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      Why does England manager Lee Carsley not sing national anthems?

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      LEE CARSLEY will not sing God Save The King today when he takes charge of England for the first time against Ireland.Carsley made 40 appearances for Ireland as a player and takes the reins with the Three Lions senior squad after huge success with the England Under-21s, guiding them to European Under-21 Championship last year.Lee Carsley won’t sing God Save the King before England’s clash with IrelandCredit: PAThe 50-year-old has taken over from Gareth Southgate initially on an interim basis for the games against Ireland and Finland in the Nations League.Ireland are first up this afternoon in Dublin before a home clash against Finland at Wembley on Tuesday night.Southgate stepped down as England manager in July after steering the Three Lions to successive finals in European Championships.Like Southgate, Carsley has been promoted up by the FA from the Under-21s to take charge of the national team.Lee Carsley made 40 appearances for Ireland as a playerCredit: PAWhy does Lee Carsley not sing national anthems?Lee Carsely will not sing the national anthem today as he has never sung them in his career.The midfielder was born in Birmingham but made 40 appearances for Ireland as a player after qualifying through his grandmother, who was from Cork.Carsley did not sing the Irish anthem before playing for them nor the British anthem when managing the England Under 21s.The 50-year-old has said that he is too focused on the task at hand in his pre-match ritual when national anthems are rung out in the stadium.Most read in FootballCarsley said: “This is something that I always struggled with when I was playing for Ireland.”I am thinking about how the opposition are going to set up and our first actions within the game.”I fully respect both anthems and understand how much they mean to both countries.” More

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      Who are Jack Grealish’s parents Kevin and Karen?

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      JACK GREALISH is the superstar footballer who is one of the nation’s favourite players.But who are the star’s parents? Here’s everything you need to know Kevin and Karen Grealish.Karen and Kevin Grealish inspired Jack to go into footballCredit: SportsfileJack plays for Manchester City and EnglandCredit: GettyWho are Jack Grealish’s parents Kevin and Karen?Jack was born on September 10, 1995, in Birmingham and he was raised by his parents Kevin and Karen.Kevin Grealish is a property director, while Karen is the director of Hampton Gate Management company.The couple were born just a year apart, with Karen being born in 1964 and Kevin being born the following year.They raised their son in Solihull, Birmingham, and were active supporters of his football dream.Read more on Jack GrealishKevin sees the funny side in his son’s career though, when he revealed Man City’s whopping £47,000 drinks bill from their Premier League and Champions League celebrations in 2023.How long have Kevin and Karen Grealish been together for?Kevin and Karen has kept much of their personal life private, so they have not confirmed when they got married. However, they have been together for as long as Jack has been alive. They are partly responsible for Jack’s love of football, as they are huge Aston Villa fans. Most read in FootballJack grew up watching Aston Villa’s games with his parents, inspiring him to pursue the sport himself.Jack now plays for Manchester City though, as a midfielder, as well as playing for the England national team.He is dating Sasha Attwood and the couple are expecting a child together.How many children do Kevin and Karen Grealish have?Jack’s family, including his fiancee Sasha and sister Kiera, are very closeCredit: PA: Press AssociationKevin and Karen have welcomed five children, including Jack who is their oldest. Their other children are named Kiera, Kevan, Holly, and Keelan Daniel Grealish.However, sadly, Keelan passed away from sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) in 2000, at the age of just nine months.Holly also has cerebral palsy, a group of movement disorders that cause poor coordination, stiff muscles, weak muscles, and tremors. More

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      Who are Declan Rice’s parents Stephanie and Sean?

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      DECLAN RICE is an England ace who previously turned out for the Republic of Ireland.The Arsenal ace’s roots are Irish, but he was born in London. Here’s everything you need to know about Declan’s mum and dad, Stephanie and Sean Rice.Declan Rice’s dad Sean is also his managerCredit: Twitter/XDeclan with mum Stephanie after the match against Slovenia at Euro 2024Credit: GettyWho are Declan Rice’s parents Stephanie and Sean?Declan was born on January 14, 1995, in Kingston Upon Thames.His father, Sean, was born in London after his parents emigrated from County Cork, Ireland.Although Declan plays for Arsenal, his father Sean is a massive Chelsea supporter.His dad encouraged him to play football and became his agent in 2020.Read more on sportsDue to his Irish heritage, Declan played for Ireland’s youth teams from 2015-2018, winning 17 caps from Under-17 to U21 level.He then made his senior debut in 2018, earning three caps.However, in 2019 Declan switched his allegiance from the Republic of Ireland to England.Speaking about the transfer, Declan’s dad said: “I’m very Irish, my mum and dad were very Irish and Declan grew up in an Irish/English environment as a lot of people from London do.Most read in Football”And so at the end of the day he had to make a choice and I have to support my son.”Declan posted a statement about his transfer on Instagram that said he has “equal respect and love for both England and Ireland”.He said that, ultimately, he made the decision based on what he believes is “best for my future”.How long have Stephanie and Sean Rice been married?Stephanie and Sean have chosen to keep much of their personal life private, but Declan sometimes shares a snap of his parents on social media.Although they have not confirmed when they got married, the couple have been together since before Declan was born. Declan credits his mum with creating a close-knit family environment that encouraged him to pursue his passions.Like her husband, Stephanie is also of Irish descent but was born and raised in London.Declan is the proud dad of a son named JudeCredit: PA WireDeclan had Jude with his partner LaurenCredit: PA MediaHow many children do Stephanie and Sean Rice have?Stephanie and Sean have three children – Conor, Jordan and Declan.The footie star is the youngest and regularly posts pics with his brothers on Instagram.He credits his brothers with helping to get him into football and driving him to be the best he can.READ MORE SUN STORIESOne of his brothers made headlines in 2023, when he teased Declan transferring from West Ham to Arsenal.Declan is a now a parent himself as his partner, Lauren Fryer, gave birth to their son Jude in 2022. More

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      Why is Phil Foden NOT playing for England today?

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      IT’S a new era for English football as interim boss Lee Carsley will guide the Three Lions for the first time in the Nations League tonight.Fifty-five days after their Euro 2024 heartbreak, England return to action when they travel to face the Republic of Ireland at 5:00pm.Phil Foden has withdrawn from Lee Carsley’s first England squadGareth Southgate stepped down as manager within two days of losing his second consecutive Euros final after a glistering eight years at the helm.And new steward Carsley has picked a new-look team as Tino Livramento, Morgan Gibbs-White, Angel Gomes and Noni Madueke earned their maiden Three Lions senior-call up.But Phil Foden joins a list of three stars who have withdrawn from the squad…Why is Phil Foden not playing for England?Phil Foden has withdrawn from England’s camp through illness.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSThe current PFA Player of the Year is suffering from a stomach virus and did not report to St George’s Park.Pep Guardiola cited the virus as the reason he did not travel to East London for Manchester City’s 3-1 victory at West Ham on Saturday.When asked about the possibility of Foden reporting for international duty, Guardiola said: “I don’t think so right now.”I think he will not go but I don’t know. He doesn’t feel well. But national teams, they decide. People say with antibiotics and so on he will be fine.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSFoden is also ruled out of Tuesday’s game against Finland at Wembley.No information has been provided about when he might return to action.Cristiano Ronaldo breaks down in tears as 39-year-old becomes first player EVER to score 900 goalsFoden has scored four goals in 41 appearances for England since making his international debut against Iceland in September 2020.The 24-year-old temporarily left England’s camp during the Euros in Germany to support girlfriend Rebecca Cooke at the birth of the couple’s third child.Cole Palmer and Ollie Watkins have also withdrawn from the squad in another huge blow to Carsley.Palmer, 22, and Watkins, 28, reported to England’s base on Tuesday.But following assessment, both returned to their respective Premier League clubs to continue rehabilitation for ongoing issues.Lee Carsley’s first senior England squad More

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      How many Ireland caps does Jack Grealish have?

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      JACK Grealish is back in the Three Lions squad after missing out on a spot at Euro 2024.But he wasn’t always an England player, having come up through the youth ranks in Ireland.Jack Grealish first represented Ireland at Under-17 levelCredit: CorbisWhen did Jack Grealish play for the Republic for Ireland?Birmingham-born Jack Grealish’s rise to England’s senior set-up took a five-year detour through the Republic of Ireland.In 2010, 14-year-old Grealish was sent home from an England Under-15 training camp after he fell ill and fainted.Following this disappointment, scout Mark O’Toole alerted Ireland to his grandfather’s Galway heritage after watching him play at the Nike Premier Cup.It paid off as Grealish went on to earn caps with the U15s in a green shirt — but England was still interested in the youngster and made contact a year later.read more on jack grealishFormer Three Lions U17 coach John Peacock said: “Myself and U16 head coach Kenny Swain had several discussions with him about switching back but he was undecided.”Grealish was veering towards Ireland, but doubts appeared when he was left out of the U21 squad in October 2012.This encouraged another offer from the Three Lions, with Ireland U21 coach Noel King revealing in May 2013 that Grealish’s eye was wandering to England.But the FAI refused to back down, having already lost defender Michael Keane to England in a similar situation.Most read in FootballKing acted three months later by giving 17-year-old Grealish one of the youngest ever caps at U21 level, making his debut as a sub against the Faroe Islands.Paul Lambert was appointed Aston Villa manager — Grealish’s club at the time — in June 2012, but it was not until late 2014 that he saw international dilemma reach boiling point.‘Fake Paddy’ slurs were thrown at Grealish during matches, and he was on the wrong end of loaded remarks made by assistant Ireland coach Roy Keane.This turbulence led to England U21 boss Gareth Southgate admitting to trying to get the midfielder back in an England shirt in October 2012.Within days of this, he pulled out of an Irish U21 game against Norway to play in a friendly for Villa, before then distancing himself from a senior international debut.Watch sweet moment Jack Grealish says ‘do you still like me-‘ to young Aston Villa fan who asks him to sign shirtVilla boss Lambert was already in Grealish’s bad books after warning the club against giving him a bumper new contract, afraid of the trappings of fame, which he described as ‘nightclubs, alcohol and girlfriends’.But his player’s national identity was also proving to be a tense issue.He said: “I had Jack in the office several times for a good telling off, one in particular for not turning up to training.“Then the Irish thing came up. He seemed pretty torn. I didn’t want him to make the wrong decision.[Jack] realised he had a serious choice to makeTim Sherwood“You have to be comfortable playing for an international side. All I was saying was ‘watch yourself’.“He might turn around today and say ‘Paul Lambert was a real s**t’ or may understand. I thought he had too much on his plate too soon.“I was trying to guide him. I hope he sees that now.”Fast forward to March 2015, and Tim Sherwood was in the Villa hot-seat.But Grealish still hadn’t made his choice between England and Ireland, with things made even more confusing when he won the Ireland U21 Player of the Year award in Dublin.Sherwood said: “I think that night was when it really all started for him. He realised he had a serious choice to make.”Sherwood tried to guide Grealish, telling the youngster: “Don’t choose Ireland just because you think you will get into the team quicker.”You have a long career ahead of you to make it for England.”When he picked up the award, Grealish said he took a year out of internationals to concentrate on club football, promised he would play for Ireland again soon.But Jack switched allegiance to England in 2015 to play for the seniorsCredit: Rex FeaturesBut two months later he turned down another call-up, this time for a friendly against England and a Euro qualifier against Scotland, following a chat with Three Lions boss Roy Hodgson.On October 28, 2015, Grealish finally told Ireland boss Martin O’Neill he’d made the decision to represent England at senior level.Sherwood added: “If you have a player who is head and shoulders above most of your squad, you will fight hard to recruit him.“In the end, he chose England. He made the decision to wait, even if his performances were already befitting of an international player.”How many Ireland caps does Jack Grealish have?Grealish made his debut for the Republic of Ireland U17s in October 2011 when he was 16 years old.He went on to earn seven caps at that level and score three goals.The midfielder won six caps for the U18s, scoring twice.And in August 2013, while he was still 17, Grealish played for the Irish U21s for the first time, going on to achieve six caps at the level and score one goal.READ MORE SUN STORIESSo in total, the Man City ace has 19 caps for Ireland and scored six goals.So when England line up against the Irish in the Nations League on Saturday, September 7, 2024 in Dublin, it wouldn’t be surprising if Grealish receives somewhat of a hostile reception. More

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      How many caps for Ireland does England manager Lee Carsley have?

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      LEE Carsley is leading the Three Lions into a new era following Gareth Southgate’s exit after England’s Euro 2024 final heartbreak.His first match in charge is against the country he represented as a player for over a decade — the Republic of Ireland.England interim manager Lee Carsley and assistant coach Ashley Cole pictured during training on September 4, 2024Credit: ReutersWho is Lee Carsley?Lee Carsley was born in Birmingham on February 28, 1974.He enjoyed a long career as a professional footballer, playing for five clubs between 1994 and 2011 — a total of 548 matches.His two longest stints were at Derby County and Everton, where he made his name as a talented midfielder during a six-season spell.Lee also played Blackburn Rovers and Birmingham City, as well as two stints at Coventry City.READ MORE ON LEE CARSELYHe started earning his coaching badges while still playing for Everton, and was appointed head coach of Coventry’s Under-18s in July 2011.Lee left for then Championship side Brentford in 2015 as manager of the development squad.Following the sudden departure of Marinus Dijkhuizen, he was promoted to lead the first-team, taking charge of ten games.He won half of the matches and was named Championship manager of the month in October 2015, before he stepped aside when Dean Smith was appointed.Most read in FootballLee joined the England youth setup as a specialist coach in 2017, before becoming England U20 head coach in 2021.He only took charge of two matches before being promoted to the U21 side in July of the same year.England interim manager Lee Carsley speaks to the media as he announces his first squad since taking over from Gareth SouthgateHis stunning record as England U21 boss includes winning 79.3% of his 29 matches in charge, as well as leading the Young Lions to a Euros win in 2023 — their first title in the competition since 1984.The former Under-21s boss was revealed as the replacement for Gareth Southgate on August 9, 2024.He will be in charge of England’s matches against the Republic of Ireland on September 7, and Finland at Wembley three days later.Ex-England left-back Ashley Cole has been named as Lee’s assistant coach.It’s weird, one minute I was down in the dumps. The next I’m thinking over which of two squads to joinLee CarsleyA statement from the FA confirmed the news, reading: “Lee Carsley has been appointed interim head coach of England senior men ahead of the start of the 2024-25 UEFA Nations League campaign.”Carsley will step up from his role in charge of the Men’s U21s, initially for September’s fixtures away to Republic of Ireland and at home to Finland.”But with a view to remaining in the position throughout autumn while the FA’s recruitment process for a new permanent head coach continues.”Lee said: “It’s an honour to step up and lead this England squad on an interim basis.”As I am very familiar with the players and the cycle of international football, it makes sense for me to guide the team while the FA continues the process to recruit a new manager.Lee Carsley was appointed interim head coach of England on August 9, 2024Credit: Getty”My main priority is to ensure continuity and our goal is to secure promotion in the UEFA Nations League.”Lee Carsley is married to Louisa, but when the couple tied the knot hasn’t been reported.They live in Kenilworth, Warwickshire with their three children — two sons named Callum and Connor, and a daughter called Lois.When did Lee Carsley play for the Republic of Ireland?Lee qualified for the Irish national side through his grandmother, who was from County Cork.Lee Carsley led England to victory in the 2023 U21 EurosCredit: Getty In 1995, Ireland manager Jack Charlton’s assistant Maurice Setters approached Lee about joining the naton’s U21 set-up.After his club at the time, Derby, was approached by the FA about inviting then 21-year-old Lee to join England U21s at the Toulon Tournament, he seemingly had a decision to make.But he was struck down with a serious injury, could not got to the competition representing either nations, and was under the impression his England U21 chance had passed him by.Following his recovery however, in November 1995 he had a tough choice to make.Speaking to local reporters in Derby at the time, he said: “It’s weird, one minute I was down in the dumps. The next I’m thinking over which of two squads to join.”Lee Carsley with former Everton teammate and doppelganger Thomas GravesenCredit: AFP — GettyLee spoke with speaking with Derby manager Jim Smith before making his decision.Smith said full England international caps are hard to come by, whereas the Ireland route represented more of an opportunity for playing time. A week later Lee played the Republic of Ireland U21s 3-1 defeat against Portugal.At the time, he told the Derby Telegraph that he chose Ireland because he “could wait forever for another call” from England.He went on to add that his Irish grandfather was “absolutely delighted” and that he was “happy with the choice”.His international career playing for the Ireland men’s team lasted from 1997 to 2008.How many caps for Ireland does England manager Lee Carsley have?Lee earned his first cap for the Ireland senior side on October 11, 1997 in a World Cup 1998 qualifying match against Romania, which ended in a 1-1 draw.He went on to play in Ireland’s two playoff matches against Belgium — ultimately failing to qualify after a 3-2 aggregate defeat.Lee became a regular fixture in the team during the nation’s unsuccessful Euro 2000 qualifying campaign.He was selected in Mick McCarthy’s squad for the 2002 World Cup in South Korea and Japan, despite not featuring regularly in internationals for the previous year and a half and only playing in one qualifier for the tournament.READ MORE SUN STORIESHowever, Lee only made one appearance during the tournament as a late substitute in a 3-0 group stage win over Saudi Arabia.On the international stage, Lee won 40 caps for the Republic of Ireland senior side in a career spanning over a decade. 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      Why is Cole Palmer not in Chelsea’s Uefa Conference League squad?

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      CHELSEA will begin their Uefa Conference League campaign at the start of October.Enzo Maresca’s men will compete in the competition’s first-ever league phase, with the Blues playing six matches, three at home and the rest away. Cole Palmer has not been selected in Chelsea’s Conference Leauge squadCredit: AlamyChelsea kick off their Conference League campaign by hosting Gent at Stamford Bridge in four weeks time.Shamrock Rovers and FC Noah are the Blues’ remaining home fixtures, with trips to Heidenheim, FC Astana and Panathinaikos completing the fixture list.But three key players have been left out of Chelsea’s league phase squad…Why is Cole Palmer not in Chelsea’s Conference League squad?Enzo Maresca has named his 27-man squad for the Conference League league phase.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe list does not include Wesley Fofana, Romeo Lavia and starman Cole Palmer.The decision not to include the trio was due to load management, as Chelsea will compete in five competitions potentially until July 2025Should the Blues progress to the knockout stage, the London club will be able to add three players to their list, but they must replace existing members of the squad.This could see the likes of Fofana, Lavia and Palmer registered if Maresca felt he needed to bolster his options as the Conference League hits the business end.Most read in FootballWho is in Chelsea’s initial Conference League squad?Here is Chelsea’s initial 27-man for the Conference League:Goalkeepers: Sanchez, Jorgensen, BergstromDefenders: Disasi, Cucurella, Adarabioyo, Badiashile, Colwill, James, Gusto, Acheampong, VeigaMidfielders: Fernandez, Madueke, Chukwuemeka, Nkunku, Sancho, Dewsbury-Hall, Caicedo, Casadei, George, DyerForwards: Neto, Mudryk, Felix, Jackson, GuiuChelsea’s Conference League league phase fixturesHere are all six of Chelsea’s league phase fixtures:Thursday, October 3Chelsea vs GentKick-off: 8pmThursday, October 24Panathinaikos vs ChelseaKick-off: 5.45pmREAD MORE SUN STORIESThursday, November 7Chelsea vs FC NoahKick-off: 8pmThursday, November 28Heidenheim vs ChelseaKick-off: 5.45pmThursday, December 12FC Astana vs ChelseaKick-off: 3.30pmThursday, December 19Chelsea vs Shamrock RoversKick-off: 8pm More

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      Who was Rebecca Cheptegei? Olympic runner died after ‘petrol attack by ex-boyfriend’

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      REBECCA Cheptegei tragically died when her boyfriend allegedly doused her in petrol and set her on fire. The Ugandan athlete, 33, had recently competed in the marathon at the 2024 Paris Olympics.Rebecca Cheptegei tragically died after being set on fire, allegedly by her ex-boyfriendCredit: AlarmyRebecca had competed at the Paris 2024 OlympicsCredit: AFPWho was Rebecca Cheptegei? The Olympian competed in cross country, long distance and marathon events. Rebecca was born on February 22, 1991, in Uganda and began racing in 2010.According to her Olympics bio, she was a soldier and trained with the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces.The runner’s final competition was at in the marathon at the Paris 2024 Olympics.Read more in crimeShe sadly died months later after her ex-boyfriend allegedly attacked her at her home on September 1, 2024.What happened to Rebecca Cheptegei? Local police chief Jeremiah Ole Kosiom told local reporters that Rebecca and her ex-boyfriend Dickson Ndiema were heard arguing outside their home in western Trans Nzoia County, Kenya. He said: “During the altercation, the boyfriend was seen pouring a liquid on the woman before burning her”.Rebecca suffered from burns on over 75 per cent of her body as a result of the attack.Most read in AthleticsShe was rushed to an intensive care unit at the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret, Kenya, but sadly passed away from her injuries on September 5, 2024. According to Kenyan newspaper The Nation, a five-litre jerry can, a bag, and a burned phone were discovered at the scene of the incident.Rebecca’s ex-boyfriend also suffered from burn injuries as a result of the attack and was rushed to hospital. The attack had come after a report published in January 2023 found that 34% of women in Kenya (above the age of 15) had experienced physical violence. There have been several high-profile murders of women in Kenya in recent years, including the death of runner Agnes Tirop who was found stabbed to death in her home in October 2021. Her husband, Ibrahim Rotich, is on trial for her murder but denies the charges.Who has paid tribute to Rebecca Cheptegei? The Ugandan Athletics Federation paid tribute to RebeccaCredit: AP: Associated PressThousands of fans and several sports bodies have paid tribute to the incredible runner. The Ugandan Athletics Federation said: “We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of our athlete, Rebecca Cheptegei early this morning who tragically fell victim to domestic violence. “As a federation, we condemn such acts and call for justice. “May her soul rest In Peace.”Rebecca’s father, Joseph Cheptegei, told reporters that he prayed for “justice for my daughter”.He also said that his daughter and her ex-husband had been embroiled in a property dispute, before her death.What did Rebecca Cheptegei achieve during her career?Rebecca had just competed at the Paris 2024 Olympics before she died on September 1, 2024. She raced against her fellow athletes in the Olympic marathon, where she finished 44th. When Rebecca qualified for the Olympics, she set a new personal best of 2:22:47 at the Abu Dhabi Marathon in December 2022.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe Ugandan athlete also previously finished fourth in the half marathon at the 2024 African Games, as well as finishing in 14th place in the 2023 World Championship Marathon. Before this, she finished in 14th place at the marathon at the 2023 World Championships More