Explainers

Subterms

    More stories

    • 125 Shares189 Views

      in Soccer

      Why has Mary Earps retired from the England national team?

      by

      MARY EARPS shocked the footballing world after announcing her retirement from the England national team.Lionesses legend Earps, 32, was the goalkeeper for England’s Euro triumph in 2022 and the World Cup final in 2023, in which she pulled off a stunning penalty save.Mary Earps was England’s Euro-winning goalkeeper in 2022Credit: PAAnd Earps saved a penalty in the World Cup final a year afterCredit: AFPThe former Manchester United ace was crowned a two-time Fifa Women’s Best Goalkeeper, and also BBC Sport Personality of the Year in 2023.But just five weeks before the start of the 2025 Euros, 53-cap star Marps announced her retirement with immediate effect.Why has Mary Earps retired from international football?Mary Earps was in a battle with Chelsea’s Hannah Hampton for the No1 spot in boss Sarina Wiegman’s starting XI for the upcoming Euros in Switzerland.Hampton was picked in England’s last three Nations League matches – against Spain and the double header against Belgium.And according to The Telegraph, Earps quit in a meeting after being told she was now back-up to Hampton.Earps said in her announcement: “I have taken the difficult decision to retire internationally. It has been the greatest honour and privilege of my life, to wear this badge, represent my country and play alongside such an incredible group of players.”I’ve spent a long time making this decision and it’s not one I’ve made lightly.”For me, ultimately this is the right time for me to step aside and give the younger generation an opportunity to thrive.Most read in Football”Winning the Euros in 2022 was the best day of my life, and I’m rooting for the girls to do it again this summer.”While in a cryptic Instagram post, Earps added: “My journey has never been the simplest, and so in true Mary fashion, this isn’t a simple goodbye – right before a major tournament.England stars celebrate historic Euro 2022 victory in dressing room after beating Germany 2-1“Nonetheless, I know this is the right decision.”There are so many dimensions to this decision, the details of which aren’t important right now, but what it boils down to is: it’s now the right moment for me to step aside.“This is a new era and a new England team, and I’m looking forward to watching them this summer. In the end, all you have is all you are – your character.”And I know that whilst this won’t make sense to some who are reading this, you can trust that I would not be doing this unless I thought it was absolutely the right thing to do, as much as it hurts.”Sarina Wiegman was questioned about Earps’ retirementCredit: GettyThe announcement sparked a furious response from Lionesses coach Wiegman.The Dutch coach said: “I had hoped that Mary would play an important role within the squad this summer, so of course I am disappointed.”Mary has been clear on her reasons why she has made the decision and it is something we need to accept.“Mary has made a huge contribution to not only the team, but the whole of English football.Read More on The Sun“We will cherish those memories and of course give Mary the tributes she deserves after the summer.”But for now the focus needs to be on the upcoming Uefa Women’s Nations League fixtures and the Euros.” More

    • 213 Shares189 Views

      in Soccer

      Hong Kong vs Man Utd: Start time, TV channel, live stream and team news for post-season friendly

      by

      MANCHESTER UNITED face Hong Kong just two days after suffering a shock defeat in Malaysia.The Red Devils kicked off their post-season tour with what was expected to be a nailed-on win against ASEAN All-Stars – a side who had only played once in their entire history.Manchester United were humiliated in Malaysia on WednesdayCredit: ReutersBut Myanmar forward Muang Muang Lwin had other ideas as his second-half strike saw United suffer a humiliating defeat on Wednesday afternoon.And although Ruben Amorim eventually rotated his side, the Red Devils manager started with a relatively strong team which will worry the fan base.However, United have the chance to immediately bounce back in their second and final post-season tour match.SunSport has everything Red Devils fans need to know ahead of their clash against Hong Kong.Read more on Man UtdWhen is Hong Kong vs Man Utd?Manchester United take on Hong Kong on Friday, May 30.It is scheduled to get underway at 1pm BST.Hong Kong Stadium is the chosen venue for this post-season friendly and it can host approximately 40,000.United suffered a shock 1-0 defeat in their opening post-season match.What TV channel is Hong Kong vs Man Utd on and can it be live streamed?Hong Kong vs Man Utd will be shown exclusively on MUTV.MUTV is available via Sky TV for £7 a month or £60 for 12 months access.Alternatively, fans can tune into SunSport’s live blog for the enitre action.Who is in the Man Utd squad for their post-season tour?Ruben Amorim has opted to travel with a strong squad for Manchester United’s post-season tour.Goalkeepers: Andre Onana, Altay Bayindir, Tom HeatonMost read in FootballDefenders: Harry Amass, Dan Armer, Diogo Dalot, Matthijs de Ligt, Patrick Dorgu, Jonny Evans, Tyler Fredricson, Ayden Heaven, Jaydan Kamason, Godwill Kukonki, Harry Maguire, Reece Munro, Luke ShawMidfielders: Casemiro, Toby Collyer, Bruno Fernandes, Tyler Fletcher, Sekou Kone, Kobbie Mainoo, Jack Moorhouse, Mason Mount, Jim Thwaites, Manuel UgarteForwards: Alejandro Garnacho, Amad, Rasmus Hojlund, Shea Lacey, Chido Obi, Joshua Zirkzee More

    • 138 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Will Chelsea have a trophy parade after winning the Conference League?

      by

      CHELSEA made history on Wednesday night after beating Real Betis 4-1 to win the Conference League.The Blues became the first side to win all four of the major Uefa club competitions that have existed.Chelsea added the Conference League title to their stacked trophy cabinet on Wednesday nightCredit: GettyChelsea had to come from behind in the final after Abde Ezzalzouli’s stunning strike gave Betis a shock lead in Poland.Enzo Maresca made three subs before the Blues found the back of the net through skipper Enzo Fernandez.The Argentine’s goal was the catalyst to a superb turnaround as the West Londoners took the lead just five minutes later after Nicolas Jackson’s close-range header.Jadon Sancho gave Chelsea breathing room before Moises Caicedo capped off a 4-1 triumph in injury time as Maresca secured silverware in his first season at Stamford Bridge.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLWill Chelsea have a trophy parade after winning the Conference League?Chelsea have no plans for a trophy parade after winning the Conference League.Many of the Blues squad will be preparing for international duty in June, with five stars selected by Thomas Tuchel for England’s upcoming World Cup Qualifiers.Players who haven’t been called up by their countries will get 10 days off.Following the international break, the Club World Cup rolls around, with Chelsea’s first game coming against Club Leon on June 16.Most read in FootballWhat European trophies have Chelsea won?Chelsea have won nine European titles – making them the second most successful English team.The Blues have added the newly-formed Conference League trophy to their cabinet with a 4-1 win over Real Betis on Wednesday night.Chelsea won Europe’s elite competition, the Champions League, twice – in 2012 and in 2021.They also won the Europa League twice – in 2013 and 2019.The now-defunct Cup Winners’ Cup was won in 1971 and 1998.And the UEFA Super Cup in 1998 and 2021.Only Liverpool have won more European titles for an English team with 13. More

    • 188 Shares169 Views

      in Soccer

      Champions League 2025 prize money: How much is on the line for Inter and PSG

      by

      THE Champions League final comes LIVE from the Allianz Arena, Germany – but how much is up for grabs?PSG and Inter Milan are both chasing the grandest prize in Europe, but only one of them can go home with the riches. Ousmane Dembele and PSG will be looking to make it a treble this seasonCredit: Matthieu Mirville/ZUMA Press WireIMAGE OF INTER AFTER FINAL DAY IN SERIE ALuis Enrique’s side saw off Arsenal in the semi-final, having already knocked out Liverpool and Aston Villa in the round of 16 and quarter-final respectively. Simone Inzaghi managed one of the most thrilling ties of all-time against Barcelona, with the Italians knocking out the La Liga winners 7-6 on aggregate. The pair will clash in Germany, with Inter looking for a first title since 2010, and PSG looking for a first ever.Read more FootballSunSport can reveal how much the sides could win in the Champions League final.Champions League 2025 prize moneyInter and PSG are guaranteed to take home at least £15.9m, but the runner-up prize will not appeal to either of them.For winning the competition, either of the pair could walk home with £21.9mWinner: £21.5mRunner-up: £15.9mSemi-finalist: £12.9mQuarter-finalist: £10.7mRound of 16: £9.4mLeague stage qualification: £1.7mLeague stage win: £1.8mLeague stage draw: £590,000Most read in Champions LeagueHow to watch the Champions League 2025 final for FREEThe 2025 Champions League final will be broadcast live on TNT Sports 1.Last year, the Champions League final was available to live stream for FREE via the discovery+ app/website.It is the same for this year too.SunSport’s live blog will bring you minute-by-minute coverage of the Champions League final. More

    • 88 Shares149 Views

      in Motorsport

      Who is Lando Norris’ girlfriend Margarida Corceiro?

      by

      MARGARIDA CORCEIRO is the girlfriend of F1 racing driver Lando Norris, who was spotted celebrating his big win at the Monaco Grand Prix.Here’s what we know about her life, newly rekindled relationship with Lando, and the pair’s prior dating histories.22-year-old Margarida Corciero is an actress, model, and swimwear brand ownerCredit: Instagram/ @magui_Margarida has modelled for brands including Intimissimi and Alo YogaCredit: Instagram / @maguui_corceiroMargarida cheering on her boyfriend Lando Norris at the Monaco Grand PrixCredit: SplashWho is Lando Norris’ girlfriend Margarida Corceiro?Margarida Corceiro is a 22-year-old Portuguese actress, model, and influencer.According to her IMDB profile, she is originally from Santarém, Portugal, which is a city located an hour outside of Lisbon. Prior to her relationship with Lando Norris, Margarida most notably dated famous footballer Joao Felix for four years between 2019 and 2023.How did Lando Norris and Margarida Corceiro meet?Although not much is known about exactly how Lando and Margarida first met, the pair were first spotted together in May 2023 driving around Monaco in a classic 1972 Fiat Jolly.Read More on Lando NorrisThis sighting- and Margarida’s appearances at Lando’s various racing events over the following year- sparked dating rumours, but the relationship was never officially confirmed.Lando Norris and Margarida Corceiro were seen watching the Monte-Carlo Master final in Monaco in April 2024Credit: Sky SportsHow long have Lando Norris and Margarida Corceiro been dating?Lando and Margarida are believed to have first dated on and off between 2023 and 2024.According to a close source, the pair split in August 2024 so Lando could “focus on his sport”.But of May 2025, the couple is officially back together, and Margarida was spotted at the Monaco Grand Prix over the bank holiday weekend cheering her beau on to victory alongside his mum.Most read in MotorsportThe win was Lando’s second of the season, and the McLaren driver pulled off a perfect double pit stop to beat Charles Leclerc.Both girlfriend Margarida and mum Cisca Wauman were thrilled to see Lando secure victory at the Monaco Grand PrixCredit: ReutersLando Norris celebrating his win at the F1 Grand Prix of Monaco on May 25, 2025Credit: GettyWhat does Margarida Corceiro do for a living?Margarida Corceiro is an actress and model by profession, and as of May 2025, she has 2million followers on Instagram, and 787k on her TikTok.She often models for brands such as Intimissimi and Alo Yoga, and appeared on the pages of Vogue Portugal in April 2025.In terms of her acting career, Margarida best-known for her roles on Portugese television programmes such as Zoe on Punto Nemo, Gabi on Morangos com Açúcar, Constança on Bem Me Quer, and Catarina on Prisioneria.She was a contestant on the Portuguese version of Dancing With The Stars in 2020, and also co-owns a swimwear and clothing brand called Missus. The brand uses fabric made from recycled ocean plastic to make their bikinis, and Margarida is often seen modelling its pieces on her socials.Margarida in swimwear from her brand, MissusCredit: Instagram / @magui_corceiroWho has Lando Norris dated in the past?Lando Norris has a well-documented dating history, with the 25-year-old even once admitting during a lie detector test that he had “many girlfriends”.Lando Norris confessing to having ‘many girlfriends’ during a lie detector testCredit: YouTube / Sky Sports F1Before his relationship with Margarida, Lando dated Portuguese influencer Luisinha Oliveira from August 2021 to September 2022- but the pair split after text messages were leaked showing him inviting Dutch model and influencer Randi Hartman out on a McDonald’s date.Lando Norris with his ex-girlfriend Luisinha Oliveira in 2022Credit: GettyThe F1 driver also had rumoured romantic ties to Ukranian model and jewellery brand owner Katerina Berezhna. More

    • 175 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      Why is Moises Caicedo wearing a mask for Chelsea in the Conference League final?

      by

      CHELSEA are facing on Real Betis in the Conference League final TONIGHT in Poland – and Moises Caicedo is keeping his mask on for the match.The Blues are taking on the La Liga side aiming for European history.Moises Caicedo has sported a new blonde look for the finalCredit: Shutterstock EditorialMoises Caicedo has been seen wearing a mask for the last few weeksCredit: REUTERS/Hannah MckayWhy is Moises Caicedo wearing a mask?Moises Caicedo sustained a cheek injury against Newcastle on May 11.The Blues were beaten 2-0 by Newcastle.Caicedo has been wearing a mask as a precaution since.CHELSEA VS REAL BETIS LIVE – LATEST UPDATESRead more FootballHow to watch Conference League final for freeThe Conference League final will be available to be viewed for FREE on the discovery+ appThe game will also be shown live by TNT Sports in the UK.Kick off is due to take place at 8pm BST.Alternatively, follow all the build-up, action and reaction with SunSport’s live blog.Will the Conference League final be shown on YouTube?Last year, the Conference League final wasn’t shown on YouTube, which was a shock to many fans as other European competitions had been in previous years.And it will be the same for this year’s Conference League final too.Instead of broadcasting the final for free on YouTube, the broadcaster opted to provide a free stream on their app, discovery+.Most read in Football More

    • 100 Shares129 Views

      in Soccer

      Who is Conference League final referee Irfan Peljto?

      by

      IRFAN Peljto is an elite football referee who was the very first Bosnian referee to officiate a UEFA game. He will be officiating at the Uefa Conference League final on May 28, 2025, despite being hit with a ban earlier in the season.Irfan Peljto is an accomplished football refereeCredit: GettyThe star faced a ban after making a series of mistakes during a matchCredit: ReutersBreaking a recordBorn on July 18, 1984, in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Irfan first began officiating in the Bosnian Premier League. He has been on the FIFA list since 2015 and is categorised as a UEFA elite referee. The star has broken an incredible football record too. He is the first Bosnian referee to oversee a UEFA Champions League group stage or knockout phase match – having officiated a match between Beşiktaş and Ajax in 2021.Read More on footballIrfan’s shocking banHowever, Irfan has proven to be controversial – having been banned from six games this season. His ban came after he made three major mistakes during Borac Banja’s 1-1 derby draw with Zrinjski Mostar.Irfan failed to award penalties on two separate occasions during the match, which led the Bosnian FA to release a damning statement. The statement read: “In the 25th minute, the referee, although very well positioned and with a clear view of the incident, failed to recognise an obvious foul and award a penalty kick to FK Borac.Most read in Football”In the 26th minute, the referee, although well positioned, failed to award a direct free kick for the away team after a clear foul which led to a goal for the home team. “In the 90th+5 minute, the referee failed to award a clear penalty kick for Zrinjski too.”Refereeing the UEFA Conference League final Irfan Peljto will be acting as the referee at the 2025 UEFA Conference League final.  ‘I can’t see anything’ – Chelsea fans moan as live TNT Sports coverage of Conference League clash is ruined by smokeChelsea will be taking on the Spanish side Real Betis in Wroclaw, Poland, on 28 May 2025.  Ahead of the game, Irfan said: “We are living a dream. To receive the call was very emotional. It’s an honour not only for my career, but to bring the flag of my small country under the European spotlight is a very proud moment.”I hope it is also a moment for the future of referees in Bosnia and Herzegovina, that young referees have this positive perspective on refereeing, and that we have created a path for them.”Chelsea have previously won two Champions League titles, two Europa Leagues and two European Cup Winners’ Cups – meaning that this is the club’s final European honour to win. Fans can watch the game live when it airs at 8pm on TNT Sports.Irfan revealed that it was ‘very emotional’ to be selected as the UEFA Conference Final refereeCredit: Getty Images More

    • 88 Shares119 Views

      in Soccer

      How many European trophies have Chelsea won?

      by

      CHELSEA have beaten Real Betis in the Conference League final – and in doing so created European football history!The West Londoners defeated the La Liga side 4-1 after Cole Palmer inspired a second-half fightback.Chelsea won the Champions League for the second time in 2021Credit: GettyWhat European trophies have Chelsea won?Chelsea have won nine European titles – making them the second most successful English team.And now the Blues have added the newly-formed Conference League trophy to their cabinet – it means they have become the first team to have won ALL of Europe’s majors in their history.CHELSEA VS REAL BETIS LIVE – LATEST REACTIONChelsea won Europe’s elite competition, the Champions League, twice – in 2012 and in 2021.And the Blues won their second Europa League in 2019Credit: GettyThey also won the Europa League twice – in 2013 and 2019.The now defunct Cup Winners’ Cup was won in 1971 and 1998.And the UEFA Super Cup in 1998 and 2021.Only Liverpool have won more European titles for an English team with 13.Most read in Football More