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      Heartwarming reason Man Utd star Rasmus Hojlund copied Cristiano Ronaldo’s celebration after scoring for Denmark

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      RASMUS HOJLUND has revealed the reason behind him copying Cristiano Ronaldo’s celebration after he scored the winner for Denmark against Portugal.The Manchester United ace netted a 78th minute winner in the Uefa Nations League against Ronaldo’s Portugal.Rasmus Hojlund scored the winner for Denmark against PortugalCredit: GettyHe celebrated by copying Cristiano Ronaldo’s Siuuu celebrationCredit: GettyFans believed he was mocking RonaldoCredit: RexBut Hojlund has explained the reason behind the moveCredit: ReutersThe 22-year-old then copied the football legend by doing his trademark Siuuu celebration.Fans believed Hojlund was mocking the 40-year-old.But Hojlund, who joined Man Utd the summer after Ronaldo saw his contract terminated following his bombshell Piers Morgan interview, explained he was paying tribute to his icon.Speaking to Danish outlet DR, he said: “Now, I’m not going to exaggerate, but Cristiano is everything to me. READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”I fell in love with football because of Cristiano, I became a Manchester United fan because of Cristiano.”I started self-training because of Cristiano, I started doing push-ups and sit-ups every day before I went to bed because of Cristiano, because I wanted to be Cristiano.”The striker, who now has two goals in as many games after going on a 21-game scoring drought for his club, added: “My father introduced me when I was not so young. “He introduced me to Cristiano Ronaldo, and wanted me to idolise him because he has a good mentality. Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old Trafford”That’s the reason he achieved so much in his career and for me is the best player ever. He had the talent but it’s how hard he worked.”I’ve seen a few interviews with ex-Manchester United players and they all said he wasn’t a complete footballer when he came. Prince William on recreating Ronaldo’s goal celebration in his garden as he builds ‘Perfect Footballer'”He was skilful, but he developed.”Hojlund took to Instagram later on, captioning a post with pictures from the game: “The seven-year-old fan in me might’ve gotten the overhand after I scored.” More

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      Liverpool ace Alexis Mac Allister and girlfriend have loved ones in tears as they announce pregnancy in emotional video

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      LIVERPOOL star Alexis Mac Allister and his partner have announced they are expecting their first child together in an emotional video.The Anfield midfielder shared a touching clip his girlfriend Ailen Cova posted on her Instagram revealing their happy news.Alexis Mac Allister and partner Ailen Cova have announced they are expectingCredit: https://www.instagram.com/ailencova/?hl=enThe Liverpool star surprised his girlfriend in an amazing videoCredit: https://www.instagram.com/ailencova/?hl=enIt showed the footballer’s 26-year-old partner of nearly two years wrapping her arms round him as he showed her the positive pregnancy test and her ultrasound scan as well the reaction of friends and family as they told them Ailen was pregnant.At the end of the emotional video the pretty brunette, whose friendship with Mac Allister’s former influencer partner Camila Mayan ended when she began dating him, turned her phone to the camera and revealed the unborn child was a girl.Ailen wrote in a message alongside the footage she posted to her 138,000 followers which the Liverpool player shared with his 7.8 million fans: “We want you and love you with all our hearts. We’ll see you very soon” followed by a heart emoticon.Mac Allister’s teammate Luis Diaz’s wife Gera Ponce was among the first to respond with heart emoticons.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe footballer’s DJ cousin Pam Mac Allister wrote: “Congratulations. Happy and anxious to meet the new member of the family. I love you.”Last year it emerged Mac Allister, 26, was being sued by his former girlfriend.The model and influencer is demanding financial compensation from him for the years they lived abroad together.She has also accused him of keeping her belongings and being unfaithful with his current partner and childhood friend.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSThe World Cup winner, who signed for Liverpool in June 2023 for £35 million from Brighton and Hove Albion, broke his silence on the lawsuit last November, saying: “There was no more relationship.“She took her path, I took mine, and that’s it.Moment Mo Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold are pulled apart after apparent spat during Liverpool training The pair have been together for nearly two yearsCredit: https://www.instagram.com/alemacallister/?hl=enAilen has reportedly been expecting for three monthsCredit: https://www.instagram.com/ailencova/?hl=en“As for the lawsuit, everything is in court, where it should be, and we are awaiting.”In relation to the accusations of infidelity, he added: “I think it’s normal in a relationship; she made the decision to come out and make public things that she felt or that she believes happened, but I know how things went and that’s why I’m very calm.”Speaking on Argentinian TV channel America TV after news Mac Allister was going to become a father for the first time with his new partner came out, Camila confirmed the court case was still ongoing.She said: “There is nothing new. Hopefully things will speed up a bit.”Although Ailen hasn’t said when her due date is, Argentinian TV commentators have said she is in the third month of her pregnancy.Camila Mayan was with Mac Allister for the World Cup in Qatar in December 2022.But he reportedly ended their five-year-long relationship just six days after Argentina beat France in a penalty shoot-out.Journalist Marcela Taura went on to claim Camila had been ditched so he could start a formal relationship with their mutual friend Ailen.READ MORE SUN STORIESCamila has described what happened as a “betrayal”, telling an Argentine TV show soon afterwards: “Everything that happened, I could have never imagined even in my worst nightmare.“I would never have imagined so many negative things about such a close person as Cova.” More

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      How Thomas Tuchel will excite England fans by unleashing new style of play in bid for World Cup glory

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      THOMAS TUCHEL will take charge of his first England match tonight as the Three Lions kick off their World Cup qualifying campaign.The former Chelsea boss, who was confirmed as Gareth Southgate’s permanent successor back in October, has already raised some eyebrows with his squad selection.Thomas Tuchel will take charge of his first England match tonightCredit: GettyJordan Henderson was granted a return to the fold, while 32-year-old Dan Burn earned his first call-up.Tuchel is determined to transform England into “the team to beat” ahead of the 2026 World Cup and is therefore set to make some major tactical changes.In the latest episode of SunSport’s Tactics Exposed, our expert DEAN SCOGGINS looks at what the German head coach might choose to do differently.How will England set up?Tuchel is NOT just a three-at-the-back man. It’s not just down to a formation with him.Read More in FootballTuchel favoured a four-at-the-back formation at Borussia DortmundAt PSG it was a three-at-the-back with wing-backsIt was a 3-4-2-1 at ChelseaHe reverted to four-at-the-back for BayernIt’s about the players he has available.At Dortmund, he used four at the back and an adaptive set-up in attack.At PSG, he started with a three-at-the-back, moved to a four-at-the-back and then went to a three-at-the-back again.He tried to evolve a team around Neymar, so he could attempt to do something similar with the England team.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThen at Chelsea he used wing-backs with three at the back – he even won the Champions League with it.But, do England have the wing backs to do that?Thomas Tuchel blasts Gareth Southgate’s England as ‘more afraid to drop out of Euro 2024 than hungry to win it’ And then at Bayern Munich, he went back to four at the back again.It’s going to be difficult to predict what Tuchel might do, so, we’ve looked at some potential options…Set-upDefensively, there are some big question marks.There is no John Stones in this squad, no Harry Maguire, no real, natural left-back.Myles Lewis-Skelly could be used as an inverted full-back, pushing into midfield alongside Declan RiceCredit: GettyDan Burn may also get some game timeCredit: ReutersMyles Lewis-Skelly has been outstanding for Arsenal, so we could see Kyle Walker play in the right-back position and the teenager in the left-back position,Lewis-Skelly would then likely act as an inverted full-back – a role that has become common in the Premier League.It would see the Arsenal star shift into midfield, forming a back-three with potentially Walker, Ezri Konsa and Marc Guehi.Dan Burn could even be given a chance at centre-back.Alternatively, Burn could play as a left-back with Reece James at right-back.James might then be the man to move into midfield, leaving the Newcastle star in the back three.However, the key for Tuchel is getting the best out of his attacking players.Throughout the team there are some other big question marks.Does Jude Bellingham play as the 10? Or does Phil Foden play as a 10 with Bellingham dropping back as an eight with Declan Rice?England will also be without Bukayo Saka for the next two games.Jarrod Bowen could be given a start out on the right, with either Marcus Rashford or Anthony Gordon on the left.Tuchel is into the rotation of players and getting the best out of those who are available to him.Therefore, we could see a three-at-the-back on Friday and a four-a-the-back on Monday.Tuchel will be looking for the two wingers to provide width, which will allow the No.10 to push forward along with another midfielder.That will allow for a 3-2-5 formation going forward. With five players in the attacking third, more options become available.Wingers will therefore be able to interchange and come inside to play off Harry Kane, which is important for Tuchel.Exciting footballWith England, there is no excuse. The players are there to score loads of goals.The best goal-scoring number nine in Europe, the best number eight in Europe in Bellingham. Tuchel might also be able to get more out of Foden in an England squad.When he is fully fit, Cole Palmer will be in there as well.England fans should expect a much higher pressing game than we saw under Southgate.Who will be No10?The 10 position is what Tuchel looks at in his squad and how he’s going to get the best out of his No.10.At Dortmund, he had Ilkay Gundogan in that side – Tuchel got the best out of him.At Bayern, it was Jamal Musiala. At PSG, it was Neymar.With England, it’s Jude Bellingham.Tuchel has to get the best out of Bellingham. He is the talisman.Bellingham is expected to be Tuchel’s chosen No10England are going to get goals from Kane if they give him the ball, there are also loads of options in the wide areas.But how do they get the best out of the No10 playing off Kane?Before, under Southgate, that area of the pitch was too congested because the wingers were not wide enough and the defensive players were pushing too high.Tuchel will want to keep the wingers wide to give the central attacking players – including two potential No10s – more space.The head coach needs to get the best out of the first names on the team sheet, especially Bellingham.Aside from Kane, who will be in attack?Bowen, Gordon and Rashford all like to come inside from their wings.Tuchel had plenty of success with those type of players at Borussia Dortmund, such as Henrikh Mkhitaryan on the wing alongside Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang up front.Jarrod Bowen could start on the right in the absence of SakaCredit: AlamyThose players – along with the likes of Gundogan and Shinji Kagawa in midfield – regularly rotated, which benefited the team as a whole.Tuchel wants his attacking stars to move in between positions, which could help to get the best out of the likes of Kane and Bellingham.Which future stars could shine under Tuchel?There’s a feeling around the camp that the Under-21s are as good as the first team at the moment.Ethan Nwaneri has been a revelation at Arsenal in the absence of Saka, who is also not in the team due to injury.Lewis-Skelly is in the squad, but Adam Wharton missed out – even though Tuchel likes to rely on a ball-playing midfielder who links play, which isn’t necessarily Rice’s game.READ MORE SUN STORIESLewis Hall would also be a good option at left-back for future fixtures.The Newcastle ace has been ruled out for the rest of this season with a foot injury.The human tuchENGLAND’S new boss Thomas Tuchel has announced his first squad – to mixed reaction. 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      England star Myles Lewis-Skelly hilariously reveals he mistook Uber Eats driver for Thomas Tuchel in awkward phone call

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      MYLES LEWIS-SKELLY revealed he mistook an Uber Eats driver for Thomas Tuchel before his first England call-up.The Arsenal star is in the Three Lions squad for the first time after impressing in his breakthrough season.Myles Lewis-Skelly revealed his awkward phone call before his England call upBut he faced a nervous wait to find out if he had been included and that resulted in an awkward phone call.Lewis-Skelly answered a call from a number he did not recognise, and he prepared himself in anticipation of hearing Tuchel’s voice.However instead of the England boss on the other end of the line, it was an Uber Eats driver.The defender revealed: “I put on my good voice. I’m getting ready and then the person that speaks says ‘we have your food, it’s outside’.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”It was Uber Eats for my mum.”Fans found the story hilarious and heaped praise on Lewis-Skelly.One reacted saying: “How can you not love this guy.”Another added: “This kid is very good vibes.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSA third wrote: “Love the fella.”And another commented: “Simply refuse to believe England isn’t going to absolutely fall in love with this kid.Sol Campbell reveals he’d have never have made controversial transfer to Arsenal if it wasn’t for Lord Sugar Join SUN CLUB for the Arsenal Files every Friday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from The Emirates”Incredible on the pitch, loads of character, a lot of fun. Exactly what you want from a modern footballer.” More

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      Everton move to make peace with club legend, 64, after two-year exile from Goodison Park

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      EVERTON have moved to make peace with club icon Graeme Sharp by inviting him to attend one of the last matches at Goodison Park.The former director, who won two league titles, the FA Cup and European Cup Winners’ Cup as the star striker for Howard Kendall’s all-conquering side in the 1980s, has not been to an Everton game for over two years due to safety fears.Graeme Sharp had been advised to stay away from Goodison ParkCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdThe club legend won two titles, an FA Cup and a Cup Winners’ CupCredit: PA:Empics SportSharp and the entire Everton Board were advised to stay away from Goodison due to a “real and credible threats” received before a home game against Southampton in January 2023.Sharp resigned from the Board at the end of that season, along with chief executive Denise Barret-Baxendale and strategy officer Grant Ingles, and has not been back to Everton since.The former Scotland international was criticised by some Everton fans for defending the unpopular ownership of Farhad Moshiri, who finally sold the club to the Friedkin Group last year.Banners featuring the words “Sharp Out” were brought by fans to several matches and he stood down after just 18 months on the Board.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSSharp was unpaid non-executive director with no real influence over the club’s decision making however, with many at Everton feeling he was treated unfairly.Everton’s new owners are aware of the situation and have reached out to Sharp, making it clear he is welcome back as a guest at Goodison at any time.David Moyes’ side have just four matches left at their 137-year-old home before moving to their new £800million stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock.Moyes is thought to be particularly keen to welcome Sharp back to the club as the pair got to know each other well during his previous spell in charge.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSIn an interview with the Scotsman last year Sharp said “I don’t see myself going back” as “the stick that I got was totally underserved,” although he had not been invited at that stage.The 64-year-old has also attended a number of Everton fan events in recent months and been well received, which friends of his say may prompt a change of heart.’Normally a bottle of red wine down’ – Moyes unhappy at unusual kick-off time More

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      Tottenham vs AC Milan Legends: Date, time, TV channel, live stream and CONFIRMED line-ups for HUGE charity match

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      TOTTENHAM Hotspur Stadium hosts Italian giants AC Milan in a HUGE charity match this Saturday!The game will see legends of the sport take to the pitch, with former World Cup winners Andrea Pirlo and Cafu among those lining up.Cafu will play for the AC Milan Legends during the charity matchCredit: GettyAndrea Pirlo will also play for the AC Milan Legends against TottenhamCredit: GettyAaron Lennon (left) will be among those who play for the Tottenham LegendsCredit: GettyAC Milan Legends are regulars in charity games, having played Sao Paolo Legends and Georgian Legends in consecutive years.For Tottenham, the game is being played to aid their Tottenham Hotspur Foundation, and for the Rossoneri it is to help aid their Sport for Change programme. Milan’s Sport for Change programme has benefited over 3,000 people in Italy and around the world. Operating globally, the program has 15 initiatives across 15 countries in 5 continents, reaching Brazil, the United States, India, Kenya as well as Uganda, Pakistan, and Syria.Read more TottenhamWhen is Tottenham Legends vs AC Milan Legends?Tottenham Legends vs AC Milan Legends will take place on Sunday, March 23.The game will kick-off at 2pm GMT.Where can I watch Tottenham Legends vs AC Milan Legends?Tickets for the fixture are available on both the Tottenham Hotspur and AC Milan website.Adult tickets will cost £30, Juniors £10, and the family package (2 adults, 2 U18s) costs £60.It is not clear if the game will be televised or available on a live stream.SunSport will blog all the action as it happens.Who is playing at the Tottenham Legends vs AC Milan Legends charity game?Tottenham’s impressive line-up features some legends of the game, including: Teddy SherringhamHeurelho GomesAaron LennonMichael DawsonStephen CarrSandroDimitar BerbatovLedley KingJermain DefoeTeemu TainioSebastien BassongMichel VormDavid GinolaBenoit Assou-ElottoYounes KaboulAllan NielsenPascal ChimbondaMark FalcoRobbie KeaneMost read in FootballAC Milans Legends are just as stacked with icons of the game, including:Andrea PirloCafuMassimo AmbrosiniDidaSerginhoRoque JuniorMarco BorrielloCristian BrocchiDario SimicMarek JankulovskiMore to be announcedWhat is the charity game raising money for?Proceedings go towards Tottenham Hotspur Foundation with a percentage going into a community chest for local charitable beneficiaries.The game will also support Fondazione Milan aiding its Sport for Change program. More

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      Thomas Tuchel brutally axes THREE England players on day of first World Cup qualifier including Cole Palmer replacement

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      THOMAS TUCHEL has axed Morgan Gibbs-White, Jarell Quansah and Aaron Ramsdale from his first matchday squad as England boss.The Three Lions take on Albania this evening in a World Cup qualifier.Thomas Tuchel has run the rule over his England stars in trainingCredit: GettyMorgan Gibbs-White was a late call-upCredit: GettyJarell Quansah is yet to earn his first capCredit: GettyAaron Ramsdale has endured a difficult season at club levelCredit: GettyNew boss Tuchel, 51, last week named a 26-man squad for this international window.Due to Uefa rules, however, tonight’s matchday squad can only include 23 players; 11 starters and 12 substitutes.This means that Tuchel has been forced omit three players from contention to play.Gibbs-White, 25, missed out on the initial squad but was drafted in due to fitness concerns over Cole Palmer.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLOpening up on his late call-up, the Nottingham Forest star said: “It was about 4 or 5 o’clock on Sunday. The manager, Thomas, sent me a message to say ‘are you free to talk?’ And I replied within seconds ‘yeah’.“He phoned me up and said ‘are you still upset with me, or do you want to come and join us and fancy training tomorrow?’“I said ‘I’d obviously love to come and join and train with the boys’, so, yes, I found out Sunday late afternoon-ish and I was just smiling from ear to ear.”Quansah, meanwhile, was called up ahead of Everton standout Jarrad Branthwaite.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSThe 22-year-old has been named in two previous squads, but is yet to earn his first cap.Aaron Ramsdale is the unfortunate goalkeeper to miss out.Thomas Tuchel blasts Gareth Southgate’s England as ‘more afraid to drop out of Euro 2024 than hungry to win it’ Jordan Pickford is expected to start between the sticks, with Dean Henderson and James Trafford on the bench.Tuchel has confirmed that Harry Kane will remain his captain.While Jude Bellingham and Declan Rice are likely to start in midfield.The German made some surprise decisions when naming his first squad.Veterans Kyle Walker, Jordan Henderson and Marcus Rashford all earned call-ups.While Dan Burn and Myles Lewis-Skelly are in contention to earn their first caps.Jordan Henderson was Tuchel’s most surprise call-upCredit: Getty More

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      Incredible moment Panama stars celebrate with Thierry Henry in stands after dramatic last-minute winner over USA

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      PANAMA stars celebrated with Thierry Henry in the stands after a dramatic last-minute winner against USA.The pundit was at the SoFi Stadium in LA, California, providing analysis of the match for CBS Sports.Cecilio Waterman celebrated with Thierry Henry after his dramatic winner against USACredit: GettyPanama stars swamped Henry after the goalCredit: ReutersHenry was providing punditry for CBS Sports and spoke to the striker after the gameCredit: ReutersWaterman’s last-minute strike gave Panama a 1-0 winCredit: ReutersBut he was dealt a surprise after Cecilio Waterman broke the deadlock by firing into the bottom left corner.As soon as the ball hit the net the striker took off sprinting, jumping over the advertising hoardings and onto the makeshift stage where the CBS Sports team were situated.He immediately put his arms around Henry and began hugging the Arsenal legend.Waterman pointed in the pundit’s face and shouted: “You’re my idol! You’re my idol!”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAfter the match the Panama star gifted Henry his signed match shirt, and the pair embraced again.Henry promised to send him an Arsenal shirt in return as fans heaped praise on the iconic forward.One fan reacted to the moment saying: “Titi had bigger influence than Messi and Ronaldo.”Another added: “Aura that will last a lifetime this guy😭😭”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSA third wrote: “Thierry Henry’s influence is unmatched.”And another commented: “This is what the game all about.”Waterman, 33, is a journeyman striker who has played for ten different clubs across South America during his 15-year career.He has scored 11 goals for Panama in 41 appearances but missed out on the squad for the 2018 World Cup in Russia.After the game, he said: “Many good things have happened to me in my career, but this one is different. This one was incredible.”Watch Arsenal legend Thierry Henry’s hilarious reaction after being called out by boxing champ Oleksandr UsykWaterman gifted Henry his signed match shirtCredit: Reuters More