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      in Soccer

      Ivan Toney would have been PERFECT for Man Utd… but if he carries on scoring Chelsea could come calling

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      IVAN TONEY is a good friend of mine so I am very chuffed and pleased he has got his England call-up.It has been a long journey and he is finally getting the recognition he deserves.
      Brentford striker Ivan Toney has been called up to the England squad for the first timeCredit: Getty
      Toney has banged in five goals in six Premier League games this seasonCredit: Reuters
      He never made it in the England age groups but he has still played at a really good level for a really long time.
      He left Newcastle and dropped down divisions to prove he could deliver.

      And with the way the England set-up is now, I think his story could become even rarer in years to come so, when we see a story like Ivan’s, we have to champion it.
      There were even a lot of question marks when Brentford bought him from Peterborough but he is a proper finisher and an all-round No 9.
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      Aside from blistering pace, he is good at everything, including his insane penalty record, which Gareth Southgate would have had on his mind after how the Euros ended.
      His Brentford boss Thomas Frank has even said in the past that Ivan should be in the squad purely based on that alone — but he has so many other strings to his bow.
      If he was doing what he is doing now at a more glamorous club we would be waxing lyrical about him.
      But because he is at Brentford, it is a bit more unfashionable.
      Toney scored a hat-trick in Brentford’s 5-2 win over Leeds last time outCredit: Reuters
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      This guy has proven for a few years now that he can do it on the next level.
      I remember Ivan was linked with Arsenal and Manchester United  previously and he would have shone there.
      He would have been a perfect fit for United in terms of what they currently need up front, as well as Arsenal until Gabriel Jesus redefined that role for them.
      If he has the year he will likely have, even Chelsea will be keeping an eye on him.
      He could go there long-term and be a real success under Graham Potter.
      You look at the certain type of striker nowadays, your Darwin Nunez or Erling Haaland who are 6ft-plus and are mobile and can score all different types of goals, you have to put Ivan in that category.
      He has always been a humble kid but he is very confident in his ability and when you score the amount he has over the past two years, you would back yourself.
      And he will certainly back himself to impose his character and personality on this current England squad and training camp under Southgate ahead of the World Cup.
      Troy Deeney believes Chelsea could look to sign Toney at the end of the campaignCredit: Reuters
      If he was doing what he is doing now at a more glamorous club we would be waxing lyrical about him.”Troy Deeney
      What makes me say that is how his game evolved massively simply by playing briefly with Christian Eriksen last season at Brentford.
      He used to come deep a lot and yet a few months with Eriksen saw him stay high on the defender’s shoulder and he grabbed more goals.
      When he is around better players he lifts and raises his own game and being at England will only see him kick on and do more.
      Ivan won’t get intimidated and he will take his game to a whole new level.
      He really will flourish if he is given the time on the pitch by Southgate.
      You’d like to think Southgate is seriously considering Ivan for the World Cup, alongside the likes of Tammy Abraham.
      We all know Phil Foden, Jack Grealish, Raheem Sterling, Marcus Rashford and Harry Kane are already going.
      He has seen enough of them already. So, in these upcoming fixtures you have to give Ivan and Tammy that chance and experience.
      Toney fired in 12 top-flight goals last campaign to help the Bees finish in 13th spotCredit: Getty
      If he has the year he will likely have, Chelsea will be keeping an eye on him.Troy Deeney
      Give them a full game each and see how they do, rather than bringing either on for 20 minutes.
      Give the pair of them a proper challenge and see if they can sustain their club form at international level against two of the very best in Italy and Germany.
      Also, Southgate will be arguably more interested to see how Ivan fits in around this group off the pitch.
      At World Cups, it is more about the culture and how you mix with the lads socially in a different country for almost a month.
      Elsewhere in the squad, there has been a lot of talk about the inclusion of some names who either aren’t in form or haven’t played much this season.
      I am talking of Harry Maguire, Luke Shaw, Kalvin Phillips and Ben Chilwell.
      No English player has scored more than Toney in the Premier League this termCredit: Reuters
      But put yourself in the shoes of Southgate. He has never been let down by these players in an England shirt.
      Last time they were in a tournament they lost a final on penalties.
      Why would you now say someone like Maguire needs to be dropped because of some recent poor form for Manchester United, who aren’t playing well themselves?
      If he was at Manchester City and not playing well, when the team was flying, perhaps he needs to be dropped but it is not like that.
      It is fans getting too caught up in the short-term. I can see why Southgate has picked the players he has but he can never win.
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      Even if he picked his squad based on a poll on Twitter, there would still be complaints.
      He will live and die by his decisions but he knows that all too well by now. More

    • 250 Shares139 Views

      in Boxing

      Tyson Fury thinks Anthony Joshua is already running scared of him and has upper hand ahead of all-Brit heavyweight fight

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      TYSON FURY believes Antony Joshua is already running scared ahead of their blockbuster December fight. The Gyspy King has told pals the “wall of silence” coming from AJ indicates he already has the upper hand. 
      Tyson Fury believes he already has the upper hand ahead of his Anthony Joshua clashCredit: PA
      Anthony Joshua’s silence in the build-up has been deafening, according to FuryCredit: PA
      An insider close to the Fury camp said: “So far AJ has allowed his management team to do all the talking.
      “In contrast, Tyson has been front and centre pushing for this contest and taking the fight directly to Joshua. 
      “Tyson thinks this says it all and that he already has the upper hand and that he has AJ on the run. 
      “He is determined to boss things in and out of the ring from here until fight night.”
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      Tyson goaded AJ a few weeks ago after offering him an unexpected way back to the big time. 
      Urging AJ to take a 60/40 split of a £50m fee, Fury told him: “AJ, I have not heard from you at all… you have not said whether you want the fight or not.
      “To clarify, there has never been a December 17 date, ever.
      “There has only been November 26 at Wembley or December 3 in Cardiff.
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      “This is it AJ, don’t get scared now.
      “Agree to the fight and let’s give the fans what they want.
      “I have given you an unbelievable deal and an unbelievable opportunity, so it’s showtime. Take the fight.”
      The contract for the fight has since been signed by Joshua’s team as they confirmed the 60/40 split and December 3 date.
      Yesterday we told how Fury is vowing to win his fight against AJ “nice and early”. 

      When will Tyson Fury vs Anthony Joshua take place? All you need to know on blockbuster bout
      Fury celebrates retaining the WBC belt after beating Dillian Whyte in AprilCredit: Reuters
      Joshua lost the opportunity to become a three-time world champion when he lost to Oleksandr Usyk last monthCredit: Getty
      “Tyson wants to leave with a win and win in style,” a source close to the Gypsy King said. 
      “He wants to leave no one in doubt who is the better fighter.
      “He wants an early KO to put the whole debate about who is the better fighter to bed once and for all.”
      Despite having everything to lose, Tyson has also told pals he feels “zero pressure”.
      Our source added: “Tyson isn’t nervous. Why would he be? He knows he has all the tools to dismantle Joshua and he plans to demonstrate that.”
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      Tyson’s vow comes days after Fury’s US promoter Bob Arum warned Joshua he faces a “massacre” if he accepts the challenge of the all-British clash.
      WBC heavyweight world champion Fury announced his retirement after beating Dillian Whyte in April, but has reversed that decision numerous times.  More

    • 175 Shares199 Views

      in Soccer

      Footie ace Andy Carroll wrecks £130k Mercedes in horrifying head-on crash with Ford Fiesta

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      FORMER England footballer Andy Carroll has been involved in a horrifying head-on crash.His £130,000 Mercedes GLS SUV collided with a Ford Fiesta — shunting it 30 yards up the road.
      Former England footballer Andy Carroll is spoken to by police after he was involved in a horrifying head-on crash
      His £130,000 Mercedes GLS SUV collided with a Ford Fiesta — shunting it 30 yards up the road
      Witnesses living on the residential street told how the ex-Liverpool, Newcastle and West Ham striker looked “dazed and in utter shock” as he emerged from his monster motor.
      The ponytailed player, 33, then swiftly went to check on the condition of the three people in the red Fiesta.
      A front wheel of Carroll’s black Merc came off. Side panels and part of the bumper were also smashed.
      Witnesses said Carroll, 33, who had been at the wheel, was breathalysed along with the woman driver of the Fiesta. No arrests were made.
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      Carroll and a male pal with him escaped injury.
      A male Fiesta passenger in his 50s was taken to hospital after complaining of chest pains.
      Steve Garboulb saw the crash at 3.25pm on Saturday in Romford, East London, and said: “It was lucky no one died.
      “The Fiesta and Mercedes collided head-on and another vehicle was hit in the carnage. It was a freak accident.”
      John Cooper, who lives nearby said: “I heard the most awful bang.
      “I saw Andy Carroll emerge from his vehicle. He was wandering around in a daze.
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      “Andy was in shock but said to me, ‘What do you think of my car?’ I replied, ‘I think it’s a write-off, mate.”
      Police were investigating.
      Carroll — who has nine England caps — spent the second half of last season with Championship side West Bromwich Albion but his contract was not renewed.
      He was approached for comment.
      Carroll spent the second half of last season with West Bromwich Albion but his contract was not renewedCredit: PA More

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      in Soccer

      Man Utd stars believe Cristiano Ronaldo will push for January transfer after losing place to Marcus Rashford

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      MANCHESTER UNITED stars believe Cristiano Ronaldo is still angling for a move – and has his eye on a January exit.The Portuguese superstar made it clear to Old Trafford bosses he wanted to leave before the season started.
      Cristiano Ronaldo could look to force through a move away from Manchester United in JanuaryCredit: Rex
      Boss Erik ten Hag has preffered to start Marcus Rashford up top instead of RonaldoCredit: AFP
      But Ronaldo will now stay a United player until 2023 after the transfer window closed ten days ago without agent Jorge Mendes finding him a new club.
      The likes of Chelsea, Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund, Atletico Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain all turned down the chance to sign him.
      Meanwhile Ronaldo himself snubbed a switch to Saudi Arabia after being offered a whopping £2MILLION-a-week salary by an unnamed club.
      SunSport exclusively revealed on Saturday how Erik ten Hag is confident of winning the Premier League this season… with Marcus Rashford leading the line instead on the five-time Ballon d’Or winner.
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      Ronaldo has been restricted to just one top-flight start this campaign, and has been named on the bench for the last four Premier League matches.
      The striker, 37, cut a frustrated figure as he drew a blank in the Europa League against Real Sociedad on Thursday where he was named in the starting XI.
      A source said: “All the players loved it when Ronaldo came back to United last season but they are frustrated he missed pre-season.
      “The manager put a lot of work into giving the squad detailed information about what he wanted them to do and how he wanted them to play.
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      “Ronaldo is not up to speed with that and is relying on instinct when he plays. But that doesn’t work in Ten Hag’s system.
      “He often demands the ball too early in build-up play and drops deep for the ball, but that means when the ball is wide there is no-one in the middle to hit it into.
      “Ten Hag and the rest of the players really rate Ronaldo.
      “But it’s clear that the success they have had this season is from following tactical instruction rather than the individual brilliance they relied on last season.
      “Ronaldo is likely to find himself on the bench again going forward.
      “And he is going to have to get used to scoring a lot less goals because he is only being introduced towards the end of games when Ten Hag has already made changes which make United less attacking.
      “He needs to realise it’s only going to work if he tunes into ten Hag’s plans.”
      Portugal international Ronaldo is in the final year of his contract at the Theatre of DreamsCredit: Getty More

    • 238 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Everton doctors think Jordan Pickford’s thigh injury is caused by his powerful KICKING as England worry before World Cup

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      JORDAN PICKFORD’S thigh injury is causing some concern for Everton and England — but could be simply down to his KICKING.The keeper, 28, was feeling pain in a thigh before breaking down in the Merseyside derby and he faces at least a month out.
      Jordan Pickford is set to be out for a month after picking up a thigh injuryCredit: Getty
      Everton’s medical team believe Pickford’s powerful kicking could be a cause of the problemCredit: Getty
      An Everton statement read: “Jordan Pickford suffered a thigh injury against Liverpool. 
      “The England international has undergone medical investigations this week and is not expected to return to action until after the next international break.”
      Now the Toffees’ medical team are planning to assess Pickford during rehab.
      The Goodison Park outfit fear his powerful striking of the ball is causing the issue.
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      His long ball ability was there for all to see in Everton’s 1-1 draw against Nottingham Forest last month.
      The former Sunderland shot-stopper produced the pass of the season so far as he played in Demarai Gray to equalise late on.
      Pickford’s injury will be a huge blow for England ahead of their upcoming Uefa Nations League games with Italy and Germany at the end of September.
      And his absence in the team will give Arsenal ace Aaron Ramsdale the chance to impress boss Gareth Southgate in his quest to be the Three Lions’ No1.
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      There has been much debate as to who should start in the World Cup with Ramsdale impressing since he joined the Gunners from Sheffield United last year.
      And with Nick Pope dazzling between the sticks for Newcastle, Southgate will be given food for thought ahead of the global tournament in Qatar.
      But Pickford is expected to keep his place as Southgate’s No1 with the player in fine form this campaign having starred against Chelsea, Brentford and Liverpool.
      It remains to be seen if Everton will dip into the free market to snap up another goalkeeper with third choice Andy Lonergan out with a knee injury.
      Veteran Asmir Begovic will be expected to fill Pickford’s shoes, with academy ace Billy Cremlin Frank Lampard’s only other alternative. More

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      in Soccer

      Lioness Beth Mead set to release two new books after Euros success

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      LIONESS star Beth Mead is following in the footsteps of Marcus Rashford by putting pen to paper for two new books.The Euro 2022 champion is writing an autobiography detailing her journey from when she first started kicking a ball for her village team aged six to Wembley stadium in July where she and the rest of the England squad beat Germany 2-1.
      Beth Mead, 27, is writing an autobiography which will tackle her top level football career
      Striker Beth, 27, is working on two books which will tackle her top level football career.
      The first, which will be published in November, is called “Lioness: My Journey to Glory”, and will detail the “challenges, sacrifices and dedication” needed to win a major football tournament.
      She also plans to pen a book aimed at encouraging girls and boys to start their football careers titled “Roar: A Football Hero’s Guide to Dreaming Big and Playing the Game You Love”, out next year.
      Beth said: “I’m eager for the world to know me in a new way and for people to learn more about the challenges, sacrifices and dedication that go into winning a major tournament.
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      “I feel very proud and honoured to be among the first female footballers to be able to tell their story in this way.”
      She added she hopes her kids book will “inspire girls and boys to play the sport they love, dream big, work hard and never give up.
      “But most importantly, I hope it encourages them to pursue the things they enjoy the most and have fun while they do it.”
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      in Soccer

      England WAG Georgina Irwin comes to Jamie Redknapp’s rescue after gross in-flight incident

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      FOOTBALL pundit Jamie Redknapp has told how an England star’s fiancée came to his rescue after his baby soiled a toilet.The ex-Liverpool star, 49, was flying to the Maldives when Raphael needed a nappy change.
      Football pundit Jamie Redknapp has told how an England star’s fiancée came to his rescue after his baby soiled a toiletCredit: Rex
      BA attendant Georgina Irwin, 26, was proposed to by Arsenal goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale last monthCredit: Instagram @georginamay_
      Jamie recalled: “I get into the cubicle and I get more than I bargained for.
      “It was like an explosion in a Nutella office. It is everywhere.
      “And now I’m looking at it thinking, ‘I’m not equipped for this.’”
      BA attendant Georgina Irwin, 26, proposed to by Arsenal goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale last month, knocked on the door “and saves the day”, he said.
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      Jamie said he felt like “dad of the year” when he emerged.
      But he told Sky Max show A League of Their Own: “Georgina touches me on the side and says, ‘You’ve got poo in your ear, Jamie.’”
      Her fiancé Aaron spelled out “Marry Me?” in huge letters across their hotel room during a romantic break.
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      Georgina got engaged to Aaron on a romantic break last monthCredit: Instagram @georginamay_ More

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      in Soccer

      Man Utd legend Jaap Stam lauds Erik ten Hag’s tactical tweaks with Lisandro Martinez thriving in new set-up

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      JAAP STAM believes Erik ten Hag’s tinkering of Manchester United has proved instrumental in the club’s upturn of form.And the Red Devils legend has also praised Lisandro Martinez for his recent dazzling displays after being critical of the defender earlier in the season.
      Manchester United icon Jaap Stam has heaped praise on Erik ten Hag and Lisandro MartinezCredit: AP:Associated Press
      Ten Hag’s Red Devils side have won their last four Premier League matchesCredit: Getty
      Martinez has started all six top-flight matches following his summer switch from AjaxCredit: Getty
      Following Brentford’s 4-0 victory against United last month where the Argentine ace was hauled off at half-time, Stam warned Ten Hag he may need to drop the player to avoid conceding goals.
      But the Dutch gaffer kept his faith in the ex-Ajax centre-back, where he has partnered him up alongside Raphael Varane instead of skipper Harry Maguire.
      Ten Hag has also changed up his tactics in the middle of the pitch, where he now plays two holding midfielders as opposed to just one.
      Speaking exclusively to SunSport on behalf of bet365, Stam was asked what has changed for Martinez with United conceding just twice from their last four games.
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      He answered: “Him and Varane have been doing well. After the Brentford game, they’ve been playing together and there’s a connection between the two, they feel what the other one is doing.
      “So automatically, things are now a lot simpler than how it was before. 
      “I know Martinez from over in Holland, of course the first starts he made and I know his mentality in what he’s trying to do.
      “You can see the player is making a change too in how to approach a game, how to go into the battles, the one-v-one’s and what he needs to bring to game, which is a very positive thing.
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      “Importantly for him and also the whole squad was that they changed their setup.
      “Instead of using the one holding defender, they go to two with [Scott] McTominay and [Christian] Eriksen and Bruno [Fernandes] as a No10, which is very important for when they lose the ball.
      “But also when they go into a block, defensively having two players to shield you works better. 
      “The work rate of the team is better than before and you can see players running back, tracking back and they’re very compact now.
      “You can see that the opposition find it very difficult to pass through the lines to create opportunities. Arsenal did it a couple of times, but in the end, they didn’t manage to make the final pass to score. 
      We’re now seeing how the manager wants them to play and the philosophy so it’s not always easy, he’s done well to turn it aroundJaap StamOn Man Utd
      “So, in general the team are doing quite well defensively, but there will always be teams who have the quality to play through it.
      “Sometimes it will go wrong, but that’s part and parcel of being a manager and planning for it.”
      Stam, who has also expressed his fear that Cristiano Ronaldo may “become a problem” at United, then commented on United’s stunning turnaround, where he remarked: “It’s been very impressive.
      “It’s good for the manager and very important for the team to make a change, especially after a start like that.
      “The first two games, losing, not getting the results they wanted, it’s very important to turn things around as quickly as they have done.
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      “We’re now seeing how the manager wants them to play and the philosophy so it’s not always easy, he’s done well to turn it around and make changes within the team.
      “We’ve also seen slight changes in the style of play and personnel, and they’ve seen the benefits of that in getting results.” More