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      Spain vs France prediction: Free betting tips and Nations League semi final preview

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      THE final stages of the Nations League take place this week with European heavyweight Spain and France meeting in the semi final on Thursday.SunSport have enlisted the help of their betting experts to preview the game and select the best bets, tips and exclusive sign-up bonuses from our leading betting partners.Find The Sun’s betting publishing principles hereNew sign-up offersSunSport exclusiveSpain vs France previewThese two sides have been here and done it all before as they look to book a spot in Sunday’s final.This is the third running of this competition and both Spain and France have won this competition before.Indeed, one of these sides will be competing on Sunday to become the most successful Nations League side of all time…It’s a re-run of the 2020-21 final, though both sides look a little different to what they did then.Spain’s last competitive defeat came in a 2-0 loss at Hampden when losing to Scotland back on March 28, 2023!They’ve since won the Euros and lost only one friendly against Colombia since then, while bringing through an incredible group of youngsters.They also beat the French in the semi finals of that Euros win last year.France battled back from a 2-0 first leg defeat to Croatia to win the play-off in penalties to reach this point.It’s being built as Lamine Yamal vs Kylian Mbappe – and it’s probably true that the winner of this tie will receive a big helping hand from either of those two.First scorer and correct score predictionsCorrect score: 2-1 at 17/2 with Betfred – HEREFirst scorer: Lamine Yamal 12/1 with talkSPORT BET – HERESpain vs France latest oddsOdds are correct at the time of publication and are subject to change.How to claim..William Hill £60 welcome bonusVisit the William Hill website HERE*Register an account using the Promo Code: T60Once your account is registered, click ‘opt in’ on the ‘Vegas Promotion’ pageDeposit a minimum of £10 in your main account to receive a £20 Vegas Bonus for use on Selected GamesThen place a bet with a minimum stake of £10 at odds of 1/2 or greater on any football marketOnce that’s settled, your account will be credited with £40 in free betsWilliam Hill: Claim £60 welcome bonus – click here*Spain vs France predictionDan the manDani Olmo is battling with a few Spanish midfield stars to get a start here.The Barcelona man scored in his side’s final league game of a title winning season at Bilbao.His last Spain goal also came in that semi final victory over France too. If he starts, this look good value.Dani Olmo to score anytime at 13/5 with William Hill – CLAIM HERE*Midnite. 18+ New UK customers. Bet £10 on accas with 4+ legs, min odds 3/1 (4.0). Get 4x £5 Free Bets and 50 Free Spins, valid for 7 days on selected bets and games only. T&Cs apply. BeGambleAware.org*William Hill. 18+. Play Safe. New players only, using promo code T60. Valid from 13/04/2022. Online play. Get £60 Bonus split between Vegas & Sports in the following manner – (i) Deposit £10 to unlock £20 Vegas Free Bet on Selected Games (72hr expiry, wagering reqs apply); then (ii) bet £10+ (odds 1/2+) with cash (excl. £10 deposit) or Vegas winnings (after wager reqs met). Once settled, receive £40 Sports Free Bets excluding Virtual Markets (4x £10, 7 days expiry). Payment methods & country restrictions apply. Full T&Cs apply.*Betfred. New customers only. Register (excl 05/04/25), deposit with Debit Card, and place first bet £10+ at Evens (2.0)+ on Sports within 7 days to get 3 x £10 in Sports Free Bets & 2 x £10 in Acca Free Bets within 10 hours of settlement. 7-day expiry. Eligibility exclusions & T&Cs Apply. Eligibility & payment exclusions apply. Full T&Cs apply.*Parimatch. 18+ New Customers Only. Opt in and bet £10 on football (odds 2.00+) within 7 days. No cash-out. Get 4x£5 Free Bets for set markets and a £10 Slot Bonus for Big Bass Splash, 30x wagering, to withdraw max £250. Rewards expire in 20 days. Scroll down for T&Cs. GambleAware.org | Please gamble responsibly *BetMGM. New customers only. 7 days to place qualifying bet of £10 at 1/1 (2.0) to receive 4 x £10 Free Bets: 1 x £10 football, 1 x £10 horse racing & 2 x £10 Bet Builders. Free Bets cannot be used on e-sports and non UK/IE horse racing. 7 day expiry. Exclusions apply. Stake not returned T&Cs apply. 18+ GambleAware.org.*talkSPORT BET. 18+ New customers only. Opt in, bet up to £40 (min. £20) on any football market at odds of 2.00+, in 7 days. Get up to £40 in free bets on selected markets. Bonuses expire in 7 days. T&Cs apply, see below. GambleAware.org | Please gamble responsibly*Tote. New customers online only. Eligibility restrictions apply. One welcome offer per customer. Bet a minimum of £/€10 at odds of 1/1 (2.0) or greater across sports or racing (if EW then min £/€10 Win + £/€10 Place) within 7 days of registration to qualify. Receive £/€20 Tote Credit, £/€10 sports Free Bet and 20 Free Spins on Big Bass Bonanza within 48 hours of qualifying bet settlement. Qualifying bet is the first racing pool or sports bet added to the bet slip. 7-day expiry. 18+. Full T&Cs apply. Gambleaware.org.Remember to gamble responsiblyA responsible gambler is someone who:Establishes time and monetary limits before playingOnly gambles with money they can afford to loseNever chase their lossesDoesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressedGamcare – gamcare.org.ukGambleAware – GambleAware.orgRead our guide on responsible gambling practices.For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to gamstop.co.uk to be excluded from all UK-regulated gambling websites. More

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      Eddie Howe ready to hire new secret weapon as Newcastle desperate to break into Premier League top three

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      EDDIE HOWE wants to hire a new secret weapon to help Newcastle United break into the top three – of set-piece kings!The Magpies boss achieved legendary status at St James’ Park by ending their 70-year wait for a major trophy.Eddie Howe is keen to add a set piece specialist to his backroom staffCredit: PAJason Tindall is currently in charge of set piecesCredit: AlamyHowe topped off that Carabao Cup Wembley triumph by leading his team to a fifth-placed Premier League finish to also secure Champions League qualification.The 47-year-old is wasting no time basking in that glory though, and is on the look-out for a new face to add to his backroom staff.Newcastle are advertising for a set-piece coach to “work closely with the first team coaching staff, analysts and players to maximise performance outcomes from dead-ball situations”.His assistant Jason Tindall has been the lead on dead-ball situations for the past few years and has been pretty effective.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLJust six clubs scored more from dead-ball scenarios this season but they have been even better defensively.Only Aston Villa, Manchester City and Brentford conceded fewer goals from set-pieces than Newcastle’s tally of eight last term.But the meticulous Howe now wants more and is “looking for an experienced and innovative elite level coach to support our first team by leading the strategic planning, design, and execution of all offensive and defensive set-play routines.”The job, which Toon want filled by June 16, adds: “Collaborating with the wider analysis team you will conduct detailed video and data based analysis to identify set-piece trends and vulnerabilities, delivering high-quality, position specific training sessions to ensure high performance.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS“This is an outstanding opportunity to directly impact the continued growth of an ambitious Premier League club.”It also states that applicants must possess a Uefa A licence and “have significant experience of set-play coaching and development gained in an elite coaching environment” as well as needing to be “fully up to date with current global trends and innovations”.Champions League places CONFIRMED after Aston Villa VAR controversy as Newcastle have to be saved by Man UtdThere is no suggestion that Howe is not happy with Tindall and the rest of the current staff’s set-piece planning, but rather he is just chasing that extra few per cent to help his men improve at both ends of the pitch.In fact, Howe was full of praise for his No2 and the rest of those that focus on set-pieces.He said earlier this season: “There’s always a team, it’s never one person. Jason will be the first to say that.“Jason spends a lot of time on set-plays. Kieran Taylor, our analyst, spends a lot of time on set plays. We work on them individually and collectively.“Sometimes they work and sometimes they don’t. The goals need to come from somewhere and there needs to be a regular source.“Congratulations to everyone who does the work on them. Ultimately the players are the ones who have to do it and the staff will acknowledge that.” More

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      Chelsea outcast Armando Broja in talks with four clubs including Champions League giants after injury nightmare

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      ARMANDO BROJA could FINALLY be set to end his Chelsea nightmare this summer.The Albanian hitman, 23, is in talks over a move away from Stamford Bridge with four potential suitors.Armando Broja came through Chelsea’s academyCredit: GettyHe was out for long spells last season due to injuryCredit: GettyBroja featured in just 10 league games at Everton last season after being hit with injuries.He suffered an Achilles tendon problem that kept him out for 95 days.Then when he returned, he had an ankle injury that sidelined him for another 58 days.By the time he was fit to play again the season was almost over and other players had already established themselves in the team.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS Before that, he spent the second half of the 2023/2024 season out on loan at Fulham without being able to properly make a statement.Sources have told SunSport that AC Milan and Ajax have both been in touch ahead of what will be a busy summer at Chelsea.Talks with Dutch side PSV and German’s RB Leipzig have already taken place.Broja burst onto the scene during a stellar loan spell at Southampton in 2021/22, scoring six league goals with his blend of pace, power, and clever movement.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKBut injuries and competition for places at Chelsea saw him slide down the pecking order.And with the Blues targeting a new No9 again this summer, his days at Stamford Bridge look numbered.Chelsea finally discover Club World Cup opponents as former star, 38, assists dramatic winner to set up reunionThe London-born Albanian striker’s contract at Chelsea runs until 2028 with a club extension option inserted but SunSport understands the player desires a permanent move.Chelsea are willing to do business and a fee in the region of £20million could see them agree to a total sale for a player who came through the Chelsea academy.With the World Cup qualifiers coming up and Albania needing their talisman firing, Broja is determined to make the right move and get back to his best.Join SUN CLUB for the Chelsea Files every Tuesday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Stamford BridgeBroja wants to get back to form for both club and countryCredit: GETTY More

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      Football lawmakers make major rule change after Julian Alvarez’s controversial Champions League penalty vs Real Madrid

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      THE International Football Association Board (IFAB) has made a significant change to penalty rules following a controversial shootout in the Champions League this term.Atletico Madrid were knocked out of Europe’s elite competition by Real Madrid in the last-16 after a penalty from Julian Alvarez was ruled out following a VAR check.The IFAB have made a rule change to penalties after Julian Alvarez controversially had a goal ruled out against Real MadridCredit: ReutersThe striker was deemed to have touched the ball twiceCredit: GettyThe striker had slipped when running up to shoot and subsequently double-touched the ball with both feet.Although it was barely noticeable at first, VAR deemed the kick to be illegal and it was not registered as a goal.Atletico went on to lose the match 4-2 on penalties, sparking a furious reaction from Diego Simeone and fans.The manager said: “I just saw the image of the penalty. The referee said that when Julian stepped and kicked, he touched the ball with his foot, but the ball didn’t move. That’s something to discuss about whether it was a goal or not, but I’m proud of my players.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”When he plants his foot and kicks, the ball doesn’t move even a little bit. But if VAR called it, I’ve never seen a penalty called by VAR, but it’s still valid, and they’ll have seen that he touched it. I want to believe they’ll have seen that he touched it.”The outrage has prompted the IFAB to alter Law 14 which is based on a player intentionally kicking the ball twice during a penalty.Because Alvarez did not intentionally shoot twice during the shootout, the regulation has been amended to account for similar situations.It now states: “The penalty taker inadvertently hits the ball with both feet simultaneously or the ball touches his supporting foot or leg just after taking the kick: If the ball enters the goal, it will be repeated.Most read in Champions LeagueCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”If the ball does not enter the goal, an indirect free kick will be awarded (unless the referee grants an advantage when the action clearly benefits the defending team) or, in the case of penalty shoot-outs, the shot will be recorded as missed.”Meanwhile, if a player voluntarily kicks with both feet, the alternative rule states: “An indirect free kick will be awarded (unless the referee grants an advantage when the action clearly benefits the defending team) or, in the case of penalty shoot-outs, the shot will be recorded as missed.”Atletico Madrid boss Simeone loses his cool with reporter over Alvarez penalty controversy More

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      Christian Eriksen, 33, makes transfer decision after leaving Man Utd as a free agent and ‘refusing to go on tour’

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      CHRISTIAN ERIKSEN has turned his back on extending his Premier League stay – insisting: I’ve done my time in England.The Denmark international is a free agent with his Manchester United contract expiring, and there is top-flight interest in the midfielder.Christian Eriksen has stated that his future may lie away from England after seeing his Manchester United contract not renewedHowever, a special ruling means the Danish midfielder can’t return to ItalyBut Eriksen, 33, declared his aim to play in another country after spending over ten seasons in the Premier League. Signed from Ajax, he had a seven-year stay with Tottenham before leaving for Inter Milan in 2020.Eriksen suffered a cardiac arrest on national duty in June 2021, but went on to have a six-month spell with Brentford in early 2022.United signed him that summer, and he went on to score eight goals in 107 Red Devils appearances.READ MORE IN MAN UNITEDEriksen told Danish TV: “I would rather get away from the Premier League.”I feel like I’ve taken my turn in the Premier League, so I’m looking outside the English borders.”It has been a great place for me and my family, and we have been there for many years.Tour missEriksen, like fellow Scandinavian Victor Lindelöf, was absent from United’s chaotic post-season tour.Most read in FootballSome reports suggested the pair refused to travel to Asia for the money-spinning trip.The Dane playmaker stayed to tie the knot with long-time partner Sabrina Kvist Jensen. Whilst, Lindelof’s wife Maja is currently heavily pregnant with the pair’s third child.He added: “When I moved from Tottenham to Inter, it wasn’t my plan to go back to England either.”After that I’ve been there for three and a half years again, so you should never say never.”But my priority is that I have to leave.”Danish bookies installed home-country club Odense as favourites to be Eriksen’s next employer.  He spent three years in their youth ranks.But the midfielder insisted: “It’s football’s rumour mill.  I hope no-one has put money on it being now, because then they will lose.”Right now there is nothing.  There is interest all around, but there is nothing where I am close to signing.Eriksen’s move to Manchester United was brought about after his cardiac arrest in the 2021 European Championship prevented him from playing football in Italy due to the implantable defibrillator inserted in his chest. Join SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old TraffordHis Inter contract was subsequently terminated following the ruling from of the Italian Football Association and he joined Brentford on a short-term deal before signing for United. The installed defibrillator means that Eriksen is still unable to play football in Italy therefore sign for an Italian club. Read More on The Sun”My focus is on playing international matches, and then go on a good summer holiday,” he concluded.”Then we will see how long the holiday will be.” More

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      Gary Lineker agrees deal with new broadcaster for Club World Cup after Match of the Day exit

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      GARY LINEKER has agreed a deal with a new broadcaster after leaving the BBC.The presenter stepped back from hosting Match of the Day after 26 years in the hotseat at the end of the Premier League season just over a week ago.Gary Lineker has agreed a deal with DAZNCredit: PAThe Rest Is Football show will include Club World Cup highlightsCredit: The Rest Is FootballHe has now agreed a deal with DAZN that will see his The Rest Is Football Podcast broadcast highlights of the Club World Cup.The show, which features Alan Shearer and Micah Richards as co-hosts, will show the best bits from matches in the video version of the podcast.DAZN chief Pete Oliver said: “The Rest Is Football is essential viewing and listening for fans who want insight, entertainment, and personality.”This partnership is a brilliant way to bring the Fifa Club World Cup even closer to that audience.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“It’s about connecting global football with the voices fans trust and love, and showing the tournament in a fresh, exciting, and authentically British way.”The Club World Cup begins on June 15 and it is being held in the US.Fifa president Gianni Infantino has revamped the tournament to include 32 teams, with Chelsea and Manchester City flying the flag for England. Streaming giants DAZN are the event’s global rights holder and will broadcast all 63 matches for free.Most read in FootballChannel 5 will also show 23 live games after striking a sub-licencing agreement.Lineker’s Rest Is Football Podcast was removed from the BBC’s streaming service last week following the former England striker’s departure from the company.Gary Lineker reveals Match of the Day blunder he made in last-ever appearance for first time in 26 yearsIt comes amid a bitter end to his time at the Beeb as Match of the Day chiefs dealt him a final snub just hours before his farewell show.The Sun exclusively revealed that they decided to axe his last interview with Liverpool star Mo Salah without warning due to fears he would say something controversial about Gaza.Lineker issued an apology last month after sharing a pro-Gaza video that likened supporters of Israel to rats.He has since been enjoying some time off in Ibiza, attending his son Harry’s wedding and appearing to put his feud with brother Wayne aside during celebrations.It has always been Lineker’s plan to expand his podcast empire after his BBC departure, saying: “Professionally, I’ve got a big podcast company and I think it takes up quite a bit of my time and it will probably take up a bit more now.“It’s really exciting and it’s a lot of fun. We’re doing really well. I don’t think I’ll do much television.”Lineker’s plan after leaving the BBC was to expand his podcastThe revamped Club World Cup begins later this monthCredit: EPA More

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      Newcastle ‘make five players untouchable’ in summer transfer window after securing Champions League football

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      NEWCASTLE have drawn up their transfer plans – and made five stars ‘untouchable’.Eddie Howe is planning for another assault on the Champions League as well as bridging the gap to the top of the Premier League.Eddie Howe won the Carabao Cup last season and wants moreCredit: GettyWith Financial Fair Play breathing down their necks, fans may have been fretting that some top stars could be flogged.But according to The Athletic, the club’s top brass have put their foot down on key talent leaving, which will bring a huge sigh of relief for their passionate fans.Here, SunSport checks out the five players who will be sticking around St James’ Park for a while longer…Bruno GuimaraesThe Brazilian midfield maestro has suitors across Europe, but Toon won’t budge. READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS Manchester City were reportedly interested but Newcastle have privately insisted he’s not going anywhere no matter how much money is offered.Bruno Guimaraes embodies the passion of NewcastleCredit: GettySandro TonaliThe Italian has been a colossus this season. There have been games where his class has made the difference.Howe knows they’ve got a much better chance of achieving big things with him in the side.Sandro Tonali has become on of the first names on the team-sheetCredit: GettyAnthony GordonWhat a rise, from Goodison fringe man to Newcastle’s flying winger, and now an England star. Most read in FootballThe club want to keep Gordon for as long as they can and he’s probably not reached his full potential yet.Gordon just keeps getting better and better since arriving from EvertonCredit: ReutersBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKTino LivramentoA modern-day full-back who didn’t get a proper look-in at Chelsea but he has been a breath of fresh air every time he’s played for Newcastle. Manchester City have reportedly targeted him as a natural replacement for Kyle Walker but Newcastle are having none of it.Newcastle star Callum Wilson bravely opens up on moment he considered taking his own life as a childAlexander IsakOne of the best strikers in Europe, consistently making the difference in big games. Unreal when fully fit and he just keeps getting better.There’s top-level interest as expected but the club have made it clear he’s going nowhere.Alexander Isak is a man in demand but Newcastle want to keep himThe Magpies are braced for aggressive approaches this summer and will let some players go but they’ve already started work on the building blocks for next season.They’ve also been linked again to Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi, after failing to get a deal over the line last summer.Howe knows how brutal the Champions League can be after finishing bottom of their group last time around.This year the target is to get out of the group and make a real statement in Europe. More

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      ‘Genius’ – Tottenham’s subtle reference to lasagne scandal in new kit launch hailed by fans

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      TOTTENHAM cheekily referenced their 2006 “lasagne-gate” heartbreak in today’s new home kit launch.The North Londoners’ released their 2025-26 strip with a glossy video across their social media channels.Tottenham included a lasagne in their kit launchCredit: Instagram @spursofficialTottenham’s 2025-26 home shirt went on sale todayCredit: X @SpursOfficialWith the slogan “Take A Vow” – the campaign was themed on fans and players taking wedding-style vows.Beloved former skipper Ledley King began the video by saying: “Loyal Spurs supporters. Beloved Lilywhites. We gather here today to take a vow between fans and club.”A series of fans and players, including Lucas Bergvall, Dejan Kulusevski and Micky van de Ven then went through the wedding-style vows routine.As King, 45, delivered the famous “In sickness and in health” line – the promo pertinently showed a plate of lasagne.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe dodgy meal is a reference to Tottenham’s May 2006 clash with West Ham at Upton Park.Martin Jol’s side went into the contest needing to win to secure Champions League football for the first time since the famous competition rebranded from the old European Cup.Disaster struck on the eve of the match, as several members of Jol’s squad were struck down by illness following a “dodgy lasagne”.Spurs went on to lose 2-1, sickeningly allowing rivals Arsenal to pip them to fourth.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKSeveral Tottenham stars were sick as they took on West Ham in 2006Credit: GettySpurs missed out on Champions League qualification on the final dayCredit: GettyEx-White Hart Lane favourite Jermain Defoe, who scored Tottenham’s goal at Upton Park, told the Transfer Talk podcast: “I remember the build up to the game. It was massive for the football club.”We felt like we deserved it, I remember going into the game and everyone was buzzing.Inside Tottenham’s wild Europa League open-top bus parade as 200,000 fans greet heroes”We had the evening meal, and going to bed, I remember a call from the doctor to ask how I was feeling, because a lot of the lads were not well. I thought it was like one or two, but quite a few were struggling. I couldn’t believe it.”Such an important game and seven of the lads were sick. I still respect guys such as Michael Carrick, who went out and played even though they were struggling.”Tottenham tried desperately to get the game postponed, only to be told in no uncertain terms that failure to play could lead to a points deduction.On what it was like in the dressing room after that infamous defeat, Jermaine Jenas later reminisced: “There was this moment where we were sat in the dressing room and there were eight, nine, 10 people being sick everywhere.”One is in the toilet, one’s in the sink, one’s in a bucket, everyone’s just being sick everywhere.”And then all you could hear was the biggest party ever going on in the dressing room opposite.”‘IT’S JUST TOTTENHAM’King, who missed the game courtesy of a broken metatarsal, reflected: “The players were not ready to play football. I don’t know how they played. I thought at the time, this is just our luck isn’t it? It’s just Tottenham.”Despite the trauma, Spurs fans were able to see the funny side of the lasagne reference, with one writing on X: “It’s absolutely brilliant made me laugh out so loud when I saw it.”While a second commented: “The lasagna was lovely touch.”Read More on The SunA third joked: “This killed me.”But another added: “Still hurts tbh.”Son Heung-min models Tottenham’s new home shirtCredit: Instagrm / @spursofficialLucas Bergvall was also part of the glossy launchCredit: Instagrm / @spursofficial More