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      Amorim assembles first Man Utd XI, hands Antony new position and redefines defenders’ roles in debut training session

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      RUBEN AMORIM’S debut training session lifted the lid on his amazing plans to restore Manchester United to the top of English football.The Portuguese boss took charge at Carrington this week ahead of Sunday’s trip to Ipswich Town.Ruben Amorim has taken charge of his first Man Utd training sessionCredit: GettyHe had a number of senior stars to work with ahead of the Ipswich gameCredit: GettyMost of United’s squad remain away on international dutyCredit: GettyAmorim’s first session provided plenty of insight into his plansCredit: GettyAmorim will be eager to start his reign with an emphatic win.And United fans are hoping for a taste of the success he brought to former side Sporting Lisbon.Amorim’s first training session saw him work with a handful of senior stars, with the majority of his squad away on international duty.But that didn’t stop the tactician from getting properly stuck in.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe likes of Marcus Rashford and Luke Shaw were still in town.And youngsters including Leny Yoro and Kobbie Mainoo were available after injury issues.However, Amorim made sure to include several surprises on the training ground – including the promotion of 16-year-old 6ft 5in wonderkid Godwill Kukonki.Former Portugal midfielder Amorim wore a bright red coat as he oversaw a feisty session.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSHe immediately brought the energy back to United’s training in his hands-on role.Here, SunSport runs through the biggest moments from Amorim’s first Carrington session…Man Utd fans claim Ruben Amorim could be ‘new Jurgen Klopp’ after heartwarming gesture on stadium tourAmorim looks to be sticking with his 3-4-3 system from Sporting LisbonCredit: GettyThe manager organised players into fresh rolesCredit: GettyNEW FORMATIONAmorim won two Portuguese titles with Sporting playing a 3-4-3 system.United have been a solid back-four side stretching all the way back to Fergie’s days.And many were left wondering whether Amorim would stick with the same old tried-and-trusted formula.But it appears clear he will not be compromising his own methods for the sake of history.Amorim deployed a 3-4-3 shape during his first practice match, with some very interesting new roles.Rashford was moved centrally as the main striker, allowing Amad Diallo and Mason Mount to take up advanced positions just behind.Luke Shaw and Yoro sat either side of Jonny Evans as Amorim’s trio of centre-backs.Antony could be set for a new lease of lifeCredit: YouTubeHe lined up as the right wing-back, giving him full control of the flankCredit: YouTubeANTONY’S ROLEQuestions have been circling over Antony’s future for months now.He failed to impress in his natural position as a winger under Erik ten Hag.Yet Amorim clearly has other plans for the Brazilian.Antony was deployed as a WING-BACK at Carrington yesterday, giving him full freedom of the right flank.With extra men inside, he appeared confident at not having to cover for a marauding full-back.And Amorim’s positional shift could end up giving Antony a new lease of life.United’s defenders were encouraged to play quick short passesCredit: YouTubeThe likes of Leny Yoro could thrive in the back threeCredit: GettyDEFENCE TO ATTACKYoro, Evans and Shaw were at the heart of everything on the field.Amorim is known for his probing football achieved through sharp and quick passes.And it quickly became apparent that all his attacks will start from the back.United’s three defenders were encouraged to move the ball quickly from side to side.They appeared to be under instructions to take a maximum of two touches in a bid to speed up the forward play.And the days of United struggling to build from the back could be over.Amorim took Kobbie Mainoo to the side for a one-on-oneCredit: YouTubeMainoo looks set to play a big role under AmorimCredit: GettyMAINOO MAIN MANTeen ace Mainoo already looks to have cemented himself as a big player for Amorim.The midfielder was back on the field after a month on the sidelines.And Amorim took an immediate shine to one of United’s most talented players.With the Red Devils looking to start from defence, Mainoo’s role as a deep playmaker has become even more important.Amorim could be seen having an intense one-on-one conversation with the youngster during a break in play.United’s new boss appeared to be showing Mainoo, 19, how to position himself without the ball.And Amorim also instructed him how to receive a pass from the centre-backs before pivoting and driving forward into the opponents’ half.Amorim made sure to get stuck in himselfCredit: GettyHe took control with a bright red coat and whistleCredit: YouTubeHANDS-ON RUBENFans will always get excited when they see their manager getting stuck in.But Amorim is so full of energy he could likely pull on a shirt and play this weekend.He held nothing back as he put himself in the middle of United’s session.The boss got involved with plenty of running and touches of the ball.Amorim made sure he commanded attention with his very own whistle.And his bright red coat was hard to miss as he shouted words of encouragement from beginning to end.Amorim wants his goalies playing a short passing gameCredit: YouTubeAndre Onana is likely to benefit greatly from the tacticCredit: YOUTUBEKEEPER’S ROLEAndre Onana’s position at United has always come under the spotlight.Lacking David de Gea’s shot-stopping prowess, much was made of his ball-playing ability.But that was never realised under the old regime, leaving Onana exposed while attempting to play out.However, those days could be over under Amorim.His training goalkeeper was constantly receiving hints from a coach throughout the session.And there were no long balls to be seen, with the young stopper getting counter-attacks against the seniors going with sharp short passes.Amorim was always encouraging his players where to run toCredit: YouTubeEveryone charged back to defend against a counter-attackCredit: YouTubeMOVEMENT IS KEYFrom the outside, Amorim could be seen constantly telling players where to move.An early training drill had two players sprinting in a tight space attempting to win balls from teammates who could only take one touch at a time.On the field, Amorim pointed to spaces as players were encouraged to anticipate passes from team-mates.But United’s new boss was also thinking about his side out of possession too.Whenever the seniors lost the ball, the entire group were made to sprint back to their own half.READ MORE SUN STORIESThis saw United put up a strong defensive block to prevent counter attacks, while also allowing themselves to get back in position for fresh build-up play.And it is clear Amorim is just as focused on keeping goals out as he is on scoring them. 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      Man Utd looking at loan transfer for PSG star Randal Kolo Muani who would slot straight into Ruben Amorim’s new system

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      MANCHESTER UNITED are lining up a loan move for Paris Saint-Germain forward Randal Kolo Muani, according to reports.The Red Devils are preparing for the start of a new era as Ruben Amorim begins his reign as Erik ten Hag’s successor.Randal Kolo Muani could be set for a loan move to Manchester UnitedCredit: GettyRuben Amorim will take charge of his first game as Red Devils boss on SundayCredit: GettyThe Portuguese coach, 39, will lead his Man Utd side out for the first time on Sunday when they travel to Portman Road to take on Ipswich.Much has been made of Amorim’s preferred 3-4-3 formation which he is expected to implement at Old Trafford.And the shift in style could see a move for France international Kolo Muani.According to L’Equipe, Man Utd are considering a loan move in the January window.READ MORE ON MAN UTDThey are unable to afford a permanent deal having spent £180million in the summer.But PSG, who paid Eintracht Frankfurt £77m to bring Kolo Muani to the French capital in the summer of 2023, could still be willing to offload the attacker on a short-term agreement.That is because he has become surplus to requirements under Luis Enrique – starting just two of PSG’s 11 Ligue 1 games so far this season.Kolo Muani, who can play on either flank, led the line in a 3-4-3 formation while at Frankfurt – where he scored 26 goals and assisted 17 in 50 appearances.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHow Man Utd could line up with Kolo MuaniSo joining Man Utd would likely see him compete with Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee as the main threat through the middle.And Amorim may well see him as the better fit given he has played in the formation in the past.Man Utd legend Nemanja Vidic slams club’s recruitment and questions the ‘character and resilience’ of playersKolo Muani’s PSG contract runs until 2028 – and he recently attempted to quash rumours of him leaving the French champions.He said: “No, I’ve never thought about it [a transfer]. You have to keep the mentality.”It’s up to me to keep working so that the coach trusts me.”Kolo Muani has scored 11 goals and provided six assists in 52 games for PSG.At international level, he has earned 27 caps for France, scoring eight goals and assisting four. More

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      Arsenal boss Arteta’s cheeky tactic to cause last-minute confusion for opposition managers revealed by Zinchenko

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      MIKEL ARTETA likes to bamboozle the opposition with his use of injured players, according to Oleksandr Zinchenko.The Arsenal boss often thinks outside the box and he has come up with plenty of unique methods to make his side title challengers.Oleksandr Zinchenko revealed a devious Mikel Arteta tacticCredit: GettyArteta has hired pickpockets in the past to raise his players’ awareness, and he likes to keep opposition managers on their toes too.And there is one area where he is most secretive and at times deceptive – player injuries.Fans often joke Arteta always claims a player is unfit when he is ready to play, and Zinchenko has revealed the opposite is also true.Zinchenko told The Athletic: “[He] likes to play games with the opposition. READ MORE ON ARSENAL”I’ve seen him tell injured players to come on the team bus and walk into the dressing room with their wash bag, to put the other manager off the scent.”Arteta started Bukayo Saka against Liverpool after saying he was “very uncertain” to play.He then explained: “I don’t want to make it easy for anyone.“The opponent has to make sure they do their homework – like I have to. Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”When I know, I am not going to lie to you, I am not going to say, ‘He’s not fit’ and then I play him – I would never do that – but, if I am certain or I don’t want to tell you, I will keep you guessing.”Zinchenko, 27, has previously disclosed dressing room secrets including the time Arteta hired an undercover professional freestyler to destroy him in training.The freestyler posed as a waiter and caught Zinchenko completely off guard with his tricks, which left him in fits of laughter.Earlier this year the Gunners boss even hired a team of pickpockets to raid his squad during dinner.Unknown to the squad, the sleight-of-hand artists were tasked with going around the tables at the event.They then pinched valuable items including phones and wallets from the Arsenal stars.Mikel Arteta admits Arsenal suffered with tiredness against Shakhtar Donetsk At the end of the meal, Arteta stood up in front of the group to ask them to empty their pockets.Several players were left shocked to find they were missing their belongings.Arteta used the event to teach his squad the importance of being ready, alert and prepared at all times. More

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      Emma Hayes hopes for growth in Phallon Tullis-Joyce’s game after ‘good’ Man United start leads to USA call-up

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      EMMA HAYES reckons there is room for even more improvement in Phallon Tullis-Joyce’s game following her Manchester United shifts This shot stopper, 28, has shone for the WSL side keeping five clean sheets in seven games, earning her a first call-up to the USA women’s squad.Phallon Tullis-Joyce’s form for Man United has led to her first senior United States call-upCredit: GettyHayes’ USA side will play England at Wembley and before facing the Netherlands in their final two friendly games this yearCredit: GettyThe New York-born goalkeeper has established herself as United’s number one following Mary Earps’ departure for Paris Saint-Germain in June.Along with Utah Royals forward Ally Sentnor, 20, she is one of two uncapped players named in Hayes’s squad. Her call-up came a year and nine days on from her making her Red Devils debut during the team’s 7-0 Women’s League Cup group game defeat of Everton. Hayes told reporters: “Her shot-stopping and her ability to cover the frame is second to none. Read More Football Stories”In terms of building-up with the team and connecting with the team, there is room for improvement. “I want to see what she looks like with the demands we place on her, all the other things you can’t see or hear through a television screen, the orchestration and organisation with other players. “It’s not an easy team to come into. There is a lot of unbelievable experience in here. “But I want to see those things and where she’s at in her development with that.”Most read in FootballLast term Tullis-Joyce made just four starts for United in their League Cup group stage games conceding three goals in two of those matches.  Before joining the club she became the first choice keeper at National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) side OL Reign in 2022. Her nine clean sheets in 26 games led to her finishing joint top for the most shutouts that year, with her team winning the NWSL Shield. And the goalkeeper, whose team will play Everton tomorrow, has featured in all eight of Man United’s games across in the WSL and League Cup since the start of this season. Hayes added: “She’s had a good start to her career at Manchester United.”I know the demands that will be placed on her in the WSL. It’s a good experience for her. “I want to try and build out the goalkeeping pool a little bit so this is a really good moment considering she plays in England and she’s very familiar with the style of play there.”Along with Arsenal full-back Emily Fox Tullis-Joyce is one of two WSL players included Hayes’ 30-strong group. They will take on England and the Netherlands in their final two friendly games this year. The team, who won gold medals at the Paris Olympics women’s football tournament this year, will face the Lionesses at Wembley on November 30That match, in which Hayes will oversee her side for the first time against Sarina Wiegman’s England, will be followed by a December 3 clash with the Netherlands. However the United States will be without three of their star forwards for their final international camp this year. Trinity Rodman, Sophia Smith and Mallory will be absent with the trio said to be carrying niggles. Hayes said: “It’s been a pretty tough couple of years in terms of going from back-to-back World Cups to Olympics for those players and the volume of games in particular coming back from the Olympics. “I think it’s fair to say all three of them have been carrying niggles.The USA will be without Washington Spirit forward Trinity Rodman for their finalCredit: Getty“It’s also fair to say that they had to play through the last part in discomfort. READ MORE SUN STORIES“The reality is I’m vested in player welfare and I think this decision is the right one. “They need to get the right interventions for their niggles and the decision was taken that their welfare comes first.” More

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      Mats Hummels’ ex-wife opens up on struggles before he moved on with Victoria’s Secret model 11 years his junior

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      MATS HUMMELS’ ex-wife has opened up about her struggles with mental health, revealing she felt “powerless” during bouts of depression.TV presenter and influencer Cathy Fischer, 36, met Borussia Dortmund defender Hummels, 35, at the age of 19 and they married in 2015.Mats Hummels’ ex-wife Cathy Fischer, right, has opened up about her mental health strugglesCredit: Bongarts – GettyThe couple were married for seven years and have a son togetherCredit: Getty Images – GettyCathy has revealed she sometimes felt ‘numb’ during their relationshipCredit: InstagramHummels recently went public with Victoria’s Secret Model Nicola CavanisCredit: GettyTheir son was born three years later, but they separated in 2022 and the divorce was finalised by the end of the year.At the Ballon d’Or ceremony in Paris last month, former Germany international Hummels – who now plays for Roma – went public with Victoria’s Secret Model Nicola Cavanis, 25.It is understood the pair have been dating since last year.Now Cathy has revealed the challenges she went through in her relationship with Hummels and how she struggled to love him during those times.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSpeaking at BILD’s Women’s Mental Health Summit in Berlin, she said: “Who knows what it looks like inside me?”A mental illness has no face, it hides behind the most beautiful curtain.”Before she went on to add: “I had conversations with my ex-husband at the time, of course, and I often said: ‘I’m sorry that I’m acting so strangely at the moment, but I’m just not feeling well. I can’t show you love right now’. You feel numb.”It does something to you when you realise you are powerless against these emotions.”Most read in FootballCathy used to pose for Playboy and was named Germany’s Wag of the Year in 2013.She says she has now “learned to deal with [her] nature” without using treatment or medication to combat her mental health issues.Watch Dortmund star Karim Adeyemi’s insane skill before PSG clash leave Mats Hummels on floor in shock Cathy says mental illness ‘hides behind the most beautiful curtain’Credit: instagramNicola is understood to have been dating Hummels since last yearCredit: INSTAGRAM @NICOLAMeanwhile, Hummels’ new partner Nicola shot to fame in her homeland after starring in a Nivea advert in 2021.She has since represented brands like Victoria’s Secret, Puma, MCM, New Yorker and Tchibo.Nicola, who is an Augsburg fan, also has a huge following on social media, boasting 1.9 million on Instagram and 500,000 on TikTok.Nicola became famous after appearing in a Nivea advert three years agoCredit: INSTAGRAM @NICOLA More

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      Real Madrid star Federico Valverde reveals he had decided to join Arsenal before being handed Gunners transfer snub

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      REAL MADRID star Federico Valverde revealed he decided to join Arsenal before being turned down by the club.The midfielder has been a key part of Carlo Ancelotti’s side for the past few years, but he could have been playing in the Premier League.Federico Valverde trained with Arsenal ten years agoCredit: RexHe trained with Arsenal ten years ago and felt at home at London Colney.Valverde, 26, was welcomed by the likes of Emi Martinez and Alexis Sanchez and he claims he saw a future at the club – only to be rejected by the Gunners.He told Marca: “I was 16. I said: ‘That’s it. This is my club. I’m going to grow here.”In Uruguay, the Premier League was watched a lot. I imagined a future there. READ MORE ON ARSENAL”I enjoyed it and I trained with spectacular players. “I don’t know if he’ll remember me, but Dibu [Emi Martinez] was one of the ones who helped me the most in everything, along with [Hector] Bellerín, Alexis [Sanches] and [Santi] Cazorla. I didn’t know English and they had to explain all the work to me.”Valverde was playing for Uruguayn side Penarol at the time and he went on to join Real Madrid two years later.He has 275 appearances for the Spanish giants, scoring 24 times, while winning plenty of silverware.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSValverde has three LaLiga titles to his name as well as two Champions League victories.He was also subject to a £51million bid from Liverpool last summer, which was rejected.’He bottled it,’ squeals Neville as Carragher gives updated title prediction More

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      San Marino get first EVER away win and secure Nations League promotion with as many wins since September as West Ham

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      SAN MARINO won their first ever away game AND clinched Nations League promotion on a historic night in Liechtenstein.The international minnows, who are the world’s bottom ranked team, came from behind to win 3-1 for their second victory of the campaign.San Marino’s bench sprinted onto the pitch at full-timeCredit: TwitterPlayers were understandably emotional after making historyCredit: Not known, clear with picture deskSan Marino manager Roberto Cevoli celebrated a second win in chargeCredit: TwitterThe players went over to their travelling fans and celebrated with themCredit: TwitterSan Marino have lost 199 of their 211 matches – and their only three victories have all come against Liechtenstein.The first of those came back in 2004, before they picked up their opening win of League D Group 1 with a 1-0 triumph back in September.But it was Monday night’s win on the road which ensured promotion to League C of the Nations League as they finish on seven points from four games, one ahead of Gibraltar.Aron Sele gave the hosts the lead before goals from Lorenzo Lazzari, Nicola Nanni and Alessandro Golinucci turned things around for San Marino.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIt is the first time they have scored three goals in a game and the first time they have hit the back of the net more than once in a competitive fixture.And two wins since the start of September is as many as West Ham have managed in the same time frame.There were jubilant scenes at full-time as those on the bench sprinted onto the pitch to celebrate.The players then jumped up and down in front of the travelling San Marino fans in a heartwarming moment.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThey will now play their next Nations League campaign in the third tierCredit: TwitterItalian manager Roberto Cevoli, who has led San Marino to two wins from 10 games, said: “Finishing that first half 1-0 down was an insult to football.”But the boys were brilliant and deserved what they’ve managed to achieve.” Former top flight stadium left abandoned and overgrown just two years after club last played a game thereWhile Marco Tura, president of the San Marino Football Federation, added: “These boys made history tonight.”As people, as athletes, as men, they have shown what they are worth.”I cried with the boys.”San Marino will now spend the next Nations League campaign in the third division and could be drawn in a group alongside the likes of Slovakia and Bulgaria. More

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      Thomas Tuchel’s first England XI predicted as German expected to ditch the youngsters for Southgate stars

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      THOMAS TUCHEL has one job —  win the World Cup.It is wishful thinking to believe the incoming England manager will be particularly bothered about blooding more young players.Thomas Tuchel is set to embark on the biggest challenge of his managerial careerCredit: GETTY IMAGESThe fact Tuchel’s contract is for 18 months merely underlines that it is all about the present and not the future.Officially, he starts work on January 1 and, while he has exchanged texts with Lee Carsley, the pair will meet for the first time in the new year.They will reflect on Carsley’s six games as interim manager.With the draw for the World Cup qualifiers on December 13, they will be able to plan for 2025.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLWhile Sunday’s 5-0 win over Ireland showcased some of England’s rising stars, expect many of them to either take a back seat or return to the Under-21s with Carsley.Tuchel is certain to call on experience as he builds towards the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico.Liverpool midfielder Curtis Jones will definitely have a part to play under the German.Left-footed left-back Lewis Hall, a rare species in England, also has a chance in the next squad, along with Morgan Rogers and Noni Madueke.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSBut Morgan Gibbs-White, Tino Livramento and Taylor Harwood-Bellis will all have to be patient. Angel Gomes, currently at French club Lille, is out of contract at the end of the season and if he wants to remain on the Tuchel radar, might have to return to the Premier League.What will be a feature of the Tuchel regime is the German’s preference of sticking with tried-and-tested internationals who all played a part in the Gareth Southgate era.Thomas Tuchel ‘was NOT England’s first choice and Pep Guardiola could still get the job’Harry Maguire, axed from Carsley’s second squad, will surely return.Providing he can sort out his varying ailments, left-back Luke Shaw will be parachuted into Tuchel’s starting XI, as long as he does not injure himself again on landing.If he has a few injury issues in  central defence, it would hardly be a surprise if Tuchel turned to Eric Dier, who he signed from Tottenham in January while still  the manager of Bayern Munich.Dier, 30, who often kept Matthijs de Ligt out of the team at Bayern, would be oven-ready to be thrown into a Three Lions squad.The same applies to midfielder Mason Mount, providing he finally overcomes his issues with form and injuries at Manchester United.Under Tuchel, when he was Chelsea manager, Mount delivered the assist for Kai Havertz’s Champions League winner in the 2021 final against Manchester City.Taylor Harwood-Bellis may have to be patient for more England opportunitiesCredit: AlamyMason Mount played a huge role in Tuchel winning the Champions League with ChelseaCredit: GettyEqually, if he can sort himself out under new United manager Ruben Amorim, Marcus Rashford could still have a chance of returning to the England fold.Rashford’s relationship with the international team has been uneasy — and he used to frustrate Southgate with his withdrawals due to injury before playing in the next United game — but a record of 17 goals in 60 caps will not go unnoticed by Tuchel. And he is only 27.Clearly, Tuchel’s biggest challenge will be to get the right balance in midfield.We will not see a repeat of Carsley’s decision to try and fit Jude Bellingham, Phil Foden, Bukayo Saka, Anthony Gordon and Cole Palmer into the same starting line-up like he did in the 2-1 home loss to Greece.’YOU’VE GOT A LOT OF GOOD PLAYERS’Interestingly, Carsley admitted that other national coaches believe this embarrassment of riches in a specific area is actually an issue for England.He said: “A lot of the international coaches at that Uefa thing I went to, at the debrief of Euro 2024, said, ‘You’ve got a lot of good players’ as if that’s a negative thing.“If they’re all in form at exactly the same time, then it’s a challenge but players do come in and out of form.”Tuchel knows he will have to take a firm grip of the team.The fact Jack Grealish and Bellingham took to social media to praise Carsley — while delivering clear digs at Southgate — illustrates that modern players can be hard to please and also have short memories.CAPTAINCY DILEMMAHigh on Tuchel’s to-do list will be the captaincy.The fact Tuchel signed Harry Kane from Spurs shows you exactly what he thinks of the country’s record goalscorer and the pair have a close bond.Whether Kane is a good captain is up for debate and Tuchel’s view on this will be fascinating.Many believe Bellingham should be England’s next leader but Declan Rice — who does seem to be more of a team player — might be better.Regardless, whether it is Kane, Bellingham or Rice who lifts the  trophy after the World Cup final, no one will care.READ MORE SUN STORIESBut whether Tuchel is able to get the team that far remains to be seen.What is beyond doubt is that the German is about to embark on the biggest challenge of his career.Tuchel knows Harry Kane well from their season together at Bayern MunichCredit: APJude Bellingham and Declan Rice could both be candidates for the captaincyCredit: Getty More