More stories

  • in

    Why is Stefan Ortega starting the FA Cup final and why isn’t Ederson playing for Manchester City?

    AN FA Cup final between Manchester City and Manchester United could not be more mouthwatering.The two Premier League giants square up at Wembley Stadium, with Pep Guardiola’s side on the march towards a stunning Treble.
    Pep Guardiola has given Stefan Ortega the green light to start the FA Cup final against Manchester UnitedCredit: Reuters
    Ederson has been Pep Guardiola’s reliable No1 for Manchester City since taking over as managerCredit: Getty
    But there will be an unfamiliar face between the sticks for City, with Guardiola stepping up to make a bold team selection.
    Why is Stefan Ortega starting the FA Cup final ahead of Ederson?
    Guardiola has shocked many fans by deciding to drop reliable keeper Ederson for the FA Cup final against Manchester United.
    The Spaniard has opted to go with Stefan Ortega, 30, ahead of the Brazilian.
    German Ortega has played in every single round of City’s FA Cup campaign and has helped them reach Wembley.
    Read more in football
    Ortega also played in City’s recent Premier League win over Chelsea and 1-1 draw against Brighton.
    UNIBET SIGN UP OFFER: GET £40 BACK AS CASH IF YOUR FIRST BET LOSES
    What has Guardiola said about Ortega?
    Guardiola said: “Yeah he [Ortega] is going to play.
    “It’s always been the same in the cups, even with Barcelona and Munich, so he’s going to play in the FA Cup.”
    Is Ederson injured?
    No, Ederson is fully fit.
    Most read in FA Cup
    He played the full 90 minutes as City lost 1-0 to Brentford on the final day of the Premier League season.

    FA Cup final – Man City vs Man Utd: Everything you need to know, including kick-off time and TV details More

  • in

    Soccer Aid 2023 line ups: Who is playing in iconic Old Trafford match?

    SOCCER AID is BACK to entertain millions while raising millions – and as ever, they’ll be two star-studded lineups stepping foot on the field.English comedian Lee Mack scored the winning penalty to see World XI lift the title once again in the 2022 edition.
    Lee Mack scored the winning penalty in an epic shoot-out last yearCredit: Getty
    A number of celebrities represent both sides at Soccer Aid
    And after seeing what happened last year, Stormzy will be eager to change England’s fortunes when he takes up his managerial role.
    But who has made the rap icon’s squad and what names will England be going up against?
    What are the Soccer Aid 2023 line-ups?
    There will be a fantastic mixture of celebrities and professional footballers in both squads.
    England management: Stormzy, Harry Redknapp, Emma Hayes, Vicky McClure, David Seaman.
    Read more on Soccer Aid
    England squad: Jill Scott (Captain), David James (GK), Paddy McGuinness (GK) Gary Neville, Gary Cahill, Nicky Butt, Paul Scholes, Jack Wilshere, Jermain Defoe, Eni Aluko, Karen Carney, Scarlette Douglas, Alex Brooker, Chunkz, Tom Grennan, Sir Mo Farah, Bugzy Malone, Joel Corry, Danny Dyer, Asa Butterfield, Tom Huddlestone and Liam Payne.
    World XI management: Mauricio Pochettino, Martin Compston, Melanie C and Robbie Keane.
    World XI squad: Usain Bolt (Captain), Ben Foster (GK), Patrice Evra, Nani, Kem Cetinay, Roberto Carlos, Francessco Totti, Gabriel Batistuta, Leon Edwards, Sam Claflin, Hernan Crespo, Niko, Maisie Adam, Kaylyn Kyle, Heather O’Reilly, Mo Gilligan, Lee Mack, Steven Bartlett, Kem Cetinay, Noah Beck and Tommy Fury.
    When is Soccer Aid 2023?

    Soccer Aid 2023 will take place on Sunday, June 11.
    The highly-anticipated match is scheduled to kick off at 7.30 pm BST.
    And a staggering 74,000 fans are expected to attend at Old Trafford.

    Most read in Football More

  • in

    Who is the top scorer in Soccer Aid history?

    SOCCER AID is all about entertainment while raising money for charity – but celebrities thrive off hitting the back of the net too.Premier League legends Teddy Sheringham and Alan Shearer have proved that they haven’t lost their touch by bagging their fair share of goals during Soccer Aid matches.
    World XI won the Soccer Aid 2022 on penaltiesCredit: PA
    Ex-Tottenham trio Jermaine Defoe, Robbie Keane and Dimitar Berbatov have also got on the score sheet on a couple of occasions themselves.
    But shockingly, one of the top scorers for Soccer Aid is NOT a former professional footballer.
    Who is the top scorer in Soccer Aid history?
    Ex-Love Islander Kem Cetinay is the top goal scorer in Soccer Aid history.
    Kem Cetinay has been prolific during Soccer Aid matchesCredit: Getty Images – Getty
    However, he is not all alone at the top as Kem is level with serial Champions League winner Clarence Seedorf.
    Read more on Soccer Aid
    Kem has bagged four goals in three Soccer Aid appearances.
    And the social media star’s mum confirmed he even used to sleep in his football boots as a child which explains his gifted technical ability.
    Seedorf has four strikes in four games which is the only thing that separates the two prolific goal scorers.
    When is Soccer Aid 2023?

    Soccer Aid 2023 will take place on Sunday, June 11.
    The highly-anticipated match is scheduled to kick off at 7.30 pm BST.
    And a staggering 74,000 fans are expected to attend at Old Trafford.

    Most read in Football
    What are the Soccer Aid 2023 line-ups?
    There will be a fantastic mixture of celebrities and professional footballers in both squads.
    England management: Stormzy, Harry Redknapp, Emma Hayes, Vicky McClure, David Seaman.
    England squad: Jill Scott (Captain), David James (GK), Paddy McGuinness (GK) Gary Neville, Gary Cahill, Nicky Butt, Paul Scholes, Jack Wilshere, Jermain Defoe, Eni Aluko, Karen Carney, Scarlette Douglas, Alex Brooker, Chunkz, Tom Grennan, Sir Mo Farah, Bugzy Malone, Joel Corry, Danny Dyer, Asa Butterfield, Tom Huddlestone and Liam Payne.
    World XI management: Mauricio Pochettino, Martin Compston, Melanie C and Robbie Keane.
    World XI squad: Usain Bolt (Captain), Ben Foster (GK), Patrice Evra, Nani, Kem Cetinay, Roberto Carlos, Francessco Totti, Gabriel Batistuta, Leon Edwards, Sam Claflin, Hernan Crespo, Niko, Maisie Adam, Kaylyn Kyle, Heather O’Reilly, Mo Gilligan, Lee Mack, Steven Bartlett, Kem Cetinay, Noah Beck and Tommy Fury. More

  • in

    Meet F1 presenter Natalie Pinkham, who has worked for Sky Sports for 10 years and Chelsea FC

    NATALIE Pinkham has been a stalwart of Sky Sports’ F1 coverage for over 10 years.Here, we take a look at her career, and how she got into working on F1.
    Natalie Pinkham has been part of Sky Sports F1 coverage for over 10 years
    Who is Sky Sports F1 presenter Natalie Pinkham?
    Natalie Pinkham is a television presenter, originally from Buckinghamshire, England.
    She was born on September 20, 1977, and is a pit lane reporter at grand prix races for Sky Sports F1.
    As well as this, Pinkham has presented coverage on a number of different sports.
    This includes The Isle of Man TT and the Goodwood Festival of Speed.
    READ MORE ON F1
    She also presented the segment Blues News for Chelsea FC, and has hosted over 200 episodes of her podcast titled In The Pink.
    In the podcast, she interviews a range of different people, looking at their lives and careers, including Damon Hill and Sir Chris Hoy.
    Pinkham studied politics at the University of Nottingham before moving into television.
    Is Natalie Pinkham married and does she have any children?
    Pinkham is married to Owain Walbyoff, who is Managing Director at Endemol Games.
    Most read in Motorsport
    The pair were engaged in November 2010, and married in July 2012.
    Together, they have two children, a son named Otto, born in January 2015, and a daughter named Willow, born in June 2016.
    How did Natalie Pinkham get into F1?
    In December 2011, it was confirmed that Pinkham would begin working with Sky Sports for the 2012 F1 season.
    She had previously covered the sport for BBC Radio 5 Live’s commentary team as a pit lane reporter for the 2011 season.
    In 2013, she replaced close friend Georgie Thompson as host of The F1 Show, and in the following years has established herself as a vital part of their coverage.
    In 2021, Pinkham became the first woman to commentate on a Formula One session on British television when she led Sky’s commentary of first practice at the 2021 Bahrain Grand Prix, working alongside Karun Chandhok and Jenson Button.
    She also conducts interviews in the pit lane with drivers and others involved in the teams.
    What is Natalie Pinkham’s net worth?
    While it cannot be confirmed exactly, Pinkham’s net worth is estimated to be over £1million.
    Pinkham is believed to have a salary of over £100,000 a year. More

  • in

    Who is Celtic manager Ange Postecoglou and what major honours has he won?

    AGNGELOS Postecoglou is the manager of Scottish Premiership club Celtic.He was a former football player and is a prestigious record holder.
    Celtic manager Angelos Postecoglou was indicted into the Football Australia Hall of Fame in 2022Credit: PA
    Who is Celtic manager Ange Postecoglou?
    Postecoglou was born on August 27, 1965 in a suburb of Athens, Greece.
    His family moved to Melbourne, Australia by boat when he was five-years-old after the Greek military coup in 1967 and his father, Dimitris (Jim) business loss.
    While living in Australia, the young Postecoglou became an avid sports player.
    He spent most of his club career as a defender for South Melbourne Hellas which he joined as a nine-year-old.
    read more sport
    He made his debut for the Australian national team in the late 1980s rising through the youth ranks playing a whopping 193 games in the National Soccer League as a one-club player.
    What clubs has he managed?
    Postecoglou’s impressive sporting career saw him move into management for South Melbourne Hellas in 1996.
    His talent for both on and off the field was cemented after they won the National Soccer League twice and the OFC Championships League in 1999.
    After his wins, Postecoglou managed the national under-17 and under-20 teams.
    Most read in Football
    Winning under his management became synonymous for Postecoglou with both a Premiership title for Brisbane Roar and Melbourne Victory in 2011 including a Championship success in 2012 for the former.
    During 2013 and 2017, Postecoglou became the senior national team manager for Socceroos on October 23, 2013 on a five-year contract.
    His team won the AFC Asian Cup in 2015 and also qualified for the 2014 FIFA World Cup.
    Postecoglou then became head coach for Yokohama F. Marinos on December 19 2017 where he guided the club to their first J. League title in 15 years.
    This prestigious win for the team saw Postecoglou being the first Australian manager to win a league title in Japan and piqued the interest of Scottish Premiership club Celtic.
    On June 10 2021, Postecoglou signed a rolling contract with Celtic again making history as the first Australian manager to coach a major club in Europe.
    The team won the Scottish Premiership title after victory over Hearts on May 4, 2023.
    What major honours does Ange Postecoglou have?
    Postecoglou has won the National Soccer League Coach of the Year, the Australian Sports Medal, the PFA Manager of the Year, the A-League Coach of the Year, the PFA Manager of the Decade, AFC Coach of the Year, the Scottish Premiership Manager of the Month, the PFA Scotland Manager of the Year, and the SFWA Manager of the Year.
    He was also inducted into the Football Australia Hall of Fame in 2022 and holds the record with the Brisbane Roar for the longest undefeated streak in Australian sporting history.
    Speaking of his career success, Postecoglou said: “My motivation is always to produce teams [my] dad would enjoy watching.”
    Is Ange Postecoglou married?
    Postecoglou is married to Georgia Postecoglou.
    Read More on The Sun
    The couple met during his South Melbourne Hellas days with Georgia working as a marketing manager for the club at the time.
    The pair have three sons together: James, Max and Alexi. More

  • in

    Who is Arsenal star Martin Odegaard’s girlfriend Helene Spilling?

    MARTIN ODEGAARD was brilliant for Arsenal throughout their 2022/23 Premier League campaign. The Gunners captain scored 15 goals and recorded seven assists as Arsenal ran Manchester City close for the title.

    And he might have a special someone to thank for his form at the Emirates this season.
    On the final day of the season, Odegaard could be season walking on the pitch with his girlfriend Helene Spilling.
    Earlier this year, the two were spotted leaving Japanese restuarant Roka in Mayfair – but now Odegaard has confirmed the pair’s romance.
    The Norwegian posted a series of photos of he and Spilling, 27, who also shared the pictures to her page.
    Who is Helene Spilling?
    Spilling is three years older than Odegaard, 24, and it is unknown just how long the pair have been dating.
    Helene is a dancer who has featured on ‘Skal vi Danse’, Norway’s version of Strictly Come Dancing.
    She went on to win the dancing competition in 2021.
    Helene currently has over 83,000 followers on Instagram, on which she regularly posts her dancing skills and pictures of herself enjoying life.
    Most read in Football
    Last month, she joined Odegaard as he picked up the Premier League player of the year gong at the London Football Awards ceremony.
    And next season, it’s possible she’ll be spotted at Arsenal games cheering on her man in the flesh. More

  • in

    When is the Women’s World Cup 2023? England game kick-off times, confirmed groups, TV channel, Lionesses squad

    THE Women’s World Cup is just weeks away and teams are finally gearing up for the big showstopper in Australia and New Zealand.England will be aiming to make it back-to-back major tournament successes following their Euro 2022 victory last summer.
    The 2023 Women’s World Cup will be held in Australia and New ZealandCredit: Getty
    They beat Germany in the final and they go into this year’s World Cup full of confidence following their Finalissima win over Brazil.
    But as usual, the Lionesses will have plenty of competition, most notably in defending champions USA.
    It was the Americans who knocked England out of the World Cup in 2019, and they’ll be gunning for another title Down Under.
    Sarina Weigman’s side, however, will have something to say about that.

    When is the Women’s World Cup 2023?

    The Women’s World Cup 2023 will take place in the summer of 2023.
    It will begin on July 20, 2023 and finish a month later on August 20.
    The World Cup will take place in Australia and New Zealand and there has been a team expansion from 24 to 32.
    The games will be spread across nine different cities.
    Stadium Australia in Sydney will host the final.

    Most read in Football
    FABULOUS BINGO: Get a £20 bonus & 30 free spins when you spend £10 today
    What time will England games kick-off?

    July 22 – England vs Haiti (10.30am)
    July 28 – England vs Denmark (9.30am)
    August 1 – China vs England (12pm)

    Other group stage games will begin as early as 1am BST, with the latest games kicking off from 12pm.
    What TV channel will it be on in the UK?
    A broadcaster for the Women’s World Cup 2023 has yet to be confirmed for UK TV.
    Check back at SunSport for all the latest details.
    World Cup 2023 groups
    Group A

    New Zealand
    Norway
    Philippines
    Switzerland

    Group B

    Australia
    Republic of Ireland
    Nigeria
    Canada

    Group C

    Spain
    Costa Rica
    Zambia
    Japan

    Group D

    England
    Haiti
    Denmark
    China

    Group E

    USA
    Vietnam
    The Netherlands
    Portugal

    Group F

    France
    Jamaica
    Brazil
    Panama

    Group G

    Sweden
    South Africa
    Italy
    Argentina

    Group H
    Read More on The Sun

    Germany
    Morocco
    Columbia
    Korea Republic

    Who is in the England squad?

    Goalkeepers: Mary Earps (Man Utd), Ellie Roebuck (Man City), Hannah Hampton (Aston Villa).
    Defenders: Millie Bright (Chelsea), Lucy Bronze (Barcelona), Jess Carter (Chelsea), Niamh Charles (Chelsea), Esme Morgan (Man City), Alex Greenwood (Man City), Lotte Wubben-Moy (Arsenal).
    Midfielders: Keira Walsh (Barcelona), Georgia Stanway (Bayern Munich), Ella Toone (Man Utd), Jordan Nobbs (Aston Villa), Laura Coombs (Man City), Katie Zelem (Man Utd).
    Forwards: Alessia Russo (Man Utd), Rachel Daly (Aston Villa), Lauren Hemp (Man City), Chloe Kelly (Man City), Lauren James (Chelsea), Katie Robinson (Brighton), Bethany England (Tottenham).
    Standby players: Maya Le Tissier (Man Utd), Jess Park (Man City), Emily Ramsey (Man Utd). More

  • in

    Why is Mark Wright not playing at Soccer Aid 2023?

    SOCCER AID 2023 is just around the corner, but a fan favourite will be missing from this year’s spectacle.TV personality Mark Wright is expected to miss the game between England and World XI at Old Trafford.
    Mark Wright celebrating England’s win at Soccer Aid 2022Credit: WIREIMAGE
    The former TOWIE star has been a stalwart in England’s side for the last six Soccer Aids.
    Wright almost made it as a professional footballer, having been in West Ham, Arsenal and Tottenham’s academies as a youngster.
    He went on the make many appearances at semi-professional level before he shockingly signed for League Two outfit Crawley Town in 2021.
    Why is Mark Wright not playing at Soccer Aid 2023?
    Mark Wright will miss Soccer Aid 2023 as he is focusing on other TV commitments when the game takes place in June.
    READ MORE IN SOCCER AID
    The 36-year-old told the Daily Mail: “On a personal level I’ve decided not to do Soccer Aid this year.
    “I have done it for six years in a row now and I love it, I love the charity and would love to be involved and still raise money for Unicef.
    “If I’m around I’ll maybe still watch the game, but I just need to keep myself free around that time.
    “I need to let someone else have a go and maybe I’ll come back next year but for now I’m going to have a year out.
    Most read in Football
    Wright also says his withdrawal from the clash with the Rest of the World has nothing to do with a reported feud with ITV chiefs, who broadcast the game.
    When is Soccer Aid 2023?

    Soccer Aid 2023 is taking place on Sunday, June 11.
    It will kick-off at 7.30pm.
    74,000 fans are expected to attend at Old Trafford.
    The match will be broadcast live on ITV 1 and streamed on ITVX.

    What are the full Soccer Aid line-ups?
    Here are the full Soccer Aid line-ups so far:
    The England line-up: Stormzy, Harry Redknapp, Emma Hayes, Vicky McClure, David Seaman are all part of the England Management Team.
    Jill Scott (Captain), David James (Professional GK), Paddy McGuinness (Celebrity GK), Gary Neville, Gary Cahill, Nicky Butt, Paul Scholes, Jack Wilshere, Jermain Defoe, Eni Aluko, Karen Carney, Scarlette Douglas, Alex Brooker, Chunkz, Tom Grennan, Sir Mo Farah, Bugzy Malone, Joel Corry and Liam Payne.
    The Soccer Aid World XI line-up: Mauricio Pochettino, Martin Compston and Robbie Keane are part of the World XI Management Team.
    Usain Bolt (Captain), Ben Foster (Professional Goalkeeper), Patrice Evra, Nani, Maisie Adam, Kaylyn Kyle, Heather O’Reilly, Mo Gilligan, Lee Mack, Steven Bartlett, Kem Cetinay, Noah Beck and Tommy Fury. More