotting a £200m raid for Bellingham and Barcelona’s Frenkie de Jong.
      City think they can seal a Bellingham deal due to Guardiola signing to stay until 2025 and also the chance to reunite with his old Borussia Dortmund pal Erling Haaland.
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      All of his suitors have been told that Bellingham will prioritise football reasons over money when he picks his next club.
      He is expected to leave Germany in the summer and City are prepared to shatter the £100m British transfer record they paid to Aston Villa for Jack Grealish in the summer of 2021.
      Bellingham is valued at £130m by Dortmund if the deal is structured with staggered payments like most mega-money moves.
      However, it is understood that he could leave for just £83m if the entire fee is paid up front.
      City see signing Bellingham as the ideal way to revamp their midfield in the future.
      Ilkay Gundogan, 32, is out of contract in the summer.
      And Bernardo Silva is unsure over his future, with Barcelona having tried to sign him last summer. More

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      in Boxing

      Anthony Joshua signs up for CBeebies bedtime story rematch as he reads second book on the channel

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      BOXER Anthony Joshua is expected to be such a big hit on CBeebies Bedtime Stories he’s already signed up for a rematch.It was revealed last week the ex-world champ is to read children’s tale The Snowy Day, by Ezra Jack Keats.
      Anthony Joshua is expected to be such a big hit on CBeebies Bedtime Stories he’s already signed up to read another oneCredit: PA
      A date has not been fixed for that but I can reveal he will read another story on the kids’ channel tomorrow — Ravi’s Roar, by Tom Percival.
      A TV insider said: “The reaction to AJ featuring on CBeebies Bedtime Stories has been huge. There’s so much excitement.
      “The BBC were desperate to book him in for another sitting, which he gladly agreed to. It’s a privilege to be asked twice and he sees it as a great honour.”
      AJ follows in the footsteps of Harry Styles, Tom Hardy and Chris Hemsworth.
      READ MORE ON CBeebies
      Ravi’s Roar tells the story of an angry young boy who learns to express and understand his feelings. The Snowy Day is about a lad named Peter who puts on his snowsuit and steps out of his house into a wintry world.
      When published in 1962, he was among the first African-American characters to feature in a major children’s book.
      Kate Winslet and Richard E Grant are some of the big names to read a story on CBeebies over Christmas. But neither packs a punch as big as AJ.
      DAVID KID ’COPTER CAPERS
      ONLY Fools And Horses legend David Jason is lining up a cartoon return with his own series.
      Most read in Boxing
      The voice of Eighties favourite Danger Mouse, who is also a qualified helicopter pilot, has come up with a character called Olly the Heli, which is “in development”.
      David Jason is lining up a cartoon return with his own seriesCredit: Getty
      David revealed in his new book, The Twelve Dels of Christmas, his creation is a young helicopter with a friendly face who “misbehaves a bit”, and “something perhaps on the Thomas the Tank Engine lines” .
      David came up with the idea on a visit to an airfield last year, when he was flown in a Gazelle helicopter by astronaut Tim Peake.
      He added: “‘Do you want to land it?’ Tim generously asked as we returned to the airfield. I wasn’t going to push my luck. ‘I think I’ll leave that to you, Tim,’ I said.
      “So, that was how the idea of Olly the Heli got going – a little production journey still in development at the time of writing. We’ll see where it ends up.”
      Prue’s truth
      PRUE LEITH wants “someone I’ve heard of” to replace host Matt Lucas on Bake Off.
      On Virgin Radio, the Channel 4 show’s judge said she didn’t have a clue who co-host Noel Fielding was when he joined the series.
      Prue added: “I’ve never understood Matt and Noel’s jokes.”

      WONDER MOVIE IS TOP PICK
      IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE has been voted the greatest Christmas film of all time by Radio Times.
      The 1946 festive classic starring James Stewart topped a readers’ poll.
      More than one in five voters – 1,650 in total – named the movie their favourite.
      Somewhat criminally, Will Ferrell’s Elf only made No4, with The Muppet Christmas Carol and Home Alone taking the No2 and No3 spots and Love Actually making up the remainder of the top five.
      The black and white movie also topped last year’s poll. But Die Hard, which was No4, slipped out of the top five in 2022 and down to No6.
      Bruce Willis would pull his hair out, if he had any.
      GARY: I’M ON BABY MISSION
      GARY LUCY’s romance with Celebs Go Dating co-star Laura Anderson could be getting even more serious.
      The pair, who met on the E4 dating show, have already discussed having children together.
      Gary Lucy’s romance with Celebs Go Dating co-star Laura Anderson could be getting even more seriousCredit: Instagram
      And dad-of-four Gary says his virility is so strong, Laura could already be expecting.
      He said: “We’re smitten. We’ve talked kids. I mean, I’m quite potent, so she might already be pregnant! I have four kids already but I want more. I’ve always wanted kids. I love kids.”
      The former Hollyoaks actor says a huge incentive for having more children is being able to name one Gary – as the name is dying out.
      He added: “I do want a boy, because I want to have another little Gary – carry it on, as I hear the name’s dying out and I think that’d be a real shame.”
      Spare a thought for us Rodericks.
      LAURA A SUCKER FOR PIGS
      LAURA BINGHAM has left fans of her TV adventurer hubby Ed Stafford gobsmacked – after claiming she breastfed a pig.
      The fellow explorer and mum-of-three took care of a piglet when it was rejected by its mum at their farm.
      The piglet has now been welcomed into the family home. Writing on Instagram she said: “So I can now tick breast feed a piglet off my bucket list!
      “Did you know that indigenous communities do it?! So it’s normal OK?! I force fed some formula down her with a syringe and then when she started waking up a bit more, she didn’t want a bottle so I thought, what the heck?!”
      We’ve all been there, Laura.

      STRICTLY runner-up Helen Skelton said pros on the show didn’t want Hamza Yassin, partnered with Jowita Przystal, to take home the trophy.
      On her Radio 5 show she said they wanted her partner Gorka to triumph on his third time in the final, adding: “You could tell how gutted we were.” More

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      in Soccer

      England’s Jude Bellingham’s image rights firm makes £1m — with the ace set to multiply amount

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      ENGLAND World Cup star Jude Bellingham’s image rights company has made £1million — but is set to earn many millions more.The 19-year-old midfielder’s firm, Bello & Bello, has also registered his name and shirt number JB22 as a trademark.
      Figures published just before he played his first game in Qatar reveal his company had assets of £1.26million
      Figures published just before he played his first game in Qatar reveal his company had assets of £1.26million but owed just over £200,000 for the year to the end of February.
      The West Mids-born ace began his career at Birmingham City and now plays for German side Borussia Dortmund.
      But he was one of the young stars of the World Cup and is starting to enjoy off-field success.
      A source said: “Jude’s made a real name for himself and he’s got his affairs in order financially.
      READ MORE ON JUDE BELLINGHAM
      “He’s got his feet on the ground and wants to do well for himself.” More

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      in Soccer

      Africa has talent on and off football pitch to succeed but needs structure to compete with European wages

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      IN AFRICA itself, professional football doesn’t do so well, certainly not the club leagues.I’m afraid that, for all the solemn promises and grandiose schemes from Fifa, this will continue.
      The footballing structure in Africa needs improvement if it is to compete with EuropeCredit: Getty
      Morocco made history as the first African nation to make a World Cup semi-finalCredit: Getty
      It is truly history-making that Morocco reached the World Cup semi-finals.
      It shouts to the powerhouse football countries that elite-level coaching in the lesser developed world is first-class.
      And the skills are by no means taught by expats, all five countries that made it to Qatar were head-coached by Africans.
      So, we know they have the talent both on and off the pitch to succeed on a world stage.
      READ MORE ON THE WORLD CUP
      Where the difference lies is that the average footballer in Africa, from Morocco to Zimbabwe, earns £7,000 a month while the average Premier League wage is more than £250,000 a month.
      This is not a reflection of talent, but a direct reflection on the difference in the domestic leagues’ organisational structures as well as the broadcast rights and sponsorship revenue that each generate.
      The knock-on effect for the African domestic game is that outstanding footballers are quickly made to realise that fortunes are made in Europe, way beyond national boundaries, where top football is easier to come by and wages are much, much higher.
      Now the USA, Japan and the oil states are also tempting their players, emptying Africa of many riches. As ever.
      Most read in Football
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      Much of Africa is football barmy but actual progress on their own fields has been gradual, not least because of the lack of equipment, issues around fan safety and the mere fact trim grass is not readily available.
      That has never stopped boys or, increasingly, girls playing the game but unforgiving pitches, from sand to rock, take some overcoming.
      Fifa have plans to help.
      Publishing accounts isn’t their strong point but it is believed they have spent £2.5billion on worldwide assistance in the last six years.
      Divide that among about 200 countries and include too many fat, old committees and employees with a liking for posh offices, pleasant hotels and fleets of cars of their own.
      Fifa profit on the Qatar competition alone is about £7bn.
      In the long run, old-fashioned free-market economics will probably work better than dutiful charity because by all accounts the footballing countries of Africa teem with scouts watching out for talent.
      In time, I hope big TV fees and richer citizens may boost domestic clubs to the point where, say, 20 would form national Premier Leagues which pay players competitive salaries and retain their talent.
      Back in 1977, Pele predicted: “An African nation will win the World Cup before the year 2000.” That didn’t happen but they are edging closer.
      Read More on The Sun
      The precedents for the standard of domestic African football are not good.
      And it isn’t going to be much helped by the plan to have at least nine teams from the continent playing at the expanded World Cup 2026 if the focus remains on individual talent playing outside of Africa, rather than national team development inside of Africa. More

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      in Soccer

      Prem star Andros Townsend ‘smashed his car through roadworks while screaming & swearing’ sparking police probe

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      PREM star Andros Townsend is being investigated by police after allegedly smashing through roadworks screaming: “I need to get to my f***g house.” The Everton player hit a manned tarmac spreader after being told he could not drive to his property because the street was being resurfaced, it was claimed.
      Andros Townsend is being investigated by police after allegedly smashing through roadworks screaming and swearingCredit: PA:Press Association
      Townsend is reported to have screamed: ‘I need to get to my f***g house’Credit: Getty
      Townsend is accused of refusing to wait, or park his white £80,000 Range Rover and walk less than five minutes to his homeCredit: Alamy
      He is accused of refusing to wait, or park his white £80,000 Range Rover and walk less than five minutes to his home in Liverpool.
      Shaken staff at paving firm Sefton called police after the footballer’s vehicle broke a barrier and hit an eight-wheel asphalt machine on December 5.
      Police swiftly arrived and spoke to the 31-year-old footballer, who has 13 England caps, at his home.
      Sources said the former Spurs and Crystal Palace winger could be charged with dangerous driving as officers search for footage and investigations continue.
      Read More on Andros Townsend
      It came days after his return to the UK, having been part of ITV’s punditry team at the start of the World Cup in Qatar.
      A source told The Sun: “No one could believe their eyes. Andros, who was calmly commentating on our screens days earlier, was in a rage. The red mist descended.
      “Contractors were tarmacking the road less than five minutes from his property. It was unfortunate timing when he pulled up at a road barrier. The tarmac was piping hot and being laid in front of him.
      “It was impossible to drive a vehicle over the road. The workmen explained he could wait or park up and complete the short journey to his house on foot.
      Most read in Football
      “But Andros wasn’t having that. He screamed, ‘I need to get to my f*****g house’. And with that he knocked over the barrier, stopping traffic, and drove down the side of the pavement in a bid to dodge the roadworks.
      “But he was travelling at speed and his car hit a tarmac spreader. It was being driven by a worker, who was left in total shock.”
      Police said there were no reports of any injuries, adding: “The driver of the car has been identified and has been spoken to and inquiries are ongoing.”
      Townsend was contacted for comment. More

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      in Soccer

      I’m gutted for Kane after England World Cup heartbreak but Saka WAS fouled in build up to France opener, says Wilshere

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      I AM devastated for the England lads.They gave it everything and Harry Kane is really going to be hurting for a very long time after missing that penalty.
      Harry Kane missed a late penalty for England against FranceCredit: Getty
      The Three Lions were beaten 2-1 in the World Cup quarter-finalsCredit: Getty
      Unfortunately football can be very cruel and this emerging England team, which shows so much promise, will have to wait another 18 months or so for a chance to win an elusive trophy at the Euros.
      It was opening up for us with Morocco in the semi-finals, we were getting close to glory.
      But my old Arsenal mate Olivier Giroud turned out to be the match-winner.
      To be honest, it wasn’t one of his better games.
      Read More World Cup News
      We contained him and Kylian Mbappe pretty well.
      Sadly, as I warned Sun readers in my pre-match column, Olivier is a man to be reckoned with.
      And that header of his was classic Giroud — getting ahead of defenders to make them pay.
      It’s hard to take in that we lost, because for all we were one down at half-time, I still felt comfortable.
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      We’d certainly shown enough going forward.
      Kane looked good and was unlucky with that close-range effort which his club-mate Hugo Lloris did well to come out and smother.
      We were also probing down the flanks and you felt at any moment we might just get the break we needed.
      Phil Foden was getting on the ball and Bukayo Saka was driving at them.
      But, equally, Antoine Griezmann was class in the French midfield.
      He was finding space all over the park and everything was going through him.
      His link-up play was top drawer and at times England didn’t seem to know how to deal with him.
      But he was getting away with a few fouls and the booking he eventually got was deserved.
      While I thought Mbappe was relatively quiet, the way he wrestled his way clear to help set up their first goal showed how he doesn’t need much of a chance to hurt you.
      Even when the ball went back to Aurelien Tchouameni, I doubt fans were too worried.
      In fact I was thinking, ‘Go on then, hit it from there’.
      It seemed a heck of a long way out to have a go, we had plenty of bodies in the way — and while the Real Madrid star is a fine defensive midfielder — he’s not noted for his goalscoring.
      But you have to hand it to him for the strike.
      It was a beauty and somehow it found a way through to beat Jordan Pickford, who may have been unsighted as Tchouameni swung his boot.
      There’s always something you can do to try to prevent a goal — and you could argue England should have closed him down better.
      But the chances of scoring from there were not high.
      That said, Saka was definitely fouled at the start of the move, he’s so good at drawing those fouls but he’s an honest player.
      My kids were going absolutely mad at the injustice of it.
      The referee did not award a foul for this challenge on Bukayo SakaCredit: Getty
      Dayot Upamecano appeared to bundle Saka overCredit: Getty
      There was a foul on Kane as well — with big calls for a penalty — but for me it was just outside the box.
      We got on the front foot again after the break and while Olivier got that second goal for France, I still believed we could get back into it.
      And we had the chance with Harry’s penalty.
      Read More on The Sun
      You don’t expect him to miss, he’s so good.
      It will be no consolation to Harry — but it happens to the best of them.
      A devastated Kane reacts at full-timeCredit: Getty More